Derivatives and Hedging (Detail)	3 Months Ended
Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011
Unrealized Gain On Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated As Hedging Instruments	less than $0.1	$0.1

Amount of unrealized gain recognized in earnings in the period from the increase (decrease) in fair value of foreign currency derivatives not designated as hedging instruments.

No definition available.

Name:	schl_UnrealizedGainOnForeignCurrencyDerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstruments
Namespace Prefix:	schl_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration