Segment Information - Assets (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Total assets:
Total Assets	$ 520,071	$ 466,495
Steel Sports [Member]
Total assets:
Total Assets	22,878	7,613
Steel Energy [Member]
Total assets:
Total Assets	181,866	199,889
Corporate [Member]
Total assets:
Total Assets	$ 315,327	$ 258,993