OTHER FINANCIAL DATA (Detail) - Schedule of Other Financial Data Other Than Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	May 31, 2012		May 31, 2011		May 31, 2010
Advertising expense	$ 147.9		$ 155.7		$ 149.6
Prepublication and production costs	127.4		125.1		117.8
Amortization of prepublication and production costs	55.1	[1]	51.1	[1]	51.0	[1]
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)	0.7		(1.3)		0.5
Purchases related to contractual commitments relating to minimum print quantities during fiscal years	$ 61.1		$ 44.9		$ 39.1

[1] Includes amortization of prepublication and production costs.