Myers Industries (MYE) 10-Q 29 Oct 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Oct. 24, 2013
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	MYERS INDUSTRIES INC
Entity Central Index Key	69488
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2013
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		33,867,232

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$194,920	$197,290	$613,924	$577,180
Cost of sales	141,281	144,561	446,198	419,089
Gross profit	53,639	52,729	167,726	158,091
Selling, general and administrative expenses	41,564	42,957	129,288	121,210
Operating income	12,075	9,772	38,438	36,881
Interest expense, net	1,112	1,194	3,320	3,328
Income before income taxes	10,963	8,578	35,118	33,553
Income tax expense	4,475	2,782	12,435	12,112
Net income	$6,488	$5,796	$22,683	$21,441
Income per common share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.19	$0.17	$0.68	$0.64
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.19	$0.17	$0.67	$0.63
Dividends declared per share (in dollars per share)	$0.09	$0.08	$0.27	$0.24

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Net income	$6,488	$5,796	$22,683	$21,441
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	255	2,926	-5,590	3,699
Pension liability	0	0	-75	632
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	255	2,926	-5,665	4,331
Comprehensive income	$6,743	$8,722	$17,018	$25,772

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets
Cash	$7,004	$3,948
Accounts receivable-less allowances of $3,267 and $3,255, respectively	108,279	115,508
Inventories
Finished and in-process products	83,584	72,899
Raw materials and supplies	34,336	34,603
Inventory net	117,920	107,502
Prepaid expenses	9,380	9,033
Deferred income taxes	2,184	3,605
Total Current Assets	244,767	239,596
Other Assets
Goodwill	61,223	61,056
Patents and other intangible assets	22,584	25,839
Other	3,085	7,882
Total other non current assets	86,892	94,777
Property, Plant and Equipment, at Cost
Land	4,895	4,438
Buildings and leasehold improvements	63,464	57,058
Machinery and equipment	457,837	445,789
Property, Plant and Equipment, at cost	526,196	507,285
Less allowances for depreciation and amortization	-378,451	-356,802
Property, plant and equipment, net	147,745	150,483
Total Assets	479,404	484,856
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable	69,578	72,417
Accrued expenses
Employee compensation	19,997	18,885
Income taxes	150	1,090
Taxes, other than income taxes	2,727	2,606
Accrued interest	835	240
Other	20,915	19,239
Total Current Liabilities	114,202	114,477
Long-term debt	75,490	92,814
Other liabilities	17,537	17,865
Deferred income taxes	31,920	29,678
Shareholders’ Equity
Serial Preferred Shares (authorized 1,000,000 shares; none issued and outstanding)	0	0
Common Shares, without par value (authorized 60,000,000 shares; outstanding 33,721,350 and 33,480,189; net of treasury shares of 4,086,782 and 4,356,160, respectively)	20,404	20,316
Additional paid-in capital	268,652	266,419
Accumulated other comprehensive income	4,978	10,643
Retained deficit	-53,779	-67,356
Total Shareholders' Equity	240,255	230,022
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	$479,404	$484,856

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets
Allowances for accounts receivable	$3,267	$3,255
Shareholders’ Equity
Preferred Shares, shares authorized (in shares)	1,000,000	1,000,000
Preferred Shares, shares issued (in shares)	0	0
Preferred Shares, shares outstanding (in shares)	0	0
Common Shares, shares authorized (in shares)	60,000,000	60,000,000
Common Shares, shares outstanding (in shares)	33,721,350	33,480,189
Common shares, treasury (in shares)	4,086,782	4,356,160

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme4

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity (Unaudited) (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Accumulative Other Comprehensive Income	Retained Income (Deficit)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2012	$230,022	$20,316	$266,419	$10,643	($67,356)
Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	22,683	0	0	0	22,683
Other comprehensive income (loss)		0	0	-5,665	0
Shares withheld for employee taxes on equity awards		0	-684	0	0
Purchases for treasury		-221	-5,050	0	0
Common stock issued		301	5,464	0	0
Stock based compensation		0	2,142	0	0
Stock contribution		8	194	0	0
Tax benefit from options		0	167	0	0
Dividends declared - $.27 per share		0	0	0	-9,106
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2013	$240,255	$20,404	$268,652	$4,978	($53,779)

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme5

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Dividends declared per share (in dollars per share)	$0.09	$0.08	$0.27	$0.24

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme6

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income	$22,683	$21,441
Items not affecting use of cash:
Depreciation	25,661	22,287
Amortization of intangible assets	2,953	2,331
Non-cash stock compensation	2,142	2,134
Payments for long-term incentive compensation	0	-333
Provision for (recovery of) loss on accounts receivable	698	-1,019
Deferred taxes	4,069	428
Other long-term liabilities	38	2,037
Loss (gain) from asset disposition	584	-628
Other	202	50
Cash flows provided by (used for) working capital, net of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable	3,908	664
Inventories	-12,443	-18,611
Prepaid expenses	-1,509	-2,563
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	-2,143	-4,877
Net cash provided by operating activities	46,843	23,341
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Capital expenditures	-20,003	-15,236
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired	-600	-3,430
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	928	1,975
Other	-64	100
Net cash used for investing activities	-19,739	-16,591
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Repayment of long-term debt	0	-26,333
Net (repayments of) borrowing on credit facility	-17,324	20,410
Cash dividends paid	-6,046	-7,642
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	5,765	3,026
Tax benefit from options	167	0
Repurchase of common stock	-5,955	0
Net cash used for financing activities	-23,393	-10,539
Foreign exchange rate effect on cash	-655	3,456
Net increase (decrease) in cash	3,056	-333
Cash, Beginning balance	3,948	6,801
Cash, Ending balance	$7,004

Statement_of_Accounting_Policy

Statement of Accounting Policy	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Statement of Accounting Policy	Statement of Accounting Policies
	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Myers Industries, Inc. and all wholly owned subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”), and have been prepared without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to those rules and regulations, although the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information not misleading. It is suggested that these financial statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s latest annual report on Form 10-K.
	In the opinion of the Company, the accompanying financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring accruals) necessary to present fairly the financial position as of September 30, 2013, and the results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that will occur for the year ending December 31, 2013.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, requiring new disclosures regarding reclassification adjustments from accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI"). ASU No. 2013-02 requires disclosure of amounts reclassified out of AOCI in its entirety, by component, which the Company has elected to disclose in the notes (see below). The Company adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2013.
	Translation of Foreign Currencies
	All asset and liability accounts of consolidated foreign subsidiaries are translated at the current exchange rate as of the end of the accounting period and income statement items are translated monthly at an average currency exchange rate for the period. The resulting translation adjustment is recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) as a separate component of shareholders' equity.
	Fair Value Measurement
	The Company follows guidance included in ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, for its financial assets and liabilities, as required. The guidance established a common definition for fair value to be applied to U.S. GAAP requiring the use of fair value, established a framework for measuring fair value, and expanded disclosure requirements about such fair value measurements. The guidance did not require any new fair value measurements, but rather applied to all other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements. Under ASC 820, the hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value is divided into three levels:
	Level 1:	Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
	Level 2:	Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, unadjusted quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active or inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly.
	Level 3:	Unobservable inputs for which there is little or no market data or which reflect the entity’s own assumptions.
	The fair value of the Company’s cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses are considered to have a fair value which approximates carrying value due to the nature and relative short maturity of these assets and liabilities.
	The fair value of debt under the Company’s Credit Agreement approximates carrying value due to the floating rates and relative short maturity (less than 90 days) of the revolving borrowings under this agreement. The fair value of the Company’s $35.0 million fixed rate senior notes was estimated at $35.9 million and $36.5 million at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, using market observable inputs for the Company’s comparable peers with public debt, including quoted prices in active markets and interest rate measurements which are considered level 2 inputs.
	Revenue Recognition
	The Company recognizes revenues from the sale of products, net of actual and estimated returns, at the point of passage of title and risk of loss, which is generally at time of shipment, and collectability of the fixed or determinable sales price is reasonably assured.
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	The balances in the Company’s accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") as of September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012 are as follows:
		Foreign Currency			Defined Benefit Pension Plans			Total
	Balance at January 1, 2012	$	9,994		$	(2,700	)	$	7,294
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	1,385			—			1,385
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI to income tax expense (benefit) in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income	—			632			632
	Net current-period other comprehensive income	$	1,385		$	632		$	2,017
	Balance at March 31, 2012	$	11,379		$	(2,068	)	$	9,311
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	(612		)	—			(612		)
	Balance at June 30, 2012	$	10,767		$	(2,068	)	$	8,699
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	2,926			—			2,926
	Balance at September 30, 2012	$	13,693		$	(2,068	)	$	11,625
	Balance at January 1, 2013	$	12,784		$	(2,141	)	$	10,643
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	(851		)	—			(851		)
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI to income tax expense (benefit) in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income	—			(75		)	(75		)
	Net current-period other comprehensive income	$	(851	)	$	(75	)	$	(926	)
	Balance at March 31, 2013	$	11,933		$	(2,216	)	$	9,717
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	(4,994		)	—			(4,994		)
	Balance at June 30, 2013	$	6,939		$	(2,216	)	$	4,723
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	255			—			255
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	7,194		$	(2,216	)	$	4,978
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	The Company considers all highly liquid instruments purchased with a maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates market value. The Company maintains operating cash and reserves for replacement balances in financial institutions which, from time to time, may exceed federally insured limits. The Company periodically assesses the financial condition of these institutions and believes that the risk of loss is minimal.

Inventories

Inventories	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories	Inventories
	Approximately twenty percent of the Company’s inventories use the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method of determining cost. An actual valuation of inventory under the LIFO method can be made only at the end of each year based on the inventory levels and costs at that time. Accordingly, interim LIFO calculations must necessarily be based on management’s estimates of expected year-end inventory levels and costs. Because these are subject to many factors beyond management’s control, estimated interim results, which were immaterial, are subject to change in the final year-end LIFO inventory valuation and therefore, no adjustment was recorded as of September 30, 2013.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	Acquisitions
	In October 2012, the Company acquired 100% of the stock of Jamco Products Inc. ("Jamco"), an Illinois corporation that is a leading designer and manufacturer of heavy-duty industrial steel carts and safety cabinets used across many markets. The total purchase price was approximately $15.1 million in cash, net of $0.1 million of cash acquired.
	Jamco's assets and liabilities are recorded at fair value as of the date of acquisition using primarily level 2 and level 3 fair value inputs. Intangible assets included in the acquisition of Jamco are trade name of $1.2 million, technology of $2.0 million, non-compete agreement of $0.1 million and customer relationships of $2.4 million. The technology, non-compete agreement and customer relationships are subject to amortization and have estimated useful lives of ten, two and six years, respectively. The Jamco trade name has an indefinite life and will be subject to periodic (at least annual) evaluation for impairment.
	In July 2012, the Company acquired 100% of the stock of Plasticos Novel do Nordeste S.A. ("Novel"), a Brazil-based designer and manufacturer of reusable plastic crates and containers used for closed-loop shipping and storage. Novel also produces a diverse range of plastic industrial safety products. The total purchase price was $30.9 million, which includes a cash payment of $3.4 million, net of $0.6 million of cash acquired, assumed debt of approximately $26.0 million and contingent consideration of $0.9 million based on an earnout. The contingent consideration is contingent upon the annual results of Novel exceeding predefined earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization over the following four years.
	Novel's assets and liabilities are recorded at fair value as of the date of acquisition using primarily level 3 fair value inputs. Intangible assets included in the acquisition of Novel include trade name of $1.6 million, know-how of $1.8 million and customer relationships of $2.4 million The know-how and customer relationships are subject to amortization and have estimated useful lives of ten and six years, respectively. The Novel trade name has an indefinite life and will be subject to periodic (at least annual) evaluation for impairment.
	The following unaudited pro forma information for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 presents a summary of consolidated results of operations for the Company including Novel and Jamco as if the acquisitions had occurred on January 1, 2012.
	Net sales	$	608,239
	Cost of sales	440,999
	Gross profit	167,240
	Selling, general & administrative expenses	127,007
	Operating income	40,233
	Interest expense, net	6,287
	Income before taxes	33,946
	Income taxes	12,261
	Net income	$	21,685
	Income per basic share	$	0.65
	Income per diluted share	$	0.63
	These unaudited pro forma results have been prepared for comparative purposes only and may not be indicative of results of operations which actually would have occurred had the acquisitions taken place on January 1, 2012 or indicative of future results.
	The operating results of both businesses acquired have been included in our Material Handling Segment since the date of acquisition.
	The allocation of the purchase price and the estimated goodwill, which is not deductible for income tax purposes, and other intangibles are as follows:
	Assets acquired:	Novel		Jamco
	Current assets, excluding cash acquired	$	11,884	$	5,019
	Property, plant & equipment	13,636		2,559
	Other long-term assets	6,944		5,711
	Assets acquired, less cash	$	32,464	$	13,289
	Current liabilities	$	6,742	$	2,112
	Debt	26,028		—
	Long-term liabilities	6,097		3,498
	Liabilities assumed	38,867		5,610
	Goodwill	9,832		7,435
	Total consideration, less cash acquired	$	3,429	$	15,114

Goodwill

Goodwill	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill	Goodwill
	The Company is required to test for impairment on at least an annual basis. In addition, the Company tests for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is below its carrying amount. Such events may include, but are not limited to, significant changes in economic and competitive conditions, the impact of the economic environment on the Company's customer base or its businesses, or a material negative change in its relationships with significant customers. The Company conducts its annual impairment assessment as of October 1.
	The change in goodwill for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 was as follows:
	Balance at January 1, 2013	$	61,056
	Reclassification of prepaid asset from Novel acquisition	1,028
	Foreign currency translation	(861		)
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	61,223

Net_Income_Per_Common_Share

Net Income Per Common Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net Income Per Common Share	Net Income Per Common Share
	Net income per common share, as shown on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited), is determined on the basis of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period as follows:
		Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
		September 30,		September 30,
		2013	2012	2013	2012
	Weighted average common shares outstanding
	Basic	33,670,639	33,746,824	33,574,801	33,592,984
	Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock	538,170	664,830	416,220	663,469
	Weighted average common shares outstanding diluted	34,208,809	34,411,654	33,991,021	34,256,453
	Options to purchase 123,900 shares of common stock that were outstanding for the nine month period ended September 30, 2013 were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share as the exercise prices of these options were greater than the average market price of common shares, and their effect on diluted earnings per share would be anti-dilutive. Options to purchase 212,000 shares of common stock that were outstanding for both the three month period and nine month period ended September 30, 2012 were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share as the exercise prices of these options were greater than the average market price of common shares, and their effect on diluted earnings per share would be anti-dilutive.

Supplemental_Disclosure_of_Cas

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information	Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Interest paid	$	1,658	$	491	$	2,629	$	2,399
	Income taxes paid	$	2,354	$	3,183	$	9,776	$	16,465

Restructuring

Restructuring	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring	Restructuring
	The charges related to various restructuring programs implemented by the Company are included in selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses and cost of sales depending on the type of cost incurred. In our Distribution Segment, as well as Corporate, restructuring costs were recorded in SG&A, while in our Engineered Products Segment restructuring expenses were recorded in cost of sales. Our Material Handling Segment and Lawn and Garden Segment restructuring costs were recorded in both SG&A and cost of sales. The restructuring charges by segment are presented in the following table.
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
	Segment	2013			2012			2013			2012
	Material Handling	$	—		$	—		$	225		$	—
	Lawn and Garden	993			19			2,132			461
	Distribution	25			165			117			595
	Engineered Products	—			849			3			1,050
	Corporate	—			—			17			—
	Total	$	1,018		$	1,033		$	2,494		$	2,106
	The Company recorded restructuring expenses of $0.4 million in SG&A and $0.6 million in cost of sales for the three months ended September 30, 2013. The Company recorded total restructuring expenses of $0.2 million in SG&A and $0.8 million in cost of sales for the three months ended September 30, 2012.
	The Company recorded total restructuring expenses of $1.4 million in SG&A and $1.1 million in cost of sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The Company recorded total restructuring expenses of $1.2 million in SG&A and $1.0 million in cost of sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. A gain of $0.4 million on the sale of four facilities was also recorded in Distribution Segments SG&A for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. Estimated lease obligations associated with closed facilities were based on level 2 inputs.
	The amounts for severance and personnel costs associated with restructuring have been included in other accrued expenses on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
		Severance and			Other
		Personnel			Exit Costs			Total
	Balance at January 1, 2012	$	—		$	605		$	605
	Provision	783			1,323			2,106
	Less: Payments	(783		)	(728		)	(1,511		)
	Balance at September 30, 2012	$	—		$	1,200		$	1,200
	Balance at January 1, 2013	$	318		$	—		$	318
	Provision	597			1,897			2,494
	Less: Payments	(915		)	(1,897		)	(2,812		)
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	—		$	—		$	—
	In July 2013, the Lawn and Garden Segment announced a restructuring plan that details the closure of two manufacturing plants: one in Brantford, Ontario and the second in Waco, Texas. The restructuring actions include closure, relocation and employee related costs. The aggregate charge is expected to approximate $15.0 million, of which $3.0 million is expected to be noncash costs. These actions are expected to improve annual operating profit by approximately $8.0 million. The majority of the benefits are planned to be realized throughout 2014 in decreased labor, overhead, plant and freight costs. For the three months ended September 30, 2013, the Company incurred restructuring costs of $1.0 million for severance, consulting, moving and relocation costs.
	The Lawn and Garden Segment restructuring plan also included reopening a manufacturing plant in Sparks, Nevada in order to lower the Company's costs to serve the West Coast market and position the segment for future growth. As of July 2013, the facility was no longer actively marketed for sale and was reclassified from held for sale to property, plant, and equipment in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. Depreciation expense recapture of $1.3 million for this facility was recorded in the third quarter 2013.

Stock_Compensation

Stock Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock Compensation	Stock Compensation
	The Company’s 2008 Incentive Stock Plan (the “2008 Plan”) authorizes the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors to issue up to 3,000,000 shares of various types of stock based awards including stock options, restricted stock, stock units and stock appreciation rights to key employees and directors. In general, options granted and outstanding vest over a three year period and expire ten years from the date of grant.
	Stock compensation expense reduced income before taxes approximately $0.8 million and $0.6 million, for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Stock compensation expense reduced income before taxes approximately $2.3 million and $2.1 million, for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. These expenses are included in SG&A expenses in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited). Total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share based compensation arrangements at September 30, 2013 was approximately $4.1 million which will be recognized over the next three years, as such compensation is earned.
	On March 1, 2013, stock options for 323,400 shares were granted with a three year vesting period. The fair value of options granted is estimated using a binomial lattice option pricing model based on assumptions set forth in the following table. The Company uses historical data to estimate employee exercise and departure behavior. The risk free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant and through the expected term. The dividend yield rate is based on the Company’s historical dividend yield. The expected volatility is derived from historical volatility of the Company’s shares and those of similar companies measured against the market as a whole.
	Model
	Risk free interest rate	1.86		%
	Expected dividend yield	2.4		%
	Expected life of award (years)	7
	Expected volatility	50		%
	Fair value per option share	$	5.39
	The following table provides a summary of stock option activity for the period ended September 30, 2013:
		Shares			Average		Weighted
					Exercise		Average
					Price		Life
	Outstanding at January 1, 2013	1,919,021			$	11.63
	Options granted	323,400			14.77
	Options exercised	(500,971	)		11.34
	Cancelled or forfeited	(161,678	)		13.89
	Outstanding at September 30, 2013	1,579,772			$	12.14	6.23 years
	Exercisable at September 30, 2013	1,060,794			$	11.48	4.97 years
	The intrinsic value of a stock option is the amount by which the market value of the underlying stock exceeds the exercise price of the option. The total intrinsic value of all stock options exercised during the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was approximately $1.2 million and $0.1 million, respectively. The total intrinsic value of all stock options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was approximately $2.6 million and, $1.5 million, respectively.
	On March 1, 2013, 169,100 Restricted Stock Unit ("RSU") Awards were granted with a two or three year vesting period. The RSUs had a grant date fair value of $14.77 per share, which was the closing price of the common stock on the date of grant.
	The following table provides a summary of RSU and restricted stock activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
		Awards			Average Grant-Date Fair Value
	Unvested at January 1, 2013	363,125
	Granted	169,100			$	14.77
	Released	(112,000	)		10.02
	Cancelled or forfeited	(126,600	)		13.89
	Unvested at September 30, 2013	293,625			$	13.1
	Restricted stock units are rights to receive shares of common stock, subject to forfeiture and other restrictions, which vest over a two or three year period. Restricted shares are considered to be non-vested shares under the accounting guidance for share-based payment and are not reflected as issued and outstanding shares until the restrictions lapse. At that time, the shares are released to the grantee and the Company records the issuance of the shares. Restricted stock awards are valued based on the market price of the underlying shares on the grant date. Compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. At September 30, 2013, restricted stock awards had vesting periods up through March 2016.

