Ryerson 10-Q 5 Nov 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Nov. 01, 2013
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Entity Registrant Name	'RYERSON INC.	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000790528	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Non-accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	100

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	$859.80	$962.20	$2,657.80	$3,174.40
Cost of materials sold	704.7	781.7	2,188.40	2,619.10
Gross profit	155.1	180.5	469.4	555.3
Warehousing, delivery, selling, general and administrative	119.6	127.1	362.7	390
Restructuring and other charges	'	'	2.1	'
Impairment charges on fixed assets and goodwill	1.1	'	8.8	0.9
Operating profit	34.4	53.4	95.8	164.4
Other income and (expense), net	-1.1	-1.5	2.1	-1
Interest and other expense on debt	-27.1	-19.8	-83.3	-58.9
Income before income taxes	6.2	32.1	14.6	104.5
Provision for income taxes	2.9	0.5	6.2	6.4
Net income	3.3	31.6	8.4	98.1
Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	-1	-1.9	-4.9	-4.2
Net income attributable to Ryerson Inc.	4.3	33.5	13.3	102.3
Comprehensive income	8.6	42.5	6.9	110.4
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	-1.2	-2.1	-4.9	-4.8
Comprehensive income attributable to Ryerson Inc.	$9.80	$44.60	$11.80	$115.20

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Operating activities:	'	'
Net income	$8.40	$98.10
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	34.9	34.8
Deferred income taxes	7.3	0.2
Provision for allowances, claims and doubtful accounts	-0.4	0.6
Impairment charges on fixed assets and goodwill	8.8	0.9
Restructuring and other charges	2.1	'
Other items	0.6	1.8
Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of the effects of acquisitions:	'	'
Receivables	-28	31.9
Inventories	36.5	-43.2
Other assets	4.2	2.7
Accounts payable	36.4	1.9
Accrued liabilities	21.4	-3.2
Accrued taxes payable/receivable	-0.4	0.7
Deferred employee benefit costs	-43.8	-41.1
Net adjustments	79.6	-12
Net cash provided by operating activities	88	86.1
Investing activities:	'	'
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	'	-4.6
(Increase)/decrease in restricted cash	-0.7	1
Capital expenditures	-16.5	-32
Investment in joint venture	'	-2.9
Purchase of available-for-sale investment	'	-2.5
Increase in cash due to consolidation of joint venture	'	3
Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment	4.3	8.5
Net cash used in investing activities	-12.9	-29.5
Financing activities:	'	'
Net repayments of credit facility borrowings	-65.3	-96.1
Long-term debt issuance costs	-0.9	'
Credit facility issuance costs	-3.7	'
Net increase in book overdrafts	7.7	30.6
Principal payments on capital lease obligation	-0.3	'
Net cash used in financing activities	-62.5	-65.5
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	12.6	-8.9
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-2.7	1.6
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	9.9	-7.3
Cash and cash equivalents-beginning of period	70.8	61.3
Cash and cash equivalents-end of period	80.7	54
Cash paid during the period for:	'	'
Interest paid to third parties	56.4	43.6
Income taxes, net	0.8	4.6
Noncash investing activities:	'	'
Asset additions under capital leases	$0.70	'

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$80.70	$70.80
Restricted cash	4.6	3.9
Receivables less provision for allowances, claims and doubtful accounts	423.5	396.7
Inventories	702.8	741.5
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	46.1	41.4
Total current assets	1,257.70	1,254.30
Property, plant, and equipment, at cost	651.1	648.4
Less: Accumulated depreciation	189.6	165
Property, plant and equipment, net	461.5	483.4
Deferred income taxes	38.5	38.4
Other intangible assets	52.7	57.3
Goodwill	89.9	97
Deferred charges and other assets	32.4	33.8
Total assets	1,932.70	1,964.20
Current liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable	239.9	196.2
Salaries, wages and commissions	33.9	32.1
Deferred income taxes	129.7	121.6
Other accrued liabilities	77.9	56.6
Short-term debt	21.6	35.3
Current portion of deferred employee benefits	14.1	14.2
Total current liabilities	517.1	456
Long-term debt	1,218.50	1,270.10
Deferred employee benefits	455.8	504.4
Taxes and other credits	14.9	14.2
Total liabilities	2,206.30	2,244.70
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	1.3	1.7
Ryerson Inc. stockholders' equity (deficit):	'	'
Common stock, value	'	'
Capital in excess of par value	71.3	71.3
Accumulated deficit	-89.2	-102.5
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-255.2	-253.7
Total Ryerson Inc. stockholders' equity (deficit)	-273.1	-284.9
Noncontrolling interest	-1.8	2.7
Total equity (deficit)	-274.9	-282.2
Total liabilities and equity	$1,932.70	$1,964.20

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Provision for allowances, claims and doubtful accounts	$6.10	$7.10
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	1,000	1,000
Common stock, shares issued	100	100

Financial_Statements

Financial Statements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Financial Statements	'
	NOTE 1: FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
	Ryerson Inc. (“Ryerson”), a Delaware corporation, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ryerson Holding Corporation (“Ryerson Holding”). Ryerson Holding is 99% owned by affiliates of Platinum Equity, LLC (“Platinum”).
	Ryerson conducts materials distribution operations in the United States through its wholly-owned direct subsidiary Joseph T. Ryerson & Son, Inc. (“JT Ryerson”), in Canada through its indirect wholly-owned subsidiary Ryerson Canada, Inc., a Canadian corporation (“Ryerson Canada”) and in Mexico through its indirect wholly-owned subsidiary Ryerson Metals de Mexico, S. de R.L. de C.V., a Mexican corporation (“Ryerson Mexico”). In addition to our North American operations, we conduct materials distribution operations in China through Ryerson China Limited (“Ryerson China”), a company in which we have a 50% direct ownership percentage and an additional 50% interest through affiliates of Ryerson Holding, and in Brazil through Açofran Aços e Metais Ltda (“Açofran”), a company in which we have a 50% direct ownership percentage since February 17, 2012. Unless the context indicates otherwise, Ryerson, JT Ryerson, Ryerson Canada, Ryerson China, Ryerson Mexico and Açofran, together with their subsidiaries, are collectively referred to herein as “we,” “us,” “our,” or the “Company.”
	The following table shows our percentage of sales by major product lines for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
	Product Line	2013			2012			2013			2012
	Carbon Steel Flat		26	%		26	%		26	%		25	%
	Carbon Steel Plate		11			13			11			13
	Carbon Steel Long		15			14			15			15
	Stainless Steel Flat		16			15			16			15
	Stainless Steel Plate		4			4			4			4
	Stainless Steel Long		3			4			3			3
	Aluminum Flat		15			14			15			14
	Aluminum Plate		3			3			3			4
	Aluminum Long		4			4			4			4
	Other		3			3			3			3
	Total		100	%		100	%		100	%		100	%
	Results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of results of any other periods or for the year. The financial statements as of September 30, 2013 and for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 are unaudited, but in the opinion of management include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of results for such periods. The year-end condensed consolidated balance sheet data contained in this report was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes contained in Amendment No. 3 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on August 2, 2013.

Recent_Accounting_Pronouncemen

Recent Accounting Pronouncements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
	NOTE 2: RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
	In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2013-2, “Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.” This guidance requires an entity to present, either on the face of the financial statements or as a disclosure in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income, but only if the amount reclassified is required under GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For other amounts that are not required under GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, the guidance requires an entity to cross-reference to other disclosures required under GAAP that provide additional detail about those amounts. This guidance is effective for our fiscal year beginning January 1, 2013. We adopted this guidance for our fiscal year beginning January 1, 2013. The adoption did not have a material impact on our financial statements.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11 “Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists.” ASU 2013 -11 was issued to promote consistency among financial statement issuers and amends Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 740, “Income Taxes,” to provide clarification of the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. According to ASU 2013-11, an unrecognized tax benefit or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction of a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward, with certain exceptions. The revised guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2013 with early adoption permitted. We will adopt this guidance on January 1, 2014. We do not expect the adoption to have a material impact on our financial statements.

Inventories

Inventories	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
	NOTE 3: INVENTORIES
	The Company primarily uses the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method of valuing inventory. Interim LIFO calculations are based on actual inventory levels.
	Inventories, at stated LIFO value, were classified at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 as follows:
		September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
		(In millions)
	In process and finished products	$	702.8	$	741.5
	If current cost had been used to value inventories, such inventories would have been $61 million and $34 million lower than reported at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. Approximately 90% and 88% of inventories are accounted for under the LIFO method at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. Non-LIFO inventories consist primarily of inventory at our foreign facilities using the weighted-average cost and the specific cost methods. Substantially all of our inventories consist of finished products.
	The Company has consignment inventory at certain customer locations, which totaled $12.4 million and $11.3 million at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	'
	NOTE 4: GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
	Goodwill, which represents the excess of cost over the fair value of net assets acquired, amounted to $89.9 million at September 30, 2013. Pursuant to ASC 350, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other,” we review the recoverability of goodwill annually as of October 1 or whenever significant events or changes occur which might impair the recovery of recorded amounts. We performed an interim impairment test of goodwill as of June 30, 2013 for one reporting unit as a result of its financial performance for the first half of 2013 compared to its forecasted results. In the first step, the fair value of the reporting unit was compared to the carrying value. The fair value of the reporting unit was estimated using an average of a market approach and income approach as this combination is deemed to be the most indicative of our fair value in an orderly transaction between market participants and is consistent with the methodology used for the goodwill impairment test in the prior quarter. Based on this evaluation, it was determined that the fair value of the reporting unit was less than the carrying value. As required by ASC 350, the Company then performed an allocation of the fair value to all the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit, including identifiable intangible assets, based on their fair values, to determine the implied fair value of goodwill. Accordingly, the Company recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $6.8 million in the second quarter of 2013 for the difference between the carrying value of the goodwill in the reporting unit and its implied fair value. The remaining goodwill balance for this reporting unit is zero.
	Other intangible assets with finite useful lives continue to be amortized over their useful lives. We review the recoverability of our long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Acquisitions	'
	NOTE 5: ACQUISITIONS
	Açofran
	On February 17, 2012, the Company acquired 50% of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Açofran, a long products distributor located in São Paulo, Brazil. The Company fully consolidates Açofran based on voting control. The Company is party to a put option arrangement with respect to the securities that represent the noncontrolling interest of Açofran. The put is exercisable by the minority shareholders outside of the Company’s control by requiring the Company to redeem the minority shareholders’ equity stake in the subsidiary at a put price based on earnings before interest, income tax, depreciation and amortization expense and net debt. The redeemable noncontrolling interest is classified as mezzanine equity and measured at the greater of estimated redemption value at the end of each reporting period or the historical cost basis of the noncontrolling interest adjusted for earnings and foreign currency allocations. The resulting increase or decrease in the estimated redemption amount is adjusted with a corresponding charge against retained earnings, or in the absence of retained earnings, additional paid-in-capital. The acquisition is not material to our consolidated financial statements.

LongTerm_Debt

Long-Term Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Long-Term Debt	'
	NOTE 6: LONG-TERM DEBT
	Long-term debt consisted of the following at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012:
		September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
		(In millions)
	Ryerson Secured Credit Facility	$	318.5	$	383.5
	9% Senior Secured Notes due 2017		600		600
	11 1/4% Senior Notes due 2018		300		300
	Foreign debt		21.6		21.9
	Total debt		1,240.10		1,305.40
	Less:
	Short-term credit facility borrowings		—		13.5
	Short-term foreign debt		21.6		21.8
	Total long-term debt	$	1,218.50	$	1,270.10
	Ryerson Credit Facility
	On April 3, 2013, Ryerson amended and restated its $1.35 billion revolving credit facility agreement (as amended and restated, the “Ryerson Credit Facility”), to, among other things, extend the maturity date to the earlier of (a) April 3, 2018 or (b) August 16, 2017 (60 days prior to the scheduled maturity date of the 9% Senior Secured Notes due October 15, 2017 (“2017 Notes”)), if the 2017 Notes are then outstanding. At September 30, 2013, Ryerson had $318.5 million of outstanding borrowings, $24 million of letters of credit issued and $291 million available under the $1.35 billion Ryerson Credit Facility compared to $383.5 million of outstanding borrowings, $24 million of letters of credit issued and $293 million available at December 31, 2012. Total credit availability is limited by the amount of eligible accounts receivable and inventory pledged as collateral under the agreement insofar as Ryerson is subject to a borrowing base comprised of the aggregate of these two amounts, less applicable reserves. Eligible accounts receivable, at any date of determination, are comprised of the aggregate value of all accounts directly created by a borrower in the ordinary course of business arising out of the sale of goods or the rendition of services, each of which has been invoiced, with such receivables adjusted to exclude various ineligible accounts, including, among other things, those to which a borrower does not have sole and absolute title and accounts arising out of a sale to an employee, officer, director, or affiliate of a borrower. Eligible inventory, at any date of determination, is comprised of the aggregate value of all inventory owned by a borrower, with such inventory adjusted to exclude various ineligible inventory, including, among other things, any inventory that is classified as “supplies” or is unsaleable in the ordinary course of business and 50% of the value of any inventory that (i) has not been sold or processed within a 180 day period and (ii) which is calculated to have more than 365 days of supply based upon the immediately preceding 6 months consumption. The weighted average interest rate on the borrowings under the Ryerson Credit Facility was 1.9 percent and 2.6 percent at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.
	The total $1.35 billion revolving credit facility has an allocation of $1.215 billion to Ryerson’s subsidiaries in the United States and an allocation of $135 million to Ryerson Canada. Amounts outstanding under the U.S. facility bear interest at a rate determined by reference to the base rate (Bank of America’s prime rate) or a LIBOR rate or, for the Canadian facility a rate determined by reference to the Canadian base rate (Bank of America-Canada Branch’s “Base Rate” for loans in U.S. Dollars in Canada) or the BA rate (average annual rate applicable to Canadian Dollar bankers’ acceptances) or a LIBOR rate and the Canadian prime rate (Bank of America-Canada Branch’s “Prime Rate.”). The spread over the base rate and Canadian prime rate is between 0.50% and 1.00% and the spread over the LIBOR and for the bankers’ acceptances is between 1.50% and 2.00%, depending on the amount available to be borrowed. Until December 31, 2013, the spread will be fixed at 0.75% over the base rate and Canadian prime rate and 1.75% over the LIBOR rate and bankers acceptance rate. Overdue amounts and all amounts owed during the existence of a default bear interest at 2% above the rate otherwise applicable thereto. The Company also pays commitment fees on amounts not borrowed at a rate between 0.25% and 0.375% depending on the average borrowings as a percentage of the total $1.35 billion agreement during a rolling three month period.
	Borrowings under the Ryerson Credit Facility are secured by (i) in the case of the U.S. facility, first-priority liens on all of the inventory, accounts receivable, lockbox accounts (excluding any proceeds therein of collateral securing the 2017 and 2018 Notes on a first priority lien basis) and related U.S. assets of Ryerson, the U.S. subsidiary borrowers and certain other U.S. subsidiaries of Ryerson that act as guarantors, and (ii) in the case of the Canadian facility, the assets securing the U.S. Facility and also first priority liens on all of the inventory, accounts receivable, lockbox accounts and related assets of Ryerson’s Canadian subsidiary borrower and its Canadian subsidiaries that act as guarantors thereof.
	The Ryerson Credit Facility contains covenants that, among other things, restrict Ryerson and its subsidiaries with respect to the incurrence of debt, the creation of liens, transactions with affiliates, mergers and consolidations, sales of assets and acquisitions. The Ryerson Credit Facility also requires that, if availability under such facility falls below a certain level, the Company maintain a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio as of the end of each calendar month.
	The Ryerson Credit Facility contains events of default with respect to, among other things, default in the payment of principal when due or the payment of interest, fees and other amounts due thereunder after a specified grace period, material misrepresentations, failure to perform certain specified covenants, certain bankruptcy events, the invalidity of certain security agreements or guarantees, material judgments and the occurrence of a change of control of Ryerson. If such an event of default occurs, the lenders under the Ryerson Credit Facility will be entitled to various remedies, including acceleration of amounts outstanding under the Ryerson Credit Facility and all other actions permitted to be taken by secured creditors.
	The lenders under the Ryerson Credit Facility have the ability to reject a borrowing request if any event, circumstance or development has occurred that has had or could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on Ryerson. If Ryerson or any significant subsidiaries of the other borrowers becomes insolvent or commences bankruptcy proceedings, all amounts borrowed under the Ryerson Credit Facility will become immediately due and payable.
	Proceeds from borrowings under the Ryerson Credit Facility and repayments of borrowings thereunder that are reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows represent borrowings under the Company’s revolving credit agreement with original maturities greater than three months. Net proceeds (repayments) under the Ryerson Credit Facility represent borrowings under the Ryerson Credit Facility with original maturities less than three months.
	2017 and 2018 Notes
	On October 10, 2012, Ryerson and its wholly owned subsidiary, Joseph T. Ryerson & Son, Inc., issued $600 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2017 Notes and $300 million in aggregate principal amount of the 11 1/4% Senior Notes due 2018 (the “2018 Notes” and, together with the 2017 Notes, the “2017 and 2018 Notes”). The 2017 Notes bear interest at a rate of 9% per annum. The 2018 Notes bear interest at a rate of 11.25% per annum. The 2017 Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior secured basis and the 2018 Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by all of our existing and future domestic subsidiaries that are co-borrowers or guarantee obligations under the Ryerson Credit Facility.
	The 2017 Notes and related guarantees are secured by a first-priority lien on substantially all of our and our guarantors’ present and future assets located in the United States (other than receivables, inventory, related general intangibles, certain other assets and proceeds thereof), subject to certain exceptions and customary permitted liens. The 2017 Notes and related guarantees are secured on a second-priority basis by a lien on the assets that secure our obligations under the Ryerson Credit Facility. The 2018 Notes are not secured. The 2017 and 2018 Notes contain customary covenants that, among other things, limit, subject to certain exceptions, our ability, and the ability of our restricted subsidiaries, to incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends on our capital stock or repurchase our capital stock, make investments, sell assets, engage in acquisitions, mergers or consolidations or create liens or use assets as security in other transactions. Subject to certain exceptions, Ryerson may only pay dividends to Ryerson Holding to the extent of 50% of future net income, once prior losses are offset.
	The 2017 Notes will become redeemable by the Company, in whole or in part, at any time on or after April 15, 2015 and the 2018 Notes will become redeemable, in whole or in part, at any time on or after October 15, 2015, in each case at specified redemption prices. The 2017 and 2018 Notes are redeemable prior to such dates at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount, together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date, plus a make-whole premium. If a change of control occurs, Ryerson must offer to purchase the 2017 and 2018 Notes at 101% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest.
	Pursuant to registration rights agreements relating to the 2017 and 2018 Notes, we agreed to file with the SEC by July 7, 2013, registration statements with respect to offers to exchange each of the 2017 and 2018 Notes for new issues of our debt securities registered under the Securities Act, with terms substantially identical to those of the 2017 and 2018 Notes and to consummate such exchange offers no later than October 5, 2013. Ryerson completed the exchange offer on September 10, 2013. As a result of completing the exchange offer, Ryerson satisfied its obligation under the registration rights agreements covering each of the 2017 and 2018 Notes.
	Foreign Debt
	At September 30, 2013, Ryerson China’s total foreign borrowings were $21.6 million, which were owed to banks in Asia at a weighted average interest rate of 4.2% and secured by inventory and property, plant and equipment. At December 31, 2012, Ryerson China’s total foreign borrowings were $21.4 million, which were owed to banks in Asia at a weighted average interest rate of 4.8% and secured by inventory and property, plant and equipment. At September 30, 2013, Açofran had no foreign borrowings. At December 31, 2012, Açofran’s total foreign borrowings were $0.5 million, which were owed to foreign banks at a weighted average interest rate of 11.2%.
	Availability under the foreign credit lines was $28 million and $21 million at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. Letters of credit issued by our foreign subsidiaries totaled $9 million and $8 million at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively

Employee_Benefits

Employee Benefits	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Employee Benefits	'
	NOTE 7: EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
	The following table summarizes the components of net periodic benefit cost for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 for the Ryerson pension plans and postretirement benefits other than pension:
		Three Months Ended September 30,
		Pension Benefits						Other Benefits
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(In millions)
	Components of net periodic benefit cost
	Service cost	$	1		$	1		$	—		$	1
	Interest cost		9			11			1			1
	Expected return on assets		(11	)		(12	)		—			—
	Recognized actuarial net (gain) loss		3			3			(2	)		(2	)
	Net periodic benefit cost (credit)	$	2		$	3		$	(1	)	$	—
		Nine Months Ended September 30,
		Pension Benefits						Other Benefits
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(In millions)
	Components of net periodic benefit cost
	Service cost	$	2		$	2		$	—		$	1
	Interest cost		27			31			3			5
	Expected return on assets		(33	)		(34	)		—			—
	Prior service credit		—			—			(1	)		—
	Recognized actuarial net (gain) loss		10			9			(5	)		(6	)
	Net periodic benefit cost (credit)	$	6		$	8		$	(3	)	$	—
	Contributions
	The Company has contributed $37.3 million to the pension plan fund through the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and anticipates that it will have a minimum required pension contribution funding of approximately $11 million for the remaining three months of 2013.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	NOTE 8: COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	From time to time, we are named as a defendant in legal actions incidental to our ordinary course of business. We do not believe that the resolution of these claims will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. We maintain liability insurance coverage to assist in protecting our assets from losses arising from or related to activities associated with business operations.
	On December 27, 2011, Nancy Hoffman, Mark Hoffman, and Karen Hoffman (collectively, the “plaintiffs”) filed a sixth amended complaint in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois naming JT Ryerson and three other entities as defendants (collectively, the “defendants”) in a lawsuit (Nancy Hoffman, et.al. v. Dorlan Crane, et.al.). That complaint asserted negligence and loss of consortium counts against the defendants for personal injuries allegedly suffered by plaintiffs resulting from a motor vehicle accident. On February 10, 2012, a jury returned a verdict against the defendants and awarded damages totaling $27.7 million for which the defendants are purportedly jointly and severally liable. On August 28, 2012, our post-trial motion was denied. On September 24, 2012, we filed our Notice of Appeal to the Appellate Court of Illinois, First Judicial District. Any potential loss ranges from zero to $27.7 million plus interest. We believe that any loss will be covered by insurance. At this time, the Company cannot predict the likely outcome of this matter.
	In October 2011, the United States Environmental Protection Agency named us as one of more than 100 businesses that may be a potentially responsible party for the Portland Harbor Superfund Site (“Portland Harbor”). We do not currently have sufficient information available to us to determine the total cost of any required investigation or remediation of the Portland Harbor site. Management cannot predict the ultimate outcome of this matter or estimate a range of potential loss at this time.

Derivatives_and_Fair_Value_Mea

Derivatives and Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Investments All Other Investments [Abstract]	'
Derivatives and Fair Value Measurements	'
	NOTE 9: DERIVATIVES AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
	Derivatives
	The Company is exposed to certain risks relating to its ongoing business operations. The primary risks managed by using derivative instruments are interest rate risk, foreign currency risk, and commodity price risk. Interest rate swaps are entered into to manage interest rate risk associated with the Company’s floating-rate borrowings. We use foreign currency exchange contracts to hedge our Canadian subsidiaries’ variability in cash flows from the forecasted payment of currencies other than the functional currency. From time to time, we may enter into fixed price sales contracts with our customers for certain of our inventory components. We may enter into metal commodity futures and options contracts periodically to reduce volatility in the price of metals. We may also enter into natural gas price swaps to manage the price risk of forecasted purchases of natural gas. The Company currently does not account for its derivative contracts as hedges but rather marks them to market with a corresponding offset to current earnings. The Company regularly reviews the creditworthiness of its derivative counterparties and does not expect to incur a significant loss from the failure of any counterparties to perform under any agreements.
	The following table summarizes the location and fair value amount of our derivative instruments reported in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012:
			Asset Derivatives												Liability Derivatives
			September 30, 2013						December 31, 2012						September 30, 2013				December 31, 2012
			Balance		Fair Value				Balance		Fair Value				Balance		Fair Value		Balance	Fair Value
			Sheet						Sheet						Sheet				Sheet
			Location						Location						Location				Location
			(In millions)
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815
	Commodity contracts		Prepaid expenses and other current assets		$	—			Prepaid expenses and other current assets		$	0.2			Other accrued liabilities		$	0.3	Other accrued liabilities	$	—
	Total derivatives				$	—					$	0.2					$	0.3		$	—
	As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company’s foreign currency exchange contracts had a U.S. dollar notional amount of $1.7 million and $0.7 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company had 173 tons and 182 tons, respectively, of nickel futures or option contracts related to forecasted purchases. The Company had 1,300 tons of hot roll steel coil option contracts related to forecasted purchases as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012. The Company has aluminum price swaps related to forecasted purchases, which had a notional amount of 50 tons and 80 tons as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.
	The following table summarizes the location and amount of gains and losses reported in our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:
	Derivatives not designated as		Location of Gain/(Loss)		Amount of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives
	hedging instruments under		Recognized in Income on		Three Months Ended September 30,								Nine Months Ended September 30,
	ASC 815		Derivatives		2013				2012				2013				2012
					(In millions)
	Foreign exchange contracts		Other income and (expense), net		$	—			$	(0.1	)		$	—			$	—
	Metal commodity contracts		Cost of materials sold			0.2				1.4				(0.5	)			1.3
	Total				$	0.2			$	1.3			$	(0.5	)		$	1.3
	Fair Value Measurements
	To increase consistency and comparability in fair value measurements, ASC 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three levels as follows:
		1	Level 1 – quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access as of the reporting date.
		2	Level 2 – inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are directly observable for the asset or liability or indirectly observable through corroboration with observable market data.
		3	Level 3 – unobservable inputs, such as internally-developed pricing models for the asset or liability due to little or no market activity for the asset or liability.
	The following table presents assets and liabilities measured and recorded at fair value on our Consolidated Balance Sheets on a recurring basis and their level within the fair value hierarchy as of September 30, 2013:
			At September 30, 2013
			Level 1				Level 2				Level 3
			(In millions)
	Assets
	Cash equivalents:
	Commercial paper		$	40.6			$	—			$	—
	Prepaid and other current assets:
	Common stock—available-for-sale investment		$	22.5			$	—			$	—
	Liabilities
	Mark-to-market derivatives:
	Commodity contracts		$	—			$	0.3			$	—
	The following table presents assets and liabilities measured and recorded at fair value on our Consolidated Balance Sheets on a recurring basis and their level within the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2012:
			At December 31, 2012
			Level 1				Level 2				Level 3
			(In millions)
	Assets
	Cash equivalents:
	Commercial paper		$	28.3			$	—			$	—
	Prepaid and other current assets:
	Common stock – available-for-sale investment		$	20.7			$	—			$	—
	Mark-to-market derivatives:
	Commodity contracts		$	—			$	0.2			$	—
	The fair value of each derivative contract is determined using Level 2 inputs and the market approach valuation technique, as described in ASC 820. The Company has various commodity derivatives to lock in nickel prices for varying time periods. The fair value of these derivatives is determined based on the spot price each individual contract was purchased at and compared with the one-month daily average actual spot price on the London Metals Exchange for nickel on the valuation date. The Company also has commodity derivatives to lock in hot roll coil and aluminum prices for varying time periods. The fair value of these derivatives is determined based on the spot price each individual contract was purchased at and compared with the one-month daily average actual spot price on the New York Mercantile Exchange for the commodity on the valuation date. In addition, the Company has numerous foreign exchange contracts to hedge our Canadian subsidiaries’ variability in cash flows from the forecasted payment of currencies other than the functional currency, the Canadian dollar. The Company defines the fair value of foreign exchange contracts as the amount of the difference between the contracted and current market value at the end of the period. The Company estimates the current market value of foreign exchange contracts by obtaining month-end market quotes of foreign exchange rates and forward rates for contracts with similar terms. The Company uses the exchange rates provided by Reuters. Each contract term varies in the number of months, but on average is between 3 to 12 months in length.
	The carrying and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were as follows:
			At September 30, 2013								At December 31, 2012
			Carrying				Fair Value				Carrying				Fair Value
			Amount								Amount
			(In millions)
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	80.7			$	80.7			$	70.8			$	70.8
	Restricted cash			4.6				4.6				3.9				3.9
	Receivables less provision for allowances, claims and doubtful accounts			423.5				423.5				396.7				396.7
	Accounts payable			239.9				239.9				196.2				196.2
	Long-term debt, including current portion			1,240.10				1,275.30				1,305.40				1,296.40
	The estimated fair value of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, receivables less provision for allowances, claims and doubtful accounts and accounts payable approximate their carrying amounts due to the short-term nature of these financial instruments. The estimated fair value of the Company’s long-term debt and the current portions thereof is determined by using quoted market prices of Company debt securities (Level 2 inputs).
	Assets Held for Sale
The Company had $4.5 million and $3.6 million of assets held for sale, classified within “prepaid expenses and other current assets,” as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. The Company recorded $2.0 million and $0.9 million of impairment charges in the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, related to certain assets held for sale in order to recognize the assets at their fair value less cost to sell in accordance with ASC 360-10-35-43, “Property, Plant and Equipment – Other Presentation Matters.” The fair values less costs to sell of long-lived assets held for sale are assessed each reporting period that they remain classified as held for sale. Any increase or decrease in the held for sale long-lived asset’s fair value less cost to sell is reported as an adjustment to its carrying amount, except that the adjusted carrying amount cannot exceed the carrying amount of the long-lived asset at the time it was initially classified as held for sale. The fair values of each property were determined based on appraisals obtained from a third-party, pending sales contracts, or recent listing agreements with third-party brokerage firms.
The following table presents those assets that were measured and recorded at fair value on our Consolidated Balance Sheets on a non-recurring basis and their level within the fair value hierarchy at September 30, 2013:
		September 30, 2013
		Level 1				Level 2				Level 3
		(In millions)
Assets
Prepaid expenses and other current assets – assets held for sale		$	—			$	4.5			$	—
The following table presents those assets that were measured and recorded at fair value on our Consolidated Balance Sheets on a non-recurring basis and their level within the fair value hierarchy at December 31, 2012:
		At December 31, 2012
		Level 1				Level 2				Level 3
		(In millions)
Assets
Prepaid expenses and other current assets – assets held for sale		$	—			$	3.6			$	—
Available-For-Sale Investments
The Company has classified investments made during 2010 and 2012 as available-for-sale at the time of their purchase. Investments classified as available-for-sale are recorded at fair value with the related unrealized gains and losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income. Management evaluates investments in an unrealized loss position on whether an other-than-temporary impairment has occurred on a periodic basis. Factors considered by management in assessing whether an other-than-temporary impairment has occurred include: the nature of the investment; whether the decline in fair value is attributable to specific adverse conditions affecting the investment; the financial condition of the investee; the severity and the duration of the impairment; and whether we intend to sell the investment or will be required to sell the investment before recovery of its amortized cost basis. When it is determined that an other-than-temporary impairment has occurred, the investment is written down to its fair value at the end of the period in which it is determined that an other-than-temporary decline has occurred. As of September 30, 2013, the investment was in a gross unrealized gain position. Realized gains and losses are recorded within the statement of operations upon sale of the security and are based on specific identification.
The Company’s available-for-sale securities as of September 30, 2013 can be summarized as follows:
		At September 30, 2013
		Cost				Gross				Gross				Fair Value
						Unrealized				Unrealized
						Gains				Losses
		(In millions)
Common stock		$	17.4			$	5.1			$	—			$	22.5
The Company’s available-for-sale securities as of December 31, 2012 can be summarized as follows:
		At December 31, 2012
		Cost				Gross				Gross				Fair Value
						Unrealized				Unrealized
						Gains				Losses
		(In millions)
Common stock		$	17.4			$	3.3			$	—			$	20.7
There is no maturity date for these investments and there have been no sales during the nine months ended September 30, 2013.

