- Definition

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalent items which are restricted as to withdrawal or usage. Restrictions may include legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against short-term borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or entity statements of intention with regard to particular deposits; however, time deposits and short-term certificates of deposit are not generally included in legally restricted deposits. Excludes compensating balance arrangements that are not agreements which legally restrict the use of cash amounts shown on the balance sheet. For a classified balance sheet represents the current portion only (the noncurrent portion has a separate concept); there is a separate and distinct element for unclassified presentations.

+ References+ Details

Restricted Cash - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Restricted cash	$ 4.0	$ 3.9	$ 5.3
Proceeds from Sale of Property Plant and Equipment
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Restricted cash		0	0.9
Letter of Credit
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Restricted cash		3.8	4.1
Letter of Credit \| Ryerson China
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Restricted cash		$ 0.1	$ 0.3