Worthington Industries (WOR) 10-Q 9 Oct 14 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Oct. 01, 2014
Document Information [Line Items]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	31-Aug-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2015	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1	'
Trading Symbol	'WOR	'
Entity Registrant Name	'WORTHINGTON INDUSTRIES INC	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000108516	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--05-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	68,478,141

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2014	31-May-14
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$146,921	$190,079
Receivables, less allowances of $3,024 and $3,043 at August 31, 2014 and May 31, 2014, respectively	486,005	493,127
Inventories:	'	'
Raw materials	237,427	213,173
Work in process	138,616	105,872
Finished products	91,519	90,957
Total inventories	467,562	410,002
Income taxes receivable	3,354	5,438
Assets held for sale	31,749	32,235
Deferred income taxes	23,321	24,272
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	45,632	43,769
Total current assets	1,204,544	1,198,922
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	196,373	179,113
Goodwill	269,357	251,093
Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $40,182 and $35,506 at August 31, 2014 and May 31, 2014	153,018	145,993
Other assets	27,264	22,399
Property, plant & equipment:	'	'
Land	15,263	15,260
Buildings and improvements	217,388	213,848
Machinery and equipment	861,580	848,889
Construction in progress	32,947	32,135
Total property, plant & equipment	1,127,178	1,110,132
Less: accumulated depreciation	623,038	611,271
Property, plant and equipment, net	504,140	498,861
Total assets	2,354,696	2,296,381
Current liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable	369,273	333,744
Short-term borrowings	10,965	10,362
Accrued compensation, contributions to employee benefit plans and related taxes	66,973	78,514
Dividends payable	12,954	11,044
Other accrued items	60,569	49,873
Income taxes payable	17,836	4,953
Current maturities of long-term debt	101,182	101,173
Total current liabilities	639,752	589,663
Other liabilities	74,178	76,426
Distributions in excess of investment in unconsolidated affiliate	57,772	59,287
Long-term debt	554,494	554,790
Deferred income taxes	69,766	71,333
Total liabilities	1,395,962	1,351,499
Shareholders' equity - controlling interest	865,869	850,812
Noncontrolling interest	92,865	94,070
Total equity	958,734	944,882
Total liabilities and equity	$2,354,696	$2,296,381

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2014	31-May-14
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Receivables, allowances	$3,024	$3,043
Other intangible assets, accumulated amortization	$40,182	$35,506

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_EAR

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Net sales	$862,414	$692,291
Cost of goods sold	732,907	581,327
Gross margin	129,507	110,964
Selling, general and administrative expense	75,255	71,540
Impairment of long-lived assets	1,950	4,641
Restructuring and other income	-7	-3,997
Joint venture transactions	107	142
Operating income	52,202	38,638
Other income (expense):	'	'
Miscellaneous income	323	10,937
Interest expense	-9,516	-6,240
Equity in net income of unconsolidated affiliates	27,924	26,951
Earnings before income taxes	70,933	70,286
Income tax expense	22,113	13,933
Net earnings	48,820	56,353
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest	4,652	1,796
Net earnings attributable to controlling interest	$44,168	$54,557
Basic	'	'
Average common shares outstanding	67,567	69,601
Earnings per share attributable to controlling interest	$0.65	$0.78
Diluted	'	'
Average common shares outstanding	69,738	72,083
Earnings per share attributable to controlling interest	$0.63	$0.76
Common shares outstanding at end of period	67,424	69,373
Cash dividends declared per share	$0.18	$0.15

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Net earnings	$48,820	$56,353
Other comprehensive income (loss):	'	'
Foreign currency translation	-9,592	-486
Cash flow hedges, net of tax	961	3,351
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-8,631	2,865
Comprehensive income	40,189	59,218
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	3,472	779
Comprehensive income attributable to controlling interest	$36,717	$58,439

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Operating activities	'	'
Net earnings	$48,820	$56,353
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	20,367	19,460
Impairment of long-lived assets	1,950	4,641
Provision for deferred income taxes	-535	-8,424
Bad debt income	-203	-481
Equity in net income of unconsolidated affiliates, net of distributions	-6,990	-5,915
Net gain on sale of assets	-2,830	-4,662
Stock-based compensation	4,355	3,780
Excess tax benefits - stock-based compensation	-5,132	-4,298
Gain on previously held interest in TWB	'	-11,000
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of impact of acquisitions:	'	'
Receivables	12,752	7,655
Inventories	-51,217	515
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-2,872	-2,365
Other assets	121	436
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	41,890	40,622
Other liabilities	-5,991	-1,853
Net cash provided by operating activities	54,485	94,464
Investing activities	'	'
Investment in property, plant and equipment, net	-23,873	-13,354
Investment in notes receivable	-5,000	'
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-36,550	52,957
Distributions from (investments in) unconsolidated affiliates	-3,800	5,555
Proceeds from sale of assets and insurance	265	7,647
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities	-68,958	52,805
Financing activities	'	'
Net proceeds from (repayments of) short-term borrowings	555	-51,541
Principal payments on long-term debt	-302	-284
Proceeds from (payments for) issuance of common shares	-1,020	2,201
Excess tax benefits - stock-based compensation	5,132	4,298
Payments to noncontrolling interest	-2,867	-1,763
Repurchase of common shares	-20,071	-30,516
Dividends paid	-10,112	'
Net cash used by financing activities	-28,685	-77,605
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-43,158	69,664
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	190,079	51,385
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$146,921	$121,049

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Basis of Presentation	'
	NOTE A – Basis of Presentation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Worthington Industries, Inc. and consolidated subsidiaries (collectively, “we,” “our,” “Worthington,” or the “Company”). Investments in unconsolidated affiliates are accounted for using the equity method. Significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated.
	Spartan Steel Coating, LLC (“Spartan”), TWB Company, L.L.C. (“TWB”), Worthington Arıtaş Basınçlı Kaplar Sanayi (“Worthington Aritas”), Worthington Energy Innovations, LLC (“WEI”), and Worthington Nitin Cylinders Limited (“Worthington Nitin Cylinders”) in which we own controlling interests of 52%, 55%, 75%, 75%, and 60%, respectively, are consolidated with the equity owned by the other joint venture members shown as noncontrolling interest in our consolidated balance sheets, and the other joint venture members’ portion of net earnings and other comprehensive income (loss) shown as net earnings or comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest in our consolidated statements of earnings and consolidated statements of comprehensive income, respectively.
	These unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, which are of a normal and recurring nature, except those which have been disclosed elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations of these interim periods, have been included. Operating results for the three months ended August 31, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending May 31, 2015 (“fiscal 2015”). For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2014 (“fiscal 2014”) of Worthington Industries, Inc. (the “2014 Form 10-K”).
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Recently Issued Accounting Standards
	In March 2013, amended accounting guidance was issued regarding the accounting for cumulative translation adjustment. The amended guidance specifies that a cumulative translation adjustment should be released from earnings when an entity ceases to have a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or a group of assets within a consolidated foreign entity and the sale or transfer results in the complete or substantially complete liquidation of the foreign entity. For sales of an equity method investment that is a foreign entity, a pro rata portion of the cumulative translation adjustment attributable to the investment would be recognized in earnings upon sale of the investment. The amended guidance is effective prospectively for annual reporting periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2013. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this amended accounting guidance on June 1, 2014 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
	In May 2014, amended accounting guidance was issued that replaces most existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP. The amended guidance requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The amended guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early application is not permitted. We are in the process of evaluating the effect this guidance will have on our consolidated financial position and results of operations. The amended guidance permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. We have not selected a transition method nor have we determined the effect of the amended guidance on our ongoing financial reporting.

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_

Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates	'
	NOTE B – Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates
	Our investments in affiliated companies that we do not control, either through majority ownership or otherwise, are accounted for using the equity method. These include ArtiFlex Manufacturing, LLC (“ArtiFlex”) (50%), Clarkwestern Dietrich Building Systems LLC (“ClarkDietrich”) (25%), Samuel Steel Pickling Company (31.25%), Serviacero Planos, S. de R. L. de C.V. (“Serviacero”) (50%), Worthington Armstrong Venture (“WAVE”) (50%), Worthington Specialty Processing (“WSP”) (51%), and Zhejiang Nisshin Worthington Precision Specialty Steel Co., Ltd. (10%). WSP is considered to be jointly controlled and not consolidated due to substantive participating rights of the minority partner.
	We received distributions from unconsolidated affiliates totaling $20,934,000 during the three months ended August 31, 2014. We have received cumulative distributions from WAVE in excess of our investment balance totaling $57,772,000 at August 31, 2014. In accordance with the applicable accounting guidance, these excess distributions are reclassified to the liabilities section of our consolidated balance sheet. We will continue to record our equity in the net income of WAVE as a debit to the investment account, and if it becomes positive, it will again be shown as an asset on our consolidated balance sheet. If it becomes obvious that any excess distribution may not be returned (upon joint venture liquidation or otherwise), we will recognize any balance classified as a liability as income immediately.
	We use the “cumulative earnings” approach for determining cash flow presentation of distributions from our unconsolidated joint ventures. Distributions received are included in our consolidated statements of cash flows as operating activities, unless the cumulative distributions exceed our portion of the cumulative equity in the net earnings of the joint venture, in which case the excess distributions are deemed to be returns of the investment and are classified as investing activities in our consolidated statements of cash flows.
	Combined financial information for our unconsolidated affiliates is summarized as follows:
	(in thousands)		August 31,		May 31,
			2014		2014
	Cash		$	54,254	$	52,997
	Receivable from partner (1)			14,195		12,717
	Other current assets			463,909		454,417
	Noncurrent assets			291,520		294,001
	Total assets		$	823,878	$	814,132
	Current liabilities		$	139,973	$	128,595
	Short-term borrowings			28,217		40,992
	Current maturities of long-term debt			4,435		4,510
	Long-term debt			267,232		268,350
	Other noncurrent liabilities			18,869		20,217
	Equity			365,152		351,468
	Total liabilities and equity		$	823,878	$	814,132
			Three Months Ended
			August 31,
	(in thousands)		2014		2013
	Net sales		$	392,550	$	423,481
	Gross margin			88,751		89,814
	Operating income			63,479		64,540
	Depreciation and amortization			9,122		10,337
	Interest expense			2,162		2,223
	Income tax expense			2,753		3,030
	Net earnings			59,440		59,634
	-1	Represents cash owed from a joint venture partner as a result of centralized cash management.
	The financial results of TWB have been included in the amounts presented in the tables above through July 31, 2013. On July 31, 2013, we completed the acquisition of an additional 10% interest in TWB. As a result, TWB’s results have been consolidated within Steel Processing since that date with the minority member’s portion of earnings eliminated within earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest.

Impairment_of_LongLived_Assets

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets	'
	NOTE C – Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
	During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, management committed to a plan to sell the Company’s stainless steel business, Precision Specialty Metals, Inc. (“PSM”). As all of the criteria for classification as assets held for sale were met, the net assets of this business, which consist of net working capital and property, plant and equipment, have been presented separately as assets held for sale in our consolidated balance sheets as of each of August 31, 2014 and May 31, 2014. In accordance with the applicable accounting guidance, the net assets were recorded at the lower of net book value or fair value less costs to sell as of May 31, 2014. As a result of changes in facts and circumstances related to the planned sale of PSM during the first quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company reassessed the fair value of this business and determined that an additional impairment charge of $1,950,000 was required for the three months ended August 31, 2014.

Restructuring_and_Other_Income

Restructuring and Other Income	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Restructuring and Other Income	'
	NOTE D – Restructuring and Other Income
	In fiscal 2008, we initiated a Transformation Plan (the “Transformation Plan”) with the overall goal to improve our sustainable earnings potential, asset utilization and operational performance. The Transformation Plan focuses on cost reduction, margin expansion and organizational capability improvements and, in the process, seeks to drive excellence in three core competencies: sales; operations; and supply chain management. The Transformation Plan is comprehensive in scope and includes aggressive diagnostic and implementation phases. When this process began, we retained a consulting firm to assist in the development and implementation of the Transformation Plan. As the Transformation Plan progressed, we formed internal teams dedicated to this effort, and they ultimately assumed full responsibility for executing the Transformation Plan. Although the consulting firm was again engaged as we rolled out the Transformation Plan in our Pressure Cylinders operating segment, most of the work is now being done by our internal teams. These internal teams are now an integral part of our business and constitute what we refer to as the Centers of Excellence (“COE”). The COE will continue to monitor the performance metrics and new processes instituted across our transformed operations and drive continuous improvements in all areas of our operations. The expenses related to the COE have been included in selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expense since the beginning of fiscal 2013.
	To date, we have completed the transformation phases in each of the core facilities within our Steel Processing operating segment, including the facilities of our Mexican joint venture, Serviacero. We also substantially completed the transformation phases at our metal framing facilities prior to their contribution to ClarkDietrich. Transformation efforts within our Pressure Cylinders and Engineered Cabs operating segments, which began during the first quarter of fiscal 2012 and the first quarter of fiscal 2013, respectively, are ongoing.
	A progression of the liabilities associated with our restructuring activities, combined with a reconciliation to the restructuring and other income financial statement caption in our consolidated statement of earnings for the three months ended August 31, 2014 is summarized as follows:
	(in thousands)	Beginning		Expense			Payments			Adjustments		Ending
		Balance		(Income)								Balance
	Early retirement and severance	$	6,495	$	(30	)	$	(2,334	)	$	30	$	4,161
	Facility exit and other costs		534		130			(634	)		213		243
		$	7,029		100		$	(2,968	)	$	243	$	4,404
	Less: joint venture transactions				(107	)
	Restructuring and other income			$	(7	)
	Approximately $3,929,000 of the total liability as of August 31, 2014 is expected to be paid in the next twelve months. The remaining liability, which consists of lease termination costs and certain severance benefits, will be paid through September 2016.

Contingent_Liabilities

Contingent Liabilities	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Contingent Liabilities	'
	NOTE E – Contingent Liabilities
	We are defendants in certain legal actions. In the opinion of management, the outcome of these actions, which is not clearly determinable at the present time, would not significantly affect our consolidated financial position or future results of operations. We believe that environmental issues will not have a material effect on our capital expenditures, consolidated financial position or future results of operations.
	Insurance Recoveries
	On August 19, 2013, a fire occurred at our Pressure Cylinders facility in Kienberg, Austria, in the building that houses the massing process in the production of acetylene cylinders. The other portions of the Austrian facility were not damaged; however, the massing process building sustained extensive damage and was rendered inoperable. Additionally, we have incurred and will continue to incur incremental business interruption costs until the massing process building is fully operational, which we expect to occur during the second quarter of fiscal 2015. The Company has business interruption and property damage insurance and, as a result, the fire did not have a material adverse impact on the Company’s consolidated financial results.
	Total proceeds received related to insurance claims since the date of loss have been as follows:
	(in thousands)
	Property and equipment	$	5,547
	Business interruption		3,747
	Other expenses		794
	Total insurance proceeds	$	10,088
	The proceeds for business interruption relate to the loss of profits since the date of the fire and have been recorded as a reduction of manufacturing expense, including $879,000 during the three months ended August 31, 2014. The proceeds for other expenses represent reimbursement for incremental expenses related to the fire and were recorded as an offset to manufacturing expense, including $50,000 during the three months ended August 31, 2014.

Guarantees

Guarantees	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Guarantees	'
	NOTE F – Guarantees
	We do not have guarantees that we believe are reasonably likely to have a material current or future effect on our consolidated financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources. However, as of August 31, 2014, we were party to an operating lease for an aircraft in which we have guaranteed a residual value at the termination of the lease. The maximum obligation under the terms of this guarantee was approximately $12,667,000 at August 31, 2014. We have also guaranteed the repayment of a $2,917,000 term loan entered into by one of our unconsolidated affiliates, ArtiFlex. Based on current facts and circumstances, we have estimated the likelihood of payment pursuant to these guarantees, and determined that the fair value of our obligation under each guarantee based on those likely outcomes is not material and therefore no amounts have been recognized in our consolidated financial statements.

Debt_and_Receivables_Securitiz

Debt and Receivables Securitization	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Debt and Receivables Securitization	'
	NOTE G – Debt and Receivables Securitization
	We have a $425,000,000 multi-year revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) with a group of lenders that matures in May 2017. There were no borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facility at August 31, 2014. Additionally, we provided $13,716,000 in stand-by letters of credit for third-party beneficiaries as of August 31, 2014. While not drawn against, certain of these letters of credit totaling $11,732,000 are issued against availability under the Credit Facility, leaving $413,268,000 available at August 31, 2014.
	Borrowings under the Credit Facility have maturities of less than one year. However, we can extend the term of amounts borrowed by renewing these borrowings for the term of the Credit Facility. We have the option to borrow at rates equal to an applicable margin over the LIBOR, Prime or Fed Funds rates. The applicable margin is determined by our credit rating. At August 31, 2014, the applicable variable rate, based on LIBOR, was 1.23%.
	We also maintain a $100,000,000 revolving trade accounts receivable securitization facility (the “AR Facility”), which expires in January 2015. The AR Facility has been available throughout fiscal 2015 to date, and was available throughout fiscal 2014. Pursuant to the terms of the AR Facility, certain of our subsidiaries sell their accounts receivable without recourse, on a revolving basis, to Worthington Receivables Corporation (“WRC”), a wholly-owned, consolidated, bankruptcy-remote subsidiary. In turn, WRC may sell without recourse, on a revolving basis, up to $100,000,000 of undivided ownership interests in this pool of accounts receivable to a multi-seller, asset-backed commercial paper conduit (the “Conduit”). Purchases by the Conduit are financed with the sale of A1/P1 commercial paper. We retain an undivided interest in this pool and are subject to risk of loss based on the collectability of the receivables from this retained interest. Because the amount eligible to be sold excludes receivables more than 90 days past due, receivables offset by an allowance for doubtful accounts due to bankruptcy or other cause, concentrations over certain limits with specific customers and certain reserve amounts, we believe additional risk of loss is minimal. The book value of the retained portion of the pool of accounts receivable approximates fair value. As of August 31, 2014, the pool of eligible accounts receivable exceeded the $100,000,000 limit; however, no ownership interests in this pool had been sold.
	Short-term borrowings at August 31, 2014 consisted of $4,325,000 outstanding under a credit facility maintained by our consolidated affiliate, Worthington Aritas, that matures in March 2015 and bears interest at a fixed rate of 5.60%, and $6,640,000 outstanding under a $9,500,000 credit facility maintained by our consolidated affiliate, Worthington Nitin Cylinders, that matures in November 2014 and bears interest at a variable rate. The applicable variable rate was 6.85% at August 31, 2014.

Comprehensive_Income

Comprehensive Income	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Comprehensive Income	'
	NOTE H – Comprehensive Income
	The following table summarizes the tax effects on each component of other comprehensive loss for the three months ended August 31, 2014:
	(in thousands)	Before-Tax			Tax Expense			Net-of-Tax
		Amount						Amount
	Foreign currency translation	$	(9,592	)	$	-		$	(9,592	)
	Cash flow hedges		1,543			(582	)		961
	Other comprehensive loss	$	(8,049	)	$	(582	)	$	(8,631	)
	The following table summarizes the tax effects on each component of other comprehensive income for the three months ended August 31, 2013:
	(in thousands)	Before-Tax			Tax Expense			Net-of-Tax
		Amount						Amount
	Foreign currency translation	$	(486	)	$	-		$	(486	)
	Cash flow hedges		4,820			(1,469	)		3,351
	Other comprehensive income	$	4,334		$	(1,469	)	$	2,865

Changes_in_Equity

Changes in Equity	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Changes in Equity	'
	NOTE I – Changes in Equity
	The following table provides a summary of the changes in total equity, shareholders’ equity attributable to controlling interest, and equity attributable to noncontrolling interest for the three months ended August 31, 2014:
			Controlling Interest
	(in thousands)		Additional			Cumulative			Retained			Total			Non-			Total
			Paid-in			Other			Earnings						controlling
			Capital			Comprehensive									Interest
						Loss,
						Net of Tax
	Balance at May 31, 2014		$	262,610		$	(3,581	)	$	591,783		$	850,812		$	94,070		$	944,882
	Net earnings			-			-			44,168			44,168			4,652			48,820
	Other comprehensive loss			-			(7,451	)		-			(7,451	)		(1,180	)		(8,631	)
	Common shares issued			(1,020	)		-			-			(1,020	)		-			(1,020	)
	Stock-based compensation			11,760			-			-			11,760			-			11,760
	Purchases and retirement of common shares			(1,922	)		-			(18,149	)		(20,071	)		-			(20,071	)
	Cash dividends declared			-			-			(12,329	)		(12,329	)		-			(12,329	)
	Dividend to noncontrolling interest			-			-			-			-			(4,677	)		(4,677	)
	Balance at August 31, 2014		$	271,428		$	(11,032	)	$	605,473		$	865,869		$	92,865		$	958,734
	The components of the changes in other comprehensive income (loss) were as follows:
	(in thousands)		Foreign			Pension			Cash			Accumulated
			Currency			Liability			Flow			Other
			Translation			Adjustment			Hedges			Comprehensive
												Loss
	Balance as of May 31, 2014		$	11,015		$	(11,265	)	$	(3,331	)	$	(3,581	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			(8,400	)		-			(413	)		(8,813	)
	Reclassification adjustments to income (a)			-			-			1,944			1,944
	Income taxes			-			-			(582	)		(582	)
	Balance as of August 31, 2014		$	2,615		$	(11,265	)	$	(2,382	)	$	(11,032	)
	(a)	The statement of earnings classification of amounts reclassified to income for cash flow hedges is disclosed in “NOTE O – Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.”

