Note 11 - Segment Information (Details) - Segment Reporting Information (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Net sales
Net sales	$ 303,990	$ 342,560	$ 972,858	$ 1,091,977
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization	5,347	5,176	16,385	15,303
Operating income
Operating income	4,174	4,624	19,780	26,631
Other income (loss), net	(1)	51	(18)	90
Income before interest and income taxes	4,173	4,675	19,762	26,721
Interest and other expense on debt	1,689	2,120	5,055	6,411
Income before income taxes	2,484	2,555	14,707	20,310
Capital expenditures
Capital expenditures			9,590	20,290
Flat Products [Member]
Net sales
Net sales	248,463	279,075	791,655	903,591
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization	4,104	3,969	12,589	11,791
Operating income
Operating income	2,624	2,147	12,429	17,214
Capital expenditures
Capital expenditures	1,541	3,983	2,937	14,715
Tubular and Pipe Products [Member]
Net sales
Net sales	55,527	63,485	181,203	188,386
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization	1,243	1,207	3,796	3,512
Operating income
Operating income	3,297	3,992	13,066	14,881
Capital expenditures
Capital expenditures	7,308	624	9,691	5,575
Corporate Expenses (Member)
Operating income
Operating income	(1,747)	(1,515)	(5,715)	(5,464)
Includes Accrued Construction In Progress [Member]
Capital expenditures
Capital expenditures	$ 8,849	$ 4,607	$ 12,628	$ 20,290