New Oriental Education & Technology (EDU) 20-F 26 Sep 14 2014 FY Annual report (foreign) Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	12 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'
Document Type	'20-F
Amendment Flag	'false
Document Period End Date	31-May-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY
Trading Symbol	'EDU
Entity Registrant Name	'New Oriental Education & Technology Group Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	'0001372920
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--05-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	157,758,666

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	31-May-14	31-May-13
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$371,593	$417,166
Restricted cash	488	1,626
Term deposits	98,489	50,035
Short term investments	643,410	504,952
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of US$182 and US$265 as of May 31, 2013 and 2014, respectively	2,782	3,530
Inventory	22,366	22,540
Deferred tax assets	12,033	9,025
Prepaid expenses and other current assets, net	78,398	59,586
Amounts due from related parties, current	4,116	2,372
Total current assets	1,233,675	1,070,832
Restricted cash, non-current	1,840	'
Property and equipment, net	225,335	247,262
Land use rights, net	4,344	4,542
Amounts due from related parties, non-current	930	904
Long term deposit	12,574	12,600
Long term prepaid rent	1,082	1,259
Deferred tax assets, non-current	2,224	3,153
Intangible assets	736	862
Goodwill	3,692	3,760
Long term investments	117,113	8,267
Total assets	1,603,545	1,353,441
Current liabilities	'	'
Accounts payable (including accounts payable of the consolidated variable interest entity without recourse to the Company of US$8,553 and US$8,501 as of May 31, 2013 and 2014, respectively)	8,586	8,569
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities (including accrued expenses and other current liabilities of the consolidated variable interest entity without recourse to the Company of US$109,707 and US$144,304 as of May 31, 2013 and 2014, respectively)	168,918	131,499
Income taxes payable (including income taxes payable of the consolidated variable interest entity without recourse to the Company of US$16,315 and US$15,920 as of May 31, 2013 and 2014, respectively)	17,720	16,472
Amounts due to related parties (including amounts due to related parties of the consolidated variable interest entity without recourse to the Company of US$13 and nil as of May 31, 2013 and 2014, respectively)	4	1,101
Deferred revenue (including deferred revenue of the consolidated variable interest entity without recourse to the Company of US$327,443 and US$380,062 as of May 31, 2013 and 2014, respectively)	380,837	332,194
Total current liabilities	576,065	489,835
Deferred tax liabilities, non-current (including deferred tax liabilities, non-current of the consolidated variable interest entity without recourse to the Company of US$1,836 and US$1,722 as of May 31, 2013 and 2014, respectively)	1,722	1,836
Acquisition payable (including acquisition payable of the consolidated variable interest entity without recourse to the Company of US$4,518 and nil as of May 31,2013 and 2014, respectively)	'	4,518
Total liabilities	577,787	496,189
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 19)	'	'
Equity	'	'
Common shares (US$0.01 par value; 300,000,000 shares authorized as of May 31, 2013 and 2014; 158,379,387 shares issued as of May 31, 2013 and 2014; 156,695,987 and 157,758,666 shares outstanding as of May 31, 2013 and 2014, respectively)	1,584	1,573
Treasury stock	-6	-17
Additional paid-in capital	174,009	164,336
Statutory reserves	129,868	107,723
Retained earnings	654,744	500,770
Accumulated other comprehensive income	65,559	82,867
Total shareholders' equity	1,025,758	857,252
Total liabilities and equity	$1,603,545	$1,353,441

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	31-May-14	31-May-13
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Accounts receivable, allowance	$265	$182
Accounts payable, consolidated variable interest entity without recourse	8,501	8,553
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities, consolidated variable interest entity without recourse	144,304	109,707
Income taxes payable, consolidated variable interest entity without recourse	15,920	16,315
Amounts due to related parties, consolidated variable interest entity without recourse	'	13
Deferred revenue, consolidated variable interest entity without recourse	380,062	327,443
Deferred tax liabilities, non-current consolidated variable interest entity without recourse	1,722	1,836
Acquisition payable, consolidated variable interest entity without recourse	'	$4,518
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	300,000,000	300,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	158,379,387	158,379,387
Common stock, shares outstanding	157,758,666	156,695,987

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	31-May-14	31-May-13	31-May-12
NET REVENUES	'	'	'
Educational programs and services	$1,006,198	$857,685	$675,189
Books and others	132,689	102,169	78,006
Total net revenues	1,138,887	959,854	753,195
Operating costs and expenses	'	'	'
Cost of revenues	-451,669	-384,177	-293,063
Selling and marketing	-169,062	-142,098	-113,568
General and administrative	-324,210	-311,014	-226,404
Total operating costs and expenses	-944,941	-837,289	-633,035
Gain on disposal of subsidiaries	3,621	'	'
OPERATING INCOME	197,567	122,565	120,160
OTHER INCOME, NET	'	'	'
Interest income	44,880	30,121	25,488
Miscellaneous income, net	752	772	1,040
Income before income tax expense and loss from equity method investment	243,199	153,458	146,688
Provision for income taxes:	'	'	'
Current	-28,235	-18,985	-14,027
Deferred	2,193	3,630	3,255
Provision for income taxes	-26,042	-15,355	-10,772
Loss from equity method investment	-1,453	-1,427	'
Income from continuing operations	215,704	136,676	135,916
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	'	-407	-3,228
Net income	215,704	136,269	132,688
Net income from continuing operation per share (Note 17)	'	'	'
- Basic	$1.38	$0.88	$0.88
- Diluted	$1.37	$0.87	$0.87
Net income from discontinued operation per share (Note 17)	'	'	'
- Basic	'	$0	($0.02)
- Diluted	'	$0	($0.02)
Weighted average shares used in calculating basic net income per share	156,033,992	155,762,959	154,627,784
Weighted average shares used in calculating diluted net income per share	157,903,464	157,823,792	156,872,441
Share-based compensation expense included in:	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense	20,079	27,242	24,125
Cost of revenues [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense included in:	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense	'	'	216
General and Administrative Expense [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense included in:	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense	$20,079	$27,242	$23,909

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	31-May-14	31-May-13	31-May-12
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net income	$215,704	$136,269	$132,688
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-17,894	27,729	8,576
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of tax effect of nil, nil and nil for years ended May 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014	586	'	'
Other comprehensive income/(loss)	-17,308	27,729	8,576
Comprehensive income	$198,396	$163,998	$141,264

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com1

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	31-May-14	31-May-13	31-May-12
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, tax effect	'	'	'

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cha

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity (USD $)		Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Statutory reserve [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]
In Thousands, except Share data
Beginning Balance at May. 31, 2011		$574,223	$1,540	$186,585	'	$46,562	$16,104	$323,432
Beginning Balance, shares at May. 31, 2011		'	158,379,387	'	'	'	'	'
Issuance of ADS shares for the exercises of employee share options		790	2	788	'	'	'	'
The vesting of non-vested equity shares		'	13	-13	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense		24,125	'	24,125	'	'	'	'
Transfer to statutory reserves		'	'	'	'	'	69,149	-69,149
Dividend declared	[1]	-50,000	'	-50,000	'	'	'	'
Net income		132,688	'	'	'	'	'	132,688
Foreign currency translation adjustment		8,576	'	'	'	8,576	'	'
Ending Balance at May. 31, 2012		690,402	1,555	161,485	'	55,138	85,253	386,971
Ending Balance, shares at May. 31, 2012		'	158,379,387	'	'	'	'	'
Issuance of ADS shares for the exercises of employee share options		5,733	7	5,726	'	'	'	'
The vesting of non-vested equity shares		'	11	-11	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense		27,242	'	27,242	'	'	'	'
Transfer to statutory reserves		'	'	'	'	'	22,470	-22,470
Dividend declared	[1]	3,010	'	3,010	'	'	'	'
Share repurchase	[2]	-33,133	'	-33,116	-17	'	'	'
Share repurchase, shares		-1,683,400	-1,683,400	'	'	'	'	'
Net income		136,269	'	'	'	'	'	136,269
Foreign currency translation adjustment		27,729	'	'	'	27,729	'	'
Ending Balance at May. 31, 2013		857,252	1,573	164,336	-17	82,867	107,723	500,770
Ending Balance, shares at May. 31, 2013		158,379,387	156,695,987	'	'	'	'	'
Issuance of ADS shares for the exercises of employee share options		7,848	11	7,837	'	'	'	'
Reissuance of treasury stock for the exercises of employee share options		13,524	'	13,514	10	'	'	'
Reissuance of treasury stock for the exercises of employee share options, shares		1,014,727	1,014,727	'	'	'	'	'
Reissuance of treasury stock for the vesting of non-vested equity shares		'	'	-8	8	'	'	'
Reissuance of treasury stock for the vesting of non-vested equity shares, shares		810,052	810,052	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense		20,079	'	20,079	'	'	'	'
Transfer to statutory reserves		'	'	'	'	'	22,145	-22,145
Dividend declared	[3]	-54,476	'	-14,891	'	'	'	-39,585
Share repurchase	[2]	-16,865	'	-16,858	-7	'	'	'
Share repurchase, shares		-762,100	-762,100	'	'	'	'	'
Net income		215,704	'	'	'	'	'	215,704
Foreign currency translation adjustment		-17,894	'	'	'	-17,894	'	'
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of tax effect of nil		586	'	'	'	586	'	'
Ending Balance at May. 31, 2014		$1,025,758	$1,584	$174,009	($6)	$65,559	$129,868	$654,744
Ending Balance, shares at May. 31, 2014		158,379,387	157,758,666	'	'	'	'	'
[1]	On April 17, 2012, the Company declared a special cash dividend in the amount of US$0.30 per ADS, or a total of approximately US$50,000. The actual dividend amount of US$46,990 was paid on September 28, 2012 to shareholders of record at the close of business on August 31, 2012.
[2]	On April 23, 2013, the Company's board of directors authorized the repurchase of up to US$50,000 of the Company's shares during the period from April 29, 2013, through July 31, 2013 to facilitate the future vesting of options or non-vested equity shares.
[3]	On July 23, 2013, the Company declared a special cash dividend in the amount of US$0.35 per ADS. The aggregate amount of cash dividend paid was US$54,476, of which US$39,585 and US$14,891 were funded by retained earnings and additional paid in capital, respectively. The dividend was fully paid on October 7, 2013 to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 6, 2013.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cha1

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	31-May-14		31-May-12
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, tax effect	'		'
Special cash dividend declared per share	$0.35		$0.30
Cash paid for dividend	54,476,000		'
Dividend declared	54,476,000	[1]	50,000,000	[2]
Special cash dividend declared date	17-Apr-12		'
Dividend payment date	28-Sep-12		'
Shareholders date of record	31-Aug-12		'
Shares repurchases, shares	762,100		'
Fiscal Year 2014 Dividend [Member]	'		'
Special cash dividend declared date	23-Jul-13		'
Dividend payment date	7-Oct-13		'
Shareholders date of record	6-Sep-13		'
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	'		'
Cash paid for dividend	14,891,000		'
Dividend declared	14,891,000	[1]	50,000,000	[2]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	'		'
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, tax effect	'		'
Retained Earnings [Member]	'		'
Cash paid for dividend	39,585,000		'
Dividend declared	$39,585,000	[1]	'
[1]	On July 23, 2013, the Company declared a special cash dividend in the amount of US$0.35 per ADS. The aggregate amount of cash dividend paid was US$54,476, of which US$39,585 and US$14,891 were funded by retained earnings and additional paid in capital, respectively. The dividend was fully paid on October 7, 2013 to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 6, 2013.
[2]	On April 17, 2012, the Company declared a special cash dividend in the amount of US$0.30 per ADS, or a total of approximately US$50,000. The actual dividend amount of US$46,990 was paid on September 28, 2012 to shareholders of record at the close of business on August 31, 2012.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	31-May-14	31-May-13	31-May-12
Cash flows from operating activities	'	'	'
Net income	$215,704	$136,269	$132,688
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities	'	'	'
Depreciation of property and equipment	43,578	38,984	26,219
Amortization of intangible assets	113	101	52
Amortization of land use rights	117	108	87
Loss on disposal of property and equipment	2,023	1,362	543
Gain on disposal of subsidiaries	-3,621	'	-408
Share-based compensation expense	20,079	27,242	24,125
Allowance for doubtful accounts	254	192	52
Loss from equity method investment	1,453	1,427	'
Deferred income taxes	-2,193	-3,630	-3,255
Changes in operating assets and liabilities	'	'	'
Accounts receivables	443	213	-2,164
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-20,168	2,846	-23,672
Inventory	-481	-1,664	-1,753
Long term deposit	-207	968	-4,861
Long term prepaid rent	157	1,010	633
Accounts payable	272	-701	-740
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	44,775	22,047	28,395
Income taxes payable	1,286	6,266	2,854
Deferred revenue	60,722	51,417	71,794
Amounts due to related parties	-1,097	912	164
Amounts due from related parties	-1,864	-1,741	-1,449
Net cash provided by operating activities	361,345	283,628	249,304
Cash flows from investing activities	'	'	'
Restricted cash paid for establishing new schools and subsidiaries	-3,282	-496	-158
Release of restricted cash for establishing new schools and subsidiaries	2,537	2,555	'
Investments in bank deposits maturing over three months	-72,497	'	'
Settlement of bank deposits maturing over three months	22,187	2,459	104,802
Investments in short-term held-to-maturity investments	-1,849,087	-1,795,461	-656,622
Settlement of short-term held-to-maturity investments	1,698,643	1,627,467	481,477
Investment in Beijing MaxEn International Education Consulting Co., Ltd (Note 13)	'	-6,500	'
Purchase of property and equipment	-31,703	-61,468	-71,690
Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment	946	3,455	3,210
Investment in long term held-to-maturity investment	-96,045	'	'
Proceeds received from disposal of Mingshitang	'	160	'
Net cash used in investing activities	-344,377	-237,888	-143,701
Cash flows from financing activities	'	'	'
Proceeds from issuances of common shares upon exercise of share option	21,849	4,652	945
Cash paid for shares repurchased	-21,487	-28,511	'
Cash paid for dividend	-54,476	-46,990	'
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-54,114	-70,849	945
Effects of exchange rate changes	-8,427	14,014	4,453
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	-45,573	-11,095	111,001
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	417,166	428,261	317,260
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	371,593	417,166	428,261
Supplement disclosure of cash flow information	'	'	'
Income taxes paid	26,987	12,525	11,178
Non-cash investing and financing activities:	'	'	'
Payable for purchase of property and equipment	6,018	7,652	7,069
Payable for shares repurchased	'	4,622	'
Payable for acquisition of China Management Software Institute	4,594	4,650	'
Dividend payable	'	'	50,000
Tongwen [Member]	'	'	'
Cash flows from investing activities	'	'	'
Purchase of Business, net of cash acquired	'	'	-193
Newave [Member]	'	'	'
Cash flows from investing activities	'	'	'
Refund of purchase consideration for Newave, net of cash disposed of US$448	'	'	1,752
Dajie.com Ltd [Member]	'	'	'
Cash flows from investing activities	'	'	'
Long term investment	'	'	-2,000
China Management Software Institute [Member]	'	'	'
Cash flows from investing activities	'	'	'
Purchase of China Management Software Institute, net of cash acquired of US$68 (Note 3)	'	-10,059	-3,279
Non-cash investing and financing activities:	'	'	'
Payable for acquisition of China Management Software Institute	4,594	132	'
Alo7.com [Member]	'	'	'
Cash flows from investing activities	'	'	'
Long term investment	-2,576	'	-1,000
Tarena [Member]	'	'	'
Cash flows from investing activities	'	'	'
Long term investment	($13,500)	'	'

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas1

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	31-May-12	31-May-13	31-May-12
	Newave [Member]	China Management Software Institute [Member]	China Management Software Institute [Member]
Refund of purchase consideration for Newave, cash disposed	$448	'	'
Purchase of business, cash acquired	'	$68	$68

Organization_and_Principal_Act

Organization and Principal Activities	12 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Organization and Principal Activities	'
	1	ORGANIZATION AND PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES
	New Oriental Education & Technology Group Inc. (the “Company”) was incorporated in the Cayman Islands. The Company, its wholly owned subsidiaries and its variable interest entity, Beijing New Oriental Education & Technology (Group) Co., Ltd. (“New Oriental China”) and its schools and subsidiaries (collectively, the “VIE”), are collectively referred to as the “Group”.
	The Group provides educational services in the People’s Republic of China (the “PRC”) primarily under the “New Oriental” brand. The Group offers a wide range of educational programs, services and products, consisting primarily of English and other foreign language training, test preparation courses for admissions and assessment tests in the United States, the PRC and Commonwealth countries, primary and secondary school education, development and distribution of educational content, software and other technology, and online education.
	As of May 31, 2014, details of the Company’s subsidiaries, variable interest entity and its schools and subsidiaries were as follows:
	Name		Date of incorporation		Place of	Legal		Principal activity
			or establishment		incorporation	ownership
					(or establishment)
					/operation
	Subsidiaries of the Company:
	Beijing Decision Education & Consulting Company Limited (“Beijing Decision”)		April 20, 2005		PRC	100%		Educational information system
								and other consulting services
	Beijing Judgment Education & Consulting Company Limited (“Beijing Judgment”)		20-Apr-05		PRC	100%		Educational consulting
								and investing activities
	Beijing Hewstone Technology Company Limited (“Beijing Hewstone”)		20-Apr-05		PRC	100%		Educational software development and distribution and other consulting services
	Beijing Pioneer Technology Company Limited (“Beijing Pioneer”)		January 8, 2009		PRC	100%		Educational software
								development and distribution
								and other consulting services
	Shanghai Smart Words Software Technology Company Limited (“Shanghai Smart Words”)		December 8, 2010		PRC	100%		Educational consulting
								and software development
	Subsidiaries of the Company:
	Beijing Smart Wood Software Technology Company Limited (“Beijing Smart Wood”)		December 21, 2011		PRC	100%		Educational consulting
								and software development
	Beijing Joy Tend		31-Jan-13		PRC	100%		Educational consulting
	Technology Company Limited (“Beijing Joy Tend”)							and software development
	Beijing Right Time		31-Jan-13		PRC	100%		Educational consulting
	Technology Company Limited (“Beijing Right Time”)							and software development
	Beijing Sincerity		31-Jan-13		PRC	100%		Educational consulting
	Technology Company Limited (“Beijing Sincerity”)							and software development
	Beijing Magnificence		1-Nov-13		PRC	100%		Educational consulting
	Technology Company Limited (“Beijing Magnificence”)							and software development
	Beijing Top		November 13, 2013		PRC	100%		Educational consulting
	Technology Company Limited (“Beijing Top”)							and software development
	Beijing Walkite International Travel Co., Ltd.		22-May-12		PRC	100%		Consulting
	Beijing New Oriental Kuxuehuisi Network Technology Co., Ltd.		1-Feb-13		PRC	100%		On-line education
	Beijing New Oriental Stars Education & Consulting Co., Ltd (“Stars”)		11-Jul-07		PRC	100%		Kindergarten
	Beijing Chao Yang District Kindergarten of Stars (“ChaoYang Kindergarten”)		9-Nov-07		PRC	100%		Kindergarten
	Nanjing Yuhuatai District Kindergarten of Stars (“Nanjing Kindergarten”)		20-Feb-09		PRC	100%		Kindergarten
	Elite Concept Holdings Limited (“Elite Concept”)		3-Dec-07		Hong	100%		Educational Consulting
					Kong
	Winner Park Limited (“Winner Park”)		9-Dec-08		Hong	100%		Educational Consulting
					Kong
	Smart Shine International Limited (“Smart Shine”)		9-Dec-08		Hong	100%		Educational Consulting
					Kong
	Variable interest entity of the Company:
	Beijing New Oriental Education & Technology (Group) Co., Ltd (“New Oriental China”)		2-Aug-01		PRC	N/A		Education consulting,
								software development and
								distributions and other services
	Schools and subsidiaries of New Oriental China:
	Beijing Haidian District Privately-Funded New Oriental School (“Beijing Haidian School”)		October 5, 1993		PRC	N/A		Language and post-
								secondary education
	Shanghai Yangpu District New Oriental Advanced Study School		1-Jun-00		PRC	N/A		Language education
	Guangzhou Haizhu District		September 8, 2000		PRC	N/A		Language education
	Privately-Funded New
	Oriental Training School
	(“Guangzhou Haizhu School”) (a)
	Guangzhou New Oriental Training School (“Guangzhou School”) (a)		20-Aug-13		PRC	N/A		Language education
	Guangzhou Panyu District		19-Jun-13		PRC	N/A		Language education
	Privately-Funded New
	Oriental Training Centre
	(“Guangzhou Panyu School”) (a)
	Wuhan New Oriental Training School		28-Apr-02		PRC	N/A		Language education
	Tianjin New Oriental Training School		21-Aug-02		PRC	N/A		Language education
	Xi’an Yanta District New Oriental Training School		26-Nov-02		PRC	N/A		Language education
Nanjing Gulou New Oriental Advanced Study School		November 28, 2002		PRC	N/A		Language education
Shenzhen New Oriental Training School		15-Oct-03		PRC	N/A		Language education
Shenyang New Oriental Foreign Language Training School		18-Jun-03		PRC	N/A		Language education
Chongqing New Oriental Training School		15-Aug-03		PRC	N/A		Language education
Chengdu New Oriental School		18-Aug-03		PRC	N/A		Language education
Xiangyang New Oriental Training School		26-Oct-04		PRC	N/A		Language education
Changsha Furong District New Oriental Training School		25-May-05		PRC	N/A		Language education
Jinan New Oriental School		31-May-05		PRC	N/A		Language education
Taiyuan New Oriental Training School		20-Apr-05		PRC	N/A		Language education
Ha’er Bin Nangang District New Oriental Training School		20-May-05		PRC	N/A		Language education
Changchun New Oriental Training School		26-Jul-05		PRC	N/A		Language education
Hangzhou New Oriental Advanced Study School (“Hangzhou School”) (b)		21-Jul-05		PRC	N/A		Language education
Fuyang New Oriental Training School (“Fuyang School”) (b)		22-Oct-12		PRC	N/A		Language education
Zhengzhou New Oriental Training School		19-Jul-05		PRC	N/A		Language education
Zhuzhou New Oriental Training School		30-Apr-06		PRC	N/A		Language education
Shijiazhuang New Oriental School		3-Apr-06		PRC	N/A		Language education
Suzhou New Oriental School		26-Apr-06		PRC	N/A		Language education
Anshan New Oriental Training School		13-Jun-06		PRC	N/A		Language education
Hefei New Oriental Foreign Language Training School		13-Jun-06		PRC	N/A		Language education
Kunming Xishan New Oriental School		13-Jun-06		PRC	N/A		Language education
Wuxi New Oriental Advanced Study School		14-Aug-06		PRC	N/A		Language education
Fuzhou Gulou District New Oriental Training School		1-Sep-06		PRC	N/A		Language education
Schools and subsidiaries of New Oriental China:
Nanchang Donghu District New Oriental Language School		March 16, 2007		PRC	N/A		Language education
Yichang Wujiagang District Yichang New Oriental School		1-Jan-06		PRC	N/A		Language education
Jingzhou New Oriental School		10-Apr-07		PRC	N/A		Language education
Dalian New Oriental Training School		12-Jun-07		PRC	N/A		Language education
Huangshi New Oriental Training School		17-Mar-08		PRC	N/A		Language education
Ningbo New Oriental School		16-Apr-08		PRC	N/A		Language education
Lanzhou Chengguan District New Oriental School		19-Mar-08		PRC	N/A		Language education
Xiamen Siming District New Oriental Education Training School		8-Jul-08		PRC	N/A		Language education
Qingdao New Oriental Language Training School		5-Aug-08		PRC	N/A		Language education
Nanning New Oriental Education Training School		September 18, 2008		PRC	N/A		Language education
Xuzhou New Oriental Advanced Study School		31-Mar-09		PRC	N/A		Language education
Xiangtan Yuhu District New Oriental School		15-Jul-10		PRC	N/A		Language education
Zhenjiang New Oriental School		19-Jul-10		PRC	N/A		Language education
Luoyang New Oriental School		25-Nov-10		PRC	N/A		Language education
Nantong Chongchuan District New Oriental School		28-Dec-10		PRC	N/A		Language education
Jilin Chuanying District New Oriental School		17-Mar-11		PRC	N/A		Language education
Guiyang Yunyan District New Oriental School		21-Mar-11		PRC	N/A		Language education
Inner Mongolia Hohhot New Oriental School		2-Apr-11		PRC	N/A		Language education
Foshan New Oriental School		1-Sep-11		PRC	N/A		Language education
Tangshan Lubei District New Oriental School		25-May-11		PRC	N/A		Language education
Urumqi New Oriental School		22-May-11		PRC	N/A		Language education
Shiyan New Oriental School		23-May-11		PRC	N/A		Language education
Changchun Tongwen Gaokao Training School (“Tongwen Gaokao”)		27-Oct-08		PRC	N/A		College admission
							examination training
Changchun Tongwen Senior High School (“Tongwen High School”)		27-Oct-08		PRC	N/A		Primary secondary school education
China Management Software Institute (“CMSI”)		1-Sep-12		PRC	N/A		Higher education
Beijing New Oriental Yangzhou Foreign Language School		6-Jun-02		PRC	N/A		Primary secondary school education
Beijing Changping New Oriental Foreign Language School (“Changping school”)		19-Jul-10		PRC	N/A		Primary secondary school education
Beijing New Oriental Dogwood Cultural Communications Co., Ltd.		16-May-03		PRC	N/A		Sales of educational
							materials and products
Beijing New Oriental Dogwood, Bookstore, Audio & Video Co., Ltd.		2-Mar-04		PRC	N/A		Sales of educational materials and products
Schools and subsidiaries of New Oriental China:
Chengdu New Oriental Dogwood Bookstore Products Co., Ltd.		18-Jan-04		PRC	N/A		Sales of educational materials and products
Chongqing New Oriental Dogwood Bookstore & Audio-Visual Products Co., Ltd.		25-Feb-04		PRC	N/A		Sales of educational materials and products
Shenyang new Oriental Dogwood Bookstore & Audio-Visual Products Co., Ltd.		September 18, 2003		PRC	N/A		Sales of educational materials and products
Guangzhou Dogwood Bookstore & Audio-Visual Products Co., Ltd.		11-Nov-03		PRC	N/A		Sales of educational materials and products
Wuhan New Oriental Dogwood Bookstore & Audio-Visual Products Co., Ltd.		16-Dec-03		PRC	N/A		Sales of educational materials and products
Xi’an New Oriental Dogwood Bookstore & Audio-Visual Products Co., Ltd.		3-Jun-03		PRC	N/A		Sales of educational materials and products
Shanghai Dogwood Bookstore & Audio-Visual Products Co., Ltd.		28-Sep-03		PRC	N/A		Sales of educational materials and products
Nanjing New Oriental Dogwood Bookstore Products Co., Ltd.		21-Apr-03		PRC	N/A		Sales of educational materials and products
Tianjin Dogwood Bookstore & Audio-Visual Products Co., Ltd.		15-Dec-03		PRC	N/A		Sales of educational materials and products
Changchun New Oriental Dogwood Bookstore & Audio-Visual Products Co., Ltd.		8-Oct-05		PRC	N/A		Sales of educational materials and products
Changsha New Oriental Dogwood Bookstore & Audio-Visual Products Co., Ltd.		3-Apr-06		PRC	N/A		Sales of educational materials and products
Ha’er Bin New Oriental Dogwood Bookstore & Audio-Visual Products Co., Ltd.		13-Mar-06		PRC	N/A		Sales of educational materials and products
Taiyuan New Oriental Dogwood Bookstore & Audio-Visual Products Co., Ltd.		12-Jul-06		PRC	N/A		Sales of educational materials and products
Zhengzhou New Oriental Dogwood Bookstore & Audio-Visual Products Co., Ltd.		9-Aug-06		PRC	N/A		Sales of educational materials and products
Hefei Dogwood Bookstore & Audio-Visual Products Co., Ltd.		22-Nov-06		PRC	N/A		Sales of educational materials and products
Fuzhou Gulou District Dogwood Bookstore & Audio-Visual Products Co., Ltd		26-Aug-09		PRC	N/A		Sales of educational materials and products
Hangzhou Dogwood Bookstore Products Co., Ltd		25-Jul-07		PRC	N/A		Sales of educational materials and products
Nanchang Dogwood Bookstore & Audio-Visual Products Co., Ltd		14-Sep-07		PRC	N/A		Sales of educational materials and products
Kunming Dogwood Bookstore & Audio-Visual Products Co., Ltd		21-Nov-07		PRC	N/A		Sales of educational materials and products
Dalian New Oriental Dogwood Bookstore & Audio-Visual Products Co., Ltd		25-Mar-08		PRC	N/A		Sales of educational materials and products
Jinan Dogwood Bookstore & Audio-Visual Products Co., Ltd		21-Apr-08		PRC	N/A		Sales of educational materials and products
Schools and subsidiaries of New Oriental China:
Lanzhou New Oriental Dogwood Bookstore & Audio-Visual Products Co., Ltd		October 28, 2008		PRC	N/A		Sales of educational
							materials and products
Shijiazhuang New Oriental Dogwood Bookstore & Audio-Visual Products Co., Ltd		28-Jul-09		PRC	N/A		Sales of educational materials and products
Ningbo Haishu New Oriental Dogwood Bookstore & Audio-Visual Products Co., Ltd		31-May-10		PRC	N/A		Sales of educational
							materials and products
Suzhou New Oriental Dogwood Bookstore & Audio-Visual Products Co., Ltd		1-Jun-10		PRC	N/A		Sales of educational
							materials and products
Qingdao New Oriental Dogwood Bookstore & Audio-Visual Products Co., Ltd		28-Jul-10		PRC	N/A		Sales of educational
							materials and products
Xuzhou New Oriental Dogwood Bookstore & Audio-Visual Products Co., Ltd		September 29, 2010		PRC	N/A		Sales of educational
							materials and products
Urumqi Dogwood Bookstore & Audio-Visual Products Co., Ltd		13-Sep-11		PRC	N/A		Sales of educational
							materials and products
Xiamen New Oriental Dogwood Bookstore & Audio-Visual Products Co., Ltd		8-Dec-11		PRC	N/A		Sales of educational
							materials and products
Hohhot Dogwood Bookstore & Audio-Visual Products Co., Ltd		7-Feb-12		PRC	N/A		Sales of educational
							materials and products
Beijing New Oriental Vision Overseas Consultancy Co., Ltd.		19-Feb-04		PRC	N/A		Consulting
Shanghai Vision Overseas Service Co., Ltd.		24-Mar-11		PRC	N/A		Consulting
Shandong New Oriental Vision Overseas Consultancy Co., Ltd.		8-Sep-11		PRC	N/A		Consulting
Beijing New Oriental Dogwood Advertisement Co., Ltd. (“Dogwood Advertisement”)		20-Jan-04		PRC	N/A		Advertising
Beijing New Oriental Xuncheng Network Technology Co., Ltd. (“Xuncheng”)		11-Mar-05		PRC	N/A		On-line education
Beijing Dianshijingwei Technology Company Limited (“Beijing Dianshijingwei”)		14-Jan-14		PRC	N/A		Educational consulting
							and software development
Leci Internet Technology (Beijing) Company Limited (“Leci Internet”)		11-Feb-14		PRC	N/A		Educational consulting and software development
(a)	Guangzhou School and Guangzhou Panyu School were newly established in the year ended May 31, 2014. Although they are separate legal entities, from perspective of the Group’s internal management, they together with Guangzhou Haizhu School are considered as one school since they are operated by the same local management in Guangzhou.
(b)	Although Fuyang School is a separate legal entity, from perspective of the Group’s internal management, Fuyang School and Hangzhou School are considered as one school since they are operated by the same local management in Hangzhou.
The VIE arrangements
PRC laws and regulations currently require any foreign entity that invests in the education business in China to be an educational institution with relevant experience in providing educational services outside China. The Company’s offshore holding companies are not educational institutions and do not provide educational services outside China. In addition, in the PRC, foreign ownership of high schools for students in grades ten to twelve is restricted and foreign ownership of primary and middle schools for students in grades one to nine is prohibited. Accordingly, the Company’s offshore holding companies are not allowed to directly own and operate schools in China. The Company conducts substantially all of its education business in China through contractual arrangements with its VIE, New Oriental China and its schools and subsidiaries. Since the operations of New Oriental China and the schools are closely interrelated and almost indistinguishable from one another, the risks and rewards associated with their operations are substantially the same. In addition, the Company consolidates New Oriental China, its schools and subsidiaries as disclosed. Therefore, the Company aggregates the disclosures related to New Oriental China and New Oriental China’s schools and subsidiaries as variable interest entities and referred to them as “the VIE” in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The VIE holds the requisite licenses and permits necessary to conduct the Company’s education business. In addition, the VIE holds leases and other assets necessary to operate the Company’s schools and learning centers, employs teachers and generates substantially all of the Company’s revenues. The Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries in China (the “WFOEs”) have entered into the following contractual arrangements with New Oriental China, New Oriental China’s schools and subsidiaries and New Oriental China’s shareholders that enable the Company to (1) have power to direct the activities that most significantly affects the economic performance of the VIE, and (2) receive the economic benefits of the VIE that could be significant to the VIE. Accordingly, the Company is considered the primary beneficiary of the VIE and has consolidated the VIE’s financial results of operations, assets and liabilities in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In making the conclusion that the Company is the primary beneficiary of the VIE, the Company believes the Company’s rights under the terms of the exclusive option agreement provide it with a substantive kick out right. More specifically, the Company believes the terms of the exclusive option agreement are valid, binding and enforceable under PRC laws and regulations currently in effect. The Company also believes that the minimum amount of consideration permitted by the applicable PRC law to exercise the option does not represent a financial barrier or disincentive for the Company to currently exercise its rights under the exclusive option agreement. A simple majority vote of the Company’s board of directors is required to pass a resolution to exercise the Company’s rights under the exclusive option agreement, for which Mr. Michael Minhong Yu (“Mr. Yu”)’s consent is not required. The Company’s rights under the exclusive option agreement give the Company the power to control the shareholder of New Oriental China and thus the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the schools’ economic performance given that New Oriental China has the power to direct the activities of the schools via its sponsorship interest. In addition, the Company’s rights under the power of attorney also reinforce the Company’s abilities to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance. The Company also believes that this ability to exercise control ensures that the VIE will continue to execute and renew service agreements and pay service fees to the Company. By charging service fees in whatever amounts the Company deems fit, and by ensuring that service agreements are executed and renewed indefinitely, the Company has the rights to receive substantially all of the economic benefits from the VIE.
The VIE arrangements - continued
Service agreements. There are four types of service agreements: (i) trademark license agreements, (ii) new enrollment system development service agreements, (iii) other operating service agreements, and (iv) sale of educational software agreements.
(i) Trademark license agreements. Pursuant to the trademark license agreement dated May 13, 2006 between the Company as the licensor and New Oriental China as the licensee, the Company has licensed the trademarks to New Oriental China for its use in China. The Company has also allowed New Oriental China to enter into sub-license agreements with its schools and subsidiaries pursuant to which each of the schools and subsidiaries may use the trademarks in China by paying license fees. This license is valid from May 14, 2006 to December 31, 2050, subject to the renewal every ten years upon the expiration of the trademark registration. Pursuant to the second trademark license agreement dated December 20, 2010 entered into between Shanghai Smart Words as the licensor and a subsidiary of New Oriental China as the licensee, Shanghai Smart Words has granted a license to a subsidiary of New Oriental China to use certain trademarks for a license fee equal to 5% of the licensee’s monthly revenues. The term of this license is two years and is automatically renewed unless otherwise terminated by Shanghai Smart Words.
(ii) New enrollment system development service agreements. Beijing Decision has entered into new enrollment system development service agreements with the schools of New Oriental China, under which Beijing Decision agreed to provide new enrollment system development and regular maintenance services to those schools of New Oriental China for a fee equal to the applicable fee rate multiplied by the number of new student enrollments. These agreements can be renewed by both parties to the agreements.
(iii) Other operating service agreements. Pursuant to operating service agreements between certain WFOEs and the schools or the subsidiaries of New Oriental China, the WFOEs have agreed to provide certain operating services to the schools or the subsidiaries of New Oriental China for fees that are calculated based on a percentage, ranging from 1.0% to 6.0%, of respective revenues of each of the schools and subsidiaries. A majority of these agreements provide unlimited two-year or five-year automatic renewal without consent of the WFOEs. The remaining agreements can be renewed by both parties to the agreements.
(iv) Sale of educational software agreements. Seven WFOEs, namely Beijing Hewstone, Beijing Pioneer, Beijing Smart Wood, Shanghai Smart Words, Beijing Joy Tend, Beijing Magnificence and Beijing Top, entered into agreements whereby the WFOEs sells various self-developed educational software to the schools or subsidiaries of New Oriental China. Except for four agreements that are silent on renewal, these agreements provide unlimited two-year automatic renewal terms, and schools and subsidiaries of New Oriental China cannot terminate the agreements without the consent of the WFOEs in China.
The VIE arrangements - continued
Equity pledge agreement. Pursuant to the equity pledge agreements dated May 25, 2006 among New Oriental China, all of the shareholders of New Oriental China, Beijing Hewstone and Beijing Decision, each shareholder of New Oriental China agreed to pledge his or its equity interest in New Oriental China to Beijing Hewstone and Beijing Decision to secure the performance of the VIE’s obligations under the existing service agreements and any such agreements to be entered into in the future. The shareholders of New Oriental China agreed not to transfer, sell, pledge, dispose of or otherwise create any encumbrance on their equity interests in New Oriental China without the prior written consent of Beijing Decision and Beijing Hewstone.
In January 2012, ten former shareholders of New Oriental China completed the transfer, for no consideration, of all of their equity interests in New Oriental China to Century Friendship, a PRC domestic enterprise controlled by the Company’s founder, chairman and chief executive officer, Mr. Yu. Prior to the transfer, Century Friendship had held 53% of the equity interests in the New Oriental China while the ten former shareholders of New Oriental China held the remaining equity interests. In connection to the transfer, five new equity pledge agreements dated April 23, 2012 were entered into among New Oriental China, Century Friendship and five WFOEs, whereby Century Friendship has agreed to pledge all of its equity interests in New Oriental China to the WFOEs to secure the VIE’s performance of their obligations under the trademark license agreements, new enrollment system development service agreements, other operating service agreements and sale of educational software agreements. Century Friendship has agreed not to transfer, sell, pledge, dispose of or otherwise create any encumbrance on its equity interests in New Oriental China without the prior written consents of the WFOEs. The terms of the April 2012 equity pledge agreements are substantially the same as the 2006 agreements.
Exclusive option agreement. Pursuant to the exclusive option agreements entered into on various dates, as amended on May 25, 2006, among the Company, New Oriental China and its shareholders, the shareholders of New Oriental China are obligated to sell to the Company, and the Company have an exclusive, irrevocable and unconditional right to purchase, or cause the shareholders of New Oriental China to sell to the Company’s designated party, in the Company’s sole discretion, part or all of the shareholders’ equity interests in New Oriental China when and to the extent that applicable PRC law permits the Company to own part or all of such equity interests in New Oriental China. In addition, pursuant to the exclusive option agreements, the Company has an exclusive, irrevocable and unconditional right to request any existing shareholder of New Oriental China to transfer all or part of the equity interest in New Oriental China held by such shareholder to another PRC person or entity designated by the Company at any time in the discretion. The price to be paid by the Company or a PRC person or entity designated by the WFOEs will be the minimum amount of consideration permitted by applicable PRC law at the time when such share transfer occurs. As a result of the ten former shareholders of New Oriental China transferring all of their equity interests in New Oriental China to Century Friendship in January 2012, Century Friendship executed a new option agreement with Shanghai Smart Words and New Oriental China on April 23, 2012. The terms of this new option agreement are substantially the same as the 2006 agreements.
The VIE arrangements - continued
Power of Attorney. On December 3, 2012, Century Friendship, in the capacity of the sole shareholder of New Oriental China, executed a proxy agreement and power of attorney with Beijing Pioneer, which is one of the Company’s wholly owned subsidiaries in China, and New Oriental China, whereby Century Friendship irrevocably appoints and constitutes Beijing Pioneer as its attorney-in-fact to exercise on Century Friendship’s behalf any and all rights that Century Friendship has in respect of its equity interests in New Oriental China. This proxy agreement and power of attorney became effective on December 3, 2012 and replaces the powers of attorney executed by Century Friendship on April 23, 2012. The proxy agreement and power of attorney will remain effective as long as New Oriental China exists. Century Friendship does not have the right to terminate the proxy agreement and power of attorney or revoke the appointment of the attorney-in-fact without the prior written consent of Beijing Pioneer.
Risks in relation to the VIE structure
The Company believes that the contractual arrangements with New Oriental China and its current shareholder are in compliance with PRC laws and regulations and are legally enforceable. However, uncertainties in the PRC legal system could limit the Company’s ability to enforce the contractual arrangements. If the legal structure and contractual arrangements were found to be in violation of PRC laws and regulations, the PRC government could:
	•		revoke the business and operating licenses of the Company’s PRC subsidiaries, New Oriental China and its schools and subsidiaries;
	•		discontinue or restrict the operations of any related-party transactions among the Company’s PRC subsidiaries, New Oriental China and its schools and subsidiaries;
	•		limit the Group’s business expansion in China by way of entering into contractual arrangements;
	•		impose fines or other requirements with which the Company’s PRC subsidiaries, New Oriental China and its schools and subsidiaries may not be able to comply;
	•		require the Company or the Company’s PRC subsidiaries, New Oriental China and its schools and subsidiaries to restructure the relevant ownership structure or operations; or
	•		restrict or prohibit the Company’s use of the proceeds of the additional public offering to finance the Group’s business and operations in China.
The Company’s ability to conduct its education business may be negatively affected if the PRC government were to carry out of any of the aforementioned actions. As a result, the Company may not be able to consolidate New Oriental China and its schools and subsidiaries in its consolidated financial statements as it may lose the ability to exert effective control over New Oriental China and its schools and subsidiaries and its shareholder, and it may lose the ability to receive economic benefits from New Oriental China and its schools and subsidiaries. The Company, however, does not believe such actions would result in the liquidation or dissolution of the Company, the WFOEs or New Oriental China or its schools or subsidiaries.
The VIE arrangements - continued
Risks in relation to the VIE structure - continued
Mr. Yu is the controlling shareholder of Century Friendship, which owns all of the equity interests in New Oriental China and Mr. Yu is also a beneficial owner of the Company. The interests of Mr. Yu as the beneficial owner of New Oriental China may differ from the interests of the Company as a whole, since Mr. Yu is only one of the beneficial shareholders of the company, holding 16.57% of the total common shares outstanding as of May 31, 2014. The Company cannot assure that when conflicts of interest arise, Mr. Yu will act in the best interests of the Company or that conflicts of interests will be resolved in the Company’s favor. Currently, the Company does not have existing arrangements to address potential conflicts of interest Mr. Yu may encounter in his capacity as a beneficial owner and director of New Oriental China, on the one hand, and as a beneficial owner and director of the Company, on the other hand. The Company believes Mr. Yu will not act contrary to any of the contractual arrangements and the exclusive option agreement provides the Company with a mechanism to remove Mr. Yu as a beneficial shareholder of New Oriental China should he act to the detriment of the Company. The Company relies on Mr. Yu, as a director and executive officer of the Company, to fulfill his fiduciary duties and abide by laws of the PRC and Cayman Islands and act in the best interest of the Company. If the Company cannot resolve any conflicts of interest or disputes between the Company and Mr. Yu, the Company would have to rely on legal proceedings, which could result in disruption of its business, and there is substantial uncertainty as to the outcome of any such legal proceedings.
In addition, the current sole shareholder of the New Oriental China is also a beneficial owner of the Company and therefore has no current interest in seeking to act contrary to the contractual arrangements. However, to further protect the investors’ interest from any risk that the shareholders of the New Oriental China may act contrary to the contractual arrangements, the Company, through Beijing Pioneer, entered into an irrevocable power of attorney with Century Friendship on December 3, 2012, which replaces the powers of attorney executed by Century Friendship on April 23, 2012. Through the power of attorney, Century Friendship entrusted Beijing Pioneer as its proxy to exercise its rights as the shareholder of New Oriental China with respect to an aggregate of 100% of the equity interests in New Oriental China.
The VIE arrangements - continued
Risks in relation to the VIE structure - continued
The following financial statement balances and amounts of the VIE, including discontinued operations, were included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements after the elimination of intercompany balances and transactions among the offshore companies, WFOEs, VIE and VIE’s subsidiaries and schools in the Group:
		As of May 31,
		2013			2014
		US$			US$
Total current assets			624,725			717,780
Total non-current assets			261,416			328,877
Total assets			886,141			1,046,657
Total current liabilities			462,031			548,787
Total non-current liabilities			6,354			1,722
Total liabilities			468,385			550,509
		Years ended May 31,
		2012			2013			2014
		US$			US$			US$
Net revenues			750,384			951,634			1,121,205
Net income			158,796			206,413			266,497
Net cash provided by operating activities			238,037			299,821			371,458
Net cash used in investing activities			(150,401	)		(213,403	)		(240,427	)
Net cash provided by financing activities			—			—			—
The VIE contributed an aggregate of 97.2%, 99.0% and 98.4% of the consolidated net revenues for the years ended May 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively. The Company’s operations not conducted through contractual arrangements with the VIE primarily consist of its kindergarten programs and the leasing of its commercial property. As of the fiscal years ended May 31, 2013 and 2014, the VIE accounted for an aggregate of 65.5% and 65.3%, respectively, of the consolidated total assets, and 94.4% and 95.3%, respectively, of the consolidated total liabilities. The assets were not associated with the VIE primarily consist of cash and cash equivalents, prepaid expenses, short-term investments and long-term investments.
The VIE arrangements - continued
Risks in relation to the VIE structure - continued
There are no consolidated VIE’s assets that are collateral for the VIE’s obligations and can only be used to settle the VIE’s obligations. There are no creditors (or beneficial interest holders) of the VIE that have recourse to the general credit of the Company or any of its consolidated subsidiaries. There are no terms in any arrangements, considering both explicit arrangements and implicit variable interests, that require the Company or its subsidiaries to provide financial support to the VIE. However, if the VIE ever needs financial support, the Company or its subsidiaries may, at its option and subject to statutory limits and restrictions, provide financial support to its VIE through loans to the shareholder of the VIE or entrustment loans to the VIE.
Relevant PRC laws and regulations restrict the VIE from transferring a portion of its net assets, equivalent to the balance of its statutory reserve and its share capital, to the Company in the form of loans and advances or cash dividends. Please refer to Note 23 for disclosure of restricted net assets.

