XML 17 R33.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v2.4.0.6

Note 3 - Inventories (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified | 3 Months Ended |
--- | --- | ---
Mar. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012
LIFO Inventory Amount | $ 43.6 | $ 46.7
Percentage of LIFO Inventory | 15.80% | 16.10%
Inventory, LIFO Reserve, Effect on Income, Net | 1.2 |
Inventory Difference Using FIFO Basis | $ 1.9 |

X
- Definition The difference between the change in the inventory reserve representing the cumulative difference in cost between the first in, first out and the last in, first out inventory valuation methods and any LIFO decrement which have been reflected in the statement of income during the period. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_InventoryLIFOReserveEffectOnIncomeNet
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The amount of LIFO (last in first out) inventory present at the reporting date when inventory is also valued using different valuation methods. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6361739&loc=d3e7789-107766 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 43 -Section A -Paragraph 9 -Chapter 3 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LIFOInventoryAmount
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The percentage of LIFO (last in first out) inventory to total inventory as of the balance sheet date if other than 100 percent. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_PercentageOfLIFOInventory
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The difference in inventory balance if costed on a FICO basis compared to LIFO basis + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | zeus_InventoryDifferenceUsingFIFOBasis
Namespace Prefix: | zeus_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant