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	[1]	$ 916,085	$ 2,064,140	[1]	$ 1,902,003
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes	54,116	[1]	76,170	114,760	[1]	194,874
Total Assets	3,975,922	[1]		3,975,922	[1]		3,561,813
Industrial Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales	691,076	[1]	641,538	1,394,411	[1]	1,308,554
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes	58,569	[1]	77,224	121,455	[1]	168,770
Total Assets	2,350,175			2,350,175			2,195,702
Consumer Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales	326,350	[1]	274,547	669,729	[1]	593,449
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes	38,561	[1]	26,753	97,349	[1]	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)	[1]	(27,807)	(104,044)	[1]	(52,161)
Total Assets	$ 128,116			$ 128,116			$ 181,502

[1] Restated