Worthington Industries (WOR) 10-Q 9 Jan 15 2015 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	30-Nov-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Trading Symbol	WOR
Entity Registrant Name	WORTHINGTON INDUSTRIES INC
Entity Central Index Key	108516
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-26
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		68,029,037

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Nov. 30, 2014	31-May-14
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$96,537	$190,079
Receivables, less allowances of $2,997 and $3,043 at November 30, 2014 and May 31, 2014, respectively	491,687	493,127
Inventories:
Raw materials	236,126	213,173
Work in process	118,796	105,872
Finished products	99,853	90,957
Total inventories	454,775	410,002
Income taxes receivable	13,757	5,438
Assets held for sale	28,264	32,235
Deferred income taxes	23,064	24,272
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	46,310	43,769
Total current assets	1,154,394	1,198,922
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	194,686	179,113
Goodwill	283,418	251,093
Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $45,500 and $35,506 at November 30, 2014 and May 31, 2014	150,534	145,993
Other assets	22,450	22,399
Property, plant & equipment:
Land	15,238	15,260
Buildings and improvements	218,801	213,848
Machinery and equipment	853,219	848,889
Construction in progress	43,115	32,135
Total property, plant & equipment	1,130,373	1,110,132
Less: accumulated depreciation	628,464	611,271
Property, plant and equipment, net	501,909	498,861
Total assets	2,307,391	2,296,381
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	324,886	333,744
Short-term borrowings	10,769	10,362
Accrued compensation, contributions to employee benefit plans and related taxes	62,985	78,514
Dividends payable	13,010	11,044
Other accrued items	60,961	49,873
Income taxes payable	4,396	4,953
Current maturities of long-term debt	101,140	101,173
Total current liabilities	578,147	589,663
Other liabilities	62,297	76,426
Distributions in excess of investment in unconsolidated affiliate	59,576	59,287
Long-term debt	573,734	554,790
Deferred income taxes	62,629	71,333
Total liabilities	1,336,383	1,351,499
Shareholders' equity - controlling interest	872,502	850,812
Noncontrolling interest	98,506	94,070
Total equity	971,008	944,882
Total liabilities and equity	$2,307,391	$2,296,381

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Nov. 30, 2014	31-May-14
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Receivables, allowances	$2,997	$3,043
Other intangible assets, accumulated amortization	$45,500	$35,506

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_EAR

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013
Net sales	$871,012	$769,900	$1,733,426	$1,462,191
Cost of goods sold	745,789	641,668	1,478,696	1,222,995
Gross margin	125,223	128,232	254,730	239,196
Selling, general and administrative expense	77,308	78,395	152,563	149,935
Impairment of long-lived assets	14,235	30,734	16,185	35,375
Restructuring and other expense (income)	405	-1,182	398	-5,179
Joint venture transactions	83	786	190	928
Operating income	33,192	19,499	85,394	58,137
Other income (expense):
Miscellaneous income	1,220	2,472	1,543	13,409
Interest expense	-9,676	-6,258	-19,192	-12,498
Equity in net income of unconsolidated affiliates	22,319	21,086	50,243	48,037
Earnings before income taxes	47,055	36,799	117,988	107,085
Income tax expense	15,600	8,459	37,713	22,392
Net earnings	31,455	28,340	80,275	84,693
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest	1,993	5,363	6,645	7,159
Net earnings attributable to controlling interest	$29,462	$22,977	$73,630	$77,534
Basic
Average common shares outstanding	67,105	69,304	67,337	69,454
Earnings per share attributable to controlling interest	$0.44	$0.33	$1.09	$1.12
Diluted
Average common shares outstanding	69,181	71,826	69,780	72,089
Earnings per share attributable to controlling interest	$0.43	$0.32	$1.06	$1.08
Common shares outstanding at end of period	66,912	69,138	66,912	69,138
Cash dividends declared per share	$0.18	$0.15	$0.36	$0.30

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013
Net earnings	$31,455	$28,340	$80,275	$84,693
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation	-7,270	3,037	-16,862	2,551
Cash flow hedges, net of tax	-1,881	353	-920	3,704
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-9,151	3,390	-17,782	6,255
Comprehensive income	22,304	31,730	62,493	90,948
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	1,559	5,679	5,031	6,458
Comprehensive income attributable to controlling interest	$20,745	$26,051	$57,462	$84,490

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013
Operating activities
Net earnings	$31,455	$28,340	$80,275	$84,693
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	21,200	20,095	41,567	39,555
Impairment of long-lived assets	14,235	30,734	16,185	35,375
Provision for deferred income taxes	-5,492	-13,110	-6,027	-21,534
Bad debt expense (income)	143	185	-60	-296
Equity in net income of unconsolidated affiliates, net of distributions	-813	-3,506	-7,803	-9,421
Net loss (gain) on sale of assets and insurance	2,370	-7,188	-460	-11,850
Stock-based compensation	4,498	4,722	8,853	8,502
Excess tax benefits - stock-based compensation	-621	-1,534	-5,753	-5,832
Gain on previously held interest in TWB				-11,000
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of impact of acquisitions:
Receivables	-6,916	7,574	5,836	15,229
Inventories	16,087	-21,838	-35,130	-21,323
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-5,232	4,072	-8,104	1,707
Other assets	3,095	139	3,216	575
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	-72,095	-23,922	-30,205	16,700
Other liabilities	-505	4,556	-6,496	2,703
Net cash provided by operating activities	1,409	29,319	55,894	123,783
Investing activities
Investment in property, plant and equipment	-23,273	-17,060	-47,146	-30,414
Investment in notes receivable	-2,300		-7,300
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-14,543	276	-51,093	53,233
Distributions from (investments in) unconsolidated affiliates	129	3,668	-3,671	9,223
Proceeds from sale of assets and insurance	921	16,086	1,186	23,733
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities	-39,066	2,970	-108,024	55,775
Financing activities
Net proceeds from (repayments of) short-term borrowings	-196	-18,736	359	-70,277
Proceeds from long-term debt	20,480		20,480
Principal payments on long-term debt	-511	-285	-813	-569
Proceeds from (payments for) issuance of common shares	566	4,286	-454	6,487
Excess tax benefits - stock-based compensation	621	1,534	5,753	5,832
Payments to noncontrolling interest		-875	-2,867	-2,638
Repurchase of common shares	-21,549	-19,800	-41,620	-50,316
Dividends paid	-12,138	-10,407	-22,250	-10,407
Net cash used by financing activities	-12,727	-44,283	-41,412	-121,888
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-50,384	-11,994	-93,542	57,670
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	146,921	121,049	190,079	51,385
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$96,537	$109,055	$96,537	$109,055

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 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.
	dHybrid Systems, LLC (“dHybrid”), 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 79.59%, 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’ portions 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 and six months ended November 30, 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	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 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 $42,569,000 during the six months ended November 30, 2014. We have received cumulative distributions from WAVE in excess of our investment balance totaling $59,576,000 at November 30, 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. During the six months ended November 30, 2014, we received excess distributions from ClarkDietrich of $129,000.
	Combined financial information for our unconsolidated affiliates is summarized as follows:
	(in thousands)		November 30,		May 31,
			2014		2014
	Cash		$	53,333	$	52,997
	Receivable from member (1)			8,635		12,717
	Other current assets			470,266		454,417
	Noncurrent assets			290,261		294,001
	Total assets		$	822,495	$	814,132
	Current liabilities		$	156,959	$	128,595
	Short-term borrowings			16,178		40,992
	Current maturities of long-term debt			4,460		4,510
	Long-term debt			266,107		268,350
	Other noncurrent liabilities			18,664		20,217
	Equity			360,127		351,468
	Total liabilities and equity		$	822,495	$	814,132
			Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
			November 30,				November 30,
	(in thousands)		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Net sales		$	388,712	$	357,236	$	781,262	$	780,717
	Gross margin			76,193		76,068		164,945		165,882
	Operating income			49,864		51,532		113,343		116,072
	Depreciation and amortization			8,983		9,104		18,105		19,441
	Interest expense			2,173		2,233		4,335		4,456
	Income tax expense			2,799		2,862		5,552		5,892
	Net earnings			44,490		46,149		103,930		105,783
	-1	Represents cash owed from a joint venture member 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	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets	NOTE C – Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
	During the second quarter of fiscal 2015, 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, resulting in an impairment charge of $3,221,000 during the three months ended November 30, 2014.
	During the second quarter of fiscal 2015, management committed to a plan to sell certain non-core Engineered Cabs assets. As all of the criteria for classification as assets held for sale were met, the net assets of the business have been presented separately as assets held for sale in our consolidated balance sheet as of November 30, 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, resulting in an impairment charge of $2,389,000 during the three months ended November 30, 2014.
	During the second quarter of fiscal 2015, we determined that indicators of impairment were present at the Company’s military construction business. 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, resulting in an impairment charge of $1,179,000 during the three months ended November 30, 2014, which represents the remaining book value of the asset group.
	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. As all of the criteria for classification as assets held for sale were met, the net assets of the business were presented separately as assets held for sale in our consolidated balance sheet as of 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 Worthington Nitin Cylinders during the second quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company reassessed the fair value of the business and determined that the remaining book value should be written off resulting in an impairment charge of $6,346,000 during the three months ended November 30, 2014.
	During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, management committed to a plan to sell certain non-core Steel Processing assets. As all of the criteria for classification as assets held for sale were met, the net assets of the business have been presented separately as assets held for sale in our consolidated balance sheets as of November 30, 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, the Company reassessed the fair value of the business resulting in additional impairment charges totaling $3,050,000 during the six months ended November 30, 2014.

Restructuring_and_Other_Expens

Restructuring and Other Expense	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
Restructuring and Other Expense	NOTE D – Restructuring and Other Expense
	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. The Transformation teams will continue to monitor performance metrics and new processes instituted across our transformed operations and drive continuous improvements in all areas of our operations. The expenses related to these teams 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 expense financial statement caption in our consolidated statement of earnings for the six months ended November 30, 2014 is summarized as follows:
	(in thousands)	Beginning		Expense			Payments			Adjustments		Ending
		Balance		(Income)								Balance
	Early retirement and severance	$	6,495	$	(30	)	$	(3,852	)	$	30	$	2,643
	Facility exit and other costs		534		618			(932	)		210		430
		$	7,029		588		$	(4,784	)	$	240	$	3,073
	Less: joint venture transactions				(190	)
	Restructuring and other expense			$	398
	Approximately $2,753,000 of the total liability as of November 30, 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	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 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 incremental business interruption costs. 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.
	During the second quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company received proceeds of $1,089,000, representing advance payments for the replacement value of damaged equipment. These proceeds were in excess of the $243,000 remaining book value of the assets, resulting in a gain of $846,000 within miscellaneous income in our consolidated statement of earnings for the six months ended November 30, 2014.
	Total proceeds received related to insurance claims since the date of loss have been as follows:
	(in thousands)
	Property and equipment	$	6,780
	Business interruption		3,940
	Other expenses		1,001
	Total insurance proceeds	$	11,721
	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 $1,072,000 during the six months ended November 30, 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 $256,000 during the six months ended November 30, 2014.

Guarantees

Guarantees	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 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 November 30, 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 $12,395,000 at November 30, 2014. We have also guaranteed the repayment of a $2,500,000 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	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
Debt and Receivables Securitization	NOTE G – Debt and Receivables Securitization
	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. As of November 30, 2014, we had borrowed $19,745,000 against the facility, leaving $12,599,000 available for future borrowings. The facility bears interest at a variable rate based on EURIBOR. The applicable variable rate was 1.582% at November 30, 2014. On October 15, 2014, we entered into an interest rate swap to fix the interest rate on $19,406,000 of borrowings under this facility at 2.015% starting on December 26, 2014 thru September 26, 2019. Borrowings against the facility will be used for the construction of a new cryogenics manufacturing facility in Turkey.
	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 November 30, 2014. However, we provided $13,998,000 in stand-by letters of credit for third-party beneficiaries as of November 30, 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 November 30, 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.
	We also maintain a $100,000,000 revolving trade accounts receivable securitization facility (the “AR Facility”). The AR Facility has been available throughout fiscal 2015 to date, and was available throughout fiscal 2014. The AR Facility expires in January 2015; however, we are currently in the process of renewing this agreement and expect to renew this facility prior to its expiration. 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 November 30, 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 November 30, 2014 consisted of $4,095,000 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 $6,674,000 outstanding under a $9,500,000 credit facility maintained by our consolidated affiliate, Worthington Nitin Cylinders, that matured in November 2014 and bears interest at a variable rate. The applicable variable rate was 8.54% at November 30, 2014. The borrowings outstanding under the Nitin credit facility are currently in default. However, the lender has not called the note.

Comprehensive_Income

Comprehensive Income	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
Comprehensive Income	NOTE H – Comprehensive Income
	The following table summarizes the tax effects on each component of other comprehensive income (loss) for the three months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013:
		2014								2013
	(in thousands)	Before-Tax			Tax Benefit		Net-of-Tax			Before-Tax		Tax Expense			Net-of-Tax
		Amount					Amount			Amount					Amount
	Foreign currency translation	$	(7,270	)	$	-	$	(7,270	)	$	3,037		-		$	3,037
	Cash flow hedges		(2,973	)		1,092		(1,881	)		661		(308	)		353
	Other comprehensive income (loss)	$	(10,243	)	$	1,092	$	(9,151	)	$	3,698	$	(308	)	$	3,390
	The following table summarizes the tax effects on each component of other comprehensive income (loss) for the six months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013:
		2014								2013
	(in thousands)	Before-Tax			Tax Benefit		Net-of-Tax			Before-Tax		Tax Expense			Net-of-Tax
		Amount					Amount			Amount					Amount
	Foreign currency translation	$	(16,862	)	$	-	$	(16,862	)	$	2,551	$	-		$	2,551
	Cash flow hedges		(1,430	)		510		(920	)		5,481		(1,777	)		3,704
	Other comprehensive income (loss)	$	(18,292	)	$	510	$	(17,782	)	$	8,032	$	(1,777	)	$	6,255

Changes_in_Equity

Changes in Equity	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 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 six months ended November 30, 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			-			-			73,630			73,630			6,645			80,275
	Other comprehensive loss			-			(16,168	)		-			(16,168	)		(1,614	)		(17,782	)
	Common shares issued, net of withholding tax			(454	)		-			-			(454	)		-			(454	)
	Common shares in NQ plans			14,227			-			-			14,227			-			14,227
	Stock-based compensation			16,628			-			-			16,628			-			16,628
	Purchases and retirement of common shares			(4,350	)		-			(37,270	)		(41,620	)		-			(41,620	)
	Cash dividends declared			-			-			(24,553	)		(24,553	)		-			(24,553	)
	Acquisition of dHybrid Systems, LLC			-			-			-			-			4,082			4,082
	Dividend to noncontrolling interest			-			-			-			-			(4,677	)		(4,677	)
	Balance at November 30, 2014		$	288,661		$	(19,749	)	$	603,590		$	872,502		$	98,506		$	971,008
	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 loss before reclassifications			(15,237	)		-			(4,878	)		(20,115	)
	Reclassification adjustments to income (a)			-			-			3,437			3,437
	Income taxes			-			-			510			510
	Balance as of November 30, 2014		$	(4,222	)	$	(11,265	)	$	(4,262	)	$	(19,749	)
	(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	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
Stock-Based Compensation	NOTE J – Stock-Based Compensation
	Non-Qualified Stock Options
	During the six months ended November 30, 2014, we granted non-qualified stock options covering a total of 96,200 common shares under our stock-based compensation plans. The 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 six months ended November 30, 2014, we granted an aggregate of 231,515 service-based restricted common shares under our stock-based compensation plans. The fair values of these restricted common shares were equal to the weighted average closing market prices of the underlying common shares on the respective dates of grant, or $40.40 per share. The calculated pre-tax stock-based compensation expense for these restricted common shares, after an estimate for forfeitures, is $8,415,000 and will be recognized on a straight-line basis over the three-year service-based vesting period.
	Market-Based Restricted Common Shares
	During the six months ended November 30, 2014, we granted an aggregate of 50,000 restricted common shares to two key employees under one of 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 corporate 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 six months ended November 30, 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	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
Income Taxes	NOTE K – Income Taxes
	Income tax expense for the six months ended November 30, 2014 and November 30, 2013 reflected estimated annual effective income tax rates of 33.5% and 27.8%, 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, TWB, Worthington Aritas, WEI, dHybrid, and Worthington Nitin Cylinders consolidated joint ventures. The earnings attributable to the noncontrolling interest in Spartan, WEI, dHybrid and TWB’s U.S. operations do not generate tax expense to Worthington since the investors in Spartan, WEI, dHybrid, and TWB’s U.S. operations are taxed directly based on the earnings attributable to them. All of the tax expense of Worthington Aritas and Worthington Nitin Cylinders, both foreign corporations, is reported in our consolidated tax expense. Since the consolidation of TWB on July 31, 2013, all of 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 November 30, 2014.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share	NOTE L – Earnings Per Share
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to controlling interest for the three and six months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013:
		Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
		November 30,				November 30,
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)	2014		2013		2014		2013
	Numerator (basic & diluted):
	Net earnings attributable to controlling interest – income available to common shareholders	$	29,462	$	22,977	$	73,630	$	77,534
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic earnings per share attributable to controlling interest – weighted average common shares		67,105		69,304		67,337		69,454
	Effect of dilutive securities		2,076		2,522		2,443		2,635
	Denominator for diluted earnings per share attributable to controlling interest – adjusted weighted average common shares		69,181		71,826		69,780		72,089
	Basic earnings per share attributable to controlling interest	$	0.44	$	0.33	$	1.09	$	1.12
	Diluted earnings per share attributable to controlling interest	$	0.43	$	0.32	$	1.06	$	1.08
	Stock options covering 147,859 and 396 common shares for the three months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and 113,744 and 197 common shares for the six months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, have been excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share 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 respective periods.

