Note 3 - Inventories (Detail) - Steel Inventories (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Unprocessed	$ 201,685	$ 215,526
Processed and finished	73,500	74,497
Totals	$ 275,185	$ 290,023

Amount before last-in first-out (LIFO) and valuation reserves of merchandise or goods held by the entity that are readily available for sale.

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- Definition

Carrying amount (lower of cost or market) as of the balance sheet date of inventories less all valuation and other allowances. Excludes noncurrent inventory balances (expected to remain on hand past one year or one operating cycle, if longer).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

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-Topic 330

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Gross amount of merchandise or goods which are partially completed, are generally comprised of raw materials, labor and factory overhead costs, and which require further materials, labor and overhead to be converted into finished goods, and which generally require the use of estimates to determine percentage complete and pricing.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 6

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-Article 5

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

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-Section S99

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-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.6(a)(3))

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