Note 12 - Segment Information (Details) - Segment Reporting Information (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Net sales
Net sales	$ 330,804	$ 367,365	$ 668,868	$ 749,417
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization	5,523	5,135	11,038	10,127
Operating income
Operating income	6,024	9,744	15,605	22,007
Other income (loss), net	(41)	5	(17)	39
Income before interest and income taxes	5,983	9,749	15,588	22,046
Interest and other expense on debt	1,668	2,183	3,366	4,291
Income before income taxes	4,315	7,566	12,222	17,755
Capital expenditures
Capital expenditures	2,065	7,714	3,779	15,683
Flat Products [Member]
Net sales
Net sales	267,444	307,887	543,192	624,516
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization	4,243	3,952	8,485	7,822
Operating income
Operating income	4,999	7,273	9,804	15,067
Capital expenditures
Capital expenditures	717	5,286	1,396	10,732
Tubular and Pipe Products [Member]
Net sales
Net sales	63,360	59,478	125,676	124,901
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization	1,280	1,183	2,553	2,305
Operating income
Operating income	3,009	4,445	9,769	10,889
Capital expenditures
Capital expenditures	1,348	2,428	2,383	4,951
Corporate Expenses (Member)
Operating income
Operating income	$ (1,984)	$ (1,974)	$ (3,968)	$ (3,949)