Segment Information - Operating results (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Revenues
Revenues	$ 31,845	$ 34,293	$ 87,571	$ 73,189
Operating income (loss)
Operating income (loss)	61	3,287	178	6,306
Corporate and other business activities	(8,378)	(8,917)	(25,184)	(21,066)
Interest income, net	472	81	2,341	572
Other income (expense), net	1,329	392	1,190	(81)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	1,862	3,760	3,709	6,797
Depreciation and amortization	4,561	5,197	14,417	10,324
Steel Sports [Member]
Revenues
Revenues	6,683	1,256	9,299	2,401
Operating income (loss)
Operating income (loss)	88	(463)	(1,790)	(1,392)
Depreciation and amortization	175	169	494	389
Steel Energy [Member]
Revenues
Revenues	25,162	33,037	78,272	70,788
Operating income (loss)
Operating income (loss)	2,006	5,566	8,626	14,550
Depreciation and amortization	4,386	5,028	13,923	9,935
Total Segment [Member]
Operating income (loss)
Operating income (loss)	2,094	5,103	6,836	13,158
Corporate [Member]
Operating income (loss)
Corporate and other business activities	$ (2,033)	$ (1,816)	$ (6,658)	$ (6,852)