Handy & Harman 10-Q4 Nov 132013 Q3 Quarterly reportFinancial data

Company Profile

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information	Sep. 30, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'HANDY & HARMAN LTD.	'
Trading Symbol	'hnh	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000106618	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	13,187,674

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current Assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$14,338	$15,301
Trade and other receivables - net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,422 and $2,004, respectively	98,565	66,628
Inventories, net	68,246	47,530
Deferred income tax assets - current	23,762	24,373
Prepaid and other current assets	9,950	8,016
Assets of discontinued operations	743	32,111
Total current assets	215,604	193,959
Property, plant and equipment at cost, less accumulated depreciation	88,992	81,729
Goodwill	73,447	59,783
Other intangibles, net	44,283	33,218
Investment in associated company	16,279	17,229
Deferred income tax assets	91,587	112,568
Other non-current assets	13,818	13,875
Total assets	544,010	512,361
Current Liabilities:	'	'
Trade payables	40,574	29,530
Accrued liabilities	27,942	25,735
Accrued environmental liabilities	2,515	6,346
Accrued interest - related party	0	634
Short-term debt	509	778
Current portion of long-term debt	12,037	8,943
Deferred income tax liabilities - current	536	1,022
Liabilities of discontinued operations	490	9,160
Total current liabilities	84,603	82,148
Long-term debt	156,562	128,807
Long-term debt - related party	0	19,916
Accrued pension liability	210,660	217,141
Other post-retirement benefit obligations	3,881	5,452
Other liabilities	5,805	6,969
Total liabilities	461,511	460,433
Commitments and Contingencies	'	'
Stockholders' Equity:	'	'
Common stock - $.01 par value; authorized 180,000 shares; issued 13,446 and 13,140 shares, respectively	134	131
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-223,882	-226,168
Additional paid-in capital	563,732	559,970
Treasury stock, at cost - 258 and 0 shares, respectively	-5,010	0
Accumulated deficit	-252,475	-282,005
Total stockholders' equity	82,499	51,928
Liabilities and stockholders' equity	$544,010	$512,361

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts	$2,422	$2,004
Treasury stock - number of shares (in shares)	258	0
Common stock - par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock - shares authorized (in shares)	180,000	180,000
Common stock - issued (in shares)	13,446	13,140
Common stock - outstanding (in shares)	13,446	13,140

Consolidated_Income_Statements

Consolidated Income Statements (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	$171,874	$144,628	$502,915	$453,445
Cost of goods sold	121,977	102,605	357,381	321,603
Gross profit	49,897	42,023	145,534	131,842
Selling, general and administrative expenses	32,315	27,948	96,121	86,624
Pension expense	1,333	1,220	4,001	2,483
Operating income	16,249	12,855	45,412	42,735
Other:	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	1,880	3,709	11,967	11,907
Realized and unrealized loss (gain) on derivatives	351	1,340	-702	-1,170
Other expense	14	475	279	600
Income from continuing operations before tax and equity investment	14,004	7,331	33,868	31,398
Tax provision	5,657	2,606	13,563	12,439
Loss from associated company, net of tax	1,608	0	4,883	0
Income from continuing operations, net of tax	6,739	4,725	15,422	18,959
Discontinued operations:	'	'	'	'
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax	-244	1,205	-835	3,019
Gain on disposal of assets, net of tax	3,148	0	14,943	0
Net income from discontinued operations	2,904	1,205	14,108	3,019
Net income	$9,643	$5,930	$29,530	$21,978
Basic and diluted income per share of common stock	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations, net of tax, per share (in dollars per share)	$0.51	$0.36	$1.16	$1.46
Discontinued operations, net of tax, per share (in dollars shares)	$0.22	$0.09	$1.06	$0.23
Net income per share (in dollars per share)	$0.73	$0.45	$2.22	$1.69
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding (in shares)	13,290	13,148	13,298	12,996

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income	$9,643	$5,930	$29,530	$21,978
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:	'	'	'	'
Change in market value of securities	0	4,158	7,113	-10,254
Tax effect of change in market value of securities	0	-1,685	-3,041	4,180
Changes in pension liability and post-retirement benefit obligations	0	0	1,449	0
Tax effect of changes in pension liability and post-retirement benefit obligations	0	0	-580	0
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-1,949	1,148	-2,655	210
Other comprehensive (loss) income	-1,949	3,621	2,286	-5,864
Comprehensive income	$7,694	$9,551	$31,816	$16,114

Consolidated_Statement_of_Chan

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]	Additional Paid in Capital [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Accumulated Deficit [Member]
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]	Additional Paid in Capital [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Accumulated Deficit [Member]
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	$51,928	$131	($226,168)	$559,970	'	($282,005)
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2012	'	13,140	'	'	'	'
Stockholders' Equity Line Items	'	'	'	'	'	'
Amortization, issuance and forfeitures of restricted stock grants (in shares)	'	306	'	'	'	'
Amortization, issuance and forfeitures of restricted stock grants	3,765	3	'	3,762	'	'
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale investments, net of tax	1,710	'	1,710	'	'	'
Reclassification of unrealized loss on available-for-sale investments, net of tax	2,362	'	2,362	'	'	'
Changes in pension liability and post-retirement benefit obligations, net of tax	-869	'	869	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-2,655	'	-2,655	'	'	'
Purchases of treasury stock	-5,010	'	'	'	-5,010	'
Net income	29,530	'	'	'	'	29,530
Balance at Sep. 30, 2013	$82,499	$134	($223,882)	$563,732	($5,010)	($252,475)
Balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2013	'	13,446	'	'	'	'

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income	$29,530	$21,978
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	11,994	9,871
Non-cash stock-based compensation	3,647	3,181
Amortization of debt issuance costs	645	1,281
Loss on early retirement of debt	5,662	631
Accrued interest not paid in cash	93	1,606
Deferred income taxes	21,602	10,410
Gain from asset dispositions	-19	-85
Non-cash loss (gain) from derivatives	457	-1,303
Reclassification of net cash settlements on precious metal contracts to investing activities	-1,159	133
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities of discontinued operations, including non-cash gain on sale of assets	-23,215	3,908
Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:	'	'
Trade and other receivables	-19,510	-6,531
Inventories	-2,591	-2,689
Prepaid and other current assets	-2,073	-2,695
Other current liabilities	-5,413	-10,512
Other items, net	317	-371
Net cash provided by operating activities	19,967	28,813
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Additions to property, plant and equipment	-10,620	-14,185
Net cash settlements on precious metal contracts	1,159	-133
Acquisitions	-59,475	0
Proceeds from sales of assets	206	528
Investments in associated company	0	-6,321
Proceeds from sale of discontinued operations	45,334	0
Net cash used in investing activities of discontinued operations	-102	-566
Net cash used in investing activities	-23,498	-20,677
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from term loans - domestic	10,000	1,838
Net revolver borrowings (repayments)	38,800	-4,728
Net (repayments) borrowings on loans - foreign	-1,834	1,811
Repayments of term loans	-6,895	-3,339
Repurchases of Subordinated Notes	-36,307	-5,279
Deferred finance charges	-757	-67
Net change in overdrafts	4,933	2,322
Purchases of treasury stock	-5,010	0
Other financing activities	-390	-346
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	2,540	-7,788
Net change for the period	-991	348
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	28	49
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	15,301	6,841
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	14,338	7,238
Interest	7,389	9,073
Taxes	5,960	3,946
Obligation to repurchase Subordinated Notes	$0	($913)

The_Company_and_Nature_of_Oper

The Company and Nature of Operations	9 Months Ended
The Company and Nature of Operations	Sep. 30, 2013
Text Block [Abstract]	'
The Company and Nature Of Operations	'
	The Company and Nature of Operations

	Handy & Harman Ltd. ("HNH") is a diversified manufacturer of engineered niche industrial products with leading market positions in many of the markets it serves. Through its wholly-owned operating subsidiaries, HNH focuses on high margin products and innovative technology and serves customers across a wide range of end markets. HNH's diverse product offerings are marketed throughout the United States and internationally. HNH owns Handy & Harman Group Ltd. ("H&H Group"), which owns Handy & Harman ("H&H") and Bairnco Corporation. HNH manages its group of businesses on a decentralized basis with operations principally in North America. HNH's business units encompass the following segments: Joining Materials, Tubing, Building Materials, Arlon Electronic Materials ("Arlon") and Kasco Blades and Route Repair Services ("Kasco"). The Building Materials segment was formerly known as the Engineered Materials segment. All references herein to "we," "our" or the "Company" refer to HNH together with all of its subsidiaries.

Basis_Of_Presentation

Basis Of Presentation	9 Months Ended
Basis Of Presentation	Sep. 30, 2013
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Basis Of Presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation

	The consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2012, which has been derived from audited financial statements, and the unaudited consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by the Company in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("U.S. GAAP") have been condensed or omitted in accordance with those rules and regulations, although the Company believes that the disclosures made are adequate to make the information not misleading. This quarterly report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the Company's audited consolidated financial statements on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012. Certain amounts for the prior year have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

	In the opinion of management, the interim financial statements reflect all normal and recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the consolidated financial position and the results of operations and changes in cash flows for the interim periods. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full year.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Acquisition	'
	Acquisitions

	Wolverine Joining Technologies, LLC

	On April 16, 2013, the Company and its indirect subsidiary, Lucas-Milhaupt Warwick LLC (together with the Company, "Buyer"), entered into an asset purchase agreement ("Purchase Agreement") with Wolverine Tube, Inc. ("Wolverine") and its subsidiary, Wolverine Joining Technologies, LLC ("Wolverine Joining" and, together with Wolverine, "Seller"), pursuant to which the Buyer agreed to purchase substantially all of the assets of the Seller used in the business of Wolverine Joining, consisting of assets used for the development, manufacturing and sale of brazing, flux and soldering products and the alloys for electrical, catalyst and other industrial specialties, other than certain leased real property, and to assume certain liabilities related to such business. By acquiring Wolverine Joining, the Company increased its capacity to produce brazing filler metals and fluxes, and broadened its platform for continued global expansion. The purchase price for the acquisition was approximately $59.7 million, reflecting a final working capital adjustment and certain other reductions totaling approximately $0.3 million as provided in the Purchase Agreement. The closing of this transaction occurred on April 26, 2013. Funding of the purchase price for the acquisition was from cash on hand and borrowings under the Company's senior secured credit facility, which was amended in connection with the acquisition as discussed in Note 8 - "Debt." Substantially all of the assets of Wolverine Joining have been pledged to guarantee borrowings under the senior secured credit facility.

	In connection with the acquisition of Wolverine Joining, the Company currently expects to incur employee severance charges totaling approximately $0.4 million associated with the Company's integration activities. The majority of the costs have been recorded and paid as of September 30, 2013, and are reflected in selling, general and administrative expenses.

	The following table summarizes the amounts of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date on a preliminary basis (in thousands):


	Trade and other receivables	$	9,491

	Inventories	17,864

	Prepaid and other current assets	90

	Property, plant and equipment	6,096

	Goodwill	14,111

	Other intangibles	13,657

	Total assets acquired	61,309

	Trade payables	(1,167		)
	Accrued liabilities	(395		)
	Net assets acquired	$	59,747


	The preliminary purchase price allocation is subject to finalization of valuations of certain acquired assets. The goodwill of $14.1 million arising from the acquisition consists largely of the synergies expected from combining the operations of the Buyer and Seller. All of the goodwill is assigned to the Company's Joining Materials segment and is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. Other intangibles consist primarily of acquired trade names of $4.6 million and customer relationships of $9.0 million. These intangible assets have been assigned 20-year useful lives based on the long operating history, broad market recognition and continued demand for the associated brands, and the limited turnover and long-standing relationships Wolverine Joining has with its existing customer base. The valuation of acquired trade names was performed utilizing a relief from royalty method, and significant assumptions used in the valuation include the royalty rate assumed and the expected level of future sales. The acquired customer relationships were valued using an excess earnings approach, and significant assumptions used in the valuation include the customer attrition rate assumed and the expected level of future sales.

	The amount of net sales and operating income of the acquired business included in the consolidated income statement for the three months ended September 30, 2013 was approximately $15.4 million and $0.8 million, respectively, including $1.9 million of intercompany sales which were eliminated in consolidation. The amount of net sales and operating income of the acquired business included in the consolidated income statement for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 was approximately $30.7 million and $1.0 million, respectively, including $2.0 million of intercompany sales which were eliminated in consolidation. The results of operations of the acquired business are reported as a product line within the Company's Joining Materials segment. Pro forma net sales and net income of the combined entity had the acquisition date been January 1, 2012 are as follows:


			Nine Months Ended
			September 30,
	(in thousands, except per share)		2013		2012
	Net sales		$	528,065	$	519,162

	Net income		$	30,961	$	24,143

	Net income per share		$	2.33	$	1.86

	Weighted average shares outstanding		13,298		12,996


	This pro forma data is presented for informational purposes only and does not purport to be indicative of the results of future operations or of the results that would have occurred had the acquisition taken place on January 1, 2012. Such information for fiscal 2013 and 2012 is based on historical financial information with respect to the acquisition and does not include operational or other changes which might have been effected by the Company. The 2013 supplemental pro forma earnings were adjusted to exclude $0.6 million of acquisition-related costs incurred in 2013 and $0.5 million of nonrecurring expense related to the fair value adjustment to acquisition-date inventories. 2012 supplemental pro forma earnings were adjusted to include these charges.

	2012 Acquisitions

	Zaklad Przetwórstwa Metali INMET Sp. z o.o.

	On November 5, 2012, a subsidiary of H&H acquired 100% of the stock of Zaklad Przetwórstwa Metali INMET Sp. z o.o., a Polish manufacturer of brazing alloys and contact materials, for a cash purchase price of $4.0 million, net of cash acquired. This acquisition provides H&H with a new family of fabricated joining materials and a broader presence in the European market. The amount of net sales and operating loss of the acquired business included in the consolidated income statement for the three months ended September 30, 2013 was approximately $3.7 million and $(0.3) million, respectively, including $1.8 million of intercompany sales which were eliminated in consolidation. The amount of net sales and operating loss of the acquired business included in the consolidated income statement for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 was approximately $15.0 million and $(0.3) million, respectively, including $7.8 million of intercompany sales which were eliminated in consolidation. The results of operations of the acquired business are reported as a product line within the Company's Joining Materials segment.

	W.P. Hickman Company

	On December 31, 2012, a subsidiary of H&H acquired substantially all of the assets of W.P. Hickman Company ("Hickman"), a North American manufacturer of perimeter metal roof edges for low slope roofs. The final purchase price was $8.2 million, which reflects proceeds from a final working capital adjustment of $0.3 million received in February 2013. The final purchase price allocation was completed during the three months ended March 31, 2013. The Company has recorded final goodwill totaling approximately $2.8 million in connection with the Hickman acquisition, which is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. This acquisition provides H&H with an add on product category to its existing roofing business. The amount of net sales and operating income of the acquired business included in the consolidated income statement for the three months ended September 30, 2013 was approximately $5.5 million and $0.9 million, respectively. The amount of net sales and operating income of the acquired business included in the consolidated income statement for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 was approximately $11.8 million and $0.5 million, respectively. The results of operations of the acquired business are reported as a product line within the Company's Building Materials segment.

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Discontinued Operations	'
	Discontinued Operations

	The following businesses are classified as discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for 2013 and for the comparable periods of 2012.

	Continental Industries

	In January 2013, the Company divested substantially all of the assets and existing operations of its Continental Industries business unit, a wholly-owned subsidiary of H&H, for a cash sales price totaling approximately $37.4 million less transaction fees, reflecting a working capital adjustment of approximately $0.1 million paid in the third quarter of 2013. Proceeds of $3.7 million are currently held in escrow pending resolution of certain indemnification provisions contained in the sales agreement and are included in other receivables on the consolidated balance sheet. Located in the State of Oklahoma, Continental Industries manufactured plastic and steel fittings and connectors for natural gas, propane and water distribution service lines, along with exothermic welding products for electrical grounding, cathodic protection and lightning protection. It was part of the Company's Building Materials segment.

	Canfield Metal Coating Corporation

	In June 2013, the Company divested substantially all of the assets and existing operations of its Canfield Metal Coating Corporation ("CMCC") business unit, a wholly-owned subsidiary of H&H, for a cash sales price totaling approximately $9.5 million less transaction fees, reflecting a final working capital adjustment of approximately $0.5 million. Located in the State of Ohio, CMCC manufactured electro-galvanized and painted cold rolled sheet steel products primarily for the construction, entry door, container and appliance industries. It was part of the Company's Building Materials segment.

	Indiana Tube Mexico

	In July 2013, the Company divested substantially all of the equipment owned or utilized by Indiana Tube de México, S. De R.L. de C.V. ("ITM") for the manufacture of refrigeration condensers for a cash sales price totaling $3.7 million, less transaction fees. ITM's operations, which were part of the Company's Tubing segment, were discontinued in June 2013. The purchase price for ITM's equipment was payable in two equal installments of $1.85 million, the first paid at the closing date for the transaction and the second paid upon final equipment transfer, which occurred in September 2013.

	In connection with the shut-down of ITM's operations, the Company initiated a series of restructuring activities, which include the termination of all of ITM's employees and certain building lease termination costs. The estimated total cost of these restructuring activities is $0.9 million, which was entirely accrued as of June 30, 2013. Payment for the majority of these costs occurred during the third quarter of 2013, and the Company expects all remaining restructuring payments to be completed by the end of 2013.

	Indiana Tube Denmark

	In 2008, the Company decided to exit the welded specialty tubing market in Europe and close its Indiana Tube Denmark subsidiary ("ITD"). During 2009, ITD ceased operations and sold or disposed of its inventory and most of its equipment. The Company completed the final liquidation of ITD in July 2013 and recognized $2.6 million in foreign currency translation gains in earnings during the third quarter of 2013, which were previously reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss on the consolidated balance sheet.

	The assets and liabilities of discontinued operations have been segregated in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.


			September 30,				December 31,
	(in thousands)		2013				2012
	Assets of Discontinued Operations:
	Trade and other receivables, net		$	—			$	6,372

	Inventories, net		—				7,097

	Prepaid and other current assets		639				1,438

	Property, plant and equipment, net		—				7,935

	Goodwill		—				9,156

	Other non-current assets		104				113

	Total		$	743			$	32,111


	Liabilities of Discontinued Operations		$	490			$	9,160


	The net income from discontinued operations includes the following:


			Three Months Ended							Nine Months Ended
			September 30,							September 30,
	(in thousands)		2013				2012			2013				2012
	Net sales		$	283			$	20,791		$	20,094			$	63,323

	Operating (loss) income		(384		)		2,015			(1,287		)		5,075

	Other expense		—				15			46				85

	Income tax (benefit) expense		(140		)		795			(498		)		1,971

	(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax		(244		)		1,205			(835		)		3,019

	Gain on disposal of assets		3,492				—			27,573				—

Income tax expense		344				—			12,630				—

Net income from discontinued operations		$	2,904			$	1,205		$	14,108			$	3,019

Inventories

Inventories	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
	Inventories

	Inventories at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were comprised of:


		September 30,			December 31,
	(in thousands)	2013			2012
	Finished products	$	18,245		$	19,596

	In-process	10,644			8,344

	Raw materials	15,229			14,130

	Fine and fabricated precious metal in various stages of completion	24,746			9,599

		68,864			51,669

	LIFO reserve	(618		)	(4,139		)
	Total	$	68,246		$	47,530


	In order to produce certain of its products, H&H purchases, maintains and utilizes precious metal inventory. H&H records certain of its precious metal inventory at the lower of last-in, first-out ("LIFO") cost or market, with any adjustments recorded through cost of goods sold. The market value of the precious metal inventory exceeded LIFO cost by $0.6 million as of September 30, 2013 and $4.1 million as of December 31, 2012. The increase in the amount of precious metal inventory from December 31, 2012 was attributable to the acquisition of Wolverine Joining (see Note 3 - "Acquisitions"), whose precious metal inventory is accounted for at fair value.

	Certain customers and suppliers of H&H choose to do business on a "pool" basis and furnish precious metal to H&H for return in fabricated form or for purchase from or return to the supplier. When the customer metal is returned in fabricated form, the customer is charged a fabrication charge. The value of this customer metal is not included in the Company's consolidated balance sheet. To the extent H&H is able to utilize customer precious metal in its production processes, such customer metal replaces the need for H&H to purchase its own inventory. As of September 30, 2013, H&H's customer metal consisted of 280,832 ounces of silver, 553 ounces of gold and 1,391 ounces of palladium.


	Supplemental inventory information:	September 30,			December 31,
	(in thousands, except per ounce)	2013			2012
	Precious metals stated at LIFO cost	$	9,443		$	5,460

	Precious metals stated under non-LIFO cost methods, primarily at fair value	$	14,685		$	—

	Market value per ounce:
	Silver	$	21.81		$	30.2

	Gold	$	1,339.00		$	1,675.40

	Palladium	$	731.3		$	702.85

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangibles

Goodwill and Other Intangibles	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill and Other Intangibles	'
	Goodwill and Other Intangibles

	Goodwill is reviewed annually for impairment in accordance with U.S. GAAP as of the end of the fourth quarter. The Company uses judgment in assessing whether assets may have become impaired between annual impairment tests. Circumstances that could trigger an interim impairment test include, but are not limited to: the occurrence of a significant change in circumstances, such as continuing adverse business conditions or legal factors; an adverse action or assessment by a regulator; unanticipated competition; loss of key personnel; the likelihood that a reporting unit or significant portion of a reporting unit will be sold or otherwise disposed; or results of testing for recoverability of a significant asset group within a reporting unit. The testing of goodwill for impairment is performed at a level referred to as a reporting unit. Goodwill is allocated to each reporting unit based on the goodwill valued in connection with each business combination consummated within each reporting unit.

	The changes in the net carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 were as follows (in thousands):


	Segment		Balance at January 1, 2013				Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment			Additions			Adjustments				Balance at		Accumulated
																	30-Sep-13		Impairment Losses
	Joining Materials		$	1,494			$	7		$	14,111		$	—			$	15,612	$	—

	Tubing		1,895				—			—			—				1,895		—

	Building Materials		47,096				—			—			(454		)		46,642		—

	Arlon		9,298				—			—			—				9,298		(1,140		)

	Total		$	59,783			$	7		$	14,111		$	(454	)		$	73,447	$	(1,140	)


	The $14.1 million addition to goodwill was due to the Company's acquisition of Wolverine Joining, and the $0.5 million adjustment to goodwill recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 within the Building Materials segment is related to final purchase price allocation adjustments, including a final working capital adjustment, associated with the prior year acquisition of Hickman. For additional information, see Note 3 - "Acquisitions."

	Other intangible assets as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 consisted of:


	(in thousands)	September 30, 2013									December 31, 2012
		Cost			Accumulated Amortization			Net			Cost		Accumulated Amortization			Net
	Products and customer relationships	$	48,083		$	(15,413	)	$	32,670		$	38,825	$	(13,232	)	$	25,593

	Trademarks, trade names and brand names	9,603			(1,971		)	7,632			5,048		(1,634		)	3,414

	Patents and patent applications	5,031			(1,799		)	3,232			4,789		(1,523		)	3,266

	Non-compete agreements	906			(831		)	75			906		(809		)	97

	Other	1,785			(1,111		)	674			1,762		(914		)	848

	Total	$	65,408		$	(21,125	)	$	44,283		$	51,330	$	(18,112	)	$	33,218


	Amortization expense totaled $1.1 million and $0.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and $3.0 million and $2.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The increase in intangible assets and related amortization expense during 2013 was principally due to the Company's acquisition of Wolverine Joining discussed in Note 3 - "Acquisitions." Future amortization expense of the intangible assets acquired in the Wolverine Joining acquisition is expected to total $0.2 million for the remainder of 2013, $0.7 million in each of the years 2014 through 2017, respectively, and $10.4 million thereafter. These balances are subject to adjustment during the finalization of the purchase price allocation for the Wolverine Joining acquisition.

Investments

Investments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]	'
Investments	'
	Investments

	On September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company held an investment in the common stock of a public company, ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc. ("ModusLink"), which is classified as an investment in associated company on the consolidated balance sheet. The value of this investment decreased from $17.2 million at December 31, 2012 to $16.3 million at September 30, 2013 due entirely to changes in the share price of ModusLink's common stock.

	As of March 11, 2013, Steel Partners Holdings L.P. ("SPLP") and its associated companies, which include the Company, owned a combined total of 6,481,185 ModusLink common shares, which represented 14.7% of ModusLink's outstanding shares. SPLP is a majority shareholder of HNH, owning directly or indirectly through its subsidiaries in excess of 50% of HNH's common shares. The power to vote and dispose of the securities held by SPLP is controlled by Steel Partners Holdings GP Inc. ("SPH GP"). On February 11, 2013, SPLP entered into an agreement ("Investment Agreement") whereby, under certain conditions, it agreed to purchase 7,500,000 shares of ModusLink common stock at a price of $4.00 per share and receive warrants to purchase 2,000,000 additional shares of ModusLink common stock at an exercise price of $5.00 per share.

	At its annual meeting held on March 12, 2013, ModusLink's stockholders voted to approve the Investment Agreement with SPLP and also to elect Warren G. Lichtenstein and Glen M. Kassan to the ModusLink Board of Directors, both of whom are directors of HNH, and Mr. Lichtenstein is Executive Chairman of SPH GP. Mr. Lichtenstein was also designated Chairman of the Board of Moduslink. Also on March 12, 2013, pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Investment Agreement, SPLP purchased the 7,500,000 shares of ModusLink's common stock. As of September 30, 2013, SPLP and HNH own 15.6% and 11.5% of ModusLink's common stock, respectively, for an aggregate ownership of 27.1%. The outstanding warrants to purchase 2,000,000 additional shares of ModusLink common stock held by SPLP will expire on the date that is five years following the closing of the Investment Agreement.

	HNH had historically accounted for its investment in ModusLink as an available-for-sale security in non-current assets on the consolidated balance sheet. As of December 31, 2012, the cost of the Company's investment in ModusLink was $24.3 million, and the fair value was $17.2 million. The unrealized loss associated with this security was included in accumulated other comprehensive loss on the consolidated balance sheet and also in the consolidated statement of changes in stockholders' equity, net of tax. The change in the unrealized gain or loss was included in other comprehensive income (loss).

	As a result of the board representation described above, together with SPLP's direct ownership of an additional 15.6% of ModusLink common stock, HNH has concluded that it has significant influence over the operating and financial policies of ModusLink, and therefore its investment in ModusLink became subject to the equity method of accounting as of March 12, 2013.

	HNH has elected the option to value its investment in ModusLink using fair value effective March 12, 2013 in order to more appropriately reflect the value of ModusLink in its consolidated financial statements. As a result, the Company will carry its ModusLink investment on the consolidated balance sheet at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses on the investment reported in net income. On March 12, 2013, the accumulated unrealized loss of $4.3 million related to ModusLink that was recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of a tax benefit of $1.9 million, was reclassified to earnings. An unrealized net loss of $4.9 million is included in loss from associated company, net of tax, in the consolidated income statement for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, primarily as a result of the aforementioned transfer from accumulated other comprehensive loss. Prior to March 12, 2013, there had been no sales or realized gains or losses from this marketable security, and no impairments, whether other-than-temporary or not, recognized in the consolidated income statement.

	Summarized information as to assets, liabilities and results of operations of ModusLink for the quarter ended July 31, 2013, its most recently completed fiscal quarter, and the comparable prior periods are as follows:


		July 31,			July 31,
	(in thousands)	2013			2012
	Current assets	$	291,086		$	295,887

	Non-current assets	$	52,610		$	62,995

	Current liabilities	$	176,431		$	182,376

	Non-current liabilities	$	10,360		$	11,374

	Stockholders' equity	$	156,905		$	165,132


		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		July 31,						July 31,
	(in thousands)	2013			2012			2013			2012
	Net revenue	$	181,001		$	173,129		$	557,453		$	516,117

	Gross profit	$	20,093		$	11,450		$	55,746		$	42,787

	Loss from continuing operations	$	(8,835	)	$	(14,895	)	$	(29,499	)	$	(30,151	)
	Net loss	$	(8,841	)	$	(20,241	)	$	(29,697	)	$	(39,253	)

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Debt	'
	Debt

	Debt at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 was as follows:


	(in thousands)	September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Short term debt
	Foreign	$	509	$	778

	Long-term debt
	Senior Term Loan	118,344		115,000

	Revolving Facility	38,800		—

	Subordinated Notes, net of unamortized discount	—		9,440

	Other H&H debt - domestic	8,359		8,597

	Foreign loan facilities	3,096		4,713

	Sub total	168,599		137,750

	Less portion due within one year	12,037		8,943

	Long-term debt	156,562		128,807

	Long-term debt - related party
	Subordinated Notes, net of unamortized discount	—		19,916

	Total long-term debt	156,562		148,723

	Total debt	$	169,108	$	158,444


	Senior Credit Facility

	On November 8, 2012, H&H Group entered into a $205.0 million senior secured credit facility, consisting of a revolving credit facility ("Revolving Facility") in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $90.0 million and a term loan ("Senior Term Loan") in an aggregate principal amount of $115.0 million (collectively, "Senior Credit Facility"). On April 26, 2013, in connection with the acquisition of Wolverine Joining (see Note 3 - "Acquisitions"), the Company's Senior Credit Facility was amended, and on September 13, 2013, the Senior Credit Facility was further amended. These amendments, among other things, increased the lenders' commitments under the Revolving Facility to $160.0 million and their commitments under the Senior Term Loan to $125.0 million, provided H&H Group with additional flexibility regarding its ability to utilize net cash proceeds from permitted asset sales, reset the amount of dividends and other distributions that may be made by H&H Group to the Company following the payment of $7.0 million of previously declared dividends, and amended certain financial covenants and the amortization schedule of the term loan. The term loan, as amended, requires quarterly principal payments of $2.3 million for the remainder of 2013, and $3.1 million, $3.9 million, $3.9 million and $3.9 million in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively.

	The facility will expire, with remaining outstanding balances due and payable, on November 8, 2017. The facility is guaranteed by substantially all existing and thereafter acquired or created domestic and Canadian wholly-owned subsidiaries of H&H Group. The Senior Credit Facility restricts H&H Group's ability to transfer cash or other assets to HNH, subject to certain exceptions including required pension payments to the WHX Corporation Pension Plan ("WHX Pension Plan"). Borrowings under the facility bear interest, at H&H Group's option, at a rate based on LIBOR or the Base Rate, as defined, plus an applicable margin as set forth in the loan agreement (2.75% and 1.75%, respectively, for LIBOR and Base Rate borrowings at September 30, 2013). The facility is subject to certain mandatory prepayment provisions and restrictive and financial covenants, which include a maximum ratio limit on Total Leverage and a minimum ratio limit on Fixed Charge Coverage, as defined, as well as a minimum liquidity level. The weighted-average interest rates on the Senior Term Loan and Revolving Facility were 3.10% and 3.04%, respectively, at September 30, 2013, and the Company was in compliance with all debt covenants at September 30, 2013.

	In connection with lending requirements under the Senior Credit Facility, H&H Group entered into an interest rate swap agreement in February 2013 to reduce its exposure to interest rate fluctuations. Under the interest rate swap, the Company receives one-month LIBOR in exchange for a fixed interest rate of 0.569% over the life of the agreement on an initial $56.4 million notional amount of debt, with the notional amount decreasing by $1.1 million, $1.8 million and $2.2 million per quarter in 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively. The agreement expires in February 2016. In connection with the amendments made to the Senior Credit Facility in connection with the Wolverine Joining acquisition, H&H Group entered into a second interest rate swap agreement in June 2013 to reduce its exposure to interest rate fluctuations. Under the interest rate swap, the Company receives one-month LIBOR in exchange for a fixed interest rate of 0.598% over the life of the agreement on an initial $5.0 million notional amount of debt, with the notional amount decreasing by $0.1 million, $0.2 million and $0.2 million per quarter in 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively. The agreement expires in February 2016.

	Subordinated Notes

	On March 26, 2013, H&H Group instructed Wells Fargo Bank, National Association ("Wells Fargo"), as trustee and collateral agent, to deliver an irrevocable notice of H&H Group's election to redeem all of its outstanding 10% subordinated secured notes due 2017 ("Subordinated Notes") to the holders of the Subordinated Notes. Pursuant to the terms of that certain amended and restated indenture, dated as of December 13, 2010, as amended ("Indenture"), by and among H&H Group, the guarantors named therein and Wells Fargo, as trustee and collateral agent, H&H Group also instructed Wells Fargo to redeem, on April 25, 2013, approximately $31.8 million principal amount of Subordinated Notes, representing all of the outstanding Subordinated Notes, at a redemption price equal to 112.6% of the principal amount and accrued but unpaid payment-in-kind-interest thereof, plus accrued and unpaid cash interest. The Subordinated Notes were part of a unit ("Unit"), and each Unit consisted of (i) Subordinated Notes and (ii) warrants to purchase shares of common stock of the Company ("Warrants"). The Subordinated Notes and Warrants which comprised the Unit were not detachable until October 14, 2013. Accordingly, all Units were also redeemed. On March 26, 2013, H&H Group irrevocably deposited with Wells Fargo funds totaling $36.9 million for such redemption and interest payment in order to satisfy and discharge its obligations under the Indenture from both a legal and accounting perspective. Interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2013 included a $5.7 million loss associated with the redemption of the Subordinated Notes, including the redemption premium and the write-off of remaining deferred finance costs and unamortized debt discounts.

Derivative_Instruments

Derivative Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Derivative Instruments	'
	Derivative Instruments

	Precious Metal and Commodity Inventories

	H&H's precious metal and commodity inventories are subject to market price fluctuations. H&H enters into commodity futures and forward contracts on its precious metal inventory and certain commodity inventory that is not subject to fixed-price contracts with its customers in order to economically hedge against price fluctuations. The Company's hedging strategy is designed to protect it against normal volatility; therefore, abnormal price increases in these commodities or markets could negatively impact H&H's earnings. H&H does not enter into derivatives or other financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

	As of September 30, 2013, the Company had the following outstanding futures contracts with settlement dates ranging from October to December 2013:


								Notional Value
	Commodity		Amount					($ in millions)
	Silver		760,000			ounces		$	16.6

	Gold		900			ounces		$	1.2

	Copper		400,000			pounds		$	1.3

	Tin		45			metric tons		$	1


	H&H accounts for these contracts as either fair value hedges or economic hedges under the guidance in Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 815, Derivatives and Hedging. There were no forward contracts outstanding at September 30, 2013.

	Fair Value Hedges. Of the total futures contracts outstanding, 570,000 ounces of silver and substantially all of the copper contracts are designated and accounted for as fair value hedges under ASC 815. The fair values of these derivatives are recognized as derivative assets and liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. The net change in fair value of the derivative assets and liabilities and the change in the fair value of the underlying hedged inventory are recognized in the consolidated income statement, and such amounts principally offset each other due to the effectiveness of the hedges.

	Economic Hedges. The remaining outstanding futures contracts for silver, and all of the contracts for gold and tin, are accounted for as economic hedges. As these derivatives are not designated as accounting hedges under ASC 815, they are accounted for as derivatives with no hedge designation. The derivatives are marked to market and both realized and unrealized gains and losses are recorded in current period earnings in the consolidated income statement.

	The futures contracts are exchange traded contracts through a third party broker. Accordingly, the Company has determined that there is minimal credit risk of default. The Company estimates the fair value of its derivative contracts through the use of market quotes or broker valuations when market information is not available. The Company maintains collateral on account with the third-party broker. Such collateral consists of both cash that varies in amount depending on the value of open futures contracts, as well as ounces of precious metal held on account by the broker.

	Debt Agreements

	As discussed in Note 8 - "Debt," H&H Group has entered into two interest rate swap agreements as economic hedges of its debt, but has elected not to account for the interest rate swap agreements as hedges under ASC 815. The Company records the expense (or gain) both from the mark-to-market adjustments and net settlements in interest expense in the consolidated income statement as the hedges are intended to offset interest rate movements.

	The Company's Subordinated Notes had call premiums as well as Warrants associated with them. The Company treated the fair value of these features together as both a discount on the debt and a derivative liability at inception of the loan agreement. The discount was being amortized over the life of the notes as an adjustment to interest expense, and the derivative was marked to market at each balance sheet date. As discussed in Note 8 - "Debt," on March 26, 2013, the Company discharged its obligations associated with the Subordinated Notes and Warrants, and therefore, all discounts and derivative accounts related to the Subordinated Notes and Warrants are now zero.

	Effect of Derivative Instruments in the Consolidated Income Statements


	(in thousands)				Three Months Ended							Nine Months Ended
					September 30,							September 30,
	Derivative		Income Statement Line		2013				2012			2013			2012
	Commodity contracts		Cost of goods sold		$	(1,543	)		$	—		$	1,083		$	—

			Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments		$	(1,543	)		$	—		$	1,083		$	—

	Commodity contracts		Realized and unrealized (loss) gain on derivatives		$	(351	)		$	(1,036	)	$	1,495		$	(284	)

	Interest rate swap agreements		Interest expense		(161		)		—			(265		)	—

	Derivative features of Subordinated Notes		Realized and unrealized (loss) gain on derivatives		—				(304		)	(793		)	1,454

			Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments		$	(512	)		$	(1,340	)	$	437		$	1,170

			Total derivatives		$	(2,055	)		$	(1,340	)	$	1,520		$	1,170


	U.S. GAAP requires companies to recognize all derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities at fair value in the balance sheet.

	Fair Value of Derivative Instruments on the Consolidated Balance Sheets


	(in thousands)				September 30,				December 31,
	Derivative		Balance Sheet Location		2013				2012
	Commodity contracts		Prepaid and other current assets		$	961			$	—

		Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments		$	961			$	—

Commodity contracts		Prepaid and other current assets		$	436			$	100

Interest rate swap agreements		Other liabilities		(211		)		—

Derivative features of Subordinated Notes		Long-term debt and long-term debt - related party		—				793

		Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments		$	225			$	893

		Total derivatives		$	1,186			$	893

Pensions_and_Other_Postretirem

Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Pensions and Other Post-retirement Benefits	'
	Pensions and Other Post-Retirement Benefits

	The following table presents the components of net periodic pension expense for the Company's pension plans for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:


		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
	(in thousands)	2013			2012			2013			2012
	Interest cost	$	4,649		$	5,540		$	13,946		$	16,238

	Expected return on plan assets	(5,994		)	(6,761		)	(17,979		)	(20,255		)
	Amortization of prior service cost	8			13			24			33

	Amortization of actuarial loss	2,670			2,428			8,010			6,467

	Total	$	1,333		$	1,220		$	4,001		$	2,483


	The actuarial loss occurred principally because the investment returns on the assets of the WHX Pension Plan have been lower than the actuarial assumptions. The actuarial losses are being amortized over the average future lifetime of the participants, which is expected to be approximately 21 years. The Company believes that the future lifetime of the participants is appropriate because the WHX Pension Plan is completely inactive.

	The Company expects to have required minimum contributions to the WHX Pension Plan of $2.8 million for the remainder of 2013, $22.5 million, $21.3 million, $18.2 million, $17.1 million and $49.0 million in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and for the five years thereafter, respectively. Required future contributions are determined based upon assumptions such as discount rates on future obligations, assumed rates of return on plan assets and legislative changes. Pension costs and required funding obligations will be affected by changes in the factors and assumptions described in the previous sentence, as well as other changes such as any plan termination.

	In addition to its pension plans, which are included in the table above, the Company also maintains several other post-retirement benefit plans covering certain of its employees and retirees. The approximate aggregate expense for these plans was $0.4 million and $0.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and $1.4 million and $1.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' Equity	'
	Stockholders' Equity

	Common Stock Repurchase Program

	On May 29, 2013, the Company's Board of Directors approved the repurchase of up to an aggregate of $2.0 million of the Company's common stock. On June 27, 2013, the Board of Directors further approved the repurchase of up to an aggregate of $8.0 million of the Company's common stock, which is in addition to the previously approved repurchase up to an aggregate of $2.0 million of common stock. Any such repurchases will be made from time to time on the open market at prevailing market prices or in negotiated transactions off the market, in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The repurchase program is expected to continue through the end of 2013 unless extended or shortened by the Board of Directors. As of September 30, 2013, the Company has repurchased 257,837 shares for a total purchase price of approximately $5.0 million under the repurchase program.

	Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income

	Changes, net of tax, in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income and its components follow:


	(in thousands)	Unrealized (Loss) Gain on Marketable Equity Securities			Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments			Change in Net Pension and Other Benefit Obligations			Total
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	(4,072	)	$	2,481		$	(224,577	)	$	(226,168	)

	Current period income (loss)	1,710			(89		)	869			2,490

	Reclassification adjustments, net of tax	2,362			(2,566		)	—			(204		)

	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	—		$	(174	)	$	(223,708	)	$	(223,882	)


	As discussed in Note 7 - "Investments," the Company's investment in ModusLink became subject to the equity method of accounting during the first quarter of 2013. Accordingly, the accumulated unrealized loss of $2.4 million on available-for-sale investments associated with this investment was reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss and into earnings.

	As discussed in Note 4 - "Discontinued Operations," the Company completed the final liquidation of ITD in July 2013 and recognized $2.6 million in foreign currency translation gains in earnings during the third quarter of 2013, which were previously reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss on the consolidated balance sheet.

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Stock-Based Compensation	'
	Stock-Based Compensation

	During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Compensation Committee of the Company's Board of Directors approved the grant of an aggregate of 319,788 shares of restricted stock under the 2007 Incentive Stock Plan, as amended (the “2007 Plan”), to certain employees, members of the Board of Directors and service providers. Restricted stock grants made to employees are in lieu of a long-term incentive plan component in the Company's bonus plan for those individuals who receive shares of restricted stock.

	Compensation expense is measured based on the fair value of the stock-based awards on the grant date, as measured by the NASDAQ closing price for the Company's common stock. Compensation expense is recognized in the consolidated income statement on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which is the vesting period. The restricted stock grants made to employees and service providers in 2013 vest in equal annual installments over a three year period from the grant date. The restricted stock grants to the Company's directors vest one year from the grant date.

	The Company allows certain grantees to forego the issuance of shares to meet any applicable income tax withholding due as a result of the vesting of restricted stock. Such shares are returned to the unissued shares of the Company's common stock. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, 2,615 shares were foregone by employees in connection with income tax withholding obligations.

	On May 21, 2013, the Company's stockholders approved an increase in the number of shares authorized for issuance under the 2007 Plan from 1,650,000 shares to 2,075,000 shares.

	Restricted stock activity under the Company's 2007 Plan was as follows for the nine months ended September 30, 2013:


	(shares)	Employees		Directors	Total
	Balance, January 1, 2013	503,440		458,000	961,440

	Granted	157,788		162,000	319,788

	Forfeited	(11,362	)	—	(11,362	)

	Reduced for income tax obligations	(2,615	)	—	(2,615	)

	Balance, September 30, 2013	647,251		620,000	1,267,251


	Vested	270,124		458,000	728,124

	Non-vested	377,127		162,000	539,127


	The Company has recognized compensation expense related to restricted shares of $1.2 million and $1.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and $3.6 million and $3.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Unearned compensation expense related to restricted shares at September 30, 2013 is $4.8 million, which is net of an estimated 5% forfeiture rate for employees and service providers. This amount will be recognized over the remaining vesting period of the restricted shares.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
Income Taxes	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes

	For the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, tax provisions from continuing operations of $5.7 million and $2.6 million were recorded, respectively. The effective tax rates in the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were 40.4% and 35.5%, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, tax provisions from continuing operations of $13.6 million and $12.4 million were recorded, respectively. The effective tax rates in the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were 40.0% and 39.6%, respectively. The provision for income taxes is based on the current estimate of the annual effective tax rate, adjusted for discrete items that occurred within the respective periods. Changes in the effective tax rate arise principally from differences in the mix of income between taxable jurisdictions.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	Earnings Per Share

	The computation of basic earnings per share of common stock is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of shares of the Company's common stock outstanding, as follows:


		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
	(in thousands, except per share)	2013		2012		2013		2012
	Income from continuing operations, net of tax	$	6,739	$	4,725	$	15,422	$	18,959

	Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding	13,290		13,148		13,298		12,996

	Income from continuing operations, net of tax, per share	$	0.51	$	0.36	$	1.16	$	1.46

	Net income from discontinued operations	$	2,904	$	1,205	$	14,108	$	3,019

	Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding	13,290		13,148		13,298		12,996

	Discontinued operations, net of tax, per share	$	0.22	$	0.09	$	1.06	$	0.23

	Net income	$	9,643	$	5,930	$	29,530	$	21,978

	Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding	13,290		13,148		13,298		12,996

	Net income per share	$	0.73	$	0.45	$	2.22	$	1.69


	Diluted earnings per share gives effect to dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the reporting period. The Company had potentially dilutive common share equivalents, in the form of stock options outstanding during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, although none were dilutive because the exercise price of these equivalents exceeded the market value of the Company's common stock during those periods. As of September 30, 2013, stock options for an aggregate of 42,200 shares are excluded from the calculations above.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements	'
	Fair Value Measurements

	Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e. the "exit price") in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Fair value measurements are broken down into three levels based on the reliability of inputs as follows:

	Level 1 inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date. An active market for the asset or liability is a market in which transactions for the asset or liability occur with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis. The valuation under this approach does not entail a significant degree of judgment ("Level 1").

	Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (i.e. interest rates and yield curves observable at commonly quoted intervals or current market) and contractual prices for the underlying financial instrument, as well as other relevant economic measures ("Level 2").

	Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. Unobservable inputs are used to measure fair value to the extent that observable inputs are not available, thereby allowing for situations in which there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date ("Level 3").

	The fair value of the Company's financial instruments, such as cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables and trade payables, approximate carrying value due to the short-term maturities of these assets and liabilities. Carrying cost approximates fair value for the Company's long-term debt which has variable interest rates.

	The fair value of the Company's investment in associated company is a Level 1 measurement because the underlying security is listed on a national securities exchange.

	The precious metal and commodity inventories associated with the Company's fair value hedges (see Note 9 - "Derivative Instruments") are reported at fair value. Fair value of these inventories is based on quoted market prices on commodity exchanges and are considered Level 1 measurements. The derivative instruments that the Company purchases in connection with its precious metal and commodity inventories, specifically commodity futures and forwards contracts, are also valued at fair value. The futures contracts are Level 1 measurements since they are traded on a commodity exchange. The forward contracts are entered into with a counterparty and are considered Level 2 measurements.

	The Company's interest rate swap agreements associated with its Senior Credit Facility are considered Level 2 measurements as the inputs are observable at commonly quoted intervals. Prior to the redemption of the Subordinated Notes and related Warrants, the embedded derivative features of the Subordinated Notes and Warrants (see Note 8 - "Debt") were valued at fair value on a recurring basis and were considered Level 3 measurements.

	The following table summarizes the Company's assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis, the amounts on the consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, and the activity in those assets and liabilities that are valued using Level 3 measurements.


			Asset (Liability) as of September 30, 2013
	(in thousands)		Total			Level 1		Level 2			Level 3
	Investment in associated company		$	16,279		$	16,279	$	—		$	—

	Precious metal and commodity inventories recorded at fair value		$	15,664		$	15,664	$	—		$	—

	Commodity contracts on precious metal and commodity inventories		$	1,397		$	1,397	$	—		$	—

	Interest rate swap agreements		$	(211	)	$	—	$	(211	)	$	—




			Asset (Liability) as of December 31, 2012
			Total			Level 1		Level 2			Level 3
	Investment in associated company		$	17,229		$	17,229	$	—		$	—

	Commodity contracts on precious metals and commodity inventories		$	100		$	127	$	(27	)	$	—

	Derivative features of Subordinated Notes		$	793		$	—	$	—		$	793




	(in thousands)		Nine Months Ended
	Activity		30-Sep-13
	Beginning balance		$	793

	Total net gains (losses) included in:
	Net income		(793		)
	Other comprehensive income		—

	Purchases		—

	Issuances		—

	Sales		—

	Settlements		—

	Net transfers into / (out of) Level 3		—

Ending balance		$	—


The loss of $0.8 million in the fair value of the derivative features of Subordinated Notes for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 noted above resulted principally from the redemption of the Company's Subordinated Notes and related Warrants on March 26, 2013 (see Note 8 - "Debt"). The valuation of the derivative features of the Subordinated Notes and Warrants utilized a customized binomial model, which valued the embedded derivatives in such notes and the associated Warrants in a unified way, using a cash flow approach. Interest rates and the market price of HNH's stock were significant inputs that influenced the valuation of the derivative.

The Company's non-financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis include goodwill and other intangible assets, any assets and liabilities acquired in a business combination, or its long-lived assets written down to fair value. To measure fair value for such assets and liabilities, the Company uses techniques including an income approach, a market approach and/or appraisals (Level 3 inputs). The income approach is based on a discounted cash flow analysis ("DCF") and calculates the fair value by estimating the after-tax cash flows attributable to an asset or liability and then discounting the after-tax cash flows to a present value using a risk-adjusted discount rate. Assumptions used in the DCF require the exercise of significant judgment, including judgment about appropriate discount rates and terminal values, growth rates and the amount and timing of expected future cash flows. The discount rates, which are intended to reflect the risks inherent in future cash flow projections, used in the DCF are based on estimates of the weighted-average cost of capital of a market participant. Such estimates are derived from analysis of peer companies and consider the industry weighted-average return on debt and equity from a market participant perspective. A market approach values a business by considering the prices at which shares of capital stock, or related underlying assets, of reasonably comparable companies are trading in the public market or the transaction price at which similar companies have been acquired. If comparable companies are not available, the market approach is not used.

Long-lived assets consisting of land and buildings used in previously operating businesses and currently unused, which total $8.2 million as of September 30, 2013, are carried at the lower of cost or fair value, and are included primarily in other non-current assets in the consolidated balance sheet. A reduction in the carrying value of such long-lived assets is recorded as an asset impairment charge in the consolidated income statement.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Commitments and Contingencies

	Environmental Matters

	Certain subsidiaries of H&H Group have existing and contingent liabilities relating to environmental matters, including capital expenditures, costs of remediation, and potential fines and penalties relating to possible violations of national and state environmental laws. Those subsidiaries have substantial remediation expenses on an ongoing basis, although such costs are continually being readjusted based upon the emergence of new techniques and alternative methods. The Company had approximately $2.5 million accrued related to estimated environmental remediation costs as of September 30, 2013. In addition, the Company has insurance coverage available for several of these matters and believes that excess insurance coverage may be available as well. During the quarter ended September 30, 2013, the Company recorded an insurance reimbursement receivable of $1.1 million for previously incurred remediation costs. Based upon information currently available, the H&H Group subsidiaries do not expect that their respective environmental costs, including the incurrence of additional fines and penalties, if any, will have a material adverse effect on them or that the resolution of these environmental matters will have a material adverse effect on the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of such subsidiaries or the Company, but there can be no such assurances. The Company anticipates that the H&H Group subsidiaries will pay any such amounts out of their respective working capital, although there is no assurance that they will have sufficient funds to pay them. In the event that the H&H Group subsidiaries are unable to fund their liabilities, claims could be made against their respective parent companies, including H&H Group and/or HNH, for payment of such liabilities.

	In addition, certain subsidiaries of H&H Group have been identified as potentially responsible parties ("PRPs") under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act ("CERCLA") or similar state statutes at sites and are parties to administrative consent orders in connection with certain properties. Those subsidiaries may be subject to joint and several liabilities imposed by CERCLA on PRPs. Due to the technical and regulatory complexity of remedial activities and the difficulties attendant in identifying PRPs and allocating or determining liability among them, the subsidiaries are unable to reasonably estimate the ultimate cost of compliance with such laws.

	Among the sites where certain subsidiaries of H&H Group may have existing and material environmental liabilities are the following:

	H&H has been working with the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection ("CTDEP") with respect to its obligations under a 1989 consent order that applies to a property in Connecticut that H&H sold in 2003 ("Sold Parcel") and an adjacent parcel ("Adjacent Parcel") that together with the Sold Parcel comprises the site of a former H&H manufacturing facility. Remediation of all soil conditions on the Sold Parcel was completed on April 6, 2007. On September 11, 2008, the CTDEP advised H&H that it had approved H&H's December 28, 2007 Soil Remediation Action Report, as amended, thereby concluding the active remediation of the Sold Parcel. The remaining remediation and monitoring costs for the Sold Parcel are expected to approximate $0.1 million. With respect to the Adjacent Parcel, H&H has been conducting an ecological risk assessment and an environmental field investigation in order to assess viable remediation options. The total remediation costs for the Adjacent Parcel cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the resolution of this matter will not be material to the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of H&H or the Company.