Significant_Accounting_Policie

Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Significant Accounting Policies	'
	2	SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	Basis of presentation
	The consolidated financial statements of the Group have been prepared in accordance with the accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”).
	Basis of consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company, its subsidiaries, its VIE and VIE’s subsidiaries and schools. The Company and its WFOEs have entered into contractual arrangements with the VIE and its shareholder, which enable the Company to (1) have power to direct activities that most significantly affect the economic performance of the VIE, and (2) receive the economic benefits of the VIE that could be significant to the VIE. Accordingly, the Company is considered the primary beneficiary of the VIE and has consolidated the VIE’s financial results of operations, assets and liabilities in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. All inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated upon consolidation.
	Use of estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and revenue and expenses in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Significant accounting estimates reflected in the Group’s consolidated financial statements include purchase price allocation relating to the business acquired, the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets, allowance for doubtful accounts, economic lives and impairment of property and equipment, impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, and share-based compensation. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Business combinations
	Business combinations are recorded using the acquisition method of accounting. The purchase price of the acquisition is allocated to the tangible assets, liabilities, identifiable intangible assets acquired and non-controlling interest, if any, based on their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date. The excess of the purchase price over those fair values is recorded as goodwill. Acquisition-related expenses and restructuring costs are expensed as incurred.
	Where the consideration in an acquisition includes contingent consideration and the payment of which depends on the achievement of certain specified conditions post-acquisition, the contingent consideration is recognized and measured at its fair value at the acquisition date and if recorded as a liability, it is subsequently carried at fair value with changes in fair value reflected in earnings.
	Cash and cash equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and highly liquid investments which are unrestricted as to withdrawal or use, and which have original maturities of three months or less when purchased.
	Term deposits
	Term deposits consist of deposits placed with financial institutions with original maturities of greater than three months and less than one year.
	Short-term investments
	Short term investments consist of held-to-maturity investments with the maturity of less than one year. The Group’s short-term held-to-maturity investments are classified as short-term investments on the consolidated balance sheets based on their contractual maturity dates which are less than one year and are stated at their amortized costs.
	The Group reviews its held-to-maturity investments for other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) based on the specific identification method. The Group considers available quantitative and qualitative evidence in evaluating the potential impairment of its short-term investments. If the cost of an investment exceeds the investment’s fair value, the Group considers, among other factors, general market conditions, expected future performance of the investees, the duration and the extent to which the fair value of the investment is less than the cost, and the Group’s intent and ability to hold the investments. OTTI is recognized as a loss in the income statement.
	Restricted cash
	Restricted cash represents Renminbi (“RMB”) deposits in bank accounts as deposits for establishing new schools and subsidiaries.
	Allowance for doubtful accounts
	Accounts receivable represents amounts due from corporate customers of the Group’s various schools and subsidiaries. The Group provides allowance for doubtful accounts equal to the estimated amounts. The Group’s estimates are based on historical collection experience and a review of the current status of accounts receivable and advances to suppliers. Accounts receivable and advances to suppliers are presented net of allowance for doubtful accounts.
	Changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts were as follows:
			As of May 31,
			2013			2014
			US$			US$
	Beginning balance			48			182
	Charge during the year			192			254
	Written-off			(58	)		(171	)
	Ending balance			182			265
	Inventory
	Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market value.
	Land use rights
	Land use rights are recorded at cost and amortized on a straight-line basis over the remaining term of the land certificate, from 38.5 to 50 years.
	Property and equipment
	Property and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization is calculated on a straight line basis over the following estimated economic lives:
	Buildings		20-50 years
	Transportation equipment		10 years
	Furniture and education equipment		5 years
	Computer equipment and software		3 years
	Leasehold improvements		Shorter of the lease term or estimated economic life
	Construction in progress
	The Group constructs certain of its property and equipment. In addition to cost under the construction contracts, interest cost and external costs directly related to the construction of such facilities, including equipment installation and shipping costs, are capitalized. Depreciation is recorded at the time assets are ready for the intended use.
	Impairment of long-lived assets
	The Group reviews its long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may no longer be recoverable. When these events occur, the Group measures impairment by comparing the carrying value of the long-lived assets to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use of the assets and their eventual disposition. If the sum of the expected undiscounted cash flow is less than the carrying amount of the assets, the Group would recognize an impairment loss based on the fair value of the assets. The Group did not record impairment losses on long-lived assets during the years ended May 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014.
	Goodwill
	Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired in business combinations. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that it might be impaired.
	Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level on an annual basis (May 31 for the Group) and between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. These events or circumstances could include a significant change in the stock prices, business climate, legal factors, operating performance indicators, competition, or sale or disposition of a significant portion of a reporting unit.
	Application of the goodwill impairment test requires judgment, including the identification of reporting units, assignment of assets and liabilities to reporting units, assignment of goodwill to reporting units, and determination of the fair value of each reporting unit. The estimation of fair value of each reporting unit using a discounted cash flow methodology also requires significant judgments, including estimation of future cash flows, which is dependent on internal forecasts, estimation of the long-term rate of growth for the Group’s business, estimation of the useful life over which cash flows will occur, and determination of the Group’s weighted average cost of capital. The estimates used to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit change from year to year based on operating results and market conditions. Changes in these estimates and assumptions could materially affect the determination of fair value and goodwill impairment for the reporting unit.
	In September 2011, the FASB issued an authoritative pronouncement related to testing goodwill for impairment. The guidance permits the Group to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is “more likely than not” that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. The Group adopted this pronouncement since June 2012. If it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, goodwill is then tested following a two-step process. The first step compares the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the fair value of each reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill is not considered to be impaired and the second step will not be required. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step compares the implied fair value of goodwill to the carrying value of a reporting unit’s goodwill.
	The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in a manner similar to accounting for a business combination with the allocation of the assessed fair value determined in the first step to the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit. The excess of the fair value of the reporting unit over the amounts assigned to the assets and liabilities is the implied fair value of goodwill.
	An impairment loss is recognized for any excess in the carrying value of goodwill over the implied fair value of goodwill. The Group recognized no impairment loss on goodwill for any of the periods presented.
	Impairment of indefinite-lived intangible assets
	An intangible asset that is not subject to amortization is tested for impairment at least annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. Such impairment test is to compare the fair values of assets with their carrying value amounts and an impairment loss is recognized if and when the carrying amounts exceed the fair values. The estimates of fair values of intangible assets not subject to amortization are determined using various discounted cash flow valuation methodologies. Significant assumptions are inherent in this process, including estimates of discount rates or market price. Discount rate assumptions are based on an assessment of the risk inherent in the respective intangible assets. Market prices are based on potential purchase quote from third party, if any. The Group recognized no impairment loss on indefinite-lived intangible assets for any of the periods presented.
	Acquired intangible assets with definite lives
	Acquired intangible assets with definite lives consist of trademark, license and course wares, and are carried at cost less accumulated amortization and impairment. Amortization of acquired intangible assets is calculated on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the contractual terms or the expected economic lives of the acquired assets. The weighted average amortization periods by major intangible assets class are as follows:
	Trademark			10 years
	License			20 years
	Student base			1.75 year
	Cost Method Investments
	For investee companies over which the Group does not have significant influence and a controlling interest, the Group carries the investment at cost and recognize as income for any dividend received from distribution of the investee’s earnings.
	The Group reviews its cost method investments for impairment whenever an event or circumstance indicates that an OTTI has occurred. The Group considers available quantitative and qualitative evidence in evaluating potential impairment of its cost method investments. An impairment charge is recorded if the cost of an investment exceeds its fair value and such excess is determined to be other-than temporary.
	The Group estimated the fair value of these investee companies based on discounted cash flow approach. Factors the Group considers in making such a determination include general market conditions, the duration and the extent to which the fair value of an investment is less than its cost, and the Group’s intent and ability to hold such investment. The Group did not record impairment losses on its cost method investments during the years ended May 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014.
	Equity Method Investment
Investee company over which the Group has the ability to exercise significant influence, but does not have a controlling interest, are accounted for using the equity method. Significant influence is generally considered to exist when the Group has an ownership interest in the voting stock of the investee between 20% and 50%, and other factors, such as representation on the investee’s board of directors, voting rights and the impact of commercial arrangements, are considered in determining whether the equity method of accounting is appropriate. In addition, as disclosed in Note 13(c), the Group accounts for its 65% equity interests in Beijing MaxEn International Education Consulting Co., Ltd (“MaxEn”) as equity method investment since the other investor has significant participating rights and the Group does not have controlling interests.
An impairment charge is recorded if the carrying amount of the investment exceeds its fair value and this condition is determined to be other-than temporary. The Group estimated the fair value of the investee company based on comparable quoted price for similar investment in active market, if applicable, or discounted cash flow approach which requires significant judgments, including the estimation of future cash flows, which is dependent on internal forecasts, the estimation of long term growth rate of a company’s business, the estimation of the useful life over which cash flows will occur, and the determination of the weighted average cost of capital. The Company did not record impairment losses on its equity method investment during the years ended May 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014.
Available-for-sale securities Investments
Investment classified as available-for-sale are carried at their fair values and the unrealized gains or losses from the changes in fair values are included in accumulated other comprehensive income.
The Group reviews its investments for OTTI based on the specific identification method. The Group considers available quantitative and qualitative evidence in evaluating potential impairment of its investments. If the cost of an investment exceeds the investment’s fair value, the Group considers, among other factors, general market conditions, government economic plans, the duration and the extent to which the fair value of the investment is less than the cost, the Group’s intent and ability to hold the investment, and the financial condition and near term prospects of the issuers.
Long-term held-to-maturity investment
The Group’s long-term held-to-maturity investment represents a trust guaranteed by a bank with the maturity of more than one year, which is stated at its amortized cost.
Revenue recognition
Revenue is recognized when persuasive evidence that an arrangement exists, delivery of the product or service has occurred, the selling price is both fixed and determinable and collection is reasonably assured. Revenue is reported net of business taxes and refunds. Business tax amounted to US$26,692, US$33,859 and US$39,909 for the years ended May 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively. The primary sources of the Group’s revenues are as follows:
	(a)	Educational programs and services
The educational programs and services consist of language training and test preparation courses, primary and secondary school education and college admission examination retaking training services. Tuition is generally paid in advance and is initially recorded as deferred revenue. Tuition revenue for educational programs and services is recognized proportionately as the instructions are delivered, and is reported net of business taxes and related surcharges, and tuition refunds. Students are entitled to a short term course trial period which commences on the date the course begins. Tuition refunds are provided to students if they decide within the trial period that they no longer want to take the course. Tuition refunds have been insignificant in the fiscal years ended May 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014. After the trial period, if a student withdraws from a class, usually no refunds will be provided and any collected but unearned portion of the fee is recognized at that time.
The Group also sells online-learning cards primarily to distributors at fixed price after deducting a pre-determined fixed discount to the face value of the cards. Online-learning card sales represent prepaid service fees received from students for e-learning services. The prepaid service fee is recorded as deferred revenue upon receiving the upfront payment. Revenue is recognized upon actual usage of the cards by the students based on the number of minutes the students use the e-learning services, of which the actual usage is tracked by the Group on an individual basis. Upon the expiration of the online-learning card, which ranges from six months to one year from the date of sale of the card to the distributor, the Group will recognize the remaining unused minutes as revenue.
	(b)	Books and others
The Group sells educational books or other educational materials either through its own book stores or websites or through third party distributors. Revenue from sales made through the Group’s book stores is recognized upon sales to customers. Revenue through distributors is recognized once the products are sold to the end customers.
Operating leases
Leases where substantially all the rewards and risks of ownership of assets remain with the leasing company are accounted for as operating leases. Payments made under operating leases are charged to the consolidated statements of operations on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the lease term or estimated economic life.
Advertising costs
The Group expenses advertising costs as they incurred. Total advertising expenses were US$28,960, US$29,725 and US$41,952 for the years ended May 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively, and have been included as part of selling and marketing expenses.
Government subsidies
The Group recognizes government subsidies as miscellaneous income when they are received because they are not subject to any past or future conditions, there are no performance conditions or conditions of use, and are not subject to future return. Government subsidies received and recognized as miscellaneous income totaled US$971, US$1,196 and US$1,437 for the years ended May 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively.
Foreign currency translation
The Company’s functional and reporting currency is the United States dollars (“U.S. dollars”). The financial records of the Company’s subsidiaries, New Oriental China and its schools and subsidiaries located in the PRC are maintained in its local currency, RMB which is the functional currency of these entities. The financial records of the Company’s subsidiaries located in Hong Kong are maintained in U.S. dollars, which is the functional currency of these entities. The functional currency of the Company’s subsidiaries in Hong Kong is the U.S. dollars.
Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the applicable functional currencies are translated into the reporting currency at the rates of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. Equity accounts are translated at historical exchange rates, and revenues and expenses are translated using the average rate of exchange in effect during the reporting period. Translation adjustments are reported and shown as a separate component of other comprehensive income in the consolidated statements of changes in equity and comprehensive income.
Transactions in currencies other than the functional currencies during the year are converted into the applicable functional currencies at the applicable rates of exchange prevailing at the dates of the transactions. Exchange gains and losses are recognized in the consolidated statements of operations.
Foreign currency risk
The RMB is not a freely convertible currency. The State Administration for Foreign Exchange, under the authority of the People’s Bank of China, controls the conversion of RMB into other currencies. The value of the RMB is subject to changes in central government policies and to international economic and political developments affecting supply and demand in the China Foreign Exchange Trading System market. The Group’s cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, and term deposits denominated in RMB amounted to US$415,897 and US$451,676 at May 31, 2013 and 2014, respectively.
Fair value
Fair value is the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When determining the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities required or permitted to be recorded at fair value, the Group considers the principal or most advantageous market in which it would transact, and it considers assumptions that market participants would use when valuing the asset or liability. Authoritative literature provides a fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels. The level in the hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement as follows:
Level 1
Level 1 applies to assets or liabilities for which there are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2
Level 2 applies to assets or liabilities for which there are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in markets with insufficient volume or infrequent transactions (less active markets); or model-derived valuations in which significant inputs are observable or can be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data.
Level 3
Level 3 applies to assets or liabilities for which there are unobservable inputs to the valuation methodology that are significant to the measurement of the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
Measured fair value on a recurring basis
The Group measured its financial assets and liabilities including cash equivalents at fair value on a recurring basis as of May 31, 2013 and 2014. Cash equivalents are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued based on the quoted market price in an active market.
The Group did not have Level 3 investments as of May 31, 2013 and 2014.
As of May 31, 2013 and 2014, respectively, the available-for sale securities included in the long-term investment is measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis in periods subsequent to their initial recognition was as follows:
		May 31, 2013
		Quoted Prices in			Significant Other			Significant
		Active Market for			Observable			Unobservable
		Identical Assets			Inputs			Inputs
Description		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3	Total
		US$			US$			US$	US$
Assets:
Long term investments - available for sale securities
Alo7.com Ltd. (Note 13)						1,000				1,000
Total						1,000				1,000
		May 31, 2014
		Quoted Prices in			Significant Other			Significant
		Active Market for			Observable			Unobservable
		Identical Assets			Inputs			Inputs
Description		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3	Total
		US$			US$			US$	US$
Assets:
Long term investments - available for sale securities
Alo7.com Ltd. (Note 13)						4,207				4,207
Tarena (Note 13)			13,455							13,455
Total			13,455			4,207				17,662
The Company measured the fair value of the investment in Alo7.com based on the purchase price of preferred shares paid by third paritis with similar terms incurred in the financing activity (Level 2) close to the fiscal year end of 2014.
The Company measured the fair value of the investment in Tarena based on Level 1 inputs, which is the quoted stock price in the active market.
Measured fair value on a nonrecurring basis
Long-term investments other than Alo7.com Ltd. and Tarena, goodwill and other intangible assets are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis when impairment is recognized.
The Group measured long term investments other than Alo7.com Ltd. and Tarena, goodwill at fair value on a nonrecurring basis when it is annually evaluated or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value as a result of the impairment assessments, and the Group measured acquired intangible assets using income approach - discounted cash flow method when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may no longer be recoverable. The Group did not recognize any impairment loss related to investments, goodwill and acquired intangible assets for the years ended May 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014. The fair value was determined using models with significant unobservable inputs (Level 3 inputs), primarily the management projection of discounted future cash flow and the discount rate.
Fair value of financial instruments
The Group’s financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, term deposits, restricted cash, short-term held-to-maturity investments, accounts receivable, amount due from/to related parties, available-for-sale securities investments, long-term held-to-maturity investment and accounts payable. The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, term deposits, restricted cash, short-term held-to-maturity investments, accounts receivable, amount due from/to related parties, and accounts payable approximate their fair values due to the short-term maturities of these instruments. Long-term held-to-maturity investment is stated at its amortized cost.
Net income per share
Basic net income per share is computed by dividing income attributable to holders of common shares by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted net income per common share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common shares were exercised into common shares. Common share equivalents are excluded from the computation of the diluted net income per share in years when their effect would be anti-dilutive.
Income taxes
The Group accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability approach. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates that will be in effect for the period in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rates is recognized in the consolidated statements of operations in the period of change. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when it is considered more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
The Group accounts for uncertain tax positions by reporting a liability for unrecognized tax benefits resulting from uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Tax benefits are recognized from uncertain tax positions when the Group believes that it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the position. The Group recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.
Comprehensive income
Comprehensive income includes net income, unrealized gain or loss on available-for-sale securities and foreign currency translation adjustments. Comprehensive income is reported in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
Share-based compensation
Share-based payments to employees and directors are measured based on the grant-date fair value of the equity instrument issued and recognized as compensation expense net of a forfeiture rate on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, with a corresponding addition to paid-in capital. The Group uses the binomial option pricing model to measure the fair value of options granted and the quoted market price of the Company’s equity shares to measure the fair value of NES granted to employees at each measurement date. The binomial option pricing model is adopted because the Group believes that considering the possibility of exercise of an option over the life of the option, as affected by the reality of changing stock prices and non-constant risk free rates, would better reflect the measurement objective of relevant accounting literature.
The amount of compensation expense recognized at any date is at least equal to the portion of the fair value of the awards that are vested as of that date. The estimate of forfeitures is based on historical turnover rate and will be adjusted over the requisite service period to the extent that actual forfeitures differ, or are expected to differ from such estimates. Changes in estimated forfeitures will be recognized through a cumulative catch-up adjustment in the period of change and will impact the amount of share-based compensation expense to be recognized in future periods.
Concentration of credit risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentration of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, term deposits, restricted cash, and accounts receivable. As of May 31, 2014, substantially all of the Group’s cash and cash equivalents, and term deposits were deposited with financial institutions with high-credit ratings and quality. Accounts receivable are typically unsecured and are derived from revenues earned from customers in PRC. The Group performs periodic credit evaluations and provides an allowance for doubtful accounts to reduce the accounts receivable balance to its net realizable value. The Group did not have any customers constituting 10% or more of the consolidated net revenues and accounts receivable in fiscal years 2012, 2013 and 2014.
Newly adopted accounting pronouncements
In December 2011, the FASB issued an authoritative pronouncement related to disclosures about offsetting assets and liabilities. The guidance requires an entity to disclose information about offsetting and related arrangements to enable users of its financial statements to understand the effect of those arrangements on its financial position. In January 2013, the FASB further clarifies that ordinary trade receivables and receivables are not in the scope of the authoritative pronouncement and the pronouncement applies only to derivatives, repurchase agreements and reverse purchase agreements, and securities borrowing and securities lending transactions that are either offset in accordance with specific criteria contained in the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (Codification) or subject to a master netting arrangement or similar agreement. An entity is required to apply the amendments for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013, and interim periods within those annual periods. An entity should provide the disclosures required by those amendments retrospectively for all comparative periods presented. The adoption of this guidance did not have a significant effect on its consolidated financial statements.
In February 2013, the FASB issued an authoritative pronouncement related to reporting of amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income, to improve the transparency of reporting these reclassifications. Other comprehensive income includes gains and losses that are initially excluded from net income for an accounting period. Those gains and losses are later reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income into net income. The amendments in this Accounting Standards Updates (“ASU”) do not change the current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in financial statements. All of the information that this ASU requires already is required to be disclosed elsewhere in the financial statements under US GAAP.
The new amendments will require an organization to:
	•		Present (either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes) the effects on the line items of net income of significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income - but only if the item reclassified is required under US GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period.
	•		Cross-reference to other disclosures currently required under US GAAP for other reclassification items (that are not required under US GAAP) to be reclassified directly to net income in their entirety in the same reporting period. This would be the case when a portion of the amount reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income is initially transferred to a balance sheet account (e.g., inventory for pension-related amounts) instead of directly to income or expense
The amendments apply to all public and private companies that report items of other comprehensive income. Public companies are required to comply with these amendments for all reporting periods (interim and annual). The amendments are effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012, for public companies. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this guidance did not have a significant effect on its consolidated financial statements.
In July 2013, the FASB issued a pronouncement which provides guidance on financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefits when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. The FASB’s objective in issuing this ASU is to eliminate diversity in practice resulting from a lack of guidance on this topic in current U.S. GAAP.
The amendments in this ASU state that an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward, except as follows. To the extent a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction to settle any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position or the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction does not require the entity to use, and the entity does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets.
This ASU applies to all entities that have unrecognized tax benefits when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists at the reporting date. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. Early adoption is permitted. The amendments should be applied prospectively to all unrecognized tax benefits that exist at the effective date. Retrospective application is permitted. The adoption of this guidance did not have a significant effect on its consolidated financial statements.
Recently issued accounting pronouncements not yet adopted
In January, 2014, the FASB issued a pronouncement which provides guidance on the accounting for service concession arrangements. This ASU specifies that an operating entity should not account for a service concession arrangement, within the scope of this ASU, as a lease in accordance with Topic 840, Leases. Service concession arrangements may become more prevalent in the United States as public-sector entities seek alternative ways to provide public services on a more efficient and cost-effective basis.
An operating entity should refer to other Codification Topics as applicable to account for various aspects of a service concession arrangement. The amendments also specify that the infrastructure used in a service concession arrangement should not be recognized as property, plant, and equipment of the operating entity.
The amendments in this ASU should be applied on a modified retrospective basis to service concession arrangements that exist at the beginning of an entity’s fiscal year of adoption. The modified retrospective approach requires the cumulative effect of applying this ASU to arrangements existing at the beginning of the period of adoption to be recognized as an adjustment to the opening retained earnings balance for the annual period of adoption. The amendments are effective for a public business entity for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2014. The Group does not expect the adoption of this guidance will have a significant effect on its consolidated financial statements.
On April 10, 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update 2014-08, which amends the definition of a discontinued operation in ASC 205-20 and requires entities to provide additional disclosures about discontinued operations as well as disposal transactions that do not meet the discontinued-operations criteria. The new guidance eliminates the second and third criteria of discontinued operation in ASC 205-20-45-1 and instead requires discontinued-operations treatment for disposals of a component or group of components that represents a strategic shift that has or will have a major impact on an entity’s operations or financial results. The ASU also expands the scope of ASC 205-20 to disposals of equity method investments and businesses that, upon initial acquisition, qualify as held for sale.
The ASU also requires entities to reclassify assets and liabilities of a discontinued operation for all comparative periods presented in the statement of financial position.
Regarding the statement of cash flows, an entity must disclose, in all periods presented, either (1) operating and investing cash flows or (2) depreciation and amortization, capital expenditures, and significant operating and investing noncash items related to the discontinued operation.
The ASU is effective prospectively for all disposals (except disposals classified as held for sale before the adoption date) or components initially classified as held for sale in periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014. Early adoption is permitted. The Group does not expect the adoption of this guidance will have a significant effect on its consolidated financial statements.
In May 2014, the FASB issued, ASU 2014-09,“Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)”. The guidance substantially converges final standards on revenue recognition between the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board providing a framework on addressing revenue recognition issues and, upon its effective date, replaces almost all exiting revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance, in current U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. To achieve that core principle, an entity should apply the following steps:
	•		Step 1: Identify the contract(s) with a customer.
	•		Step 2: Identify the performance obligations in the contract.
	•		Step 3: Determine the transaction price.
	•		Step 4: Allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract.
	•		Step 5: Recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation.
For a public entity, the amendments in this ASU are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early application is not permitted. The Group is in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of this guidance on the Group’s consolidated financial statements.
In June 2014, the FASB issued a new pronouncement which requires that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. A reporting entity should apply existing guidance in Topic 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation, as it relates to awards with performance conditions that affect vesting to account for such awards. The performance target should not be reflected in estimating the grant-date fair value of the award. Compensation cost should be recognized in the period in which it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved and should represent the compensation cost attributable to the period(s) for which the requisite service has already been rendered. If the performance target becomes probable of being achieved before the end of the requisite service period, the remaining unrecognized compensation cost should be recognized prospectively over the remaining requisite service period. The total amount of compensation cost recognized during and after the requisite service period should reflect the number of awards that are expected to vest and should be adjusted to reflect those awards that ultimately vest. The requisite service period ends when the employee can cease rendering service and still be eligible to vest in the award if the performance target is achieved.
The amendments in this ASU are effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Earlier adoption is permitted. The Group does not expect the adoption of this guidance will have a significant effect on the Group’s consolidated financial statements.

Business_Acquisition_of_China_

Business Acquisition of China Management Software Institute	12 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Business Acquisition of China Management Software Institute	'
	3	BUSINESS ACQUISITION OF CHINA MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE INSTITUTE
	On September 1, 2012, the Group acquired a 100% equity interest in CMSI, which was mainly focused on providing software and computer education training service in China for a total consideration of US$18,000 within three years by installments and a present value of US$17,455. As of May 31, 2014, the Group has paid US$13,406 in total. The unpaid portion of consideration was US$4,594 and would be paid in the year ending May 31, 2015. The Group intended to use its land and building to expand current business of another school. The software and computer education training service of CMSI would be terminated when current students graduated. The acquisition was recorded using the acquisition method of accounting and, accordingly, the acquired assets and liabilities were recorded at their fair market value at the date of acquisition. The purchase price was allocated as at the date of acquisition as follows:
						Amortization
			US$			period
	Cash			68
	Other current assets			14
	Buildings			16,095			23.3-45.3 years
	Property, plant and equipment			103			1-5 years
	Land use right			1,008			38.5 years
	Intangible assets
	Student base			110			1.75 years
	Goodwill			1,829
	Other current liabilities			(45	)
	Deferred tax liabilities			(1,727	)
	Total			17,455

Disposal_of_Subsidiaries

Disposal of Subsidiaries	12 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Disposal of Subsidiaries	'
	4	DISPOSAL OF SUBSIDIARIES
	Disposal of Boost Caring
	In March 2014, the Group sold its 100% equity interest in Beijing Boost Caring Education &Consulting Co., Ltd (“Boost Caring”) to MaxEn, which is a 65% owned joint venture of the Group, for a cash consideration of US$1,560. As of the disposal date, Boost Caring had accumulated deficit so that the Group derived a gain from the deconsolidation. The disposal gain recognized by the Group is US$3,254.
	Disposal of North Star
	In May 2014, the Group sold 100% equity interest in Beijing New Oriental North Star Training School (“North Star”) to MaxEn, for a cash consideration of US$364. As of the disposal date, North Star had accumulated deficit so that the Group derived a gain from the deconsolidation. The disposal gain recognized by the Group is US$367.
	The Group considered these transactions as related parties’ transaction and disclosed the transactions in Note 18. As of May 31, 2014, the Group did not receive any of the consideration and recorded the receivables as amount due from related parties. After the disposals, the Group retained indirect significant influence in Boost Caring and North Star through MaxEn, therefore, the disposal gain was presented as continuing operation.

Discontinued_Operation_of_Elit

Discontinued Operation of Elite English	12 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Discontinued Operation of Elite English	'
	5	DISCONTINUED OPERATION OF ELITE ENGLISH
	In July 2012, the Group transferred the ownership of the assets and liabilities of Elite English, which operates high-end, personalized, advanced English language training for high-income working professionals and other adults in large developed cities, to Mr. Yunkai Weng, an employee and the head of Elite English, for US$5,500 through three installments during the period from May 2014 to May 2016. The Group did not recognize the receivables and disposal gain since the collectability was not assured as of May 31, 2014. The gain will be recognized upon receipt.
	The carrying amounts of the major classes of assets and liabilities disposed as of July 2012 were as follows:
			US$
	Cash and cash equivalents			4,780
	Accounts receivable			2,045
	Inventory			314
	Total current assets			7,139
	Property, plant and equipment			2,488
	Total assets			9,627
	Deferred revenue			9,007
	Accrued expense and other current liabilities			620
	Total liabilities			9,627
	Summary operating results from disposal of Elite English, which has been segregated from continuing operations in the Group’s consolidated statements of operations for the periods presented were as follows:
			Years ended May 31,
			2012			2013			2014
			US$			US$			US$
	Net revenue from discontinued operation			18,523			1,445			—
	Loss on discontinued operations, net of tax			(3,228	)		(407	)		—

ShortTerm_Investments

Short-Term Investments	12 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]	'
Short-Term Investments	'
	6	SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
	Short-term investments consist of various fixed-income financial products purchased from Chinese banks and trusts and are classified as held-to-maturity investments as the Group has the positive intent and ability to hold the investments to maturity. The maturities of these financial products range from one month to less than one year, with interest rates ranging from 2.3% to 8.4%. They are classified as short-term investments on the consolidated balance sheets as its contractual maturity dates are equal to or less than one year. The repayment of most of the financial products is guaranteed by the Chinese banks from which the fixed income financial products were purchased. Historically, the Company has received the principal and accrued interest in full upon maturity of these investments.
	While these fixed-income financial products are not publicly traded, the Company estimated that their fair value approximate their amortized costs considering their short term maturities and high credit quality. The Group reviews its held-to-maturity investments for OTTI based on specific identification. No OTTI loss was recognized for the years ended May 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014.
	Short-term investments consisted of the following:
			As of May 31,
			2013		2014
			US$		US$
	Held-to-maturity investments			504,952		643,410

Inventory

Inventory	12 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Inventory	'
	7	INVENTORY
	Inventory consisted of the following:
			As of May 31,
			2013		2014
			US$		US$
	Course materials in schools			6,583		5,690
	Publications in bookstores			15,957		16,676
				22,540		22,366
	Inventory was marked down to the lower of cost or market value, in the amount of US$213 and US$416 for the years ended May 31, 2013 and 2014, respectively.

Prepaid_Expenses_and_Other_Cur

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets	12 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets	'
	8	PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets consisted of the following:
			As of May 31,
			2013		2014
			US$		US$
	Prepaid rent			25,021		28,168
	Advances to suppliers			9,315		11,713
	Interest receivable			4,642		10,474
	Staff advances (a)			3,799		4,908
	Receivable from the settlement bank for the proceeds of exercise of options			4,931		4,454
	Rental deposit			2,068		3,415
	Prepaid advertising fees			2,011		3,094
	Value added taxes recoverable			911		1,408
	Prepaid property taxes and other taxes			705		653
	Refundable deposit for school construction			216		377
	Receivable from disposal of Mingshitang			163		160
	Others (b)			5,804		9,574
				59,586		78,398
	(a)	Staff advances were provided to staff for traveling and related use which are expensed as incurred.
	(b)	Others primarily included insurance fees, recruiting fees, maintenance fees, and other miscellaneous prepayments.

Intangible_Assets

Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Intangible Assets	'
	9	INTANGIBLE ASSETS
	Intangible assets consisted of the following:
			As of May 31,
			2013			2014
			US$			US$
	Costs:
	Intangible assets with indefinite lives:
	Trademark			267			262
	Intangible assets with finite lives:
	Trademark			327			321
	Courseware			49			49
	Student base			114			112
	License			415			415
				1,172			1,159
	Accumulated amortization:
	Trademark			(155	)		(184	)
	Courseware			(49	)		(49	)
	Student base			(49	)		(112	)
	License			(57	)		(78	)
				(310	)		(423	)
	Net carrying amount:
	Intangible assets with indefinite lives:
	Trademark			267			262
	Intangible assets with definite lives:
	Trademark			172			137
	Courseware			—			—
	Student base			65			—
	License			358			337
				862			736
	Amortization expenses for the intangible assets for the years ended May 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, were US$52, US$101 and US$113, respectively. As of May 31, 2014, the Group expects to record amortization expenses related to intangible assets US$53, US$53, US$53, US$21 and US$21 for the years ended May 31, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, respectively, and US$273 thereafter.

Goodwill

Goodwill	12 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill	'
	10	GOODWILL
			As of May 31,
			2013		2014
			US$		US$
	Costs:
	Beginning balance			1,798		3,760
	Acquisition of CMSI			1,829		—
	Exchange of difference			133		(68	)
	Ending balance			3,760		3,692
	Accumulated goodwill impairment loss:
	Beginning balance			—		—
	Ending balance			—		—
	Goodwill, net			3,760		3,692
	Goodwill is associated with entities included in the language training and test preparation courses segment.

Property_and_Equipment

Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property and Equipment	'
	11	PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
	Property and equipment consisted of the following:
			As of May 31,
			2013			2014
			US$			US$
	Buildings			142,294			139,708
	Transportation equipment			7,548			7,868
	Furniture and education equipment			63,131			65,120
	Computer equipment and software			24,796			28,713
	Leasehold improvements			131,987			136,371
				369,756			377,780
	Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization			(123,690	)		(155,401	)
	Construction in-process			1,196			2,956
				247,262			225,335
	Depreciation and amortization expense for the years ended May 31, 2012, and 2013 and 2014 was US$26,219, US$38,984 and US$43,578, respectively.

Land_Use_Rights

Land Use Rights	12 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Land Use Rights	'
	12	LAND USE RIGHTS
	Land use rights consisted of the following:
			As of May 31,
			2013			2014
			US$			US$
	Land use rights			5,023			5,004
	Less: accumulated amortization			(855	)		(972	)
	Exchange differences			374			312
	Land use rights, net			4,542			4,344
	Amortization expense for land use rights for the years ended May 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014 was US$87, US$108 and US$117, respectively. The Group expects to recognize US$117 in amortization expense for each of the next five years and US$3,759 thereafter.

Long_Term_Investments

Long Term Investments	12 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Investments Schedule [Abstract]	'
Long Term Investments	'
	13	LONG TERM INVESTMENTS
	Long term investments consisted of the following:
			As of May 31,
			2013			2014
			US$			US$
	Cost method investments:
	Talent Boom Group Ltd (“Talent Boom”) (a)			2			2
	Dajie.com Ltd (“Dajie.com”) (b)			2,000			2,000
	Equity method investment:
	MaxEn (c)			5,265			—
	Available-for-sale securities investments:
	Alo7.com Ltd (“Alo7.com) (d)			1,000			4,207
	Tarena International (“Tarena”) (e)			—			13,455
	Held-to-maturity investments: (f)			—			97,449
				8,267			117,113
		(a)	In December 2006, the Group acquired 20% interest in Talent Boom. The Group has no representation on Talent Boom’s board of directors or its management and does not have the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of Talent Boom. Accordingly, the investment in Talent Boom was accounted for as a cost-method investment.
		(b)	In September 2011, the Group signed a share subscription agreement to invest US$2,000 for 5% equity ownership interest in Dajie.com. The fair value of Dajie.com’s equity ownership interest is not readily determinable and the Group does not have the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of Dajie.com. Accordingly, the investment in Dajie.com has been accounted for as a cost-method investment.
		(c)	In September 2012, New Oriental China and McGraw-Hill Hong Kong Limited set up a Joint Venture, MaxEn. New Oriental China invested US$6,500 cash and US$2,780 self-developed technologies with the book value of zero for its 65% equity interest. The Group does not have a controlling power over MaxEn because the other investor, McGraw-Hill Hong Kong Limited, has significant participating rights. The Group has the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financing activities of MaxEn. Therefore, the investment has been accounted for as an equity method investment. In 2014, the Group disposed 100% equity interest in Boost Caring and North Star to MaxEn for a total cash consideration of US$1,924 (Note 4). The Group recognized its share of the changes in net assets of MaxEn accordingly.
			US$
	Long term investment in MaxEn as of May 31, 2013			5,265
	Share of loss recognized during the year			(1,453	)
	Share of changes in net assets from acquisitions of
	Boost Caring and North Star (Note 4)			(3,862	)
	Exchange difference			50
	Long term investment in MaxEn as of May 31, 2014			—
		(d)	On March 5, 2012, the Company acquired a convertible promissory from Alo7.com for $1,000, which entitled the Company to automatic convert the note into identical equity securities issued at subsequent financing on or before July 1, 2012. If conversion term not triggered, Alo7 would repay the amount on December 31, 2013. On July 1, 2012, the Company converted the $1,000 promissory note into convertible redeemable preferred shares and warrants issued by Alo7.com, for 3.4% equity ownership interest in Alo7.com on an as-converted basis.
	In March 2014, the Company further invested $2,576 into Alo7.com, for preferred shares, which was equivalent to 5.9% equity ownership interests on an as-converted basis. This investment is classified as available-for-sale securities and measured subsequently at fair value which is considered as Level 2 inputs. The Company measured the fair value of the investment in Alo7.com based on the purchase price of preferred shares paid by third parties with similar terms incurred in the financing activity close to the fiscal year end of 2014. Unrealized holding gains of nil, nil and US$631 were reported in other comprehensive income for the years ended May 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively.
	The above equity interests were diluted by Alo7.com’s subsequent financing activities. As of May 31, 2014, the Company had 8.8% equity interests in Alo7.com on an as-converted basis.
		(e)	In March 2014, the Company invested US$13,500 in Tarena, which is a service provider of IT professional education in China, for 2.96% ownership. This investment is classified as available-for-sale securities and measured subsequently at fair value which is considered as Level 1 inputs. Unrealized holding loss of US$45 was reported in other comprehensive income for the year ended May 31, 2014.
		(f)	The Group’s long-term held-to-maturity investment consists of trust guaranteed by a bank with the maturity more than one year, which is stated at its amortized cost. The trust was invested in April 2014 and interest income of $1,404 was recognized in the consolidated statements of operations for the year ended May 31, 2014.

Accrued_Expenses_and_Other_Cur

Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Payables And Accruals [Abstract]	'
Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities	'
	14	ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES
	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consisted of the following:
			As of May 31,
			2013		2014
			US$		US$
	Accrued payroll			64,539		84,888
	Refundable fees received from students (a)			9,735		13,296
	Individual taxes withholding			8,887		9,668
	Amounts reimbursable to employees (b)			3,476		7,658
	Business taxes payable			7,294		6,906
	Payable for purchase of property and equipment			7,652		6,018
	Royalty fees payable (c)			4,419		4,953
	Accrued advertising fees			2,912		4,854
	Acquisition payable for CMSI			132		4,594
	Rent payable			3,337		4,339
	Welfare payable			2,221		4,169
	Accrued professional service fees			1,968		2,585
	Other taxes payable			1,789		2,515
	Refundable deposit (d)			2,868		2,313
	Value added taxes payable			978		1,278
	Share repurchase payable			4,622		—
	Others (e)			4,670		8,884
	Total			131,499		168,918
		(a)	Refundable fees received from students represent (1) the miscellaneous expenses other than tuition fee received from students which will be paid out on behalf of students; and (2) tuition fees refundable to students for withdrawn classes.
		(b)	Amounts reimbursable to employees included traveling and the related expenses incurred by employees on behalf of the Group.
		(c)	Royalty fees payable related to payments to content providers for on-line learning programs.
		(d)	Refundable deposits represent student deposits for dormitory or other fees that will be refunded upon graduation.
		(e)	Others primarily included transportation expenses, utility fees, property management fees, payable for class action settlement and other miscellaneous expenses payable.

ShareBased_Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'
Share-Based Compensation	'
	15	SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
	On January 20, 2006, the Company adopted 2006 Share Incentive Plan, under which the Company may grant share options to purchase up to 8,000,000 common shares of the Group, to its employees, directors and consultants. The number of common shares available for grant under the 2006 Share Incentive Plan may be increased annually by (i) an additional 5,000,000 shares on January 1, 2007, (ii) an additional 5,000,000 shares on January 1, 2008, and (iii) an annual increase in common shares to be added on the first business day of each calendar year beginning in 2009 equal to the lesser of (x) 3,000,000 shares, (y) two percent (2%) of total common shares outstanding as of such date, or (z) a lesser number of shares as determined by the Group’s management. In the event the aggregate number of shares that may be issued in any given year under all share compensation plans has reached the maximum number of shares allowed in that year, the Company may grant additional awards up to 2,000,000 shares, or extra shares. The number of shares granted in excess of the annual maximum in any given year will result in the reduction of the maximum shares available for grant in the next year.
	As of May 31, 2014, the Company has transferred 16,000,000 common shares to its depositary bank to be issued to employees and non-employees upon the exercise of their vested share options or upon the vesting of non-vested equity shares (“NES”). During the years ended May 31, 2013 and 2014, the Company has repurchased 1,683,400 and 762,100 common shares, respectively, from the open market and the shares are reserved for the employees and non-employees to exercise of their vested share options and NES in future. As of May 31, 2014, 620,721 treasury shares remain for future issuance upon the exercise of share options and vesting of NES.
	The Company recorded total share-based compensation of US$24,125, US$ 27,242 and US$20,079 during the years ended May 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively.
	Share options
	The following table summarizes information regarding the share options granted:
	Share options		Shares granted			Grant-date		Exercise
						fair value		price
						US$		US$
	Grant date:
	February 28, 2006			7,099,500			1		2.02
	July 21, 2006			1,620,000			1.15		2.38
	September 7, 2006			100,000			2.38		3.75
	March 5, 2007			3,946,500			4.09		8.75
	January 17, 2012			3,060,000			10.33		12.19
	Total			15,826,000
	The exercise price of share options is at least 100% of the fair value of the common shares on the date of the grant. The term of a share option is up to ten years from the date of grant. The share options generally vest over three years at six-month vesting increments per year.
	As of May 31, 2014, 11,285,510 common shares out of the 16,000,000 common shares had been issued to employees and non-employees upon the exercise of their share options, and 1,014,727 shares out of the 2,445,500 treasury shares had been reissued to employees and non-employees upon exercise of their share options.
	A summary of share options activity under 2006 Share Incentive Plan for years ended May 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014 was as follows:
			Number of			Weighted		Weighted average		Aggregated
			options			average		remaining		intrinsic value
						exercise prices		contractual life
						US$		years		US$
	Options outstanding at June 1, 2011			2,255,492			5.44		5.2		53,046
	Granted			3,060,000			12.19
	Exercised			(179,195	)		4.41
	Forfeited			—			—
	Options outstanding at May 31, 2012			5,136,297			15.34		7.43		57,371
	Granted			—			—
	Exercised			(734,048	)		7.81
	Forfeited			(765,000	)		12.91
	Options outstanding at May 31, 2013			3,637,249			9.27		6.39		47,503
	Granted			—			—
	Exercised			(2,113,094	)		8.37
	Forfeited			(252,000	)		12.19
	Options outstanding at May 31, 2014			1,272,155			10.18		6.2		19,898
	Options vested and expect to vest at May 31, 2014			1,272,155			10.18		6.2		19,898
	Options exercisable at May 31, 2014			810,155			9.03		5.4		13,601
	The total intrinsic value of share options exercised during the years ended May 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014 were US$4,121, US$7,486 and US$34,578, respectively. The weighted average grant date fair value of share options granted during the year ended May 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014 was US$10.33, nil and nil, respectively. As of May 31, 2014, total unrecognized compensation expense relating to unvested share options of US$4,336 is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.63 years.
	The fair value of share options granted on January 17, 2012 was estimated on the date of grant using the binomial option pricing model with the following assumptions:
	Risk-free interest rate of return			1.83	%
	Volatility			56	%
	Dividend yield			0	%
	Fair value of the underlying ordinary shares			US$10.33
	Exercise price			US$12.19
	Exercisable date			1/6 of options vests
				semi-annually through
				31-Dec-14
	Expiry date			January 17, 2017
	Life of option (years)			5
	Exercise multiple			2.8
	Turnover rate			5.57	%
	Number of nodes			200
		(a)	Volatility
	The volatility of the underlying ordinary shares during the life of the share options was estimated based on the Company’s historical stock price volatility over a period commensurate to the expected term of the share options.
		(b)	Risk-free interest rate
	Risk-free interest rate was estimated based on the yield to maturity of US$ denominated China international government bonds with a maturity period commensurate with the contractual life of the share options.
		(c)	Dividend yield
	The dividend yield was estimated based on the Company’s expected dividend distributions during a period commensurate with the contractual life of the share options.
		(d)	Exercise price
	The exercise price of the share options was determined by the Company’s board of directors, which is generally quoted market price of the Company’s ordinary shares on the date of grant.
		(e)	Fair value of underlying ordinary shares
	The fair value of the ordinary shares underlying the share options is the quoted market price of the Company’s ordinary shares on the date of grant.
	(f)	Life of option
The life of the share option is based on the stated contractual life of the share options.
	(g)	Number of nodes
This number divides the life to expiration into a number of equal time slots. It determines the number of level in the binomial tree.
	(h)	Exercise multiple
A ratio of the stock price to the contractual strike price at which point it is assumed that the share option will be exercised prior to expiration
	(i)	Forfeiture rate
The Company’s estimate based on historical employee turnover.
NES
The following table summarizes information regarding NES:
NES		Grant-date			fair value and
		Shares granted			intrinsic value
					US$
Grant date:
24-Jan-08			2,720,000			12.75
11-Mar-08			152,000			14
1-Jul-08			278,500			13.75
28-Oct-08			3,200			12.65
15-May-09			205,548			12.75
15-Jun-09			316,200			15.13
26-May-10			556,848			21.75
10-Jun-11			811,020			25.11
23-Jul-12			1,956,935			12.19
27-May-13			208,590			20.33
19-Jul-13			19,830			22.8
Total			7,228,671
In May 2010, the Company granted 556,848 NES to employees which will vest between June 2010 to June 2015.
In June 2011, the Company granted 811,020 NES to employees which will vest between November 2011 to May 2014.
In July 2012, the Company granted 1,956,935 NES to employees which will vest between May 2013 to May 2015.
In May 2013, the Company granted 208,590 NES to employees which will vest on 31 May 2014.
In July 2013, the Company granted 19,830 NES to employees which will vest on 31 May 2014.
As of May 31, 2014, 4,714,490 common shares out of the 16,000,000 common shares had been issued to employees and non-employees upon the vesting of their NES, and 810,052 shares out of the 2,445,500 treasury shares had been reissued to employees and non-employees upon the vesting of their NES.
A summary of NES activities under 2006 Share Incentive Plan for the years ended May 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014 was as follows:
		Number of			Weighted-
		NES			average grant date
					fair value and
					intrinsic value
					US$
NES outstanding at June 1, 2011			1,103,368			17.05
Granted			811,020			25.11
Vested			(1,353,548	)		20.35
Forfeited			(39,840	)		24.25
NES outstanding at May 31, 2012			521,000			20.47
Granted			2,165,525			12.97
Vested			(1,054,962	)		15.84
Forfeited			(120,593	)		14.4
NES outstanding at May 31, 2013			1,510,970			13.45
Granted			19,830			22.8
Vested			(810,052	)		14.3
Forfeited			(100,818	)		14.97
NES outstanding at May 31, 2014			619,930			12.39
NES vested and expect to vest at May 31, 2014			528,861			12.42
The total fair value of shares vested during the year ended May 31, 2014 was US$11,580. The weighted average grant date fair value of NES granted during the year ended May 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014 was US$25.11, US$12.97 and US$22.80 respectively. As of May 31, 2014, total unrecognized compensation expense for NES of US$6,323 is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.00 years.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	16	INCOME TAXES
	Significant components of provision for income taxes for the years ended May 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014 were as follows:
			Years ended May 31,
			2012			2013			2014
			US$			US$			US$
	Current:
	PRC			14,027			18,985			28,235
	Deferred:
	PRC			(3,255	)		(3,630	)		(2,193	)
	Total provision for income taxes			10,772			15,355			26,042
	The Company is incorporated in the Cayman Islands. Under the current laws of the Cayman Islands, the Company is not subject to income or capital gains taxes. In addition, dividend payments are not subject to withholdings tax in the Cayman Islands.
	The Company’s subsidiaries Smart Shine, Winner Park and Elite Concept are located in Hong Kong and are subject to an income tax rate of 16.5% for taxable income earned in Hong Kong. These subsidiaries recorded income tax expense of US$11, US$10 and US$4,399 during the years ended May 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively. On October 7, 2013, the Company paid a cash dividend of US$54,476 to shareholders, of which US$39,585 and US$14,891 were funded by retained earnings and additional paid in capital. The withholding tax of US$4,399 in connection with the dividend was fully paid during the year ended May 31, 2014.
	The Company’s PRC subsidiaries, New Oriental China and its schools and subsidiaries are subject to the 25% standard enterprise income tax except for those accepted as deemed profit method enterprises, or qualified for small-scale enterprises, or granted preferential tax treatment.
	Enterprises that qualify as a high and new technology enterprise (“HNTE”) are subject to a tax rate of 15%. Beijing Decision, Beijing Hewstone and Xuncheng continued to qualify as HNTE in Beijing and were subject to a tax rate of 15% during the years ended May 31, 2012 and 2013. For the year ended May 31, 2014, these companies are in the process of renewing the HNTE certification and could continue to apply to the 15% tax rate as long as they sustain the HNTE status. The income taxes of Beijing Decision, Beijing Hewstone and Xucheng were calculated at the rate of 15%, as the management has performed self-assessment and believed the companies have fully met the criteria required for HNTE.
	Enterprises that qualify as the “newly established software enterprise” (“NESE”) are exempt from EIT for two years beginning the enterprise’s first profitable year followed by a tax rate of 12.5% for the succeeding three years. Beijing Pioneer, Shanghai Smart Words, Beijing Smart Wood, Beijing Right Time and Beijing Joy Tend were qualified as NESE and were exempt from income taxes from January 2010 through December 31, 2011, from January 2011 through December 31, 2012, from January 2012 through December 31, 2013, from January 2013 through December 31, 2014 and from January 2013 through December 31, 2014, respectively, and a tax rate of 12.5% through December 31, 2014, through December 31, 2015, through December 31, 2016, through December 31, 2017 and through December 31, 2017, respectively. Beijing Top and Beijing Magnificence were qualified as NESE and will be exempt from income taxes for two years beginning in their first profitable year followed by a tax rate of 12.5% for the succeeding three years.
	Beijing Haidian School was not required by the governing tax bureau to pay any EIT since its establishment through May 31, 2014. If Beijing Haidian School is required to pay EIT in future, this could have material impact to the Group’s consolidated financial statements. However, the Group believes that it is more likely than not that any change to the tax treatment of Beijing Haidian School shall be prospectively applied.
	Significant components of the Group’s deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows:
			As of May 31,
			2013			2014
			US$			US$
	Current deferred tax assets
	Allowance doubtful accounts			73			83
	Accrued expenses			9,249			12,353
	Total current deferred tax assets			9,322			12,436
	Less: valuation allowance			(297	)		(403	)
	Current deferred tax assets, net			9,025			12,033
	Non-current deferred tax assets
	Net operating loss carry-forwards			7,358			6,095
	Total non-current deferred tax assets			7,358			6,095
	Less: valuation allowance			(4,205	)		(3,871	)
	Non-current deferred tax assets, net			3,153			2,224
	Non-current deferred tax liabilities
	Acquired of non-current assets			(1,836	)		(1,722	)
	Total non-current deferred tax liabilities			(1,836	)		(1,722	)
	The Group does not file combined or consolidated tax returns, therefore, losses from individual subsidiaries or the VIE may not be used to offset other subsidiaries’ earnings within the Group.
	The Group determined the valuation allowance on an entity by entity basis. The valuation allowance, which is primarily related to entities with net operating loss carry-forwards for which the Company does not believe it will ultimately be realized, was US$4,274 as of May 31, 2014, or a decrease of US$228 from US$4,502 as of May 31, 2013.
	As of the year ended May 31, 2014, the Group had net operating loss carried forward of US$25,787 from New Oriental China and its schools and subsidiaries, which will expire on various dates from May 31, 2015 to May 31, 2019.
	A reconciliation of the effective tax rates from the 25% statutory tax rates was as follows for the years ended May 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014:
			Years ended May 31,
			2012			2013			2014
			%			%			%
	Statutory tax rate			25			25			25
	Effect of expenses not deductible for tax purposes			3.58			8.7			4.33
	Effect of differential tax rate other than tax holiday			0.11			(1.58	)		(0.00	)
	Effect of tax holiday			(23.99	)		(21.18	)		(20.34	)
	Changes in valuation allowance			2.81			(0.93	)		(0.09	)
	Effect of dividend withholding tax			—			—			1.81
	Total provision for income taxes			7.51			10.01			10.71
	If the tax holidays granted to WFOEs and current tax treatments on certain schools and subsidiaries of New Oriental China were not available, the Group’s income tax expense would have increased by US$34,416, US$32,489 and US$49,464, the basic net income per share attributable to the Company would decrease by US$0.22, US$0.21 and US$0.32 for the years ended May 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively, and the diluted net income per share attributable to the Company would decrease by US$0.22 and, US$0.21 and US$0.31 for the years ended May 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively.
	Under the New Income Tax Law effective from January 1, 2008, the rules for determining whether an entity is resident in the PRC for tax purposes have changed and the determination of residence depends among other things on the “place of actual management”. If the Group, or its non-PRC subsidiaries, were to be determined as a PRC resident for tax purposes, they would be subject to a 25% income tax rate on its worldwide income including the income arising in jurisdictions outside the PRC. The Group does not believe that its legal entities organized outside of the PRC are considered PRC residents.
	If the Company were to be a non-resident for PRC tax purposes, dividends paid to it out of profits earned after January 1, 2008 would be subject to a withholding tax. In the case of dividends paid by PRC schools and subsidiaries to their foreign investors, the withholding tax would be 10%, unless any such foreign investor’s jurisdiction of incorporation has a tax treaty with China that provides for a different withholding arrangement. During the year ended May 31, 2014, Hewstone paid US$4,399 withholding tax when it paid a special dividend to its parent company, Elite Concept.
	Aggregate undistributed earnings of the Company’s PRC subsidiaries and VIE that are available for distribution was US$602,377 and US$788,016 as of May 31, 2013 and May 31, 2014, respectively. Upon distribution of such earnings, the Company will be subject to PRC EIT taxes, the amount of which is impractical to estimate. The Company did not record any tax on any of the aforementioned undistributed earnings because the relevant subsidiaries and VIE does not intend to declare dividends and the Company intends to permanently reinvest it within the PRC. Additionally, no deferred tax liability was recorded for taxable temporary differences attributable to the undistributed earnings because the Company believes the undistributed earnings can be distributed in a manner that would not be subject to income tax.
	The Group did not identify any significant unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended May 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014. The Group did not incur any significant interest and penalties related to potential underpaid income tax expenses and also does not anticipate any significant increases or decreases in unrecognized tax benefits in the next twelve months. The Group has no material unrecognized tax benefits which would favorably affect the effective income tax rate in future periods.
	According to the PRC Tax Administration and Collection Law, the tax authority may require the taxpayer or the withholding agent to make delinquent tax payment within three years if the underpayment of taxes is resulted from the tax authority’s act or error. No late payment surcharge will be assessed under such circumstances. The statute of limitation will be three years if the underpayment of taxes is due to the computational errors made by the taxpayer or the withholding agent. Late payment surcharge will be assessed in such case. The statute of limitation will be extended to five years under special circumstances which are not clearly defined (but an underpayment of tax liability exceeding US$16 (RMB0.1 million) is specifically listed as a “special circumstance”). The statute of limitation for transfer pricing related issue is ten years. There is no statute of limitation in the case of tax evasion. Therefore, the Group’s PRC domiciled entities are subject to examination by the PRC tax authorities based on the above.

