Results of Reportable Segments (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2011	Nov. 30, 2010	Nov. 30, 2011	Nov. 30, 2010	May 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales	$ 916,085	$ 826,343	$ 1,902,003	$ 1,721,153
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes	76,170	77,268	194,874	185,208
Total Assets	3,432,013		3,432,013		3,515,029
Industrial Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales	641,538	582,508	1,308,554	1,184,822
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes	77,224	67,672	168,770	150,151
Total Assets	2,182,851		2,182,851		1,992,143
Consumer Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales	274,547	243,835	593,449	536,331
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes	26,753	27,352	78,265	76,379
Total Assets	1,141,911		1,141,911		1,195,849
Corporate/Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes	(27,807)	(17,756)	(52,161)	(41,322)
Total Assets	$ 107,251		$ 107,251		$ 327,037