L.B. Foster (FSTR) 10-Q 4 Aug 14 2014 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jul. 25, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Jun-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q2	'
Entity Registrant Name	'FOSTER L B CO	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000352825	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	10,351,381
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'No	'
Trading Symbol	'fstr	'

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$87,555	$64,623
Accounts receivable - net	94,496	98,437
Inventories - net	84,617	76,956
Current deferred tax assets	461	461
Prepaid income tax	674	4,741
Other current assets	4,486	2,000
Current assets of discontinued operations	19	149
Total current assets	272,308	247,367
Property, plant and equipment, net	53,979	50,109
Goodwill	57,781	57,781
Other intangibles - net	49,556	51,846
Investments	4,896	5,090
Other assets	1,432	1,461
Total Assets	439,952	413,654
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	'	'
Accounts payable	59,413	46,620
Deferred revenue	8,345	5,715
Accrued payroll and employee benefits	7,081	8,927
Accrued warranty	9,594	7,483
Current maturities of long-term debt	109	31
Current deferred tax liabilities	179	179
Other accrued liabilities	6,005	6,501
Liabilities of discontinued operations	'	26
Total Current Liabilities	90,726	75,482
Long-term debt	289	25
Deferred tax liabilities	11,404	11,798
Other long-term liabilities	9,815	9,952
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:	'	'
Common stock, par value $.01, authorized 20,000,000 shares; shares issued at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, 11,115,779; shares outstanding at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, 10,238,906 and 10,188,521	111	111
Paid-in capital	47,045	47,239
Retained earnings	308,252	298,361
Treasury stock - at cost, common stock, shares at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 876,873 and 927,258	-23,242	-24,731
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-4,448	-4,583
Total stockholders' equity	327,718	316,397
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	$439,952	$413,654

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Consolidated Balance Sheets	'	'
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$0.01	$0.01
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	20,000,000	20,000,000
Common stock, issued shares	11,115,779	11,115,779
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	10,238,906	10,188,521
Treasury stock shares - at cost, Common Stock	876,873	927,258

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Consolidated Statements of Operations	'	'	'	'
Net sales	$166,832	$149,936	$278,246	$279,257
Cost of goods sold	136,132	120,761	223,419	225,234
Gross profit	30,700	29,175	54,827	54,023
Selling and administrative expenses	19,599	17,951	37,624	35,081
Amortization expense	1,172	700	2,313	1,401
Interest expense	126	125	249	258
Interest income	-147	-139	-291	-345
Equity in income of nonconsolidated investment	-142	-420	-346	-596
Other income	-115	-137	-250	-315
Total Operating Expenses	20,493	18,080	39,299	35,484
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	10,207	11,095	15,528	18,539
Income tax expense	3,359	3,838	5,031	6,331
Income from continuing operations	6,848	7,257	10,497	12,208
Discontinued operations:	'	'	'	'
Income from discontinued operations before income taxes	23	62	23	23
Income tax expense	9	24	9	9
Income from discontinued operations	14	38	14	14
Net income	$6,862	$7,295	$10,511	$12,222
Basic earnings per common share:	'	'	'	'
From continuing operations	$0.67	$0.71	$1.03	$1.20
From discontinued operations	$0	$0	$0	$0
Basic earnings per common share	$0.67	$0.72	$1.03	$1.20
Diluted earnings per common share:	'	'	'	'
From continuing operations	$0.66	$0.71	$1.02	$1.19
From discontinued operations	$0	$0	$0	$0
Diluted earnings per common share	$0.67	$0.71	$1.02	$1.19
Dividends paid per common share	$0.03	$0.03	$0.06	$0.06

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income	'	'	'	'
Net income	$6,862	$7,295	$10,511	$12,222
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	1,795	-1,447	45	-3,270
Reclassification of pension liability adjustments to earnings, net of tax expense: $26, $36 and $47, $72	49	70	90	139
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	1,844	-1,377	135	-3,131
Comprehensive income	$8,706	$5,918	$10,646	$9,091

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com1

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income	'	'	'	'
Reclassification of pension liability adjustments to earnings, tax	$26	$36	$47	$72

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Income from continuing operations	$10,497	$12,208
Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Deferred income taxes	-419	-444
Depreciation and amortization	5,988	4,741
Equity in income of nonconsolidated investment	-346	-596
Loss on sales and disposals of property, plant, and equipment	12	49
Share-based compensation	1,799	1,091
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation	-283	-133
Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:	'	'
Accounts receivable	4,184	-19,700
Inventories	-7,595	7,994
Other current assets	-1,799	-840
Prepaid income tax	3,035	-2,711
Other noncurrent assets	107	148
Dividends from LB Pipe & Coupling Products, LLC	540	468
Accounts payable	13,091	2,214
Deferred revenue	2,560	2,483
Accrued payroll and employee benefits	-1,857	-2,766
Other current liabilities	2,005	-4,274
Other liabilities	60	-454
Net cash provided (used) by continuing operating activities	31,579	-522
Net cash provided by discontinued operations	109	229
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES	'	'
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant, and equipment	184	'
Capital expenditures on property, plant and equipment	-7,682	-3,126
Acquisition of business	-495	'
Net cash used by continuing investing activities	-7,993	-3,126
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Repayments of other long-term debt	-54	-24
Proceeds from other long-term debt	316	'
Proceeds from exercise of stock options and stock awards	131	'
Treasury stock acquisitions	-918	-610
Cash dividends on common stock paid to shareholders	-620	-620
Excess income tax benefit from share-based compensation	283	133
Net cash used by continuing financing activities	-862	-1,121
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	99	-2,246
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	22,932	-6,786
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	64,623	101,464
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	87,555	94,678
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:	'	'
Interest paid	177	175
Income taxes paid	$2,954	$8,558

Financial_Statements

Financial Statements	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS	'
	1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
	(Dollars in thousands, except share data)
	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X.  Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements.  In the opinion of management, all estimates and adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.  However, actual results could differ from those estimates.  The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2014.  Amounts included in the balance sheet as of December 31, 2013 were derived from our audited balance sheet.  This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. In this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, references to “Foster,” “we,” “us,” “our,” and the “Company” refer collectively to L.B. Foster and its consolidated subsidiaries.
	Recently issued accounting standards
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606),” (“ASU 2014-09”), which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Accounting Standards Codification 605, “Revenue Recognition.” ASU 2014-09 is based on the principle that revenue is recognized to depict the transfer of 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 or services. It also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. ASU 2014-09 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. We are currently evaluating the impact of ASU 2014-09 on our financial position and results of operations.

Business_Segments

Business Segments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Business Segments [Abstract]	'
BUSINESS SEGMENTS	'
	2. BUSINESS SEGMENTS
	The Company is a leading manufacturer, fabricator, and distributor of products and services for rail, construction, energy, and utility markets. The Company is organized and evaluated by product group, which is the basis for identifying reportable segments. Each segment represents a revenue-producing component of the Company for which separate financial information is produced internally and is subject to evaluation by the Company’s chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources. Each segment is evaluated based upon their contribution to the Company’s consolidated results based upon segment profit.
	The following tables illustrate revenues and profits from continuing operations of the Company by segment for the periods indicated:
			Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
			30-Jun-14				30-Jun-14
			Net		Segment		Net		Segment
			Sales		Profit		Sales		Profit
	Rail Products	$	107,484	$	6,836	$	180,980	$	12,152
	Construction Products		41,810		3,371		69,193		4,587
	Tubular Products		17,538		2,726		28,073		3,312
	Total	$	166,832	$	12,933	$	278,246	$	20,051
			Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
			30-Jun-13				30-Jun-13
			Net		Segment		Net		Segment
			Sales		Profit		Sales		Profit
	Rail Products	$	90,892	$	5,835	$	172,291	$	12,036
	Construction Products		43,697		2,056		80,508		2,518
	Tubular Products		15,347		4,547		26,458		7,154
	Total	$	149,936	$	12,438	$	279,257	$	21,708
	Segment profits from continuing operations, as shown above, include internal cost of capital charges for assets used in the segment at a rate of generally 1% per month. There has been no change in the measurement of segment profit from continuing operations from December 31, 2013. The internal cost of capital charges are eliminated during the consolidation process.
	The following table provides a reconciliation of reportable segment net profit from continuing operations to the Company’s consolidated total:
			Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
			June 30,				June 30,
			2014		2013		2014		2013
	Income for reportable segments	$	12,933	$	12,438	$	20,051	$	21,708
	Interest expense		-126		-125		-249		-258
	Interest income		147		139		291		345
	Other income		115		137		250		315
	LIFO income (expense)		202		-14		198		-254
	Equity in income of nonconsolidated investment		142		420		346		596
	Corporate expense, cost of capital elimination, and other unallocated charges		-3,206		-1,900		-5,359		-3,913
	Income from continuing operations before income taxes	$	10,207	$	11,095	$	15,528	$	18,539

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Acquisitions [Abstract]	'
ACQUISITION	'
	3. ACQUISITIONS
	During the prior year, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets and liabilities of Ball Winch, LLC (Ball Winch). Cash payments totaling $37,500 were made during 2013 and a post-closing working capital adjustment of $495 was paid in February 2014 resulting in a total purchase price of $37,995. Included within the purchase price was $3,300 which is held in escrow to satisfy any indemnity claims under the purchase agreement. The results of operations for Ball Winch are included in the Company’s Tubular segment for the six months ended June 30, 2014.
	The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of the acquisition:
			7-Nov-13
	Allocation of Purchase Price		Ball Winch Fair Value
	Current assets	$	1,857
	Other assets		64
	Property, plant, and equipment		5,555
	Goodwill		16,544
	Other intangibles		14,682
	Current liabilities		-707
	Total	$	37,995
	The following table summarizes the estimates of the fair values and amortizable lives of the identifiable intangible assets acquired:
	Intangible Asset		7-Nov-13		Weighted Average Amortizable Life (years)
			Ball Winch Fair Value
	Trade name	$	723	0.5	0.5
	Technology		11,129	7.5	7.5
	Non-competition agreements		2,830	1.0	1.0
	Total identified intangible assets	$	14,682
	The Company continues to evaluate certain current liabilities assumed in the Ball Winch acquisition. If new information is obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date that, if known, would have affected their measurement, the Company will retrospectively adjust the amounts recognized as of the acquisition date.
	The Company has concluded that intangible assets and goodwill values resulting from this transaction will be deductible for tax purposes.

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]	'
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS	'
	4.  GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
	The carrying amount of goodwill at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was $57,781, of which $38,026 is attributable to the Company's Rail Products segment, $3,211 to the Construction Products segment, and $16,544 to the Tubular Products segment.
	The Company performs goodwill impairment tests at least annually. Qualitative factors are assessed to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test on an interim measurement date. No goodwill impairment test was required in connection with these evaluations for the six months ended June 30, 2014. The Company performs its annual evaluation of the carrying value of its goodwill during the fourth quarter.
	As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, gross identified intangible assets of $44,455 are attributable to the Company’s Rail Products segment, $1,830 are attributable to the Construction Products segment, and $14,682 are attributable to the Tubular Products segment.
	The components of the Company’s intangible assets are as follows:
		30-Jun-14
		Weighted Average		Gross				Net
		Amortization Period		Carrying		Accumulated		Carrying
		In Years		Value		Amortization		Amount
	Non-compete agreements	5	$	2,860	$	-403	$	2,457
	Patents	10		639		-228		411
	Customer relationships	23		19,960		-4,118		15,842
	Supplier relationships	5		350		-248		102
	Trademarks and trade names	16		7,003		-1,587		5,416
	Technology	15		30,155		-4,827		25,328
			$	60,967	$	-11,411	$	49,556
		31-Dec-13
		Weighted Average		Gross				Net
		Amortization Period		Carrying		Accumulated		Carrying
		In Years		Value		Amortization		Amount
	Non-compete agreements	5	$	2,860	$	-117	$	2,743
	Patents	10		639		-201		438
	Customer relationships	23		19,960		-3,575		16,385
	Supplier relationships	5		350		-213		137
	Trademarks and trade names	16		7,003		-1,334		5,669
	Technology	15		30,155		-3,681		26,474
			$	60,967	$	-9,121	$	51,846
	Intangible assets are amortized over their useful lives ranging from 5 to 25 years, with a total weighted average amortization period of approximately 17 years.  Amortization expense from continuing operations for the three-month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 was $1,172 and $700, respectively. Amortization expense from continuing operations for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 was $2,313 and $1,401, respectively.
	Estimated amortization expense from continuing operations for the remainder of 2014 and the years 2015 and thereafter is as follows:
			Amortization Expense
	2014	$	2,306
	2015		4,337
	2016		4,177
	2017		4,178
	2018		4,073
	2019 and thereafter		30,485
		$	49,556

Accounts_Receivable

Accounts Receivable	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Accounts Receivable [Abstract]	'
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE	'
	5. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
	Credit is extended based upon an evaluation of the customer’s financial condition and while collateral is not required, the Company often receives surety bonds that guarantee payment.  Credit terms are consistent with industry standards and practices.  Trade accounts receivable from continuing operations at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 have been
	reduced by an allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,137 and $1,099, respectively.

Inventories

Inventories	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Inventories [Abstract]	'
INVENTORIES	'
	6. INVENTORIES
	Inventories of continuing operations of the Company at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are summarized in the following table:
			June 30,		December 31,
			2014		2013
	Finished goods	$	63,124	$	55,166
	Work-in-process		11,247		11,332
	Raw materials		19,075		19,485
	Total inventories at current costs		93,446		85,983
	Less: LIFO reserve		-8,829		-9,027
		$	84,617	$	76,956
	Inventories of the Company’s continuing operations are generally valued at the lower of last-in, first-out (LIFO) cost or market.  Other inventories of the Company are valued at average cost or market, whichever is lower.  An actual valuation of inventory under the LIFO method is made at the end of each year based on the inventory levels and costs at that time.  Interim LIFO calculations are based on management’s estimates of expected year-end levels and costs.

Investments

Investments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Investments [Abstract]	'
INVESTMENTS	'
	7. INVESTMENTS
	The Company is a member of a joint venture, LB Pipe & Coupling Products, LLC (JV), in which it maintains a 45% ownership interest.  The JV manufactures, markets, and sells various precision coupling products for the energy, utility, and construction markets and is scheduled to terminate on June 30, 2019.
	Under applicable guidance for variable interest entities in ASC 810, “Consolidation,” the Company determined that the JV is a variable interest entity. The Company concluded that it is not the primary beneficiary of the variable interest entity, as the Company does not have a controlling financial interest and does not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the JV. Accordingly, the Company concluded that the equity method of accounting remains appropriate.
	As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had a nonconsolidated equity method investment of $4,896 and $5,090, respectively.
	The Company recorded equity in the income of the JV of approximately $142 and $420 for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company recorded equity in the income of the JV of approximately $346 and $596, respectively.  During the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 the Company received cash distributions of $450 and $90, respectively. Cash distributions of $540 and $468 were received for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013. There were no changes to the Company’s 45% ownership interest as a result of the proportional distribution.
	The Company’s exposure to loss results from its capital contributions, net of the Company’s share of the JV’s income or loss, and its net investment in the direct financing lease covering the facility used by the JV for its operations.  The carrying amounts with the maximum exposure to loss of the Company at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, are as follows:
			June 30,		December 31,
			2014		2013
	Equity method investment	$	4,896	$	5,090
	Net investment in direct financing lease		1,170		1,224
		$	6,066	$	6,314
	The Company is leasing five acres of land and two facilities to the JV through June 30, 2019, with a 5.5 year renewal period.  In November 2012, the Company executed the first amendment to its lease with the JV. The amendment included the addition of a second facility built by the Company that is now leased to the JV. As a result of the amendment, monthly rent over the term of the lease increased by approximately $7. The current monthly lease payments approximate $17, with a balloon payment of approximately $488, which is required to be paid either at the termination of the lease, allocated over the renewal period, or during the initial term of the lease.  This lease qualifies as a direct financing lease under the applicable guidance in ASC 840-30, “Leases.” The Company maintained a net investment in this direct financing lease of approximately $1,170 and $1,224 at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
	The following is a schedule of the direct financing minimum lease payments for the remainder of 2014 and the years 2015 and thereafter:
			Minimum Lease Payments
	2014	$	60
	2015		122
	2016		131
	2017		140
	2018		150
	2019 and thereafter		567
		$	1,170

Deferred_Revenue

Deferred Revenue	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Deferred Revenue [Abstract]	'
DEFERRED REVENUE	'
	8. DEFERRED REVENUE
	Deferred revenue of $8,345 and $5,715 as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, consists of customer payments received for which the revenue recognition criteria have not yet been met as well as billings in excess of costs on percentage of completion projects.  Advanced payments from customers typically relate to contracts that the Company has significantly fulfilled its obligations and the customers have paid, but due to the Company’s continuing involvement with the material, revenue is precluded from being recognized until title passes to the customer.

Borrowings

Borrowings	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Borrowings [Abstract]	'
BORROWINGS	'
	9. BORROWINGS
	United States
	On May 2, 2011, the Company, its domestic subsidiaries, and certain of its Canadian subsidiaries entered into a new $125,000 Revolving Credit Facility Credit Agreement (Credit Agreement) with PNC Bank, N.A., Bank of America, N.A., Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., and Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania.  This Credit Agreement replaced a prior revolving credit facility with a maximum credit line of $90,000 and a $20,000 term loan.  The Credit Agreement provides for a five-year, unsecured revolving credit facility that permits borrowing up to $125,000 for the U.S. borrowers and a sublimit of the equivalent of $15,000 U.S. dollars that is available to the Canadian borrowers.  Provided no event of default exists, the Credit Agreement contains a provision that provides for an increase in the revolver facility of $50,000 that can be allocated to existing or new lenders if the Company’s borrowing requirements should increase.  The Credit Agreement includes a sublimit of $20,000 for the issuance of trade and standby letters of credit.
	Borrowings under the Credit Agreement will bear interest at rates based upon either the base rate or LIBOR-based rate plus applicable margins.  Applicable margins are dictated by the ratio of the Company’s indebtedness less cash on hand to the Company’s consolidated EBITDA, as defined in the underlying Credit Agreement.  The base rate is the highest of (a) PNC Bank’s prime rate, (b) the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50% or (c) the daily LIBOR rate, as defined in the underlying Credit Agreement, plus 1.00%.  The base rate spread ranges from 0.00% to 1.00%.  LIBOR-based rates are determined by dividing the published LIBOR rate by a number equal to 1.00 minus the percentage prescribed by the Federal Reserve for determining the maximum reserve requirements with respect to any Eurocurrency funding by banks on such day.  The LIBOR-based rate spread ranges from 1.00% to 2.00%.
	The Credit Agreement includes two financial covenants:  (a) the Leverage Ratio, defined as the Company’s Indebtedness less cash on hand divided by the Company’s consolidated EBITDA, which must not exceed 3.00 to 1.00 and (b) Minimum Interest Coverage, defined as consolidated EBITDA less Capital Expenditures divided by consolidated interest expense, which must be no less than 3.00 to 1.00.
	The Credit Agreement permits the Company to pay dividends and distributions and make redemptions with respect to its stock provided no event of default or potential default (as defined in the Credit Agreement) has occurred prior to or after giving effect to the dividend, distribution, or redemption.  Dividends, distributions, and redemptions are capped at $15,000 per year when funds are drawn on the facility.  If no drawings on the facility exist, dividends, distributions, and redemptions in excess of $15,000 per year are subjected to a limitation of $75,000 in the aggregate.  The $75,000 aggregate limitation also includes certain loans, investments, and acquisitions.  The Company is permitted to acquire the stock or assets of other entities with limited restrictions, provided that the Leverage Ratio does not exceed 2.50 to 1.00 after giving effect to the acquisition.
	Other restrictions exist at all times including, but not limited to, limitation of the Company’s sale of assets, other indebtedness incurred by either the borrowers or the non-borrower subsidiaries of the Company, guarantees, and liens.
	As of June 30, 2014, the Company was in compliance with the Credit Agreement’s covenants.
	The Company had no outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility at June 30, 2014 or December 31, 2013 and had available borrowing capacity of $121,959 at June 30, 2014.
	Letters of Credit
	At June 30, 2014, the Company had outstanding letters of credit of approximately $3,041.
	United Kingdom
	A subsidiary of the Company has a working capital facility with NatWest Bank for its United Kingdom operations which includes an overdraft availability of £1,500 pounds sterling (approximately $2,566 at June 30, 2014).  This credit facility supports the subsidiary’s working capital requirements and is collateralized by substantially all of the assets of its United Kingdom operations.  The interest rate on this facility is the financial institution’s base rate plus 1.50%. Outstanding performance bonds reduce availability under this credit facility.  The subsidiary of the Company had no outstanding borrowings under this credit facility as of June 30, 2014.  There was approximately $31 and $60 in outstanding guarantees (as defined in the underlying agreement) at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.  This credit facility was renewed during the third quarter of 2013 with no significant changes to the underlying terms or conditions in the facility. During July 2014, the Company extended this facility from its original expiration of July 2014 to September 2014.
	The United Kingdom loan agreements contain certain financial covenants that require that subsidiary to maintain senior interest and cash flow coverage ratios. The subsidiary was in compliance with these financial covenants as of June 30, 2014.  The subsidiary had available borrowing capacity of $2,535 at June 30, 2014.

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Discontinued Operations [Abstract]	'
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	'
	10. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
	The Company maintained current assets from discontinued operations of $19 and $149 as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. The Company also maintained current liabilities of $26 as of December 31, 2013.  Sales from the discontinued businesses were not material to the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013.

Earnings_Per_Common_Share

Earnings Per Common Share	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Common Share [Abstract]	'
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE	'
	11. EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share:
			Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
			June 30,				June 30,
			2014		2013		2014		2013
	Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per common share -
	Income available to common stockholders:
	Income from continuing operations	$	6,848	$	7,257	$	10,497	$	12,208
	Income from discontinued operations		14		38		14		14
	Net income	$	6,862	$	7,295	$	10,511	$	12,222
	Denominator:
	Weighted average shares		10,223		10,173		10,210		10,165
	Denominator for basic earnings per common share		10,223		10,173		10,210		10,165
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Employee stock options		6		12		7		12
	Other stock compensation plans		80		68		92		61
	Dilutive potential common shares		86		80		99		73
	Denominator for diluted earnings per common share - adjusted weighted average shares and assumed conversions		10,309		10,253		10,309		10,238
	Basic earnings per common share:
	Continuing operations	$	0.67	$	0.71	$	1.03	$	1.20
	Discontinued operations		0.00		0.00		0.00		0.00
	Basic earnings per common share	$	0.67	$	0.72	$	1.03	$	1.20
	Diluted earnings per common share:
	Continuing operations	$	0.66	$	0.71	$	1.02	$	1.19
	Discontinued operations		0.00		0.00		0.00		0.00
	Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.67	$	0.71	$	1.02	$	1.19
	Dividends paid per common share	$	0.03	$	0.03	$	0.06	$	0.06
	There have been no changes to the February 2013 Board of Directors authorization of the $0.03 per common share regular quarterly dividend.

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Stock-based Compensation [Abstract]	'
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION	'
	12. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
	The Company applies the provisions of FASB ASC 718, “Compensation – Stock Compensation,” to account for the Company’s share-based compensation.  Share-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the calculated fair value of the award and is recognized over the employees’ requisite service period.  The Company recorded stock compensation expense of $1,224 and $460 for the three-month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, related to restricted stock awards and performance unit awards. Stock compensation expense of $1,799 and $1,091 was recorded for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. As of June 30, 2014, unrecognized compensation expense for awards the Company expects to vest approximated $3,995. The Company will recognize this expense over the upcoming 3.7 year period through February 2018.
	Shares issued as a result of vested stock-based compensation generally will be from previously issued shares which have been reacquired by the Company and held as Treasury shares or authorized but previously unissued common stock.
	The excess income tax benefit realized for the tax deduction from stock-based compensation approximated $283 and $133 for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  This excess income tax benefit is included in cash flows from financing activities in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
	Stock Option Awards
	A summary of the option activity as of June 30, 2014 is presented below.
						Weighted		Aggregate
				Weighted		Average		Intrinsic
				Average		Remaining		Value
				Exercise		Contractual		(Dollars in
		Shares		Price		Term		thousands)
	Outstanding and Exercisable at January 1, 2014	18,750	$	10.64		1.3
	Granted	-		-		-
	Canceled	-		-		-
	Exercised	-11,250		11.67		-
	Outstanding and Exercisable at June 30, 2014	7,500	$	9.08		0.8	$	338
	At June 30, 2014, common stock options outstanding and exercisable under the Company’s equity plans had option prices ranging from $8.97 to $9.29, with a weighted average exercise price of $9.08.  At June 30, 2013, common stock options outstanding and exercisable under the Company’s equity plans had option prices ranging from $7.81 to $14.77, with a weighted average exercise price of $10.41 per share.
	The total intrinsic value of stock options outstanding and exercisable at June 30, 2013 was $737.
	The weighted average remaining contractual life of the stock options outstanding at June 30, 2014 and 2013 was 0.8 and 1.7 years, respectively.
	There were 11,250 stock options with a weighted average exercise price per share of $11.67 exercised during the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2014. No stock options were exercised during the three and six-month periods ending June 30, 2013.
	Restricted Stock Awards and Performance Unit Awards
	Under the amended and restated 2006 Omnibus Plan, the Company grants eligible employees restricted stock and performance unit awards. The forfeitable Restricted Stock Awards generally time-vest after a four year holding period, unless indicated otherwise by the underlying Restricted Stock Agreement. Performance Unit Awards are offered annually under separate three-year long-term incentive plans. Performance units are subject to forfeiture and will be converted into common stock of the Company based upon the Company’s performance relative to performance measures and conversion multiples as defined in the underlying plan. If the Company’s estimate of the number of performance stock awards expected to vest changes in a subsequent accounting period, cumulative compensation expense could increase or decrease. The change will be recognized in the current period for the vested shares and would change future expense over the remaining vesting period.
	The following table summarizes the Restricted Stock Award and Performance Unit Award activity for the period ended June 30, 2014:
					Weighted
					Average
		Restricted	Performance		Grant
		Stock	Stock		Date
		Units	Units		Fair Value
	Outstanding at January 1, 2014	129,726	61,651	$	34.00
	Granted	19,051	34,652		44.07
	Vested	-36,302	-13,588		33.96
	Adjustment for incentive awards expected to vest	-	-9,608		43.72
	Canceled	-	-2,880		44.13
	Outstanding at June 30, 2014	112,475	70,227	$	36.30

Retirement_Plans

Retirement Plans	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Retirement Plans [Abstract]	'
RETIREMENT PLANS	'
	13. RETIREMENT PLANS
	Retirement Plans
	The Company has five retirement plans which cover its hourly and salaried employees in the United States: three defined benefit plans (one active / two frozen) and two defined contribution plans.  Employees are eligible to participate in the appropriate plan based on employment classification.  The Company's funding to the defined benefit and defined contribution plans are governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), applicable plan policy and investment guidelines.  The Company’s policy is to contribute at least the minimum in accordance with the funding standards of ERISA.
	The Company’s subsidiary, L.B. Foster Rail Technologies, Inc. (Rail Technologies), maintains two defined contribution plans for its employees in Canada, as well as a post-retirement benefit plan.  In the United Kingdom, Rail Technologies maintains both a defined contribution plan and a defined benefit plan.
	United States Defined Benefit Plans
	Net periodic pension costs for the United States defined benefit pension plans for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
			Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
			June 30,				June 30,
			2014		2013		2014		2013
	Service cost	$	6	$	9	$	12	$	17
	Interest cost		192		176		385		353
	Expected return on plan assets		-242		-214		-484		-428
	Recognized net actuarial loss		17		53		33		106
	Net periodic pension (income) cost	$	-27	$	24	$	-54	$	48
	The Company expects to contribute approximately $448 to its United States defined benefit plans in 2014.  Contributions of $149 were made during the six months ended June 30, 2014.
	United Kingdom Defined Benefit Plans
	Net periodic pension costs for the United Kingdom defined benefit pension plan for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
			Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
			June 30,				June 30,
			2014		2013		2014		2013
	Interest cost	$	101	$	80	$	200	$	160
	Expected return on plan assets		-95		-68		-189		-136
	Amortization of transition amount		-7		-11		-14		-22
	Recognized net actuarial loss		50		53		100		106
	Net periodic pension cost	$	49	$	54	$	97	$	108
	United Kingdom regulations require trustees to adopt a prudent approach to funding required contributions to defined benefit pension plans. Employer contributions of $298 are anticipated to the United Kingdom L.B. Foster Rail Technologies, Inc. pension plan during 2014.  For the six months ended June 30, 2014, the Company contributed approximately $154 to the plan.
	Defined Contribution Plans
	The Company sponsors five defined contribution plans for hourly and salaried employees across our domestic and international facilities. The following table summarizes the expense associated with the contributions made to these plans.
			Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
			June 30,				June 30,
			2014		2013		2014		2013
	Salaried Plan	$	523	$	495	$	1,079	$	944
	Union Plan		22		19		39		35
	Montreal Plan		20		25		45		60
	United Kingdom Plan		30		35		68		68
	Burnaby Plan		36		34		75		77
		$	631	$	608	$	1,306	$	1,184

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]	'
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	'
	14. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
	The Company determines the fair value of assets and liabilities based on the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. The fair values are based on assumptions that market participants would use when pricing an asset or liability, including assumptions about risk and the risks inherent in valuation techniques and the inputs to valuations. The fair value hierarchy is based on whether the inputs to valuation techniques are observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s own assumptions of what market participants would use. The fair value hierarchy includes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value as described below.
	Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
	Level 2: Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.
	Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.
	The Company has an established process for determining fair value for its financial assets and liabilities, principally cash and cash equivalents and at times foreign currency exchange contracts. Fair value is based on quoted market prices, where available. If quoted market prices are not available, fair value is based on assumptions that use as inputs market-based parameters. The following sections describe the valuation methodologies used by the Company to measure different financial instruments at fair value, including an indication of the level in the fair value hierarchy in which each instrument is generally classified. Where appropriate the description includes details of the key inputs to the valuations and any significant assumptions.
	Cash equivalents.  Included within “Cash and cash equivalents” are investments in money market funds with various underlying securities all of which maintain AAA credit ratings.  Also included within cash equivalents are our highly liquid investments in non-domestic bank term deposits.  The Company uses quoted market prices to determine the fair value of these investments and they are classified in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.  The carrying amounts approximate fair value because of the short maturity of the instruments.
	The following assets and liabilities of the Company were measured at fair value on a recurring basis subject to the disclosure requirements of ASC Topic 820 at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
					Fair Value Measurements at
					Reporting Date Using
					Quoted Prices in		Significant
					Active Markets		Other		Significant
					for Identical		Observable		Unobservable
			June 30,		Assets		Inputs		Inputs
			2014		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Assets
	Domestic money market funds	$	35,510	$	35,510	$	-	$	-
	Non domestic bank term deposits		30,207		30,207		-		-
	Cash equivalents at fair value		65,717		65,717		-		-
	Total Assets	$	65,717	$	65,717	$	-	$	-
					Fair Value Measurements at
					Reporting Date Using
					Quoted Prices in		Significant
					Active Markets		Other		Significant
					for Identical		Observable		Unobservable
			December 31,		Assets		Inputs		Inputs
			2013		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Assets
	Domestic money market funds	$	18,276	$	18,276	$	-	$	-
	Non domestic bank term deposits		32,947		32,947		-		-
	Cash equivalents at fair value		51,223		51,223		-		-
	Total Assets	$	51,223	$	51,223	$	-	$	-

Commitments_and_Contingent_Lia

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities [Abstract]	'
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES	'
	15. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
	Product Liability Claims
	The Company is subject to product warranty claims that arise in the ordinary course of its business.  For certain manufactured products, the Company maintains a product warranty accrual which is adjusted on a monthly basis as a percentage of cost of sales.  The product warranty accrual is continually reviewed and periodically adjusted based on the identification or resolution of known individual product warranty claims.  The following table sets forth the Company’s continuing operations product warranty accrual:
			Warranty Liability
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	7,483
	Additions to warranty liability		5,286
	Warranty liability utilized		-3,175
	Balance at June 30, 2014	$	9,594
	Included within the above table are concrete tie warranty reserves of approximately $8,537 and $6,462 as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. Increases to the warranty reserve relate to the Company’s standard warranty accrual which is based upon historical claims experience, an incremental $608 reserve related to a transit project warranty issue, and a $4,000 charge related to the UPRR warranty claim as more fully described below. The incremental adjustment to the transit project addresses a previously established reserve that is nearing completion.  Reductions to the reserve balance primarily relate to warranty claims satisfied through the replacement of concrete ties during the six-month period ended June 30, 2014.
	UPRR Warranty Claim
	In July 2012, the UPRR notified the Company and its subsidiary, CXT Incorporated (CXT), of a warranty claim under CXT’s 2005 supply contract relating to the sale of pre-stressed concrete railroad ties to the UPRR. The UPRR asserted that a significant percentage of concrete ties manufactured in 2006 through 2011 at CXT’s former Grand Island, NE facility failed to meet contract specifications, had workmanship defects, and were cracking and failing prematurely.  Of the 3.0 million ties manufactured between 1999 and 2011 from the Grand Island, NE facility, approximately 1.6 million relate to concrete ties sold to the UPRR during the period of their claim.
	During 2012, as a result of testing and analysis conducted, including with UPRR, on concrete ties manufactured at its former Grand Island, NE facility, the Company reached an agreement with UPRR to amend the 2005 supply contract (2012 amended supply agreement) and, among other matters, reverted to a previously used warranty policy of a 15 year warranty with a 1:1 replacement ratio for all ties sold to UPRR (during most of the period of UPRR’s original claim the warranty policy was a 5 year warranty with a 1.5:1 replacement ratio for any defective ties) and established a process to identify, prioritize, and replace ties that meet the criteria for replacement.
	The Company provided warranty replacement ties to UPRR during 2013 for ties which UPRR removed and asserted qualified for warranty replacement. However, the Company believed a significant number of ties replaced by UPRR did not meet the warranty replacement criteria and so informed UPRR. UPRR has claimed that the Company is in breach of the 2012 amended supply agreement for various reasons. The Company has denied UPRR’s claim that it is in material breach of the 2012 amended supply agreement.
	As of June 30, 2014, the Company and the UPRR have not been able to reconcile the disagreement related to the 2013 warranty replacement activity. The disagreement includes approximately 170,000 ties. In the event the UPRR continues to replace ties and assert warranty claims on an ongoing basis in the same manner as 2013, the Company is likely to have a disagreement relating to the number of ties eligible for warranty claim in future periods as well.  The Company and the UPRR have not performed a reconciliation of the 2014 warranty replacement activity during the current year.
	The Company continues to work with UPRR to identify, replace, and reconcile defective ties related to the warranty claim in accordance with the 2012 amended supply agreement. During the third quarter of 2014, the Company and UPRR will be working together to evaluate each other’s position in an effort to work towards agreement on the unreconciled 2013 and 2014 replacement activity as well as on the standards and practices to be implemented for future replacement activity and warranty tie replacement.
	In the event that the Company and UPRR do not reach agreement regarding the 2013 and 2014 replacement activity and future activity and is found to be in material breach of the 2012 amended supply agreement, the UPRR may seek damages from the Company and/or terminate the agreement.
	During 2012, the Company recorded pre-tax warranty charges of $22,000 in “Cost of Goods Sold” within its Rail Products segment. The accrual was based on the Company’s estimate of the number of defective concrete ties that will ultimately require replacement during the applicable warranty periods at an average cost of fifty dollars per concrete tie. Subsequently, in the second quarter of 2014, the Company increased its accrual by an additional $4,000 based on recent estimates of ties to be replaced. The concrete tie warranty reserve is the best estimate of the expected value of defective ties that will be replaced as a result of observation and analysis of ties in track. While the Company believes this is a reasonable estimate of these potential warranty claims, these estimates could change due to the receipt of new information and future events. The Company will continue to assess the adequacy of its product warranty reserve as additional information becomes available.  There can be no assurance at this point that future potential costs pertaining to these claims or other potential future claims will not have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.
	Environmental and Legal Proceedings
	The Company is subject to national, state, foreign, provincial, and/or local laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment.  The Company’s efforts to comply with environmental regulations may have an adverse effect on its future earnings.  In the opinion of management, compliance with the present environmental protection laws will not have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, competitive position, or capital expenditures of the Company.
	The Company is also subject to legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of its business.  In the opinion of management, the amount of ultimate liability with respect to these actions will not materially affect the financial condition or liquidity of the Company.  The resolution, in any reporting period, of one or more of these matters could have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations for that period.
	As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company maintained environmental and litigation reserves approximating $2,163 and $2,190, respectively.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'
INCOME TAXES	'
	16. INCOME TAXES
	The Company’s effective income tax rate from continuing operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 was 32.9% and 32.4%, respectively and 34.6% and 34.1% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013, respectively. The Company’s effective income tax rate for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 differed from the federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to the recognition of previously unrecognized state tax benefits.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	'
	17. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
	On July 7, 2014, the Company entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement (“APA”) to acquire and assume substantially all of the assets and liabilities of Carr Concrete Corporation (Carr) for approximately $12,300. Carr is a provider of pre-stressed and precast concrete products located in Waverly, WV and the transaction was funded with cash on hand.  Included within the purchase price is $1,000 which will be held in escrow to satisfy any indemnity claims under the APA. The purchase price could increase or decrease as a result of the post-closing purchase price adjustment which is based upon a net working capital target of $2,678 as of the closing date. Approximately $100 of acquisition-related costs are included in the results of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2014. The Company has concluded that all intangible assets and goodwill resulting from this transaction will be deductible for tax purposes.
	Management evaluated all other activity of the Company and concluded that no subsequent events have occurred that would require recognition in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements or disclosure in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Financial_Statements_Policy

