Horsehead Holding (HRRS) 10-K 2 Mar 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 26, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Entity Registrant Name	Horsehead Holding Corp
Entity Central Index Key	1385544
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		56,655,577
Entity Public Float			$801
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$30,714	$136,327	$244,119	$188,500
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $486 and $573, respectively	60,242	58,649
Inventories, net	55,008	69,576
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	3,755	5,264
Deferred income taxes	5,251	6,337
Total current assets	154,970	276,153
Property, plant and equipment, net	799,093	708,250
Other assets
Intangible assets	10,192	11,268
Deferred finance costs and other	9,262	9,641
Total other assets	19,454	20,909
Total assets	973,517	1,005,312
Current liabilities
Current maturities of long-term debt	3,044	2,870
Accounts payable	67,734	114,191
Accrued expenses	35,645	44,758
Total current liabilities	106,423	161,819
Long-term debt, less current maturities	406,016	354,768
Other long-term liabilities	18,291	17,787
Deferred income taxes	8,602	26,044
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; 100,000 shares authorized; 50,719 and 50,437 shares issued and outstanding in 2014 and 2013, respectively	507	504
Preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share; 10,000 shares authorized; no shares issued or outstanding	0	0
Additional paid-in capital	313,815	308,825
Retained earnings	115,377	130,833
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	534	667
Total stockholders’ equity before noncontrolling interest	430,233	440,829
Noncontrolling interest	3,952	4,065
Total stockholders’ equity	434,185	444,894	383,281	412,251
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$973,517	$1,005,312

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Allowance for accounts receivable	$371	$554
Common stock, par value (dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (shares)	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (shares)	50,719,000	50,437,000
Common stock, shares outstanding (shares)	50,719,000	50,437,000
Preferred stock, par value (dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized (shares)	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (shares)	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (shares)	0	0

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales of zinc material and other goods									$359,487	$344,798	$336,324
Net sales of nickel-based material and other services									54,020	53,520	56,745
EAF dust service fees									40,430	43,618	42,597
Net sales	106,630	110,978	126,265	110,064	103,627	109,591	110,456	118,262	453,937	441,936	435,666
Cost of sales of zinc material and other goods									348,281	337,831	364,146
Cost of sales of nickel-based material and other services									32,845	36,868	36,841
Cost of EAF dust services									33,660	34,869	33,070
Restructuring expenses									288	7,691	0
Insurance claim income									0	-2,450	-1,500
Cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization)	94,793	104,206	116,075	100,000	112,063	102,755	99,978	100,013	415,074	414,809	432,557
Depreciation and amortization	11,910	10,528	8,115	4,853	8,104	7,123	7,347	7,104	35,406	29,678	26,193
Selling, general and administrative expenses									24,149	22,207	20,882
Total costs and expenses									474,629	466,694	479,632
(Loss) income from operations									-20,692	-24,758	-43,966
Other income (expense)
Interest expense									-21,680	-2,728	-7,864
Gain on bargain purchase of a business									0	0	1,781
Interest and other income									13,942	6,072	2,694
Total other income (expense)									-7,738	3,344	-3,389
(Loss) income before income taxes									-28,430	-21,414	-47,355
Income tax (benefit) provision									-12,974	-7,455	-16,928
NET (LOSS) INCOME	($4,055)	($7,010)	($5,120)	$729	($12,444)	($3,515)	($828)	$2,828	($15,456)	($13,959)	($30,427)
Loss per common share:
Basic (dollars per share)	($0.08)	($0.14)	($0.10)	$0.01	($0.26)	($0.08)	($0.02)	$0.06	($0.30)	($0.31)	($0.69)
Diluted (dollars per share)	($0.08)	($0.14)	($0.10)	$0.01	($0.26)	($0.08)	($0.02)	$0.06	($0.30)	($0.31)	($0.69)
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic (shares)									50,682	45,160	43,841
Diluted (shares)									50,682	45,160	43,841

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net loss	($4,055)	($7,010)	($5,120)	$729	($12,444)	($3,515)	($828)	$2,828	($15,456)	($13,959)	($30,427)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment									0	0	302
Net pension liability adjustment									-133	911	-288
Comprehensive loss									($15,589)	($13,048)	($30,413)

Consolidated_Statement_of_Stoc

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]	Non-Controlling Interest [Member]
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$412,251	$436	$232,562	$175,219	($258)	$4,292
Beginning Balance (shares) at Dec. 31, 2011		43,696
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Restricted stock vesting (shares)		120
Restricted stock vesting	2	2
Adjustment to equity value of Convertible Notes	-704		-704
Stock compensation expense	2,477		2,477
Distribution to noncontrolling interests	-113					-113
Net tax benefit of equity award vesting	-82		-82
Stock option exercised (in shares)		138
Stock option exercise	138	1	137
Restricted stock withheld for taxes	-275		-275
Net Income (Loss)	-30,427			-30,427
Comprehensive loss, net of tax	-30,413				14
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	383,281	439	234,115	144,792	-244	4,179
Ending Balance (shares) at Dec. 31, 2012		43,954
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Restricted stock vesting (shares)		158
Restricted stock vesting	0	2	-2
Stock compensation expense	3,209		3,209
Distribution to noncontrolling interests	-114					-114
Net tax benefit of equity award vesting	-19		-19
Net proceeds from equity offering (in shares)		6,325
Net proceeds from equity offering	71,996	63	71,933
Restricted stock withheld for taxes	-411		-411
Net Income (Loss)	-13,959			-13,959
Comprehensive loss, net of tax	-13,048				911
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	444,894	504	308,825	130,833	667	4,065
Ending Balance (shares) at Dec. 31, 2013	50,437	50,437
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Restricted stock vesting (shares)		209
Restricted stock vesting	0	2	-2
Stock compensation expense	4,768		4,768
Distribution to noncontrolling interests	-113					-113
Net tax benefit of equity award vesting	-33		-33
Stock option exercised (in shares)		73
Stock option exercise	941	1	940
Restricted stock withheld for taxes	-683		-683
Net Income (Loss)	-15,456			-15,456
Comprehensive loss, net of tax	-15,589				-133
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$434,185	$507	$313,815	$115,377	$534	$3,952
Ending Balance (shares) at Dec. 31, 2014	50,719	50,719

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net loss	($15,456)	($13,959)	($30,427)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	35,406	29,678	26,193
Gain on bargain purchase of a business	0	0	-1,781
Gain on insurance recovery related to fixed assets	0	-1,791	-1,264
Deferred income tax benefit	-16,356	-9,862	-18,244
Accretion on debt	3,766	3,727	3,288
Accretion on ESOI liabilities	431	445	772
Amortization of deferred finance costs	2,759	2,394	1,235
Losses on writedown or disposal of assets	915	10,050	25,936
Losses on write down of inventory supplies	456	2,738	0
Losses on derivative financial instruments	-1,054	5,719	30,642
Lower of cost or market adjustment to inventories	3,561	3,739	1,421
Non-cash compensation expense	4,768	3,209	2,477
Capitalization of interest	-14,895	-29,438	-10,464
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
(Increase) in accounts receivable, net	-1,558	1,338	1,884
(Increase) in inventories, net	10,551	-14,386	-7,726
Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,317	3,399	107
(Increase) decrease in deferred finance costs and other	-634	-97	6
Increase in accounts payable	-46,457	30,252	44,457
Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses	-7,902	12,667	-1,612
Increase (decrease) in other long-term liabilities	-277	2,173	-2,668
Net cash provided by operating activities	-40,659	41,995	64,232
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	-110,825	-311,798	-184,541
Insurance proceeds related to fixed assets	0	1,791	1,264
Acquisitions	0	0	-400
Decrease in restricted cash	0	0	2,500
Net cash used in investing activities	-110,825	-310,007	-181,177
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from the issuance of debt	51,300	21,300	171,829
Distributions to noncontrolling interest equity holders	-113	-114	-113
Borrowings on the Credit Facilities	33,324	74,500	0
Repayments on the Credit Facilities	-35,594	-18,000	0
Debt issuance costs	-1,897	-524	-9,075
Borrowings on the Credit Agreement	1,555	13,358	9,841
Repayments on the Credit Agreement	-2,929	-1,866	0
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	941	0	138
Tax effect of share based compensation award exercise and vesting	-33	-19	-82
Restricted stock withheld for taxes	-683	-411	-275
Net proceeds from the issuance of stock	0	71,996	0
Net cash provided by financing activities	45,871	160,220	172,263
Foreign currency impact on cash balance	0	0	301
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-105,613	-107,792	55,619
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	136,327	244,119	188,500
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$30,714	$136,327	$244,119

Organization

Organization	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Organization	ORGANIZATION
	Horsehead Holding Corp. (“HHC” or the “Company”) was incorporated in the state of Delaware in May 2003.
	The Company is a producer of zinc and nickel-based products sold primarily to customers throughout the United States of America and Canada. It is also the largest recycler of electric arc furnace (“EAF”) dust in the United States and a leading U.S. recycler of hazardous and non-hazardous waste for the specialty steel industry. It also provides short-line railroad service for the movement of materials for both the Company and outside customers. The Company operates as three business segments.
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Horsehead and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Horsehead Corporation (“Horsehead”), Chestnut Ridge Railroad Corp., Horsehead Zinc Recycling, LLC, Horsehead Metals Development, LLC, Horsehead Metal Products, LLC ("HMP"), The International Metals Reclamation Company, LLC (“INMETCO”), Zochem Inc. (“Zochem”), and Horsehead Zinc Powders, LLC (“HZP”). Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts in Note BB - Segment Information to conform with current year classifications.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies	SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	A summary of the significant accounting policies consistently applied in the preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements follows.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America 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. Management bases its estimates on the Company’s historical experience and its expectations of the future and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Revenue Recognition
	The Company recognizes revenues from the sale of finished goods when persuasive evidence of a sales arrangement exists which includes a fixed or determinable price, when passage of title or risk of loss has occurred (which is generally at the time of shipment) and when collectability is reasonably assured.
	The Company recognizes service fee revenue when persuasive evidence of a sales arrangement exists which includes a fixed or determinable price, passage of title or risk of loss has occurred (which is generally at the time of receipt of EAF dust that the Company collects from steel mini-mill operators) and when collectability is reasonably assured.
	The components of net sales for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:
		2014		2013		2012
	Zinc and nickel material goods	$	372,661	$	363,075	$	360,072
	Service fee revenue	73,494		73,423		69,347
	Other	7,782		5,438		6,247
		$	453,937	$	441,936	$	435,666
	Zinc and nickel material goods sales include all zinc and nickel related products sold as a tangible good. Service fee revenue includes EAF service revenue and tolling and environmental service revenue. Other revenues include miscellaneous and all other sales.
	One customer comprised 11% of consolidated net sales. Our ten largest customers comprised 44%, 34% and 37% of our consolidated sales in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Products and services are sold primarily to customers in the hot-dipped galvanizing, rubber, stainless steel and mini-mill markets.
	Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs
	The Company classifies all amounts billed to a customer in a sales transaction related to shipping and handling as revenue. The Company records shipping and handling costs incurred in cost of sales.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	The Company considers all highly liquid investments with maturities of approximately 90 days or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.
	Accounts Receivable
	The majority of the Company’s accounts receivable are due from customers primarily in the steel, rubber and galvanizing industries. Credit is extended based on an evaluation of a customer’s financial condition. Generally collateral is not required. Accounts receivable are stated at amounts due from customers net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. Accounts receivable outstanding longer than the contractual payment terms are considered past due. The Company determines its allowance by considering a number of factors, including the length of time trade accounts receivable are past due, the Company’s previous loss history, the customer’s current ability to pay its obligation to the Company and the condition of the general economy and industry as a whole. The Company writes off accounts receivable when they become uncollectible. Payments subsequently received on such receivables are credited to the allowance for doubtful accounts. In 2014, the Company wrote off $61 in uncollectable accounts and recovered no previously written off balances. In 2013, the Company did not write off any uncollectable accounts and recovered $3 in previously written off balances. The (benefit) provision for bad debt was $(122), $(19) and $45 for 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	One customer comprised 17% of consolidated accounts receivable at December 31, 2014. Ten customers comprised 46% and 36% of consolidated accounts receivable at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	Inventories
	Inventories, which consist primarily of zinc and nickel-bearing materials, chemical reagents and supplies and spare parts are valued at the lower-of-cost-or-market (“LCM”) using a weighted average actual cost method. Zochem values its inventory using the first-in first-out method. Raw materials are purchased, as well as produced, from the processing of EAF dust. Supplies and spare parts inventory used in the production process are purchased. Work-in-process and finished goods inventories are valued based on the costs of raw materials plus applicable conversion costs, including depreciation and overhead costs relating to associated process facilities.
	Zinc and nickel are traded as commodities on the London Metals Exchange (“LME”) and, accordingly, product inventories are subject to price fluctuations. When reviewing inventory for LCM adjustments, the Company considers the forward metal prices as quoted on the LME as of the reporting date in determining its estimate of net realizable value and to determine if an adjustment is required. The Company's product revenues are based on the current or prior months’ LME average prices. The LME average price upon which product revenue is based has been reasonably correlated with the forward LME price that is used to determine lower of cost or market adjustments. See Footnote J - Inventories for further discussion on LCM adjustments.
	Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost or acquisition date fair value. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method. Ordinary maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred; replacements and betterments are capitalized if they extend the useful life of the related asset. The estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment are as follows:
	Buildings, land and building improvements	3 - 40 years
	Machinery and equipment	3 - 30 years
	Environmental Obligations
	The Company accrues for costs associated with environmental obligations when such costs are probable and can be reasonably estimated. Accruals for estimated costs are generally undiscounted and are adjusted as further information develops or circumstances change.
	Insurance Claim Liabilities
	The Company accrues for costs associated with self-insured retention under certain insurance policies (primarily workers’ compensation) based on estimates of claims, including projected development, from information provided by the third party administrator and a third party actuarial firm. Accruals for estimated costs are undiscounted and are subject to change based on development of such claims. Changes in the estimates of the reserves are included in net income in the period determined. Amounts estimated to be paid within one year have been classified as current liabilities, with the remainder included in non-current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	Asset Retirement Obligations
	The fair values of asset retirement obligations are recognized in the period they are incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. Asset retirement obligations primarily relate to environmental remediation at three Company locations. The liability is estimated based upon cost studies prepared to estimate environmental remediation upon closure and for purposes of obtaining state permits to operate the facilities. The liability is discounted using the Company’s estimated credit-adjusted risk free interest rate at the time the obligations are recognized.
	Contingencies
	During the ordinary course of business, the Company is from time to time threatened with, or may become a party to, legal actions and other proceedings. The Company assesses contingencies as to whether they are probable and estimable and records its best estimate of the potential loss. Legal costs associated with these contingencies are recorded as incurred.
	While the Company is currently involved in certain legal proceedings, it believes the results of these proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
	Income Taxes
	Deferred income taxes reflect the tax consequences on future years of differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their respective financial reporting amounts. The Company recognizes the financial statement benefit of a tax position only after determining that the relevant tax authority would more likely than not sustain the position following an audit. For tax positions meeting the more-likely-than-not threshold, the amount recognized in the financial statements is the largest benefit that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the relevant tax authority.
	Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	The term “comprehensive income (loss)” represents the change in stockholders’ equity from transactions and other events and circumstances resulting from non-stockholder sources. The Company’s accumulated other comprehensive income or loss, consisting of cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments and pension liability adjustments (net of tax), is reported separately in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss.
	Share-Based Compensation
	The Company has a share-based compensation plan. Employee stock options granted on or after January 1, 2006 are expensed by the Company over the requisite service period, based on the estimated fair value of the award on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Restricted stock unit service or performance related grants are expensed by the Company over the vesting period, with the expense measured based on the stock price on the grant-date multiplied by the number of restricted stock units granted. Restricted stock unit market based grants are expensed by the Company over the vesting period, with the expense determined using a valuation model based on commonly accepted economic theory which is used for all valuations of awards with market conditions. This economic theory is also used as a basis for the Black Scholes and Monte Carlo valuations.
	Fair Value
	Fair value is measured using inputs from the three levels of the fair value hierarchy. Classification within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
	The three levels are described as follows:
	•	Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities. Cash and cash equivalents including the money market demand account, accounts receivable, notes payable due within one year, accounts payable, and accrued expenses are considered to be in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy as they approximate their fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments. (see Note I - Cash and Cash Equivalents). Borrowings under the Company's credit facilities are considered to be in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy (see Note P- Long Term Debt).
	•	Level 2 - Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the determination of the fair value of the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. The financial swap and financial option instruments are carried at fair value and are considered to be in level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. These derivatives are not designated as cash flow hedges and the Company recognizes changes in fair value within the consolidated statements of operations as they occur (see Note V - Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities). The pension assets are carried at fair value and are considered to be in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy (see Note T - Employee Benefit Plans).
	•	Level 3 - Unobservable inputs that are significant to the determination of fair value of the asset or liability. The Convertible Notes, issued on July 27, 2011, were initially valued at fair value and subsequently are carried at amortized cost. The fair value is considered to be in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy (see Note P - Long-Term Debt). The Senior Secured Notes, issued on July 26, 2012, June 3, 2013 and July 29, 2014 were initially valued at fair value and are subsequently carried at amortized cost. The Unsecured Notes issued on July 29, 2014 were issued and are valued at par value. The fair value of these debt issuances are considered to be in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy (see Note P - Long-Term Debt).
	When developing the fair value measurements, the Company uses quoted market prices whenever available or seeks to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when quoted market prices are not available.
	Derivatives
	The Company does not enter into derivative financial instruments unless it has an existing asset or obligation or anticipates a future activity that could result in exposing it to market risk. The Company uses various strategies to manage its market risk, including the use of derivative instruments to limit, offset or reduce such risk. Derivative financial instruments are used to manage well-defined commodity price risks from the Company’s primary business activity.
	The Company records derivative instruments in current assets or current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value. These derivatives are not designated as cash flow hedges and the Company recognizes changes in fair value within the Consolidated Statements of Operations as they occur. The fair values of derivative instruments are based upon a comparison of third party counterparties valuations, with whom the Company has entered into substantially identical derivative contracts, to ensure that there is an acceptable level of consistency among them. The valuations utilize forward pricing and an implied volatility of the underlying commodity as well as interest rate forwards and are therefore subject to fluctuation based on the movements of the commodity markets. Cash flows from derivatives are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows in a manner consistent with the underlying transactions.
	The Company is exposed to credit loss should counter-parties or clearing agents with which it has entered into derivative transactions become unable to satisfy their obligations in accordance with the underlying agreements. To reduce the risk of such losses, at points in time, the Company utilizes LME-registered contracts entered into with the London Clearing House for some of its contracts. In addition, the Company minimizes credit loss by utilizing four different brokers for its derivative contracts (see Note V - Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities).
	Foreign Currency Translation
	The functional currency of the Company's Zochem subsidiary, which was acquired on November 1, 2011, was Canadian Dollars. Assets and liabilities were translated at period-end exchange rates. Income and expense items were translated at weighted average rates of exchange prevailing during the year. Translation adjustments were included in other comprehensive income. As part of the integration of Zochem into the Horsehead sales and production system, the Company began to move production to Zochem and effectively controlled Zochem's entire sales function. In addition, systems integration allowed the Company to more effectively manage the operations of the Zochem facility. In July 2012, the Company announced expansion plans for the Zochem facility in anticipation of the impending shutdown of the Monaca facility. Additionally, Zochem sales are predominately in U.S. Dollars. Based on the change in facts, effective August 1, 2012, the Company changed Zochem’s functional currency reporting basis to the U.S. Dollar. A portion of Zochem's sales, however, and certain other costs remain in the Canadian Dollar and are converted to U.S. Dollars at month end (See Note D - Functional Currency Change).
	Earnings per Share
	Basic earnings per share are calculated using the weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding. Diluted earnings per share includes the additional effect of other securities, if dilutive, in which case the dilutive effect of such securities is calculated using the treasury stock method (See Note X - Earnings per Share).
	Impairment
	Long lived assets are reviewed for impairment when events and circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The Company's policy is to record an impairment loss when it is determined that the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the sum of the expected undiscounted future cash flows resulting from use of the asset, and its eventual disposition. Impairment losses are measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value, normally as determined in either open market transactions or through the use of a discounted cash flow model. Long lived assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell.
	We have no goodwill.
	Acquisitions
	The Company recognizes the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at their fair values as of the acquisition date. Contingent purchase consideration is recorded at fair value at the date of acquisition. Measuring assets and liabilities at fair value requires the Company to determine the price that would be paid by a third party market participant based on the highest and best use of the assets or interest acquired. The excess of the fair value of the net assets acquired over the purchase price is recorded as a bargain purchase gain. Acquisition costs are expensed as incurred (See Note E - Acquisition of Business).
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information
Cash paid for interest in 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $28,743, $24,721 and $10,753, respectively. Cash paid for interest in 2014, 2013 and 2012 includes interest capitalized of $13,942, $23,809 and $9,906, respectively. Cash paid for income taxes in 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $1,041, $2,584 and $4,348, respectively.
Variable Interest Entities
Investments in other entities are accounted for using the consolidation, equity or cost basis method depending upon the Company's level of ownership, ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the investee and whether the Company is determined to be the primary beneficiary of a variable interest in an entity.
In December 2013, HMP entered into a joint venture known as ThirtyOx, LLC ("ThirtyOx") with Imperial Zinc Corp. for the acquisition and processing of zinc bearing secondary materials. The processing operation is located in North Carolina near the new zinc facility. The majority of the feedstock for the new zinc facility will be supplied by Horsehead's EAF dust recycling plants. ThirtyOx is expected to supply a portion of the incremental zinc feed required by the new zinc facility by recovering secondary zinc oxides from the residues generated by galvanizers, die casters and other users of zinc metal. The ThirtyOx facility became operational in August 2014. HMP's anticipated investment in ThirtyOx is expected to be less than $2.0 million. The Company's net investment in ThirtyOx is $552 at December 31, 2014.
ThirtyOx was determined to be a variable interest entity as its significant activities are directed by a management agreement and not the equity group. HMP has determined that they are not the primary beneficiary of the variable interest. HMP accounts for its investment in ThirtyOx utilizing the equity method of accounting as they do not own over 50% and are not able to exercise significant influence over the joint venture. HMP has recorded its cash contributions to ThirtyOx as an investment which is increased or decreased by its respective share of ThirtyOx pretax income or loss.
The Company has determined that HMP's interest in ThirtyOx is not individually significant to its consolidated balance sheet and income statement and therefore believes it is not required to provide additional disclosures regarding its involvement with this joint venture.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-08, Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360)-Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity. Under the new guidance, discontinued operations reporting will be limited to disposal transactions that represent strategic shifts having a major effect on operations and financial results. The amended guidance also enhances disclosures and requires assets and liabilities of a discontinued operation to be classified as such for all periods presented in the financial statements. Public entities will apply the amended guidance prospectively to all disposals occurring within annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014 and interim periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted under generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). Due to the change in requirements for reporting discontinued operations described above, presentation and disclosures of future disposal transactions after adoption may be different than under current standards. The Company believes that the adoption of this guidance will not have any impact on the Company's financial position and results of operations.
In May 2014, the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) jointly issued ASU No. 2014-9, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue and develops a common revenue standard for GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services. The ASU is effective for public entities for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is not permitted under GAAP and retrospective application is permitted, but not required. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance on its financial position and results of operations.
In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements-Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40) - Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern, which requires entities to evaluate their ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued. Disclosure is required if there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. The guidance in ASU No. 2014-15 is effective for annual and interim periods ending after December 15, 2016 with early application permitted. The Company does not expect that the adoption of this ASU will have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.
There have been no other recently issued accounting updates that had a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

Equity_Offering

Equity Offering	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Equity Offering	EQUITY OFFERING
	On September 27, 2013, the Company filed with the SEC a shelf registration statement on Form S-3, which was declared effective on October 3, 2013. On October 30, 2013, the Company completed an underwritten public offering, under the shelf registration statement, of 6,325 shares of its common stock, including 825 shares sold pursuant to the underwriters' exercise of their option to purchase additional shares. At the public offering price of $12.00 per share, the aggregate price of shares of common stock sold by the Company was $75,900. The net proceeds realized by the Company from the offering, after accounting for $3,416 in underwriting discounts and commissions and $488 in expenses relating to the offering, was $71,996. The net proceeds were available for general corporate purposes, including capital expenditures, acquisitions and working capital.
	On January 28, 2015, the Company completed an additional underwritten public offering under the shelf registration declared effective on October 3, 2013. See Footnote EE - Subsequent Event for further information.

Functional_Currency_Change

Functional Currency Change	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Foreign Currency [Abstract]
Functional Currency Change	FUNCTIONAL CURRENCY CHANGE
	The Company purchased Zochem, located in Canada, on November 1, 2011.  At the time of acquisition, Zochem’s functional currency was the Canadian Dollar.
	As part of the integration of Zochem into the Horsehead sales and production system, the Company began to move production to Zochem and effectively controlled the entire sales function. In addition, systems integration allowed the Company to more effectively manage the operations of the Zochem facility. In July 2012, the Company announced expansion plans for the Zochem facility in anticipation of the impending shutdown of the Monaca facility. Additionally, Zochem sales are predominately in U.S. Dollars.
	Based on the change in facts, effective August 1, 2012, the Company changed Zochem’s functional currency reporting basis to the U.S. Dollar. A portion of Zochem's sales, however, and certain other costs remain in the Canadian Dollar and are converted to U.S. Dollars at month end.
	As a result of the functional currency change discussed above, a cumulative translation adjustment of $30 is included in accumulated other comprehensive income and will only be adjusted in the event of a full or partial disposition of the Company's investment in Zochem.

Acquisition_of_Business

Acquisition of Business	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisition of Business	ACQUISITION OF BUSINESS
	Mitsui Zinc Powder’s acquisition
	On November 16, 2012, the Company purchased the single membership interest in Mitsui Zinc Powders LLC (“MZP”), a manufacturer of zinc powders for the alkaline battery business, co-located on the Company’s Monaca facility site, from Oak-Mitsui, Inc. MZP was renamed HZP. The estimated purchase price was $1,101 which was comprised of $500 in cash at closing, a working capital adjustment and $1,270 in contingent consideration. The contingent consideration is a per ton fee based on tons shipped for a period of time, up to a maximum of $1,500. The Company was MZP’s long-term supplier of Special Special High Grade zinc metal used in its production process. The acquisition resulted in a gain on bargain purchase. The seller was motivated to sell the assets as it would have been forced to close down its operations when the Company’s new zinc facility, constructed in Mooresboro, North Carolina, was completed. This acquisition helped to facilitate the transition of the Company’s Monaca operations in 2014.
	The acquisition was accounted for in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which requires, among other things, that assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recognized at their fair values as of the acquisition date. The following table summarizes the amounts recognized for assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date.
	The purchase price was allocated as follows:
		Final November 16, 2012
	Cash	$	100
	Accounts receivable	117
	Inventories	1,577
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	11
	Property, plant and equipment	1,369
	Intangible assets	1,080
	Total identifiable assets purchased	$	4,254
	Accounts payable	$	324
	Deferred income taxes	1,048
	Total liabilities assumed	$	1,372
	Net assets purchased	$	2,882
	Purchase price, net of working capital adjustment	$	1,101
	Gain on bargain purchase	$	1,781
	The Company incurred minimal acquisition related costs. These costs were expensed when incurred and are recorded in selling, general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2012. The amount of revenue and net income, including the gain on bargain purchase, which is included in the consolidated income statement for 2012 are $1,759 and $1,614, respectively.
	Upon the determination that the Company was going to recognize a gain related to the bargain purchase of MZP, the Company reassessed its assumptions and measurement of identifiable assets acquired and specified liabilities assumed and concluded that the valuation procedures and resulting measures were appropriate. As a result, the Company determined that the estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed exceeded the purchase price by approximately $1,781 which was recorded as a gain on bargain purchase in its Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2012.
	The first two payments related to the contingent consideration were made in 2013. Based upon a decrease in expected production, however, the contingent consideration was reduced by $257 in 2013. During the first quarter of 2014, HZP production was idled due to a lack of raw material supply. Shipments, however, continued through the end of April 2014. As a result, the contingent consideration was reduced by an additional $88 in 2014. These adjustments were recorded in Interest and other income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The final payment under the contingent consideration was made in October 2014.
	On November 7, 2014, the Company announced that Shell Chemical LP ("Shell") had exercised its option under the Amended and Restated Option and Purchase Agreement between Shell and Horsehead Corporation to purchase the site of Horsehead Corporation’s facility located in Monaca, PA which also includes the HZP facility site. The HZP production facility was subsequently demolished under an agreement with Shell Chemical.

Restructuring_Expenses

Restructuring Expenses	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring Expenses	RESTRUCTURING EXPENSES
	On October 31, 2013, the Company notified various required parties, as required by the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act of 1988, 29 U.S.C. § 2101 et seq., that a majority of its manufacturing operations at the plant located in Monaca, Pennsylvania would be permanently closed and shut down within several months from the notification date. The Company ceased the zinc oxide and high purity zinc metal refinery operations at the Monaca facility on December 23, 2013 and ceased production at the zinc smelter at the end of April 2014. In connection with these actions, the Company permanently terminated the employment of five hundred ten salaried and hourly positions.
	Costs and the related liabilities due to involuntary termination costs associated with one-time benefit arrangements provided as part of an exit or disposal activity are recognized by the Company when a formal plan for reorganization is approved at the appropriate level of management and communicated to the affected employees. The Company recorded a charge of $7,691 during the fourth quarter of 2013 and an additional charge of $288 during 2014 for severance and other employee-related costs associated with the closing of the Monaca, Pennsylvania facility.
	Accrual at October 31, 2013	$	7,517
	Adjustments to previously recorded restructuring charges	174
	Cash payments	(9		)
	Accrual at December 31, 2013	7,682
	Adjustments to previously recorded restructuring charges	288
	Cash payments	(7,509		)
	Remaining accrual at December 31, 2014	$	461
	The majority of the remaining cash expenditures of $461 related to the severance and other employee-related costs are expected to be paid by June 30, 2015.
	Costs associated with exit or disposal activities (e.g., costs to close facilities) are recognized and measured at their fair value in the period in which the liability incurred. The Company incurred approximately $2.6 million during 2014 related to costs associated with exit and disposal activities and expects to incur an additional $0.6 million in 2015.

Asset_WriteDowns_and_Disposals

Asset Write-Downs and Disposals	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Asset Write-Downs and Disposals	ASSET WRITE-DOWNS AND DISPOSALS
	During the fourth quarter of 2011, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $9,797 related to the Monaca, Pennsylvania facility, to adjust the net book value of the assets for the impending closure and disposition of the facility in connection with the expected future start-up of the new zinc plant in North Carolina. The Company had previously announced plans on closing the smelting operation when the new zinc plant began operations but had not made any final decisions regarding other operations at the site. The useful lives of the assets related to the smelting operation were reduced to two years on December 31, 2011.
	On March 15, 2012, the Company announced that it had entered into an option agreement with Shell to purchase its Monaca site. The option, if exercised, would require the Company to vacate the site by a specified time period. Based upon the signing of the option agreement, the Company recorded an additional impairment charge of $3,274 related to its Monaca facility in the first quarter of 2012. The write down resulted in a reduction of $5,955 in the cost and $2,681 in the accumulated depreciation of the Company’s property, plant and equipment. During the third quarter of 2012, the Company announced its intent to close the zinc oxide refinery production capacity at the Monaca facility in 2013. Based upon this announcement, the Company recorded an additional impairment charge of $6,065 during the third quarter of 2012. The write down resulted in a reduction of $8,268 in the cost and $2,203 in the accumulated depreciation of the Company’s property, plant and equipment. The useful lives of the assets related to the refinery operations were reduced to fifteen months on September 30, 2012. During the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company recorded an additional impairment charge of $15,966 based upon the extension of the Shell option agreement in December 2012, the continuation of the construction of the new zinc facility and the determination that the power plant, which has been idled since September 2011, would not be restarted. The write down resulted in a reduction of $33,981 in the cost and $18,015 in the accumulated depreciation of the Company’s property, plant and equipment. The total amount of these write-downs are included in “Cost of sales of zinc material and other goods (excluding depreciation and amortization)” in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
	On October 31, 2013, the Company notified various related parties, as required by the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act of 1988, 29 U.S.C. § 2101 et seq., that a majority of Horsehead Corporation's manufacturing operations at it's Monaca, Pennsylvania facility would be permanently closed and shut down within several months from the notification date. Based upon this notice, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $9,349 during the fourth quarter of 2013 related to this facility. The write down resulted in a reduction of $41,644 in the cost and $32,295 in the accumulated depreciation of the Company’s property, plant and equipment. The total amount of these write-downs are included in “Cost of sales of zinc material and other goods (excluding depreciation and amortization)” in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. The Company has recorded total impairment charges of $44,451 related to the Monaca facility. The net book value of the remaining assets of the Monaca facility was approximately $5 million at December 31, 2013 and no additional impairment charges will be recorded related to the Monaca facility.
	The impairment charge calculations were performed using average expected future cash flows under various likelihoods of asset retirements or dispositions. The cash flows were then discounted and compared to the book value of the related assets resulting in the impairment charge.
	On November 7, 2014, the Company announced that Shell had exercised its option to purchase the Monaca, Pennsylvania site, under the Amended and Restated Option and Purchase Agreement. No closing date has yet been established.
	At December 31, 2014, the only remaining asset of the Monaca facility, land, had a book value approximately $1.2 million. No additional depreciation expense will be recorded related to this facility.
	The Company incurred a loss of $915, $701 and $631 in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, on the disposal of machinery and equipment. The cost and accumulated depreciation of the assets disposed were $1,751 and $836, respectively, in 2014, $3,550 and $2,849, respectively, in 2013 and $1,187 and $556, respectively, in 2012.