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Stock-Based Compensation	'
	NOTE J – Stock-Based Compensation
	Non-Qualified Stock Options
	During the three months ended August 31, 2014, we granted non-qualified stock options covering a total of 96,200 common shares under our stock-based compensation plans. The weighted average option price of $43.04 per share was equal to the market price of the underlying common shares at the grant date. The fair value of these stock options, based on the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, calculated at the grant date, was $17.96 per share. The calculated pre-tax stock-based compensation expense for these stock options, after an estimate for forfeitures, is $1,538,000 and will be recognized on a straight-line basis over the three-year vesting period. The following assumptions were used to value these stock options:
	Dividend yield	1.88	%
	Expected volatility	50.92	%
	Risk-free interest rate	1.88	%
	Expected term (years)	6
	Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of our common shares and the risk-free interest rate is based on the United States Treasury strip rate for the expected term of the stock options. The expected term was developed using historical exercise experience.
	Service-Based Restricted Common Shares
	During the three months ended August 31, 2014, we granted an aggregate of 108,725 service-based restricted common shares under our stock-based compensation plans. The fair values of these restricted common shares were equal to the closing market prices of the underlying common shares on the date of grant, or $43.04 per share. The calculated pre-tax stock-based compensation expense for these restricted common shares, after an estimate for forfeitures, is $4,165,000 and will be recognized on a straight-line basis over the three-year service-based vesting period.
	Market-Based Restricted Common Shares
	During the three months ended August 31, 2014, we granted an aggregate of 50,000 restricted common shares to two key employees under our stock-based compensation plans. Vesting of these restricted common share awards is contingent upon the price of our common shares reaching $60.00 per share and remaining at or above that price for 30 consecutive days during the five-year period following the date of grant and the completion of a five-year service vesting period. The grant-date fair value of these restricted common shares, as determined by a Monte Carlo simulation model, was $32.06 per share. The Monte Carlo simulation model is a statistical technique that incorporates multiple assumptions to determine the probability that the market condition will be achieved. The following assumptions were used to determine the grant-date fair value and the derived service period for these restricted common shares:
	Dividend yield	1.6	%
	Expected volatility	44	%
	Risk-free interest rate	1.7	%
	The calculated pre-tax stock-based compensation expense for these restricted common shares is $1,603,000 and will be recognized on a straight-line basis over the five-year service vesting period.
	Performance Share Awards
	We have awarded performance shares to certain key employees that are earned based on the level of achievement with respect to targets for cumulative corporate economic value added, earnings per share growth and, in the case of business unit executives, business unit operating income targets for the three-year periods ending May 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017. These performance share awards will be paid, to the extent earned, in common shares of the Company in the fiscal quarter following the end of the applicable three-year performance period. The fair value of our performance shares is determined by the closing market prices of the underlying common shares at their respective grant dates and the pre-tax stock-based compensation expense is based on our periodic assessment of the probability of the targets being achieved and our estimate of the number of common shares that will ultimately be issued. During the three months ended August 31, 2014, we granted performance share awards covering an aggregate of 62,000 common shares (at target levels). The calculated pre-tax stock-based compensation expense for these performance shares is $2,648,000 and will be recognized over the three-year performance period.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Income Taxes	'
	NOTE K – Income Taxes
	Income tax expense for the three months ended August 31, 2014 and August 31, 2013 reflected estimated annual effective income tax rates of 32.8% and 28.9%, respectively. The annual effective income tax rates exclude any impact from the inclusion of net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests in our consolidated statements of earnings. Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest is a result of our Spartan, WEI, Worthington Nitin Cylinders, and TWB consolidated joint ventures. The earnings attributable to the noncontrolling interest in Spartan, WEI, and TWB’s U.S. operations do not generate tax expense to Worthington since the investors in Spartan, WEI, and TWB’s U.S. operations are taxed directly based on the earnings attributable to them. The tax expense of Worthington Nitin Cylinders, a foreign corporation, is reported in our consolidated tax expense. Since the consolidation of TWB on July 31, 2013, the tax expense of TWB’s wholly-owned foreign corporations has been reported in our consolidated tax expense. Management is required to estimate the annual effective income tax rate based upon its forecast of annual pre-tax income for domestic and foreign operations. Our actual effective income tax rate for fiscal 2015 could be materially different from the forecasted rate as of August 31, 2014.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share	'
	NOTE L – Earnings Per Share
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three months ended August 31, 2014 and 2013:
		Three Months Ended
		August 31,
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)	2014		2013
	Numerator (basic & diluted):
	Net earnings attributable to controlling interest – income available to common shareholders	$	44,168	$	54,557
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic earnings per share attributable to controlling interest – weighted average common shares		67,567		69,601
	Effect of dilutive securities		2,171		2,482
	Denominator for diluted earnings per share attributable to controlling interest – adjusted weighted average common shares		69,738		72,083
	Basic earnings per share attributable to controlling interest	$	0.65	$	0.78
	Diluted earnings per share attributable to controlling interest	$	0.63	$	0.76
	Stock options covering 87,976 common shares have been excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for the three months ended August 31, 2014 because the effect would have been anti-dilutive as the exercise price of the stock options was greater than the average market price of the common shares during the period.

Segment_Operations

Segment Operations	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Segment Operations	'
	NOTE M – Segment Operations
	Summarized financial information for our reportable segments is shown in the following table:
		Three Months Ended
		August 31,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013
	Net sales
	Steel Processing	$	552,331		$	402,441
	Pressure Cylinders		248,959			216,900
	Engineered Cabs		49,554			48,461
	Other		11,570			24,489
	Consolidated net sales	$	862,414		$	692,291
	Operating income (loss)
	Steel Processing	$	35,869		$	22,663
	Pressure Cylinders		19,606			19,454
	Engineered Cabs		(2,145	)		(304	)
	Other		(1,128	)		(3,175	)
	Consolidated operating income	$	52,202		$	38,638
	Restructuring and other expense (income)
	Steel Processing	$	(30	)	$	(4,762	)
	Pressure Cylinders		23			402
	Engineered Cabs		-			-
	Other		-			363
	Consolidated restructuring and other income	$	(7	)	$	(3,997	)
	Impairment of long-lived assets
	Steel Processing	$	1,950		$	4,641
	Pressure Cylinders		-			-
	Engineered Cabs		-			-
	Other		-			-
	Consolidated impairment of long-lived assets	$	1,950		$	4,641
	Joint venture transactions
	Steel Processing	$	-		$	-
	Pressure Cylinders		-			-
	Engineered Cabs		-			-
	Other		107			142
	Consolidated joint venture transactions	$	107		$	142
	(in thousands)	August 31,			May 31,
		2014			2014
	Total assets
	Steel Processing	$	896,069		$	850,748
	Pressure Cylinders		849,168			818,720
	Engineered Cabs		181,876			181,251
	Other		427,583			445,662
	Consolidated total assets	$	2,354,696		$	2,296,381

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Acquisitions	'
	NOTE N – Acquisitions
	Midstream Equipment Fabrication, LLC
	On August 1, 2014, we acquired the net assets of Midstream Equipment Fabrication LLC (“MEF”) for cash consideration of $35,232,000 and the assumption of certain liabilities. MEF manufactures patented horizontal heated and high pressure separators used to separate oilfield fluids and gas for customers drilling in the Eagle Ford Shale and is well-situated to serve customers in the Permian Basin. The acquired net assets became part of our Pressure Cylinders operating segment upon closing.
	The assets acquired and liabilities assumed were recognized at their acquisition-date fair values, with goodwill representing the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net identifiable assets acquired. In connection with the acquisition of the net assets of MEF, we identified and valued the following identifiable intangible assets:
	(in thousands)			Useful Life
	Category	Amount		(Years)
	Technological know-how	$	5,100		10
	Customer relationships		4,300		7
	Non-compete agreements		2,400		4
	Backlog		1,800		Less than 1
	Total acquired identifiable intangible assets	$	13,600
	The purchase price includes the fair values of other assets that were not identifiable, not separately recognizable under accounting rules (e.g., assembled workforce) or of immaterial value. The purchase price also includes a going-concern element that represents our ability to earn a higher rate of return on this group of assets than would be expected on the separate assets as determined during the valuation process. This additional investment value resulted in goodwill, which is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.
	The following table summarizes the consideration transferred for the net assets of MEF and the fair value assigned to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date:
	(in thousands)
	Accounts receivable	$	3,329
	Inventories		3,550
	Intangible assets		13,600
	Property, plant and equipment		166
	Total identifiable assets		20,645
	Accounts payable		555
	Other accrued items		92
	Deferred revenue		4,808
	Net assets		15,190
	Goodwill		23,202
	Purchase price		38,392
	Less: estimated excess working capital		3,160
	Cash paid at closing	$	35,232
	The Company incurred $273,000 of acquisition-related costs that were expensed within SG&A expense during the three months ended August 31, 2014. Operating results of the acquired business have been included in our consolidated statement of earnings for the three months ended August 31, 2014 from the acquisition date, forward. Pro forma results, including the acquired business since the beginning of fiscal 2014, would not be materially different than reported results.
	James Russell Engineering Works, Inc.
	On July 31, 2014, we acquired the net assets of James Russell Engineering Works, Inc. (“JRE”) for cash consideration of $1,571,000. JRE manufactures aluminum and stainless steel cryogenic transport trailers used for hauling liquid oxygen, nitrogen, argon, hydrogen and liquefied natural gas (LNG) for producers and distributors of industrial gases and LNG. The acquired net assets became part of our Pressure Cylinders operating segment upon closing.
	The assets acquired and liabilities assumed were recognized at their acquisition-date fair values. The purchase price includes the fair values of other assets that were not identifiable, not separately recognizable under accounting rules (e.g., assembled workforce) or of immaterial value. The purchase price also includes a going-concern element that represents our ability to earn a higher rate of return on this group of assets than would be expected on the separate assets as determined during the valuation process. This additional investment value resulted in goodwill, which is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.
	The following table summarizes the consideration transferred for the net assets of JRE and the fair value assigned to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date:
	(in thousands)
	Cash	$	253
	Accounts receivable		509
	Inventories		2,793
	Prepaid expense and other current assets		40
	Property, plant and equipment		250
	Total identifiable assets		3,845
	Accounts payable		514
	Other accrued items		2,160
	Net identifiable assets		1,171
	Goodwill		400
	Total cash consideration	$	1,571
	Operating results of the acquired business have been included in our consolidated statement of earnings for the three months ended August 31, 2014 from the acquisition date, forward. Pro forma results, including the acquired business since the beginning of fiscal 2014, would not be materially different than reported results.

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

3 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

'

NOTE O – Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

We utilize derivative financial instruments to manage exposure to certain risks related to our ongoing operations. The primary risks managed through the use of derivative instruments include interest rate risk, currency exchange risk and commodity price risk. While certain of our derivative instruments are designated as hedging instruments, we also enter into derivative instruments that are designed to hedge a risk, but are not designated as hedging instruments and therefore do not qualify for hedge accounting. These derivative instruments are adjusted to current fair value through earnings at the end of each period.

Interest Rate Risk Management – We are exposed to the impact of interest rate changes. Our objective is to manage the impact of interest rate changes on cash flows and the market value of our borrowings. We utilize a mix of debt maturities along with both fixed-rate and variable-rate debt to manage changes in interest rates. In addition, we enter into interest rate swaps to further manage our exposure to interest rate variations related to our borrowings and to lower our overall borrowing costs.

Currency Exchange Risk Management – We conduct business in several major international currencies and are therefore subject to risks associated with changing foreign exchange rates. We enter into various contracts that change in value as foreign exchange rates change to manage this exposure. Such contracts limit exposure to both favorable and unfavorable currency fluctuations. The translation of foreign currencies into United States dollars also subjects us to exposure related to fluctuating exchange rates; however, derivative instruments are not used to manage this risk.

Commodity Price Risk Management – We are exposed to changes in the price of certain commodities, including steel, natural gas, zinc and other raw materials, and our utility requirements. Our objective is to reduce earnings and cash flow volatility associated with forecasted purchases and sales of these commodities to allow management to focus its attention on business operations. Accordingly, we enter into derivative instruments to manage the associated price risk.

We are exposed to counterparty credit risk on all of our derivative instruments. Accordingly, we have established and maintain strict counterparty credit guidelines and enter into derivative instruments only with major financial institutions. We do not have significant exposure to any one counterparty and management believes the risk of loss is remote and, in any event, would not be material.

Refer to “Note P – Fair Value” for additional information regarding the accounting treatment for our derivative instruments, as well as how fair value is determined.