Contingencies

Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contingencies	Contingencies
	The Company is a defendant in various lawsuits and a party to various other legal proceedings, in the ordinary course of business, some of which are covered in whole or in part by insurance.
	New Idria Mercury Mine
	Effective October 2011, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) added the New Idria Mercury Mine site located near Hollister, California to the Superfund National Priorities List because of alleged contaminants discharged at the site and to California waterways. The New Idria Quicksilver Mining Company, founded in 1936, and later renamed the New Idria Mining & Chemical Company ("NIMCC") owned and/or operated the New Idria Mine through 1976. In 1981 NIMCC was merged into Buckhorn Metal Products Inc. and subsequently acquired by Myers Industries in 1987. The EPA contends that past mining operations have resulted in mercury contamination and acid mine drainage at the site and in the San Carlos Creek, Silver Creek and a portion of Panoche Creek and that other downstream locations may also be impacted.
	Since Buckhorn Inc. may be a potentially responsible party (“PRP”) of the New Idria Mercury Mine, the Company recognized an expense of $1.9 million in 2011 related to performing a remedial investigation and feasibility study to determine the extent of remediation and the screening of alternatives. Payments of approximately $0.5 million have been charged against the reserve classified in Other Liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as of September 30, 2013. As the Site Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study ("RI/FS") proceeds, it is likely that adjustments to the recognized expense will be necessary to reflect new information regarding the nature and extent of site contamination, the range of remediation alternatives available, and evolving remediation standards.  The final remedial action will be selected after completion of the RI/FS.  At that time, the Company is likely to have additional information regarding remedial action costs, the number and financial condition of other PRPs, the extent of their responsibility for the remediation, and the availability of insurance coverage for these expenses. At this time, further remediation cost estimates are not known and have not been prepared.
	In November 2011, the EPA completed an interim removal project at the New Idria Mercury Mine site. It is expected this removal action will be part of the final remediation strategy for the site. According to informal reports, EPA's interim removal project costs were approximately $500,000. It is possible that at some future date the EPA will seek recovery of the costs of this work from PRPs.
	Other
	When management believes that a loss arising from these matters is probable and can reasonably be estimated, the Company records the amount of the estimated loss, or the minimum estimated liability when the loss is estimated using a range, and no point within the range is more probable of occurrence than another. As additional information becomes available, any potential liability related to these matters will be assessed and the estimates will be revised, if necessary.
	Based on current available information, management believes that the ultimate outcome of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position or overall trends in the Company's results of operations. However, these matters are subject to inherent uncertainties, and unfavorable rulings could occur. If an unfavorable ruling were to occur, there exists the possibility of a material adverse impact on the financial position and results of operations of the period in which the ruling occurs, or in future periods.

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Long-Term Debt
	Long-term debt consisted of the following:
		September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Credit agreement	$	40,490	$	57,814
	Senior notes	35,000		35,000
		$	75,490	$	92,814
	Under terms of the Credit Agreement with a group of banks, the Company may borrow up to $180 million, reduced for letters of credit issued. As of September 30, 2013, the Company had $134.6 million available under the Credit Agreement.
	In December 2003, the Company issued $100 million in Senior Unsecured Notes (the "Notes") consisting of $65 million of notes with an interest rate of 6.08 percent and a 7 year maturity and $35 million of notes with an interest rate of 6.81 percent and a 10 year maturity. Proceeds from the issuance of the Notes were used to pay down the term loan and revolving credit facility borrowing outstanding at that time. As of September 30, 2013, the Company has classified the $35 million of Senior Notes due in December 2013 as a long-term liability since the intent of our recently completed private placement of notes totaling $100 million will be used to repay the Notes.
	Subsequent Event
	On October 22, 2013, the Company entered into a note purchase agreement for the private placement of notes totaling $100 million with a group of institutional investors. The proceeds will be used to grow key businesses and to repay existing debt. The four series of notes will range in face value from $11 million to $40 million, with interest rates ranging from 4.67% to 5.45% that will expire between 2021 and 2026. The average interest rate on this new debt is 5.07% compared to the current rate of 6.81% on the $35 million which will be paid off in December 2013. Also on October 22, 2013, our Credit Agreement was amended to reflect  reference to the private placement of notes.