New_Markets_Tax_Credit_Program

New Markets Tax Credit Program Financing	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
New Markets Tax Credit Program Financing	NEW MARKETS TAX CREDIT PROGRAM FINANCING
	On June 8, 2009, the Company completed a financing arrangement under the New Markets Tax Credit (“NMTC”) program to help fund its expansion project in Barnwell, South Carolina. The arrangement provides $5,925 of NMTC funds to be used for completion of the development of the project site and construction of buildings and other real property. The funds and the accrued interest thereon were held in escrow and were released upon completion of the aforementioned project site development.
	A portion of the funds are in the form of an equity investment by Banc of America CDE III, LLC and CCM Community Development IV LLC, in the amount of $5,670. The equity holders are consolidated in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 and do not share in the earnings and losses of the Company, however, they are entitled to guaranteed payments of 2% per annum on their investment. The equity holders also have the option (the “purchase option”) of having their investment purchased by the Company at the end of their seven year investment period in the project. The purchase option totals $360 and is treated as a reduction of their equity holdings and is recorded in “Other long-term liabilities” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2014 and 2013. The Company incurred $838 in equity issuance costs related to the financing arrangement which were deducted from the equity proceeds, leaving net proceeds of $4,472 as a non-controlling interest in the Company’s Stockholders’ Equity section as of December 31, 2009. The first five guaranteed payments were made each January beginning in 2010 and reduced the balance of the non-controlling interest to $3,952 at December 31, 2014. A portion of the NMTC funds are in the form of a seven-year loan in the amount of $255. The loan is recorded in “Long-term debt, less current maturities” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.

Cash_and_Cash_Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash and Cash Equivalents	CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
	Cash and cash equivalents consisted of the following at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		2014		2013
	Cash in bank	$	30,497	$	136,110
	Money market demand account	217		217
		$	30,714	$	136,327
	The Company’s cash balance was concentrated in three U.S. banks and one Canadian bank at both December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. The Company carries deposits in excess of federally insured amounts. At December 31, 2014, the Company had $12,194 in cash held at foreign institutions.
	The money market demand account carried an interest rate of 0.15% and 0.20% on December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The cash balances approximate fair value.

Inventories

Inventories	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories	INVENTORIES
	Inventories consisted of the following at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		2014		2013
	Raw materials	$	17,493	$	12,053
	Work-in-process	2,847		5,120
	Finished goods	21,885		40,468
	Supplies and spare parts	12,783		11,935
		$	55,008	$	69,576
	Inventories were net of reserves for slow moving inventory of $5,562 and $6,164 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The (benefit) provision for slow-moving inventory was $(34), $3,807 and $(573) for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	During the fourth quarter of 2013, the Company wrote down its supplies inventory at its Monaca, Pennsylvania facility to net realizable value in anticipation of the closing of the facility in early 2014. The write down resulted in a charge of $2,738. During the second quarter of 2014, the Company wrote down its supplies inventory at its Monaca facility after its closure in April. The write down resulted in a charge of $456. These charges are included in the Cost of sales of zinc material and other goods in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
	The Company recorded LCM adjustments of $3,561 to its finished goods inventories during 2014, $3,739 to its raw material and finished goods inventories during 2013 and $1,421 to its finished goods inventories in 2012. The 2014 , 2013 and 2012 LCM adjustments were the result of the declining LME zinc price, increased production costs in 2013 and 2014 at Monaca as the plant operated at inefficient levels during shutdown, and the incurrence of higher than normal production costs in 2014 at the new zinc facility in Mooresboro, North Carolina which operated at inefficient levels during startup.

Prepaid_Expenses_and_Other_Cur

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current [Abstract]
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets	PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets consisted of the following at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		2014		2013
	Refundable income taxes	$	—	$	2,017
	Prepaid hedge contracts	—		191
	Other	3,755		3,056
		$	3,755	$	5,264
	See Note V – Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities for more information regarding Prepaid hedge contracts.

Property_Plant_and_Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
	Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following at December 31, 2014 and 2013.
		2014			2013
	Land and land improvements	$	50,117		$	21,879
	Buildings and building improvements	96,904			27,758
	Machinery and equipment	736,815			196,760
	Construction in progress	33,556			546,519
		917,392			792,916
	Less accumulated depreciation	(118,299		)	(84,666		)
		$	799,093		$	708,250
	The Company capitalized $14,895, $29,438 and $10,464 of interest expense during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The interest expense capitalized related to the construction of the new zinc facility which began operations in May 2014. Capital expenditures related to the new zinc facility were reclassed out of construction in progress during 2014 and reclassed into the appropriate property, plant and equipment. Through December 31, 2014, the Company has capitalized a total of $55,394 of interest expense related to the new zinc facility.
	Depreciation expense for 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $34,326, $28,176 and $25,270, respectively.

Intangible_Assets

Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Intangible Assets	INTANGIBLE ASSETS
	Intangible assets consisted of the following at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		2014			2013
	Customer contracts	$	10,915		$	10,915
	Customer relationships	2,068			2,068
	Non-compete agreements	789			789
	Trademark	812			812
	Technology	930			930
		15,514			15,514
	Less accumulated amortization	(5,322		)	(4,246		)
		$	10,192		$	11,268
	The intangible assets are being amortized on a straight-line basis over their useful lives, which are fifteen to twenty years for the customer contracts and customer relationships, three to twenty years for the trademark, seventeen years for the non-compete agreement and ten years for the technology asset. The Company recognized intangible assets related to the Zochem acquisition on November 1, 2011 for customer relationships and trademarks. The Company recognized intangible assets of $1,080 related to the MZP acquisition on November 16, 2012 for customer relationships and technology which were amortized over eighteen months and are fully amortized at December 31, 2014. The Company amortized $1,080, $1,502 and $917 in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively and will amortize $740 in 2015, $740 in 2016, $740 in 2017, $740 in 2018 and $740 in 2019.

Restricted_Cash

Restricted Cash	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Restricted Cash	RESTRICTED CASH
	The Company had restricted cash of $2,500 at December 31, 2011 relating to the Envirosafe Services of Ohio, Inc. (“ESOI”) deferred purchase price obligation. This restricted cash was held in third-party managed trust accounts and was invested in money market and other liquid investment accounts. During the first quarter of 2012, the ESOI purchase price agreement was amended and the remaining restricted cash was released from trust and transferred to operating cash.

Deferred_Finance_Costs_and_Oth

Deferred Finance Costs and Other	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Deferred Financing Costs and Other	DEFERRED FINANCE COSTS AND OTHER
	Deferred finance costs and other at December 31, 2014 and 2013 consisted of the following:
		2014		2013
	Deferred finance costs	$	8,042	$	8,903
	Other	1,220		738
		$	9,262	$	9,641
	See Note P – Long Term Debt for additional information regarding deferred finance costs.

LongTerm_Debt

Long-Term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt	LONG –TERM DEBT
	Long-term debt consisted of the following at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		2014		2013
	Loan Payable, related to New Market Tax Credit program	$	255	$	255
	3.80% Convertible Senior Notes due July 2017, net of debt discount	89,448		85,814
	10.50% Senior Secured Notes due June 2017, including the debt premium	205,169		193,734
	9.00% Senior Unsecured Notes due July 2017	40,000		—
	ABL Facility, interest payable at variable rates	14,830		31,500
	Zochem Credit Facility, interest payable at variable rates	19,400		10,000
	INMETCO Credit Facility, interest payable at variable rates	20,000		15,000
	Credit Agreement, interest payable at variable rates	19,958		21,335
		409,060		357,638
	Less portion currently payable	3,044		2,870
		$	406,016	$	354,768
	The loan payable is associated with the NMTC program discussed in Note G - New Markets Tax Credit Program Financing. It is an interest only loan with principal due at the end of the term.
	Convertible Senior Notes
	On July 27, 2011, the Company issued $100,000 of 3.80% Convertible Senior Notes due 2017 (the “Convertible Notes”) in a private placement. The Company received proceeds of $100,000 and recognized $3,481 in issuance costs in connection with the offering. The Company used the proceeds from the offering for the initial stages of construction for the new zinc facility and for general corporate purposes, including working capital needs, investment in business initiatives, capital expenditures and acquisitions.
	The Convertible Notes pay interest semi-annually in arrears on July 1 and January 1 of each year at a rate of 3.80% per annum and mature on July 1, 2017. The Convertible Notes are convertible into shares of the Company’s common stock, cash, or a combination of the Company’s common stock and cash, at the Company’s election, at an initial conversion rate of 0.0666667 shares of the Company’s common stock per $1 principal amount of the Convertible Notes (approximately 6,666.67 underlying shares), which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $15.00 per share of common stock, subject to adjustment in certain circumstances, as defined in the indenture governing the Convertible Notes. The Company has stated that it intends to settle the par value in cash and the conversion spread in either cash, shares or a combination of both.
	The Convertible Notes are senior unsecured obligations of the Company and rank senior in right of payment to its future indebtedness that is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Convertible Notes; equal in right of payment to its existing and future unsecured indebtedness that is not so subordinated; effectively junior in right of payment to any of its secured indebtedness, to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness; and structurally junior to all existing and future indebtedness and other liabilities (including trade payables) of its subsidiaries.
	Holders of the Convertible Notes may convert their Convertible Notes at the applicable conversion rate at any time on or after April 1, 2017 until the close of business on the second business day immediately preceding the maturity date. The Convertible Notes may be converted prior to April 1, 2017 only under certain circumstances. If the Company undergoes a fundamental change, as defined in the indenture governing the Convertible Notes, holders may require the Company to repurchase for cash all or a portion of their notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Convertible Notes to be repurchased plus any accrued and unpaid interest up to, but excluding the fundamental change repurchase date. The Company does not have the right to redeem the Convertible Notes prior to the stated maturity date of July 1, 2017 and no sinking fund is provided for the Convertible Notes.
	In accordance with the guidance under ASC 815-15 Embedded Derivatives and ASC 470-20 Debt with Conversion and other Options, the Company separately accounted for the liability and equity components of the Convertible Notes to reflect the Company’s nonconvertible borrowing rate when interest cost is recognized in subsequent periods. The fair value of the liability component of the Convertible Notes was calculated to be $78,174 and was determined by measuring the fair value of a similar liability that does not have an associated equity component. The nonconvertible rate was determined by the Company to be 8.5%. The carrying amount of the embedded conversion option (the debt discount) of $21,826 was determined by deducting the fair value of the liability component from the initial proceeds of the Convertible Notes and was recorded, net of deferred taxes of $8,805, as additional paid-in capital. The Company is accreting the long-term debt balance to par value over the term of the notes using the interest method as required by ASC 835-30 Imputation of Interest.
	Costs of $3,481 associated with the issuance were allocated to the liability and equity components in proportion to the allocation of the fair value of the Convertible Notes. As such, $2,721 was accounted for as debt issuance costs attributable to the liability component of the Convertible Notes and were capitalized as a component of other assets. These costs are being amortized to interest expense over the term of the Convertible Notes and are included as a component of interest expense. The Company recognized interest expense of $460 related to the amortization of debt issuance costs for each of the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012. The remaining issuance costs of $760 were accounted for as equity issuance costs and were recorded in additional-paid in capital.
	During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company recognized $7,433, $7,139 and $6,867, respectively, in interest expense related to the Convertible Notes. Interest expense includes the contractual interest coupon of 3.80% and amortization of the discount on the liability component. This interest expense reflects an effective interest rate of 8.50%.
	The carrying amount of the Convertible Notes was $89,448 with an unamortized discount of $10,552 at December 31, 2014. The carrying amount of the Convertible Notes was $85,814 with an unamortized discount of $14,186 at December 31, 2013. The carrying amount of the equity component was $6,052 and $8,028 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The accumulated accretion related to the equity component was $6,969 and $4,993 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The fair value of the Convertible Notes was estimated to be approximately $122,000 and $127,000 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, per quotes obtained from active markets.
	ABL Facility
	On September 28, 2011, the Company’s subsidiary Horsehead entered into an ABL Facility, as borrower, with PNC Bank, as agent and lender, to support liquidity needs for the Company’s new zinc facility and to allow for the availability of previously restricted cash. Horsehead Holding Corp. also entered into the ABL Facility, as guarantor of Horsehead’s obligations.
	The ABL Facility provides for a five-year senior secured revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of up to $60,000. The aggregate amount of loans permitted to be made under the revolving credit facility may not exceed a borrowing base consisting of the lesser of: (a) $60,000, minus the aggregate undrawn amount of outstanding letters of credit, and (b) the sum of certain portions of eligible accounts receivable and of eligible inventory of Horsehead, minus the aggregate undrawn amount of outstanding letters of credit and certain availability reserves. Up to an aggregate of $30,000 is available to Horsehead for the issuance of letters of credit, which reduces availability under the ABL Facility.
	On July 26, 2012, the Company amended its ABL Facility to permit the offering of the Senior Secured Notes (as defined below) and the incurrence of liens on the collateral that secures the Senior Secured Notes and the ABL Facility. Pursuant to the ABL Facility, Horsehead’s existing and future domestic subsidiaries, other than certain excluded subsidiaries, are required to guarantee Horsehead’s obligations under the facility, jointly and severally, on a senior secured basis. On October 24, 2012, the Company amended its ABL Facility to add HMP, as an additional guarantor and to transfer certain assets from Horsehead to HMP. On December 24, 2013, the Company entered into an amendment to add HZP as an additional borrower and convert HMP from a guarantor to a borrower.
	On June 30, 2014, the Company amended certain provisions of the ABL Facility including increasing the advance rates on receivables and inventory through April 1, 2015 (the"Availability Period") to provide up to a maximum additional available amount of $10,000. In addition, the interest spread on revolving advances, letters of credit and unused line fees were increased during the Availability Period as described below. On September 22, 2014, we entered into a further amendment, which amended the definition of an eligible receivable with respect to a certain customer for a stated time period. The total aggregate principal amount allowed under the ABL facility, however, remains at $60,000.
	At December 31, 2014, the Company had $7,562 in letters of credit outstanding under the ABL Facility. Horsehead’s obligations under the ABL Facility are secured by a first priority lien (subject to certain permitted liens and exclusions) on substantially all of the tangible and intangible personal property assets of Horsehead. At December 31, 2014, there were $14,830 in outstanding borrowings and $3,469 of availability remaining under the ABL Facility. The carrying amount of the debt approximated fair value at December 31, 2014.
	Borrowings by Horsehead under the ABL Facility bear interest at a rate per annum which, at the option of Horsehead, can be either: (a) a domestic rate equal to the “alternate base rate,” as determined under the ABL Facility, plus an applicable margin (ranging from 0.25% to 1.00%, 1.50% during the Availability Period) based on average undrawn availability, or (b) a eurodollar rate equal to the “eurodollar rate,” as determined under the ABL Facility, plus an applicable margin (ranging from 1.75% to 2.50%, 3.00% during the Availability Period) based on average undrawn availability. Horsehead will pay a letter of credit fee to the lenders under the ABL Facility (ranging from 1.75% to 2.50%, 3.00% during the Availability Period) based on average undrawn availability, and a fronting fee to the issuing bank equal to 0.25% per annum on the average daily face amount of each outstanding letter of credit, as well as certain other related charges and expenses.
	The ABL Facility contains customary events of default. During an event of default, if the agent or lenders holding greater than 66 2/3% of the advances under the facility so elect, the interest rate applied to any outstanding obligations will be equal to the otherwise applicable rate (including the highest applicable margin) plus 2.0% and any letter of credit fees will be increased by 2.0%. Upon (a) the occurrence of an event of default related to the bankruptcy of Horsehead or Horsehead Holding Corp. or (b) at the option of lenders holding greater than 66 2/3% of the advances under the facility, the occurrence of any other event of default, all obligations under the ABL Facility will become immediately due and payable.
	Horsehead pays an unused line fee to the lenders under the ABL Facility (ranging from 0.25% to 0.375% per annum, 0.75% during the Availability Period) based on average undrawn availability, times the amount by which the maximum revolving advance amount exceeds the average daily unpaid balance of revolver loans and undrawn amount of any outstanding letters of credit during any calendar quarter.
	The ABL Facility contains a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.15:1.00 which Horsehead must comply with in the event that undrawn availability is less than or equal to $10,000 on any business day or is less than or equal to $12,500 for any consecutive five business days. The ABL Facility also contains customary restrictive negative covenants as well as customary reporting and other affirmative covenants. The Company was in compliance with all covenants at December 31, 2014.
	The Company incurred issuance costs of $590 in connection with the ABL Facility. These costs were capitalized in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet as a component of other assets. The issuance costs will be amortized to interest expense over the term of the ABL Facility. Interest expense of $122, $90 and $86 related to the amortization of deferred finance costs was recorded during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Senior Secured Notes
	On July 26, 2012, the Company completed a private placement of $175,000 in aggregate principal amount of 10.50% Senior Secured Notes due 2017 (the “Secured Notes”), at an issue price of 98.188% of par. The Company received proceeds of $171,829 and recognized approximately $7,732 in issuance costs in connection with the offering. The total net proceeds from the offering were $164,097. The Company used the proceeds from the Secured Notes to pay for the completion of the construction of the Company’s new zinc facility and the remainder for general corporate purposes, including working capital needs, investment in other business initiatives and other capital expenditures. The Company recorded an initial debt carrying value of $171,829 (net of the debt discount of $3,171) and is accreting the long-term debt balance to par value over the term of the Secured Notes using the interest method as required by ASC 835-30 Imputation of Interest. Interest expense includes the contractual interest coupon of 10.50% and amortization of the debt discount to reflect an effective interest rate of 11.00%.
	On June 3, 2013, the Company completed the sale to certain purchasers of an additional $20,000 in aggregate principal amount of its Secured Notes (the “2013 Additional Notes”) at an issue price of 106.50% of the principal amount of the 2013 Additional Notes plus accrued interest from June 1, 2013, in a private placement to qualified institutional buyers not registered under the Securities Act. The Company received net proceeds of $20,955 after deducting approximately $345 in issuance costs in connection with the offering. The Company recorded an initial debt carrying value of $21,300 (including the debt premium of $1,300) and is amortizing the long-term debt balance to par value over the remaining term of the Secured Notes using the interest method as required by ASC 835-30 Imputation of Interest. Interest expense includes the contractual interest coupon of 10.50% and amortization of the debt premium to reflect an effective interest rate of 8.6%.
	On July 29, 2014, the Company completed the sale of an additional $10,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s 10.50% Secured Notes due 2017 (the “2014 Additional Notes”), at an issue price of 113.00% of par. The 2014 Additional Notes and the related guarantees were offered to investors who were both qualified institutional buyers and accredited investors in a private placement not registered under the Securities Act. The Company received net proceeds of $10,962 after deducting approximately $338 in issuance costs in connection with the offering.The Company recorded an initial debt carrying value of $11,300 (including the debt premium of $1,300) and is amortizing the long-term debt balance to par value over the remaining term of the Secured Notes using the interest method as required by ASC 835-30 Imputation of Interest. Interest expense includes the contractual interest coupon of 10.50% and amortization of the debt premium to reflect an effective interest rate 5.5%.
	The Secured Notes, 2013 Additional Notes and 2014 Additional Notes (collectively, the "Senior Secured Notes") pay interest at a rate of 10.50% per annum, payable in cash semi-annually, in arrears, on June 1 and December 1 of each year. The Senior Secured Notes mature on June 1, 2017. The Company recorded interest expense of $21,053, $19,986 and $8,130 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	At December 31, 2014, there was an aggregate of $205,000 par value of Senior Secured Notes outstanding.
	The Senior Secured Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, on a senior secured basis, by the Company’s existing and future domestic restricted subsidiaries, other than certain excluded subsidiaries (the “Guarantors”). The Senior Secured Notes and the related guarantees are secured by a first-priority lien on all of the Company’s and the Guarantors’ existing and future property and assets, whether real, personal or mixed (other than certain excluded assets), subject to certain permitted liens; provided that the lien on the accounts receivable, inventory, certain deposit accounts, cash and certain other assets and, in each case, the proceeds thereof, of Horsehead and the guarantors under the ABL Facility will be a second-priority lien. The Senior Secured Notes are the Company’s and the Guarantors’ senior secured obligations. The Senior Secured Notes and the guarantees rank equal in right of payment with any of the Company’s and the Guarantors’ senior indebtedness, including indebtedness under the ABL Facility and the Company’s Convertible Notes. The Senior Secured Notes and the guarantees rank senior in right of payment to any of the Company’s and the Guarantors’ future indebtedness that is expressly subordinated to the Senior Secured Notes or guarantees. The Senior Secured Notes and the guarantees are effectively senior to any of the Company’s or the Guarantors’ unsecured indebtedness, including the Convertible Notes, to the extent of the value of the collateral securing the Senior Secured Notes, and the Senior Secured Notes are effectively senior to indebtedness of the Company that is not guaranteed by the Guarantors, including the Company’s Convertible Notes, to the extent of the value of the guarantees. With respect to the collateral securing the Senior Secured Notes, the Senior Secured Notes and the guarantees are effectively junior to the Company’s and the Guarantors’ obligations under the ABL Facility, to the extent of the value of the collateral securing the ABL Facility on a first-lien basis, and effectively senior to the Company’s and the Guarantors’ obligations under the ABL Facility, to the extent of the value of the collateral securing the ABL Facility on a second-lien basis.
	The Company may redeem some or all of the Senior Secured Notes prior to June 1, 2016, by paying a make-whole premium, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption or, on or after June 1, 2016, at a redemption price equal to 105.25%, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption. Prior to June 1, 2015, the Company may redeem up to 35.0% of the aggregate principal amount of the Senior Secured Notes at a redemption price equal to 110.50%, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption, with the net cash proceeds of certain equity offerings.
	The Indenture contains covenants that limit the Company’s ability and the ability of its restricted subsidiaries to, among other things: (i) incur additional indebtedness and guarantee indebtedness; (ii) declare or pay dividends, redeem capital stock or make other distributions to stockholders; (iii) make investments and acquire assets; (iv) sell or transfer certain assets; (v) enter into transactions with affiliates; (vi) create liens or use assets as security in other transactions; (vii) enter into sale and leaseback transactions; (viii) merge or consolidate, or sell, transfer, lease or dispose of substantially all of its assets; and (ix) make certain payments on indebtedness. The Indenture also provides for customary events of default. On October 24, 2012, the Company entered into the First Supplemental Indenture to the Senior Secured Notes to add HMP as an additional subsidiary guarantor under the Indenture. The Company was in compliance with all covenants at December 31, 2014.
	The carrying amount of the Senior Secured Notes was $205,169 with an unamortized premium of $169 at December 31, 2014. The carrying amount of the Senior Secured Notes was $193,734 with an unamortized discount of $1,266 at December 31, 2013. The fair value of the Senior Secured Notes was estimated to be approximately $224,000 and $214,000 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, per quotes obtained from active markets.
	Costs of $8,415 associated with the issuance of the Senior Secured Notes were capitalized as a component of other assets. These costs are being amortized to interest expense over the term of the Senior Secured Notes. The Company recognized interest expense of $1,736, $1,652 and $666 related to the amortization of debt issuance costs during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Credit Agreement
	On August 28, 2012, Horsehead Corporation and Horsehead Holding Corp. entered into a Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A., a Spanish bank. The Credit Agreement provides for the financing of up to €18,583 (approximately $25,805 USD) for purchases under the contracts between Horsehead and Tecnicas Reunidas, S.A., a Spanish corporation providing equipment and related products and services for the new zinc facility and additional financing of $968 for the premium for the insurance on such loan which was issued by Compania Espanola de Seguros de Credito a la Exportacion (“CESCE”). The Company closed on the facility on November 14, 2012.
	The obligations of Horsehead under the Credit Agreement are secured by an unconditional guarantee of the Company, but are not secured by security interest or mortgages on any real or personal property of Horsehead, the Company or any of the Company’s other direct or indirect subsidiaries.
	The Credit Agreement provides for drawings under the agreement to be repaid semiannually over a period ending on February 2023, amortizing over that period, and bearing interest at a per annum rate equal to the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 3.20%. Principal and interest payments are due quarterly. The Company will also semiannually pay a commitment fee of 0.50% calculated on the undrawn amount of the Credit Agreement. At December 31, 2014, the Company had outstanding borrowings of $19,958 under the Credit Agreement. At December 31, 2014, the current portion of amounts due under the Credit Agreement was $3,044. Availability under the Credit Agreement was $2,020 at December 31, 2014 and draws may be made until March 2015. The carrying amount of the debt approximated fair value at December 31, 2014.
	The Credit Agreement contains customary events of default. In the event of a default, the Credit Agreement will be terminated and immediate repayment will be required for all amounts outstanding under the Credit Agreement including accrued interest. The Credit Agreement contains a maximum Debt to Equity ratio of 1.2:1. The Credit Agreement also contains customary restrictive negative covenants as well as customary reporting and other affirmative covenants. The Company was in compliance with all covenants at December 31, 2014.
	The Company incurred issuance costs of $1,248 in connection with the Credit Agreement. These costs were capitalized in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet as a component of other assets. The issuance costs will be amortized to interest expense over the term of the Credit Agreement. Interest expense of $141, $141 and $24 related to the amortization of deferred finance costs was recorded during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Zochem Revolving Credit and Security Agreement
	On December 21, 2012, Zochem entered into a Revolving Credit and Security Agreement (the “Zochem Facility”), as borrower, with PNC Bank, Canada Branch, as agent and lender. The Company also entered into the Zochem Facility as a guarantor of Zochem’s obligations.  Zochem entered into the Zochem Facility to support liquidity during the construction of its recently completed production capacity expansion in Brampton, Ontario. On April 29, 2014, Zochem terminated the $15,000 CAD Zochem Facility and entered into, as borrower, a new $20,000 revolving credit facility (the "2014 Zochem Facility") with PNC Bank, as agent and lender. The Company also entered into the 2014 Zochem Facility as a guarantor of Zochem's obligations. Terms under the 2014 Zochem Facility are essentially the same as the terms under the terminated Zochem Facility.
	The 2014 Zochem Facility provides for a twenty-nine month senior secured revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of up to $20,000. The aggregate amount of loans permitted to be made to Zochem under the 2014 Zochem Facility can not exceed a borrowing base consisting of the lesser of: (a) $20,000, minus the aggregate undrawn amount of outstanding letters of credit, and (b) the sum of a certain portion of eligible accounts receivable and eligible inventory of Zochem, minus the aggregate undrawn amount of outstanding letters of credit and certain availability reserves. Up to an aggregate of $5,000 is available to Zochem for the issuance of letters of credit, which reduce availability under the 2014 Zochem Facility. Zochem’s obligations under the 2014 Zochem Facility are secured by a first priority lien (subject to certain permitted liens) on substantially all of the tangible and intangible assets of Zochem. At December 31, 2014, the Company had $19,400 in outstanding borrowings under the 2014 Zochem Facility. There was no undrawn availability at December 31, 2014. The carrying amount of the debt approximated fair value at December 31, 2014.
	Borrowings by Zochem under the 2014 Zochem Facility bear interest at a rate per annum which, at the option of Zochem, can be either: (a) a domestic rate equal to the “alternate base rate,” as determined under the 2014 Zochem Facility, plus an applicable margin of 1.00% based on average undrawn availability, or (b) a CDOR, LIBOR or eurodollar rate as applicable, plus a margin of 2.50% based on average undrawn availability. Zochem pays a letter of credit fee to the lenders under the Zochem Facility of 2.50%, based on average undrawn availability, and a fronting fee to the issuing bank equal to 0.25% per annum on the average daily face amount of each outstanding letter of credit, as well as certain other related charges and expenses.
	Zochem pays an unused line fee to the lenders of 0.75% per annum, based on average undrawn availability, times the amount by which the maximum revolving advance amount exceeded the average daily unpaid balance of revolver loans and undrawn amount of any outstanding letters of credit during any calendar quarter.
	The 2014 Zochem Facility contains customary events of default. During an event of default, if the agent or lenders holding greater than 66 2/3% of the advances under the facility so elect, the interest rate applied to any outstanding obligations would be equal to the otherwise applicable rate (including the highest applicable margin) plus 2.0% and any letter of credit fees would be increased by 2.0%. Upon (a) the occurrence of an event of default related to the bankruptcy of Zochem or the Company or (b) at the option of lenders holding greater than 66 2/3% of the advances under the facility, the occurrence of any other event of default, all obligations under the 2014 Zochem Facility will become immediately due and payable. The 2014 Zochem Facility also contains a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.15:1.00 which Zochem must comply with at the time of any advance request. The 2014 Zochem Facility also contains customary restrictive negative covenants as well as customary reporting and other affirmative covenants. The Company was in compliance with all covenants at December 31, 2014.
	The Company incurred total issuance costs of $176 in connection with the 2014 Zochem Facility. These costs were capitalized in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet as a component of other assets. The issuance costs will be amortized to interest expense over the remaining term of the 2014 Zochem Facility. Interest expense of $55 and $30 related to the amortization of deferred finance costs was recorded during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. No interest expense related to the amortization of deferred finance costs was recorded during the year ended December 31, 2012.
	INMETCO Senior Secured Revolving Credit Agreement
	On June 24, 2013, INMETCO, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a Senior Secured Revolving Credit Agreement (the “INMETCO Facility”), as borrower, with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as lender. The Company entered into a guaranty of INMETCO’s obligations under the INMETCO Facility. INMETCO entered into the INMETCO Facility to support working capital requirements and for general corporate purposes. On March 31, 2014, the Company entered into the First Amendment to the Credit Agreement which amended certain provisions of the Credit Agreement including the increase of the maximum advances allowed from $15,000 to $20,000.
	The INMETCO Facility provides for a three year secured line of credit with the aggregate amount of loans permitted to be made to INMETCO not to exceed $20,000. INMETCO’s obligations under the INMETCO facility are secured by a first priority lien (subject to certain permitted liens) on substantially all of the personal property of INMETCO, including accounts receivable, inventory, deposit accounts, equipment and general intangibles. At December 31, 2014, INMETCO had $20,000 in outstanding borrowings under the INMETCO Facility and no remaining availability. The carrying amount of the debt approximated fair value at December 31, 2014.
	Borrowings under the INMETCO facility will bear interest at a rate per annum of LIBOR plus a margin of 2.0%. INMETCO will pay unused line fees of 0.375% per annum, based on the average daily unused amount of the INMETCO facility, and paid a one time fronting fee to the issuing bank equal to 0.50% of the maximum principal amount of the INMETCO Facility.
	The INMETCO Facility contains quarterly financial covenants, which include a maximum cash flow leverage ratio of 2.00:1.00, a minimum tangible net worth requirement of $15,000 and a minimum net profit requirement of $100. The First Amendment to the Credit Agreement amended the minimum net worth requirement for the March and June 2014 quarters. The INMETCO Facility also contains customary restrictive negative covenants as well as customary reporting and other affirmative covenants. The Company was in compliance with all covenants at December 31, 2014.
INMETCO incurred issuance costs of $151 in connection with the INMETCO Facility. These costs were capitalized in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet as a component of other assets. The issuance costs will be amortized to interest expense over the term of the INMETCO Facility. Interest expense of $51 and $21 related to the amortization of deferred finance costs was recorded during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Senior Unsecured Notes
On July 29, 2014, the Company completed the sale of $40,000 aggregate principal amount of 9.00% Senior Notes due 2017 (the “Unsecured Notes”), at an issue price of 100.00% of par. The Unsecured Notes and the related guarantees were offered to investors who were both qualified institutional buyers and accredited investors in a private placement not registered under the Securities Act. The Company received net proceeds of $38,686 after deducting approximately $1,314 in issuance costs in connection with the offering.
The Unsecured Notes were issued pursuant to an indenture, dated as of July 29, 2014 (the “Unsecured Notes Indenture”), among the Company, the Guarantors and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee. The Unsecured Notes pay interest at a rate of 9.00% per annum, payable in cash semi-annually, in arrears, on June 1 and December 1 of each year, beginning on December 1, 2014. The Unsecured Notes mature on June 1, 2017.
The Unsecured Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, on a senior unsecured basis (other than as described below), by the Company’s existing and future domestic restricted subsidiaries, other than certain excluded subsidiaries. The Unsecured Notes are the Company’s and the Guarantors’ senior unsecured obligations (other than as described below). The Unsecured Notes and the guarantees (i) rank equal in right of payment with the Company’s and the Guarantors’ senior indebtedness (other than as described below) (including indebtedness under the Company's Senior Secured Notes due 2017, the Convertible Notes due 2017, and the ABL facility, dated as of September 28, 2011, as amended to the date hereof); (ii) rank senior in right of payment with the Company’s and the Guarantors’ future indebtedness that is expressly subordinated to the Unsecured Notes, (iii) with respect to the guarantee by INMETCO, such guarantee ranks junior in right of payment to the obligations of INMETCO under the Company’s Senior Secured Notes and the INMETCO Facility; and (iv) is effectively junior to the Company’s and the Guarantors’ obligations under the Senior Secured Notes, the ABL Facility, and the INMETCO Facility, to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such indebtedness.
The Company may redeem some or all of the Unsecured Notes, on or after June 1, 2016 at a redemption price equal to 104.50%, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption. Prior to June 1, 2015, the Company may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the Unsecured Notes at a redemption price equal to 109.00%, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption, with the net cash proceeds of certain equity offerings. In addition, the Company may, at its option, redeem some or all of the Unsecured Notes prior to June 1, 2016, by paying a make-whole premium, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption.
The Unsecured Notes Indenture contains covenants that limit the Company’s ability and the ability of its restricted subsidiaries to, among other things: (i) incur additional indebtedness and guarantee indebtedness; (ii) declare or pay dividends, redeem capital stock or make other distributions to stockholders; (iii) make investments and acquire assets; (iv) sell or transfer certain assets; (v) enter into transactions with affiliates; (vi) create liens or use assets as security in other transactions; (vii) enter into sale and leaseback transactions; (viii) merge or consolidate, or sell, transfer, lease or dispose of substantially all of its assets; and (ix) make certain payments on indebtedness. The Unsecured Notes Indenture also provides for customary events of default. The Company was in compliance with all debt covenants as of December 31, 2014.
Costs of $1,314 associated with the issuance of the Unsecured Notes were capitalized as a component of other assets. These costs are being amortized to interest expense over the term of the Unsecured Notes. The Company recognized interest expense of $193 related to the amortization of debt issuance costs during the year ended December 31, 2014.
The fair value of the Unsecured Notes was estimated to be approximately $40,000 at December 31, 2014 per quotes obtained from active markets.
Other
At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had $7,926 and $10,109 , respectively, of letters of credit outstanding under the ABL and 2014 Zochem Facility primarily to collateralize self-insured claims for workers’ compensation and other general insurance claims. The Company also had three surety bonds outstanding in the amount of $11,213 to collateralize closure bonds for the three facilities located in Pennsylvania at both December 31, 2014 and 2013.
Aggregate future maturities of long-term debt are as follows:
Year Ending December 31,
2015	$	3,044
2016	57,529
2017	348,044
2018	3,044
2019	3,044
Thereafter	4,738
	$	419,443

Accrued_Expenses

Accrued Expenses	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accrued Expenses	ACCRUED EXPENSES
	Accrued expenses at December 31, 2014 and 2013 consisted of the following:
		2014		2013
	Employee related costs	$	5,717	$	9,165
	EAF dust processing reserve	3,684		2,395
	Workers’ compensation insurance claim liabilities	1,500		1,800
	Unearned tolling revenue	2,434		2,616
	Accrued electric	418		4,189
	Accrued interest	4,473		4,136
	Restructuring accrual	461		7,682
	Unearned contractual services	3,976		—
	Other	12,982		12,775
		$	35,645	$	44,758

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	INCOME TAXES
	The components of loss before income taxes for the years ending December 31 are as follows:
		2014			2013			2012
	United States	$	(41,984	)	$	(29,355	)	$	(50,758	)
	Canada	13,554			7,941			3,403
		$	(28,430	)	$	(21,414	)	$	(47,355	)
	The components of income tax benefit for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:
		2014			2013			2012
	Current provision (benefit)
	Federal	$	—		$	—		$	(472	)
	State and local	1,072			1,154			1,426
	Foreign	2,294			1,271			646
		3,366			2,425			1,600
	Deferred (benefit) provision:
	Federal	(12,681		)	(10,888		)	(17,441		)
	State and local	(4,385		)	457			(1,204		)
	Foreign	726			551			117
		(16,340		)	(9,880		)	(18,528		)
	Income tax benefit	$	(12,974	)	$	(7,455	)	$	(16,928	)
	The reconciliation between income tax benefit and the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% to loss before income taxes is as follows:
		2014			2013			2012
	Income taxes at statutory rate	$	(9,950	)	$	(7,495	)	$	(16,574	)
	State and local income taxes, net of federal tax effect	(2,093		)	1,047			147
	Executive compensation	364			230			489
	Research and development credit	(80		)	(139		)	—
	Gain on acquisition	—			—			(624		)
	Foreign rate differential	(1,256		)	(794		)	—
	Other	41			(304		)	(366		)
	Income tax benefit	$	(12,974	)	$	(7,455	)	$	(16,928	)
	The components of the Company's net deferred tax asset (liability) at December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
		2014			2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Accrued fringe benefits	104			$	790
	Prepaid hedge contracts	90			539
	Stock compensation	4,628			3,837
	State tax credits	2,197			2,197
	State net operating loss carry forward	7,534			3,617
	Federal net operating loss carry forward	49,003			14,120
	Inventory	1,205			624
	Accrued workers compensation	901			542
	Partnership allocations	70			2,097
	Other	7,563			6,999
	Gross deferred tax asset	73,295			35,362
	Valuation reserve	(2,706		)	(2,935		)
	Net deferred tax asset	70,589			32,427
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Property, plant and equipment	(67,452		)	(44,130		)
	Deferred financing costs	(4,090		)	(5,742		)
	Intangible assets	(704		)	(884		)
	Other	(1,694		)	(1,378		)
	Total deferred tax liabilities	(73,940		)	(52,134		)
	Net deferred tax liability	$	(3,351	)	$	(19,707	)
	The above deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2014 and 2013 have been included in the Company's consolidated balance sheets as follows:
		2014			2013
	Current deferred tax asset	$	5,251		$	6,337
	Current deferred tax liability	—			—
	Net current deferred tax asset	5,251			6,337
	Non-current deferred tax asset	—			—
	Non-current deferred tax liability	(8,602		)	(26,044		)
	Net non-current deferred tax liability	(8,602		)	(26,044		)
	Net deferred tax liability	$	(3,351	)	$	(19,707	)
	The effective tax rates for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were 45.6%, 34.8% and 35.8%, respectively.
	In September 2013 and August 2014, the Internal Revenue Service issued final regulations governing the income tax treatment of acquisitions, dispositions and repair of tangible property. Management has concluded that the impact of these new regulations will not be material to the financial statements.
	The Company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S., Canada and various state jurisdictions. Tax regulations within each jurisdiction are subject to the interpretation of the related tax laws and regulations and require significant judgment to apply. The tax years that remain subject to examination generally range from 2009 through 2014. U.S. income taxes and foreign withholding taxes are not provided on undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries because it is expected such earnings will be permanently reinvested in the operations of such subsidiaries. It is not practical to determine the amount of income tax liability that would result had such earnings been repatriated.
At December 31, 2014, the Company had net operating losses of $144,296, of which $4,286 related to equity settlements was not recorded in the financial statements, as the realization of the tax benefit has not yet occurred. These net operating losses will begin to expire in 2031. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had state net operating loss carry forward benefits of $7,534 and $3,617 which will begin to expire in 2015. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company recorded a valuation allowance of $393 and $755 against the state operating loss carry forward benefit in addition to recording a valuation allowance of $132 at December 31, 2014 against the charitable contribution carry forward benefit, as it is more likely than not that these carry forward benefits will not be fully realized. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had state tax credits of $2,196 and recorded a valuation allowance related to these credits of $2,180 as it is more likely than not that the tax credits will not be fully realized.
The Company had no unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company classifies all income tax related interest and penalties as interest expense, which were not significant for 2014, 2013 and 2012.

Other_LongTerm_Liabilities

Other Long-Term Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Long-Term Liabilities	OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
	Other long-term liabilities at December 31, 2014 and 2013 consisted of the following:
		2014		2013
	Environmental obligations	$	620	$	644
	Insurance claim liabilities	7,753		7,195
	Asset retirement obligations	4,775		4,452
	Deferred purchase price obligation	3,769		3,988
	Other	1,374		1,508
		$	18,291	$	17,787
	Environmental obligations
	Environmental obligations include estimated post-closure costs required by the EPA’s Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (“RCRA”) related to a portion of the property at the Company’s Bartlesville, Oklahoma facility. This liability was recorded based on the estimated costs required to achieve compliance with the RCRA. In 2006, a post-closure permit was issued by the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality which triggered the beginning of a thirty year period of post-closure care. Based on the Company’s annual review of the estimated costs required for the care specified under the permit, the liability was adjusted in 2014 and 2013 to reflect the discounted net present value of these costs using an undiscounted obligation of $1,262 in 2014 and $1,344 in 2013 and a discount rate of 6%. The environmental obligations related to Bartlesville at December 31, 2014 totaled $664, of which $44 is recorded as a current liability.
	Insurance claim liabilities
	Insurance claim liabilities represent the non-current portion of the Company’s liabilities for self-insured retention under certain insurance policies, primarily related to workers’ compensation. The Company estimates $1,500 of workers’ compensation claims will be paid in 2015 (see Note Q - Accrued Expenses).
	Asset retirement obligations
	The Company currently recognizes a liability for the present value of future asset retirement obligations if a reasonable estimate of the fair value of that liability can be made. The associated asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset. Three such assets and related liabilities exist.
	The first is for the environmental remediation upon ultimate closure of the Ellwood City facility. The original long lived asset cost was determined to be $744 and is being amortized and accreted over a 20 year period.
	The second is for the ultimate closure of the Monaca facility’s fully permitted landfill. The original long lived asset cost was determined to be $632 and is being amortized and accreted over an 18 year period. During the fourth quarter of 2011, the Company received notification from PADEP that an additional bond would be required to fulfill obligations related to the landfill at the Monaca facility. The Company determined the additional long lived asset to be $815 and this amount is being amortized and accreted over a 10 year period.
	The third relates to the permitted storage units at the Palmerton facility. Its original cost was valued at $206 and is being amortized and accreted over a 25 year period.
	The related depreciation expense for each of the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 associated with the capitalized costs were $134 and the related expense (which is included in interest expense) associated with accreting the liabilities for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $323, $300 and $280, respectively.
	Deferred asset purchase price obligations
	The Company was paying a portion of the purchase price of ESOI’s EAF dust collection business in a series of annual fixed and quarterly variable payments through 2025. The Company was required to provide security in the amount of $4,000 for the fixed portion of the payments until December 31, 2010. In 2009, the Company paid $4,000 into an escrow account to satisfy the requirement. The amount of the security was reduced to $2,500 in January 2011. During the first quarter of 2012, the ESOI purchase price agreement was amended and the remaining restricted cash was released from trust and transferred to operating cash.
	The payments were originally discounted using rates of approximately 8.4% and 12.0% for the fixed and variable payments, respectively. The discount rates were determined based on the average yield on comparable corporate bonds and the industry weighted average cost of capital.
	During the first quarter of 2012, the variable portion of the payments were renegotiated and an upfront payment was made of approximately $1.5 million. The renegotiated variable payments were discounted using a rate of 13.3%. At December 31, 2014, the net present value of the payments were approximately $4,419 of which $650 is recorded as a current liability.

Employee_Benefit_Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plans	EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
	The Company maintains two defined contribution 401(k) plans that cover substantially all of its employees at the Horsehead and INMETCO locations. All Horsehead and INMETCO salaried employees and INMETCO hourly employees are automatically enrolled at 4% of their pay upon date of hire. Effective October 1, 2009, the Company amended the eligibility requirements in the plan covering the Horsehead Corporation hourly employees. Under the amendment, hourly employees are eligible to enroll ninety days after their date of hire. Employees may make elective deferral contributions to the plans subject to certain plan and statutory limitations. The Company makes all contributions to the plans on behalf of each employee who has achieved one year of service.
	Under the plans covering the salaried employees and the INMETCO hourly employees, the Company contributes 3% of an employee’s total compensation and also matches 50% up to the first 4% of an employee’s deferral contribution based on total compensation. The provisions for all contributions to the plan for 2014, 2013 and 2012 were $1,058, $1,081 and $1,046, respectively.
	In 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company made contributions and matching contributions to the plans covering Horsehead hourly employees in accordance with the provisions of the various basic labor agreements. The provisions for all contributions for 2014, 2013 and 2012 were approximately $911, $1,546 and $1,536, respectively. Due to the permanent closure of the Monaca facility, the hourly plan's turnover rate was greater than 20% and a partial plan termination was presumed to occur. As a result of the partial plan termination, the accrued benefits of all affected employees became 100% vested.
	As part of the acquisition of Zochem, Inc, on November 1, 2011, the Company assumed the pension assets and pension liability for both the hourly and salary pension plans which were in effect at the time of the acquisition. The hourly and salaried plans cover 31 active and 31 non-active employees. These plans are maintained and contributions are made in accordance with the Pension Benefits Act of Ontario, which prescribes the minimum contributions that the Company must make to the plans.
	Expense related to the plans for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 and 2012 was $44, $201 and $145, respectively.
	Net periodic benefit costs for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
		2014				2013			2012
	Components of net periodic benefit cost:
	Service Cost	$	135			$	256		$	183
	Interest Cost	188				202			176
	Expected return on plan assets	(260		)		(257		)	(214		)
	Amortization of Losses	(19		)		—			—
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	44			$	201		$	145
	Net periodic benefit expected to be recognized from the amortization of net gain is estimated to be $47 in 2015.
	The change in the funded status of the pension plans for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
		2014				2013
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Benefit obligation at beginning of period	$	4,439			$	5,400
	Service Cost	135				256
	Interest Cost	188				202
	Actuarial (gains) losses	550				(800		)
	Currency translation	(370		)		(338		)
	Benefits paid	(366		)		(281		)
	Benefit obligation at end of year	$	4,576			$	4,439
	Change in plan assets:
	Plan assets at beginning of period	$	4,839			$	4,612
	Expected return on plan assets	260				257
	Employer contribution	159				182
	Actuarial gains (losses)	461				357
	Currency translation	(404		)		(288		)
	Benefits paid	(366		)		(281		)
	Plan assets at the end of year	$	4,949			$	4,839
	Funded status of Plan	$	373			$	400
	Amounts recognized in the balance sheet consist of:
	Noncurrent assets - see Footnote O - Deferred finance costs and other	$	373			$	400
	The measurement date for both the hourly and salaried plans was December 31st for each respective year.
	The accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans as of December 31, 2014 was $4,576.
	The expected contributions by the Company for 2015 are estimated to be $168.
	Benefit payments for pension benefits, which are primarily funded by the pension plan are expected to be paid as follows:
	2015	$	173
	2016	176
	2017	169
	2018	173
	2019	187
	2020 - 2022	1,005
	The weighted average assumptions as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		2014			2013
	Discount rate	4	%		4.75	%
	Expected return on plan assets	6	%		6	%
	Hourly plan - average salary increase rate	0	%		0	%
	Salaried plan - average salary increase rate*	2.5	%		2.5	%
	* per year plus a merit scale
	These assumptions are used to develop the projected obligation at fiscal year end and to develop net periodic benefit cost for the subsequent fiscal year. Therefore, for fiscal 2014, the assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit costs were established at December 31, 2013, while the assumptions used to determine the benefit obligations were established at December 31, 2014. The Canadian Institute of Actuaries has partnered with Fiera Capital to produce yield curves. The Company determined the appropriate discount rate based on a review of these published yield curves and used the yield curve that most closely matched the characteristics of the plan. The yield curve indicates a discount rate of 4.00% would be appropriate.
	The Company determines the annual rate of return on pension assets by first analyzing the composition of its asset portfolio. Historical rates of return are applied to the portfolio. The Company’s outside investment advisors and actuaries review the computed rate of return. Industry comparable and other outside guidance are also considered in the annual selection of the expected rates of return on pension assets. The long-term expected rate of return on plan assets takes into account years with exceptional gains and years with exceptional losses.
	The Company’s planned investment policy for assets of the plans is to obtain a reasonable long-term return consistent with the level of risk assumed. The Company also seeks to control the cost of funding the plans within prudent levels of risk through the investment of plan assets and seeks to provide diversification of assets in an effort to avoid the risk of large losses and to maximize the return to the plans consistent with market and economic risk.
	The weighted average asset allocation for the Company’s pension plans at December 31, 2014 by asset category is as follows:
	Equity securities	63.9	%
	Debt securities	20.8	%
	Cash and other	15.3	%
		100	%
	The following table sets forth the Company’s pension plan assets at fair value as of December 31, 2014. All of the assets are considered to be within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
	Canadian large cap securities	$	1,712
	United States equity securities	1,450
Canadian fixed income	876
Cash	752
Other	159
	$	4,949

ShareBased_Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-Based Compensation	SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
	The Company adopted a stock option plan in 2004 (as amended, the “2004 Plan”) which was amended and restated in December 2005 and November 2006. The 2004 Plan provided for the granting of options to acquire shares of common stock to key employees of the Company and its subsidiaries. During 2012, the remaining 138 options outstanding under the 2004 Plan were exercised. The Company received proceeds of $138 from the exercise of these stock options.
	The following summarizes the activity under the 2004 Plan:
		Number of shares	Exercise Price
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2011	138	$	1.01
	Exercised in 2012	138	1.01
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2012	—
	In 2006, the Company adopted the Horsehead Holding Corp. 2006 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan (the "2006 Plan"), which was amended and restated on June 11, 2007 and which provided for grants of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, deferred stock units and other equity-based awards. Directors, officers and other employees of the Company, as well as others performing services for the Company, were eligible for grants under the 2006 Plan. The 2006 Plan was administered by the compensation committee of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Committee”).
	On January 16, 2007, the Board authorized the issuance of options to purchase 1,085 shares of the Company’s common stock to certain officers and employees of the Company under the terms of the 2006 Plan. The options have a term of ten years and vest ratably over a five-year period from date of grant. During 2014, 72 options outstanding under the 2006 were exercised. The Company received proceeds of $941 from the exercise of these stock options. At December 31, 2014, there were 583 options still outstanding; all were fully vested and exercisable, each with an exercise price of $13.00 per share and 2.04 years of remaining contractual life. During the year ended December 31, 2012, compensation expense of $51 was recognized. As of December 31, 2012, all compensation expense had been recognized. The options outstanding under the 2006 Plan had $1,648 of intrinsic value at December 31, 2014.
	The fair value at the date of grant for these stock options was $6.28, as estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The significant assumptions used were a risk-free interest rate of 5.15%, expected volatility of 40%, an expected life of 6.25 years, no expected dividends and a forfeiture rate of zero.
	The following summarizes the stock option activity under the 2006 Plan:
		Number of shares	Exercise Price
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2011	658	$	13
	Canceled in 2012	3	13
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2012	655	$	13
	Exercised in 2013	—	—
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2013	655	$	13
	Exercised in 2014	72	13
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2014	583	$	13
	Under the 2006 Plan, the Company also granted restricted stock units which normally vest over a five-year service period or upon the achievement of certain performance goals. The Company assumed a forfeiture rate of zero in estimating compensation expense at the grant date. Upon vesting, the underlying stock will be issued for par value. In 2014, 214 restricted stock units vested having an intrinsic value of $3,553. In 2013, 197 restricted stock units vested having an intrinsic value of $2,109. In 2012, 142 restricted stock units vested having an intrinsic value of $1,626. The related compensation expense for 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $1,405, $1,313 and $2,426. Unrecognized compensation expense as of December 31, 2014 is $1,493. The compensation expense related to the restricted stock units will be recognized as $1,036 in 2015, $447 in 2016 and $10 in 2017. As of December 31, 2014, there were 422 restricted stock units outstanding having a remaining contractual life ranging from 0.08 to 2.75 years.
	The following summarizes the restricted stock units under the 2006 Plan:
		Number of shares	Exercise Price
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2011	724	$	9.39
	Granted in 2012	348	9.94
	Vested in 2012	142	7.9
	Forfeited in 2012	9	11.99
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2012	921	$	9.81
	Vested in 2013	197	8.05
	Forfeited in 2013	88	10.03
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2013	636	$	10.32
	Vested in 2014	214	8.99
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2014	422	$	10.99
	On May 17, 2012, the Company adopted the Horsehead Holding Corp. 2012 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2012 Plan”), after it was approved by the Company’s stockholders at the 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. The 2012 Plan replaced the 2006 Plan, and no further awards, stock options or other grants will be issued under the 2004 Plan or 2006 Plan. The 2012 Plan provides for grants of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units and other cash or equity based awards. Directors, officers and other employees of the Company, as well as others performing consulting or advisory services for the Company, are eligible for grants under the 2012 Plan. The 2012 Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee. A total of 2,700 shares of the Company’s common stock were initially authorized for issuance under the 2012 Plan. The number of shares available for issuance under the 2012 Plan is subject to adjustment in the event of a reorganization, stock split, merger or similar change in the corporate structure or the number of outstanding shares of common stock. In the event of any of these occurrences, the Committee may make any adjustments considered appropriate to, among other things, the number and kind of shares, options or other property available for issuance under the 2012 Plan or covered by grants previously made under the 2012 Plan. The shares available for issuance under the 2012 Plan may be, in whole or in part, authorized and unissued or held as treasury shares. If awards under the 2012 Plan are for any reason canceled, or expire or terminate unexercised, the shares covered by such awards may again be available for grant.
	During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company granted 133 service based restricted stock units with an average grant date fair value of $16.11 per unit. The restricted stock units vest over a one or five-year service period.
	During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company also granted 109 restricted stock units to management based on the future achievement of a predefined level of total shareholder return compared to a group of global metals companies. The fair value at the date of grant for these restricted stock units was estimated to be $31.15 per unit, on the date of grant, using a valuation model based on commonly accepted economic theory which is used for all valuations of awards with market conditions. This economic theory is also used as the basis for the Black-Scholes and Monte Carlo valuations. The significant assumptions used were a risk free rate of .076%, expected volatility of the Company and each comparator company, no expected dividends and a forfeiture rate of zero. A vesting percentage was then estimated based on the Company’s rank within the comparator group. Upon vesting and the achievement of the required shareholder return, these restricted stock units will be issued for par value.
	During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company granted 174 restricted stock units to management based on the future achievement of a predefined level of total shareholder return compared to a group of global metals companies. The fair value at the date of grant for these restricted stock units was estimated to be $20.62 per unit, on the date of grant, using a valuation model based on commonly accepted economic theory which is used for all valuations of awards with market conditions. This economic theory is also used as the basis for the Black-Scholes and Monte Carlo valuations. The significant assumptions used were a risk free rate of .037%, expected volatility of the Company and each comparator company, no expected dividends and a forfeiture rate of zero. A vesting percentage was then estimated based on the Company’s rank within the comparator group. Upon vesting and the achievement of the required shareholder return, these restricted stock units will be issued for par value.
	The following summarizes the restricted stock units under the 2012 Plan:
		Number of shares	Exercise Price
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2012	—
	Granted in 2013	383	$	15.1
	Forfeited in 2013	7	15.57
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2013	376	$	15.1
	Granted in 2014	242	23.04
	Vested in 2014	36	10.52
	Forfeited in 2014	3	23.75
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2014	579	$	18.66
	The related compensation expense for all 2012 Plan restricted stock units for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were $3,363 and $1,897, respectively. The remaining contractual life ranged from 1.00 to 4.79 years. Unrecognized compensation expense as of December 31, 2014 was $5,931. The compensation expense related to the 2012 Plan restricted stock units will be recognized as $3,016 in 2015, $1,843 in 2016, $712 in 2017, $357 in 2018 and $3 in 2019.

Accounting_for_Derivative_Inst

Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	ACCOUNTING FOR DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES
	The Company’s business consists principally of the sale of zinc and nickel-based products. As a result, its results of operations are subject to risk of fluctuations in the market prices of these metals. While the Company’s finished products are generally priced based on a spread to the price of zinc or nickel on the LME, its revenues are impacted significantly by changes in the market prices of these metals. The Company pursues various hedging strategies as described below to reduce its exposure to movements in the prices of zinc and nickel.
	The Company’s marketing strategy includes a metal hedging program that allows customers to secure a firm price for future deliveries under a sales contract. Hedges are entered into based on firm sales contracts to deliver specified quantities of product on a monthly basis for terms generally not exceeding one year. A portion of the Company’s raw material purchases related to such firm price contracts are at varying zinc prices that are based on the LME. In order to protect its cash flow related to firm price sales contracts, the Company enters into fixed-to-variable swap contracts to convert the LME-based fixed sales price back to variable. Thus, if raw material costs increase as a result of LME zinc price increases, the related sales value and related cash flows will also increase. As of December 31, 2014, the fixed portions of these zinc contracts ranged from a monthly average of $1.00 to $1.06 per pound for zinc.
	The Company has hedged approximately 9.6 tons of zinc with fixed-to-variable future swap contracts at December 31, 2014, all of which settle at various dates up to and including December 2015.
	The Company also enters into variable-to-fixed swap contracts as a financial hedge of a portion of its exposure to the movements in the LME prices of nickel. As of December 31, 2014, the Company did not have any nickel variable-to-fixed swap contracts outstanding.
	The Company paid cash of $415 and received cash of $998 and $767 from the settlement of swap contracts for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	At December 31, 2011, the Company had zinc put options with an $0.85 per pound strike price outstanding, which covered approximately 160 tons of zinc production, representing approximately 75% of the expected shipments for the period from January 2012 through June 2013. These put options were put in place to provide protection to operating cash flow in the event that zinc prices decline below that level during the construction of the new zinc facility located in Mooresboro, North Carolina. The Company also had zinc call options with a $1.81 per pound strike price, covering 160 tons of zinc production, outstanding at December 31, 2011.
	At December 31, 2012, the Company had zinc put options with an $0.85 per pound strike price outstanding, which covered approximately 106 tons of zinc production, representing 75% of the expected shipments for the period from January 2013 through December 2013. During 2012, the Company had purchased zinc put options, for the second half of 2013, at a cost of $4,945. These put options were put in place to provide protection to operating cash flow in the event that zinc prices decline below that level during the completion of construction of the new zinc facility. The Company also had zinc call options with a $1.81 per pound strike price outstanding but their value was negligible at December 31, 2012. These zinc call options expired during the six months ended June 30, 2013.
	During the first quarter of 2013, the Company purchased put options, with an $0.85 per pound strike price, for the first quarter of 2014 that covered approximately 13.2 tons of production at a cost of $774. These put options were put in place to provide protection to operating cash flow in the event that zinc prices decline below that level during the completion of construction and start up of the new zinc facility. During August 2013, the Company put in place equivalent $0.85 per pound strike price put options covering an additional 4.4 tons per month of zinc production for the period of January 2014 through March 2014 and converted $0.85 per pound strike price put options covering 5.0 tons per month of zinc production from October 2013 through March 2014 to fixed price swap contracts for the same period at an average price of approximately $0.903 per pound. The Company converted a portion of its put options into swaps in order to reduce the effect of changes in the zinc price on cash flow during the period of planned transition of operations to the new zinc facility.The sale of the put options resulted in a $1,295 cash benefit, and the Company was able to put the swaps in place without any additional payment. In December 2013, the Company entered into additional fixed price swap contracts for the first quarter of 2014 at an average price of approximately $0.90 per pound. These fixed price swaps were also transacted without any payment by the Company.
	At December 31, 2013, the total quantity covered under forward fixed price swaps was 26.6 tons and the total quantity covered under put options was approximately 11.6 tons at a strike price of $0.85 per pound. All quantities covered related to the first quarter of 2014 and no forward fixed price swaps nor put options were in place beyond the first quarter of 2014.
	During the first quarter of 2014, the Company added fixed price swaps for the second quarter of 2014, at an average price of approximately $0.94 per pound for a total quantity covered of 26.5 tons for the quarter. In late July and early August 2014, the Company added zinc fixed price swaps for the months of August and September 2014, at an average price of slightly over $1.07 per pound for a total quantity covered of 6.0 tons per month. In October and early November 2014, the Company added zinc fixed price swaps for the months of November and December 2014, at an average price of slightly over $1.05 per pound for a total quantity covered of 6.6 tons per month. These fixed rate swaps were put in place to reduce volatility during the continued ramp up of production at the new zinc facility.
	The put options settled monthly on an average LME pricing basis. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the average LME monthly zinc prices for the first three months of 2014 were higher than the strike price for the contracts and the Company received no settlement payment. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the average LME monthly zinc prices for six of the twelve months were lower than the strike price for the contracts and the Company received a total of $1,364. During the year ended December 31, 2012, the average LME monthly zinc prices for three of the twelve months were lower than the strike price for the contracts and the Company received a total of $830.
	The Company received $741 and $1,094, respectively, from the settlement of fixed price swaps during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.
	At December 31, 2014, the Company had no remaining put options nor fixed price swaps in place.
	During the first quarter of 2015, the Company added zinc fixed price swaps for the month of February 2015, at an average price of approximately $0.97 per pound for a total quantity covered of approximately 3.3 tons for the month.
	The gains and losses resulting from the Company’s hedging activities are recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as indicated in the table below:
		2014			2013			2012
	(Losses) gains included in net sales:
	Options	$	(3	)	$	(3,079	)	$	(31,136	)
	Swaps	1,383			302			2,094
	Total gains (losses) resulting from hedging activities	$	1,380		(2,777		)	$	(29,042	)
	The fair value of the swap contracts and put options at December 31, 2014 and 2013 are listed in the table below.
	Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
		2014			2013
	Options and swaps included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	—		$	191
	Swaps included in Accrued expenses	$	375		$	1,585
	The fair values of derivative instruments are based upon a comparison of third party counterparties valuations to ensure that there is an acceptable level of consistency among them. The swap valuations are based on the official LME closing valuations at the end of the trading day on December 31, 2014, using the mid-point of the closing bid and ask prices on all open swap positions regardless of the holder. The closing prices are supervised by the London Clearing House and are regulated by the Financial Services Authority, the financial regulatory body in the United Kingdom.
	The Company is exposed to credit loss in cases where counterparties with which they have entered into derivative transactions are unable to pay the Company when they owe the Company funds as a result of agreements with them. To minimize the risk of such losses, the Company uses LME-registered contracts entered into with a London Clearing House member for a portion its contracts and utilizes four different brokers for its hedging program. The Company does not require collateral and does not enter into master netting arrangements.
	On November 11, 2011, the Company received notification via email from MF Global UK Ltd. (in special administration) notifying it that all outstanding Over the Counter (“OTC”) hedge positions would be closed with an effective date of November 1, 2011. The net value of these outstanding OTC positions was $366 and their value was written off during the fourth quarter of 2011. During the first quarter of 2013, the Company sold its rights to any future bankruptcy settlement for these OTC positions to a third party and received $820.

Contingencies

Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contingencies	CONTINGENCIES
	The Company is subject to federal, state and local laws designed to protect the environment and believes that as a general matter, its policies, practices and procedures are properly designed to reasonably prevent risk of environmental damage and financial liability to the Company.
	The Company is party to various litigation, claims and disputes, including labor regulation claims and OSHA and environmental regulation violations arising in the ordinary course of business. While the ultimate effect of such actions cannot be predicted with certainty, the Company expects that the outcome of these matters will not result in a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition or results of operations.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	EARNINGS PER SHARE
	Basic earnings (loss) per common share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net income or loss by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share are computed similarly to basic earnings per share except that the denominator is increased to include the number of shares that would have been outstanding if the potentially dilutive common shares had been issued. The Company uses the treasury stock method when calculating the dilutive effect in its basic EPS calculation. Diluted EPS for periods with a net loss is calculated by dividing the net loss by the weighted average number of basic shares outstanding.
	The information used to compute basic and diluted loss per share is as follows:
		2014			2013				2012
	Basic loss per share:
	Net loss	$	(15,456	)	$	(13,959	)		$	(30,427	)
	Weighted average shares outstanding – basic	50,682			45,160				43,841
	Basic loss per share	$	(0.30	)	$	(0.31	)		$	(0.69	)
	Diluted loss per share:
	Net loss	$	(15,456	)	$	(13,959	)		$	(30,427	)
	Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted	50,682			45,160				43,841
	Diluted loss per share	$	(0.30	)	$	(0.31	)		$	(0.69	)
	Reconciliation of average shares outstanding – basic to average shares outstanding – diluted:
	Weighted average shares outstanding – basic	50,682			45,160				43,841
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Options	—			—				—
	Convertible Notes	—			—				—
	Restricted stock units	—			—				—
	Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted	50,682			45,160				43,841
	Anti-dilutive shares excluded from earnings per share calculation
		Exercise Price			2014			2013			2012
	Options	$	13		598			655			655
	Convertible Notes	15			713			—			—
	Restricted Stock Units				1,025			1,107			999
	Total				2,336			1,762			1,654
	On July 27, 2011, the Company issued $100,000 of Convertible Notes. The Convertible Notes are convertible at a conversion price of approximately $15.00 per share into cash, shares or a combination of both at the Company’s election. According to guidance under ASC 260 Earnings Per Share, if an entity issues a contract that may be settled in common stock or cash at the election of the entity or holder, then it is presumed that the contract will be settled in shares unless past experience or a stated policy provides a reasonable basis to believe that the contract will be paid partially or wholly in cash and the “if converted” method shall not be used. The Company has stated that it intends to settle the par value in cash and the conversion spread in either cash, shares or a combination of both. As a result, the Company utilizes the modified treasury stock method and assumes dilution if the average stock price for the quarter exceeds the conversion price. The share dilution is calculated by dividing the conversion spread value by the average share price for the quarter. During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, the average stock price was lower than the exercise price for the Convertible Notes and therefore no conversion spread was recognized and no dilution assumed.

Commitments

Commitments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments	COMMITMENTS
	Operating Leases
	The Company has operating leases for equipment and railroad cars which expire at various dates through December 2021.
	Future minimum lease payments under these non-cancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2014 are as follows:
	Years Ending December 31,
	2015	$	4,780
	2016	4,325
	2017	2,858
	2018	1,500
	2019	1,178
	Thereafter	1,146
		$	15,787
	Rent expense for all operating leases for 2014, 2013 and 2012 approximated $5,480, $5,219 and $5,238 respectively.
	Long Term Purchase Agreements
	At December 31, 2014, the Company was a party to raw material supply agreements through 2015. The agreements require the Company to purchase approximately 50 tons of SHG metal for 2015 at a variable price based on the monthly average LME zinc price plus a premium. Based on the December 2014 average LME zinc price, this purchase commitment is estimated to be approximately $107 million for 2015.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
	Components of accumulated other comprehensive loss consisted of the following at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		2014		2013
	Cumulative translation adjustments	$	30	$	30
	Net pension adjustment (net of income tax of $159 and $204 in 2014 and 2013, respectively)	504		637
	Accumulated other comprehensive income	$	534	$	667

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited)
		Quarter Ended
		31-Dec			30-Sep			30-Jun			31-Mar
	2014
	Sales	$	106,630		$	110,978		$	126,265		$	110,064
	Cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization)	94,793			104,206			116,075			100,000
	Depreciation and amortization	11,910			10,528			8,115			4,853
	Net (loss) income	$	(4,055	)	$	(7,010	)	$	(5,120	)	$	729
	(Loss) income per common share:
	Basic	$	(0.08	)	$	(0.14	)	$	(0.10	)	$	0.01
	Diluted	$	(0.08	)	$	(0.14	)	$	(0.10	)	$	0.01
	2013
	Sales	$	103,627		$	109,591		$	110,456		$	118,262
	Cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization)	112,063			102,755			99,978			100,013
	Depreciation and amortization	8,104			7,123			7,347			7,104
	Net (loss) income	$	(12,444	)	$	(3,515	)	$	(828	)	$	2,828
	(Loss) income per common share:
	Basic	$	(0.26	)	$	(0.08	)	$	(0.02	)	$	0.06
	Diluted	$	(0.26	)	$	(0.08	)	$	(0.02	)	$	0.06

Segment_Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	SEGMENT INFORMATION
	In anticipation of the April 2014 closure of the Monaca facility, the Company ceased production of zinc oxide at that facility on December 23, 2013. During 2014, the Company only produced zinc oxide at the Zochem facility. Consequently, Horsehead Corporation and Zochem do not continue to meet the aggregation criteria as required by ASC 280 Segment Reporting and have not been combined into one reporting segment effective January 1, 2014.
	The Company now reports three segments, Horsehead, Zochem and INMETCO. The Horsehead segment processes EAF dust and other zinc-bearing material to produce and sell zinc and other metals. The Zochem segment produces and sells zinc oxide. The INMETCO segment processes a variety of metal-bearing waste material generated primarily by the specialty steel industry, provides tolling services and produces and sells nickel-chromium-molybdenum-iron remelt alloy to the stainless and specialty steel industries. Accordingly, the prior year's segment information has been reclassified to conform to the new segment presentation.
	The Company has recorded in the Corporate, eliminations and other column of the table below, eliminations related to the exclusion of revenue resulting primarily from EAF dust service fees charged by its Horsehead segment to its INMETCO segment, interest expense recorded on debt which is not allocated to its segments and selling, general and administrative expenses related to its corporate division.
	The following table presents information regarding the Company’s new segment presentation:
	The Year Ended December 31, 2014	Horsehead			Zochem		INMETCO		Corporate, eliminations			Total
									and other
	Net sales	$	256,609		$	144,685	$	54,090	$	(1,447	)	$	453,937
	(Loss) income before income taxes	(37,189		)	13,554		13,906		(18,701		)	(28,430		)
	The Year Ended December 31, 2013	Horsehead			Zochem		INMETCO		Corporate, eliminations			Total
									and other
	Net sales	$	311,914		$	78,342	$	53,638	$	(1,958	)	$	441,936
	(Loss) income before income taxes	(40,934		)	7,941		12,535		(956		)	(21,414		)
	The Year Ended December 31, 2012	Horsehead			Zochem		INMETCO		Corporate, eliminations			Total
									and other
	Net sales	$	314,462		$	66,370	$	56,833	$	(1,999	)	$	435,666
	(Loss) income before income taxes	(60,168		)	3,403		15,048		(5,638		)	(47,355		)
	31-Dec-14	Horsehead			Zochem		INMETCO		Corporate, eliminations			Total
									and other
	Property, plant and equipment	$	741,128		$	26,281	$	31,684	$	—		$	799,093
	Capital Expenditures	101,044			8,474		1,307		—			110,825
	Total assets	841,954			69,706		59,306		2,551			973,517
	31-Dec-13	Horsehead			Zochem		INMETCO		Corporate, eliminations			Total
									and other
	Property, plant and equipment	$	655,475		$	19,429	$	33,346	$	—		$	708,250
	Capital Expenditures	297,968			11,059		2,771		—			311,798
	Total assets	788,281			55,060		58,735		103,236			1,005,312

Insurance_Recoveries

Insurance Recoveries	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Extraordinary and Unusual Items [Abstract]
Insurance Recoveries	INSURANCE RECOVERIES
	On October 28, 2012, a fire occurred at the Company’s INMETCO facility. As INMETCO began its annual maintenance shutdown of the rotary hearth furnace and the submerged arc furnace, it experienced an unrelated fire in the material preparation and blending section of the plant, incurring damage to that portion of the building. The damages from the fire exceeded the Company’s insurance deductible of $0.5 million.
	Through June 30, 2013, the Company had incurred clean up, repair and other costs associated with the fire of $4,580 and a claim was submitted for property damage insurance recovery. The planned maintenance outage was only extended a day as a result of delays caused by the fire but the Company was not able to operate at full capacity until mid-December because power was not fully restored to some ancillary operations. All of the repairs associated with the fire were substantially complete by the end of the first quarter of 2013.
	The Company recorded $1,500 in insurance recoveries during the fourth quarter of 2012 relating to property damage from its insurance carriers and this amount is included in Cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization) in the Company's Consolidated Statement of Operations. The amount recorded represented a partial settlement of the entire claim and was received during the first quarter of 2013.
	The Company reached a total final settlement with the insurance carriers of $3,950 during the second quarter of 2013. The additional insurance recoveries of $2,450 is included in Cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization) in the Company's Consolidated Statement of Operations and this amount was received during the third quarter of 2013.
	The cost and insurance recoveries are summarized in the table below:
		2013		2012		Total
	Property damage insurance recovery	$	2,450	$	1,500	$	3,950
	Cost of clean-up and repairs	129		148		277
	Write off of fixed assets	—		236		236
	Gain related to insurance recovery included in cost of sales	$	2,321	$	1,116	$	3,437
	(excluding depreciation and amortization)
	Insurance proceeds related to fixed assets	$	1,791	$	1,264
	Costs capitalized	$	1,791	$	2,276

Guarantor_Financial_Informatio

Guarantor Financial Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Guarantor Financial Information	GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION
	The Senior Secured Notes were issued by Horsehead Holding Corp. and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, on a senior secured basis by the Company’s existing and future domestic restricted subsidiaries, other than certain excluded subsidiaries. The non-guarantor subsidiaries held approximately 10.0% of total assets at December 31, 2014, accounted for 31.9% of its consolidated revenues and recorded $8,969 of consolidated net income for the year ended December 31, 2014. The Consolidated Financial Statements are presented net of intercompany activity. The following supplemental financial information sets forth on a consolidating basis, balance sheets, statements of operations, statements of comprehensive income (loss), and statements of cash flows for the Company, the subsidiary Guarantors, and the Company’s non-guarantor subsidiaries. The subsidiaries that serve as guarantors are 100% owned as defined in Rule 3-10(h) of Regulation S-X.
	Horsehead Holding Corp. and Subsidiaries
	CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
	December 31, 2014
	(Amounts in thousands)
		Issuer			Guarantors			Non-			Eliminations			Total
								Guarantors						Consolidated
	ASSETS
	Current assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	3,166		$	15,354		$	12,194		$	—		$	30,714
	Accounts receivable, net of allowance	—			40,656			19,740			(154		)	60,242
	Inventories, net	—			43,085			11,923			—			55,008
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1			10,672			55			(6,973		)	3,755
	Deferred income taxes	—			5,227			24			—			5,251
	Total current assets	3,167			114,994			43,936			(7,127		)	154,970
	Property, plant and equipment, net				745,612			53,481			—			799,093
	Other assets
	Intangible assets	—			10,098			94			—			10,192
	Investment in and advances to subsidiaries	743,463			(609,021		)	(1,083		)	(133,359		)	—
	Deferred finance costs and other	21,457			2,140			611			(14,946		)	9,262
	Total other assets	764,920			(596,783		)	(378		)	(148,305		)	19,454
	Total assets	$	768,087		$	263,823		$	97,039		$	(155,432	)	$	973,517
	LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	Current liabilities
	Current maturities of long-term debt	$	—		$	3,044		$	—		$	—		$	3,044
	Accounts payable	—			57,913			9,975			(154		)	67,734
	Accrued expenses	3,994			35,702			2,816			(6,867		)	35,645
	Total current liabilities	3,994			96,659			12,791			(7,021		)	106,423
	Long-term debt, less current maturities	334,617			51,744			34,584			(14,929		)	406,016
	Other long-term liabilities	—			17,883			408			—			18,291
	Deferred income taxes	—			6,642			1,960			—			8,602
	Commitments and contingencies
	Stockholders’ equity
	Common stock	507			—			—			—			507
	Preferred stock	—			—			—			—			—
	Additional paid-in capital	313,815			41,653			—			(41,653		)	313,815
	Retained earnings	115,154			45,290			46,762			(91,829		)	115,377
	Accumulated other comprehensive income	—			—			534			—			534
	Total stockholders’ equity before noncontrolling interest	429,476			86,943			47,296			(133,482		)	430,233
	Noncontrolling interest	—			3,952			—			—			3,952
	Total stockholders’ equity	429,476			90,895			47,296			(133,482		)	434,185
	Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	768,087		$	263,823		$	97,039		$	(155,432	)	$	973,517
	Horsehead Holding Corp. and Subsidiaries
	CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
	December 31, 2013
	(Amounts in thousands)
		Issuer			Guarantors			Non-			Eliminations			Total
								Guarantors						Consolidated
	ASSETS
	Current assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	101,449		$	26,782		$	8,096		$	—		$	136,327
	Accounts receivable, net of allowance	—			46,163			12,915			(429		)	58,649
	Inventories, net	—			54,550			15,026			—			69,576
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	8			10,205			7			(4,956		)	5,264
	Deferred income taxes	—			6,319			18			—			6,337
	Total current assets	101,457			144,019			36,062			(5,385		)	276,153
	Property, plant and equipment, net	—			660,161			48,089			—			708,250
	Other assets
	Intangible assets	—			11,100			168			—			11,268
	Investment in and advances to subsidiaries	599,444			(435,470		)	(5,444		)	(158,530		)	—
	Deferred finance costs and other	22,194			1,774			703			(15,030		)	9,641
	Total other assets	621,638			(422,596		)	(4,573		)	(173,560		)	20,909
	Total assets	$	723,095		$	381,584		$	79,578		$	(178,945	)	$	1,005,312
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities
Current maturities of long-term debt	$	—		$	2,870		$	—		$	—		$	2,870
Accounts payable	—			104,015			10,605			(429		)	114,191
Accrued expenses	3,606			42,386			3,617			(4,851		)	44,758
Total current liabilities	3,606			149,271			14,222			(5,280		)	161,819
Long-term debt, less current maturities	279,549			64,963			25,184			(14,928		)	354,768
Other long-term liabilities	—			17,427			360			—			17,787
Deferred income taxes	—			24,802			1,242			—			26,044
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity
Common stock	504			—			—			—			504
Preferred stock	—			—			—			—			—
Additional paid-in capital	308,825			41,654			—			(41,654		)	308,825
Retained earnings	130,611			79,402			37,903			(117,083		)	130,833
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	—			—			667			—			667
Total stockholders’ equity before noncontrolling interest	439,940			121,056			38,570			(158,737		)	440,829
Noncontrolling interest	—			4,065			—			—			4,065
Total stockholders’ equity	439,940			125,121			38,570			(158,737		)	444,894
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	723,095		$	381,584		$	79,578		$	(178,945	)	$	1,005,312
Horsehead Holding Corp. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
For the year ended December 31, 2014
(Amounts in thousands)
	Issuer			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Total
													Consolidated
Net sales of zinc material and other goods	$	—		$	214,802		$	144,685		$	—		$	359,487
Net sales of nickel-based material and other services	—			54,090			—			(70		)	54,020
EAF dust service fees	—			41,807			—			(1,377		)	40,430
Net sales	—			310,699			144,685			(1,447		)	453,937
Cost of sales of zinc material and other goods	—			221,505			126,846			(70		)	348,281
Cost of sales of nickel-based material and other services	—			34,222			—			(1,377		)	32,845
Cost of EAF dust services	—			33,660			—			—			33,660
Restructuring expenses	—			288			—			—			288
Cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization)	—			289,675			126,846			(1,447		)	415,074
Depreciation and amortization	—			32,250			3,156			—			35,406
Selling, general and administrative expenses	1,540			20,211			2,398			—			24,149
Total costs and expenses	1,540			342,136			132,400			(1,447		)	474,629
(Loss) income from operations	(1,540		)	(31,437		)	12,285			—			(20,692		)
Equity in (loss) income of subsidiaries, net of taxes	3,331			—			—			(3,331		)	—
Other income (expense)
Interest expense	(18,181		)	(2,919		)	(1,534		)	954			(21,680		)
Interest and other income	934			12,497			1,379			(868		)	13,942
Total other income (expense)	(17,247		)	9,578			(155		)	86			(7,738		)
(Loss) income before income taxes	(15,456		)	(21,859		)	12,130			(3,245		)	(28,430		)
Income tax (benefit) provision	—			(16,135		)	3,161			—			(12,974		)
NET (LOSS) INCOME	$	(15,456	)	$	(5,724	)	$	8,969		$	(3,245	)	$	(15,456	)
Horsehead Holding Corp. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
For the year ended December 31, 2013
(Amounts in thousands)
	Issuer			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Total
													Consolidated
Net sales of zinc material and other goods	$	—		$	267,298		$	78,342		$	(842	)	$	344,798
Net sales of nickel-based material and other services	—			53,520			—			—			53,520
EAF dust service fees	—			43,618			—			—			43,618
Net sales	—			364,436			78,342			(842		)	441,936
Cost of sales of zinc material and other goods	—			271,331			67,342			(842		)	337,831
Cost of sales of nickel-based material and other services	—			36,868			—			—			36,868
Cost of EAF dust services	—			34,869			—			—			34,869
Restructuring expenses	—			7,691			—			—			7,691
Insurance claim income	—			(2,450		)	—			—			(2,450		)
Cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization)	—			348,309			67,342			(842		)	414,809
Depreciation and amortization	—			27,281			2,397			—			29,678
Selling, general and administrative expenses	1,433			18,520			2,254			—			22,207
Total costs and expenses	1,433			394,110			71,993			(842		)	466,694
(Loss) income from operations	(1,433		)	(29,674		)	6,349			—			(24,758		)
Equity in (loss) income of subsidiaries, net of taxes	(12,917		)	—			—			12,917			—
Other income (expense)
Interest expense	(700		)	(1,695		)	(1,290		)	957			(2,728		)
Interest and other income	1,091			4,407			1,445			(871		)	6,072
Total other income (expense)	391			2,712			155			86			3,344
(Loss) income before income taxes	(13,959		)	(26,962		)	6,504			13,003			(21,414		)
Income tax (benefit) provision	—			(9,322		)	1,867			—			(7,455		)
NET (LOSS) INCOME	$	(13,959	)	$	(17,640	)	$	4,637		$	13,003		$	(13,959	)
Horsehead Holding Corp. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
For the year ended December 31, 2012
(Amounts in thousands)
	Issuer			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Total
													Consolidated
Net sales of zinc material and other goods	$	—		$	270,899		$	66,370		$	(945	)	$	336,324
Net sales of nickel-based material and other services	—			56,745			—			—			56,745
EAF dust service fees	—			42,597			—			—			42,597
Net sales	—			370,241			66,370			(945		)	435,666
Cost of sales of zinc material and other goods	—			304,910			60,181			(945		)	364,146
Cost of sales of nickel-based material and other services	—			36,841			—			—			36,841
Cost of EAF dust services	—			33,070			—			—			33,070
Insurance claim income	—			(1,500		)	—			—			(1,500		)
Cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization)	—			373,321			60,181			(945		)	432,557
Depreciation and amortization	—			24,238			1,955			—			26,193
Selling, general and administrative expenses	1,311			17,375			2,196			—			20,882
Total costs and expenses	1,311			414,934			64,332			(945		)	479,632
(Loss) income from operations	(1,311		)	(44,693		)	2,038			—			(43,966		)
Equity in (loss) income of subsidiaries, net of taxes	(24,704		)	—			—			24,704			—
Other income (expense)
Interest expense	(5,713		)	(2,046		)	(1,059		)	954			(7,864		)
Gain on bargain purchase of a business	—			1,781			—			—			1,781
Interest and other income	1,301			1,270			992			(869		)	2,694
Total other income (expense)	(4,412		)	1,005			(67		)	85			(3,389		)
(Loss) income before income taxes	(30,427		)	(43,688		)	1,971			24,789			(47,355		)
Income tax (benefit) provision	—			(17,725		)	797			—			(16,928		)
NET (LOSS) INCOME	$	(30,427	)	$	(25,963	)	$	1,174		$	24,789		$	(30,427	)
Horsehead Holding Corp. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
For the year ended December 31, 2014
(Amounts in thousands)
	Issuer			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Total
													Consolidated
Net (loss) income	$	(15,456	)	$	(5,724	)	$	8,969		$	(3,245	)	$	(15,456	)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
Net pension liability adjustment	—			—			(133		)	—			(133		)
Comprehensive (loss) income	$	(15,456	)	$	(5,724	)	$	8,836		$	(3,245	)	$	(15,589	)
Horsehead Holding Corp. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
For the year ended December 31, 2013
(Amounts in thousands)
	Issuer			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Total
													Consolidated
Net (loss) income	$	(13,959	)	$	(17,640	)	$	4,637		$	13,003		$	(13,959	)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Net pension liability adjustment	—			—			911			—			911
Comprehensive (loss) income	$	(13,959	)	$	(17,640	)	$	5,548		$	13,003		$	(13,048	)
Horsehead Holding Corp. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
For the year ended December 31, 2012
(Amounts in thousands)
	Issuer			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Total
													Consolidated
Net (loss) income	$	(30,427	)	$	(25,963	)	$	1,174		$	24,789		$	(30,427	)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	—			—			302			—			302
Net pension liability adjustment	—			—			(288		)	—			(288		)
Comprehensive (loss) income	$	(30,427	)	$	(25,963	)	$	1,188		$	24,789		$	(30,413	)
Horsehead Holding Corp. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOW
For the year ended December 31, 2014
(Amounts in thousands)
	Issuer			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Total
													Consolidated
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net (loss) income	$	(15,456	)	$	(5,724	)	$	8,969		$	(3,245	)	$	(15,456	)
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	—			32,250			3,156			—			35,406
Deferred income tax provision	—			(17,068		)	712			—			(16,356		)
Accretion on debt	3,766			—			—			—			3,766
Accretion on ESOI liabilities	—			431			—			—			431
Amortization of deferred finance costs	2,389			314			140			(84		)	2,759
Losses on write down or disposal of assets	—			915			—			—			915
Losses on writedown of inventory supplies	—			456			—			—			456
Losses on derivative financial instruments	—			(1,085		)	31			—			(1,054		)
Lower of cost or market adjustment to inventories	—			3,561			—			—			3,561
Non-cash compensation expense	372			4,396			—			—			4,768
Capitalization of interest	(14,248		)	(647		)	—			—			(14,895		)
Equity in (income) loss of subsidiaries, net of taxes	(3,331		)	—			—			3,331			—
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable, net	—			5,542			(6,825		)	(275		)	(1,558		)
Increase in inventories, net	—			7,448			3,103			—			10,551
Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other current assets	7			1,358			(48		)	—			1,317
(Increase) decrease in deferred finance costs and other	—			(2,543		)	(108		)	2,017			(634		)
(Decrease) increase in accounts payable	—			(46,102		)	(630		)	275			(46,457		)
Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses	388			(5,439		)	(832		)	(2,019		)	(7,902		)
Increase (decrease) in other long-term liabilities	—			(325		)	48			—			(277		)
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	(26,113		)	(22,262		)	7,716			—			(40,659		)
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	—			(102,351		)	(8,474		)	—			(110,825		)
Investment in and advances (to) from subsidiaries	(122,043		)	126,401			(4,358		)	—			—
Net cash used in investing activities.	(122,043		)	24,050			(12,832		)	—			(110,825		)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from the issuance of debt	51,300			—			—			—			51,300
Distributions to noncontrolling interest equity holders	—			—			(113		)	—			(113		)
Borrowings on the Credit Facilities	—			23,750			9,574			—			33,324
Repayments on the Credit Facilities	—			(35,420		)	(174		)	—			(35,594		)
Debt issuance costs	(1,652		)	(172		)	(73		)	—			(1,897		)
Borrowings on Credit Agreement	—			1,555			—			—			1,555
Repayments on the Credit Agreement	—			(2,929		)	—			—			(2,929		)
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	941			—			—			—			941
Tax effect of share based compensation award exercise and vesting	(33		)	—			—			—			(33		)
Restricted stock withheld for taxes	(683		)	—			—			—			(683		)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	49,873			(13,216		)	9,214			—			45,871
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(98,283		)	(11,428		)	4,098			—			(105,613		)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	101,449			26,782			8,096			—			136,327
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	3,166		$	15,354		$	12,194		$	—		$	30,714
Horsehead Holding Corp. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the year ended December 31, 2013
(Amounts in thousands)
	Issuer			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Total
													Consolidated
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net (loss) income	$	(13,959	)	$	(17,640	)	$	4,637		$	13,003		$	(13,959	)
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	—			27,281			2,397			—			29,678
Gain on insurance recovery related to fixed assets	—			(1,791		)	—			—			(1,791		)
Deferred income tax provision	—			(10,435		)	573			—			(9,862		)
Accretion on debt	3,727			—			—			—			3,727
Accretion on ESOI liabilities	—			445			—			—			445
Amortization of deferred finance costs	2,114			249			117			(86		)	2,394
Losses on write down or disposal of assets	—			10,050			—			—			10,050
Losses on write down of inventory supplies	—			2,738			—			—			2,738
Losses (gains) on derivative financial instruments	—			5,696			23			—			5,719
Lower of cost or market adjustment to inventories	—			3,739			—			—			3,739
Non-cash compensation expense	380			2,829			—			—			3,209
Capitalization of interest	(28,550		)	(888		)	—			—			(29,438		)
Equity in loss (income) of subsidiaries, net of taxes	12,917			—			—			(12,917		)	—
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable, net	—			3,923			(2,934		)	349			1,338
(Increase) in inventories, net	—			(7,521		)	(6,865		)	—			(14,386		)
Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other current assets	21			3,800			3			(425		)	3,399
(Increase) decrease in deferred finance costs and other	—			(125		)	28			—			(97		)
(Decrease) increase in accounts payable	(93		)	26,530			4,164			(349		)	30,252
Increase in accrued expenses	112			9,434			2,696			425			12,667
Increase in other long-term liabilities	—			2,173			—			—			2,173
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	(23,331		)	60,487			4,839			—			41,995
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	—			(300,739		)	(11,059		)	—			(311,798		)
Insurance proceeds related to fixed assets	—			1,791			—			—			1,791
Investment in and advances (to) from subsidiaries	(191,243		)	191,415			(172		)	—			—
Net cash used in investing activities.	(191,243		)	(107,533		)	(11,231		)	—			(310,007		)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from the issuance of debt	21,300			—			—			—			21,300
Distributions to noncontrolling interest equity holders	—			—			(114		)	—			(114		)
Borrowings on the Credit Facilities	—			51,000			23,500			—			74,500
Repayments on the Credit Facilities	—			(4,500		)	(13,500		)	—			(18,000		)
Debt Issuance Costs	(358		)	(141		)	(25		)	—			(524		)
Borrowings on the Credit Agreement	—			13,358			—			—			13,358
Repayments on the Credit Agreement	—			(1,866		)	—			—			(1,866		)
Tax effect of share based compensation award exercise and vesting	(19		)	—			—			—			(19		)
Restricted stock withheld for taxes	(411		)	—			—			—			(411		)
Net proceeds from the issuance of stock	71,996			—			—			—			71,996
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	92,508			57,851			9,861			—			160,220
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(122,066		)	10,805			3,469			—			(107,792		)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	223,515			15,977			4,627			—			244,119
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	101,449		$	26,782		$	8,096		$	—		$	136,327
Horsehead Holding Corp. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the year ended December 31, 2012
(Amounts in thousands)
	Issuer			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Total
													Consolidated
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net (loss) income	$	(30,427	)	$	(25,963	)	$	1,174		$	24,789		$	(30,427	)
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	—			24,238			1,955			—			26,193
Gain on bargain purchase of a business	—			(1,781		)	—			—			(1,781		)
Gain on insurance recovery related to fixed assets	—			(1,264		)	—			—			(1,264		)
Deferred income tax provision	—			(17,572		)	319			(991		)	(18,244		)
Accretion on debt	3,288			—			—			—			3,288
Accretion on ESOI liabilities	—			772			—			—			772
Amortization of deferred finance costs	1,126			109			85			(85		)	1,235
Losses on write down or disposal of assets	—			25,936			—			—			25,936
Losses (gains) on derivative financial instruments	—			30,809			(167		)	—			30,642
Lower of cost or market adjustment to inventories	—			1,421			—			—			1,421
Non-cash compensation expense	336			2,141			—			—			2,477
Capitalization of interest	(10,464		)	—			—			—			(10,464		)
Equity in loss (income) of subsidiaries, net of taxes	24,704			—			—			(24,704		)	—
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable, net	—			2,860			(908		)	(68		)	1,884
(Increase) in inventories, net	—			(6,115		)	(1,611		)	—			(7,726		)
(Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets	(8		)	3,222			18			(3,125		)	107
Increase in deferred finance costs and other	—			6			—			—			6
(Decrease) Increase in accounts payable	(4		)	43,108			1,285			68			44,457
Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses	1,953			(6,893		)	(788		)	4,116			(1,612		)
(Decrease) increase in other long-term liabilities	—			(2,762		)	94			—			(2,668		)
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	(9,496		)	72,272			1,456			—			64,232
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	—			(181,641		)	(2,900		)	—			(184,541		)
Insurance proceeds related to fixed assets	—			1,264			—			—			1,264
Acquisitions	—			(400		)	—			—			(400		)
Decrease in restricted cash	—			2,500			—			—			2,500
Investment in and advances (to) from subsidiaries	(97,297		)	96,863			434			—			—
Net cash used in investing activities.	(97,297		)	(81,414		)	(2,466		)	—			(181,177		)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from the issuance of debt	171,829			—			—			—			171,829
Distributions to noncontrolling interest equity holders	—			—			(113		)	—			(113		)
Debt Issuance Costs	(7,725		)	(1,248		)	(102		)	—			(9,075		)
Borrowings on the Credit Agreement	—			9,841			—			—			9,841
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	138			—			—			—			138
Tax effect of share based compensation award exercise and vesting	(82		)	—			—			—			(82		)
Restricted stock withheld for taxes	(275		)	—			—			—			(275		)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	163,885			8,593			(215		)	—			172,263
Foreign currency impact on cash balance	—			—			301			—			301
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	57,092			(549		)	(924		)	—			55,619
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	166,423			16,526			5,551			—			188,500
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	223,515		$	15,977		$	4,627		$	—		$	244,119

Subsequent_Event

Subsequent Event	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Event	SUBSEQUENT EVENT
	On January 28, 2015, the Company completed an underwritten public offering of 5,750 shares of its common stock, including 750 shares sold pursuant to the underwriters' exercise of their option to purchase additional shares. At the public offering price of $12.75 per share of common stock, the aggregate gross proceeds from the common stock sold by the Company was $73,313. The net proceeds realized by the Company from the offering, after $3,299 in underwriting discounts and commissions and $450 in estimated expenses relating to the offering, were $69,654 .The net proceeds are available for general corporate purposes, which may include capital expenditures, acquisitions, working capital and liquidity for operational contingencies.
	The shares were offered under a shelf registration statement filed with the SEC on Form S-3 which was declared effective on October 3, 2013.

Schedule_I_Condensed_Financial

Schedule I: Condensed Financial Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule 1: Condensed Financial Information of Registrant	Schedule I: Condensed Financial Information of Registrant
	HORSEHEAD HOLDING CORP.
	CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS - PARENT COMPANY ONLY
	December 31, 2014 and 2013
	(Amounts in thousands)
	ASSETS
		2014			2013
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	3,166		$	101,449
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1			8
	Loan receivable	14,823			14,823
	Other assets	6,634			7,371
	Investment in and advances to subsidiary	743,463			599,444
	Total assets	$	768,087		$	723,095
	LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	Accrued expenses	$	3,994		$	3,606
	Long term debt	334,617			279,549
	Stockholders’ equity
	Common stock	507			504
	Additional paid-in capital	313,815			308,825
	Retained earnings	115,154			130,611
	Total stockholders’ equity	429,476			439,940
	Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	768,087		$	723,095
	See note to condensed financial statements of the registrant
	HORSEHEAD HOLDING CORP.
	CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - PARENT COMPANY ONLY
	For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
	(Amounts in thousands)
		2014			2013			2012
	Selling, general and administrative	$	1,540		$	1,433		$	1,311
	Equity in income (loss) of subsidiary, net of tax benefit of $12,974, $7,455 and $16,928 for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively	3,331			(12,917		)	(24,704		)
	Interest income	934			1,091			1,301
	Interest expense	18,181			700			5,713
	Loss before taxes	(15,456		)	(13,959		)	(30,427		)
	Income tax benefit	—			—			—
	NET LOSS	$	(15,456	)	$	(13,959	)	$	(30,427	)
	See note to condensed financial statements of the registrant
	HORSEHEAD HOLDING CORP.
	CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - PARENT COMPANY ONLY
	For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
	(Amounts in thousands)
		2014			2013			2012
	Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
	Net loss	$	(15,456	)	$	(13,959	)	$	(30,427	)
	Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
	Equity in (income) loss of subsidiary	(3,331		)	12,917			24,704
	Non-cash compensation expense	372			380			336
	Accretion on debt	3,766			3,727			3,288
	Amortization of deferred finance costs	2,389			2,114			1,126
	Capitalization of interest	(14,248		)	(28,550		)	(10,464		)
	Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
	Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other current assets	7			21			(8		)
	(Increase) in accounts payable	—			(93		)	(4		)
	Increase in accrued expenses	388			112			1,953
	Net cash used in operating activities	(26,113		)	(23,331		)	(9,496		)
	Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
	Advances to subsidiaries	(122,043		)	(191,243		)	(97,297		)
	Net cash used in investing activities	(122,043		)	(191,243		)	(97,297		)
	Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
	Proceeds from the issuance of debt	51,300			21,300			171,829
	Debt issuance costs	(1,652		)	(358		)	(7,725		)
	Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	941			—			138
	Tax effect of share based compensation award exercise and vesting	(33		)	(19		)	(82		)
	Restricted stock withheld for taxes	(683		)	(411		)	(275		)
	Net proceeds from the issuance of stock	—			71,996			—
Net cash provided by financing activities	49,873			92,508			163,885
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(98,283		)	(122,066		)	57,092
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	101,449			223,515			166,423
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	3,166		$	101,449		$	223,515
See note to condensed financial statements of the registrant
HORSEHEAD HOLDING CORP.
NOTE TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF REGISTRANT
NOTE 1. The condensed financial information includes only the financial information for the Registrant, Horsehead Holding Corp., excluding all of its consolidated subsidiaries. The schedule is required based upon the limitations on dividends and distributions that its subsidiary, Horsehead Corporation, can make to the registrant under the terms of its ABL Facility as described in Note P - Long Term Debt to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America 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. Management bases its estimates on the Company’s historical experience and its expectations of the future and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition
	The Company recognizes revenues from the sale of finished goods when persuasive evidence of a sales arrangement exists which includes a fixed or determinable price, when passage of title or risk of loss has occurred (which is generally at the time of shipment) and when collectability is reasonably assured.
	The Company recognizes service fee revenue when persuasive evidence of a sales arrangement exists which includes a fixed or determinable price, passage of title or risk of loss has occurred (which is generally at the time of receipt of EAF dust that the Company collects from steel mini-mill operators) and when collectability is reasonably assured.
	The components of net sales for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:
		2014		2013		2012
	Zinc and nickel material goods	$	372,661	$	363,075	$	360,072
	Service fee revenue	73,494		73,423		69,347
	Other	7,782		5,438		6,247
		$	453,937	$	441,936	$	435,666
	Zinc and nickel material goods sales include all zinc and nickel related products sold as a tangible good. Service fee revenue includes EAF service revenue and tolling and environmental service revenue. Other revenues include miscellaneous and all other sales.
	One customer comprised 11% of consolidated net sales. Our ten largest customers comprised 44%, 34% and 37% of our consolidated sales in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Products and services are sold primarily to customers in the hot-dipped galvanizing, rubber, stainless steel and mini-mill markets.
Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs	Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs
	The Company classifies all amounts billed to a customer in a sales transaction related to shipping and handling as revenue. The Company records shipping and handling costs incurred in cost of sales.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	The Company considers all highly liquid investments with maturities of approximately 90 days or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.
Accounts Receivable	Accounts Receivable
	The majority of the Company’s accounts receivable are due from customers primarily in the steel, rubber and galvanizing industries. Credit is extended based on an evaluation of a customer’s financial condition. Generally collateral is not required. Accounts receivable are stated at amounts due from customers net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. Accounts receivable outstanding longer than the contractual payment terms are considered past due. The Company determines its allowance by considering a number of factors, including the length of time trade accounts receivable are past due, the Company’s previous loss history, the customer’s current ability to pay its obligation to the Company and the condition of the general economy and industry as a whole. The Company writes off accounts receivable when they become uncollectible. Payments subsequently received on such receivables are credited to the allowance for doubtful accounts. In 2014, the Company wrote off $61 in uncollectable accounts and recovered no previously written off balances. In 2013, the Company did not write off any uncollectable accounts and recovered $3 in previously written off balances. The (benefit) provision for bad debt was $(122), $(19) and $45 for 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	One customer comprised 17% of consolidated accounts receivable at December 31, 2014. Ten customers comprised 46% and 36% of consolidated accounts receivable at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Inventories	Inventories
	Inventories, which consist primarily of zinc and nickel-bearing materials, chemical reagents and supplies and spare parts are valued at the lower-of-cost-or-market (“LCM”) using a weighted average actual cost method. Zochem values its inventory using the first-in first-out method. Raw materials are purchased, as well as produced, from the processing of EAF dust. Supplies and spare parts inventory used in the production process are purchased. Work-in-process and finished goods inventories are valued based on the costs of raw materials plus applicable conversion costs, including depreciation and overhead costs relating to associated process facilities.
	Zinc and nickel are traded as commodities on the London Metals Exchange (“LME”) and, accordingly, product inventories are subject to price fluctuations. When reviewing inventory for LCM adjustments, the Company considers the forward metal prices as quoted on the LME as of the reporting date in determining its estimate of net realizable value and to determine if an adjustment is required. The Company's product revenues are based on the current or prior months’ LME average prices. The LME average price upon which product revenue is based has been reasonably correlated with the forward LME price that is used to determine lower of cost or market adjustments. See Footnote J - Inventories for further discussion on LCM adjustments.
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost or acquisition date fair value. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method. Ordinary maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred; replacements and betterments are capitalized if they extend the useful life of the related asset. The estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment are as follows:
	Buildings, land and building improvements	3 - 40 years
	Machinery and equipment	3 - 30 years
Environmental Obligations	Environmental Obligations
	The Company accrues for costs associated with environmental obligations when such costs are probable and can be reasonably estimated. Accruals for estimated costs are generally undiscounted and are adjusted as further information develops or circumstances change.
Insurance Claim Liabilities	Insurance Claim Liabilities
	The Company accrues for costs associated with self-insured retention under certain insurance policies (primarily workers’ compensation) based on estimates of claims, including projected development, from information provided by the third party administrator and a third party actuarial firm. Accruals for estimated costs are undiscounted and are subject to change based on development of such claims. Changes in the estimates of the reserves are included in net income in the period determined. Amounts estimated to be paid within one year have been classified as current liabilities, with the remainder included in non-current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Asset Retirement Obligations	Asset Retirement Obligations
	The fair values of asset retirement obligations are recognized in the period they are incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. Asset retirement obligations primarily relate to environmental remediation at three Company locations. The liability is estimated based upon cost studies prepared to estimate environmental remediation upon closure and for purposes of obtaining state permits to operate the facilities. The liability is discounted using the Company’s estimated credit-adjusted risk free interest rate at the time the obligations are recognized.
Contingencies	Contingencies
	During the ordinary course of business, the Company is from time to time threatened with, or may become a party to, legal actions and other proceedings. The Company assesses contingencies as to whether they are probable and estimable and records its best estimate of the potential loss. Legal costs associated with these contingencies are recorded as incurred.
	While the Company is currently involved in certain legal proceedings, it believes the results of these proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	Deferred income taxes reflect the tax consequences on future years of differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their respective financial reporting amounts. The Company recognizes the financial statement benefit of a tax position only after determining that the relevant tax authority would more likely than not sustain the position following an audit. For tax positions meeting the more-likely-than-not threshold, the amount recognized in the financial statements is the largest benefit that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the relevant tax authority.
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	The term “comprehensive income (loss)” represents the change in stockholders’ equity from transactions and other events and circumstances resulting from non-stockholder sources. The Company’s accumulated other comprehensive income or loss, consisting of cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments and pension liability adjustments (net of tax), is reported separately in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss.
Share-Based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation
	The Company has a share-based compensation plan. Employee stock options granted on or after January 1, 2006 are expensed by the Company over the requisite service period, based on the estimated fair value of the award on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Restricted stock unit service or performance related grants are expensed by the Company over the vesting period, with the expense measured based on the stock price on the grant-date multiplied by the number of restricted stock units granted. Restricted stock unit market based grants are expensed by the Company over the vesting period, with the expense determined using a valuation model based on commonly accepted economic theory which is used for all valuations of awards with market conditions. This economic theory is also used as a basis for the Black Scholes and Monte Carlo valuations.
Fair Value	Fair Value
	Fair value is measured using inputs from the three levels of the fair value hierarchy. Classification within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
	The three levels are described as follows:
	•	Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities. Cash and cash equivalents including the money market demand account, accounts receivable, notes payable due within one year, accounts payable, and accrued expenses are considered to be in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy as they approximate their fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments. (see Note I - Cash and Cash Equivalents). Borrowings under the Company's credit facilities are considered to be in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy (see Note P- Long Term Debt).
	•	Level 2 - Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the determination of the fair value of the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. The financial swap and financial option instruments are carried at fair value and are considered to be in level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. These derivatives are not designated as cash flow hedges and the Company recognizes changes in fair value within the consolidated statements of operations as they occur (see Note V - Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities). The pension assets are carried at fair value and are considered to be in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy (see Note T - Employee Benefit Plans).
	•	Level 3 - Unobservable inputs that are significant to the determination of fair value of the asset or liability. The Convertible Notes, issued on July 27, 2011, were initially valued at fair value and subsequently are carried at amortized cost. The fair value is considered to be in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy (see Note P - Long-Term Debt). The Senior Secured Notes, issued on July 26, 2012, June 3, 2013 and July 29, 2014 were initially valued at fair value and are subsequently carried at amortized cost. The Unsecured Notes issued on July 29, 2014 were issued and are valued at par value. The fair value of these debt issuances are considered to be in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy (see Note P - Long-Term Debt).
	When developing the fair value measurements, the Company uses quoted market prices whenever available or seeks to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when quoted market prices are not available.
Derivatives	Derivatives
	The Company does not enter into derivative financial instruments unless it has an existing asset or obligation or anticipates a future activity that could result in exposing it to market risk. The Company uses various strategies to manage its market risk, including the use of derivative instruments to limit, offset or reduce such risk. Derivative financial instruments are used to manage well-defined commodity price risks from the Company’s primary business activity.
	The Company records derivative instruments in current assets or current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value. These derivatives are not designated as cash flow hedges and the Company recognizes changes in fair value within the Consolidated Statements of Operations as they occur. The fair values of derivative instruments are based upon a comparison of third party counterparties valuations, with whom the Company has entered into substantially identical derivative contracts, to ensure that there is an acceptable level of consistency among them. The valuations utilize forward pricing and an implied volatility of the underlying commodity as well as interest rate forwards and are therefore subject to fluctuation based on the movements of the commodity markets. Cash flows from derivatives are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows in a manner consistent with the underlying transactions.
	The Company is exposed to credit loss should counter-parties or clearing agents with which it has entered into derivative transactions become unable to satisfy their obligations in accordance with the underlying agreements. To reduce the risk of such losses, at points in time, the Company utilizes LME-registered contracts entered into with the London Clearing House for some of its contracts. In addition, the Company minimizes credit loss by utilizing four different brokers for its derivative contracts (see Note V - Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities).
Foreign Currency Translation	Foreign Currency Translation
	The functional currency of the Company's Zochem subsidiary, which was acquired on November 1, 2011, was Canadian Dollars. Assets and liabilities were translated at period-end exchange rates. Income and expense items were translated at weighted average rates of exchange prevailing during the year. Translation adjustments were included in other comprehensive income. As part of the integration of Zochem into the Horsehead sales and production system, the Company began to move production to Zochem and effectively controlled Zochem's entire sales function. In addition, systems integration allowed the Company to more effectively manage the operations of the Zochem facility. In July 2012, the Company announced expansion plans for the Zochem facility in anticipation of the impending shutdown of the Monaca facility. Additionally, Zochem sales are predominately in U.S. Dollars. Based on the change in facts, effective August 1, 2012, the Company changed Zochem’s functional currency reporting basis to the U.S. Dollar. A portion of Zochem's sales, however, and certain other costs remain in the Canadian Dollar and are converted to U.S. Dollars at month end (See Note D - Functional Currency Change).
Earnings per Share	Earnings per Share
	Basic earnings per share are calculated using the weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding. Diluted earnings per share includes the additional effect of other securities, if dilutive, in which case the dilutive effect of such securities is calculated using the treasury stock method (See Note X - Earnings per Share).
Impairment	Impairment
	Long lived assets are reviewed for impairment when events and circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The Company's policy is to record an impairment loss when it is determined that the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the sum of the expected undiscounted future cash flows resulting from use of the asset, and its eventual disposition. Impairment losses are measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value, normally as determined in either open market transactions or through the use of a discounted cash flow model. Long lived assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell.
	We have no goodwill.
Acquisitions	Acquisitions
	The Company recognizes the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at their fair values as of the acquisition date. Contingent purchase consideration is recorded at fair value at the date of acquisition. Measuring assets and liabilities at fair value requires the Company to determine the price that would be paid by a third party market participant based on the highest and best use of the assets or interest acquired. The excess of the fair value of the net assets acquired over the purchase price is recorded as a bargain purchase gain. Acquisition costs are expensed as incurred (See Note E - Acquisition of Business)
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information	Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information
	Cash paid for interest in 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $28,743, $24,721 and $10,753, respectively. Cash paid for interest in 2014, 2013 and 2012 includes interest capitalized of $13,942, $23,809 and $9,906, respectively. Cash paid for income taxes in 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $1,041, $2,584 and $4,348, respectively
Variable Interest Entities	Variable Interest Entities
	Investments in other entities are accounted for using the consolidation, equity or cost basis method depending upon the Company's level of ownership, ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the investee and whether the Company is determined to be the primary beneficiary of a variable interest in an entity.
	In December 2013, HMP entered into a joint venture known as ThirtyOx, LLC ("ThirtyOx") with Imperial Zinc Corp. for the acquisition and processing of zinc bearing secondary materials. The processing operation is located in North Carolina near the new zinc facility. The majority of the feedstock for the new zinc facility will be supplied by Horsehead's EAF dust recycling plants. ThirtyOx is expected to supply a portion of the incremental zinc feed required by the new zinc facility by recovering secondary zinc oxides from the residues generated by galvanizers, die casters and other users of zinc metal. The ThirtyOx facility became operational in August 2014. HMP's anticipated investment in ThirtyOx is expected to be less than $2.0 million. The Company's net investment in ThirtyOx is $552 at December 31, 2014.
	ThirtyOx was determined to be a variable interest entity as its significant activities are directed by a management agreement and not the equity group. HMP has determined that they are not the primary beneficiary of the variable interest. HMP accounts for its investment in ThirtyOx utilizing the equity method of accounting as they do not own over 50% and are not able to exercise significant influence over the joint venture. HMP has recorded its cash contributions to ThirtyOx as an investment which is increased or decreased by its respective share of ThirtyOx pretax income or loss.
	The Company has determined that HMP's interest in ThirtyOx is not individually significant to its consolidated balance sheet and income statement and therefore believes it is not required to provide additional disclosures regarding its involvement with this joint venture.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
	In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-08, Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360)-Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity. Under the new guidance, discontinued operations reporting will be limited to disposal transactions that represent strategic shifts having a major effect on operations and financial results. The amended guidance also enhances disclosures and requires assets and liabilities of a discontinued operation to be classified as such for all periods presented in the financial statements. Public entities will apply the amended guidance prospectively to all disposals occurring within annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014 and interim periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted under generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). Due to the change in requirements for reporting discontinued operations described above, presentation and disclosures of future disposal transactions after adoption may be different than under current standards. The Company believes that the adoption of this guidance will not have any impact on the Company's financial position and results of operations.
	In May 2014, the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) jointly issued ASU No. 2014-9, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue and develops a common revenue standard for GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services. The ASU is effective for public entities for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is not permitted under GAAP and retrospective application is permitted, but not required. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance on its financial position and results of operations.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements-Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40) - Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern, which requires entities to evaluate their ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued. Disclosure is required if there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. The guidance in ASU No. 2014-15 is effective for annual and interim periods ending after December 15, 2016 with early application permitted. The Company does not expect that the adoption of this ASU will have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.
	There have been no other recently issued accounting updates that had a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Components of net sales	The components of net sales for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:
		2014		2013		2012
	Zinc and nickel material goods	$	372,661	$	363,075	$	360,072
	Service fee revenue	73,494		73,423		69,347
	Other	7,782		5,438		6,247
		$	453,937	$	441,936	$	435,666
The estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment	The estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment are as follows:
	Buildings, land and building improvements	3 - 40 years
	Machinery and equipment	3 - 30 years

Acquisition_of_Business_Tables

Acquisition of Business (Tables) (MZP [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
MZP [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block]	The purchase price was allocated as follows:
		Final November 16, 2012
	Cash	$	100
	Accounts receivable	117
	Inventories	1,577
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	11
	Property, plant and equipment	1,369
	Intangible assets	1,080
	Total identifiable assets purchased	$	4,254
	Accounts payable	$	324
	Deferred income taxes	1,048
	Total liabilities assumed	$	1,372
	Net assets purchased	$	2,882
	Purchase price, net of working capital adjustment	$	1,101
	Gain on bargain purchase	$	1,781

Restructuring_Expenses_Tables

Restructuring Expenses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost	The Company recorded a charge of $7,691 during the fourth quarter of 2013 and an additional charge of $288 during 2014 for severance and other employee-related costs associated with the closing of the Monaca, Pennsylvania facility.
	Accrual at October 31, 2013	$	7,517
	Adjustments to previously recorded restructuring charges	174
	Cash payments	(9		)
	Accrual at December 31, 2013	7,682
	Adjustments to previously recorded restructuring charges	288
	Cash payments	(7,509		)
	Remaining accrual at December 31, 2014	$	461

Cash_and_Cash_Equivalents_Tabl

Cash and Cash Equivalents (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and cash equivalents consisted of the following at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		2014		2013
	Cash in bank	$	30,497	$	136,110
	Money market demand account	217		217
		$	30,714	$	136,327

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventories	Inventories consisted of the following at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		2014		2013
	Raw materials	$	17,493	$	12,053
	Work-in-process	2,847		5,120
	Finished goods	21,885		40,468
	Supplies and spare parts	12,783		11,935
		$	55,008	$	69,576

Prepaid_Expenses_and_Other_Cur1

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current [Abstract]
Schedule of Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets	Prepaid expenses and other current assets consisted of the following at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		2014		2013
	Refundable income taxes	$	—	$	2,017
	Prepaid hedge contracts	—		191
	Other	3,755		3,056
		$	3,755	$	5,264

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_T

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following at December 31, 2014 and 2013.
		2014			2013
	Land and land improvements	$	50,117		$	21,879
	Buildings and building improvements	96,904			27,758
	Machinery and equipment	736,815			196,760
	Construction in progress	33,556			546,519
		917,392			792,916
	Less accumulated depreciation	(118,299		)	(84,666		)
		$	799,093		$	708,250

Intangible_Assets_Tables

Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Intangible assets, net	Intangible assets consisted of the following at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		2014			2013
	Customer contracts	$	10,915		$	10,915
	Customer relationships	2,068			2,068
	Non-compete agreements	789			789
	Trademark	812			812
	Technology	930			930
		15,514			15,514
	Less accumulated amortization	(5,322		)	(4,246		)
		$	10,192		$	11,268

Deferred_Finance_Costs_and_Oth1

Deferred Finance Costs and Other (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Deferred Finance Costs and Other	Deferred finance costs and other at December 31, 2014 and 2013 consisted of the following:
		2014		2013
	Deferred finance costs	$	8,042	$	8,903
	Other	1,220		738
		$	9,262	$	9,641

LongTerm_Debt_Tables

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-Term Debt	Long-term debt consisted of the following at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		2014		2013
	Loan Payable, related to New Market Tax Credit program	$	255	$	255
	3.80% Convertible Senior Notes due July 2017, net of debt discount	89,448		85,814
	10.50% Senior Secured Notes due June 2017, including the debt premium	205,169		193,734
	9.00% Senior Unsecured Notes due July 2017	40,000		—
	ABL Facility, interest payable at variable rates	14,830		31,500
	Zochem Credit Facility, interest payable at variable rates	19,400		10,000
	INMETCO Credit Facility, interest payable at variable rates	20,000		15,000
	Credit Agreement, interest payable at variable rates	19,958		21,335
		409,060		357,638
	Less portion currently payable	3,044		2,870
		$	406,016	$	354,768
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt	Aggregate future maturities of long-term debt are as follows:
	Year Ending December 31,
	2015	$	3,044
	2016	57,529
	2017	348,044
	2018	3,044
	2019	3,044
	Thereafter	4,738
		$	419,443

Accrued_Expenses_Tables

Accrued Expenses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Schedule of Accrued Expenses	Accrued expenses at December 31, 2014 and 2013 consisted of the following:
		2014		2013
	Employee related costs	$	5,717	$	9,165
	EAF dust processing reserve	3,684		2,395
	Workers’ compensation insurance claim liabilities	1,500		1,800
	Unearned tolling revenue	2,434		2,616
	Accrued electric	418		4,189
	Accrued interest	4,473		4,136
	Restructuring accrual	461		7,682
	Unearned contractual services	3,976		—
	Other	12,982		12,775
		$	35,645	$	44,758

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign	The components of loss before income taxes for the years ending December 31 are as follows:
		2014			2013			2012
	United States	$	(41,984	)	$	(29,355	)	$	(50,758	)
	Canada	13,554			7,941			3,403
		$	(28,430	)	$	(21,414	)	$	(47,355	)
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	The components of income tax benefit for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:
		2014			2013			2012
	Current provision (benefit)
	Federal	$	—		$	—		$	(472	)
	State and local	1,072			1,154			1,426
	Foreign	2,294			1,271			646
		3,366			2,425			1,600
	Deferred (benefit) provision:
	Federal	(12,681		)	(10,888		)	(17,441		)
	State and local	(4,385		)	457			(1,204		)
	Foreign	726			551			117
		(16,340		)	(9,880		)	(18,528		)
	Income tax benefit	$	(12,974	)	$	(7,455	)	$	(16,928	)
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	The reconciliation between income tax benefit and the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% to loss before income taxes is as follows:
		2014			2013			2012
	Income taxes at statutory rate	$	(9,950	)	$	(7,495	)	$	(16,574	)
	State and local income taxes, net of federal tax effect	(2,093		)	1,047			147
	Executive compensation	364			230			489
	Research and development credit	(80		)	(139		)	—
	Gain on acquisition	—			—			(624		)
	Foreign rate differential	(1,256		)	(794		)	—
	Other	41			(304		)	(366		)
	Income tax benefit	$	(12,974	)	$	(7,455	)	$	(16,928	)
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	The components of the Company's net deferred tax asset (liability) at December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
		2014			2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Accrued fringe benefits	104			$	790
	Prepaid hedge contracts	90			539
	Stock compensation	4,628			3,837
	State tax credits	2,197			2,197
	State net operating loss carry forward	7,534			3,617
	Federal net operating loss carry forward	49,003			14,120
	Inventory	1,205			624
	Accrued workers compensation	901			542
	Partnership allocations	70			2,097
	Other	7,563			6,999
	Gross deferred tax asset	73,295			35,362
	Valuation reserve	(2,706		)	(2,935		)
	Net deferred tax asset	70,589			32,427
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Property, plant and equipment	(67,452		)	(44,130		)
	Deferred financing costs	(4,090		)	(5,742		)
	Intangible assets	(704		)	(884		)
	Other	(1,694		)	(1,378		)
	Total deferred tax liabilities	(73,940		)	(52,134		)
	Net deferred tax liability	$	(3,351	)	$	(19,707	)
Deferred Tax Assets Net Classification	The above deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2014 and 2013 have been included in the Company's consolidated balance sheets as follows:
		2014			2013
	Current deferred tax asset	$	5,251		$	6,337
	Current deferred tax liability	—			—
	Net current deferred tax asset	5,251			6,337
	Non-current deferred tax asset	—			—
	Non-current deferred tax liability	(8,602		)	(26,044		)
	Net non-current deferred tax liability	(8,602		)	(26,044		)
	Net deferred tax liability	$	(3,351	)	$	(19,707	)

Other_LongTerm_Liabilities_Tab

Other Long-Term Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Other Long-Term Liabilities	Other long-term liabilities at December 31, 2014 and 2013 consisted of the following:
		2014		2013
	Environmental obligations	$	620	$	644
	Insurance claim liabilities	7,753		7,195
	Asset retirement obligations	4,775		4,452
	Deferred purchase price obligation	3,769		3,988
	Other	1,374		1,508
		$	18,291	$	17,787

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Tables

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of net periodic benefit costs	Net periodic benefit costs for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
		2014				2013			2012
	Components of net periodic benefit cost:
	Service Cost	$	135			$	256		$	183
	Interest Cost	188				202			176
	Expected return on plan assets	(260		)		(257		)	(214		)
	Amortization of Losses	(19		)		—			—
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	44			$	201		$	145
Schedule of changes in the funded status of pension plans	The change in the funded status of the pension plans for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
		2014				2013
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Benefit obligation at beginning of period	$	4,439			$	5,400
	Service Cost	135				256
	Interest Cost	188				202
	Actuarial (gains) losses	550				(800		)
	Currency translation	(370		)		(338		)
	Benefits paid	(366		)		(281		)
	Benefit obligation at end of year	$	4,576			$	4,439
	Change in plan assets:
	Plan assets at beginning of period	$	4,839			$	4,612
	Expected return on plan assets	260				257
	Employer contribution	159				182
	Actuarial gains (losses)	461				357
	Currency translation	(404		)		(288		)
	Benefits paid	(366		)		(281		)
	Plan assets at the end of year	$	4,949			$	4,839
	Funded status of Plan	$	373			$	400
	Amounts recognized in the balance sheet consist of:
	Noncurrent assets - see Footnote O - Deferred finance costs and other	$	373			$	400
Expected benefit payments for pension benefits	Benefit payments for pension benefits, which are primarily funded by the pension plan are expected to be paid as follows:
	2015	$	173
	2016	176
	2017	169
	2018	173
	2019	187
	2020 - 2022	1,005
Summary of weighted average assumptions	The weighted average assumptions as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		2014			2013
	Discount rate	4	%		4.75	%
	Expected return on plan assets	6	%		6	%
	Hourly plan - average salary increase rate	0	%		0	%
	Salaried plan - average salary increase rate*	2.5	%		2.5	%
	* per year plus a merit scale
Weighted average asset allocation for company's pension plans	The weighted average asset allocation for the Company’s pension plans at December 31, 2014 by asset category is as follows:
	Equity securities	63.9	%
	Debt securities	20.8	%
	Cash and other	15.3	%
		100	%
Company's pension plan assets at fair value	The following table sets forth the Company’s pension plan assets at fair value as of December 31, 2014. All of the assets are considered to be within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
	Canadian large cap securities	$	1,712
	United States equity securities	1,450
	Canadian fixed income	876
	Cash	752
	Other	159
		$	4,949

ShareBased_Compensation_Tables

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stock Option Plan 2004 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Schedule of option activity	The following summarizes the activity under the 2004 Plan:
		Number of shares	Exercise Price
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2011	138	$	1.01
	Exercised in 2012	138	1.01
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2012	—
Stock Option Plan 2006 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Schedule of option activity	The following summarizes the stock option activity under the 2006 Plan:
		Number of shares	Exercise Price
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2011	658	$	13
	Canceled in 2012	3	13
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2012	655	$	13
	Exercised in 2013	—	—
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2013	655	$	13
	Exercised in 2014	72	13
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2014	583	$	13
Schedule of restricted stock units activity	The following summarizes the restricted stock units under the 2006 Plan:
		Number of shares	Exercise Price
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2011	724	$	9.39
	Granted in 2012	348	9.94
	Vested in 2012	142	7.9
	Forfeited in 2012	9	11.99
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2012	921	$	9.81
	Vested in 2013	197	8.05
	Forfeited in 2013	88	10.03
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2013	636	$	10.32
	Vested in 2014	214	8.99
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2014	422	$	10.99
Plan Two Thousand Twelve [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Schedule of restricted stock units activity	The following summarizes the restricted stock units under the 2012 Plan:
		Number of shares	Exercise Price
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2012	—
	Granted in 2013	383	$	15.1
	Forfeited in 2013	7	15.57
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2013	376	$	15.1
	Granted in 2014	242	23.04
	Vested in 2014	36	10.52
	Forfeited in 2014	3	23.75
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2014	579	$	18.66

Accounting_for_Derivative_Inst1

Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Gains and Losses Resulting from Company's Hedging Activities	The gains and losses resulting from the Company’s hedging activities are recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as indicated in the table below:
		2014			2013			2012
	(Losses) gains included in net sales:
	Options	$	(3	)	$	(3,079	)	$	(31,136	)
	Swaps	1,383			302			2,094
	Total gains (losses) resulting from hedging activities	$	1,380		(2,777		)	$	(29,042	)
Schedule of Fair Value of Swap Contracts and Put Options	The fair value of the swap contracts and put options at December 31, 2014 and 2013 are listed in the table below.
	Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
		2014			2013
	Options and swaps included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	—		$	191
	Swaps included in Accrued expenses	$	375		$	1,585

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Information Used to Compute Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share	The information used to compute basic and diluted loss per share is as follows:
		2014			2013				2012
	Basic loss per share:
	Net loss	$	(15,456	)	$	(13,959	)		$	(30,427	)
	Weighted average shares outstanding – basic	50,682			45,160				43,841
	Basic loss per share	$	(0.30	)	$	(0.31	)		$	(0.69	)
	Diluted loss per share:
	Net loss	$	(15,456	)	$	(13,959	)		$	(30,427	)
	Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted	50,682			45,160				43,841
	Diluted loss per share	$	(0.30	)	$	(0.31	)		$	(0.69	)
	Reconciliation of average shares outstanding – basic to average shares outstanding – diluted:
	Weighted average shares outstanding – basic	50,682			45,160				43,841
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Options	—			—				—
	Convertible Notes	—			—				—
	Restricted stock units	—			—				—
	Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted	50,682			45,160				43,841
Schedule of Anti-dilutive Shares Excluded from Earnings Per Share Calculation
	Anti-dilutive shares excluded from earnings per share calculation
		Exercise Price			2014			2013			2012
	Options	$	13		598			655			655
	Convertible Notes	15			713			—			—
	Restricted Stock Units				1,025			1,107			999
	Total				2,336			1,762			1,654

Commitments_Tables

Commitments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases	Future minimum lease payments under these non-cancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2014 are as follows:
	Years Ending December 31,
	2015	$	4,780
	2016	4,325
	2017	2,858
	2018	1,500
	2019	1,178
	Thereafter	1,146
		$	15,787

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Components of accumulated other comprehensive loss consisted of the following at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		2014		2013
	Cumulative translation adjustments	$	30	$	30
	Net pension adjustment (net of income tax of $159 and $204 in 2014 and 2013, respectively)	504		637
	Accumulated other comprehensive income	$	534	$	667

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D1

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Selected Quarterly Financial Information
		Quarter Ended
		31-Dec			30-Sep			30-Jun			31-Mar
	2014
	Sales	$	106,630		$	110,978		$	126,265		$	110,064
	Cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization)	94,793			104,206			116,075			100,000
	Depreciation and amortization	11,910			10,528			8,115			4,853
	Net (loss) income	$	(4,055	)	$	(7,010	)	$	(5,120	)	$	729
	(Loss) income per common share:
	Basic	$	(0.08	)	$	(0.14	)	$	(0.10	)	$	0.01
	Diluted	$	(0.08	)	$	(0.14	)	$	(0.10	)	$	0.01
	2013
	Sales	$	103,627		$	109,591		$	110,456		$	118,262
	Cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization)	112,063			102,755			99,978			100,013
	Depreciation and amortization	8,104			7,123			7,347			7,104
	Net (loss) income	$	(12,444	)	$	(3,515	)	$	(828	)	$	2,828
	(Loss) income per common share:
	Basic	$	(0.26	)	$	(0.08	)	$	(0.02	)	$	0.06
	Diluted	$	(0.26	)	$	(0.08	)	$	(0.02	)	$	0.06

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Information	The following table presents information regarding the Company’s new segment presentation:
	The Year Ended December 31, 2014	Horsehead			Zochem		INMETCO		Corporate, eliminations			Total
									and other
	Net sales	$	256,609		$	144,685	$	54,090	$	(1,447	)	$	453,937
	(Loss) income before income taxes	(37,189		)	13,554		13,906		(18,701		)	(28,430		)
	The Year Ended December 31, 2013	Horsehead			Zochem		INMETCO		Corporate, eliminations			Total
									and other
	Net sales	$	311,914		$	78,342	$	53,638	$	(1,958	)	$	441,936
	(Loss) income before income taxes	(40,934		)	7,941		12,535		(956		)	(21,414		)
	The Year Ended December 31, 2012	Horsehead			Zochem		INMETCO		Corporate, eliminations			Total
									and other
	Net sales	$	314,462		$	66,370	$	56,833	$	(1,999	)	$	435,666
	(Loss) income before income taxes	(60,168		)	3,403		15,048		(5,638		)	(47,355		)
	31-Dec-14	Horsehead			Zochem		INMETCO		Corporate, eliminations			Total
									and other
	Property, plant and equipment	$	741,128		$	26,281	$	31,684	$	—		$	799,093
	Capital Expenditures	101,044			8,474		1,307		—			110,825
	Total assets	841,954			69,706		59,306		2,551			973,517
	31-Dec-13	Horsehead			Zochem		INMETCO		Corporate, eliminations			Total
									and other
	Property, plant and equipment	$	655,475		$	19,429	$	33,346	$	—		$	708,250
	Capital Expenditures	297,968			11,059		2,771		—			311,798
	Total assets	788,281			55,060		58,735		103,236			1,005,312

Insurance_Recoveries_Tables

Insurance Recoveries (Tables) (INMETCO facility [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
INMETCO facility [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Schedule of costs and insurance recoveries	The cost and insurance recoveries are summarized in the table below:
		2013		2012		Total
	Property damage insurance recovery	$	2,450	$	1,500	$	3,950
	Cost of clean-up and repairs	129		148		277
	Write off of fixed assets	—		236		236
	Gain related to insurance recovery included in cost of sales	$	2,321	$	1,116	$	3,437
	(excluding depreciation and amortization)
	Insurance proceeds related to fixed assets	$	1,791	$	1,264
	Costs capitalized	$	1,791	$	2,276