Stockholders_Equity_Deficit_Ac

Stockholders' Equity (Deficit), Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' Equity (Deficit), Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest	'
	NOTE 10: STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT), ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME AND REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTEREST
	The following table details changes in these accounts:
		Ryerson Inc. Stockholders
													Accumulated Other
													Comprehensive Income (Loss)
		Common						Capital in		Accumulated			Foreign			Benefit Plan			Unrealized		Noncontrolling			Total			Redeemable
		Stock						Excess of		Deficit			Currency			Liabilities			Gain on		Interest			Equity			Noncontrolling
								Par Value					Translation						Available-								Interest
																			For-Sale
																			Investments
		Shares			Dollars			Dollars		Dollars			Dollars			Dollars			Dollars		Dollars			Dollars			Dollars
		(In millions, except share data)
	Balance at January 1, 2013		100		$	—		$	71.3	$	(102.5	)	$	(5.4	)	$	(251.6	)	$	3.3	$	2.7		$	(282.2	)	$	1.7
	Net income (loss)		—			—			—		13.3			—			—			—		(4.8	)		8.5			(0.1	)
	Foreign currency translation		—			—			—		—			(6.8	)		—			—		0.3			(6.5	)		(0.3	)
	Changes in defined benefit pension and other post-retirement benefit plans (net of tax provision of $0.4)		—			—			—		—			—			3.5			—		—			3.5			—
	Unrealized gain on available-for-sale investment		—			—			—		—			—			—			1.8		—			1.8			—
	Balance at September 30, 2013		100		$	—		$	71.3	$	(89.2	)	$	(12.2	)	$	(248.1	)	$	5.1	$	(1.8	)	$	(274.9	)	$	1.3
	The following table details the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
		Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive
		Income (Loss) by Component
		Foreign			Benefit			Unrealized
		Currency			Plan			Gain on
		Translation			Liabilities			Available-
								For-Sale
								Investments
		(In millions)
	Balance at January 1, 2013	$	(5.4	)	$	(251.6	)	$	3.3
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		(6.8	)		—			1.8
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		—			3.5			—
	Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)		(6.8	)		3.5			1.8
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	(12.2	)	$	(248.1	)	$	5.1
	The following table details the reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2013:
		Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Details about Accumulated	Amount reclassified from Accumulated Other						Affected line item in the Condensed
	Other Comprehensive Income	Comprehensive Income (Loss)						Consolidated Statements of
	(Loss)	Three Months Ended			Nine Months Ended			Comprehensive Income
	Components	September 30, 2013
		(In millions)
	Amortization of defined benefit pension and other post-retirement benefit plan items
	Actuarial gain	$	1.6		$	4.9		Warehousing, delivery, selling, general and administrative
	Prior service credits		(0.3	)		(1.0	)	Warehousing, delivery, selling, general and administrative
	Total before tax		1.3			3.9
	Tax provision		0.1			0.4
	Net of tax	$	1.2		$	3.5

Related_Parties

Related Parties	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Related Parties	'
	NOTE 11: RELATED PARTIES
	JT Ryerson pays an affiliate of Platinum an annual monitoring fee of up to $5.0 million pursuant to a corporate advisory services agreement. The monitoring fee recorded in the first nine months of 2013 and 2012 was $3.8 million.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	NOTE 12: INCOME TAXES
	For the three months ended September 30, 2013, the Company recorded income tax expense from operations of $2.9 million compared to $0.5 million in the prior year. The $2.9 million tax expense in the third quarter of 2013 primarily represents foreign and U.S. state income tax expense for the period and adjustments related to our tax LIFO inventory method. Due to existing U.S. federal tax loss carry forwards and a valuation allowance on related deferred tax assets, no U.S. federal income tax expense on earnings was recorded in the quarter.
	For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company recorded income tax expense of $6.2 million compared to $6.4 million in the prior year. The $6.2 million tax expense in the first nine months of 2013 primarily represents foreign and U.S. state income tax expense for the period and adjustments related to our tax LIFO inventory method.
	In accordance with FASB ASC 740, “Income Taxes,” the Company assesses the realizability of its deferred tax assets. The Company records a valuation allowance when, based upon the evaluation of all available evidence, it is more-likely-than-not that all or a portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. In making this determination, we analyze, among other things, our recent history of earnings, the nature and timing of reversing book-tax temporary differences, tax planning strategies and future income. After considering both the positive and negative evidence available, in the second quarter of 2009, the Company determined that it was more-likely-than-not that it would not realize a portion of its U.S. deferred tax assets. As a result, the Company established a valuation allowance against a portion of its U.S. deferred tax assets. The Company has maintained a valuation allowance against a portion of its U.S. deferred tax assets since that time. The valuation allowance is reviewed quarterly and will be maintained until sufficient positive evidence exists to support the reversal of some or all of the valuation allowance. The valuation allowance was $82.1 million and $95.2 million at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.