The following table summarizes the fair value of our derivative instruments and the respective financial statement caption in which they were recorded in our consolidated balance sheet at August 31, 2014:

Asset Derivatives

Liability Derivatives

(in thousands)

Balance

Fair

Balance

Fair

Sheet

Value

Sheet

Value

Location

Location

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:

Interest rate contracts

Receivables

$

-

Accounts payable

$

2,100

Commodity contracts

Receivables

652

Accounts payable

-

Totals

$

652

$

2,100

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:

Commodity contracts

Receivables

$

1,306

Accounts payable

$

121

Foreign exchange contracts

Receivables

-

Accounts payable

9

Totals

$

1,306

$

130

Total Derivative Instruments

$

1,958

$

2,230

The amounts in the table above reflect the fair value of the Company’s derivative contracts on a net basis. Had these amounts been recognized on a gross basis, the impact would have been a $333,000 increase in receivables with a corresponding increase in accounts payable.

The following table summarizes the fair value of our derivative instruments and the respective line in which they were recorded in the consolidated balance sheet at May 31, 2014:

Asset Derivatives

Liability Derivatives

(in thousands)

Balance

Fair

Balance

Fair

Sheet

Value

Sheet

Value

Location

Location

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:

Interest rate contracts

Receivables

$

-

Accounts payable

$

4,180

Commodity contracts

Receivables

456

Accounts payable

Totals

$

456

$

4,180

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:

Commodity contracts

Receivables

$

796

Accounts payable

$

295

Foreign exchange contracts

Receivables

32

Accounts payable

-

Totals

$

828

$

295

Total Derivative Instruments

$

1,284

$

4,475

The amounts in the table above reflect the fair value of the Company’s derivative contracts on a net basis. Had these amounts been recognized on a gross basis, the impact would have been a $730,000 increase in receivables with a corresponding increase in accounts payable.

Cash Flow Hedges

We enter into derivative instruments to hedge our exposure to changes in cash flows attributable to interest rate and commodity price fluctuations associated with certain forecasted transactions. These derivative instruments are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges. Accordingly, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instrument is reported as a component of other comprehensive income (“OCI”) and reclassified into earnings in the same financial statement caption associated with the forecasted transaction and in the same period during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instrument is recognized in earnings immediately.

The following table summarizes our cash flow hedges outstanding at August 31, 2014:

(in thousands)

Notional

Maturity Date

Amount

Commodity contracts

$

35,293

September 2014 - January 2016

Interest rate contracts

100,000

Dec-14

The following table summarizes the gain (loss) recognized in OCI and the gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated OCI into earnings for derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges during the three months ended August 31, 2014 and 2013:

(in thousands)

Gain (Loss)

Location of

Gain (Loss)

Location of

Gain (Loss)

Recognized

Gain (Loss)

Reclassified

Gain (Loss)

(Ineffective

in OCI

Reclassified

from

(Ineffective

Portion)

(Effective

from

Accumulated

Portion)

and Excluded

Portion)

Accumulated

OCI

and Excluded

from

OCI

(Effective

from

Effectiveness

(Effective

Portion)

Effectiveness

Testing

Portion)

Testing

For the three months ended August 31, 2014:

Interest rate contracts

$

-

Interest expense

$

(1,148

)

Interest expense

$

-

Commodity contracts

(413

)

Cost of goods sold

(796

)

Cost of goods sold

-

Totals

$

(413

)

$

(1,944

)

$

-

For the three months ended August 31, 2013:

Interest rate contracts

$

(203

)

Interest expense

$

(1,063

)

Interest expense

$

-

Commodity contracts

3,644

Cost of goods sold

(316

)

Cost of goods sold

-

Totals

$

3,441

$

(1,379

)

$

-

The estimated net amount of the losses recognized in accumulated OCI at August 31, 2014 expected to be reclassified into net earnings within the succeeding twelve months is $189,000 (net of tax of $114,000). This amount was computed using the fair value of the cash flow hedges at August 31, 2014, and will change before actual reclassification from OCI to net earnings during the fiscal years ended May 31, 2015 and 2016.

Economic (Non-designated) Hedges

We enter into foreign currency contracts to manage our foreign exchange exposure related to inter-company and financing transactions that do not meet the requirements for hedge accounting treatment. We also enter into certain commodity contracts that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment. Accordingly, these derivative instruments are adjusted to current market value at the end of each period through earnings.

The following table summarizes our economic (non-designated) derivative instruments outstanding at August 31, 2014:

(in thousands)

Notional

Maturity Date(s)

Amount

Commodity contracts

$

30,932

September 2014 - December 2015

Foreign currency contracts

14,903

September 2014 - November 2014

The following table summarizes the gain (loss) recognized in earnings for economic (non-designated) derivative financial instruments during the three months ended August 31, 2014 and 2013:

Location of Gain (Loss)

Gain (Loss) Recognized

in Earnings for the

Three Months Ended

August 31,

(in thousands)

Recognized in Earnings

2014

2013

Commodity contracts

Cost of goods sold

$

(57

)

$

676

Foreign exchange contracts

Miscellaneous income (expense)

261

(5

)

Total

$

204

$

671

The gain (loss) on the foreign currency derivatives significantly offsets the gain (loss) on the hedged item.

Fair_Value

Fair Value	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Fair Value	'
	NOTE P – Fair Value
	Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Fair value is an exit price concept that assumes an orderly transaction between willing market participants and is required to be based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or a liability. Current accounting guidance establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy as a basis for considering such assumptions and for classifying the inputs used in the valuation methodologies. This hierarchy requires entities to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The three levels of inputs used to measure fair values are as follows:
	Level 1		–		Observable prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities.
	Level 2		–		Observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities.
	Level 3		–		Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets and liabilities.
	Recurring Fair Value Measurements
	At August 31, 2014, our financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as follows:
	(in thousands)		Quoted Prices			Significant		Significant		Totals
			in Active			Other		Unobservable
			Markets			Observable		Inputs
			(Level 1)			Inputs		(Level 3)
						(Level 2)
	Assets
	Derivative contracts (1)		$	-		$	1,958	$	-	$	1,958
	Total assets		$	-		$	1,958	$	-	$	1,958
	Liabilities
	Derivative contracts (1)		$	-		$	2,230	$	-	$	2,230
	Contingent consideration obligation (2)			-			-		404		404
	Total liabilities		$	-		$	2,230	$	404	$	2,634
	At May 31, 2014, our financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as follows:
	(in thousands)		Quoted Prices			Significant		Significant		Totals
			in Active			Other		Unobservable
			Markets			Observable		Inputs
			(Level 1)			Inputs		(Level 3)
						(Level 2)
	Assets
	Derivative contracts (1)		$	-		$	1,284	$	-	$	1,284
	Total assets		$	-		$	1,284	$	-	$	1,284
	Liabilities
	Derivative contracts (1)		$	-		$	4,475	$	-	$	4,475
	Contingent consideration obligation (2)			-			-		404		404
	Total liabilities		$	-		$	4,475	$	404	$	4,879
	-1	The fair value of our derivative contracts is based on the present value of the expected future cash flows considering the risks involved, including non-performance risk, and using discount rates appropriate for the respective maturities. Market observable, Level 2 inputs are used to determine the present value of the expected future cash flows. Refer to “Note O – Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” for additional information regarding our use of derivative instruments.
	-2	The fair value of the contingent consideration obligation related to our January 24, 2014 acquisition of a 75% interest in Worthington Aritas is determined using a Monte Carlo simulation model based on management’s projections of future EBITDA levels. The contingent consideration arrangement requires the Company to pay $2,000,000 of additional consideration to the former owners if earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) exceed $5,000,000 during any 12 consecutive months during the first 14 month period following the closing date. The fair value measurement is based on significant inputs not observable in the market and thus represents a Level 3 measurement.
	Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements
	At August 31, 2014, our financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis were as follows:
	(in thousands)		Quoted Prices			Significant		Significant		Totals
			in Active			Other		Unobservable
			Markets			Observable		Inputs
			(Level 1)			Inputs		(Level 3)
						(Level 2)
	Assets
	Long-lived assets held for sale (1)		$	-		$	19,644	$	-	$	19,644
	Total assets		$	-		$	19,644	$	-	$	19,644
	-1	During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, management committed to a plan to sell the Company’s stainless steel business, PSM. As all of the criteria for classification as assets held for sale were met, the net assets of this business, which consist of net working capital and property, plant and equipment, have been presented separately as assets held for sale in our consolidated balance sheets as of August 31, 2014 and May 31, 2014, respectively. In accordance with the applicable accounting guidance, the net assets were recorded at the lower of net book value or fair value less costs to sell as of May 31, 2014. As a result of changes in facts and circumstances related to the planned sale of PSM during the first quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company reassessed the fair value of this business and determined that an additional impairment charge of $1,950,000 was required for the three months ended August 31, 2014. Fair value was determined based on market prices for similar assets.
	At May 31, 2014, our assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis were categorized as follows:
	(in thousands)		Quoted Prices			Significant		Significant		Totals
			in Active			Other		Unobservable
			Markets			Observable		Inputs
			(Level 1)			Inputs		(Level 3)
						(Level 2)
	Assets
	Long-lived assets held for sale (1)		$	-		$	25,040	$	-	$	25,040
	Long-lived assets held and used (2)			-			7,034		-		7,034
	Total assets		$	-		$	32,074	$	-	$	32,074
	-1	During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, management committed to a plan to sell the Company’s 60%-owned consolidated joint venture in India, Worthington Nitin Cylinders. In accordance with the applicable accounting guidance, the net assets were recorded at the lower of net book value or fair value less costs to sell. As the fair value of the asset group, or $5,925,000, was lower than its net book value, an impairment charge of $18,959,000 was recognized within impairment of long-lived assets in our fiscal 2014 consolidated statement of earnings. The portion of this impairment loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest, or $7,583,000, was recorded within net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest in our fiscal 2014 consolidated statement of earnings.
	During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, management committed to plans to sell the Company’s stainless steel business, PSM. In accordance with the applicable accounting guidance, the net assets were recorded at the lower of net book value or fair value less costs to sell. As the fair value of the asset group, or $19,115,000, was lower than its net book value, an impairment charge of $7,141,000 was recognized within impairment of long-lived assets in our fiscal 2014 consolidated statement of earnings.
	-2	During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, we determined that indicators of impairment were present at the Company’s aluminum high-pressure cylinder business in New Albany, Mississippi, due to current and projected operating losses. Recoverability of the identified asset group was tested using future cash flow projections based on management’s long-range estimates of market conditions. The sum of these undiscounted future cash flows was less than the net book value of the asset group. In accordance with the applicable accounting guidance, the net assets were written down to their fair value of $7,034,000, resulting in an impairment charge of $1,412,000 within impairment of long-lived assets in our fiscal 2014 consolidated statement of earnings.
	The fair value of non-derivative financial instruments included in the carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, income taxes receivable, other assets, deferred income taxes, accounts payable, short-term borrowings, accrued compensation, contributions to employee benefit plans and related taxes, other accrued items, income taxes payable and other liabilities approximate carrying value due to their short-term nature. The fair value of long-term debt, including current maturities, based upon models utilizing market observable (Level 2) inputs and credit risk, was $688,671,000 and $674,488,000 at August 31, 2014 and May 31, 2014, respectively. The carrying amount of long-term debt, including current maturities, was $655,676,000 and $655,963,000 at August 31, 2014 and May 31, 2014, respectively.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Subsequent Events	'
	NOTE Q – Subsequent Events
	On September 26, 2014, our consolidated joint venture in Turkey, Worthington Aritas, executed a $32,344,000 five-year term loan credit facility denominated in Euros. At the time of closing we borrowed $17,060,000 against the facility, leaving $15,284,000 available for future borrowings. The facility bears interest at a variable rate based on EURIBOR. The applicable variable rate was 1.582% at September 26, 2014.

