Segment Reporting - Information by Reportable Segment (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Summary of segment information
Net Sales	$ 245,469		$ 253,713		$ 748,371		$ 819,837
Operating income (loss)	175		(3,024)		(79,038)		(7,760)
Capital Expenditures	4,426		2,146		8,725		7,582
Depreciation and amortization	6,399		6,400		19,389		19,604
Metals segment
Summary of segment information
Net Sales	210,682		220,000		643,840		717,830
Operating income (loss)	319		(1,536)		(76,068)		(4,387)
Capital Expenditures	4,220		2,026		7,957		6,673
Depreciation and amortization	5,988		5,980		18,147		18,356
Plastics segment
Summary of segment information
Net Sales	34,787		33,713		104,531		102,007
Operating income (loss)	1,667		1,049		4,841		2,950
Capital Expenditures	206		120		768		909
Depreciation and amortization	411		420		1,242		1,248
Other
Summary of segment information
Net Sales	0		0		0		0
Operating income (loss)	(1,811)	[1]	(2,537)	[1]	(7,811)	[1]	(6,323)	[1]
Capital Expenditures	0		0		0		0
Depreciation and amortization	$ 0		$ 0		$ 0		$ 0

[1] “Other” – Operating loss includes the costs of executive, legal and finance departments, which are shared by both the Metals and Plastics segments.