Schedule of Previously Reported and Restated Balances of Affected Line Items in Consolidated Statements of Income (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended	9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2013		Feb. 29, 2012	Nov. 30, 2012	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 29, 2012	Feb. 28, 2013 As Reported	Feb. 28, 2013 Adjustments	Nov. 30, 2012 Adjustments	Aug. 31, 2012 Adjustments
Estimated Loss Contingency	$ 40,502	[1]		$ 28,300	$ 68,846		$ 68,846	$ (28,344)	$ 16,900	$ 11,400
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes	(34,479)	[1]	11,436		80,281	206,310	(62,823)	28,344
Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes	(10,279)	[1]	3,512		38,519	61,127	(20,631)	10,352
Net income (loss)	(24,200)	[1]	7,924		41,762	145,183	(42,192)	17,992
Net income (loss) attributable to RPM International Inc. Stockholders	(24,364)	[1]	6,625		33,225	133,367	(42,356)	17,992
Earnings (loss) per share attributable to RPM International Inc. Stockholders:
Basic	$ (0.19)	[1]	$ 0.05		$ 0.25	$ 1.02	$ (0.33)	$ 0.14
Diluted	$ (0.19)	[1]	$ 0.05		$ 0.25	$ 1.02	$ (0.33)	$ 0.14
Net income (loss)	(24,200)	[1]	7,924		41,762	145,183	(42,192)	17,992
Total Comprehensive (Loss) Income	(39,244)	[1]	32,733		69,663	87,130	(57,236)	17,992
Comprehensive (Loss) Income Attributable to RPM International Inc. Stockholders	$ (40,417)	[1]	$ 34,660		$ 49,227	$ 80,328	$ (58,409)	$ 17,992

[1] Restated