RPM International (RPM) 10-Q 7 Jan 15 2015 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014	Jan. 05, 2015
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	30-Nov-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Trading Symbol	RPM
Entity Registrant Name	RPM INTERNATIONAL INC/DE/
Entity Central Index Key	110621
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-26
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		133,747,385

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Nov. 30, 2014	31-May-14
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$296,527	$332,868
Trade accounts receivable (less allowances of $26,605 and $27,641, respectively)	806,773	873,946
Inventories	637,932	613,644
Deferred income taxes	20,280	22,281
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	198,301	219,556
Total current assets	1,959,813	2,062,295
Property, Plant and Equipment, at Cost	1,172,307	1,191,676
Allowance for depreciation and amortization	-662,329	-658,871
Property, plant and equipment, net	509,978	532,805
Other Assets
Goodwill	1,118,444	1,147,374
Other intangible assets, net of amortization	441,556	459,536
Deferred income taxes, non-current	7,582	7,943
Other	159,880	168,412
Total other assets	1,727,462	1,783,265
Total Assets	4,197,253	4,378,365
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable	379,874	525,680
Current portion of long-term debt	151,358	5,662
Accrued compensation and benefits	111,032	173,846
Accrued loss reserves	18,537	27,487
Other accrued liabilities	208,701	204,411
Total current liabilities	869,502	937,086
Long-Term Liabilities
Long-term debt, less current maturities	1,275,875	1,345,965
Other long-term liabilities	411,922	466,659
Deferred income taxes	48,476	50,061
Total long-term liabilities	1,736,273	1,862,685
Stockholders' Equity
Preferred stock, par value $0.01; authorized 50,000 shares; none issued	0	0
Common stock, par value $0.01; authorized 300,000 shares; issued 138,725 and outstanding 133,748 as of November 2014; issued 138,039 and outstanding 133,273 as of May 2014	1,337	1,333
Paid-in capital	806,898	790,102
Treasury stock, at cost	-94,354	-85,400
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)	-259,267	-156,882
Retained earnings	935,773	833,691
Total RPM International Inc. stockholders' equity	1,390,387	1,382,844
Noncontrolling Interest	201,091	195,750
Total equity	1,591,478	1,578,594
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	$4,197,253	$4,378,365

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Nov. 30, 2014	31-May-14
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Trade accounts receivable, allowances	$26,605	$27,641
Preferred stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, authorized	50,000	50,000
Preferred stock, issued	0	0
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, authorized	300,000	300,000
Common stock, issued	138,725	138,039
Common stock, outstanding	133,748	133,273

Consolidated_Statements_of_Inc

Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014		Nov. 30, 2013		Nov. 30, 2014		Nov. 30, 2013
Net Sales	$1,071,128		$1,071,487		$2,275,024		$2,236,161
Cost of Sales	617,185		613,542		1,312,688		1,279,144
Gross Profit	453,943		457,945		962,336		957,017
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses	334,889		343,048		681,414		678,507
Interest Expense	19,404		20,809		38,819		41,534
Investment (Income), Net	-5,058		-2,005		-8,861		-5,899
Other (Income), Net	-1,042		-1,491		-2,864		-1,925
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes	105,750		97,584		253,828		244,800
Provision for Income Taxes	31,894		29,170		75,133		69,497
Net Income	73,856		68,414		178,695		175,303
Less: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	4,090		4,852		9,850		8,643
Net Income Attributable to RPM International Inc. Stockholders	$69,766		$63,562		$168,845		$166,660
Average Number of Shares of Common Stock Outstanding:
Basic	130,028		129,426		130,061		129,385
Diluted	134,966	[1],[2]	130,418	[1],[2]	135,000	[1],[2]	130,359	[1],[2]
Earnings per Share of Common Stock Attributable to RPM International Inc. Stockholders:
Basic	$0.52		$0.48		$1.27		$1.26
Diluted	$0.52		$0.48		$1.24		$1.25
Cash Dividends Declared per Share of Common Stock	$0.26		$0.24		$0.50		$0.47
[1]	For the three month periods ended November 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, approximately 3.2 million shares and 3.1 million 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 six month periods ended November 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, approximately 3.0 million shares and 2.9 million 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.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013
Net Income	$73,856	$68,414	$178,695	$175,303
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-91,222	24,205	-112,488	10,791
Pension and other postretirement benefit liability adjustments (net of tax of $2,573; $1,379; $4,165; $2,811, respectively)	4,985	2,211	7,914	5,135
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities (net of tax of $(1,276); $2,882; $(1,155); $2,062, respectively)	-2,567	6,401	-2,491	4,962
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives (net of tax of $75; $(324); $33 and $(278), respectively)	283	-994	217	-885
Total other comprehensive (loss) income	-88,521	31,823	-106,848	20,003
Total Comprehensive (Loss) Income	-14,665	100,237	71,847	195,306
Less: Comprehensive Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	3,008	9,507	5,388	17,134
Comprehensive (Loss) Income Attributable to RPM International Inc. Stockholders	($17,673)	$90,730	$66,459	$178,172

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com1

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Liability Adjustments, Tax	$2,573	$1,379	$4,165	$2,811
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities, Tax	-1,276	2,882	-1,155	2,062
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives, Tax Benefit	$75	($324)	$33	($278)

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
Net Income	$178,695	$175,303
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	30,132	29,128
Amortization	16,015	15,776
Reversal of contingent consideration obligations	-18,080
Deferred income taxes	2,170	-8,500
Stock-based compensation expense	15,706	9,622
Other	-1,222	-1,229
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effect from purchases and sales of businesses:
Decrease in receivables	44,564	21,971
(Increase) in inventory	-41,392	-44,020
Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other current and long-term assets	1,306	-750
(Decrease) in accounts payable	-133,960	-111,598
(Decrease) in accrued compensation and benefits	-57,837	-28,152
(Decrease) in accrued loss reserves	-8,471	-5,488
Increase in other accrued liabilities	37,229	38,304
(Decrease) in contingent payment		-61,894
Other	-9,599	-6,641
Cash Provided By Operating Activities	55,256	21,832
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures	-26,498	-34,603
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	-33,355	-20,827
Purchase of marketable securities	-14,308	-33,770
Proceeds from sales of marketable securities	19,205	19,672
Other	6,515	1,546
Cash (Used For) Investing Activities	-48,441	-67,982
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Additions to long-term and short-term debt	83,312	2,776
Reductions of long-term and short-term debt	-6,501	-6,071
Cash dividends	-66,763	-61,796
Repurchase of stock	-8,954	-7,877
Payments of acquisition-related contingent consideration	-24,750	-5,000
Other	1,048	3,670
Cash (Used For) Financing Activities	-22,608	-74,298
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents	-20,548	1,066
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents	-36,341	-119,382
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period	332,868	343,554
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	$296,527	$224,172

Consolidation_Noncontrolling_I

Consolidation, Noncontrolling Interests and Basis of Presentation	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
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 2). 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 six month periods ended November 30, 2014 and 2013. 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, 2014.
	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).

