Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2020	Aug. 31, 2019
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 702,909	$ 855,859
Cost of goods sold	589,551	738,568
Gross margin	113,358	117,291
Selling, general and administrative expense	82,196	90,823
Impairment of long-lived assets	9,924	40,601
Restructuring and other expense, net	1,848	455
Incremental expenses related to Nikola gains	49,511	0
Operating loss	(30,121)	(14,588)
Other income (expense):
Miscellaneous income, net	452	695
Interest expense	(7,590)	(9,480)
Equity in net income of unconsolidated affiliates	23,634	24,767
Gains on investment in Nikola	796,141	0
Loss on extinguishment of debt	0	(4,034)
Earnings (loss) before income taxes	782,516	(2,640)
Income tax expense (benefit)	163,778	(185)
Net earnings (loss)	618,738	(2,455)
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	2,063	2,321
Net earnings (loss) attributable to controlling interest	$ 616,675	$ (4,776)
Basic
Average common shares outstanding	54,070	55,241
Earnings (loss) per share attributable to controlling interest	$ 11.41	$ (0.09)
Diluted
Average common shares outstanding	54,942	55,241
Earnings (loss) per share attributable to controlling interest	$ 11.22	$ (0.09)
Common shares outstanding at end of period	53,362	54,871
Cash dividends declared per share	$ 0.25	$ 0.24