Description of the Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Description of the Business and Significant Accounting Policies
Number of reporting segments			3
Number of iron making initiatives			2
Property Plant and Equipment
Number of small joint ventures terminated	2
Impairment charges	7,894		7,894
Steel Operations
Segment Reporting Information
Percentage of external net sales	62.00%	60.00%	62.00%	60.00%
Metals Recycling and Ferrous Resources Operations
Segment Reporting Information
Percentage of external net sales	31.00%	35.00%	32.00%	35.00%
Steel Fabrication Operations
Segment Reporting Information
Percentage of external net sales	6.00%	4.00%	5.00%	3.00%