	In 1986, Handy & Harman Electronic Materials Corporation ("HHEM"), a subsidiary of H&H, entered into an administrative consent order ("ACO") with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection ("NJDEP") with regard to certain property that it purchased in 1984 in New Jersey. The ACO involves investigation and remediation activities to be performed with regard to soil and groundwater contamination. Thereafter, in 1998, HHEM and H&H settled a case brought by the local municipality in regard to this site and also settled with certain of its insurance carriers. HHEM is actively remediating the property and continuing to investigate effective methods for achieving compliance with the ACO. A remedial investigation report was filed with the NJDEP in December 2007. By letter dated December 12, 2008, the NJDEP issued its approval with respect to additional investigation and remediation activities discussed in the December 2007 remedial investigation report. HHEM anticipates entering into discussions with the NJDEP to address that agency's potential natural resource damage claims, the ultimate scope and cost of which cannot be estimated at this time. Pursuant to a settlement agreement with the former owner/operator of the site, the responsibility for site investigation and remediation costs, as well as any other costs, as defined in the settlement agreement, related to or arising from environmental contamination on the property (collectively, "Costs") are contractually allocated 75% to the former owner/operator (with separate guaranties by the two joint venture partners of the former owner/operator for 37.5% each) and 25% jointly to HHEM and H&H after the first $1.0 million. The $1.0 million was paid solely by the former owner/operator. As of September 30, 2013, over and above the $1.0 million, total investigation and remediation costs of approximately $3.3 million and $1.1 million have been expended by the former owner/operator and HHEM, respectively, in accordance with the settlement agreement. Additionally, HHEM is currently being reimbursed indirectly through insurance coverage for a portion of the Costs for which HHEM is responsible. HHEM believes that there is additional excess insurance coverage, which it intends to pursue as necessary. HHEM anticipates that there will be additional remediation expenses to be incurred once a final remediation plan is agreed upon. There is no assurance that the former owner/operator or guarantors will continue to timely reimburse HHEM for expenditures and/or will be financially capable of fulfilling their obligations under the settlement agreement and the guaranties. The additional Costs cannot be reasonably estimated at this time, and accordingly, there can be no assurance that the resolution of this matter will not be material to the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of HHEM or the Company.

	In August 2006, H&H received a notice letter from the United States Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") formally naming H&H as a PRP at a superfund site in Massachusetts ("Superfund Site"). H&H is part of a group of thirteen other PRPs ("PRP Group") that work cooperatively regarding remediation of the Superfund Site. On June 13, 2008, H&H executed a participation agreement, consent decree and settlement trust that all of the other PRPs have signed as well. The PRP Group has both chemical and radiological PRPs. H&H is a chemical PRP, not a radiological PRP. The remediation of radiological contamination at the Superfund Site, under the direction of the Department of Energy, has been completed and a final status survey was submitted to the EPA in August 2012. The final status survey was approved by the EPA, and the PRPs have had access to the Superfund Site since November 2012. Since that time, work on behalf of the chemical PRPs has been on-going and estimates for the final remediation costs were calculated. H&H's total assessed share for the remaining remediation was $2.2 million, which was paid in August 2013. The Company's financial guarantee for this matter was removed following payment receipt. The remediation is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2014. There is still a possibility that some radiological contaminated soil may become the responsibility of the chemical PRPs, which could result in an additional, maximum assessment of approximately $0.2 million based on current estimates. In addition, during the excavation process, additional contaminated soil and constituents were found that resulted in increased costs, and similar findings could arise again as remediation activities continue. Because the assessment is an estimate and dependent upon several factors, including actual remediation activities and costs, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection ("MADEP") and EPA oversight costs, and continued collaboration and financial support from the town of Attleboro, the party responsible for the subsequent operations and maintenance activities at the Superfund Site, there can be no assurance that final resolution of this matter will not be material to the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of H&H or the Company.

	HHEM is continuing to comply with a 1987 consent order from the MADEP to investigate and remediate the soil and groundwater conditions at a commercial/industrial property in Massachusetts. On June 30, 2010, HHEM filed a Response Action Outcome ("RAO") report to close the site since HHEM's licensed site professional concluded that groundwater monitoring demonstrated that the groundwater conditions have stabilized or continue to improve at the site. On June 20, 2013, HHEM received the MADEP's Notice of Audit Findings and Notice of Noncompliance ("Notice"). HHEM and its consultant met with the MADEP on July 29, 2013 to resolve any differences identified in the Notice. As a result of that meeting and subsequent discussions, HHEM will conduct additional sampling, site investigations and install another off-site well. Once the additional work is completed and assessed, HHEM will submit a follow-up response letter to the MADEP in January 2014. The cost of this additional work is estimated at $0.2 million. Additional costs could result from these testing activities and final acceptance of the remediation plan by the MADEP, which cannot be reasonably estimated at this time.

	Other Litigation

	In the ordinary course of our business, we are subject to periodic lawsuits, investigations, claims and proceedings, including, but not limited to, contractual disputes, employment, environmental, health and safety matters, as well as claims associated with our historical acquisitions and divestitures. There is insurance coverage available for many of the foregoing actions. Although we cannot predict with certainty the ultimate resolution of lawsuits, investigations, claims and proceedings asserted against us, we do not believe any currently pending legal proceeding to which we are a party will have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition, cash flows, results of operations or liquidity.

Related_Party_Transactions_Not

Related Party Transactions (Notes)	9 Months Ended
Related Party Transactions (Notes)	Sep. 30, 2013
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Related Party Transactions	'
	Related Party Transactions

	As of September 30, 2013, SPLP owned directly or indirectly through its subsidiaries 7,228,735 shares of the Company's common stock, representing approximately 54.8% of issued shares. The power to vote and dispose of the securities held by SPLP is controlled by SPH GP. Warren G. Lichtenstein, our Chairman of the Board of Directors, is also the Executive Chairman of SPH GP. Certain other affiliates of SPH GP hold positions with the Company, including Glen M. Kassan, as former Chief Executive Officer and present Vice Chairman, Jack Howard, as Vice Chairman, James F. McCabe, Jr., as Chief Financial Officer and Leonard J. McGill, as Chief Legal Officer.

	The Company was indebted to SPLP under H&H Group's 10% Subordinated Notes until March 26, 2013, when it delivered an irrevocable notice of H&H Group's election to redeem all of its outstanding Subordinated Notes to the holders and irrevocably deposited funds for such redemption and interest payments in order to satisfy and discharge its obligations under the Indenture as more fully described in Note 8 - "Debt." In connection with this redemption, SPLP was entitled to receive proceeds of $25.0 million in connection with the redemption of $21.6 million face amount of notes held by SPLP.

	On January 1, 2012, the Company entered into a Management Services Agreement ("Management Services Agreement") with SP Corporate Services LLC ("SP Corporate"). Pursuant to the Management Services Agreement, SP Corporate provides the Company with certain executive and corporate services, including, without limitation, legal, tax, accounting, treasury, consulting, auditing, administrative, compliance, environmental health and safety, human resources, marketing, investor relations and other similar services rendered for the Company or its subsidiaries. Effective January 1, 2013, certain individuals employed by SP Corporate and their related expenses were transferred to the Company, and the fee paid under the Management Services Agreement was accordingly reduced by approximately $2.0 million. On March 27, 2013, the Company and SP Corporate entered into a First Amendment to the Management Services Agreement to modify the titles and designation of certain officers to be provided pursuant to the Management Services Agreement, and to adjust the fee thereunder, reflecting the aforementioned employee transfer and related change in the scope of services provided under the Management Services Agreement.

	The amended Management Services Agreement provides that the Company pay SP Corporate a fixed annual fee of approximately $8.89 million, effective January 1, 2013, consisting of (a) $1.74 million in consideration of executive services provided by SP Corporate under the Management Services Agreement, and (b) $7.15 million in consideration of the corporate services provided by SP Corporate under the Management Services Agreement. The fees payable under the Management Services Agreement are subject to an annual review and such adjustments as may be agreed upon by SP Corporate and the Company. Prior to the First Amendment, the Management Services Agreement provided that the Company pay SP Corporate a fixed annual fee of approximately $10.98 million in 2012, consisting of (a) $1.74 million in consideration of executive services provided by SP Corporate under the Management Services Agreement, and (b) $9.24 million in consideration of the corporate services provided by SP Corporate under the Management Services Agreement.

	The Management Services Agreement has a term of one year and automatically renews for successive one-year periods unless and until terminated in accordance with the terms set forth therein, which include, under certain circumstances, the payment by the Company of a termination fee to SP Corporate.

	In connection with the Investment Agreement discussed in Note 7 - "Investments," ModusLink agreed to reimburse SPLP's reasonably documented out-of-pocket expenses associated with the agreement up to a maximum of $0.2 million, which was principally paid by and reimbursed to the Company.

Reportable_Segments

Reportable Segments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Reportable Segments	'
	Reportable Segments

	HNH, the parent company, manages a group of businesses on a decentralized basis. HNH is a diversified holding company whose strategic business units encompass the following segments: Joining Materials, Tubing, Building Materials, Arlon Electronic Materials and Kasco Blades and Route Repair Services. The business units principally operate in North America.

	Joining Materials segment primarily fabricates precious metals and their alloys into brazing alloys. Brazing alloys are used to join similar and dissimilar metals, as well as specialty metals and some ceramics, with strong, hermetic joints. Joining Materials segment offers these metal joining products in a wide variety of alloys, including gold, silver, palladium, copper, nickel, aluminum and tin. These brazing alloys are fabricated into a variety of engineered forms and are used in many industries, including electrical, appliance, transportation, construction and general industrial, where dissimilar material and metal joining applications are required. Operating income from precious metal products is principally derived from the "value added" of processing and fabricating and not from the purchase and resale of precious metals. Joining Materials segment has limited exposure to the prices of precious metals due to the Company's hedging and pricing models. We believe that the business unit that comprises our Joining Materials segment is the North American market leader in many of the markets that it serves. The results of the Joining Materials segment include the operations of Wolverine Joining from its acquisition on April 26, 2013.

	Tubing segment manufactures a wide variety of steel tubing products. We believe that our Stainless Steel Tubing Group manufactures the world's longest continuous seamless stainless steel tubing coils, in excess of 5,000 feet, serving the petrochemical infrastructure and shipbuilding markets. We also believe it is the number one supplier of small diameter (<3mm) coil tubing to industry leading specifications serving the aerospace, defense and semiconductor fabrication markets. Our Specialty Tubing unit manufactures welded carbon steel tubing in coiled and straight lengths with a primary focus on products for the automotive, heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC), industrial heat exchanger, and oil and gas industries. In addition to producing bulk tubing, it produces value added fabrications for several of these industries.

	Building Materials segment manufactures and supplies products primarily to the commercial construction and building industries. It manufactures fasteners and fastening systems for the U.S. commercial low slope roofing industry, which are sold to building and roofing material wholesalers, roofing contractors and private label roofing system manufacturers, and a line of engineered specialty fasteners for the building products industry for fastening applications in the remodeling and construction of homes, decking and landscaping. We believe that our primary business unit in the Building Materials segment is the market leader in fasteners and accessories for commercial low-slope roofing applications and that the majority of the net sales for the segment are for the commercial construction repair and replacement market.

	Arlon provides high performance materials for the printed circuit board ("PCB") industry and silicone rubber-based insulation materials used in a broad range of industrial, military/aerospace, consumer and commercial markets. It also supplies high technology circuit substrate laminate materials to the PCB industry. Products are marketed principally to original equipment manufacturers, distributors and PCB manufacturers globally. Arlon also manufactures a line of market leading silicone rubber materials used in a broad range of military, consumer, industrial and commercial products.

	Kasco provides meat-room blade products, repair services and resale products for the meat and deli departments of supermarkets, restaurants, meat and fish processing plants, and for distributors of electrical saws and cutting equipment, principally in North America and Europe. Kasco also provides wood cutting blade products for the pallet manufacturing, pallet recycler and portable saw mill industries in North America.

	Management has determined that certain operating companies should be aggregated and presented within a single segment on the basis that such segments have similar economic characteristics and share other qualitative characteristics. Management reviews net sales, gross profit and operating income to evaluate segment performance. Operating income for the segments generally includes costs directly attributable to the segment and excludes other unallocated general corporate expenses. Other income and expense, interest expense and income taxes are not presented by segment since they are excluded from the measure of segment profitability reviewed by the Company's management.