Guarantor_Financial_Informatio1

Guarantor Financial Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Consolidated Balance Sheets	Horsehead Holding Corp. and Subsidiaries
	CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
	December 31, 2014
	(Amounts in thousands)
		Issuer			Guarantors			Non-			Eliminations			Total
								Guarantors						Consolidated
	ASSETS
	Current assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	3,166		$	15,354		$	12,194		$	—		$	30,714
	Accounts receivable, net of allowance	—			40,656			19,740			(154		)	60,242
	Inventories, net	—			43,085			11,923			—			55,008
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1			10,672			55			(6,973		)	3,755
	Deferred income taxes	—			5,227			24			—			5,251
	Total current assets	3,167			114,994			43,936			(7,127		)	154,970
	Property, plant and equipment, net				745,612			53,481			—			799,093
	Other assets
	Intangible assets	—			10,098			94			—			10,192
	Investment in and advances to subsidiaries	743,463			(609,021		)	(1,083		)	(133,359		)	—
	Deferred finance costs and other	21,457			2,140			611			(14,946		)	9,262
	Total other assets	764,920			(596,783		)	(378		)	(148,305		)	19,454
	Total assets	$	768,087		$	263,823		$	97,039		$	(155,432	)	$	973,517
	LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	Current liabilities
	Current maturities of long-term debt	$	—		$	3,044		$	—		$	—		$	3,044
	Accounts payable	—			57,913			9,975			(154		)	67,734
	Accrued expenses	3,994			35,702			2,816			(6,867		)	35,645
	Total current liabilities	3,994			96,659			12,791			(7,021		)	106,423
	Long-term debt, less current maturities	334,617			51,744			34,584			(14,929		)	406,016
	Other long-term liabilities	—			17,883			408			—			18,291
	Deferred income taxes	—			6,642			1,960			—			8,602
	Commitments and contingencies
	Stockholders’ equity
	Common stock	507			—			—			—			507
	Preferred stock	—			—			—			—			—
	Additional paid-in capital	313,815			41,653			—			(41,653		)	313,815
	Retained earnings	115,154			45,290			46,762			(91,829		)	115,377
	Accumulated other comprehensive income	—			—			534			—			534
	Total stockholders’ equity before noncontrolling interest	429,476			86,943			47,296			(133,482		)	430,233
	Noncontrolling interest	—			3,952			—			—			3,952
	Total stockholders’ equity	429,476			90,895			47,296			(133,482		)	434,185
	Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	768,087		$	263,823		$	97,039		$	(155,432	)	$	973,517
	Horsehead Holding Corp. and Subsidiaries
	CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
	December 31, 2013
	(Amounts in thousands)
		Issuer			Guarantors			Non-			Eliminations			Total
								Guarantors						Consolidated
	ASSETS
	Current assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	101,449		$	26,782		$	8,096		$	—		$	136,327
	Accounts receivable, net of allowance	—			46,163			12,915			(429		)	58,649
	Inventories, net	—			54,550			15,026			—			69,576
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	8			10,205			7			(4,956		)	5,264
	Deferred income taxes	—			6,319			18			—			6,337
	Total current assets	101,457			144,019			36,062			(5,385		)	276,153
	Property, plant and equipment, net	—			660,161			48,089			—			708,250
	Other assets
	Intangible assets	—			11,100			168			—			11,268
	Investment in and advances to subsidiaries	599,444			(435,470		)	(5,444		)	(158,530		)	—
	Deferred finance costs and other	22,194			1,774			703			(15,030		)	9,641
	Total other assets	621,638			(422,596		)	(4,573		)	(173,560		)	20,909
	Total assets	$	723,095		$	381,584		$	79,578		$	(178,945	)	$	1,005,312
	LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	Current liabilities
Current maturities of long-term debt	$	—		$	2,870		$	—		$	—		$	2,870
Accounts payable	—			104,015			10,605			(429		)	114,191
Accrued expenses	3,606			42,386			3,617			(4,851		)	44,758
Total current liabilities	3,606			149,271			14,222			(5,280		)	161,819
Long-term debt, less current maturities	279,549			64,963			25,184			(14,928		)	354,768
Other long-term liabilities	—			17,427			360			—			17,787
Deferred income taxes	—			24,802			1,242			—			26,044
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity
Common stock	504			—			—			—			504
Preferred stock	—			—			—			—			—
Additional paid-in capital	308,825			41,654			—			(41,654		)	308,825
Retained earnings	130,611			79,402			37,903			(117,083		)	130,833
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	—			—			667			—			667
Total stockholders’ equity before noncontrolling interest	439,940			121,056			38,570			(158,737		)	440,829
Noncontrolling interest	—			4,065			—			—			4,065
Total stockholders’ equity	439,940			125,121			38,570			(158,737		)	444,894
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	723,095		$	381,584		$	79,578		$	(178,945	)	$	1,005,312
Schedule of Consolidated Statements of Operations	Horsehead Holding Corp. and Subsidiaries
	CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
	For the year ended December 31, 2014
	(Amounts in thousands)
		Issuer			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Total
														Consolidated
	Net sales of zinc material and other goods	$	—		$	214,802		$	144,685		$	—		$	359,487
	Net sales of nickel-based material and other services	—			54,090			—			(70		)	54,020
	EAF dust service fees	—			41,807			—			(1,377		)	40,430
	Net sales	—			310,699			144,685			(1,447		)	453,937
	Cost of sales of zinc material and other goods	—			221,505			126,846			(70		)	348,281
	Cost of sales of nickel-based material and other services	—			34,222			—			(1,377		)	32,845
	Cost of EAF dust services	—			33,660			—			—			33,660
	Restructuring expenses	—			288			—			—			288
	Cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization)	—			289,675			126,846			(1,447		)	415,074
	Depreciation and amortization	—			32,250			3,156			—			35,406
	Selling, general and administrative expenses	1,540			20,211			2,398			—			24,149
	Total costs and expenses	1,540			342,136			132,400			(1,447		)	474,629
	(Loss) income from operations	(1,540		)	(31,437		)	12,285			—			(20,692		)
	Equity in (loss) income of subsidiaries, net of taxes	3,331			—			—			(3,331		)	—
	Other income (expense)
	Interest expense	(18,181		)	(2,919		)	(1,534		)	954			(21,680		)
	Interest and other income	934			12,497			1,379			(868		)	13,942
	Total other income (expense)	(17,247		)	9,578			(155		)	86			(7,738		)
	(Loss) income before income taxes	(15,456		)	(21,859		)	12,130			(3,245		)	(28,430		)
	Income tax (benefit) provision	—			(16,135		)	3,161			—			(12,974		)
	NET (LOSS) INCOME	$	(15,456	)	$	(5,724	)	$	8,969		$	(3,245	)	$	(15,456	)
	Horsehead Holding Corp. and Subsidiaries
	CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
	For the year ended December 31, 2013
	(Amounts in thousands)
		Issuer			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Total
														Consolidated
	Net sales of zinc material and other goods	$	—		$	267,298		$	78,342		$	(842	)	$	344,798
	Net sales of nickel-based material and other services	—			53,520			—			—			53,520
	EAF dust service fees	—			43,618			—			—			43,618
	Net sales	—			364,436			78,342			(842		)	441,936
	Cost of sales of zinc material and other goods	—			271,331			67,342			(842		)	337,831
	Cost of sales of nickel-based material and other services	—			36,868			—			—			36,868
	Cost of EAF dust services	—			34,869			—			—			34,869
	Restructuring expenses	—			7,691			—			—			7,691
	Insurance claim income	—			(2,450		)	—			—			(2,450		)
	Cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization)	—			348,309			67,342			(842		)	414,809
	Depreciation and amortization	—			27,281			2,397			—			29,678
	Selling, general and administrative expenses	1,433			18,520			2,254			—			22,207
	Total costs and expenses	1,433			394,110			71,993			(842		)	466,694
	(Loss) income from operations	(1,433		)	(29,674		)	6,349			—			(24,758		)
	Equity in (loss) income of subsidiaries, net of taxes	(12,917		)	—			—			12,917			—
	Other income (expense)
	Interest expense	(700		)	(1,695		)	(1,290		)	957			(2,728		)
	Interest and other income	1,091			4,407			1,445			(871		)	6,072
	Total other income (expense)	391			2,712			155			86			3,344
	(Loss) income before income taxes	(13,959		)	(26,962		)	6,504			13,003			(21,414		)
	Income tax (benefit) provision	—			(9,322		)	1,867			—			(7,455		)
	NET (LOSS) INCOME	$	(13,959	)	$	(17,640	)	$	4,637		$	13,003		$	(13,959	)
	Horsehead Holding Corp. and Subsidiaries
	CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
	For the year ended December 31, 2012
	(Amounts in thousands)
		Issuer			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Total
														Consolidated
	Net sales of zinc material and other goods	$	—		$	270,899		$	66,370		$	(945	)	$	336,324
	Net sales of nickel-based material and other services	—			56,745			—			—			56,745
	EAF dust service fees	—			42,597			—			—			42,597
Net sales	—			370,241			66,370			(945		)	435,666
Cost of sales of zinc material and other goods	—			304,910			60,181			(945		)	364,146
Cost of sales of nickel-based material and other services	—			36,841			—			—			36,841
Cost of EAF dust services	—			33,070			—			—			33,070
Insurance claim income	—			(1,500		)	—			—			(1,500		)
Cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization)	—			373,321			60,181			(945		)	432,557
Depreciation and amortization	—			24,238			1,955			—			26,193
Selling, general and administrative expenses	1,311			17,375			2,196			—			20,882
Total costs and expenses	1,311			414,934			64,332			(945		)	479,632
(Loss) income from operations	(1,311		)	(44,693		)	2,038			—			(43,966		)
Equity in (loss) income of subsidiaries, net of taxes	(24,704		)	—			—			24,704			—
Other income (expense)
Interest expense	(5,713		)	(2,046		)	(1,059		)	954			(7,864		)
Gain on bargain purchase of a business	—			1,781			—			—			1,781
Interest and other income	1,301			1,270			992			(869		)	2,694
Total other income (expense)	(4,412		)	1,005			(67		)	85			(3,389		)
(Loss) income before income taxes	(30,427		)	(43,688		)	1,971			24,789			(47,355		)
Income tax (benefit) provision	—			(17,725		)	797			—			(16,928		)
NET (LOSS) INCOME	$	(30,427	)	$	(25,963	)	$	1,174		$	24,789		$	(30,427	)
Schedule of Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Horsehead Holding Corp. and Subsidiaries
	CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
	For the year ended December 31, 2014
	(Amounts in thousands)
		Issuer			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Total
														Consolidated
	Net (loss) income	$	(15,456	)	$	(5,724	)	$	8,969		$	(3,245	)	$	(15,456	)
	Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
	Net pension liability adjustment	—			—			(133		)	—			(133		)
	Comprehensive (loss) income	$	(15,456	)	$	(5,724	)	$	8,836		$	(3,245	)	$	(15,589	)
	Horsehead Holding Corp. and Subsidiaries
	CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
	For the year ended December 31, 2013
	(Amounts in thousands)
		Issuer			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Total
														Consolidated
	Net (loss) income	$	(13,959	)	$	(17,640	)	$	4,637		$	13,003		$	(13,959	)
	Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
	Net pension liability adjustment	—			—			911			—			911
	Comprehensive (loss) income	$	(13,959	)	$	(17,640	)	$	5,548		$	13,003		$	(13,048	)
	Horsehead Holding Corp. and Subsidiaries
	CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
	For the year ended December 31, 2012
	(Amounts in thousands)
		Issuer			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Total
														Consolidated
	Net (loss) income	$	(30,427	)	$	(25,963	)	$	1,174		$	24,789		$	(30,427	)
	Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
	Foreign currency translation adjustment	—			—			302			—			302
	Net pension liability adjustment	—			—			(288		)	—			(288		)
	Comprehensive (loss) income	$	(30,427	)	$	(25,963	)	$	1,188		$	24,789		$	(30,413	)
Schedule of Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow	Horsehead Holding Corp. and Subsidiaries
	CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOW
	For the year ended December 31, 2014
	(Amounts in thousands)
		Issuer			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Total
														Consolidated
	Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
	Net (loss) income	$	(15,456	)	$	(5,724	)	$	8,969		$	(3,245	)	$	(15,456	)
	Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
	Depreciation and amortization	—			32,250			3,156			—			35,406
	Deferred income tax provision	—			(17,068		)	712			—			(16,356		)
	Accretion on debt	3,766			—			—			—			3,766
	Accretion on ESOI liabilities	—			431			—			—			431
	Amortization of deferred finance costs	2,389			314			140			(84		)	2,759
	Losses on write down or disposal of assets	—			915			—			—			915
	Losses on writedown of inventory supplies	—			456			—			—			456
	Losses on derivative financial instruments	—			(1,085		)	31			—			(1,054		)
	Lower of cost or market adjustment to inventories	—			3,561			—			—			3,561
	Non-cash compensation expense	372			4,396			—			—			4,768
	Capitalization of interest	(14,248		)	(647		)	—			—			(14,895		)
	Equity in (income) loss of subsidiaries, net of taxes	(3,331		)	—			—			3,331			—
	Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
	Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable, net	—			5,542			(6,825		)	(275		)	(1,558		)
	Increase in inventories, net	—			7,448			3,103			—			10,551
	Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other current assets	7			1,358			(48		)	—			1,317
	(Increase) decrease in deferred finance costs and other	—			(2,543		)	(108		)	2,017			(634		)
	(Decrease) increase in accounts payable	—			(46,102		)	(630		)	275			(46,457		)
	Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses	388			(5,439		)	(832		)	(2,019		)	(7,902		)
	Increase (decrease) in other long-term liabilities	—			(325		)	48			—			(277		)
	Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	(26,113		)	(22,262		)	7,716			—			(40,659		)
	Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
	Purchase of property, plant and equipment	—			(102,351		)	(8,474		)	—			(110,825		)
	Investment in and advances (to) from subsidiaries	(122,043		)	126,401			(4,358		)	—			—
	Net cash used in investing activities.	(122,043		)	24,050			(12,832		)	—			(110,825		)
	Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
	Proceeds from the issuance of debt	51,300			—			—			—			51,300
	Distributions to noncontrolling interest equity holders	—			—			(113		)	—			(113		)
	Borrowings on the Credit Facilities	—			23,750			9,574			—			33,324
	Repayments on the Credit Facilities	—			(35,420		)	(174		)	—			(35,594		)
	Debt issuance costs	(1,652		)	(172		)	(73		)	—			(1,897		)
	Borrowings on Credit Agreement	—			1,555			—			—			1,555
	Repayments on the Credit Agreement	—			(2,929		)	—			—			(2,929		)
	Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	941			—			—			—			941
	Tax effect of share based compensation award exercise and vesting	(33		)	—			—			—			(33		)
	Restricted stock withheld for taxes	(683		)	—			—			—			(683		)
	Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	49,873			(13,216		)	9,214			—			45,871
	Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(98,283		)	(11,428		)	4,098			—			(105,613		)
	Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	101,449			26,782			8,096			—			136,327
	Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	3,166		$	15,354		$	12,194		$	—		$	30,714
	Horsehead Holding Corp. and Subsidiaries
	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
	For the year ended December 31, 2013
	(Amounts in thousands)
		Issuer			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Total
														Consolidated
	Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
	Net (loss) income	$	(13,959	)	$	(17,640	)	$	4,637		$	13,003		$	(13,959	)
	Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
	Depreciation and amortization	—			27,281			2,397			—			29,678
	Gain on insurance recovery related to fixed assets	—			(1,791		)	—			—			(1,791		)
	Deferred income tax provision	—			(10,435		)	573			—			(9,862		)
	Accretion on debt	3,727			—			—			—			3,727
	Accretion on ESOI liabilities	—			445			—			—			445
	Amortization of deferred finance costs	2,114			249			117			(86		)	2,394
Losses on write down or disposal of assets	—			10,050			—			—			10,050
Losses on write down of inventory supplies	—			2,738			—			—			2,738
Losses (gains) on derivative financial instruments	—			5,696			23			—			5,719
Lower of cost or market adjustment to inventories	—			3,739			—			—			3,739
Non-cash compensation expense	380			2,829			—			—			3,209
Capitalization of interest	(28,550		)	(888		)	—			—			(29,438		)
Equity in loss (income) of subsidiaries, net of taxes	12,917			—			—			(12,917		)	—
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable, net	—			3,923			(2,934		)	349			1,338
(Increase) in inventories, net	—			(7,521		)	(6,865		)	—			(14,386		)
Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other current assets	21			3,800			3			(425		)	3,399
(Increase) decrease in deferred finance costs and other	—			(125		)	28			—			(97		)
(Decrease) increase in accounts payable	(93		)	26,530			4,164			(349		)	30,252
Increase in accrued expenses	112			9,434			2,696			425			12,667
Increase in other long-term liabilities	—			2,173			—			—			2,173
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	(23,331		)	60,487			4,839			—			41,995
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	—			(300,739		)	(11,059		)	—			(311,798		)
Insurance proceeds related to fixed assets	—			1,791			—			—			1,791
Investment in and advances (to) from subsidiaries	(191,243		)	191,415			(172		)	—			—
Net cash used in investing activities.	(191,243		)	(107,533		)	(11,231		)	—			(310,007		)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from the issuance of debt	21,300			—			—			—			21,300
Distributions to noncontrolling interest equity holders	—			—			(114		)	—			(114		)
Borrowings on the Credit Facilities	—			51,000			23,500			—			74,500
Repayments on the Credit Facilities	—			(4,500		)	(13,500		)	—			(18,000		)
Debt Issuance Costs	(358		)	(141		)	(25		)	—			(524		)
Borrowings on the Credit Agreement	—			13,358			—			—			13,358
Repayments on the Credit Agreement	—			(1,866		)	—			—			(1,866		)
Tax effect of share based compensation award exercise and vesting	(19		)	—			—			—			(19		)
Restricted stock withheld for taxes	(411		)	—			—			—			(411		)
Net proceeds from the issuance of stock	71,996			—			—			—			71,996
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	92,508			57,851			9,861			—			160,220
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(122,066		)	10,805			3,469			—			(107,792		)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	223,515			15,977			4,627			—			244,119
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	101,449		$	26,782		$	8,096		$	—		$	136,327
Horsehead Holding Corp. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the year ended December 31, 2012
(Amounts in thousands)
	Issuer			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Total
													Consolidated
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net (loss) income	$	(30,427	)	$	(25,963	)	$	1,174		$	24,789		$	(30,427	)
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	—			24,238			1,955			—			26,193
Gain on bargain purchase of a business	—			(1,781		)	—			—			(1,781		)
Gain on insurance recovery related to fixed assets	—			(1,264		)	—			—			(1,264		)
Deferred income tax provision	—			(17,572		)	319			(991		)	(18,244		)
Accretion on debt	3,288			—			—			—			3,288
Accretion on ESOI liabilities	—			772			—			—			772
Amortization of deferred finance costs	1,126			109			85			(85		)	1,235
Losses on write down or disposal of assets	—			25,936			—			—			25,936
Losses (gains) on derivative financial instruments	—			30,809			(167		)	—			30,642
Lower of cost or market adjustment to inventories	—			1,421			—			—			1,421
Non-cash compensation expense	336			2,141			—			—			2,477
Capitalization of interest	(10,464		)	—			—			—			(10,464		)
Equity in loss (income) of subsidiaries, net of taxes	24,704			—			—			(24,704		)	—
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable, net	—			2,860			(908		)	(68		)	1,884
(Increase) in inventories, net	—			(6,115		)	(1,611		)	—			(7,726		)
(Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets	(8		)	3,222			18			(3,125		)	107
Increase in deferred finance costs and other	—			6			—			—			6
(Decrease) Increase in accounts payable	(4		)	43,108			1,285			68			44,457
Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses	1,953			(6,893		)	(788		)	4,116			(1,612		)
(Decrease) increase in other long-term liabilities	—			(2,762		)	94			—			(2,668		)
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	(9,496		)	72,272			1,456			—			64,232
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	—			(181,641		)	(2,900		)	—			(184,541		)
Insurance proceeds related to fixed assets	—			1,264			—			—			1,264
Acquisitions	—			(400		)	—			—			(400		)
Decrease in restricted cash	—			2,500			—			—			2,500
Investment in and advances (to) from subsidiaries	(97,297		)	96,863			434			—			—
Net cash used in investing activities.	(97,297		)	(81,414		)	(2,466		)	—			(181,177		)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from the issuance of debt	171,829			—			—			—			171,829
Distributions to noncontrolling interest equity holders	—			—			(113		)	—			(113		)
Debt Issuance Costs	(7,725		)	(1,248		)	(102		)	—			(9,075		)
Borrowings on the Credit Agreement	—			9,841			—			—			9,841
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	138			—			—			—			138
Tax effect of share based compensation award exercise and vesting	(82		)	—			—			—			(82		)
Restricted stock withheld for taxes	(275		)	—			—			—			(275		)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	163,885			8,593			(215		)	—			172,263
Foreign currency impact on cash balance	—			—			301			—			301
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	57,092			(549		)	(924		)	—			55,619
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	166,423			16,526			5,551			—			188,500
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	223,515		$	15,977		$	4,627		$	—		$	244,119

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures	$2,000,000								$2,000,000
Components of net sales
Net sales	106,630,000	110,978,000	126,265,000	110,064,000	103,627,000	109,591,000	110,456,000	118,262,000	453,937,000	441,936,000	435,666,000
Zinc and nickel material goods [Member]
Components of net sales
Net sales									372,661,000	363,075,000	360,072,000
Service fee revenue [Member]
Components of net sales
Net sales									73,494,000	73,423,000	69,347,000
Other [Member]
Components of net sales
Net sales									$7,782,000	$5,438,000	$6,247,000

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 1)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Maximum [Member] | Buildings, land and building improvements [Member]
The estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	40 years
Maximum [Member] | Machinery and equipment [Member]
The estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	30 years
Minimum [Member] | Buildings, land and building improvements [Member]
The estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	3 years
Minimum [Member] | Machinery and equipment [Member]
The estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	3 years

Summary_of_Significant_Account5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2011
	Broker
	Location
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Real Estate Investments, Unconsolidated Real Estate and Other Joint Ventures	$552,000
Maturities of highly liquid investments	90 days or less
Account receivable, uncollectable accounts	61,000	0
Recovered of previously written off balances	0	3,000
(Benefit) Provision for bad debt expense	-122,000	-19,000	45,000
Number of company locations	3
Amount recognized in financial statements	greater than 50 percent
Number of different brokers	4
Cash paid for net interest	28,743,000	24,721,000	10,753,000
Cash paid for interest, capitalized	13,942,000	23,809,000	9,906,000
Cash paid for income taxes	$1,041,000	$2,584,000	$4,348,000
One Major Customer [Member] | Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Sales Revenue, Goods, Net [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Number of major customers	1
Concentration risk, percentage	11.00%
One Major Customer [Member] | Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Accounts Receivable [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Number of major customers	1
Concentration risk, percentage	17.00%
Ten Largest Customers [Member] | Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Sales Revenue, Goods, Net [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Number of major customers	10
Concentration risk, percentage	44.00%			34.00%	37.00%
Ten Largest Customers [Member] | Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Accounts Receivable [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Number of major customers	10
Concentration risk, percentage	46.00%	36.00%

Equity_Offering_Details

Equity Offering (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Equity [Abstract]
Shares issued in public offering (in shares)	6,325
Shares issued in public offering, underwriter option (in shares)	825
Shares issued in public offering, offering price per share (in dollars per share)	$12
Shares issued in public offering, value	$75,900
Shares issued in public offering, underwriting discounts and commissions	3,416
Shares issued in public offering, other offering costs	488
Net proceeds from the issuance of stock	$71,996	$0	$71,996	$0

Functional_Currency_Change_Det

Functional Currency Change (Details Textual) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Functional Currency Change (Textual) [Abstract]
Cumulative translation adjustments	$30	$30

Acquisition_of_Business_Detail

Acquisition of Business (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Nov. 16, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Assets [Abstract]
Gain on bargain purchase	$0	$0	$1,781
MZP [Member]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Assets [Abstract]
Cash				100
Accounts receivable				117
Inventories				1,577
Prepaid expenses and other current assets				11
Property, plant and equipment				1,369
Intangible assets				1,080
Total identifiable assets purchased				4,254
Accounts payable				324
Deferred income taxes				1,048
Total liabilities assumed				1,372
Net assets purchased				2,882
Purchase price, net of working capital adjustment				1,101
Gain on bargain purchase				$1,781	$1,781

Acquisition_of_Business_Detail1

Acquisition of Business (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Nov. 16, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net sales	$106,630	$110,978	$126,265	$110,064	$103,627	$109,591	$110,456	$118,262	$453,937	$441,936	$435,666
Gain on bargain purchase									0	0	1,781
MZP [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business combination estimated consideration transferred												1,101
Business acquisition purchase price paid												500
Business combination, contingent consideration liability												1,270
Contingent consideration fee based on tons shipped maximum												1,500
Net sales													1,759
Net Income													1,614
Gain on bargain purchase												1,781	1,781
Contingent consideration, reduction of estimated liability	$0				$257				$0	$257

Restructuring_Expenses_Details

Restructuring Expenses (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2015	Oct. 30, 2013
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Adjustments to previously recorded restructuring charges		$288,000	$7,691,000	$0
Expected exit and disposal costs incurred		2,600,000
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		7,682,000				7,517,000
Adjustments to previously recorded restructuring charges	174,000	288,000
Cash payments	-9,000	-7,509,000
Ending balance	7,682,000	461,000	7,682,000			7,517,000
Facility Closing
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Adjustments to previously recorded restructuring charges	7,691,000	288,000
Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related activities, liability not recognized					$600,000

Asset_WriteDowns_and_Disposals1

Asset Write-Downs and Disposals (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Asset Write Downs and Disposals (Textual) [Abstract]
Impairment charges		$15,966,000
Write-down resulted in a reduction in cost	41,644,000	33,981,000
Accumulated depreciation	32,295,000	18,015,000
Loss on disposition of property plant equipment			915,000	701,000	631,000
Cost of assets disposed			1,751,000	3,550,000	1,187,000
Accumulated depreciation of assets disposed			836,000	2,849,000	556,000
Smelting Operation [Member]
Asset Write Downs and Disposals (Textual) [Abstract]
Useful lives of the assets related to the smelting operation						2 years
Monaca Pennsylvania facility [Member]
Asset Write Downs and Disposals (Textual) [Abstract]
Impairment charges	9,349,000			44,451,000				6,065,000	3,274,000	9,797,000
Write-down resulted in a reduction in cost								8,268,000	5,955,000
Accumulated depreciation								2,203,000	2,681,000
Reduced useful life of an asset							15 months
Net book value of asset	$5,000,000		$1,200,000	$5,000,000

New_Markets_Tax_Credit_Program1

New Markets Tax Credit Program Financing (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 08, 2009
	Guaranteed_payment
New Markets Tax Credit Program Financing (Textual) [Abstract]
Percentage of guaranteed payment on equity securities	2.00%
Purchase options	$360		$360
Equity issuance costs		838
Net proceeds of non-controlling interest		4,472
Number of guaranteed payments	5
Noncontrolling interest	3,952		4,065
Equity investment maturity period	7 years
Long-term debt, less current maturities	406,016		354,768
Banc of America CDE III, LLC and CCM Community Development IV LLC [Member]
New Markets Tax Credit Program Financing (Textual) [Abstract]
Equity investment	5,670
NMTC [Member]
New Markets Tax Credit Program Financing (Textual) [Abstract]
NMTC funds for expansion				5,925
Investment purchase period NMTC fund	7 years
Long-term debt, less current maturities	$255

Cash_and_Cash_Equivalents_Sche

Cash and Cash Equivalents (Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash in bank	$30,497	$136,110
Money market demand account	217	217
Total cash and cash equivalents	$30,714	$136,327	$244,119	$188,500

Cash_and_Cash_Equivalents_Addi

Cash and Cash Equivalents (Additional Information) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Bank	Bank
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Number of U.S. banks in which Company's cash balance concentrated (bank)	3	3
Number of Canadian banks in which Company's cash balance concentrated (bank)	1	1
Cash held at foreign institution	$12,194
Money market demand account interest rate (percent)	0.15%	0.20%

Inventories_Schedule_of_Invent

Inventories (Schedule of Inventories) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Raw materials	$17,493	$12,053
Work-in-process	2,847	5,120
Finished goods	21,885	40,468
Supplies and spare parts	12,783	11,935
Total Inventories	$55,008	$69,576

Inventories_Additional_Informa

Inventories (Additional Information) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Reserves for slow moving inventory		$6,164	$5,562	$6,164
Provision for Slow Moving Inventory			-34	3,807	-573
Lower of cost or market adjustment to inventories	$456	$2,738	$3,561	$3,739	$1,421

Prepaid_Expenses_and_Other_Cur2

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets (Schedule of Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current [Abstract]
Refundable income taxes	$0	$2,017
Prepaid hedge contracts	0	191
Other	3,755	3,056
Total prepaid expenses and other current assets	$3,755	$5,264

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_S

Property, Plant and Equipment (Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Land and land improvements	$50,117	$21,879
Buildings and building improvements	96,904	27,758
Machinery and equipment	736,815	196,760
Construction in progress	33,556	546,519
Property, plant and equipment, Gross	917,392	792,916
Less accumulated depreciation	-118,299	-84,666
Property, plant and equipment, Net	$799,093	$708,250

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_A

Property, Plant and Equipment (Additional Information) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			42 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014
Depreciation and Amortization Expenses for Property Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Sale or Disposal of Property, Plant and Equipment	$34,326	$28,176	$25,270
New Zinc Facility [Member]
Depreciation and Amortization Expenses for Property Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Capitalization of interest expenses	14,895	29,438	10,464
Net capitalized interest expense				$55,394

Intangible_Assets_Details

Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Intangible assets, net
Intangible assets, gross	$15,514	$15,514
Less accumulated amortization	-5,322	-4,246
Intangible assets, net	10,192	11,268
Customer contracts [Member]
Intangible assets, net
Intangible assets, gross	10,915	10,915
Customer relationships [Member]
Intangible assets, net
Intangible assets, gross	2,068	2,068
Non-compete agreement [Member]
Intangible assets, net
Intangible assets, gross	789	789
Trademark [Member]
Intangible assets, net
Intangible assets, gross	812	812
Technology [Member]
Intangible assets, net
Intangible assets, gross	$930	$930

Intangible_Assets_Details_Text

Intangible Assets (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Nov. 16, 2012
Intangible Assets (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Amortization of intangible assets	$1,080	$1,502	$917
Amortize amount for 2015	740
Amortize amount for 2016	740
Amortize amount for 2017	740
Amortize amount for 2018	740
Amortize amount for 2019	740
MZP [Member]
Intangible Assets (Textual) [Abstract]
Intangible assets related to the MZP acquisition				$1,080
Customer contracts [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Intangible Assets (Textual) [Abstract]
Useful lives	20 years
Customer contracts [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Intangible Assets (Textual) [Abstract]
Useful lives	15 years
Customer relationships [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Intangible Assets (Textual) [Abstract]
Useful lives	20 years
Customer relationships [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Intangible Assets (Textual) [Abstract]
Useful lives	15 years
Trademark [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Intangible Assets (Textual) [Abstract]
Useful lives	20 years
Trademark [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Intangible Assets (Textual) [Abstract]
Useful lives	3 years
Non-compete agreement [Member]
Intangible Assets (Textual) [Abstract]
Useful lives	17 years
Technology [Member]
Intangible Assets (Textual) [Abstract]
Useful lives	10 years
Customer relationship and technology [Member] | MZP [Member]
Intangible Assets (Textual) [Abstract]
Useful lives				18 months

Restricted_Cash_Details

Restricted Cash (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Restricted cash	$2,500

Deferred_Finance_Costs_and_Oth2

Deferred Finance Costs and Other (Schedule of Deposits and Other) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Deferred finance costs	$8,042	$8,903
Other	1,220	738
Deferred Costs and Other Assets	$9,262	$9,641

LongTerm_Debt_Schedule_of_Long

Long-Term Debt (Schedule of Long-Term Debt) (Details)

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jul. 27, 2011

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jul. 27, 2011

Jul. 29, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jul. 26, 2012

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Convertible Notes [Member]

Convertible Notes [Member]

Convertible Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Convertible Senior Notes [Member]

Convertible Senior Notes [Member]

10.50% Senior Secured Notes Due 2017 [Member]

10.50% Senior Secured Notes Due 2017 [Member]

10.50% Senior Secured Notes Due 2017 [Member]

ABL Facility [Member]

ABL Facility [Member]

Inmetco Senior Secured Revolving Credit Agreement [Member]

9.00% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2017 [Member]

9.00% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2017 [Member]

2014 Zochem Facility [Member]

2014 Zochem Facility [Member]

Inmetco Facility [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

CAD

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Loan payable

$255,000

$255,000

Convertible senior notes, net of debt discount

89,448,000

85,814,000

Senior secured notes, net of debt discount

205,169,000

193,734,000

Senior unsecured notes

100,000,000

100,000,000

175,000,000

40,000,000

0

Line of credit facility, amount outstanding

14,830,000

31,500,000

Long-term line of credit

20,000,000

19,400,000

10,000,000

15,000,000

Credit Agreement, interest payable at variable rates

19,958,000

21,335,000

Long term debt

409,060,000

357,638,000

Less portion currently payable

3,044,000

2,870,000

Long-term debt, less current maturities

$406,016,000

$354,768,000

Maturity date of convertible note

1-Jul-17

Maturity of senior secured notes

1-Jun-17

Debt interest rate (percent)

