Basis of Presentation - Additional Information (Detail) - Joint Venture Transactions	Aug. 31, 2015
DHybrid Systems Llc
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Percent of controlling interest by the Company	79.59%
Spartan
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Percent of controlling interest by the Company	52.00%
TWB
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Percent of controlling interest by the Company	55.00%
Worthington Aritas
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Percent of controlling interest by the Company	75.00%
WEI
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Percent of controlling interest by the Company	75.00%
Worthington Nitin Cylinders
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Percent of controlling interest by the Company	60.00%