Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands	3 Months Ended
Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Operating activities:
Net earnings	$ 28,341	$ 24,253
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash used by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	12,854	15,823
Restructuring and other expense, non-cash		257
Provision for deferred income taxes	7,678	(3,098)
Bad debt expense	29	5
Equity in net income of unconsolidated affiliates, net of distributions	(5,069)	(1,655)
Net gain on sale of assets	(415)	(683)
Stock-based compensation	3,201	1,454
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Receivables	27,374	(23,222)
Inventories	5,915	(5,469)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	611	(742)
Other assets	1,273	701
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	(96,848)	(78,985)
Other liabilities	216	2,166
Net cash used by operating activities	(14,840)	(69,195)
Investing activities
Investment in property, plant and equipment, net	(6,472)	(6,334)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(41,000)	(12,175)
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates, net	(785)
Proceeds from sale of assets	5,041	2,142
Net cash used by investing activities	(43,216)	(16,367)
Financing activities
Net proceeds from short-term borrowings	76,250	165,110
Proceeds from issuance of common shares	8,208	302
Payments to noncontrolling interest	(3,120)	(3,120)
Repurchase of common shares	(35,405)	(62,955)
Dividends paid	(7,169)	(7,926)
Net cash provided by financing activities	38,764	91,411
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(19,292)	5,849
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	56,167	59,016
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 36,875	$ 64,865

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Includes currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. It also includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits in that the Entity may deposit additional funds at any time and also effectively may withdraw funds at any time without prior notice or penalty. Cash equivalents, excluding items classified as marketable securities, include short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash, and so near their maturity that they present minimal risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Generally, only investments with original maturities of three months or less qualify under that definition. Original maturity means original maturity to the entity holding the investment. For example, both a three-month US Treasury bill and a three-year Treasury note purchased three months from maturity qualify as cash equivalents. However, a Treasury note purchased three years ago does not become a cash equivalent when its remaining maturity is three months. Compensating balance arrangements that do not legally restrict the withdrawal or usage of cash amounts may be reported as Cash and Cash Equivalents, while legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or company statements of intention with regard to particular deposits are not generally reported as cash and cash equivalents. Includes cash and cash equivalents associated with the entity's continuing operations. Excludes cash and cash equivalents associated with the disposal group (and discontinued operation).