Segment_Operations

Segment Operations	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
Segment Operations	NOTE M – Segment Operations
	Summarized financial information for our reportable segments is shown in the following table:
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		November 30,						November 30,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Net sales
	Steel Processing	$	552,756		$	492,134		$	1,105,087		$	894,575
	Pressure Cylinders		252,744			214,022			501,703			430,922
	Engineered Cabs		51,540			47,868			101,094			96,329
	Other		13,972			15,876			25,542			40,365
	Consolidated net sales	$	871,012		$	769,900		$	1,733,426		$	1,462,191
	Operating income (loss)
	Steel Processing	$	33,877		$	34,786		$	69,746		$	57,449
	Pressure Cylinders		9,580			8,275			29,186			27,729
	Engineered Cabs		(5,609	)		(20,892	)		(7,754	)		(21,196	)
	Other		(4,656	)		(2,670	)		(5,784	)		(5,845	)
	Consolidated operating income	$	33,192		$	19,499		$	85,394		$	58,137
	Restructuring and other expense (income)
	Steel Processing	$	-		$	-		$	(30	)	$	(4,762	)
	Pressure Cylinders		405			(1,849	)		428			(1,447	)
	Engineered Cabs		-			-			-			-
	Other		-			667			-			1,030
	Consolidated restructuring and other expense (income)	$	405		$	(1,182	)	$	398		$	(5,179	)
	Impairment of long-lived assets
	Steel Processing	$	1,100		$	-		$	3,050		$	4,641
	Pressure Cylinders		9,567			11,634			9,567			11,634
	Engineered Cabs		2,389			19,100			2,389			19,100
	Other		1,179			-			1,179			-
	Consolidated impairment of long-lived assets	$	14,235		$	30,734		$	16,185		$	35,375
	Joint venture transactions
	Steel Processing	$	-		$	-		$	-		$	-
	Pressure Cylinders		-			-			-			-
	Engineered Cabs		-			-			-			-
	Other		83			786			190			928
	Consolidated joint venture transactions	$	83		$	786		$	190		$	928
	(in thousands)	November 30,			May 31,
		2014			2014
	Total assets
	Steel Processing	$	875,269		$	850,748
	Pressure Cylinders		870,789			818,720
	Engineered Cabs		178,761			181,251
	Other		382,572			445,662
	Consolidated total assets	$	2,307,391		$	2,296,381

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
Acquisitions	NOTE N – Acquisitions
	dHybrid Systems, LLC
	On October 20, 2014, we acquired a 79.59% ownership interest in dHybrid, a leader in compressed natural gas (“CNG”) systems for large trucks. The remaining 20.41% was retained by a founding member. The total purchase price was $15,918,000, which includes contingent consideration with an estimated fair value of $3,979,000. The acquired business became part of our Pressure Cylinders operating segment upon closing.
	The contingent consideration arrangement requires the Company to pay $3,979,000 of additional consideration when cumulative net sales beginning January 1, 2013 reach $20,000,000 plus 50% of gross margin above certain thresholds in each of the five twelve-month periods following the closing date. We determined the acquisition-date fair value of the contingent consideration obligation using a probability weighted cash flow approach based on management’s projections of future sales and gross margin. Refer to “Note P – Fair Value Measurements” for additional information regarding the fair value measurement of the contingent consideration obligation.
	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 dHybrid, we identified and valued the following identifiable intangible assets:
	(in thousands)				Useful Life
	Category	Amount			(Years)
	Technological know-how	$	3,100			10
	Customer relationships		600			7
	Backlog		88			Less than 1
	Total acquired identifiable intangible assets	$	3,788
	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 our 79.59% interest in dHybrid and the fair value assigned to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date:
	(in thousands)
	Consideration Transferred:
	Cash consideration	$	11,939
	Fair value of contingent consideration		3,979
	Total consideration	$	15,918
	Estimated Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	795
	Accounts receivable		1,459
	Inventories		3,300
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		38
	Intangible assets		3,788
	Property, plant and equipment		396
	Total identifiable assets		9,776
	Accounts payable		(1,163	)
	Accrued liabilities		(160	)
	Long-term debt		(5,000	)
	Net identifiable assets		3,453
	Goodwill		16,547
	Net assets		20,000
	Noncontrolling interest		(4,082	)
	Total consideration	$	15,918
	Operating results of the acquired business have been included in our consolidated statements of earnings for the three and six months ended November 30, 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.
	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
	During the second quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company paid $3,399,000 to settle the final working capital. The Company incurred $273,000 of acquisition-related costs that were expensed within SG&A expense during the six months ended November 30, 2014. Operating results of the acquired business have been included in our consolidated statements of earnings for the three and six months ended November 30, 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 statements of earnings for the three and six months ended November 30, 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	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 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 November 30, 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			$	2,102
			Other assets				-				Other liabilities				183
							-								2,285
	Foreign exchange contracts		Receivables				106				Accounts payable				-
	Commodity contracts		Receivables				-				Accounts payable				3,444
	Totals					$	106							$	5,729
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Commodity contracts		Receivables			$	231				Accounts payable			$	595
	Totals					$	231							$	595
	Total Derivative Instruments					$	337							$	6,324
	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 $324,000 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 November 30, 2014:
	(in thousands)	Notional				Maturity Date
		Amount
	Commodity contracts	$	57,368			December 2014 - July 2016
	Interest rate contracts		120,000			December 2014 - September 2019
	Foreign currency contracts		11,168			December 2014 - June 2015
	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 November 30, 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 November 30, 2014:
	Interest rate contracts	$	-			Interest expense		$	(1,137	)			Interest expense			$	-
	Commodity contracts		(4,362	)		Cost of goods sold			(356	)			Cost of goods sold				-
	Foreign currency contracts		(103	)		Miscellaneous income			-				Miscellaneous income				-
	Totals	$	(4,465	)				$	(1,493	)						$	-
	For the three months ended November 30, 2013:
	Interest rate contracts	$	(181	)		Interest expense		$	(1,057	)			Interest expense			$	-
	Commodity contracts		(1,047	)		Cost of goods sold			(812	)			Cost of goods sold				-
Totals	$	(1,228	)				$	(1,869	)						$	-
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 six months ended November 30, 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 six months ended November 30, 2014:
Interest rate contracts	$	-			Interest expense		$	(2,285	)		Interest expense		$	-
Commodity contracts		(4,775	)		Cost of goods sold			(1,152	)		Cost of goods sold			-
Foreign currency contracts		(103	)		Miscellaneous income			-			Miscellaneous income			-
Totals	$	(4,878	)				$	(3,437	)				$	-
For the six months ended November 30, 2013:
Interest rate contracts	$	(384	)		Interest expense		$	(2,120	)		Interest expense		$	-
Commodity contracts		2,617			Cost of goods sold			(1,128	)		Cost of goods sold			-
Totals	$	2,233					$	(3,248	)				$	-
The estimated net amount of the losses recognized in accumulated OCI at November 30, 2014 expected to be reclassified into net earnings within the succeeding twelve months is $2,118,000 (net of tax of $1,251,000). This amount was computed using the fair value of the cash flow hedges at November 30, 2014, and will change before actual reclassification from OCI to net earnings during the fiscal years ending 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 November 30, 2014:
(in thousands)	Notional				Maturity Date(s)
	Amount
Commodity contracts	$	57,607			December 2014 - June 2016
The following table summarizes the loss recognized in earnings for economic (non-designated) derivative financial instruments during the three months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013:
	Location of Loss		Loss Recognized
			in Earnings for the
			Three Months Ended
			November 30,
(in thousands)	Recognized in Earnings		2014				2013
Commodity contracts	Cost of goods sold		$	(2,360	)		$	(394	)
Foreign currency contracts	Miscellaneous income (expense)			(218	)			-
Total			$	(2,578	)		$	(394	)
The following table summarizes the gain (loss) recognized in earnings for economic (non-designated) derivative financial instruments during the six months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013:
	Location of Gain (Loss)		Gain (Loss) Recognized
			in Earnings for the
			Six Months Ended
			November 30,
(in thousands)	Recognized in Earnings		2014				2013
Commodity contracts	Cost of goods sold		$	(2,417	)		$	282
Foreign currency contracts	Miscellaneous income (expense)			43				(5	)
Total			$	(2,374	)		$	277
The gain (loss) on the foreign currency derivatives significantly offsets the gain (loss) on the hedged item.

