Investments In Unconsolidated Affiliates (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2011	May 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Distributions from unconsolidated affiliates	$ 44,322,000
Non-recurring special dividend received			50,000,000
Worthington Armstrong Venture [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Cumulative distributions in excess of investment	11,286,000	10,715,000
Non-recurring special dividend received			$ 50,000,000
Joint Venture Transactions [Member] | Arti Flex [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Percent of interest by unconsolidated affiliates	50.00%
Joint Venture Transactions [Member] | ClarkDietrich [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Percent of interest by unconsolidated affiliates	25.00%
Joint Venture Transactions [Member] | Gestamp Worthington Wind Steel, LLC [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Percent of interest by unconsolidated affiliates	50.00%
Joint Venture Transactions [Member] | LEFCO Worthington, LLC [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Percent of interest by unconsolidated affiliates	49.00%
Joint Venture Transactions [Member] | Samuel Steel Pickling Company [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Percent of interest by unconsolidated affiliates	31.00%
Joint Venture Transactions [Member] | Serviacero Planos, S. de R.L. de C.V. [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Percent of interest by unconsolidated affiliates	50.00%
Joint Venture Transactions [Member] | TWB Company, L.L.C. [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Percent of interest by unconsolidated affiliates	45.00%
Joint Venture Transactions [Member] | Worthington Armstrong Venture [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Percent of interest by unconsolidated affiliates	50.00%
Joint Venture Transactions [Member] | Worthington Modern Steel Framing Manufacturing Co., Ltd [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Percent of interest by unconsolidated affiliates	40.00%
Joint Venture Transactions [Member] | Worthington Specialty Processing [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Percent of interest by unconsolidated affiliates	51.00%