	The following table presents information about the Company's reportable segments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:


	Income Statement Data	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	(in thousands)	September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Net sales:
	Joining Materials	$	51,059		$	40,304		$	152,491		$	137,718

	Tubing	23,248			20,080			68,628			62,957

	Building Materials	64,369			50,577			177,742			150,992

	Arlon	18,723			20,584			61,136			62,292

	Kasco	14,475			13,083			42,918			39,486

	Total net sales	$	171,874		$	144,628		$	502,915		$	453,445


	Segment operating income:
	Joining Materials	$	5,349		$	4,811		$	17,086		$	18,228

	Tubing	4,677			3,811			13,165			11,527

	Building Materials	9,647			6,314			23,586			18,601

	Arlon	1,718			3,168			7,676			9,665

	Kasco	1,119			1,072			3,249			3,080

	Total segment operating income	22,510			19,176			64,762			61,101

	Unallocated corporate expenses and non-operating units	(4,939		)	(5,137		)	(15,368		)	(15,968		)
	Unallocated pension expense	(1,333		)	(1,220		)	(4,001		)	(2,483		)
	Gain from asset dispositions	11			36			19			85

	Operating income	16,249			12,855			45,412			42,735

	Interest expense	(1,880		)	(3,709		)	(11,967		)	(11,907		)
	Realized and unrealized (loss) gain on derivatives	(351		)	(1,340		)	702			1,170

	Other expense	(14		)	(475		)	(279		)	(600		)
	Income from continuing operations before tax and equity investment	$	14,004		$	7,331		$	33,868		$	31,398

Acquisitions_Tables

Acquisitions (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes the amounts of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date on a preliminary basis (in thousands):


	Trade and other receivables	$	9,491

	Inventories	17,864

	Prepaid and other current assets	90

	Property, plant and equipment	6,096

	Goodwill	14,111

	Other intangibles	13,657

	Total assets acquired	61,309

	Trade payables	(1,167		)
	Accrued liabilities	(395		)
	Net assets acquired	$	59,747

Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block]	'
	Pro forma net sales and net income of the combined entity had the acquisition date been January 1, 2012 are as follows:


			Nine Months Ended
			September 30,
	(in thousands, except per share)		2013		2012
	Net sales		$	528,065	$	519,162

	Net income		$	30,961	$	24,143

	Net income per share		$	2.33	$	1.86

	Weighted average shares outstanding		13,298		12,996

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures [Table Text Block]	'
	The assets and liabilities of discontinued operations have been segregated in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.


		September 30,			December 31,
	(in thousands)	2013			2012
	Assets of Discontinued Operations:
	Trade and other receivables, net	$	—		$	6,372

	Inventories, net	—			7,097

	Prepaid and other current assets	639			1,438

	Property, plant and equipment, net	—			7,935

	Goodwill	—			9,156

	Other non-current assets	104			113

	Total	$	743		$	32,111


	Liabilities of Discontinued Operations	$	490		$	9,160


	The net income from discontinued operations includes the following:


		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		September 30,					September 30,
	(in thousands)	2013			2012		2013			2012
	Net sales	$	283		$	20,791	$	20,094		$	63,323

	Operating (loss) income	(384		)	2,015		(1,287		)	5,075

	Other expense	—			15		46			85

	Income tax (benefit) expense	(140		)	795		(498		)	1,971

	(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax	(244		)	1,205		(835		)	3,019

	Gain on disposal of assets	3,492			—		27,573			—

	Income tax expense	344			—		12,630			—

	Net income from discontinued operations	$	2,904		$	1,205	$	14,108		$	3,019

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block]	'
	Inventories at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were comprised of:


		September 30,			December 31,
	(in thousands)	2013			2012
	Finished products	$	18,245		$	19,596

	In-process	10,644			8,344

	Raw materials	15,229			14,130

	Fine and fabricated precious metal in various stages of completion	24,746			9,599

		68,864			51,669

	LIFO reserve	(618		)	(4,139		)
	Total	$	68,246		$	47,530

Inventory Supplemental Disclosure [Table Text Block]	'
	As of September 30, 2013, H&H's customer metal consisted of 280,832 ounces of silver, 553 ounces of gold and 1,391 ounces of palladium.


	Supplemental inventory information:	September 30,			December 31,
	(in thousands, except per ounce)	2013			2012
	Precious metals stated at LIFO cost	$	9,443		$	5,460

	Precious metals stated under non-LIFO cost methods, primarily at fair value	$	14,685		$	—

	Market value per ounce:
	Silver	$	21.81		$	30.2

	Gold	$	1,339.00		$	1,675.40

	Palladium	$	731.3		$	702.85

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangibles1

Goodwill and Other Intangibles (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation of the change in the carrying value of goodwill [Table Text Block]	'
	The changes in the net carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 were as follows (in thousands):


	Segment		Balance at January 1, 2013				Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment			Additions			Adjustments				Balance at		Accumulated
																	30-Sep-13		Impairment Losses
	Joining Materials		$	1,494			$	7		$	14,111		$	—			$	15,612	$	—

	Tubing		1,895				—			—			—				1,895		—

	Building Materials		47,096				—			—			(454		)		46,642		—

	Arlon		9,298				—			—			—				9,298		(1,140		)

	Total		$	59,783			$	7		$	14,111		$	(454	)		$	73,447	$	(1,140	)

Summary of Other Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]	'
	Other intangible assets as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 consisted of:


	(in thousands)	September 30, 2013									December 31, 2012
		Cost			Accumulated Amortization			Net			Cost		Accumulated Amortization			Net
	Products and customer relationships	$	48,083		$	(15,413	)	$	32,670		$	38,825	$	(13,232	)	$	25,593

	Trademarks, trade names and brand names	9,603			(1,971		)	7,632			5,048		(1,634		)	3,414

	Patents and patent applications	5,031			(1,799		)	3,232			4,789		(1,523		)	3,266

	Non-compete agreements	906			(831		)	75			906		(809		)	97

	Other	1,785			(1,111		)	674			1,762		(914		)	848

	Total	$	65,408		$	(21,125	)	$	44,283		$	51,330	$	(18,112	)	$	33,218

Investments_Tables

Investments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block]	'
	Summarized information as to assets, liabilities and results of operations of ModusLink for the quarter ended July 31, 2013, its most recently completed fiscal quarter, and the comparable prior periods are as follows:


		July 31,			July 31,
	(in thousands)	2013			2012
	Current assets	$	291,086		$	295,887

	Non-current assets	$	52,610		$	62,995

	Current liabilities	$	176,431		$	182,376

	Non-current liabilities	$	10,360		$	11,374

	Stockholders' equity	$	156,905		$	165,132


		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		July 31,						July 31,
	(in thousands)	2013			2012			2013			2012
	Net revenue	$	181,001		$	173,129		$	557,453		$	516,117

	Gross profit	$	20,093		$	11,450		$	55,746		$	42,787

	Loss from continuing operations	$	(8,835	)	$	(14,895	)	$	(29,499	)	$	(30,151	)
	Net loss	$	(8,841	)	$	(20,241	)	$	(29,697	)	$	(39,253	)

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block]	'
	Debt at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 was as follows:


	(in thousands)	September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Short term debt
	Foreign	$	509	$	778

	Long-term debt
	Senior Term Loan	118,344		115,000

	Revolving Facility	38,800		—

	Subordinated Notes, net of unamortized discount	—		9,440

	Other H&H debt - domestic	8,359		8,597

	Foreign loan facilities	3,096		4,713

	Sub total	168,599		137,750

	Less portion due within one year	12,037		8,943

	Long-term debt	156,562		128,807

	Long-term debt - related party
	Subordinated Notes, net of unamortized discount	—		19,916

	Total long-term debt	156,562		148,723

	Total debt	$	169,108	$	158,444

Derivative_Instruments_Tables

Derivative Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Outstanding Forward and Future Contracts [Table Text Block]	'
	As of September 30, 2013, the Company had the following outstanding futures contracts with settlement dates ranging from October to December 2013:


						Notional Value
	Commodity	Amount				($ in millions)
	Silver	760,000		ounces		$	16.6

	Gold	900		ounces		$	1.2

	Copper	400,000		pounds		$	1.3

	Tin	45		metric tons		$	1

Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Operations [Table Text Block]	'
	Effect of Derivative Instruments in the Consolidated Income Statements


	(in thousands)		Three Months Ended							Nine Months Ended
			September 30,							September 30,
	Derivative	Income Statement Line	2013				2012			2013			2012
	Commodity contracts	Cost of goods sold	$	(1,543	)		$	—		$	1,083		$	—

		Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments	$	(1,543	)		$	—		$	1,083		$	—

	Commodity contracts	Realized and unrealized (loss) gain on derivatives	$	(351	)		$	(1,036	)	$	1,495		$	(284	)

	Interest rate swap agreements	Interest expense	(161		)		—			(265		)	—

	Derivative features of Subordinated Notes	Realized and unrealized (loss) gain on derivatives	—				(304		)	(793		)	1,454

		Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	$	(512	)		$	(1,340	)	$	437		$	1,170

		Total derivatives	$	(2,055	)		$	(1,340	)	$	1,520		$	1,170

Derivative Instruments in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, Fair Value [Table Text Block]	'
	Fair Value of Derivative Instruments on the Consolidated Balance Sheets


	(in thousands)		September 30,				December 31,
	Derivative	Balance Sheet Location	2013				2012
	Commodity contracts	Prepaid and other current assets	$	961			$	—

		Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments	$	961			$	—

	Commodity contracts	Prepaid and other current assets	$	436			$	100

	Interest rate swap agreements	Other liabilities	(211		)		—

	Derivative features of Subordinated Notes	Long-term debt and long-term debt - related party	—				793

		Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	$	225			$	893

		Total derivatives	$	1,186			$	893

Pensions_and_Other_Postretirem1

Pensions and Other Post-retirement Benefits (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table presents the components of net periodic pension expense for the Company's pension plans for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:


		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
	(in thousands)	2013			2012			2013			2012
	Interest cost	$	4,649		$	5,540		$	13,946		$	16,238

	Expected return on plan assets	(5,994		)	(6,761		)	(17,979		)	(20,255		)
	Amortization of prior service cost	8			13			24			33

	Amortization of actuarial loss	2,670			2,428			8,010			6,467

	Total	$	1,333		$	1,220		$	4,001		$	2,483

Stockholders_Equity_Tables

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	'
	Changes, net of tax, in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income and its components follow:


	(in thousands)	Unrealized (Loss) Gain on Marketable Equity Securities			Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments			Change in Net Pension and Other Benefit Obligations			Total
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	(4,072	)	$	2,481		$	(224,577	)	$	(226,168	)

	Current period income (loss)	1,710			(89		)	869			2,490

	Reclassification adjustments, net of tax	2,362			(2,566		)	—			(204		)

	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	—		$	(174	)	$	(223,708	)	$	(223,882	)

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block]	'
	Restricted stock activity under the Company's 2007 Plan was as follows for the nine months ended September 30, 2013:


	(shares)	Employees		Directors	Total
	Balance, January 1, 2013	503,440		458,000	961,440

	Granted	157,788		162,000	319,788

	Forfeited	(11,362	)	—	(11,362	)

	Reduced for income tax obligations	(2,615	)	—	(2,615	)

	Balance, September 30, 2013	647,251		620,000	1,267,251


	Vested	270,124		458,000	728,124

	Non-vested	377,127		162,000	539,127

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Table Text Block]	'
	The computation of basic earnings per share of common stock is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of shares of the Company's common stock outstanding, as follows:


		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
	(in thousands, except per share)	2013		2012		2013		2012
	Income from continuing operations, net of tax	$	6,739	$	4,725	$	15,422	$	18,959

	Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding	13,290		13,148		13,298		12,996

	Income from continuing operations, net of tax, per share	$	0.51	$	0.36	$	1.16	$	1.46

	Net income from discontinued operations	$	2,904	$	1,205	$	14,108	$	3,019

	Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding	13,290		13,148		13,298		12,996

	Discontinued operations, net of tax, per share	$	0.22	$	0.09	$	1.06	$	0.23

	Net income	$	9,643	$	5,930	$	29,530	$	21,978

	Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding	13,290		13,148		13,298		12,996

	Net income per share	$	0.73	$	0.45	$	2.22	$	1.69

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes the Company's assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis, the amounts on the consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, and the activity in those assets and liabilities that are valued using Level 3 measurements.