Basis_of_Presentation_Policies

Basis of Presentation (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Recently Issued Accounting Standards	'
	Recently Issued Accounting Standards
	In March 2013, amended accounting guidance was issued regarding the accounting for cumulative translation adjustment. The amended guidance specifies that a cumulative translation adjustment should be released from earnings when an entity ceases to have a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or a group of assets within a consolidated foreign entity and the sale or transfer results in the complete or substantially complete liquidation of the foreign entity. For sales of an equity method investment that is a foreign entity, a pro rata portion of the cumulative translation adjustment attributable to the investment would be recognized in earnings upon sale of the investment. The amended guidance is effective prospectively for annual reporting periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2013. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this amended accounting guidance on June 1, 2014 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
	In May 2014, amended accounting guidance was issued that replaces most existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP. The amended guidance requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The amended guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early application is not permitted. We are in the process of evaluating the effect this guidance will have on our consolidated financial position and results of operations. The amended guidance permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. We have not selected a transition method nor have we determined the effect of the amended guidance on our ongoing financial reporting.
Economic (Non-designated) Hedges	'
	Economic (Non-designated) Hedges
	We enter into foreign currency contracts to manage our foreign exchange exposure related to inter-company and financing transactions that do not meet the requirements for hedge accounting treatment. We also enter into certain commodity contracts that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment. Accordingly, these derivative instruments are adjusted to current market value at the end of each period through earnings.
Cash Flow Hedges	'
Cash Flow Hedges	'
	Cash Flow Hedges
	We enter into derivative instruments to hedge our exposure to changes in cash flows attributable to interest rate and commodity price fluctuations associated with certain forecasted transactions. These derivative instruments are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges. Accordingly, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instrument is reported as a component of other comprehensive income (“OCI”) and reclassified into earnings in the same financial statement caption associated with the forecasted transaction and in the same period during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instrument is recognized in earnings immediately.

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_1

Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Balance Sheet	'
Financial Information	'
	Combined financial information for our unconsolidated affiliates is summarized as follows:
	(in thousands)		August 31,		May 31,
			2014		2014
	Cash		$	54,254	$	52,997
	Receivable from partner (1)			14,195		12,717
	Other current assets			463,909		454,417
	Noncurrent assets			291,520		294,001
	Total assets		$	823,878	$	814,132
	Current liabilities		$	139,973	$	128,595
	Short-term borrowings			28,217		40,992
	Current maturities of long-term debt			4,435		4,510
	Long-term debt			267,232		268,350
	Other noncurrent liabilities			18,869		20,217
	Equity			365,152		351,468
	Total liabilities and equity		$	823,878	$	814,132
	-1	Represents cash owed from a joint venture partner as a result of centralized cash management.
Income Statement	'
Financial Information	'
			Three Months Ended
			August 31,
	(in thousands)		2014		2013
	Net sales		$	392,550	$	423,481
	Gross margin			88,751		89,814
	Operating income			63,479		64,540
	Depreciation and amortization			9,122		10,337
	Interest expense			2,162		2,223
	Income tax expense			2,753		3,030
	Net earnings			59,440		59,634

Restructuring_and_Other_Income1

Restructuring and Other Income (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Schedule of Progression of Liabilities Associated with Restructuring Activities, Combined with Reconciliation to Restructuring and Other Income	'
	A progression of the liabilities associated with our restructuring activities, combined with a reconciliation to the restructuring and other income financial statement caption in our consolidated statement of earnings for the three months ended August 31, 2014 is summarized as follows:
	(in thousands)	Beginning		Expense			Payments			Adjustments		Ending
		Balance		(Income)								Balance
	Early retirement and severance	$	6,495	$	(30	)	$	(2,334	)	$	30	$	4,161
	Facility exit and other costs		534		130			(634	)		213		243
		$	7,029		100		$	(2,968	)	$	243	$	4,404
	Less: joint venture transactions				(107	)
	Restructuring and other income			$	(7	)

Contingent_Liabilities_Tables

Contingent Liabilities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Total Proceeds Received related to Insurance Claims since Date of Loss	'
	Total proceeds received related to insurance claims since the date of loss have been as follows:
	(in thousands)
	Property and equipment	$	5,547
	Business interruption		3,747
	Other expenses		794
	Total insurance proceeds	$	10,088

Comprehensive_Income_Tables

Comprehensive Income (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Summary of Tax Effects of Each Component of Other Comprehensive Income or Loss	'
	The following table summarizes the tax effects on each component of other comprehensive loss for the three months ended August 31, 2014:
	(in thousands)	Before-Tax			Tax Expense			Net-of-Tax
		Amount						Amount
	Foreign currency translation	$	(9,592	)	$	-		$	(9,592	)
	Cash flow hedges		1,543			(582	)		961
	Other comprehensive loss	$	(8,049	)	$	(582	)	$	(8,631	)
	The following table summarizes the tax effects on each component of other comprehensive income for the three months ended August 31, 2013:
	(in thousands)	Before-Tax			Tax Expense			Net-of-Tax
		Amount						Amount
	Foreign currency translation	$	(486	)	$	-		$	(486	)
	Cash flow hedges		4,820			(1,469	)		3,351
	Other comprehensive income	$	4,334		$	(1,469	)	$	2,865

Changes_in_Equity_Tables

Changes in Equity (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Summary of Changes in Total Equity, Shareholders' Equity Attributable to Controlling Interest, and Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	'
	The following table provides a summary of the changes in total equity, shareholders’ equity attributable to controlling interest, and equity attributable to noncontrolling interest for the three months ended August 31, 2014:
			Controlling Interest
	(in thousands)		Additional			Cumulative			Retained			Total			Non-			Total
			Paid-in			Other			Earnings						controlling
			Capital			Comprehensive									Interest
						Loss,
						Net of Tax
	Balance at May 31, 2014		$	262,610		$	(3,581	)	$	591,783		$	850,812		$	94,070		$	944,882
	Net earnings			-			-			44,168			44,168			4,652			48,820
	Other comprehensive loss			-			(7,451	)		-			(7,451	)		(1,180	)		(8,631	)
	Common shares issued			(1,020	)		-			-			(1,020	)		-			(1,020	)
	Stock-based compensation			11,760			-			-			11,760			-			11,760
	Purchases and retirement of common shares			(1,922	)		-			(18,149	)		(20,071	)		-			(20,071	)
	Cash dividends declared			-			-			(12,329	)		(12,329	)		-			(12,329	)
	Dividend to noncontrolling interest			-			-			-			-			(4,677	)		(4,677	)
	Balance at August 31, 2014		$	271,428		$	(11,032	)	$	605,473		$	865,869		$	92,865		$	958,734
Components of Changes in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'
	The components of the changes in other comprehensive income (loss) were as follows:
	(in thousands)		Foreign			Pension			Cash			Accumulated
			Currency			Liability			Flow			Other
			Translation			Adjustment			Hedges			Comprehensive
												Loss
	Balance as of May 31, 2014		$	11,015		$	(11,265	)	$	(3,331	)	$	(3,581	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			(8,400	)		-			(413	)		(8,813	)
	Reclassification adjustments to income (a)			-			-			1,944			1,944
	Income taxes			-			-			(582	)		(582	)
	Balance as of August 31, 2014		$	2,615		$	(11,265	)	$	(2,382	)	$	(11,032	)
	(a)	The statement of earnings classification of amounts reclassified to income for cash flow hedges is disclosed in “NOTE O – Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.”

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Non-Qualified Stock Options	'
Assumptions to Value Stock Options	'
	The following assumptions were used to value these stock options:
	Dividend yield	1.88	%
	Expected volatility	50.92	%
	Risk-free interest rate	1.88	%
	Expected term (years)	6
Market-Based Restricted Common Shares	'
Assumptions to Value Stock Options	'
	The following assumptions were used to determine the grant-date fair value and the derived service period for these restricted common shares:
	Dividend yield	1.6	%
	Expected volatility	44	%
	Risk-free interest rate	1.7	%

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share	'
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three months ended August 31, 2014 and 2013:
		Three Months Ended
		August 31,
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)	2014		2013
	Numerator (basic & diluted):
	Net earnings attributable to controlling interest – income available to common shareholders	$	44,168	$	54,557
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic earnings per share attributable to controlling interest – weighted average common shares		67,567		69,601
	Effect of dilutive securities		2,171		2,482
	Denominator for diluted earnings per share attributable to controlling interest – adjusted weighted average common shares		69,738		72,083
	Basic earnings per share attributable to controlling interest	$	0.65	$	0.78
	Diluted earnings per share attributable to controlling interest	$	0.63	$	0.76

Segment_Operations_Tables

Segment Operations (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Financial Information for Reportable Segments	'
	Summarized financial information for our reportable segments is shown in the following table:
		Three Months Ended
		August 31,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013
	Net sales
	Steel Processing	$	552,331		$	402,441
	Pressure Cylinders		248,959			216,900
	Engineered Cabs		49,554			48,461
	Other		11,570			24,489
	Consolidated net sales	$	862,414		$	692,291
	Operating income (loss)
	Steel Processing	$	35,869		$	22,663
	Pressure Cylinders		19,606			19,454
	Engineered Cabs		(2,145	)		(304	)
	Other		(1,128	)		(3,175	)
	Consolidated operating income	$	52,202		$	38,638
	Restructuring and other expense (income)
	Steel Processing	$	(30	)	$	(4,762	)
	Pressure Cylinders		23			402
	Engineered Cabs		-			-
	Other		-			363
	Consolidated restructuring and other income	$	(7	)	$	(3,997	)
	Impairment of long-lived assets
	Steel Processing	$	1,950		$	4,641
	Pressure Cylinders		-			-
	Engineered Cabs		-			-
	Other		-			-
	Consolidated impairment of long-lived assets	$	1,950		$	4,641
	Joint venture transactions
	Steel Processing	$	-		$	-
	Pressure Cylinders		-			-
	Engineered Cabs		-			-
	Other		107			142
	Consolidated joint venture transactions	$	107		$	142
	(in thousands)	August 31,			May 31,
		2014			2014
	Total assets
	Steel Processing	$	896,069		$	850,748
	Pressure Cylinders		849,168			818,720
	Engineered Cabs		181,876			181,251
	Other		427,583			445,662
	Consolidated total assets	$	2,354,696		$	2,296,381

Acquisitions_Tables

Acquisitions (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
MEF	'
Schedule of Acquisition of Intangible Assets	'
	In connection with the acquisition of the net assets of MEF, we identified and valued the following identifiable intangible assets:
	(in thousands)			Useful Life
	Category	Amount		(Years)
	Technological know-how	$	5,100		10
	Customer relationships		4,300		7
	Non-compete agreements		2,400		4
	Backlog		1,800		Less than 1
	Total acquired identifiable intangible assets	$	13,600
Schedule of Consideration Transferred and Fair Value Assigned to Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed	'
	The following table summarizes the consideration transferred for the net assets of MEF and the fair value assigned to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date:
	(in thousands)
	Accounts receivable	$	3,329
	Inventories		3,550
	Intangible assets		13,600
	Property, plant and equipment		166
	Total identifiable assets		20,645
	Accounts payable		555
	Other accrued items		92
	Deferred revenue		4,808
	Net assets		15,190
	Goodwill		23,202
	Purchase price		38,392
	Less: estimated excess working capital		3,160
	Cash paid at closing	$	35,232
JRE	'
Schedule of Consideration Transferred and Fair Value Assigned to Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed	'
	The following table summarizes the consideration transferred for the net assets of JRE and the fair value assigned to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date:
	(in thousands)
	Cash	$	253
	Accounts receivable		509
	Inventories		2,793
	Prepaid expense and other current assets		40
	Property, plant and equipment		250
	Total identifiable assets		3,845
	Accounts payable		514
	Other accrued items		2,160
	Net identifiable assets		1,171
	Goodwill		400
	Total cash consideration	$	1,571

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed1

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Schedule of Fair Value of Derivative Instruments

'

The following table summarizes the fair value of our derivative instruments and the respective financial statement caption in which they were recorded in our consolidated balance sheet at August 31, 2014:

Asset Derivatives

Liability Derivatives

(in thousands)

Balance

Fair

Balance

Fair

Sheet

Value

Sheet

Value

Location

Location

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:

Interest rate contracts

Receivables

$

-

Accounts payable

$

2,100

Commodity contracts

Receivables

652

Accounts payable

-

Totals

$

652

$

2,100

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:

Commodity contracts

Receivables

$

1,306

Accounts payable

$

121

Foreign exchange contracts

Receivables

-

Accounts payable

9

Totals

$

1,306

$

130

Total Derivative Instruments

$

1,958

$

2,230

The following table summarizes the fair value of our derivative instruments and the respective line in which they were recorded in the consolidated balance sheet at May 31, 2014:

Asset Derivatives

Liability Derivatives

(in thousands)

Balance

Fair

Balance

Fair

Sheet

Value

Sheet

Value

Location

Location

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:

Interest rate contracts

Receivables

$

-

Accounts payable

$

4,180

Commodity contracts

Receivables

456

Accounts payable

Totals

$

456

$

4,180

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:

Commodity contracts

Receivables

$

796

Accounts payable

$

295

Foreign exchange contracts

Receivables

32

Accounts payable

-

Totals

$

828

$

295

Total Derivative Instruments

$

1,284

$

4,475

Schedule of Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedging Instruments

'

The following table summarizes the gain (loss) recognized in OCI and the gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated OCI into earnings for derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges during the three months ended August 31, 2014 and 2013:

(in thousands)

Gain (Loss)

Location of

Gain (Loss)

Location of

Gain (Loss)

Recognized

Gain (Loss)

Reclassified

Gain (Loss)

(Ineffective

in OCI

Reclassified

from

(Ineffective

Portion)

(Effective

from

Accumulated

Portion)

and Excluded

Portion)

Accumulated

OCI

and Excluded

from

OCI

(Effective

from

Effectiveness

(Effective

Portion)

Effectiveness

Testing

Portion)

Testing

For the three months ended August 31, 2014:

Interest rate contracts

$

-

Interest expense

$

(1,148

)

Interest expense

$

-

Commodity contracts

(413

)

Cost of goods sold

(796

)

Cost of goods sold

-

Totals

$

(413

)

$

(1,944

)

$

-

For the three months ended August 31, 2013:

Interest rate contracts

$

(203

)

Interest expense

$

(1,063

)

Interest expense

$

-

Commodity contracts

3,644

Cost of goods sold

(316

)

Cost of goods sold

-

Totals

$

3,441

$

(1,379

)

$

-

Schedule of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings for Economic (Non-Designated) Derivative Financial Instruments

'

The following table summarizes the gain (loss) recognized in earnings for economic (non-designated) derivative financial instruments during the three months ended August 31, 2014 and 2013:

Location of Gain (Loss)

Gain (Loss) Recognized

in Earnings for the

Three Months Ended

August 31,

(in thousands)

Recognized in Earnings

2014

2013

Commodity contracts

Cost of goods sold

$

(57

)

$

676

Foreign exchange contracts

Miscellaneous income (expense)

261

(5

)

Total

$

204

$

671

Cash Flow Hedges

'

Schedule of Summary of Derivative Hedges

'

The following table summarizes our cash flow hedges outstanding at August 31, 2014:

(in thousands)

Notional

Maturity Date

Amount

Commodity contracts

$

35,293

September 2014 - January 2016

Interest rate contracts

100,000

Dec-14

Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments

'

Schedule of Summary of Derivative Hedges

'

The following table summarizes our economic (non-designated) derivative instruments outstanding at August 31, 2014:

(in thousands)

Notional

Maturity Date(s)

Amount

Commodity contracts

$

30,932

September 2014 - December 2015

Foreign currency contracts

14,903

September 2014 - November 2014

Fair_Value_Tables

Fair Value (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Schedule of Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	'
	At August 31, 2014, our financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as follows:
	(in thousands)		Quoted Prices		Significant		Significant		Totals
			in Active		Other		Unobservable
			Markets		Observable		Inputs
			(Level 1)		Inputs		(Level 3)
					(Level 2)
	Assets
	Derivative contracts (1)		$	-	$	1,958	$	-	$	1,958
	Total assets		$	-	$	1,958	$	-	$	1,958
	Liabilities
	Derivative contracts (1)		$	-	$	2,230	$	-	$	2,230
	Contingent consideration obligation (2)			-		-		404		404
	Total liabilities		$	-	$	2,230	$	404	$	2,634
	At May 31, 2014, our financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as follows:
	(in thousands)		Quoted Prices		Significant		Significant		Totals
			in Active		Other		Unobservable
			Markets		Observable		Inputs
			(Level 1)		Inputs		(Level 3)
					(Level 2)
	Assets
	Derivative contracts (1)		$	-	$	1,284	$	-	$	1,284
	Total assets		$	-	$	1,284	$	-	$	1,284
	Liabilities
	Derivative contracts (1)		$	-	$	4,475	$	-	$	4,475
	Contingent consideration obligation (2)			-		-		404		404
	Total liabilities		$	-	$	4,475	$	404	$	4,879
	-1	The fair value of our derivative contracts is based on the present value of the expected future cash flows considering the risks involved, including non-performance risk, and using discount rates appropriate for the respective maturities. Market observable, Level 2 inputs are used to determine the present value of the expected future cash flows. Refer to “Note O – Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” for additional information regarding our use of derivative instruments.
	-2	The fair value of the contingent consideration obligation related to our January 24, 2014 acquisition of a 75% interest in Worthington Aritas is determined using a Monte Carlo simulation model based on management’s projections of future EBITDA levels. The contingent consideration arrangement requires the Company to pay $2,000,000 of additional consideration to the former owners if earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) exceed $5,000,000 during any 12 consecutive months during the first 14 month period following the closing date. The fair value measurement is based on significant inputs not observable in the market and thus represents a Level 3 measurement.
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Non-recurring Basis	'
	At August 31, 2014, our financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis were as follows:
	(in thousands)		Quoted Prices		Significant		Significant		Totals
			in Active		Other		Unobservable
			Markets		Observable		Inputs
			(Level 1)		Inputs		(Level 3)
					(Level 2)
	Assets
	Long-lived assets held for sale (1)		$	-	$	19,644	$	-	$	19,644
	Total assets		$	-	$	19,644	$	-	$	19,644
	-1	During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, management committed to a plan to sell the Company’s stainless steel business, PSM. As all of the criteria for classification as assets held for sale were met, the net assets of this business, which consist of net working capital and property, plant and equipment, have been presented separately as assets held for sale in our consolidated balance sheets as of August 31, 2014 and May 31, 2014, respectively. In accordance with the applicable accounting guidance, the net assets were recorded at the lower of net book value or fair value less costs to sell as of May 31, 2014. As a result of changes in facts and circumstances related to the planned sale of PSM during the first quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company reassessed the fair value of this business and determined that an additional impairment charge of $1,950,000 was required for the three months ended August 31, 2014. Fair value was determined based on market prices for similar assets.
	At May 31, 2014, our assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis were categorized as follows:
	(in thousands)		Quoted Prices		Significant		Significant		Totals
			in Active		Other		Unobservable
			Markets		Observable		Inputs
			(Level 1)		Inputs		(Level 3)
					(Level 2)
	Assets
	Long-lived assets held for sale (1)		$	-	$	25,040	$	-	$	25,040
	Long-lived assets held and used (2)			-		7,034		-		7,034
	Total assets		$	-	$	32,074	$	-	$	32,074
	-1	During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, management committed to a plan to sell the Company’s 60%-owned consolidated joint venture in India, Worthington Nitin Cylinders. In accordance with the applicable accounting guidance, the net assets were recorded at the lower of net book value or fair value less costs to sell. As the fair value of the asset group, or $5,925,000, was lower than its net book value, an impairment charge of $18,959,000 was recognized within impairment of long-lived assets in our fiscal 2014 consolidated statement of earnings. The portion of this impairment loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest, or $7,583,000, was recorded within net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest in our fiscal 2014 consolidated statement of earnings.
	During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, management committed to plans to sell the Company’s stainless steel business, PSM. In accordance with the applicable accounting guidance, the net assets were recorded at the lower of net book value or fair value less costs to sell. As the fair value of the asset group, or $19,115,000, was lower than its net book value, an impairment charge of $7,141,000 was recognized within impairment of long-lived assets in our fiscal 2014 consolidated statement of earnings.
	-2	During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, we determined that indicators of impairment were present at the Company’s aluminum high-pressure cylinder business in New Albany, Mississippi, due to current and projected operating losses. Recoverability of the identified asset group was tested using future cash flow projections based on management’s long-range estimates of market conditions. The sum of these undiscounted future cash flows was less than the net book value of the asset group. In accordance with the applicable accounting guidance, the net assets were written down to their fair value of $7,034,000, resulting in an impairment charge of $1,412,000 within impairment of long-lived assets in our fiscal 2014 consolidated statement of earnings.

Basis_of_Presentation_Addition

Basis of Presentation - Additional Information (Detail) (Joint Venture Transactions)	Aug. 31, 2014
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%

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_2

Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014
		WAVE	Joint Venture Transactions	Joint Venture Transactions	Joint Venture Transactions	Joint Venture Transactions	Joint Venture Transactions	Joint Venture Transactions	Joint Venture Transactions	Joint Venture Transactions
			TWB	WAVE	ArtiFlex	ClarkDietrich	Samuel Steel Pickling Company	Seviacero	Worthington Specialty Processing	Zhejiang Nisshin Worthington Precision Specialty Steel Co
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Percent of interest by unconsolidated affiliates	'	'	'	50.00%	50.00%	25.00%	31.25%	50.00%	51.00%	10.00%
Distributions from unconsolidated affiliates	$20,934,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cumulative distributions in excess of investment	'	$57,772,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Percentage of additional interest acquired by the company	'	'	10.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Schedule_of_Combined_Financial

Schedule of Combined Financial Information for Unconsolidated Affiliates (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014		Aug. 31, 2013	31-May-14
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]	'		'	'
Cash	$54,254		'	$52,997
Receivable from partner	14,195	[1]	'	12,717	[1]
Other current assets	463,909		'	454,417
Noncurrent assets	291,520		'	294,001
Total assets	823,878		'	814,132
Current liabilities	139,973		'	128,595
Short-term borrowings	28,217		'	40,992
Current maturities of long-term debt	4,435		'	4,510
Long-term debt	267,232		'	268,350
Other noncurrent liabilities	18,869		'	20,217
Equity	365,152		'	351,468
Total liabilities and equity	823,878		'	814,132
Net sales	392,550		423,481	'
Gross margin	88,751		89,814	'
Operating income	63,479		64,540	'
Depreciation and amortization	9,122		10,337	'
Interest expense	2,162		2,223	'
Income tax expense	2,753		3,030	'
Net earnings	$59,440		$59,634	'
[1]	Represents cash owed from a joint venture partner as a result of centralized cash management.

Impairment_of_LongLived_Assets1

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Asset Impairment Charges [Line Items]	'	'
Impairment of long-lived assets	$1,950	$4,641

Schedule_of_Progression_of_Lia

Schedule of Progression of Liabilities Associated with Restructuring Activities, Combined with Reconciliation to Restructuring and Other Income (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Beginning Balance	$7,029	'
Expense (Income)	100	'
Payments	-2,968	'
Adjustments	243	'
Ending Balance	4,404	'
Less: joint venture transactions	-107	-142
Restructuring and other expense (income)	-7	-3,997
Early Retirement And Severance	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Beginning Balance	6,495	'
Expense (Income)	-30	'
Payments	-2,334	'
Adjustments	30	'
Ending Balance	4,161	'
Facility Exit And Other Costs	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Beginning Balance	534	'
Expense (Income)	130	'
Payments	-634	'
Adjustments	213	'
Ending Balance	$243	'

Restructuring_and_Other_Expens

Restructuring and Other Expense (Income) - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2014
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Future payments for restructuring	$3,929,000

Total_Proceeds_Received_relate

Total Proceeds Received related to Insurance Claims since Date of Loss (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Unusual or Infrequent Item [Line Items]	'
Total insurance proceeds	$10,088,000
Property and equipment	'
Unusual or Infrequent Item [Line Items]	'
Total insurance proceeds	5,547,000
Business interruption	'
Unusual or Infrequent Item [Line Items]	'
Total insurance proceeds	3,747,000
Other expenses	'
Unusual or Infrequent Item [Line Items]	'
Total insurance proceeds	$794,000

Contingent_Liabilities_Additio

Contingent Liabilities - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]	'
Total insurance proceeds	$10,088,000
Business interruption	'
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]	'
Total insurance proceeds	3,747,000
Other expenses	'
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]	'
Total insurance proceeds	794,000
Manufacturing Expense | Business interruption	'
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]	'
Total insurance proceeds	879,000
Manufacturing Expense | Other expenses	'
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]	'
Total insurance proceeds	$50,000

Guarantees_Additional_Informat

Guarantees - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2014
Residual Value Guarantee	'
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'
Maximum potential obligation	$12,667,000
Guarantee Repayment	'
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'
Maximum potential obligation	$2,917,000

Debt_and_Receivables_Securitiz1

Debt and Receivables Securitization - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Debt And Receivables Securitization [Line Items]	'
Remaining borrowing capacity	$413,268,000
Worthington Aritas	'
Debt And Receivables Securitization [Line Items]	'
Maturity date	'2015-03
Borrowings outstanding	4,325,000
Debt, Interest rate	5.60%
Worthington Nitin Cylinders	'
Debt And Receivables Securitization [Line Items]	'
Maximum borrowing capacity	9,500,000
Maturity date	'2014-11
Borrowings outstanding	6,640,000
Applicable variable rate	6.85%
Securities Sold under Agreements to Repurchase	'
Debt And Receivables Securitization [Line Items]	'
Maximum borrowing capacity	100,000,000
Maturity date	'2015-01
Borrowings outstanding	0
Number of days past due trade accounts receivables are ineligible for securitization	'90 days
Financial Stand-By Letters Of Credit	'
Debt And Receivables Securitization [Line Items]	'
Outstanding stand-by letters of credit amount for third-party beneficiaries	13,716,000
Draws On Credit Facility	'
Debt And Receivables Securitization [Line Items]	'
Outstanding stand-by letters of credit amount for third-party beneficiaries	11,732,000
Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility	'
Debt And Receivables Securitization [Line Items]	'
Maximum borrowing capacity	425,000,000
Maturity date	'2017-05
Borrowings outstanding	$0
Applicable variable rate	1.23%
Maximum | Line of Credit	'
Debt And Receivables Securitization [Line Items]	'
Debt maturity period	'1 year

Summary_of_Tax_Effects_of_Each

Summary of Tax Effects of Each Component of Other Comprehensive Income or Loss (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Before-Tax	'	'
Foreign currency translation, before tax	($9,592)	($486)
Cash flow hedges, before tax	1,543	4,820
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	-8,049	4,334
Tax	'	'
Foreign currency translation, tax	0	0
Cash flow hedges, tax	-582	-1,469
Other comprehensive income (loss), tax	-582	-1,469
Net-of-tax	'	'
Foreign currency translation, net-of-tax	-9,592	-486
Cash flow hedges, net-of-tax	961	3,351
Other comprehensive income (loss), net-of-tax	($8,631)	$2,865

Summary_of_Changes_in_Total_Eq

Summary of Changes in Total Equity, Shareholders' Equity Attributable to Controlling Interest, and Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Beginning Balance	$944,882	'
Net earnings	48,820	56,353
Other comprehensive loss	-8,631	2,865
Common shares issued	-1,020	'
Stock-based compensation	11,760	'
Purchases and retirement of common shares	-20,071	'
Cash dividends declared	-12,329	'
Dividend to noncontrolling interest	-4,677	'
Ending Balance	958,734	'
Additional Paid-in Capital	'	'
Beginning Balance	262,610	'
Common shares issued	-1,020	'
Stock-based compensation	11,760	'
Purchases and retirement of common shares	-1,922	'
Ending Balance	271,428	'
Cumulative Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	'	'
Beginning Balance	-3,581	'
Other comprehensive loss	-7,451	'
Ending Balance	-11,032	'
Retained Earnings	'	'
Beginning Balance	591,783	'
Net earnings	44,168	'
Purchases and retirement of common shares	-18,149	'
Cash dividends declared	-12,329	'
Ending Balance	605,473	'
Parent	'	'
Beginning Balance	850,812	'
Net earnings	44,168	'
Other comprehensive loss	-7,451	'
Common shares issued	-1,020	'
Stock-based compensation	11,760	'
Purchases and retirement of common shares	-20,071	'
Cash dividends declared	-12,329	'
Ending Balance	865,869	'
Noncontrolling Interest	'	'
Beginning Balance	94,070	'
Net earnings	4,652	'
Other comprehensive loss	-1,180	'
Dividend to noncontrolling interest	-4,677	'
Ending Balance	$92,865	'

Components_of_Changes_in_Other

Components of Changes in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended						3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014		Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	31-May-14	Aug. 31, 2014
				Foreign Currency Translation	Pension Liability Adjustment	Pension Liability Adjustment	Cash Flow Hedges
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'		'	'	'	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, beginning balance	($3,581)		'	$11,015	($11,265)	($11,265)	($3,331)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-8,813		'	-8,400	'	'	-413
Reclassification adjustments to income	1,944	[1]	'	'	'	'	1,944	[1]
Income taxes	-582		-1,469	'	'	'	-582
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, ending balance	($11,032)		'	$2,615	($11,265)	($11,265)	($2,382)
[1]	The statement of earnings classification of amounts reclassified to income for cash flow hedges is disclosed in "NOTE O - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities."

StockBased_Compensation_Additi

Stock-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Non-Qualified Stock Options	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Non-qualified stock options, granted	96,200
Non-qualified stock option, per share price	$43.04
Non-qualified stock option, fair value, per share price	$17.96
Pre-tax stock-based compensation	$1,538,000
Pre-tax stock-based compensation, period of recognition	'3 years
Service-Based Restricted Common Shares	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Pre-tax stock-based compensation, period of recognition	'3 years
Performance share awards granted	108,725
Restricted common shares, fair value per share	$43.04
Pre-tax stock-based compensation	4,165,000
Market-Based Restricted Common Shares	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Performance share awards granted	50,000
Restricted common shares, fair value per share	$32.06
Pre-tax stock-based compensation	1,603,000
Number of employees who received restricted common shares	2
Common share awards vesting, minimum price per share	$60
Common share awards vesting, minimum consecutive days at stated price	'30 days
Service-based vesting condition period, years	'5 years
Performance Shares	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Pre-tax stock-based compensation, period of recognition	'3 years
Performance share awards granted	62,000
Pre-tax stock-based compensation	$2,648,000

Assumptions_To_Value_Stock_Opt

Assumptions To Value Stock Options (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Non-Qualified Stock Options	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Dividend yield	1.88%
Expected volatility	50.92%
Risk-free interest rate	1.88%
Expected term (years)	'6 years
Market-Based Restricted Common Shares	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Dividend yield	1.60%
Expected volatility	44.00%
Risk-free interest rate	1.70%

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'
Estimated annual effective income tax rate	32.80%	28.90%

Computation_of_Basic_and_Dilut

Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Numerator (basic & diluted):	'	'
Net earnings attributable to controlling interest - income available to common shareholders	$44,168	$54,557
Denominator:	'	'
Denominator for basic earnings per share attributable to controlling interest - weighted average common shares	67,567	69,601
Effect of dilutive securities	2,171	2,482
Denominator for diluted earnings per share attributable to controlling interest - adjusted weighted average common shares	69,738	72,083
Basic earnings per share attributable to controlling interest	$0.65	$0.78
Diluted earnings per share attributable to controlling interest	$0.63	$0.76

Earnings_Per_Share_Additional_

Earnings Per Share - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'
Stock options excluded from computation of diluted earnings per share	87,976

Financial_Information_for_Repo

Financial Information for Reportable Segments (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	31-May-14	31-May-13
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	$862,414	$692,291	'	'
Operating income (loss)	52,202	38,638	'	'
Restructuring and other expense (income)	-7	-3,997	'	'
Impairment of long-lived assets	1,950	4,641	'	'
Joint venture transactions	107	142	'	'
Total assets	2,354,696	'	2,296,381	2,296,381
Steel Processing	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	552,331	402,441	'	'
Operating income (loss)	35,869	22,663	'	'
Restructuring and other expense (income)	-30	-4,762	'	'
Impairment of long-lived assets	1,950	4,641	'	'
Total assets	896,069	'	'	850,748
Pressure Cylinders	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	248,959	216,900	'	'
Operating income (loss)	19,606	19,454	'	'
Restructuring and other expense (income)	23	402	'	'
Total assets	849,168	'	'	818,720
Engineered Cabs	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	49,554	48,461	'	'
Operating income (loss)	-2,145	-304	'	'
Total assets	181,876	'	'	181,251
Other	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	11,570	24,489	'	'
Operating income (loss)	-1,128	-3,175	'	'
Restructuring and other expense (income)	'	363	'	'
Joint venture transactions	107	142	'	'
Total assets	$427,583	'	'	$445,662

Acquisitions_Additional_Inform

Acquisitions - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
MEF	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Cash consideration for acquired entity	$35,232,000
Business acquisition, date of acquisition agreement	1-Aug-14
Acquisition related costs	273,000
JRE	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Cash consideration for acquired entity	$1,571,000
Business acquisition, date of acquisition agreement	31-Jul-14

Schedule_of_Acquisition_of_Int

Schedule of Acquisition of Intangible Assets (Detail) (MEF, USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Total acquired identifiable intangible assets	$13,600
Technological know-how	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Acquired finite lived intangible assets	5,100
Useful Life (Years)	'10 years
Customer relationships	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Acquired finite lived intangible assets	4,300
Useful Life (Years)	'7 years
Non-compete agreements	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Acquired finite lived intangible assets	2,400
Useful Life (Years)	'4 years
Backlog	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Acquired finite lived intangible assets	$1,800
Backlog | Maximum	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Useful Life (Years)	'1 year