Condensed_Consolidating_Guaran

Condensed Consolidating Guarantor Financial Statements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Condensed Consolidating Guarantor Financial Statements	'
	NOTE 13: CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING GUARANTOR FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
	On October 10, 2012, Ryerson and JT Ryerson issued the 2017 and 2018 Notes. The 2017 Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior secured basis and the 2018 Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by all of our existing and future domestic subsidiaries that are co-borrowers or guarantee obligations under the Ryerson Credit Facility. Each guarantor of the 2017 and 2018 Notes is 100% owned by Ryerson and the guarantees are joint and several. Ryerson Inc. may only pay dividends to Ryerson Holding to the extent of 50% of future net income, once prior losses are offset.
	The following are condensed consolidating financial information of Ryerson and its guarantor and non-guarantor subsidiaries and affiliates as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 and for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:
	RYERSON INC.
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)
	THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2013
	(In millions)
		Parent			Joseph T.			Guarantor			Non-			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Ryerson						guarantor
	Net sales	$	—		$	726.2		$	596.5		$	116.3		$	(579.2	)	$	859.8
	Cost of materials sold		—			599.2			585.7			99			(579.2	)		704.7
	Gross profit		—			127			10.8			17.3			—			155.1
	Warehousing, delivery, selling, general and administrative		1.3			91.3			6.3			20.7			—			119.6
	Impairment charge on goodwill		—			1.1			—			—			—			1.1
	Operating profit (loss)		(1.3	)		34.6			4.5			(3.4	)		—			34.4
	Other income and (expense), net		—			—			—			(1.1	)		—			(1.1	)
	Interest and other expense on debt		(3.3	)		(23.1	)		—			(0.7	)		—			(27.1	)
	Intercompany transactions:
	Interest expense on intercompany loans		(7.4	)		—			—			—			7.4			—
	Interest income on intercompany loans		—			5.5			1.9			—			(7.4	)		—
	Income (loss) before income taxes		(12.0	)		17			6.4			(5.2	)		—			6.2
	Provision (benefit) for income taxes		(8.6	)		12.2			5.3			(6.0	)		—			2.9
	Equity in earnings of subsidiaries		(7.7	)		(4.7	)		(4.1	)		—			16.5			—
	Net income		4.3			9.5			5.2			0.8			(16.5	)		3.3
	Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		—			—			—			(1.0	)		—			(1.0	)
	Net income attributable to Ryerson Inc.	$	4.3		$	9.5		$	5.2		$	1.8		$	(16.5	)	$	4.3
	Comprehensive income	$	9.8		$	10.3		$	5.7		$	4.7		$	(21.9	)	$	8.6
	Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		—			—			—			(1.2	)		—			(1.2	)
	Comprehensive income attributable to Ryerson Inc.	$	9.8		$	10.3		$	5.7		$	5.9		$	(21.9	)	$	9.8
	RYERSON INC.
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)
	THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2012
	(In millions)
		Parent			Joseph T.			Guarantor			Non-guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Ryerson
	Net sales	$	—		$	811.5		$	639.9		$	131.9		$	(621.1	)	$	962.2
	Cost of materials sold		—			661.7			628			113.1			(621.1	)		781.7
	Gross profit		—			149.8			11.9			18.8			—			180.5
	Warehousing, delivery, selling, general and administrative		1			98.2			6.6			21.3			—			127.1
	Operating profit (loss)		(1.0	)		51.6			5.3			(2.5	)		—			53.4
	Other income and (expense), net		—			0.1			—			(1.6	)		—			(1.5	)
	Interest and other expense on debt		(19.0	)		(0.1	)		—			(0.7	)		—			(19.8	)
	Intercompany transactions:
	Interest expense on intercompany loans		(13.9	)		(10.3	)		—			—			24.2			—
	Interest income on intercompany loans		—			—			24.2			—			(24.2	)		—
	Income (loss) before income taxes		(33.9	)		41.3			29.5			(4.8	)		—			32.1
	Provision for income taxes		—			0.4			—			0.1			—			0.5
	Equity in (earnings) loss of subsidiaries		(67.4	)		(8.7	)		1.6			—			74.5			—
	Net income (loss)		33.5			49.6			27.9			(4.9	)		(74.5	)		31.6
	Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		—			—			—			(1.9	)		—			(1.9	)
	Net income (loss) attributable to Ryerson Inc.	$	33.5		$	49.6		$	27.9		$	(3.0	)	$	(74.5	)	$	33.5
	Comprehensive income	$	44.6		$	49.8		$	31.2		$	2.3		$	(85.4	)	$	42.5
	Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		—			—			—			(2.1	)		—			(2.1	)
	Comprehensive income attributable to Ryerson Inc.	$	44.6		$	49.8		$	31.2		$	4.4		$	(85.4	)	$	44.6
	RYERSON INC.
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)
	NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2013
	(In millions)
		Parent			Joseph T.			Guarantor			Non-guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Ryerson
	Net sales	$	—		$	2,241.90		$	1,800.00		$	360.7		$	(1,744.8	)	$	2,657.80
	Cost of materials sold		—			1,857.40			1,766.20			309.6			(1,744.8	)		2,188.40
	Gross profit		—			384.5			33.8			51.1			—			469.4
Warehousing, delivery, selling, general and administrative		3.8			278.9			17.5			62.5			—			362.7
Restructuring and other charges		—			—			—			2.1						2.1
Impairment charges on fixed assets and goodwill		—			2			—			6.8			—			8.8
Operating profit (loss)		(3.8	)		103.6			16.3			(20.3	)		—			95.8
Other income and (expense), net		—			0.2			—			1.9			—			2.1
Interest and other expense on debt		(11.9	)		(69.2	)		—			(2.2	)		—			(83.3	)
Intercompany transactions:
Interest expense on intercompany loans		(19.4	)		—			—			—			19.4			—
Interest income on intercompany loans		—			13.6			5.8			—			(19.4	)		—
Income (loss) before income taxes		(35.1	)		48.2			22.1			(20.6	)		—			14.6
Provision (benefit) for income taxes		(13.0	)		18.3			8.3			(7.4	)		—			6.2
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries		(35.4	)		(14.3	)		(0.2	)		—			49.9			—
Net income (loss)		13.3			44.2			14			(13.2	)		(49.9	)		8.4
Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		—			—			—			(4.9	)		—			(4.9	)
Net income (loss) attributable to Ryerson Inc.	$	13.3		$	44.2		$	14		$	(8.3	)	$	(49.9	)	$	13.3
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	11.8		$	46.7		$	15.8		$	(19.1	)	$	(48.3	)	$	6.9
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		—			—			—			(4.9	)		—			(4.9	)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Ryerson Inc.	$	11.8		$	46.7		$	15.8		$	(14.2	)	$	(48.3	)	$	11.8
RYERSON INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)
NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2012
(In millions)
	Parent			Joseph T.			Guarantor			Non-guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
				Ryerson
Net sales	$	—		$	2,684.60		$	2,249.90		$	420.5		$	(2,180.6	)	$	3,174.40
Cost of materials sold		—			2,235.30			2,206.20			358.2			(2,180.6	)		2,619.10
Gross profit		—			449.3			43.7			62.3			—			555.3
Warehousing, delivery, selling, general and administrative		3.5			305.6			19.3			61.6			—			390
Impairment charge on fixed assets		—			0.9			—			—			—			0.9
Operating profit (loss)		(3.5	)		142.8			24.4			0.7			—			164.4
Other income and (expense), net		0.3			0.2			—			(1.5	)		—			(1.0	)
Interest and other expense on debt		(56.4	)		(0.1	)		—			(2.4	)		—			(58.9	)
Intercompany transactions:
Interest expense on intercompany loans		(38.5	)		(30.1	)		—			—			68.6			—
Interest income on intercompany loans		—			—			68.6			—			(68.6	)		—
Income (loss) before income taxes		(98.1	)		112.8			93			(3.2	)		—			104.5
Provision for income taxes		—			4			2			0.4			—			6.4
Equity in (earnings) loss of subsidiaries		(200.4	)		(38.0	)		1			—			237.4			—
Net income (loss)		102.3			146.8			90			(3.6	)		(237.4	)		98.1
Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		—			—			—			(4.2	)		—			(4.2	)
Net income attributable to Ryerson Inc.	$	102.3		$	146.8		$	90		$	0.6		$	(237.4	)	$	102.3
Comprehensive income	$	115.2		$	147.5		$	94.6		$	2.9		$	(249.8	)	$	110.4
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		—			—			—			(4.8	)		—			(4.8	)
Comprehensive income attributable to Ryerson Inc.	$	115.2		$	147.5		$	94.6		$	7.7		$	(249.8	)	$	115.2
RYERSON INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2013
(In millions)
	Parent			Joseph T.			Guarantor			Non-guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
				Ryerson
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)	$	13.3		$	44.2		$	14		$	(13.2	)	$	(49.9	)	$	8.4
Non-cash expenses		(0.1	)		37.8			2.5			13.1			—			53.3
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries		(35.4	)		(14.3	)		(0.2	)		—			49.9			—
Changes in working capital		616.5			1,038.00			(1,640.1	)		11.9			—			26.3
Net adjustments		581			1,061.50			(1,637.8	)		25			49.9			79.6
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		594.3			1,105.70			(1,623.8	)		11.8			—			88
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		493.7			(614.5	)		1,444.20			(2.6	)		(1,333.7	)		(12.9	)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		(1,080.5	)		(495.9	)		181			(0.8	)		1,333.70			(62.5	)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		7.5			(4.7	)		1.4			8.4			—			12.6
Effect of exchange rates		—			—			(0.1	)		(2.6	)		—			(2.7	)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents		7.5			(4.7	)		1.3			5.8			—			9.9
Beginning cash and cash equivalents		0.2			15.3			1.9			53.4			—			70.8
Ending cash and cash equivalents	$	7.7		$	10.6		$	3.2		$	59.2		$	—		$	80.7
RYERSON INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2012
(In millions)
	Parent			Joseph T.			Guarantor			Non-guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
				Ryerson
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)	$	102.3		$	146.8		$	90		$	(3.6	)	$	(237.4	)	$	98.1
Non-cash expenses		18.3			12.3			2.2			5.5			—			38.3
Equity in (earnings) loss of subsidiaries		(200.4	)		(38.0	)		1			—			237.4			—
Changes in working capital		9.8			(83.7	)		20.3			3.3			—			(50.3	)
Net adjustments		(172.3	)		(109.4	)		23.5			8.8			237.4			(12.0	)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		(70.0	)		37.4			113.5			5.2			—			86.1
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		(2.2	)		(26.1	)		(143.1	)		1.9			140			(29.5	)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		69.5			(11.0	)		29.2			(13.2	)		(140.0	)		(65.5	)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		(2.7	)		0.3			(0.4	)		(6.1	)		—			(8.9	)
Effect of exchange rates		—			(0.2	)		—			1.8			—			1.6
Net change in cash and cash equivalents		(2.7	)		0.1			(0.4	)		(4.3	)		—			(7.3	)
Beginning cash and cash equivalents		3			14.5			1.5			42.3			—			61.3
Ending cash and cash equivalents	$	0.3		$	14.6		$	1.1		$	38		$	—		$	54
RYERSON INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET (UNAUDITED)
30-Sep-13
(In millions)
	Parent			Joseph T.			Guarantor			Non-guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
				Ryerson
ASSETS
Current assets	$	18.4		$	1,159.40		$	121.2		$	236.5		$	(277.8	)	$	1,257.70
Property, plant and equipment net of accumulated depreciation		—			393.8			3.2			64.5			—			461.5
Other noncurrent assets		978.9			934.8			371.8			7.2			(2,079.2	)		213.5
Total Assets	$	997.3		$	2,488.00		$	496.2		$	308.2		$	(2,357.0	)	$	1,932.70
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities	$	245.4		$	290		$	160.7		$	98.9		$	(277.9	)	$	517.1
Noncurrent liabilities		1,025.00			1,331.90			0.8			30.5			(699.0	)		1,689.20
Redeemable noncontrolling interest		—			—			—			1.3			—			1.3
Ryerson Inc. stockholders’ equity		(273.1	)		866.1			334.7			179.3			(1,380.1	)		(273.1	)
Noncontrolling interest		—			—			—			(1.8	)		—			(1.8	)
Total Liabilities and Equity	$	997.3		$	2,488.00		$	496.2		$	308.2		$	(2,357.0	)	$	1,932.70
RYERSON INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
31-Dec-12
(In millions)
	Parent			Joseph T.			Guarantor			Non-guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
				Ryerson
ASSETS
Current assets	$	381.7		$	2,215.90		$	63		$	214.5		$	(1,620.8	)	$	1,254.30
Property, plant and equipment net of accumulated depreciation		—			410.8			3.1			69.5			—			483.4
Other noncurrent assets		944.2			319.2			1,818.60			14.4			(2,869.9	)		226.5
Total Assets	$	1,325.90		$	2,945.90		$	1,884.70		$	298.4		$	(4,490.7	)	$	1,964.20
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities	$	16.5		$	254.3		$	1,738.30		$	67.7		$	(1,620.8	)	$	456
Noncurrent liabilities		1,594.30			1,872.20			0.8			32.8			(1,711.4	)		1,788.70
Redeemable noncontrolling interest		—			—			—			1.7			—			1.7
Ryerson Inc. stockholders’ equity		(284.9	)		819.4			145.6			193.5			(1,158.5	)		(284.9	)
Noncontrolling interest		—			—			—			2.7			—			2.7
Total Liabilities and Equity	$	1,325.90		$	2,945.90		$	1,884.70		$	298.4		$	(4,490.7	)	$	1,964.20

Financial_Statements_Tables

Financial Statements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Percentage of Sales by Major Product Lines	'
	The following table shows our percentage of sales by major product lines for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
	Product Line	2013			2012			2013			2012
	Carbon Steel Flat		26	%		26	%		26	%		25	%
	Carbon Steel Plate		11			13			11			13
	Carbon Steel Long		15			14			15			15
	Stainless Steel Flat		16			15			16			15
	Stainless Steel Plate		4			4			4			4
	Stainless Steel Long		3			4			3			3
	Aluminum Flat		15			14			15			14
	Aluminum Plate		3			3			3			4
	Aluminum Long		4			4			4			4
	Other		3			3			3			3
	Total		100	%		100	%		100	%		100	%

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Inventories	'
	Inventories, at stated LIFO value, were classified at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 as follows:
		September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
		(In millions)
	In process and finished products	$	702.8	$	741.5

LongTerm_Debt_Tables

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Long-Term Debt	'
	Long-term debt consisted of the following at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012:
		September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
		(In millions)
	Ryerson Secured Credit Facility	$	318.5	$	383.5
	9% Senior Secured Notes due 2017		600		600
	11 1/4% Senior Notes due 2018		300		300
	Foreign debt		21.6		21.9
	Total debt		1,240.10		1,305.40
	Less:
	Short-term credit facility borrowings		—		13.5
	Short-term foreign debt		21.6		21.8
	Total long-term debt	$	1,218.50	$	1,270.10