Net_Income_Per_Share

Net Income Per Share	12 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Net Income Per Share	'
	17	NET INCOME PER SHARE
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income per share for the periods indicated:
			Years ended May 31,
			2012			2013			2014
			US$			US$			US$
	Numerator used in basic and diluted net income per share:
	Net income
	Net income on continuing operation			135,916			136,676			215,704
	Net income on discontinued operation			(3,228	)		(407	)		—
	Net income available for future distribution			132,688			136,269			215,704
	Shares (denominator):
	Weighted average common shares outstanding used in computing basic net income per share			154,627,784			155,762,959			156,033,992
	Plus incremental weighted average common shares from assumed exercise of share options and vesting of NES using the treasury stock method			2,244,657			2,060,833			1,869,472
	Weighted average common shares outstanding used in computing diluted net income per share			156,872,441			157,823,792			157,903,464
	Net income from continuing operation per share
	- Basic			0.88			0.88			1.38
	- Diluted			0.87			0.87			1.37
	Net income from discontinued operation per share
	- Basic			(0.02	)		(0.00	)		—
	- Diluted			(0.02	)		(0.00	)		—
	Nil, 1,683,400 and 620,721 treasury shares, respectively, that remain for future issuance have been excluded in computing basic and diluted net income per share for the year ended May 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014.
	3,060,000, 2,169,000 and nil employee stock options have been excluded from the dilutive share calculation for the years ended May 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively, as their effects were anti-dilutive.

Related_Party_Transaction

Related Party Transaction	12 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Related Party Transaction	'
	18	RELATED PARTY TRANSACTION
	The Group had the following balances and transaction with related parties:
							Amounts due from
							related parties-non current
							As of May 31,
			Notes			Relationship	2013		2014
							US$		US$
	Metropolis Holding China Limited			(1	)	Company controlled by Chairman and CEO		904		930
							Amounts due from				Amounts due to
							related parties-current				related parties-current
							As of May 31,				As of May 31,
			Notes			Relationship	2013		2014		2013		2014
							US$		US$		US$		US$
	Metropolis Holding China Limited			(1	)	Company controlled by Chairman and CEO		361		1,073		13		—
	MaxEn			(2	)	Joint Venture		2,011		3,043		1,088		4
	Total							2,372		4,116		1,101		4
									Rental expense
									For the year ended May, 31
									2012		2013		2014
									US$		US$		US$
	Metropolis Holding China Limited			(1	)	Company controlled by Chairman and CEO				722		4,276		4,173
									Gain on disposal of subsidiaries
									For the year ended May, 31
									2012		2013		2014
									US$		US$		US$
	MaxEn			(Note 4	)	Joint Venture				—		—		3,621
		-1	Since April 2010, the Group began renting a large portion of a building owned by Metropolis Holding China Limited for office space. In March 2012, Metropolis Holding China Limited was acquired by a company wholly owned by Mr.Yu, the Group’s chairman and chief executive officer. As a result, Metropolis Holding China Limited became a related party of the Group thereafter. As of May 31, 2014, the non-current and current amounts due from Metropolis Holding China Limited were US$930 and US$1,073 respectively, which represented prepaid rent and deposit for the building. The amount of the rental payments was determined based on the prevailing market rates and was duly approved by all of the directors. The amount due to Metropolis Holding China Limited is non-interest bearing and unsecured and has no fixed repayment terms.
		-2	In September, 2012, MaxEn became a joint venture of the Group (Note 13). As a result, MaxEn became a related party of the Group thereafter. As of May 31, 2014, the amount due from MaxEn was US$3,043, which represented MaxEn’s pre-operating expenses of US$1,119 prepaid by the Group and unpaid consideration of US$1,924 for disposal of Boost Caring and North Star (Note 4); the amount due to MaxEn was US$4, which represented miscellaneous payments paid for the Group. The amount due to MaxEn is non-interest bearing and unsecured and has no fixed repayment terms.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	19	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	Operating leases
	The Group leases offices, classroom, and warehouse facilities under operating leases. The terms of substantially all of these leases are ten years or less. Future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases were as follows on May 31, 2014:
			US$
	Years ending May 31:
	2015			103,372
	2016			119,173
	2017			73,285
	2018			50,300
	2019			35,518
	Thereafter			55,318
				436,966
	Rent expense for the years ended May 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014 related to all cancelable and non-cancelable leases were US$107,384, US$137,046 and US$142,032, respectively.
	Capital commitments
	As of May 31, 2014, future minimum capital commitments under non-cancelable construction were as follows:
			US$
	Capital commitment for the purchase of property and equipment			698
	Capital commitment for leasehold improvements			2,226
				2,924
	Investment commitments
	In April 2014, the Group entered into an agreement with a third party to form a new entity, pursuant to which the Group made a commitment to contribute cash of US$ 2,617 for its 54.5% equity interest. The new entity was established on July 3, 2014 and the capital injection was completed in August 2014 (Note 24).
	In May 2014, the Group entered into an agreement with a third party to form a joint venture, Beijing Dongfangheli Investment Development Company Limited, pursuant to which the Group made a commitment to contribute cash of US$ 4,002 for its 50% equity interest. As of May 31, 2014, the capital injection has not been completed. The joint venture was established on May 6, 2014 and the capital injection was completed in July 2014.
	Contingencies
	During July to August 2012, four federal securities class actions have been filed against the Company, its directors and certain of its officers (“defendant”). These class actions seek to recover damages caused by the defendants’ alleged violations of federal securities laws and to pursue remedies under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5. One of the four class actions was voluntarily dismissed in October 2012, and the remaining three class actions were consolidated into one complaint with a lead plaintiff. Defendants moved to dismiss the complaint in January 2013 and an amended Class Action Complaint (“CAC”) was filed by the plaintiff in June 2013. On December 23, 2013, the Court entered an order granting in part, and denying in part Defendants’ motion to dismiss the CAC. The Company reached a preliminary settlement of the actions with the plaintiffs in April 2014. The Court entered into an order preliminarily approving the settlement agreements on June 10, 2014 and scheduled a final approval hearing on November 14, 2014.
	Based on the preliminary settlement, the Company should pay US$4,750 to the plaintiff, of which US$3,500 would be covered by directors and officers liability insurance. As of May 31, 2014, neither the Company nor the issuance companies have made the payments. Meanwhile, a loss contingency of the remaining US$1,250 was recorded in general and administrative for the year ended May 31, 2014.
	Other than the aforementioned lawsuits, the Group is also a party to several legal proceedings or claims in China that the Group believes are immaterial.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	20	SEGMENT INFORMATION
	The Group’s chief operating decision maker has been identified as the Chief Executive Officer who reviews financial information of operating segments based on US GAAP amounts when making decisions about allocating resources and assessing performance of the Group. The six operating segments are identified as language training and test preparation, primary and secondary school education, on-line education, content development and distribution, post-secondary education and overseas study consulting services. Language training and test preparation and primary and secondary education have been identified as reportable segments. Online education, content development and distribution, post-secondary education and overseas study consulting services operating segments were aggregated as others because individually they do not exceed the 10% quantitative threshold.
	The Group’s chief operating decision maker evaluates performance based on each reporting segment’s net revenue, operating costs and expenses, and operating income. Net revenues, operating costs and expenses, operating income, and total assets by segment were as follows:
	For the year ended May 31, 2012
			Language training			Primary			Others			Consolidated
			and test			and
			preparation courses			secondary
						education
			US$			US$			US$			US$
	Net revenues			644,981			17,757			90,457			753,195
	Operating costs and expenses:
	Cost of revenues			(245,169	)		(8,160	)		(39,519	)		(292,848	)
	Selling and marketing			(77,064	)		(1,335	)		(19,481	)		(97,880	)
	General and administrative			(149,316	)		(5,532	)		(14,967	)		(169,815	)
	Unallocated corporate expenses			—			—			—			(72,492	)
	Total operating costs and expenses			(471,549	)		(15,027	)		(73,967	)		(633,035	)
	Operating income			173,432			2,730			16,490			120,160
	Segment assets			436,403			52,839			159,321			648,563
	Unallocated corporate assets			—			—			—			480,254
	Total assets			436,403			52,839			159,321			1,128,817
	For the year ended May 31, 2013
			Language			Primary and			Others			Consolidated
			training and test			secondary
			preparation courses			education
			US$			US$			US$			US$
	Net revenues			818,550			20,712			120,592			959,854
	Operating costs and expenses:
	Cost of revenues			(328,663	)		(8,396	)		(47,118	)		(384,177	)
	Selling and marketing			(96,064	)		(1,712	)		(27,670	)		(125,446	)
	General and administrative			(198,718	)		(6,648	)		(27,438	)		(232,804	)
	Unallocated corporate expenses			—			—			—			(94,862	)
	Total operating costs and expenses			(623,445	)		(16,756	)		(102,226	)		(837,289	)
	Operating income			195,105			3,956			18,366			122,565
	Segment assets			544,669			59,791			220,441			824,901
	Unallocated corporate assets			—			—			—			528,540
	Total assets			544,669			59,791			220,441			1,353,441
	For the year ended May 31, 2014
			Language			Primary and			Others			Consolidated
			training and test			secondary
			preparation courses			education
			US$			US$			US$			US$
	Net revenues			969,947			24,063			144,877			1,138,887
	Operating costs and expenses:
	Cost of revenues			(388,998	)		(8,488	)		(54,183	)		(451,669	)
	Selling and marketing			(112,092	)		(956	)		(34,009	)		(147,057	)
	General and administrative			(204,679	)		(8,748	)		(36,745	)		(250,172	)
	Unallocated corporate expenses			—			—			—			(96,043	)
	Total operating costs and expenses			(705,769	)		(18,192	)		(124,937	)		(944,941	)
	Gain on disposal of subsidiaries			—			—			3,621			3,621
	Operating income			264,178			5,871			23,561			197,567
	Segment assets			709,979			65,357			245,505			1,020,841
	Unallocated corporate assets			—			—			—			582,704
	Total assets			709,979			65,357			245,505			1,603,545

Mainland_China_Contribution_Pl

Mainland China Contribution Plan	12 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Mainland China Contribution Plan	'
	21	MAINLAND CHINA CONTRIBUTION PLAN
	The Group’s full time employees of the Group in the PRC participate in a government-mandated multiemployer defined contribution plan pursuant to which certain pension benefits, medical care, unemployment insurance, employee housing fund and other welfare benefits are provided to employees. PRC labor regulations require the Group to accrue for these benefits based on certain percentages of the employees’ salaries. The total contributions for such employee benefits were US$27,744, US$42,097 and US$52,159 for the years ended May 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively.

Statutory_Reserve

Statutory Reserve	12 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Statutory Reserve	'
	22	STATUTORY RESERVE
	Prior to payment of dividends, pursuant to the laws applicable to the PRC’s Foreign Investment Enterprises, the Company’s subsidiaries and VIEs in the PRC must make appropriations from after-tax profit to non-distributable reserve funds as determined by the Board of Directors of each company. These reserves include (i) general reserve and (ii) the development fund.
	Subject to certain cumulative limits, the general reserve requires annual appropriations of 10% of after-tax profits as determined under PRC laws and regulations at each year-end until the balance reaches 50% of the PRC entity registered capital; the other reserve appropriations are at the Company’s discretion. These reserves can only be used for specific purposes of enterprise expansion and are not distributable as cash dividends. During the year ended May 31, 2012, $2,453 was deducted from the general reserve to adjust for excess appropriations made in prior periods. During the years ended May 31, 2013 and 2014, US$524 and US$1,029 was accrued for the general reserve, respectively.
	PRC laws and regulations require private schools that require reasonable returns to make annual appropriations of 25% of after-tax income prior to payments of dividend to its development fund, which is to be used for the construction or maintenance of the school or procurement or upgrading of educational equipment, while in the case of a private school that does not require reasonable return, this amount should be equivalent to no less than 25% of the annual increase of net assets of the school as determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the PRC. During the years ended May 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, appropriations to the development fund amounted to US$71,602, US$21,946, and US$21,116, respectively.
	The Company did not make appropriations to the development fund reserves for the years ended May 31, 2010, 2011 or any periods prior to that; however, in the year ended May 31, 2012, all of the under-reserved amounts for all prior periods’ development fund, together with the amount that shall have been appropriated for fiscal year 2012, have been appropriated. During the year ended May 31, 2012, appropriations to the development fund amounted to $71,602, for which $57,377 was attributed to periods prior to fiscal year 2012.
	These reserves are included as statutory reserves in the consolidated statements of changes in equity and comprehensive income. The Group allocated US$69,149, US$22,470 and US$22,145 to statutory reserves during the years ended May 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively. The statutory reserves cannot be transferred to the Company in the form of loans or advances and are not distributable as cash dividends except in the event of liquidation.

Restricted_Net_Assets

Restricted Net Assets	12 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Receivables [Abstract]	'
Restricted Net Assets	'
	23	RESTRICTED NET ASSETS
	Relevant PRC laws and regulations restrict the WFOEs and VIE from transferring a portion of their net assets, equivalent to the balance of their statutory reserves and their share capital, to the Company in the form of loans, advances or cash dividends. The balance of restricted net assets was $209,094 and $239,245, of which $162,551 and $188,017 was attributed to the paid in capital and statutory reserves of the VIE and $46,543 and $51,228 was attributed to the paid in capital and statutory reserves of the WFOEs, as of May 31, 2013 and 2014, respectively. The WFOEs’ accumulated profits may be distributed as dividends to the Company without the consent of a third party. The VIE’s revenues and accumulated profits may be transferred to the Company through contractual arrangements without the consent of a third party. Under applicable PRC law, loans from PRC companies to their offshore affiliated entities require governmental approval, and advances by PRC companies to their offshore affiliated entities must be supported by bona fide business transactions.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events	'
	24	SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
	On June 1, 2014, Xuncheng, one of the VIE’s subsidiaries, granted 15,000,000 NES to Xuncheng’s directors and employees which will vest between June 1, 2015 and May 31, 2020. The Company is still in the process of evaluating the fair value of NES at the grant date. Share-based compensation will be recognized as an expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which is the vesting period.
	On July 3, 2014, the Group established a new entity with a third party. The Group made cash contribution of US$ 2,617 for its 54.5% equity interest.
	On July 22, 2014, the Company granted 209,650 NES to directors and employees which will vest on May 31, 2015. The fair value per NES granted was US$21.01, which approximates the market price of the Company’s ADS on the New York Stock Exchange as of the grant date.
	On July 22, 2014, the Company’s board of directors authorized the repurchase of up to US$120,000 of the Company’s common shares during the period from July 28, 2014 through March 31, 2015. The Company plans to fund any share repurchases made under this program from the Company’s available cash balance.
	On August 14, 2014, the Company invested US$3,000 in Juesheng.com by acquiring its convertible redeemable preferred shares, for 7.2% equity interest on an as-converted basis.
	On August 25, 2014, the Company entered into a share purchase agreement with Alo7.com to invest additional US$10,000 convertible redeemable preferred shares in Alo7.com, for additional 11.2% equity ownership interests on an as-converted basis. After the investment, the Company had 17.2% equity interests in Alo7.com in total.
	On September 19, 2014, Beijing Pioneer entered into a master exclusive service agreement with New Oriental China to enable the Company’s wholly owned subsidiaries in China to receive substantially all of the economic benefits of New Oriental China and its schools and subsidiaries. Under the master exclusive service agreement, Beijing Pioneer has the exclusive right to provide or designate any entities affiliated with it to provide New Oriental China and its schools and subsidiaries the technical and business support services, including new enrollment system development service, sale of educational software and other operating services. Each service provider has the right to determine the fees associated with the services it provides based on the technical difficulty and complexity of the services and the actual labor costs it incurs for providing the services during the relevant period. The term of this agreement is ten years and will be automatically extended upon the expiration. Beijing Pioneer may terminate the agreement at any time with a 30-day prior written notice to New Oriental China, whereas none of New Oriental China and its schools and subsidiaries can terminate this agreement. The various existing service agreements mentioned in Note 1 will remain effective after the inclusion of the master exclusive service agreement; however, if they have any conflict with the terms and conditions of the master exclusive service agreement, the master exclusive service agreement will prevail. The master exclusive service agreement was effective on September 19, 2014.

Schedule_I_Condensed_Financial

Schedule I - Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company	12 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Condensed Financial Information Of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule I - Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company	'
	Additional Information - Financial Statement Schedule I
	Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company
	Balance Sheets
	(In thousands, except share and share data)
			As of May 31,
			2013			2014
			US$			US$
	ASSETS
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents			28,653			15,874
	Prepaid expense and other current assets			5,656			8,137
	Amounts due from related parties			24,909			18,511
	Total current assets			59,218			42,522
	Long term investments			3,000			19,662
	Investments in subsidiaries and VIE			841,832			976,348
	Total assets			904,050			1,038,532
	LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	Current liabilities:
	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities			12,051			12,417
	Amounts due to related parties			34,747			357
	Total current liabilities			46,798			12,774
	Equity:
	Common shares (US$0.01 par value; 300,000,000 shares authorized as of May 31, 2013 and 2014; 158,379,387 shares issued as of May 31, 2013 and 2014; 156,695,987 and 157,758,666 shares outstanding as of May 31, 2013 and 2014, respectively)			1,573			1,584
	Treasury stock			(17	)		(6	)
	Additional paid-in capital			164,336			174,009
	Retained earnings			608,493			784,612
	Accumulated other comprehensive income			82,867			65,559
	Total shareholders’ equity			857,252			1,025,758
	Total liabilities and equity			904,050			1,038,532
	Additional Information - Financial Statement Schedule I
	Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company
	Statements of Operations
	(In thousands)
			Years ended May 31,
			2012			2013			2014
			US$			US$			US$
	Operating costs and expenses:
	General and administrative			24,477			32,208			20,435
	Total operating costs and expenses			24,477			32,208			20,435
	Operating loss			(24,477	)		(32,208	)		(20,435	)
	Other income			147			—			—
	Interest income			422			49			1
	Equity in earnings of subsidiaries and VIE			156,596			168,428			236,138
	Net income			132,688			136,269			215,704
	Additional Information - Financial Statement Schedule I
	Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company
	Statements of Comprehensive Income
	(In thousands)
			Years ended May 31,
			2012			2013			2014
			US$			US$			US$
	Net income			132,688			136,269			215,704
	Other comprehensive income, net of tax
	Foreign currency translation adjustment			8,576			27,729			(17,894	)
	Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of tax effect of nil, nil and nil for years ended May 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014			—			—			586
	Other comprehensive income/(loss)			8,576			27,729			(17,308	)
	Comprehensive income			141,264			163,998			198,396
	Additional Information - Financial Statement Schedule I
	Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Statements of Changes in Equity
	(In thousands, except share data)
																		Accumulated
									Additional									other			Total
			Common shares						paid-in			Treasury			Retained			comprehensive			shareholders’
		Unrestricted			Amount			capital			stock			earnings			income			equity
		shares			US$			US$			US$			US$			US$			US$
Balance at June 1, 2011			158,379,387			1,540			186,585			—			339,536			46,562			574,223
Issuance of ADS shares for the exercises of employee share options			—			2			788			—			—			—			790
Non-vested equity shares vested			—			13			(13	)		—			—			—			—
Share based compensation expense			—			—			24,125			—			—			—			24,125
Profit appropriation			—			—			(50,000	)		—			—			—			(50,000	)
Net income			—			—			—			—			132,688			—			132,688
Foreign currency translation adjustment			—			—			—			—			—			8,576			8,576
Balance at May 31, 2012			158,379,387			1,555			161,485			—			472,224			55,138			690,402
Issuance of ADS shares for the exercises of employee share options			—			7			5,726			—			—			—			5,733
Non-vested equity shares vested			—			11			(11	)		—			—			—			—
Share based compensation expense			—			—			27,242			—			—			—			27,242
Dividend declared			—			—			3,010			—			—			—			3,010
Share repurchase			(1,683,400	)		—			(33,116	)		(17	)		—			—			(33,133	)
Profit appropriation			—			—			—			—			—			—			—
Net income			—			—			—			—			136,269			—			136,269
Foreign currency translation adjustment			—			—			—			—			—			27,729			27,729
Balance at May 31, 2013			156,695,987			1,573			164,336			(17	)		608,493			82,867			857,252
Issuance of ADS shares for the exercises of employee share options			—			11			7,837			—			—			—			7,848
Reissuance of Treasury stock for the exercises of employee share options			1,014,727			—			13,514			10			—			—			13,524
Reissuance of Treasury stock for Non-vested equity shares vested			810,052			—			(8	)		8			—			—			—
Share based compensation expense			—			—			20,079			—			—			—			20,079
Dividend declared			—			—			(14,891	)		—			(39,585	)		—			(54,476	)
Share repurchase			(762,100	)		—			(16,858	)		(7	)		—			—			(16,865	)
Profit appropriation			—			—			—			—			—			—			—
Net income			—			—			—			—			215,704			—			215,704
Foreign currency translation adjustment			—			—			—			—			—			(17,894	)		(17,894	)
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of tax effect of nil			—			—			—			—			—			586			586
Balance at May 31, 2014			157,758,666			1,584			174,009			(6	)		784,612			65,559			1,025,758
Additional Information - Financial Statement Schedule I
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company
Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)
		Years ended May 31,
		2012			2013			2014
		US$			US$			US$
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income			132,688			136,269			215,704
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries			(156,596	)		(168,428	)		(236,138	)
Dividend received from subsidiaries			—			—			83,728
Share-based compensation expense			24,125			27,242			20,079
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			(6,412	)		(91	)		(2,958	)
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities			3,117			4,015			4,988
Amounts due from/to related parties			(1,760	)		(4,950	)		(849	)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities			(4,838	)		(5,943	)		84,554
Cash flows from investing activities
Long term investment in Dajie.com			(2,000	)		—			—
Long term investment in Alo7.com			(1,000	)		—			(2,576	)
Long term investment in Tarena			—			—			(13,500	)
Loan to related parties			—			(1,630	)		—
Repayment from related parties			16,000			—			15,500
Net cash used in investing activities			13,000			(1,630	)		(576	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common shares upon exercise of share options			945			5,733			21,849
Loan from related party			—			43,000			—
Loan repayment to related party			—			—			(42,643	)
Cash paid for shares repurchase			—			(28,511	)		(21,487	)
Cash paid for dividend			—			(46,990	)		(54,476	)
Net cash used in financing activities			945			(26,768	)		(96,757	)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents			9,107			(34,341	)		(12,779	)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year			53,887			62,994			28,653
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year			62,994			28,653			15,874
Additional Information - Financial Statement Schedule I
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company
Note to the Financial Statements
1	BASIS FOR PREPARATION
The condensed financial information of the Company has been prepared using the same accounting policies as set out in the Group’s consolidated financial statements except that the Company used the equity method to account for investments in its subsidiaries and VIE.
2	INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES AND VIE
The Company and its subsidiaries and VIE were included in the consolidated financial statements where the inter-company balances and transactions were eliminated upon consolidation. For purpose of the Company’s stand-alone financial statements, its investments in subsidiaries and VIE were reported using the equity method of accounting. The Company’s share of income and losses from its subsidiaries and VIE were reported as equity in earnings of subsidiaries and VIE in the accompanying parent company financial statements.
3	INCOME TAXES
The Company is a Cayman Islands company, therefore, is not subjected to income taxes for all years presented.
4	RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The following represented related party balances as of May 31, 2013 and 2014:
		May 31,
		2013			2014
		US$			US$
Amount due from related parties:
Beijing Judgment			7,257			—
Beijing Hewstone			2,780			—
Beijing Decision			4,232			—
Winner Park			11			11
Smart Shine			8,511			8,511
Elite Concept Holdings Limited			—			7,871
New Oriental China			2,118			2,118
			24,909			18,511
Amount due to related parties:
Elite Concept Holdings Limited			34,747			357
			34,747			357
All related party balances were non-interest bearing and unsecured.

