Note 1 - Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Notes to Financial Statements
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	Note 1: Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Consolidation. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Universal Stainless & Alloy Products, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries and variable interest entities (collectively, “we,” “us,” “our,” or the “Company”). All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. We have no interests in any unconsolidated entity. Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements. The estimates and assumptions used in these consolidated financial statements are based on known information available as of the balance sheet date. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Concentration of Credit Risk. We limit our credit risk on accounts receivable by performing ongoing credit evaluations and, when necessary, require letters of credit, guarantees or cash collateral. Our largest customer accounted for approximately 31%, 21% and 19% of our net sales for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and 21%, 12% and 7% of our total accounts receivable balance at December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Our second largest customer in each year accounted for approximately 14%, 18% and 10% of our net sales for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and 18%, 25% and 6% of our total accounts receivable balance at December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Accounts Receivable and Provision for Expected Credit Losses. Accounts receivable are presented net of the provision for expected credit losses on our consolidated balance sheets. We market our products to a diverse customer base, primarily throughout the United States. International sales approximated 5% of total net sales in 2023 and 2022 and 7% in 2021. The provision for expected credit losses includes specific reserves for the value of outstanding invoices issued to customers that are deemed potentially not collectible. Receivables are written-off when they are deemed uncollectible. There was no bad debt expense recorded for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021. Accounts receivable as of January 1, 2022 was approximately $21.2 million. Inventories. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value with cost principally determined by the weighted average cost method. Such costs include the acquisition cost for raw materials and operating supplies, direct labor and applied manufacturing overhead within the guidelines of normal plant capacity. We reserve for slow-moving inventory and inventory that is being evaluated under our quality control process. The reserves are based upon management’s expected method of disposition. The net change in inventory reserves for the year ended December 31, 2023 was a decrease of less than $0.1 million. The net change for the year ended December 31, 2022 was a decrease of $1.1 million, and the net change for the year ended December 31, 2021 was an increase of $0.3 million. Included in inventory are operating materials consisting of forge dies and production molds and rolls that are consumed over their useful lives. During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, we amortized these operating materials in the amount of $1.7 million, $1.6 million, and $1.7 million, respectively. This expense is recorded as a component of cost of products sold on the consolidated statements of operations and included as a part of our total depreciation and amortization on the consolidated statements of cash flows. We experienced low activity levels at our production facilities during 2021 primarily by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, $6.1 million of fixed overhead costs were not absorbed into inventory and charged directly to expense during 2021. Government Assistance. We received an award under the Aviation Manufacturing Jobs Program during 2022 totaling approximately $3.6 million. The entire amount of the award was earned during 2022 and recorded as a reduction to costs of goods sold in the consolidated statement of operations. Approximately $1.8 million of cash was received during 2022 and the remaining cash was received in 2023. Accordingly, a receivable of $1.8 million was recorded within Other current assets on the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2022. Property, Plant and Equipment. Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost or its fair value at acquisition date. No depreciation is recognized on assets until they are placed in service. Assets which have been retired or disposed of are removed from cost and accumulated depreciation accounts, with the gain or loss generally reflected in cost of goods sold on the consolidated statements of operations. Major equipment maintenance costs are capitalized as incurred and included in other current assets and other long-term assets, as appropriate. These costs are amortized to cost of products sold within a 12 to 36 month period. Other maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. Costs of improvements and renewals are capitalized. Our maintenance expense for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 was $23.5 million, 21.6 million and $16.7 million, respectively, which is included as a component of cost of products sold. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of the related assets. The estimated useful lives of buildings and land improvements are between 10 and 40 years, and the estimated useful lives of machinery and equipment are between five and 39 years. Our total depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 was $17.3 million, $17.4 million and $17.3 million, respectively, of which $16.6 million, $16.8 million and $16.8 million, respectively, was included as a component of cost of products sold while the remainder was included in selling, general and administrative expense. Long-Lived Asset Impairment. Long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment and intangible assets are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable in relation to the operating performance and future undiscounted cash flows of the underlying assets. Adjustments are made if the sum of expected future cash flows is less than the book value. Based on management’s assessment of the carrying values of long-lived assets, no impairment was recorded as of December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021. Deferred Financing Costs. Deferred financing costs are amortized up to the maturity date of the related financial instrument using the straight-line method, which approximates the effective interest method. Deferred financing cost amortization for each of the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 was $0.2 million and is included as a component of interest expense and other financing costs on the consolidated statements of operations and included as part of total depreciation and amortization on the consolidated statements of cash flows. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, we had $1.1 million and $1.4 million, respectively, of unamortized deferred financing costs included on our consolidated balance sheets as a reduction of debt. Revenue Recognition. The Company’s revenues are primarily composed of sales of products. Revenue from the sale of products is recognized when the Company satisfies its performance obligations under a contract by transferring control of the promised product to its customer (“point-in-time”). Sales of certain specified product grades and shapes, and sales from conversion services, are recognized over-time. These sales qualify for over-time revenue recognition as the Company does not produce an asset with alternative use when completing its performance obligations regarding these items and maintains an enforceable right to payment in the event of contract termination. Invoiced shipping and handling costs are also accounted for as revenue. Customer claims, which are not material, are accounted for primarily as a reduction to gross sales after the matter has been researched and an acceptable resolution has been reached. Income Taxes. Deferred income taxes are provided for net operating losses, unused tax credits earned and the tax effect of temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements. We use the liability method to account for income taxes, which requires deferred taxes to be recorded at the statutory rate expected to be in effect when the taxes are paid. Valuation allowances are provided for a deferred tax asset when it is more likely than not that the asset will not be realized. Income tax penalties and interest are included in the provision for income tax expense. We evaluate the tax positions taken or expected to be taken in our tax returns. A tax position should only be recognized in the financial statements if we determine that it is more-likely-than-not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination by the tax authorities, based upon the technical merits of the position. For those tax positions that should be recognized, the measurement of a tax position is determined as being the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. We believe there are no material uncertain tax positions at December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021. We recognize excess tax impacts upon the exercise of employee stock options within the consolidated statements of operations. Share-based Compensation Plans. We recognize compensation expense based on the grant-date fair value of the awards. The fair value of the stock option grants is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, and is recognized ratably over the service/vesting period of the award. The fair value of time-based restricted stock grants and restricted stock units is calculated using the market value of the stock on the date of issuance, and is recognized ratably over the service/vesting period of the award. Net Income (Loss) per Common Share. Net income (loss) per common share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income (loss) per common share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding plus all dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period. Financial Instruments. Financial instruments held by us include cash, accounts receivable, and accounts payable and current and long-term debt. The carrying value of cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable is representative of fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments. Refer to Note 8 for fair value disclosures of our financial instruments. Segment Reporting. Our operating facilities are integrated, and therefore our chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) views the Company as one business unit. Our CODM sets performance goals, assesses performance and makes decisions about resource allocations on a consolidated basis. As a result of these factors, as well as the nature of the financial information available which is reviewed by our CODM, we maintain one reportable segment. Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board added a new impairment model that is based on expected losses rather than incurred losses, known as the current expected credit loss model. Under the new guidance, an entity recognizes its estimate of expected credit losses applicable to trade receivables, other receivables, contract assets and most debt instruments. The model does not have a minimum threshold for recognition of impairment losses. The Company adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2023. The adoption did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements The Company considers the applicability and impact of all Accounting Standards Updates ("ASUs"). Recently issued ASUs not listed were assessed and determined to be either not applicable or are expected to have minimal impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Note 1 - Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2023

Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]

Note 1: Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Consolidation. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Universal Stainless & Alloy Products, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries and variable interest entities (collectively, “we,” “us,” “our,” or the “Company”). All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. We have no interests in any unconsolidated entity.

Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements. The estimates and assumptions used in these consolidated financial statements are based on known information available as of the balance sheet date. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Concentration of Credit Risk. We limit our credit risk on accounts receivable by performing ongoing credit evaluations and, when necessary, require letters of credit, guarantees or cash collateral. Our largest customer accounted for approximately 31%, 21% and 19% of our net sales for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and 21%, 12% and 7% of our total accounts receivable balance at December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Our second largest customer in each year accounted for approximately 14%, 18% and 10% of our net sales for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and 18%, 25% and 6% of our total accounts receivable balance at December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Accounts Receivable and Provision for Expected Credit Losses. Accounts receivable are presented net of the provision for expected credit losses on our consolidated balance sheets. We market our products to a diverse customer base, primarily throughout the United States. International sales approximated 5% of total net sales in 2023 and 2022 and 7% in 2021. The provision for expected credit losses includes specific reserves for the value of outstanding invoices issued to customers that are deemed potentially not collectible. Receivables are written-off when they are deemed uncollectible. There was no bad debt expense recorded for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021. Accounts receivable as of January 1, 2022 was approximately $21.2 million.

Inventories. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value with cost principally determined by the weighted average cost method. Such costs include the acquisition cost for raw materials and operating supplies, direct labor and applied manufacturing overhead within the guidelines of normal plant capacity. We reserve for slow-moving inventory and inventory that is being evaluated under our quality control process. The reserves are based upon management’s expected method of disposition. The net change in inventory reserves for the year ended December 31, 2023 was a decrease of less than $0.1 million. The net change for the year ended December 31, 2022 was a decrease of $1.1 million, and the net change for the year ended December 31, 2021 was an increase of $0.3 million.

Included in inventory are operating materials consisting of forge dies and production molds and rolls that are consumed over their useful lives. During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, we amortized these operating materials in the amount of $1.7 million, $1.6 million, and $1.7 million, respectively. This expense is recorded as a component of cost of products sold on the consolidated statements of operations and included as a part of our total depreciation and amortization on the consolidated statements of cash flows.

We experienced low activity levels at our production facilities during 2021 primarily by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, $6.1 million of fixed overhead costs were not absorbed into inventory and charged directly to expense during 2021.

