Results of Reportable Segments (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2012	Feb. 28, 2011	Feb. 29, 2012	Feb. 28, 2011	May 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales	$ 773,643	$ 678,920	$ 2,675,646	$ 2,400,073
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes	11,436	1,989	206,310	187,197
Total Assets	3,414,085		3,414,085		3,515,029
Industrial Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales	501,925	449,092	1,810,479	1,633,914
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes	20,422	12,603	189,192	162,754
Total Assets	2,121,116		2,121,116		1,992,143
Consumer Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales	271,718	229,828	865,167	766,159
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes	21,531	16,002	99,796	92,381
Total Assets	1,152,762		1,152,762		1,195,849
Corporate/Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes	(30,517)	(26,616)	(82,678)	(67,938)
Total Assets	$ 140,207		$ 140,207		$ 327,037