Note 14 - Segment Information (Detail) - Segment information, assets: (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Total assets:
Total Assets	$ 464,263	$ 466,495
Accounts receivable:
Accounts Receivable	15,190	17,257
Goodwill:
Goodwill	58,257	53,093
Property and equipment, net:
Property and equipment, net	77,673	77,768
Steel Sports [Member]
Total assets:
Total Assets	18,193	7,613
Accounts receivable:
Accounts Receivable	419	158
Goodwill:
Goodwill	5,318	154
Property and equipment, net:
Property and equipment, net	6,996	6,005
Steel Energy [Member]
Total assets:
Total Assets	189,468	199,889
Accounts receivable:
Accounts Receivable	14,771	17,099
Goodwill:
Goodwill	52,939	52,939
Property and equipment, net:
Property and equipment, net	70,677	71,763
Corporate [Member]
Total assets:
Total Assets	$ 256,602	$ 258,993