Fair_Value

Fair Value	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 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 November 30, 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)		$	-		$	337	$	-	$	337
	Total assets		$	-		$	337	$	-	$	337
	Liabilities
	Derivative contracts (1)		$	-		$	6,324	$	-	$	6,324
	Contingent consideration obligation (2)			-			-		3,979		3,979
	Total liabilities		$	-		$	6,324	$	3,979	$	10,303
	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 Company’s contingent consideration obligations is determined using a probability weighted cash flow approach based on management’s projections of future cash flows of the acquired businesses. The fair value measurements are based on significant inputs not observable in the market and thus represent Level 3 measurements.
	Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements
	At November 30, 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)		$	-		$	21,821	$	-	$	21,821
	Long-lived assets held and used (2)			-			3,750		-		3,750
	Total assets		$	-		$	25,571	$	-	$	25,571
	-1	During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, management committed to a plan to sell certain non-core Steel Processing assets. 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 November 30, 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 during fiscal 2015, the Company reassessed the fair value of this business and determined that additional impairment charges of $3,050,000 were required for the six months ended November 30, 2014. Fair value of $19,402,000 was determined based on market prices for similar assets.
	During the second quarter of fiscal 2015, management committed to a plan to sell certain non-core Engineered Cabs assets. As all of the criteria for classification as assets held for sale were met, the net assets of the business have been presented separately as assets held for sale in our consolidated balance sheets as of November 30, 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, resulting in an impairment charge of $2,389,000 during the three months ended November 30, 2014. Fair value of $2,419,000 was determined based on market prices for similar assets.
	-2	During the second quarter of fiscal 2015, 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 $3,750,000, resulting in an impairment charge of $3,221,000 during the three months ended November 30, 2014.
	During the second quarter of fiscal 2015, we determined that indicators of impairment were present at the Company’s military construction business. 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, resulting in an impairment charge of $1,179,000 during the three months ended November 30, 2014, which represents the remaining book value of the asset group.
	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. As all of the criteria for classification as assets held for sale were met, the net assets of the business were presented separately as assets held for sale in our consolidated balance sheet as of 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 Worthington Nitin Cylinders during the second quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company reassessed the fair value of the business and determined that the remaining book value should be written off resulting in an impairment charge of $6,346,000.
	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 certain non-core Steel Processing assets. 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, notes receivable, income taxes receivable, other assets, 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 $711,589,000 and $674,488,000 at November 30, 2014 and May 31, 2014, respectively. The carrying amount of long-term debt, including current maturities, was $674,874,000 and $655,963,000 at November 30, 2014 and May 31, 2014, respectively.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
Subsequent Events	NOTE Q – Subsequent Events
	At November 30, 2014, we had $100,000,000 aggregate amount of unsecured floating rate senior notes outstanding due on December 17, 2014. We repaid these notes during December 2014 using a combination of cash on hand and borrowings available under our revolving credit facilities.

Basis_of_Presentation_Policies

Basis of Presentation (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 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)	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
Balance Sheet
Financial Information	Combined financial information for our unconsolidated affiliates is summarized as follows:
	(in thousands)		November 30,		May 31,
			2014		2014
	Cash		$	53,333	$	52,997
	Receivable from member (1)			8,635		12,717
	Other current assets			470,266		454,417
	Noncurrent assets			290,261		294,001
	Total assets		$	822,495	$	814,132
	Current liabilities		$	156,959	$	128,595
	Short-term borrowings			16,178		40,992
	Current maturities of long-term debt			4,460		4,510
	Long-term debt			266,107		268,350
	Other noncurrent liabilities			18,664		20,217
	Equity			360,127		351,468
	Total liabilities and equity		$	822,495	$	814,132
	-1	Represents cash owed from a joint venture member as a result of centralized cash management.
Income Statement
Financial Information
			Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
			November 30,				November 30,
	(in thousands)		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Net sales		$	388,712	$	357,236	$	781,262	$	780,717
	Gross margin			76,193		76,068		164,945		165,882
	Operating income			49,864		51,532		113,343		116,072
	Depreciation and amortization			8,983		9,104		18,105		19,441
	Interest expense			2,173		2,233		4,335		4,456
	Income tax expense			2,799		2,862		5,552		5,892
	Net earnings			44,490		46,149		103,930		105,783

Restructuring_and_Other_Expens1

Restructuring and Other Expense (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
Schedule of Progression of Liabilities Associated with Restructuring Activities, Combined with Reconciliation to Restructuring and Other Expense	A progression of the liabilities associated with our restructuring activities, combined with a reconciliation to the restructuring and other expense financial statement caption in our consolidated statement of earnings for the six months ended November 30, 2014 is summarized as follows:
	(in thousands)	Beginning		Expense			Payments			Adjustments		Ending
		Balance		(Income)								Balance
	Early retirement and severance	$	6,495	$	(30	)	$	(3,852	)	$	30	$	2,643
	Facility exit and other costs		534		618			(932	)		210		430
		$	7,029		588		$	(4,784	)	$	240	$	3,073
	Less: joint venture transactions				(190	)
	Restructuring and other expense			$	398

Contingent_Liabilities_Tables

Contingent Liabilities (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 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	$	6,780
	Business interruption		3,940
	Other expenses		1,001
	Total insurance proceeds	$	11,721

Comprehensive_Income_Tables

Comprehensive Income (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
Summary of Tax Effects of Each Component of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The following table summarizes the tax effects on each component of other comprehensive income (loss) for the three months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013:
		2014								2013
	(in thousands)	Before-Tax			Tax Benefit		Net-of-Tax			Before-Tax		Tax Expense			Net-of-Tax
		Amount					Amount			Amount					Amount
	Foreign currency translation	$	(7,270	)	$	-	$	(7,270	)	$	3,037		-		$	3,037
	Cash flow hedges		(2,973	)		1,092		(1,881	)		661		(308	)		353
	Other comprehensive income (loss)	$	(10,243	)	$	1,092	$	(9,151	)	$	3,698	$	(308	)	$	3,390
	The following table summarizes the tax effects on each component of other comprehensive income (loss) for the six months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013:
		2014								2013
	(in thousands)	Before-Tax			Tax Benefit		Net-of-Tax			Before-Tax		Tax Expense			Net-of-Tax
		Amount					Amount			Amount					Amount
	Foreign currency translation	$	(16,862	)	$	-	$	(16,862	)	$	2,551	$	-		$	2,551
	Cash flow hedges		(1,430	)		510		(920	)		5,481		(1,777	)		3,704
	Other comprehensive income (loss)	$	(18,292	)	$	510	$	(17,782	)	$	8,032	$	(1,777	)	$	6,255

Changes_in_Equity_Tables

Changes in Equity (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 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 six months ended November 30, 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			-			-			73,630			73,630			6,645			80,275
	Other comprehensive loss			-			(16,168	)		-			(16,168	)		(1,614	)		(17,782	)
	Common shares issued, net of withholding tax			(454	)		-			-			(454	)		-			(454	)
	Common shares in NQ plans			14,227			-			-			14,227			-			14,227
	Stock-based compensation			16,628			-			-			16,628			-			16,628
	Purchases and retirement of common shares			(4,350	)		-			(37,270	)		(41,620	)		-			(41,620	)
	Cash dividends declared			-			-			(24,553	)		(24,553	)		-			(24,553	)
	Acquisition of dHybrid Systems, LLC			-			-			-			-			4,082			4,082
	Dividend to noncontrolling interest			-			-			-			-			(4,677	)		(4,677	)
	Balance at November 30, 2014		$	288,661		$	(19,749	)	$	603,590		$	872,502		$	98,506		$	971,008
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 loss before reclassifications			(15,237	)		-			(4,878	)		(20,115	)
	Reclassification adjustments to income (a)			-			-			3,437			3,437
	Income taxes			-			-			510			510
	Balance as of November 30, 2014		$	(4,222	)	$	(11,265	)	$	(4,262	)	$	(19,749	)
	(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)	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 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)	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share Attributable to Controlling Interest	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to controlling interest for the three and six months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013:
		Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
		November 30,				November 30,
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)	2014		2013		2014		2013
	Numerator (basic & diluted):
	Net earnings attributable to controlling interest – income available to common shareholders	$	29,462	$	22,977	$	73,630	$	77,534
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic earnings per share attributable to controlling interest – weighted average common shares		67,105		69,304		67,337		69,454
	Effect of dilutive securities		2,076		2,522		2,443		2,635
	Denominator for diluted earnings per share attributable to controlling interest – adjusted weighted average common shares		69,181		71,826		69,780		72,089
	Basic earnings per share attributable to controlling interest	$	0.44	$	0.33	$	1.09	$	1.12
	Diluted earnings per share attributable to controlling interest	$	0.43	$	0.32	$	1.06	$	1.08