Financial Statements (Policy)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation [Policy Text Block]	'
	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X.  Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements.  In the opinion of management, all estimates and adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.  However, actual results could differ from those estimates.  The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2014.  Amounts included in the balance sheet as of December 31, 2013 were derived from our audited balance sheet.  This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. In this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, references to “Foster,” “we,” “us,” “our,” and the “Company” refer collectively to L.B. Foster and its consolidated subsidiaries.
Recently issued accounting standards [Policy Text Block]	'
	Recently issued accounting standards
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606),” (“ASU 2014-09”), which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Accounting Standards Codification 605, “Revenue Recognition.” ASU 2014-09 is based on the principle that revenue is recognized to depict the transfer of 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 or services. It also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. ASU 2014-09 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. We are currently evaluating the impact of ASU 2014-09 on our financial position and results of operations.

Inventories_Policies

Inventories (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Inventories [Abstract]	'
Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Inventories of the Company’s continuing operations are generally valued at the lower of last-in, first-out (LIFO) cost or market.  Other inventories of the Company are valued at average cost or market, whichever is lower.  An actual valuation of inventory under the LIFO method is made at the end of each year based on the inventory levels and costs at that time.  Interim LIFO calculations are based on management’s estimates of expected year-end levels and costs.

Deferred_Revenue_Policy

Deferred Revenue (Policy)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Deferred Revenue [Abstract]	'
Deferred Revenue [Policy Text Block]	'
	Advanced payments from customers typically relate to contracts that the Company has significantly fulfilled its obligations and the customers have paid, but due to the Company’s continuing involvement with the material, revenue is precluded from being recognized until title passes to the customer.

StockBased_Compensation_Policy

Stock-Based Compensation (Policy)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Stock-based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	The Company applies the provisions of FASB ASC 718, “Compensation – Stock Compensation,” to account for the Company’s share-based compensation.  Share-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the calculated fair value of the award and is recognized over the employees’ requisite service period.

Fair_Value_Measurements_Polici

Fair Value Measurements (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	The Company determines the fair value of assets and liabilities based on the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. The fair values are based on assumptions that market participants would use when pricing an asset or liability, including assumptions about risk and the risks inherent in valuation techniques and the inputs to valuations. The fair value hierarchy is based on whether the inputs to valuation techniques are observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s own assumptions of what market participants would use. The fair value hierarchy includes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value as described below.
	Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
	Level 2: Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.
	Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.
	The Company has an established process for determining fair value for its financial assets and liabilities, principally cash and cash equivalents and at times foreign currency exchange contracts. Fair value is based on quoted market prices, where available. If quoted market prices are not available, fair value is based on assumptions that use as inputs market-based parameters.
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Cash equivalents.  Included within “Cash and cash equivalents” are investments in money market funds with various underlying securities all of which maintain AAA credit ratings.  Also included within cash equivalents are our highly liquid investments in non-domestic bank term deposits.  The Company uses quoted market prices to determine the fair value of these investments and they are classified in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.  The carrying amounts approximate fair value because of the short maturity of the instruments.

Business_Segments_Tables

Business Segments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Business Segments [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]	'
			Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
			30-Jun-14				30-Jun-14
			Net		Segment		Net		Segment
			Sales		Profit		Sales		Profit
	Rail Products	$	107,484	$	6,836	$	180,980	$	12,152
	Construction Products		41,810		3,371		69,193		4,587
	Tubular Products		17,538		2,726		28,073		3,312
	Total	$	166,832	$	12,933	$	278,246	$	20,051
			Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
			30-Jun-13				30-Jun-13
			Net		Segment		Net		Segment
			Sales		Profit		Sales		Profit
	Rail Products	$	90,892	$	5,835	$	172,291	$	12,036
	Construction Products		43,697		2,056		80,508		2,518
	Tubular Products		15,347		4,547		26,458		7,154
	Total	$	149,936	$	12,438	$	279,257	$	21,708
Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]	'
			Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
			June 30,				June 30,
			2014		2013		2014		2013
	Income for reportable segments	$	12,933	$	12,438	$	20,051	$	21,708
	Interest expense		-126		-125		-249		-258
	Interest income		147		139		291		345
	Other income		115		137		250		315
	LIFO income (expense)		202		-14		198		-254
	Equity in income of nonconsolidated investment		142		420		346		596
	Corporate expense, cost of capital elimination, and other unallocated charges		-3,206		-1,900		-5,359		-3,913
	Income from continuing operations before income taxes	$	10,207	$	11,095	$	15,528	$	18,539

Acquisitions_Tables

Acquisitions (Tables) (L.B. Foster Ball Winch, Inc. [Member])	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
L.B. Foster Ball Winch, Inc. [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]	'
			7-Nov-13
	Allocation of Purchase Price		Ball Winch Fair Value
	Current assets	$	1,857
	Other assets		64
	Property, plant, and equipment		5,555
	Goodwill		16,544
	Other intangibles		14,682
	Current liabilities		-707
	Total	$	37,995
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination [Table Text Block]	'
	Intangible Asset		7-Nov-13		Weighted Average Amortizable Life (years)
			Ball Winch Fair Value
	Trade name	$	723	0.5	0.5
	Technology		11,129	7.5	7.5
	Non-competition agreements		2,830	1.0	1.0
	Total identified intangible assets	$	14,682

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_1

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]	'
		30-Jun-14
		Weighted Average		Gross				Net
		Amortization Period		Carrying		Accumulated		Carrying
		In Years		Value		Amortization		Amount
	Non-compete agreements	5	$	2,860	$	-403	$	2,457
	Patents	10		639		-228		411
	Customer relationships	23		19,960		-4,118		15,842
	Supplier relationships	5		350		-248		102
	Trademarks and trade names	16		7,003		-1,587		5,416
	Technology	15		30,155		-4,827		25,328
			$	60,967	$	-11,411	$	49,556
		31-Dec-13
		Weighted Average		Gross				Net
		Amortization Period		Carrying		Accumulated		Carrying
		In Years		Value		Amortization		Amount
	Non-compete agreements	5	$	2,860	$	-117	$	2,743
	Patents	10		639		-201		438
	Customer relationships	23		19,960		-3,575		16,385
	Supplier relationships	5		350		-213		137
	Trademarks and trade names	16		7,003		-1,334		5,669
	Technology	15		30,155		-3,681		26,474
			$	60,967	$	-9,121	$	51,846
Schedule of Expected Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]	'
			Amortization Expense
	2014	$	2,306
	2015		4,337
	2016		4,177
	2017		4,178
	2018		4,073
	2019 and thereafter		30,485
		$	49,556

