RPM International (RPM) 10-Q/A 14 Aug 14 2013 Q3 Quarterly report (amended) Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013
Document Information [Line Items]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q/A	'
Amendment Flag	'true	'
Amendment Description	'RPM International Inc. (the “Company”) is filing this amended Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A because we determined that the financial statements contained in the Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended February 28, 2013 and filed April 4, 2013 (“Original Form 10-Q”) should no longer be relied upon due to an error in the timing of the disclosure and accrual of certain loss reserves. These loss reserves were associated with our settlement of the previously disclosed General Services Administration (“GSA”) and Department of Justice (“DOJ”) investigation into compliance issues related to GSA contracts at our Tremco Roofing Division (also referred to herein as our Building Solutions Group Roofing Division) (the “GSA matter”). As a result of the error, the estimated loss contingency for the third quarter of fiscal 2013 was overstated by $28.3 million, producing an understatement of net income of $18.0 million for the three months ended February 28, 2013. There is no impact on the estimated loss contingency or net income for the nine months ended February 28, 2013 or the fiscal year ended May 31, 2013. At the same time, our estimated loss contingency was understated by $11.4 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2013, and by $16.9 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2013. As such, we are also restating our financial statements for the three month period ending August 31, 2012, and the three and six month periods ended November 30, 2012 to address the error. After the restatement of the first and second quarters of fiscal 2013, the resulting charge in the third quarter of fiscal 2013 of $40.5 million was due to the application of a “multiplier” negotiated between the DOJ and the Company. The error was identified as a result of an investigation by the Audit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Audit Committee”), with the assistance of independent advisors, into the timing of our third quarter of fiscal 2013 disclosure and accrual related to the GSA matter. The audit committee determined that the accounting errors described above did not result from intentional misconduct. The GSA matter is also the subject of a formal investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The Company is cooperating with the SEC in its ongoing investigation. The Audit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors approved a restatement of the Company’s financial statements for the three month period ended February 28, 2013, by filing an amendment to the Original Form 10-Q. The misstatement, including the specific line item on each of the Company’s financial statements that were restated, is described in greater detail in Note A1 contained in this Form 10-Q/A. The Company believes the restatement reflects a material weakness in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting and that its disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of as of August 31, 2012 and November 30, 2012. The Company’s controls did not operate as designed to prevent material misstatements, due to unique factors that were only associated with the GSA matter. The Company has concluded that the unique factors related to the GSA matter contributed to a breakdown in communications, resulting in the material weakness. Based on developments that occurred during the third quarter of fiscal 2013 and the resulting disclosure of and accrual for the GSA matter, the material weakness no longer exists as of February 28, 2013.	'
Document Period End Date	28-Feb-13	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Trading Symbol	'RPM	'
Entity Registrant Name	'RPM INTERNATIONAL INC/DE/	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000110621	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--05-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	132,507,250

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2013		31-May-12
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets	'		'
Cash and cash equivalents	$247,104		$315,968
Trade accounts receivable (less allowances of $31,703 and $26,507, respectively)	642,654		745,541
Inventories	585,804		489,978
Deferred income taxes	22,352		18,752
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	191,499		167,080
Total current assets	1,689,413		1,737,319
Property, Plant and Equipment, at Cost	1,147,105		1,050,965
Allowance for depreciation and amortization	-672,657		-632,133
Property, plant and equipment, net	474,448		418,832
Other Assets	'		'
Goodwill	1,116,967		849,346
Other intangible assets, net of amortization	470,422		345,620
Other	171,671		210,696
Total other assets	1,759,060		1,405,662
Total Assets	3,922,921		3,561,813
Current Liabilities	'		'
Accounts payable	322,013		391,467
Current portion of long-term debt	3,557		2,584
Accrued compensation and benefits	121,593		157,298
Accrued loss reserves	34,007		28,880
Other accrued liabilities	249,786		144,911
Total current liabilities	730,956		725,140
Long-Term Liabilities	'		'
Long-term debt, less current maturities	1,392,381		1,112,952
Other long-term liabilities	435,553		381,619
Deferred income taxes	54,286		28,119
Total long-term liabilities	1,882,220		1,522,690
Stockholders' Equity	'		'
Preferred stock, par value $0.01; authorized 50,000 shares; none issued	'		'
Common stock, par value $0.01; authorized 300,000 shares; issued 136,801 and outstanding 132,506 as of February 2013; issued 135,741 and outstanding 131,555 as of May 2012	1,325		1,316
Paid-in capital	759,147		742,895
Treasury stock, at cost	-71,809		-69,480
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)	-161,891		-177,893
Retained earnings	632,210		686,818
Total RPM International Inc. stockholders' equity	1,158,982		1,183,656
Noncontrolling interest	150,763		130,327
Total Equity	1,309,745	[1]	1,313,983
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	$3,922,921		$3,561,813
[1]	Restated

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2013	31-May-12
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Trade accounts receivable, allowances	$31,703	$26,507
Preferred stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, authorized	50,000	50,000
Preferred stock, issued	'	'
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, authorized	300,000	300,000
Common stock, issued	136,801	135,741
Common stock, outstanding	132,506	131,555

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_INC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2013		Feb. 29, 2012		Feb. 28, 2013		Feb. 29, 2012
Net Sales	$843,736	[1]	$773,643		$2,907,876		$2,675,646
Cost of Sales	500,172	[1]	470,443		1,705,431		1,593,799
Gross Profit	343,564	[1]	303,200		1,202,445		1,081,847
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses	318,638	[1]	277,456		955,339		833,553
Estimated Loss Contingency	40,502	[1]	'		68,846		'
Interest Expense	20,506	[1]	17,897		58,804		53,612
Investment (Income), Net	-6,317	[1]	-2,190		-14,655		-3,259
Other Expense (Income), Net	4,714	[1]	-1,399		53,830		-8,369
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes	-34,479	[1]	11,436		80,281		206,310
Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes	-10,279	[1]	3,512		38,519		61,127
Net Income (Loss)	-24,200	[1]	7,924		41,762		145,183
Less: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	164	[1]	1,299		8,537		11,816
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to RPM International Inc. Stockholders	($24,364)	[1]	$6,625		$33,225		$133,367
Average Number of Shares of Common Stock Outstanding:	'		'		'		'
Basic	129,013	[1],[2]	128,121	[2]	128,900	[2]	128,072	[2]
Diluted	129,013	[1],[3]	130,377	[3]	129,722	[3]	128,627	[3]
Earnings (loss) Per Share of Common Stock Attributable to RPM International Inc. Stockholders:	'		'		'		'
Basic	($0.19)	[1]	$0.05		$0.25		$1.02
Diluted	($0.19)	[1]	$0.05		$0.25		$1.02
Cash Dividends Declared per Share of Common Stock	$0.23	[1]	$0.22		$0.67		$0.64
[1]	Restated
[2]	For the three month period ended February 28, 2013, basic weighted-average shares outstanding are used in calculating diluted earnings per share as a result of the reported loss for the period. For the three month period ended February 29, 2012, approximately 2,811,000 shares of stock granted under stock-based compensation plans were excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS, as the effect would have been anti-dilutive.
[3]	For the nine month periods ended February 28, 2013 and February 29, 2012, approximately 3,063,000 shares and 2,618,000 shares of stock, respectively, granted under stock-based compensation plans were excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS for those periods, as the effect would have been anti-dilutive.

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2013		Feb. 29, 2012	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 29, 2012
Net income (loss)	($24,200)	[1]	$7,924	$41,762	$145,183
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax:	'		'	'	'
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments	-19,938	[1]	22,257	17,256	-51,160
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Liability Adjustments	5,278	[1]	871	9,862	6,270
Unrealized (Loss) Gain on Securities	-712	[1]	2,474	1,012	-8,498
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives	328	[1]	-793	-229	-4,665
Total Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income	-15,044	[1]	24,809	27,901	-58,053
Total Comprehensive (Loss) Income	-39,244	[1]	32,733	69,663	87,130
Less: Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	1,173	[1]	-1,927	20,436	6,802
Comprehensive (Loss) Income Attributable to RPM International Inc. Stockholders	($40,417)	[1]	$34,660	$49,227	$80,328
[1]	Restated

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 29, 2012
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:	'	'
Net income	$41,762	$145,183
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation	41,858	38,800
Amortization	22,535	15,903
Impairment on investment in Kemrock	51,092	'
Estimated Loss Contingency	68,846	'
Deferred income taxes	4,461	-3,025
Stock-based compensation expense	12,354	9,873
Other	-10,120	-6,127
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effect from purchases and sales of businesses:	'	'
Decrease in receivables	144,749	128,391
(Increase) in inventory	-69,705	-25,399
Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other current and long-term assets	14,356	-1,115
(Decrease) in accounts payable	-88,350	-87,199
(Decrease) in accrued compensation and benefits	-42,897	-28,222
Increase (decrease) in accrued loss reserves	4,379	-5,896
(Decrease) in other accrued liabilities	-5,136	-40,013
Other	-19,322	12,300
Cash From Operating Activities	170,862	153,454
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:	'	'
Capital expenditures	-45,651	-34,438
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	-396,951	-151,180
Purchase of marketable securities	-82,054	-58,853
Proceeds from sales of marketable securities	88,572	43,894
Other	1,338	-1,751
Cash (Used For) Investing Activities	-434,746	-202,328
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:	'	'
Additions to long-term and short-term debt	318,994	22,148
Reductions of long-term and short-term debt	-45,247	-39,484
Cash dividends	-87,832	-83,871
Repurchase of stock	-2,329	-6,574
Other	3,750	6,151
Cash From (Used For) Financing Activities	187,336	-101,630
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents	7,684	-12,329
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents	-68,864	-162,833
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period	315,968	435,011
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	$247,104	$272,178

Restatement

Restatement	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2013
Restatement	'
	NOTE A1 — RESTATEMENT
	The Company determined that the estimated loss contingency for the third quarter of fiscal 2013 was overstated by $28.3 million, producing an understatement of net income of $18.0 million for the three months ended February 28, 2013. At the same time, the Company determined that the estimated loss contingency for the three month periods ended August 31, 2012 and November 30, 2012 was understated by $11.4 million and $16.9 million, respectively. There is no impact on the estimated loss contingency or net income for the nine months ended February 28, 2013, as the $68.8 million charge was appropriately recognized on a year-to-date basis. The error was identified as a result of an investigation by the Audit Committee, with the assistance of independent advisors, into the timing of our third quarter of fiscal 2013 disclosure and accrual associated with the settlement of the previously disclosed GSA matter.
	The Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income; Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income; Note 9. Contingencies and Other Accrued Losses; Note 12. Income Taxes; Note 14. Earnings Per Share; Note 15. Segment Information; and Note 17. Equity, included in this Form 10-Q/A have been restated to correct for the misstatements described above.
	The following are previously reported and restated balances of affected line items in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three months ended February 28, 2013 (Unaudited).
		Three Months Ended February 28, 2013
		As reported			Adjustments			As restated
	Consolidated Statements of Income
	Estimated loss contingency	$	68,846		$	(28,344	)	$	40,502
	Income (loss) before income taxes		(62,823	)		28,344			(34,479	)
	Provision (benefit) for income taxes		(20,631	)		10,352			(10,279	)
	Net income (loss)		(42,192	)		17,992			(24,200	)
	Net income (loss) attributable to RPM International Inc. Stockholders		(42,356	)		17,992			(24,364	)
	Earnings (loss) per share attributable to RPM International Inc. Stockholders:
	Basic		(0.33	)		0.14			(0.19	)
	Diluted		(0.33	)		0.14			(0.19	)
	Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
	Net income (loss)		(42,192	)		17,992			(24,200	)
	Total Comprehensive (Loss) Income		(57,236	)		17,992			(39,244	)
	Comprehensive (Loss) Income Attributable to RPM International Inc. Stockholders		(58,409	)		17,992			(40,417	)

Consolidation_Noncontrolling_I

Consolidation, Noncontrolling Interests and Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2013
Consolidation, Noncontrolling Interests and Basis of Presentation	'
	NOTE 1 — CONSOLIDATION, NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
	Our financial statements include all of our majority-owned subsidiaries, except for certain subsidiaries that were deconsolidated on May 31, 2010 (please refer to Note 3). We account for our investments in less-than-majority-owned joint ventures, for which we have the ability to exercise significant influence, under the equity method. Effects of transactions between related companies, except for certain subsidiaries that were deconsolidated, are eliminated in consolidation.
	Noncontrolling interests are presented in our Consolidated Financial Statements as if parent company investors (controlling interests) and other minority investors (noncontrolling interests) in partially-owned subsidiaries have similar economic interests in a single entity. As a result, investments in noncontrolling interests are reported as equity in our consolidated financial statements. Additionally, our Consolidated Financial Statements include 100% of a controlled subsidiary’s earnings, rather than only our share. Transactions between the parent company and noncontrolling interests are reported in equity as transactions between stockholders provided that these transactions do not create a change in control.
	The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and do not include all of the information and notes required by Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the U.S. (“GAAP”) for complete financial statements. In our opinion, all adjustments (consisting of normal, recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included for the three- and nine-month periods ended February 28, 2013 and February 29, 2012. For further information, refer to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended May 31, 2012.
	Our business is dependent on external weather factors. Historically, we have experienced strong sales and net income in our first, second and fourth fiscal quarters comprising the three month periods ending August 31, November 30 and May 31, respectively, with weaker performance in our third fiscal quarter (December through February).
	Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts to conform to the current year presentation.

Investment_in_Kemrock_Industri

Investment in Kemrock Industries and Exports Ltd.	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2013
Investment in Kemrock Industries and Exports Ltd.	'
	NOTE 2 — INVESTMENT IN KEMROCK INDUSTRIES AND EXPORTS LTD.
	During the second quarter of fiscal 2012, we increased our ownership in Kemrock Industries and Exports Limited (“Kemrock”) to over 20% of Kemrock’s outstanding shares of common stock. Kemrock is one of India’s leading manufacturers of high performance reinforced polymer composites. At that time, and as a result of our ownership exceeding 20% of their outstanding shares, we changed our method of accounting for our investment in Kemrock stock from an available for sale security to the equity method.
	Additionally, during fiscal 2012, we entered into three other, separate agreements with Kemrock. First, we agreed to loan Kemrock $15.0 million, which was to be repaid in cash, or alternatively, goods and commercial materials, no later than September 15, 2012. The loan is classified as a note receivable and is included in prepaid and other current assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheet. Second, we entered into a global depository receipt (“GDR”) Purchase Agreement with Kemrock, whereby we purchased 693,072 GDRs of Kemrock for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $7.2 million. The GDRs are included in our investment in Kemrock, which had a carrying value at the end of fiscal 2012 of $42.2 million, and are classified as other long-term assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheet. Lastly, during fiscal 2012 we invested $22.7 million in 5.5% convertible bonds issued by Kemrock. The bonds are convertible into ordinary shares or GDRs each representing one ordinary share of Kemrock stock, and may be converted at any time on or after June 4, 2012 and up to the close of business on June 12, 2017. Our investment in Kemrock’s convertible bonds is accounted for as an available-for-sale security and is classified in other long-term assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheet. The convertible feature embedded in the convertible bonds is accounted for as a derivative under the guidance in ASC 815, “Derivatives and Hedging.”
	At the time of our investment in Kemrock’s convertible bonds, Kemrock was in the midst of major capital expansion for new projects and upcoming technologies, and there were no indications of any adverse business, economic, competitive, or market factors. However, on August 8, 2012, the price of Kemrock’s common stock plunged below our carrying value, declining by approximately 40% from May 31, 2012. We later learned that the dramatic drop in Kemrock’s stock price was related to Kemrock’s announcement of declining sales and income, a liquidity problem at Kemrock that stemmed from its explosive growth, combined with the overall tightening of lending practices of banks and credit markets in India. At that time, we also learned that Kemrock was in the process of renegotiating its credit agreements with its banks. Compounding these difficulties for Kemrock was the deterioration in the exchange rate of the Indian rupee against the U.S. dollar and Euro, which had a negative impact on Kemrock’s gross profit margin and cash flow due to its procurement of the majority of its raw material supplies outside of India, but sales of its products in Indian rupees. The market value of shares of Kemrock common stock continued to decline significantly, and dropped from 531.0 rupees per share as of May 31, 2012 to 56.70 rupees per share as of November 30, 2012 and 52.90 rupees per share as of February 28, 2013. The majority of the decline in the market value of Kemrock shares began to occur during the month of August 2012.
	We account for our equity method investment in Kemrock under ASC 323, “Investments – Equity Method and Joint Ventures.” As outlined in ASC 323-10-35-32, a decline in the quoted market price below the carrying amount when combined with other evidence of a loss in value may be indicative of a loss in value that is other than temporary. Acting upon the premise that a write-down may be required, we considered all available evidence to evaluate the realizable value of our equity investment, including the decline in the market price of shares of Kemrock stock, the financial condition and near term prospects of Kemrock, and the overall economic situation in India. As a result of these factors, we determined that it was appropriate to record an impairment loss during the three months ended August 31, 2012 of approximately $32.1 million of our equity method investment. As the value of the embedded conversion derivative is directly correlated to the market value of Kemrock stock, we wrote-down the embedded conversion feature derivative and recorded an approximate $8.2 million charge to earnings during the three months ended August 31, 2012.
	After further monitoring of the economic environment in India and the continued declines in the price of Kemrock common stock during the three months ended November 30, 2012, we determined that it was appropriate to write off the remaining value of the convertible feature embedded in our investment in Kemrock convertible bonds, approximating $0.8 million, and the remaining equity investment in Kemrock, approximating $10.1 million, which represented our proportionate share of Kemrock losses under the equity method of accounting and the significant decline in the price of Kemrock stock during that time frame. The losses are classified in other (income) expense, net in our Consolidated Statements of Income. Please see Note 11, for additional information.
	As of February 28, 2013, Kemrock had repaid approximately $5.4 million of the original $15.0 million loan. We anticipate that we will receive approximately $4.6 million in goods and materials by the end of the current fiscal year, and therefore previously recorded a loss of $5.0 million for the amount deemed uncollectible during our first quarter ended August 31, 2012. The loss is classified in selling, general and administrative expense in our Consolidated Statements of Income.

Deconsolidation_of_Specialty_P

Deconsolidation of Specialty Products Holding Corp. ("SPHC")	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2013
Deconsolidation of Specialty Products Holding Corp. ("SPHC")	'
	NOTE 3 — DECONSOLIDATION OF SPECIALTY PRODUCTS HOLDING CORP. (“SPHC”)
	On May 31, 2010, Bondex International, Inc. (“Bondex”) and its parent, SPHC, filed Chapter 11 reorganization proceedings in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. SPHC is our wholly owned subsidiary. In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 810, when a subsidiary becomes subject to the control of a government, court, administrator, or regulator, deconsolidation of that subsidiary is generally required. We therefore deconsolidated SPHC and its subsidiaries from our balance sheet as of May 31, 2010, and eliminated the results of SPHC’s operations from our results of operations beginning on that date. We believe we have no responsibility for liabilities of SPHC and Bondex. As a result of the Chapter 11 reorganization proceedings, on a prospective basis we will continue to account for our investment in SPHC under the cost method.
	We had a net receivable from SPHC at May 31, 2010, that we expect may change before the bankruptcy proceedings have been finalized. The potential change relates to our indemnification of an insurer on appeal bonds pertaining to Bondex’s appeal of two asbestos cases that had been underway prior to the bankruptcy filing, neither of which are material in amount. During our 2012 third fiscal quarter, one of the appeal bonds was satisfied, and during our 2013 third fiscal quarter, a provision for the remaining appeal bond was accrued and payment will be made during our 2013 fourth fiscal quarter. Included in the net amount due from SPHC are receivables and payables, which we concluded we have the right to report as a net amount based on several factors, including the fact that all amounts are determinable, the balances are due to and from our subsidiaries, and we have been given reasonable assurance that netting the applicable receivables and payables would remain legally enforceable. We analyzed our net investment in SPHC as of May 31, 2010, which included a review of our advances to SPHC, an assessment of the collectibility of our net receivables due from SPHC, and a computation of the gain to be recorded upon deconsolidation based on the carrying amount of our investment in SPHC. In accordance with GAAP, the gain on deconsolidation related to the carrying amount of net assets of SPHC at May 31, 2010, was calculated in accordance with ASC 810-10-40-5, as follows:
		a)	the aggregate of (1) the fair value of consideration received, (2) the fair value of any retained noncontrolling investment in the former subsidiary at the date the subsidiary is deconsolidated, and (3) the carrying amount of any noncontrolling interest in the former subsidiary; less
		b)	the carrying amount of the former subsidiary’s assets and liabilities.
	In determining the carrying value of any retained noncontrolling investment in SPHC at the date of deconsolidation we considered several factors, including analyses of cash flows combined with various assumptions relating to the future performance of this entity and a discounted value of SPHC’s recorded asbestos-related contingent obligations based on information available to us as of the date of deconsolidation. The discounted cash flow approach relies primarily on Level 3 unobservable inputs, whereby expected future cash flows are discounted using a rate that includes assumptions regarding an entity’s average cost of debt and equity, incorporates expected future cash flows based on internal business plans, and applies certain assumptions about risk and uncertainties due to the bankruptcy filing. Our estimates are based upon assumptions we believe to be reasonable, but which by nature are uncertain and unpredictable. As a result of this analysis, we determined that the carrying value of our retained interest in SPHC approximated zero.
	As a result of the combined analyses of each of the components of our net investment in SPHC, we recorded a net loss of approximately $7.9 million, which was reflected in Other Expense, Net, during the fourth fiscal quarter of the year ended May 31, 2010. No changes have been made to these amounts through February 28, 2013.

New_Accounting_Pronouncements

New Accounting Pronouncements	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2013
New Accounting Pronouncements	'
	NOTE 4 — NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
	In June 2011, the FASB issued amended disclosure requirements for the presentation of other comprehensive income (OCI) and accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI). OCI is comprised of costs, expenses, gains and losses that are included in comprehensive income but excluded from net income, and AOCI comprises the aggregated balances of OCI in equity. The amended guidance eliminated the option to present period changes (OCI) as part of the Statement of Changes in Equity. Under the amended guidance, all period changes (OCI) are to be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income, or in two separate but consecutive financial statements. Only summary totals are to be included in the AOCI section of the Statement of Changes in Equity. We adopted these provisions as of June 1, 2012. There was no impact on our consolidated financial results as the amendments relate only to changes in financial statement presentation.
	In February 2013, the FASB further amended the disclosure requirements for comprehensive income. The update requires companies to disclose items reclassified out of AOCI and into net income in a single location either in the notes to the consolidated financial statements or parenthetically on the face of the Statements of Operations. The change is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2012, and is to be applied prospectively. We will adopt these provisions on June 1, 2013, and do not expect the adoption of these updated disclosure requirements to affect our consolidated results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.

Inventories

Inventories	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2013
Inventories	'
	NOTE 5 — INVENTORIES
	Inventories were composed of the following major classes:
		February 28, 2013		May 31, 2012
		(In thousands)
	Raw material and supplies	$	220,438	$	160,869
	Finished goods		365,366		329,109
	Total Inventory	$	585,804	$	489,978

Marketable_Securities

Marketable Securities	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2013
Marketable Securities	'
	NOTE 6 — MARKETABLE SECURITIES
	The following tables summarize marketable securities held at February 28, 2013 and May 31, 2012 by asset type:
		Available-For-Sale Securities
	(In thousands)	Amortized		Gross			Gross			Fair Value
		Cost		Unrealized			Unrealized			(Net
				Gains			Losses			Carrying
										Amount)
	February 28, 2013
	Equity securities:
	Stocks — foreign	$	1,090	$	290		$	(5	)	$	1,375
	Stocks — domestic		28,594		4,128			(625	)		32,097
	Mutual funds — foreign		21,304		3,623			—			24,927
	Mutual funds — domestic		24,511		96			(198	)		24,409
	Total equity securities		75,499		8,137			(828	)		82,808
	Fixed maturity:
	U.S. treasury and other government		20,822		285			(69	)		21,038
	Kemrock convertible bonds		14,273		—			(2,662	)		11,611
	Corporate bonds		1,728		268			—			1,996
	Foreign bonds		38		4			—			42
	Mortgage-backed securities		114		63			(3	)		174
	Total fixed maturity securities		36,975		620			(2,734	)		34,861
	Total	$	112,474	$	8,757		$	(3,562	)	$	117,669
		Available-For-Sale Securities
	(In thousands)	Amortized		Gross			Gross			Fair Value
		Cost		Unrealized			Unrealized			(Net
				Gains			Losses			Carrying
										Amount)
	May 31, 2012
	Equity securities:
	Stocks — foreign	$	1,016	$	79		$	—		$	1,095
	Stocks — domestic		24,380		2,776			(1,046	)		26,110
	Mutual funds — foreign		17,489		521			(936	)		17,074
	Mutual funds — domestic		39,246		1,114			(1,077	)		39,283
	Total equity securities		82,131		4,490			(3,059	)		83,562
	Fixed maturity:
	U.S. treasury and other government		19,347		530			(12	)		19,865
	Kemrock convertible bonds		13,670		—			—			13,670
	Coporate bonds		2,305		349			(5	)		2,649
	Foreign bonds		38		1			—			39
	Mortgage-backed securities		241		105			(2	)		344
	Total fixed maturity securities		35,601		985			(19	)		36,567
	Total	$	117,732	$	5,475		$	(3,078	)	$	120,129
	Marketable securities, included in other current and long-term assets, totaling $43.8 million and $73.9 million at February 28, 2013, respectively, and $30.5 million and $89.6 million at May 31, 2012, respectively, are composed of available-for-sale securities and are reported at fair value. In April 2012, we invested $22.7 million in 5.5% convertible bonds issued by Kemrock. The bonds are convertible into ordinary shares or global depositary receipts each representing one ordinary share of Kemrock stock, and may be converted at any time on or after June 4, 2012 and up to the close of business on June 12, 2017. Our investment in Kemrock convertible bonds is an available for sale security, which reflects the offsetting value of the discount on the bond as of the balance sheet date and the decline in the market value of the bond, and is classified in other long-term assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheet. We reclassified approximately $62.3 million and $76.0 million out of other current assets into long-term assets as of February 28, 2013 and May 31, 2012, respectively, in order to reflect the timeframe over which these assets are intended to be used.
	Marketable securities are composed of available-for-sale securities and are reported at fair value. Realized gains and losses on sales of investments are recognized in net income on the specific identification basis. Changes in the fair values of securities that are considered temporary are recorded as unrealized gains and losses, net of applicable taxes, in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within stockholders’ equity. Other-than-temporary declines in market value from original cost are reflected in operating income in the period in which the unrealized losses are deemed other than temporary. In order to determine whether other-than-temporary declines in market value have occurred, the duration of the decline in value and our ability to hold the investment are considered in conjunction with an evaluation of the strength of the underlying collateral and the extent to which the investment’s amortized cost or cost, as appropriate, exceeds its related market value.
	Gross gains and losses realized on sales of investments were $3.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively, for the quarter ended February 28, 2013. Gross gains and losses realized on sales of investments were $0.3 million and $0.1 million, respectively, for the quarter ended February 29, 2012. During the third quarter of fiscal 2012, we recognized losses of approximately $0.1 million for securities deemed to have other-than-temporary impairments, while there were no similar losses recognized during the third quarter of fiscal 2013. These amounts are included in investment expense (income), net in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
	Gross gains and losses realized on sales of investments were $8.1 million and $0.6 million, respectively, for the nine months ended February 28, 2013. Gross gains and losses realized on sales of investments were $4.1 million and $4.8 million, respectively, for the nine months ended February 29, 2012. During the first nine months of fiscal 2013 and 2012, we recognized losses of $0.6 million and $0.8 million, respectively, for securities deemed to have other-than-temporary impairments.
	Summarized below are the securities we held at February 28, 2013 and May 31, 2012 that were in an unrealized loss position and that were included in accumulated other comprehensive income, aggregated by the length of time the investments had been in that position:
		February 28, 2013					May 31, 2012
	(In thousands)	Fair Value		Gross			Fair Value			Gross
				Unrealized						Unrealized
				Losses						Losses
	Total investments with unrealized losses	$	45,700	$	(3,562	)	$	43,772		$	(3,078	)
	Unrealized losses with a loss position for less than 12 months		44,848		(3,357	)		42,114			(2,596	)
	Unrealized losses with a loss position for more than 12 months		852		(205	)		1,658			(482	)
	We have reviewed all of the securities included in the table above and have concluded that we have the ability and intent to hold these investments until their cost can be recovered, based upon the severity and duration of the decline. Therefore, we did not recognize any other-than-temporary impairment losses on these investments. Unrealized losses at February 28, 2013 were generally related to the volatility in valuations over the last several months for a portion of our portfolio of investments in marketable securities. The unrealized losses generally relate to investments whose fair values at February 28, 2013 were less than 15% below their original cost or have been in a loss position for less than six consecutive months. Although we have seen recovery in general economic conditions over the past year, if we were to experience continuing or significant unrealized losses within our portfolio of investments in marketable securities in the future, we may recognize additional other-than-temporary impairment losses. Such potential losses could have a material impact on our results of operations in any given reporting period. As such, we continue to closely evaluate the status of our investments and our ability and intent to hold these investments.
	The net carrying values of debt securities at February 28, 2013, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because the issuers of the securities may have the right to prepay obligations without prepayment penalties.
	(In thousands)	Amortized		Fair
		Cost		Value
	Due:
	Less than one year	$	2,073	$	2,088
	One year through five years		28,532		26,048
	Six years through ten years		4,559		4,690
	After ten years		1,811		2,035
	$	36,975	$	34,861
We carry a portion of our marketable securities portfolio in long-term assets since they are generally held for the settlement of our general and product liability insurance claims processed through our wholly owned captive insurance subsidiaries.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2013
Fair Value Measurements	'
	NOTE 7 — FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
	Financial instruments recorded on the balance sheet include cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable, marketable securities, notes and accounts payable, and debt.
	An allowance for anticipated uncollectible trade receivable amounts is established using a combination of specifically identified accounts to be reserved, and a reserve covering trends in collectibility. These estimates are based on an analysis of trends in collectability and past experience, but are primarily made up of individual account balances identified as doubtful based on specific facts and conditions. Receivable losses are charged against the allowance when we confirm uncollectibility.
	All derivative instruments are recognized on our Consolidated Balance Sheet and measured at fair value. Changes in the fair values of derivative instruments that do not qualify as hedges and/or any ineffective portion of hedges are recognized as a gain or (loss) in our Consolidated Statement of Income in the current period. Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments used effectively as cash flow hedges are recognized in other comprehensive income (loss), along with the change in the value of the hedged item. We do not hold or issue derivative instruments for speculative purposes.
	The valuation techniques utilized for establishing the fair values of assets and liabilities are based on observable and unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect readily obtainable data from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect management’s market assumptions. The fair value hierarchy has three levels based on the reliability of the inputs used to determine fair value, as follows:
	Level 1 Inputs — Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
	Level 2 Inputs — Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable.
	Level 3 Inputs — Instruments with primarily unobservable value drivers.
	The following tables present our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and are categorized using the fair value hierarchy.
	(In thousands)	Quoted Prices in		Significant			Significant		Fair Value at
		Active Markets		Other			Unobservable		February 28, 2013
		for Identical		Observable			Inputs (Level 3)
		Assets (Level 1)		Inputs (Level 2)
	U.S. Treasury and other government	$	—	$	21,038		$	—	$	21,038
	Foreign bonds				42					42
	Mortgage-backed securities				174					174
	Corporate bonds				1,996					1,996
	Stocks — foreign		1,375							1,375
	Stocks — domestic		32,097							32,097
	Mutual funds — foreign				24,927					24,927
	Mutual funds — domestic				24,409					24,409
	Foreign currency forward contract				(8,648	)				(8,648	)
	Cross-currency swap				(10,949	)				(10,949	)
	Investment in Kemrock convertible debt				11,611					11,611
	Total	$	33,472	$	64,600		$	—	$	98,072
	(In thousands)	Quoted Prices in		Significant			Significant		Fair Value at
		Active Markets		Other			Unobservable		May 31, 2012
		for Identical		Observable			Inputs (Level 3)
		Assets (Level  1)		Inputs (Level 2)
	U.S. Treasury and other government	$	—	$	19,865		$	—	$	19,865
	Foreign bonds				39					39
	Mortgage-backed securities				344					344
	Corporate bonds				2,649					2,649
	Stocks — foreign		1,095							1,095
	Stocks — domestic		26,110							26,110
	Mutual funds — foreign				17,074					17,074
	Mutual funds — domestic				39,283					39,283
	Foreign currency forward contract				(1,356	)				(1,356	)
	Cross-currency swap				(2,159	)				(2,159	)
	Conversion option, Kemrock 5.5% bonds							9,031		9,031
	Investment in Kemrock convertible debt				13,670					13,670
	Total	$	27,205	$	89,409		$	9,031	$	125,645
	Our marketable securities are composed of mainly available-for-sale securities, and are valued using a market approach based on quoted market prices for identical instruments. The availability of inputs observable in the market varies from instrument to instrument and depends on a variety of factors including the type of instrument, whether the instrument is actively traded, and other characteristics particular to the transaction. For most of our financial instruments, pricing inputs are readily observable in the market, the valuation methodology used is widely accepted by market participants, and the valuation does not require significant management discretion. For other financial instruments, pricing inputs are less observable in the market and may require management judgment.
	Our cross-currency swap is a liability that has a fair value of $10.9 million at February 28, 2013, that was originally designed to fix our interest and principal payments in euros for the life of our unsecured 6.70% senior notes due November 1, 2015, which resulted in an effective euro fixed-rate borrowing of 5.31%. The basis for determining the rates for this swap included three legs at the inception of the agreement: the U.S. dollar (USD) fixed rate to a USD floating rate; the euro floating to euro fixed rate; and the dollar to euro basis fixed rate at inception. Therefore, we essentially exchanged fixed payments denominated in USD for fixed payments denominated in euros, paying fixed euros at 5.31% and receiving fixed USD at 6.70%. The ultimate payments are based on the notional principal amounts of 150 million USD and approximately 125 million euros. There will be an exchange of the notional amounts at maturity. The rates included in this swap are based upon observable market data, but are not quoted market prices, and therefore, the cross-currency swap is considered a Level 2 liability on the fair value hierarchy. Additionally, this cross-currency swap has been designated as a hedging instrument, and is classified as other long-term liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	Our investment in Kemrock 5.5% convertible bonds includes the fair value of the conversion option feature as of the balance sheet date, and is classified in other long-term assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheet. During the first half of fiscal 2013, we recognized a loss of approximately $9.0 million, resulting from the decline in the fair value of the conversion option feature associated with the bond, driven primarily from the decline in the market value of Kemrock common stock, from 531.0 rupees per share at May 31, 2012 to 56.70 rupees per share at November 30, 2012. The majority of the decline in the market value of Kemrock shares began to occur during the month of August 2012. This amount is reflected in other expense (income) in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
	The carrying value of our current financial instruments, which include cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, trade accounts receivable, accounts payable and short-term debt approximates fair value because of the short-term maturity of these financial instruments. At February 28, 2013 and May 31, 2012, the fair value of our long-term debt was estimated using active market quotes, based on our current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements, which are considered to be Level 2 inputs. Based on the analysis performed, the fair value and the carrying value of our financial instruments and long-term debt as of February 28, 2013 and May 31, 2012 are as follows:
		At February 28, 2013
	(In thousands)	Carrying		Fair Value
		Value
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	247,104	$	247,104
	Marketable equity securities		82,808		82,808
	Marketable debt securities		34,861		34,861
	Long-term debt, including current portion		1,395,938		1,541,185
		At May 31, 2012
	(In thousands)	Carrying		Fair Value
		Value
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	315,968	$	315,968
	Marketable equity securities		83,562		83,562
	Marketable debt securities		36,567		36,567
	Long-term debt, including current portion		1,115,536		1,232,180