Significant_Accounting_Policie1

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Basis of presentation	'
	Basis of presentation
	The consolidated financial statements of the Group have been prepared in accordance with the accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”).
Basis of consolidation	'
	Basis of consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company, its subsidiaries, its VIE and VIE’s subsidiaries and schools. The Company and its WFOEs have entered into contractual arrangements with the VIE and its shareholder, which enable the Company to (1) have power to direct activities that most significantly affect the economic performance of the VIE, and (2) receive the economic benefits of the VIE that could be significant to the VIE. Accordingly, the Company is considered the primary beneficiary of the VIE and has consolidated the VIE’s financial results of operations, assets and liabilities in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. All inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated upon consolidation.
Use of estimates	'
	Use of estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and revenue and expenses in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Significant accounting estimates reflected in the Group’s consolidated financial statements include purchase price allocation relating to the business acquired, the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets, allowance for doubtful accounts, economic lives and impairment of property and equipment, impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, and share-based compensation. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Business combinations	'
	Business combinations
	Business combinations are recorded using the acquisition method of accounting. The purchase price of the acquisition is allocated to the tangible assets, liabilities, identifiable intangible assets acquired and non-controlling interest, if any, based on their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date. The excess of the purchase price over those fair values is recorded as goodwill. Acquisition-related expenses and restructuring costs are expensed as incurred.
	Where the consideration in an acquisition includes contingent consideration and the payment of which depends on the achievement of certain specified conditions post-acquisition, the contingent consideration is recognized and measured at its fair value at the acquisition date and if recorded as a liability, it is subsequently carried at fair value with changes in fair value reflected in earnings.
Cash and cash equivalents	'
	Cash and cash equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and highly liquid investments which are unrestricted as to withdrawal or use, and which have original maturities of three months or less when purchased.
Term deposits	'
	Term deposits
	Term deposits consist of deposits placed with financial institutions with original maturities of greater than three months and less than one year.
Short-term investments	'
	Short-term investments
	Short term investments consist of held-to-maturity investments with the maturity of less than one year. The Group’s short-term held-to-maturity investments are classified as short-term investments on the consolidated balance sheets based on their contractual maturity dates which are less than one year and are stated at their amortized costs.
	The Group reviews its held-to-maturity investments for other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) based on the specific identification method. The Group considers available quantitative and qualitative evidence in evaluating the potential impairment of its short-term investments. If the cost of an investment exceeds the investment’s fair value, the Group considers, among other factors, general market conditions, expected future performance of the investees, the duration and the extent to which the fair value of the investment is less than the cost, and the Group’s intent and ability to hold the investments. OTTI is recognized as a loss in the income statement.
Restricted cash	'
	Restricted cash
	Restricted cash represents Renminbi (“RMB”) deposits in bank accounts as deposits for establishing new schools and subsidiaries.
Allowance for doubtful accounts	'
	Allowance for doubtful accounts
	Accounts receivable represents amounts due from corporate customers of the Group’s various schools and subsidiaries. The Group provides allowance for doubtful accounts equal to the estimated amounts. The Group’s estimates are based on historical collection experience and a review of the current status of accounts receivable and advances to suppliers. Accounts receivable and advances to suppliers are presented net of allowance for doubtful accounts.
Inventory	'
	Inventory
	Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market value.
Land use rights	'
	Land use rights
	Land use rights are recorded at cost and amortized on a straight-line basis over the remaining term of the land certificate, from 38.5 to 50 years.
Property and equipment	'
	Property and equipment
	Property and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization.
Construction in progress	'
	Construction in progress
	The Group constructs certain of its property and equipment. In addition to cost under the construction contracts, interest cost and external costs directly related to the construction of such facilities, including equipment installation and shipping costs, are capitalized. Depreciation is recorded at the time assets are ready for the intended use.
Impairment of long-lived assets	'
	Impairment of long-lived assets
	The Group reviews its long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may no longer be recoverable. When these events occur, the Group measures impairment by comparing the carrying value of the long-lived assets to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use of the assets and their eventual disposition. If the sum of the expected undiscounted cash flow is less than the carrying amount of the assets, the Group would recognize an impairment loss based on the fair value of the assets. The Group did not record impairment losses on long-lived assets during the years ended May 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014.
Goodwill	'
	Goodwill
	Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired in business combinations. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that it might be impaired.
	Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level on an annual basis (May 31 for the Group) and between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. These events or circumstances could include a significant change in the stock prices, business climate, legal factors, operating performance indicators, competition, or sale or disposition of a significant portion of a reporting unit.
	Application of the goodwill impairment test requires judgment, including the identification of reporting units, assignment of assets and liabilities to reporting units, assignment of goodwill to reporting units, and determination of the fair value of each reporting unit. The estimation of fair value of each reporting unit using a discounted cash flow methodology also requires significant judgments, including estimation of future cash flows, which is dependent on internal forecasts, estimation of the long-term rate of growth for the Group’s business, estimation of the useful life over which cash flows will occur, and determination of the Group’s weighted average cost of capital. The estimates used to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit change from year to year based on operating results and market conditions. Changes in these estimates and assumptions could materially affect the determination of fair value and goodwill impairment for the reporting unit.
	In September 2011, the FASB issued an authoritative pronouncement related to testing goodwill for impairment. The guidance permits the Group to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is “more likely than not” that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. The Group adopted this pronouncement since June 2012. If it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, goodwill is then tested following a two-step process. The first step compares the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the fair value of each reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill is not considered to be impaired and the second step will not be required. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step compares the implied fair value of goodwill to the carrying value of a reporting unit’s goodwill.
	The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in a manner similar to accounting for a business combination with the allocation of the assessed fair value determined in the first step to the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit. The excess of the fair value of the reporting unit over the amounts assigned to the assets and liabilities is the implied fair value of goodwill.
	An impairment loss is recognized for any excess in the carrying value of goodwill over the implied fair value of goodwill. The Group recognized no impairment loss on goodwill for any of the periods presented.
Impairment of indefinite-lived intangible assets	'
	Impairment of indefinite-lived intangible assets
	An intangible asset that is not subject to amortization is tested for impairment at least annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. Such impairment test is to compare the fair values of assets with their carrying value amounts and an impairment loss is recognized if and when the carrying amounts exceed the fair values. The estimates of fair values of intangible assets not subject to amortization are determined using various discounted cash flow valuation methodologies. Significant assumptions are inherent in this process, including estimates of discount rates or market price. Discount rate assumptions are based on an assessment of the risk inherent in the respective intangible assets. Market prices are based on potential purchase quote from third party, if any. The Group recognized no impairment loss on indefinite-lived intangible assets for any of the periods presented.
Acquired intangible assets with definite lives	'
	Acquired intangible assets with definite lives
	Acquired intangible assets with definite lives consist of trademark, license and course wares, and are carried at cost less accumulated amortization and impairment. Amortization of acquired intangible assets is calculated on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the contractual terms or the expected economic lives of the acquired assets.
Cost Method Investments	'
	Cost Method Investments
	For investee companies over which the Group does not have significant influence and a controlling interest, the Group carries the investment at cost and recognize as income for any dividend received from distribution of the investee’s earnings.
	The Group reviews its cost method investments for impairment whenever an event or circumstance indicates that an OTTI has occurred. The Group considers available quantitative and qualitative evidence in evaluating potential impairment of its cost method investments. An impairment charge is recorded if the cost of an investment exceeds its fair value and such excess is determined to be other-than temporary.
	The Group estimated the fair value of these investee companies based on discounted cash flow approach. Factors the Group considers in making such a determination include general market conditions, the duration and the extent to which the fair value of an investment is less than its cost, and the Group’s intent and ability to hold such investment. The Group did not record impairment losses on its cost method investments during the years ended May 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014.
Equity Method Investment	'
	Equity Method Investment
	Investee company over which the Group has the ability to exercise significant influence, but does not have a controlling interest, are accounted for using the equity method. Significant influence is generally considered to exist when the Group has an ownership interest in the voting stock of the investee between 20% and 50%, and other factors, such as representation on the investee’s board of directors, voting rights and the impact of commercial arrangements, are considered in determining whether the equity method of accounting is appropriate. In addition, as disclosed in Note 13(c), the Group accounts for its 65% equity interests in Beijing MaxEn International Education Consulting Co., Ltd (“MaxEn”) as equity method investment since the other investor has significant participating rights and the Group does not have controlling interests.
	An impairment charge is recorded if the carrying amount of the investment exceeds its fair value and this condition is determined to be other-than temporary. The Group estimated the fair value of the investee company based on comparable quoted price for similar investment in active market, if applicable, or discounted cash flow approach which requires significant judgments, including the estimation of future cash flows, which is dependent on internal forecasts, the estimation of long term growth rate of a company’s business, the estimation of the useful life over which cash flows will occur, and the determination of the weighted average cost of capital. The Company did not record impairment losses on its equity method investment during the years ended May 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014.
Available-for-sale securities Investments	'
	Available-for-sale securities Investments
	Investment classified as available-for-sale are carried at their fair values and the unrealized gains or losses from the changes in fair values are included in accumulated other comprehensive income.
	The Group reviews its investments for OTTI based on the specific identification method. The Group considers available quantitative and qualitative evidence in evaluating potential impairment of its investments. If the cost of an investment exceeds the investment’s fair value, the Group considers, among other factors, general market conditions, government economic plans, the duration and the extent to which the fair value of the investment is less than the cost, the Group’s intent and ability to hold the investment, and the financial condition and near term prospects of the issuers.
Long-term held-to-maturity investment	'
	Long-term held-to-maturity investment
	The Group’s long-term held-to-maturity investment represents a trust guaranteed by a bank with the maturity of more than one year, which is stated at its amortized cost.
Revenue recognition	'
	Revenue recognition
	Revenue is recognized when persuasive evidence that an arrangement exists, delivery of the product or service has occurred, the selling price is both fixed and determinable and collection is reasonably assured. Revenue is reported net of business taxes and refunds. Business tax amounted to US$26,692, US$33,859 and US$39,909 for the years ended May 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively. The primary sources of the Group’s revenues are as follows:
		(a)	Educational programs and services
	The educational programs and services consist of language training and test preparation courses, primary and secondary school education and college admission examination retaking training services. Tuition is generally paid in advance and is initially recorded as deferred revenue. Tuition revenue for educational programs and services is recognized proportionately as the instructions are delivered, and is reported net of business taxes and related surcharges, and tuition refunds. Students are entitled to a short term course trial period which commences on the date the course begins. Tuition refunds are provided to students if they decide within the trial period that they no longer want to take the course. Tuition refunds have been insignificant in the fiscal years ended May 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014. After the trial period, if a student withdraws from a class, usually no refunds will be provided and any collected but unearned portion of the fee is recognized at that time.
	The Group also sells online-learning cards primarily to distributors at fixed price after deducting a pre-determined fixed discount to the face value of the cards. Online-learning card sales represent prepaid service fees received from students for e-learning services. The prepaid service fee is recorded as deferred revenue upon receiving the upfront payment. Revenue is recognized upon actual usage of the cards by the students based on the number of minutes the students use the e-learning services, of which the actual usage is tracked by the Group on an individual basis. Upon the expiration of the online-learning card, which ranges from six months to one year from the date of sale of the card to the distributor, the Group will recognize the remaining unused minutes as revenue.
		(b)	Books and others
	The Group sells educational books or other educational materials either through its own book stores or websites or through third party distributors. Revenue from sales made through the Group’s book stores is recognized upon sales to customers. Revenue through distributors is recognized once the products are sold to the end customers.
Operating leases	'
	Operating leases
	Leases where substantially all the rewards and risks of ownership of assets remain with the leasing company are accounted for as operating leases. Payments made under operating leases are charged to the consolidated statements of operations on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the lease term or estimated economic life.
Advertising costs	'
	Advertising costs
	The Group expenses advertising costs as they incurred. Total advertising expenses were US$28,960, US$29,725 and US$41,952 for the years ended May 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively, and have been included as part of selling and marketing expenses.
Government subsidies	'
	Government subsidies
	The Group recognizes government subsidies as miscellaneous income when they are received because they are not subject to any past or future conditions, there are no performance conditions or conditions of use, and are not subject to future return. Government subsidies received and recognized as miscellaneous income totaled US$971, US$1,196 and US$1,437 for the years ended May 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively.
Foreign currency translation	'
	Foreign currency translation
	The Company’s functional and reporting currency is the United States dollars (“U.S. dollars”). The financial records of the Company’s subsidiaries, New Oriental China and its schools and subsidiaries located in the PRC are maintained in its local currency, RMB which is the functional currency of these entities. The financial records of the Company’s subsidiaries located in Hong Kong are maintained in U.S. dollars, which is the functional currency of these entities. The functional currency of the Company’s subsidiaries in Hong Kong is the U.S. dollars.
	Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the applicable functional currencies are translated into the reporting currency at the rates of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. Equity accounts are translated at historical exchange rates, and revenues and expenses are translated using the average rate of exchange in effect during the reporting period. Translation adjustments are reported and shown as a separate component of other comprehensive income in the consolidated statements of changes in equity and comprehensive income.
	Transactions in currencies other than the functional currencies during the year are converted into the applicable functional currencies at the applicable rates of exchange prevailing at the dates of the transactions. Exchange gains and losses are recognized in the consolidated statements of operations.
Foreign currency risk	'
	Foreign currency risk
	The RMB is not a freely convertible currency. The State Administration for Foreign Exchange, under the authority of the People’s Bank of China, controls the conversion of RMB into other currencies. The value of the RMB is subject to changes in central government policies and to international economic and political developments affecting supply and demand in the China Foreign Exchange Trading System market. The Group’s cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, and term deposits denominated in RMB amounted to US$415,897 and US$451,676 at May 31, 2013 and 2014, respectively.
Fair value	'
	Fair value
	Fair value is the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When determining the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities required or permitted to be recorded at fair value, the Group considers the principal or most advantageous market in which it would transact, and it considers assumptions that market participants would use when valuing the asset or liability. Authoritative literature provides a fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels. The level in the hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement as follows:
	Level 1
	Level 1 applies to assets or liabilities for which there are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
	Level 2
	Level 2 applies to assets or liabilities for which there are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in markets with insufficient volume or infrequent transactions (less active markets); or model-derived valuations in which significant inputs are observable or can be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data.
	Level 3
	Level 3 applies to assets or liabilities for which there are unobservable inputs to the valuation methodology that are significant to the measurement of the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
	Measured fair value on a recurring basis
	The Group measured its financial assets and liabilities including cash equivalents at fair value on a recurring basis as of May 31, 2013 and 2014. Cash equivalents are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued based on the quoted market price in an active market.
	The Group did not have Level 3 investments as of May 31, 2013 and 2014.
	Measured fair value on a nonrecurring basis
	Long-term investments other than Alo7.com Ltd. and Tarena, goodwill and other intangible assets are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis when impairment is recognized.
	The Group measured long term investments other than Alo7.com Ltd. and Tarena, goodwill at fair value on a nonrecurring basis when it is annually evaluated or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value as a result of the impairment assessments, and the Group measured acquired intangible assets using income approach - discounted cash flow method when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may no longer be recoverable. The Group did not recognize any impairment loss related to investments, goodwill and acquired intangible assets for the years ended May 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014. The fair value was determined using models with significant unobservable inputs (Level 3 inputs), primarily the management projection of discounted future cash flow and the discount rate.
Fair value of financial instruments	'
	Fair value of financial instruments
	The Group’s financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, term deposits, restricted cash, short-term held-to-maturity investments, accounts receivable, amount due from/to related parties, available-for-sale securities investments, long-term held-to-maturity investment and accounts payable. The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, term deposits, restricted cash, short-term held-to-maturity investments, accounts receivable, amount due from/to related parties, and accounts payable approximate their fair values due to the short-term maturities of these instruments. Long-term held-to-maturity investment is stated at its amortized cost.
Net income per share	'
	Net income per share
	Basic net income per share is computed by dividing income attributable to holders of common shares by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted net income per common share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common shares were exercised into common shares. Common share equivalents are excluded from the computation of the diluted net income per share in years when their effect would be anti-dilutive.
Income taxes	'
	Income taxes
	The Group accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability approach. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates that will be in effect for the period in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rates is recognized in the consolidated statements of operations in the period of change. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when it is considered more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
	The Group accounts for uncertain tax positions by reporting a liability for unrecognized tax benefits resulting from uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Tax benefits are recognized from uncertain tax positions when the Group believes that it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the position. The Group recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.
Comprehensive income	'
	Comprehensive income
	Comprehensive income includes net income, unrealized gain or loss on available-for-sale securities and foreign currency translation adjustments. Comprehensive income is reported in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
Share-based compensation	'
	Share-based compensation
	Share-based payments to employees and directors are measured based on the grant-date fair value of the equity instrument issued and recognized as compensation expense net of a forfeiture rate on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, with a corresponding addition to paid-in capital. The Group uses the binomial option pricing model to measure the fair value of options granted and the quoted market price of the Company’s equity shares to measure the fair value of NES granted to employees at each measurement date. The binomial option pricing model is adopted because the Group believes that considering the possibility of exercise of an option over the life of the option, as affected by the reality of changing stock prices and non-constant risk free rates, would better reflect the measurement objective of relevant accounting literature.
	The amount of compensation expense recognized at any date is at least equal to the portion of the fair value of the awards that are vested as of that date. The estimate of forfeitures is based on historical turnover rate and will be adjusted over the requisite service period to the extent that actual forfeitures differ, or are expected to differ from such estimates. Changes in estimated forfeitures will be recognized through a cumulative catch-up adjustment in the period of change and will impact the amount of share-based compensation expense to be recognized in future periods.
Concentration of credit risk	'
	Concentration of credit risk
	Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentration of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, term deposits, restricted cash, and accounts receivable. As of May 31, 2014, substantially all of the Group’s cash and cash equivalents, and term deposits were deposited with financial institutions with high-credit ratings and quality. Accounts receivable are typically unsecured and are derived from revenues earned from customers in PRC. The Group performs periodic credit evaluations and provides an allowance for doubtful accounts to reduce the accounts receivable balance to its net realizable value. The Group did not have any customers constituting 10% or more of the consolidated net revenues and accounts receivable in fiscal years 2012, 2013 and 2014.
Newly adopted accounting pronouncements	'
	Newly adopted accounting pronouncements
	In December 2011, the FASB issued an authoritative pronouncement related to disclosures about offsetting assets and liabilities. The guidance requires an entity to disclose information about offsetting and related arrangements to enable users of its financial statements to understand the effect of those arrangements on its financial position. In January 2013, the FASB further clarifies that ordinary trade receivables and receivables are not in the scope of the authoritative pronouncement and the pronouncement applies only to derivatives, repurchase agreements and reverse purchase agreements, and securities borrowing and securities lending transactions that are either offset in accordance with specific criteria contained in the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (Codification) or subject to a master netting arrangement or similar agreement. An entity is required to apply the amendments for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013, and interim periods within those annual periods. An entity should provide the disclosures required by those amendments retrospectively for all comparative periods presented. The adoption of this guidance did not have a significant effect on its consolidated financial statements.
	In February 2013, the FASB issued an authoritative pronouncement related to reporting of amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income, to improve the transparency of reporting these reclassifications. Other comprehensive income includes gains and losses that are initially excluded from net income for an accounting period. Those gains and losses are later reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income into net income. The amendments in this Accounting Standards Updates (“ASU”) do not change the current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in financial statements. All of the information that this ASU requires already is required to be disclosed elsewhere in the financial statements under US GAAP.
	The new amendments will require an organization to:
		•		Present (either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes) the effects on the line items of net income of significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income - but only if the item reclassified is required under US GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period.
		•		Cross-reference to other disclosures currently required under US GAAP for other reclassification items (that are not required under US GAAP) to be reclassified directly to net income in their entirety in the same reporting period. This would be the case when a portion of the amount reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income is initially transferred to a balance sheet account (e.g., inventory for pension-related amounts) instead of directly to income or expense
	The amendments apply to all public and private companies that report items of other comprehensive income. Public companies are required to comply with these amendments for all reporting periods (interim and annual). The amendments are effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012, for public companies. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this guidance did not have a significant effect on its consolidated financial statements.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued a pronouncement which provides guidance on financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefits when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. The FASB’s objective in issuing this ASU is to eliminate diversity in practice resulting from a lack of guidance on this topic in current U.S. GAAP.
	The amendments in this ASU state that an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward, except as follows. To the extent a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction to settle any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position or the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction does not require the entity to use, and the entity does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets.
	This ASU applies to all entities that have unrecognized tax benefits when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists at the reporting date. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. Early adoption is permitted. The amendments should be applied prospectively to all unrecognized tax benefits that exist at the effective date. Retrospective application is permitted. The adoption of this guidance did not have a significant effect on its consolidated financial statements.
Recently issued accounting pronouncements not yet adopted	'
	Recently issued accounting pronouncements not yet adopted
	In January, 2014, the FASB issued a pronouncement which provides guidance on the accounting for service concession arrangements. This ASU specifies that an operating entity should not account for a service concession arrangement, within the scope of this ASU, as a lease in accordance with Topic 840, Leases. Service concession arrangements may become more prevalent in the United States as public-sector entities seek alternative ways to provide public services on a more efficient and cost-effective basis.
	An operating entity should refer to other Codification Topics as applicable to account for various aspects of a service concession arrangement. The amendments also specify that the infrastructure used in a service concession arrangement should not be recognized as property, plant, and equipment of the operating entity.
	The amendments in this ASU should be applied on a modified retrospective basis to service concession arrangements that exist at the beginning of an entity’s fiscal year of adoption. The modified retrospective approach requires the cumulative effect of applying this ASU to arrangements existing at the beginning of the period of adoption to be recognized as an adjustment to the opening retained earnings balance for the annual period of adoption. The amendments are effective for a public business entity for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2014. The Group does not expect the adoption of this guidance will have a significant effect on its consolidated financial statements.
	On April 10, 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update 2014-08, which amends the definition of a discontinued operation in ASC 205-20 and requires entities to provide additional disclosures about discontinued operations as well as disposal transactions that do not meet the discontinued-operations criteria. The new guidance eliminates the second and third criteria of discontinued operation in ASC 205-20-45-1 and instead requires discontinued-operations treatment for disposals of a component or group of components that represents a strategic shift that has or will have a major impact on an entity’s operations or financial results. The ASU also expands the scope of ASC 205-20 to disposals of equity method investments and businesses that, upon initial acquisition, qualify as held for sale.
	The ASU also requires entities to reclassify assets and liabilities of a discontinued operation for all comparative periods presented in the statement of financial position.
	Regarding the statement of cash flows, an entity must disclose, in all periods presented, either (1) operating and investing cash flows or (2) depreciation and amortization, capital expenditures, and significant operating and investing noncash items related to the discontinued operation.
	The ASU is effective prospectively for all disposals (except disposals classified as held for sale before the adoption date) or components initially classified as held for sale in periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014. Early adoption is permitted. The Group does not expect the adoption of this guidance will have a significant effect on its consolidated financial statements.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued, ASU 2014-09,“Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)”. The guidance substantially converges final standards on revenue recognition between the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board providing a framework on addressing revenue recognition issues and, upon its effective date, replaces almost all exiting revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance, in current U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
	The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. To achieve that core principle, an entity should apply the following steps:
		•		Step 1: Identify the contract(s) with a customer.
		•		Step 2: Identify the performance obligations in the contract.
		•		Step 3: Determine the transaction price.
		•		Step 4: Allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract.
		•		Step 5: Recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation.
	For a public entity, the amendments in this ASU are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early application is not permitted. The Group is in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of this guidance on the Group’s consolidated financial statements.
	In June 2014, the FASB issued a new pronouncement which requires that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. A reporting entity should apply existing guidance in Topic 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation, as it relates to awards with performance conditions that affect vesting to account for such awards. The performance target should not be reflected in estimating the grant-date fair value of the award. Compensation cost should be recognized in the period in which it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved and should represent the compensation cost attributable to the period(s) for which the requisite service has already been rendered. If the performance target becomes probable of being achieved before the end of the requisite service period, the remaining unrecognized compensation cost should be recognized prospectively over the remaining requisite service period. The total amount of compensation cost recognized during and after the requisite service period should reflect the number of awards that are expected to vest and should be adjusted to reflect those awards that ultimately vest. The requisite service period ends when the employee can cease rendering service and still be eligible to vest in the award if the performance target is achieved.
	The amendments in this ASU are effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Earlier adoption is permitted. The Group does not expect the adoption of this guidance will have a significant effect on the Group’s consolidated financial statements.

Organization_and_Principal_Act1

Organization and Principal Activities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Details of Company's Subsidiaries and VIE and Its Subsidiaries	'
	As of May 31, 2014, details of the Company’s subsidiaries, variable interest entity and its schools and subsidiaries were as follows:
	Name		Date of incorporation		Place of	Legal		Principal activity
			or establishment		incorporation	ownership
					(or establishment)
					/operation
	Subsidiaries of the Company:
	Beijing Decision Education & Consulting Company Limited (“Beijing Decision”)		April 20, 2005		PRC	100%		Educational information system
								and other consulting services
	Beijing Judgment Education & Consulting Company Limited (“Beijing Judgment”)		20-Apr-05		PRC	100%		Educational consulting
								and investing activities
	Beijing Hewstone Technology Company Limited (“Beijing Hewstone”)		20-Apr-05		PRC	100%		Educational software development and distribution and other consulting services
	Beijing Pioneer Technology Company Limited (“Beijing Pioneer”)		January 8, 2009		PRC	100%		Educational software
								development and distribution
								and other consulting services
	Shanghai Smart Words Software Technology Company Limited (“Shanghai Smart Words”)		December 8, 2010		PRC	100%		Educational consulting
								and software development
	Subsidiaries of the Company:
	Beijing Smart Wood Software Technology Company Limited (“Beijing Smart Wood”)		December 21, 2011		PRC	100%		Educational consulting
								and software development
	Beijing Joy Tend		31-Jan-13		PRC	100%		Educational consulting
	Technology Company Limited (“Beijing Joy Tend”)							and software development
	Beijing Right Time		31-Jan-13		PRC	100%		Educational consulting
	Technology Company Limited (“Beijing Right Time”)							and software development
	Beijing Sincerity		31-Jan-13		PRC	100%		Educational consulting
	Technology Company Limited (“Beijing Sincerity”)							and software development
	Beijing Magnificence		1-Nov-13		PRC	100%		Educational consulting
	Technology Company Limited (“Beijing Magnificence”)							and software development
	Beijing Top		November 13, 2013		PRC	100%		Educational consulting
	Technology Company Limited (“Beijing Top”)							and software development
	Beijing Walkite International Travel Co., Ltd.		22-May-12		PRC	100%		Consulting
	Beijing New Oriental Kuxuehuisi Network Technology Co., Ltd.		1-Feb-13		PRC	100%		On-line education
	Beijing New Oriental Stars Education & Consulting Co., Ltd (“Stars”)		11-Jul-07		PRC	100%		Kindergarten
	Beijing Chao Yang District Kindergarten of Stars (“ChaoYang Kindergarten”)		9-Nov-07		PRC	100%		Kindergarten
	Nanjing Yuhuatai District Kindergarten of Stars (“Nanjing Kindergarten”)		20-Feb-09		PRC	100%		Kindergarten
	Elite Concept Holdings Limited (“Elite Concept”)		3-Dec-07		Hong	100%		Educational Consulting
					Kong
	Winner Park Limited (“Winner Park”)		9-Dec-08		Hong	100%		Educational Consulting
					Kong
	Smart Shine International Limited (“Smart Shine”)		9-Dec-08		Hong	100%		Educational Consulting
					Kong
	Variable interest entity of the Company:
	Beijing New Oriental Education & Technology (Group) Co., Ltd (“New Oriental China”)		2-Aug-01		PRC	N/A		Education consulting,
								software development and
								distributions and other services
	Schools and subsidiaries of New Oriental China:
	Beijing Haidian District Privately-Funded New Oriental School (“Beijing Haidian School”)		October 5, 1993		PRC	N/A		Language and post-
								secondary education
	Shanghai Yangpu District New Oriental Advanced Study School		1-Jun-00		PRC	N/A		Language education
	Guangzhou Haizhu District		September 8, 2000		PRC	N/A		Language education
	Privately-Funded New
	Oriental Training School
	(“Guangzhou Haizhu School”) (a)
	Guangzhou New Oriental Training School (“Guangzhou School”) (a)		20-Aug-13		PRC	N/A		Language education
	Guangzhou Panyu District		19-Jun-13		PRC	N/A		Language education
	Privately-Funded New
	Oriental Training Centre
	(“Guangzhou Panyu School”) (a)
	Wuhan New Oriental Training School		28-Apr-02		PRC	N/A		Language education
	Tianjin New Oriental Training School		21-Aug-02		PRC	N/A		Language education
	Xi’an Yanta District New Oriental Training School		26-Nov-02		PRC	N/A		Language education
	Nanjing Gulou New Oriental Advanced Study School		November 28, 2002		PRC	N/A		Language education
	Shenzhen New Oriental Training School		15-Oct-03		PRC	N/A		Language education
	Shenyang New Oriental Foreign Language Training School		18-Jun-03		PRC	N/A		Language education
Chongqing New Oriental Training School		15-Aug-03		PRC	N/A		Language education
Chengdu New Oriental School		18-Aug-03		PRC	N/A		Language education
Xiangyang New Oriental Training School		26-Oct-04		PRC	N/A		Language education
Changsha Furong District New Oriental Training School		25-May-05		PRC	N/A		Language education
Jinan New Oriental School		31-May-05		PRC	N/A		Language education
Taiyuan New Oriental Training School		20-Apr-05		PRC	N/A		Language education
Ha’er Bin Nangang District New Oriental Training School		20-May-05		PRC	N/A		Language education
Changchun New Oriental Training School		26-Jul-05		PRC	N/A		Language education
Hangzhou New Oriental Advanced Study School (“Hangzhou School”) (b)		21-Jul-05		PRC	N/A		Language education
Fuyang New Oriental Training School (“Fuyang School”) (b)		22-Oct-12		PRC	N/A		Language education
Zhengzhou New Oriental Training School		19-Jul-05		PRC	N/A		Language education
Zhuzhou New Oriental Training School		30-Apr-06		PRC	N/A		Language education
Shijiazhuang New Oriental School		3-Apr-06		PRC	N/A		Language education
Suzhou New Oriental School		26-Apr-06		PRC	N/A		Language education
Anshan New Oriental Training School		13-Jun-06		PRC	N/A		Language education
Hefei New Oriental Foreign Language Training School		13-Jun-06		PRC	N/A		Language education
Kunming Xishan New Oriental School		13-Jun-06		PRC	N/A		Language education
Wuxi New Oriental Advanced Study School		14-Aug-06		PRC	N/A		Language education
Fuzhou Gulou District New Oriental Training School		1-Sep-06		PRC	N/A		Language education
Schools and subsidiaries of New Oriental China:
Nanchang Donghu District New Oriental Language School		March 16, 2007		PRC	N/A		Language education
Yichang Wujiagang District Yichang New Oriental School		1-Jan-06		PRC	N/A		Language education
Jingzhou New Oriental School		10-Apr-07		PRC	N/A		Language education
Dalian New Oriental Training School		12-Jun-07		PRC	N/A		Language education
Huangshi New Oriental Training School		17-Mar-08		PRC	N/A		Language education
Ningbo New Oriental School		16-Apr-08		PRC	N/A		Language education
Lanzhou Chengguan District New Oriental School		19-Mar-08		PRC	N/A		Language education
Xiamen Siming District New Oriental Education Training School		8-Jul-08		PRC	N/A		Language education
Qingdao New Oriental Language Training School		5-Aug-08		PRC	N/A		Language education
Nanning New Oriental Education Training School		September 18, 2008		PRC	N/A		Language education
Xuzhou New Oriental Advanced Study School		31-Mar-09		PRC	N/A		Language education
Xiangtan Yuhu District New Oriental School		15-Jul-10		PRC	N/A		Language education
Zhenjiang New Oriental School		19-Jul-10		PRC	N/A		Language education
Luoyang New Oriental School		25-Nov-10		PRC	N/A		Language education
Nantong Chongchuan District New Oriental School		28-Dec-10		PRC	N/A		Language education
Jilin Chuanying District New Oriental School		17-Mar-11		PRC	N/A		Language education
Guiyang Yunyan District New Oriental School		21-Mar-11		PRC	N/A		Language education
Inner Mongolia Hohhot New Oriental School		2-Apr-11		PRC	N/A		Language education
Foshan New Oriental School		1-Sep-11		PRC	N/A		Language education
Tangshan Lubei District New Oriental School		25-May-11		PRC	N/A		Language education
Urumqi New Oriental School		22-May-11		PRC	N/A		Language education
Shiyan New Oriental School		23-May-11		PRC	N/A		Language education
Changchun Tongwen Gaokao Training School (“Tongwen Gaokao”)		27-Oct-08		PRC	N/A		College admission
							examination training
Changchun Tongwen Senior High School (“Tongwen High School”)		27-Oct-08		PRC	N/A		Primary secondary school education
China Management Software Institute (“CMSI”)		1-Sep-12		PRC	N/A		Higher education
Beijing New Oriental Yangzhou Foreign Language School		6-Jun-02		PRC	N/A		Primary secondary school education
Beijing Changping New Oriental Foreign Language School (“Changping school”)		19-Jul-10		PRC	N/A		Primary secondary school education
Beijing New Oriental Dogwood Cultural Communications Co., Ltd.		16-May-03		PRC	N/A		Sales of educational
							materials and products
Beijing New Oriental Dogwood, Bookstore, Audio & Video Co., Ltd.		2-Mar-04		PRC	N/A		Sales of educational materials and products
Schools and subsidiaries of New Oriental China:
Chengdu New Oriental Dogwood Bookstore Products Co., Ltd.		18-Jan-04		PRC	N/A		Sales of educational materials and products
Chongqing New Oriental Dogwood Bookstore & Audio-Visual Products Co., Ltd.		25-Feb-04		PRC	N/A		Sales of educational materials and products
Shenyang new Oriental Dogwood Bookstore & Audio-Visual Products Co., Ltd.		September 18, 2003		PRC	N/A		Sales of educational materials and products
Guangzhou Dogwood Bookstore & Audio-Visual Products Co., Ltd.		11-Nov-03		PRC	N/A		Sales of educational materials and products
Wuhan New Oriental Dogwood Bookstore & Audio-Visual Products Co., Ltd.		16-Dec-03		PRC	N/A		Sales of educational materials and products
Xi’an New Oriental Dogwood Bookstore & Audio-Visual Products Co., Ltd.		3-Jun-03		PRC	N/A		Sales of educational materials and products
Shanghai Dogwood Bookstore & Audio-Visual Products Co., Ltd.		28-Sep-03		PRC	N/A		Sales of educational materials and products
Nanjing New Oriental Dogwood Bookstore Products Co., Ltd.		21-Apr-03		PRC	N/A		Sales of educational materials and products
Tianjin Dogwood Bookstore & Audio-Visual Products Co., Ltd.		15-Dec-03		PRC	N/A		Sales of educational materials and products
Changchun New Oriental Dogwood Bookstore & Audio-Visual Products Co., Ltd.		8-Oct-05		PRC	N/A		Sales of educational materials and products
Changsha New Oriental Dogwood Bookstore & Audio-Visual Products Co., Ltd.		3-Apr-06		PRC	N/A		Sales of educational materials and products
Ha’er Bin New Oriental Dogwood Bookstore & Audio-Visual Products Co., Ltd.		13-Mar-06		PRC	N/A		Sales of educational materials and products
Taiyuan New Oriental Dogwood Bookstore & Audio-Visual Products Co., Ltd.		12-Jul-06		PRC	N/A		Sales of educational materials and products
Zhengzhou New Oriental Dogwood Bookstore & Audio-Visual Products Co., Ltd.		9-Aug-06		PRC	N/A		Sales of educational materials and products
Hefei Dogwood Bookstore & Audio-Visual Products Co., Ltd.		22-Nov-06		PRC	N/A		Sales of educational materials and products
Fuzhou Gulou District Dogwood Bookstore & Audio-Visual Products Co., Ltd		26-Aug-09		PRC	N/A		Sales of educational materials and products
Hangzhou Dogwood Bookstore Products Co., Ltd		25-Jul-07		PRC	N/A		Sales of educational materials and products
Nanchang Dogwood Bookstore & Audio-Visual Products Co., Ltd		14-Sep-07		PRC	N/A		Sales of educational materials and products
Kunming Dogwood Bookstore & Audio-Visual Products Co., Ltd		21-Nov-07		PRC	N/A		Sales of educational materials and products
Dalian New Oriental Dogwood Bookstore & Audio-Visual Products Co., Ltd		25-Mar-08		PRC	N/A		Sales of educational materials and products
Jinan Dogwood Bookstore & Audio-Visual Products Co., Ltd		21-Apr-08		PRC	N/A		Sales of educational materials and products
Schools and subsidiaries of New Oriental China:
Lanzhou New Oriental Dogwood Bookstore & Audio-Visual Products Co., Ltd		October 28, 2008		PRC	N/A		Sales of educational
							materials and products
Shijiazhuang New Oriental Dogwood Bookstore & Audio-Visual Products Co., Ltd		28-Jul-09		PRC	N/A		Sales of educational materials and products
Ningbo Haishu New Oriental Dogwood Bookstore & Audio-Visual Products Co., Ltd		31-May-10		PRC	N/A		Sales of educational
							materials and products
Suzhou New Oriental Dogwood Bookstore & Audio-Visual Products Co., Ltd		1-Jun-10		PRC	N/A		Sales of educational
							materials and products
Qingdao New Oriental Dogwood Bookstore & Audio-Visual Products Co., Ltd		28-Jul-10		PRC	N/A		Sales of educational
							materials and products
Xuzhou New Oriental Dogwood Bookstore & Audio-Visual Products Co., Ltd		September 29, 2010		PRC	N/A		Sales of educational
							materials and products
Urumqi Dogwood Bookstore & Audio-Visual Products Co., Ltd		13-Sep-11		PRC	N/A		Sales of educational
							materials and products
Xiamen New Oriental Dogwood Bookstore & Audio-Visual Products Co., Ltd		8-Dec-11		PRC	N/A		Sales of educational
							materials and products
Hohhot Dogwood Bookstore & Audio-Visual Products Co., Ltd		7-Feb-12		PRC	N/A		Sales of educational
							materials and products
Beijing New Oriental Vision Overseas Consultancy Co., Ltd.		19-Feb-04		PRC	N/A		Consulting
Shanghai Vision Overseas Service Co., Ltd.		24-Mar-11		PRC	N/A		Consulting
Shandong New Oriental Vision Overseas Consultancy Co., Ltd.		8-Sep-11		PRC	N/A		Consulting
Beijing New Oriental Dogwood Advertisement Co., Ltd. (“Dogwood Advertisement”)		20-Jan-04		PRC	N/A		Advertising
Beijing New Oriental Xuncheng Network Technology Co., Ltd. (“Xuncheng”)		11-Mar-05		PRC	N/A		On-line education
Beijing Dianshijingwei Technology Company Limited (“Beijing Dianshijingwei”)		14-Jan-14		PRC	N/A		Educational consulting
							and software development
Leci Internet Technology (Beijing) Company Limited (“Leci Internet”)		11-Feb-14		PRC	N/A		Educational consulting and software development
(a)	Guangzhou School and Guangzhou Panyu School were newly established in the year ended May 31, 2014. Although they are separate legal entities, from perspective of the Group’s internal management, they together with Guangzhou Haizhu School are considered as one school since they are operated by the same local management in Guangzhou.
(b)	Although Fuyang School is a separate legal entity, from perspective of the Group’s internal management, Fuyang School and Hangzhou School are considered as one school since they are operated by the same local management in Hangzhou.
Balances and Amounts of Company's WFOEs, VIEs and VIEs' Subsidiaries	'
	The following financial statement balances and amounts of the VIE, including discontinued operations, were included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements after the elimination of intercompany balances and transactions among the offshore companies, WFOEs, VIE and VIE’s subsidiaries and schools in the Group:
			As of May 31,
			2013			2014
			US$			US$
	Total current assets			624,725			717,780
	Total non-current assets			261,416			328,877
	Total assets			886,141			1,046,657
	Total current liabilities			462,031			548,787
	Total non-current liabilities			6,354			1,722
	Total liabilities			468,385			550,509
			Years ended May 31,
			2012			2013			2014
			US$			US$			US$
	Net revenues			750,384			951,634			1,121,205
	Net income			158,796			206,413			266,497
	Net cash provided by operating activities			238,037			299,821			371,458
	Net cash used in investing activities			(150,401	)		(213,403	)		(240,427	)
	Net cash provided by financing activities			—			—			—

Significant_Accounting_Policie2

Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Changes in Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	'
	Changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts were as follows:
		As of May 31,
		2013			2014
		US$			US$
	Beginning balance		48			182
	Charge during the year		192			254
	Written-off		(58	)		(171	)
	Ending balance		182			265
Estimated Useful Lives of Assets	'
	Depreciation and amortization is calculated on a straight line basis over the following estimated economic lives:
	Buildings	20-50 years
	Transportation equipment	10 years
	Furniture and education equipment	5 years
	Computer equipment and software	3 years
	Leasehold improvements	Shorter of the lease term or estimated economic life
Estimated Economic Lives of Intangible Assets	'
	The weighted average amortization periods by major intangible assets class are as follows:
	Trademark		10 years
	License		20 years
	Student base		1.75 year
Schedule of Available-for-Sale Securities Included in Long Term Investment Measured and Recorded at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	'
	As of May 31, 2013 and 2014, respectively, the available-for sale securities included in the long-term investment is measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis in periods subsequent to their initial recognition was as follows:
		May 31, 2013
		Quoted Prices in			Significant Other			Significant
		Active Market for			Observable			Unobservable
		Identical Assets			Inputs			Inputs
	Description	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3	Total
		US$			US$			US$	US$
	Assets:
	Long term investments - available for sale securities
	Alo7.com Ltd. (Note 13)					1,000				1,000
	Total					1,000				1,000
		May 31, 2014
		Quoted Prices in			Significant Other			Significant
		Active Market for			Observable			Unobservable
		Identical Assets			Inputs			Inputs
	Description	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3	Total
		US$			US$			US$	US$
	Assets:
	Long term investments - available for sale securities
	Alo7.com Ltd. (Note 13)					4,207				4,207
	Tarena (Note 13)		13,455							13,455
	Total		13,455			4,207				17,662

Business_Acquisition_of_China_1

Business Acquisition of China Management Software Institute (Tables) (China Management Software Institute [Member])	12 Months Ended
	31-May-14
China Management Software Institute [Member]	'
Purchase Price Allocation	'
	The purchase price was allocated as at the date of acquisition as follows:
					Amortization
		US$			period
	Cash		68
	Other current assets		14
	Buildings		16,095			23.3-45.3 years
	Property, plant and equipment		103			1-5 years
	Land use right		1,008			38.5 years
	Intangible assets
	Student base		110			1.75 years
	Goodwill		1,829
	Other current liabilities		(45	)
	Deferred tax liabilities		(1,727	)
	Total		17,455

Discontinued_Operation_of_Elit1

Discontinued Operation of Elite English (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Carrying Amounts of Major Classes of Assets and Liabilities Disposed	'
	The carrying amounts of the major classes of assets and liabilities disposed as of July 2012 were as follows:
		US$
	Cash and cash equivalents		4,780
	Accounts receivable		2,045
	Inventory		314
	Total current assets		7,139
	Property, plant and equipment		2,488
	Total assets		9,627
	Deferred revenue		9,007
	Accrued expense and other current liabilities		620
	Total liabilities		9,627
Summary of Operating Results from Disposal of Elite English	'
	Summary operating results from disposal of Elite English, which has been segregated from continuing operations in the Group’s consolidated statements of operations for the periods presented were as follows:
		Years ended May 31,
		2012			2013			2014
		US$			US$			US$
	Net revenue from discontinued operation		18,523			1,445			—
	Loss on discontinued operations, net of tax		(3,228	)		(407	)		—

ShortTerm_Investments_Tables

Short-Term Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]	'
Summary of Short-Term Investments	'
	Short-term investments consisted of the following:
		As of May 31,
		2013		2014
		US$		US$
	Held-to-maturity investments		504,952		643,410

Inventory_Tables

Inventory (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Components of Inventory	'
	Inventory consisted of the following:
		As of May 31,
		2013		2014
		US$		US$
	Course materials in schools		6,583		5,690
	Publications in bookstores		15,957		16,676
			22,540		22,366

Prepaid_Expenses_and_Other_Cur1

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Components of Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets	'
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets consisted of the following:
			As of May 31,
			2013		2014
			US$		US$
	Prepaid rent			25,021		28,168
	Advances to suppliers			9,315		11,713
	Interest receivable			4,642		10,474
	Staff advances (a)			3,799		4,908
	Receivable from the settlement bank for the proceeds of exercise of options			4,931		4,454
	Rental deposit			2,068		3,415
	Prepaid advertising fees			2,011		3,094
	Value added taxes recoverable			911		1,408
	Prepaid property taxes and other taxes			705		653
	Refundable deposit for school construction			216		377
	Receivable from disposal of Mingshitang			163		160
	Others (b)			5,804		9,574
				59,586		78,398
	(a)	Staff advances were provided to staff for traveling and related use which are expensed as incurred.
	(b)	Others primarily included insurance fees, recruiting fees, maintenance fees, and other miscellaneous prepayments.