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Inventories [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Inventory Of Continuing Operations [Table Text Block]	'
			June 30,		December 31,
			2014		2013
	Finished goods	$	63,124	$	55,166
	Work-in-process		11,247		11,332
	Raw materials		19,075		19,485
	Total inventories at current costs		93,446		85,983
	Less: LIFO reserve		-8,829		-9,027
		$	84,617	$	76,956

Investments_Tables

Investments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Investments [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block]	'
			June 30,		December 31,
			2014		2013
	Equity method investment	$	4,896	$	5,090
	Net investment in direct financing lease		1,170		1,224
		$	6,066	$	6,314
Schedule of Direct Financing Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases [Table Text Block]	'
			Minimum Lease Payments
	2014	$	60
	2015		122
	2016		131
	2017		140
	2018		150
	2019 and thereafter		567
		$	1,170

Earnings_Per_Common_Share_Tabl

Earnings Per Common Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Common Share [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	'
			Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
			June 30,				June 30,
			2014		2013		2014		2013
	Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per common share -
	Income available to common stockholders:
	Income from continuing operations	$	6,848	$	7,257	$	10,497	$	12,208
	Income from discontinued operations		14		38		14		14
	Net income	$	6,862	$	7,295	$	10,511	$	12,222
	Denominator:
	Weighted average shares		10,223		10,173		10,210		10,165
	Denominator for basic earnings per common share		10,223		10,173		10,210		10,165
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Employee stock options		6		12		7		12
	Other stock compensation plans		80		68		92		61
	Dilutive potential common shares		86		80		99		73
	Denominator for diluted earnings per common share - adjusted weighted average shares and assumed conversions		10,309		10,253		10,309		10,238
	Basic earnings per common share:
	Continuing operations	$	0.67	$	0.71	$	1.03	$	1.20
	Discontinued operations		0.00		0.00		0.00		0.00
	Basic earnings per common share	$	0.67	$	0.72	$	1.03	$	1.20
	Diluted earnings per common share:
	Continuing operations	$	0.66	$	0.71	$	1.02	$	1.19
	Discontinued operations		0.00		0.00		0.00		0.00
	Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.67	$	0.71	$	1.02	$	1.19
	Dividends paid per common share	$	0.03	$	0.03	$	0.06	$	0.06

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Stock-based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Summary of Stock Option Activity [Table Text Block]	'
						Weighted		Aggregate
				Weighted		Average		Intrinsic
				Average		Remaining		Value
				Exercise		Contractual		(Dollars in
		Shares		Price		Term		thousands)
	Outstanding and Exercisable at January 1, 2014	18,750	$	10.64		1.3
	Granted	-		-		-
	Canceled	-		-		-
	Exercised	-11,250		11.67		-
	Outstanding and Exercisable at June 30, 2014	7,500	$	9.08		0.8	$	338
Schedule of Nonvested Share Activity [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes the Restricted Stock Award and Performance Unit Award activity for the period ended June 30, 2014:
					Weighted
					Average
		Restricted	Performance		Grant
		Stock	Stock		Date
		Units	Units		Fair Value
	Outstanding at January 1, 2014	129,726	61,651	$	34.00
	Granted	19,051	34,652		44.07
	Vested	-36,302	-13,588		33.96
	Adjustment for incentive awards expected to vest	-	-9,608		43.72
	Canceled	-	-2,880		44.13
	Outstanding at June 30, 2014	112,475	70,227	$	36.30

Retirement_Plans_Tables

Retirement Plans (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Costs of Retirement Plans [Table Text Block]	'
			Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
			June 30,				June 30,
			2014		2013		2014		2013
	Salaried Plan	$	523	$	495	$	1,079	$	944
	Union Plan		22		19		39		35
	Montreal Plan		20		25		45		60
	United Kingdom Plan		30		35		68		68
	Burnaby Plan		36		34		75		77
		$	631	$	608	$	1,306	$	1,184
United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member]	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]	'
			Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
			June 30,				June 30,
			2014		2013		2014		2013
	Service cost	$	6	$	9	$	12	$	17
	Interest cost		192		176		385		353
	Expected return on plan assets		-242		-214		-484		-428
	Recognized net actuarial loss		17		53		33		106
	Net periodic pension (income) cost	$	-27	$	24	$	-54	$	48
United Kingdom Benefit Plans [Member]	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]	'
			Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
			June 30,				June 30,
			2014		2013		2014		2013
	Interest cost	$	101	$	80	$	200	$	160
	Expected return on plan assets		-95		-68		-189		-136
	Amortization of transition amount		-7		-11		-14		-22
	Recognized net actuarial loss		50		53		100		106
	Net periodic pension cost	$	49	$	54	$	97	$	108

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]	'
					Fair Value Measurements at
					Reporting Date Using
					Quoted Prices in		Significant
					Active Markets		Other		Significant
					for Identical		Observable		Unobservable
			June 30,		Assets		Inputs		Inputs
			2014		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Assets
	Domestic money market funds	$	35,510	$	35,510	$	-	$	-
	Non domestic bank term deposits		30,207		30,207		-		-
	Cash equivalents at fair value		65,717		65,717		-		-
	Total Assets	$	65,717	$	65,717	$	-	$	-
					Fair Value Measurements at
					Reporting Date Using
					Quoted Prices in		Significant
					Active Markets		Other		Significant
					for Identical		Observable		Unobservable
			December 31,		Assets		Inputs		Inputs
			2013		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Assets
	Domestic money market funds	$	18,276	$	18,276	$	-	$	-
	Non domestic bank term deposits		32,947		32,947		-		-
	Cash equivalents at fair value		51,223		51,223		-		-
	Total Assets	$	51,223	$	51,223	$	-	$	-

Commitments_and_Contingent_Lia1

Commitments and Contingent Liabilites (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Product Warranty Liability [Table Text Block]	'
			Warranty Liability
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	7,483
	Additions to warranty liability		5,286
	Warranty liability utilized		-3,175
	Balance at June 30, 2014	$	9,594

Business_Segments_Narrative_De

Business Segments (Narrative) (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Business Segments [Abstract]	'
Capital Charges Rate	1.00%
Segment Reporting, Measurement for Transactions Between Reportable Segments	'Segment profits from continuing operations, as shown above, include internal cost of capital charges for assets used in the segment at a rate of generally 1% per month. There has been no change in the measurement of segment profit from continuing operations from December 31, 2013. The internal cost of capital charges are eliminated during the consolidation process.

Business_Segments_Reconciliati

Business Segments (Reconciliation of Significant Reconciling Items) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	$166,832	$149,936	$278,246	$279,257	'
Segment Profit	12,933	12,438	20,051	21,708	'
Assets	439,952	'	439,952	'	413,654
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	5,988	4,741	'
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment	'	'	7,682	3,126	'
Rail Products Segment [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	107,484	90,892	180,980	172,291	'
Segment Profit	6,836	5,835	12,152	12,036	'
Construction Products Segment [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	41,810	43,697	69,193	80,508	'
Segment Profit	3,371	2,056	4,587	2,518	'
Tubular Products Segments [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	17,538	15,347	28,073	26,458	'
Segment Profit	$2,726	$4,547	$3,312	$7,154	'

Business_Segments_Reconciliati1

Business Segments (Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Business Segments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Income for reportable segments	$12,933	$12,438	$20,051	$21,708
Interest expense	-126	-125	-249	-258
Interest income	147	139	291	345
Other income	115	137	250	315
LIFO income (expense)	202	-14	198	-254
Equity in income of nonconsolidated investment	142	420	346	596
Corporate expense, cost of capital elimination and other unallocated charges	-3,206	-1,900	-5,359	-3,913
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	$10,207	$11,095	$15,528	$18,539

Acquisitions_Narrative_Details

Acquisitions (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Payments for Previous Acquisition	$495	'
L.B. Foster Ball Winch, Inc. [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Business Acquisition, Name of Acquired Entity	'	'Ball Winch, LLC (Ball Winch).
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired	'	37,500
Business Combination, Indemnification Assets, Amount as of Acquisition Date	'	3,300
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net	'	37,995
Payments for Previous Acquisition	$495	'

Acquisitions_Allocation_of_Pur

Acquisitions (Allocation of Purchase Price) (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill	$57,781	$57,781
L.B. Foster Ball Winch, Inc. [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Current assets	'	1,857
Other assets	'	64
Property, plant and equipment	'	5,555
Goodwill	'	16,544
Other intangibles	'	14,682
Current liabilities	'	-707
Total	'	$37,995

Acquisitions_Identifiable_Inta

Acquisitions (Identifiable Intangible Assets Acquired) (Details) (L.B. Foster Ball Winch, Inc. [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	$14,682
Trade name [Member]	'
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	723
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	'6 months
Technology [Member]	'
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	11,129
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	'7 years 6 months
Non-compete agreements [Member]	'
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	$2,830
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	'1 year