Reorganization_Proceedings_of_

Reorganization Proceedings of Certain Subsidiaries	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2013
Reorganization Proceedings of Certain Subsidiaries	'
	NOTE 8 — REORGANIZATION PROCEEDINGS OF CERTAIN SUBSIDIARIES
	General — Bondex and SPHC are defendants in various asbestos-related bodily injury lawsuits filed in various state courts. These cases generally seek unspecified damages for asbestos-related diseases based on alleged exposures to asbestos-containing products.
	On May 31, 2010, Bondex and its parent, SPHC, filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. SPHC is also the parent company for various operating companies that are not part of the reorganization filing, including Chemical Specialties Manufacturing Corp.; Day-Glo Color Corp.; Dryvit Holdings, Inc.; Guardian Protection Products Inc.; Kop-Coat Inc.; TCI, Inc. and RPM Wood Finishes Group, Inc. SPHC and Bondex (the “filing entities”) took this action to permanently and comprehensively resolve all pending and future asbestos-related liability claims associated with Bondex and SPHC-related products. As a result of the filing, all Bondex and SPHC asbestos personal injury lawsuits have been stayed due to the imposition of an automatic stay applicable in bankruptcy cases, with the exception of the cases referenced in Note 3 with respect to which the stay was lifted. In addition, at the request of SPHC and Bondex, the bankruptcy court has entered orders staying all claims against RPM International Inc. and its affiliates that are derivative of the asbestos claims against SPHC and Bondex. Through the Chapter 11 proceedings, the filing entities are seeking to formulate a consensual plan of reorganization pursuant to Section 524(g) of the Bankruptcy Code. That plan of reorganization would establish a trust to compensate present and future asbestos-related claims at appropriate values set forth in the trust documents and approved by the bankruptcy court, and would also provide for the imposition of a channeling injunction that would direct all future SPHC-related and Bondex-related asbestos claims to the trust.
	In January 2013, a trial to estimate the aggregate current and future asbestos liabilities of the filing entities was conducted before Judge Judith K. Fitzgerald in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. Closing arguments were held on March 4, 2013, and the judge is expected to render an opinion by the end of May 2013. That opinion will be subject to appeal by any of the parties. At this time, it is not possible to predict how the judge will rule, the outcome of any appeal, how long the Chapter 11 proceedings will last, or the form of any ultimate resolution of the Chapter 11 proceedings.
	Prior to the bankruptcy filing, the filing entities had engaged in a strategy of litigating asbestos-related products liability claims brought against them. Claims paid during the year ended May 31, 2010, prior to the bankruptcy filing, were $92.6 million, which included defense-related payments during the year of $42.6 million. With the exception of the appeal bond satisfied during our 2012 third fiscal quarter and the potential payment described in Note 3, no claims have been paid since the bankruptcy filing and it is not contemplated that any claims will be paid until a plan of reorganization is confirmed and an asbestos trust is established and operating.
	Prior to the Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing, we recorded asbestos-related contingent liabilities that included estimations of future costs, which by nature are subject to many uncertainties that may change over time, including (i) the ultimate number of claims filed; (ii) the amounts required to resolve both currently known and future unknown claims; (iii) the amount of insurance, if any, available to cover such claims, including the outcome of coverage litigation against the filing entities’ third-party insurers; (iv) future earnings and cash flow of the filing entities; (v) the impact of bankruptcies of other companies whose share of liability may be imposed on the filing entities under certain state liability laws; (vi) the unpredictable aspects of the litigation process including a changing trial docket and the jurisdictions in which trials are scheduled; (vii) the outcome of any such trials including judgments or jury verdicts, as a result of our more aggressive defense posture, which included taking selective cases to verdict; (viii) the lack of specific information in many cases concerning exposure to products for which one of our subsidiaries is responsible and the claimants’ diseases; (ix) potential changes in
	applicable federal and/or state law; and (x) the potential impact of various proposed structured settlement transactions or subsidiary bankruptcies by other companies, some of which are the subject of federal appellate court review, the outcome of which could have materially affected future asbestos-related liability estimates.
	As a result of their bankruptcy filing, SPHC and Bondex are precluded from paying dividends to shareholders and from making payments on any pre-bankruptcy filing accounts or notes payable that are due and owing to any other entity within the RPM group of companies (the “Pre-Petition Intercompany Payables”) or other pre-petition creditors during the pendency of the bankruptcy case, without the Bankruptcy Court’s approval. Moreover, no assurances can be given that any of the Pre-Petition Intercompany Payables will ever be paid or otherwise satisfied.
	When SPHC emerges from the jurisdiction of the Bankruptcy Court, the subsequent accounting will be determined based upon the applicable circumstances and facts at such time, including the terms of any plan of reorganization.
	SPHC has assessed its liquidity position as a result of the bankruptcy filing and believes that it can continue to fund its and its subsidiaries’ operating activities and meet its debt and capital requirements for the foreseeable future.
	Historical Asbestos Liability Reserve — In fiscal 2006, management retained Crawford & Winiarski (“C&W”), an independent, third-party consulting firm with expertise in the area of asbestos valuation work, to assist it in calculating an estimate of Bondex’s liability for unasserted-potential-future-asbestos-related claims. C&W’s methodology to project Bondex’s liability for unasserted-potential-future-asbestos-related claims included an analysis of: (a) a widely accepted forecast of the population likely to have been exposed to asbestos; (b) epidemiological studies estimating the number of people likely to develop asbestos-related diseases; (c) the historical rate at which mesothelioma incidences resulted in the payment of claims by Bondex; (d) the historical settlement averages to value the projected number of future compensable mesothelioma claims; (e) the historical ratio of mesothelioma-related indemnity payments to non-mesothelioma indemnity payments; and (f) the historical defense costs and their relationship with total indemnity payments. Based upon the results of this analysis, Bondex recorded an accrued liability for asbestos claims through 2016 as of May 31, 2006 of $421.3 million. This amount was calculated on a pretax basis and was not discounted for the time value of money.
	During the fiscal year ended May 31, 2008, the ten-year asbestos liability established as of May 31, 2006 was reviewed and evaluated. As part of that process, the credibility of epidemiological studies of Bondex’s mesothelioma claims, first introduced to management by C&W some two-and-one-half years earlier, was validated. At the core of the evaluation process, and the basis of C&W’s actuarial work on behalf of Bondex, is the Nicholson Study. The Nicholson Study is the most widely recognized reference in bankruptcy trust valuations, global settlement negotiations and the Congressional Budget Office’s work done on the proposed FAIR Act in 2006. Based on our ongoing comparison of the Nicholson Study projections and Bondex’s specific actual experience, which at that time continued to bear an extremely close correlation to the study’s projections, the asbestos liability projection was extended out to the year 2028. C&W assisted in calculating an estimate of our liability for unasserted-potential-future-asbestos-related claims out to 2028. C&W projected that the cost of extending the asbestos liability to 2028, coupled with an updated evaluation of Bondex’s current known claims to reflect its most recent actual experience, would be $288.1 million. Therefore, management added $288.1 million to the existing asbestos liability, which brought Bondex’s total asbestos-related balance sheet liabilities at May 31, 2008 to $559.7 million. On May 30, 2010, the day prior to the bankruptcy filing, Bondex had recorded an asbestos related product liability of $397.7 million.

Contingencies_and_Other_Accrue

Contingencies and Other Accrued Losses	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2013
Contingencies and Other Accrued Losses	'
	NOTE 9 — CONTINGENCIES AND OTHER ACCRUED LOSSES
	We provide, through our wholly owned insurance subsidiaries, certain insurance coverage, primarily product liability coverage, to our other subsidiaries. Excess coverage is provided by third-party insurers. Our reserves provide for these potential losses as well as other uninsured claims. Product liability reserves are established based upon actuarial calculations of potential liability using industry experience, actual historical experience and actuarial assumptions developed for similar types of product liability claims, including development factors and lag times. While it is reasonably possible that excess liabilities, if they were to occur, could be material to operating results in any given quarter or year of their recognition, we do not believe that it is reasonably possible that excess liabilities would have a material adverse effect on our long-term results of operations, liquidity or consolidated financial position.
	We also offer warranty programs at several of our industrial businesses and have established a product warranty liability. We review this liability for adequacy on a quarterly basis and adjust it as necessary. The primary factors that could affect this liability may include changes in the historical system performance rate as well as the costs of replacement. Provision for estimated warranty costs is recorded at the time of sale and periodically adjusted, as required, to reflect actual experience. It is probable that we will incur future losses related to warranty claims we have received but that have not been fully investigated and related to claims not yet received. While our warranty liability represents our best estimate at February 28, 2013, we can provide no assurances that we will not experience material claims in the future or that we will not incur significant costs to resolve such claims beyond the amounts accrued or beyond what we may recover from our suppliers. Product warranty expense is recorded within selling, general and administrative expense.
	The following table includes the changes in our accrued warranty balances:
			Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
			February 28,			February 29,			February 28,			February 29,
			2013			2012			2013			2012
			(In thousands)
	Beginning Balance		$	15,138		$	16,330		$	14,751		$	17,196
	Deductions (1)			(4,908	)		(4,497	)		(12,895	)		(13,402	)
	Provision charged to SG&A expense			3,407			3,295			11,781			11,334
	Ending Balance		$	13,637		$	15,128		$	13,637		$	15,128
	-1	Primarily claims paid during the year.
	In addition, like other companies participating in similar lines of business, some of our subsidiaries are involved in several proceedings relating to environmental matters. It is our policy to accrue remediation costs when it is probable that such efforts will be required and the related costs can be reasonably estimated. These liabilities are undiscounted and are not material to our financial statements during any of the periods presented.
	As previously disclosed, during the first half of fiscal 2013, we recorded an accrual of $28.3 million associated with the GSA matter. Based on continued discussions with the GSA, we recognized an additional charge of $40.5 million during the third quarter of fiscal 2013, which increased our accrual to $68.8 million at February 28, 2013. The additional charge was the result of the application of a “multiplier” negotiated between the DOJ and the Company. The substantial majority of the accrual relates to the sale of products and services from 2002 to 2008. Our Building Solutions Group is in ongoing discussions with the U.S. Department of Justice (the “DOJ”) and the GSA aimed at resolving the investigation. We are cooperating with the investigation, which involves compliance with certain pricing terms and conditions of GSA contracts under which our Building Solutions Group roofing division sold products and services to the federal government. The accrual for this contingency represents our best estimate of the amount of probable loss that may result from this matter. The actual amount of our loss, which remains subject to approval by the DOJ, may vary from the amount of the accrual. However, we do not expect the approved settlement to vary materially from our accrual at February 28, 2013. The accrual for this contingency is classified in other accrued liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets and the loss is classified as estimated loss contingency in our Consolidated Statements of income as of and for the period ended February 28, 2013.

