Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 1,270,368	$ 1,132,366	$ 943,706
Costs and expenses:
Cost of materials (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)	927,287	845,609	700,854
Warehouse, processing and delivery expense	148,256	134,898	123,318
Sales, general and administrative expense	127,813	126,193	108,223
Depreciation and amortization expense	25,867	20,472	20,649
Operating income (loss)	41,145	5,194	(9,338)
Interest expense, net	(41,090)	(9,663)	(4,988)
Interest expense - unrealized loss on debt conversion option	(15,597)	(3,991)	0
Loss on extinguishment of debt	0	(6,153)	0
Loss before income taxes and equity in earnings of joint venture	(15,542)	(14,613)	(14,326)
Income taxes	(1,430)	1,126	3,101
Loss before equity in earnings of joint venture	(16,972)	(13,487)	(11,225)
Equity in earnings of joint venture	7,224	11,727	5,585
Net loss	(9,748)	(1,760)	(5,640)
Earnings per share
Basic loss per share	$ (0.42)	$ (0.08)	$ (0.25)
Diluted loss per share	$ (0.42)	$ (0.08)	$ (0.25)
Dividends per common share	$ 0.00	$ 0.00	$ 0.00
Comprehensive loss:
Foreign currency translation gains (losses)	2,369	(941)	(536)
Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit costs, net of tax benefit of $2,312, $1,965 and $1,116	(3,616)	(3,071)	(1,748)
Other comprehensive loss	(1,247)	(4,012)	(2,284)
Net loss	(9,748)	(1,760)	(5,640)
Total comprehensive loss	$ (10,995)	$ (5,772)	$ (7,924)