Segment Reporting - Information by Reportable Segment (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013		Mar. 31, 2012
Summary of segment information
Net Sales	$ 292,714		$ 362,916
Operating (loss) income	(973)		18,156
Capital Expenditures	1,607		2,053
Depreciation and amortization	6,571		6,613
Metals segment
Summary of segment information
Net Sales	258,380		331,892
Operating (loss) income	(275)		20,111
Capital Expenditures	1,127		1,652
Depreciation and amortization	6,165		6,306
Plastics segment
Summary of segment information
Net Sales	34,334		31,024
Operating (loss) income	1,181		537
Capital Expenditures	480		401
Depreciation and amortization	406		307
Other
Summary of segment information
Net Sales	0	[1]	0	[1]
Operating (loss) income	(1,879)	[1]	(2,492)	[1]
Capital Expenditures	0	[1]	0	[1]
Depreciation and amortization	$ 0	[1]	$ 0	[1]

[1] “Other” – Operating income includes the costs of executive, legal and finance departments, which are shared by both the Metals and Plastics segments.