Segment Reporting - Information by Reportable Segment (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Summary of segment information
Net Sales	$ 253,410		$ 292,714
Operating (loss) income	(7,322)		(973)
Capital Expenditures	2,012		1,607
Depreciation and amortization	6,457		6,571
Metals segment
Summary of segment information
Net Sales	219,063		258,380
Operating (loss) income	(6,232)		(275)
Capital Expenditures	1,878		1,127
Depreciation and amortization	6,056		6,165
Plastics segment
Summary of segment information
Net Sales	34,347		34,334
Operating (loss) income	1,507		1,181
Capital Expenditures	134		480
Depreciation and amortization	401		406
Other
Summary of segment information
Net Sales	0	[1]	0	[1]
Operating (loss) income	(2,597)	[1]	(1,879)	[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.