Investment_Income_Expense_Net

Investment (Income) Expense, Net	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2013
Investment (Income) Expense, Net	'
	NOTE 10 — INVESTMENT (INCOME) EXPENSE, NET
	Investment (income) expense, net, consists of the following components:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	(In thousands)	February 28,			February 29,			February 28,			February 29,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Interest (income)	$	(2,179	)	$	(1,360	)	$	(6,039	)	$	(3,593	)
	(Gain) loss on sale of marketable securities		(2,926	)		(175	)		(7,518	)		717
	Other-than-temporary impairment on securities		44			38			608			787
	Dividend (income)		(1,256	)		(693	)		(1,706	)		(1,170	)
	Investment (income) expense, net	$	(6,317	)	$	(2,190	)	$	(14,655	)	$	(3,259	)

Other_Expense_Income_Net

Other Expense (Income), Net	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2013
Other Expense (Income), Net	'
	NOTE 11 — OTHER EXPENSE (INCOME), NET
	Other expense (income), net, consists of the following components:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		February 28,			February 29,			February 28,			February 29,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	(In thousands)
	Royalty (income), net	$	(848	)	$	(438	)	$	(1,574	)	$	(1,175	)
	Loss on Brazil operational repositioning		6,087			—			6,087			—
	Loss on Kemrock conversion option		—			—			9,030			—
	(Income) loss related to unconsolidated equity affiliates		(525	)		(961	)		40,287			(7,194	)
	Other expense (income), net	$	4,714		$	(1,399	)	$	53,830		$	(8,369	)
	Equity in Income of Unconsolidated Affiliates
	Beginning with our fiscal year ended May 31, 2007, we began purchasing shares of Kemrock Industries and Exports Limited (“Kemrock”) common stock. Kemrock is one of India’s leading manufacturers of high performance reinforced polymer composites, and is also part of a strategic alliance with certain of our subsidiaries for licensed manufacturing and supply of molded and pultruded gratings. By May 31, 2011, we had acquired a total of approximately 3.2 million shares of Kemrock common stock, for an accumulated cost approximating $24.2 million, which represented approximately 18% of Kemrock’s outstanding shares at that time. Our investment in Kemrock common stock had been classified in other long-term assets on our balance sheet and included with available-for-sale securities, which are carried at fair value based on quoted market prices.
	During fiscal 2012, we purchased approximately 870,000 additional shares of Kemrock common stock, which increased our ownership to 23% of Kemrock’s outstanding shares. Also during fiscal 2012, we entered into a GDR Purchase Agreement with Kemrock, whereby we purchased from Kemrock 693,072 GDRs of Kemrock for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $7.2 million. We account for our investment in the Kemrock GDRs as common stock equivalents within our total investment in Kemrock. Lastly, during fiscal 2012 we invested $22.7 million in 5.5% convertible bonds issued by Kemrock. The bonds are convertible into ordinary shares or GDRs, each representing one ordinary share of Kemrock stock, and may be converted at any time on or after June 4, 2012 and up to the close of business on June 12, 2017. Our investment in Kemrock convertible bonds is accounted for as an available-for-sale security and is classified in other long-term assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheet. The convertible feature embedded in the convertible bonds is accounted for as a derivative under the guidance in ASC 815, “Derivatives and Hedging.”
	Due to the presumption under GAAP that an entity with an ownership percentage greater than 20% has significant influence, and no other factors would refute that presumption, we changed our accounting for this investment to the equity method. Adjustments are made to our investment in order to recognize our share of Kemrock’s earnings as they occur, rather than as dividends or other distributions are received. Any changes in our proportionate share of the underlying equity of Kemrock, which could result from their issuance of additional equity securities, are recognized as increases or decreases in shareholders’ equity, net of any related tax effects.
	We account for our equity method investment in Kemrock under ASC 323, “Investments – Equity Method and Joint Ventures.” As outlined in ASC 323-10-35-32, a decline in the quoted market price below the carrying amount when combined with other evidence of a loss in value may be indicative of a loss in value that is other than temporary. Acting upon the premise that a write-down of our investment in Kemrock may be required, we considered all available evidence to evaluate the realizable value of our equity investment, including a decline in the market price of shares of Kemrock stock, the financial condition and near term prospects of Kemrock, and the overall economic situation in India. As a result of these factors, we determined that it was appropriate to record an impairment loss during first half of fiscal 2013 of approximately $42.2 million on our equity method investment and a loss of approximately $9.0 million for the write-down of the embedded conversion derivative associated with our investment in Kemrock convertible bonds. The loss is classified in other (income) expense, net in our Consolidated Statements of Income. Please refer to 2, where information related to this investment is more fully described.
	Our investment in Kemrock is reported in our Consolidated Balance Sheet at its adjusted carrying value and classified as a long-term asset. Our investment in Kemrock had no carrying value at February 28, 2013 and a carrying value of $42.2 million at May 31, 2012.
	Loss on Repositioning of Operations in Brazil
	During the third quarter of fiscal 2013, we repositioned certain of our industrial segment operations in Brazil, resulting in a substantial liquidation of a subsidiary and a loss of approximately $6.1 million. Included in the loss was the write-off of the associated accumulated foreign currency translation. This non-cash charge was previously recorded as an unrealized foreign exchange loss in our currency translation account as a component of other comprehensive income.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2013
Income Taxes	'
	NOTE 12 — INCOME TAXES
	The effective income tax rate was 29.8% for the three months ended February 28, 2013 compared to an effective income tax rate of 30.7% for the three months ended February 29, 2012. The effective income tax rate was 48.0% for the nine months ended February 28, 2013 compared to an effective income tax rate of 29.6% for the same period a year ago.
	For the three and nine months ended February 28, 2013 and February 29, 2012, respectively, the effective tax rate was reduced below the federal statutory rate due to lower effective tax rates of certain of our foreign subsidiaries, the favorable impact of certain foreign operations on our U.S. taxes, the research and development tax credit, and due to the benefit of the domestic manufacturing deduction. Additionally, for the nine months ended February 28, 2013 and February 29, 2012, decreases in the effective income tax rate resulted from a reduction in the United Kingdom income tax rate. Further, the effective income tax rate for the nine months ended February 29, 2012 decreased due to net reductions to our reserves for income tax contingencies, including interest thereon.
	For the three and nine months ended February 28, 2013 and February 29, 2012, respectively, the effective tax rate increased principally as a result of the impact of valuation allowances associated with U.S. foreign tax credit carryforwards and certain foreign net operating losses, state and local income taxes, and non-deductible business operating expenses.
	Furthermore, for the three and nine month periods ended February 28, 2013, the effective tax rate differed from the federal statutory rate as a result of income tax benefits related to our strategic decision to reposition certain Brazilian business operations, the impact on our effective tax rate in certain foreign jurisdictions where income tax benefits associated with net operating losses incurred by those foreign businesses are not recognized, the tax effect of projected non-deductible costs associated with the DOJ and GSA accrual and due to net increases to our reserves for income tax contingencies, including interest thereon. Additionally, for the nine months ended February 28, 2013 the effective tax rate differed from the federal statutory rate as a result of increases in valuation allowances related to losses associated with our investments in Kemrock.
	As of February 28, 2013, we had unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $8.8 million, of which approximately $8.0 million would impact the effective tax rate, if recognized. We recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. At February 28, 2013 the accrual for interest and penalties was $5.5 million. Unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties, have been classified as other long-term liabilities unless expected to be paid in one year. We classified approximately $2.2 million of our reserve for uncertain tax positions, which includes associated interest and penalties, as a current liability as this amount could be reversed during the next 12 months. We do not anticipate any other significant changes to the total unrecognized tax benefits within the next 12 months.
	We, or our subsidiaries, file income tax returns in the U.S. and in various state, local and foreign jurisdictions. As of February 28, 2013 we are subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations for the fiscal years 2011 through 2012. In addition, with limited exceptions, we, or our subsidiaries, are generally subject to state and local or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for the fiscal years 2006 through 2012.
	We are currently under examination, or have been notified of an upcoming tax examination for various Non-U.S. and U.S. jurisdictions including an ongoing Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) examination of the company’s U.S. income tax return for the fiscal 2011 tax year. Although it is possible that certain tax examinations could be resolved during the next 12 months, the timing and outcomes are uncertain.
	During the third quarter of fiscal 2013 we settled the IRS examination of the company’s U.S. income tax returns for the fiscal 2009 and 2010 tax years resulting in a net refund. The IRS adjustments related to, amongst other items, the deductibility of certain of our expenditures, exclusion of selective items of miscellaneous income and our research tax credit positions. The settlement did not have a material impact on our financial statements.
	As of February 28, 2013, we have determined, based on the available evidence, that it is uncertain whether we will be able to recognize certain deferred tax assets. Therefore, we intend to maintain the tax valuation allowances recorded at February 28, 2013 for those deferred tax assets until sufficient positive evidence (for example, cumulative positive foreign earnings or additional foreign source income) exists to support their reversal. These valuation allowances relate to U.S. foreign tax credit carryforwards, U.S. capital loss carryforwards, certain foreign net operating losses and net foreign deferred tax assets. A portion of the valuation allowance is associated with deferred tax assets recorded in purchase accounting for prior year acquisitions.
	We include SPHC and its domestic subsidiaries (collectively, the “SPHC Group”) in our consolidated federal income tax return. We entered into a tax-cooperation agreement (the “Agreement”) with the SPHC Group, effective from June 1, 2010. Generally, the Agreement provides, amongst other items, that the federal income taxes of the SPHC Group are to be computed on a stand-alone separate return basis. The current portion of such income tax payable, if any, is due from the SPHC Group to us. Conversely, subject to the terms of the Agreement, income tax benefits associated with net operating loss or tax credit carryovers generated by the SPHC Group, if any, for the taxable year that benefits our consolidated income tax return for that taxable year are payable by us to the SPHC Group. Additionally, pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, a similar approach is applied to consolidated, combined or unitary state tax returns.

Pension_Plans

Pension Plans	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2013
Pension Plans	'
	NOTE 13 — PENSION PLANS
	We offer defined benefit pension plans, defined contribution pension plans, as well as several unfunded health care benefit plans primarily for certain of our retired employees. The following tables provide the retirement-related benefit plans’ impact on income before income taxes for the three and nine month periods ended February 28, 2013 and February 29, 2012:
		U.S. Plans						Non-U.S. Plans
		Three Months Ended						Three Months Ended
	Pension Benefits	February 28,			February 29,			February 28,			February 29,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Service cost	$	6,488		$	4,976		$	1,050		$	965
	Interest cost		4,060			3,826			1,769			2,040
	Expected return on plan assets		(4,358	)		(4,354	)		(1,846	)		(2,036	)
	Amortization of:
	Prior service cost		87			88			2			2
	Net actuarial losses recognized		4,222			2,127			692			560
	Net Periodic Benefit Cost	$	10,499		$	6,663		$	1,667		$	1,531
		U.S. Plans						Non-U.S. Plans
		Three Months Ended						Three Months Ended
	Postretirement Benefits	February 28,			February 29,			February 28,			February 29,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Service cost	$	—		$	—		$	288		$	192
	Interest cost		88			104			289			250
	Amortization of:
	Prior service (credit)		(22	)		(22	)
	Net actuarial (gains) losses recognized		4			(14	)		114			18
	Net Periodic Benefit Cost	$	70		$	68		$	691		$	460
		U.S. Plans						Non-U.S. Plans
		Nine Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	Pension Benefits	February 28,			February 29,			February 28,			February 29,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Service cost	$	19,464		$	14,929		$	3,150		$	2,896
	Interest cost		12,180			11,480			5,307			6,121
	Expected return on plan assets		(13,074	)		(13,062	)		(5,538	)		(6,109	)
	Amortization of:
	Prior service cost		261			264			6			8
	Net actuarial losses recognized		12,666			6,382			2,076			1,679
	Net Periodic Benefit Cost	$	31,497		$	19,993		$	5,001		$	4,595
		U.S. Plans						Non-U.S. Plans
		Nine Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	Postretirement Benefits	February 28,			February 29,			February 28,			February 29,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Service cost	$	—		$	—		$	864		$	576
	Interest cost		264			312			867			749
	Amortization of:
	Prior service (credit)		(66	)		(65	)
	Net actuarial (gains) losses recognized		12			(43	)		342			55
	Net Periodic Benefit Cost	$	210		$	204		$	2,073		$	1,380
	We previously disclosed in our financial statements for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2012 that we expected to contribute approximately $29.9 million to our retirement plans in the U.S. and approximately $8.3 million to plans outside the U.S. during the current fiscal year. In our financial statements for the quarterly period ended November 30, 2012, we disclosed that we expected to contribute $5.4 million less to our retirement plans in the U.S., for a total of $24.5 million. As of February 28, 2013, this has not changed.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2013
Earnings Per Share	'
	NOTE 14 — EARNINGS PER SHARE
	The following table sets forth the reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of basic and diluted earnings per share, as calculated using the two-class method, for the nine months ended February 28, 2013 and February 29, 2012. For the three month periods ended February 28, 2013 and February 29, 2012, the treasury stock method was utilized for the purpose of computing basic and diluted earnings per share, as the result under the two-class method would have been anti-dilutive.
			Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)		February 28,			February 29,		February 28,			February 29,
			2013			2012		2013			2012
			(Restated)
	Numerator for earnings per share:
	Net income attributable to RPM International Inc. stockholders		$	(24,364	)	$	6,625	$	33,225		$	133,367
	Less: Allocation of earnings and dividends to participating securities			—			—		(510	)		(2,441	)
	Net income available to common shareholders — basic			(24,364	)		6,625		32,715			130,926
	Add: Undistributed earnings reallocated to unvested shareholders			—			—		(8	)		4
	Net income available to common shareholders — diluted		$	(24,364	)	$	6,625	$	32,707		$	130,930
	Denominator for basic and diluted earnings per share:
	Basic weighted average common shares (1)			129,013			128,121		128,900			128,072
	Average diluted options			—			2,256		822			555
	Net issuable common share equivalents
	Total shares for diluted earnings per share (2)			129,013			130,377		129,722			128,627
	Earnings Per Share of Common Stock Attributable to RPM International Inc. Stockholders:
	Basic Earnings Per Share of Common Stock		$	(0.19	)	$	0.05	$	0.25		$	1.02
	Diluted Earnings Per Share of Common Stock		$	(0.19	)	$	0.05	$	0.25		$	1.02
	-1	For the three month period ended February 28, 2013, basic weighted-average shares outstanding are used in calculating diluted earnings per share as a result of the reported loss for the period. For the three month period ended February 29, 2012, approximately 2,811,000 shares of stock granted under stock-based compensation plans were excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS, as the effect would have been anti-dilutive.
	-2	For the nine month periods ended February 28, 2013 and February 29, 2012, approximately 3,063,000 shares and 2,618,000 shares of stock, respectively, granted under stock-based compensation plans were excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS for those periods, as the effect would have been anti-dilutive.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2013
Segment Information	'
	NOTE 15 — SEGMENT INFORMATION
	We operate a portfolio of businesses and product lines that manufacture and sell a variety of specialty paints, protective coatings and roofing systems, sealants and adhesives. We manage our portfolio by organizing our businesses and product lines into two reportable segments: the industrial reportable segment and the consumer reportable segment. Within each reportable segment, we aggregate several operating segments that consist of individual groups of companies and product lines, which generally address common markets, share similar economic characteristics, utilize similar technologies and can share manufacturing or distribution capabilities. Our six operating segments represent components of our business for which separate financial information is available that is utilized on a regular basis by our chief executive officer in determining how to allocate the assets of the company and evaluate performance. These six operating segments are each managed by an operating segment manager, who is responsible for the day-to-day operating decisions and performance evaluation of the operating segment’s underlying businesses.
	Our industrial reportable segment products are sold throughout North America and also account for the majority of our international sales. Our industrial product lines are sold directly to contractors, distributors and end-users, such as industrial manufacturing facilities, public institutions and other commercial customers. This reportable segment comprises three separate operating segments — Building Solutions Group, Performance Coatings Group and RPM2-Industrial Group. Products and services within this reportable segment include construction chemicals; roofing systems; weatherproofing and other sealants; polymer flooring; edible coatings and specialty glazes for pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food industries; and other specialty chemicals.
	Our consumer reportable segment manufactures and markets professional use and do-it-yourself (“DIY”) products for a variety of mainly consumer applications, including home improvement and personal leisure activities. Our consumer segment’s major manufacturing and distribution operations are located primarily in North America, along with a few locations in Europe. Consumer segment products are primarily sold directly to mass merchandisers, home improvement centers, hardware stores, paint stores, craft shops and to other smaller customers through distributors. This reportable segment comprises three operating segments — DAP Group, RPM2-Consumer Group and Rust-Oleum Group. Products within this reportable segment include specialty, hobby and professional paints; nail care enamels; caulks; adhesives; silicone sealants and wood stains.
	In addition to our two reportable segments, there is a category of certain business activities and expenses, referred to as corporate/other, that does not constitute an operating segment. This category includes our corporate headquarters and related administrative expenses, results of our captive insurance companies, gains or losses on the sales of certain assets and other expenses not directly associated with either reportable segment. Assets related to the corporate/other category consist primarily of investments, prepaid expenses and headquarters’ property and equipment. These corporate and other assets and expenses reconcile reportable segment data to total consolidated income before income taxes and identifiable assets.
	We reflect income from our joint ventures on the equity method, and receive royalties from our licensees.
	The following tables reflect the results of our reportable segments consistent with our management philosophy, and represent the information we utilize, in conjunction with various strategic, operational and other financial performance criteria, in evaluating the performance of our portfolio of businesses.
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		February 28,			February 29,			February 28,			February 29,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(Restated)
		(In thousands)
	Net Sales
	Industrial Segment	$	532,336		$	501,925		$	1,926,747		$	1,810,479
	Consumer Segment		311,400			271,718			981,129			865,167
	Consolidated	$	843,736		$	773,643		$	2,907,876		$	2,675,646
	Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes
	Industrial Segment	$	(40,299	)	$	20,422		$	81,156		$	189,192
	Consumer Segment		34,720			21,531			132,069			99,796
	Corporate/Other		(28,900	)		(30,517	)		(132,944	)		(82,678	)
	Consolidated	$	(34,479	)	$	11,436		$	80,281		$	206,310
		February 28,			May 31,
		2013			2012
	Identifiable Assets
	Industrial Segment	$	2,215,072		$	2,195,702
	Consumer Segment		1,537,454			1,184,609
	Corporate/Other		170,395			181,502
	Consolidated	$	3,922,921		$	3,561,813

