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Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill (Details) $ in Thousands | 12 Months Ended
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Apr. 30, 2020 USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward] |  |
Beginning balance | $ 1,095,666 |
Acquisitions | 147,327 | [1]
Impairment | (110,000) |
Foreign translation adjustment | (16,203) |
Ending balance | 1,116,790 |
Research Publishing and Platforms [Member] |  |
Goodwill [Roll Forward] |  |
Beginning balance | 438,511 |
Acquisitions | 19,356 | [1]
Impairment | 0 |
Foreign translation adjustment | (9,737) |
Ending balance | 448,130 |
Academic and Professional Learning [Member] |  |
Goodwill [Roll Forward] |  |
Beginning balance | 458,145 |
Acquisitions | 45,410 | [1]
Impairment | 0 |
Foreign translation adjustment | (2,464) |
Ending balance | 501,091 |
Education Services [Member] |  |
Goodwill [Roll Forward] |  |
Beginning balance | 199,010 |
Acquisitions | 82,561 | [1]
Impairment | (110,000) |
Foreign translation adjustment | (4,002) |
Ending balance | $ 167,569 |
[1] | Refer to Note 4, “Acquisitions,” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information related to the acquisitions that occurred in the year ended April 30, 2020.

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