Intangible_Assets_Tables

Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Intangible Assets	'
	Intangible assets consisted of the following:
		As of May 31,
		2013			2014
		US$			US$
	Costs:
	Intangible assets with indefinite lives:
	Trademark		267			262
	Intangible assets with finite lives:
	Trademark		327			321
	Courseware		49			49
	Student base		114			112
	License		415			415
			1,172			1,159
	Accumulated amortization:
	Trademark		(155	)		(184	)
	Courseware		(49	)		(49	)
	Student base		(49	)		(112	)
	License		(57	)		(78	)
			(310	)		(423	)
	Net carrying amount:
	Intangible assets with indefinite lives:
	Trademark		267			262
	Intangible assets with definite lives:
	Trademark		172			137
	Courseware		—			—
	Student base		65			—
	License		358			337
			862			736

Goodwill_Tables

Goodwill (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Components of Goodwill	'
		As of May 31,
		2013		2014
		US$		US$
	Costs:
	Beginning balance		1,798		3,760
	Acquisition of CMSI		1,829		—
	Exchange of difference		133		(68	)
	Ending balance		3,760		3,692
	Accumulated goodwill impairment loss:
	Beginning balance		—		—
	Ending balance		—		—
	Goodwill, net		3,760		3,692

Property_and_Equipment_Tables

Property and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]	'
Summary of Property and Equipment, Net	'
	Property and equipment consisted of the following:
		As of May 31,
		2013			2014
		US$			US$
	Buildings		142,294			139,708
	Transportation equipment		7,548			7,868
	Furniture and education equipment		63,131			65,120
	Computer equipment and software		24,796			28,713
	Leasehold improvements		131,987			136,371
			369,756			377,780
	Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization		(123,690	)		(155,401	)
	Construction in-process		1,196			2,956
			247,262			225,335

Land_Use_Rights_Tables

Land Use Rights (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Land Use Rights, Net	'
	Land use rights consisted of the following:
		As of May 31,
		2013			2014
		US$			US$
	Land use rights		5,023			5,004
	Less: accumulated amortization		(855	)		(972	)
	Exchange differences		374			312
	Land use rights, net		4,542			4,344

Long_Term_Investments_Tables

Long Term Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Schedule of Long Term Investments	'
	Long term investments consisted of the following:
			As of May 31,
			2013			2014
			US$			US$
	Cost method investments:
	Talent Boom Group Ltd (“Talent Boom”) (a)			2			2
	Dajie.com Ltd (“Dajie.com”) (b)			2,000			2,000
	Equity method investment:
	MaxEn (c)			5,265			—
	Available-for-sale securities investments:
	Alo7.com Ltd (“Alo7.com) (d)			1,000			4,207
	Tarena International (“Tarena”) (e)			—			13,455
	Held-to-maturity investments: (f)			—			97,449
				8,267			117,113
		(a)	In December 2006, the Group acquired 20% interest in Talent Boom. The Group has no representation on Talent Boom’s board of directors or its management and does not have the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of Talent Boom. Accordingly, the investment in Talent Boom was accounted for as a cost-method investment.
		(b)	In September 2011, the Group signed a share subscription agreement to invest US$2,000 for 5% equity ownership interest in Dajie.com. The fair value of Dajie.com’s equity ownership interest is not readily determinable and the Group does not have the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of Dajie.com. Accordingly, the investment in Dajie.com has been accounted for as a cost-method investment.
		(c)	In September 2012, New Oriental China and McGraw-Hill Hong Kong Limited set up a Joint Venture, MaxEn. New Oriental China invested US$6,500 cash and US$2,780 self-developed technologies with the book value of zero for its 65% equity interest. The Group does not have a controlling power over MaxEn because the other investor, McGraw-Hill Hong Kong Limited, has significant participating rights. The Group has the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financing activities of MaxEn. Therefore, the investment has been accounted for as an equity method investment. In 2014, the Group disposed 100% equity interest in Boost Caring and North Star to MaxEn for a total cash consideration of US$1,924 (Note 4). The Group recognized its share of the changes in net assets of MaxEn accordingly.
		(d)	On March 5, 2012, the Company acquired a convertible promissory from Alo7.com for $1,000, which entitled the Company to automatic convert the note into identical equity securities issued at subsequent financing on or before July 1, 2012. If conversion term not triggered, Alo7 would repay the amount on December 31, 2013. On July 1, 2012, the Company converted the $1,000 promissory note into convertible redeemable preferred shares and warrants issued by Alo7.com, for 3.4% equity ownership interest in Alo7.com on an as-converted basis.
	In March 2014, the Company further invested $2,576 into Alo7.com, for preferred shares, which was equivalent to 5.9% equity ownership interests on an as-converted basis. This investment is classified as available-for-sale securities and measured subsequently at fair value which is considered as Level 2 inputs. The Company measured the fair value of the investment in Alo7.com based on the purchase price of preferred shares paid by third parties with similar terms incurred in the financing activity close to the fiscal year end of 2014. Unrealized holding gains of nil, nil and US$631 were reported in other comprehensive income for the years ended May 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively.
	The above equity interests were diluted by Alo7.com’s subsequent financing activities. As of May 31, 2014, the Company had 8.8% equity interests in Alo7.com on an as-converted basis.
		(e)	In March 2014, the Company invested US$13,500 in Tarena, which is a service provider of IT professional education in China, for 2.96% ownership. This investment is classified as available-for-sale securities and measured subsequently at fair value which is considered as Level 1 inputs. Unrealized holding loss of US$45 was reported in other comprehensive income for the year ended May 31, 2014.
		(f)	The Group’s long-term held-to-maturity investment consists of trust guaranteed by a bank with the maturity more than one year, which is stated at its amortized cost. The trust was invested in April 2014 and interest income of $1,404 was recognized in the consolidated statements of operations for the year ended May 31, 2014.
MaxEn [Member]	'
Schedule of Long Term Investments	'
			US$
	Long term investment in MaxEn as of May 31, 2013			5,265
	Share of loss recognized during the year			(1,453	)
	Share of changes in net assets from acquisitions of
	Boost Caring and North Star (Note 4)			(3,862	)
	Exchange difference			50
	Long term investment in MaxEn as of May 31, 2014			—

Accrued_Expenses_and_Other_Cur1

Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Payables And Accruals [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities	'
	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consisted of the following:
			As of May 31,
			2013		2014
			US$		US$
	Accrued payroll			64,539		84,888
	Refundable fees received from students (a)			9,735		13,296
	Individual taxes withholding			8,887		9,668
	Amounts reimbursable to employees (b)			3,476		7,658
	Business taxes payable			7,294		6,906
	Payable for purchase of property and equipment			7,652		6,018
	Royalty fees payable (c)			4,419		4,953
	Accrued advertising fees			2,912		4,854
	Acquisition payable for CMSI			132		4,594
	Rent payable			3,337		4,339
	Welfare payable			2,221		4,169
	Accrued professional service fees			1,968		2,585
	Other taxes payable			1,789		2,515
	Refundable deposit (d)			2,868		2,313
	Value added taxes payable			978		1,278
	Share repurchase payable			4,622		—
	Others (e)			4,670		8,884
	Total			131,499		168,918
		(a)	Refundable fees received from students represent (1) the miscellaneous expenses other than tuition fee received from students which will be paid out on behalf of students; and (2) tuition fees refundable to students for withdrawn classes.
		(b)	Amounts reimbursable to employees included traveling and the related expenses incurred by employees on behalf of the Group.
		(c)	Royalty fees payable related to payments to content providers for on-line learning programs.
		(d)	Refundable deposits represent student deposits for dormitory or other fees that will be refunded upon graduation.
		(e)	Others primarily included transportation expenses, utility fees, property management fees, payable for class action settlement and other miscellaneous expenses payable.

ShareBased_Compensation_Tables

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'
Summary of Share Options Granted and NES	'
	The following table summarizes information regarding the share options granted:
	Share options	Shares granted			Grant-date		Exercise
					fair value		price
					US$		US$
	Grant date:
	February 28, 2006		7,099,500			1		2.02
	July 21, 2006		1,620,000			1.15		2.38
	September 7, 2006		100,000			2.38		3.75
	March 5, 2007		3,946,500			4.09		8.75
	January 17, 2012		3,060,000			10.33		12.19
	Total		15,826,000
	NES
	The following table summarizes information regarding NES:
	NES	Grant-date			fair value and
		Shares granted			intrinsic value
					US$
	Grant date:
	24-Jan-08		2,720,000			12.75
	11-Mar-08		152,000			14
	1-Jul-08		278,500			13.75
	28-Oct-08		3,200			12.65
	15-May-09		205,548			12.75
	15-Jun-09		316,200			15.13
	26-May-10		556,848			21.75
	10-Jun-11		811,020			25.11
	23-Jul-12		1,956,935			12.19
	27-May-13		208,590			20.33
	19-Jul-13		19,830			22.8
	Total		7,228,671
Summary of Share Options Activity under 2006 Share Incentive Plan	'
	A summary of share options activity under 2006 Share Incentive Plan for years ended May 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014 was as follows:
		Number of			Weighted		Weighted average		Aggregated
		options			average		remaining		intrinsic value
					exercise prices		contractual life
					US$		years		US$
	Options outstanding at June 1, 2011		2,255,492			5.44		5.2		53,046
	Granted		3,060,000			12.19
	Exercised		(179,195	)		4.41
	Forfeited		—			—
	Options outstanding at May 31, 2012		5,136,297			15.34		7.43		57,371
	Granted		—			—
	Exercised		(734,048	)		7.81
	Forfeited		(765,000	)		12.91
	Options outstanding at May 31, 2013		3,637,249			9.27		6.39		47,503
	Granted		—			—
	Exercised		(2,113,094	)		8.37
	Forfeited		(252,000	)		12.19
	Options outstanding at May 31, 2014		1,272,155			10.18		6.2		19,898
	Options vested and expect to vest at May 31, 2014		1,272,155			10.18		6.2		19,898
	Options exercisable at May 31, 2014		810,155			9.03		5.4		13,601
Assumptions Used to Estimate Fair Value of Share Options Granted	'
	The fair value of share options granted on January 17, 2012 was estimated on the date of grant using the binomial option pricing model with the following assumptions:
	Risk-free interest rate of return		1.83	%
	Volatility		56	%
	Dividend yield		0	%
	Fair value of the underlying ordinary shares		US$10.33
	Exercise price		US$12.19
	Exercisable date		1/6 of options vests
			semi-annually through
			31-Dec-14
	Expiry date		January 17, 2017
	Life of option (years)		5
	Exercise multiple		2.8
	Turnover rate		5.57	%
	Number of nodes		200
Summary of NES Activities under 2006 Share Incentive Plan	'
	A summary of NES activities under 2006 Share Incentive Plan for the years ended May 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014 was as follows:
		Number of			Weighted-
		NES			average grant date
					fair value and
					intrinsic value
					US$
	NES outstanding at June 1, 2011		1,103,368			17.05
	Granted		811,020			25.11
	Vested		(1,353,548	)		20.35
	Forfeited		(39,840	)		24.25
	NES outstanding at May 31, 2012		521,000			20.47
	Granted		2,165,525			12.97
	Vested		(1,054,962	)		15.84
	Forfeited		(120,593	)		14.4
	NES outstanding at May 31, 2013		1,510,970			13.45
	Granted		19,830			22.8
	Vested		(810,052	)		14.3
	Forfeited		(100,818	)		14.97
	NES outstanding at May 31, 2014		619,930			12.39
	NES vested and expect to vest at May 31, 2014		528,861			12.42

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Components of Provision for Income Taxes	'
	Significant components of provision for income taxes for the years ended May 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014 were as follows:
		Years ended May 31,
		2012			2013			2014
		US$			US$			US$
	Current:
	PRC		14,027			18,985			28,235
	Deferred:
	PRC		(3,255	)		(3,630	)		(2,193	)
	Total provision for income taxes		10,772			15,355			26,042
Components of Group's Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	'
	Significant components of the Group’s deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows:
		As of May 31,
		2013			2014
		US$			US$
	Current deferred tax assets
	Allowance doubtful accounts		73			83
	Accrued expenses		9,249			12,353
	Total current deferred tax assets		9,322			12,436
	Less: valuation allowance		(297	)		(403	)
	Current deferred tax assets, net		9,025			12,033
	Non-current deferred tax assets
	Net operating loss carry-forwards		7,358			6,095
	Total non-current deferred tax assets		7,358			6,095
	Less: valuation allowance		(4,205	)		(3,871	)
	Non-current deferred tax assets, net		3,153			2,224
	Non-current deferred tax liabilities
	Acquired of non-current assets		(1,836	)		(1,722	)
	Total non-current deferred tax liabilities		(1,836	)		(1,722	)
Reconciliation of Effective Tax Rates from 25% Statutory Tax Rates	'
	A reconciliation of the effective tax rates from the 25% statutory tax rates was as follows for the years ended May 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014:
		Years ended May 31,
		2012			2013			2014
		%			%			%
	Statutory tax rate		25			25			25
	Effect of expenses not deductible for tax purposes		3.58			8.7			4.33
	Effect of differential tax rate other than tax holiday		0.11			(1.58	)		(0.00	)
	Effect of tax holiday		(23.99	)		(21.18	)		(20.34	)
	Changes in valuation allowance		2.81			(0.93	)		(0.09	)
	Effect of dividend withholding tax		—			—			1.81
	Total provision for income taxes		7.51			10.01			10.71

Net_Income_Per_Share_Tables

Net Income Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Share	'
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income per share for the periods indicated:
		Years ended May 31,
		2012			2013			2014
		US$			US$			US$
	Numerator used in basic and diluted net income per share:
	Net income
	Net income on continuing operation		135,916			136,676			215,704
	Net income on discontinued operation		(3,228	)		(407	)		—
	Net income available for future distribution		132,688			136,269			215,704
	Shares (denominator):
	Weighted average common shares outstanding used in computing basic net income per share		154,627,784			155,762,959			156,033,992
	Plus incremental weighted average common shares from assumed exercise of share options and vesting of NES using the treasury stock method		2,244,657			2,060,833			1,869,472
	Weighted average common shares outstanding used in computing diluted net income per share		156,872,441			157,823,792			157,903,464
	Net income from continuing operation per share
	- Basic		0.88			0.88			1.38
	- Diluted		0.87			0.87			1.37
	Net income from discontinued operation per share
	- Basic		(0.02	)		(0.00	)		—
	- Diluted		(0.02	)		(0.00	)		—

Schedule_I_Condensed_Financial1

Schedule I - Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Balances and Transaction with Related Parties	'
	The Group had the following balances and transaction with related parties:
								Amounts due from
								related parties-non current
								As of May 31,
			Notes			Relationship		2013				2014
								US$				US$
	Metropolis Holding China Limited			(1	)	Company controlled by Chairman and CEO			904				930
								Amounts due from								Amounts due to
								related parties-current								related parties-current
								As of May 31,								As of May 31,
			Notes			Relationship		2013				2014				2013				2014
								US$				US$				US$				US$
	Metropolis Holding China Limited			(1	)	Company controlled by Chairman and CEO			361				1,073				13				—
	MaxEn			(2	)	Joint Venture			2,011				3,043				1,088				4
	Total								2,372				4,116				1,101				4
												Rental expense
												For the year ended May, 31
												2012				2013				2014
												US$				US$				US$
	Metropolis Holding China Limited			(1	)	Company controlled by Chairman and CEO							722				4,276				4,173
												Gain on disposal of subsidiaries
												For the year ended May, 31
												2012				2013				2014
												US$				US$				US$
	MaxEn			(Note 4	)	Joint Venture							—				—				3,621
		-1	Since April 2010, the Group began renting a large portion of a building owned by Metropolis Holding China Limited for office space. In March 2012, Metropolis Holding China Limited was acquired by a company wholly owned by Mr.Yu, the Group’s chairman and chief executive officer. As a result, Metropolis Holding China Limited became a related party of the Group thereafter. As of May 31, 2014, the non-current and current amounts due from Metropolis Holding China Limited were US$930 and US$1,073 respectively, which represented prepaid rent and deposit for the building. The amount of the rental payments was determined based on the prevailing market rates and was duly approved by all of the directors. The amount due to Metropolis Holding China Limited is non-interest bearing and unsecured and has no fixed repayment terms.
		-2	In September, 2012, MaxEn became a joint venture of the Group (Note 13). As a result, MaxEn became a related party of the Group thereafter. As of May 31, 2014, the amount due from MaxEn was US$3,043, which represented MaxEn’s pre-operating expenses of US$1,119 prepaid by the Group and unpaid consideration of US$1,924 for disposal of Boost Caring and North Star (Note 4); the amount due to MaxEn was US$4, which represented miscellaneous payments paid for the Group. The amount due to MaxEn is non-interest bearing and unsecured and has no fixed repayment terms.
Parent Company [Member]	'
Balances and Transaction with Related Parties	'
	The following represented related party balances as of May 31, 2013 and 2014:
			May 31,
			2013			2014
			US$			US$
	Amount due from related parties:
	Beijing Judgment			7,257			—
	Beijing Hewstone			2,780			—
	Beijing Decision			4,232			—
	Winner Park			11			11
	Smart Shine			8,511			8,511
	Elite Concept Holdings Limited			—			7,871
	New Oriental China			2,118			2,118
				24,909			18,511
	Amount due to related parties:
	Elite Concept Holdings Limited			34,747			357
				34,747			357
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company - Balance Sheets	'
	Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company
	Balance Sheets
	(In thousands, except share and share data)
			As of May 31,
			2013			2014
			US$			US$
	ASSETS
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents			28,653			15,874
	Prepaid expense and other current assets			5,656			8,137
	Amounts due from related parties			24,909			18,511
	Total current assets			59,218			42,522
	Long term investments			3,000			19,662
	Investments in subsidiaries and VIE			841,832			976,348
	Total assets			904,050			1,038,532
	LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	Current liabilities:
	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities			12,051			12,417
	Amounts due to related parties			34,747			357
	Total current liabilities			46,798			12,774
	Equity:
	Common shares (US$0.01 par value; 300,000,000 shares authorized as of May 31, 2013 and 2014; 158,379,387 shares issued as of May 31, 2013 and 2014; 156,695,987 and 157,758,666 shares outstanding as of May 31, 2013 and 2014, respectively)			1,573			1,584
	Treasury stock			(17	)		(6	)
	Additional paid-in capital			164,336			174,009
	Retained earnings			608,493			784,612
	Accumulated other comprehensive income			82,867			65,559
	Total shareholders’ equity			857,252			1,025,758
	Total liabilities and equity			904,050			1,038,532
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company - Statements of Operations	'
	Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company
	Statements of Operations
	(In thousands)
			Years ended May 31,
			2012			2013				2014
			US$			US$				US$
	Operating costs and expenses:
	General and administrative			24,477			32,208				20,435
	Total operating costs and expenses			24,477			32,208				20,435
	Operating loss			(24,477	)		(32,208	)			(20,435	)
	Other income			147			—				—
	Interest income			422			49				1
	Equity in earnings of subsidiaries and VIE			156,596			168,428				236,138
	Net income			132,688			136,269				215,704
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company - Statements of Comprehensive Income	'
	Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company
	Statements of Comprehensive Income
	(In thousands)
			Years ended May 31,
			2012			2013				2014
			US$			US$				US$
	Net income			132,688			136,269				215,704
	Other comprehensive income, net of tax
	Foreign currency translation adjustment			8,576			27,729				(17,894	)
	Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of tax effect of nil, nil and nil for years ended May 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014			—			—				586
	Other comprehensive income/(loss)			8,576			27,729				(17,308	)
	Comprehensive income			141,264			163,998				198,396
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company - Statements of Changes in Equity	'
	Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Statements of Changes in Equity
	(In thousands, except share data)
																						Accumulated
										Additional												other			Total
			Common shares							paid-in				Treasury				Retained				comprehensive			shareholders’
			Unrestricted			Amount				capital				stock				earnings				income			equity
			shares			US$				US$				US$				US$				US$			US$
	Balance at June 1, 2011			158,379,387			1,540				186,585				—				339,536				46,562			574,223
	Issuance of ADS shares for the exercises of employee share options			—			2				788				—				—				—			790
	Non-vested equity shares vested			—			13				(13	)			—				—				—			—
	Share based compensation expense			—			—				24,125				—				—				—			24,125
	Profit appropriation			—			—				(50,000	)			—				—				—			(50,000	)
	Net income			—			—				—				—				132,688				—			132,688
	Foreign currency translation adjustment			—			—				—				—				—				8,576			8,576
	Balance at May 31, 2012			158,379,387			1,555				161,485				—				472,224				55,138			690,402
	Issuance of ADS shares for the exercises of employee share options			—			7				5,726				—				—				—			5,733
	Non-vested equity shares vested			—			11				(11	)			—				—				—			—
	Share based compensation expense			—			—				27,242				—				—				—			27,242
	Dividend declared			—			—				3,010				—				—				—			3,010
	Share repurchase			(1,683,400	)		—				(33,116	)			(17	)			—				—			(33,133	)
	Profit appropriation			—			—				—				—				—				—			—
	Net income			—			—				—				—				136,269				—			136,269
	Foreign currency translation adjustment			—			—				—				—				—				27,729			27,729
	Balance at May 31, 2013			156,695,987			1,573				164,336				(17	)			608,493				82,867			857,252
	Issuance of ADS shares for the exercises of employee share options			—			11				7,837				—				—				—			7,848
	Reissuance of Treasury stock for the exercises of employee share options			1,014,727			—				13,514				10				—				—			13,524
	Reissuance of Treasury stock for Non-vested equity shares vested			810,052			—				(8	)			8				—				—			—
	Share based compensation expense			—			—				20,079				—				—				—			20,079
	Dividend declared			—			—				(14,891	)			—				(39,585	)			—			(54,476	)
	Share repurchase			(762,100	)		—				(16,858	)			(7	)			—				—			(16,865	)
	Profit appropriation			—			—				—				—				—				—			—
	Net income			—			—				—				—				215,704				—			215,704
	Foreign currency translation adjustment			—			—				—				—				—				(17,894	)		(17,894	)
	Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of tax effect of nil			—			—				—				—				—				586			586
	Balance at May 31, 2014			157,758,666			1,584				174,009				(6	)			784,612				65,559			1,025,758
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company - Statements of Cash Flows	'
	Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company
	Statements of Cash Flows
	(In thousands)
			Years ended May 31,
			2012			2013				2014
			US$			US$				US$
	Cash flows from operating activities:
	Net income			132,688			136,269				215,704
	Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
	Equity in earnings of subsidiaries			(156,596	)		(168,428	)			(236,138	)
	Dividend received from subsidiaries			—			—				83,728
	Share-based compensation expense			24,125			27,242				20,079
	Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets			(6,412	)		(91	)			(2,958	)
	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities			3,117			4,015				4,988
	Amounts due from/to related parties			(1,760	)		(4,950	)			(849	)
	Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities			(4,838	)		(5,943	)			84,554
	Cash flows from investing activities
	Long term investment in Dajie.com			(2,000	)		—				—
	Long term investment in Alo7.com			(1,000	)		—				(2,576	)
	Long term investment in Tarena			—			—				(13,500	)
	Loan to related parties			—			(1,630	)			—
	Repayment from related parties			16,000			—				15,500
	Net cash used in investing activities			13,000			(1,630	)			(576	)
	Cash flows from financing activities:
	Proceeds from issuance of common shares upon exercise of share options			945			5,733				21,849
	Loan from related party			—			43,000				—
	Loan repayment to related party			—			—				(42,643	)
	Cash paid for shares repurchase			—			(28,511	)			(21,487	)
	Cash paid for dividend			—			(46,990	)			(54,476	)
	Net cash used in financing activities			945			(26,768	)			(96,757	)
	Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents			9,107			(34,341	)			(12,779	)
	Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year			53,887			62,994				28,653
	Cash and cash equivalents, end of year			62,994			28,653				15,874

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Future Minimum Lease Payments under Non-Cancelable Operating Leases	'
	Future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases were as follows on May 31, 2014:
		US$
	Years ending May 31:
	2015		103,372
	2016		119,173
	2017		73,285
	2018		50,300
	2019		35,518
	Thereafter		55,318
			436,966
Future Minimum Capital Commitments under Non-Cancelable Construction	'
	As of May 31, 2014, future minimum capital commitments under non-cancelable construction were as follows:
		US$
	Capital commitment for the purchase of property and equipment		698
	Capital commitment for leasehold improvements		2,226
			2,924

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	'
	The Group’s chief operating decision maker evaluates performance based on each reporting segment’s net revenue, operating costs and expenses, and operating income. Net revenues, operating costs and expenses, operating income, and total assets by segment were as follows:
	For the year ended May 31, 2012
		Language training			Primary			Others			Consolidated
		and test			and
		preparation courses			secondary
					education
		US$			US$			US$			US$
	Net revenues		644,981			17,757			90,457			753,195
	Operating costs and expenses:
	Cost of revenues		(245,169	)		(8,160	)		(39,519	)		(292,848	)
	Selling and marketing		(77,064	)		(1,335	)		(19,481	)		(97,880	)
	General and administrative		(149,316	)		(5,532	)		(14,967	)		(169,815	)
	Unallocated corporate expenses		—			—			—			(72,492	)
	Total operating costs and expenses		(471,549	)		(15,027	)		(73,967	)		(633,035	)
	Operating income		173,432			2,730			16,490			120,160
	Segment assets		436,403			52,839			159,321			648,563
	Unallocated corporate assets		—			—			—			480,254
	Total assets		436,403			52,839			159,321			1,128,817
	For the year ended May 31, 2013
		Language			Primary and			Others			Consolidated
		training and test			secondary
		preparation courses			education
		US$			US$			US$			US$
	Net revenues		818,550			20,712			120,592			959,854
	Operating costs and expenses:
	Cost of revenues		(328,663	)		(8,396	)		(47,118	)		(384,177	)
	Selling and marketing		(96,064	)		(1,712	)		(27,670	)		(125,446	)
	General and administrative		(198,718	)		(6,648	)		(27,438	)		(232,804	)
	Unallocated corporate expenses		—			—			—			(94,862	)
	Total operating costs and expenses		(623,445	)		(16,756	)		(102,226	)		(837,289	)
	Operating income		195,105			3,956			18,366			122,565
	Segment assets		544,669			59,791			220,441			824,901
	Unallocated corporate assets		—			—			—			528,540
	Total assets		544,669			59,791			220,441			1,353,441
	For the year ended May 31, 2014
		Language			Primary and			Others			Consolidated
		training and test			secondary
		preparation courses			education
		US$			US$			US$			US$
	Net revenues		969,947			24,063			144,877			1,138,887
	Operating costs and expenses:
	Cost of revenues		(388,998	)		(8,488	)		(54,183	)		(451,669	)
	Selling and marketing		(112,092	)		(956	)		(34,009	)		(147,057	)
	General and administrative		(204,679	)		(8,748	)		(36,745	)		(250,172	)
	Unallocated corporate expenses		—			—			—			(96,043	)
	Total operating costs and expenses		(705,769	)		(18,192	)		(124,937	)		(944,941	)
	Gain on disposal of subsidiaries		—			—			3,621			3,621
	Operating income		264,178			5,871			23,561			197,567
	Segment assets		709,979			65,357			245,505			1,020,841
	Unallocated corporate assets		—			—			—			582,704
	Total assets		709,979			65,357			245,505			1,603,545