3.80%

10.50%

3.80%

3.80%

10.50%

10.50%

10.50%

LongTerm_Debt_Convertible_Seni

Long-Term Debt (Convertible Senior Notes) (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 27, 2011	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Convertible notes issued	$100,000,000
Conversion price (dollars per share)	$15
Debt issuance costs		-1,897,000	-524,000	-9,075,000
Amortization of deferred finance costs		2,759,000	2,394,000	1,235,000
Convertible Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Convertible notes issued	100,000,000
Interest on convertible note (percent)	3.80%
Proceeds from the issuance of convertible notes	100,000,000
Issuance cost	3,481,000
Conversion rate	0.0666667
Principal amount of convertible notes (shares)	6,666.67
Conversion price (dollars per share)	$15
Percentage of principal amount of convertible notes to repurchase (percent)	100.00%
Fair value of the liability component of the convertible notes	78,174,000
Nonconvertible rate (percent)	8.50%
Carrying amount of the embedded conversion option	21,826,000
Embedded conversion options, deferred taxes	8,805,000
Debt issuance costs	-2,721,000
Amortization of deferred finance costs		460,000	460,000	460,000
Remaining issuance costs accounted for as equity issuance	760,000
Interest expense includes the contractual interest coupon		7,433,000	7,139,000	6,867,000
Interest expense includes the contractual interest coupon (percent)		3.80%
Effective interest rate (percent)		8.50%
Carrying amount of the convertible notes		89,448,000	85,814,000
Unamortized discount of the convertible notes		10,552,000	14,186,000
Carrying amount of the equity component		6,052,000	8,028,000
Accumulated accretion related to the equity component		6,969,000	4,993,000
Fair value of the convertible notes		$122,000,000	$127,000,000

LongTerm_Debt_Revolving_Credit

Long-Term Debt (Revolving Credit and Security Agreement) (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Sep. 28, 2011	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 22, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amortization of deferred finance costs			$2,759,000	$2,394,000	$1,235,000
ABL Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior secured revolving credit facility term (years)		5 years
Senior secured revolving credit facility aggregate principal amount		60,000,000				60,000
Maximum principal amount of revolving credit agreement		30,000,000
Line of credit facility, additional capacity during availability period	10,000
Letters of credit outstanding under the revolving credit agreement			7,562,000
Outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit agreement			14,830,000	31,500,000
Undrawn availability under the revolving credit agreement			3,469,000
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate during Availability Period		1.50%
Applicable Margin Plus Eurodollar Rate during Availability Period		3.00%
Debt instrument, letter of credit fee		3.00%
Fronting fee to the issuing bank (percent)		0.25%
Minimum percentage of advances considered for customary event of default		66.67%
Applicable rate plus additional (percent)		2.00%
Increased in letter of credit fee (percent)		2.00%
Minimum fixed charge coverage ratio contains in revolving credit agreement		1.15
Minimum undrawn availability of line of credit within any business day (days)		10,000,000
Minimum undrawn availability of line of credit within consecutive five business day		12,500,000
Number of business days (days)		5 days
Issuance cost		590,000
Amortization of deferred finance costs			$122,000	$90,000	$86,000
Minimum [Member] | ABL Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable interest rate (percent)		0.25%
Range of revolving credit agreement, plus an applicable margin based on average undrawn availability (percent)		1.75%
Debt instrument, letter of credit fee		1.75%
Rate of fee to the issuing bank/Unused line fee to the lenders (percent)		0.25%
Maximum [Member] | ABL Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable interest rate (percent)		1.00%
Range of revolving credit agreement, plus an applicable margin based on average undrawn availability (percent)		2.50%
Debt instrument, letter of credit fee		2.50%
Increased in letter of credit fee (percent)		0.75%
Rate of fee to the issuing bank/Unused line fee to the lenders (percent)		0.38%

LongTerm_Debt_Senior_Secured_N

Long-Term Debt (Senior Secured Notes) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jul. 29, 2014	Jul. 26, 2012	Jun. 04, 2013	Jul. 27, 2011	Jun. 03, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Convertible notes issued							$100,000,000
Senior secured notes outstanding	409,060,000	357,638,000
Carrying amount of the senior secured note	205,169,000	193,734,000
Amortization of deferred finance costs	2,759,000	2,394,000	1,235,000
Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest on convertible note (percent)				10.50%
Senior Secured Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance cost	8,415,000
Interest expense includes the contractual interest coupon (percent)	10.50%			10.50%
Interest expense related to Senior Secured Notes	21,053,000	19,986,000	8,130,000
Senior secured notes outstanding	205,000,000
Debt instrument redemption price first (percent)					105.25%
Maximum percentage amount redeemable of aggregate principal (percent)					35.00%
Debt instrument redemption price second (percent)					110.50%
Carrying amount of the senior secured note	205,169,000	193,734,000
Unamortized discount of the convertible notes	169,000	1,266,000
Fair value of the senior secured notes	224,000,000	214,000,000
Amortization of deferred finance costs	1,736,000	1,652,000	666,000
2013 Additional Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Convertible notes issued								20,000
Additional Senior secured notes issue price of par value (percent)								106.50%
Received proceeds from the offering						21,300,000
Issuance cost						345,000
Net proceeds from the offering						20,955,000
Effective interest rate (percent)		8.60%
Debt Premium								1,300,000
Interest expense includes the contractual interest coupon (percent)						10.50%
Ten Point Five Zero Percentage Senior Secured Notes Due Two Zero One Seven [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Convertible notes issued					175,000,000
Interest on convertible note (percent)	10.50%	10.50%			10.50%
Additional Senior secured notes issue price of par value (percent)					98.19%
Received proceeds from the offering					171,829,000
Issuance cost					7,732,000
Net proceeds from the offering					164,097,000
Ten Point Five Zero Percentage Senior Secured Notes Due Two Zero One Seven [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest on convertible note (percent)					10.50%
Received proceeds from the offering					171,829,000
Debt discount of senior secured notes					3,171,000
Effective interest rate (percent)			11.00%
Ten Point Five Zero Percentage Senior Secured Notes Due Two Zero One Seven [Member] | 2014 Additional Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Convertible notes issued				10,000
Additional Senior secured notes issue price of par value (percent)				113.00%
Received proceeds from the offering				11,300,000
Issuance cost				338,000
Net proceeds from the offering				10,962,000
Effective interest rate (percent)	5.50%
Debt Premium				1,300

LongTerm_Debt_Credit_Agreement

Long-Term Debt (Credit Agreement) (Details)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Aug. 28, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Aug. 28, 2012
	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	Credit Agreement [Member]	Credit Agreement [Member]	Credit Agreement [Member]	Credit Agreement [Member]	Credit Agreement [Member]
				USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	EUR (€)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement remaining borrowing capacity				$25,805,000				€ 18,583,000
Payment for the premium of the insurance				968,000
Basis spread on variable interest rate (percent)				3.20%
Commitment fee on the undrawn amount of the credit agreement (percent)				0.50%
Outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit agreement					19,958,000
Current portion of amounts due					3,044,000
Undrawn availability under the revolving credit agreement					2,020,000
Maximum debt to equity ratio				1.21
Issuance cost				1,248,000
Amortization of deferred finance costs	$2,759,000	$2,394,000	$1,235,000		$141,000	$141,000	$24,000

LongTerm_Debt_Zochem_Revolving

Long-Term Debt (Zochem Revolving Credit and Security Agreement) (Details)

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Apr. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2014

Apr. 29, 2014

Apr. 29, 2014

Dec. 21, 2012

Dec. 21, 2012

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

2014 Zochem Facility [Member]

2014 Zochem Facility [Member]

2014 Zochem Facility [Member]

2014 Zochem Facility [Member]

2014 Zochem Facility [Member]

2014 Zochem Facility [Member]

2014 Zochem Facility [Member]

2014 Zochem Facility [Member]

Zochem Facility [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

CAD

USD ($)

CAD

CAD

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Senior secured revolving credit facility aggregate principal amount

$20,000

20,000

15,000

Senior secured revolving credit facility period

29 months

Maximum principal amount of revolving credit agreement

5,000

Outstanding borrowings

10,000,000

19,400,000

Undrawn availability under the revolving credit agreement

0

Applicable margin based on average undrawn availability (percent)

1.00%

Applicable margin plus eurodollar rate (percent)

2.50%

2.50%

Debt instrument, letter of credit fee

2.50%

2.50%

Fronting fee to the issuing bank (percent)

0.25%

Rate of fee to the issuing bank/Unused line fee to the lenders (percent)

0.75%

Minimum percentage of advances considered for customary event of default

66.67%

Applicable rate plus additional (percent)

2.00%

2.00%

Increased in letter of credit fee (percent)

2.00%

Minimum fixed charge coverage ratio

1.15

1.15

Issuance cost

176,000

Amortization of deferred finance costs

$2,759,000

$2,394,000

$1,235,000

$55,000

$30,000

$0

LongTerm_Debt_INMETCO_Senior_S

Long-Term Debt (INMETCO Senior Secured Revolving Credit Agreement) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 24, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amortization of deferred finance costs	$2,759,000	$2,394,000	$1,235,000
Inmetco Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior secured revolving credit facility aggregate principal amount				15,000	20,000
Senior secured revolving credit facility period				3 years
Outstanding borrowings	20,000,000
Undrawn availability under the revolving credit agreement	0
Fronting fee to the issuing bank (percent)				0.38%
Percentage of fronting fee to the issuing bank equal to maximum principal amount (percent)				0.50%
Maximum cash flow leverage ratio				2.001
Minimum tangible net worth				15,000,000
Minimum net profit requirement				100,000
Issuance cost				151,000
Amortization of deferred finance costs	$51,000	$21,000
Inmetco Facility [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable interest rate (percent)				2.00%

LongTerm_Debt_Unsecured_Notes_

Long-Term Debt (Unsecured Notes) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jul. 29, 2014	Jul. 27, 2011
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior unsecured notes					$100,000,000
Amortization of deferred finance costs	2,759,000	2,394,000	1,235,000
Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt interest rate (percent)				10.50%
Senior Notes [Member] | 9.00% Senior Notes due 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior unsecured notes				40,000
Debt interest rate (percent)				9.00%
Senior unsecured notes issue price				100.00%
Net proceeds from the offering				38,686,000
Issuance cost				1,314,000
Debt instrument redemption price first (percent)				104.50%
Maximum percentage amount redeemable of aggregate principal (percent)				35.00%
Debt instrument redemption price second (percent)				109.00%
Amortization of deferred finance costs	193,000
Fair value of the senior unsecured notes	$40,000,000

LongTerm_Debt_Other_Details

Long-Term Debt (Other) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	Facility	Facility
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2015	3,044
2016	57,529
2017	348,044
2018	3,044
2019	3,044
Thereafter	4,738
Long-term Debt	419,443
ABL and Zochem [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Letters of credit outstanding under the revolving credit agreement	7,926	10,109
ABL Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Letters of credit outstanding under the revolving credit agreement	7,562
Surety Bond [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of bonds outstanding (surety bond)	3	3
Amount collateralize closure bonds for two of the company	11,213	11,213
Pennsylvania [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of facilities (facility)	3	3

Accrued_Expenses_Schedule_of_A

Accrued Expenses (Schedule of Accrued Expenses) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Oct. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Employee related costs	$5,717	$9,165
EAF dust processing reserve	3,684	2,395
Workers’ compensation insurance claim liabilities	1,500	1,800
Unearned tolling revenue	2,434	2,616
Accrued electric	418	4,189
Accrued interest	4,473	4,136
Restructuring accrual	461	7,682	7,517
Unearned contractual services	3,976	0
Other	12,982	12,775
Accrued expenses	$35,645	$44,758

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Components of (loss) income before income taxes
United States	($41,984)	($29,355)	($50,758)
Canada	13,554	7,941	3,403
(Loss) income before income taxes	($28,430)	($21,414)	($47,355)

Income_Taxes_Details_1

Income Taxes (Details 1) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current provision (benefit)
Federal	$0	$0	($472)
State and local	1,072	1,154	1,426
Foreign	2,294	1,271	646
Current provision (benefit)	3,366	2,425	1,600
Deferred (benefit) provision:
Federal	-12,681	-10,888	-17,441
State and local	-4,385	457	-1,204
Foreign	726	551	117
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Including Reclassifications	-16,340	-9,880	-18,528
Income tax (benefit) provision	($12,974)	($7,455)	($16,928)

Income_Taxes_Details_2

Income Taxes (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Reconciliation between income tax (benefit) expense and the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% to income before income taxes
Income taxes at statutory rate	($9,950)	($7,495)	($16,574)
State and local income taxes, net of federal tax effect	-2,093	1,047	147
Executive compensation	364	230	489
Research and development credit	-80	-139	0
Gain on acquisition	0	0	-624
Foreign rate differential	-1,256	-794	0
Other	41	-304	-366
Income tax (benefit) provision	($12,974)	($7,455)	($16,928)

Income_Taxes_Details_3

Income Taxes (Details 3) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred tax assets:
Accrued fringe benefits	$104	$790
Prepaid hedge contracts	90	539
Stock compensation	4,628	3,837
State tax credits	2,197	2,197
State net operating loss carry forward	7,534	3,617
Federal net operating loss carry forward	49,003	14,120
Inventory	1,205	624
Accrued workers compensation	901	542
Partnership allocations	70	2,097
Other	7,563	6,999
Gross deferred tax asset	73,295	35,362
Valuation reserve	2,706	2,935
Net deferred tax asset	70,589	32,427
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property, plant and equipment	67,452	44,130
Deferred financing costs	4,090	5,742
Intangible assets	704	884
Other	1,694	1,378
Total deferred tax liabilities	73,940	52,134
Net deferred tax liability	($3,351)	($19,707)

Income_Taxes_Details_4

Income Taxes (Details 4) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred tax assets, net, classification
Current deferred tax asset	$5,251	$6,337
Current deferred tax liability	0	0
Net current deferred tax asset	5,251	6,337
Non-current deferred tax asset	0	0
Non-current deferred tax liability	-8,602	-26,044
Net non-current deferred tax liability	-8,602	-26,044
Net deferred tax liability	($3,351)	($19,707)

Income_Taxes_Details_Textual

Income Taxes (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Statutory federal income tax rate, percent	35.00%
Effective tax rates	45.60%	34.80%	35.80%
Operating Loss Carryforwards	$144,296
Federal net operating loss carry forward benefits	49,003,000	14,120,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Share-based Compensation Cost	4,286
Federal net operating loss carry forward benefits expire date	2031
State net operating loss carryforward	7,534,000	3,617,000
State net operating loss carry forward benefits, expire start	2015
Valuation allowance	393,000	755,000
Valuation reserve	132,000
Unrecognized tax benefits	0	0
Income Tax Examination, Penalties and Interest Expense	0	0	0
Minimum [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Income tax examination, year under examination	2009
State [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Valuation reserve	2,180,000	2,180,000
State investment tax credit benefits	$2,196,000	$2,196,000

Other_LongTerm_Liabilities_Sch

Other Long-Term Liabilities (Schedule of Other Long-Term Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Environmental obligations	$620	$644
Insurance claim liabilities	7,753	7,195
Asset retirement obligations	4,775	4,452
Deferred purchase price obligation	3,769	3,988
Other	1,374	1,508
Total other long term liabilities	$18,291	$17,787

Other_LongTerm_Liabilities_Det

Other Long-Term Liabilities (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2009
		Asset_Liability
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Discounted net present value of these costs using an undiscounted obligation		$1,262,000	$1,344,000
Discount rate		6.00%	6.00%
Environmental obligations related to Bartlesville, current liability		44,000
Workers' compensation insurance claim liabilities		1,500,000	1,800,000
Number of Existing assets and liabilities related to asset retirement obligation		3
Depreciation expense associated with the capitalized costs		134,000	134,000	134,000
Expense associated with accreting liability		323,000	300,000	280,000
Year of payment deferred asset purchase price obligations		2025
Security amount for fixed portion						4,000,000
Payment into escrow account						4,000,000
Amount of the security reduced					2,500,000
Fixed discounted rate		8.40%
Variable discounted rate		12.00%
Payments for upfront fee	1,500,000
Rate at which the renegotiated variable payments were discounted	13.30%
Net present value of the payments		4,419,000
Net present value of the payments, which is recorded as a current liability		650,000
Ellwood City Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long lived asset cost		744,000
Long lived asset amortized and accreted period		20 years
Monaca Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long lived asset cost		632,000
Long lived asset amortized and accreted period		18 years
Additional long lived asset		815,000
Long lived asset amortized and accreted period		10 years
Palmerton Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long lived asset cost		206,000
Long lived asset amortized and accreted period		25 years
OKLAHOMA [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Environmental obligations related to Bartlesville		$664,000

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Details

Employee Benefit Plans (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Service Cost	$135	$256	$183
Interest Cost	188	202	176
Expected return on plan assets	-260	-257	-214
Amortization of Losses	-19	0	0
Net periodic benefit cost	$44	$201	$145

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Details1

Employee Benefit Plans (Details 1) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of period	$4,439	$5,400
Service Cost	135	256	183
Interest Cost	188	202	176
Actuarial (gains) losses	550	-800
Currency translation	-370	-338
Benefits paid	-366	-281
Benefit obligation at end of year	4,576	4,439	5,400
Change in plan assets:
Plan assets at beginning of period	4,839	4,612
Expected return on plan assets	260	257	214
Employer contribution	159	182
Actuarial gains (losses)	461	357
Currency translation	-404	-288
Benefits paid	-366	-281
Plan assets at the end of year	4,949	4,839	4,612
Funded status of Plan	373	400
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet consist of:
Noncurrent assets - see Footnote O - Deferred finance costs and other	$373	$400

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Details2

Employee Benefit Plans (Details 2) (Pension plan [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Pension plan [Member]
Expected benefit payments for pension benefits
2015	$173
2016	176
2017	169
2018	173
2019	187
2020 - 2022	$1,005

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Details3

Employee Benefit Plans (Details 3)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of weighted average assumptions
Discount rate	4.00%	4.75%
Expected return on plan assets	6.00%	6.00%
Hourly Plan [Member]
Summary of weighted average assumptions
Average salary increase rate	0.00%	0.00%
Salaried Plan [Member]
Summary of weighted average assumptions
Average salary increase rate	2.50%	2.50%

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Details4

Employee Benefit Plans (Details 4)	Dec. 31, 2014
Weighted average asset allocation for the Company's pension plans
Weighted average asset allocation	100.00%
Equity securities [Member]
Weighted average asset allocation for the Company's pension plans
Weighted average asset allocation	63.90%
Debt securities [Member]
Weighted average asset allocation for the Company's pension plans
Weighted average asset allocation	20.80%
Cash and Other [Member]
Weighted average asset allocation for the Company's pension plans
Weighted average asset allocation	15.30%

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Details5

Employee Benefit Plans (Details 5) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Company's pension plan assets at fair value
Pension plan assets	$4,949	$4,839	$4,612
Canadian large cap securities [Member]
Company's pension plan assets at fair value
Pension plan assets	1,712
Equity Securities [Member]
Company's pension plan assets at fair value
Pension plan assets	1,450
Canadian fixed income [Member]
Company's pension plan assets at fair value
Pension plan assets	876
Cash [Member]
Company's pension plan assets at fair value
Pension plan assets	752
Other [Member]
Company's pension plan assets at fair value
Pension plan assets	$159

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Details6

Employee Benefit Plans (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of defined contribution plan	2
Employee's deferral contribution	4.00%
Number of days for eligibility of hourly employees	90 days
Service period required for employers contribution	1 year
Employers contribution in percentage	3.00%
Employer matching contribution	50.00%
Percentage of employee's deferral contribution based on compensation	4.00%
Expense related to the plan	$44	$201	$145
Defined benefit plan, future amortization of gain (loss)	47
Accumulated benefit obligation for benefit pension plans	4,576
Expected contributions	168
Discount rate	4.00%	4.75%
Salaried Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Provisions for all contributions	1,058	1,081	1,046
Hourly Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Provisions for all contributions	$911	$1,546	$1,536
Employee Turnover Rate, Minimum for Partial Plan Termination, Percent	20.00%
Partial Plan Termination, Accrued Benefits Vested, Percent	100.00%
Active Employee [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of employees covered under the plan	31
Retired Employee [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of employees covered under the plan	31

ShareBased_Compensation_Detail

Share-Based Compensation (Details) (Stock Option Plan 2004 [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Stock Option Plan 2004 [Member]
Number of shares
Beginning balance (in shares)		0
Stock option exercised (in shares)	138
Ending balance (in shares)	138	0
Exercise Price
Beginning balance (in dollars per share)			$1.01
Exercised in period (in dollars per share)	$1.01

ShareBased_Compensation_Detail1

Share-Based Compensation (Details 1) (Stock Option Plan 2006 [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Stock Option Plan 2006 [Member]
Number of shares
Beginning balance (in shares)	655	655	658
Stock options canceled (in shares)			3
Stock option exercised (in shares)	72	0
Ending balance (in shares)	583	655	655
Exercise Price
Beginning balance (in dollars per share)	$13	$13	$13
Canceled in period (in dollars per share)			$13
Exercised in period (in dollars per share)	$13	$0
Ending balance (in dollars per share)	$13	$13	$13

ShareBased_Compensation_Detail2

Share-Based Compensation (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Number of shares
Granted (in shares)	133
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Ending balance (in dollars per share)	$16.11
2006 Plan [Member] | Restricted stock units [Member]
Number of shares
Beginning balance (in shares)	636	921	724
Granted (in shares)			348
Vested (in shares)	214	197	142
Forfeited (in shares)		88	9
Ending balance (in shares)	422	636	921
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Beginning balance (in dollars per share)	$10.32	$9.81	$9.39
Granted (in dollars per share)			$9.94
Vested (in dollars per share)	$8.99	$8.05	$7.90
Forfeited (in dollars per share)		$10.03	$11.99
Ending balance (in dollars per share)	$10.99	$10.32	$9.81

ShareBased_Compensation_Detail3

Share-Based Compensation (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Number of shares
Granted (in shares)	133
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Ending balance (in dollars per share)	$16.11
2012 Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Number of shares
Beginning balance (in shares)	376	0
Granted (in shares)	242	383
Forfeited (in shares)	3	7
Vested (in shares)	36
Ending balance (in shares)	579	376
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Beginning balance (in dollars per share)	$15.10
Granted (in dollars per share)	$23.04	$15.10
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$23.75	$15.57
Vested (in dollars per share)	$10.52
Ending balance (in dollars per share)	$18.66	$15.10

ShareBased_Compensation_2004_a

Share-Based Compensation (2004 and 2006 Plans) (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended				0 Months Ended
Share data in Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Jan. 16, 2007
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	$941,000	$0	$138,000
Stock Option Plan Two Thousand Four [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of options outstanding			0	138
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options			138,000
Stock option exercised (in shares)				138
Issuance of stock option exercise price				$1.01
Stock Option Plan Two Thousand Six [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of options outstanding	583	655	655	658
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	941,000
Authorized issuance of options					1,085
Stock option exercised (in shares)	72	0
Issuance of stock option exercise price	$13	$13	$13	$13
Share based compensation expenses			51,000
Aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding	1,648,000
Fair value at the date of grant for stock options					$6.28
Risk-free interest rate					5.15%
Expected volatility					40.00%
Expected life of option					6 years 3 months
Expected dividends					0
Forfeiture rate					0.00%
Stock Option Plan Two Thousand Six [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options term					10 years
Stock Option Plan Two Thousand Six [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock option vesting period					5 years
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average remaining contractual term of outstanding options	2 years 0 months 15 days
Forfeiture rate					0.00%
Restricted Stock [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average remaining contractual term of outstanding restricted stock units	2 years 9 months
Restricted Stock [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average remaining contractual term of outstanding restricted stock units	29 days
2006 Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share based compensation expenses	1,405,000	1,313,000	2,426,000
Stock option vesting period					5 years
Number of restricted stock vested	214	197	142
Restricted stock vested intrinsic value	3,553,000	2,109,000	1,626,000
Unrecognized compensation expense	1,493,000
Compensation expense recognized, 2015	1,036,000
Compensation expense recognized, 2016	447,000
Compensation expense recognized, 2017	$10,000
Restricted stock units outstanding	422	636	921	724

ShareBased_Compensation_2012_P

Share-Based Compensation (2012 Plan) (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
Share data in Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 16, 2007	17-May-12
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of restricted stock units granted	133
Average grant date fair value of restricted stock units	$16.11
Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award requisite service period	1 year
Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award requisite service period	5 years
Plan Two Thousand Twelve [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock, capital shares reserved for future issuance				2,700
Risk-free interest rate	0.08%	0.04%
Expected dividends		$0
Forfeiture rate		0.00%
Plan Two Thousand Twelve [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average remaining contractual term of outstanding restricted stock units	1 year
Plan Two Thousand Twelve [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average remaining contractual term of outstanding restricted stock units	4 years 9 months 15 days
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Forfeiture rate			0.00%
Restricted Stock [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average remaining contractual term of outstanding restricted stock units	29 days
Restricted Stock [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average remaining contractual term of outstanding restricted stock units	2 years 9 months
2012 Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share based compensation expenses	3,363,000	1,897,000
Unrecognized compensation expense	5,931,000
Compensation expense recognized, 2015	3,016,000
Compensation expense recognized, 2016	1,843,000
Compensation expense recognized, 2017	712,000
Compensation expense recognized, 2018	357,000
Compensation expense recognized, 2019	$3,000
Management [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of restricted stock units granted	109	174
Average grant date fair value of restricted stock units	$31.15	$20.62

Accounting_for_Derivative_Inst2

Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Schedule of Gains and Losses Resulting from Company's Hedging Activities) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
(Losses) gains included in net sales:
Gain (loss) on derivative, net	$1,380	($2,777)	($29,042)
Options [Member]
(Losses) gains included in net sales:
Gain (loss) on derivative, net	-3	-3,079	-31,136
Swaps [Member]
(Losses) gains included in net sales:
Gain (loss) on derivative, net	$1,383	$302	$2,094

Accounting_for_Derivative_Inst3

Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Schedule of Fair Value of Swap Contracts and Put Options) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Options and swaps included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets.	$0	$191
Level 2 [Member] | Options and Swaps [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Options and swaps included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets.	0	191
Level 2 [Member] | Swaps [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Swaps included in Accrued expenses	$375	$1,585

Accounting_for_Derivative_Inst4

Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Additional Information) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015
		Broker			T		T	T	T	T
		T
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Maximum period of deliver quantities of product (years)		1 year
Zinc fixed to variable future swap contracts (tons)		9,600
Settlement of swap contracts, cash (paid) received		($415,000)	$998,000	$767,000
Cost of option	774,000
Cash from put options			1,364,000	830,000
Number of Broker		4
Amount of outstanding over the counter position						366,000
Derivatives instruments proceed from selling of right related to future bankruptcy settlement	820,000
Put Option [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Zinc fixed to variable future swap contracts (tons)					4,400
Variable to fixed future swap contracts (tons)					5,000
Strike price (dollars per lb)			0.85	0.85	0.85	0.85
Quantity of zinc production (tons)	13,200	0	11,600	106,000		160,000
Percentage of the expected shipments for the period (percent)				75.00%		75.00%
Variable to fixed future swap contracts (dollars per ton)			0.9		0.903
Proceeds from the exercise of options					1,295,000
Put Option [Member] | Long [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Cost of option				4,945,000
Fixed Price Swaps [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Variable to fixed future swap contracts (tons)			26,600				6,600	6,000	26,500
Settlement of swap contracts, cash (paid) received		741,000	1,094,000
Strike price (dollars per lb)							1.05	1.07	0.94
Fixed Price Swaps [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Variable to fixed future swap contracts (tons)										3,300
Strike price (dollars per lb)										0.97
Call Option [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Quantity of zinc production (tons)						160,000
Strike price rate negligible during period (dollars per lb)				1.81		1.81
Minimum [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fixed portion of fixed to variable swap contracts (dollars per lb)		1
Maximum [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fixed portion of fixed to variable swap contracts (dollars per lb)		1.06
Commodity contract Nickel [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Variable to fixed future swap contracts (tons)		0
Put Option [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Settlement of swap contracts, cash (paid) received		$0

Earnings_Per_Share_Schedule_of

Earnings Per Share (Schedule of Information Used to Compute Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Basic loss per share:
Net loss	($4,055)	($7,010)	($5,120)	$729	($12,444)	($3,515)	($828)	$2,828	($15,456)	($13,959)	($30,427)
Weighted average shares outstanding – basic (shares)									50,682	45,160	43,841
Basic (dollars per share)	($0.08)	($0.14)	($0.10)	$0.01	($0.26)	($0.08)	($0.02)	$0.06	($0.30)	($0.31)	($0.69)
Diluted loss per share:
Net loss	($4,055)	($7,010)	($5,120)	$729	($12,444)	($3,515)	($828)	$2,828	($15,456)	($13,959)	($30,427)
Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted (shares)									50,682	45,160	43,841
Diluted (dollars per share)	($0.08)	($0.14)	($0.10)	$0.01	($0.26)	($0.08)	($0.02)	$0.06	($0.30)	($0.31)	($0.69)
Reconciliation of average shares outstanding – basic to average shares outstanding – diluted:
Weighted average shares outstanding – basic (shares)									50,682	45,160	43,841
Effect of dilutive securities:
Options (shares)									0	0	0
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Conversion of Debt Securities									0	0	0
Restricted stock units (shares)									0	0	0
Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted (shares)									50,682	45,160	43,841

Earnings_Per_Share_Schedule_of1

Earnings Per Share (Schedule of Anti-dilutive Shares Excluded from Earnings Per Share Calculation) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Dilutive Securities Included And Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from earnings per share calculation, Total (shares)	2,336	1,762	1,654
Stock Options [Member]
Dilutive Securities Included And Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from earnings per share calculation, Exercise Price (dollars per share)	13
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from earnings per share calculation, Total (shares)	598	655	655
Convertible Notes [Member]
Dilutive Securities Included And Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from earnings per share calculation, Exercise Price (dollars per share)	15
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from earnings per share calculation, Total (shares)	713	0	0
Restricted Stock [Member]
Dilutive Securities Included And Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from earnings per share calculation, Total (shares)	1,025	1,107	999

Earnings_Per_Share_Additional_

Earnings Per Share (Additional Information) (Details) (USD $)	Jul. 27, 2011
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Convertible notes issued	$100,000,000
Conversion price of Convertible Notes (dollars per share)	$15

Commitments_Details

Commitments (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Summary of future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases
2015	$4,780
2016	4,325
2017	2,858
2018	1,500
2019	1,178
Thereafter	1,146
Total	$15,787

Commitments_Details_Textual

Commitments (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	T
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Rent expense for all operating lease	$5,480,000	$5,219,000	$5,238,000
Agreements require the company to purchase	50,000
Purchase commitment is estimated	$107,000,000

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Equity [Abstract]
Cumulative translation adjustments	$30	$30
Net pension adjustment (net of income tax of $159 and $204 in 2014 and 2013, respectively)	504	637
Accumulated other comprehensive income	534	667
Net pension adjustment, tax	$159	$204

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D2

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Selected Quarterly Financial Information
Sales	$106,630	$110,978	$126,265	$110,064	$103,627	$109,591	$110,456	$118,262	$453,937	$441,936	$435,666
Cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization)	94,793	104,206	116,075	100,000	112,063	102,755	99,978	100,013	415,074	414,809	432,557
Depreciation and amortization	11,910	10,528	8,115	4,853	8,104	7,123	7,347	7,104	35,406	29,678	26,193
Net Income (Loss)	($4,055)	($7,010)	($5,120)	$729	($12,444)	($3,515)	($828)	$2,828	($15,456)	($13,959)	($30,427)
(Loss) income per common share:
Basic (dollars per share)	($0.08)	($0.14)	($0.10)	$0.01	($0.26)	($0.08)	($0.02)	$0.06	($0.30)	($0.31)	($0.69)
Diluted (dollars per share)	($0.08)	($0.14)	($0.10)	$0.01	($0.26)	($0.08)	($0.02)	$0.06	($0.30)	($0.31)	($0.69)

Segment_Information_Schedule_o

Segment Information (Schedule of Segment Information) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales	$106,630	$110,978	$126,265	$110,064	$103,627	$109,591	$110,456	$118,262	$453,937	$441,936	$435,666
(Loss) income before income taxes									-28,430	-21,414	-47,355
Property, plant and equipment	799,093				708,250				799,093	708,250
Capital Expenditures									110,825	311,798
Total assets	973,517				1,005,312				973,517	1,005,312
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales									-1,447	-1,958	-1,999
(Loss) income before income taxes									-18,701	-956	-5,638
Property, plant and equipment	0				0				0	0
Capital Expenditures									0	0
Total assets	2,551				103,236				2,551	103,236
HORSEHEAD CORPORATION [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales									256,609	311,914	314,462
(Loss) income before income taxes									-37,189	-40,934	-60,168
Property, plant and equipment	741,128				655,475				741,128	655,475
Capital Expenditures									101,044	297,968
Total assets	841,954				788,281				841,954	788,281
Zochem [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales									144,685	78,342	66,370
(Loss) income before income taxes									13,554	7,941	3,403
Property, plant and equipment	26,281				19,429				26,281	19,429
Capital Expenditures									8,474	11,059
Total assets	69,706				55,060				69,706	55,060
INMETCO [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales									54,090	53,638	56,833
(Loss) income before income taxes									13,906	12,535	15,048
Property, plant and equipment	31,684				33,346				31,684	33,346
Capital Expenditures									1,307	2,771
Total assets	$59,306				$58,735				$59,306	$58,735

