Percentage points added to compute the variable rate on the debt instrument.

No definition available.

Name:	jwa_DebtInstrumentApplicableMargin
Namespace Prefix:	jwa_
Data Type:	dtr-types1:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Margin rate over reference rate used to calculate the lenders base rate.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	jwa_DebtInstrumentMarginOnReferenceRateUsedInDeterminingBaseRate
Namespace Prefix:	jwa_
Data Type:	dtr-types1:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Debt Issuance Costs, Line Of Credit Arrangements, Net, Lender Fees

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	jwa_DebtIssuanceCostsLineOfCreditArrangementsNetLenderFees
Namespace Prefix:	jwa_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Debt Issuance Costs, Line Of Credit Arrangements, Net, Non-Lender Fees

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	jwa_DebtIssuanceCostsLineOfCreditArrangementsNetNonLenderFees
Namespace Prefix:	jwa_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The minimum incremental amount by which the entity may request an optional increase to the maximum borrowing capacity under the revolving credit facility.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	jwa_MinimumIncrementsInWhichOptionalCreditLimitIncreasesMayBeRequested
Namespace Prefix:	jwa_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The total amount by which the entity may request an optional increase to the maximum borrowing capacity under the revolving credit facility. This may consist of one request or several requests in minimum increments as specified under the revolving credit agreement.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	jwa_OptionalCreditLimitIncreaseAvailableOnRequest
Namespace Prefix:	jwa_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of amortization expense attributable to debt issuance costs.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1F
-Subparagraph (b)(2)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481139/470-20-50-1F

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 45
-Paragraph 28
-Subparagraph (b)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482740/230-10-45-28

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 45
-Paragraph 3
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482925/835-30-45-3

Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03(8))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147483621/220-10-S99-2

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Percentage points added to the reference rate to compute the variable rate on the debt instrument.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	dtr-types:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Face (par) amount of debt instrument at time of issuance.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482900/835-30-50-1

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1B
-Subparagraph (a)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481139/470-20-50-1B

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 55
-Paragraph 69B
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481568/470-20-55-69B

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 55
-Paragraph 69C
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481568/470-20-55-69C

Reference 5: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482925/835-30-45-2

Reference 6: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 55
-Paragraph 8
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482949/835-30-55-8

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The average effective interest rate during the reporting period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1F
-Subparagraph (a)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481139/470-20-50-1F

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482925/835-30-45-2

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a)(1))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480566/210-10-S99-1

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateDuringPeriod
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	dtr-types:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Period of time between issuance and maturity of debt instrument, in PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of unused borrowing capacity under the long-term financing arrangement that is available to the entity as of the balance sheet date.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(b))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480566/210-10-S99-1

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnusedBorrowingCapacityAmount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount, after accumulated amortization, of debt issuance costs related to line of credit arrangements. Includes, but is not limited to, legal, accounting, underwriting, printing, and registration costs.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S45
-Paragraph 1
-SubTopic 30
-Topic 835
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479359/835-30-S45-1

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtIssuanceCostsLineOfCreditArrangementsNet
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Weighted average interest rate of debt outstanding.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	dtr-types:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount, after accumulated amortization, of debt issuance costs. Includes, but is not limited to, legal, accounting, underwriting, printing, and registration costs.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 3
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482925/835-30-45-3

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1D
-Subparagraph (a)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481139/470-20-50-1D

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The fee, expressed as a percentage of the line of credit facility, for the line of credit facility regardless of whether the facility has been used.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeePercentage
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	dtr-types:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Maximum borrowing capacity under the credit facility without consideration of any current restrictions on the amount that could be borrowed or the amounts currently outstanding under the facility.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.19(b),22(b))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480566/210-10-S99-1

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount, after deduction of unamortized premium (discount) and debt issuance cost, of long-term debt. Excludes lease obligation.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(22))
-SubTopic 10
-Topic 210
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480566/210-10-S99-1

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 55
-Paragraph 69B
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481568/470-20-55-69B

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 55
-Paragraph 69C
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481568/470-20-55-69C

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1D
-Subparagraph (b)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481139/470-20-50-1D

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 210
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(a)(16)(a)(2))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479440/944-210-S99-1

Reference 6: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 210
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03(16))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479853/942-210-S99-1

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-Subparagraph (b)(3)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481139/470-20-50-4

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongTermDebt
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongTermDebtByCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount, after deduction of unamortized premium (discount) and debt issuance cost, of long-term debt classified as current. Excludes lease obligation.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(20))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480566/210-10-S99-1

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount, after deduction of unamortized premium (discount) and debt issuance cost, of long-term debt classified as noncurrent. Excludes lease obligation.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(22))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480566/210-10-S99-1

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The cash outflow paid to third parties in connection with debt origination, which will be amortized over the remaining maturity period of the associated long-term debt.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 15
-Subparagraph (e)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482740/230-10-45-15

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Write-off of amounts previously capitalized as debt issuance cost in an extinguishment of debt.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.8)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147483621/220-10-S99-2

