Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Total	Total AAR Shareholders' Equity	Common Stock	Capital Surplus	Retained Earnings	Treasury Stock	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Noncontrolling Interest
Balance at May. 31, 2011	$ 835,289	$ 835,845	$ 44,986	$ 423,805	$ 486,130	$ (100,431)	$ (18,645)	$ (556)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net income	34,181	34,181			34,181
Cash dividends	(6,052)	(6,052)			(6,052)
Exercise of stock options and stock awards	2,156	2,156		2,397		(241)
Tax benefit related to share-based plans	595	595		595
Restricted stock activity	4,392	4,392	(87)	(8,654)		13,133
Repurchase of shares	(3,659)	(3,659)				(3,659)
Unrealized loss on derivatives, net of tax	(2,736)	(2,736)					(2,736)
Foreign currency translation loss	(774)	(774)					(774)
Balance at Nov. 30, 2011	$ 863,392	$ 863,948	$ 44,899	$ 418,143	$ 514,259	$ (91,198)	$ (22,155)	$ (556)