Specialty_Products_Holding_Cor

Specialty Products Holding Corp. ("SPHC")	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
Specialty Products Holding Corp. ("SPHC")	NOTE 2 — SPECIALTY PRODUCTS HOLDING CORP. (“SPHC”)
	Deconsolidation
	Prior to May 31, 2010, Bondex International, Inc. (“Bondex”) and its parent, SPHC, were defendants in various asbestos-related bodily injury lawsuits filed in various state courts. These cases generally sought unspecified damages for asbestos-related diseases based on alleged exposures to asbestos-containing products.
	On May 31, 2010, Bondex and SPHC, filed voluntary petitions in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (the “Bankruptcy Court”) to reorganize under chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. SPHC and Bondex took this action in an effort to permanently and comprehensively resolve all pending and future asbestos-related liability claims associated with Bondex and SPHC.
	SPHC is our wholly owned subsidiary. In accordance with 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. As a result of the chapter 11 reorganization proceedings, we have accounted 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 fiscal 2012, one of the appeal bonds was satisfied, and during fiscal 2013, the remaining appeal bond was satisfied. 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 collectability 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 November 30, 2014.
	Reorganization Proceedings of Certain Subsidiaries
	As discussed above, on May 31, 2010, Bondex and SPHC, filed voluntary petitions in the Bankruptcy Court to reorganize under chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. Similarly, Republic Powdered Metals, Inc. (“Republic”) and NMBFiL, Inc. (“NMBFiL”), both of which are indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries of RPM International Inc. (“RPM”), filed to reorganize under chapter 11 Bankruptcy Code in August 2014 to resolve all their pending and future asbestos-related liability claims. Both Republic and NMBFiL remained consolidated subsidiaries of RPM, considering the short-term nature of the bankruptcy and that RPM maintained control of them from a participating rights perspective.
	On July 26, 2014, RPM, Bondex, SPHC, Republic and NMBFiL entered into settlement term sheets (the “Term Sheets”) with the representatives of current and future asbestos claimants (the “asbestos claimants”) setting forth the parties’ agreement in principal to resolve all present and future asbestos personal injury claims related to Bondex, SPHC, Republic and NMBFiL. The Term Sheets contemplated the filing of a plan or plans of reorganization with the Bankruptcy Court (the “Bankruptcy Plan”), which filing occurred on September 26, 2014. The Bankruptcy Plan was subject to approval of the asbestos claimants as well as the Bankruptcy Court and the U.S. District Court in Delaware.
	Subsequent to the end of the current fiscal quarter, the Bankruptcy Plan was confirmed on December 10, 2014 and, effective as of December 23, 2014 (the “Effective Date”), Bondex, SPHC, Republic and NMBFiL emerged from bankruptcy. In accordance with the Bankruptcy Plan, trusts were established under Section 524(g) of the United States Bankruptcy Code (together, the “Trust”) and funded with first installments. Pursuant to the Bankruptcy Plan, the Trust assumed all liability and responsibility for current and future asbestos personal injury claims of Bondex, SPHC, Republic and NMBFiL and such entities will have no further liability or responsibility for, and will (along with affiliates) be permanently protected from such asbestos claims.
	The Trust was funded with $450 million in cash and three promissory notes, bearing no interest and maturing on or before the fourth anniversary of the Effective Date (the “Bankruptcy Notes”). A portion of the payments due under the Bankruptcy Notes is secured by a right to the equity of Bondex and the other chapter 11 debtor entities. The Bankruptcy Plan provides for the following contributions to the Trust:
		•		On or before the second anniversary of the Effective Date, an additional $102.5 million in cash, RPM stock or a combination thereof (at our discretion in this and all subsequent cases) will be deposited into the Trust;
		•		On or before the third anniversary of the Effective Date, an additional $120 million in cash, RPM stock or a combination thereof will be deposited into the Trust; and
		•		On or before the fourth anniversary of the Effective Date, a final payment of $125 million in cash, RPM stock or a combination thereof will be deposited into the Trust.
	At November 30, 2014, no amounts were accrued for the funding of the Trust, as the Bankruptcy Plan was subject to the approval of the claimants, as well as the Bankruptcy Court and the U.S. District Court. Effective with the filing of the Notice of Entry of Order confirming the Bankruptcy Plan, which required the funding of the Trust, we regained control of SPHC and its subsidiaries, and accordingly, will account for the event as a business combination. As such, financial results of SPHC’s operating subsidiaries, which have not been included in our financial reports since the bankruptcy filing, will be reconsolidated with our results for most of the second half of fiscal 2015 forward.
	Further, as a result of the confirmation of the Bankruptcy Plan on December 10, 2014, which provided for additional future contributions to the Trust of $347.5 million, we reassessed our permanent investment assertion under ASC 740-30 regarding a portion of our unremitted foreign earnings, which were previously considered to be indefinitely reinvested outside the U.S. More specifically, in the third quarter of this fiscal year, we concluded that it is possible that $347.5 million of unremitted foreign earnings could be repatriated to the U.S. in the foreseeable future to fund the aforementioned Trust contributions. Consistent with ASC 740-30, a provision for deferred income taxes for the full estimated U.S. tax cost, net of related foreign tax credits, associated with remitting these earnings back to the U.S. will be required. Our preliminary estimate of the deferred income tax liability associated with these future repatriations, which will be recognized in total in the third quarter of this fiscal year, is in the range of $100.0 million to $110.0 million.
	The net impact of the items discussed above, and any potential gain or loss associated with the reconsolidation, will be finalized and reported with our results for our fiscal third quarter ending February 28, 2015.

New_Accounting_Pronouncements

New Accounting Pronouncements	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
New Accounting Pronouncements	NOTE 3 — NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” which establishes a comprehensive revenue recognition standard for virtually all industries in U.S. GAAP. The new standard will apply for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods therein. Early adoption is prohibited. We have not yet determined the effects, if any, adoption of this pronouncement may have on our consolidated financial statements.

Investment_Income_Net

Investment (Income), Net	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
Investment (Income), Net	NOTE 4 — INVESTMENT (INCOME), NET
	Investment (income), net, consists of the following components:
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		November 30,						November 30,
	(In thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Interest (income)	$	(1,601	)	$	(1,641	)	$	(3,005	)	$	(3,144	)
	(Gain) on sale of marketable securities		(3,204	)		(227	)		(5,320	)		(2,424	)
	Other-than-temporary impairment on securities		—			111			—			162
	Dividend (income)		(253	)		(248	)		(536	)		(493	)
	Investment (income), net	$	(5,058	)	$	(2,005	)	$	(8,861	)	$	(5,899	)

Other_Income_Net

Other (Income), Net	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
Other (Income), Net	NOTE 5 — OTHER (INCOME), NET
	Other (income), net, consists of the following components:
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		November 30,						November 30,
	(In thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Royalty (income) expense, net	$	(378	)	$	(709	)	$	(1,595	)	$	(391	)
	(Income) related to unconsolidated equity affiliates		(664	)		(782	)		(1,269	)		(1,534	)
	Other (income), net	$	(1,042	)	$	(1,491	)	$	(2,864	)	$	(1,925	)

Pension_Plans

Pension Plans	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
Pension Plans	NOTE 6 — 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 six month periods ended November 30, 2014 and 2013:
		U.S. Plans						Non-U.S. Plans
		Three Months Ended						Three Months Ended
		November 30,						November 30,
	Pension Benefits	2014			2013			2014			2013
	(In thousands)
	Service cost	$	7,564		$	6,764		$	1,231		$	1,109
	Interest cost		5,002			4,510			1,891			1,799
	Expected return on plan assets		(6,034	)		(5,191	)		(2,296	)		(2,096	)
	Amortization of:
	Prior service cost		74			84			10			1
	Net actuarial losses recognized		3,472			3,305			536			624
	Net Periodic Benefit Cost	$	10,078		$	9,472		$	1,372		$	1,437
		U.S. Plans						Non-U.S. Plans
		Three Months Ended						Three Months Ended
		November 30,						November 30,
	Postretirement Benefits	2014			2013			2014			2013
	(In thousands)
	Service cost	$	—		$	—		$	313		$	327
	Interest cost		66			81			308			317
	Amortization of:
	Prior service (credit)		(62	)		(22	)
	Net actuarial (gains) losses recognized		(34	)		(29	)		104			134
	Net Periodic Benefit Cost	$	(30	)	$	30		$	725		$	778
		U.S. Plans						Non-U.S. Plans
		Six Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		November 30,						November 30,
	Pension Benefits	2014			2013			2014			2013
	(In thousands)
	Service cost	$	15,128		$	13,528		$	2,462		$	2,218
	Interest cost		10,004			9,020			3,782			3,599
	Expected return on plan assets		(12,068	)		(10,381	)		(4,592	)		(4,191	)
	Amortization of:
	Prior service cost		148			167			20			2
	Net actuarial losses recognized		6,944			6,611			1,072			1,247
	Net Periodic Benefit Cost	$	20,156		$	18,945		$	2,744		$	2,875
		U.S. Plans						Non-U.S. Plans
		Six Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		November 30,						November 30,
	Postretirement Benefits	2014			2013			2014			2013
	(In thousands)
	Service cost	$	—		$	—		$	626		$	654
	Interest cost		132			162			616			634
	Amortization of:
	Prior service (credit)		(124	)		(44	)		—			—
	Net actuarial (gains) losses recognized		(68	)		(58	)		208			267
	Net Periodic Benefit Cost	$	(60	)	$	60		$	1,450		$	1,555
	We previously disclosed in our financial statements for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2014 that we expected to contribute approximately $53.1 million to our retirement plans in the U.S. and approximately $6.3 million to plans outside the U.S. during the current fiscal year. As of November 30, 2014, this has not changed.
	We have determined that our postretirement medical plan provides prescription drug benefits that will qualify for the federal subsidy provided by the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003. For all groups of retirees, we have assumed that the subsidy will continue indefinitely. However, effective January 1, 2014, we changed our retiree medical offering to a Medicare Advantage Plan. Under the Medicare Advantage Plan, any Part D subsidy belongs to the insurance carrier. Our results reflect this change.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
Income Taxes	NOTE 7 — INCOME TAXES
	The effective income tax expense rate was 30.2% for the three months ended November 30, 2014 compared to an effective income tax expense rate of 29.9% for the three months ended November 30, 2013. The effective income tax expense rate was 29.6% for the six months ended November 30, 2014 compared to an effective income tax expense rate of 28.4% for the same period a year ago.
	The effective tax rate for the three and six month periods ended November 30, 2014 reflects variances from the 35% federal statutory rate primarily due to the lower effective tax rate of certain of our foreign subsidiaries and the benefit of the domestic manufacturing deduction. These favorable variances from the statutory rate were partially offset by the impact of state and local income taxes.
	The effective tax rate for three and six month periods ended November 30, 2013 reflects variances from the 35% federal statutory rate primarily due to the lower effective tax rate of certain of our foreign subsidiaries and the benefit of the domestic manufacturing deduction. These favorable variances were partially offset by the impact of state and local income taxes and the net impact of valuation allowances associated with certain foreign net operating losses. Additionally, the effective tax rate for the six month period includes a discrete benefit related to the recognition of a foreign deferred income tax asset resulting from the merger of certain foreign subsidiaries. This one-time benefit was partially offset by the discrete impact of the enactment of a Canadian tax law change, Canada Bill C-48, Technical Tax Amendments Act, 2012, which was enacted on June 26, 2013.
	As of November 30, 2014 we had unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $14.8 million, of which approximately $14.1 million would impact the effective tax rate, if recognized. We recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized benefits in income tax expense. As of November 30, 2014 the accrual for interest and penalties was approximately $4.7 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 do not anticipate 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 states, local and foreign jurisdictions. The Internal Revenue Service is performing a limited scope examination of fiscal year 2012 and has informed us that they may perform a limited scope examination of fiscal year 2013. In addition, with limited exceptions, we, or our subsidiaries, are generally subject to state, local and non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for the fiscal years 2008 through 2014.
	We are currently under examination, or have been notified of a planned income tax examination, for various state, local and non-U.S. jurisdictions. Although it is possible that certain income tax examinations could be resolved during the next twelve months, the timing and outcomes are uncertain.
	As of November 30, 2014, 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 valuation allowances recorded at November 30, 2014 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, capital loss carryforwards, unrealized losses on securities, certain foreign net operating losses and net foreign deferred tax assets.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share	NOTE 8 — 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 three and six month periods ended November 30, 2014 and 2013:
			Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
			November 30,						November 30,
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Numerator for earnings per share:
	Net income attributable to RPM International Inc. stockholders		$	69,766		$	63,562		$	168,845		$	166,660
	Less: Allocation of earnings and dividends to participating securities			(1,602	)		(1,379	)		(3,673	)		(3,521	)
	Net income available to common shareholders — basic			68,164			62,183			165,172			163,139
	Add: Undistributed earnings reallocated to unvested shareholders			6			6			18			17
	Add: Income effect of contingently issuable shares			1,340						2,679
	Net income available to common shareholders — diluted		$	69,510		$	62,189		$	167,869		$	163,156
	Denominator for basic and diluted earnings per share:
	Basic weighted average common shares			130,028			129,426			130,061			129,385
	Average diluted options			1,063			992			1,064			974
	Additional shares issuable assuming conversion of convertible securities			3,875						3,875
	Total shares for diluted earnings per share (1), (2)			134,966			130,418			135,000			130,359
	Earnings Per Share of Common Stock Attributable to RPM International Inc. Stockholders:
	Basic Earnings Per Share of Common Stock		$	0.52		$	0.48		$	1.27		$	1.26
	Diluted Earnings Per Share of Common Stock		$	0.52		$	0.48		$	1.24		$	1.25
	-1	For the three month periods ended November 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, approximately 3.2 million shares and 3.1 million 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 six month periods ended November 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, approximately 3.0 million shares and 2.9 million 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.

Inventories

Inventories	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
Inventories	NOTE 9 — INVENTORIES
	Inventories were composed of the following major classes:
		November 30,		May 31,
		2014		2014
	(In thousands)
	Raw material and supplies	$	206,851	$	213,981
	Finished goods		431,081		399,663
	Total Inventory	$	637,932	$	613,644

Marketable_Securities

Marketable Securities	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
Marketable Securities	NOTE 10 — MARKETABLE SECURITIES
	The following tables summarize marketable securities held at November 30, 2014 and May 31, 2014 by asset type:
		Available-For-Sale Securities
	(In thousands)	Amortized		Gross			Gross			Fair Value
		Cost		Unrealized			Unrealized			(Net
				Gains			Losses			Carrying
										Amount)
	November 30, 2014
	Equity securities:
	Stocks — foreign	$	1,829	$	297		$	(27	)	$	2,099
	Stocks — domestic		27,810		7,751			(76	)		35,485
	Mutual funds — foreign		31,523		2,321			—			33,844
	Mutual funds — domestic		43,575		487			(1,578	)		42,484
	Total equity securities		104,737		10,856			(1,681	)		113,912
	Fixed maturity:
	U.S. treasury and other government		19,615		136			(231	)		19,520
	Corporate bonds		1,399		202			(4	)		1,597
	Foreign bonds		38		1			—			39
	Mortgage-backed securities		83		52			—			135
	Total fixed maturity securities		21,135		391			(235	)		21,291
	Total	$	125,872	$	11,247		$	(1,916	)	$	135,203
		Available-For-Sale Securities
	(In thousands)	Amortized		Gross			Gross			Fair Value
		Cost		Unrealized			Unrealized			(Net
				Gains			Losses			Carrying
										Amount)
	May 31, 2014
	Equity securities:
	Stocks — foreign	$	984	$	669		$	(20	)	$	1,633
	Stocks — domestic		31,071		8,965			(132	)		39,904
	Mutual funds — foreign		30,541		2,799			—			33,340
	Mutual funds — domestic		44,242		1,790			(1,109	)		44,923
	Total equity securities		106,838		14,223			(1,261	)		119,800
	Fixed maturity:
	U.S. treasury and other government		21,156		152			(164	)		21,144
	Corporate bonds		1,544		212			—			1,756
	Foreign bonds		37		3			—			40
	Mortgage-backed securities		85		55			—			140
	Total fixed maturity securities		22,822		422			(164	)		23,080
	Total	$	129,660	$	14,645		$	(1,425	)	$	142,880
	Marketable securities, included in other current and long-term assets totaling $67.0 million and $68.2 million at November 30, 2014, respectively, and included in other current and long-term assets totaling $71.9 million and $71.0 million at May 31, 2014, respectively, are composed of available-for-sale securities and are reported at fair value. 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.
	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 realized on sales of investments were $3.2 million and $0.2 million for the quarters ended November 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. During the three months ended November 30, 2013, we recognized losses of approximately $0.1 million for securities deemed to have other-than-temporary impairments, while we recognized no such losses during the second quarter of fiscal 2015. These amounts are included in investment (income), net in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
	Gross gains realized on sales of investments were $5.3 million and $2.4 million for the six months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. During the first half of fiscal 2014, we recognized losses of approximately $0.2 million for securities deemed to have other-than-temporary impairments, while we recognized no such losses during the first half of fiscal 2015.
	Summarized below are the securities we held at November 30, 2014 and May 31, 2014 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:
		November 30, 2014					May 31, 2014
	(In thousands)	Fair		Gross			Fair			Gross
		Value		Unrealized			Value			Unrealized
				Losses						Losses
	Total investments with unrealized losses	$	39,525	$	(1,916	)	$	35,465		$	(1,425	)
	Unrealized losses with a loss position for less than 12 months		10,036		(432	)		16,611			(845	)
	Unrealized losses with a loss position for more than 12 months		29,489		(1,484	)		18,854			(580	)
	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. The unrealized losses generally relate to investments whose fair values at November 30, 2014 were less than 15% below their original cost. From time to time, we may experience significant volatility in general economic and market conditions. If we were to experience unrealized losses that were to continue for longer periods of time, or arise to more significant levels of 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 November 30, 2014, 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	$	3,184	$	3,179
	One year through five years		13,923		13,826
	Six years through ten years		2,715		2,768
	After ten years		1,313		1,518
		$	21,135	$	21,291

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
Fair Value Measurements	NOTE 11 — 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			November 30, 2014
		for Identical		Observable			Inputs (Level 3)
		Assets (Level 1)		Inputs (Level 2)
	U.S. Treasury and other government	$	—	$	19,520		$	—		$	19,520
	Foreign bonds				39						39
	Mortgage-backed securities				135						135
	Corporate bonds				1,597						1,597
	Stocks — foreign		2,099								2,099
	Stocks — domestic		35,485								35,485
	Mutual funds — foreign				33,844						33,844
	Mutual funds — domestic				42,484						42,484
	Foreign currency forward contract				(2,877	)					(2,877	)
	Cross-currency swap				(4,538	)					(4,538	)
	Contingent consideration							(38,466	)		(38,466	)
	Total	$	37,584	$	90,204		$	(38,466	)	$	89,322
	(In thousands)	Quoted Prices in		Significant			Significant			Fair Value at
		Active Markets		Other			Unobservable			May 31, 2014
		for Identical		Observable			Inputs (Level 3)
		Assets (Level 1)		Inputs (Level 2)
	U.S. Treasury and other government	$	—	$	21,144		$	—		$	21,144
	Foreign bonds				40						40
	Mortgage-backed securities				140						140
	Corporate bonds				1,756						1,756
	Stocks — foreign		1,633								1,633
	Stocks — domestic		39,904								39,904
	Mutual funds — foreign				33,340						33,340
	Mutual funds — domestic				44,923						44,923
	Foreign currency forward contract				2,582						2,582
	Cross-currency swap				(19,550	)					(19,550	)
	Contingent consideration							(81,296	)		(81,296	)
	Total	$	41,537	$	84,375		$	(81,296	)	$	44,616
	Our marketable securities are primarily composed of available-for-sale securities, and are valued using a market approach. 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 $4.5 million at November 30, 2014, which 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 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 accrued liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	At November 30, 2014, we had a foreign currency forward contract with a fair value of approximately $2.8 million, which is classified in other accrued liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. At May 31, 2014, we had a foreign currency forward contract with a fair value of approximately $2.6 million, which is classified in other current assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Our foreign currency forward contract, which has not been designated as a hedge, was designed to reduce our exposure to the changes in the cash flows of intercompany foreign-currency-denominated loans related to changes in foreign currency exchange rates by fixing the functional currency cash flows. The foreign exchange rates included in the forward contract are based upon observable market data, but are not quoted market prices, and therefore, the forward currency forward contract is considered a Level 2 liability on the fair value hierarchy.
	The contingent consideration represents the estimated fair value of the additional variable cash consideration payable in connection with recent acquisitions that is contingent upon the achievement of certain performance milestones. We estimated the fair value using expected future cash flows over the period in which the obligation is expected to be settled, and applied a discount rate that appropriately captures a market participant’s view of the risk associated with the obligation, which are considered to be Level 3 inputs. During the first half of fiscal 2015, we reversed approximately $18.0 million for contingent earnout targets that were not met, or are not expected to be met, and we paid approximately $24.8 million for settlements of contingent consideration obligations relating to certain performance milestones that were established in prior periods and achieved during the current period. The reversals are reflected in SG&A in our 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 November 30, 2014 and May 31, 2014, 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 November 30, 2014 and May 31, 2014 are as follows:
		At November 30, 2014
	(In thousands)	Carrying Value		Fair Value
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	296,527	$	296,527
	Marketable equity securities		113,912		113,912
	Marketable debt securities		21,291		21,291
	Long-term debt, including current portion		1,427,233		1,564,972
		At May 31, 2014
	(In thousands)	Carrying Value		Fair Value
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	332,868	$	332,868
	Marketable equity securities		119,800		119,800
	Marketable debt securities		23,080		23,080
	Long-term debt, including current portion		1,351,627		1,516,062

Contingencies_and_Other_Accrue

Contingencies and Other Accrued Losses	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
Contingencies and Other Accrued Losses	NOTE 12 — 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. To the extent there is a reasonable possibility that potential losses could exceed the amounts already accrued, we believe that the amount of any such additional loss would be immaterial to our results of operations, liquidity and 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 November 30, 2014, 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.
	Also, due to the nature of our roofing business, the amount of claims paid can fluctuate from one period to the next. While our warranty liability represents our best estimate of our expected losses at any given time, from time-to-time we may revise our estimates based on our experience relating to factors such as weather conditions, specific circumstances surrounding product installations and other factors.
	The following table includes the changes in our accrued warranty balances:
			Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
			November 30,						November 30,
			2014			2013			2014			2013
			(In thousands)
	Beginning Balance		$	7,421		$	9,842		$	14,741		$	9,330
	Deductions (1)			(5,066	)		(7,179	)		(19,741	)		(11,975	)
	Provision charged to SG&A expense			6,603			5,916			13,958			11,224
	Ending Balance		$	8,958		$	8,579		$	8,958		$	8,579
	-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, we recorded a $65.1 million accrual during the year ended May 31, 2013 associated with settlement discussions with the DOJ and the GSA Office of Inspector General aimed at resolving an existing investigation. Since first receiving a broad request for documents from the GSA in March 2011, we cooperated with that investigation, which involved our compliance with certain pricing terms and conditions of our GSA Multiple Award Schedule contracts under which the roofing division of our Tremco Group sold products and services to the federal government. A substantial majority of the transactions as to which potential compliance issues were raised took place during the period from 2002 to 2008. In August 2013, we entered into a final agreement with the DOJ and the GSA Office of Inspector General regarding this matter. During the year ended May 31, 2014, we paid the GSA Office of Inspector General $61.9 million and made other payments for miscellaneous legal expenses for approximately $1.7 million. We expect to pay approximately $1.5 million more in legal fees and other related costs arising out of this investigation. The accrual for this contingency is classified in other accrued liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	We were notified by the SEC on June 24, 2014 that we are the subject of a formal investigation pertaining to the timing of our disclosure and accrual of loss reserves in fiscal 2013 with respect to the previously disclosed GSA and DOJ investigation into compliance issues relating to Tremco Roofing Division’s GSA contracts. We are cooperating with the SEC in its ongoing investigation. At this time, we are unable to predict the outcome of this matter or provide any quantification of how the final resolution of this matter may impact our future consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
	In January 2013, we entered into a Voluntary Self-Disclosure Agreement (“VSDA”) with the State of Delaware relating to certain property that may be held by us, including securities, payments, and refunds to employees, vendors and customers, that has been unclaimed for a specified period of time. Delaware’s Abandoned Property Law, like other state and federal escheat laws, generally requires companies to report and remit unclaimed property to the state. Although we believe we have procedures in place to comply with these laws, we entered into the VSDA so that we may identify any previously unreported abandoned property and remit any such property to the State of Delaware. We do not expect the outcome of this review to have a material impact on our results of operations or financial position.
	Complaints are pending against Rust-Oleum seeking to have classes certified and alleging breach of warranty, breach of contract and other claims regarding certain deck coating products of Rust-Oleum. Rust-Oleum plans to vigorously defend these actions, including any attempts at class certification. At this time, we are unable to predict the outcome of these matters or provide any quantification of how the final resolution of these matters may impact our future consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Stock_Repurchase_Program

Stock Repurchase Program	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
Stock Repurchase Program	NOTE 13 — 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 November 30, 2014, we repurchased approximately 45,000 shares of our common stock under this program, for approximately $1.8 million.

Equity

Equity	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
Equity	NOTE 14 — EQUITY
	The following tables illustrate the components of total equity and comprehensive income for the three months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013:
	(In thousands)	Total RPM			Noncontrolling			Total Equity
		International			Interest
		Inc. Equity
	Total equity at August 31, 2014	$	1,436,234		$	198,134		$	1,634,368
	Net income		69,766			4,090			73,856
	Other Comprehensive Income:
	Foreign currency translation adjustments		(89,462	)		(1,760	)		(91,222	)
	Pension and other postretirement benefit liability adjustments, net of tax		4,374			611			4,985
	Unrealized (loss) on securities, net of tax		(2,574	)		7			(2,567	)
	Unrealized gain on derivatives, net of tax		223			60			283
	Total Other Comprehensive Income, net of tax		(87,439	)		(1,082	)		(88,521	)
	Comprehensive Income		(17,673	)		3,008			(14,665	)
	Dividends paid		(34,776	)					(34,776	)
	Other noncontrolling interest activity		51			(51	)		—
	Shares repurchased		(1,788	)					(1,788	)
	Stock option exercises, net		4,956						4,956
	Stock based compensation expense		(3,796	)					(3,796	)
	Restricted awards, net		7,179						7,179
	Total Equity at November 30, 2014	$	1,390,387		$	201,091		$	1,591,478
	(In thousands)	Total RPM			Noncontrolling			Total Equity
		International			Interest
		Inc. Equity
	Total equity at August 31, 2013	$	1,261,684		$	162,043		$	1,423,727
	Net income		63,562			4,852			68,414
	Other Comprehensive Income:
	Foreign currency translation adjustments		19,409			4,796			24,205
	Pension and other postretirement benefit liability adjustments, net of tax		2,200			11			2,211
	Unrealized (loss) gain on securities, net of tax		6,341			60			6,401
	Unrealized gain on derivatives, net of tax		(782	)		(212	)		(994	)
	Total Other Comprehensive Income, net of tax		27,168			4,655			31,823
	Comprehensive Income		90,730			9,507			100,237
	Dividends paid		(31,960	)					(31,960	)
	Other noncontrolling interest activity		(88	)		88			—
	Shares repurchased		(3,201	)					(3,201	)
	Stock option exercises, net		261						261
	Stock based compensation expense		773						773
	Restricted awards, net		4,023						4,023
	Total Equity at November 30, 2013	$	1,322,222		$	171,638		$	1,493,860
	The following table illustrates the components of total equity and comprehensive income for the six months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013:
	(In thousands)	Total RPM			Noncontrolling			Total Equity
		International			Interest
		Inc. Equity
	Total equity at May 31, 2014	$	1,382,844		$	195,750		$	1,578,594
	Net income		168,845			9,850			178,695
	Other Comprehensive Income:
	Foreign currency translation adjustments		(107,200	)		(5,288	)		(112,488	)
	Pension and other postretirement benefit liability adjustments, net of tax		7,134			780			7,914
	Unrealized (loss) on securities, net of tax		(2,491	)		—			(2,491	)
	Unrealized gain on derivatives, net of tax		171			46			217
	Total Other Comprehensive (Loss), net of tax		(102,386	)		(4,462	)		(106,848	)
	Comprehensive Income		66,459			5,388			71,847
	Dividends paid		(66,763	)					(66,763	)
	Other noncontrolling interest activity		47			(47	)		—
	Shares repurchased		(1,788	)					(1,788	)
	Stock option exercises, net		505						505
	Stock based compensation expense		1,904						1,904
	Restricted awards, net		7,179						7,179
	Total Equity at November 30, 2014	$	1,390,387		$	201,091		$	1,591,478
	(In thousands)	Total RPM			Noncontrolling			Total Equity
		International			Interest
		Inc. Equity
	Total equity at May 31, 2013	$	1,200,858		$	154,075		$	1,354,933
Net income		166,660			8,643			175,303
Other Comprehensive Income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments		2,338			8,453			10,791
Pension and other postretirement benefit liability adjustments, net of tax		4,961			174			5,135
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities, net of tax		4,909			53			4,962
Unrealized (loss) on derivatives, net of tax		(696	)		(189	)		(885	)
Total Other Comprehensive Income, net of tax		11,512			8,491			20,003
Comprehensive Income		178,172			17,134			195,306
Dividends paid		(61,796	)					(61,796	)
Other noncontrolling interest activity		(429	)		429			—
Shares repurchased		(6,867	)					(6,867	)
Stock option exercises, net		2,662						2,662
Stock based compensation expense		1,482						1,482
Restricted awards, net		8,140						8,140
Total Equity at November 30, 2013	$	1,322,222		$	171,638		$	1,493,860

Segment_Information

Segment Information	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
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 seven 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 seven 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 four separate operating segments — Tremco Group, Tremco illbruck 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. Subsequent to the end of the current fiscal quarter, the United States Bankruptcy Court in Delaware and the United States District Court in Delaware confirmed the plan of reorganization for our SPHC subsidiary and related entities. Accordingly, financial results of SPHC’s operating subsidiaries, which have not been included in our financial reports since the bankruptcy filing, will be reconsolidated with our results for most of the second half of fiscal 2015 forward. As a result, we anticipate that SPHC and its subsidiaries will be reflected as an additional operating segment within the industrial reportable segment beginning with our fiscal 2015 third quarter results. Refer to Note 2 for additional details.
	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, cosmetic companies 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, interest expense and earnings before interest and taxes; as well as identifiable assets, capital expenditures and depreciation and amortization.
	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						Six Months Ended
		November 30,			November 30,			November 30,			November 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	Net Sales
	Industrial Segment	$	718,347		$	708,713		$	1,492,233		$	1,439,939
	Consumer Segment		352,781			362,774			782,791			796,222
	Consolidated	$	1,071,128		$	1,071,487		$	2,275,024		$	2,236,161
	Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes
	Industrial Segment	$	77,109		$	81,394		$	179,573		$	178,975
	Consumer Segment		61,562			51,720			138,231			134,437
	Corporate/Other		(32,921	)		(35,530	)		(63,976	)		(68,612	)
	Consolidated	$	105,750		$	97,584		$	253,828		$	244,800
		November 30,			May 31,
		2014			2014
	Identifiable Assets
	Industrial Segment	$	2,343,272		$	2,507,257
	Consumer Segment		1,700,055			1,648,272
	Corporate/Other		153,926			222,836
	Consolidated	$	4,197,253		$	4,378,365

Subsequent_Event

Subsequent Event	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
Subsequent Event	NOTE 16 — SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
	Subsequent to the end of the current fiscal quarter, we entered into an $800.0 million unsecured syndicated revolving credit facility (the “New Revolving Credit Facility”), which expires on December 5, 2019. The New Revolving Credit Facility includes sublimits for the issuance of swingline loans, which are comparatively short-term loans used for working capital purposes and letters of credit. The aggregate maximum principal amount of the commitments under the New Revolving Credit Facility may be expanded upon our request, subject to certain conditions, up to $1.0 billion. The New Revolving Credit Facility is available to refinance existing indebtedness, to finance working capital and capital expenditures, to satisfy all or a portion of our obligations relating to the plan of reorganization for our SPHC subsidiary, and for general corporate purposes.

Investment_Income_Net_Tables

Investment (Income), Net (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
Investment (Income), Net	Investment (income), net, consists of the following components:
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		November 30,						November 30,
	(In thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Interest (income)	$	(1,601	)	$	(1,641	)	$	(3,005	)	$	(3,144	)
	(Gain) on sale of marketable securities		(3,204	)		(227	)		(5,320	)		(2,424	)
	Other-than-temporary impairment on securities		—			111			—			162
	Dividend (income)		(253	)		(248	)		(536	)		(493	)
	Investment (income), net	$	(5,058	)	$	(2,005	)	$	(8,861	)	$	(5,899	)

Other_Income_Net_Tables

Other (Income), Net (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
Other (Income), Net	Other (income), net, consists of the following components:
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		November 30,						November 30,
	(In thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Royalty (income) expense, net	$	(378	)	$	(709	)	$	(1,595	)	$	(391	)
	(Income) related to unconsolidated equity affiliates		(664	)		(782	)		(1,269	)		(1,534	)
	Other (income), net	$	(1,042	)	$	(1,491	)	$	(2,864	)	$	(1,925	)

Pension_Plans_Tables

Pension Plans (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
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 six month periods ended November 30, 2014 and 2013:
		U.S. Plans						Non-U.S. Plans
		Three Months Ended						Three Months Ended
		November 30,						November 30,
	Pension Benefits	2014			2013			2014			2013
	(In thousands)
	Service cost	$	7,564		$	6,764		$	1,231		$	1,109
	Interest cost		5,002			4,510			1,891			1,799
	Expected return on plan assets		(6,034	)		(5,191	)		(2,296	)		(2,096	)
	Amortization of:
	Prior service cost		74			84			10			1
	Net actuarial losses recognized		3,472			3,305			536			624
	Net Periodic Benefit Cost	$	10,078		$	9,472		$	1,372		$	1,437
		U.S. Plans						Non-U.S. Plans
		Three Months Ended						Three Months Ended
		November 30,						November 30,
	Postretirement Benefits	2014			2013			2014			2013
	(In thousands)
	Service cost	$	—		$	—		$	313		$	327
	Interest cost		66			81			308			317
	Amortization of:
	Prior service (credit)		(62	)		(22	)
	Net actuarial (gains) losses recognized		(34	)		(29	)		104			134
	Net Periodic Benefit Cost	$	(30	)	$	30		$	725		$	778
		U.S. Plans						Non-U.S. Plans
		Six Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		November 30,						November 30,
	Pension Benefits	2014			2013			2014			2013
	(In thousands)
	Service cost	$	15,128		$	13,528		$	2,462		$	2,218
	Interest cost		10,004			9,020			3,782			3,599
	Expected return on plan assets		(12,068	)		(10,381	)		(4,592	)		(4,191	)
	Amortization of:
	Prior service cost		148			167			20			2
	Net actuarial losses recognized		6,944			6,611			1,072			1,247
	Net Periodic Benefit Cost	$	20,156		$	18,945		$	2,744		$	2,875
		U.S. Plans						Non-U.S. Plans
		Six Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		November 30,						November 30,
	Postretirement Benefits	2014			2013			2014			2013
	(In thousands)
	Service cost	$	—		$	—		$	626		$	654
	Interest cost		132			162			616			634
	Amortization of:
	Prior service (credit)		(124	)		(44	)		—			—
	Net actuarial (gains) losses recognized		(68	)		(58	)		208			267
	Net Periodic Benefit Cost	$	(60	)	$	60		$	1,450		$	1,555

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
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 three and six month periods ended November 30, 2014 and 2013:
			Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
			November 30,						November 30,
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Numerator for earnings per share:
	Net income attributable to RPM International Inc. stockholders		$	69,766		$	63,562		$	168,845		$	166,660
	Less: Allocation of earnings and dividends to participating securities			(1,602	)		(1,379	)		(3,673	)		(3,521	)
	Net income available to common shareholders — basic			68,164			62,183			165,172			163,139
	Add: Undistributed earnings reallocated to unvested shareholders			6			6			18			17
	Add: Income effect of contingently issuable shares			1,340						2,679
	Net income available to common shareholders — diluted		$	69,510		$	62,189		$	167,869		$	163,156
	Denominator for basic and diluted earnings per share:
	Basic weighted average common shares			130,028			129,426			130,061			129,385
	Average diluted options			1,063			992			1,064			974
	Additional shares issuable assuming conversion of convertible securities			3,875						3,875
	Total shares for diluted earnings per share (1), (2)			134,966			130,418			135,000			130,359
	Earnings Per Share of Common Stock Attributable to RPM International Inc. Stockholders:
	Basic Earnings Per Share of Common Stock		$	0.52		$	0.48		$	1.27		$	1.26
	Diluted Earnings Per Share of Common Stock		$	0.52		$	0.48		$	1.24		$	1.25
	-1	For the three month periods ended November 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, approximately 3.2 million shares and 3.1 million 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 six month periods ended November 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, approximately 3.0 million shares and 2.9 million 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.

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
Major Classes of Inventories	Inventories were composed of the following major classes:
		November 30,		May 31,
		2014		2014
	(In thousands)
	Raw material and supplies	$	206,851	$	213,981
	Finished goods		431,081		399,663
	Total Inventory	$	637,932	$	613,644

Marketable_Securities_Tables

Marketable Securities (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
Summary of Marketable Securities by Asset Type	The following tables summarize marketable securities held at November 30, 2014 and May 31, 2014 by asset type:
		Available-For-Sale Securities
	(In thousands)	Amortized		Gross			Gross			Fair Value
		Cost		Unrealized			Unrealized			(Net
				Gains			Losses			Carrying
										Amount)
	November 30, 2014
	Equity securities:
	Stocks — foreign	$	1,829	$	297		$	(27	)	$	2,099
	Stocks — domestic		27,810		7,751			(76	)		35,485
	Mutual funds — foreign		31,523		2,321			—			33,844
	Mutual funds — domestic		43,575		487			(1,578	)		42,484
	Total equity securities		104,737		10,856			(1,681	)		113,912
	Fixed maturity:
	U.S. treasury and other government		19,615		136			(231	)		19,520
	Corporate bonds		1,399		202			(4	)		1,597
	Foreign bonds		38		1			—			39
	Mortgage-backed securities		83		52			—			135
	Total fixed maturity securities		21,135		391			(235	)		21,291
	Total	$	125,872	$	11,247		$	(1,916	)	$	135,203
		Available-For-Sale Securities
	(In thousands)	Amortized		Gross			Gross			Fair Value
		Cost		Unrealized			Unrealized			(Net
				Gains			Losses			Carrying
										Amount)
	May 31, 2014
	Equity securities:
	Stocks — foreign	$	984	$	669		$	(20	)	$	1,633
	Stocks — domestic		31,071		8,965			(132	)		39,904
	Mutual funds — foreign		30,541		2,799			—			33,340
	Mutual funds — domestic		44,242		1,790			(1,109	)		44,923
	Total equity securities		106,838		14,223			(1,261	)		119,800
	Fixed maturity:
	U.S. treasury and other government		21,156		152			(164	)		21,144
	Corporate bonds		1,544		212			—			1,756
	Foreign bonds		37		3			—			40
	Mortgage-backed securities		85		55			—			140
	Total fixed maturity securities		22,822		422			(164	)		23,080
	Total	$	129,660	$	14,645		$	(1,425	)	$	142,880
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 November 30, 2014 and May 31, 2014 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:
		November 30, 2014					May 31, 2014
	(In thousands)	Fair		Gross			Fair			Gross
		Value		Unrealized			Value			Unrealized
				Losses						Losses
	Total investments with unrealized losses	$	39,525	$	(1,916	)	$	35,465		$	(1,425	)
	Unrealized losses with a loss position for less than 12 months		10,036		(432	)		16,611			(845	)
	Unrealized losses with a loss position for more than 12 months		29,489		(1,484	)		18,854			(580	)
Net Carrying Values of Debt Securities by Contractual Maturity	The net carrying values of debt securities at November 30, 2014, 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	$	3,184	$	3,179
	One year through five years		13,923		13,826
	Six years through ten years		2,715		2,768
	After ten years		1,313		1,518
		$	21,135	$	21,291