Segment_Operations_Tables

Segment Operations (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
Financial Information for Reportable Segments	Summarized financial information for our reportable segments is shown in the following table:
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		November 30,						November 30,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Net sales
	Steel Processing	$	552,756		$	492,134		$	1,105,087		$	894,575
	Pressure Cylinders		252,744			214,022			501,703			430,922
	Engineered Cabs		51,540			47,868			101,094			96,329
	Other		13,972			15,876			25,542			40,365
	Consolidated net sales	$	871,012		$	769,900		$	1,733,426		$	1,462,191
	Operating income (loss)
	Steel Processing	$	33,877		$	34,786		$	69,746		$	57,449
	Pressure Cylinders		9,580			8,275			29,186			27,729
	Engineered Cabs		(5,609	)		(20,892	)		(7,754	)		(21,196	)
	Other		(4,656	)		(2,670	)		(5,784	)		(5,845	)
	Consolidated operating income	$	33,192		$	19,499		$	85,394		$	58,137
	Restructuring and other expense (income)
	Steel Processing	$	-		$	-		$	(30	)	$	(4,762	)
	Pressure Cylinders		405			(1,849	)		428			(1,447	)
	Engineered Cabs		-			-			-			-
	Other		-			667			-			1,030
	Consolidated restructuring and other expense (income)	$	405		$	(1,182	)	$	398		$	(5,179	)
	Impairment of long-lived assets
	Steel Processing	$	1,100		$	-		$	3,050		$	4,641
	Pressure Cylinders		9,567			11,634			9,567			11,634
	Engineered Cabs		2,389			19,100			2,389			19,100
	Other		1,179			-			1,179			-
	Consolidated impairment of long-lived assets	$	14,235		$	30,734		$	16,185		$	35,375
	Joint venture transactions
	Steel Processing	$	-		$	-		$	-		$	-
	Pressure Cylinders		-			-			-			-
	Engineered Cabs		-			-			-			-
	Other		83			786			190			928
	Consolidated joint venture transactions	$	83		$	786		$	190		$	928
	(in thousands)	November 30,			May 31,
		2014			2014
	Total assets
	Steel Processing	$	875,269		$	850,748
	Pressure Cylinders		870,789			818,720
	Engineered Cabs		178,761			181,251
	Other		382,572			445,662
	Consolidated total assets	$	2,307,391		$	2,296,381

Acquisitions_Tables

Acquisitions (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
DHybrid Systems Llc
Schedule of Acquisition of Intangible Assets	In connection with the acquisition of the net assets of dHybrid, we identified and valued the following identifiable intangible assets:
	(in thousands)				Useful Life
	Category	Amount			(Years)
	Technological know-how	$	3,100			10
	Customer relationships		600			7
	Backlog		88			Less than 1
	Total acquired identifiable intangible assets	$	3,788
Schedule of Consideration Transferred and Fair Value Assigned to Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed	The following table summarizes the consideration transferred for our 79.59% interest in dHybrid and the fair value assigned to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date:
	(in thousands)
	Consideration Transferred:
	Cash consideration	$	11,939
	Fair value of contingent consideration		3,979
	Total consideration	$	15,918
	Estimated Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	795
	Accounts receivable		1,459
	Inventories		3,300
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		38
	Intangible assets		3,788
	Property, plant and equipment		396
	Total identifiable assets		9,776
	Accounts payable		(1,163	)
	Accrued liabilities		(160	)
	Long-term debt		(5,000	)
	Net identifiable assets		3,453
	Goodwill		16,547
	Net assets		20,000
	Noncontrolling interest		(4,082	)
	Total consideration	$	15,918
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)	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 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 November 30, 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			$	2,102
			Other assets				-				Other liabilities				183
							-								2,285
	Foreign exchange contracts		Receivables				106				Accounts payable				-
	Commodity contracts		Receivables				-				Accounts payable				3,444
	Totals					$	106							$	5,729
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Commodity contracts		Receivables			$	231				Accounts payable			$	595
	Totals					$	231							$	595
	Total Derivative Instruments					$	337							$	6,324
	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 $324,000 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
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 November 30, 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 November 30, 2014:
	Interest rate contracts	$	-			Interest expense		$	(1,137	)			Interest expense			$	-
	Commodity contracts		(4,362	)		Cost of goods sold			(356	)			Cost of goods sold				-
	Foreign currency contracts		(103	)		Miscellaneous income			-				Miscellaneous income				-
	Totals	$	(4,465	)				$	(1,493	)						$	-
	For the three months ended November 30, 2013:
	Interest rate contracts	$	(181	)		Interest expense		$	(1,057	)			Interest expense			$	-
	Commodity contracts		(1,047	)		Cost of goods sold			(812	)			Cost of goods sold				-
	Totals	$	(1,228	)				$	(1,869	)						$	-
	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 six months ended November 30, 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 six months ended November 30, 2014:
	Interest rate contracts	$	-			Interest expense		$	(2,285	)		Interest expense		$	-
	Commodity contracts		(4,775	)		Cost of goods sold			(1,152	)		Cost of goods sold			-
	Foreign currency contracts		(103	)		Miscellaneous income			-			Miscellaneous income			-
	Totals	$	(4,878	)				$	(3,437	)				$	-
	For the six months ended November 30, 2013:
	Interest rate contracts	$	(384	)		Interest expense		$	(2,120	)		Interest expense		$	-
	Commodity contracts		2,617			Cost of goods sold			(1,128	)		Cost of goods sold			-
	Totals	$	2,233					$	(3,248	)				$	-
Schedule of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings for Economic (Non-Designated) Derivative Financial Instruments	The following table summarizes the loss recognized in earnings for economic (non-designated) derivative financial instruments during the three months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013:
		Location of Loss		Loss Recognized
				in Earnings for the
				Three Months Ended
				November 30,
	(in thousands)	Recognized in Earnings		2014				2013
	Commodity contracts	Cost of goods sold		$	(2,360	)		$	(394	)
	Foreign currency contracts	Miscellaneous income (expense)			(218	)			-
	Total			$	(2,578	)		$	(394	)
	The following table summarizes the gain (loss) recognized in earnings for economic (non-designated) derivative financial instruments during the six months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013:
		Location of Gain (Loss)		Gain (Loss) Recognized
				in Earnings for the
				Six Months Ended
				November 30,
	(in thousands)	Recognized in Earnings		2014				2013
	Commodity contracts	Cost of goods sold		$	(2,417	)		$	282
	Foreign currency contracts	Miscellaneous income (expense)			43				(5	)
	Total			$	(2,374	)		$	277
Cash Flow Hedges
Schedule of Summary of Derivative Hedges	The following table summarizes our cash flow hedges outstanding at November 30, 2014:
	(in thousands)	Notional				Maturity Date
		Amount
	Commodity contracts	$	57,368			December 2014 - July 2016
	Interest rate contracts		120,000			December 2014 - September 2019
	Foreign currency contracts		11,168			December 2014 - June 2015
Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments
Schedule of Summary of Derivative Hedges	The following table summarizes our economic (non-designated) derivative instruments outstanding at November 30, 2014:
	(in thousands)	Notional				Maturity Date(s)
		Amount
	Commodity contracts	$	57,607			December 2014 - June 2016

Fair_Value_Tables

Fair Value (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
Schedule of Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	At November 30, 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)		$	-	$	337	$	-	$	337
	Total assets		$	-	$	337	$	-	$	337
	Liabilities
	Derivative contracts (1)		$	-	$	6,324	$	-	$	6,324
	Contingent consideration obligation (2)			-		-		3,979		3,979
	Total liabilities		$	-	$	6,324	$	3,979	$	10,303
	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 Company’s contingent consideration obligations is determined using a probability weighted cash flow approach based on management’s projections of future cash flows of the acquired businesses. The fair value measurements are based on significant inputs not observable in the market and thus represent Level 3 measurements.
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Non-recurring Basis	At November 30, 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)		$	-	$	21,821	$	-	$	21,821
	Long-lived assets held and used (2)			-		3,750		-		3,750
	Total assets		$	-	$	25,571	$	-	$	25,571
	-1	During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, management committed to a plan to sell certain non-core Steel Processing assets. 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 November 30, 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 during fiscal 2015, the Company reassessed the fair value of this business and determined that additional impairment charges of $3,050,000 were required for the six months ended November 30, 2014. Fair value of $19,402,000 was determined based on market prices for similar assets.
	During the second quarter of fiscal 2015, management committed to a plan to sell certain non-core Engineered Cabs assets. As all of the criteria for classification as assets held for sale were met, the net assets of the business have been presented separately as assets held for sale in our consolidated balance sheets as of November 30, 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, resulting in an impairment charge of $2,389,000 during the three months ended November 30, 2014. Fair value of $2,419,000 was determined based on market prices for similar assets.
	-2	During the second quarter of fiscal 2015, 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 $3,750,000, resulting in an impairment charge of $3,221,000 during the three months ended November 30, 2014.
	During the second quarter of fiscal 2015, we determined that indicators of impairment were present at the Company’s military construction business. 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, resulting in an impairment charge of $1,179,000 during the three months ended November 30, 2014, which represents the remaining book value of the asset group.
	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. As all of the criteria for classification as assets held for sale were met, the net assets of the business were presented separately as assets held for sale in our consolidated balance sheet as of 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 Worthington Nitin Cylinders during the second quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company reassessed the fair value of the business and determined that the remaining book value should be written off resulting in an impairment charge of $6,346,000.
	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 certain non-core Steel Processing assets. 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)	Nov. 30, 2014	31-May-14
DHybrid Systems Llc
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]
Percent of controlling interest by the Company	79.59%
Spartan
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]
Percent of controlling interest by the Company	52.00%
TWB
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]
Percent of controlling interest by the Company	55.00%
Worthington Aritas
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]
Percent of controlling interest by the Company	75.00%
WEI
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]
Percent of controlling interest by the Company	75.00%
Worthington Nitin Cylinders
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]
Percent of controlling interest by the Company	60.00%	60.00%

