Note 12 - Defered Financing Costs (Details) - Changes in Deferred Financing Costs (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	May 31, 2013		May 31, 2012
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 38,769
Debt issuance costs (1)	11,412	[1]	42,474	[1]
Loss on extinguishment of debt	(9,111)
Amortization	(5,107)		(3,705)
Balance at end of period	39,449		38,769
Deferred Financing Costs [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Loss on extinguishment of debt	$ (5,625)

[1] Debt issuance costs for the year ended May 31, 2012 related to Immucor Acquisition.