Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2012	Feb. 28, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income attributable to AAR and noncontrolling interest	$ 55,016	$ 48,406
Adjustments to reconcile net income attributable to AAR and noncontrolling interest to net cash provided from (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	56,499	43,163
Amortization of stock-based compensation	9,914	9,467
Amortization of debt discount	9,865	9,150
Deferred tax provision	15,514	12,340
Tax benefits from exercise of stock options	(765)	(146)
Gain on extinguishment of debt		(97)
Earnings from joint ventures	(593)	(2,613)
Changes in certain assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	10,103	(56,142)
Inventories	(56,955)	(14,981)
Rotable spares and equipment on or available for short-term lease	9,751	(11,605)
Equipment on long-term lease	17,547	2,063
Accounts and trade notes payable	9,408	43,052
Accrued and other liabilities	(15,290)	(8,205)
Other, primarily program and overhaul costs	(101,783)	(13,950)
Net cash provided from operating activities	18,231	59,902
Cash flows from investing activities:
Property, plant and equipment expenditures	(62,702)	(82,354)
Proceeds from disposal of assets	4,109	21
Companies acquired, net of cash	(298,087)
Proceeds from aircraft joint ventures	1,585	5,042
Investment in aircraft joint ventures	(5,259)	(4,795)
Other	(759)	(1,441)
Net cash used in investing activities	(361,113)	(83,527)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Change in short-term borrowings	200,000	14,991
Proceeds from borrowings	178,982
Reduction in borrowings	(19,300)	(13,466)
Reduction in capital lease obligations	(6,763)	(1,334)
Reduction in equity due to convertible bond repurchases		(236)
Cash dividends	(9,068)
Purchase of treasury stock	(3,659)	(2,539)
Stock option exercises	2,935	1,385
Tax benefits from exercise of stock options	765	146
Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities	343,892	(1,053)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	851	24
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	1,861	(24,654)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	57,433	79,370
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$ 59,294	$ 54,716