Organization_and_Principal_Act2

Organization and Principal Activities - Details of Company's Subsidiaries and VIE and Its Subsidiaries (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	3-Jul-14
Variable Interest Entity [Member] | Beijing New Oriental Education & Technology (Group) Co., Ltd ("New Oriental China") [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	2-Aug-01
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Subsidiaries [Member] | Beijing Decision Education & Consulting Company Limited [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	20-Apr-05
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Legal ownership	100.00%
Subsidiaries [Member] | Beijing Judgment Education & Company Limited [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	20-Apr-05
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Legal ownership	100.00%
Subsidiaries [Member] | Beijing Hewstone Technology Company Limited [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	20-Apr-05
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Legal ownership	100.00%
Subsidiaries [Member] | Beijing Pioneer Technology Company Limited [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	8-Jan-09
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Legal ownership	100.00%
Subsidiaries [Member] | Shanghai Smart Words Software Technology Company Limited [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	8-Dec-10
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Legal ownership	100.00%
Subsidiaries [Member] | Beijing Smart Wood Software Technology Company Limited [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	21-Dec-11
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Legal ownership	100.00%
Subsidiaries [Member] | Beijing Joy Tend Technology Company Limited [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	31-Jan-13
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Legal ownership	100.00%
Subsidiaries [Member] | Beijing Right Time Technology Company Limited [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	31-Jan-13
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Legal ownership	100.00%
Subsidiaries [Member] | Beijing Sincerity Technology Company Limited [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	31-Jan-13
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Legal ownership	100.00%
Subsidiaries [Member] | Beijing Magnificence Technology Company Limited [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	1-Nov-13
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Legal ownership	100.00%
Subsidiaries [Member] | Beijing Top Technology Company Limited [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	13-Nov-13
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Legal ownership	100.00%
Subsidiaries [Member] | Beijing Walkite International Travel Co., Ltd. [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	22-May-12
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Legal ownership	100.00%
Subsidiaries [Member] | Beijing New Oriental Kuxuehuisi Network Technology Co., Ltd. [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	1-Feb-13
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Legal ownership	100.00%
Subsidiaries [Member] | Beijing New Oriental Stars Education & Consulting Company Limited [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	11-Jul-07
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Legal ownership	100.00%
Subsidiaries [Member] | Beijing Chao Yang District Kindergarten of Stars [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	9-Nov-07
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Legal ownership	100.00%
Subsidiaries [Member] | Nanjing Yuhuatai District Kindergarten of Stars ("Nanjing Kindergarten") [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	20-Feb-09
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Legal ownership	100.00%
Subsidiaries [Member] | Elite Concept Holdings Limited [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	3-Dec-07
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'Hong Kong
Legal ownership	100.00%
Subsidiaries [Member] | Winner Park Limited [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	9-Dec-08
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'Hong Kong
Legal ownership	100.00%
Subsidiaries [Member] | Smart Shine International Limited [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	9-Dec-08
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'Hong Kong
Legal ownership	100.00%
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Beijing Haidian District Privately-Funded New Oriental School [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	5-Oct-93
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Shanghai Yangpu District New Oriental Advanced Study School [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	1-Jun-00
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Guangzhou Haizhu District Privately-Funded New Oriental Training School [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	8-Sep-00
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Guangzhou New Oriental Training School [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	20-Aug-13
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Guangzhou Panyu District Privately-Funded New Oriental Training Centre [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	19-Jun-13
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Wuhan New Oriental Training School [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	28-Apr-02
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Tianjin New Oriental Training School [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	21-Aug-02
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Xi'an Yanta District New Oriental School [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	26-Nov-02
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Nanjing Gulou New Oriental Advanced Study School [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	28-Nov-02
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Shenzhen New Oriental Training School [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	15-Oct-03
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Shenyang New Oriental Foreign [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	18-Jun-03
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Chongqing New Oriental Training School [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	15-Aug-03
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Chengdu New Oriental School [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	18-Aug-03
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Xiangyang New Oriental Training School [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	26-Oct-04
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Changsha Furong District New Oriental Training School [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	25-May-05
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Jinan New Oriental School [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	31-May-05
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Taiyuan Oriental Training School [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	20-Apr-05
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Ha'er Bin Nangang District Oriental Training School [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	20-May-05
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Changchun Oriental Training School [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	26-Jul-05
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Hangzhou Oriental Training School [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	21-Jul-05
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Fuyang New Oriental Training School [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	22-Oct-12
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Zhengzhou Oriental Training School [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	19-Jul-05
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Zhuzhou New Oriental Training School [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	30-Apr-06
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Shijiazhuang New Oriental Training School [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	3-Apr-06
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Suzhou New Oriental Training School [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	26-Apr-06
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Anshan New Oriental Training School [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	13-Jun-06
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Hefei New Oriental Foreign Language Training School [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	13-Jun-06
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Kunming Xishan New Oriental School [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	13-Jun-06
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Wuxi New Oriental Training School [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	14-Aug-06
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Fuzhou Gulou District New Oriental Training School [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	1-Sep-06
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Nanchang Donghu District New Oriental Language School [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	16-Mar-07
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Yichang Wujiagang District Yichang [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	1-Jan-06
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Jingzhou New Oriental Training School [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	10-Apr-07
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Dalian New Oriental Training School [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	12-Jun-07
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Huangshi New Oriental Training School [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	17-Mar-08
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Ningbo New Oriental School [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	16-Apr-08
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Lanzhou Chengguan District New Oriental School [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	19-Mar-08
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Xiamen Siming District New Oriental School [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	8-Jul-08
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Qingdao New Oriental School [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	5-Aug-08
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Nanning New Oriental School [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	18-Sep-08
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Xuzhou New Oriental School [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	31-Mar-09
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Xiangtan Yuhu District New Oriental School [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	15-Jul-10
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Zhenjiang New Oriental School [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	19-Jul-10
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Luoyang New Oriental School [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	25-Nov-10
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Nantong Chongchuan District New Oriental School [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	28-Dec-10
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Jilin Chuanying District New Oriental School [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	17-Mar-11
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Guiyang Yunyan District New Oriental School [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	21-Mar-11
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Inner Mongolia Hohhot New Oriental School [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	2-Apr-11
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Foshan New Oriental School [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	1-Sep-11
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Tangshan Lubei District New Oriental School [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	25-May-11
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Urumqi New Oriental School [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	22-May-11
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Shiyan New Oriental School [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	23-May-11
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Changchun Tongwen Gaokao Training Education School [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	27-Oct-08
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Changchun Tongwen High School [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	27-Oct-08
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | China Management Software Institute [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	1-Sep-12
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Beijing New Oriental Yangzhou Foreign Language School [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	6-Jun-02
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Beijing Changping New Oriental Foreign Language School [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	19-Jul-10
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Beijing New Oriental Dogwood Cultural Communications Company Limited [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	16-May-03
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Beijing New Oriental Dogwood, Bookstore, Audio and Video Company Limited [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	2-Mar-04
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Chengdu New Oriental Dogwood Bookstore Products Company Limited [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	18-Jan-04
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Chongqing New Oriental Dogwood Bookstore And Audio-Visual Products Company Limited [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	25-Feb-04
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Shenyang New Oriental Dogwood Bookstore And Audio Visual Products Company Limited [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	18-Sep-03
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Guangzhou New Oriental Dogwood Bookstore And Audio Visual Products Company Limited [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	11-Nov-03
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Wuhan New Oriental Dogwood Bookstore And Audio Visual Products Company Limited [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	16-Dec-03
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Xian New Oriental Dogwood Bookstore And Audio Visual Products Company Limited [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	3-Jun-03
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Shanghai New Oriental Dogwood Bookstore And Audio Visual Products Company Limited [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	28-Sep-03
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Nanjing New Oriental Dogwood Bookstore Products Company Limited [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	21-Apr-03
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Tianjin New Oriental Dogwood Bookstore And Audio Visual Products Company Limited [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	15-Dec-03
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Changchun New Oriental Dogwood Bookstore And Audio Visual Products Company Limited [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	8-Oct-05
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Changsha New Oriental Dogwood Bookstore And Audio Visual Products Company Limited [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	3-Apr-06
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Haer Bin New Oriental Dogwood Bookstore And Audio Visual Products Company Limited [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	13-Mar-06
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Taiyuan New Oriental Dogwood Bookstore And Audio Visual Products Company Limited [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	12-Jul-06
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Zhengzhou New Oriental Dogwood Bookstore And Audio Visual Products Company Limited [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	9-Aug-06
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Hefei Dogwood Bookstore And Audio Visual Products Company Limited [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	22-Nov-06
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Fuzhou Gulou District Dogwood Bookstore And Audio Visual Products Company Limited [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	26-Aug-09
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Hangzhou Dogwood Bookstore Products Company Limited [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	25-Jul-07
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Nanchang Dogwood Bookstore And Audio Visual Products Company Limited [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	14-Sep-07
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Kunming Dogwood Bookstore And Audio Visual Products Company Limited [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	21-Nov-07
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Dalian New Oriental Dogwood Bookstore And Audio Visual Products Company Limited [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	25-Mar-08
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Jinan New Oriental Dogwood Bookstore And Audio Visual Products Company Limited [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	21-Apr-08
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Lanzhou New Oriental Dogwood Bookstore And Audio Visual Products Company Limited [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	28-Oct-08
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Shijiazhuang New Oriental Dogwood Bookstore And Audio-Visual Products Company Limited [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	28-Jul-09
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Ningbo Haishu New Oriental Dogwood Bookstore And Audio-Visual Products Company Limited [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	31-May-10
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Suzhou New Oriental Dogwood Bookstore And Audio-Visual Products Company Limited [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	1-Jun-10
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Qingdao New Oriental Dogwood Bookstore And Audio-Visual Products Company Limited [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	28-Jul-10
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Xuzhou New Oriental Dogwood Bookstore And Audio-Visual Products Company Limited [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	29-Sep-10
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Urumqi Dogwood Bookstore And Audio Visual Products Company Limited [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	13-Sep-11
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Xiamen New Oriental Dogwood Bookstore And Audio-Visual Products Company Limited [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	8-Dec-11
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Hohhot Dogwood Bookstore And Audiovisual Products Company Limited [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	7-Feb-12
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Beijing New Oriental Vision Overseas Consultancy Company Limited [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	19-Feb-04
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Shanghai Vision Overseas Service Company Limited [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	24-Mar-11
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Shandong Vision Overseas Consulting Company Limited [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	8-Sep-11
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Beijing New Oriental Dogwood Advertisement Company Limited [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	20-Jan-04
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Beijing New Oriental Xuncheng Network Technology Company Limited [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	11-Mar-05
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Beijing Dianshijingwei Technology Company Limited [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	14-Jan-14
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC
Schools and Subsidiaries of New Oriental China [Member] | Leci Internet Technology (Beijing) Company Limited [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'
Date of incorporation or establishment	11-Feb-14
Place of incorporation (or establishment) /operation	'PRC

Organization_and_Principal_Act3

Organization and Principal Activities - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	31-May-14	31-May-13	31-May-12
	Agreement
Product Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Renewal of trade mark registration	'10 years	'	'
Trademarks for a license fee	'License fee equal to 5% of the licensee's monthly revenues	'	'
Term of license	'2 years	'	'
Number of new equity pledged agreements	5	'	'
Percentage of revenue from VIE as percentage of consolidated revenues	98.40%	99.00%	97.20%
Percentage of assets from VIE as percentage of consolidated assets	65.30%	65.50%	'
Percentage of liabilities from VIE as percentage of consolidated liabilities	95.30%	94.40%	'
Century Friendship [Member] | Previously Held Equity Interest [Member]	'	'	'
Product Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Equity interest of Century Friendship prior to the transfer	53.00%	'	'
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Product Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Operating services fee percentage from revenue	1.00%	'	'
Equity interest of Century Friendship prior to the transfer	20.00%	'	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Product Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Operating services fee percentage from revenue	6.00%	'	'
Equity interest of Century Friendship prior to the transfer	50.00%	'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Member]	'	'	'
Product Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Shareholding percentage of Mr. Yu	16.57%	'	'

Organization_and_Principal_Act4

Organization and Principal Activities - Balances and Amounts of Company's WFOEs, VIEs and VIEs' Subsidiaries (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	31-May-14	31-May-13	31-May-12
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total current assets	$1,233,675	$1,070,832	'
Total assets	1,603,545	1,353,441	1,128,817
Total current liabilities	576,065	489,835	'
Total liabilities	577,787	496,189	'
Net income	215,704	136,269	132,688
Net cash provided by operating activities	361,345	283,628	249,304
Net cash used in investing activities	-344,377	-237,888	-143,701
Net cash provided by financing activities	-54,114	-70,849	945
Variable Interest Entity [Member]	'	'	'
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total current assets	717,780	624,725	'
Total non-current assets	328,877	261,416	'
Total assets	1,046,657	886,141	'
Total current liabilities	548,787	462,031	'
Total non-current liabilities	1,722	6,354	'
Total liabilities	550,509	468,385	'
Net revenues	1,121,205	951,634	750,384
Net income	266,497	206,413	158,796
Net cash provided by operating activities	371,458	299,821	238,037
Net cash used in investing activities	-240,427	-213,403	-150,401
Net cash provided by financing activities	'	'	'

Significant_Accounting_Policie3

Significant Accounting Policies - Changes in Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	31-May-14	31-May-13
Receivables [Abstract]	'	'
Beginning balance	$182	$48
Charge during the year	254	192
Written-off	-171	-58
Ending balance	$265	$182

Significant_Accounting_Policie4

Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	31-May-14	31-May-13	31-May-12
Significant Of Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Impairment loss on goodwill	$0	$0	$0
Business tax	39,909	33,859	26,692
Total advertising expenses	41,952	29,725	28,960
Government subsidies received	1,437	1,196	971
Aggregate amounts denominated in RMB	$451,676	$415,897	'
MaxEn [Member]	'	'	'
Significant Of Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percentage of ownership interest in voting stock considered to exist significant influence over investee company	65.00%	'	'
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Significant Of Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percentage of ownership interest in voting stock considered to exist significant influence over investee company	20.00%	'	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Significant Of Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percentage of ownership interest in voting stock considered to exist significant influence over investee company	50.00%	'	'
Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Sales Revenue, Net [Member]	'	'	'
Significant Of Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Concentration risk	10.00%	10.00%	10.00%
Credit Concentration Risk [Member] | Accounts Receivable [Member]	'	'	'
Significant Of Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Concentration risk	10.00%	10.00%	10.00%
Land use rights [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Significant Of Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated useful lives	'38 years 6 months	'	'
Land use rights [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Significant Of Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated useful lives	'50 years	'	'

Significant_Accounting_Policie5

Significant Accounting Policies - Estimated Useful Lives of Assets (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Transportation equipment [Member]	'
Significant Of Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'
Estimated useful lives	'10 years
Furniture and education equipment [Member]	'
Significant Of Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'
Estimated useful lives	'5 years
Computer equipment and software [Member]	'
Significant Of Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'
Estimated useful lives	'3 years
Leasehold Improvements [Member]	'
Significant Of Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'
Estimated useful lives	'Shorter of the lease term or estimated economic life
Minimum [Member] | Buildings [Member]	'
Significant Of Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'
Estimated useful lives	'20 years
Maximum [Member] | Buildings [Member]	'
Significant Of Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'
Estimated useful lives	'50 years

Significant_Accounting_Policie6

Significant Accounting Policies - Estimated Economic Lives of Intangible Assets (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Trademark [Member]	'
Significant Of Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'
Estimated useful lives of intangible assets	'10 years
License [Member]	'
Significant Of Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'
Estimated useful lives of intangible assets	'20 years
Student base [Member]	'
Significant Of Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'
Estimated useful lives of intangible assets	'1 year 9 months

Significant_Accounting_Policie7

Significant Accounting Policies - Schedule of Available-for-Sale Securities Included in Long Term Investment Measured and Recorded at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) (USD $)	31-May-14	31-May-13
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets:	'	'
Total	$17,662	$1,000
Tarena [Member]	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Long term investments - available for sale securities	13,455	'
Alo7.com [Member]	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Long term investments - available for sale securities	4,207	1,000
Quoted Prices in Active Market for Identical Assets Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Total	13,455	'
Quoted Prices in Active Market for Identical Assets Level 1 [Member] | Tarena [Member]	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Long term investments - available for sale securities	13,455	'
Quoted Prices in Active Market for Identical Assets Level 1 [Member] | Alo7.com [Member]	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Long term investments - available for sale securities	'	'
Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Total	4,207	1,000
Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2 [Member] | Tarena [Member]	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Long term investments - available for sale securities	'	'
Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2 [Member] | Alo7.com [Member]	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Long term investments - available for sale securities	4,207	1,000
Significant Unobservable Inputs Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Total	'	'
Significant Unobservable Inputs Level 3 [Member] | Tarena [Member]	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Long term investments - available for sale securities	'	'
Significant Unobservable Inputs Level 3 [Member] | Alo7.com [Member]	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Long term investments - available for sale securities	'	'

Business_Acquisition_of_China_2

Business Acquisition of China Management Software Institute - Additional Information (Detail) (China Management Software Institute [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	31-May-14
China Management Software Institute [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Business acquisition, date	1-Sep-12
Business acquisition, equity interest	100.00%
Business acquisition, total consideration	$18,000
Business acquisition, present value of consideration	17,455
Business acquisition, cash paid	13,406
Unpaid portion of consideration	$4,594

Business_Acquisition_of_China_3

Business Acquisition of China Management Software Institute - Purchase Price Allocation (Detail) (USD $)	31-May-14	31-May-13	31-May-14	31-May-14	31-May-14	31-May-14	31-May-14	31-May-14	31-May-14	31-May-14
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified			Student base [Member]	China Management Software Institute [Member]	China Management Software Institute [Member]	China Management Software Institute [Member]	Property, Plant and Equipment [Member]	Property, Plant and Equipment [Member]	Buildings [Member]	Buildings [Member]
					Land use rights [Member]	Student base [Member]	Minimum [Member]	Maximum [Member]	Minimum [Member]	Maximum [Member]
							China Management Software Institute [Member]	China Management Software Institute [Member]	China Management Software Institute [Member]	China Management Software Institute [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cash	'	'	'	$68	'	'	'	'	'	'
Other current assets	'	'	'	14	'	'	'	'	'	'
Buildings	'	'	'	16,095	'	'	'	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	'	'	'	103	'	'	'	'	'	'
Land use right	'	'	'	1,008	'	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible assets	'	'	'	'	'	110	'	'	'	'
Goodwill	3,692	3,760	'	1,829	'	'	'	'	'	'
Other current liabilities	'	'	'	-45	'	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred tax liabilities	'	'	'	-1,727	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total	'	'	'	$17,455	'	'	'	'	'	'
Amortization period	'	'	'	'	'	'	'1 year	'5 years	'23 years 3 months 18 days	'45 years 3 months 18 days
Amortization period	'	'	'1 year 9 months	'	'38 years 6 months	'1 year 9 months	'	'	'	'

Disposal_of_Subsidiaries_Addit

Disposal of Subsidiaries - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	31-May-14
	Beijing Boost Caring Education & Consulting Company Limited [Member]	Beijing Max En International Education Consulting Co Ltd [Member]	Beijing New Oriental North Star Training School [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percentage of equity interest sold	100.00%	65.00%	100.00%
Cash consideration	'	$1,560	$364
Disposal gain	'	$3,254	$367

Discontinued_Operation_of_Elit2

Discontinued Operation of Elite English - Additional Information (Detail) (Elite English [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	31-May-14	Jul. 31, 2012
	Installment
Elite English [Member]	'	'
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'
Sale of assets and liabilities of Elite English	'	$5,500
Number of installments allowed to transfer the ownership of assets and liabilities of Elite English	3	'

Discontinued_Operation_of_Elit3

Discontinued Operation of Elite English - Carrying Amounts of Major Classes of Assets and Liabilities Disposed (Detail) (Elite English [Member], USD $)	Jul. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Elite English [Member]	'
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$4,780
Accounts receivable	2,045
Inventory	314
Total current assets	7,139
Property, plant and equipment	2,488
Total assets	9,627
Deferred revenue	9,007
Accrued expense and other current liabilities	620
Total liabilities	$9,627

Discontinued_Operation_of_Elit4

Discontinued Operation of Elite English - Summary of Operating Results from Disposal of Elite English (Detail) (Elite English [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	31-May-14	31-May-13	31-May-12
Elite English [Member]	'	'	'
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net revenue from discontinued operation	'	$1,445	$18,523
Loss on discontinued operations, net of tax	'	($407)	($3,228)

ShortTerm_Investments_Addition

Short-Term Investments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	31-May-14	31-May-13	31-May-12
Short Term Investments [Abstract]	'	'	'
Short-term investments stated interest rate minimum	2.30%	'	'
Short-term investments stated interest rate maximum	8.40%	'	'
Held-to-maturity investments for OTTI recognized	$0	$0	$0

ShortTerm_Investments_Summary_

Short-Term Investments - Summary of Short-Term Investments (Detail) (USD $)	31-May-14	31-May-13
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Short Term Investments [Abstract]	'	'
Held-to-maturity investments	$643,410	$504,952

Inventory_Components_of_Invent

Inventory - Components of Inventory (Detail) (USD $)	31-May-14	31-May-13
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Course materials in schools	$5,690	$6,583
Publications in bookstores	16,676	15,957
Inventory	$22,366	$22,540

Inventory_Additional_Informati

Inventory - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	31-May-14	31-May-13
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Inventory marked down value	$416	$213

Prepaid_Expenses_and_Other_Cur2

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets - Components of Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets (Detail) (USD $)	31-May-14	31-May-13
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Prepaid Expenses And Other Current Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Prepaid rent	$28,168	$25,021
Advances to suppliers	11,713	9,315
Interest receivable	10,474	4,642
Staff advances	4,908	3,799
Receivable from the settlement bank for the proceeds of exercise of options	4,454	4,931
Rental deposit	3,415	2,068
Prepaid advertising fees	3,094	2,011
Value added taxes recoverable	1,408	911
Prepaid property taxes and other taxes	653	705
Refundable deposit for school construction	377	216
Receivable from disposal of Mingshitang	160	163
Others	9,574	5,804
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$78,398	$59,586

Intangible_Assets_Schedule_of_

Intangible Assets - Schedule of Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	31-May-14	31-May-13
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Intangible assets with finite lives:	'	'
Intangible assets	$1,159	$1,172
Accumulated amortization:	'	'
Accumulated amortization	-423	-310
Intangible assets	736	862
Trademark [Member]	'	'
Intangible assets with indefinite lives:	'	'
Intangible assets with indefinite lives, Gross	262	267
Intangible assets with finite lives:	'	'
Intangible assets with finite lives, Gross	321	327
Accumulated amortization:	'	'
Accumulated amortization	-184	-155
Intangible assets with indefinite lives, Net	262	267
Intangible assets with definite lives, Net	137	172
Courseware [Member]	'	'
Intangible assets with finite lives:	'	'
Intangible assets with finite lives, Gross	49	49
Accumulated amortization:	'	'
Accumulated amortization	-49	-49
Intangible assets with definite lives, Net	'	'
Student base [Member]	'	'
Intangible assets with finite lives:	'	'
Intangible assets with finite lives, Gross	112	114
Accumulated amortization:	'	'
Accumulated amortization	-112	-49
Intangible assets with definite lives, Net	'	65
License [Member]	'	'
Intangible assets with finite lives:	'	'
Intangible assets with finite lives, Gross	415	415
Accumulated amortization:	'	'
Accumulated amortization	-78	-57
Intangible assets with definite lives, Net	$337	$358

Intangible_Assets_Additional_I

Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	31-May-14	31-May-13	31-May-12
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Amortization expenses	$113	$101	$52
Future amortization expense year one	53	'	'
Future amortization expense year two	53	'	'
Future amortization expense year three	53	'	'
Future amortization expense year four	21	'	'
Future amortization expense year five	21	'	'
Future amortization expense thereafter	$273	'	'

Goodwill_Components_of_Goodwil

Goodwill - Components of Goodwill (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	31-May-14	31-May-13
Costs:	'	'
Beginning balance	$3,760	$1,798
Acquisition of CMSI	'	1,829
Exchange of difference	-68	133
Ending balance	3,692	3,760
Accumulated goodwill impairment loss:	'	'
Beginning balance	'	'
Ending balance	'	'
Goodwill, net	$3,692	$3,760

Property_and_Equipment_Summary

Property and Equipment - Summary of Property and Equipment, Net (Detail) (USD $)	31-May-14	31-May-13
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	$377,780	$369,756
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	-155,401	-123,690
Construction in-process	2,956	1,196
Property and equipment, Net	225,335	247,262
Buildings [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	139,708	142,294
Transportation equipment [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	7,868	7,548
Furniture and education equipment [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	65,120	63,131
Computer and broadcast equipment and capitalized software [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	28,713	24,796
Leasehold Improvements [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	$136,371	$131,987

Property_and_Equipment_Additio

Property and Equipment - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	31-May-14	31-May-13	31-May-12
Property Plant And Equipment Useful Life And Values [Abstract]	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization expense	$43,578	$38,984	$26,219

Land_Use_Rights_Land_Use_Right

Land Use Rights - Land Use Rights, Net (Detail) (USD $)	31-May-14	31-May-13
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Real Estate [Abstract]	'	'
Land use rights	$5,004	$5,023
Less: accumulated amortization	-972	-855
Exchange differences	312	374
Land use rights, net	$4,344	$4,542

Land_Use_Rights_Additional_Inf

Land Use Rights - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	31-May-14	31-May-13	31-May-12
Land Use Rights [Line Items]	'	'	'
Amortization expense	$117	$108	$87
Future amortization expense year one	53	'	'
Future amortization expense year two	53	'	'
Future amortization expense year three	53	'	'
Future amortization expense year four	21	'	'
Future amortization expense year five	21	'	'
Future amortization expense thereafter	273	'	'
Land use rights [Member]	'	'	'
Land Use Rights [Line Items]	'	'	'
Amortization expense	117	108	87
Future amortization expense year one	117	'	'
Future amortization expense year two	117	'	'
Future amortization expense year three	117	'	'
Future amortization expense year four	117	'	'
Future amortization expense year five	117	'	'
Future amortization expense thereafter	$3,759	'	'

Long_Term_Investments_Schedule

Long Term Investments - Schedule of Long Term Investments (Detail) (USD $)	31-May-14	31-May-13
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Long term investments	$117,113	$8,267
Held-to-maturity investments [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Long term investments	97,449	'
Talent Boom Group Ltd [Member] | Cost method investments [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Long term investments	2	2
Dajie.com Ltd [Member] | Cost method investments [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Long term investments	2,000	2,000
MaxEn [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Long term investments	'	5,265
MaxEn [Member] | Equity method investments [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Long term investments	'	5,265
Alo7.com Ltd [Member] | Available for sale securities investments [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Long term investments	4,207	1,000
Tarena [Member] | Available for sale securities investments [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Long term investments	$13,455	'

Long_Term_Investments_Schedule1

Long Term Investments - Schedule of Long Term Investments (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

31-May-14

31-May-13

31-May-12

31-May-14

31-May-14

31-May-14

31-May-14

31-May-14

Mar. 31, 2014

31-May-14

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 05, 2012

Jul. 01, 2012

31-May-14

Boost Caring and North Star [Member]

Talent Boom Group Ltd [Member]

Dajie.com Ltd [Member]

MaxEn [Member]

Alo7.com Ltd [Member]

Alo7.com Ltd [Member]

Tarena [Member]

Tarena [Member]

Alo7.com [Member]

Alo7.com [Member]

Held-to-maturity investments [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity share in subscription agreement

'

'

'

'

20.00%

5.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Investment in subscription agreement

'

'

'

'

'

$2,000

'

'

'

'

'

$1,000

'

'

Cash consideration for long term investment in MaxEn

'

6,500

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Investment in self-developed technologies

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,780

'

2,576

'

13,500

'

'

'

Book value of investment in MaxEn

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity ownership interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

65.00%

8.80%

5.90%

'

2.96%

'

'

'

Percentage of equity interest sold

'

'

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash consideration

'

'

'

1,924

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Noncontrolling interest, equity ownership percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.40%

'

Unrealized holding gains (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

631

'

-45

'

'

'

'

Long-term debt maturity period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'1 year

Interest income

$44,880

$30,121

$25,488

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1,404

Long_Term_Investments_Long_ter

Long Term Investments - Long term Investment in MaxEn (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	31-May-14	31-May-13
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Long term investments	$117,113	$8,267
MaxEn [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Share of loss recognized during the year	-1,453	'
Exchange difference	50	'
Long term investments	'	5,265
Boost Caring and North Star [Member] | MaxEn [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Share of changes in net assets from acquisitions of Boost Caring and North Star (Note 4)	($3,862)	'

Accrued_Expenses_and_Other_Cur2

Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities - Schedule of Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	31-May-14	31-May-13
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule Of Other Liabilities [Line Items]	'	'
Accrued payroll	$84,888	$64,539
Refundable fees received from students	13,296	9,735
Individual taxes withholding	9,668	8,887
Amounts reimbursable to employees	7,658	3,476
Payable for purchase of property and equipment	6,018	7,652
Royalty fees payable	4,953	4,419
Accrued advertising fees	4,854	2,912
Acquisition payable for CMSI	4,594	4,650
Rent payable	4,339	3,337
Welfare payable	4,169	2,221
Accrued professional service fees	2,585	1,968
Other taxes payable	2,515	1,789
Refundable deposit	2,313	2,868
Value added taxes payable	1,278	978
Share repurchase payable	'	4,622
Others	8,884	4,670
Total	168,918	131,499
China Management Software Institute [Member]	'	'
Schedule Of Other Liabilities [Line Items]	'	'
Acquisition payable for CMSI	4,594	132
Business taxes payable [Member]	'	'
Schedule Of Other Liabilities [Line Items]	'	'
Other taxes payable	$6,906	$7,294

ShareBased_Compensation_Additi

Share-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	31-May-14	31-May-13	31-May-12	Jan. 01, 2008	Jan. 01, 2007	Jan. 20, 2006
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Options to purchase shares	'	'	'	'	'	8,000,000
Incremental common shares for grant	'	'	'	5,000,000	5,000,000	'
Common shares to add on the first business day from 2009	3,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Minimum percentage of shares to be added from 2009	2.00%	'	'	'	'	'
Additional shares granted	2,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Number of shares repurchased from open market	762,100	1,683,400	'	'	'	'
Treasury shares remain for future issuance	620,721	1,683,400	0	'	'	'
Share-based compensation	$20,079	$27,242	$24,125	'	'	'
Minimum percentage for exercise price of option	100.00%	'	'	'	'	'
Common shares issued to employees and non-employees upon the exercise of their share options	11,285,510	'	'	'	'	'
Reissuance of treasury stock for the exercises of employee share options	1,014,727	'	'	'	'	'
Common shares transferred to be issued to employees and non employees upon the exercise of their vested share options and vesting of non-vesting equity shares	2,445,500	'	'	'	'	'
Value of options exercised	34,578	7,486	4,121	'	'	'
Granted	'	'	$10.33	'	'	'
Granted shares vested date	31-May-15	'	'	'	'	'
Common shares issued to employees upon the vesting of their shares	4,714,490	'	'	'	'	'
Reissuance of treasury stock for Non-vested equity shares vested	810,052	'	'	'	'	'
The weighted average grant date fair value of NES	$22.80	$12.97	$25.11	'	'	'
Total fair value of shares vested	11,580	'	'	'	'	'
July 2012 [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
NES grant to employees	1,956,935	'	'	'	'	'
Granted shares vested date	31-May-15	'	'	'	'	'
May 2013 [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
NES grant to employees	208,590	'	'	'	'	'
Granted shares vested date	31-May-14	'	'	'	'	'
July 2013 [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
NES grant to employees	19,830	'	'	'	'	'
Granted shares vested date	31-May-14	'	'	'	'	'
Unvested Stock Option [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total unrecognized compensation expense	4,336	'	'	'	'	'
Weighted-average period of recognition	'7 months 17 days	'	'	'	'	'
Non-Vested Equity Shares [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share transfer	16,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Weighted-average period of recognition	'1 year	'	'	'	'	'
Total unrecognized compensation cost related to NES	$6,323	'	'	'	'	'
Non-Vested Equity Shares [Member] | July 2012 [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Granted	$12.19	'	'	'	'	'
Non-Vested Equity Shares [Member] | May 2013 [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Granted	$20.33	'	'	'	'	'
Non-Vested Equity Shares [Member] | July 2013 [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Granted	$22.80	'	'	'	'	'
Non Vested Equity Shares Granted, In May 2010 [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
NES grant to employees	556,848	'	'	'	'	'
Granted shares vested date	30-Jun-15	'	'	'	'	'
June 2011 [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
NES grant to employees	811,020	'	'	'	'	'
Granted shares vested date	31-May-14	'	'	'	'	'

ShareBased_Compensation_Summar

Share-Based Compensation - Summary of Share Options Granted and NES (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	31-May-14	31-May-13	31-May-12
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Share options and non-vested equity shares granted to date	'	'	3,060,000
Share options and non-vested equity shares granted to date	19,830	2,165,525	811,020
Fair value of common shares	'	'	$10.33
Non-Vested Equity Shares [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Share options and non-vested equity shares granted to date	7,228,671	'	'
Stock Option [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Share options and non-vested equity shares granted to date	15,826,000	'	'
January 2008 [Member] | Non-Vested Equity Shares [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Share options and non-vested equity shares granted to date	2,720,000	'	'
Fair value of common shares	$12.75	'	'
Intrinsic value	$12.75	'	'
March 2008 [Member] | Non-Vested Equity Shares [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Share options and non-vested equity shares granted to date	152,000	'	'
Fair value of common shares	$14	'	'
Intrinsic value	14	'	'
July 2008 [Member] | Non-Vested Equity Shares [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Share options and non-vested equity shares granted to date	278,500	'	'
Fair value of common shares	$13.75	'	'
Intrinsic value	13.75	'	'
October 2008 [Member] | Non-Vested Equity Shares [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Share options and non-vested equity shares granted to date	3,200	'	'
Fair value of common shares	$12.65	'	'
Intrinsic value	12.65	'	'
May 2009 [Member] | Non-Vested Equity Shares [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Share options and non-vested equity shares granted to date	205,548	'	'
Fair value of common shares	$12.75	'	'
Intrinsic value	12.75	'	'
June 2009 [Member] | Non-Vested Equity Shares [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Share options and non-vested equity shares granted to date	316,200	'	'
Fair value of common shares	$15.13	'	'
Intrinsic value	15.13	'	'
May 2010 [Member] | Non-Vested Equity Shares [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Share options and non-vested equity shares granted to date	556,848	'	'
Fair value of common shares	$21.75	'	'
Intrinsic value	21.75	'	'
June 2011 [Member] | Non-Vested Equity Shares [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Share options and non-vested equity shares granted to date	811,020	'	'
Fair value of common shares	$25.11	'	'
Intrinsic value	25.11	'	'
July 2012 [Member] | Non-Vested Equity Shares [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Share options and non-vested equity shares granted to date	1,956,935	'	'
Fair value of common shares	$12.19	'	'
Intrinsic value	12.19	'	'
May 2013 [Member] | Non-Vested Equity Shares [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Share options and non-vested equity shares granted to date	208,590	'	'
Fair value of common shares	$20.33	'	'
Intrinsic value	20.33	'	'
July 2013 [Member] | Non-Vested Equity Shares [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Share options and non-vested equity shares granted to date	19,830	'	'
Fair value of common shares	$22.80	'	'
Intrinsic value	$22.80	'	'
February 2006 [Member] | Stock Option [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Share options and non-vested equity shares granted to date	7,099,500	'	'
Fair value of common shares	$1	'	'
Exercise price	$2.02	'	'
July 2006 [Member] | Stock Option [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Share options and non-vested equity shares granted to date	1,620,000	'	'
Fair value of common shares	$1.15	'	'
Exercise price	$2.38	'	'
September 2006 [Member] | Stock Option [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Share options and non-vested equity shares granted to date	100,000	'	'
Fair value of common shares	$2.38	'	'
Exercise price	$3.75	'	'
March 2007 [Member] | Stock Option [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Share options and non-vested equity shares granted to date	3,946,500	'	'
Fair value of common shares	$4.09	'	'
Exercise price	$8.75	'	'
January 2012 [Member] | Stock Option [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Share options and non-vested equity shares granted to date	3,060,000	'	'
Fair value of common shares	$10.33	'	'
Exercise price	$12.19	'	'

ShareBased_Compensation_Summar1

Share-Based Compensation - Summary of Share Options Activity under 2006 Share Incentive Plan (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	31-May-14	31-May-13	31-May-12	31-May-11
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	3,637,249	5,136,297	2,255,492	'
Granted	'	'	3,060,000	'
Exercised	-2,113,094	-734,048	-179,195	'
Forfeited	-252,000	-765,000	'	'
Ending Balance	1,272,155	3,637,249	5,136,297	2,255,492
Beginning Balance	$9.27	$15.34	$5.44	'
Options vested and expect to vest at May 31, 2014	1,272,155	'	'	'
Granted	'	'	$12.19	'
Options exercisable at May 31, 2014	810,155	'	'	'
Exercised	$8.37	$7.81	$4.41	'
Forfeited	$12.19	$12.91	'	'
Ending Balance	$10.18	$9.27	$15.34	$5.44
Options outstanding, Beginning balance	$47,503	$57,371	$53,046	'
Options vested and expect to vest at May 31, 2014	$10.18	'	'	'
Granted	'	'	'	'
Options exercisable at May 31, 2014	$9.03	'	'	'
Exercised	'	'	'	'
Options outstanding	'6 years 2 months 12 days	'6 years 4 months 21 days	'7 years 5 months 5 days	'5 years 2 months 12 days
Forfeited	'	'	'	'
Options vested and expect to vest	'6 years 2 months 12 days	'	'	'
Options outstanding, Ending Balance	19,898	47,503	57,371	53,046
Options exercisable	'5 years 4 months 24 days	'	'	'
Options vested and expect to vest at May 31, 2014	19,898	'	'	'
Options exercisable at May 31, 2014	$13,601	'	'	'

ShareBased_Compensation_Assump

Share-Based Compensation - Assumptions Used to Estimate Fair Value of Share Options Granted (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	31-May-14
	Multiple
	Nodes
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'
Risk-free interest rate of return	1.83%
Volatility	56.00%
Dividend yield	0.00%
Fair value of the underlying ordinary shares	$10.33
Exercise price	$12.19
Exercisable date	'1/6 of options vests semi-annually through December 31, 2014
Expiry date	17-Jan-17
Life of option (years)	'5 years
Exercise multiple	2.8
Turnover rate	5.57%
Number of nodes	200

ShareBased_Compensation_Summar2

Share-Based Compensation - Summary of NES Activities under 2006 Share Incentive Plan (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	31-May-14	31-May-13	31-May-12	31-May-11
Equity [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
NES outstanding, Beginning balance	1,510,970	521,000	1,103,368	'
Granted	19,830	2,165,525	811,020	'
Vested	-810,052	-1,054,962	-1,353,548	'
Forfeited	-100,818	-120,593	-39,840	'
NES outstanding, Ending balance	619,930	1,510,970	521,000	1,103,368
NES vested and expect to vest at May 31, 2014	528,861	'	'	'
Granted	$22.80	$12.97	$25.11	'
Vested	$14.30	$15.84	$20.35	'
Forfeited	$14.97	$14.40	$24.25	'
NES outstanding, Beginning balance	$12.39	$13.45	$20.47	$17.05
NES vested and expect to vest at May 31, 2014	$12.42	'	'	'

Income_Taxes_Components_of_Pro

Income Taxes - Components of Provision for Income Taxes (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	31-May-14	31-May-13	31-May-12
Current:	'	'	'
PRC	$28,235	$18,985	$14,027
Deferred:	'	'	'
PRC	-2,193	-3,630	-3,255
Total provision for income taxes	$26,042	$15,355	$10,772

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail)

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Oct. 07, 2013

31-May-14

31-May-13

31-May-12

Oct. 07, 2013

31-May-14

Oct. 07, 2013

31-May-14

31-May-13

31-May-12

31-May-14

31-May-14

31-May-14

31-May-14

31-May-13

31-May-13

31-May-14

Mar. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2012

31-May-14

31-May-14

31-May-14

31-May-14

31-May-14

31-May-14

31-May-14

31-May-13

31-May-12

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Retained Earnings [Member]

Retained Earnings [Member]

Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]

Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]

Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]

Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]

Wholly owned subsidiaries [Member]

Beijing Hewstone [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

High and new tech enterprise (HNTE) [Member]

High and new tech enterprise (HNTE) [Member]

High and new tech enterprise (HNTE) [Member]

High and new tech enterprise (HNTE) [Member]

High and new tech enterprise (HNTE) [Member]

High and new tech enterprise (HNTE) [Member]

Newly established software enterprise (NESE) [Member]

New Oriental China and Its School and Subsidiaries [Member]

People Republic of China Entities [Member]

Hong Kong [Member]

Hong Kong [Member]

Hong Kong [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

CNY

USD ($)

USD ($)

Beijing Decision [Member]

Beijing Hewstone [Member]

Xuncheng [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Income Taxes [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income tax rate

'

10.71%

10.01%

7.51%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15.00%

15.00%

15.00%

15.00%

15.00%

15.00%

'

25.00%

25.00%

16.50%

'

'

Foreign income tax expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$4,399,000

$10,000

$11,000

Withholding tax paid for the dividend

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,399,000

4,399,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash paid for dividend

54,476,000

54,476,000

46,990,000

'

'

39,585,000

'

14,891,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividend declared / Profit appropriation

'

54,476,000

[1]

-3,010,000

[2]

50,000,000

[2]

39,585,000

39,585,000

[1]

14,891,000

14,891,000

[1]

-3,010,000

[2]

50,000,000

[2]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Preferential tax rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15.00%

'

'

'

'

'

12.50%

'

'

'

'

'

Tax holiday year

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'2 years

'

'

'

'

'

Income tax holiday, description

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'Enterprises that qualify as the "newly established software enterprise" ("NESE") are exempt from EIT for two years beginning the enterprise's first profitable year followed by a tax rate of 12.5% for the succeeding three years.