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_2

Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Distributions from unconsolidated affiliates			$42,569,000
Distributions from (investments in) unconsolidated affiliates	129,000	3,668,000	-3,671,000	9,223,000
ClarkDietrich
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Distributions from (investments in) unconsolidated affiliates			129,000
WAVE
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Cumulative distributions in excess of investment			$59,576,000
Joint Venture Transactions | TWB
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Percentage of additional interest acquired by the company					10.00%
Joint Venture Transactions | ArtiFlex
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Percent of interest by unconsolidated affiliates	50.00%		50.00%
Joint Venture Transactions | ClarkDietrich
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Percent of interest by unconsolidated affiliates	25.00%		25.00%
Joint Venture Transactions | Samuel Steel Pickling Company
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Percent of interest by unconsolidated affiliates	31.25%		31.25%
Joint Venture Transactions | Seviacero
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Percent of interest by unconsolidated affiliates	50.00%		50.00%
Joint Venture Transactions | WAVE
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Percent of interest by unconsolidated affiliates	50.00%		50.00%
Joint Venture Transactions | Worthington Specialty Processing
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Percent of interest by unconsolidated affiliates	51.00%		51.00%
Joint Venture Transactions | Zhejiang Nisshin Worthington Precision Specialty Steel Co
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Percent of interest by unconsolidated affiliates	10.00%		10.00%

Schedule_of_Combined_Financial

Schedule of Combined Financial Information for Unconsolidated Affiliates (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014		Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2014		Nov. 30, 2013	31-May-14
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Cash	$53,333			$53,333			$52,997
Receivable from member	8,635	[1]		8,635	[1]		12,717	[1]
Other current assets	470,266			470,266			454,417
Noncurrent assets	290,261			290,261			294,001
Total assets	822,495			822,495			814,132
Current liabilities	156,959			156,959			128,595
Short-term borrowings	16,178			16,178			40,992
Current maturities of long-term debt	4,460			4,460			4,510
Long-term debt	266,107			266,107			268,350
Other noncurrent liabilities	18,664			18,664			20,217
Equity	360,127			360,127			351,468
Total liabilities and equity	822,495			822,495			814,132
Net sales	388,712		357,236	781,262		780,717
Gross margin	76,193		76,068	164,945		165,882
Operating income	49,864		51,532	113,343		116,072
Depreciation and amortization	8,983		9,104	18,105		19,441
Interest expense	2,173		2,233	4,335		4,456
Income tax expense	2,799		2,862	5,552		5,892
Net earnings	$44,490		$46,149	$103,930		$105,783
[1]	Represents cash owed from a joint venture member as a result of centralized cash management.

Impairment_of_LongLived_Assets1

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	31-May-14
Asset Impairment Charges [Line Items]
Impairment of long-lived assets	$14,235	$30,734	$16,185	$35,375
Worthington Nitin Cylinders
Asset Impairment Charges [Line Items]
Impairment of long-lived assets					18,959
Joint Venture Transactions | Worthington Nitin Cylinders
Asset Impairment Charges [Line Items]
Impairment of long-lived assets	6,346
Percent of controlling interest by the Company	60.00%		60.00%		60.00%
Non Core Steel Processing Assets
Asset Impairment Charges [Line Items]
Impairment of long-lived assets			3,050
Aluminium High Pressure Cylinder Business
Asset Impairment Charges [Line Items]
Impairment of long-lived assets	3,221
Engineered Cabs
Asset Impairment Charges [Line Items]
Impairment of long-lived assets	2,389
Military Construction Business
Asset Impairment Charges [Line Items]
Impairment of long-lived assets	$1,179

Schedule_of_Progression_of_Lia

Schedule of Progression of Liabilities Associated with Restructuring Activities, Combined with Reconciliation to Restructuring and Other Expense (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			$7,029
Expense (Income)			588
Payments			-4,784
Adjustments			240
Ending Balance	3,073		3,073
Less: joint venture transactions	-83	-786	-190	-928
Restructuring and other expense	405	-1,182	398	-5,179
Early Retirement And Severance
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			6,495
Expense (Income)			-30
Payments			-3,852
Adjustments			30
Ending Balance	2,643		2,643
Facility Exit And Other Costs
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			534
Expense (Income)			618
Payments			-932
Adjustments			210
Ending Balance	$430		$430

Restructuring_and_Other_Expens2

Restructuring and Other Expense - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Nov. 30, 2014
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Future payments for restructuring	$2,753,000

Contingent_Liabilities_Additio

Contingent Liabilities - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2014
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]
Insurance proceeds for replacement value of damaged property and equipment	$1,089,000	$11,721,000
Book value of assets		243,000
Gain on damaged property and equipment		846,000
Business interruption
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]
Insurance proceeds for replacement value of damaged property and equipment		3,940,000
Other expenses
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]
Insurance proceeds for replacement value of damaged property and equipment		1,001,000
Manufacturing Expense | Business interruption
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]
Insurance proceeds for replacement value of damaged property and equipment		1,072,000
Manufacturing Expense | Other expenses
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]
Insurance proceeds for replacement value of damaged property and equipment		$256,000

Total_Proceeds_Received_relate

Total Proceeds Received related to Insurance Claims since Date of Loss (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2014
Unusual or Infrequent Item [Line Items]
Total insurance proceeds	$1,089,000	$11,721,000
Property and equipment
Unusual or Infrequent Item [Line Items]
Total insurance proceeds		6,780,000
Business interruption
Unusual or Infrequent Item [Line Items]
Total insurance proceeds		3,940,000
Other expenses
Unusual or Infrequent Item [Line Items]
Total insurance proceeds		$1,001,000

Guarantees_Additional_Informat

Guarantees - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Nov. 30, 2014
Residual Value Guarantee
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Maximum potential obligation	$12,395,000
Guarantee Repayment
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Maximum potential obligation	$2,500,000

Debt_and_Receivables_Securitiz1

Debt and Receivables Securitization - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
	Oct. 15, 2014	Nov. 30, 2014	Sep. 26, 2014
Debt And Receivables Securitization [Line Items]
Remaining borrowing capacity		$413,268,000
Interest Rate Swap
Debt And Receivables Securitization [Line Items]
Borrowings outstanding	19,406,000
Interest rate swap, interest rate	2.02%
Interest rate swap, start date	26-Dec-14
Interest rate swap, maturity date	26-Sep-19
Worthington Aritas
Debt And Receivables Securitization [Line Items]
Borrowings outstanding		4,095,000
Maturity date		2015-03
Debt, Interest rate		5.60%
Worthington Nitin Cylinders
Debt And Receivables Securitization [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity		9,500,000
Borrowings outstanding		6,674,000
Applicable variable rate		8.54%
Maturity date		2014-11
Securities Sold under Agreements to Repurchase
Debt And Receivables Securitization [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity		100,000,000
Borrowings outstanding		0
Maturity date		2015-01
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		13,998,000
Draws On Credit Facility
Debt And Receivables Securitization [Line Items]
Outstanding stand-by letters of credit amount for third-party beneficiaries		11,732,000
Worthington Aritas
Debt And Receivables Securitization [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity			32,344,000
Term loan credit facility, term			5 years
Borrowings outstanding		19,745,000
Remaining borrowing capacity		12,599,000
Applicable variable rate		1.58%
Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility
Debt And Receivables Securitization [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity		425,000,000
Borrowings outstanding		$0
Maturity date		2017-05
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 (Loss) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013
Before-Tax
Foreign currency translation, before tax	($7,270)	$3,037	($16,862)	$2,551
Cash flow hedges, before tax	-2,973	661	-1,430	5,481
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	-10,243	3,698	-18,292	8,032
Tax
Foreign currency translation, tax	0	0	0	0
Cash flow hedges, tax	1,092	-308	510	-1,777
Other comprehensive income (loss), tax	1,092	-308	510	-1,777
Net-of-tax
Foreign currency translation, net-of-tax	-7,270	3,037	-16,862	2,551
Cash flow hedges, net-of-tax	-1,881	353	-920	3,704
Other comprehensive income (loss), net-of-tax	($9,151)	$3,390	($17,782)	$6,255

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		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013
Beginning Balance			$944,882
Net earnings	31,455	28,340	80,275	84,693
Other comprehensive loss	-9,151	3,390	-17,782	6,255
Common shares issued, net of withholding tax			-454
Common shares in NQ plans			14,227
Stock-based compensation			16,628
Purchases and retirement of common shares			-41,620
Cash dividends declared			-24,553
Acquisition of dHybrid Systems, LLC			4,082
Dividend to noncontrolling interest			-4,677
Ending Balance	971,008		971,008
Additional Paid-in Capital
Beginning Balance			262,610
Common shares issued, net of withholding tax			-454
Common shares in NQ plans			14,227
Stock-based compensation			16,628
Purchases and retirement of common shares			-4,350
Ending Balance	288,661		288,661
Cumulative Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax
Beginning Balance			-3,581
Other comprehensive loss			-16,168
Ending Balance	-19,749		-19,749
Retained Earnings
Beginning Balance			591,783
Net earnings			73,630
Purchases and retirement of common shares			-37,270
Cash dividends declared			-24,553
Ending Balance	603,590		603,590
Parent
Beginning Balance			850,812
Net earnings			73,630
Other comprehensive loss			-16,168
Common shares issued, net of withholding tax			-454
Common shares in NQ plans			14,227
Stock-based compensation			16,628
Purchases and retirement of common shares			-41,620
Cash dividends declared			-24,553
Ending Balance	872,502		872,502
Noncontrolling Interest
Beginning Balance			94,070
Net earnings			6,645
Other comprehensive loss			-1,614
Acquisition of dHybrid Systems, LLC			4,082
Dividend to noncontrolling interest			-4,677
Ending Balance	$98,506		$98,506

