Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 41.9	$ 61.3
Restricted cash	8.4	5.3
Receivables less provision for allowances, claims and doubtful accounts of $7.4 and $7.7, respectively	561.1	515.8
Inventories	785.0	732.4
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	49.9	37.9
Total current assets	1,446.3	1,352.7
Property, plant, and equipment, at cost	635.1	622.6
Less: Accumulated depreciation	140.3	131.5
Property, plant and equipment, net	494.8	491.1
Deferred income taxes	37.0	35.6
Other intangible assets	61.2	62.1
Goodwill	97.6	96.7
Deferred charges and other assets	24.1	25.0
Total assets	2,161.0	2,063.2
Liabilities
Accounts payable	329.5	245.0
Salaries, wages and commissions	32.8	40.2
Deferred income taxes	133.3	132.5
Other accrued liabilities	65.7	62.4
Short-term debt	38.3	52.0
Current portion of deferred employee benefits	15.3	15.2
Total current liabilities	614.9	547.3
Long-term debt	963.5	971.6
Deferred employee benefits	492.6	502.9
Taxes and other credits	10.7	10.1
Total liabilities	2,081.7	2,031.9
Commitments and contingencies
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	2.9
Equity
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 1,000 shares authorized; 100 shares issued at 2012 and 2011
Capital in excess of par value	451.5	451.5
Accumulated deficit	(173.6)	(211.8)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(208.4)	(216.3)
Total Ryerson Inc. stockholders' equity	69.5	23.4
Noncontrolling interest	6.9	7.9
Total equity	76.4	31.3
Total liabilities and equity	$ 2,161.0	$ 2,063.2