Inventories (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	May 31, 2012	May 31, 2011
Working Capital Detail [Line Items]
Total inventories	$ 129,514	$ 140,646
Lifo Cost
Working Capital Detail [Line Items]
Finished products	7,749	9,627
Work in process	37,301	44,391
Raw materials	12,745	15,215
Total inventories at LIFO cost	57,795	69,233
Average Cost
Working Capital Detail [Line Items]
Finished products	23,451	23,427
Raw materials	229	272
Parts and supplies	48,039	47,714
Total inventories at average cost	$ 71,719	$ 71,413

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Amount before last-in first-out (LIFO) and valuation reserves of merchandise or goods held by the entity that are readily available for sale.

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Carrying amount (lower of cost or market) as of the balance sheet date of inventories less all valuation and other allowances. Excludes noncurrent inventory balances (expected to remain on hand past one year or one operating cycle, if longer).

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- Definition

Gross amount of unprocessed items to be consumed in the manufacturing or production process. Also includes purchased parts that will be used as components of a finished product.

+ References

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Gross amount of merchandise or goods which are partially completed, are generally comprised of raw materials, labor and factory overhead costs, and which require further materials, labor and overhead to be converted into finished goods, and which generally require the use of estimates to determine percentage complete and pricing.

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The amount of LIFO (last in first out) inventory present at the reporting date when inventory is also valued using different valuation methods.

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Gross amount of products used directly or indirectly in the manufacturing or production process, which may or may not become part of the final product. May also include items used in the storage, presentation or transportation of physical goods.

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The amount of weighted average cost inventory present at the reporting date when inventory is valued using different valuation methods.

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