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Investments in Joint Ventures
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Investments in Joint Ventures [Abstract]  
Investments in Joint Ventures
7. Investments in Joint Ventures:

The Company and the United States Steel Corporation (USS) each own 50% of Olympic Laser Processing (OLP), a company that produced laser welded sheet steel blanks for the automotive industry. OLP ceased operations during the first quarter of 2006. In December 2006, the Company advanced $3,200 to OLP to cover a loan guarantee. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, the investment in and advance to OLP was valued at $1,550 and $2,503, respectively, on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. During 2011 the Company wrote down the investment in OLP by $953 as a result of a decrease in the value of the real estate. The Company believes the underlying value of OLP’s remaining real estate, upon liquidation, will be sufficient to repay the $1,550 advance.