Stock_Repurchase_Program

Stock Repurchase Program	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2013
Stock Repurchase Program	'
	NOTE 16 — STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM
	On January 8, 2008, we announced our authorization of a stock repurchase program under which we may repurchase shares of RPM International Inc. common stock at management’s discretion for general corporate purposes. Our current intent is to limit our repurchases only to amounts required to offset dilution created by stock issued in connection with our equity-based compensation plans, or approximately one to two million shares per year. As a result of this authorization, we may repurchase shares from time to time in the open market or in private transactions at various times and in amounts and for prices that our management deems appropriate, subject to insider trading rules and other securities law restrictions. The timing of our purchases will depend upon prevailing market conditions, alternative uses of capital and other factors. We may limit or terminate the repurchase program at any time. During the three months ended February 28, 2013, we did not repurchase any shares of our common stock under this program.

Equity

Equity	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2013
Equity	'
	NOTE 17 — EQUITY
	The following tables illustrate the components of total equity and comprehensive income for the three months ended February 28, 2013 and February 29, 2012:
	(In thousands)	Total RPM			Noncontrolling			Total Equity
		International			Interest
		Inc. Equity
		(Restated)						(Restated)
	Total equity at November 30, 2012	$	1,224,960		$	149,590		$	1,374,550
	Net income (loss)		(24,364	)		164			(24,200	)
	Other Comprehensive Income:
	Foreign currency translation adjustments		(19,401	)		(537	)		(19,938	)
	Pension and other postretirement benefit liability adjustments, net of tax		4,736			542			5,278
	Unrealized gain (loss) on securities, net of tax		(1,626	)		914			(712	)
	Unrealized (loss) on derivatives, net of tax		238			90			328
	Total Other Comprehensive Income, net of tax		(16,053	)		1,009			(15,044	)
	Comprehensive Income		(40,417	)		1,173			(39,244	)
	Dividends paid		(29,778	)					(29,778	)
	Other noncontrolling interest activity		(152	)					(152	)
	Shares repurchased		(1,235	)					(1,235	)
	Stock option exercises, net		1,384						1,384
	Stock based compensation expense		583						583
	Restricted awards, net		3,637						3,637
	Total Equity at February 28, 2013	$	1,158,982		$	150,763		$	1,309,745
	(In thousands)	Total RPM			Noncontrolling			Total Equity
		International			Interest
		Inc. Equity
	Total equity at November 30, 2011	$	1,255,094		$	132,933		$	1,388,027
	Net income		6,625			1,299			7,924
	Other Comprehensive Income:
	Foreign currency translation adjustments		24,083			(1,826	)		22,257
	Pension and other postretirement benefit liability adjustments, net of tax		983			(112	)		871
	Unrealized gain (loss) on securities, net of tax		3,592			(1,118	)		2,474
	Unrealized gain on derivatives, net of tax		(623	)		(170	)		(793	)
	Total Other Comprehensive Income, net of tax		28,035			(3,226	)		24,809
	Comprehensive Income		34,660			(1,927	)		32,733
	Dividends paid		(28,251	)					(28,251	)
	Other noncontrolling interest activity		1,118						1,118
	Stock option exercises, net		2,970						2,970
	Stock based compensation expense		3,182						3,182
	Restricted awards, net		(575	)					(575	)
	Total Equity at February 29, 2012	$	1,268,198		$	131,006		$	1,399,204
	The following table illustrates the components of total equity and comprehensive income for the nine months ended February 28, 2013 and February 29, 2012:
	(In thousands)	Total RPM			Noncontrolling			Total Equity
		International			Interest
		Inc. Equity
	Total equity at May 31, 2012	$	1,183,656		$	130,327		$	1,313,983
	Net income		33,225			8,537			41,762
	Other Comprehensive Income:
	Foreign currency translation adjustments		5,604			11,652			17,256
	Pension and other postretirement benefit liability adjustments, net of tax		9,512			350			9,862
	Unrealized gain (loss) on securities, net of tax		1,064			(52	)		1,012
	Unrealized (loss) on derivatives, net of tax		(178	)		(51	)		(229	)
	Total Other Comprehensive Income, net of tax		16,002			11,899			27,901
	Comprehensive Income		49,227			20,436			69,663
	Dividends paid		(87,832	)					(87,832	)
	Other noncontrolling interest activity		157						157
	Shares repurchased		(2,329	)					(2,329	)
	Stock option exercises, net		3,749						3,749
	Stock based compensation expense		1,794						1,794
	Restricted awards, net		10,560						10,560
	Total Equity at February 28, 2013	$	1,158,982		$	150,763		$	1,309,745
	(In thousands)	Total RPM			Noncontrolling			Total Equity
		International			Interest
		Inc. Equity
Total equity at May 31, 2011	$	1,263,164		$	124,204		$	1,387,368
Net income		133,367			11,816			145,183
Other Comprehensive Income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments		(45,821	)		(5,339	)		(51,160	)
Pension and other postretirement benefit liability adjustments, net of tax		5,823			447			6,270
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities, net of tax		(9,374	)		876			(8,498	)
Unrealized gain on derivatives, net of tax		(3,667	)		(998	)		(4,665	)
Total Other Comprehensive Income, net of tax		(53,039	)		(5,014	)		(58,053	)
Comprehensive Income		80,328			6,802			87,130
Dividends paid		(83,871	)					(83,871	)
Other noncontrolling interest activity		(875	)					(875	)
Shares repurchased		(3,008	)					(3,008	)
Stock option exercises, net		6,151						6,151
Stock based compensation expense		9,874						9,874
Restricted awards, net		(3,565	)					(3,565	)
Total Equity at February 29, 2012	$	1,268,198		$	131,006		$	1,399,204

Recently_Completed_Acquisition

Recently Completed Acquisitions	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2013
Recently Completed Acquisitions	'
	NOTE 18 — RECENTLY COMPLETED ACQUISITIONS
	On September 5, 2012, we acquired Kirker Enterprises, Inc., a leading manufacturer of nail care enamels, coatings components and related products for the personal care industry. Based in Paterson, New Jersey, Kirker has annual sales in excess of $100 million. Kirker will be managed and reported by our RPM2 — Consumer operating segment.
	On September 21, 2012, we acquired Synta, Inc., a producer and marketer of innovative and unique exterior wood deck and concrete restoration systems sold through leading national home centers and marketed under the brands of Deck Restore and Concrete Restore. Synta’s products also include a craft coatings line. Based in Clarkston, Georgia, Synta has annualized sales expected to exceed $40 million. Synta will be managed and reported by our Rust-Oleum operating segment.
	The preliminary fair value of acquired goodwill and other intangible assets for the two acquisitions described above totaled approximated $160.9 million and $103.3 million, respectively. Additionally, the preliminary fair value of contingent consideration for these two acquisitions combined totaled approximately $63.5 million. Opening balance sheet valuations for these two recent acquisitions are ongoing. A final determination of the purchase price allocation will be made based upon the completion of the determination of the fair value of acquired tangible and intangible assets and our assessment of deferred income taxes.

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2013
Debt	'
	NOTE 19 — DEBT
	Pursuant to the provisions of ASC Topic No. 470-10-45, “Short-term Obligations Expected to be Refinanced,” at February 28, 2013, we classified $200.0 million of debt due within one year of the February 28, 2013 balance sheet date as long-term because we have both the intent and ability to repay such amounts with available borrowings under our $600.0 million 5-year revolving credit facility.

Restatement_Tables

Restatement (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2013
Schedule of Previously Reported and Restated Balances of Affected Line Items in Consolidated Statements of Income	'
	The following are previously reported and restated balances of affected line items in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three months ended February 28, 2013 (Unaudited).
		Three Months Ended February 28, 2013
		As reported			Adjustments			As restated
	Consolidated Statements of Income
	Estimated loss contingency	$	68,846		$	(28,344	)	$	40,502
	Income (loss) before income taxes		(62,823	)		28,344			(34,479	)
	Provision (benefit) for income taxes		(20,631	)		10,352			(10,279	)
	Net income (loss)		(42,192	)		17,992			(24,200	)
	Net income (loss) attributable to RPM International Inc. Stockholders		(42,356	)		17,992			(24,364	)
	Earnings (loss) per share attributable to RPM International Inc. Stockholders:
	Basic		(0.33	)		0.14			(0.19	)
	Diluted		(0.33	)		0.14			(0.19	)
	Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
	Net income (loss)		(42,192	)		17,992			(24,200	)
	Total Comprehensive (Loss) Income		(57,236	)		17,992			(39,244	)
	Comprehensive (Loss) Income Attributable to RPM International Inc. Stockholders		(58,409	)		17,992			(40,417	)

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2013
Major Classes of Inventories	'
	Inventories were composed of the following major classes:
		February 28, 2013		May 31, 2012
		(In thousands)
	Raw material and supplies	$	220,438	$	160,869
	Finished goods		365,366		329,109
	Total Inventory	$	585,804	$	489,978

Marketable_Securities_Tables

Marketable Securities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2013
Summary of Marketable Securities by Asset Type	'
	The following tables summarize marketable securities held at February 28, 2013 and May 31, 2012 by asset type:
		Available-For-Sale Securities
	(In thousands)	Amortized		Gross			Gross			Fair Value
		Cost		Unrealized			Unrealized			(Net
				Gains			Losses			Carrying
										Amount)
	February 28, 2013
	Equity securities:
	Stocks — foreign	$	1,090	$	290		$	(5	)	$	1,375
	Stocks — domestic		28,594		4,128			(625	)		32,097
	Mutual funds — foreign		21,304		3,623			—			24,927
	Mutual funds — domestic		24,511		96			(198	)		24,409
	Total equity securities		75,499		8,137			(828	)		82,808
	Fixed maturity:
	U.S. treasury and other government		20,822		285			(69	)		21,038
	Kemrock convertible bonds		14,273		—			(2,662	)		11,611
	Corporate bonds		1,728		268			—			1,996
	Foreign bonds		38		4			—			42
	Mortgage-backed securities		114		63			(3	)		174
	Total fixed maturity securities		36,975		620			(2,734	)		34,861
	Total	$	112,474	$	8,757		$	(3,562	)	$	117,669
		Available-For-Sale Securities
	(In thousands)	Amortized		Gross			Gross			Fair Value
		Cost		Unrealized			Unrealized			(Net
				Gains			Losses			Carrying
										Amount)
	May 31, 2012
	Equity securities:
	Stocks — foreign	$	1,016	$	79		$	—		$	1,095
	Stocks — domestic		24,380		2,776			(1,046	)		26,110
	Mutual funds — foreign		17,489		521			(936	)		17,074
	Mutual funds — domestic		39,246		1,114			(1,077	)		39,283
	Total equity securities		82,131		4,490			(3,059	)		83,562
	Fixed maturity:
	U.S. treasury and other government		19,347		530			(12	)		19,865
	Kemrock convertible bonds		13,670		—			—			13,670
	Coporate bonds		2,305		349			(5	)		2,649
	Foreign bonds		38		1			—			39
	Mortgage-backed securities		241		105			(2	)		344
	Total fixed maturity securities		35,601		985			(19	)		36,567
	Total	$	117,732	$	5,475		$	(3,078	)	$	120,129
Summary of Securities in Unrealized Loss Position and Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Aggregated by Length of Time Investments	'
	Summarized below are the securities we held at February 28, 2013 and May 31, 2012 that were in an unrealized loss position and that were included in accumulated other comprehensive income, aggregated by the length of time the investments had been in that position:
		February 28, 2013					May 31, 2012
	(In thousands)	Fair Value		Gross			Fair Value			Gross
				Unrealized						Unrealized
				Losses						Losses
	Total investments with unrealized losses	$	45,700	$	(3,562	)	$	43,772		$	(3,078	)
	Unrealized losses with a loss position for less than 12 months		44,848		(3,357	)		42,114			(2,596	)
	Unrealized losses with a loss position for more than 12 months		852		(205	)		1,658			(482	)
Net Carrying Values of Debt Securities by Contractual Maturity	'
	The net carrying values of debt securities at February 28, 2013, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because the issuers of the securities may have the right to prepay obligations without prepayment penalties.
	(In thousands)	Amortized		Fair
		Cost		Value
	Due:
	Less than one year	$	2,073	$	2,088
	One year through five years		28,532		26,048
	Six years through ten years		4,559		4,690
	After ten years		1,811		2,035
		$	36,975	$	34,861