Employee_Benefits_Tables

Employee Benefits (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost	'
	The following table summarizes the components of net periodic benefit cost for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 for the Ryerson pension plans and postretirement benefits other than pension:
		Three Months Ended September 30,
		Pension Benefits						Other Benefits
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(In millions)
	Components of net periodic benefit cost
	Service cost	$	1		$	1		$	—		$	1
	Interest cost		9			11			1			1
	Expected return on assets		(11	)		(12	)		—			—
	Recognized actuarial net (gain) loss		3			3			(2	)		(2	)
	Net periodic benefit cost (credit)	$	2		$	3		$	(1	)	$	—
		Nine Months Ended September 30,
		Pension Benefits						Other Benefits
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(In millions)
	Components of net periodic benefit cost
	Service cost	$	2		$	2		$	—		$	1
	Interest cost		27			31			3			5
	Expected return on assets		(33	)		(34	)		—			—
	Prior service credit		—			—			(1	)		—
	Recognized actuarial net (gain) loss		10			9			(5	)		(6	)
	Net periodic benefit cost (credit)	$	6		$	8		$	(3	)	$	—

Derivatives_and_Fair_Value_Mea1

Derivatives and Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Investments All Other Investments [Abstract]	'
Location and Fair Value Amount of Derivative Instruments	'
	The following table summarizes the location and fair value amount of our derivative instruments reported in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012:
		Asset Derivatives												Liability Derivatives
		September 30, 2013						December 31, 2012						September 30, 2013				December 31, 2012
		Balance		Fair Value				Balance		Fair Value				Balance		Fair Value		Balance	Fair Value
		Sheet						Sheet						Sheet				Sheet
		Location						Location						Location				Location
		(In millions)
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815
	Commodity contracts	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		$	—			Prepaid expenses and other current assets		$	0.2			Other accrued liabilities		$	0.3	Other accrued liabilities	$	—
	Total derivatives			$	—					$	0.2					$	0.3		$	—
Location and Amount of Gains and Losses Reported in Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income	'
	The following table summarizes the location and amount of gains and losses reported in our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:
	Derivatives not designated as	Location of Gain/(Loss)		Amount of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives
	hedging instruments under	Recognized in Income on		Three Months Ended September 30,								Nine Months Ended September 30,
	ASC 815	Derivatives		2013				2012				2013				2012
				(In millions)
	Foreign exchange contracts	Other income and (expense), net		$	—			$	(0.1	)		$	—			$	—
	Metal commodity contracts	Cost of materials sold			0.2				1.4				(0.5	)			1.3
	Total			$	0.2			$	1.3			$	(0.5	)		$	1.3
Assets and Liabilities Measured and Recorded at Fair Value	'
	The following table presents assets and liabilities measured and recorded at fair value on our Consolidated Balance Sheets on a recurring basis and their level within the fair value hierarchy as of September 30, 2013:
		At September 30, 2013
		Level 1				Level 2				Level 3
		(In millions)
	Assets
	Cash equivalents:
	Commercial paper	$	40.6			$	—			$	—
	Prepaid and other current assets:
	Common stock—available-for-sale investment	$	22.5			$	—			$	—
	Liabilities
	Mark-to-market derivatives:
	Commodity contracts	$	—			$	0.3			$	—
	The following table presents assets and liabilities measured and recorded at fair value on our Consolidated Balance Sheets on a recurring basis and their level within the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2012:
		At December 31, 2012
		Level 1				Level 2				Level 3
		(In millions)
	Assets
	Cash equivalents:
	Commercial paper	$	28.3			$	—			$	—
	Prepaid and other current assets:
	Common stock – available-for-sale investment	$	20.7			$	—			$	—
	Mark-to-market derivatives:
	Commodity contracts	$	—			$	0.2			$	—
Carrying and Estimated Fair Values of Financial Instruments	'
	The carrying and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were as follows:
		At September 30, 2013								At December 31, 2012
		Carrying				Fair Value				Carrying				Fair Value
		Amount								Amount
		(In millions)
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	80.7			$	80.7			$	70.8			$	70.8
	Restricted cash		4.6				4.6				3.9				3.9
	Receivables less provision for allowances, claims and doubtful accounts		423.5				423.5				396.7				396.7
	Accounts payable		239.9				239.9				196.2				196.2
	Long-term debt, including current portion		1,240.10				1,275.30				1,305.40				1,296.40
Assets and Liabilities Measured and Recorded at Fair Value on Non-Recurring Basis	'
	The following table presents those assets that were measured and recorded at fair value on our Consolidated Balance Sheets on a non-recurring basis and their level within the fair value hierarchy at September 30, 2013:
		September 30, 2013
		Level 1				Level 2				Level 3
		(In millions)
	Assets
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets – assets held for sale	$	—			$	4.5			$	—
	The following table presents those assets that were measured and recorded at fair value on our Consolidated Balance Sheets on a non-recurring basis and their level within the fair value hierarchy at December 31, 2012:
		At December 31, 2012
		Level 1				Level 2				Level 3
		(In millions)
	Assets
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets – assets held for sale	$	—			$	3.6			$	—
Available-for-sale Securities	'
	The Company’s available-for-sale securities as of September 30, 2013 can be summarized as follows:
		At September 30, 2013
		Cost				Gross				Gross				Fair Value
						Unrealized				Unrealized
						Gains				Losses
		(In millions)
	Common stock	$	17.4			$	5.1			$	—			$	22.5
	The Company’s available-for-sale securities as of December 31, 2012 can be summarized as follows:
		At December 31, 2012
		Cost				Gross				Gross				Fair Value
						Unrealized				Unrealized
						Gains				Losses
		(In millions)
	Common stock	$	17.4			$	3.3			$	—			$	20.7

Stockholders_Equity_Deficit_Ac1

Stockholders' Equity (Deficit), Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Stockholders Equity	'
	The following table details changes in these accounts:
		Ryerson Inc. Stockholders
													Accumulated Other
													Comprehensive Income (Loss)
		Common						Capital in		Accumulated			Foreign			Benefit Plan			Unrealized		Noncontrolling			Total			Redeemable
		Stock						Excess of		Deficit			Currency			Liabilities			Gain on		Interest			Equity			Noncontrolling
								Par Value					Translation						Available-								Interest
																			For-Sale
																			Investments
		Shares			Dollars			Dollars		Dollars			Dollars			Dollars			Dollars		Dollars			Dollars			Dollars
		(In millions, except share data)
	Balance at January 1, 2013		100		$	—		$	71.3	$	(102.5	)	$	(5.4	)	$	(251.6	)	$	3.3	$	2.7		$	(282.2	)	$	1.7
	Net income (loss)		—			—			—		13.3			—			—			—		(4.8	)		8.5			(0.1	)
	Foreign currency translation		—			—			—		—			(6.8	)		—			—		0.3			(6.5	)		(0.3	)
	Changes in defined benefit pension and other post-retirement benefit plans (net of tax provision of $0.4)		—			—			—		—			—			3.5			—		—			3.5			—
	Unrealized gain on available-for-sale investment		—			—			—		—			—			—			1.8		—			1.8			—
	Balance at September 30, 2013		100		$	—		$	71.3	$	(89.2	)	$	(12.2	)	$	(248.1	)	$	5.1	$	(1.8	)	$	(274.9	)	$	1.3
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) by Component	'
	The following table details the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
		Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive
		Income (Loss) by Component
		Foreign			Benefit			Unrealized
		Currency			Plan			Gain on
		Translation			Liabilities			Available-
								For-Sale
								Investments
		(In millions)
	Balance at January 1, 2013	$	(5.4	)	$	(251.6	)	$	3.3
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		(6.8	)		—			1.8
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		—			3.5			—
	Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)		(6.8	)		3.5			1.8
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	(12.2	)	$	(248.1	)	$	5.1
Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'
	The following table details the reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2013:
		Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Details about Accumulated	Amount reclassified from Accumulated Other						Affected line item in the Condensed
	Other Comprehensive Income	Comprehensive Income (Loss)						Consolidated Statements of
	(Loss)	Three Months Ended			Nine Months Ended			Comprehensive Income
	Components	September 30, 2013
		(In millions)
	Amortization of defined benefit pension and other post-retirement benefit plan items
	Actuarial gain	$	1.6		$	4.9		Warehousing, delivery, selling, general and administrative
	Prior service credits		(0.3	)		(1.0	)	Warehousing, delivery, selling, general and administrative
	Total before tax		1.3			3.9
	Tax provision		0.1			0.4
	Net of tax	$	1.2		$	3.5