'

'

'

'

'

Valuation allowance

'

3,871,000

4,205,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

228,000

4,502,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net operating loss

'

25,787,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net operating loss expiration dates

'

'May 31, 2015 to May 31, 2019

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Increase of income tax expense

'

49,464,000

32,489,000

34,416,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Decrease in basic net income per share

'

$0.32

$0.21

$0.22

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Decrease in diluted net income per share

'

$0.31

$0.21

$0.22

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Withholding tax, dividends paid by PRC schools and subsidiaries to their foreign investors

'

10.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Aggregate undistributed earnings available for distribution

'

788,016,000

602,377,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Underpayment of tax liability

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$16,000

100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

On July 23, 2013, the Company declared a special cash dividend in the amount of US$0.35 per ADS. The aggregate amount of cash dividend paid was US$54,476, of which US$39,585 and US$14,891 were funded by retained earnings and additional paid in capital, respectively. The dividend was fully paid on October 7, 2013 to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 6, 2013.

[2]

On April 17, 2012, the Company declared a special cash dividend in the amount of US$0.30 per ADS, or a total of approximately US$50,000. The actual dividend amount of US$46,990 was paid on September 28, 2012 to shareholders of record at the close of business on August 31, 2012.

Income_Taxes_Components_of_Gro

Income Taxes - Components of Group's Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	31-May-14	31-May-13
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current deferred tax assets	'	'
Allowance doubtful accounts	$83	$73
Accrued expenses	12,353	9,249
Total current deferred tax assets	12,436	9,322
Less: valuation allowance	-403	-297
Current deferred tax assets, net	12,033	9,025
Non-current deferred tax assets	'	'
Net operating loss carry-forwards	6,095	7,358
Total non-current deferred tax assets	6,095	7,358
Less: valuation allowance	-3,871	-4,205
Non-current deferred tax assets, net	2,224	3,153
Non-current deferred tax liabilities	'	'
Acquired of non-current assets	-1,722	-1,836
Total non-current deferred tax liabilities	($1,722)	($1,836)

Income_Taxes_Reconciliation_of

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Effective Tax Rates from 25% Statutory Tax Rates (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	31-May-14	31-May-13	31-May-12
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Statutory tax rate	25.00%	25.00%	25.00%
Effect of expenses not deductible for tax purposes	4.33%	8.70%	3.58%
Effect of differential tax rate other than tax holiday	0.00%	-1.58%	0.11%
Effect of tax holiday	-20.34%	-21.18%	-23.99%
Changes in valuation allowance	-0.09%	-0.93%	2.81%
Effect of dividend withholding tax	1.81%	'	'
Total provision for income taxes	10.71%	10.01%	7.51%

Net_Income_Per_Share_Computati

Net Income Per Share - Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Share (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	31-May-14	31-May-13	31-May-12
Numerator used in basic and diluted net income per share:	'	'	'
Net income on continuing operation	$215,704	$136,676	$135,916
Net income on discontinued operation	'	-407	-3,228
Net income available for future distribution	$215,704	$136,269	$132,688
Shares (denominator):	'	'	'
Weighted average common shares outstanding used in computing basic net income per share	156,033,992	155,762,959	154,627,784
Plus incremental weighted average common shares from assumed exercise of share options and vesting of NES using the treasury stock method	1,869,472	2,060,833	2,244,657
Weighted average common shares outstanding used in computing diluted net income per share	157,903,464	157,823,792	156,872,441
Net income from continuing operation per share	'	'	'
- Basic	$1.38	$0.88	$0.88
- Diluted	$1.37	$0.87	$0.87
Net income from discontinued operation per share	'	'	'
- Basic	'	$0	($0.02)
- Diluted	'	$0	($0.02)

Net_Income_Per_Share_Additiona

Net Income Per Share - Additional Information (Detail)	0 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	31-May-14	31-May-13	31-May-12	31-May-14	31-May-13	31-May-12
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Treasury shares remain for future issuance	'	'	'	620,721	1,683,400	0
Treasury shares excluded in computing basic and diluted net income per share	'	'	'	620,721	1,683,400	0
Employee stock options excluded from the dilutive share calculation	0	2,169,000	3,060,000	'	'	'

Related_Party_Transaction_Bala

Related Party Transaction - Balances and Transaction with Related Parties (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	31-May-14	31-May-13	31-May-12
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Amounts due from related parties - non current	$930	$904	'
Amounts due from related parties - current	4,116	2,372	'
Amounts due to related parties - current	4	1,101	'
Metropolis Holding China Limited [Member] | Chairman and Chief Executive Officer [Member]	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Amounts due from related parties - non current	930	904	'
Amounts due from related parties - current	1,073	361	'
Amounts due to related parties - current	'	13	'
Rental expense	4,173	4,276	722
MaxEn [Member] | Joint Venture [Member]	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Amounts due from related parties - current	3,043	2,011	'
Amounts due to related parties - current	4	1,088	'
Gain on disposal of subsidiaries	$3,621	'	'

Related_Party_Transaction_Bala1

Related Party Transaction - Balances and Transaction with Related Parties (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	31-May-14	31-May-13
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'
Amounts due from related parties-non current	$930	$904
Amounts due from related parties-current	4,116	2,372
Amounts due to related parties-current	4	1,101
Metropolis Holding China Limited [Member] | Chairman and Chief Executive Officer [Member]	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'
Amounts due from related parties-non current	930	904
Amounts due from related parties-current	1,073	361
Amounts due to related parties-current	'	13
MaxEn [Member] | Joint Venture [Member]	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'
Amounts due from related parties-current	3,043	2,011
Amounts due to related parties-current	4	1,088
Pre-operating Expenses [Member] | MaxEn [Member] | Joint Venture [Member]	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'
Amounts due from related parties-current	1,119	'
Unpaid Consideration [Member] | MaxEn [Member] | Joint Venture [Member]	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'
Amounts due from related parties-current	$1,924	'

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies - Future Minimum Lease Payments under Non-Cancelable Operating Leases (Detail) (USD $)	31-May-14
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
2015	$103,372
2016	119,173
2017	73,285
2018	50,300
2019	35,518
Thereafter	55,318
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Total	$436,966

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	2 Months Ended	12 Months Ended					12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2012	31-May-14	31-May-13	31-May-12	31-May-14	Apr. 30, 2014	31-May-14	31-May-14	31-May-14
	Claim	Claim	Plaintiff			Plan [Member]	Plan [Member]	Joint Venture [Member]	Preliminary Settlement [Member]	General and Administrative Expense [Member]
			Claim
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Rent expenses for cancelable and non-cancelable leases	'	'	$142,032	$137,046	$107,384	'	'	'	'	'
Capital commitment	'	'	2,924	'	'	'	2,617	4,002	'	'
Equity ownership interest	'	'	'	'	'	'	54.50%	50.00%	'	'
Date of establishment	'	'	3-Jul-14	'	'	3-Jul-14	'	6-May-14	'	'
Number of federal securities class actions filed	'	4	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of federal securities class actions dismissed	1	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of federal securities class actions pending	'	'	3	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of plaintiff currently pending	'	'	1	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Litigation settlement amount	'	'	$4,750	'	'	'	'	'	$3,500	$1,250

Commitments_and_Contingencies_3

Commitments and Contingencies - Future Minimum Capital Commitments under Non-Cancelable Construction (Detail) (USD $)	31-May-14
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Capital Lease Obligations [Line Items]	'
Capital commitment	$2,924
Property, Plant and Equipment, Other Types [Member]	'
Capital Lease Obligations [Line Items]	'
Capital commitment	698
Leasehold Improvements [Member]	'
Capital Lease Obligations [Line Items]	'
Capital commitment	$2,226

Segment_Information_Additional

Segment Information - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	31-May-14
	Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'
Number of operating segments	6
Sales Revenue, Segment [Member] | Product Concentration Risk [Member]	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'
Quantitative threshold	10.00%

Segment_Information_Schedule_o

Segment Information - Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	31-May-14	31-May-13	31-May-12
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net revenues	$1,138,887	$959,854	$753,195
Operating costs and expenses:	'	'	'
Cost of revenues	-451,669	-384,177	-293,063
Selling and marketing	-169,062	-142,098	-113,568
General and administrative	-324,210	-311,014	-226,404
Total operating costs and expenses	-944,941	-837,289	-633,035
Gain on disposal of subsidiaries	3,621	'	'
Operating income	197,567	122,565	120,160
Total assets	1,603,545	1,353,441	1,128,817
Operating Segments [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net revenues	1,138,887	959,854	753,195
Operating costs and expenses:	'	'	'
Cost of revenues	-451,669	-384,177	-292,848
Selling and marketing	-147,057	-125,446	-97,880
General and administrative	-250,172	-232,804	-169,815
Total operating costs and expenses	-944,941	-837,289	-633,035
Gain on disposal of subsidiaries	3,621	'	'
Operating income	197,567	122,565	120,160
Total assets	1,020,841	824,901	648,563
Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]	'	'	'
Operating costs and expenses:	'	'	'
Total operating costs and expenses	-96,043	-94,862	-72,492
Total assets	582,704	528,540	480,254
Language Training and Test Preparation Course [Member]	'	'	'
Operating costs and expenses:	'	'	'
Total assets	709,979	544,669	436,403
Language Training and Test Preparation Course [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net revenues	969,947	818,550	644,981
Operating costs and expenses:	'	'	'
Cost of revenues	-388,998	-328,663	-245,169
Selling and marketing	-112,092	-96,064	-77,064
General and administrative	-204,679	-198,718	-149,316
Total operating costs and expenses	-705,769	-623,445	-471,549
Operating income	264,178	195,105	173,432
Total assets	709,979	544,669	436,403
Primary and Secondary Education [Member]	'	'	'
Operating costs and expenses:	'	'	'
Total assets	65,357	59,791	52,839
Primary and Secondary Education [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net revenues	24,063	20,712	17,757
Operating costs and expenses:	'	'	'
Cost of revenues	-8,488	-8,396	-8,160
Selling and marketing	-956	-1,712	-1,335
General and administrative	-8,748	-6,648	-5,532
Total operating costs and expenses	-18,192	-16,756	-15,027
Operating income	5,871	3,956	2,730
Total assets	65,357	59,791	52,839
Others [Member]	'	'	'
Operating costs and expenses:	'	'	'
Total assets	245,505	220,441	159,321
Others [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net revenues	144,877	120,592	90,457
Operating costs and expenses:	'	'	'
Cost of revenues	-54,183	-47,118	-39,519
Selling and marketing	-34,009	-27,670	-19,481
General and administrative	-36,745	-27,438	-14,967
Total operating costs and expenses	-124,937	-102,226	-73,967
Gain on disposal of subsidiaries	3,621	'	'
Operating income	23,561	18,366	16,490
Total assets	$245,505	$220,441	$159,321

Mainland_China_Contribution_Pl1

Mainland China Contribution Plan - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	31-May-14	31-May-13	31-May-12
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Contributions for employee benefits	$52,159	$42,097	$27,744

Statutory_Reserve_Additional_I

Statutory Reserve - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	31-May-14	31-May-14	31-May-13	31-May-12
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Percentage allocation of profits to general reserves	'	10.00%	'	'
Registered capital	'	50.00%	'	'
Deducted from the general reserve to adjust for excess appropriations made in prior periods	'	'	'	$2,453
Accrued for general reserve	'	1,029	524	'
Percentage allocation of profits to development fund	25.00%	'	'	'
Group transfers to the statutory reserves	'	22,145	22,470	69,149
Development fund [Member]	'	'	'	'
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Appropriations to reserves	'	21,116	21,946	71,602
Development fund [Member] | Prior years [Member]	'	'	'	'
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Appropriations to reserves	'	'	'	$57,377

Restricted_Net_Assets_Addition

Restricted Net Assets - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	31-May-14	31-May-13
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Restricted Net Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Restricted net assets	$239,245	$209,094
Variable interest entities (VIE) [Member] | Paid-in capital and statutory reserves [Member]	'	'
Restricted Net Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Restricted net assets	188,017	162,551
Wholly owned subsidiaries [Member] | Paid-in capital and statutory reserves [Member]	'	'
Restricted Net Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Restricted net assets	$51,228	$46,543

Subsequent_Events_Additional_I

Subsequent Events - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

31-May-14

31-May-13

31-May-12

31-May-14

31-May-14

31-May-14

31-May-14

31-May-14

Jul. 22, 2014

Jul. 22, 2014

Jul. 03, 2014

Aug. 25, 2014

Aug. 25, 2014

Aug. 14, 2014

Aug. 14, 2014

Jun. 01, 2014

Sep. 19, 2014

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Xuncheng [Member]

Xuncheng [Member]

Beijing Pioneer Technology Company Limited [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Master exclusive service agreement [Member]

Alo7.com [Member]

Alo7.com [Member]

Juesheng.com [Member]

Juesheng.com [Member]

Xuncheng [Member]

Beijing Pioneer Technology Company Limited [Member]

Master exclusive service agreement [Member]

Subsequent Event [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

NES granted to directors and employees

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

209,650

'

'

'

'

'

'

15,000,000

'

Granted shares vested date

31-May-15

'

'

'

'

1-Jun-15

31-May-20

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Capital commitment

$2,924,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$2,617,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Date of establishment

3-Jul-14

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity ownership interest

'

'

'

20.00%

50.00%

'

'

'

'

'

54.50%

'

17.20%

'

7.20%

'

'

Fair value per NES granted

$22.80

$12.97

$25.11

'

'

'

'

'

$21.01

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Value of common shares authorized to be repurchased

'

50,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

120,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Value of common shares authorized to be repurchased, period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'July 28, 2014 through March 31, 2015

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payments for investments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$10,000,000

'

$3,000,000

'

'

'

Additional equity ownership interests

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

11.20%

'

'

'

'

'

Service agreement term

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'10 years

Agreement effective date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

19-Sep-14

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Schedule_I_Condensed_Financial2

Schedule I - Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company - Balance Sheets (Detail) (USD $)	31-May-14	31-May-13	31-May-12	31-May-11
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$371,593	$417,166	$428,261	$317,260
Prepaid expense and other current assets	78,398	59,586	'	'
Amounts due from related parties	4,116	2,372	'	'
Total current assets	1,233,675	1,070,832	'	'
Long term investments	117,113	8,267	'	'
Total assets	1,603,545	1,353,441	1,128,817	'
Current liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	168,918	131,499	'	'
Amounts due to related parties	4	1,101	'	'
Total current liabilities	576,065	489,835	'	'
Equity:	'	'	'	'
Common shares (US$0.01 par value; 300,000,000 shares authorized as of May 31, 2013 and 2014; 158,379,387 shares issued as of May 31, 2013 and 2014; 156,695,987 and 157,758,666 shares outstanding as of May 31, 2013 and 2014, respectively)	1,584	1,573	'	'
Treasury stock	-6	-17	'	'
Additional paid-in capital	174,009	164,336	'	'
Retained earnings	654,744	500,770	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income	65,559	82,867	'	'
Total shareholders' equity	1,025,758	857,252	690,402	574,223
Total liabilities and equity	1,603,545	1,353,441	'	'
Parent Company [Member]	'	'	'	'
Current assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	15,874	28,653	62,994	53,887
Prepaid expense and other current assets	8,137	5,656	'	'
Amounts due from related parties	18,511	24,909	'	'
Total current assets	42,522	59,218	'	'
Long term investments	19,662	3,000	'	'
Investments in subsidiaries and VIE	976,348	841,832	'	'
Total assets	1,038,532	904,050	'	'
Current liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	12,417	12,051	'	'
Amounts due to related parties	357	34,747	'	'
Total current liabilities	12,774	46,798	'	'
Equity:	'	'	'	'
Common shares (US$0.01 par value; 300,000,000 shares authorized as of May 31, 2013 and 2014; 158,379,387 shares issued as of May 31, 2013 and 2014; 156,695,987 and 157,758,666 shares outstanding as of May 31, 2013 and 2014, respectively)	1,584	1,573	'	'
Treasury stock	-6	-17	'	'
Additional paid-in capital	174,009	164,336	'	'
Retained earnings	784,612	608,493	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income	65,559	82,867	'	'
Total shareholders' equity	1,025,758	857,252	'	'
Total liabilities and equity	$1,038,532	$904,050	'	'

Schedule_I_Condensed_Financial3

Schedule I - Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company - Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	31-May-14	31-May-13
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	300,000,000	300,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	158,379,387	158,379,387
Common stock, shares outstanding	157,758,666	156,695,987
Parent Company [Member]	'	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	300,000,000	300,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	158,379,387	158,379,387
Common stock, shares outstanding	157,758,666	156,695,987

Schedule_I_Condensed_Financial4

Schedule I - Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company - Statements of Operations (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	31-May-14	31-May-13	31-May-12
Operating costs and expenses:	'	'	'
General and administrative	$324,210	$311,014	$226,404
Total operating costs and expenses	944,941	837,289	633,035
Operating loss	197,567	122,565	120,160
Interest income	44,880	30,121	25,488
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries and VIE	-1,453	-1,427	'
Net income	215,704	136,269	132,688
Parent Company [Member]	'	'	'
Operating costs and expenses:	'	'	'
General and administrative	20,435	32,208	24,477
Total operating costs and expenses	20,435	32,208	24,477
Operating loss	-20,435	-32,208	-24,477
Other income	'	'	147
Interest income	1	49	422
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries and VIE	236,138	168,428	156,596
Net income	$215,704	$136,269	$132,688

Schedule_I_Condensed_Financial5

Schedule I - Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company - Statements of Comprehensive Income (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	31-May-14	31-May-13	31-May-12
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net income	$215,704	$136,269	$132,688
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-17,894	27,729	8,576
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of tax effect of nil, nil and nil for years ended May 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014	586	'	'
Other comprehensive income/(loss)	-17,308	27,729	8,576
Comprehensive income	198,396	163,998	141,264
Parent Company [Member]	'	'	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net income	215,704	136,269	132,688
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-17,894	27,729	8,576
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of tax effect of nil, nil and nil for years ended May 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014	586	'	'
Other comprehensive income/(loss)	-17,308	27,729	8,576
Comprehensive income	$198,396	$163,998	$141,264

Schedule_I_Condensed_Financial6

Schedule I - Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company - Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	31-May-14	31-May-13	31-May-12
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, tax effect	'	'	'
Parent Company [Member]	'	'	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, tax effect	'	'	'

Schedule_I_Condensed_Financial7

Schedule I - Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company - Statements of Changes in Equity (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 07, 2013	31-May-14		31-May-13		31-May-12
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'		'		'
Beginning Balance	'	$857,252		$690,402		$574,223
Beginning Balance, shares	'	158,379,387		'		'
Issuance of ADS shares for the exercises of employee share options	'	7,848		5,733		790
Reissuance of treasury stock for the exercises of employee share options	'	13,524		'		'
Reissuance of treasury stock for the exercises of employee share options, shares	'	1,014,727		'		'
Reissuance of treasury stock for Non-vested equity shares vested, shares	'	810,052		'		'
Share based compensation expense	'	20,079		27,242		24,125
Share repurchase	'	-16,865	[1]	-33,133	[1]	'
Share repurchase, shares	'	-762,100		-1,683,400		'
Profit appropriation	'	-54,476	[2]	3,010	[3]	-50,000	[3]
Net income	'	215,704		136,269		132,688
Foreign currency translation adjustment	'	-17,894		27,729		8,576
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of tax effect of nil	'	586		'		'
Ending Balance	'	1,025,758		857,252		690,402
Ending Balance, shares	'	158,379,387		158,379,387		'
Common Stock [Member]	'	'		'		'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'		'		'
Beginning Balance	'	1,573		1,555		1,540
Beginning Balance, shares	'	156,695,987		158,379,387		158,379,387
Issuance of ADS shares for the exercises of employee share options	'	11		7		2
Non-vested equity shares vested	'	'		11		13
Reissuance of treasury stock for the exercises of employee share options, shares	'	1,014,727		'		'
Reissuance of treasury stock for Non-vested equity shares vested, shares	'	810,052		'		'
Share repurchase, shares	'	-762,100		-1,683,400		'
Ending Balance	'	1,584		1,573		1,555
Ending Balance, shares	'	157,758,666		156,695,987		158,379,387
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	'	'		'		'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'		'		'
Beginning Balance	'	164,336		161,485		186,585
Issuance of ADS shares for the exercises of employee share options	'	7,837		5,726		788
Non-vested equity shares vested	'	'		-11		-13
Reissuance of treasury stock for the exercises of employee share options	'	13,514		'		'
Reissuance of treasury stock for Non-vested equity shares vested	'	-8		'		'
Share based compensation expense	'	20,079		27,242		24,125
Share repurchase	'	-16,858	[1]	-33,116	[1]	'
Profit appropriation	-14,891	-14,891	[2]	3,010	[3]	-50,000	[3]
Ending Balance	'	174,009		164,336		161,485
Treasury Stock [Member]	'	'		'		'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'		'		'
Beginning Balance	'	-17		'		'
Reissuance of treasury stock for the exercises of employee share options	'	10		'		'
Reissuance of treasury stock for Non-vested equity shares vested	'	8		'		'
Share repurchase	'	-7	[1]	-17	[1]	'
Ending Balance	'	-6		-17		'
Retained Earnings [Member]	'	'		'		'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'		'		'
Beginning Balance	'	500,770		386,971		323,432
Profit appropriation	-39,585	-39,585	[2]	'		'
Net income	'	215,704		136,269		132,688
Ending Balance	'	654,744		500,770		386,971
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	'	'		'		'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'		'		'
Beginning Balance	'	82,867		55,138		46,562
Foreign currency translation adjustment	'	-17,894		27,729		8,576
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of tax effect of nil	'	586		'		'
Ending Balance	'	65,559		82,867		55,138
Parent Company [Member]	'	'		'		'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'		'		'
Beginning Balance	'	857,252		'		'
Beginning Balance, shares	'	158,379,387		'		'
Net income	'	215,704		136,269		132,688
Foreign currency translation adjustment	'	-17,894		27,729		8,576
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of tax effect of nil	'	586		'		'
Ending Balance	'	1,025,758		857,252		'
Ending Balance, shares	'	158,379,387		158,379,387		'
Parent Company [Member] | Common Stock [Member]	'	'		'		'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'		'		'
Beginning Balance	'	1,573		1,555		1,540
Beginning Balance, shares	'	156,695,987		158,379,387		158,379,387
Issuance of ADS shares for the exercises of employee share options	'	11		7		2
Non-vested equity shares vested	'	'		11		13
Reissuance of treasury stock for the exercises of employee share options, shares	'	1,014,727		'		'
Reissuance of treasury stock for Non-vested equity shares vested, shares	'	810,052		'		'
Share repurchase, shares	'	-762,100		-1,683,400		'
Ending Balance	'	1,584		1,573		1,555
Ending Balance, shares	'	157,758,666		156,695,987		158,379,387
Parent Company [Member] | Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	'	'		'		'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'		'		'
Beginning Balance	'	164,336		161,485		186,585
Issuance of ADS shares for the exercises of employee share options	'	7,837		5,726		788
Non-vested equity shares vested	'	'		-11		-13
Reissuance of treasury stock for the exercises of employee share options	'	13,514		'		'
Reissuance of treasury stock for Non-vested equity shares vested	'	-8		'		'
Share based compensation expense	'	20,079		27,242		24,125
Dividend declared	'	-14,891		3,010		'
Share repurchase	'	-16,858		-33,116		'
Profit appropriation	'	'		'		-50,000
Ending Balance	'	174,009		164,336		161,485
Parent Company [Member] | Treasury Stock [Member]	'	'		'		'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'		'		'
Beginning Balance	'	-17		'		'
Reissuance of treasury stock for the exercises of employee share options	'	10		'		'
Reissuance of treasury stock for Non-vested equity shares vested	'	8		'		'
Share repurchase	'	-7		-17		'
Ending Balance	'	-6		-17		'
Parent Company [Member] | Retained Earnings [Member]	'	'		'		'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'		'		'
Beginning Balance	'	608,493		472,224		339,536
Dividend declared	'	-39,585		'		'
Net income	'	215,704		136,269		132,688
Ending Balance	'	784,612		608,493		472,224
Parent Company [Member] | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	'	'		'		'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'		'		'
Beginning Balance	'	82,867		55,138		46,562
Foreign currency translation adjustment	'	-17,894		27,729		8,576
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of tax effect of nil	'	586		'		'
Ending Balance	'	65,559		82,867		55,138
Parent Company [Member] | Comprehensive Income [Member]	'	'		'		'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'		'		'
Beginning Balance	'	857,252		690,402		574,223
Issuance of ADS shares for the exercises of employee share options	'	7,848		5,733		790
Reissuance of treasury stock for the exercises of employee share options	'	13,524		'		'
Share based compensation expense	'	20,079		27,242		24,125
Dividend declared	'	-54,476		3,010		'
Share repurchase	'	-16,865		-33,133		'
Profit appropriation	'	'		'		-50,000
Net income	'	215,704		136,269		132,688
Foreign currency translation adjustment	'	-17,894		27,729		8,576
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of tax effect of nil	'	586		'		'
Ending Balance	'	$1,025,758		$857,252		$690,402
[1]	On April 23, 2013, the Company's board of directors authorized the repurchase of up to US$50,000 of the Company's shares during the period from April 29, 2013, through July 31, 2013 to facilitate the future vesting of options or non-vested equity shares.
[2]	On July 23, 2013, the Company declared a special cash dividend in the amount of US$0.35 per ADS. The aggregate amount of cash dividend paid was US$54,476, of which US$39,585 and US$14,891 were funded by retained earnings and additional paid in capital, respectively. The dividend was fully paid on October 7, 2013 to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 6, 2013.
[3]	On April 17, 2012, the Company declared a special cash dividend in the amount of US$0.30 per ADS, or a total of approximately US$50,000. The actual dividend amount of US$46,990 was paid on September 28, 2012 to shareholders of record at the close of business on August 31, 2012.

Schedule_I_Condensed_Financial8

Schedule I - Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company - Statements of Changes in Equity (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	31-May-14	31-May-13	31-May-12
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, tax effect	'	'	'
Parent Company [Member]	'	'	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, tax effect	'	'	'
Comprehensive Income [Member] | Parent Company [Member]	'	'	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, tax effect	'	'	'

Schedule_I_Condensed_Financial9

Schedule I - Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company - Statements of Cash Flows (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	31-May-14	31-May-13	31-May-12
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'	'
Net income	$215,704	$136,269	$132,688
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	'	'	'
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries	1,453	1,427	'
Share-based compensation expense	20,079	27,242	24,125
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-20,168	2,846	-23,672
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	44,775	22,047	28,395
Amounts due from/to related parties	-1,097	912	164
Net cash provided by operating activities	361,345	283,628	249,304
Cash flows from investing activities	'	'	'
Net cash used in investing activities	-344,377	-237,888	-143,701
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of common shares upon exercise of share options	21,849	4,652	945
Cash paid for shares repurchase	-21,487	-28,511	'
Cash paid for dividend	-54,476	-46,990	'
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-54,114	-70,849	945
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	-45,573	-11,095	111,001
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	417,166	428,261	317,260
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	371,593	417,166	428,261
Parent Company [Member]	'	'	'
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'	'
Net income	215,704	136,269	132,688
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	'	'	'
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries	-236,138	-168,428	-156,596
Dividend received from subsidiaries	83,728	'	'
Share-based compensation expense	20,079	27,242	24,125
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-2,958	-91	-6,412
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	4,988	4,015	3,117
Amounts due from/to related parties	-849	-4,950	-1,760
Net cash provided by operating activities	84,554	-5,943	-4,838
Cash flows from investing activities	'	'	'
Loan to related parties	'	-1,630	'
Repayment from related parties	15,500	'	16,000
Net cash used in investing activities	-576	-1,630	13,000
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of common shares upon exercise of share options	21,849	5,733	945
Loan from related party	'	43,000	'
Loan repayment to related party	-42,643	'	'
Cash paid for shares repurchase	-21,487	-28,511	'
Cash paid for dividend	-54,476	-46,990	'
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-96,757	-26,768	945
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	-12,779	-34,341	9,107
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	28,653	62,994	53,887
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	15,874	28,653	62,994
Parent Company [Member] | Dajie.com Ltd [Member]	'	'	'
Cash flows from investing activities	'	'	'
Long term investment	'	'	-2,000
Parent Company [Member] | Alo7.com [Member]	'	'	'
Cash flows from investing activities	'	'	'
Long term investment	-2,576	'	-1,000
Parent Company [Member] | Tarena [Member]	'	'	'
Cash flows from investing activities	'	'	'
Long term investment	($13,500)	'	'

Schedule_I_Related_Party_Trans

Schedule I - Related Party Transactions - Related Party Balances (Detail) (USD $)	31-May-14	31-May-13
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Amount due from related parties:	'	'
Subtotal of amount due from related parties	$4,116	$2,372
Amount due to related parties:	'	'
Subtotal of amount due to related parties	4	1,101
Parent Company [Member]	'	'
Amount due from related parties:	'	'
Subtotal of amount due from related parties	18,511	24,909
Amount due to related parties:	'	'
Subtotal of amount due to related parties	357	34,747
Parent Company [Member] | Beijing Judgment [Member]	'	'
Amount due from related parties:	'	'
Subtotal of amount due from related parties	'	7,257
Parent Company [Member] | Beijing Hewstone [Member]	'	'
Amount due from related parties:	'	'
Subtotal of amount due from related parties	'	2,780
Parent Company [Member] | Beijing Decision [Member]	'	'
Amount due from related parties:	'	'
Subtotal of amount due from related parties	'	4,232
Parent Company [Member] | Winner Park [Member]	'	'
Amount due from related parties:	'	'
Subtotal of amount due from related parties	11	11
Parent Company [Member] | Smart Shine [Member]	'	'
Amount due from related parties:	'	'
Subtotal of amount due from related parties	8,511	8,511
Parent Company [Member] | Elite Concept Holdings Limited [Member]	'	'
Amount due from related parties:	'	'
Subtotal of amount due from related parties	7,871	'
Amount due to related parties:	'	'
Subtotal of amount due to related parties	357	34,747
Parent Company [Member] | New Oriental China [Member]	'	'
Amount due from related parties:	'	'
Subtotal of amount due from related parties	$2,118	$2,118