This item represents disclosure of the amount of dividends or other distributions received from unconsolidated subsidiaries, certain corporate joint ventures, and certain noncontrolled corporation; these investments are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. This element excludes distributions that constitute a return of investment, which are classified as investing activities.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 28

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3602-108585

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 03

-Paragraph 13

-Article 5

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The percentage of ownership of common stock or equity participation in the investee accounted for under the equity method of accounting.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 323

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 3

-Subparagraph (a)(1)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6382943&loc=d3e33918-111571

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Details

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- Definition

Cash dividends or other distributions received from unconsolidated subsidiaries, certain corporate joint ventures, and certain noncontrolled corporations that are returns of capital. Excludes dividends or distributions from equity method investments classified as operating activities.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Cumulative distributions from an equity method investee in excess of the entity's investment balance in the investee.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013	May 31, 2013
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Distributions from unconsolidated affiliates	$ 26,591,000
Excess distributions from unconsolidated affiliates	5,555,000
WAVE
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Cumulative distributions in excess of investment	61,745,000	63,187,000
ClarkDietrich
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Excess distributions from unconsolidated affiliates	$ 5,555,000
Joint Venture Transactions \| ArtiFlex
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Percent of interest by unconsolidated affiliates	50.00%
Joint Venture Transactions \| Gestamp Worthington Wind Steel, LLC
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Percent of interest by unconsolidated affiliates	50.00%
Joint Venture Transactions \| Samuel Steel Pickling Company
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Percent of interest by unconsolidated affiliates	31.25%
Joint Venture Transactions \| Seviacero
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Percent of interest by unconsolidated affiliates	50.00%
Joint Venture Transactions \| WAVE
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Percent of interest by unconsolidated affiliates	50.00%
Joint Venture Transactions \| ClarkDietrich
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Percent of interest by unconsolidated affiliates	25.00%
Joint Venture Transactions \| Worthington Modern Steel Framing Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Percent of interest by unconsolidated affiliates	40.00%
Joint Venture Transactions \| Worthington Specialty Processing
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Percent of interest by unconsolidated affiliates	51.00%