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
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			November 30, 2014
		for Identical		Observable			Inputs (Level 3)
		Assets (Level 1)		Inputs (Level 2)
	U.S. Treasury and other government	$	—	$	19,520		$	—		$	19,520
	Foreign bonds				39						39
	Mortgage-backed securities				135						135
	Corporate bonds				1,597						1,597
	Stocks — foreign		2,099								2,099
	Stocks — domestic		35,485								35,485
	Mutual funds — foreign				33,844						33,844
	Mutual funds — domestic				42,484						42,484
	Foreign currency forward contract				(2,877	)					(2,877	)
	Cross-currency swap				(4,538	)					(4,538	)
	Contingent consideration							(38,466	)		(38,466	)
	Total	$	37,584	$	90,204		$	(38,466	)	$	89,322
	(In thousands)	Quoted Prices in		Significant			Significant			Fair Value at
		Active Markets		Other			Unobservable			May 31, 2014
		for Identical		Observable			Inputs (Level 3)
		Assets (Level 1)		Inputs (Level 2)
	U.S. Treasury and other government	$	—	$	21,144		$	—		$	21,144
	Foreign bonds				40						40
	Mortgage-backed securities				140						140
	Corporate bonds				1,756						1,756
	Stocks — foreign		1,633								1,633
	Stocks — domestic		39,904								39,904
	Mutual funds — foreign				33,340						33,340
	Mutual funds — domestic				44,923						44,923
	Foreign currency forward contract				2,582						2,582
	Cross-currency swap				(19,550	)					(19,550	)
	Contingent consideration							(81,296	)		(81,296	)
	Total	$	41,537	$	84,375		$	(81,296	)	$	44,616
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 November 30, 2014 and May 31, 2014 are as follows:
		At November 30, 2014
	(In thousands)	Carrying Value		Fair Value
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	296,527	$	296,527
	Marketable equity securities		113,912		113,912
	Marketable debt securities		21,291		21,291
	Long-term debt, including current portion		1,427,233		1,564,972
		At May 31, 2014
	(In thousands)	Carrying Value		Fair Value
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	332,868	$	332,868
	Marketable equity securities		119,800		119,800
	Marketable debt securities		23,080		23,080
	Long-term debt, including current portion		1,351,627		1,516,062

Contingencies_and_Other_Accrue1

Contingencies and Other Accrued Losses (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
Changes in Accrued Warranty Balances	The following table includes the changes in our accrued warranty balances:
			Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
			November 30,						November 30,
			2014			2013			2014			2013
			(In thousands)
	Beginning Balance		$	7,421		$	9,842		$	14,741		$	9,330
	Deductions (1)			(5,066	)		(7,179	)		(19,741	)		(11,975	)
	Provision charged to SG&A expense			6,603			5,916			13,958			11,224
	Ending Balance		$	8,958		$	8,579		$	8,958		$	8,579
	-1	Primarily claims paid during the year.

Equity_Tables

Equity (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
Components of Total Equity and Comprehensive Income	The following tables illustrate the components of total equity and comprehensive income for the three months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013:
	(In thousands)	Total RPM			Noncontrolling			Total Equity
		International			Interest
		Inc. Equity
	Total equity at August 31, 2014	$	1,436,234		$	198,134		$	1,634,368
	Net income		69,766			4,090			73,856
	Other Comprehensive Income:
	Foreign currency translation adjustments		(89,462	)		(1,760	)		(91,222	)
	Pension and other postretirement benefit liability adjustments, net of tax		4,374			611			4,985
	Unrealized (loss) on securities, net of tax		(2,574	)		7			(2,567	)
	Unrealized gain on derivatives, net of tax		223			60			283
	Total Other Comprehensive Income, net of tax		(87,439	)		(1,082	)		(88,521	)
	Comprehensive Income		(17,673	)		3,008			(14,665	)
	Dividends paid		(34,776	)					(34,776	)
	Other noncontrolling interest activity		51			(51	)		—
	Shares repurchased		(1,788	)					(1,788	)
	Stock option exercises, net		4,956						4,956
	Stock based compensation expense		(3,796	)					(3,796	)
	Restricted awards, net		7,179						7,179
	Total Equity at November 30, 2014	$	1,390,387		$	201,091		$	1,591,478
	(In thousands)	Total RPM			Noncontrolling			Total Equity
		International			Interest
		Inc. Equity
	Total equity at August 31, 2013	$	1,261,684		$	162,043		$	1,423,727
	Net income		63,562			4,852			68,414
	Other Comprehensive Income:
	Foreign currency translation adjustments		19,409			4,796			24,205
	Pension and other postretirement benefit liability adjustments, net of tax		2,200			11			2,211
	Unrealized (loss) gain on securities, net of tax		6,341			60			6,401
	Unrealized gain on derivatives, net of tax		(782	)		(212	)		(994	)
	Total Other Comprehensive Income, net of tax		27,168			4,655			31,823
	Comprehensive Income		90,730			9,507			100,237
	Dividends paid		(31,960	)					(31,960	)
	Other noncontrolling interest activity		(88	)		88			—
	Shares repurchased		(3,201	)					(3,201	)
	Stock option exercises, net		261						261
	Stock based compensation expense		773						773
	Restricted awards, net		4,023						4,023
	Total Equity at November 30, 2013	$	1,322,222		$	171,638		$	1,493,860
	The following table illustrates the components of total equity and comprehensive income for the six months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013:
	(In thousands)	Total RPM			Noncontrolling			Total Equity
		International			Interest
		Inc. Equity
	Total equity at May 31, 2014	$	1,382,844		$	195,750		$	1,578,594
	Net income		168,845			9,850			178,695
	Other Comprehensive Income:
	Foreign currency translation adjustments		(107,200	)		(5,288	)		(112,488	)
	Pension and other postretirement benefit liability adjustments, net of tax		7,134			780			7,914
	Unrealized (loss) on securities, net of tax		(2,491	)		—			(2,491	)
	Unrealized gain on derivatives, net of tax		171			46			217
	Total Other Comprehensive (Loss), net of tax		(102,386	)		(4,462	)		(106,848	)
	Comprehensive Income		66,459			5,388			71,847
	Dividends paid		(66,763	)					(66,763	)
	Other noncontrolling interest activity		47			(47	)		—
	Shares repurchased		(1,788	)					(1,788	)
	Stock option exercises, net		505						505
	Stock based compensation expense		1,904						1,904
	Restricted awards, net		7,179						7,179
	Total Equity at November 30, 2014	$	1,390,387		$	201,091		$	1,591,478
	(In thousands)	Total RPM			Noncontrolling			Total Equity
		International			Interest
		Inc. Equity
	Total equity at May 31, 2013	$	1,200,858		$	154,075		$	1,354,933
	Net income		166,660			8,643			175,303
Other Comprehensive Income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments		2,338			8,453			10,791
Pension and other postretirement benefit liability adjustments, net of tax		4,961			174			5,135
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities, net of tax		4,909			53			4,962
Unrealized (loss) on derivatives, net of tax		(696	)		(189	)		(885	)
Total Other Comprehensive Income, net of tax		11,512			8,491			20,003
Comprehensive Income		178,172			17,134			195,306
Dividends paid		(61,796	)					(61,796	)
Other noncontrolling interest activity		(429	)		429			—
Shares repurchased		(6,867	)					(6,867	)
Stock option exercises, net		2,662						2,662
Stock based compensation expense		1,482						1,482
Restricted awards, net		8,140						8,140
Total Equity at November 30, 2013	$	1,322,222		$	171,638		$	1,493,860

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
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						Six Months Ended
		November 30,			November 30,			November 30,			November 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	Net Sales
	Industrial Segment	$	718,347		$	708,713		$	1,492,233		$	1,439,939
	Consumer Segment		352,781			362,774			782,791			796,222
	Consolidated	$	1,071,128		$	1,071,487		$	2,275,024		$	2,236,161
	Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes
	Industrial Segment	$	77,109		$	81,394		$	179,573		$	178,975
	Consumer Segment		61,562			51,720			138,231			134,437
	Corporate/Other		(32,921	)		(35,530	)		(63,976	)		(68,612	)
	Consolidated	$	105,750		$	97,584		$	253,828		$	244,800
		November 30,			May 31,
		2014			2014
	Identifiable Assets
	Industrial Segment	$	2,343,272		$	2,507,257
	Consumer Segment		1,700,055			1,648,272
	Corporate/Other		153,926			222,836
	Consolidated	$	4,197,253		$	4,378,365

Specialty_Products_Holding_Cor1

Specialty Products Holding Corp. ("SPHC") - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	31-May-10	Nov. 30, 2014	31-May-12	Feb. 28, 2015
			Bond
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
Amount funded for trust as per agreement		450,000,000
Second Anniversary
Reorganization [Line Items]
Amount funded for trust as per agreement		102,500,000
Third Anniversary
Reorganization [Line Items]
Amount funded for trust as per agreement		120,000,000
Fourth Anniversary
Reorganization [Line Items]
Amount funded for trust as per agreement		125,000,000
Scenario, Forecast
Reorganization [Line Items]
Unremitted Foreign Earnings				347,500,000
Scenario, Forecast | Minimum
Reorganization [Line Items]
Deferred income tax liability associated with future repatriations				100,000,000
Scenario, Forecast | Maximum
Reorganization [Line Items]
Deferred income tax liability associated with future repatriations				$110,000,000

Investment_Income_Net_Detail

Investment (Income), Net (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Interest (income)	($1,601)	($1,641)	($3,005)	($3,144)
(Gain) on sale of marketable securities	-3,204	-227	-5,320	-2,424
Other-than-temporary impairment on securities		111		162
Dividend (income)	-253	-248	-536	-493
Investment (income), net	($5,058)	($2,005)	($8,861)	($5,899)

Other_Income_Net_Detail

Other (Income), Net (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013
Component Of Other Expense Income Nonoperating [Line Items]
Royalty (income) expense, net	($378)	($709)	($1,595)	($391)
(Income) related to unconsolidated equity affiliates	-664	-782	-1,269	-1,534
Other (income), net	($1,042)	($1,491)	($2,864)	($1,925)

RetirementRelated_Benefit_Plan

Retirement-Related Benefit Plans' Impact on Income Before Income Taxes (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013
Pension Benefits, U.S. Plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Service cost	$7,564	$6,764	$15,128	$13,528
Interest cost	5,002	4,510	10,004	9,020
Expected return on plan assets	-6,034	-5,191	-12,068	-10,381
Prior service (credit)	74	84	148	167
Net actuarial (gains) losses recognized	3,472	3,305	6,944	6,611
Net Periodic Benefit Cost	10,078	9,472	20,156	18,945
Pension Benefits, Non-U.S. Plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Service cost	1,231	1,109	2,462	2,218
Interest cost	1,891	1,799	3,782	3,599
Expected return on plan assets	-2,296	-2,096	-4,592	-4,191
Prior service (credit)	10	1	20	2
Net actuarial (gains) losses recognized	536	624	1,072	1,247
Net Periodic Benefit Cost	1,372	1,437	2,744	2,875
Postretirement Benefits, U.S. Plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Interest cost	66	81	132	162
Prior service (credit)	-62	-22	-124	-44
Net actuarial (gains) losses recognized	-34	-29	-68	-58
Net Periodic Benefit Cost	-30	30	-60	60
Postretirement Benefits, Non-U.S. Plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Service cost	313	327	626	654
Interest cost	308	317	616	634
Net actuarial (gains) losses recognized	104	134	208	267
Net Periodic Benefit Cost	$725	$778	$1,450	$1,555

Pension_Plans_Additional_Infor

Pension Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	31-May-14
Pension Benefits, U.S. Plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Contribution to retirement plans in current fiscal year	$53.10
Pension Benefits, Non-U.S. Plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Contribution to retirement plans in current fiscal year	$6.30

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013
Income Tax [Line Items]
Effective income tax rate	30.20%	-29.90%	29.60%	28.40%
Federal statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Unrecognized tax benefits	$14.80		$14.80
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate, if recognized	14.1		14.1
Accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits	$4.70		$4.70

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				6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014		Nov. 30, 2013		Nov. 30, 2014		Nov. 30, 2013
Numerator for earnings per share:
Net income attributable to RPM International Inc. stockholders	$69,766		$63,562		$168,845		$166,660
Less: Allocation of earnings and dividends to participating securities	-1,602		-1,379		-3,673		-3,521
Net income available to common shareholders - basic	68,164		62,183		165,172		163,139
Add: Undistributed earnings reallocated to unvested shareholders	6		6		18		17
Add: Income effect of contingently issuable shares	1,340				2,679
Net income available to common shareholders - diluted	$69,510		$62,189		$167,869		$163,156
Denominator for basic and diluted earnings per share:
Basic weighted average common shares	130,028		129,426		130,061		129,385
Average diluted options	1,063		992		1,064		974
Additional shares issuable assuming conversion of convertible securities	3,875				3,875
Total shares for diluted earnings per share	134,966	[1],[2]	130,418	[1],[2]	135,000	[1],[2]	130,359	[1],[2]
Earnings per Share of Common Stock Attributable to RPM International Inc. Stockholders:
Basic Earnings Per Share of Common Stock	$0.52		$0.48		$1.27		$1.26
Diluted Earnings Per Share of Common Stock	$0.52		$0.48		$1.24		$1.25
[1]	For the three month periods ended November 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, approximately 3.2 million shares and 3.1 million 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 six month periods ended November 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, approximately 3.0 million shares and 2.9 million 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.

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		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation plans, excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share, anti-dilutive shares of stock	3.2	3.1	3	2.9

Major_Class_of_Inventory_Detai

Major Class of Inventory (Detail) (USD $)	Nov. 30, 2014	31-May-14
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory [Line Items]
Raw material and supplies	$206,851	$213,981
Finished goods	431,081	399,663
Total Inventory	$637,932	$613,644

Summary_of_Marketable_Securiti

Summary of Marketable Securities by Asset Type (Detail) (USD $)	Nov. 30, 2014	31-May-14
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-Sale Securities, Amortized Cost	$125,872	$129,660
Available-for-Sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	11,247	14,645
Available-for-Sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-1,916	-1,425
Available-for-Sale Securities, Fair Value (Net Carrying Amount)	135,203	142,880
Equity securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-Sale Securities, Amortized Cost	104,737	106,838
Available-for-Sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	10,856	14,223
Available-for-Sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-1,681	-1,261
Available-for-Sale Securities, Fair Value (Net Carrying Amount)	113,912	119,800
Equity securities | Stocks | Foreign
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-Sale Securities, Amortized Cost	1,829	984
Available-for-Sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	297	669
Available-for-Sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-27	-20
Available-for-Sale Securities, Fair Value (Net Carrying Amount)	2,099	1,633
Equity securities | Stocks | Domestic
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-Sale Securities, Amortized Cost	27,810	31,071
Available-for-Sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	7,751	8,965
Available-for-Sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-76	-132
Available-for-Sale Securities, Fair Value (Net Carrying Amount)	35,485	39,904
Equity securities | Mutual funds | Foreign
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-Sale Securities, Amortized Cost	31,523	30,541
Available-for-Sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	2,321	2,799
Available-for-Sale Securities, Fair Value (Net Carrying Amount)	33,844	33,340
Equity securities | Mutual funds | Domestic
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-Sale Securities, Amortized Cost	43,575	44,242
Available-for-Sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	487	1,790
Available-for-Sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-1,578	-1,109
Available-for-Sale Securities, Fair Value (Net Carrying Amount)	42,484	44,923
Fixed maturity
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-Sale Securities, Amortized Cost	21,135	22,822
Available-for-Sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	391	422
Available-for-Sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-235	-164
Available-for-Sale Securities, Fair Value (Net Carrying Amount)	21,291	23,080
Fixed maturity | U.S. Treasury and other government
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-Sale Securities, Amortized Cost	19,615	21,156
Available-for-Sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	136	152
Available-for-Sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-231	-164
Available-for-Sale Securities, Fair Value (Net Carrying Amount)	19,520	21,144
Fixed maturity | Corporate bonds
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-Sale Securities, Amortized Cost	1,399	1,544
Available-for-Sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	202	212
Available-for-Sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-4
Available-for-Sale Securities, Fair Value (Net Carrying Amount)	1,597	1,756
Fixed maturity | Foreign bonds
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-Sale Securities, Amortized Cost	38	37
Available-for-Sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	1	3
Available-for-Sale Securities, Fair Value (Net Carrying Amount)	39	40
Fixed maturity | Mortgage-backed securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-Sale Securities, Amortized Cost	83	85
Available-for-Sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	52	55
Available-for-Sale Securities, Fair Value (Net Carrying Amount)	$135	$140

Marketable_Securities_Addition

Marketable Securities - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	31-May-14
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, current	$67		$67		$71.90
Available-for-sale securities, long-term	68.2		68.2		71
Gross gains realized on sales of investments	3.2	0.2	5.3	2.4
Losses recognized for securities deemed to have other-than-temporary impairments	$0	$0.10	$0	$0.20
Maximum
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investments with unrealized loss, percentage of fair values less than original cost	15.00%		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 $)	Nov. 30, 2014	31-May-14
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Total investments with unrealized losses, fair value	$39,525	$35,465
Unrealized losses with a loss position for less than 12 months, fair value	10,036	16,611
Unrealized losses with a loss position for more than 12 months, fair value	29,489	18,854
Total investments with unrealized losses, gross unrealized losses	-1,916	-1,425
Unrealized losses with a loss position for less than 12 months, gross unrealized losses	-432	-845
Unrealized losses with a loss position for more than 12 months, gross unrealized losses	($1,484)	($580)