Retirement_Plans

Retirement Plans	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Retirement Plans	Retirement Plans
	The Company and certain of its subsidiaries have pension and profit sharing plans covering substantially all of their employees. The Company’s frozen defined benefit pension plan ("The Pension Agreement between Akro-Mils and United Steelworkers of America Local No. 1761-02") provides benefits primarily based upon a fixed amount for each year of service as of the date the plan was frozen.
	Net periodic pension cost are as follows:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Service cost	$	7		$	18		$	23		$	53
	Interest cost	64			72			194			216
	Expected return on assets	(91		)	(77		)	(273		)	(230		)
	Amortization of actuarial net loss	28			25			84			75
	Net periodic pension cost	$	8		$	38		$	28		$	114
	Company contributions	$	81		$	339		$	284		$	538
	The Company anticipates contributions totaling $0.4 million to its pension plan for the full year of 2013.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	The total amount of gross unrecognized tax benefit that would reduce the Company's effective tax rates at September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012, was $1.2 million and $0.3 million, respectively. The $0.9 million increase in the gross unrecognized tax benefits from September 30, 2012 to September 30, 2013 resulted from an increase in income tax reserves related to acquired businesses and previous year tax positions. Accrued interest expense included with accrued income taxes in the Company's Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position was $0.1 million at both September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.
	As of September 30, 2013, the Company and its significant subsidiaries are subject to examination for the years after 2007 in Brazil and Canada, and after 2010 in the United States. The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to examination in certain states within the United States either after 2007 or after 2008.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	Segment Information
	Using the criteria of ASC 280, Segment Reporting, the Company has four operating segments: Material Handling, Lawn and Garden, Distribution, and Engineered Products. Each of these operating segments is also a reportable segment under the ASC 280 criteria.
	None of the reportable segments include operating segments that have been aggregated. Some of these segments contain individual business components that have been aggregated on the basis of common management, customers, products, production processes and economic characteristics. The Company accounts for intersegment sales and transfers at cost plus a specified mark-up.
	Income before income taxes for each business segment is based on net sales less cost of products sold, and the related selling, administrative and general expenses. In computing business segment operating income, general corporate overhead expenses and interest expenses are not included.
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
	Net Sales	2013			2012			2013			2012
	Material Handling	$	75,965		$	76,151		$	239,768		$	201,632
	Lawn and Garden	44,905			45,341			146,157			147,008
	Distribution	45,006			45,065			133,548			131,991
	Engineered Products	33,839			35,709			108,403			111,578
	Inter-company Sales	(4,795		)	(4,976		)	(13,952		)	(15,029		)
	Net Sales	$	194,920		$	197,290		$	613,924		$	577,180
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
	Income Before Income Taxes	2013			2012			2013			2012
	Material Handling	$	10,679		$	12,530		$	31,394		$	34,903
	Lawn and Garden	93			41			2,265			(683		)
	Distribution	4,290			3,343			10,993			11,152
	Engineered Products	3,502			2,921			13,713			12,172
	Corporate	(6,489		)	(9,063		)	(19,927		)	(20,663		)
	Interest expense - net	(1,112		)	(1,194		)	(3,320		)	(3,328		)
	Income before income taxes	$	10,963		$	8,578		$	35,118		$	33,553

Other_Current_Accrued_Expenses

Other Current Accrued Expenses (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Other current accrued expenses	Other Current Accrued Expenses
	Included within Accrued expenses - Other on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as of September 30, 2013, and December 31, 2012 are deposits and amounts due to customers of $10.6 million and $10.7 million, dividends payable of $3.2 million and $0.2 million, and other accruals of $7.1 million and $8.3 million, respectively.

Statement_of_Accounting_Policy1

Statement of Accounting Policy (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Accounting	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Myers Industries, Inc. and all wholly owned subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”), and have been prepared without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to those rules and regulations, although the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information not misleading. It is suggested that these financial statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s latest annual report on Form 10-K.
New Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, requiring new disclosures regarding reclassification adjustments from accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI"). ASU No. 2013-02 requires disclosure of amounts reclassified out of AOCI in its entirety, by component, which the Company has elected to disclose in the notes (see below). The Company adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2013.
Translation of Foreign Currencies	Translation of Foreign Currencies
	All asset and liability accounts of consolidated foreign subsidiaries are translated at the current exchange rate as of the end of the accounting period and income statement items are translated monthly at an average currency exchange rate for the period. The resulting translation adjustment is recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) as a separate component of shareholders' equity.
Fair Value Measurement	Fair Value Measurement
	The Company follows guidance included in ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, for its financial assets and liabilities, as required. The guidance established a common definition for fair value to be applied to U.S. GAAP requiring the use of fair value, established a framework for measuring fair value, and expanded disclosure requirements about such fair value measurements. The guidance did not require any new fair value measurements, but rather applied to all other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements. Under ASC 820, the hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value is divided into three levels:
	Level 1:	Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
	Level 2:	Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, unadjusted quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active or inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly.
	Level 3:	Unobservable inputs for which there is little or no market data or which reflect the entity’s own assumptions.
	The fair value of the Company’s cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses are considered to have a fair value which approximates carrying value due to the nature and relative short maturity of these assets and liabilities.
	The fair value of debt under the Company’s Credit Agreement approximates carrying value due to the floating rates and relative short maturity (less than 90 days) of the revolving borrowings under this agreement. The fair value of the Company’s $35.0 million fixed rate senior notes was estimated at $35.9 million and $36.5 million at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, using market observable inputs for the Company’s comparable peers with public debt, including quoted prices in active markets and interest rate measurements which are considered level 2 inputs.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition
	The Company recognizes revenues from the sale of products, net of actual and estimated returns, at the point of passage of title and risk of loss, which is generally at time of shipment, and collectability of the fixed or determinable sales price is reasonably assured.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	The Company considers all highly liquid instruments purchased with a maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates market value. The Company maintains operating cash and reserves for replacement balances in financial institutions which, from time to time, may exceed federally insured limits. The Company periodically assesses the financial condition of these institutions and believes that the risk of loss is minimal.

Statement_of_Accounting_Policy2

Statement of Accounting Policy (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
The balances in the Company's accumulated other comprehensive income	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	The balances in the Company’s accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") as of September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012 are as follows:
		Foreign Currency			Defined Benefit Pension Plans			Total
	Balance at January 1, 2012	$	9,994		$	(2,700	)	$	7,294
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	1,385			—			1,385
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI to income tax expense (benefit) in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income	—			632			632
	Net current-period other comprehensive income	$	1,385		$	632		$	2,017
	Balance at March 31, 2012	$	11,379		$	(2,068	)	$	9,311
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	(612		)	—			(612		)
	Balance at June 30, 2012	$	10,767		$	(2,068	)	$	8,699
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	2,926			—			2,926
	Balance at September 30, 2012	$	13,693		$	(2,068	)	$	11,625
	Balance at January 1, 2013	$	12,784		$	(2,141	)	$	10,643
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	(851		)	—			(851		)
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI to income tax expense (benefit) in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income	—			(75		)	(75		)
	Net current-period other comprehensive income	$	(851	)	$	(75	)	$	(926	)
	Balance at March 31, 2013	$	11,933		$	(2,216	)	$	9,717
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	(4,994		)	—			(4,994		)
	Balance at June 30, 2013	$	6,939		$	(2,216	)	$	4,723
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	255			—			255
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	7,194		$	(2,216	)	$	4,978

Acquisitions_Acquisition_Purch

Acquisitions Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation [Abstract]
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information	The following unaudited pro forma information for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 presents a summary of consolidated results of operations for the Company including Novel and Jamco as if the acquisitions had occurred on January 1, 2012.
	Net sales	$	608,239
	Cost of sales	440,999
	Gross profit	167,240
	Selling, general & administrative expenses	127,007
	Operating income	40,233
	Interest expense, net	6,287
	Income before taxes	33,946
	Income taxes	12,261
	Net income	$	21,685
	Income per basic share	$	0.65
	Income per diluted share	$	0.63
Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions	The allocation of the purchase price and the estimated goodwill, which is not deductible for income tax purposes, and other intangibles are as follows:
	Assets acquired:	Novel		Jamco
	Current assets, excluding cash acquired	$	11,884	$	5,019
	Property, plant & equipment	13,636		2,559
	Other long-term assets	6,944		5,711
	Assets acquired, less cash	$	32,464	$	13,289
	Current liabilities	$	6,742	$	2,112
	Debt	26,028		—
	Long-term liabilities	6,097		3,498
	Liabilities assumed	38,867		5,610
	Goodwill	9,832		7,435
	Total consideration, less cash acquired	$	3,429	$	15,114

Goodwill_Tables

Goodwill (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
The change in goodwill	The change in goodwill for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 was as follows:
	Balance at January 1, 2013	$	61,056
	Reclassification of prepaid asset from Novel acquisition	1,028
	Foreign currency translation	(861		)
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	61,223

Net_Income_Per_Common_Share_Ta

Net Income Per Common Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period	Net income per common share, as shown on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited), is determined on the basis of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period as follows:
		Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
		September 30,		September 30,
		2013	2012	2013	2012
	Weighted average common shares outstanding
	Basic	33,670,639	33,746,824	33,574,801	33,592,984
	Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock	538,170	664,830	416,220	663,469
	Weighted average common shares outstanding diluted	34,208,809	34,411,654	33,991,021	34,256,453

Supplemental_Disclosure_of_Cas1

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Interest paid	$	1,658	$	491	$	2,629	$	2,399
	Income taxes paid	$	2,354	$	3,183	$	9,776	$	16,465

Restructuring_Tables

Restructuring (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs	The restructuring charges by segment are presented in the following table.
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
	Segment	2013			2012			2013			2012
	Material Handling	$	—		$	—		$	225		$	—
	Lawn and Garden	993			19			2,132			461
	Distribution	25			165			117			595
	Engineered Products	—			849			3			1,050
	Corporate	—			—			17			—
	Total	$	1,018		$	1,033		$	2,494		$	2,106
Restructuring Reserve	The amounts for severance and personnel costs associated with restructuring have been included in other accrued expenses on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
		Severance and			Other
		Personnel			Exit Costs			Total
	Balance at January 1, 2012	$	—		$	605		$	605
	Provision	783			1,323			2,106
	Less: Payments	(783		)	(728		)	(1,511		)
	Balance at September 30, 2012	$	—		$	1,200		$	1,200
	Balance at January 1, 2013	$	318		$	—		$	318
	Provision	597			1,897			2,494
	Less: Payments	(915		)	(1,897		)	(2,812		)
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	—		$	—		$	—

Stock_Compensation_Tables

Stock Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Fair Value of stock options granted assumptions used	The expected volatility is derived from historical volatility of the Company’s shares and those of similar companies measured against the market as a whole.
	Model
	Risk free interest rate	1.86		%
	Expected dividend yield	2.4		%
	Expected life of award (years)	7
	Expected volatility	50		%
	Fair value per option share	$	5.39
Summary of stock option activity for the period	The following table provides a summary of stock option activity for the period ended September 30, 2013:
		Shares			Average		Weighted
					Exercise		Average
					Price		Life
	Outstanding at January 1, 2013	1,919,021			$	11.63
	Options granted	323,400			14.77
	Options exercised	(500,971	)		11.34
	Cancelled or forfeited	(161,678	)		13.89
	Outstanding at September 30, 2013	1,579,772			$	12.14	6.23 years
	Exercisable at September 30, 2013	1,060,794			$	11.48	4.97 years
Summary of restricted stock activity for the period	The following table provides a summary of RSU and restricted stock activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
		Awards			Average Grant-Date Fair Value
	Unvested at January 1, 2013	363,125
	Granted	169,100			$	14.77
	Released	(112,000	)		10.02
	Cancelled or forfeited	(126,600	)		13.89
	Unvested at September 30, 2013	293,625			$	13.1

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments	Long-term debt consisted of the following:
		September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Credit agreement	$	40,490	$	57,814
	Senior notes	35,000		35,000
		$	75,490	$	92,814

Retirement_Plans_Tables

Retirement Plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Net periodic pension cost	Net periodic pension cost are as follows:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Service cost	$	7		$	18		$	23		$	53
	Interest cost	64			72			194			216
	Expected return on assets	(91		)	(77		)	(273		)	(230		)
	Amortization of actuarial net loss	28			25			84			75
	Net periodic pension cost	$	8		$	38		$	28		$	114
	Company contributions	$	81		$	339		$	284		$	538

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Net Sales by Segment
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
	Net Sales	2013			2012			2013			2012
	Material Handling	$	75,965		$	76,151		$	239,768		$	201,632
	Lawn and Garden	44,905			45,341			146,157			147,008
	Distribution	45,006			45,065			133,548			131,991
	Engineered Products	33,839			35,709			108,403			111,578
	Inter-company Sales	(4,795		)	(4,976		)	(13,952		)	(15,029		)
	Net Sales	$	194,920		$	197,290		$	613,924		$	577,180
Schedule of Income Before Income Taxes by Segment
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
	Income Before Income Taxes	2013			2012			2013			2012
	Material Handling	$	10,679		$	12,530		$	31,394		$	34,903
	Lawn and Garden	93			41			2,265			(683		)
	Distribution	4,290			3,343			10,993			11,152
	Engineered Products	3,502			2,921			13,713			12,172
	Corporate	(6,489		)	(9,063		)	(19,927		)	(20,663		)
	Interest expense - net	(1,112		)	(1,194		)	(3,320		)	(3,328		)
	Income before income taxes	$	10,963		$	8,578		$	35,118		$	33,553