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2013
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis and Categorized using Fair Value Hierarchy	'
	The following tables present our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and are categorized using the fair value hierarchy.
	(In thousands)	Quoted Prices in		Significant			Significant		Fair Value at
		Active Markets		Other			Unobservable		February 28, 2013
		for Identical		Observable			Inputs (Level 3)
		Assets (Level 1)		Inputs (Level 2)
	U.S. Treasury and other government	$	—	$	21,038		$	—	$	21,038
	Foreign bonds				42					42
	Mortgage-backed securities				174					174
	Corporate bonds				1,996					1,996
	Stocks — foreign		1,375							1,375
	Stocks — domestic		32,097							32,097
	Mutual funds — foreign				24,927					24,927
	Mutual funds — domestic				24,409					24,409
	Foreign currency forward contract				(8,648	)				(8,648	)
	Cross-currency swap				(10,949	)				(10,949	)
	Investment in Kemrock convertible debt				11,611					11,611
	Total	$	33,472	$	64,600		$	—	$	98,072
	(In thousands)	Quoted Prices in		Significant			Significant		Fair Value at
		Active Markets		Other			Unobservable		May 31, 2012
		for Identical		Observable			Inputs (Level 3)
		Assets (Level  1)		Inputs (Level 2)
	U.S. Treasury and other government	$	—	$	19,865		$	—	$	19,865
	Foreign bonds				39					39
	Mortgage-backed securities				344					344
	Corporate bonds				2,649					2,649
	Stocks — foreign		1,095							1,095
	Stocks — domestic		26,110							26,110
	Mutual funds — foreign				17,074					17,074
	Mutual funds — domestic				39,283					39,283
	Foreign currency forward contract				(1,356	)				(1,356	)
	Cross-currency swap				(2,159	)				(2,159	)
	Conversion option, Kemrock 5.5% bonds							9,031		9,031
	Investment in Kemrock convertible debt				13,670					13,670
	Total	$	27,205	$	89,409		$	9,031	$	125,645
Fair Value and Carrying Value of Financial Instruments and Long-Term Debt	'
	Based on the analysis performed, the fair value and the carrying value of our financial instruments and long-term debt as of February 28, 2013 and May 31, 2012 are as follows:
		At February 28, 2013
	(In thousands)	Carrying		Fair Value
		Value
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	247,104	$	247,104
	Marketable equity securities		82,808		82,808
	Marketable debt securities		34,861		34,861
	Long-term debt, including current portion		1,395,938		1,541,185
		At May 31, 2012
	(In thousands)	Carrying		Fair Value
		Value
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	315,968	$	315,968
	Marketable equity securities		83,562		83,562
	Marketable debt securities		36,567		36,567
	Long-term debt, including current portion		1,115,536		1,232,180

Contingencies_and_Other_Accrue1

Contingencies and Other Accrued Losses (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2013
Changes in Accrued Warranty Balances	'
	The following table includes the changes in our accrued warranty balances:
			Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
			February 28,			February 29,			February 28,			February 29,
			2013			2012			2013			2012
			(In thousands)
	Beginning Balance		$	15,138		$	16,330		$	14,751		$	17,196
	Deductions (1)			(4,908	)		(4,497	)		(12,895	)		(13,402	)
	Provision charged to SG&A expense			3,407			3,295			11,781			11,334
	Ending Balance		$	13,637		$	15,128		$	13,637		$	15,128
	-1	Primarily claims paid during the year.

Investment_Income_Expense_Net_

Investment (Income) Expense, Net (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2013
Investment (Income) Expenses, Net	'
	Investment (income) expense, net, consists of the following components:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	(In thousands)	February 28,			February 29,			February 28,			February 29,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Interest (income)	$	(2,179	)	$	(1,360	)	$	(6,039	)	$	(3,593	)
	(Gain) loss on sale of marketable securities		(2,926	)		(175	)		(7,518	)		717
	Other-than-temporary impairment on securities		44			38			608			787
	Dividend (income)		(1,256	)		(693	)		(1,706	)		(1,170	)
	Investment (income) expense, net	$	(6,317	)	$	(2,190	)	$	(14,655	)	$	(3,259	)

Other_Expense_Income_Net_Table

Other Expense (Income), Net (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2013
Other Expense (Income), Net	'
	Other expense (income), net, consists of the following components:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		February 28,			February 29,			February 28,			February 29,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	(In thousands)
	Royalty (income), net	$	(848	)	$	(438	)	$	(1,574	)	$	(1,175	)
	Loss on Brazil operational repositioning		6,087			—			6,087			—
	Loss on Kemrock conversion option		—			—			9,030			—
	(Income) loss related to unconsolidated equity affiliates		(525	)		(961	)		40,287			(7,194	)
	Other expense (income), net	$	4,714		$	(1,399	)	$	53,830		$	(8,369	)

Pension_Plans_Tables

Pension Plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2013
Retirement-Related Benefit Plans' Impact on Income Before Income Taxes	'
	The following tables provide the retirement-related benefit plans’ impact on income before income taxes for the three and nine month periods ended February 28, 2013 and February 29, 2012:
		U.S. Plans						Non-U.S. Plans
		Three Months Ended						Three Months Ended
	Pension Benefits	February 28,			February 29,			February 28,			February 29,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Service cost	$	6,488		$	4,976		$	1,050		$	965
	Interest cost		4,060			3,826			1,769			2,040
	Expected return on plan assets		(4,358	)		(4,354	)		(1,846	)		(2,036	)
	Amortization of:
	Prior service cost		87			88			2			2
	Net actuarial losses recognized		4,222			2,127			692			560
	Net Periodic Benefit Cost	$	10,499		$	6,663		$	1,667		$	1,531
		U.S. Plans						Non-U.S. Plans
		Three Months Ended						Three Months Ended
	Postretirement Benefits	February 28,			February 29,			February 28,			February 29,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Service cost	$	—		$	—		$	288		$	192
	Interest cost		88			104			289			250
	Amortization of:
	Prior service (credit)		(22	)		(22	)
	Net actuarial (gains) losses recognized		4			(14	)		114			18
	Net Periodic Benefit Cost	$	70		$	68		$	691		$	460
		U.S. Plans						Non-U.S. Plans
		Nine Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	Pension Benefits	February 28,			February 29,			February 28,			February 29,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Service cost	$	19,464		$	14,929		$	3,150		$	2,896
	Interest cost		12,180			11,480			5,307			6,121
	Expected return on plan assets		(13,074	)		(13,062	)		(5,538	)		(6,109	)
	Amortization of:
	Prior service cost		261			264			6			8
	Net actuarial losses recognized		12,666			6,382			2,076			1,679
	Net Periodic Benefit Cost	$	31,497		$	19,993		$	5,001		$	4,595
		U.S. Plans						Non-U.S. Plans
		Nine Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	Postretirement Benefits	February 28,			February 29,			February 28,			February 29,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Service cost	$	—		$	—		$	864		$	576
	Interest cost		264			312			867			749
	Amortization of:
	Prior service (credit)		(66	)		(65	)
	Net actuarial (gains) losses recognized		12			(43	)		342			55
	Net Periodic Benefit Cost	$	210		$	204		$	2,073		$	1,380

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2013
Reconciliation of Numerator and Denominator of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share Calculated using Two-Class Method	'
	The following table sets forth the reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of basic and diluted earnings per share, as calculated using the two-class method, for the nine months ended February 28, 2013 and February 29, 2012. For the three month periods ended February 28, 2013 and February 29, 2012, the treasury stock method was utilized for the purpose of computing basic and diluted earnings per share, as the result under the two-class method would have been anti-dilutive.
			Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)		February 28,			February 29,		February 28,			February 29,
			2013			2012		2013			2012
			(Restated)
	Numerator for earnings per share:
	Net income attributable to RPM International Inc. stockholders		$	(24,364	)	$	6,625	$	33,225		$	133,367
	Less: Allocation of earnings and dividends to participating securities			—			—		(510	)		(2,441	)
	Net income available to common shareholders — basic			(24,364	)		6,625		32,715			130,926
	Add: Undistributed earnings reallocated to unvested shareholders			—			—		(8	)		4
	Net income available to common shareholders — diluted		$	(24,364	)	$	6,625	$	32,707		$	130,930
	Denominator for basic and diluted earnings per share:
	Basic weighted average common shares (1)			129,013			128,121		128,900			128,072
	Average diluted options			—			2,256		822			555
	Net issuable common share equivalents
	Total shares for diluted earnings per share (2)			129,013			130,377		129,722			128,627
	Earnings Per Share of Common Stock Attributable to RPM International Inc. Stockholders:
	Basic Earnings Per Share of Common Stock		$	(0.19	)	$	0.05	$	0.25		$	1.02
	Diluted Earnings Per Share of Common Stock		$	(0.19	)	$	0.05	$	0.25		$	1.02
	-1	For the three month period ended February 28, 2013, basic weighted-average shares outstanding are used in calculating diluted earnings per share as a result of the reported loss for the period. For the three month period ended February 29, 2012, approximately 2,811,000 shares of stock granted under stock-based compensation plans were excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS, as the effect would have been anti-dilutive.
	-2	For the nine month periods ended February 28, 2013 and February 29, 2012, approximately 3,063,000 shares and 2,618,000 shares of stock, respectively, granted under stock-based compensation plans were excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS for those periods, as the effect would have been anti-dilutive.

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2013
Results of Reportable Segments	'
	The following tables reflect the results of our reportable segments consistent with our management philosophy, and represent the information we utilize, in conjunction with various strategic, operational and other financial performance criteria, in evaluating the performance of our portfolio of businesses.
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		February 28,			February 29,			February 28,			February 29,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(Restated)
		(In thousands)
	Net Sales
	Industrial Segment	$	532,336		$	501,925		$	1,926,747		$	1,810,479
	Consumer Segment		311,400			271,718			981,129			865,167
	Consolidated	$	843,736		$	773,643		$	2,907,876		$	2,675,646
	Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes
	Industrial Segment	$	(40,299	)	$	20,422		$	81,156		$	189,192
	Consumer Segment		34,720			21,531			132,069			99,796
	Corporate/Other		(28,900	)		(30,517	)		(132,944	)		(82,678	)
	Consolidated	$	(34,479	)	$	11,436		$	80,281		$	206,310
		February 28,			May 31,
		2013			2012
	Identifiable Assets
	Industrial Segment	$	2,215,072		$	2,195,702
	Consumer Segment		1,537,454			1,184,609
	Corporate/Other		170,395			181,502
	Consolidated	$	3,922,921		$	3,561,813

Equity_Tables

Equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2013
Components of Total Equity and Comprehensive Income	'
	The following tables illustrate the components of total equity and comprehensive income for the three months ended February 28, 2013 and February 29, 2012:
	(In thousands)	Total RPM			Noncontrolling			Total Equity
		International			Interest
		Inc. Equity
		(Restated)						(Restated)
	Total equity at November 30, 2012	$	1,224,960		$	149,590		$	1,374,550
	Net income (loss)		(24,364	)		164			(24,200	)
	Other Comprehensive Income:
	Foreign currency translation adjustments		(19,401	)		(537	)		(19,938	)
	Pension and other postretirement benefit liability adjustments, net of tax		4,736			542			5,278
	Unrealized gain (loss) on securities, net of tax		(1,626	)		914			(712	)
	Unrealized (loss) on derivatives, net of tax		238			90			328
	Total Other Comprehensive Income, net of tax		(16,053	)		1,009			(15,044	)
	Comprehensive Income		(40,417	)		1,173			(39,244	)
	Dividends paid		(29,778	)					(29,778	)
	Other noncontrolling interest activity		(152	)					(152	)
	Shares repurchased		(1,235	)					(1,235	)
	Stock option exercises, net		1,384						1,384
	Stock based compensation expense		583						583
	Restricted awards, net		3,637						3,637
	Total Equity at February 28, 2013	$	1,158,982		$	150,763		$	1,309,745
	(In thousands)	Total RPM			Noncontrolling			Total Equity
		International			Interest
		Inc. Equity
	Total equity at November 30, 2011	$	1,255,094		$	132,933		$	1,388,027
	Net income		6,625			1,299			7,924
	Other Comprehensive Income:
	Foreign currency translation adjustments		24,083			(1,826	)		22,257
	Pension and other postretirement benefit liability adjustments, net of tax		983			(112	)		871
	Unrealized gain (loss) on securities, net of tax		3,592			(1,118	)		2,474
	Unrealized gain on derivatives, net of tax		(623	)		(170	)		(793	)
	Total Other Comprehensive Income, net of tax		28,035			(3,226	)		24,809
	Comprehensive Income		34,660			(1,927	)		32,733
	Dividends paid		(28,251	)					(28,251	)
	Other noncontrolling interest activity		1,118						1,118
	Stock option exercises, net		2,970						2,970
	Stock based compensation expense		3,182						3,182
	Restricted awards, net		(575	)					(575	)
	Total Equity at February 29, 2012	$	1,268,198		$	131,006		$	1,399,204
	The following table illustrates the components of total equity and comprehensive income for the nine months ended February 28, 2013 and February 29, 2012:
	(In thousands)	Total RPM			Noncontrolling			Total Equity
		International			Interest
		Inc. Equity
	Total equity at May 31, 2012	$	1,183,656		$	130,327		$	1,313,983
	Net income		33,225			8,537			41,762
	Other Comprehensive Income:
	Foreign currency translation adjustments		5,604			11,652			17,256
	Pension and other postretirement benefit liability adjustments, net of tax		9,512			350			9,862
	Unrealized gain (loss) on securities, net of tax		1,064			(52	)		1,012
	Unrealized (loss) on derivatives, net of tax		(178	)		(51	)		(229	)
	Total Other Comprehensive Income, net of tax		16,002			11,899			27,901
	Comprehensive Income		49,227			20,436			69,663
	Dividends paid		(87,832	)					(87,832	)
	Other noncontrolling interest activity		157						157
	Shares repurchased		(2,329	)					(2,329	)
	Stock option exercises, net		3,749						3,749
	Stock based compensation expense		1,794						1,794
	Restricted awards, net		10,560						10,560
	Total Equity at February 28, 2013	$	1,158,982		$	150,763		$	1,309,745
	(In thousands)	Total RPM			Noncontrolling			Total Equity
		International			Interest
		Inc. Equity
	Total equity at May 31, 2011	$	1,263,164		$	124,204		$	1,387,368
Net income		133,367			11,816			145,183
Other Comprehensive Income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments		(45,821	)		(5,339	)		(51,160	)
Pension and other postretirement benefit liability adjustments, net of tax		5,823			447			6,270
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities, net of tax		(9,374	)		876			(8,498	)
Unrealized gain on derivatives, net of tax		(3,667	)		(998	)		(4,665	)
Total Other Comprehensive Income, net of tax		(53,039	)		(5,014	)		(58,053	)
Comprehensive Income		80,328			6,802			87,130
Dividends paid		(83,871	)					(83,871	)
Other noncontrolling interest activity		(875	)					(875	)
Shares repurchased		(3,008	)					(3,008	)
Stock option exercises, net		6,151						6,151
Stock based compensation expense		9,874						9,874
Restricted awards, net		(3,565	)					(3,565	)
Total Equity at February 29, 2012	$	1,268,198		$	131,006		$	1,399,204