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_WriteOffOfDeferredDebtIssuanceCost
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=jwa_AmendedAndRestatedRevolvingCreditAgreementMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=jwa_RevolvingCreditFacilityThroughNovember2027Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis=us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis=jwa_SyndicateBankGroupMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_RangeAxis=srt_MinimumMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_RangeAxis=srt_MaximumMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_VariableRateAxis=jwa_SOFRSONIAAndEURIBORBasedRatesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_VariableRateAxis=us-gaap_BaseRateMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_VariableRateAxis=jwa_SecuredOvernightFinancingRateMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_VariableRateAxis=us-gaap_FederalFundsEffectiveSwapRateMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_VariableRateAxis=jwa_DailySecuredOvernightFinancingRateSOFRMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis=jwa_TermLoanAFacilityMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis=jwa_RevolvingCreditFacilityThroughMay2024Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis=jwa_RevolvingCreditFacilityThroughNovember2027Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis=us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Debt and Available Credit Facilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2022	Oct. 31, 2023	Apr. 30, 2023	Jan. 31, 2023	Oct. 31, 2022	Oct. 31, 2023	Oct. 31, 2022
Long-term Debt, by Current and Noncurrent [Abstract]
Short-term portion of long-term debt		$ 5,000	$ 5,000			$ 5,000
Long-term debt, less current portion		937,624	743,292			937,624
Total debt		942,624	748,292			942,624
Unamortized debt issuance costs		700	700			$ 700
Amended and Restated RCA
Debt and Available Credit Facilities [Abstract]
Term of credit facility						5 years
Amortization of debt issuance costs		300			$ 300	$ 600	$ 500
Revolving Credit Facility Through November 2027
Debt and Available Credit Facilities [Abstract]
Term of credit facility						18 months
Revolving Credit Facility \| Amended and Restated RCA
Long-term Debt, by Current and Noncurrent [Abstract]
Long-term debt, less current portion		748,287	551,535			$ 748,287
Debt and Available Credit Facilities [Abstract]
Term of credit facility	5 years
Amount of financing available under credit facilities	$ 1,115,000
Payments of debt issuance costs				$ 4,500
Costs related to agreements, net				5,800
Write off of deferred costs			(200)
Existing credit commitments		552,700				552,700
Revolving Credit Facility \| Amended and Restated RCA \| Syndicate Bank Group led by Bank of America
Debt and Available Credit Facilities [Abstract]
Optional credit limit increase available on request	500,000
Value of minimum increments	$ 50,000
Revolving Credit Facility \| Amended and Restated RCA \| Minimum \| Syndicate Bank Group led by Bank of America
Debt and Available Credit Facilities [Abstract]
Line of credit facility fee percentage	0.15%
Revolving Credit Facility \| Amended and Restated RCA \| Maximum \| Syndicate Bank Group led by Bank of America
Debt and Available Credit Facilities [Abstract]
Line of credit facility fee percentage	0.25%
Revolving Credit Facility \| SOFR, SONIA, and EURIBOR-Based Rates \| Amended and Restated RCA \| Minimum \| Syndicate Bank Group led by Bank of America
Debt and Available Credit Facilities [Abstract]
Applicable margin	0.98%
Revolving Credit Facility \| SOFR, SONIA, and EURIBOR-Based Rates \| Amended and Restated RCA \| Maximum \| Syndicate Bank Group led by Bank of America
Debt and Available Credit Facilities [Abstract]
Applicable margin	1.50%
Revolving Credit Facility \| Base Rate \| Amended and Restated RCA \| Syndicate Bank Group led by Bank of America
Debt and Available Credit Facilities [Abstract]
Margin rate over reference rate used in determining base rate	0.50%
Revolving Credit Facility \| Base Rate \| Amended and Restated RCA \| Minimum \| Syndicate Bank Group led by Bank of America
Debt and Available Credit Facilities [Abstract]
Applicable margin	0.00%
Revolving Credit Facility \| Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) \| Amended and Restated RCA \| Minimum
Debt and Available Credit Facilities [Abstract]
Margin rate (as a percent)	0.10%
Revolving Credit Facility \| Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) \| Amended and Restated RCA \| Maximum
Debt and Available Credit Facilities [Abstract]
Margin rate (as a percent)	0.25%
Revolving Credit Facility \| Federal Funds Effective Rate \| Amended and Restated RCA \| Maximum \| Syndicate Bank Group led by Bank of America
Debt and Available Credit Facilities [Abstract]
Applicable margin	0.50%
Revolving Credit Facility \| Daily Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) \| Amended and Restated RCA \| Syndicate Bank Group led by Bank of America
Debt and Available Credit Facilities [Abstract]
Margin rate over reference rate used in determining base rate	1.00%
Term Loan A Facility \| Amended and Restated RCA
Long-term Debt, by Current and Noncurrent [Abstract]
Long-term debt, less current portion		$ 189,337	$ 191,757			$ 189,337
Debt and Available Credit Facilities [Abstract]
Term of credit facility	5 years
Debt instrument, face amount	$ 200,000
Costs related to agreements, net				800
Lender fees				800
Non-lender fees				100
Revolving Credit Facility Through May 2024 \| Amended and Restated RCA
Debt and Available Credit Facilities [Abstract]
Amount of financing available under credit facilities	$ 185,000
Costs related to agreements, net				200
Revolving Credit Facility Through November 2027 \| Amended and Restated RCA
Debt and Available Credit Facilities [Abstract]
Costs related to agreements, net				$ 4,800
Line of Credit
Debt and Available Credit Facilities [Abstract]
Average interest rates on total debt outstanding		5.61%			3.70%	5.45%	3.31%
Weighted average interest rates		5.62%	4.76%			5.62%