Statement_of_Accounting_Policy3

Statement of Accounting Policy (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended						3 Months Ended						3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
					Foreign Currency	Foreign Currency	Foreign Currency	Foreign Currency	Foreign Currency	Foreign Currency	Defined Benefit Pension Plans	Defined Benefit Pension Plans	Defined Benefit Pension Plans	Defined Benefit Pension Plans	Defined Benefit Pension Plans	Defined Benefit Pension Plans	Accumulative Other Comprehensive Income	Accumulative Other Comprehensive Income	Accumulative Other Comprehensive Income	Accumulative Other Comprehensive Income	Accumulative Other Comprehensive Income	Accumulative Other Comprehensive Income	Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
																							Senior notes	Senior notes	Senior notes
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Line Items]
Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure																							$35,000,000	$35,900,000	$36,500,000
Accumlated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			10,643,000		11,933,000	12,784,000	11,379,000	9,994,000	7,194,000	13,693,000	-2,216,000	-2,141,000	-2,068,000	-2,700,000	-2,216,000	-2,068,000	9,717,000	10,643,000	9,311,000	7,294,000	4,978,000	11,625,000
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications					-4,994,000	-851,000	-612,000	1,385,000			0	0	0	0			-4,994,000	-851,000	-612,000	1,385,000
Amounts reclassified from AOCI to income tax expense (benefit) in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income						0		0				-75,000		632,000				-75,000		632,000
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	255,000	2,926,000	-5,665,000	4,331,000		-851,000		1,385,000				-75,000		632,000				-926,000		2,017,000
Ending balance	$4,978,000		$4,978,000		$6,939,000	$11,933,000	$10,767,000	$11,379,000	$7,194,000	$13,693,000	($2,216,000)	($2,216,000)	($2,068,000)	($2,068,000)	($2,216,000)	($2,068,000)	$4,723,000	$9,717,000	$8,699,000	$9,311,000	$4,978,000	$11,625,000

Inventories_Details

Inventories (Details)	Sep. 30, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Percentage of LIFO Inventory	20.00%

Acquisitions_Details

Acquisitions (Details) (USD $)

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Oct. 31, 2012

Oct. 02, 2012

Oct. 02, 2012

Oct. 02, 2012

Oct. 02, 2012

Jul. 31, 2012

Jul. 31, 2011

Jul. 03, 2012

Jul. 03, 2012

Jul. 03, 2012

Oct. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2012

Oct. 02, 2012

Jul. 03, 2012

Developed Technology Rights [Member]

Customer Relationships [Member]

Jamco [Member]

Jamco [Member]

Jamco [Member]

Jamco [Member]

Jamco [Member]

Palsticos Novel S.A. [Member]

Palsticos Novel S.A. [Member]

Palsticos Novel S.A. [Member]

Palsticos Novel S.A. [Member]

Palsticos Novel S.A. [Member]

Customer Relationships [Member]

Noncompete Agreements [Member]

Technology [Member]

Trade Names [Member]

Trade Names [Member]

Customer Relationships [Member]

Technology [Member]

Noncompete Agreements [Member]

Developed Technology Rights [Member]

Customer Relationships [Member]

Jamco [Member]

Jamco [Member]

Jamco [Member]

Jamco [Member]

Palsticos Novel S.A. [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Percentage of entity acquired

100.00%

100.00%

Purchase price of business

$15,100,000

$30,900,000

Trade name acquired

1,200,000

Acquired finite-lived intangible assets

2,400,000

2,000,000

100,000

Useful lives of intangible assets acquired

10 years

6 years

6 years

2 years

10 years

Cash payment for acquisition

600,000

3,430,000

3,400,000

Cash acquired from acquisition

100,000

600,000

Debt assumed in acquisition

26,028,000

Contingent consideration

900,000

Contingency period

4 years

Indefinite-lived trade name acquired

1,600,000

Finite-lived intangible assets acquired

$1,800,000

$2,400,000

Acquisitions_Pro_Forma_Details

Acquisitions Pro Forma (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net sales	$608,239
Cost of sales	440,999
Gross profit	167,240
Selling, general & administrative expenses	127,007
Operating income	40,233
Interest expense, net	6,287
Income before taxes	33,946
Income taxes	12,261
Net income	$21,685
Income per basic share	$0.65
Income per diluted share	$0.63

Acquisitions_Allocation_of_Pur

Acquisitions Allocation of Purchase Price (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jul. 03, 2012	Oct. 02, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified			Palsticos Novel S.A. [Member]	Jamco [Member]
Assets acquired:
Current assets, excluding cash acquired			$11,884	$5,019
Property, plant & equipment			13,636	2,559
Other long-term assets			6,944	5,711
Assets acquired, less cash			32,464	13,289
Liabilities assumed:
Current liabilities			6,742	2,112
Debt			26,028	0
Long-term liabilities			6,097	3,498
Liabilities assumed			38,867	5,610
Goodwill	61,223	61,056	9,832	7,435
Total consideration, less cash acquired			$3,429	$15,114

Goodwill_Details

Goodwill (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$61,056
Reclassification of prepaid asset from Novel acquisition	1,028
Foreign currency translation	-861
Ending balance	$61,223

Net_Income_Per_Common_Share_De

Net Income Per Common Share (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basic (in shares)	33,670,639	33,746,824	33,574,801	33,592,984
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock (in shares)	538,170	664,830	416,220	663,469
Weighted average common shares outstanding diluted (in shares)	34,208,809	34,411,654	33,991,021	34,256,453

Net_Income_Per_Common_Share_We

Net Income Per Common Share Weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period (Details) (Stock Options [Member])	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Stock Options [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Options to purchase common stock outstanding (in shares)	212,000	123,900	212,000

Supplemental_Disclosure_of_Cas2

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Interest paid	$1,658	$491	$2,629	$2,399
Income taxes paid	$2,354	$3,183	$9,776	$16,465

Restructuring_Restructuring_Ch

Restructuring Restructuring Charges by Segment (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	$1,018	$1,033	$2,494	$2,106
Material Handling
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	0	0	225	0
Lawn and Garden
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	993	19	2,132	461
Distribution
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	25	165	117	595
Engineered Products
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	0	849	3	1,050
Corporate
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	$0	$0	$17	$0

Restructuring_Reserve_Details

Restructuring Reserve (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended			9 Months Ended				3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Jul. 18, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
				facility		Severance & Personnel	Severance & Personnel	Other Exit Costs	Other Exit Costs	Selling, General and Administrative Expenses	Selling, General and Administrative Expenses	Selling, General and Administrative Expenses	Selling, General and Administrative Expenses	Cost of Sales	Cost of Sales	Cost of Sales	Cost of Sales	Lawn and Garden	Lawn and Garden	Lawn and Garden	Lawn and Garden	Lawn and Garden
																		facility
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$1,018,000	$1,033,000	$2,494,000	$2,106,000						$400,000	$200,000	$1,400,000	$1,200,000	$600,000	$800,000	$1,100,000	$1,000,000		$993,000	$19,000	$2,132,000	$461,000
Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment			-584,000	628,000									400,000
Number of facilities sold				4
Property, plant and equipment classfied as held for sale					5,700,000
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning			318,000	605,000		318,000	0	0	605,000
Provision			2,494,000	2,106,000		597,000	783,000	1,897,000	1,323,000
Less: Payments			-2,812,000	-1,511,000		-915,000	-783,000	-1,897,000	-728,000
Balance, ending	0	1,200,000	0	1,200,000		0	0	0	1,200,000
Number of facilities closed																		2
Expected restructuring cost																		15,000,000
Non-cash cost																		3,000,000
Expected improvment in operating profit due to restructuring																		8,000,000
Other Restructuring Costs																			1,000,000
Depreciation Expense on Reclassified Assets																			$1,300,000