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill	$57,781	'	$57,781	'	$57,781
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	60,967	'	60,967	'	60,967
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)	49,556	'	49,556	'	51,846
Amortization of Intangible Assets	1,172	700	2,313	1,401	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	'	'	'25 years	'	'
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	'	'	'5 years	'	'
Weighted Average [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	'	'	'17 years	'	'
Rail Products Segment [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill	38,026	'	38,026	'	38,026
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	44,455	'	44,455	'	44,455
Construction Products Segment [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill	3,211	'	3,211	'	3,211
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	1,830	'	1,830	'	1,830
Tubular Products Segments [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill	16,544	'	16,544	'	16,544
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	$14,682	'	$14,682	'	$14,682

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Schedule of Intangible Assets) (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Value	60,967	60,967
Accumulated Amortization	-11,411	-9,121
Net Carrying Amount	49,556	51,846
Non-compete agreements [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Value	2,860	2,860
Accumulated Amortization	-403	-117
Net Carrying Amount	2,457	2,743
Patents [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Value	639	639
Accumulated Amortization	-228	-201
Net Carrying Amount	411	438
Customer relationships [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Value	19,960	19,960
Accumulated Amortization	-4,118	-3,575
Net Carrying Amount	15,842	16,385
Supplier relationships [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Value	350	350
Accumulated Amortization	-248	-213
Net Carrying Amount	102	137
Trademarks [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Value	7,003	7,003
Accumulated Amortization	-1,587	-1,334
Net Carrying Amount	5,416	5,669
Technology [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Value	30,155	30,155
Accumulated Amortization	-4,827	-3,681
Net Carrying Amount	25,328	26,474
Weighted Average [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Weighted Average Amortization Period In Years	'17 years	'
Weighted Average [Member] | Non-compete agreements [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Weighted Average Amortization Period In Years	'5 years	'5 years
Weighted Average [Member] | Patents [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Weighted Average Amortization Period In Years	'10 years	'10 years
Weighted Average [Member] | Customer relationships [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Weighted Average Amortization Period In Years	'23 years	'23 years
Weighted Average [Member] | Supplier relationships [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Weighted Average Amortization Period In Years	'5 years	'5 years
Weighted Average [Member] | Trademarks [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Weighted Average Amortization Period In Years	'16 years	'16 years
Weighted Average [Member] | Technology [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Weighted Average Amortization Period In Years	'15 years	'15 years

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_4

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Schedule of Expected Amortization Expense) (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]	'	'
2014	$2,306	'
2015	4,337	'
2016	4,177	'
2017	4,178	'
2018	4,073	'
2019 and thereafter	30,485	'
Net Carrying Amount	$49,556	$51,846

Accounts_Receivable_Details

Accounts Receivable (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts Receivable [Abstract]	'	'
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable	$1,137	$1,099

Inventories_Schedule_of_Invent

Inventories (Schedule of Inventory) (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventories [Abstract]	'	'
Finished goods	$63,124	$55,166
Work-in-process	11,247	11,332
Raw materials	19,075	19,485
Total inventories at current costs	93,446	85,983
Less: LIFO reserve	-8,829	-9,027
Inventory	$84,617	$76,956

Investments_Narrative_Details

Investments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Equity Investments	$4,896	'	$4,896	'	$5,090
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	45.00%	'	45.00%	'	'
Equity Method Investment, Description of Principal Activities	'	'	'The Company is a member of a joint venture, LB Pipe & Coupling Products, LLC (JV), in which it maintains a 45% ownership interest. The JV manufactures, markets, and sells various precision coupling products for the energy, utility, and construction markets and is scheduled to terminate on June 30, 2019.	'	'
Equity in Income/(Loss) of Nonconsolidated Investment	142	420	346	596	'
Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions, Return of Capital	450	90	540	468	'
Capital Leases, Monthly Rent	'	'	17	'	'
Capital Leases Balloon Payment In Direct Financing Leases	488	'	488	'	'
Capital Leases, Net Investment in Direct Financing Leases	1,170	'	1,170	'	1,224
Capital Leased Land [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Area of Land	5	'	5	'	'
Capital Leased Assets, Number of Units	2	'	2	'	'
Capital Lease Length Of Renewal Term	'	'	'5 years 6 months	'	'
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary, Aggregated Disclosure [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Variable Interest Entity, Methodology for Determining Whether Entity is Primary Beneficiary	'	'	'Under applicable guidance for variable interest entities in ASC 810, "Consolidation," the Company determined that the JV is a variable interest entity. The Company concluded that it is not the primary beneficiary of the variable interest entity, as the Company does not have a controlling financial interest and does not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the JV. Accordingly, the Company concluded that the equity method of accounting remains appropriate.	'	'
Increase as a result of the amendment [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Capital Leases, Monthly Rent	'	'	$7	'	'

Investments_Schedule_Of_Carryi

Investments (Schedule Of Carrying Amount And Maximum Loss Exposure Of Equity Investments) (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Investments [Abstract]	'	'
Equity method investment	$4,896	$5,090
Net investment in direct financing lease	1,170	1,224
Maximum exposure to loss	$6,066	$6,314

Investments_Schedule_of_Direct

Investments (Schedule of Direct Financing Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases Table) (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Investments [Abstract]	'
Current	$60
Year Two	122
Year Three	131
Year Four	140
Year Five	150
Year Six and thereafter	567
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, Total	$1,170

Deferred_Revenue_Details

Deferred Revenue (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred Revenue [Abstract]	'	'
Deferred Revenue, Current	$8,345	$5,715

Borrowings_Narrative_Details

Borrowings (Narrative) (Details)	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Foreign Line of Credit [Member]	PNC Bank, N.A., Bank of America, N.A., Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania [Member]	PNC Bank, N.A., Bank of America, N.A., Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania [Member]	PNC Bank, N.A., Bank of America, N.A., Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania [Member]	NatWest Bank [Member]	NatWest Bank [Member]	NatWest Bank Outstanding Guarantees [Member]	NatWest Bank Outstanding Guarantees [Member]
	USD ($)	Letter of Credit [Member]	Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	Foreign Line of Credit [Member]	Foreign Line of Credit [Member]	Foreign Line of Credit [Member]	Foreign Line of Credit [Member]
		USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	GBP (£)	USD ($)	USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$15,000	'	$125,000	'	$2,566	£ 1,500	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Description	'	'	'This Credit Agreement replaced a prior revolving credit facility with a maximum credit line of $90,000 and a $20,000 term loan.	'	'	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Borrowing Capacity, Description	'	'	'The Credit Agreement provides for a five-year, unsecured revolving credit facility that permits borrowing up to $125,000 for the U.S. borrowers and a sublimit of the equivalent of $15,000 U.S. dollars that is available to the Canadian borrowers.	'	'	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Provision for Increase in Capacity	'	'	50,000	'	'	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Capacity Available for Trade Purchases	'	'	20,000	'	'	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate Description	'	'	'Borrowings under the Credit Agreement will bear interest at rates based upon either the base rate or LIBOR-based rate plus applicable margins. Applicable margins are dictated by the ratio of the Company's indebtedness less cash on hand to the Company's consolidated EBITDA, as defined in the underlying Credit Agreement. The base rate is the highest of (a) PNC Bank's prime rate, (b) the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50% or (c) the daily LIBOR rate, as defined in the underlying Credit Agreement, plus 1.00%. The base rate spread ranges from 0.00% to 1.00%. LIBOR-based rates are determined by dividing the published LIBOR rate by a number equal to 1.00 minus the percentage prescribed by the Federal Reserve for determining the maximum reserve requirements with respect to any Eurocurrency funding by banks on such day. The LIBOR-based rate spread ranges from 1.00% to 2.00%.	'	'. The interest rate on this facility is the financial institution's base rate plus 1.50%.	'. The interest rate on this facility is the financial institution's base rate plus 1.50%.	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Terms	'	'	'The Credit Agreement includes two financial covenants: (a) the Leverage Ratio, defined as the Company's Indebtedness less cash on hand divided by the Company's consolidated EBITDA, which must not exceed 3.00 to 1.00 and (b) Minimum Interest Coverage, defined as consolidated EBITDA less Capital Expenditures divided by consolidated interest expense, which must be no less than 3.00 to 1.00.	'	'	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Dividend Restrictions	'	'	'The Credit Agreement permits the Company to pay dividends and distributions and make redemptions with respect to its stock provided no event of default or potential default (as defined in the Credit Agreement) has occurred prior to or after giving effect to the dividend, distribution, or redemption. Dividends, distributions, and redemptions are capped at $15,000 per year when funds are drawn on the facility. If no drawings on the facility exist, dividends, distributions, and redemptions in excess of $15,000 per year are subjected to a limitation of $75,000 in the aggregate. The $75,000 aggregate limitation also includes certain loans, investments, and acquisitions. The Company is permitted to acquire the stock or assets of other entities with limited restrictions, provided that the Leverage Ratio does not exceed 2.50 to 1.00 after giving effect to the acquisition.	'	'	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	'	3,041	0	0	'	'	31	60
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity	'	'	$121,959	'	$2,535	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Collateral	'	'	'	'	'This credit facility supports the subsidiary's working capital requirements and is collateralized by substantially all of the assets of its United Kingdom operations.	'This credit facility supports the subsidiary's working capital requirements and is collateralized by substantially all of the assets of its United Kingdom operations.	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Asset Restrictions	'	'	'Other restrictions exist at all times including, but not limited to, limitation of the Company's sale of assets, other indebtedness incurred by either the borrowers or the non-borrower subsidiaries of the Company, guarantees, and liens.	'	'	'	'	'

