Investments in and Loans to Joint Ventures (Details 3) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Ohio Castings [Member]
Results of operations
Revenues	$ 55,497	$ 74,687	$ 31,007
Gross profit (loss)	2,993	6,522	(3,099)
Net income (loss)	1,115	3,627	(3,054)
Axis [Member]
Results of operations
Revenues	53,944	59,303	40,217
Gross profit (loss)	5,645	5,390	(7,249)
Income (loss) before interest	4,724	4,465	(8,184)
Net income (loss)	(652)	(1,345)	(13,809)
Amtek Railcar [Member]
Results of operations
Revenues	268	0	0
Gross profit (loss)	(1,139)	0	0
Net income (loss)	$ (5,576)	$ (2,094)	$ (1,905)