Results of Reportable Segments (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2012	Nov. 30, 2011	Nov. 30, 2012	Nov. 30, 2011	May 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales	$ 1,017,426	$ 916,085	$ 2,064,140	$ 1,902,003
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes	71,042	76,170	143,104	194,874
Total Assets	3,965,570		3,965,570		3,560,020
Industrial Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales	691,076	641,538	1,394,411	1,308,554
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes	75,495	77,224	149,799	168,770
Total Assets	2,339,823		2,339,823		2,195,702
Consumer Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales	326,350	274,547	669,729	593,449
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes	38,561	26,753	97,349	78,265
Total Assets	1,497,631		1,497,631		1,184,609
Corporate/Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes	(43,014)	(27,807)	(104,044)	(52,161)
Total Assets	$ 128,116		$ 128,116		$ 179,709