10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

x Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2013

Or

¨ Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

for the transition period from            to            

Commission File Number: 0-10436

L. B. Foster Company

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Pennsylvania	25-1324733
(State of Incorporation)	(I. R. S. Employer Identification No.)

415 Holiday Drive, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania	15220
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip Code)

(412) 928-3400

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (section 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer	¨	Accelerated filer	x
Non-accelerated filer	¨  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)	Smaller reporting company	¨

Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Class	Outstanding at May 1, 2013
Common Stock, Par Value $.01	10,167,467 Shares

L.B. FOSTER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX

	Page
PART I. Financial Information
Item 1. Financial Statements (unaudited):
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets		3
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations		4
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income		5
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows		6
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements		8
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		23
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk		30
Item 4. Controls and Procedures		30
PART II. Other Information
Item 1. Legal Proceedings		31
Item 1A. Risk Factors		31
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds		31
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures		31
Item 6. Exhibits		32
Signature		33
Index to Exhibits		34

2

Part I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

L. B. FOSTER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share data)

	March 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
	(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	81,435		$	101,464
Accounts receivable - net		72,118			59,673
Inventories - net		107,063			107,108
Current deferred tax assets		4,585			4,585
Prepaid income tax		3,045			1,195
Other current assets		3,127			1,903
Current assets of discontinued operations		308			464
Total current assets		271,681			276,392
Property, plant and equipment - net		41,491			42,333
Other assets:
Goodwill		41,237			41,237
Other intangibles - net		39,464			40,165
Investments		4,130			4,332
Other assets		1,626			1,663
Total Assets	$	399,629		$	406,122
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable - trade	$	40,937		$	50,454
Deferred revenue		12,065			7,447
Accrued payroll and employee benefits		5,614			9,604
Accrued warranty		15,101			15,727
Current maturities of long-term debt		23			35
Other accrued liabilities		9,165			8,596
Liabilities of discontinued operations		67			106
Total current liabilities		82,972			91,969
Long-term debt		21			27
Deferred tax liabilities		11,957			12,140
Other long-term liabilities		13,968			14,411
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, par value $.01, authorized 20,000,000 shares; shares issued at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, 11,115,779; shares outstanding at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, 10,167,467 and 10,149,398		111			111
Paid-in capital		46,074			46,290
Retained earnings		274,928			270,311
Treasury stock - at cost, Common Stock, 948,312 shares at March 31, 2013 and 966,381 shares at December 31, 2012		(24,979	)		(25,468	)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(5,423	)		(3,669	)
Total stockholders’ equity		290,711			287,575
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	$	399,629		$	406,122

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

3

L. B. FOSTER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except share data)

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2013			2012
	(Unaudited)
Net sales	$	129,321		$	114,291
Cost of goods sold		104,473			92,639
Gross profit		24,848			21,652
Selling and administrative expenses		17,130			16,930
Amortization expense		701			699
Interest expense		133			139
Interest income		(206	)		(100	)
Equity in income of nonconsolidated investment		(176	)		(23	)
Other income		(178	)		(486	)
		17,404			17,159
Income from continuing operations before income taxes		7,444			4,493
Income tax expense		2,493			1,514
Income from continuing operations		4,951			2,979
Discontinued operations:
(Loss) income from discontinued operations before income taxes		(39	)		604
Income tax (benefit) expense		(15	)		214
(Loss) income from discontinued operations		(24	)		390
Net income	$	4,927		$	3,369
Basic earnings per common share:
From continuing operations	$	0.49		$	0.30
From discontinued operations		(0.00	)		0.04
Basic earnings per common share	$	0.49		$	0.33
Diluted earnings per common share:
From continuing operations	$	0.48		$	0.29
From discontinued operations		(0.00	)		0.04
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.48		$	0.33
Dividends paid per common share	$	0.030		$	0.025

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

4

L. B. FOSTER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(In thousands)

	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2013			2012
	(Unaudited)
Net income	$	4,927		$	3,369
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment		(1,745	)		(1,202	)
Unrealized derivative gain on cash flow hedges (net of tax expense of $-, $5)		—			9
Reclassification of unrealized derivative gain on cash flow hedges to earnings (net of tax expense of: $5, $-)		(9	)		—
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:		(1,754	)		(1,193	)
Comprehensive income	$	3,173		$	2,176

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

5

L. B. FOSTER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2013			2012
	(Unaudited)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Income from continuing operations	$	4,951		$	2,979
Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities:
Deferred income taxes		(221	)		(203	)
Depreciation and amortization		2,365			3,020
Equity in income of nonconsolidated investment		(176	)		(23	)
(Gain) loss on sale of property, plant and equipment		(8	)		64
Deferred gain amortization on sale-leaseback		—			(342	)
Share-based compensation		631			739
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation		(189	)		(48	)
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable		(12,852	)		7,258
Inventories		(295	)		(3,822	)
Other current assets		(1,298	)		(1,448	)
Prepaid income tax		(1,593	)		1,739
Other noncurrent assets		91			33
Accounts payable - trade		(9,363	)		(6,811	)
Deferred revenue		4,660			(1,501	)
Accrued payroll and employee benefits		(3,940	)		(4,413	)
Other current liabilities		(78	)		210
Other liabilities		(301	)		(281	)
Net cash used by continuing operating activities		(17,616	)		(2,850	)
Net cash provided by discontinued operations		124			447
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment		8			7
Capital expenditures on property, plant and equipment		(1,031	)		(2,467	)
Capital distributions received from equity method investment		378			—
Net cash used by continuing investing activities		(645	)		(2,460	)
Net cash used by discontinued operations		—			(39	)

6

L. B. FOSTER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2013			2012
	(Unaudited)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Repayments of other long-term debt		(18	)		(1,361	)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options and stock awards		—			13
Treasury stock acquisitions		(547	)		(224	)
Cash dividends on common stock paid to shareholders		(310	)		(257	)
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation		189			48
Net cash used by continuing financing activities		(686	)		(1,781	)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		(1,206	)		707
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents		(20,029	)		(5,976	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		101,464			73,727
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	81,435		$	67,751
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Interest paid	$	86		$	106
Income taxes paid	$	4,076		$	546

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

7

L. B. FOSTER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollars in thousands, except share data)

The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all estimates and adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. However, actual results could differ from those estimates. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2013. Amounts included in the balance sheet as of December 31, 2012 were derived from our audited balance sheet. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012. In this Form 10-Q, references to “we,” “us,” “our,” “L.B. Foster,” and the “Company” refer collectively to L.B. Foster and its consolidated subsidiaries.

During 2012, the Company sold substantially all of the assets and liabilities of its railway securement business, Shipping Systems Division (SSD), and its precise structural products business, Precise. As a result of these transactions, certain amounts included in the prior year period Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been reclassified for comparative purposes to conform with the presentation of discontinued operations.

2. RECENTLY ADOPTED AND ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

On January 1, 2013, the Company adopted changes issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) to the testing of indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment. These changes provide an entity the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not (more than 50%) that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount. Such qualitative factors may include the following: macroeconomic conditions; industry and market considerations; cost factors; overall financial performance; and other relevant entity-specific events. If an entity elects to perform a qualitative assessment and determines that an impairment is more likely than not, the entity is then required to perform the existing two-step quantitative impairment test, otherwise no further analysis is required. An entity also may elect not to perform the qualitative assessment and, instead, proceed directly to the two-step quantitative impairment test. Notwithstanding the adoption of these changes, management plans to proceed directly to the two-step quantitative test for the Company’s indefinite-lived intangible assets. The adoption of these changes had no impact on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

On January 1, 2013, the Company adopted changes issued by the FASB to the reporting of amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income. These changes require an entity to report the effect of significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income on the respective line items in net income if the amount being reclassified is required to be reclassified in its entirety to net income. For other amounts that are not required to be reclassified in their entirety to net income in the same reporting period, an entity is required to cross-reference other disclosures that provide additional detail about those amounts. These requirements are to be applied to each component of accumulated other comprehensive income. The adoption of these changes is displayed in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

In March 2013, the FASB issued changes to a parent entity’s accounting for the cumulative translation adjustment upon derecognition of certain subsidiaries or groups of assets within a foreign entity or of an investment in a foreign entity. A parent entity is required to release any related cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment from accumulated other comprehensive income into net income in the following circumstances: (i) a parent entity ceases to have a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets that is a business within a foreign entity if the sale or transfer results in the complete or substantially complete liquidation of the foreign entity in which the subsidiary or group of assets had resided; (ii) a partial sale of an equity method investment that is a foreign entity; (iii) a partial sale of an equity method investment that is not a foreign entity whereby the partial sale represents a complete or substantially complete liquidation of the foreign entity that held the equity method investment; and (iv) the sale of an investment in a foreign entity. These changes become effective for the Company on January 1, 2014. Management has determined that the adoption of these changes will not have an impact on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, unless the Company disposes of one of its foreign entities.

8

3. BUSINESS SEGMENTS

The Company is organized and evaluated by product group, which is the basis for identifying reportable segments. Each segment represents a revenue-producing component of the Company for which separate financial information is produced internally and which are subject to evaluation by the Company’s chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources. The Company is a leading manufacturer, fabricator, and distributor of products and services for rail, construction, energy and utility markets.

The following table illustrates revenues and profits from continuing operations of the Company by segment for the periods indicated:

	Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2013				March 31, 2012
	Net		Segment		Net		Segment
	Sales		Profit		Sales		Profit
Rail products	$	81,399	$	6,201	$	66,631	$	3,449
Construction products		36,811		462		38,363		475
Tubular products		11,111		2,607		9,297		2,312
Total	$	129,321	$	9,270	$	114,291	$	6,236

Segment profits from continuing operations, as shown above, include internal cost of capital charges for assets used in the segment at a rate of, generally, 1% per month. There has been no change in the measurement of segment profit from continuing operations from December 31, 2012. Internal cost of capital charges are eliminated during the consolidation process.

The following table provides a reconciliation of reportable segment net profit from continuing operations to the Company’s consolidated total:

	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2013			2012
Income for reportable segments	$	9,270		$	6,236
Interest expense		(133	)		(139	)
Interest income		206			100
Other income		178			486
LIFO expense		(240	)		(45	)
Equity in income of nonconsolidated investment		176			23
Corporate expense, cost of capital elimination and other unallocated charges		(2,013	)		(2,168	)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	$	7,444		$	4,493

9

4. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The carrying amount of goodwill at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 was $41,237, of which $38,026 is attributable to the Company’s Rail Products segment and $3,211 is attributable to the Construction Products segment.

The Company performs goodwill impairment tests at least annually if it is determined that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the carrying amount. Qualitative factors are assessed to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. No goodwill impairment test was required in connection with these evaluations for the three months ended March 31, 2013. In 2012, the Company performed its annual evaluation of the carrying value of its goodwill during the fourth quarter of 2012. No goodwill impairment charge was required in connection with this evaluation in 2012.

As of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, identified intangible assets of $2,305 are attributable to the Company’s Construction Products segment and $44,506 are attributable to the Company’s Rail Products segment. The components of the Company’s intangible assets are as follows:

	March 31, 2013
	Weighted Average		Gross					Net
	Amortization Period		Carrying		Accumulated			Carrying
	In Years		Value		Amortization			Amount
Non-compete agreements		5	$	380	$	(369	)	$	11
Patents		10		815		(421	)		394
Customer relationships		23		19,960		(2,760	)		17,200
Supplier relationships		5		350		(161	)		189
Trademarks		17		6,280		(987	)		5,293
Technology		18		19,026		(2,649	)		16,377
			$	46,811	$	(7,347	)	$	39,464
	December 31, 2012
	Weighted Average		Gross					Net
	Amortization Period		Carrying		Accumulated			Carrying
	In Years		Value		Amortization			Amount
Non-compete agreements		5	$	380	$	(367	)	$	13
Patents		10		815		(412	)		403
Customer relationships		23		19,960		(2,488	)		17,472
Supplier relationships		5		350		(143	)		207
Trademarks		17		6,280		(879	)		5,401
Technology		18		19,026		(2,357	)		16,669
			$	46,811	$	(6,646	)	$	40,165

10

Intangible assets are amortized over their useful lives ranging from 5 to 25 years, with a total weighted average amortization period of approximately 20 years. Amortization expense from continuing operations for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 was $701 and $699, respectively.

Estimated amortization expense from continuing operations for the remainder of 2013 and the years 2014 and thereafter is as follows:

	Amortization Expense
2013	$	2,080
2014		2,781
2015		2,506
2016		2,412
2017		2,345
2018 and thereafter		27,340
	$	39,464

5. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

Credit is extended based upon an evaluation of the customer’s financial condition and while collateral is not required, the Company often receives surety bonds that guarantee payment. Credit terms are consistent with industry standards and practices. Trade accounts receivable from continuing operations at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 have been reduced by an allowance for doubtful accounts of $867 and $899, respectively.

6. INVENTORIES

Inventories of continuing operations of the Company at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are summarized in the following table:

	March 31,			December 31,
	2013			2012
Finished goods	$	80,204		$	78,715
Work-in-process		16,740			17,693
Raw materials		19,423			19,764
Total inventories at current costs		116,367			116,172
Less: LIFO reserve		(9,304	)		(9,064	)
	$	107,063		$	107,108

Inventories of the Company’s continuing operations are generally valued at the lower of last-in, first-out (LIFO) cost or market. Other inventories of the Company are valued at average cost or market, whichever is lower. An actual valuation of inventory under the LIFO method is made at the end of each year based on the inventory levels and costs at that time. Interim LIFO calculations are based on management’s estimates of expected year-end levels and costs.

11

7. INVESTMENTS

The Company is a member of a joint venture with L B Industries, Inc. and James Legg until June 30, 2019. The Company and L B Industries, Inc. each have a 45% ownership interest in the joint venture, L B Pipe & Coupling Products, LLC (JV). The JV manufactures, markets and sells various precision coupling products for the energy, utility and construction markets. Under the terms of the JV agreement, as amended, the Company was required to make capital contributions totaling approximately $3,000. The Company fulfilled these commitments during 2011. The other JV members are required to make proportionate contributions in accordance with their ownership percentages in the JV.

Under applicable guidance for variable interest entities in ASC 810, “Consolidation,” the Company determined that the JV is a variable interest entity. The Company concluded that it is not the primary beneficiary of the variable interest entity, as the Company does not have a controlling financial interest and does not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the JV. Accordingly, the Company concluded that the equity method of accounting remains appropriate.

As of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company had a nonconsolidated equity method investment of $4,130 and $4,332, respectively.

The Company recorded equity in the income of the JV of approximately $176 and $23 for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. During the period ending March 31, 2013, each of the JV members received a proportional distribution of equity from the JV. The Company’s 45% ownership interest resulted in a cash distribution of $378. There were no changes to the members’ ownership interests as a result of the distribution.