Discontinued_Operations_Narrat

Discontinued Operations (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Discontinued Operations [Abstract]	'	'
Assets of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Current	$19	$149
Liabilities of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Current	'	$26

Earning_Per_Common_Share_Sched

Earning Per Common Share (Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Common Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations	$6,848	$7,257	$10,497	$12,208
Income from discontinued operations	14	38	14	14
Net income	$6,862	$7,295	$10,511	$12,222
Weighted average shares	10,223	10,173	10,210	10,165
Denominator for basic earnings per common share	10,223	10,173	10,210	10,165
Employee stock options	6	12	7	12
Other stock compensation plans	80	68	92	61
Dilutive potential common shares	86	80	99	73
Denominator for diluted earnings per common share - adjusted weighted average shares and assumed conversions	10,309	10,253	10,309	10,238
Basic earnings per common share: From continuing operations	$0.67	$0.71	$1.03	$1.20
Basic earnings per common share: From discontinued operations	$0	$0	$0	$0
Basic earnings per common share	$0.67	$0.72	$1.03	$1.20
Diluted earnings per common share: From continuing operations	$0.66	$0.71	$1.02	$1.19
Diluted earnings per common share: From discontinued operations	$0	$0	$0	$0
Diluted earnings per common share	$0.67	$0.71	$1.02	$1.19
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid	$0.03	$0.03	$0.06	$0.06

StockBased_Compensation_Narrat

Stock-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation	$1,224	$460	$1,799	$1,091	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	3,995	'	3,995	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	'	'	'3 years 8 months 12 days	'	'
Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities	'	'	283	133	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value	$338	$737	$338	$737	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	'	'	'9 months 18 days	'1 year 8 months 12 days	'1 year 3 months 18 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	'	'	$11.67	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	'	'	$33.96	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	'	'	$44.07	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$9.08	'	$9.08	'	$10.64
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period	'	0	11,250	0	'
Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	'	'	19,051	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period	'	'	36,302	'	'
Performance Shares [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	'	'	34,652	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period	'	'	13,588	'	'
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$8.97	$7.81	$8.97	$7.81	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$9.29	$14.77	$9.29	$14.77	'
Weighted Average [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$9.08	$10.41	$9.08	$10.41	'

StockBased_Compensation_Summar

Stock-Based Compensation (Summary of Stock Option Activity) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Stock-based Compensation [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Shares, Outstanding and Exercisable, Beginning of Period	'	18,750	'	'
Shares, Exercised	0	-11,250	0	'
Shares, Outstanding and Exercisable, End of Period	'	7,500	'	18,750
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding and Exercisable at Beginning of Year	'	$10.64	'	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercised	'	$11.67	'	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding and Exercisable at End of Period	'	$9.08	'	$10.64
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term, Outstanding and Exercisable, Beginning	'	'9 months 18 days	'1 year 8 months 12 days	'1 year 3 months 18 days
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term, Outstanding and Exercisable, Ending	'	'9 months 18 days	'1 year 8 months 12 days	'1 year 3 months 18 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding and Exercisable at End of Period	$737	$338	$737	'

StockBased_Compensation_Restri

Stock-Based Compensation (Restricted Stock and Performance Unit Awards) (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Nonvested Shares, Beginning Balance, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$34
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$44.07
Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$33.96
Adjustment for incentive awards expected to vest, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$43.72
Canceled, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$44.13
Nonvested Shares, Ending Balance, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$36.30
Restricted Stock [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Nonvested Shares, Outstanding, Beginning Balance	129,726
Granted	19,051
Vested	-36,302
Nonvested Shares, Outstanding, Ending Balance	112,475
Performance Shares [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Nonvested Shares, Outstanding, Beginning Balance	61,651
Granted	34,652
Vested	-13,588
Adjustment for incentive awards expected to vest	-9,608
Canceled	-2,880
Nonvested Shares, Outstanding, Ending Balance	70,227

Retirement_Plans_Narrative_Det

Retirement Plans (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
			contract
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of retirement plans	'	'	5	'
Defined Benefit Plan Number	'	'	3	'
Active Defined Benefit Plan Number	'	'	1	'
Inactive Defined Benefit Plan Number	'	'	2	'
Defined Contribution Plan Number	'	'	2	'
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized	$631	$608	$1,306	$1,184
Salaried Benefit Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized	523	495	1,079	944
Union Benefit Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized	22	19	39	35
Canadian Employees [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Defined Contribution Plan Number	'	'	2	'
United Kingdom Benefit Plans [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Current Fiscal Year	'	'	298	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer	'	'	154	'
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized	30	35	68	68
Kelsan Benefit Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Description of Postemployment Benefits	'	'	'The Company sponsors five defined contribution plans for hourly and salaried employees across our domestic and international facilities. The following table summarizes the expense associated with the contributions made to these plans.	'
United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Current Fiscal Year	'	'	448	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer	'	'	$149	'

Retirement_Plans_Schedule_Of_N

Retirement Plans (Schedule Of Net Periodic Benefit Costs) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	$6	$9	$12	$17
Interest cost	192	176	385	353
Expected return on plan assets	-242	-214	-484	-428
Recognized net actuarial loss	17	53	33	106
Net periodic benefit (income) cost	-27	24	-54	48
United Kingdom Benefit Plans [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Interest cost	101	80	200	160
Expected return on plan assets	-95	-68	-189	-136
Amortization of transition amount	-7	-11	-14	-22
Recognized net actuarial loss	50	53	100	106
Net periodic benefit (income) cost	$49	$54	$97	$108

Retirement_Plans_Defined_Contr

Retirement Plans (Defined Contribution Plans) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized	$631	$608	$1,306	$1,184
Salaried Benefit Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized	523	495	1,079	944
Union Benefit Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized	22	19	39	35
Montreal Benefit Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized	20	25	45	60
United Kingdom Benefit Plans [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized	30	35	68	68
Burnaby Benefit Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized	$36	$34	$75	$77

Fair_Value_Measurements_Schedu

Fair Value Measurements (Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis) (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$65,717	$51,223
Total Assets	65,717	51,223
Domestic money market funds [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	35,510	18,276
Non domestic bank certificates of deposit [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	30,207	32,947
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	65,717	51,223
Total Assets	65,717	51,223
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Domestic money market funds [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	35,510	18,276
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Non domestic bank certificates of deposit [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$30,207	$32,947

Commitments_and_Contingent_Lia2

Commitments and Contingent Liabilites (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	156 Months Ended							6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended	156 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
	item			Reserve for Concrete Ties [Member]	Reserve for Concrete Ties [Member]	Reserve for Environmental Costs [Member]	Reserve for Environmental Costs [Member]	Transit Products [Member]	The UPRR [Member]	The UPRR [Member]	The UPRR [Member]
									item		item
Product Liability Contingency [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Concrete Ties Manufactured	3,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,600,000
Number of Concrete Ties Excluded from Warranty	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	170,000	'	'
Product Warranty Expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$608	$4,000	$22,000	'
Standard Product Warranty Accrual	'	9,594	7,483	8,537	6,462	'	'	'	'	'	'
Estimated Litigation Liability	'	'	'	'	'	$2,163	$2,190	'	'	'	'

Commitments_and_Contingent_Lia3

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Schedule of Product Warranty Liability) (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities [Abstract]	'
Balance, Beginning	$7,483
Additions to warranty liability	5,286
Warranty liability utilized	-3,175
Balance, Ending	$9,594

Income_Taxes_Reconciliation_Of

Income Taxes (Reconciliation Of Income Tax Rates) (Details)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Effective income tax rate	32.90%	34.60%	32.40%	34.10%

Subsequent_Events_Narrative_De

Subsequent Events (Narrative) (Details) (Carr Concrete Corporation [Member], Subsequent Event [Member], USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014
Carr Concrete Corporation [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]	'
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'
Business Acquisition, Effective Date of Acquisition	7-Jul-14
Business Acquisition, Name of Acquired Entity	'Carr Concrete Corporation (Carr)
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net	$12,300
Business Combination, Indemnification Assets, Amount as of Acquisition Date	1,000
Business Acquisition, Net Working Capital Target	2,678
Business Acquisition, Transaction Costs	$100