Note 17 - Segment Information (Detail) - Segment information for continuing operations: (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended						9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 29, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Net revenues	$ 26,915	$ 34,294	$ 24,450	$ 14,445	$ 1,795	$ 707		$ 100,104	$ 2,502
Operating income (loss)							(14,989)	5,817	(8,511)
Interest and other income (expense), net							5,208	1,067	8,358
Total assets	466,495				368,677			466,495	368,677
Accounts receivable	17,257				4,660			17,257	4,660
Goodwill	53,093				8,244			53,093	8,244
Property and equipment, net	77,768				21,060			77,768	21,060
Steel Sports [Member]
Net revenues								2,913	1,176
Operating income (loss)								(2,062)	(354)
Depreciation and amortization expense								518	206
Total assets	7,613				8,697			7,613	8,697
Accounts receivable	158				156			158	156
Goodwill	154				192			154	192
Property and equipment, net	6,005				5,866			6,005	5,866
Steel Energy [Member]
Net revenues								97,191	1,417
Operating income (loss)								16,836	165
Depreciation and amortization expense								14,940	144
Interest and other income (expense), net								(413)
Total assets	199,889				32,228			199,889	32,228
Accounts receivable	17,099				4,504			17,099	4,504
Goodwill	52,939				8,052			52,939	8,052
Property and equipment, net	71,763				15,194			71,763	15,194
Corporate [Member]
Operating income (loss)								(8,957)	(8,322)
Interest and other income (expense), net								1,063	8,353
Total assets	258,993				327,766			258,993	327,766
Consolidated [Member]
Net revenues								100,104	2,593
Operating income (loss)								5,817	(8,511)
Depreciation and amortization expense								15,458	350
Interest and other income (expense), net								650	8,353
Total assets	466,495				368,691			466,495	368,691
Accounts receivable	17,257				4,660			17,257	4,660
Goodwill	53,093				8,244			53,093	8,244
Property and equipment, net	$ 77,768				$ 21,060			$ 77,768	$ 21,060