Schedule_of_Consideration_Tran

Schedule of Consideration Transferred and Fair Value Assigned to Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed (Detail) (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2014	31-May-14	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified			MEF	JRE
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cash	'	'	'	$253
Accounts receivable	'	'	3,329	509
Inventories	'	'	3,550	2,793
Intangible assets	'	'	13,600	'
Prepaid expense and other current assets	'	'	'	40
Property, plant and equipment	'	'	166	250
Total identifiable assets	'	'	20,645	3,845
Accounts payable	'	'	555	514
Other accrued items	'	'	92	2,160
Deferred revenue	'	'	4,808	'
Net assets	'	'	15,190	1,171
Goodwill	269,357	251,093	23,202	400
Purchase price	'	'	38,392	'
Total cash consideration	'	'	'	1,571
Less: estimated excess working capital	'	'	3,160	'
Cash paid at closing	'	'	$35,232	$1,571

Schedule_of_Fair_Value_of_Deri

Schedule of Fair Value of Derivative Instruments (Detail) (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2014	31-May-14
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Asset Derivatives at Fair Value	$1,958	$1,284
Liability Derivatives at Fair Value	2,230	4,475
Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Asset Derivatives at Fair Value	652	456
Liability Derivatives at Fair Value	2,100	4,180
Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments | Interest Rate Contracts | Accounts Payable	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Liability Derivatives at Fair Value	2,100	4,180
Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments | Commodity Contracts | Receivables	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Asset Derivatives at Fair Value	652	456
Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Asset Derivatives at Fair Value	1,306	828
Liability Derivatives at Fair Value	130	295
Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments | Commodity Contracts | Accounts Payable	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Liability Derivatives at Fair Value	121	295
Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments | Commodity Contracts | Receivables	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Asset Derivatives at Fair Value	1,306	796
Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments | Foreign Exchange Contracts | Accounts Payable	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Liability Derivatives at Fair Value	9	'
Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments | Foreign Exchange Contracts | Receivables	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Asset Derivatives at Fair Value	'	$32

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed2

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	31-May-14
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]	'	'
Impact to fair value of derivative assets and liabilities as a result of recognition on a net basis	$333,000	$730,000
Losses in accumulated other comprehensive income expected to be reclassified into net earnings	-189,000	'
Losses in accumulated other comprehensive income expected to be reclassified into net earnings, tax	$114,000	'

Schedule_of_Summary_of_Derivat

Schedule of Summary of Derivative Hedges (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014
Cash Flow Hedges | Commodity Contracts	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'
Notional Amount	35,293
Cash Flow Hedges | Commodity Contracts | Minimum	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'
Maturity Date(s)	'2014-09
Cash Flow Hedges | Commodity Contracts | Maximum	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'
Maturity Date(s)	'2016-01
Cash Flow Hedges | Interest Rate Contracts	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'
Notional Amount	100,000
Maturity Date(s)	'2014-12
Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments | Commodity Contracts	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'
Notional Amount	30,932
Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments | Commodity Contracts | Minimum	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'
Maturity Date(s)	'2014-09
Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments | Commodity Contracts | Maximum	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'
Maturity Date(s)	'2015-12
Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments | Foreign Currency Contracts	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'
Notional Amount	14,903
Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments | Foreign Currency Contracts | Minimum	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'
Maturity Date(s)	'2014-09
Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments | Foreign Currency Contracts | Maximum	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'
Maturity Date(s)	'2014-11

Schedule_of_Derivatives_Design

Schedule of Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedging Instruments (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Income (Loss) Recognized in OCI (Effective Portion)	($413)	$3,441
Income (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI (Effective Portion)	-1,944	-1,379
Interest Rate Contracts	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Income (Loss) Recognized in OCI (Effective Portion)	'	-203
Interest Rate Contracts | Interest Expense	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Income (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI (Effective Portion)	-1,148	-1,063
Commodity Contracts	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Income (Loss) Recognized in OCI (Effective Portion)	-413	3,644
Commodity Contracts | Cost Of Goods Sold	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Income (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI (Effective Portion)	($796)	($316)

Schedule_of_Gain_Loss_Recogniz

Schedule of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings for Economic (Non-Designated) Derivative Financial Instruments (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings	$204	$671
Commodity Contracts | Cost Of Goods Sold	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings	-57	676
Foreign Exchange Contracts | Miscellaneous Income (Expense)	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings	$261	($5)

Schedule_of_Financial_Assets_A

Schedule of Financial Assets And Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2014		31-May-14
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Assets	$1,958		$1,284
Liabilities	2,634		4,879
Derivative Contracts	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Assets	1,958	[1]	1,284	[1]
Liabilities	2,230	[1]	4,475	[1]
Contingent consideration obligation	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Liabilities	404	[2]	404	[2]
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Assets	1,958		1,284
Liabilities	2,230		4,475
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Derivative Contracts	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Assets	1,958	[1]	1,284	[1]
Liabilities	2,230	[1]	4,475	[1]
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Liabilities	404		404
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Contingent consideration obligation	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Liabilities	$404	[2]	$404	[2]
[1]	The fair value of our derivative contracts is based on the present value of the expected future cash flows considering the risks involved, including non-performance risk, and using discount rates appropriate for the respective maturities. Market observable, Level 2 inputs are used to determine the present value of the expected future cash flows. Refer to "Note O - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" for additional information regarding our use of derivative instruments.
[2]	The fair value of the contingent consideration obligation related to our January 24, 2014 acquisition of a 75% interest in Worthington Aritas is determined using a Monte Carlo simulation model based on management's projections of future EBITDA levels. The contingent consideration arrangement requires the Company to pay $2,000,000 of additional consideration to the former owners if earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") exceed $5,000,000 during any 12 consecutive months during the first 14 month period following the closing date. The fair value measurement is based on significant inputs not observable in the market and thus represents a Level 3 measurement.

Schedule_of_Financial_Assets_A1

Schedule of Financial Assets And Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Parenthetical) (Detail) (Worthington Aritas, USD $)	Aug. 31, 2014
Worthington Aritas	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'
Percentage of additional interest acquired by the company	75.00%
Additional consideration to the former owners	$2,000,000
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization	$5,000,000

Assets_Measured_at_Fair_Value_

Assets Measured at Fair Value on Non-recurring Basis (Detail) (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2014		31-May-14
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'
Asset measured at fair value on nonrecurring basis	$19,644		$32,074
Long Lived Assets Held For Sale	'		'
Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'
Asset measured at fair value on nonrecurring basis	19,644	[1]	25,040	[2]
Long-lived assets held and used	'		'
Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'
Asset measured at fair value on nonrecurring basis	'		7,034	[3]
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'		'
Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'
Asset measured at fair value on nonrecurring basis	19,644		32,074
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Long Lived Assets Held For Sale	'		'
Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'
Asset measured at fair value on nonrecurring basis	19,644	[1]	25,040	[2]
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Long-lived assets held and used	'		'
Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'
Asset measured at fair value on nonrecurring basis	'		$7,034	[3]
[1]	During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, management committed to a plan to sell the Company's stainless steel business, PSM. As all of the criteria for classification as assets held for sale were met, the net assets of this business, which consist of net working capital and property, plant and equipment, have been presented separately as assets held for sale in our consolidated balance sheets as of August 31, 2014 and May 31, 2014, respectively. In accordance with the applicable accounting guidance, the net assets were recorded at the lower of net book value or fair value less costs to sell as of May 31, 2014. As a result of changes in facts and circumstances related to the planned sale of PSM during the first quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company reassessed the fair value of this business and determined that an additional impairment charge of $1,950,000 was required for the three months ended August 31, 2014. Fair value was determined based on market prices for similar assets.
[2]	During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, management committed to a plan to sell the Company's 60%-owned consolidated joint venture in India, Worthington Nitin Cylinders. In accordance with the applicable accounting guidance, the net assets were recorded at the lower of net book value or fair value less costs to sell. As the fair value of the asset group, or $5,925,000, was lower than its net book value, an impairment charge of $18,959,000 was recognized within impairment of long-lived assets in our fiscal 2014 consolidated statement of earnings. The portion of this impairment loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest, or $7,583,000, was recorded within net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest in our fiscal 2014 consolidated statement of earnings. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, management committed to plans to sell the Company's stainless steel business, PSM. In accordance with the applicable accounting guidance, the net assets were recorded at the lower of net book value or fair value less costs to sell. As the fair value of the asset group, or $19,115,000, was lower than its net book value, an impairment charge of $7,141,000 was recognized within impairment of long-lived assets in our fiscal 2014 consolidated statement of earnings.
[3]	During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, we determined that indicators of impairment were present at the Company's aluminum high-pressure cylinder business in New Albany, Mississippi, due to current and projected operating losses. Recoverability of the identified asset group was tested using future cash flow projections based on management's long-range estimates of market conditions. The sum of these undiscounted future cash flows was less than the net book value of the asset group. In accordance with the applicable accounting guidance, the net assets were written down to their fair value of $7,034,000, resulting in an impairment charge of $1,412,000 within impairment of long-lived assets in our fiscal 2014 consolidated statement of earnings.

Assets_Measured_at_Fair_Value_1

Assets Measured at Fair Value on Non-recurring Basis (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

31-May-14

Aug. 31, 2014

31-May-14

31-May-14

31-May-14

31-May-14

31-May-14

31-May-14

31-May-14

31-May-14

Worthington Nitin Cylinders

Worthington Nitin Cylinders

Worthington Nitin Cylinders

Global Group

Zhejiang Nisshin Worthington Precision Specialty Steel Co

Long-lived assets held and used

Long-lived assets held and used

Long-lived assets held and used

Long-lived assets held and used

Noncontrolling Interest

Worthington Nitin Cylinders

Global Group

Zhejiang Nisshin Worthington Precision Specialty Steel Co

Fair Value [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Impairment of long-lived assets

$1,950,000

$4,641,000

'

$1,950,000

$18,959,000

$7,583,000

$1,412,000

$7,141,000

'

'

'

'

Ownership interest in joint venture

'

'

'

'

60.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Asset measured at fair value on nonrecurring basis

19,644,000

'

32,074,000

'

'

'

'

'

7,034,000

[1]

5,925,000

7,034,000

'

Net asset

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$19,115,000

[1]

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, we determined that indicators of impairment were present at the Company's aluminum high-pressure cylinder business in New Albany, Mississippi, due to current and projected operating losses. Recoverability of the identified asset group was tested using future cash flow projections based on management's long-range estimates of market conditions. The sum of these undiscounted future cash flows was less than the net book value of the asset group. In accordance with the applicable accounting guidance, the net assets were written down to their fair value of $7,034,000, resulting in an impairment charge of $1,412,000 within impairment of long-lived assets in our fiscal 2014 consolidated statement of earnings.

Fair_Value_Measurements_Additi

Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2014	31-May-14
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term debt at fair value including current maturities	$688,671,000	$674,488,000
Long-term debt at carrying amount including current maturities	$655,676,000	$655,963,000

Subsequent_Events_Additional_I

Subsequent Events - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2014	Sep. 26, 2014	Sep. 26, 2014
		Subsequent Event	Subsequent Event
		Worthington Aritas	Worthington Aritas
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'	'
Term loan credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	'	'	$32,344,000
Term loan credit facility, term	'	'5 years	'
Borrowings outstanding	'	'	17,060,000
Term loan credit facility, available for future borrowings	$413,268,000	'	$15,284,000
Line of credit, variable rate	'	'	1.58%