		Asset (Liability) as of September 30, 2013
	(in thousands)	Total			Level 1		Level 2			Level 3
	Investment in associated company	$	16,279		$	16,279	$	—		$	—

	Precious metal and commodity inventories recorded at fair value	$	15,664		$	15,664	$	—		$	—

	Commodity contracts on precious metal and commodity inventories	$	1,397		$	1,397	$	—		$	—

	Interest rate swap agreements	$	(211	)	$	—	$	(211	)	$	—




		Asset (Liability) as of December 31, 2012
		Total			Level 1		Level 2			Level 3
	Investment in associated company	$	17,229		$	17,229	$	—		$	—

	Commodity contracts on precious metals and commodity inventories	$	100		$	127	$	(27	)	$	—

	Derivative features of Subordinated Notes	$	793		$	—	$	—		$	793

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block] [Table Text Block]	'


	(in thousands)	Nine Months Ended
	Activity	30-Sep-13
	Beginning balance	$	793

	Total net gains (losses) included in:
	Net income	(793		)
	Other comprehensive income	—

	Purchases	—

	Issuances	—

	Sales	—

	Settlements	—

	Net transfers into / (out of) Level 3	—

	Ending balance	$	—

Reportable_Segments_Tables

Reportable Segments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table presents information about the Company's reportable segments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:


	Income Statement Data	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	(in thousands)	September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Net sales:
	Joining Materials	$	51,059		$	40,304		$	152,491		$	137,718

	Tubing	23,248			20,080			68,628			62,957

	Building Materials	64,369			50,577			177,742			150,992

	Arlon	18,723			20,584			61,136			62,292

	Kasco	14,475			13,083			42,918			39,486

	Total net sales	$	171,874		$	144,628		$	502,915		$	453,445


	Segment operating income:
	Joining Materials	$	5,349		$	4,811		$	17,086		$	18,228

	Tubing	4,677			3,811			13,165			11,527

	Building Materials	9,647			6,314			23,586			18,601

	Arlon	1,718			3,168			7,676			9,665

	Kasco	1,119			1,072			3,249			3,080

	Total segment operating income	22,510			19,176			64,762			61,101

	Unallocated corporate expenses and non-operating units	(4,939		)	(5,137		)	(15,368		)	(15,968		)
	Unallocated pension expense	(1,333		)	(1,220		)	(4,001		)	(2,483		)
	Gain from asset dispositions	11			36			19			85

	Operating income	16,249			12,855			45,412			42,735

	Interest expense	(1,880		)	(3,709		)	(11,967		)	(11,907		)
	Realized and unrealized (loss) gain on derivatives	(351		)	(1,340		)	702			1,170

	Other expense	(14		)	(475		)	(279		)	(600		)
	Income from continuing operations before tax and equity investment	$	14,004		$	7,331		$	33,868		$	31,398

Acquisitions_Narrative_Details

Acquisitions Narrative (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Apr. 16, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Apr. 16, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Nov. 05, 2012

Feb. 28, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Apr. 16, 2013

Wolverine [Member]

Wolverine Joining [Member]

Wolverine and Wolverine Joining [Member]

Zaklad [Member]

W.P. Hickman [Member]

Trade Names [Member]

Customer Relationships [Member]

Wolverine and Wolverine Joining [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Earnings or Loss of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual

$800,000

$1,000,000

($300,000)

$900,000

$500,000

Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual

15,400,000

30,700,000

3,700,000

15,000,000

5,500,000

11,800,000

Intercompany Sales since Acquisition Date, Actual

1,900,000

2,000,000

1,800,000

7,800,000

Acquisition Related Costs

600,000

Assets, Fair Value Adjustment

500,000

Cost of Acquired Entity, Purchase Price

59,700,000

4,000,000

8,200,000

Expected Restructuring charges

400,000

Restructuring Charges

300,000

Goodwill

14,111,000

Other intangibles

13,657,000

4,600,000

9,000,000

Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life

'20 years

Proceeds from Working Capital Adjustment

300,000

Goodwill, Period Increase (Decrease)

$2,800,000

Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired (as a percent)

100.00%

Acquisitions_Assets_Acquired_a

Acquisitions Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Details) (Wolverine and Wolverine Joining [Member], USD $)	Apr. 16, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 16, 2013
Wolverine and Wolverine Joining [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Trade and other receivables	$9,491
Inventories	17,864
Prepaid and other current assets	90
Property, plant and equipment	6,096
Goodwill	14,111
Other intangibles	13,657
Total assets acquired	61,309
Trade payables	-1,167
Accrued liabilities	-395
Net assets acquired	$59,747

Acquisitions_Net_Sales_and_Net

Acquisitions Net Sales and Net Income of the Combined Entity (Details) (Wolverine and Wolverine Joining [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Wolverine and Wolverine Joining [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Net sales	$528,065	$519,162
Net income	$30,961	$24,143
Net income per share	$2.33	$1.86

Discontinued_Operations_Narrat

Discontinued Operations Narrative (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013
			Indiana Tube Denmark [Member] [Member]	Handy & Harman Group Ltd. [Member]	Handy & Harman Group Ltd. [Member]	Handy & Harman Group Ltd. [Member]	Handy & Harman Group Ltd. [Member]
				Continental Industries [Member]	Canfield [Member]	Indiana Tube Mexico [Member]	Indiana Tube Mexico [Member]
							installment
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sale Price	'	'	'	$37,400,000	$9,500,000	'	$3,700,000
Number of Installments	'	'	'	'	'	'	2
Working Capital Adjustment	'	'	'	100,000	500,000	'	'
Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Discontinued Operations	-102,000	-566,000	'	3,700,000	'	'	'
Sale Price Installment	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,850,000
Restructuring Reserve	'	'	'	'	'	900,000	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	'	'	($2,566,000)	'	'	'	'

Discontinued_Operations_Detail

Discontinued Operations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Balance Sheet Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Trade and other receivables, net	$0	'	$0	'	$6,372
Inventories, net	0	'	0	'	7,097
Prepaid and other current assets	639	'	639	'	1,438
Property, plant and equipment, net	0	'	0	'	7,935
Goodwill	0	'	0	'	9,156
Other non-current assets	104	'	104	'	113
Total	743	'	743	'	32,111
Liabilities of Discontinued Operations	490	'	490	'	9,160
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Income Statement Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	283	20,791	20,094	63,323	'
Operating (loss) income	-384	2,015	-1,287	5,075	'
Other expense	0	15	46	85	'
Income tax (benefit) expense	-140	795	-498	1,971	'
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax	-244	1,205	-835	3,019	'
Gain on disposal of assets	3,492	0	27,573	0	'
Income tax expense	344	0	12,630	0	'
Net income from discontinued operations	$2,904	$1,205	$14,108	$3,019	'

Summary_of_Inventories_Details

Summary of Inventories (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Finished products	$18,245	$19,596
In-process	10,644	8,344
Raw materials	15,229	14,130
Fine and fabricated precious metal in various stages of completion	24,746	9,599
Inventory, before LIFO reserve	68,864	51,669
LIFO reserve	-618	-4,139
Inventory, Net	$68,246	$47,530

Inventories_Narrative_Details

Inventories Narrative (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	oz	Dec. 31, 2012
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
LIFO reserve	$618	$4,139
Customer metal, ounces of silver (in ounces)	280,832	'
Customer metal, ounces of gold (in ounces)	553	'
Customer metal, ounces of palladium (in ounces)	1,391	'

Supplemental_Inventory_Informa

Supplemental Inventory Information (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Precious metals stated at LIFO cost	$9,443	$5,460
Precious metals stated under non-LIFO cost methods, primarily at fair value	$14,685	$0
Market value per ounce, Silver (in dollars per ounce)	21.81	30.2
Market value per ounce, Gold (in dollars per ounce)	1,339	1,675.40
Market value per ounce, Palladium (in dollars per ounce)	731.3	702.85

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangibles2

Goodwill and Other Intangibles (Details 1) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'
Balance at beginning of period	$59,783
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment	7
Additions	14,111
Adjustments	-454
Balance at end of period	73,447
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss [Abstract]	'
Accumulated Impairment Losses	-1,140
Joining Materials [Member]	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'
Balance at beginning of period	1,494
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment	7
Additions	14,111
Adjustments	0
Balance at end of period	15,612
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss [Abstract]	'
Accumulated Impairment Losses	0
Tubing [Member]	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'
Balance at beginning of period	1,895
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment	0
Additions	0
Adjustments	0
Balance at end of period	1,895
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss [Abstract]	'
Accumulated Impairment Losses	0
Building Materials [Member]	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'
Balance at beginning of period	47,096
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment	0
Additions	0
Adjustments	-454
Balance at end of period	46,642
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss [Abstract]	'
Accumulated Impairment Losses	0
Arlon [Member]	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'
Balance at beginning of period	9,298
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment	0
Additions	0
Adjustments	0
Balance at end of period	9,298
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss [Abstract]	'
Accumulated Impairment Losses	($1,140)

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangibles3

Goodwill and Other Intangibles (Details 2) (USD $)

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Products and Customer Relationships [Member]

Trademarks, Trade Names & Brand Names [Member]

Patents and Patent Applications [Member]

Non-Compete Agreements [Member]

Other Intangible Assets [Member]

Wolverine [Member]

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Other intangible assets, cost

$65,408,000

$51,330,000

$48,083,000

$38,825,000

$9,603,000

$5,048,000

$5,031,000

$4,789,000

$906,000

$1,785,000

$1,762,000

Other intangible assets, accumulated amortization

-21,125,000

-18,112,000

-15,413,000

-13,232,000

-1,971,000

-1,634,000

-1,799,000

-1,523,000

-831,000

-809,000

-1,111,000

-914,000

Other intangible assets, net

44,283,000

33,218,000

32,670,000

25,593,000

7,632,000

3,414,000

3,232,000

3,266,000

75,000

97,000

674,000

848,000

Amortization of Deferred Charges [Abstract]

Amortization expense of other intangible assets

1,100,000

800,000

3,000,000

2,500,000

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months

200,000

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two

700,000

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three

701,000

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four

701,000

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Five

701,000

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Five

$10,400,000

Investments_Details

Investments (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 11, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 12, 2013

Feb. 11, 2013

Mar. 12, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

ModusLink [Member]

HNH [Member]

Steel Partner Holdings & HNH [Member]

Steel Partner Holdings [Member]

Unrealized Gain (Loss) On Available-For-Sale Securities [Member]

ModusLink [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Investment in associated company

$16,279,000

$17,229,000

Number of Shares Owned (in shares)

6,481,185

Ownership Percentage (as a percent)

11.50%

14.70%

27.10%

15.60%

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Reclassified to Earnings

-4,300,000

-4,900,000

Number of Shares Purchased (in shares)

7,500,000

Sale of Stock, Price Per Share (in dollars per share)

Number of Warrants Purchased (in shares)

2,000,000

Exercise Price of Rights (in dollars per share)

Amortized Cost Basis

24,300,000

Fair Value Disclosure

17,200,000

Tax effect of change in market value of securities

($1,685,000)

($3,041,000)

$4,180,000

$1,900,000

Investments_Equity_Method_Inve

Investments Equity Method Investment (Details) (ModusLink [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012
ModusLink [Member]	'	'	'	'
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Liabilities and Equity [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Current assets	$291,086	$295,887	$291,086	$295,887
Non-current assets	52,610	62,995	52,610	62,995
Current liabilities	176,431	182,376	176,431	182,376
Non-current liabilities	10,360	11,374	10,360	11,374
Stockholders' equity	156,905	165,132	156,905	165,132
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net revenue	181,001	173,129	557,453	516,117
Gross profit	20,093	11,450	55,746	42,787
Loss from continuing operations	-8,835	-14,895	-29,499	-30,151
Net loss	($8,841)	($20,241)	($29,697)	($39,253)

Debt_Details

Debt (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Apr. 26, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Nov. 08, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Apr. 26, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Nov. 08, 2012
Short term debt	'	'	'	'
Short-term debt	$509	'	$778	'
Long-term debt	'	'	'	'
Long-term debt	168,599	'	137,750	'
Less portion due within one year	12,037	'	8,943	'
Long-term debt, excluding current maturities	156,562	'	128,807	'
Long-term debt - related party	'	'	'	'
10% Subordinated Notes, net of unamortized discount	0	'	19,916	'
Total long-term debt	156,562	'	148,723	'
Total debt	169,108	'	158,444	'
Loans Payable [Member] \| Senior Notes [Member]	'	'	'	'
Long-term debt	'	'	'	'
Long-term debt	118,344	160,000	115,000	115,000
Less portion due within one year	2,300	'	'	'
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	'	'	'	'
Long-term debt	'	'	'	'
Long-term debt	38,800	'	0	'
Subordinated Notes [Member]	'	'	'	'
Long-term debt	'	'	'	'
Long-term debt	0	'	9,440	'
Long-term debt - related party	'	'	'	'
10% Subordinated Notes, net of unamortized discount	0	'	19,916	'
Mortgages [Member]	'	'	'	'
Long-term debt	'	'	'	'
Long-term debt	8,359	'	8,597	'
Foreign Line of Credit [Member]	'	'	'	'
Long-term debt	'	'	'	'
Long-term debt	3,096	'	4,713	'
Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Short term debt	'	'	'	'
Short-term debt	$509	'	$778	'

Debt_Details_1

Debt (Details 1) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

60 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Nov. 08, 2017

Dec. 31, 2012

Nov. 08, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 26, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Apr. 26, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Nov. 08, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 13, 2013

Nov. 08, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Apr. 26, 2013

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Subordinated Notes [Member]

Loans Payable [Member]

Letter of Credit [Member]

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

U.S. Base Rate [Member]

Interest Rate Swap [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Senior Secured Credit Facility

$205,000,000

Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity

125,000,000

90,000,000

Payments of Dividends

7,000,000

Long-term Debt

168,599,000

137,750,000

38,800,000

9,440,000

118,344,000

160,000,000

115,000,000

Current portion of long-term debt

12,037,000

8,943,000

2,300,000

Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two

3,100,000

Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three

3,900,000

Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four

3,900,000

Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five

3,900,000

Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis

'LIBOR

'Base Rate

Debt Instrument, Maturity Date

8-Nov-17

Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)

2.75%

1.75%

Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate (as a percent)

3.10%

3.04%

Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate (as a percent)

0.57%

0.60%

Derivative, Notional Amount

56,400,000

5,000,000

Derivative, Notional Amount, Next Twelve Months

1,100,000

100,000

Derivative, Notional Amount, Year Two

1,800,000

200,000

Derivative, Notional Amount, Year Three

2,200,000

200,000

Debt Instrument, Repurchase Amount

31,800,000

Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage (as a percent)

10.00%

Debt Instrument, Redemption Amount as Percentage of Principal Amount (as a percent)

