Business Segments (Schedule Of Reporting Sements Net Profit Reconcilation) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
(Loss) income for reportable segments	$ (4,001)	$ 11,035	$ 2,667	$ 14,049
Cost of capital for reportable segments	4,762	4,119	9,189	7,453
Interest expense	(123)	(135)	(263)	(273)
Interest income	94	94	194	150
Other income/(expense)	122	46	608	(41)
LIFO expense	(53)	(565)	(99)	(696)
Equity in income of nonconsolidated investment	309	196	332	283
Amortization Expense	(697)	(701)	(1,394)	(1,398)
Corporate expense and other unallocated charges	(5,476)	(5,934)	(12,185)	(11,217)
(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes	(4,366)	8,856	443	9,708
Tubular Products Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
(Loss) income for reportable segments	3,406	1,978	5,718	2,722
Rail Products Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
(Loss) income for reportable segments	(10,023)	3,273	(6,353)	3,849
Construction Products Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
(Loss) income for reportable segments	$ 2,616	$ 5,784	$ 3,302	$ 7,478