Consolidated Statements Of Earnings (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data	12 Months Ended
	May 31, 2011	May 31, 2010	May 31, 2009
Consolidated Statements Of Earnings
Net sales	$ 2,442,624	$ 1,943,034	$ 2,631,267
Cost of goods sold	2,086,467	1,663,104	2,456,533
Gross margin	356,157	279,930	174,734
Selling, general and administrative expense	235,198	218,315	210,046
Impairment of long-lived assets	4,386	35,409	96,943
Restructuring and other expense	2,653	4,243	43,041
Joint venture transactions	(10,436)
Operating income (loss)	124,356	21,963	(175,296)
Other income (expense):
Miscellaneous income (expense)	597	1,127	(2,329)
Gain on sale of investment in Aegis			8,331
Interest expense	(18,756)	(9,534)	(20,734)
Equity in net income of unconsolidated affiliates	76,333	64,601	48,589
Earnings (loss) before income taxes	182,530	78,157	(141,439)
Income tax expense (benefit)	58,496	26,650	(37,754)
Net earnings (loss)	124,034	51,507	(103,685)
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest	8,968	6,266	4,529
Net earnings (loss) attributable to controlling interest	$ 115,066	$ 45,241	$ (108,214)
Basic
Average common shares outstanding	74,803	79,127	78,903
Earnings (loss) per share attributable to controlling interest	$ 1.54	$ 0.57	$ (1.37)
Diluted
Average common shares outstanding	75,409	79,143	78,903
Earnings (loss) per share attributable to controlling interest	$ 1.53	$ 0.57	$ (1.37)