112.60%

Debt Instrument, Irrevocable Deposit

36,900,000

Loss on early retirement of debt

$5,700,000

$5,662,000

$631,000

Derivative_Instruments_Details

Derivative Instruments (Details 1) (Futures and Forwards Contracts [Member], USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	oz
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Silver and Copper, Ounces	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'
Outstanding forward and future contracts	570,000
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Silver, Ounces	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'
Outstanding forward and future contracts	760,000
Derivative, Notional Amount	16.6
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Gold, Ounces	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'
Outstanding forward and future contracts	900
Derivative, Notional Amount	1.2
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Copper, Pounds	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'
Outstanding forward and future contracts	400,000
Derivative, Notional Amount	1.3
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Tin, Tons	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'
Outstanding forward and future contracts	45
Derivative, Notional Amount	1

Derivative_Instruments_Details1

Derivative Instruments (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gain Loss on Derivative Instruments Including Interest Income or Expense), Net, Pretax	($2,055)	($1,340)	$1,520	$1,170
Cost of Sales [Member] \| Commodity Contracts [Member] \| Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gain Loss on Derivative Instruments Including Interest Income or Expense), Net, Pretax	-1,543	0	1,083	0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gain Loss on Derivative Instruments Including Interest Income or Expense), Net, Pretax	-512	-1,340	437	1,170
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Commodity Contracts [Member] \| Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gain Loss on Derivative Instruments Including Interest Income or Expense), Net, Pretax	-351	-1,036	1,495	-284
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Commodity Contracts [Member] \| Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gain Loss on Derivative Instruments Including Interest Income or Expense), Net, Pretax	-1,543	0	1,083	0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Interest Rate Swap [Member] \| Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gain Loss on Derivative Instruments Including Interest Income or Expense), Net, Pretax	-161	0	-265	0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Derivative Features of Subordinated Notes [Member] \| Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gain Loss on Derivative Instruments Including Interest Income or Expense), Net, Pretax	$0	($304)	($793)	$1,454

Derivative_Instruments_Details2

Derivative Instruments (Details 3) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Total derivatives	$1,186	$893
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Total derivatives	225	893
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Commodity Contracts [Member] \| Other Current Assets [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Total derivatives	961	0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Commodity Contracts [Member] \| Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Total derivatives	961	0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Commodity Contracts [Member] \| Other Assets [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Total derivatives	436	100
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Interest Rate Swap [Member] \| Other Current Assets (Liabilities) [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Total derivatives	-211	0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Derivative Features of Subordinated Notes [Member] \| Long-term Debt & Long Term Debt-Related Party [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Total derivatives	$0	$793

Pensions_and_Other_Postretirem2

Pensions and Other Post-retirement Benefits (Details) (Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Interest cost	$4,649	$5,540	$13,946	$16,238
Expected return on plan assets	-5,994	-6,761	-17,979	-20,255
Amortization of prior service cost	8	13	24	33
Amortization of actuarial loss	2,670	2,428	8,010	6,467
Total	$1,333	$1,220	$4,001	$2,483

Pensions_and_Other_Postretirem3

Pensions and Other Post-retirement Benefits (Details 1) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amortization period for pension plan actuarial gains (losses) (in years)	'	'	'21 years	'
Pension plan required minimum contributions, 2013	$2.80	'	$2.80	'
Pension plan required minimum contributions, 2014	22.5	'	22.5	'
Pension plan required minimum contributions, 2015	21.3	'	21.3	'
Pension plan required minimum contributions, 2016	18.2	'	18.2	'
Pension plan required minimum contributions, 2017	17.1	'	17.1	'
Pension plan required minimum contributions, thereafter	49	'	49	'
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Aggregate expense of other postretirement benefit plans	$0.40	$0.50	$1.40	$1.50

Stockholders_Equity_Details

Stockholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended				0 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Mar. 12, 2013	Jun. 27, 2013	29-May-13	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
		Unrealized Gain (Loss) On Available-For-Sale Securities [Member]	Cumulative Translation Adjustment [Member]	Change In Net Pension And Other Benefit Obligations [Member]	ModusLink [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Indiana Tube Denmark [Member] [Member]
					Unrealized Gain (Loss) On Available-For-Sale Securities [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount	'	'	'	'	'	$8,000,000	$2,000,000	'	'
Stock Repurchased During Period (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	257,837	'
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	5,000,000	'
Accumulated Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of period	-226,168,000	-4,072,000	2,481,000	-224,577,000	'	'	'	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	2,490,000	1,710,000	-89,000	869,000	'	'	'	'	'
Reclassification of unrealized loss on available-for-sale investments, net of tax	2,362,000	2,362,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,566,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Gain (Loss) Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Net of Tax	0	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income Loss, Reclassification Adjustments, Net of Tax	-204,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Balance at end of period	-223,882,000	0	-174,000	-223,708,000	'	'	'	'	'
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale investments, net of tax	$1,710,000	'	'	'	($2,400,000)	'	'	'	'

StockBased_Compensation_Detail

Stock-Based Compensation (Details) (2007 Incentive Stock Plan [Member], Restricted Stock [Member])	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Outstanding [Roll Forward]	'
Balance at beginning of period (in shares)	961,440
Granted (in shares)	319,788
Forfeited (in shares)	-11,362
Reduced for income tax obligations (in shares)	-2,615
Balance at end of period (in shares)	1,267,251
Vested (in shares)	728,124
Non-vested (in shares)	539,127
Employees [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Outstanding [Roll Forward]	'
Balance at beginning of period (in shares)	503,440
Granted (in shares)	157,788
Forfeited (in shares)	-11,362
Reduced for income tax obligations (in shares)	-2,615
Balance at end of period (in shares)	647,251
Vested (in shares)	270,124
Non-vested (in shares)	377,127
Director [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Outstanding [Roll Forward]	'
Balance at beginning of period (in shares)	458,000
Granted (in shares)	162,000
Forfeited (in shares)	0
Reduced for income tax obligations (in shares)	0
Balance at end of period (in shares)	620,000
Vested (in shares)	458,000
Non-vested (in shares)	162,000

StockBased_Compensation_Detail1

Stock-Based Compensation (Details 1) (2007 Incentive Stock Plan [Member], USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	21-May-13	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
	Common Stock [Member]	Restricted Stock [Member]	Restricted Stock [Member]	Restricted Stock [Member]	Restricted Stock [Member]	Employees [Member]	Director [Member]
						Restricted Stock [Member]	Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of shares approved for grant, restricted shares (in shares)	'	'	'	319,788	'	'	'
Award Vesting Period (in years)	'	'	'	'	'	'3 years	'1 year
Reduced for income tax obligations (in shares)	'	'	'	2,615	'	'	'
Number of Shares Authorized (in shares)	1,650,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of Additional Shares Authorized (in shares)	2,075,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Non-cash stock based compensation	'	$1.20	$1.20	$3.60	$3.20	'	'
Unearned compensation expense, restricted shares	'	$4.80	'	$4.80	'	'	'
Estimated forfeiture rate, restricted shares (as a percent)	'	5.00%	'	5.00%	'	'	'

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Tax provision	$5,657	$2,606	$13,563	$12,439
Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations (as a percent)	40.40%	35.50%	40.00%	39.60%

Earnings_Per_Share_Details

Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations, net of tax	$6,739	$4,725	$15,422	$18,959
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding (in shares)	13,290	13,148	13,298	12,996
Income from continuing operations, net of tax, per share (in dollars per share)	$0.51	$0.36	$1.16	$1.46
Net income from discontinued operations	2,904	1,205	14,108	3,019
Discontinued operations per common share (in dollars shares)	$0.22	$0.09	$1.06	$0.23
Net income	$9,643	$5,930	$29,530	$21,978
Net income per common share (in dollars per share)	$0.73	$0.45	$2.22	$1.69

Earnings_Per_Share_Details1

Earnings Per Share (Details1) (Stock Options [Member])	9 Months Ended
Earnings Per Share (Details1) (Stock Options [Member])	Sep. 30, 2013
Stock Options [Member]	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'
Outstanding options excluded from diluted earnings per share calculation due to anti-dilutive effect (in shares)	42,200

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) (Recurring [Member], USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Total [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Investment in associated company	$16,279	$17,229
Precious Metal and Commodity Inventories Recorded at Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure	15,664	'
Total [Member] \| Commodity Contracts [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Assets and Liabilities	1,397	100
Total [Member] \| Interest Rate Swap [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Assets and Liabilities	-211	'
Total [Member] \| Derivative Features of Subordinated Notes [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Assets and Liabilities	'	793
Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Investment in associated company	16,279	17,229
Precious Metal and Commodity Inventories Recorded at Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure	15,664	'
Level 1 [Member] \| Commodity Contracts [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Assets and Liabilities	1,397	127
Level 1 [Member] \| Interest Rate Swap [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Assets and Liabilities	0	'
Level 1 [Member] \| Derivative Features of Subordinated Notes [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Assets and Liabilities	'	0
Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Investment in associated company	0	0
Precious Metal and Commodity Inventories Recorded at Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure	0	'
Level 2 [Member] \| Commodity Contracts [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Assets and Liabilities	0	-27
Level 2 [Member] \| Interest Rate Swap [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Assets and Liabilities	-211	'
Level 2 [Member] \| Derivative Features of Subordinated Notes [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Assets and Liabilities	'	0
Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Investment in associated company	0	0
Precious Metal and Commodity Inventories Recorded at Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure	0	'
Level 3 [Member] \| Commodity Contracts [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Assets and Liabilities	0	0
Level 3 [Member] \| Interest Rate Swap [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Assets and Liabilities	0	'
Level 3 [Member] \| Derivative Features of Subordinated Notes [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Assets and Liabilities	'	$793

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail1

Fair Value Measurements (Details 1) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'
Beginning balance	$793
Net income	793
Other comprehensive income	0
Purchases	0
Issuances	0
Sales	0
Settlements	0
Net transfers into / (out of) Level 3	0
Ending balance	$0

Fair_Value_Measurements_Narrat

Fair Value Measurements Narrative (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
Fair Value Measurements Narrative (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Net loss	($793,000)
Long-lived assets, currently not in use	$8,200,000

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
			Former Owner / Operator [Member]	HHEM [Member]	Superfund [Member]	Sold Parcel [Member]	Costs [Member]	Costs [Member]	Costs [Member]	Industrial Property [Member]
					potentially_responsible_party		Second Joint Venture Partner of Former Owner / Operator [Member]	First Joint Venture Partner of Former Owner / Operator [Member]	Hhem and HandH [Member]
Environmetal Remediation Obligations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Accrued environmental liabilities	$2,515,000	$6,346,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Recorded Third-Party Environmental Recoveries Receivable	1,100,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Environmental remediation expense	'	'	3,300,000	1,100,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Remediation cost, expected cost	'	'	'	'	'	100,000	'	'	'	200,000
Ownership responsibility for site investigation and remediation costs, percentage allocation (as a percent)	'	'	75.00%	'	'	'	37.50%	37.50%	25.00%	'
Environmental loss contingencies, payments	'	'	'	'	2,200,000	'	'	'	1,000,000	'
Environmental loss contingencies, number of potentially responsible parties (in potentially responsible parties)	'	'	'	'	13	'	'	'	'	'
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies	'	'	'	'	$200,000	'	'	'	'	'

Related_Party_Transactions_Nar

Related Party Transactions Narrative (Details) (USD $)

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jan. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 26, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 26, 2013

SPH Group Holding LLC [Member]

Affiliated Entity [Member]

Subordinated Notes [Member]

Executive Services Fee [Member]

Corporate Services Fee [Member]

SPH Group Holding LLC [Member]

Related Party Transaction [Line Items]

Common stock - outstanding (in shares)

13,446,000

13,140,000

7,228,735

Limited Liability Company (LLC) or Limited Partnership (LP), Managing Member or General Partner, Ownership Interest (as a percent)

54.80%

Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage (as a percent)

10.00%

Repayments of Notes Payable

$25,000,000

Long-term Debt

168,599,000

137,750,000

9,440,000

21,600,000

Related party management services fees and other arrangements

8,890,000

10,980,000

2,000,000

1,740,000

7,150,000

9,240,000

Cost of Reimbursable Expense

$200,000

Reportable_Segments_Details

Reportable Segments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	$171,874	$144,628	$502,915	$453,445
Operating income	16,249	12,855	45,412	42,735
Pension expense	-1,333	-1,220	-4,001	-2,483
Interest expense	-1,880	-3,709	-11,967	-11,907
Realized and unrealized gain on derivatives	-351	-1,340	702	1,170
Other expense	-14	-475	-279	-600
Income from continuing operations before tax and equity investment	14,004	7,331	33,868	31,398
Joining Materials [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	51,059	40,304	152,491	137,718
Operating income	5,349	4,811	17,086	18,228
Tubing [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	23,248	20,080	68,628	62,957
Operating income	4,677	3,811	13,165	11,527
Building Materials [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	64,369	50,577	177,742	150,992
Operating income	9,647	6,314	23,586	18,601
Arlon [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	18,723	20,584	61,136	62,292
Operating income	1,718	3,168	7,676	9,665
Kasco [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	14,475	13,083	42,918	39,486
Operating income	1,119	1,072	3,249	3,080
Operating Segments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating income	22,510	19,176	64,762	61,101
Unallocated Amount to Segment [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating income	-4,939	-5,137	-15,368	-15,968
Pension expense	-1,333	-1,220	-4,001	-2,483
(Loss) gain from asset dispositions	$11	$36	$19	$85