Stock_Compensation_Details

Stock Compensation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended			0 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Mar. 01, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
					Stock Options [Member]	Restricted Stock [Member]	Restricted Stock [Member]	2008 Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares authorized for grant under plan (in shares)								3,000,000
Vesting period, in years					3 years
Option expiration period					10 years
Allocated share-based compensation expense	$0.80	$0.60	$2.30	$2.10
Total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share based compensation arrangements					4.1
Recognition period for unrecognized stock compensation					3 years
Options granted (in shares)			323,400
The total intrinsic value of all stock options exercised	$1.20	$0.10	$2.60	$1.50
Granted (in shares)						169,100	169,100
Granted, Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)						$14.77	$14.77

Stock_Compensation_Fair_Value_

Stock Compensation Fair Value of stock options granted assumptions used (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Risk free interest rate	1.86%
Expected dividend yield	2.40%
Expected life of award (in years)	7 years
Expected volatility	50.00%
Fair value per option share (in dollars per share)	$5.39

Stock_Compensation_Summary_of_

Stock Compensation Summary of stock option activity for the period (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at January 1, 2013	1,919,021
Options Granted (in shares)	323,400
Options Exercised, Shares (in shares)	-500,971
Cancelled or Forfeited (in shares)	-161,678
Outstanding at March 31, 2013 (in shares)	1,579,772
Exercisable at March 31, 2013 (in shares)	1,060,794
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at January 1, 2013 Average Price (in dollars per share)	$11.63
Options granted, average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$14.77
Options exercised, average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$11.34
Cancelled or forfeited, average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$13.89
Outstanding at March 31, 2013 Average Price (in dollars per share)	$12.14
Exercisable at March 31, 2013, Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$11.48
Outstanding at March 31, 2013 Weighted Average Life	6 years 2 months 22 days
Exercisable at March 31, 2013, Weighted Average Life	4 years 11 months 20 days

Stock_Compensation_Summary_of_1

Stock Compensation Summary of restricted stock activity (Details) (Restricted Stock [Member], USD $)	0 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Mar. 01, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Unvested at January 1, 2013 (in shares)		363,125
Granted (in shares)	169,100	169,100
Released (in shares)		-112,000
Cancelled or forfeited (in shares)		-126,600
Unvested at June 30, 2013 (in shares)		293,625
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Granted, Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)	$14.77	$14.77
Released, Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)		$10.02
Cancelled or Forfeited, Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)		$13.89
Unvested shares at June 30, 2013, Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)		$13.10

Contingencies_Contingencies_De

Contingencies Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	Nov. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2013
		General and Administrative Expense [Member]	Other Liabilities [Member]
		Environmental Issue [Member]	Environmental Issue [Member]
		Pending Litigation [Member]	Pending Litigation [Member]
		New Idria Mercury Mine [Member]	New Idria Mercury Mine [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Expense related to remedial investigation and feasibility study		$1,900,000
Payments charged against the reserve			500,000
Estimate of EPA's interim removal project costs	$500,000

Debt_Schedule_of_LongTerm_Debt

Debt Schedule of Long-Term Debt (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	$75,490	$92,814
Credit agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	40,490	57,814
Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	$35,000	$35,000

Debt_Details

Debt (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2003	Dec. 31, 2003	Dec. 31, 2003	Oct. 22, 2013	Oct. 22, 2013	Oct. 22, 2013	Oct. 22, 2013
	Credit agreement	Credit agreement	Revolving Credit Facility and Senior Notes	Revolving Credit Facility and Senior Notes	Revolving Credit Facility and Senior Notes	Notes Payable	Issuance of Debt	Issuance of Debt	Issuance of Debt
				6.08% Senior Unsecured Notes	6.81% Senior Unsecured Notes		Notes Payable	Minimum [Member]	Maximum [Member]
								Notes Payable	Notes Payable
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity on line of credit		$180,000,000
Remaining amount available under the line of credit	134,600,000
Face amount on debt instruments			$100,000,000	$65,000,000	$35,000,000	$100,000,000	$100,000,000	$11,000,000	$40,000,000
Stated interest rate on debt instruments				6.08%	6.81%
Contractual term of debt instruments				7 years	10 years
Rate of intrest, minimum								4.67%
Rate of interest, maximum									5.45%
Average interest rate on the debt							5.07%

Retirement_Plans_Details

Retirement Plans (Details) (Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	$7,000	$18,000	$23,000	$53,000
Interest cost	64,000	72,000	194,000	216,000
Expected return on assets	-91,000	-77,000	-273,000	-230,000
Amortization of actuarial net loss	28,000	25,000	84,000	75,000
Net periodic pension cost	8,000	38,000	28,000	114,000
Company contributions	81,000	339,000	284,000	538,000
Anticipated company contributions	$400,000		$400,000

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate	$1.20		$0.30
Increase in gross unrecognized tax benefits	0.9
Amount of accrued interest expense included as a liability within the Company's Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position	$0.10	$0.10

Segment_Information_Schedule_o

Segment Information Schedule of Net Sales by Segment (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
			Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of operating segments			4
Net Sales	$194,920	$197,290	$613,924	$577,180
Material Handling
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales	75,965	76,151	239,768	201,632
Lawn and Garden
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales	44,905	45,341	146,157	147,008
Distribution
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales	45,006	45,065	133,548	131,991
Engineered Products
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales	33,839	35,709	108,403	111,578
Intra-segment Elimination [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales	($4,795)	($4,976)	($13,952)	($15,029)

Segment_Information_Schedule_o1

Segment Information Schedule of Income Before Income Taxes by Segment (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	$12,075	$9,772	$38,438	$36,881
Interest Expense	-1,112	-1,194	-3,320	-3,328
Income before income taxes	10,963	8,578	35,118	33,553
Material Handling
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	10,679	12,530	31,394	34,903
Lawn and Garden
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	93	41	2,265	-683
Distribution
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	4,290	3,343	10,993	11,152
Engineered Products
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	3,502	2,921	13,713	12,172
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	($6,489)	($9,063)	($19,927)	($20,663)

Other_Current_Accrued_Expenses1

Other Current Accrued Expenses (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Deposits and amounts due to customers	$10.60	$10.70
Dividends payable	3.2	0.2
Other accruals	$7.10	$8.30