Goodwill and Other Intangibles (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	May 31, 2012
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$ 0.5	$ 0.4
Weighted Average Remaining Useful Lives Of All Amortizable Intangible Assets	9 years
Impairment Of Amortization Expense			4.9
Weekly Reader [Member]
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired			2.0
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Liabilities Assumed			4.8
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Goodwill Amount			1.4
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Amortizable Intangible Assets			5.4
Learners Publishing [Member]
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired			2.8
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Goodwill Amount			$ 1.3