Restatement_Additional_Informa

Restatement - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended	9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2013		Feb. 29, 2012	Nov. 30, 2012	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 29, 2012	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 28, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012	Aug. 31, 2012
							As Reported	Adjustments	Adjustments	Adjustments
Estimated loss on contingency	$40,502	[1]	'	$28,300	$68,846	'	$68,846	($28,344)	$16,900	$11,400
Net income (loss)	($24,200)	[1]	$7,924	'	$41,762	$145,183	($42,192)	$17,992	'	'
[1]	Restated

Schedule_of_Previously_Reporte

Schedule of Previously Reported and Restated Balances of Affected Line Items in Consolidated Statements of Income (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended	9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2013		Feb. 29, 2012	Nov. 30, 2012	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 29, 2012	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 28, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012	Aug. 31, 2012
							As Reported	Adjustments	Adjustments	Adjustments
Estimated Loss Contingency	$40,502	[1]	'	$28,300	$68,846	'	$68,846	($28,344)	$16,900	$11,400
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes	-34,479	[1]	11,436	'	80,281	206,310	-62,823	28,344	'	'
Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes	-10,279	[1]	3,512	'	38,519	61,127	-20,631	10,352	'	'
Net income (loss)	-24,200	[1]	7,924	'	41,762	145,183	-42,192	17,992	'	'
Net income (loss) attributable to RPM International Inc. Stockholders	-24,364	[1]	6,625	'	33,225	133,367	-42,356	17,992	'	'
Earnings (loss) per share attributable to RPM International Inc. Stockholders:	'		'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Basic	($0.19)	[1]	$0.05	'	$0.25	$1.02	($0.33)	$0.14	'	'
Diluted	($0.19)	[1]	$0.05	'	$0.25	$1.02	($0.33)	$0.14	'	'
Net income (loss)	-24,200	[1]	7,924	'	41,762	145,183	-42,192	17,992	'	'
Total Comprehensive (Loss) Income	-39,244	[1]	32,733	'	69,663	87,130	-57,236	17,992	'	'
Comprehensive (Loss) Income Attributable to RPM International Inc. Stockholders	($40,417)	[1]	$34,660	'	$49,227	$80,328	($58,409)	$17,992	'	'
[1]	Restated

Investment_in_Kemrock_Industri1

Investment in Kemrock Industries and Exports Ltd - Additional Information (Detail)

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Nov. 30, 2012

Aug. 31, 2012

Nov. 30, 2012

Feb. 28, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

Nov. 30, 2012

Aug. 08, 2012

31-May-12

Aug. 31, 2012

Feb. 28, 2013

31-May-12

31-May-11

31-May-12

Apr. 30, 2012

Nov. 30, 2012

31-May-12

Apr. 30, 2012

31-May-12

Apr. 30, 2012

31-May-12

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

INR

INR

INR

Kemrock Industries and Exports Limited

Kemrock Industries and Exports Limited

Kemrock Industries and Exports Limited

Kemrock Industries and Exports Limited

Kemrock global depository receipts

Conversion option, Kemrock 5.5% bonds

Conversion option, Kemrock 5.5% bonds

Conversion option, Kemrock 5.5% bonds

Conversion option, Kemrock 5.5% bonds

Conversion option, Kemrock 5.5% bonds

Conversion option, Kemrock 5.5% bonds

Conversion option, Kemrock 5.5% bonds

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Minimum

Minimum

Maximum

Maximum

Basis of Presentation [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Advances to affiliate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$15,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Agreement expiration period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15-Sep-12

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acquisition of equity method investment, shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

870,000

3,200,000

693,072

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Purchase of global depository receipt, value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity method investment carrying value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

42,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Investment in affiliate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

22,700,000

'

22,700,000

'

'

'

'

Investment in affiliate, interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.50%

5.50%

5.50%

'

'

'

'

Debt securities, conversion date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4-Jun-12

4-Jun-12

12-Jun-17

12-Jun-17

Kemrock common stock market value per share

'

'

'

'

52.9

56.7

'

531

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Kemrock common stock price declining percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

40.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Impairment loss on equity method investment

-10,100,000

-32,100,000

-42,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loss on Kemrock conversion option

-800,000

-8,200,000

-9,000,000

-9,030,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from affiliate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Outstanding loan amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loans deemed uncollectible, recorded as loss

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$5,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deconsolidation_of_Specialty_P1

Deconsolidation of Specialty Products Holding Corp. ("SPHC") - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	31-May-10	Feb. 29, 2012
Reorganization [Line Items]	'	'
Number of appeal bonds satisfied	'	1
Carrying value of retained interest in SPHC	$0	'
Net loss from deconsolidation of business	($7,900,000)	'

Major_Classes_of_Inventories_D

Major Classes of Inventories (Detail) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2013	31-May-12
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory [Line Items]	'	'
Raw material and supplies	$220,438	$160,869
Finished goods	365,366	329,109
Total Inventory	$585,804	$489,978

Summary_of_Marketable_Securiti

Summary of Marketable Securities by Asset Type (Detail) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2013	31-May-12
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-Sale Securities, Amortized Cost	$112,474	$117,732
Available-for-Sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	8,757	5,475
Available-for-Sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-3,562	-3,078
Available-for-Sale Securities, Fair Value (Net Carrying Amount)	117,669	120,129
Equity securities	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-Sale Securities, Amortized Cost	75,499	82,131
Available-for-Sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	8,137	4,490
Available-for-Sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-828	-3,059
Available-for-Sale Securities, Fair Value (Net Carrying Amount)	82,808	83,562
Equity securities | Stocks | Foreign	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-Sale Securities, Amortized Cost	1,090	1,016
Available-for-Sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	290	79
Available-for-Sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-5	'
Available-for-Sale Securities, Fair Value (Net Carrying Amount)	1,375	1,095
Equity securities | Stocks | Domestic	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-Sale Securities, Amortized Cost	28,594	24,380
Available-for-Sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	4,128	2,776
Available-for-Sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-625	-1,046
Available-for-Sale Securities, Fair Value (Net Carrying Amount)	32,097	26,110
Equity securities | Mutual funds | Foreign	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-Sale Securities, Amortized Cost	21,304	17,489
Available-for-Sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	3,623	521
Available-for-Sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	'	-936
Available-for-Sale Securities, Fair Value (Net Carrying Amount)	24,927	17,074
Equity securities | Mutual funds | Domestic	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-Sale Securities, Amortized Cost	24,511	39,246
Available-for-Sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	96	1,114
Available-for-Sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-198	-1,077
Available-for-Sale Securities, Fair Value (Net Carrying Amount)	24,409	39,283
Fixed maturity	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-Sale Securities, Amortized Cost	36,975	35,601
Available-for-Sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	620	985
Available-for-Sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-2,734	-19
Available-for-Sale Securities, Fair Value (Net Carrying Amount)	34,861	36,567
Fixed maturity | U.S. Treasury and other government	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-Sale Securities, Amortized Cost	20,822	19,347
Available-for-Sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	285	530
Available-for-Sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-69	-12
Available-for-Sale Securities, Fair Value (Net Carrying Amount)	21,038	19,865
Fixed maturity | Kemrock convertible bonds	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-Sale Securities, Amortized Cost	14,273	13,670
Available-for-Sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-2,662	'
Available-for-Sale Securities, Fair Value (Net Carrying Amount)	11,611	13,670
Fixed maturity | Corporate bonds	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-Sale Securities, Amortized Cost	1,728	2,305
Available-for-Sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	268	349
Available-for-Sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	'	-5
Available-for-Sale Securities, Fair Value (Net Carrying Amount)	1,996	2,649
Fixed maturity | Foreign bonds	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-Sale Securities, Amortized Cost	38	38
Available-for-Sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	4	1
Available-for-Sale Securities, Fair Value (Net Carrying Amount)	42	39
Fixed maturity | Mortgage-backed securities	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-Sale Securities, Amortized Cost	114	241
Available-for-Sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	63	105
Available-for-Sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-3	-2
Available-for-Sale Securities, Fair Value (Net Carrying Amount)	$174	$344

Marketable_Securities_Addition

Marketable Securities - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Feb. 28, 2013

Feb. 29, 2012

Feb. 28, 2013

Feb. 29, 2012

31-May-12

Apr. 30, 2012

Nov. 30, 2012

31-May-12

Feb. 28, 2013

Apr. 30, 2012

31-May-12

Apr. 30, 2012

31-May-12

Conversion option, Kemrock 5.5% bonds

Conversion option, Kemrock 5.5% bonds

Conversion option, Kemrock 5.5% bonds

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Minimum

Minimum

Conversion option, Kemrock 5.5% bonds

Conversion option, Kemrock 5.5% bonds

Conversion option, Kemrock 5.5% bonds

Conversion option, Kemrock 5.5% bonds

Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Available-for-sale securities, current

$43.80

'

$43.80

'

$30.50

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Available-for-sale securities, long-term

73.9

'

73.9

'

89.6

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Investment in affiliate

'

'

'

'

'

22.7

'

22.7

'

'

'

'

'

Investment in affiliate, interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

5.50%

5.50%

5.50%

'

'

'

'

'

Debt securities, conversion date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

12-Jun-17

12-Jun-17

4-Jun-12

4-Jun-12

Reclassification of other current assets into long-term assets

62.3

'

62.3

'

76

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross gains realized on sales of investments

3.1

0.3

8.1

4.1

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross losses realized on sales of investments

0.2

0.1

0.6

4.8

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Losses recognized for securities deemed to have other-than-temporary impairments

$0

$0.10

$0.60

$0.80

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Investments with unrealized loss, percentage of fair values less than original cost

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15.00%

'

'

'

'

Summary_of_Securities_in_Unrea

Summary of Securities in Unrealized Loss Position and Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Aggregated by Length of Time Investments (Detail) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2013	31-May-12
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Total investments with unrealized losses, fair value	$45,700	$43,772
Unrealized losses with a loss position for less than 12 months, fair value	44,848	42,114
Unrealized losses with a loss position for more than 12 months, fair value	852	1,658
Total investments with unrealized losses, gross unrealized losses	-3,562	-3,078
Unrealized losses with a loss position for less than 12 months, gross unrealized losses	-3,357	-2,596
Unrealized losses with a loss position for more than 12 months, gross unrealized losses	($205)	($482)

Net_Carrying_Values_of_Debt_Se

Net Carrying Values of Debt Securities by Contractual Maturity (Detail) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Available-for-Sale Securities, amortized cost	'
Less than one year, amortized cost	$2,073
One year through five years, amortized cost	28,532
Six years through ten years, amortized cost	4,559
After ten years, amortized cost	1,811
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis, Total	36,975
Available-for-Sale Securities, fair value	'
Less than one year, fair value	2,088
One year through five years, fair value	26,048
Six years through ten years, fair value	4,690
After ten years, fair value	2,035
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities, Total	$34,861

Assets_and_Liabilities_Measure

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis and Categorized using Fair Value Hierarchy (Detail) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring, USD $)	Feb. 28, 2013	31-May-12
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets (liabilities) at fair value	$98,072	$125,645
U.S. Treasury and other government	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets measured at fair value on recurring basis	21,038	19,865
Foreign bonds	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets measured at fair value on recurring basis	42	39
Mortgage-backed securities	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets measured at fair value on recurring basis	174	344
Corporate bonds	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets measured at fair value on recurring basis	1,996	2,649
Stocks | Foreign	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets measured at fair value on recurring basis	1,375	1,095
Stocks | Domestic	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets measured at fair value on recurring basis	32,097	26,110
Mutual funds | Foreign	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets measured at fair value on recurring basis	24,927	17,074
Mutual funds | Domestic	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets measured at fair value on recurring basis	24,409	39,283
Foreign currency forward contract	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Foreign currency contracts, fair value of liability	-8,648	-1,356
Cross-currency swap	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Foreign currency contracts, fair value of liability	-10,949	-2,159
Investment in Kemrock convertible debt	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets measured at fair value on recurring basis	11,611	13,670
Conversion option, Kemrock 5.5% bonds	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets measured at fair value on recurring basis	'	9,031
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets (liabilities) at fair value	33,472	27,205
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Stocks | Foreign	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets measured at fair value on recurring basis	1,375	1,095
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Stocks | Domestic	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets measured at fair value on recurring basis	32,097	26,110
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets (liabilities) at fair value	64,600	89,409
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | U.S. Treasury and other government	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets measured at fair value on recurring basis	21,038	19,865
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Foreign bonds	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets measured at fair value on recurring basis	42	39
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Mortgage-backed securities	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets measured at fair value on recurring basis	174	344
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Corporate bonds	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets measured at fair value on recurring basis	1,996	2,649
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Mutual funds | Foreign	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets measured at fair value on recurring basis	24,927	17,074
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Mutual funds | Domestic	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets measured at fair value on recurring basis	24,409	39,283
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Foreign currency forward contract	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Foreign currency contracts, fair value of liability	-8,648	-1,356
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Cross-currency swap	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Foreign currency contracts, fair value of liability	-10,949	-2,159
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Investment in Kemrock convertible debt	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets measured at fair value on recurring basis	11,611	13,670
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets (liabilities) at fair value	'	9,031
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Conversion option, Kemrock 5.5% bonds	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets measured at fair value on recurring basis	'	$9,031

Assets_and_Liabilities_Measure1

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis and Categorized using Fair Value Hierarchy (Parenthetical) (Detail) (Conversion option, Kemrock 5.5% bonds)	1 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2012	Nov. 30, 2012	31-May-12
Conversion option, Kemrock 5.5% bonds	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Investment in affiliate, interest rate	5.50%	5.50%	5.50%

Fair_Value_Measurements_Additi

Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail)

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

Nov. 30, 2012

Aug. 31, 2012

Nov. 30, 2012

Feb. 28, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

Nov. 30, 2012

31-May-12

Apr. 30, 2012

Nov. 30, 2012

31-May-12

Feb. 28, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

31-May-12

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

EUR (€)

INR

INR

INR

Conversion option, Kemrock 5.5% bonds

Conversion option, Kemrock 5.5% bonds

Conversion option, Kemrock 5.5% bonds

Unsecured Senior Notes

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring

Cross-currency swap

Cross-currency swap

USD ($)

USD ($)

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Foreign currency contracts, fair value of liability

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$10,949,000

$2,159,000

Debt, interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6.70%

'

'

Debt, due date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1-Nov-15

'

'

Effective euro fixed-rate borrowing

'

'

'

5.31%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Notional principal amount of cross-currency swap

'

'

'

150,000,000

125,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loss on Kemrock conversion option

($800,000)

($8,200,000)

($9,000,000)

($9,030,000)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Investment in affiliate, interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.50%

5.50%

5.50%

'

'

'

Kemrock common stock market value per share

'

'

'

'

'

52.9

56.7

531

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair_Value_and_Carrying_Value_

Fair Value and Carrying Value of Financial Instruments and Long-Term Debt (Detail) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2013	31-May-12	Feb. 29, 2012	31-May-11
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents, carrying value	$247,104	$315,968	$272,178	$435,011
Marketable equity securities, carrying value	82,808	83,562	'	'
Marketable debt securities, carrying value	34,861	36,567	'	'
Long-term debt, including current portion, carrying value	1,395,938	1,115,536	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents, fair value	247,104	315,968	'	'
Marketable securities, fair value	117,669	120,129	'	'
Long-term debt, including current portion, fair value	1,541,185	1,232,180	'	'
Equity securities	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Marketable securities, fair value	82,808	83,562	'	'
Fixed maturity	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Marketable securities, fair value	$34,861	$36,567	'	'

Reorganization_Proceedings_of_1

Reorganization Proceedings of Certain Subsidiaries - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	31-May-10	31-May-08	31-May-08	30-May-10	31-May-06
			Subsidiaries	Subsidiaries	Subsidiaries
Reorganization [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Asbestos-related products liability claims paid	$92.60	'	'	'	'
Asbestos-related products liability, defense-related payments	42.6	'	'	'	'
Accrued liability for asbestos	'	'	559.7	397.7	421.3
Asbestos liability, term	'	'10 years	'	'	'
Increase in Asbestos liability	'	'	$288.10	'	'

Changes_in_Accrued_Warranty_Ba

Changes in Accrued Warranty Balances (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2013		Feb. 29, 2012		Feb. 28, 2013		Feb. 29, 2012
Product Liability Contingency [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Beginning Balance	$15,138		$16,330		$14,751		$17,196
Deductions	-4,908	[1]	-4,497	[1]	-12,895	[1]	-13,402	[1]
Provision charged to SG&A expense	3,407		3,295		11,781		11,334
Ending Balance	$13,637		$15,128		$13,637		$15,128
[1]	Primarily claims paid during the year.