The Company’s exposure to loss results from its capital contributions, net of the Company’s share of the JV’s income or loss, and its net investment in the direct financing lease covering the facility used by the JV for its operations. The carrying amounts with the maximum exposure to loss of the Company at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, are as follows:

	March 31,		December 31,
	2013		2012
Equity method investment	$	4,130	$	4,332
Net investment in direct financing lease		1,302		1,327
	$	5,432	$	5,659

The Company is leasing five acres of land and two facilities to the JV over a period of 9.5 years, with a 5.5 year renewal period. In November 2012, the Company executed the first amendment to its lease with the JV. The amendment included the addition of a second facility built by the Company that is now leased to the JV. As a result of the amendment, monthly rent over the term of the lease increased by approximately $7. The current monthly lease payments approximate $17, with a balloon payment of approximately $488, which is required to be paid either at the termination of the lease, allocated over the renewal period or during the initial term of the lease. This lease qualifies as a direct financing lease under the applicable guidance in ASC 840-30, “Leases.” The Company maintained a net investment in this direct financing lease of approximately $1,302 and $1,327 at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.

The following is a schedule of the direct financing minimum lease payments for the remainder of 2013 and the years 2014 and thereafter:

	Minimum Lease Payments
2013	$	81
2014		114
2015		122
2016		131
2017		140
2018 and thereafter		714
	$	1,302

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8. DEFERRED REVENUE

Deferred revenue of $12,065 and $7,447 as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, consists of customer payments received for which the revenue recognition criteria have not yet been met. The Company has significantly fulfilled its obligations under the contracts and the customers have paid, but due to the Company’s continuing involvement with the material, revenue is precluded from being recognized until title passes to the customer.

9. BORROWINGS

United States

On May 2, 2011, the Company, its domestic subsidiaries, and certain of its Canadian subsidiaries entered into a new $125,000 Revolving Credit Facility Credit Agreement (Credit Agreement) with PNC Bank, N.A., Bank of America, N.A., Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania. This Credit Agreement replaced a prior revolving credit facility with a maximum credit line of $90,000 and a $20,000 term loan. The Credit Agreement provides for a five-year, unsecured revolving credit facility that permits borrowing up to $125,000 for the U.S. borrowers and a sublimit of the equivalent of $15,000 U.S. dollars that is available to the Canadian borrowers. Provided no event of default exists, the Credit Agreement contains a provision that provides for an increase in the revolver facility of $50,000 that can be allocated to existing or new lenders if the Company’s borrowing requirements should increase. The Credit Agreement includes a sublimit of $20,000 for the issuance of trade and standby letters of credit.

Borrowings under the Credit Agreement will bear interest at rates based upon either the base rate or LIBOR-based rate plus applicable margins. Applicable margins are dictated by the ratio of the Company’s indebtedness less cash on hand to the Company’s consolidated EBITDA, as defined in the underlying Credit Agreement. The base rate is the highest of (a) PNC Bank’s prime rate, (b) the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50% or (c) the daily LIBOR rate, as defined in the underlying Credit Agreement, plus 1.00%. The base rate spread ranges from 0.00% to 1.00%. LIBOR-based rates are determined by dividing the published LIBOR rate by a number equal to 1.00 minus the percentage prescribed by the Federal Reserve for determining the maximum reserve requirements with respect to any Eurocurrency funding by banks on such day. The LIBOR-based rate spread ranges from 1.00% to 2.00%.

The Credit Agreement includes two financial covenants: (a) the Leverage Ratio, defined as the Company’s Indebtedness less cash on hand divided by the Company’s consolidated EBITDA, which must not exceed 3.00 to 1.00 and (b) Minimum Interest Coverage, defined as consolidated EBITDA less Capital Expenditures divided by consolidated interest expense, which must be no less than 3.00 to 1.00.

The Credit Agreement permits the Company to pay dividends and distributions and make redemptions with respect to its stock provided no event of default or potential default (as defined in the Credit Agreement) has occurred prior to or after giving effect to the dividend, distribution, or redemption. Dividends, distributions, and redemptions are capped at $15,000 per year when funds are drawn on the facility. If no drawings on the facility exist, dividends, distributions, and redemptions in excess of $15,000 per year are subjected to a limitation of $75,000 in the aggregate. The $75,000 aggregate limitation also includes certain loans, investments, and acquisitions. The Company is permitted to acquire the stock or assets of other entities with limited restrictions, provided that the Leverage Ratio does not exceed 2.50 to 1.00 after giving effect to the acquisition.

Other restrictions exist at all times including, but not limited to, limitation of the Company’s sale of assets, other indebtedness incurred by either the borrowers or the non-borrower subsidiaries of the Company, guaranties, and liens.

On July 9, 2012, the Company amended the Credit Agreement to increase the limit applicable to the Company’s sale of assets from $10,000 to $25,000.

As of March 31, 2013, the Company was in compliance with the Credit Agreement’s covenants.

The Company had no outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility at March 31, 2013 or December 31, 2012 and had available borrowing capacity of $122,457 at March 31, 2013.

Letters of Credit

At March 31, 2013, the Company had outstanding letters of credit of approximately $2,543.

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United Kingdom

A subsidiary of the Company has a working capital facility with NatWest Bank for its United Kingdom operations which includes an overdraft availability of £1,500 pounds sterling (approximately $2,280 at March 31, 2013). This credit facility supports the subsidiary’s working capital requirements and is collateralized by substantially all of the assets of its United Kingdom operations. The interest rate on this facility is the financial institution’s base rate plus 1.50%. Outstanding performance bonds reduce availability under this credit facility. The subsidiary of the Company had no outstanding borrowings under this credit facility as of March 31, 2013. There was approximately $96 and $61 in outstanding guarantees (as defined in the underlying agreement) at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. This credit facility was renewed effective August 30, 2012 with no significant changes to the underlying terms or conditions in the facility. The expiration date of this credit facility is June 30, 2013. It is the Company’s intention to renew this credit facility with NatWest Bank during the annual review of the credit facility in 2013.

The United Kingdom loan agreements contain certain financial covenants that require that subsidiary to maintain senior interest and cash flow coverage ratios. The subsidiary was in compliance with these financial covenants as of March 31, 2013. The subsidiary had available borrowing capacity of $2,184 at March 31, 2013.

10. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

On June 4, 2012, the Company sold substantially all of the assets and liabilities of its railway securement business, SSD, for $8,579. As a result of the sale, the Company divested $2,588 in goodwill attributed to the Rail Products segment in connection with the sale of its railway securement business. The goodwill balance was not deductible for income tax purposes. Intangible assets with net carrying value of $170 were also included with this sale.

On August 30, 2012, the Company sold substantially all of the assets and liabilities of its precise structural products business, Precise, for $2,643.

The operations of these divisions qualify as a “component of an entity” under FASB ASC 205-20, “Presentation of Financial Statements – Discontinued Operations” and thus, the operations have been reclassified as discontinued and prior periods have been reclassified to conform to this presentation. Future expenses of discontinued operations are not expected to be material.

Net sales and income from discontinued operations were as follows:

	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2013			2012
Net sales	$	4		$	4,236
(Loss) income from discontinued operations	$	(39	)	$	604
Income tax (benefit) expense		(15	)		214
(Loss) income from discontinued operations	$	(24	)	$	390

The Company maintained current assets from discontinued operations of $308 and $464 as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. Current liabilities related to discontinued operations were $67 and $106 as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.

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11. EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share:

	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2013			2012
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per common share -
Income available to common stockholders:
Income from continuing operations	$	4,951		$	2,979
(Loss) Income from discontinued operations		(24	)		390
Net income	$	4,927		$	3,369
Denominator:
Weighted average shares		10,158			10,090
Denominator for basic earnings per common share		10,158			10,090
Effect of dilutive securities:
Employee stock options		12			18
Other stock compensation plans		77			89
Dilutive potential common shares		89			107
Denominator for diluted earnings per common share - adjusted weighted average shares and assumed conversions		10,247			10,197
Basic earnings per share:
Continuing operations	$	0.49		$	0.30
Discontinued operations		(0.00	)		0.04
Basic earnings per common share	$	0.49		$	0.33
Diluted earnings per share:
Continuing operations	$	0.48		$	0.29
Discontinued operations		(0.00	)		0.04
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.48		$	0.33
Dividends paid per common share	$	0.030		$	0.025

In February 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized an increase to the regular quarterly dividend to $0.03 per common share.

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12. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

The Company applies the provisions of FASB ASC 718, “Compensation – Stock Compensation,” to account for the Company’s share-based compensation. Share-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the calculated fair value of the award and is recognized over the employees’ requisite service period. The Company recorded stock compensation expense of $631 and $739 for the three-month period ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, related to restricted stock awards and performance unit awards.

Shares issued as a result of vested stock-based compensation generally will be from previously issued shares which have been reacquired by the Company and held as Treasury shares or authorized but previously unissued common stock.

The excess tax benefit realized for the tax deduction from stock-based compensation approximated $189 and $48 for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. This excess tax benefit is included in cash flows from financing activities in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Stock Option Awards

A summary of the option activity as of March 31, 2013 is presented below.

					Weighted		Aggregate
			Weighted		Average		Intrinsic
			Average		Remaining		Value
			Exercise		Contractual		(Dollars in
	Shares		Price		Term		thousands)
Outstanding and Exercisable at January 1, 2013		22,500	$	10.41		2.2
Granted		—		—		—
Canceled		—		—		—
Exercised		—		—		—
Outstanding and Exercisable at March 31, 2013		22,500	$	10.41		2.0	$	762

At March 31, 2013, common stock options outstanding and exercisable under the Company’s equity plans had option prices ranging from $7.81 to $14.77, with a weighted average exercise price of $10.41. At March 31, 2012, common stock options outstanding and exercisable under the Company’s equity plans had option prices ranging from $4.10 to $14.77, with a weighted average exercise price of $8.92 per share.

The total intrinsic value of stock options outstanding and exercisable at March 31, 2012 was $754.

The weighted average remaining contractual life of the stock options outstanding at March 31, 2013 and 2012 was 2.0 and 2.6 years, respectively.

There were no stock options exercised during the three-month period ended March 31, 2013. There were 1,450 stock options with a weighted average exercise price per share of $9.30 exercised during the three-month period ended March 31, 2012. The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the three-month period ended March 31, 2012 was $30.

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Restricted Stock Awards

For the three-month periods ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company granted approximately 13,000 and 84,000 shares, respectively, of restricted stock to employees. A summary of restricted stock award activity follows:

Grant Date	Shares		Grant Date Fair Value		Aggregate Fair Value (Dollars in Thousands)		Vesting Date
February 1, 2012		66,000	$	30.15	$	1,990	February 1, 2016
March 6, 2012		18,347		27.49		504	March 6, 2016
February 27, 2013		12,973		42.49		551	February 27, 2017

These forfeitable restricted stock awards time-vest after a four-year holding period, unless indicated otherwise by the underlying restricted stock agreement. Certain awards of restricted stock included in the above table provide for incremental vesting over a period up to the vesting date listed.

Performance Unit Awards

Annually, under separate three-year long-term incentive plans, pursuant to the Omnibus Plan, the Company grants performance units. Units granted during the three-month periods ended March 31 are as follows:

Incentive Plan	Grant Date	Units		Grant Date Fair Value		Aggregate Fair Value (Dollars in Thousands)		Vesting Date
2011 - 2013	March 15, 2011		34,002	$	38.46	$	1,308	March 15, 2014
2012 - 2014	March 6, 2012		43,042		27.49		1,183	March 6, 2015
2013 - 2015	February 27, 2013		31,418		42.49		1,335	February 27, 2016

Performance units are subject to forfeiture and will be converted into common stock of the Company based upon the Company’s performance relative to performance measures and conversion multiples as defined in the underlying plan. The aggregate fair value in the above table is based upon achieving 100% of the performance targets as defined in the underlying plan.

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13. RETIREMENT PLANS

Retirement Plans

The Company has five retirement plans which cover its hourly and salaried employees in the United States: three defined benefit plans (one active / two frozen) and two defined contribution plans. Employees are eligible to participate in the appropriate plan based on employment classification. The Company’s funding to the defined benefit and defined contribution plans are governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), applicable plan policy and investment guidelines. The Company policy is to contribute at least the minimum in accordance with the funding standards of ERISA.

The Company’s subsidiary, L.B. Foster Rail Technologies, Inc. (Rail Technologies), maintains two defined contribution plans for its employees in Canada, as well as a post-retirement benefit plan. In the United Kingdom, Rail Technologies maintains both a defined contribution plan and a defined benefit plan. These plans are discussed in further detail below.

United States Defined Benefit Plans

Net periodic pension costs for the United States defined benefit pension plans for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:

	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2013			2012
Service cost	$	8		$	8
Interest cost		177			187
Expected return on plan assets		(214	)		(203	)
Recognized net actuarial loss		53			49
Net periodic benefit cost	$	24		$	41

The Company expects to contribute approximately $555 to its United States defined benefit plans in 2013. No contributions were made during the three months ended March 31, 2013.

United Kingdom Defined Benefit Plans

Net periodic pension costs for the United Kingdom defined benefit pension plan for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:

	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2013			2012
Interest cost	$	80		$	83
Expected return on plan assets		(68	)		(71	)
Amortization of transition amount		(11	)		(12	)
Recognized net actuarial loss		53			54
Net periodic cost	$	54		$	54

United Kingdom regulations require trustees to adopt a prudent approach to funding required contributions to defined benefit pension plans. Employer contributions of $248 are anticipated to the United Kingdom L.B. Foster Rail Technologies, Inc. pension plan during 2013. For the three months ended March 31, 2013, the Company contributed approximately $11 to the plan.

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Defined Contribution Plans

The Company has a domestic defined contribution plan that covers all non-union hourly and all salaried employees (Salaried Plan). The Salaried Plan permits both pre-tax and after-tax employee contributions. Participants can contribute, subject to statutory limitations, between 1% and 75% of eligible pre-tax pay and between 1% and 100% of eligible after-tax pay. The Company’s employer match is 100% of the first 1% of deferred eligible compensation and up to 50% of the next 6%, based on years of service, of deferred eligible compensation, for a total maximum potential match of 4%. The Company may also make discretionary contributions to the Salaried Plan.

The expense associated with this plan for the three months ended March 31 was $449 in 2013 and $467 in 2012.

The Company also has a domestic defined contribution plan for union hourly employees with contributions made by both the participants and the Company based on various formulas (Union Plan). The expense associated with this active plan for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 was $16 and $17, respectively.