Net_Carrying_Values_of_Debt_Se

Net Carrying Values of Debt Securities by Contractual Maturity (Detail) (USD $)	Nov. 30, 2014	31-May-14
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Available-for-Sale Securities, amortized cost
Less than one year, amortized cost	$3,184
One year through five years, amortized cost	13,923
Six years through ten years, amortized cost	2,715
After ten years, amortized cost	1,313
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis, Total	21,135
Available-for-Sale Securities, fair value
Less than one year, fair value	3,179
One year through five years, fair value	13,826
Six years through ten years, fair value	2,768
After ten years, fair value	1,518
Marketable debt securities, carrying value	$21,291	$23,080

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 $)	Nov. 30, 2014	31-May-14
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Contingent consideration	($38,466)	($81,296)
Assets (liabilities) at fair value	89,322	44,616
Foreign currency forward contract
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Foreign currency forward contract		2,582
Foreign currency contracts, fair value of liability	-2,877
Cross-currency swap
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Foreign currency contracts, fair value of liability	-4,538	-19,550
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	19,520	21,144
Foreign bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value on recurring basis	39	40
Mortgage-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value on recurring basis	135	140
Corporate bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value on recurring basis	1,597	1,756
Stocks | Foreign
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value on recurring basis	2,099	1,633
Stocks | Domestic
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value on recurring basis	35,485	39,904
Mutual funds | Foreign
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value on recurring basis	33,844	33,340
Mutual funds | Domestic
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value on recurring basis	42,484	44,923
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	37,584	41,537
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	2,099	1,633
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	35,485	39,904
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets (liabilities) at fair value	90,204	84,375
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 forward contract		2,582
Foreign currency contracts, fair value of liability	-2,877
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	-4,538	-19,550
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	19,520	21,144
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	39	40
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	135	140
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	1,597	1,756
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	33,844	33,340
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	42,484	44,923
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Contingent consideration	-38,466	-81,296
Assets (liabilities) at fair value	($38,466)	($81,296)

Fair_Value_Measurements_Additi

Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail)	6 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2014	31-May-14	Nov. 30, 2014	31-May-14
	USD ($)	EUR (€)	Unsecured Senior Notes	Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring	Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring	Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring	Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
				Cross-currency swap	Cross-currency swap	Foreign currency forward contract	Foreign currency forward contract
				USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Foreign currency contracts, fair value of liability				$4,538,000	$19,550,000	$2,877,000
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
Foreign currency forward contract							2,582,000
Reversal for contingent earn out targets	-18,080,000
Settlements of contingent consideration obligations	$24,800,000

Fair_Value_and_Carrying_Value_

Fair Value and Carrying Value of Financial Instruments and Long-Term Debt (Detail) (USD $)	Nov. 30, 2014	31-May-14	Nov. 30, 2013	31-May-13
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents, carrying value	$296,527	$332,868	$224,172	$343,554
Marketable equity securities, carrying value	113,912	119,800
Marketable debt securities, carrying value	21,291	23,080
Long-term debt, including current portion, carrying value	1,427,233	1,351,627
Cash and cash equivalents, fair value	296,527	332,868
Marketable securities, fair value	135,203	142,880
Long-term debt, including current portion, fair value	1,564,972	1,516,062
Equity securities
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Marketable securities, fair value	113,912	119,800
Fixed maturity
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Marketable securities, fair value	$21,291	$23,080

Changes_in_Accrued_Warranty_Ba

Changes in Accrued Warranty Balances (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014		Nov. 30, 2013		Nov. 30, 2014		Nov. 30, 2013
Product Liability Contingency [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$7,421		$9,842		$14,741		$9,330
Deductions	-5,066	[1]	-7,179	[1]	-19,741	[1]	-11,975	[1]
Provision charged to SG&A expense	6,603		5,916		13,958		11,224
Ending Balance	$8,958		$8,579		$8,958		$8,579
[1]	Primarily claims paid during the year.

Contingencies_and_Other_Accrue2

Contingencies and Other Accrued Losses - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	31-May-14	31-May-13
Schedule Of Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Accrued contingencies		$65.10
Payment for contingent liabilities	61.9
Expected payment to resolve issues arising out of investigation and other related costs	1.5
Miscellaneous expenses	$1.70

Stock_Repurchase_Program_Addit

Stock Repurchase Program - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2014
Stock Repurchase Programs [Line Items]
Authorization of stock repurchase program		8-Jan-08
Shares repurchased	45,000
Shares repurchased, value	$1.80
Minimum
Stock Repurchase Programs [Line Items]
Shares authorized to be repurchased, per year	1,000,000	1,000,000
Maximum
Stock Repurchase Programs [Line Items]
Shares authorized to be repurchased, per year	2,000,000	2,000,000

Components_of_Total_Equity_and

Components of Total Equity and Comprehensive Income (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Total equity, beginning of period	$1,634,368	$1,423,727	$1,578,594	$1,354,933
Net income (loss)	73,856	68,414	178,695	175,303
Other Comprehensive Income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-91,222	24,205	-112,488	10,791
Pension and other postretirement benefit liability adjustments, net of tax	4,985	2,211	7,914	5,135
Unrealized (loss) gain on securities, net of tax	-2,567	6,401	-2,491	4,962
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives, net of tax	283	-994	217	-885
Total Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income, net of tax	-88,521	31,823	-106,848	20,003
Comprehensive Income	-14,665	100,237	71,847	195,306
Dividends paid	-34,776	-31,960	-66,763	-61,796
Shares repurchased	-1,788	-3,201	-1,788	-6,867
Stock option exercises, net	4,956	261	505	2,662
Stock based compensation expense	-3,796	773	1,904	1,482
Restricted awards, net	7,179	4,023	7,179	8,140
Total Equity, end of period	1,591,478	1,493,860	1,591,478	1,493,860
Total RPM International Inc. Equity
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Total equity, beginning of period	1,436,234	1,261,684	1,382,844	1,200,858
Net income (loss)	69,766	63,562	168,845	166,660
Other Comprehensive Income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-89,462	19,409	-107,200	2,338
Pension and other postretirement benefit liability adjustments, net of tax	4,374	2,200	7,134	4,961
Unrealized (loss) gain on securities, net of tax	-2,574	6,341	-2,491	4,909
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives, net of tax	223	-782	171	-696
Total Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income, net of tax	-87,439	27,168	-102,386	11,512
Comprehensive Income	-17,673	90,730	66,459	178,172
Dividends paid	-34,776	-31,960	-66,763	-61,796
Other noncontrolling interest activity	51	-88	47	-429
Shares repurchased	-1,788	-3,201	-1,788	-6,867
Stock option exercises, net	4,956	261	505	2,662
Stock based compensation expense	-3,796	773	1,904	1,482
Restricted awards, net	7,179	4,023	7,179	8,140
Total Equity, end of period	1,390,387	1,322,222	1,390,387	1,322,222
Noncontrolling Interest
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Total equity, beginning of period	198,134	162,043	195,750	154,075
Net income (loss)	4,090	4,852	9,850	8,643
Other Comprehensive Income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-1,760	4,796	-5,288	8,453
Pension and other postretirement benefit liability adjustments, net of tax	611	11	780	174
Unrealized (loss) gain on securities, net of tax	7	60		53
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives, net of tax	60	-212	46	-189
Total Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income, net of tax	-1,082	4,655	-4,462	8,491
Comprehensive Income	3,008	9,507	5,388	17,134
Other noncontrolling interest activity	-51	88	-47	429
Total Equity, end of period	$201,091	$171,638	$201,091	$171,638

Segment_Information_Additional

Segment Information - Additional Information (Detail)	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
	Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments	2
Number of operating segments	7

Results_of_Reportable_Segments

Results of Reportable Segments (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	31-May-14
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales	$1,071,128	$1,071,487	$2,275,024	$2,236,161
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes	105,750	97,584	253,828	244,800
Total Assets	4,197,253		4,197,253		4,378,365
Operating Segments | Industrial Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales	718,347	708,713	1,492,233	1,439,939
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes	77,109	81,394	179,573	178,975
Total Assets	2,343,272		2,343,272		2,507,257
Operating Segments | Consumer Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales	352,781	362,774	782,791	796,222
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes	61,562	51,720	138,231	134,437
Total Assets	1,700,055		1,700,055		1,648,272
Corporate/Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes	-32,921	-35,530	-63,976	-68,612
Total Assets	$153,926		$153,926		$222,836

Subsequent_Events_Additional_I

Subsequent Events - Additional Information (Detail) (Subsequent Event, Unsecured syndicated revolving credit facility, USD $)	0 Months Ended
	Jan. 07, 2015	Jan. 07, 2015
Subsequent Event | Unsecured syndicated revolving credit facility
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Credit facility borrowing maximum capacity	$800,000,000	$800,000,000
Credit facility expiration date	5-Dec-19
Credit facility borrowing potential maximum capacity	$1,000,000,000	$1,000,000,000