Consolidated Balance Sheets (Current Period Unaudited) (Parentheticals) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013
LIFO debit of $1,932	$ 1,932

Reflects the difference between (a) inventory at the lower of LIFO cost or market and (b) inventory at replacement cost or at the lower of some acceptable inventory accounting method (such as FIFO or average cost), or market. If material, reflects an excess of replacement or current cost over stated LIFO value parenthetically on the balance sheet or in a note to the financial statements.

No definition available.

Name:	zeus_InventoryLIFODebit
Namespace Prefix:	zeus_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant