Note 14 - Segment Information (Detail) - Segment information, operating results: (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Revenues:
Revenues	$ 26,351	$ 14,446
Operating income (loss):
Operating income (loss)	(333)	238
Depreciation and amortization expense:
Depreciation and amortization expense	5,000	1,818
Steel Sports [Member]
Revenues:
Revenues	312	156
Operating income (loss):
Operating income (loss)	(1,292)	(783)
Depreciation and amortization expense:
Depreciation and amortization expense	146	126
Steel Energy [Member]
Revenues:
Revenues	26,039	14,290
Operating income (loss):
Operating income (loss)	3,227	3,316
Depreciation and amortization expense:
Depreciation and amortization expense	4,854	1,692
Corporate [Member]
Operating income (loss):
Operating income (loss)	$ (2,268)	$ (2,295)