Components_of_Changes_in_Other

Components of Changes in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2014		Nov. 30, 2013	31-May-14
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, beginning balance			($3,581)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications			-20,115
Reclassification adjustments to income			3,437	[1]
Income taxes	1,092	-308	510		-1,777
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, ending balance	-19,749		-19,749
Foreign Currency Translation
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, beginning balance			11,015
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications			-15,237
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, ending balance	-4,222		-4,222
Pension Liability Adjustment
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, beginning balance						-11,265
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, ending balance	-11,265		-11,265			-11,265
Cash Flow Hedges
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, beginning balance			-3,331
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications			-4,878
Reclassification adjustments to income			3,437	[1]
Income taxes			510
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, ending balance	($4,262)		($4,262)
[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 $)	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 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	231,515
Restricted common shares, fair value per share	$40.40
Pre-tax stock-based compensation	8,415,000
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)	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 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)	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Estimated annual effective income tax rate	33.50%	27.80%

Computation_of_Basic_and_Dilut

Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share Attributable to Controlling Interest (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013
Numerator (basic & diluted):
Net earnings attributable to controlling interest - income available to common shareholders	$29,462	$22,977	$73,630	$77,534
Denominator:
Denominator for basic earnings per share attributable to controlling interest - weighted average common shares	67,105	69,304	67,337	69,454
Effect of dilutive securities	2,076	2,522	2,443	2,635
Denominator for diluted earnings per share attributable to controlling interest - adjusted weighted average common shares	69,181	71,826	69,780	72,089
Basic earnings per share attributable to controlling interest	$0.44	$0.33	$1.09	$1.12
Diluted earnings per share attributable to controlling interest	$0.43	$0.32	$1.06	$1.08

Earnings_Per_Share_Additional_

Earnings Per Share - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Stock options excluded from computation of diluted earnings per share	147,859	396	113,744	197

Financial_Information_for_Repo

Financial Information for Reportable Segments (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	31-May-14
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$871,012	$769,900	$1,733,426	$1,462,191
Operating income (loss)	33,192	19,499	85,394	58,137
Restructuring and other expense (income)	405	-1,182	398	-5,179
Impairment of long-lived assets	14,235	30,734	16,185	35,375
Joint venture transactions	83	786	190	928
Total assets	2,307,391		2,307,391		2,296,381
Steel Processing
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	552,756	492,134	1,105,087	894,575
Operating income (loss)	33,877	34,786	69,746	57,449
Restructuring and other expense (income)			-30	-4,762
Impairment of long-lived assets	1,100		3,050	4,641
Total assets	875,269		875,269		850,748
Pressure Cylinders
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	252,744	214,022	501,703	430,922
Operating income (loss)	9,580	8,275	29,186	27,729
Restructuring and other expense (income)	405	-1,849	428	-1,447
Impairment of long-lived assets	9,567	11,634	9,567	11,634
Total assets	870,789		870,789		818,720
Engineered Cabs
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	51,540	47,868	101,094	96,329
Operating income (loss)	-5,609	-20,892	-7,754	-21,196
Impairment of long-lived assets	2,389	19,100	2,389	19,100
Total assets	178,761		178,761		181,251
Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	13,972	15,876	25,542	40,365
Operating income (loss)	-4,656	-2,670	-5,784	-5,845
Restructuring and other expense (income)		667		1,030
Impairment of long-lived assets	1,179		1,179
Joint venture transactions	83	786	190	928
Total assets	$382,572		$382,572		$445,662

Acquisitions_Additional_Inform

Acquisitions - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2014
MEF
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisition, date of acquisition agreement		1-Aug-14
Total consideration for acquired entity		$38,392,000
Cash consideration for acquired entity		35,232,000
Working capital paid	3,399,000
Acquisition related costs	273,000	273,000
JRE
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisition, date of acquisition agreement		31-Jul-14
Cash consideration for acquired entity		1,571,000
DHybrid Systems Llc
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisition, date of acquisition agreement		20-Oct-14
Percentage of additional interest acquired by the company	79.59%	79.59%
Percentage of interest attributable to non-controlling interest	20.41%	20.41%
Total consideration for acquired entity		15,918,000
Contingent consideration estimated fair value	3,979,000	3,979,000
Contingent consideration to be paid upon achievement of net sales and gross margin thresholds	3,979,000	3,979,000
Cumulative net sales threshold beginning January 1, 2013	20,000,000	20,000,000
Gross margin threshold		50.00%
Cash consideration for acquired entity		$11,939,000

Schedule_of_Acquisition_of_Int

Schedule of Acquisition of Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014
MEF
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total acquired identifiable intangible assets	$13,600
MEF | Technological know-how
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquired finite lived intangible assets	5,100
Useful Life (Years	10 years
MEF | Customer relationships
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquired finite lived intangible assets	4,300
Useful Life (Years	7 years
MEF | Non-compete agreements
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquired finite lived intangible assets	2,400
Useful Life (Years	4 years
MEF | Backlog
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquired finite lived intangible assets	1,800
MEF | Backlog | Maximum
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Useful Life (Years	1 year
DHybrid Systems Llc
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total acquired identifiable intangible assets	3,788
DHybrid Systems Llc | Technological know-how
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquired finite lived intangible assets	3,100
Useful Life (Years	10 years
DHybrid Systems Llc | Customer relationships
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquired finite lived intangible assets	600
Useful Life (Years	7 years
DHybrid Systems Llc | Backlog
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquired finite lived intangible assets	$88
DHybrid Systems Llc | 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 $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014	31-May-14
Estimated Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed:
Goodwill	$283,418	$251,093
MEF
Consideration Transferred:
Cash consideration	35,232
Total consideration	38,392
Estimated Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed:
Accounts receivable	3,329
Inventories	3,550
Intangible assets	13,600
Property, plant and equipment	166
Total identifiable assets	20,645
Accounts payable	-555
Accrued liabilities	-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
Consideration Transferred:
Cash consideration	1,571
Estimated Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed:
Cash and cash equivalents	253
Accounts receivable	509
Inventories	2,793
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	40
Property, plant and equipment	250
Total identifiable assets	3,845
Accounts payable	-514
Accrued liabilities	-2,160
Net assets	1,171
Goodwill	400
Net assets	1,571
Cash paid at closing	1,571
DHybrid Systems Llc
Consideration Transferred:
Cash consideration	11,939
Fair value of contingent consideration	3,979
Total consideration	15,918
Estimated Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed:
Cash and cash equivalents	795
Accounts receivable	1,459
Inventories	3,300
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	38
Intangible assets	3,788
Property, plant and equipment	396
Total identifiable assets	9,776
Accounts payable	-1,163
Accrued liabilities	-160
Long-term debt	-5,000
Net assets	3,453
Goodwill	16,547
Net assets	20,000
Purchase price	15,918
Noncontrolling interest	-4,082
Total consideration	15,918
Cash paid at closing	$11,939

Schedule_of_Fair_Value_of_Deri

Schedule of Fair Value of Derivative Instruments (Detail) (USD $)	Nov. 30, 2014	31-May-14
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivative [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives at Fair Value	$337	$1,284
Liability Derivatives at Fair Value	6,324	4,475
Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments
Derivative [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives at Fair Value	106	456
Liability Derivatives at Fair Value	5,729	4,180
Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments | Interest Rate Contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Liability Derivatives at Fair Value	2,285
Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments | Interest Rate Contracts | Accounts Payable
Derivative [Line Items]
Liability Derivatives at Fair Value	2,102	4,180
Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments | Interest Rate Contracts | Other Liabilities
Derivative [Line Items]
Liability Derivatives at Fair Value	183
Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments | Foreign Exchange Contracts | Receivables
Derivative [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives at Fair Value	106
Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments | Commodity Contracts | Accounts Payable
Derivative [Line Items]
Liability Derivatives at Fair Value	3,444
Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments | Commodity Contracts | Receivables
Derivative [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives at Fair Value		456
Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments
Derivative [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives at Fair Value	231	828
Liability Derivatives at Fair Value	595	295
Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments | Foreign Exchange Contracts | Receivables
Derivative [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives at Fair Value		32
Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments | Commodity Contracts | Accounts Payable
Derivative [Line Items]
Liability Derivatives at Fair Value	595	295
Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments | Commodity Contracts | Receivables
Derivative [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives at Fair Value	$231	$796

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed2

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 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	$324,000	$730,000
Losses in accumulated other comprehensive income expected to be reclassified into net earnings	-2,118,000
Losses in accumulated other comprehensive income expected to be reclassified into net earnings, tax	$1,251,000

