Note 1 - Summary of Significant Interim Accounting Policies (Detail) - Significant Assumptions to Determine Fair Value of Share-Based Compensation Awards (USD $)	6 Months Ended												3 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012 Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member]		Jun. 30, 2011 Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member]		Jun. 30, 2012 Stock Options [Member] Minimum [Member]		Jun. 30, 2011 Stock Options [Member] Minimum [Member]		Jun. 30, 2012 Stock Options [Member] Maximum [Member]		Jun. 30, 2011 Stock Options [Member] Maximum [Member]		Jun. 30, 2012 Stock Options [Member]		Jun. 30, 2011 Stock Options [Member]
Exercise price (in Dollars per share)	$ 13.15		$ 11.24		$ 11.75		$ 11.10		$ 13.15		$ 11.24		$ 11.75		$ 11.10
Market price (in Dollars per share)	$ 13.15		$ 11.24		$ 11.75		$ 11.10		$ 13.15		$ 11.24		$ 11.75		$ 11.10
Risk-free interest rate	0.80%	[1]	2.30%	[1]	0.80%	[1]	2.30%	[1]	1.90%	[1]	3.20%	[1]	1.90%	[1]	3.20%	[1]
Expected award life	5 years	[2]			5 years	[2]			10 years	[2]			10 years	[2]
Expected volatility	45.10%	[3]	43.50%	[3]	36.40%	[3]	35.50%	[3]	45.10%	[3]	43.50%	[3]	36.40%	[3]	35.50%	[3]
Expected dividend yield	4.10%	[4]	4.80%	[4]	4.10%	[4]	4.80%	[4]	4.60%	[4]	4.90%	[4]	4.60%	[4]	4.90%	[4]

[1] The risk-free interest rate is based on the yield of a U.S. treasury bond with a similar maturity as the expected life of the awards.

[2] The expected life in years for awards granted was based on the historical exercise patterns experienced by the Company when the award is made.

[3] The determination of expected stock price volatility for awards granted in each of the three and six-month periods ending June 30, was based on historical Superior common stock prices over a period commensurate with the expected life.

[4] The dividend yield assumption is based on the history and expectation of the Company's dividend payouts.