Stock-Based Compensation - Total Stock-Based Compensation Expense (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Common Stock and Stock-based Compensation [Abstract]
Accelerated stock option expense	$ 4	$ 4

The accelerated portion of the stock option expense that is recorded for employees eligible for accelerated stock option vesting based on plan provisions.

No definition available.

Name:	nke_CompensationExpenseRelatedToAcceleratedStockOption
Namespace Prefix:	nke_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration