Results of Reportable Segments (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	May 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales	$ 1,046,714	$ 985,918
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes	72,062	118,704
Total Assets	3,671,807		3,560,020
Industrial Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales	703,335	667,016
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes	74,304	91,546
Total Assets	2,355,072		2,195,702
Consumer Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales	343,379	318,902
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes	58,788	51,512
Total Assets	1,216,807		1,184,609
Corporate/Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes	(61,030)	(24,354)
Total Assets	$ 99,928		$ 179,709