Condensed_Consolidating_Guaran1

Condensed Consolidating Guarantor Financial Statements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information	'
	RYERSON INC.
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)
	THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2013
	(In millions)
		Parent			Joseph T.			Guarantor			Non-			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Ryerson						guarantor
	Net sales	$	—		$	726.2		$	596.5		$	116.3		$	(579.2	)	$	859.8
	Cost of materials sold		—			599.2			585.7			99			(579.2	)		704.7
	Gross profit		—			127			10.8			17.3			—			155.1
	Warehousing, delivery, selling, general and administrative		1.3			91.3			6.3			20.7			—			119.6
	Impairment charge on goodwill		—			1.1			—			—			—			1.1
	Operating profit (loss)		(1.3	)		34.6			4.5			(3.4	)		—			34.4
	Other income and (expense), net		—			—			—			(1.1	)		—			(1.1	)
	Interest and other expense on debt		(3.3	)		(23.1	)		—			(0.7	)		—			(27.1	)
	Intercompany transactions:
	Interest expense on intercompany loans		(7.4	)		—			—			—			7.4			—
	Interest income on intercompany loans		—			5.5			1.9			—			(7.4	)		—
	Income (loss) before income taxes		(12.0	)		17			6.4			(5.2	)		—			6.2
	Provision (benefit) for income taxes		(8.6	)		12.2			5.3			(6.0	)		—			2.9
	Equity in earnings of subsidiaries		(7.7	)		(4.7	)		(4.1	)		—			16.5			—
	Net income		4.3			9.5			5.2			0.8			(16.5	)		3.3
	Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		—			—			—			(1.0	)		—			(1.0	)
	Net income attributable to Ryerson Inc.	$	4.3		$	9.5		$	5.2		$	1.8		$	(16.5	)	$	4.3
	Comprehensive income	$	9.8		$	10.3		$	5.7		$	4.7		$	(21.9	)	$	8.6
	Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		—			—			—			(1.2	)		—			(1.2	)
	Comprehensive income attributable to Ryerson Inc.	$	9.8		$	10.3		$	5.7		$	5.9		$	(21.9	)	$	9.8
	RYERSON INC.
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)
	THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2012
	(In millions)
		Parent			Joseph T.			Guarantor			Non-guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Ryerson
	Net sales	$	—		$	811.5		$	639.9		$	131.9		$	(621.1	)	$	962.2
	Cost of materials sold		—			661.7			628			113.1			(621.1	)		781.7
	Gross profit		—			149.8			11.9			18.8			—			180.5
	Warehousing, delivery, selling, general and administrative		1			98.2			6.6			21.3			—			127.1
	Operating profit (loss)		(1.0	)		51.6			5.3			(2.5	)		—			53.4
	Other income and (expense), net		—			0.1			—			(1.6	)		—			(1.5	)
	Interest and other expense on debt		(19.0	)		(0.1	)		—			(0.7	)		—			(19.8	)
	Intercompany transactions:
	Interest expense on intercompany loans		(13.9	)		(10.3	)		—			—			24.2			—
	Interest income on intercompany loans		—			—			24.2			—			(24.2	)		—
	Income (loss) before income taxes		(33.9	)		41.3			29.5			(4.8	)		—			32.1
	Provision for income taxes		—			0.4			—			0.1			—			0.5
	Equity in (earnings) loss of subsidiaries		(67.4	)		(8.7	)		1.6			—			74.5			—
	Net income (loss)		33.5			49.6			27.9			(4.9	)		(74.5	)		31.6
	Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		—			—			—			(1.9	)		—			(1.9	)
	Net income (loss) attributable to Ryerson Inc.	$	33.5		$	49.6		$	27.9		$	(3.0	)	$	(74.5	)	$	33.5
	Comprehensive income	$	44.6		$	49.8		$	31.2		$	2.3		$	(85.4	)	$	42.5
	Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		—			—			—			(2.1	)		—			(2.1	)
	Comprehensive income attributable to Ryerson Inc.	$	44.6		$	49.8		$	31.2		$	4.4		$	(85.4	)	$	44.6
	RYERSON INC.
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)
	NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2013
	(In millions)
		Parent			Joseph T.			Guarantor			Non-guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Ryerson
	Net sales	$	—		$	2,241.90		$	1,800.00		$	360.7		$	(1,744.8	)	$	2,657.80
	Cost of materials sold		—			1,857.40			1,766.20			309.6			(1,744.8	)		2,188.40
	Gross profit		—			384.5			33.8			51.1			—			469.4
	Warehousing, delivery, selling, general and administrative		3.8			278.9			17.5			62.5			—			362.7
	Restructuring and other charges		—			—			—			2.1						2.1
	Impairment charges on fixed assets and goodwill		—			2			—			6.8			—			8.8
Operating profit (loss)		(3.8	)		103.6			16.3			(20.3	)		—			95.8
Other income and (expense), net		—			0.2			—			1.9			—			2.1
Interest and other expense on debt		(11.9	)		(69.2	)		—			(2.2	)		—			(83.3	)
Intercompany transactions:
Interest expense on intercompany loans		(19.4	)		—			—			—			19.4			—
Interest income on intercompany loans		—			13.6			5.8			—			(19.4	)		—
Income (loss) before income taxes		(35.1	)		48.2			22.1			(20.6	)		—			14.6
Provision (benefit) for income taxes		(13.0	)		18.3			8.3			(7.4	)		—			6.2
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries		(35.4	)		(14.3	)		(0.2	)		—			49.9			—
Net income (loss)		13.3			44.2			14			(13.2	)		(49.9	)		8.4
Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		—			—			—			(4.9	)		—			(4.9	)
Net income (loss) attributable to Ryerson Inc.	$	13.3		$	44.2		$	14		$	(8.3	)	$	(49.9	)	$	13.3
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	11.8		$	46.7		$	15.8		$	(19.1	)	$	(48.3	)	$	6.9
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		—			—			—			(4.9	)		—			(4.9	)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Ryerson Inc.	$	11.8		$	46.7		$	15.8		$	(14.2	)	$	(48.3	)	$	11.8
RYERSON INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)
NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2012
(In millions)
	Parent			Joseph T.			Guarantor			Non-guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
				Ryerson
Net sales	$	—		$	2,684.60		$	2,249.90		$	420.5		$	(2,180.6	)	$	3,174.40
Cost of materials sold		—			2,235.30			2,206.20			358.2			(2,180.6	)		2,619.10
Gross profit		—			449.3			43.7			62.3			—			555.3
Warehousing, delivery, selling, general and administrative		3.5			305.6			19.3			61.6			—			390
Impairment charge on fixed assets		—			0.9			—			—			—			0.9
Operating profit (loss)		(3.5	)		142.8			24.4			0.7			—			164.4
Other income and (expense), net		0.3			0.2			—			(1.5	)		—			(1.0	)
Interest and other expense on debt		(56.4	)		(0.1	)		—			(2.4	)		—			(58.9	)
Intercompany transactions:
Interest expense on intercompany loans		(38.5	)		(30.1	)		—			—			68.6			—
Interest income on intercompany loans		—			—			68.6			—			(68.6	)		—
Income (loss) before income taxes		(98.1	)		112.8			93			(3.2	)		—			104.5
Provision for income taxes		—			4			2			0.4			—			6.4
Equity in (earnings) loss of subsidiaries		(200.4	)		(38.0	)		1			—			237.4			—
Net income (loss)		102.3			146.8			90			(3.6	)		(237.4	)		98.1
Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		—			—			—			(4.2	)		—			(4.2	)
Net income attributable to Ryerson Inc.	$	102.3		$	146.8		$	90		$	0.6		$	(237.4	)	$	102.3
Comprehensive income	$	115.2		$	147.5		$	94.6		$	2.9		$	(249.8	)	$	110.4
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		—			—			—			(4.8	)		—			(4.8	)
Comprehensive income attributable to Ryerson Inc.	$	115.2		$	147.5		$	94.6		$	7.7		$	(249.8	)	$	115.2
RYERSON INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2013
(In millions)
	Parent			Joseph T.			Guarantor			Non-guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
				Ryerson
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)	$	13.3		$	44.2		$	14		$	(13.2	)	$	(49.9	)	$	8.4
Non-cash expenses		(0.1	)		37.8			2.5			13.1			—			53.3
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries		(35.4	)		(14.3	)		(0.2	)		—			49.9			—
Changes in working capital		616.5			1,038.00			(1,640.1	)		11.9			—			26.3
Net adjustments		581			1,061.50			(1,637.8	)		25			49.9			79.6
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		594.3			1,105.70			(1,623.8	)		11.8			—			88
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		493.7			(614.5	)		1,444.20			(2.6	)		(1,333.7	)		(12.9	)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		(1,080.5	)		(495.9	)		181			(0.8	)		1,333.70			(62.5	)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		7.5			(4.7	)		1.4			8.4			—			12.6
Effect of exchange rates		—			—			(0.1	)		(2.6	)		—			(2.7	)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents		7.5			(4.7	)		1.3			5.8			—			9.9
Beginning cash and cash equivalents		0.2			15.3			1.9			53.4			—			70.8
Ending cash and cash equivalents	$	7.7		$	10.6		$	3.2		$	59.2		$	—		$	80.7
RYERSON INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2012
(In millions)
	Parent			Joseph T.			Guarantor			Non-guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
				Ryerson
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)	$	102.3		$	146.8		$	90		$	(3.6	)	$	(237.4	)	$	98.1
Non-cash expenses		18.3			12.3			2.2			5.5			—			38.3
Equity in (earnings) loss of subsidiaries		(200.4	)		(38.0	)		1			—			237.4			—
Changes in working capital		9.8			(83.7	)		20.3			3.3			—			(50.3	)
Net adjustments		(172.3	)		(109.4	)		23.5			8.8			237.4			(12.0	)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		(70.0	)		37.4			113.5			5.2			—			86.1
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		(2.2	)		(26.1	)		(143.1	)		1.9			140			(29.5	)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		69.5			(11.0	)		29.2			(13.2	)		(140.0	)		(65.5	)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		(2.7	)		0.3			(0.4	)		(6.1	)		—			(8.9	)
Effect of exchange rates		—			(0.2	)		—			1.8			—			1.6
Net change in cash and cash equivalents		(2.7	)		0.1			(0.4	)		(4.3	)		—			(7.3	)
Beginning cash and cash equivalents		3			14.5			1.5			42.3			—			61.3
Ending cash and cash equivalents	$	0.3		$	14.6		$	1.1		$	38		$	—		$	54
RYERSON INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET (UNAUDITED)
30-Sep-13
(In millions)
	Parent			Joseph T.			Guarantor			Non-guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
				Ryerson
ASSETS
Current assets	$	18.4		$	1,159.40		$	121.2		$	236.5		$	(277.8	)	$	1,257.70
Property, plant and equipment net of accumulated depreciation		—			393.8			3.2			64.5			—			461.5
Other noncurrent assets		978.9			934.8			371.8			7.2			(2,079.2	)		213.5
Total Assets	$	997.3		$	2,488.00		$	496.2		$	308.2		$	(2,357.0	)	$	1,932.70
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities	$	245.4		$	290		$	160.7		$	98.9		$	(277.9	)	$	517.1
Noncurrent liabilities		1,025.00			1,331.90			0.8			30.5			(699.0	)		1,689.20
Redeemable noncontrolling interest		—			—			—			1.3			—			1.3
Ryerson Inc. stockholders’ equity		(273.1	)		866.1			334.7			179.3			(1,380.1	)		(273.1	)
Noncontrolling interest		—			—			—			(1.8	)		—			(1.8	)
Total Liabilities and Equity	$	997.3		$	2,488.00		$	496.2		$	308.2		$	(2,357.0	)	$	1,932.70
RYERSON INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
31-Dec-12
(In millions)
	Parent			Joseph T.			Guarantor			Non-guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
				Ryerson
ASSETS
Current assets	$	381.7		$	2,215.90		$	63		$	214.5		$	(1,620.8	)	$	1,254.30
Property, plant and equipment net of accumulated depreciation		—			410.8			3.1			69.5			—			483.4
Other noncurrent assets		944.2			319.2			1,818.60			14.4			(2,869.9	)		226.5
Total Assets	$	1,325.90		$	2,945.90		$	1,884.70		$	298.4		$	(4,490.7	)	$	1,964.20
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities	$	16.5		$	254.3		$	1,738.30		$	67.7		$	(1,620.8	)	$	456
Noncurrent liabilities		1,594.30			1,872.20			0.8			32.8			(1,711.4	)		1,788.70
Redeemable noncontrolling interest		—			—			—			1.7			—			1.7
Ryerson Inc. stockholders’ equity		(284.9	)		819.4			145.6			193.5			(1,158.5	)		(284.9	)
Noncontrolling interest		—			—			—			2.7			—			2.7
Total Liabilities and Equity	$	1,325.90		$	2,945.90		$	1,884.70		$	298.4		$	(4,490.7	)	$	1,964.20