Rail Technologies, maintains a defined contribution plan covering all non-union employees at its Montreal, Quebec, Canada location (Montreal Plan). Under the terms of the Montreal Plan, the employer may contribute 4% of each employee’s compensation as a non-elective contribution and may also contribute 30% of the first 6% of each employee’s compensation contributed to the Montreal Plan. Contributions to this plan were $35 and $27, for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

The subsidiary also maintains a defined contribution plan covering substantially all employees at its United Kingdom locations (U.K. Plan). Benefits under the U.K. Plan are provided under no formal written agreement. Under the terms of the defined contribution U.K. Plan, the employer may make non-elective contributions of between 3% and 10% of each employee’s compensation. Contributions to this plan were $33 and $27 for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Finally, Rail Technologies maintains a defined contribution plan covering substantially all of the employees in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (Burnaby Plan). Under the terms of the Burnaby Plan, the employer may contribute 4% of each employee’s compensation as a non-elective contribution and may also contribute 30% of the first 6% of each employee’s compensation contributed to the Burnaby Plan. Contributions to this plan were $45 and $39 for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

14. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

FASB ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The Company applies the provisions of ASC 820 to all its assets and liabilities that are being measured and reported on a fair value basis.

ASC 820 discusses valuation techniques, such as the market approach (comparable market prices), the income approach (present value of future income or cash flow) and the cost approach (cost to replace the service capacity of an asset or replacement cost). ASC 820 enables readers of financial statements to assess the inputs used to develop those measurements by establishing a hierarchy, which prioritizes those inputs used, for ranking the quality and reliability of the information used to determine fair values. The standard requires that each asset and liability carried at fair value be classified into one of the following categories:

Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2: Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.

Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.

The Company has an established process for determining fair value for its financial assets and liabilities, principally cash and cash equivalents and foreign currency exchange contracts. Fair value is based on quoted market prices, where available. If quoted market prices are not available, fair value is based on assumptions that use as inputs market-based parameters. The following sections describe the valuation methodologies used by the Company to measure different financial instruments at fair value, including an indication of the level in the fair value hierarchy in which each instrument is generally classified. Where appropriate the description includes details of the key inputs to the valuations and any significant assumptions.

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Cash equivalents. Included within “Cash and cash equivalents” are investments in money market funds with various underlying securities all of which maintain AAA credit ratings. Also included within cash equivalents are our highly liquid investments in non-domestic bank term deposits. The Company uses quoted market prices to determine the fair value of these investments and they are classified in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. The carrying amounts approximate fair value because of the short maturity of the instruments.

The following assets and liabilities of the Company were measured at fair value on a recurring basis subject to the disclosure requirements of ASC Topic 820 at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012:

			Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
	March 31, 2013		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets
Domestic money market funds	$	39,735	$	39,735	$	—	$	—
Non domestic bank term deposits		28,452		28,452		—		—
Cash equivalents at fair value		68,187		68,187		—		—
Total Assets	$	68,187	$	68,187	$	—	$	—
			Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
	December 31, 2012		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets
Domestic money market funds	$	58,620	$	58,620	$	—	$	—
Non domestic bank term deposits		26,045		26,045		—		—
Cash equivalents at fair value		84,665		84,665		—		—
Total Assets	$	84,665	$	84,665	$	—	$	—

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15. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

Product Liability Claims

The Company is subject to product warranty claims that arise in the ordinary course of its business. For certain manufactured products, the Company maintains a product warranty accrual which is adjusted on a monthly basis as a percentage of cost of sales. This product warranty accrual is periodically adjusted based on the identification or resolution of known individual product warranty claims. The following table sets forth the Company’s continuing operations product warranty accrual:

	Warranty Liability
Balance at December 31, 2012	$	15,727
Additions to warranty liability		311
Warranty liability utilized		(937	)
Balance at March 31, 2013	$	15,101

Included within the above table are concrete tie warranty reserves of approximately $14,119 and $14,837 as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.

During the quarter, the Company continued to work with the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) to identify and replace defective ties related to the warranty claim under CXT Incorporated’s (CXT) 2005 supply contract. During the three months ended March 31, 2013 there were no changes to the Company’s estimate of the number of defective concrete ties that will ultimately require replacement. Replaced ties have been deducted from the Company’s warranty liability.

While the Company believes this is a reasonable estimate of the potential warranty claims, these estimates could change due to the emergence of new information and/or future events. There can be no assurance at this point that future potential costs pertaining to these claims or other potential future claims will not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations.

Environmental and Legal Proceedings

The Company is subject to national, state, foreign, provincial and/or local laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment. The Company’s efforts to comply with environmental regulations may have an adverse effect on its future earnings. In the opinion of management, compliance with the present environmental protection laws will not have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, competitive position or capital expenditures of the Company.

The Company is also subject to legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of its business. In the opinion of management, the amount of ultimate liability with respect to these actions will not materially affect the financial condition or liquidity of the Company. The resolution, in any reporting period, of one or more of these matters could have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations for that period.

As of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company maintained environmental and litigation reserves approximating $2,130 and $2,141, respectively.

On January 11, 2012, CXT received a subpoena from the United States Department of Transportation Inspector General (IG) requesting records related to its manufacture of concrete railroad ties in Grand Island, NE. CXT and the Company have been cooperating fully with the IG.

16. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

The Company does not purchase or hold any derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.

At contract inception, the Company designates its derivative instruments as hedges. The Company recognizes all derivative instruments on the balance sheet at fair value. Fluctuations in the fair values of derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income and reclassified into earnings within other income as the underlying hedged items affect earnings. To the extent that a change in the derivative does not perfectly offset the change in value of the risk being hedged, the ineffective portion is recognized in earnings immediately.

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The Company is subject to exposures to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The Company manages its exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates on firm sale and purchase commitments by entering into foreign currency forward contracts. The Company’s risk management objective is to reduce its exposure to the effects of changes in exchange rates on these transactions over the duration of the transactions.

The Company did not engage in any foreign currency hedging transactions during the three-month period ended March 31, 2013. During the three-month period ended March 31, 2012, the Company entered into commitments with notional amounts totaling approximately $742 to buy Euro funds based on the anticipated receipt of Euro funds from the purchase of certain steel piling in the second quarter of 2013.

17. INCOME TAXES

The Company’s effective income tax rate from continuing operations for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 was 33.5% and 33.7%, respectively. The nominal reduction in the effective tax rate relates primarily to additional domestic manufacturing deductions anticipated during 2013.

18. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Management evaluated all activity of the Company and concluded that no subsequent events have occurred that would require recognition in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements or disclosure in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

(Dollars in thousands, except share data)

Forward-Looking Statements

This Form 10-Q contains “forward looking” statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements are statements that do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. Sentences containing words such as “believe,” “intend,” “expect,” “may,” “should,” “anticipate,” “could,” “estimate,” “plan,” “predict,” “project,” or their negatives, or other similar expressions generally should be considered forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q may concern, among other things, the Company’s expectations regarding our strategy, goals, projections and plans regarding our financial position, liquidity and capital resources, the outcome of the Inspector General subpoena, results of operations, decisions regarding our strategic growth strategies, market position, and product development, all of which are based on current estimates that involve inherent risks and uncertainties. L.B. Foster cautions readers that various factors could cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those indicated by forward-looking statements. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results. Among the factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements are risks and uncertainties related to: general business conditions, a decrease in freight or passenger rail traffic, a lack of state or federal funding for new infrastructure projects, the availability of material from major suppliers, labor disputes, the impact of competition, variances in current accounting estimates and their ultimate outcomes, the seasonality of the Company’s business, the adequacy of internal and external sources of funds to meet financing needs, the Company’s ability to curb its working capital requirements, taxes, foreign currency fluctuations, inflation, the ultimate number of concrete ties that will have to be replaced pursuant to product claims, and domestic and foreign governmental regulations. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual outcomes could vary materially from those indicated. The risks and uncertainties that may affect the operations, performance and results of the Company’s business and forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those set forth under Item 1A, “Risk Factors” Section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K and in our other periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The forward looking statements in this report are made as of the date of this report and we assume no obligation to update or revise any forward looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

General Overview

L.B. Foster Company (Company) is a leading manufacturer, fabricator, and distributor of products and services for rail, construction, energy and utility markets. The Company is comprised of three business segments: Rail Products, Construction Products and Tubular Products.

The Shipping Systems Division and Precise Structural Products business were sold during the prior year and have been reclassified as discontinued operations within the results of operations. The following discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations relates only to our continuing operations. More information regarding the results of discontinued operations can be found in Note 10 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

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Year-to-date Results of Continuing Operations

	Three Months Ended March 31,						Percent of Total Net  Sales Three Months Ended March 31,						Percent Increase/(Decrease)
	2013			2012			2013			2012			2013 vs. 2012
Net Sales:
Rail Products	$	81,399		$	66,631			62.9	%		58.3	%		22.2	%
Construction Products		36,811			38,363			28.5			33.6			(4.0	)
Tubular Products		11,111			9,297			8.6			8.1			19.5
Total net sales	$	129,321		$	114,291			100.0	%		100.0	%		13.2	%
	Three Months Ended March 31,						Gross Profit Percentage Three Months Ended March 31,						Percent Increase/(Decrease)
	2013			2012			2013			2012			2013 vs. 2012
Gross Profit:
Rail Products	$	17,033		$	14,407			20.9	%		21.6	%		18.2	%
Construction Products		4,972			5,003			13.5			13.0			(0.6	)
Tubular Products		3,215			2,695			28.9			29.0			19.3
LIFO expense		(240	)		(45	)		(0.2	)		(0.0	)			**
Other		(132	)		(408	)		(0.1	)		(0.4	)		(67.6	)
Total gross profit	$	24,848		$	21,652			19.2	%		18.9	%		14.8	%
	Three Months Ended March 31,						Percent of Total Net  Sales Three Months Ended March 31,						Percent Increase/(Decrease)
	2013			2012			2013			2012			2013 vs. 2012
Expenses:
Selling and administrative expenses	$	17,130		$	16,930			13.2	%		14.8	%		1.2	%
Amortization expense		701			699			0.5			0.6			0.3
Interest expense		133			139			0.1			0.1			(4.3	)
Interest income		(206	)		(100	)		(0.2	)		(0.1	)		106.0
Equity in income of nonconsolidated investment		(176	)		(23	)		(0.1	)		(0.0	)			**
Other income		(178	)		(486	)		(0.1	)		(0.4	)		(63.4	)
Total expenses		17,404			17,159			13.5			15.0			1.4
Income from continuing operations before income taxes		7,444			4,493			5.8			3.9			65.7
Income tax expense		2,493			1,514			1.9			1.3			64.7
Income from continuing operations	$	4,951		$	2,979			3.8	%		2.6	%		66.2	%

** Results of calculation are not considered meaningful for presentation purposes.

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First Quarter 2013 Compared to First Quarter 2012 – Company Analysis

Income from continuing operations for the first quarter of 2013 was $4,951, or $0.48 per diluted share, compared to income from continuing operations of $2,979, or $0.29 per diluted share, in the prior year quarter. Net sales for the period ended March 31, 2013 increased to $129,321, or 13.2%, which was attributable to a 22.2% increase in Rail Products segment sales and a 19.5% improvement in Tubular Products segment sales, partially offset by a 4.0% decline in Construction Products segment sales.

The March 31, 2013 gross profit margin was 19.2% or 30 basis points higher than the prior year. The increase was due principally to favorable material cost variances, partially offset by negative manufacturing cost variances.

Selling and administrative expenses increased by $200 or 1.2% from the prior year, due principally to additional research and development costs associated with our rail technologies business.

The effective income tax rate from continuing operations in the first quarter of 2013 was 33.5% compared to 33.7% in the prior year quarter. The nominal reduction in the effective tax rate relates primarily to additional domestic manufacturing deductions anticipated during 2013.

Results of Continuing Operations – Segment Analysis

Rail Products

	Three Months Ended						Increase/			Percent
	March 31,						(Decrease)			Increase/(Decrease)
	2013			2012			2013 vs. 2012			2013 vs. 2012
Net Sales	$	81,399		$	66,631		$	14,768			22.2	%
Gross Profit	$	17,033		$	14,407		$	2,626			18.2	%
Gross Profit Percentage		20.9	%		21.6	%		(0.7	)%		(3.2	)%

First Quarter 2013 Compared to First Quarter 2012

The sales improvement within the Rail Products segment was attributable to increased volumes generated in our rail distribution and transit products divisions. Included within this increase are products sold for the Honolulu, HI elevated transit system project. The project was awarded in June 2012 and is being managed by the rail distribution, transit and concrete rail products divisions.

The gross profit percentage declined by 70 basis points principally due to significant sales growth within our rail distribution and transit divisions which produce slightly lower gross profit margins than our other rail divisions.

During the quarter, the Company continued to work with the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) to identify and replace defective ties related to the warranty claim under CXT Incorporated’s (CXT) 2005 supply contract. During the three months ended March 31, 2013 there were no changes to the Company’s estimate of the number of defective concrete ties that will ultimately require replacement. Replaced ties have been deducted from the Company’s warranty liability.

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Construction Products

	Three Months Ended						Increase/			Percent
	March 31,						(Decrease)			Increase/(Decrease)
	2013			2012			2013 vs. 2012			2013 vs. 2012
Net Sales	$	36,811		$	38,363		$	(1,552	)		(4.0	)%
Gross Profit	$	4,972		$	5,003		$	(31	)		(0.6	)%
Gross Profit Percentage		13.5	%		13.0	%		0.5	%		3.6	%

First Quarter 2013 Compared to First Quarter 2012

For the three months ended March 31, 2013 sales were relatively flat across much of the Construction Products segment. The 4.0% reduction in sales was primarily a result of declines in the fabricated bridge products division’s sales partially offset by increased sales within the concrete buildings division.

Although net sales declined by $1,552, the gross profit percentage increased 50 basis points due principally to the leverage resulting from a 30% increase in concrete building sales.

Tubular Products

	Three Months Ended						Increase/			Percent
	March 31,						(Decrease)			Increase/(Decrease)
	2013			2012			2013 vs. 2012			2013 vs. 2012
Net Sales	$	11,111		$	9,297		$	1,814			19.5	%
Gross Profit	$	3,215		$	2,695		$	520			19.3	%
Gross Profit Percentage		28.9	%		29.0	%		(0.1	)%		(0.2	)%

First Quarter 2013 Compared to First Quarter 2012

Net sales reported by our Tubular Products segment increased approximately 19.5% over the prior year period. This increase, as well as the improvement in gross profit, was attributable to growth in volumes at both our threaded products and coated products divisions. Gross margin remained relatively stable for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2013 and 2012.

26

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Total debt related to capital lease obligations was $44 and $62 as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.

Our need for liquidity relates primarily to seasonal working capital requirements for continuing operations, capital expenditures, joint venture capital obligations, strategic investments or acquisitions, debt service obligations, share repurchases and dividends.