Insurance_Recoveries_Schedule_

Insurance Recoveries (Schedule of Costs and Insurance Recoveries) (Details) (Inmetco Facility [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Inmetco Facility [Member]
Business Interruption Loss [Line Items]
Property damage insurance recovery	$1,500	$2,450	$3,950
Cost of clean-up and repairs	148	129	277
Write off of fixed assets	236	0	236
Gain related to insurance recovery included in cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization)	1,116	2,321	3,437
Insurance proceeds related to fixed assets			1,791	1,264
Costs capitalized			$1,791	$2,276

Insurance_Recoveries_Details_T

Insurance Recoveries (Details Textual) (INMETCO facility [Member], USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
INMETCO facility [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount of fire insurance related to damages	$500,000
Clean-Up, repair and other costs associated with the explosion					4,580,000
Recorded insurance recoveries related to property damage				1,500,000	2,450,000	3,950,000
Insurance recoveries		$2,450,000	$3,950,000

Guarantor_Financial_Informatio2

Guarantor Financial Information (Schedule of Consolidated Balance Sheets) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$30,714	$136,327	$244,119	$188,500
Accounts receivable, net of allowance	60,242	58,649
Inventories, net	55,008	69,576
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	3,755	5,264
Deferred income taxes	5,251	6,337
Total current assets	154,970	276,153
Property, plant and equipment, net	799,093	708,250
Other assets
Intangible assets	10,192	11,268
Investment in and advances to subsidiaries	0	0
Deferred finance costs and other	9,262	9,641
Total other assets	19,454	20,909
Total assets	973,517	1,005,312
Current liabilities
Current maturities of long-term debt	3,044	2,870
Accounts payable	67,734	114,191
Accrued expenses	35,645	44,758
Total current liabilities	106,423	161,819
Long-term debt, less current maturities	406,016	354,768
Other long-term liabilities	18,291	17,787
Deferred income taxes	8,602	26,044
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity
Common stock	507	504
Preferred stock	0	0
Additional paid-in capital	313,815	308,825
Retained earnings	115,377	130,833
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	534	667
Total stockholders’ equity before noncontrolling interest	430,233	440,829
Noncontrolling interest	3,952	4,065
Total stockholders’ equity	434,185	444,894	383,281	412,251
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	973,517	1,005,312
Eliminations [Member]
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0	0
Accounts receivable, net of allowance	-154	-429
Inventories, net	0	0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-6,973	-4,956
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Total current assets	-7,127	-5,385
Property, plant and equipment, net	0	0
Other assets
Intangible assets	0	0
Investment in and advances to subsidiaries	-133,359	-158,530
Deferred finance costs and other	-14,946	-15,030
Total other assets	-148,305	-173,560
Total assets	-155,432	-178,945
Current liabilities
Current maturities of long-term debt	0	0
Accounts payable	-154	-429
Accrued expenses	-6,867	-4,851
Total current liabilities	-7,021	-5,280
Long-term debt, less current maturities	-14,929	-14,928
Other long-term liabilities	0	0
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity
Common stock	0	0
Preferred stock	0	0
Additional paid-in capital	-41,653	-41,654
Retained earnings	-91,829	-117,083
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	0	0
Total stockholders’ equity before noncontrolling interest	-133,482	-158,737
Noncontrolling interest	0	0
Total stockholders’ equity	-133,482	-158,737
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	-155,432	-178,945
Issuer [Member]
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	3,166	101,449	223,515	166,423
Accounts receivable, net of allowance	0	0
Inventories, net	0	0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1	8
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Total current assets	3,167	101,457
Property, plant and equipment, net		0
Other assets
Intangible assets	0	0
Investment in and advances to subsidiaries	743,463	599,444
Deferred finance costs and other	21,457	22,194
Total other assets	764,920	621,638
Total assets	768,087	723,095
Current liabilities
Current maturities of long-term debt	0	0
Accounts payable	0	0
Accrued expenses	3,994	3,606
Total current liabilities	3,994	3,606
Long-term debt, less current maturities	334,617	279,549
Other long-term liabilities	0	0
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity
Common stock	507	504
Preferred stock	0	0
Additional paid-in capital	313,815	308,825
Retained earnings	115,154	130,611
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	0	0
Total stockholders’ equity before noncontrolling interest	429,476	439,940
Noncontrolling interest	0	0
Total stockholders’ equity	429,476	439,940
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	768,087	723,095
Guarantors [Member]
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	15,354	26,782	15,977	16,526
Accounts receivable, net of allowance	40,656	46,163
Inventories, net	43,085	54,550
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	10,672	10,205
Deferred income taxes	5,227	6,319
Total current assets	114,994	144,019
Property, plant and equipment, net	745,612	660,161
Other assets
Intangible assets	10,098	11,100
Investment in and advances to subsidiaries	-609,021	-435,470
Deferred finance costs and other	2,140	1,774
Total other assets	-596,783	-422,596
Total assets	263,823	381,584
Current liabilities
Current maturities of long-term debt	3,044	2,870
Accounts payable	57,913	104,015
Accrued expenses	35,702	42,386
Total current liabilities	96,659	149,271
Long-term debt, less current maturities	51,744	64,963
Other long-term liabilities	17,883	17,427
Deferred income taxes	6,642	24,802
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity
Common stock	0	0
Preferred stock	0	0
Additional paid-in capital	41,653	41,654
Retained earnings	45,290	79,402
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	0	0
Total stockholders’ equity before noncontrolling interest	86,943	121,056
Noncontrolling interest	3,952	4,065
Total stockholders’ equity	90,895	125,121
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	263,823	381,584
Non-Guarantors [Member]
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	12,194	8,096	4,627	5,551
Accounts receivable, net of allowance	19,740	12,915
Inventories, net	11,923	15,026
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	55	7
Deferred income taxes	24	18
Total current assets	43,936	36,062
Property, plant and equipment, net	53,481	48,089
Other assets
Intangible assets	94	168
Investment in and advances to subsidiaries	-1,083	-5,444
Deferred finance costs and other	611	703
Total other assets	-378	-4,573
Total assets	97,039	79,578
Current liabilities
Current maturities of long-term debt	0	0
Accounts payable	9,975	10,605
Accrued expenses	2,816	3,617
Total current liabilities	12,791	14,222
Long-term debt, less current maturities	34,584	25,184
Other long-term liabilities	408	360
Deferred income taxes	1,960	1,242
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity
Common stock	0	0
Preferred stock	0	0
Additional paid-in capital	0	0
Retained earnings	46,762	37,903
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	534	667
Total stockholders’ equity before noncontrolling interest	47,296	38,570
Noncontrolling interest	0	0
Total stockholders’ equity	47,296	38,570
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$97,039	$79,578

Guarantor_Financial_Informatio3

Guarantor Financial Information (Schedule of Consolidated Statements of Operations) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales of zinc material and other goods									$359,487	$344,798	$336,324
Net sales of nickel-based material and other services									54,020	53,520	56,745
EAF dust service fees									40,430	43,618	42,597
Net sales	106,630	110,978	126,265	110,064	103,627	109,591	110,456	118,262	453,937	441,936	435,666
Cost of sales of zinc material and other goods									348,281	337,831	364,146
Cost of sales of nickel-based material and other services									32,845	36,868	36,841
Cost of EAF dust services									33,660	34,869	33,070
Restructuring expenses									288	7,691	0
Insurance claim income									0	-2,450	-1,500
Cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization)	94,793	104,206	116,075	100,000	112,063	102,755	99,978	100,013	415,074	414,809	432,557
Depreciation and amortization	11,910	10,528	8,115	4,853	8,104	7,123	7,347	7,104	35,406	29,678	26,193
Selling, general and administrative expenses									24,149	22,207	20,882
Total costs and expenses									474,629	466,694	479,632
(Loss) income from operations									-20,692	-24,758	-43,966
Equity in (loss) income of subsidiaries, net of taxes									0	0	0
Other income (expense)
Interest expense									-21,680	-2,728	-7,864
Gain on bargain purchase of a business									0	0	1,781
Interest and other income									13,942	6,072	2,694
Total other income (expense)									-7,738	3,344	-3,389
(Loss) income before income taxes									-28,430	-21,414	-47,355
Income tax (benefit) provision									-12,974	-7,455	-16,928
NET (LOSS) INCOME	-4,055	-7,010	-5,120	729	-12,444	-3,515	-828	2,828	-15,456	-13,959	-30,427
Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales of zinc material and other goods									0	-842	-945
Net sales of nickel-based material and other services									-70	0	0
EAF dust service fees									-1,377	0	0
Net sales									-1,447	-842	-945
Cost of sales of zinc material and other goods									-70	-842	-945
Cost of sales of nickel-based material and other services									-1,377	0	0
Cost of EAF dust services									0	0	0
Restructuring expenses									0	0
Insurance claim income										0	0
Cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization)									-1,447	-842	-945
Depreciation and amortization									0	0	0
Selling, general and administrative expenses									0	0	0
Total costs and expenses									-1,447	-842	-945
(Loss) income from operations									0	0	0
Equity in (loss) income of subsidiaries, net of taxes									-3,331	12,917	24,704
Other income (expense)
Interest expense									954	957	954
Gain on bargain purchase of a business											0
Interest and other income									-868	-871	-869
Total other income (expense)									86	86	85
(Loss) income before income taxes									-3,245	13,003	24,789
Income tax (benefit) provision									0	0
NET (LOSS) INCOME									-3,245	13,003	24,789
Issuer [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales of zinc material and other goods									0	0	0
Net sales of nickel-based material and other services									0	0	0
EAF dust service fees									0	0	0
Net sales									0	0	0
Cost of sales of zinc material and other goods									0	0	0
Cost of sales of nickel-based material and other services									0	0	0
Cost of EAF dust services									0	0	0
Restructuring expenses									0	0
Insurance claim income										0	0
Cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization)									0	0	0
Depreciation and amortization									0	0	0
Selling, general and administrative expenses									1,540	1,433	1,311
Total costs and expenses									1,540	1,433	1,311
(Loss) income from operations									-1,540	-1,433	-1,311
Equity in (loss) income of subsidiaries, net of taxes									3,331	-12,917	-24,704
Other income (expense)
Interest expense									-18,181	-700	-5,713
Gain on bargain purchase of a business											0
Interest and other income									934	1,091	1,301
Total other income (expense)									-17,247	391	-4,412
(Loss) income before income taxes									-15,456	-13,959	-30,427
Income tax (benefit) provision									0	0	0
NET (LOSS) INCOME									-15,456	-13,959	-30,427
Guarantors [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales of zinc material and other goods									214,802	267,298	270,899
Net sales of nickel-based material and other services									54,090	53,520	56,745
EAF dust service fees									41,807	43,618	42,597
Net sales									310,699	364,436	370,241
Cost of sales of zinc material and other goods									221,505	271,331	304,910
Cost of sales of nickel-based material and other services									34,222	36,868	36,841
Cost of EAF dust services									33,660	34,869	33,070
Restructuring expenses									288	7,691
Insurance claim income										-2,450	-1,500
Cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization)									289,675	348,309	373,321
Depreciation and amortization									32,250	27,281	24,238
Selling, general and administrative expenses									20,211	18,520	17,375
Total costs and expenses									342,136	394,110	414,934
(Loss) income from operations									-31,437	-29,674	-44,693
Equity in (loss) income of subsidiaries, net of taxes									0	0	0
Other income (expense)
Interest expense									-2,919	-1,695	-2,046
Gain on bargain purchase of a business											1,781
Interest and other income									12,497	4,407	1,270
Total other income (expense)									9,578	2,712	1,005
(Loss) income before income taxes									-21,859	-26,962	-43,688
Income tax (benefit) provision									-16,135	-9,322	-17,725
NET (LOSS) INCOME									-5,724	-17,640	-25,963
Non-Guarantors [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales of zinc material and other goods									144,685	78,342	66,370
Net sales of nickel-based material and other services									0	0	0
EAF dust service fees									0	0	0
Net sales									144,685	78,342	66,370
Cost of sales of zinc material and other goods									126,846	67,342	60,181
Cost of sales of nickel-based material and other services									0	0	0
Cost of EAF dust services									0	0	0
Restructuring expenses									0	0
Insurance claim income										0
Cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization)									126,846	67,342	60,181
Depreciation and amortization									3,156	2,397	1,955
Selling, general and administrative expenses									2,398	2,254	2,196
Total costs and expenses									132,400	71,993	64,332
(Loss) income from operations									12,285	6,349	2,038
Equity in (loss) income of subsidiaries, net of taxes									0	0	0
Other income (expense)
Interest expense									-1,534	-1,290	-1,059
Gain on bargain purchase of a business											0
Interest and other income									1,379	1,445	992
Total other income (expense)									-155	155	-67
(Loss) income before income taxes									12,130	6,504	1,971
Income tax (benefit) provision									3,161	1,867	797
NET (LOSS) INCOME									$8,969	$4,637	$1,174

Guarantor_Financial_Informatio4

Guarantor Financial Information (Schedule of Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net Income (Loss)	($4,055)	($7,010)	($5,120)	$729	($12,444)	($3,515)	($828)	$2,828	($15,456)	($13,959)	($30,427)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment									0	0	302
Net pension liability adjustment									-133	911	-288
Comprehensive loss									-15,589	-13,048	-30,413
Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net Income (Loss)									-3,245	13,003	24,789
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment											0
Net pension liability adjustment									0	0	0
Comprehensive loss									-3,245	13,003	24,789
Issuer [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net Income (Loss)									-15,456	-13,959	-30,427
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment											0
Net pension liability adjustment									0	0	0
Comprehensive loss									-15,456	-13,959	-30,427
Guarantors [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net Income (Loss)									-5,724	-17,640	-25,963
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment											0
Net pension liability adjustment									0	0	0
Comprehensive loss									-5,724	-17,640	-25,963
Non-Guarantors [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net Income (Loss)									8,969	4,637	1,174
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment											302
Net pension liability adjustment									-133	911	-288
Comprehensive loss									$8,836	$5,548	$1,188

Guarantor_Financial_Informatio5

Guarantor Financial Information (Schedule of Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net loss	($15,456,000)	($13,959,000)	($30,427,000)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	35,406,000	29,678,000	26,193,000
Gain on bargain purchase of a business	0	0	-1,781,000
Gain on insurance recovery related to fixed assets	0	-1,791,000	-1,264,000
Deferred income tax benefit	-16,356,000	-9,862,000	-18,244,000
Accretion on debt	3,766,000	3,727,000	3,288,000
Accretion on ESOI liabilities	431,000	445,000	772,000
Amortization of deferred finance costs	2,759,000	2,394,000	1,235,000
Losses on writedown or disposal of assets	915,000	10,050,000	25,936,000
Losses on write down of inventory supplies	456,000	2,738,000	0
Losses on derivative financial instruments	-1,054,000	5,719,000	30,642,000
Lower of cost or market adjustment to inventories	3,561,000	3,739,000	1,421,000
Non-cash compensation expense	4,768,000	3,209,000	2,477,000
Capitalization of interest	-14,895,000	-29,438,000	-10,464,000
Equity (loss) in income of subsidiaries, net of taxes	0	0	0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
(Increase) in accounts receivable, net	-1,558,000	1,338,000	1,884,000
(Increase) in inventories, net	10,551,000	-14,386,000	-7,726,000
Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,317,000	3,399,000	107,000
(Increase) decrease in deferred finance costs and other	-634,000	-97,000	6,000
Increase in accounts payable	-46,457,000	30,252,000	44,457,000
Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses	-7,902,000	12,667,000	-1,612,000
Increase (decrease) in other long-term liabilities	-277,000	2,173,000	-2,668,000
Net cash provided by operating activities	-40,659,000	41,995,000	64,232,000
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	-110,825,000	-311,798,000	-184,541,000
Insurance proceeds related to fixed assets	0	1,791,000	1,264,000
Acquisitions	0	0	-400,000
Decrease in restricted cash	0	0	2,500,000
Investment in and advance (to) from subsidiaries	0	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	-110,825,000	-310,007,000	-181,177,000
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from the issuance of debt	51,300,000	21,300,000	171,829,000
Distributions to noncontrolling interest equity holders	-113,000	-114,000	-113,000
Borrowings on the Credit Facilities	33,324,000	74,500,000	0
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	941,000	0	138,000
Repayments on the Credit Facilities	-35,594,000	-18,000,000	0
Debt issuance costs	-1,897,000	-524,000	-9,075,000
Borrowings on the Credit Agreement	1,555,000	13,358,000	9,841,000
Repayments on the Credit Agreement	-2,929,000	-1,866,000	0
Tax effect of share based compensation award exercise and vesting	-33,000	-19,000	-82,000
Restricted stock withheld for taxes	-683,000	-411,000	-275,000
Net proceeds from the issuance of stock	0	71,996,000	0
Net cash provided by financing activities	45,871,000	160,220,000	172,263,000
Foreign currency impact on cash balance	0	0	301,000
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-105,613,000	-107,792,000	55,619,000
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	136,327,000	244,119,000	188,500,000
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	30,714,000	136,327,000	244,119,000
Eliminations [Member]
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net loss	-3,245,000	13,003,000	24,789,000
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	0	0	0
Gain on bargain purchase of a business			0
Gain on insurance recovery related to fixed assets		0	0
Deferred income tax benefit	0	0	-991,000
Accretion on debt	0	0	0
Accretion on ESOI liabilities	0	0	0
Amortization of deferred finance costs	-84,000	-86,000	-85,000
Losses on writedown or disposal of assets	0	0	0
Losses on write down of inventory supplies	0	0
Losses on derivative financial instruments	0	0	0
Lower of cost or market adjustment to inventories	0	0	0
Non-cash compensation expense	0	0	0
Capitalization of interest	0	0	0
Equity (loss) in income of subsidiaries, net of taxes	3,331,000	-12,917,000	-24,704,000
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
(Increase) in accounts receivable, net	-275,000	349,000	-68,000
(Increase) in inventories, net	0	0	0
Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other current assets	0	-425,000	-3,125,000
(Increase) decrease in deferred finance costs and other	2,017,000	0	0
Increase in accounts payable	275,000	-349,000	68,000
Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses	-2,019,000	425,000	4,116,000
Increase (decrease) in other long-term liabilities	0	0	0
Net cash provided by operating activities	0	0	0
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	0	0	0
Insurance proceeds related to fixed assets		0	0
Acquisitions			0
Decrease in restricted cash			0
Investment in and advance (to) from subsidiaries	0	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	0	0	0
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from the issuance of debt	0	0	0
Distributions to noncontrolling interest equity holders	0	0	0
Borrowings on the Credit Facilities	0	0
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	0		0
Repayments on the Credit Facilities	0	0
Debt issuance costs	0	0	0
Borrowings on the Credit Agreement	0	0	0
Repayments on the Credit Agreement	0	0
Tax effect of share based compensation award exercise and vesting	0	0	0
Restricted stock withheld for taxes	0	0	0
Net proceeds from the issuance of stock		0
Net cash provided by financing activities	0	0	0
Foreign currency impact on cash balance			0
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	0	0	0
Issuer [Member]
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net loss	-15,456,000	-13,959,000	-30,427,000
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	0	0	0
Gain on bargain purchase of a business			0
Gain on insurance recovery related to fixed assets		0	0
Deferred income tax benefit	0	0	0
Accretion on debt	3,766,000	3,727,000	3,288,000
Accretion on ESOI liabilities	0	0	0
Amortization of deferred finance costs	2,389,000	2,114,000	1,126,000
Losses on writedown or disposal of assets	0	0	0
Losses on write down of inventory supplies	0	0
Losses on derivative financial instruments	0	0	0
Lower of cost or market adjustment to inventories	0	0	0
Non-cash compensation expense	372,000	380,000	336,000
Capitalization of interest	-14,248,000	-28,550,000	-10,464,000
Equity (loss) in income of subsidiaries, net of taxes	-3,331,000	12,917,000	24,704,000
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
(Increase) in accounts receivable, net	0	0	0
(Increase) in inventories, net	0	0	0
Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other current assets	7,000	21,000	-8,000
(Increase) decrease in deferred finance costs and other	0	0	0
Increase in accounts payable	0	-93,000	-4,000
Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses	388,000	112,000	1,953,000
Increase (decrease) in other long-term liabilities	0	0	0
Net cash provided by operating activities	-26,113,000	-23,331,000	-9,496,000
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	0	0	0
Insurance proceeds related to fixed assets		0	0
Acquisitions			0
Decrease in restricted cash			0
Investment in and advance (to) from subsidiaries	-122,043,000	-191,243,000	-97,297,000
Net cash used in investing activities	-122,043,000	-191,243,000	-97,297,000
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from the issuance of debt	51,300,000	21,300,000	171,829,000
Distributions to noncontrolling interest equity holders	0	0	0
Borrowings on the Credit Facilities	0	0
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	941,000		138,000
Repayments on the Credit Facilities	0	0
Debt issuance costs	-1,652,000	-358,000	-7,725,000
Borrowings on the Credit Agreement	0	0	0
Repayments on the Credit Agreement	0	0
Tax effect of share based compensation award exercise and vesting	-33,000	-19,000	-82,000
Restricted stock withheld for taxes	-683,000	-411,000	-275,000
Net proceeds from the issuance of stock		71,996,000
Net cash provided by financing activities	49,873,000	92,508,000	163,885,000
Foreign currency impact on cash balance			0
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-98,283,000	-122,066,000	57,092,000
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	101,449,000	223,515,000	166,423,000
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	3,166,000	101,449,000	223,515,000
Guarantors [Member]
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net loss	-5,724,000	-17,640,000	-25,963,000
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	32,250,000	27,281,000	24,238,000
Gain on bargain purchase of a business			-1,781,000
Gain on insurance recovery related to fixed assets		-1,791,000	-1,264,000
Deferred income tax benefit	-17,068,000	-10,435,000	-17,572,000
Accretion on debt	0	0	0
Accretion on ESOI liabilities	431,000	445,000	772,000
Amortization of deferred finance costs	314,000	249,000	109,000
Losses on writedown or disposal of assets	915,000	10,050,000	25,936,000
Losses on write down of inventory supplies	456,000	2,738,000
Losses on derivative financial instruments	-1,085,000	5,696,000	30,809,000
Lower of cost or market adjustment to inventories	3,561,000	3,739,000	1,421,000
Non-cash compensation expense	4,396,000	2,829,000	2,141,000
Capitalization of interest	-647,000	-888,000	0
Equity (loss) in income of subsidiaries, net of taxes	0	0	0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
(Increase) in accounts receivable, net	5,542,000	3,923,000	2,860,000
(Increase) in inventories, net	7,448,000	-7,521,000	-6,115,000
Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,358,000	3,800,000	3,222,000
(Increase) decrease in deferred finance costs and other	-2,543,000	-125,000	6,000
Increase in accounts payable	-46,102,000	26,530,000	43,108,000
Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses	-5,439,000	9,434,000	-6,893,000
Increase (decrease) in other long-term liabilities	-325,000	2,173,000	-2,762,000
Net cash provided by operating activities	-22,262,000	60,487,000	72,272,000
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	-102,351,000	-300,739,000	-181,641,000
Insurance proceeds related to fixed assets		1,791,000	1,264,000
Acquisitions			-400,000
Decrease in restricted cash			2,500,000
Investment in and advance (to) from subsidiaries	126,401,000	191,415,000	96,863,000
Net cash used in investing activities	24,050,000	-107,533,000	-81,414,000
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from the issuance of debt	0	0	0
Distributions to noncontrolling interest equity holders	0	0	0
Borrowings on the Credit Facilities	23,750,000	51,000,000
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	0		0
Repayments on the Credit Facilities	-35,420,000	-4,500,000
Debt issuance costs	-172,000	-141,000	-1,248,000
Borrowings on the Credit Agreement	1,555,000	13,358,000	9,841,000
Repayments on the Credit Agreement	-2,929,000	-1,866,000
Tax effect of share based compensation award exercise and vesting	0	0	0
Restricted stock withheld for taxes	0	0	0
Net proceeds from the issuance of stock		0
Net cash provided by financing activities	-13,216,000	57,851,000	8,593,000
Foreign currency impact on cash balance			0
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-11,428,000	10,805,000	-549,000
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	26,782,000	15,977,000	16,526,000
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	15,354,000	26,782,000	15,977,000
Non-Guarantors [Member]
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net loss	8,969,000	4,637,000	1,174,000
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	3,156,000	2,397,000	1,955,000
Gain on bargain purchase of a business			0
Gain on insurance recovery related to fixed assets		0	0
Deferred income tax benefit	712,000	573,000	319,000
Accretion on debt	0	0	0
Accretion on ESOI liabilities	0	0	0
Amortization of deferred finance costs	140,000	117,000	85,000
Losses on writedown or disposal of assets	0	0	0
Losses on write down of inventory supplies	0	0
Losses on derivative financial instruments	31,000	23,000	-167,000
Lower of cost or market adjustment to inventories	0	0	0
Non-cash compensation expense	0	0	0
Capitalization of interest	0	0	0
Equity (loss) in income of subsidiaries, net of taxes	0	0	0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
(Increase) in accounts receivable, net	-6,825,000	-2,934,000	-908,000
(Increase) in inventories, net	3,103,000	-6,865,000	-1,611,000
Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other current assets	-48,000	3,000	18,000
(Increase) decrease in deferred finance costs and other	-108,000	28,000	0
Increase in accounts payable	-630,000	4,164,000	1,285,000
Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses	-832,000	2,696,000	-788,000
Increase (decrease) in other long-term liabilities	48,000	0	94,000
Net cash provided by operating activities	7,716,000	4,839,000	1,456,000
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	-8,474,000	-11,059,000	-2,900,000
Insurance proceeds related to fixed assets		0	0
Acquisitions			0
Decrease in restricted cash			0
Investment in and advance (to) from subsidiaries	-4,358,000	-172,000	434,000
Net cash used in investing activities	-12,832,000	-11,231,000	-2,466,000
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from the issuance of debt	0	0	0
Distributions to noncontrolling interest equity holders	-113,000	-114,000	-113,000
Borrowings on the Credit Facilities	9,574,000	23,500,000
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	0		0
Repayments on the Credit Facilities	-174,000	-13,500,000
Debt issuance costs	-73,000	-25,000	-102,000
Borrowings on the Credit Agreement	0	0	0
Repayments on the Credit Agreement	0	0
Tax effect of share based compensation award exercise and vesting	0	0	0
Restricted stock withheld for taxes	0	0	0
Net proceeds from the issuance of stock		0
Net cash provided by financing activities	9,214,000	9,861,000	-215,000
Foreign currency impact on cash balance			301,000
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	4,098,000	3,469,000	-924,000
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	8,096,000	4,627,000	5,551,000
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$12,194,000	$8,096,000	$4,627,000

Guarantor_Financial_Informatio6

Guarantor Financial Information (Additional Information) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Non guarantor subsidiaries assets (percent)									10.00%
Non guarantor subsidiaries revenues (percent)									31.90%
Net loss	($4,055)	($7,010)	($5,120)	$729	($12,444)	($3,515)	($828)	$2,828	($15,456)	($13,959)	($30,427)
Non-Guarantors [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net loss									$8,969	$4,637	$1,174

Subsequent_Event_Details

Subsequent Event (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 28, 2015
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Shares issued in public offering (in shares)	6,325
Shares issued in public offering, underwriter option (in shares)	825
Shares issued in public offering, offering price per share (in dollars per share)	$12
Shares issued in public offering, value	$75,900
Shares issued in public offering, underwriting discounts and commissions	3,416
Shares issued in public offering, other offering costs	488
Net proceeds from the issuance of stock	71,996	0	71,996	0
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Shares issued in public offering (in shares)					5,750
Shares issued in public offering, underwriter option (in shares)					750
Shares issued in public offering, offering price per share (in dollars per share)					$12.75
Shares issued in public offering, value					73,313
Shares issued in public offering, underwriting discounts and commissions					3,299
Shares issued in public offering, other offering costs					450
Net proceeds from the issuance of stock					$69,654

Schedule_I_Condensed_Financial1

Schedule I: Condensed Financial Information (Balance Sheet) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$30,714	$136,327	$244,119	$188,500
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	3,755	5,264
Other assets	19,454	20,909
Investment in and advances to subsidiary	0	0
Total assets	973,517	1,005,312
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Accrued expenses	35,645	44,758
Long term debt	406,016	354,768
Common stock	507	504
Additional paid-in capital	313,815	308,825
Retained earnings	115,377	130,833
Total stockholders’ equity	434,185	444,894	383,281	412,251
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	973,517	1,005,312
Parent Company [Member]
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	3,166	101,449	223,515	166,423
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1	8
Loan receivable	14,823	14,823
Other assets	6,634	7,371
Investment in and advances to subsidiary	743,463	599,444
Total assets	768,087	723,095
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Accrued expenses	3,994	3,606
Long term debt	334,617	279,549
Common stock	507	504
Additional paid-in capital	313,815	308,825
Retained earnings	115,154	130,611
Total stockholders’ equity	429,476	439,940
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$768,087	$723,095

Schedule_I_Condensed_Financial2

Schedule I: Condensed Financial Information (Condensed Statement of Operations) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative expenses									$24,149	$22,207	$20,882
Equity in (loss) income of subsidiaries, net of taxes									0	0	0
Interest and other income									13,942	6,072	2,694
Interest expense									-21,680	-2,728	-7,864
(Loss) income before income taxes									-28,430	-21,414	-47,355
Income tax (benefit) provision									-12,974	-7,455	-16,928
NET (LOSS) INCOME	-4,055	-7,010	-5,120	729	-12,444	-3,515	-828	2,828	-15,456	-13,959	-30,427
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative expenses									1,540	1,433	1,311
Equity in (loss) income of subsidiaries, net of taxes									3,331	-12,917	-24,704
Interest and other income									934	1,091	1,301
Interest expense									-18,181	-700	-5,713
(Loss) income before income taxes									-15,456	-13,959	-30,427
Income tax (benefit) provision									0	0	0
NET (LOSS) INCOME									-15,456	-13,959	-30,427
Income (loss) from subsidiaries, tax expense (benefit)									($12,974)	($7,455)	($16,928)

Schedule_I_Condensed_Financial3

Schedule I: Condensed Financial Information (Condensed Statement of Cash Flows) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net loss	($15,456,000)	($13,959,000)	($30,427,000)
Equity (loss) in income of subsidiaries, net of taxes	0	0	0
Non-cash compensation expense	4,768,000	3,209,000	2,477,000
Accretion on debt	3,766,000	3,727,000	3,288,000
Amortization of deferred finance costs	2,759,000	2,394,000	1,235,000
Capitalization of interest	-14,895,000	-29,438,000	-10,464,000
Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,317,000	3,399,000	107,000
Increase in accounts payable	-46,457,000	30,252,000	44,457,000
Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses	-7,902,000	12,667,000	-1,612,000
Net cash provided by operating activities	-40,659,000	41,995,000	64,232,000
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Investment in and advance (to) from subsidiaries	0	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	-110,825,000	-310,007,000	-181,177,000
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from the issuance of debt	51,300,000	21,300,000	171,829,000
Debt issuance costs	-1,897,000	-524,000	-9,075,000
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	941,000	0	138,000
Tax effect of share based compensation award exercise and vesting	-33,000	-19,000	-82,000
Restricted stock withheld for taxes	-683,000	-411,000	-275,000
Net proceeds from the issuance of stock	0	71,996,000	0
Net cash provided by financing activities	45,871,000	160,220,000	172,263,000
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-105,613,000	-107,792,000	55,619,000
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	136,327,000	244,119,000	188,500,000
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	30,714,000	136,327,000	244,119,000
Parent Company [Member]
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net loss	-15,456,000	-13,959,000	-30,427,000
Equity (loss) in income of subsidiaries, net of taxes	-3,331,000	12,917,000	24,704,000
Non-cash compensation expense	372,000	380,000	336,000
Accretion on debt	3,766,000	3,727,000	3,288,000
Amortization of deferred finance costs	2,389,000	2,114,000	1,126,000
Capitalization of interest	-14,248,000	-28,550,000	-10,464,000
Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other current assets	7,000	21,000	-8,000
Increase in accounts payable	0	-93,000	-4,000
Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses	388,000	112,000	1,953,000
Net cash provided by operating activities	-26,113,000	-23,331,000	-9,496,000
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Investment in and advance (to) from subsidiaries	-122,043,000	-191,243,000	-97,297,000
Net cash used in investing activities	-122,043,000	-191,243,000	-97,297,000
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from the issuance of debt	51,300,000	21,300,000	171,829,000
Debt issuance costs	-1,652,000	-358,000	-7,725,000
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	941,000	0	138,000
Tax effect of share based compensation award exercise and vesting	-33,000	-19,000	-82,000
Restricted stock withheld for taxes	-683,000	-411,000	-275,000
Net proceeds from the issuance of stock	0	71,996,000	0
Net cash provided by financing activities	49,873,000	92,508,000	163,885,000
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-98,283,000	-122,066,000	57,092,000
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	101,449,000	223,515,000	166,423,000
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$3,166,000	$101,449,000	$223,515,000