Note 11 - Segment Information (Details) - Segment Reporting Information by Revenue (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Net sales
Net sales	$ 386,047	$ 330,804	$ 732,960	$ 668,868
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization	5,688	5,523	11,365	11,038
Operating income
Operating income	7,108	6,024	13,337	15,605
Other income (loss), net	(4)	(41)	(2)	(17)
Income before interest and income taxes	7,104	5,983	13,335	15,588
Interest and other expense on debt	1,779	1,668	3,532	3,366
Income before income taxes	5,325	4,315	9,803	12,222
Flat Products [Member]
Net sales
Net sales	320,205	267,444	606,058	543,192
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization	4,231	4,243	8,449	8,485
Operating income
Operating income	6,415	4,999	11,263	9,804
Tubular and Pipe Products [Member]
Net sales
Net sales	65,842	63,360	126,902	125,676
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization	1,432	1,280	2,866	2,553
Operating income
Operating income	2,853	3,009	6,290	9,769
Corporate Segment [Member]
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization	25		50
Operating income
Operating income	$ (2,160)	$ (1,984)	$ (4,216)	$ (3,968)