Business Segments (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Net sales:
Consolidated net sales	$ 61,360	$ 67,299	$ 203,840	$ 190,428
Operating income:
Consolidated operating income	4,652	7,231	21,651	22,674
Interest expense:
Consolidated interest expense	602	609	1,924	852
Segment information by assets
Total assets	386,969		386,969		361,672
Universal Stainless & Alloy Products [Member]
Net sales:
Consolidated net sales	53,273	60,560	175,348	176,161
Operating income:
Consolidated operating income	1,195	4,780	11,443	16,140
Interest expense:
Consolidated interest expense	602	606	1,924	836
Segment information by assets
Total assets	304,669		304,669		271,107
Dunkirk Specialty Steel [Member]
Net sales:
Consolidated net sales	24,778	25,327	80,609	72,905
Operating income:
Consolidated operating income	2,321	2,513	8,401	7,813
Interest expense:
Consolidated interest expense		3		16
Segment information by assets
Total assets	58,118		58,118		55,820
Corporate [Member]
Segment information by assets
Total assets	136,732		136,732		149,101
Intersegment eliminations [Member]
Net sales:
Consolidated net sales	(16,691)	(18,588)	(52,117)	(58,638)
Operating income:
Consolidated operating income	1,136	(62)	1,807	(1,279)
Segment information by assets
Total assets	$ (112,550)		$ (112,550)		$ (114,356)