Contingencies_and_Other_Accrue2

Contingencies and Other Accrued Losses - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2013		Nov. 30, 2012	Feb. 28, 2013
Schedule Of Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]	'		'	'
Estimated Loss Contingency	$40,502,000	[1]	$28,300,000	$68,846,000
Accrued contingencies	$68,800,000		'	$68,800,000
[1]	Restated

Investment_Income_Expense_Net_1

Investment (Income) Expense, Net (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2013		Feb. 29, 2012	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 29, 2012
Component of Other Income, Nonoperating [Line Items]	'		'	'	'
Interest (income)	($2,179)		($1,360)	($6,039)	($3,593)
(Gain) loss on sale of marketable securities	-2,926		-175	-7,518	717
Other-than-temporary impairment on securities	44		38	608	787
Dividend (income)	-1,256		-693	-1,706	-1,170
Investment (income) expense, net	($6,317)	[1]	($2,190)	($14,655)	($3,259)
[1]	Restated

Other_Expense_Income_Net_Detai

Other Expense (Income), Net (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012	Aug. 31, 2012	Feb. 29, 2012	Nov. 30, 2012	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 29, 2012
Component of Other Income, Nonoperating [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Royalty (income), net	($848)	'	'	($438)	'	($1,574)	($1,175)
Loss on Brazil operational repositioning	6,087	'	'	'	'	6,087	'
Loss on Kemrock conversion option	'	800	8,200	'	9,000	9,030	'
(Income) loss related to unconsolidated equity affiliates	-525	'	'	-961	'	40,287	-7,194
Other expense (income), net	$4,714	'	'	($1,399)	'	$53,830	($8,369)

Other_Expense_Income_Net_Addit

Other Expense (Income), Net - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Feb. 28, 2013

Nov. 30, 2012

Aug. 31, 2012

Nov. 30, 2012

Feb. 28, 2013

Apr. 30, 2012

Nov. 30, 2012

31-May-12

Feb. 28, 2013

31-May-12

31-May-11

31-May-12

Conversion option, Kemrock 5.5% bonds

Conversion option, Kemrock 5.5% bonds

Conversion option, Kemrock 5.5% bonds

Kemrock Industries and Exports Limited

Kemrock Industries and Exports Limited

Kemrock Industries and Exports Limited

Kemrock global depository receipts

Component of Other Income, Nonoperating [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acquisition of equity method investment, shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

870,000

3,200,000

693,072

Equity method investment, carrying value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0

$42,200,000

$24,200,000

'

Equity method investment, ownership percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

23.00%

18.00%

'

Purchase of global depository receipt, value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,200,000

Investment in affiliate

'

'

'

'

'

22,700,000

'

22,700,000

'

'

'

'

Investment in affiliate, interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

5.50%

5.50%

5.50%

'

'

'

'

Impairment loss on equity method investment

'

-10,100,000

-32,100,000

-42,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loss on Kemrock conversion option

'

-800,000

-8,200,000

-9,000,000

-9,030,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loss on Brazil operational repositioning

$6,087,000

'

'

'

$6,087,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 29, 2012	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 29, 2012
Income Tax [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Effective income tax rate	29.80%	30.70%	48.00%	29.60%
Unrecognized tax benefits	$8.80	'	$8.80	'
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate, if recognized	8	'	8	'
Accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits	5.5	'	5.5	'
Reserve for uncertain tax positions, current	$2.20	'	$2.20	'

RetirementRelated_Benefit_Plan

Retirement-Related Benefit Plans' Impact on Income Before Income Taxes (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 29, 2012	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 29, 2012
Pension Benefits, U.S. Plans	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	$6,488	$4,976	$19,464	$14,929
Interest cost	4,060	3,826	12,180	11,480
Expected return on plan assets	-4,358	-4,354	-13,074	-13,062
Amortization of:	'	'	'	'
Prior service (credit)	87	88	261	264
Net actuarial (gains) losses recognized	4,222	2,127	12,666	6,382
Net Periodic Benefit Cost	10,499	6,663	31,497	19,993
Pension Benefits, Non-U.S. Plans	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	1,050	965	3,150	2,896
Interest cost	1,769	2,040	5,307	6,121
Expected return on plan assets	-1,846	-2,036	-5,538	-6,109
Amortization of:	'	'	'	'
Prior service (credit)	2	2	6	8
Net actuarial (gains) losses recognized	692	560	2,076	1,679
Net Periodic Benefit Cost	1,667	1,531	5,001	4,595
Postretirement Benefits, U.S. Plans	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Interest cost	88	104	264	312
Amortization of:	'	'	'	'
Prior service (credit)	-22	-22	-66	-65
Net actuarial (gains) losses recognized	4	-14	12	-43
Net Periodic Benefit Cost	70	68	210	204
Postretirement Benefits, Non-U.S. Plans	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	288	192	864	576
Interest cost	289	250	867	749
Amortization of:	'	'	'	'
Net actuarial (gains) losses recognized	114	18	342	55
Net Periodic Benefit Cost	$691	$460	$2,073	$1,380

Pension_Plans_Additional_Infor

Pension Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012	31-May-12
Pension Benefits, U.S. Plans	'	'	'
Schedule of Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Expected Benefit Payments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Contribution to retirement plans in current fiscal year	$24.50	$24.50	$29.90
Reduction in contribution to retirement plans in current fiscal year	5.4	5.4	'
Pension Benefits, Non-U.S. Plans	'	'	'
Schedule of Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Expected Benefit Payments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Contribution to retirement plans in current fiscal year	'	'	$8.30

Reconciliation_of_Numerator_an

Reconciliation of Numerator and Denominator of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share, Calculated using Two-Class Method (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2013		Feb. 29, 2012		Feb. 28, 2013		Feb. 29, 2012
Numerator for earnings per share:	'		'		'		'
Net income attributable to RPM International Inc. stockholders	($24,364)	[1]	$6,625		$33,225		$133,367
Less: Allocation of earnings and dividends to participating securities	'		'		-510		-2,441
Net income available to common shareholders - basic	-24,364	[1]	6,625		32,715		130,926
Add: Undistributed earnings reallocated to unvested shareholders	'		'		-8		4
Net income available to common shareholders - diluted	($24,364)	[1]	$6,625		$32,707		$130,930
Denominator for basic and diluted earnings per share:	'		'		'		'
Basic weighted average common shares	129,013	[1],[2]	128,121	[2]	128,900	[2]	128,072	[2]
Average diluted options	'		2,256		822		555
Net issuable common share equivalents	'	[1]	'		'		'
Total shares for diluted earnings per share	129,013	[1],[3]	130,377	[3]	129,722	[3]	128,627	[3]
Earnings (loss) Per Share of Common Stock Attributable to RPM International Inc. Stockholders:	'		'		'		'
Basic Earnings Per Share of Common Stock	($0.19)	[1]	$0.05		$0.25		$1.02
Diluted Earnings Per Share of Common Stock	($0.19)	[1]	$0.05		$0.25		$1.02
[1]	Restated
[2]	For the three month period ended February 28, 2013, basic weighted-average shares outstanding are used in calculating diluted earnings per share as a result of the reported loss for the period. For the three month period ended February 29, 2012, approximately 2,811,000 shares of stock granted under stock-based compensation plans were excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS, as the effect would have been anti-dilutive.
[3]	For the nine month periods ended February 28, 2013 and February 29, 2012, approximately 3,063,000 shares and 2,618,000 shares of stock, respectively, granted under stock-based compensation plans were excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS for those periods, as the effect would have been anti-dilutive.

Reconciliation_of_Numerator_an1

Reconciliation of Numerator and Denominator of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share, Calculated using Two-Class Method (Parenthetical) (Detail)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2012	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 29, 2012
Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation plans, excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share, anti-dilutive shares of stock	2,811,000	3,063,000	2,618,000

Segment_Information_Additional

Segment Information - Additional Information (Detail)	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2013
	Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'
Number of reportable segments	2
Number of operating segments	6

Results_of_Reportable_Segments

Results of Reportable Segments (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2013		Feb. 29, 2012	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 29, 2012	31-May-12
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'	'	'	'
Net Sales	$843,736	[1]	$773,643	$2,907,876	$2,675,646	'
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes	-34,479	[1]	11,436	80,281	206,310	'
Total Assets	3,922,921		'	3,922,921	'	3,561,813
Industrial Segment	'		'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'	'	'	'
Net Sales	532,336	[1]	501,925	1,926,747	1,810,479	'
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes	-40,299	[1]	20,422	81,156	189,192	'
Total Assets	2,215,072		'	2,215,072	'	2,195,702
Consumer Segment	'		'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'	'	'	'
Net Sales	311,400	[1]	271,718	981,129	865,167	'
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes	34,720	[1]	21,531	132,069	99,796	'
Total Assets	1,537,454		'	1,537,454	'	1,184,609
Corporate/Other	'		'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'	'	'	'
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes	-28,900	[1]	-30,517	-132,944	-82,678	'
Total Assets	$170,395		'	$170,395	'	$181,502
[1]	Restated

Stock_Repurchase_Program_Addit

Stock Repurchase Program - Additional Information (Detail)	Feb. 28, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Minimum	'
Stock Repurchase Programs [Line Items]	'
Shares authorized to be repurchased, per year	1
Maximum	'
Stock Repurchase Programs [Line Items]	'
Shares authorized to be repurchased, per year	2

Components_of_Total_Equity_and

Components of Total Equity and Comprehensive Income (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2013		Feb. 29, 2012	Feb. 28, 2013		Feb. 29, 2012
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]	'		'	'		'
Total equity, beginning of period	$1,374,550	[1]	$1,388,027	$1,313,983		$1,387,368
Net income (loss)	-24,200	[1]	7,924	41,762		145,183
Other Comprehensive Income:	'		'	'		'
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments	-19,938	[1]	22,257	17,256		-51,160
Pension and other postretirement benefit liability adjustments, net of tax	5,278	[1]	871	9,862		6,270
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities, net of tax	-712	[1]	2,474	1,012		-8,498
Unrealized (loss) on derivatives, net of tax	328	[1]	-793	-229		-4,665
Total Other Comprehensive Income, net of tax	-15,044	[1]	24,809	27,901		-58,053
Total Comprehensive Income	-39,244	[1]	32,733	69,663		87,130
Dividends paid	-29,778	[1]	-28,251	-87,832		-83,871
Other noncontrolling interest activity	-152	[1]	1,118	157		-875
Shares repurchased	-1,235	[1]	'	-2,329		-3,008
Stock option exercises, net	1,384	[1]	2,970	3,749		6,151
Stock based compensation expense	583	[1]	3,182	1,794		9,874
Restricted awards, net	3,637	[1]	-575	10,560		-3,565
Total Equity, end of period	1,309,745	[1]	1,399,204	1,309,745	[1]	1,399,204
Total RPM International Inc. Equity	'		'	'		'
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]	'		'	'		'
Total equity, beginning of period	1,224,960	[1]	1,255,094	1,183,656		1,263,164
Net income (loss)	-24,364	[1]	6,625	33,225		133,367
Other Comprehensive Income:	'		'	'		'
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments	-19,401	[1]	24,083	5,604		-45,821
Pension and other postretirement benefit liability adjustments, net of tax	4,736	[1]	983	9,512		5,823
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities, net of tax	-1,626	[1]	3,592	1,064		-9,374
Unrealized (loss) on derivatives, net of tax	238	[1]	-623	-178		-3,667
Total Other Comprehensive Income, net of tax	-16,053	[1]	28,035	16,002		-53,039
Total Comprehensive Income	-40,417	[1]	34,660	49,227		80,328
Dividends paid	-29,778	[1]	-28,251	-87,832		-83,871
Other noncontrolling interest activity	-152	[1]	1,118	157		-875
Shares repurchased	-1,235	[1]	'	-2,329		-3,008
Stock option exercises, net	1,384	[1]	2,970	3,749		6,151
Stock based compensation expense	583	[1]	3,182	1,794		9,874
Restricted awards, net	3,637	[1]	-575	10,560		-3,565
Total Equity, end of period	1,158,982	[1]	1,268,198	1,158,982	[1]	1,268,198
Noncontrolling Interest	'		'	'		'
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]	'		'	'		'
Total equity, beginning of period	149,590		132,933	130,327		124,204
Net income (loss)	164		1,299	8,537		11,816
Other Comprehensive Income:	'		'	'		'
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments	-537		-1,826	11,652		-5,339
Pension and other postretirement benefit liability adjustments, net of tax	542		-112	350		447
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities, net of tax	914		-1,118	-52		876
Unrealized (loss) on derivatives, net of tax	90		-170	-51		-998
Total Other Comprehensive Income, net of tax	1,009		-3,226	11,899		-5,014
Total Comprehensive Income	1,173		-1,927	20,436		6,802
Total Equity, end of period	$150,763		$131,006	$150,763		$131,006
[1]	Restated

Recently_Completed_Acquisition1

Recently Completed Acquisitions - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2012	Feb. 28, 2013	31-May-12	Sep. 05, 2012	Sep. 21, 2012	Nov. 30, 2012
	Entity			Kirker Enterprises, Inc.	Synta, Inc.	Kirker Enterprises And Synta, Inc
				Minimum	Minimum
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Expected annual sales	'	'	'	$100,000,000	$40,000,000	'
Number of acquisition completed	2	'	'	'	'	'
Business acquisition, preliminary fair value of goodwill	'	1,116,967,000	849,346,000	'	'	160,900,000
Business acquisition, preliminary fair value of other intangible assets	'	'	'	'	'	103,300,000
Business acquisition, preliminary fair value of contingent consideration	'	'	'	'	'	$63,500,000

Debt_Additional_Information_De

Debt - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Short-term Obligations Expected to be Refinanced	$200
Revolving Credit Facility	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	$600
Line of credit facility, maturity period	'5 years