Investments (Detail) - Schedule of cost and equity method investments (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2012	May 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011
Cost method investments	$ 5.5	$ 5.2	$ 5.7
Equity method investments	15.7	15.4	15.5
Total	21.2	20.6	21.2
Usborne [Member]
Equity method investments	15.7	15.4	14.2
Childrens Television Programming Holdings [Member]
Equity method investments			1.3
The Book People Ltd [Member]
Cost method investments	$ 5.5	$ 5.2	$ 5.7

This item represents the aggregate carrying amount of all cost-method investments as reported on or included in the balance sheet. The original cost of the investments may differ from the aggregate carrying amount disclosed due to various adjustments such as: (i) dividends received in excess of earnings after the date of investment that are considered a return of investment and therefore recorded as reductions to cost of the investment, or (ii) a series of operating losses of an investee or other factors which may indicate that a decrease in value of the investment has occurred which is other than temporary and accordingly such decrease in value has been recognized.

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