The following table summarizes the year-to-date impact of these items:

	March 31,
	2013			2012
Liquidity needs:
Working capital and other assets and liabilities	$	(24,969	)	$	(9,036	)
Capital expenditures		(1,031	)		(2,467	)
Other long-term debt repayments		(18	)		(1,361	)
Treasury stock acquisitions		(547	)		(224	)
Dividends paid to common shareholders		(310	)		(257	)
Cash interest paid		(86	)		(106	)
Net liquidity requirements		(26,961	)		(13,451	)
Liquidity sources:
Internally generated cash flows before interest paid		7,439			6,292
Capital distributions received from equity method investment		378			—
Proceeds from asset sales		8			7
Equity transactions		189			61
Foreign exchange effects		(1,206	)		707
Net liquidity sources		6,808			7,067
Discontinued operations		124			408
Net Change in Cash	$	(20,029	)	$	(5,976	)

Cash Flow from Continuing Operating Activities

During the current 2013 period, cash flows from continuing operations used $17,616, an increase of $14,766 compared to the 2012 period. For the three months ended March 31, 2013, income and adjustments to income from continuing operations provided $7,353 compared to $6,186 in the 2012 period. Working capital and other assets and liabilities used $24,969 in the current period compared to $9,036 in the prior year period. The additional use of working capital in the current period was attributable to an early seasonal ramp-up in preparation for the summer construction season as well as a steep increase in sales towards the second half of the quarter, which resulted in a larger than anticipated increase in accounts receivable. The Company’s calculation for days sales outstanding at March 31, 2013 was 38 days compared to 41 days at December 31, 2012 and we believe our receivable portfolio is strong.

27

Cash Flow from Continuing Investing Activities

Capital expenditures were $1,031 for the first three months of 2013 compared to $2,467 for the same 2012 period. Current period expenditures related to improvements to our machinery and equipment across each segment whereas prior year capital expenditures were primarily used for our Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada facility, our new threaded products facility, and other yard and plant upgrades. We anticipate total capital spending in 2013 will range between $9,000 and $10,000 and will be funded by cash flow from continuing operations.

Cash Flow from Financing Activities

While we did not purchase any common shares of the Company under our existing share repurchase authorization, we did withhold 12,057 shares for approximately $547 from employees to pay their withholding taxes in connection with the exercise and/or vesting of options and restricted stock awards. Cash outflows related to dividends were approximately $310 and $257 for the periods ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The increase relates to a board approved quarterly dividend payment of $0.03 per common share effective February 2013 compared to a $0.025 per share payment in the prior year quarter.

Cash Flow from Discontinued Operations

For the three-month periods ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, cash flows from discontinued businesses provided $124 and $447 from operating activities, respectively. Cash flows from discontinued investing activities used $39 during the period ended March 31, 2012.

Financial Condition

As of March 31, 2013, we had $81,435 in cash and cash equivalents and credit facilities with $124,641 of availability while carrying only $44 in total debt. As of March 31, 2013, we were in compliance with all of the Credit Agreement’s covenants. We believe this liquidity will provide the flexibility to take advantage of both organic and external investment opportunities.

Included within cash and cash equivalents are money market funds with various underlying securities. Our priority continues to be short-term maturities and the preservation of our principal balances. Approximately $36,758 of our cash and cash equivalents was held in non-domestic bank accounts. These funds are available to meet the liquidity needs of our foreign operations. Repatriation activity would subject these funds to U.S. income taxes.

Borrowings under our Credit Agreement bear interest at rates based upon either the base rate or LIBOR-based rate plus applicable margins. Applicable margins are dictated by the ratio of our indebtedness less cash on hand to our consolidated EBITDA. The base rate is the highest of (a) PNC Bank’s prime rate or (b) the Federal Funds Rate plus .50% or (c) the daily LIBOR rate plus 1.00%. The base rate spread ranges from 0.00% to 1.00%. LIBOR-based rates are determined by dividing the published LIBOR rate by a number equal to 1.00 minus the percentage prescribed by the Federal Reserve for determining the maximum reserve requirements with respect to any Eurocurrency funding by banks on such day. The LIBOR-based rate spread ranges from 1.00% to 2.00%.

Critical Accounting Policies

The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. When more than one accounting principle, or method of its application, is generally accepted, management selects the principle or method that is appropriate in the Company’s specific circumstances. Application of these accounting principles requires management to make estimates about the future resolution of existing uncertainties. As a result, actual results could differ from these estimates. In preparing these financial statements, management has made its best estimates and judgments of the amounts and disclosures included in the financial statements giving due regard to materiality. There have been no material changes in the Company’s critical accounting policies or estimates since December 31, 2012. For more information regarding the Company’s critical accounting policies, please see the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.

28

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company’s off-balance sheet arrangements include operating leases, purchase obligations and standby letters of credit. A schedule of the Company’s required payments under financial instruments and other commitments as of December 31, 2012 is included in the “Liquidity and Capital Resources” section of the Company’s Annual Report filed on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012. These arrangements provide the Company with increased flexibility relative to the utilization and investment of cash resources. There were no material changes to these arrangements during the three-month period ended March 31, 2013.

Other

Segment Backlog

Total Company backlog from continuing operations at March 31, 2013 was approximately $248,121 and is summarized by business segment in the following table for the periods indicated:

	Backlog
	March 31,		December 31,		March 31,
	2013		2012		2012
Rail Products	$	174,376	$	140,592	$	118,119
Construction Products		63,645		59,239		66,357
Tubular Products		10,100		11,087		11,981
Total Backlog from Continuing Operating Activities	$	248,121	$	210,918	$	196,457

Warranty

As of March 31, 2013, we maintained a total product warranty reserve of approximately $15,101 for our estimate of all potential product warranty claims. Of this total, $14,119 reflects the current estimate of our exposure for potential product warranty claims related to concrete tie production at our Grand Island, NE facility, which was closed in early 2011. While we believe this is a reasonable estimate of our potential contingencies related to identified concrete tie warranty matters, we may incur future charges associated with new customer claims or further development of information for existing customer claims. Thus, there can be no assurance that future potential costs pertaining to warranty claims will not have a material impact on our results of operations and financial condition.

29

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Interest Rate Risk

The Company does not purchase or hold any derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.

At contract inception, the Company designates its derivative instruments as hedges. The Company recognizes all derivative instruments on the balance sheet at fair value. Fluctuations in the fair values of derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings within other income as the underlying hedged items affect earnings. To the extent that a change in a derivative does not perfectly offset the change in value of the interest rate being hedged, the ineffective portion is recognized in earnings immediately.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

The Company is subject to exposures to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The Company manages its exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates on firm sale and purchase commitments by entering into foreign currency forward contracts. The Company’s risk management objective is to reduce its exposure to the effects of changes in exchange rates on these transactions over the duration of the transactions. The Company did not engage in foreign currency hedging transactions during the three-month period ended March 31, 2013.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

a) L. B. Foster Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a - 15(e) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of March 31, 2013. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective to timely alert them to material information relating to the Company (including its consolidated subsidiaries) required to be included in the Company’s periodic Securities and Exchange Commission filings.

b) There have been no changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting that occurred in the period covered by this report that have materially affected or are likely to materially affect the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.

30

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

(Dollars in thousands, except share data)

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

See Note 15, “Commitments and Contingent Liabilities,” to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

In addition to the risk factors and other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, as filed with the SEC on March 8, 2013, which could materially affect our business, financial condition, financial results, or future performance. The risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K are not the only risks facing the Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known or that we currently deem to be immaterial may also materially affect our business, financial condition and/or results of operations.

We may be impacted by the government’s sequestration program which took effect March 1, 2013.

A portion of our operations are heavily dependent on governmental funding of infrastructure projects. As a result of the Budget Control Act of 2011 and related sequestration, our operating results may be adversely impacted by the reduction in federal funds available for infrastructure projects.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The Company’s purchases of equity securities for the three-month period ended March 31, 2013 were as follows:

	Total Number of Shares		Average Price Paid per		Total Number of shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans		Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or
	Purchased (1)		Share		or Programs		(in thousands)
January 1, 2013 - January 31, 2013		—	$	—		—	$	18,520
February 1, 2013 - February 28, 2013		—		—		—		18,520
March 1, 2013 - March 31, 2013		—		—		—		18,520
Total		—	$	—		—	$	18,520

(1)  On May 23, 2011, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $25,000 of the Company’s common shares until December 31, 2013 at which time this authorization will expire. The Company previously purchased 278,655 shares totaling approximately $6,480 under this authorization.

While we did not purchase any common shares of the Company under our existing share repurchase authorization, we did withhold 12,057 shares for approximately $547 from employees to pay their withholding taxes in connection with the exercise and/or vesting of options and restricted stock awards.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

This item is not applicable to the Company.

31

Item 6. Exhibits

All exhibits are incorporated herein by reference:

*31.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
*31.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
*32.0	Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
***101.INS	XBRL Instance Document.
***101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
***101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
***101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
***101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
***101.PRE	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
*	Exhibits marked with an asterisk are filed herewith.
***	In accordance with SEC Release 33-8238, the certifications contained in Exhibits 32 are being furnished and not filed. In accordance with Rule 406T of Regulation S-T promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission, Exhibit 101 is deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, is deemed not filed for purposes of section 18 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections.

32

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

	L.B. FOSTER COMPANY
	(Registrant)
Date: May 7, 2013	By: /s/ David J. Russo
	David J. Russo
	Senior Vice President,
	Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
	(Duly Authorized Officer of Registrant)

33

Index to Exhibits

All exhibits are incorporated herein by reference:

Exhibit Number	Description
*31.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
*31.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
*32.0	Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
***101.INS	XBRL Instance Document.
***101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
***101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
***101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
***101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
***101.PRE	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
*	Exhibits marked with an asterisk are filed herewith.

34

EX-31.1

Exhibit 31.1

Certification under Section 302 of the

Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

I, Robert P. Bauer, President and Chief Executive Officer of L. B. Foster Company, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of L. B. Foster Company;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date:	May 7, 2013	/s/ Robert P. Bauer
		Name:	Robert P. Bauer
		Title:	President and Chief Executive Officer

EX-31.2

Exhibit 31.2

Certification under Section 302 of the

Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

I, David J. Russo, Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of L. B. Foster Company, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of L. B. Foster Company;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date:	May 7, 2013	/s/ David J. Russo
		Name:	David J. Russo
		Title:	Senior Vice President,
			Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

EX-32.0

Exhibit 32.0

CERTIFICATE PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of L. B. Foster Company (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2013, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), the undersigned certify pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 that:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) The information contained in this Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date:	May 7, 2013	/s/ Robert P. Bauer
		Name:	Robert P. Bauer
		Title:	President and Chief Executive Officer
Date:	May 7, 2013	/s/ David J. Russo
		Name:	David J. Russo
		Title:	Senior Vice President,
			Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

XML

Business Segments (Schedule Of Net Sales, Profits, Assets, Depreciation/Amortization And Expenditures By Reporting Segment) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales	$ 129,321	$ 114,291
Segment Profit	9,270	6,236
Rail Products Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales	81,399	66,631
Segment Profit	6,201	3,449
Construction Products Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales	36,811	38,363
Segment Profit	462	475
Tubular Products Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales	11,111	9,297
Segment Profit	$ 2,607	$ 2,312

XML

Earning Per Common Share (Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Earnings Per Common Share [Abstract]
Income from continuing operations	$ 4,951	$ 2,979
Income from discontinued operations	(24)	390
Net income	$ 4,927	$ 3,369
Weighted average shares	10,158	10,090
Denominator for basic earnings per common share	10,158	10,090
Employee stock options	12	18
Other stock compensation plans	77	89
Dilutive potential common shares	89	107
Denominator for diluted earnings per common share - adjusted weighted average shares and assumed conversions	10,247	10,197
Basic earnings per common share: From continuing operations	$ 0.49	$ 0.30
Basic earnings per common share: From discontinued operations	$ 0.00	$ 0.04
Basic earnings per common share	$ 0.49	$ 0.33
Diluted earnings per common share: From continuing operations	$ 0.48	$ 0.29
Diluted earnings per common share: From discontinued operations	$ 0.00	$ 0.04
Diluted earnings per common share	$ 0.48	$ 0.33
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$ 0.030	$ 0.025

XML

Investments (Schedule of Direct Financing Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases Table) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013
Investments [Abstract]
Current	$ 81
Year Two	114
Year Three	122
Year Four	131
Year Five	140
Year Six and thereafter	714
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, Total	$ 1,302

XML

Stock-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation	$ 631	$ 739
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	2 years	2 years 7 months 6 days	2 years 2 months 12 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price		$ 9.30
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Total Intrinsic Value		30
Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities	189	48
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value		$ 754
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 10.41		$ 10.41
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period		1,450
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	4 years
Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 7.81	$ 4.10
Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 14.77	$ 14.77
Weighted Average [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 10.41	$ 8.92
Granted to Employee [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	13,000	84,000

XML

Investments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013 property	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Investments	$ 4,130,000			$ 4,332,000
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	45.00%
Payments to Acquire Interest in Joint Venture			3,000,000
Equity in Income/(Loss) of Nonconsolidated Investment	176,000	23,000
Capital distributions received from equity method investment	378,000
Capital Leased Assets, Number of Units	5
Capital Lease Length Of Lease Term	9 years 6 months
Capital Lease Length Of Renewal Term	5 years 6 months
Capital Leases, Monthly Rent	17,000
Capital Leases Balloon Payment In Direct Financing Leases	488,000
Capital Leases, Net Investment in Direct Financing Leases	1,302,000			1,327,000
Increase as a result of the amendment [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Capital Leases, Monthly Rent	$ 7,000

XML

Earnings Per Common Share (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Earnings Per Common Share [Abstract]

Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]

		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2013		2012
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per common share -
Income available to common stockholders:
Income from continuing operations	$	4,951	$	2,979
(Loss) Income from discontinued operations		(24)		390
Net income	$	4,927	$	3,369
Denominator:
Weighted average shares		10,158		10,090
Denominator for basic earnings per common share		10,158		10,090
Effect of dilutive securities:
Employee stock options		12		18
Other stock compensation plans		77		89
Dilutive potential common shares		89		107
Denominator for diluted earnings per common share -
adjusted weighted average shares and assumed conversions		10,247		10,197
Basic earnings per share:
Continuing operations	$	0.49	$	0.30
Discontinued operations		(0.00)		0.04
Basic earnings per common share	$	0.49	$	0.33
Diluted earnings per share:
Continuing operations	$	0.48	$	0.29
Discontinued operations		(0.00)		0.04
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.48	$	0.33
Dividends paid per common share	$	0.030	$	0.025

XML

Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule of Restricted Stock Awards) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013
Grant Date - 2/1/2012 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting Date	February 1, 2016
Grant Date - 2/1/2012 [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grant Date	February 1, 2012
Shares	66,000
Grant Date Fair Value	$ 30.15
Aggregate Fair Value	$ 1,990
Grant Date - 3/6/2012 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting Date	March 6, 2016
Grant Date - 3/6/2012 [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grant Date	March 6, 2012
Shares	18,347
Grant Date Fair Value	$ 27.49
Aggregate Fair Value	504
Grant Date - 2/27/13 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting Date	February 27, 2017
Grant Date - 2/27/13 [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grant Date	February 27, 2013
Shares	12,973
Grant Date Fair Value	$ 42.49
Aggregate Fair Value	$ 551

XML

Subsequent Events

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Subsequent Events [Abstract]

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

18. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Management evaluated all activity of the Company and concluded that no subsequent events have occurred that would require recognition in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements or disclosure in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Borrowings (Narrative) (Details)			3 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013 Foreign Line of Credit [Member] USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2013 PNC Bank, N.A., Bank of America, N.A., Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania [Member] Letter of Credit [Member] USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2013 PNC Bank, N.A., Bank of America, N.A., Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 PNC Bank, N.A., Bank of America, N.A., Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2013 NatWest Bank [Member] Foreign Line of Credit [Member] USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2013 NatWest Bank [Member] Foreign Line of Credit [Member] GBP (£)	Mar. 31, 2013 NatWest Bank Outstanding Guarantees [Member] Foreign Line of Credit [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 NatWest Bank Outstanding Guarantees [Member] Foreign Line of Credit [Member] USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 15,000,000		$ 125,000,000		$ 2,280,000	£ 1,500,000
Line of Credit Facility, Description			This Credit Agreement replaced a prior revolving credit facility with a maximum credit line of $90,000 and a $20,000 term loan.
Line of Credit Facility, Borrowing Capacity, Description			The Credit Agreement provides for a five-year, unsecured revolving credit facility that permits borrowing up to $125,000 for the U.S. borrowers and a sublimit of the equivalent of $15,000 U.S. dollars that is available to the Canadian borrowers.
Line of Credit Facility, Provision for Increase in Capacity			50,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Capacity Available for Trade Purchases			20,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate Description			Borrowings under the Credit Agreement will bear interest at rates based upon either the base rate or LIBOR-based rate plus applicable margins. Applicable margins are dictated by the ratio of the Company's indebtedness less cash on hand to the Company's consolidated EBITDA, as defined in the underlying Credit Agreement. The base rate is the highest of (a) PNC Bank's prime rate, (b) the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50% or (c) the daily LIBOR rate, as defined in the underlying Credit Agreement, plus 1.00%. The base rate spread ranges from 0.00% to 1.00%. LIBOR-based rates are determined by dividing the published LIBOR rate by a number equal to 1.00 minus the percentage prescribed by the Federal Reserve for determining the maximum reserve requirements with respect to any Eurocurrency funding by banks on such day. The LIBOR-based rate spread ranges from 1.00% to 2.00%.		. The interest rate on this facility is the financial institution's base rate plus 1.50%.	. The interest rate on this facility is the financial institution's base rate plus 1.50%.
Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Terms			The Credit Agreement includes two financial covenants: (a) the Leverage Ratio, defined as the Company's Indebtedness less cash on hand divided by the Company's consolidated EBITDA, which must not exceed 3.00 to 1.00 and (b) Minimum Interest Coverage, defined as consolidated EBITDA less Capital Expenditures divided by consolidated interest expense, which must be no less than 3.00 to 1.00.
Line of Credit Facility, Dividend Restrictions			The Credit Agreement permits the Company to pay dividends and distributions and make redemptions with respect to its stock provided no event of default or potential default (as defined in the Credit Agreement) has occurred prior to or after giving effect to the dividend, distribution, or redemption. Dividends, distributions, and redemptions are capped at $15,000 per year when funds are drawn on the facility. If no drawings on the facility exist, dividends, distributions, and redemptions in excess of $15,000 per year are subjected to a limitation of $75,000 in the aggregate. The $75,000 aggregate limitation also includes certain loans, investments, and acquisitions. The Company is permitted to acquire the stock or assets of other entities with limited restrictions, provided that the Leverage Ratio does not exceed 2.50 to 1.00 after giving effect to the acquisition.
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding		2,543,000	0	0			96,000	61,000
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity			$ 122,457,000		$ 2,184,000
Line of Credit Facility, Collateral					This credit facility supports the subsidiary's working capital requirements and is collateralized by substantially all of the assets of its United Kingdom operations.	This credit facility supports the subsidiary's working capital requirements and is collateralized by substantially all of the assets of its United Kingdom operations.
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date					Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013
Line of Credit Facility, Asset Restrictions			Other restrictions exist at all times including, but not limited to, limitation of the Company's sale of assets, other indebtedness incurred by either the borrowers or the non-borrower subsidiaries of the Company, guaranties, and liens. On July 9, 2012, the Company amended the Credit Agreement to increase the limit applicable to the Company's sale of assets from $10,000 to $25,000.

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Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Schedule of Intangible Assets) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified			12 Months Ended		12 Months Ended		12 Months Ended		12 Months Ended		12 Months Ended		12 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012 Non-compete agreements [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Non-compete agreements [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Patents [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Patents [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Customer relationships [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Customer relationships [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Supplier relationships [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Supplier relationships [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Trademarks [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Trademarks [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Technology [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Technology [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Weighted Average [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Weighted Average [Member] Non-compete agreements [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Weighted Average [Member] Patents [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Weighted Average [Member] Customer relationships [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Weighted Average [Member] Supplier relationships [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Weighted Average [Member] Trademarks [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Weighted Average [Member] Technology [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Amortization Period In Years			5 years		10 years		23 years		5 years		17 years		18 years		20 years	5 years	10 years	23 years	5 years	17 years	18 years
Gross Carrying Value	$ 46,811	$ 46,811	$ 380	$ 380	$ 815	$ 815	$ 19,960	$ 19,960	$ 350	$ 350	$ 6,280	$ 6,280	$ 19,026	$ 19,026
Accumulated Amortization	(7,347)	(6,646)	(367)	(369)	(412)	(421)	(2,488)	(2,760)	(143)	(161)	(879)	(987)	(2,357)	(2,649)
Net Carrying Amount	$ 39,464	$ 40,165	$ 13	$ 11	$ 403	$ 394	$ 17,472	$ 17,200	$ 207	$ 189	$ 5,401	$ 5,293	$ 16,669	$ 16,377

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Commitments and Contingent Liabilites (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities [Abstract]

Schedule of Product Warranty Liability [Table Text Block]

		Warranty Liability
Balance at December 31, 2012	$	15,727
Additions to warranty liability		311
Warranty liability utilized		(937)
Balance at March 31, 2013	$	15,101

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Discontinued Operations (Net Sales and Income from Discontinued Operations) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Discontinued Operations [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 4	$ 4,236
(Loss) Income from discontinued operations	(39)	604
Income tax (benefit) expense	(15)	214
(Loss) income from discontinued operations	$ (24)	$ 390

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Fair Value Measurements (Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 68,187	$ 84,665
Total Assets	68,187	84,665
Domestic money market funds [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	39,735	58,620
Non domestic bank certificates of deposit [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	28,452	26,045
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	68,187	84,665
Total Assets	68,187	84,665
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Domestic money market funds [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	39,735	58,620
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Non domestic bank certificates of deposit [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 28,452	$ 26,045

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Investments (Schedule Of Carrying Amounts With Maximum Exposure To Loss Table) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Investments [Abstract]
Equity method investment	$ 4,130	$ 4,332
Net investment in direct financing lease	1,302	1,327
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	$ 5,432	$ 5,659

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Recently Adopted and Issued Accounting Standards

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Recently Adopted and Issued Accounting Standards

RECENTLY ADOPTED AND ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

2. RECENTLY ADOPTED AND ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

On January 1, 2013, the Company adopted changes issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) to the testing of indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment. These changes provide an entity the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not (more than 50%) that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount. Such qualitative factors may include the following: macroeconomic conditions; industry and market considerations; cost factors; overall financial performance; and other relevant entity-specific events. If an entity elects to perform a qualitative assessment and determines that an impairment is more likely than not, the entity is then required to perform the existing two-step quantitative impairment test, otherwise no further analysis is required. An entity also may elect not to perform the qualitative assessment and, instead, proceed directly to the two-step quantitative impairment test. Notwithstanding the adoption of these changes, management plans to proceed directly to the two-step quantitative test for the Company’s indefinite-lived intangible assets. The adoption of these changes had no impact on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

On January 1, 2013, the Company adopted changes issued by the FASB to the reporting of amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income. These changes require an entity to report the effect of significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income on the respective line items in net income if the amount being reclassified is required to be reclassified in its entirety to net income. For other amounts that are not required to be reclassified in their entirety to net income in the same reporting period, an entity is required to cross-reference other disclosures that provide additional detail about those amounts. These requirements are to be applied to each component of accumulated other comprehensive income. The adoption of these changes is displayed in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

In March 2013, the FASB issued changes to a parent entity’s accounting for the cumulative translation adjustment upon derecognition of certain subsidiaries or groups of assets within a foreign entity or of an investment in a foreign entity. A parent entity is required to release any related cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment from accumulated other comprehensive income into net income in the following circumstances: (i) a parent entity ceases to have a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets that is a business within a foreign entity if the sale or transfer results in the complete or substantially complete liquidation of the foreign entity in which the subsidiary or group of assets had resided; (ii) a partial sale of an equity method investment that is a foreign entity; (iii) a partial sale of an equity method investment that is not a foreign entity whereby the partial sale represents a complete or substantially complete liquidation of the foreign entity that held the equity method investment; and (iv) the sale of an investment in a foreign entity. These changes become effective for the Company on January 1, 2014. Management has determined that the adoption of these changes will not have an impact on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, unless the Company disposes of one of its foreign entities.

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Commitments and Contingent Liabilites (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Product Liability Contingency [Line Items]
Standard Product Warranty Accrual	$ 15,101	$ 15,727
Reserve for Concrete Ties [Member]
Product Liability Contingency [Line Items]
Standard Product Warranty Accrual	14,119	14,837
Reserve for Environmental Costs [Member]
Product Liability Contingency [Line Items]
Estimated Litigation Liability	$ 2,130	$ 2,141

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Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Schedule of Expected Amortization Expense) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
2013	$ 2,080
2014	2,781
2015	2,506
2016	2,412
2017	2,345
2018 and thereafter	27,340
Net Carrying Amount	$ 39,464	$ 40,165

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Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]

Schedule of Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]

	March 31, 2013
	Weighted Average		Gross				Net
	Amortization Period		Carrying		Accumulated		Carrying
	In Years		Value		Amortization		Amount
Non-compete agreements	5	$	380	$	(369)	$	11
Patents	10		815		(421)		394
Customer relationships	23		19,960		(2,760)		17,200
Supplier relationships	5		350		(161)		189
Trademarks	17		6,280		(987)		5,293
Technology	18		19,026		(2,649)		16,377
		$	46,811	$	(7,347)	$	39,464

	December 31, 2012
	Weighted Average		Gross				Net
	Amortization Period		Carrying		Accumulated		Carrying
	In Years		Value		Amortization		Amount
Non-compete agreements	5	$	380	$	(367)	$	13
Patents	10		815		(412)		403
Customer relationships	23		19,960		(2,488)		17,472
Supplier relationships	5		350		(143)		207
Trademarks	17		6,280		(879)		5,401
Technology	18		19,026		(2,357)		16,669
		$	46,811	$	(6,646)	$	40,165

Schedule of Expected Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]

		Amortization Expense
2013	$	2,080
2014		2,781
2015		2,506
2016		2,412
2017		2,345
2018 and thereafter		27,340
	$	39,464

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Business Segments (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Business Segments [Abstract]

Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]

		Three Months Ended
		March 31, 2013				March 31, 2012
		Net		Segment		Net		Segment
		Sales		Profit		Sales		Profit
Rail products	$	81,399	$	6,201	$	66,631	$	3,449
Construction products		36,811		462		38,363		475
Tubular products		11,111		2,607		9,297		2,312
Total	$	129,321	$	9,270	$	114,291	$	6,236

Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]

		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2013		2012
Income for reportable segments	$	9,270	$	6,236
Interest expense		(133)		(139)
Interest income		206		100
Other income		178		486
LIFO expense		(240)		(45)
Equity in income of nonconsolidated investment		176		23
Corporate expense, cost of capital elimination and other unallocated charges		(2,013)		(2,168)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	$	7,444	$	4,493

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Stock-Based Compensation (Summary of Stock Option Activity) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Stock-based Compensation [Abstract]
Shares, Outstanding and Exercisable, Beginning of Period	22,500
Shares, Exercised		(1,450)
Shares, Outstanding and Exercisable, End of Period	22,500		22,500
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding and Exercisable at Beginning of Year	$ 10.41
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercised		$ 9.30
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding and Exercisable at End of Period	$ 10.41		$ 10.41
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	2 years	2 years 7 months 6 days	2 years 2 months 12 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding and Exercisable at End of Period	$ 762

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Accounts Receivable (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accounts Receivable [Abstract]
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable	$ 867	$ 899

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Inventories (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Inventories [Abstract]

Schedule of Inventory Of Continuing Operations [Table Text Block]

		March 31,		December 31,
		2013		2012
Finished goods	$	80,204	$	78,715
Work-in-process		16,740		17,693
Raw materials		19,423		19,764
Total inventories at current costs		116,367		116,172
Less: LIFO reserve		(9,304)		(9,064)
	$	107,063	$	107,108

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Investments (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Investments [Abstract]

Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block]

		March 31,		December 31,
		2013		2012
Equity method investment	$	4,130	$	4,332
Net investment in direct financing lease		1,302		1,327
	$	5,432	$	5,659

Schedule of Direct Financing Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases [Table Text Block]

		Minimum Lease Payments
2013	$	81
2014		114
2015		122
2016		131
2017		140
2018 and thereafter		714
	$	1,302

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Financial Statements Disclosure

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Financial Statements [Abstract]

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollars in thousands, except share data)

The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X.  Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements.  In the opinion of management, all estimates and adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.  However, actual results could differ from those estimates.  The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2013.  Amounts included in the balance sheet as of December 31, 2012 were derived from our audited balance sheet.  For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012. In this Form 10-Q, references to “we,” “us,” “our,” “L.B. Foster,” and the “Company” refer collectively to L.B. Foster and its consolidated subsidiaries.

During 2012, the Company sold substantially all of the assets and liabilities of its railway securement business, Shipping Systems Division (SSD), and its precise structural products business, Precise.  As a result of these transactions, certain amounts included in the prior year period Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been reclassified for comparative purposes to conform with the presentation of discontinued operations.

