Note J - Industry Segment Data - Segment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2024	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2024	Sep. 30, 2023	Mar. 31, 2024
Net Sales	$ 106,759	$ 130,748	$ 221,310	$ 268,046
Operating profit (loss)	(224)	1,055	(1,622)	11,412
Gain on economic hedges of risk	194	4,402	5,569	4,832
Interest expense	(869)	(805)	(1,550)	(1,345)
Other income (expense)	(3)	10	0	16
TOTAL EARNINGS (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES	(902)	4,662	2,397	14,915
Identifiable assets	209,167		209,167		$ 230,019
Flat-roll [Member]
Net Sales	97,379	120,527	200,766	245,724
Tubular [Member]
Net Sales	9,380	10,221	20,544	22,322
Operating Segments [Member]
Operating profit (loss)	2,087	3,158	3,568	17,236
Identifiable assets	204,872		204,872		225,386
Operating Segments [Member] | Flat-roll [Member]
Net Sales	97,379	120,527	200,766	245,724
Operating profit (loss)	2,669	3,142	5,335	14,956
Identifiable assets	189,601		189,601		205,797
Operating Segments [Member] | Tubular [Member]
Net Sales	9,380	10,221	20,544	22,322
Operating profit (loss)	(582)	16	(1,767)	2,280
Identifiable assets	15,271		15,271		19,589
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item, Corporate Nonsegment [Member]
General corporate expenses	(2,311)	$ (2,103)	(5,190)	$ (5,824)
Identifiable assets	$ 4,295		$ 4,295		$ 4,633