Reconciliation of Changes in Gross Balance of Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
May 31, 2012	May 31, 2011	May 31, 2010
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Unrecognized tax benefits, as of the beginning of the period	$ 212	$ 282	$ 274
Gross increases related to prior period tax positions	48	13	87
Gross decreases related to prior period tax positions	(25)	(98)	(122)
Gross increases related to current period tax positions	91	59	52
Gross decreases related to current period tax positions	(1)	(6)	0
Settlements	(20)	(43)	(3)
Lapse of statute of limitations	(9)	(8)	(9)
Changes due to currency translation	(11)	13	3
UNRECOGNIZED TAX BENEFITS, AS OF THE END OF THE PERIOD	$ 285	$ 212	$ 282

The gross amount of changes in unrecognized tax benefits resulting from currency translation.

No definition available.

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The gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits pertaining to uncertain tax positions taken in tax returns as of the balance sheet date.

+ References

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-Publisher FASB

-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)

-Number 48

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

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The gross amount of decreases in unrecognized tax benefits resulting from tax positions that have been or will be taken in the tax return for the current period, excluding amounts pertaining to examined tax returns.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)

-Number 48

-Paragraph 21

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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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The gross amount of decreases in unrecognized tax benefits resulting from tax positions taken in prior period tax returns, excluding amounts pertaining to examined tax returns.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)

-Number 48

-Paragraph 21

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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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The gross amount of decreases in unrecognized tax benefits resulting from settlements with taxing authorities.

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Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)

-Number 48

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The gross amount of increases in unrecognized tax benefits resulting from tax positions that have been or will be taken in the tax return for the current period, excluding amounts pertaining to examined tax returns.

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The gross amount of increases in unrecognized tax benefits resulting from tax positions taken in prior period tax returns, excluding amounts pertaining to examined tax returns.

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The gross amount of decreases in unrecognized tax benefits resulting from lapses of the applicable statutes of limitations.

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