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Discontinued Operations (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Discontinued Operations [Abstract]

Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures [Table Text Block]

		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2013		2012
Net sales	$	4	$	4,236
(Loss) income from discontinued operations	$	(39)	$	604
Income tax (benefit) expense		(15)		214
(Loss) income from discontinued operations	$	(24)	$	390

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Business Segments (Reconciliation of Reportable Segment Net Profit) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Business Segments [Abstract]
Income for reportable segments	$ 9,270	$ 6,236
Interest expense	(133)	(139)
Interest income	206	100
Other (expense)/income	178	486
LIFO income/(expense)	(240)	(45)
Equity in income of nonconsolidated investment	176	23
Corporate expense and other unallocated charges	(2,013)	(2,168)
Corporate Expense And Other Unallocated Charges	2,013	2,168
Income from continuing operations, before income taxes	$ 7,444	$ 4,493

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Discontinued Operations (Balance Sheet for Discontinued Operations) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 04, 2012
Discontinued Operations [Abstract]
Current Assets	$ 308	$ 464
Goodwill			2,588
Other intangibles - net			170
Total Current Liabilities	$ 67	$ 106

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Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 81,435	$ 101,464
Accounts receivable - net	72,118	59,673
Inventories - net	107,063	107,108
Current deferred tax assets	4,585	4,585
Prepaid income tax	3,045	1,195
Other current assets	3,127	1,903
Current assets of discontinued operations	308	464
Total Current Assets	271,681	276,392
Property, plant and equipment, net	41,491	42,333
Goodwill	41,237	41,237
Other intangibles - net	39,464	40,165
Investments	4,130	4,332
Other assets	1,626	1,663
Total Assets	399,629	406,122
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Accounts payable - trade	40,937	50,454
Deferred revenue	12,065	7,447
Accrued payroll and employee benefits	5,614	9,604
Accrued warranty	15,101	15,727
Current maturities of long-term debt	23	35
Other accured liabilities	9,165	8,596
Liabilities of discontinued operations	67	106
Total Current Liabilities	82,972	91,969
Long-term debt	21	27
Deferred tax liabilities	11,957	12,140
Other long-term liabilities	13,968	14,411
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Common stock, par value $.01, authorized 20,000,000 shares; shares issued at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, 11,115,779; shares outstanding at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, 10,167,467 and 10,149,398	111	111
Paid-in capital	46,074	46,290
Retained earnings	274,928	270,311
Treasury stock - at cost, Common Stock, 948,312 shares at March 31, 2013 and 966,381 shares at December 31, 2012	(24,979)	(25,468)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(5,423)	(3,669)
Total stockholders' equity	290,711	287,575
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	$ 399,629	$ 406,122

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Inventories (Schedule of Inventory) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Inventories [Abstract]
Finished goods	$ 80,204	$ 78,715
Work-in-process	16,740	17,693
Raw materials	19,423	19,764
Total inventories at current costs	116,367	116,172
Less: LIFO reserve	(9,304)	(9,064)
Inventory	$ 107,063	$ 107,108

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Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Tax		$ 5
Reclassification of unrealized derivative gain on cash flow hedges to earnings, tax	$ 5

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Retirement Plans (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year	$ 555
Number of retirement plans	5
Defined Benefit Plan Number	3
Active Defined Benefit Plan Number	1
Inactive Defined Benefit Plan Number	2
Defined Contribution Plan Number	2
Salaried Benefit Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Description of Postemployment Benefits	The Company has a domestic defined contribution plan that covers all non-union hourly and all salaried employees (Salaried Plan). The Salaried Plan permits both pre-tax and after-tax employee contributions. Participants can contribute, subject to statutory limitations, between 1% and 75% of eligible pre-tax pay and between 1% and 100% of eligible after-tax pay. The Company's employer match is 100% of the first 1% of deferred eligible compensation and up to 50% of the next 6%, based on years of service, of deferred eligible compensation, for a total maximum potential match of 4%. The Company may also make discretionary contributions to the Salaried Plan. The expense associated with this plan for the three months ended March 31 was $449 in 2013 and $467 in 2012.
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized	449	467
Union Benefit Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Description of Postemployment Benefits	The Company also has a domestic defined contribution plan for union hourly employees with contributions made by both the participants and the Company based on various formulas (Union Plan). The expense associated with this active plan for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 was $16 and $17, respectively.
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized	16	17
Canadian Employees [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Contribution Plan Number	2
Description of Postemployment Benefits	Rail Technologies, maintains a defined contribution plan covering all non-union employees at its Montreal, Quebec, Canada location (Montreal Plan). Under the terms of the Montreal Plan, the employer may contribute 4% of each employee's compensation as a non-elective contribution and may also contribute 30% of the first 6% of each employee's compensation contributed to the Montreal Plan. Contributions to this plan were $35 and $27, for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized	35	27
United Kingdom Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Gain (Loss)	(53)	(54)
Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year	248
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer	11
Description of Postemployment Benefits	The subsidiary also maintains a defined contribution plan covering substantially all employees at its United Kingdom locations (U.K. Plan). Benefits under the U.K. Plan are provided under no formal written agreement. Under the terms of the defined contribution U.K. Plan, the employer may make non-elective contributions of between 3% and 10% of each employee's compensation. Contributions to this plan were $33 and $27 for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized	33	27
Kelsan Benefit Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Description of Postemployment Benefits	Finally, Rail Technologies maintains a defined contribution plan covering substantially all of the employees in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (Burnaby Plan). Under the terms of the Burnaby Plan, the employer may contribute 4% of each employee's compensation as a non-elective contribution and may also contribute 30% of the first 6% of each employee's compensation contributed to the Burnaby Plan. Contributions to this plan were $45 and $39 for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized	45	39
United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Gain (Loss)	$ (53)	$ (49)

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Retirement Plans (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]

Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]

		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2013		2012
Service cost	$	8	$	8
Interest cost		177		187
Expected return on plan assets		(214)		(203)
Recognized net actuarial loss		53		49
Net periodic benefit cost	$	24	$	41

United Kingdom Benefit Plans [Member]

Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]

Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]

		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2013		2012
Interest cost	$	80	$	83
Expected return on plan assets		(68)		(71)
Amortization of transition amount		(11)		(12)
Recognized net actuarial loss		53		54
Net periodic cost	$	54	$	54

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Income Taxes (Reconciliation Of Income Tax Rates Table) (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Effective income tax rate	33.50%	33.70%

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Commitments and Contingent Liabilities

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities [Abstract]

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

15. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

Product Liability Claims

The Company is subject to product warranty claims that arise in the ordinary course of its business.  For certain manufactured products, the Company maintains a product warranty accrual which is adjusted on a monthly basis as a percentage of cost of sales.  This product warranty accrual is periodically adjusted based on the identification or resolution of known individual product warranty claims.  The following table sets forth the Company’s continuing operations product warranty accrual:

		Warranty Liability
Balance at December 31, 2012	$	15,727
Additions to warranty liability		311
Warranty liability utilized		(937)
Balance at March 31, 2013	$	15,101

Included within the above table are concrete tie warranty reserves of approximately $14,119 and $14,837 as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.

During the quarter, the Company continued to work with the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) to identify and replace defective ties related to the warranty claim under CXT Incorporated’s (CXT) 2005 supply contract. During the three months ended March 31, 2013 there were no changes to the Company’s estimate of the number of defective concrete ties that will ultimately require replacement. Replaced ties have been deducted from the Company’s warranty liability.

While the Company believes this is a reasonable estimate of the potential warranty claims,  these estimates could change due to the emergence of new information and/or future events.  There can be no assurance at this point that future potential costs pertaining to these claims or other potential future claims will not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations.

Environmental and Legal Proceedings

The Company is subject to national, state, foreign, provincial and/or local laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment.  The Company’s efforts to comply with environmental regulations may have an adverse effect on its future earnings.  In the opinion of management, compliance with the present environmental protection laws will not have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, competitive position or capital expenditures of the Company.

The Company is also subject to legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of its business.  In the opinion of management, the amount of ultimate liability with respect to these actions will not materially affect the financial condition or liquidity of the Company.  The resolution, in any reporting period, of one or more of these matters could have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations for that period.

As of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company maintained environmental and litigation reserves approximating $2,130 and $2,141, respectively.

On January 11, 2012, CXT received a subpoena from the United States Department of Transportation Inspector General (IG) requesting records related to its manufacture of concrete railroad ties in Grand Island, NE. CXT and the Company have been cooperating fully with the IG.

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Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]

Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]

				Fair Value Measurements at
				Reporting Date Using
				Quoted Prices in		Significant
				Active Markets		Other		Significant
				for Identical		Observable		Unobservable
		March 31,		Assets		Inputs		Inputs
		2013		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
Assets
Domestic money market funds	$	39,735	$	39,735	$	-	$	-
Non domestic bank term deposits		28,452		28,452		-		-
Cash equivalents at fair value		68,187		68,187		-		-
Total Assets	$	68,187	$	68,187	$	-	$	-

				Fair Value Measurements at
				Reporting Date Using
				Quoted Prices in		Significant
				Active Markets		Other		Significant
				for Identical		Observable		Unobservable
		December 31,		Assets		Inputs		Inputs
		2012		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
Assets
Domestic money market funds	$	58,620	$	58,620	$	-	$	-
Non domestic bank term deposits		26,045		26,045		-		-
Cash equivalents at fair value		84,665		84,665		-		-
Total Assets	$	84,665	$	84,665	$	-	$	-

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Income Taxes

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Income Taxes [Abstract]

INCOME TAXES

17. INCOME TAXES

The Company’s effective income tax rate from continuing operations for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 was 33.5% and 33.7%, respectively. The nominal reduction in the effective tax rate relates primarily to additional domestic manufacturing deductions anticipated during 2013.

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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Income from continuing operations	$ 4,951	$ 2,979
Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities:
Deferred income taxes	(221)	(203)
Depreciation and amortization	2,365	3,020
Equity in income of nonconsolidated investment	(176)	(23)
(Gain) loss on sale of property, plant and equipment	(8)	64
Deferred gain amortization on sale-leaseback		(342)
Share-based compensation	631	739
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation	(189)	(48)
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(12,852)	7,258
Inventories	(295)	(3,822)
Other current assets	(1,298)	(1,448)
Prepaid income tax	(1,593)	1,739
Other noncurrent assets	91	33
Accounts payable - trade	(9,363)	(6,811)
Deferred revenue	4,660	(1,501)
Accrued payroll and employee benefits	(3,940)	(4,413)
Other current liabilities	(78)	210
Other liabilities	(301)	(281)
Net cash used by continuing operating activities	(17,616)	(2,850)
Net cash provided by discontinued operations	124	447
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment	8	7
Capital expenditures on property, plant and equipment	(1,031)	(2,467)
Capital distributions received from equity method investment	(378)
Net cash used by continuing investing activities	(645)	(2,460)
Net cash used by discontinued operations		(39)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Repayments of other long-term debt	(18)	(1,361)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options and stock awards		13
Treasury stock acquisitions	(547)	(224)
Cash dividends on common stock paid to shareholders	(310)	(257)
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation	189	48
Net cash used by continuing financing activities	(686)	(1,781)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(1,206)	707
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(20,029)	(5,976)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	101,464	73,727
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	81,435	67,751
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:
Interest paid	86	106
Income taxes paid	$ 4,076	$ 546

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Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	20,000,000	20,000,000
Common stock, issued shares	11,115,779	11,115,779
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	10,167,467	10,149,398
Treasury stock shares - at cost, Common Stock	948,312	966,381

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Discontinued Operations

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Discontinued Operations [Abstract]

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

10. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

On June 4, 2012, the Company sold substantially all of the assets and liabilities of its railway securement business, SSD, for $8,579.  As a result of the sale, the Company divested $2,588 in goodwill attributed to the Rail Products segment in connection with the sale of its railway securement business. The goodwill balance was not deductible for income tax purposes. Intangible assets with net carrying value of $170 were also included with this sale.

On August 30, 2012, the Company sold substantially all of the assets and liabilities of its precise structural products business, Precise, for $2,643.

The operations of these divisions qualify as a “component of an entity” under FASB ASC 205-20, “Presentation of Financial Statements – Discontinued Operations” and thus, the operations have been reclassified as discontinued and prior periods have been reclassified to conform to this presentation.  Future expenses of discontinued operations are not expected to be material.

Net sales and income from discontinued operations were as follows:

		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2013		2012
Net sales	$	4	$	4,236
(Loss) income from discontinued operations	$	(39)	$	604
Income tax (benefit) expense		(15)		214
(Loss) income from discontinued operations	$	(24)	$	390

The Company maintained current assets from discontinued operations of $308 and $464 as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. Current liabilities related to discontinued operations were $67 and $106 as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.

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Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	May 01, 2013
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2013
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2013
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Entity Registrant Name	FOSTER L B CO
Entity Central Index Key	0000352825
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		10,167
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Trading Symbol	fstr

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Earnings Per Common Share

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Earnings Per Common Share [Abstract]

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

11. EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share:

		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2013		2012
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per common share -
Income available to common stockholders:
Income from continuing operations	$	4,951	$	2,979
(Loss) Income from discontinued operations		(24)		390
Net income	$	4,927	$	3,369
Denominator:
Weighted average shares		10,158		10,090
Denominator for basic earnings per common share		10,158		10,090
Effect of dilutive securities:
Employee stock options		12		18
Other stock compensation plans		77		89
Dilutive potential common shares		89		107
Denominator for diluted earnings per common share -
adjusted weighted average shares and assumed conversions		10,247		10,197
Basic earnings per share:
Continuing operations	$	0.49	$	0.30
Discontinued operations		(0.00)		0.04
Basic earnings per common share	$	0.49	$	0.33
Diluted earnings per share:
Continuing operations	$	0.48	$	0.29
Discontinued operations		(0.00)		0.04
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.48	$	0.33
Dividends paid per common share	$	0.030	$	0.025

In February 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized an increase to the regular quarterly dividend to $0.03 per common share.