Schedule_of_Summary_of_Derivat

Schedule of Summary of Derivative Hedges (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014
Cash Flow Hedges | Commodity Contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	57,368
Cash Flow Hedges | Commodity Contracts | Minimum
Derivative [Line Items]
Maturity Date	2014-12
Cash Flow Hedges | Commodity Contracts | Maximum
Derivative [Line Items]
Maturity Date	2016-07
Cash Flow Hedges | Interest Rate Contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	120,000
Cash Flow Hedges | Interest Rate Contracts | Minimum
Derivative [Line Items]
Maturity Date	2014-12
Cash Flow Hedges | Interest Rate Contracts | Maximum
Derivative [Line Items]
Maturity Date	2019-09
Cash Flow Hedges | Foreign Currency Contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	11,168
Cash Flow Hedges | Foreign Currency Contracts | Minimum
Derivative [Line Items]
Maturity Date	2014-12
Cash Flow Hedges | Foreign Currency Contracts | Maximum
Derivative [Line Items]
Maturity Date	2015-06
Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments | Commodity Contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	57,607
Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments | Commodity Contracts | Minimum
Derivative [Line Items]
Maturity Date	2014-12
Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments | Commodity Contracts | Maximum
Derivative [Line Items]
Maturity Date	2016-06

Schedule_of_Derivatives_Design

Schedule of Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedging Instruments (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013
Derivative [Line Items]
Income (Loss) Recognized in OCI (Effective Portion)	($4,465)	($1,228)	($4,878)	$2,233
Income (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI (Effective Portion)	-1,493	-1,869	-3,437	-3,248
Interest Rate Contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Income (Loss) Recognized in OCI (Effective Portion)		-181		-384
Interest Rate Contracts | Interest Expense
Derivative [Line Items]
Income (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI (Effective Portion)	-1,137	-1,057	-2,285	-2,120
Commodity Contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Income (Loss) Recognized in OCI (Effective Portion)	-4,362	-1,047	-4,775	2,617
Commodity Contracts | Cost Of Goods Sold
Derivative [Line Items]
Income (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI (Effective Portion)	-356	-812	-1,152	-1,128
Foreign Currency Contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Income (Loss) Recognized in OCI (Effective Portion)	($103)		($103)

Schedule_of_Gain_Loss_Recogniz

Schedule of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings for Economic (Non-Designated) Derivative Financial Instruments (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings	($2,578)	($394)	($2,374)	$277
Commodity Contracts | Cost Of Goods Sold
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings	-2,360	-394	-2,417	282
Foreign Currency Contracts | Miscellaneous Income (Expense)
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings	($218)		$43	($5)

Schedule_of_Financial_Assets_A

Schedule of Financial Assets And Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) (USD $)	Nov. 30, 2014		31-May-14
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	$337		$1,284
Liabilities	10,303		4,879
Derivative Contracts
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	337	[1]	1,284	[1]
Liabilities	6,324	[1]	4,475	[1]
Contingent consideration obligation
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities	3,979	[2]	404	[2]
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	337		1,284
Liabilities	6,324		4,475
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Derivative Contracts
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	337	[1]	1,284	[1]
Liabilities	6,324	[1]	4,475	[1]
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities	3,979		404
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Contingent consideration obligation
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities	$3,979	[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 Company's contingent consideration obligations is determined using a probability weighted cash flow approach based on management's projections of future cash flows of the acquired businesses. The fair value measurements are based on significant inputs not observable in the market and thus represent Level 3 measurements.

Assets_Measured_at_Fair_Value_

Assets Measured at Fair Value on Non-recurring Basis (Detail) (USD $)	Nov. 30, 2014		31-May-14
Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset measured at fair value on nonrecurring basis	$25,571,000		$32,074,000
Long-lived assets held and used
Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset measured at fair value on nonrecurring basis	3,750,000	[1]	7,034,000	[2]
Long Lived Assets Held For Sale
Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset measured at fair value on nonrecurring basis	21,821,000	[3]	25,040,000	[4]
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset measured at fair value on nonrecurring basis	25,571,000		32,074,000
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Long-lived assets held and used
Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset measured at fair value on nonrecurring basis	3,750,000	[1]	7,034,000	[2]
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Long Lived Assets Held For Sale
Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset measured at fair value on nonrecurring basis	$21,821,000	[3]	$25,040,000	[4]
[1]	During the second quarter of fiscal 2015, 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 $3,750,000, resulting in an impairment charge of $3,221,000 during the three months ended November 30, 2014. During the second quarter of fiscal 2015, we determined that indicators of impairment were present at the Company's military construction business. 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, resulting in an impairment charge of $1,179,000 during the three months ended November 30, 2014, which represents the remaining book value of the asset group. 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. As all of the criteria for classification as assets held for sale were met, the net assets of the business were presented separately as assets held for sale in our consolidated balance sheet as of 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 Worthington Nitin Cylinders during the second quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company reassessed the fair value of the business and determined that the remaining book value should be written off resulting in an impairment charge of $6,346,000.
[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.
[3]	During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, management committed to a plan to sell certain non-core Steel Processing assets. 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 November 30, 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 during fiscal 2015, the Company reassessed the fair value of this business and determined that additional impairment charges of $3,050,000 were required for the six months ended November 30, 2014. Fair value of $19,402,000 was determined based on market prices for similar assets. During the second quarter of fiscal 2015, management committed to a plan to sell certain non-core Engineered Cabs assets. As all of the criteria for classification as assets held for sale were met, the net assets of the business have been presented separately as assets held for sale in our consolidated balance sheets as of November 30, 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, resulting in an impairment charge of $2,389,000 during the three months ended November 30, 2014. Fair value of $2,419,000 was determined based on market prices for similar assets.
[4]	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 certain non-core Steel Processing assets. 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.

Assets_Measured_at_Fair_Value_1

Assets Measured at Fair Value on Non-recurring Basis (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014		Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2014		Nov. 30, 2013	31-May-14
Fair Value [Line Items]
Impairment of long-lived assets	$14,235,000		$30,734,000	$16,185,000		$35,375,000
Asset measured at fair value on nonrecurring basis	25,571,000			25,571,000			32,074,000
Worthington Nitin Cylinders
Fair Value [Line Items]
Impairment of long-lived assets							18,959,000
Worthington Nitin Cylinders | Joint Venture Transactions
Fair Value [Line Items]
Impairment of long-lived assets	6,346,000
Ownership interest in joint venture	60.00%			60.00%			60.00%
Military Construction Business
Fair Value [Line Items]
Impairment of long-lived assets	1,179,000
Noncontrolling Interest | Worthington Nitin Cylinders
Fair Value [Line Items]
Impairment of long-lived assets							7,583,000
Global Group
Fair Value [Line Items]
Impairment of long-lived assets	3,221,000						1,412,000
Zhejiang Nisshin Worthington Precision Specialty Steel Co
Fair Value [Line Items]
Impairment of long-lived assets							7,141,000
Non Core Steel Processing Assets
Fair Value [Line Items]
Impairment of long-lived assets				3,050,000
Custom Plastics And Interior Components Business
Fair Value [Line Items]
Impairment of long-lived assets	2,389,000
Long-lived assets held and used
Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset measured at fair value on nonrecurring basis	3,750,000	[1]		3,750,000	[1]		7,034,000	[2]
Long-lived assets held and used | Worthington Nitin Cylinders
Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset measured at fair value on nonrecurring basis							5,925,000
Long-lived assets held and used | Global Group
Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset measured at fair value on nonrecurring basis	3,221,000			3,221,000			7,034,000
Long-lived assets held and used | Zhejiang Nisshin Worthington Precision Specialty Steel Co
Fair Value [Line Items]
Net asset							19,115,000
Long-lived assets held and used | Non Core Steel Processing Assets
Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset measured at fair value on nonrecurring basis	19,402,000			19,402,000
Long-lived assets held and used | Custom Plastics And Interior Components Business
Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset measured at fair value on nonrecurring basis	$2,419,000			$2,419,000
[1]	During the second quarter of fiscal 2015, 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 $3,750,000, resulting in an impairment charge of $3,221,000 during the three months ended November 30, 2014. During the second quarter of fiscal 2015, we determined that indicators of impairment were present at the Company's military construction business. 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, resulting in an impairment charge of $1,179,000 during the three months ended November 30, 2014, which represents the remaining book value of the asset group. 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. As all of the criteria for classification as assets held for sale were met, the net assets of the business were presented separately as assets held for sale in our consolidated balance sheet as of 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 Worthington Nitin Cylinders during the second quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company reassessed the fair value of the business and determined that the remaining book value should be written off resulting in an impairment charge of $6,346,000.
[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.

Fair_Value_Measurements_Additi

Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Nov. 30, 2014	31-May-14
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]
Long-term debt at fair value including current maturities	$711,589,000	$674,488,000
Long-term debt at carrying amount including current maturities	$674,874,000	$655,963,000

Subsequent_Events_Additional_I

Subsequent Events - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Senior notes outstanding	$100,000,000
Senior notes outstanding due date	17-Dec-14