Basis of Presentation - Additional Information (Detail) (Joint Venture Transactions)	Nov. 30, 2014	May 31, 2014
DHybrid Systems Llc
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]
Percent of controlling interest by the Company	79.59%
Spartan
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]
Percent of controlling interest by the Company	52.00%
TWB
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]
Percent of controlling interest by the Company	55.00%
Worthington Aritas
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]
Percent of controlling interest by the Company	75.00%
WEI
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]
Percent of controlling interest by the Company	75.00%
Worthington Nitin Cylinders
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]
Percent of controlling interest by the Company	60.00%	60.00%