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Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Net Sales	$ 129,321	$ 114,291
Cost of goods sold	104,473	92,639
Gross profit	24,848	21,652
Selling and administrative Expenses	17,130	16,930
Amortization expense	701	699
Interest expense	133	139
Interest income	(206)	(100)
Equity in income of nonconsolidated investment	(176)	(23)
Other income	(178)	(486)
Total Operating Expenses	17,404	17,159
Incomefrom continuing operations before income taxes	7,444	4,493
Income tax expense	2,493	1,514
Income from continuing operations	4,951	2,979
(Loss) income from discontinued operations before income taxes	(39)	604
Income tax (benefit) expense	(15)	214
(Loss) income from discontinued operations	(24)	390
Net income	$ 4,927	$ 3,369
From continuing operations	$ 0.49	$ 0.30
From discontinued operations	$ 0.00	$ 0.04
Basic earnings per common share	$ 0.49	$ 0.33
From continuing operations	$ 0.48	$ 0.29
From discontinued operations	$ 0.00	$ 0.04
Diluted earnings per common share	$ 0.48	$ 0.33
Dividends paid per common share	$ 0.030	$ 0.025

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Accounts Receivable

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Accounts Receivable [Abstract]

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

5. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

Credit is extended based upon an evaluation of the customer’s financial condition and while collateral is not required, the Company often receives surety bonds that guarantee payment.  Credit terms are consistent with industry standards and practices.  Trade accounts receivable from continuing operations at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 have been reduced by an allowance for doubtful accounts of $867 and $899, respectively.

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Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

4.  GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The carrying amount of goodwill at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 was $41,237, of which $38,026 is attributable to the Company’s Rail Products segment and $3,211 is attributable to the Construction Products segment. 

The Company performs goodwill impairment tests at least annually if it is determined that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the carrying amount. Qualitative factors are assessed to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. No goodwill impairment test was required in connection with these evaluations for the three months ended March 31, 2013. In 2012, the Company performed its annual evaluation of the carrying value of its goodwill during the fourth quarter of 2012. No goodwill impairment charge was required in connection with this evaluation in 2012.

As of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, identified intangible assets of $2,305 are attributable to the Company’s Construction Products segment and $44,506 are attributable to the Company’s Rail Products segment.  The components of the Company’s intangible assets are as follows:

	March 31, 2013
	Weighted Average		Gross				Net
	Amortization Period		Carrying		Accumulated		Carrying
	In Years		Value		Amortization		Amount
Non-compete agreements	5	$	380	$	(369)	$	11
Patents	10		815		(421)		394
Customer relationships	23		19,960		(2,760)		17,200
Supplier relationships	5		350		(161)		189
Trademarks	17		6,280		(987)		5,293
Technology	18		19,026		(2,649)		16,377
		$	46,811	$	(7,347)	$	39,464

	December 31, 2012
	Weighted Average		Gross				Net
	Amortization Period		Carrying		Accumulated		Carrying
	In Years		Value		Amortization		Amount
Non-compete agreements	5	$	380	$	(367)	$	13
Patents	10		815		(412)		403
Customer relationships	23		19,960		(2,488)		17,472
Supplier relationships	5		350		(143)		207
Trademarks	17		6,280		(879)		5,401
Technology	18		19,026		(2,357)		16,669
		$	46,811	$	(6,646)	$	40,165

Intangible assets are amortized over their useful lives ranging from 5 to 25 years, with a total weighted average amortization period of approximately 20 years.  Amortization expense from continuing operations for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 was $701 and $699, respectively.

Estimated amortization expense from continuing operations for the remainder of 2013 and the years 2014 and thereafter is as follows:

		Amortization Expense
2013	$	2,080
2014		2,781
2015		2,506
2016		2,412
2017		2,345
2018 and thereafter		27,340
	$	39,464

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Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities [Abstract]

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

16. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

The Company does not purchase or hold any derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.

At contract inception, the Company designates its derivative instruments as hedges.  The Company recognizes all derivative instruments on the balance sheet at fair value.  Fluctuations in the fair values of derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income and reclassified into earnings within other income as the underlying hedged items affect earnings. To the extent that a change in the derivative does not perfectly offset the change in value of the risk being hedged, the ineffective portion is recognized in earnings immediately.

The Company is subject to exposures to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The Company manages its exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates on firm sale and purchase commitments by entering into foreign currency forward contracts. The Company’s risk management objective is to reduce its exposure to the effects of changes in exchange rates on these transactions over the duration of the transactions. 

The Company did not engage in any foreign currency hedging transactions during the three-month period ended March 31, 2013. During the three-month period ended March 31, 2012, the Company entered into commitments with notional amounts totaling approximately $742 to buy Euro funds based on the anticipated receipt of Euro funds from the purchase of certain steel piling in the second quarter of 2013.

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Stock-Based Compensation

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Stock-based Compensation [Abstract]

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

12. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

The Company applies the provisions of FASB ASC 718, “Compensation – Stock Compensation,” to account for the Company’s share-based compensation.  Share-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the calculated fair value of the award and is recognized over the employees’ requisite service period.  The Company recorded stock compensation expense of $631 and $739 for the three-month period ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, related to restricted stock awards and performance unit awards.

Shares issued as a result of vested stock-based compensation generally will be from previously issued shares which have been reacquired by the Company and held as Treasury shares or authorized but previously unissued common stock.

The excess tax benefit realized for the tax deduction from stock-based compensation approximated $189 and $48for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  This excess tax benefit is included in cash flows from financing activities in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Stock Option Awards

A summary of the option activity as of March 31, 2013 is presented below.

				Weighted		Aggregate
			Weighted	Average		Intrinsic
			Average	Remaining		Value
			Exercise	Contractual		(Dollars in
	Shares		Price	Term		thousands)
Outstanding and Exercisable at January 1, 2013	22,500	$	10.41	2.2
Granted	-		-	-
Canceled	-		-	-
Exercised	-		-	-
Outstanding and Exercisable at March 31, 2013	22,500	$	10.41	2.0	$	762

At March 31, 2013, common stock options outstanding and exercisable under the Company’s equity plans had option prices ranging from $7.81 to $14.77, with a weighted average exercise price of $10.41.  At March 31, 2012, common stock options outstanding and exercisable under the Company’s equity plans had option prices ranging from $4.10 to $14.77, with a weighted average exercise price of $8.92 per share.

The total intrinsic value of stock options outstanding and exercisable at March 31, 2012 was $754.

The weighted average remaining contractual life of the stock options outstanding at March 31, 2013 and 2012 was 2.0 and 2.6 years, respectively.

There were no stock options exercised during the three-month period ended March 31, 2013.  There were 1,450 stock options with a weighted average exercise price per share of $9.30 exercised during the three-month period ended March 31, 2012.  The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the three-month period ended March 31, 2012 was $30.

Restricted Stock Awards

For the three-month periods ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company granted approximately 13,000 and 84,000 shares, respectively, of restricted stock to employees.    A summary of restricted stock award activity follows:

					Aggregate
			Grant Date		Fair Value
Grant Date	Shares		Fair Value		(Dollars in Thousands)	Vesting Date
February 1, 2012	66,000	$	30.15	$	1,990	February 1, 2016
March 6, 2012	18,347		27.49		504	March 6, 2016
February 27, 2013	12,973		42.49		551	February 27, 2017

These forfeitable restricted stock awards time-vest after a four-year holding period, unless indicated otherwise by the underlying restricted stock agreement.  Certain awards of restricted stock included in the above table provide for incremental vesting over a period up to the vesting date listed. 

Performance Unit Awards

Annually, under separate three-year long-term incentive plans, pursuant to the Omnibus Plan, the Company grants performance units.  Units granted during the three-month periods ended March 31 are as follows:

						Aggregate
Incentive				Grant Date		Fair Value
Plan	Grant Date	Units		Fair Value		(Dollars in Thousands)	Vesting Date
2011 - 2013	March 15, 2011	34,002	$	38.46	$	1,308	March 15, 2014
2012 - 2014	March 6, 2012	43,042		27.49		1,183	March 6, 2015
2013 - 2015	February 27, 2013	31,418		42.49		1,335	February 27, 2016

Performance units are subject to forfeiture and will be converted into common stock of the Company based upon the Company’s performance relative to performance measures and conversion multiples as defined in the underlying plan.  The aggregate fair value in the above table is based upon achieving 100% of the performance targets as defined in the underlying plan. 

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Deferred Revenue

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Deferred Revenue [Abstract]

DEFERRED REVENUE

8. DEFERRED REVENUE

Deferred revenue of $12,065 and $7,447 as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, consists of customer payments received for which the revenue recognition criteria have not yet been met.  The Company has significantly fulfilled its obligations under the contracts and the customers have paid, but due to the Company’s continuing involvement with the material, revenue is precluded from being recognized until title passes to the customer.

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Retirement Plans (Schedule Of Net Periodic Benefit Costs) (United Kingdom) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	$ 8	$ 8
Interest cost	177	187
Expected return on plan assets	(214)	(203)
Recognized net actuarial loss	(53)	(49)
Net periodic benefit cost	24	41
United Kingdom Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Interest cost	80	83
Expected return on plan assets	(68)	(71)
Amortization of transition amount	(11)	(12)
Recognized net actuarial loss	(53)	(54)
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 54	$ 54

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Inventories

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Inventories [Abstract]

INVENTORIES

6. INVENTORIES

Inventories of continuing operations of the Company at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are summarized in the following table:

		March 31,		December 31,
		2013		2012
Finished goods	$	80,204	$	78,715
Work-in-process		16,740		17,693
Raw materials		19,423		19,764
Total inventories at current costs		116,367		116,172
Less: LIFO reserve		(9,304)		(9,064)
	$	107,063	$	107,108

Inventories of the Company’s continuing operations are generally valued at the lower of last-in, first-out (LIFO) cost or market.  Other inventories of the Company are valued at average cost or market, whichever is lower.  An actual valuation of inventory under the LIFO method is made at the end of each year based on the inventory levels and costs at that time.  Interim LIFO calculations are based on management’s estimates of expected year-end levels and costs.

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Investments

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Investments [Abstract]

INVESTMENTS

7. INVESTMENTS

The Company is a member of a joint venture with L B Industries, Inc. and James Legg until June 30, 2019.  The Company and L B Industries, Inc. each have a 45% ownership interest in the joint venture, L B Pipe & Coupling Products, LLC (JV).  The JV manufactures, markets and sells various precision coupling products for the energy, utility and construction markets.  Under the terms of the JV agreement, as amended, the Company was required to make capital contributions totaling approximately $3,000.  The Company fulfilled these commitments during 2011.  The other JV members are required to make proportionate contributions in accordance with their ownership percentages in the JV.

Under applicable guidance for variable interest entities in ASC 810, “Consolidation,” the Company determined that the JV is a variable interest entity. The Company concluded that it is not the primary beneficiary of the variable interest entity, as the Company does not have a controlling financial interest and does not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the JV. Accordingly, the Company concluded that the equity method of accounting remains appropriate.

As of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company had a nonconsolidated equity method investment of $4,130 and $4,332, respectively.

The Company recorded equity in the income of the JV of approximately $176 and $23 for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. During the period ending March 31, 2013, each of the JV members received a proportional distribution of equity from the JV.  The Company’s 45% ownership interest resulted in a cash distribution of $378. There were no changes to the members’ ownership interests as a result of the distribution.

The Company’s exposure to loss results from its capital contributions, net of the Company’s share of the JV’s income or loss, and its net investment in the direct financing lease covering the facility used by the JV for its operations.  The carrying amounts with the maximum exposure to loss of the Company at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, are as follows:

		March 31,		December 31,
		2013		2012
Equity method investment	$	4,130	$	4,332
Net investment in direct financing lease		1,302		1,327
	$	5,432	$	5,659

The Company is leasing five acres of land and two facilities to the JV over a period of 9.5 years, with a 5.5 year renewal period.  In November 2012, the Company executed the first amendment to its lease with the JV. The amendment included the addition of a second facility built by the Company that is now leased to the JV. As a result of the amendment, monthly rent over the term of the lease increased by approximately $7. The current monthly lease payments approximate $17, with a balloon payment of approximately $488, which is required to be paid either at the termination of the lease, allocated over the renewal period or during the initial term of the lease.  This lease qualifies as a direct financing lease under the applicable guidance in ASC 840-30, “Leases.” The Company maintained a net investment in this direct financing lease of approximately $1,302 and $1,327 at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.

The following is a schedule of the direct financing minimum lease payments for the remainder of 2013 and the years 2014 and thereafter:

		Minimum Lease Payments
2013	$	81
2014		114
2015		122
2016		131
2017		140
2018 and thereafter		714
	$	1,302

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Borrowings

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Borrowings [Abstract]

BORROWINGS

9. BORROWINGS

United States

On May 2, 2011, the Company, its domestic subsidiaries, and certain of its Canadian subsidiaries entered into a new $125,000 Revolving Credit Facility Credit Agreement (Credit Agreement) with PNC Bank, N.A., Bank of America, N.A., Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania.  This Credit Agreement replaced a prior revolving credit facility with a maximum credit line of $90,000 and a $20,000 term loan.  The Credit Agreement provides for a five-year, unsecured revolving credit facility that permits borrowing up to $125,000 for the U.S. borrowers and a sublimit of the equivalent of $15,000 U.S. dollars that is available to the Canadian borrowers.  Provided no event of default exists, the Credit Agreement contains a provision that provides for an increase in the revolver facility of $50,000 that can be allocated to existing or new lenders if the Company’s borrowing requirements should increase.  The Credit Agreement includes a sublimit of $20,000 for the issuance of trade and standby letters of credit.

Borrowings under the Credit Agreement will bear interest at rates based upon either the base rate or LIBOR-based rate plus applicable margins.  Applicable margins are dictated by the ratio of the Company’s indebtedness less cash on hand to the Company’s consolidated EBITDA, as defined in the underlying Credit Agreement.  The base rate is the highest of (a) PNC Bank’s prime rate, (b) the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50% or (c) the daily LIBOR rate, as defined in the underlying Credit Agreement, plus 1.00%.  The base rate spread ranges from 0.00% to 1.00%.  LIBOR-based rates are determined by dividing the published LIBOR rate by a number equal to 1.00 minus the percentage prescribed by the Federal Reserve for determining the maximum reserve requirements with respect to any Eurocurrency funding by banks on such day.  The LIBOR-based rate spread ranges from 1.00% to 2.00%.

The Credit Agreement includes two financial covenants:  (a) the Leverage Ratio, defined as the Company’s Indebtedness less cash on hand divided by the Company’s consolidated EBITDA, which must not exceed 3.00 to 1.00 and (b) Minimum Interest Coverage, defined as consolidated EBITDA less Capital Expenditures divided by consolidated interest expense, which must be no less than 3.00 to 1.00.

The Credit Agreement permits the Company to pay dividends and distributions and make redemptions with respect to its stock provided no event of default or potential default (as defined in the Credit Agreement) has occurred prior to or after giving effect to the dividend, distribution, or redemption.  Dividends, distributions, and redemptions are capped at $15,000 per year when funds are drawn on the facility.  If no drawings on the facility exist, dividends, distributions, and redemptionsin excess of $15,000per yearare subjected to a limitation of $75,000 in the aggregate.  The $75,000 aggregate limitation also includes certain loans, investments, and acquisitions.  The Company is permitted to acquire the stock or assets of other entities with limited restrictions, provided that the Leverage Ratio does not exceed 2.50 to 1.00 after giving effect to the acquisition.

Other restrictions exist at all times including, but not limited to, limitation of the Company’s sale of assets, other indebtedness incurred by either the borrowers or the non-borrower subsidiaries of the Company, guaranties, and liens. 

On July 9, 2012, the Company amended the Credit Agreement to increase the limit applicable to the Company’s sale of assets from $10,000 to $25,000.

As of March 31, 2013, the Company was in compliance with the Credit Agreement’s covenants.

The Company had no outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility at March 31, 2013 or December 31, 2012 and had available borrowing capacity of $122,457 at March 31, 2013.

Letters of Credit

At March 31, 2013, the Company had outstanding letters of credit of approximately $2,543.

United Kingdom

A subsidiary of the Company has a working capital facility with NatWest Bank for its United Kingdom operations which includes an overdraft availability of £1,500 pounds sterling (approximately $2,280 at March 31, 2013).  This credit facility supports the subsidiary’s working capital requirements and is collateralized by substantially all of the assets of its United Kingdom operations.  The interest rate on this facility is the financial institution’s base rate plus 1.50%. Outstanding performance bonds reduce availability under this credit facility.  The subsidiary of the Company had no outstanding borrowings under this credit facility as of March 31, 2013.  There was approximately $96 and $61 in outstanding guarantees (as defined in the underlying agreement) at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.  This credit facility was renewed effective August 30, 2012 with no significant changes to the underlying terms or conditions in the facility.  The expiration date of this credit facility is June 30, 2013.  It is the Company’s intention to renew this credit facility with NatWest Bank during the annual review of the credit facility in 2013.

The United Kingdom loan agreements contain certain financial covenants that require that subsidiary to maintain senior interest and cash flow coverage ratios. The subsidiary was in compliance with these financial covenants as of March 31, 2013.  The subsidiary had available borrowing capacity of $2,184 at March 31, 2013.

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Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012
Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities [Abstract]
Notional Amount of Foreign Currency Derivative Purchase Contracts	$ 742

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Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Schedule of Product Warranty Liability) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities [Abstract]
Balance, Beginning	$ 15,727
Additions to warranty liability	311
Warranty liability utilized	(937)
Balance, Ending	$ 15,101

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Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Stock-based Compensation [Abstract]

Schedule of Stock Options Roll Forward [Table Text Block]

				Weighted		Aggregate
			Weighted	Average		Intrinsic
			Average	Remaining		Value
			Exercise	Contractual		(Dollars in
	Shares		Price	Term		thousands)
Outstanding and Exercisable at January 1, 2013	22,500	$	10.41	2.2
Granted	-		-	-
Canceled	-		-	-
Exercised	-		-	-
Outstanding and Exercisable at March 31, 2013	22,500	$	10.41	2.0	$	762

Schedule of Nonvested Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block]

					Aggregate
			Grant Date		Fair Value
Grant Date	Shares		Fair Value		(Dollars in Thousands)	Vesting Date
February 1, 2012	66,000	$	30.15	$	1,990	February 1, 2016
March 6, 2012	18,347		27.49		504	March 6, 2016
February 27, 2013	12,973		42.49		551	February 27, 2017

Schedule of Nonvested Performance-based Units Activity [Table Text Block]

						Aggregate
Incentive				Grant Date		Fair Value
Plan	Grant Date	Units		Fair Value		(Dollars in Thousands)	Vesting Date
2011 - 2013	March 15, 2011	34,002	$	38.46	$	1,308	March 15, 2014
2012 - 2014	March 6, 2012	43,042		27.49		1,183	March 6, 2015
2013 - 2015	February 27, 2013	31,418		42.49		1,335	February 27, 2016

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Discontinued Operations (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified		0 Months Ended
	Jun. 04, 2012	Jun. 04, 2012 Shipping Systems Division [Member]	Aug. 30, 2012 Precise Structural Products Business [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses, Net of Cash Divested		$ 8,579	$ 2,643
Goodwill Allocated To Discontinued Operations	$ 2,588

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Fair Value Measurements

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

14. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

FASB ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.  The Company applies the provisions of ASC 820 to all its assets and liabilities that are being measured and reported on a fair value basis.

ASC 820 discusses valuation techniques, such as the market approach (comparable market prices), the income approach (present value of future income or cash flow) and the cost approach (cost to replace the service capacity of an asset or replacement cost).  ASC 820 enables readers of financial statements to assess the inputs used to develop those measurements by establishing a hierarchy, which prioritizes those inputs used, for ranking the quality and reliability of the information used to determine fair values.  The standard requires that each asset and liability carried at fair value be classified into one of the following categories:

Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2: Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.

Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.

The Company has an established process for determining fair value for its financial assets and liabilities, principally cash and cash equivalents and foreign currency exchange contracts.  Fair value is based on quoted market prices, where available.  If quoted market prices are not available, fair value is based on assumptions that use as inputs market-based parameters.  The following sections describe the valuation methodologies used by the Company to measure different financial instruments at fair value, including an indication of the level in the fair value hierarchy in which each instrument is generally classified.  Where appropriate the description includes details of the key inputs to the valuations and any significant assumptions.

Cash equivalents.  Included within “Cash and cash equivalents” are investments in money market funds with various underlying securities all of which maintain AAA credit ratings.  Also included within cash equivalents are our highly liquid investments in non-domestic bank term deposits.  The Company uses quoted market prices to determine the fair value of these investments and they are classified in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.  The carrying amounts approximate fair value because of the short maturity of the instruments.

The following assets and liabilities of the Company were measured at fair value on a recurring basis subject to the disclosure requirements of ASC Topic 820 at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012:

				Fair Value Measurements at
				Reporting Date Using
				Quoted Prices in		Significant
				Active Markets		Other		Significant
				for Identical		Observable		Unobservable
		March 31,		Assets		Inputs		Inputs
		2013		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
Assets
Domestic money market funds	$	39,735	$	39,735	$	-	$	-
Non domestic bank term deposits		28,452		28,452		-		-
Cash equivalents at fair value		68,187		68,187		-		-
Total Assets	$	68,187	$	68,187	$	-	$	-

				Fair Value Measurements at
				Reporting Date Using
				Quoted Prices in		Significant
				Active Markets		Other		Significant
				for Identical		Observable		Unobservable
		December 31,		Assets		Inputs		Inputs
		2012		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
Assets
Domestic money market funds	$	58,620	$	58,620	$	-	$	-
Non domestic bank term deposits		26,045		26,045		-		-
Cash equivalents at fair value		84,665		84,665		-		-
Total Assets	$	84,665	$	84,665	$	-	$	-

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Inventories (Policies)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Inventories [Abstract]

Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Inventories of the Company’s continuing operations are generally valued at the lower of last-in, first-out (LIFO) cost or market.  Other inventories of the Company are valued at average cost or market, whichever is lower.  An actual valuation of inventory under the LIFO method is made at the end of each year based on the inventory levels and costs at that time.  Interim LIFO calculations are based on management’s estimates of expected year-end levels and costs.

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Deferred Revenue (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Deferred Revenue [Abstract]
Deferred Revenue, Current	$ 12,065	$ 7,447

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Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 04, 2012
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Goodwill				$ 2,588
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Intangible Assets, Net				170
Goodwill	41,237		41,237
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)	39,464		40,165
Amortization of Intangible Assets	701	699
Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	25 years
Minimum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	5 years
Rail Products Segment [Member]
Goodwill	38,026		38,026
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)	44,506		44,506
Construction Products Segment [Member]
Goodwill	3,211		3,211
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)	$ 2,305		$ 2,305

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Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Net income	$ 4,927	$ 3,369
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(1,745)	(1,202)
Unrealized derivative gain on cash flow hedges (net of tax expense of $-, $5)		9
Reclassification of unrealized derivative gain on cash flow hedges to earnings (net of tax expense of: $5, $-)	(9)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:	(1,754)	(1,193)
Comprehensive income	$ 3,173	$ 2,176

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Business Segments

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Business Segments [Abstract]

BUSINESS SEGMENTS

3. BUSINESS SEGMENTS

The Company is organized and evaluated by product group, which is the basis for identifying reportable segments. Each segment represents a revenue-producing component of the Company for which separate financial information is produced internally and which are subject to evaluation by the Company’s chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources. The Company is a leading manufacturer, fabricator, and distributor of products and services for rail, construction, energy and utility markets.

The following table illustrates revenues and profits from continuing operations of the Company by segment for the periods indicated:

		Three Months Ended
		March 31, 2013				March 31, 2012
		Net		Segment		Net		Segment
		Sales		Profit		Sales		Profit
Rail products	$	81,399	$	6,201	$	66,631	$	3,449
Construction products		36,811		462		38,363		475
Tubular products		11,111		2,607		9,297		2,312
Total	$	129,321	$	9,270	$	114,291	$	6,236

Segment profits from continuing operations, as shown above, include internal cost of capital charges for assets used in the segment at a rate of, generally, 1% per month. There has been no change in the measurement of segment profit from continuing operations from December 31, 2012. Internal cost of capital charges are eliminated during the consolidation process.

The following table provides a reconciliation of reportable segment net profit from continuing operations to the Company’s consolidated total:

		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2013		2012
Income for reportable segments	$	9,270	$	6,236
Interest expense		(133)		(139)
Interest income		206		100
Other income		178		486
LIFO expense		(240)		(45)
Equity in income of nonconsolidated investment		176		23
Corporate expense, cost of capital elimination and other unallocated charges		(2,013)		(2,168)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	$	7,444	$	4,493

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Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule of Performance Unit Awards) (Details) (Performance Shares [Member], USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013
Incentive Plan, 2011-2013 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grant Date	March 15, 2011
Units	34,002
Grant Date Fair Value	$ 38.46
Aggregate Fair Value	$ 1,308
Vesting Date	March 15, 2014
Incentive Plan, 2012-2014 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grant Date	March 6, 2012
Units	43,042
Grant Date Fair Value	$ 27.49
Aggregate Fair Value	1,183
Vesting Date	March 6, 2015
Incentive Plan, 2013-2015 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grant Date	February 27, 2013
Units	31,418
Grant Date Fair Value	$ 42.49
Aggregate Fair Value	$ 1,335
Vesting Date	February 27, 2016

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Fair Value Measurements (Policies)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block]

The Company has an established process for determining fair value for its financial assets and liabilities, principally cash and cash equivalents and foreign currency exchange contracts.  Fair value is based on quoted market prices, where available.  If quoted market prices are not available, fair value is based on assumptions that use as inputs market-based parameters.  

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Business Segments (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013
Business Segments [Abstract]
Capital Charges Rate	1.00%
Segment Reporting, Measurement for Transactions Between Reportable Segments	Segment profits from continuing operations, as shown above, include internal cost of capital charges for assets used in the segment at a rate of, generally, 1% per month. There has been no change in the measurement of segment profit from continuing operations from December 31, 2012. Internal cost of capital charges are eliminated during the consolidation process.

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Retirement Plans

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Retirement Plans [Abstract]

RETIREMENT PLANS

13. RETIREMENT PLANS

Retirement Plans

The Company has five retirement plans which cover its hourly and salaried employees in the United States: three defined benefit plans (one active / two frozen) and two defined contribution plans.  Employees are eligible to participate in the appropriate plan based on employment classification.  The Company's funding to the defined benefit and defined contribution plans are governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), applicable plan policy and investment guidelines.  The Company policy is to contribute at least the minimum in accordance with the funding standards of ERISA.

The Company’s subsidiary, L.B. Foster Rail Technologies, Inc. (Rail Technologies), maintains two defined contribution plans for its employees in Canada, as well as a post-retirement benefit plan.  In the United Kingdom, Rail Technologies maintains both a defined contribution plan and a defined benefit plan.  These plans are discussed in further detail below.

United States Defined Benefit Plans

Net periodic pension costs for the United States defined benefit pension plans for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:

		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2013		2012
Service cost	$	8	$	8
Interest cost		177		187
Expected return on plan assets		(214)		(203)
Recognized net actuarial loss		53		49
Net periodic benefit cost	$	24	$	41

The Company expects to contribute approximately $555 to its United States defined benefit plans in 2013.  No contributions were made during the three months ended March 31, 2013.

United Kingdom Defined Benefit Plans

Net periodic pension costs for the United Kingdom defined benefit pension plan for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:

		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2013		2012
Interest cost	$	80	$	83
Expected return on plan assets		(68)		(71)
Amortization of transition amount		(11)		(12)
Recognized net actuarial loss		53		54
Net periodic cost	$	54	$	54

United Kingdom regulations require trustees to adopt a prudent approach to funding required contributions to defined benefit pension plans. Employer contributions of $248 are anticipated to the United Kingdom L.B. Foster Rail Technologies, Inc. pension plan during 2013.  For the three months ended March 31, 2013, the Company contributed approximately $11 to the plan. 

Defined Contribution Plans

The Company has a domestic defined contribution plan that covers all non-union hourly and all salaried employees (Salaried Plan). The Salaried Plan permits both pre-tax and after-tax employee contributions. Participants can contribute, subject to statutory limitations, between 1% and 75% of eligible pre-tax pay and between 1% and 100% of eligible after-tax pay.  The Company's employer match is 100% of the first 1% of deferred eligible compensation and up to 50% of the next 6%, based on years of service, of deferred eligible compensation, for a total maximum potential match of 4%.  The Company may also make discretionary contributions to the Salaried Plan. 

The expense associated with this plan for the three months ended March 31 was $449 in 2013 and $467 in 2012.

The Company also has a domestic defined contribution plan for union hourly employees with contributions made by both the participants and the Company based on various formulas (Union Plan). The expense associated with this active plan for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 was $16 and $17, respectively.

Rail Technologies, maintains a defined contribution plan covering all non-union employees at its Montreal, Quebec, Canada location (Montreal Plan).  Under the terms of the Montreal Plan, the employer may contribute 4% of each employee’s compensation as a non-elective contribution and may also contribute 30% of the first 6% of each employee’s compensation contributed to the Montreal Plan.  Contributions to this plan were $35 and $27, for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. 

The subsidiary also maintains a defined contribution plan covering substantially all employees at its United Kingdom locations (U.K. Plan).  Benefits under the U.K. Plan are provided under no formal written agreement.  Under the terms of the defined contribution U.K. Plan, the employer may make non-elective contributions of between 3% and 10% of each employee’s compensation. Contributions to this plan were $33 and $27 for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. 

Finally, Rail Technologies maintains a defined contribution plan covering substantially all of the employees in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (Burnaby Plan).  Under the terms of the Burnaby Plan, the employer may contribute 4% of each employee’s compensation as a non-elective contribution and may also contribute 30% of the first 6% of each employee’s compensation contributed to the Burnaby Plan. Contributions to this plan were $45 and $39 for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.