Quarterly Results Of Operations - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
May 31, 2011	May 31, 2012	May 31, 2011
Effect of Fourth Quarter Events [Line Items]
Joint venture transactions	$ 10,436,000	$ (150,000)	$ (10,436,000)

The aggregate amount of the one-time gains recognized on the deconsolidation of Gerstenslager and Dietrich Metal Framing offset by write-downs for impairments of long-lived assets held for use and amounts incurred and estimated costs associated with exit and disposal activities directly related to these deconsolidation transactions.

No definition available.

Name:	wor_JointVentureTransactions
Namespace Prefix:	wor_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration