XML 31 R71.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.0.8

Note 14 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Note 14 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Operating Leases, Rent Expense	$ 7,500	$ 7,700	$ 6,500
Collective Bargaining Arrangements	10
Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements [Member]
Note 14 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Entity Number of Employees	333

X

- Definition

Number of persons employed by the Entity

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	dei_EntityNumberOfEmployees
Namespace Prefix:	dei_
Data Type:	xbrli:decimalItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

X

- Definition

Amount of rent expense incurred for leased assets, including but not limited to, furniture and equipment, that is not directly or indirectly associated with the manufacture, sale or creation of a product or product line.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LeaseAndRentalExpense
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

Number of collective bargaining arrangements.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	zeus_CollectiveBargainingArrangements
Namespace Prefix:	zeus_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

X

- Details

Name:	zeus_Note14CommitmentsandContingenciesDetailsLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	zeus_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration