Total Assets by Segment (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 376,266	$ 361,672
Universal Stainless & Alloy Products
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total assets	294,098	271,107
Dunkirk Specialty Steel
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total assets	53,289	55,820
Corporate
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total assets	140,763	149,101
Intersegment Elimination
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total assets	$ (111,884)	$ (114,356)