Recently Issued Accounting Updates:	6 Months Ended
Recently Issued Accounting Updates:	Jun. 30, 2011
Recently Issued Accounting Updates: [Abstract]
Recently Issued Accounting Updates:	(12) Recently Issued Accounting Updates: There were no new significant accounting updates or guidance that became effective for the Company commencing with its second quarter of 2011. The Company’s management does not believe that any recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting standards, if currently adopted, would have a material effect on Olympic Steel’s accompanying financial statements.

The entire disclosure for all significant accounting policies of the reporting entity.