Note 11 - Segment Information (Details) - Segment Reporting Information by Revenue (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Net sales
Net sales	$ 376,617	$ 303,990	$ 1,109,577	$ 972,858
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization	4,641	5,347	16,006	16,385
Operating income
Operating income	4,117	4,174	17,454	19,780
Other income (loss), net	(20)	(1)	(22)	(18)
Income before interest and income taxes	4,097	4,173	17,432	19,762
Interest and other expense on debt	1,602	1,689	5,134	5,055
Income before income taxes	2,495	2,484	12,298	14,707
Flat Products [Member]
Net sales
Net sales	312,776	248,463	918,834	791,655
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization	3,233	4,104	11,682	12,589
Operating income
Operating income	3,365	2,624	14,628	12,429
Tubular and Pipe Products [Member]
Net sales
Net sales	63,841	55,527	190,743	181,203
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization	1,383	1,243	4,249	3,796
Operating income
Operating income	2,804	3,297	9,094	13,066
Corporate Segment [Member]
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization	25		75
Operating income
Operating income	$ (2,052)	$ (1,747)	$ (6,268)	$ (5,715)