Government Assistance. We received an award under the Aviation Manufacturing Jobs Program during 2022 totaling approximately $3.6 million. The entire amount of the award was earned during 2022 and recorded as a reduction to costs of goods sold in the consolidated statement of operations. Approximately $1.8 million of cash was received during 2022 and the remaining cash was received in 2023. Accordingly, a receivable of $1.8 million was recorded within Other current assets on the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2022.

Property, Plant and Equipment. Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost or its fair value at acquisition date. No depreciation is recognized on assets until they are placed in service. Assets which have been retired or disposed of are removed from cost and accumulated depreciation accounts, with the gain or loss generally reflected in cost of goods sold on the consolidated statements of operations.

Major equipment maintenance costs are capitalized as incurred and included in other current assets and other long-term assets, as appropriate. These costs are amortized to cost of products sold within a 12 to 36 month period. Other maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. Costs of improvements and renewals are capitalized. Our maintenance expense for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 was $23.5 million, 21.6 million and $16.7 million, respectively, which is included as a component of cost of products sold.

Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of the related assets. The estimated useful lives of buildings and land improvements are between 10 and 40 years, and the estimated useful lives of machinery and equipment are between five and 39 years. Our total depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 was $17.3 million, $17.4 million and $17.3 million, respectively, of which $16.6 million, $16.8 million and $16.8 million, respectively, was included as a component of cost of products sold while the remainder was included in selling, general and administrative expense.

Long-Lived Asset Impairment. Long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment and intangible assets are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable in relation to the operating performance and future undiscounted cash flows of the underlying assets. Adjustments are made if the sum of expected future cash flows is less than the book value. Based on management’s assessment of the carrying values of long-lived assets, no impairment was recorded as of December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021.

Deferred Financing Costs. Deferred financing costs are amortized up to the maturity date of the related financial instrument using the straight-line method, which approximates the effective interest method. Deferred financing cost amortization for each of the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 was $0.2 million and is included as a component of interest expense and other financing costs on the consolidated statements of operations and included as part of total depreciation and amortization on the consolidated statements of cash flows. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, we had $1.1 million and $1.4 million, respectively, of unamortized deferred financing costs included on our consolidated balance sheets as a reduction of debt.

Revenue Recognition. The Company’s revenues are primarily composed of sales of products. Revenue from the sale of products is recognized when the Company satisfies its performance obligations under a contract by transferring control of the promised product to its customer (“point-in-time”). Sales of certain specified product grades and shapes, and sales from conversion services, are recognized over-time. These sales qualify for over-time revenue recognition as the Company does not produce an asset with alternative use when completing its performance obligations regarding these items and maintains an enforceable right to payment in the event of contract termination.

Invoiced shipping and handling costs are also accounted for as revenue. Customer claims, which are not material, are accounted for primarily as a reduction to gross sales after the matter has been researched and an acceptable resolution has been reached.

Income Taxes. Deferred income taxes are provided for net operating losses, unused tax credits earned and the tax effect of temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements. We use the liability method to account for income taxes, which requires deferred taxes to be recorded at the statutory rate expected to be in effect when the taxes are paid. Valuation allowances are provided for a deferred tax asset when it is more likely than not that the asset will not be realized. Income tax penalties and interest are included in the provision for income tax expense.

We evaluate the tax positions taken or expected to be taken in our tax returns. A tax position should only be recognized in the financial statements if we determine that it is more-likely-than-not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination by the tax authorities, based upon the technical merits of the position. For those tax positions that should be recognized, the measurement of a tax position is determined as being the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. We believe there are no material uncertain tax positions at December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021.

We recognize excess tax impacts upon the exercise of employee stock options within the consolidated statements of operations.

Share-based Compensation Plans. We recognize compensation expense based on the grant-date fair value of the awards. The fair value of the stock option grants is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, and is recognized ratably over the service/vesting period of the award. The fair value of time-based restricted stock grants and restricted stock units is calculated using the market value of the stock on the date of issuance, and is recognized ratably over the service/vesting period of the award.

Net Income (Loss) per Common Share. Net income (loss) per common share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income (loss) per common share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding plus all dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period.

Financial Instruments. Financial instruments held by us include cash, accounts receivable, and accounts payable and current and long-term debt. The carrying value of cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable is representative of fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments. Refer to Note 8 for fair value disclosures of our financial instruments.

Segment Reporting. Our operating facilities are integrated, and therefore our chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) views the Company as one business unit. Our CODM sets performance goals, assesses performance and makes decisions about resource allocations on a consolidated basis. As a result of these factors, as well as the nature of the financial information available which is reviewed by our CODM, we maintain one reportable segment.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board added a new impairment model that is based on expected losses rather than incurred losses, known as the current expected credit loss model. Under the new guidance, an entity recognizes its estimate of expected credit losses applicable to trade receivables, other receivables, contract assets and most debt instruments. The model does not have a minimum threshold for recognition of impairment losses. The Company adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2023. The adoption did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

The Company considers the applicability and impact of all Accounting Standards Updates ("ASUs"). Recently issued ASUs not listed were assessed and determined to be either not applicable or are expected to have minimal impact on our consolidated financial statements.