Financial_Statements_Additiona

Financial Statements - Additional Information (Detail)	Sep. 30, 2013
Summary of Accounting and Financial Policies [Line Items]	'
Parent company percentage owned by affiliates	99.00%
Acofran [Member]	'
Summary of Accounting and Financial Policies [Line Items]	'
Ownership percentage by parent	50.00%
Ryerson China [Member]	'
Summary of Accounting and Financial Policies [Line Items]	'
Ownership percentage by parent	50.00%
Additional ownership interest through affiliates	50.00%

Financial_Statements_Percentag

Financial Statements - Percentage of Sales by Major Product Line (Detail)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Percentage of sales by major product lines	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Carbon Steel Flat [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Percentage of sales by major product lines	26.00%	26.00%	26.00%	25.00%
Carbon Steel Plate [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Percentage of sales by major product lines	11.00%	13.00%	11.00%	13.00%
Carbon Steel Long [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Percentage of sales by major product lines	15.00%	14.00%	15.00%	15.00%
Stainless Steel Flat [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Percentage of sales by major product lines	16.00%	15.00%	16.00%	15.00%
Stainless Steel Plate [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Percentage of sales by major product lines	4.00%	4.00%	4.00%	4.00%
Stainless Steel Long [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Percentage of sales by major product lines	3.00%	4.00%	3.00%	3.00%
Aluminum Flat [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Percentage of sales by major product lines	15.00%	14.00%	15.00%	14.00%
Aluminum Plate [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Percentage of sales by major product lines	3.00%	3.00%	3.00%	4.00%
Aluminum Long [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Percentage of sales by major product lines	4.00%	4.00%	4.00%	4.00%
Other [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Percentage of sales by major product lines	3.00%	3.00%	3.00%	3.00%

Inventories_Schedule_of_Invent

Inventories - Schedule of Inventories (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
In process and finished products	$702.80	$741.50

Inventories_Additional_Informa

Inventories - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Amount by which current cost used to value inventories is lower than LIFO valued inventories	$61	$34
Inventories accounted under the LIFO method	90.00%	88.00%
Consignment inventory	$12.40	$11.30

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_1

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
		Reporting_Unit
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Goodwill	'	'	$89.90	$97
Number of reportable units tested for goodwill impairment at interim period	'	1	'	'
Impairment charges in the second quarter	6.8	'	'	'
Reporting Unit Tested for Interim Goodwill Impairment [Member]	'	'	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Goodwill	'	'	$0	'

Acquisitions_Additional_Inform

Acquisitions - Additional Information (Detail) (Acofran [Member])	Feb. 17, 2012
Acofran [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Business acquisition acquired equity interest	50.00%

LongTerm_Debt_Schedule_of_Long

Long-Term Debt - Schedule of Long-Term Debt (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Foreign debt	$21.60	$21.90
Total debt	1,240.10	1,305.40
Total long-term debt	1,218.50	1,270.10
Ryerson Secured Credit Facility [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Ryerson Secured Credit Facility	318.5	383.5
9% Senior Secured Notes due 2017 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Senior Notes	600	600
11 1/4% Senior Notes due 2018 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Senior Notes	300	300
Short-term credit facility borrowings [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Short-term credit facility borrowings	'	13.5
Short-term foreign debt [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Foreign debt	$21.60	$21.80

LongTerm_Debt_Additional_Infor

Long-Term Debt - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Apr. 03, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Oct. 10, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Oct. 10, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Ryerson Secured Credit Facility [Member]

Ryerson Secured Credit Facility [Member]

Ryerson Secured Credit Facility [Member]

Ryerson Secured Credit Facility [Member]

Ryerson Secured Credit Facility [Member]

Ryerson Secured Credit Facility [Member]

Ryerson Secured Credit Facility [Member]

Ryerson Secured Credit Facility [Member]

Ryerson Secured Credit Facility [Member]

Ryerson Secured Credit Facility [Member]

Ryerson Secured Credit Facility [Member]

Ryerson Secured Credit Facility [Member]

Ryerson Secured Credit Facility [Member]

Ryerson Secured Credit Facility [Member]

Ryerson Secured Credit Facility [Member]

Foreign Debt [Member]

Foreign Debt [Member]

9% Senior Secured Notes due 2017 [Member]

9% Senior Secured Notes due 2017 [Member]

11 1/4% Senior Notes due 2018 [Member]

11 1/4% Senior Notes due 2018 [Member]

2017 and 2018 Notes [Member]

2017 and 2018 Notes [Member]

Owed To Banks [Member]

Owed To Banks [Member]

Owed To Banks [Member]

Owed To Banks [Member]

US Subsidiaries [Member]

Canadian Subsidiaries [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Scenario 2 [Member]

Scenario 1 [Member]

Base Rate And Canadian Prime Rate [Member]

Base Rate And Canadian Prime Rate [Member]

Base Rate And Canadian Prime Rate [Member]

LIBOR and Banker's Acceptance Rate [Member]

LIBOR and Banker's Acceptance Rate [Member]

LIBOR and Banker's Acceptance Rate [Member]

Change Of Control Event [Member]

Foreign Debt [Member]

Foreign Debt [Member]

Foreign Debt [Member]

Foreign Debt [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Ryerson China [Member]

Ryerson China [Member]

Acofran [Member]

Acofran [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amended and restated credit facility agreement

'

'

$1,350

$1,350

'

$1,215

$135

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Credit facility maturity date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

16-Aug-17

3-Apr-18

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Notes maturity date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15-Oct-17

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Prior to the scheduled maturity date of the 9% Senior Secured Notes

'

'

'60 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument Percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

9.00%

9.00%

'

11.25%

'

'

'

'

'

'

Outstanding borrowings

'

'

318.5

'

383.5

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Available Credit Facility

'

'

291

'

293

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

28

21

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Letters of credit

'

'

24

'

24

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

9

8

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted average interest rate

'

'

1.90%

'

2.60%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.20%

4.80%

'

11.20%

Line of credit facility, description of collateral

'

'

'Total credit availability is limited by the amount of eligible accounts receivable and inventory pledged as collateral under the agreement insofar as Ryerson is subject to a borrowing base comprised of the aggregate of these two amounts, less applicable reserves. Eligible accounts receivable, at any date of determination, are comprised of the aggregate value of all accounts directly created by a borrower in the ordinary course of business arising out of the sale of goods or the rendition of services, each of which has been invoiced, with such receivables adjusted to exclude various ineligible accounts, including, among other things, those to which a borrower does not have sole and absolute title and accounts arising out of a sale to an employee, officer, director, or affiliate of a borrower. Eligible inventory, at any date of determination, is comprised of the aggregate value of all inventory owned by a borrower, with such inventory adjusted to exclude various ineligible inventory, including, among other things, any inventory that is classified as bsuppliesb or is unsaleable in the ordinary course of business and 50% of the value of any inventory that (i) has not been sold or processed within a 180 day period and (ii) which is calculated to have more than 365 days of supply based upon the immediately preceding 6 months consumption.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of spread over amount available to be borrowed

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.75%

0.50%

1.00%

1.75%

1.50%

2.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Commitment fess on amounts not borrowed

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.25%

0.38%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Default bear interest rate

'

'

2.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Aggregate amount of senior notes issued

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

600

'

300

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum percentage of dividend of future net income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50.00%

'

'

'

'

'

Notes redemption date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15-Apr-15

'

15-Oct-15

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Redemption price as a percentage of principal amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

101.00%

'

'

'

'

Foreign debt

$21.60

$21.90

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$21.60

$21.40

$0

$0.50

Employee_Benefits_Components_o

Employee Benefits - Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Pension Benefits [Member]	'	'	'	'
Components of net periodic benefit cost	'	'	'	'
Service cost	$1	$1	$2	$2
Interest cost	9	11	27	31
Expected return on assets	-11	-12	-33	-34
Prior service credit	'	'	'	'
Recognized actuarial net (gain) loss	3	3	10	9
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)	2	3	6	8
Other Benefits [Member]	'	'	'	'
Components of net periodic benefit cost	'	'	'	'
Service cost	'	1	'	1
Interest cost	1	1	3	5
Expected return on assets	'	'	'	'
Prior service credit	'	'	-1	'
Recognized actuarial net (gain) loss	-2	-2	-5	-6
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)	($1)	'	($3)	'

Employee_Benefits_Additional_I

Employee Benefits - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Contribution to the pension plan fund	'	$37.30
Anticipated minimum required pension contribution funding	$11	'

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Potential loss range minimum	$0
Potential loss range maximum	27,700,000
Total awarded value for damages to plaintiffs	$27,700,000

Derivative_and_Fair_Value_Meas

Derivative and Fair Value Measurements - Location and Fair Value Amount of Derivative Instruments Reported in Consolidated Balance Sheet (Detail) (Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815 [Member], USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Asset Derivatives, Fair Value	'	$0.20
Liability Derivatives, Fair Value	0.3	'
Commodity Contract [Member] | Prepaid Expenses And Other Current Assets [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Asset Derivatives, Fair Value	'	0.2
Commodity Contract [Member] | Other Accrued Liabilities [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Liability Derivatives, Fair Value	$0.30	'

Derivatives_and_Fair_Value_Mea2

Derivatives and Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended					9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
				Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]	Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]	Nickel Futures or Option Contracts [Member]	Nickel Futures or Option Contracts [Member]	Hot Roll Steel Coil Option [Member]	Hot Roll Steel Coil Option [Member]	Aluminum Price Swaps [Member]	Aluminum Price Swaps [Member]
						T	T	T	T	T	T
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Notional amount of foreign currency exchange contracts	'	'	'	$1.70	$0.70	'	'	'	'	'	'
Commodity notional value	'	'	'	'	'	173	182	1,300	1,300	50	80
Contract term for exchange contracts, Minimum	'3 months	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Contract term for exchange contracts, Maximum	'12 months	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Assets held for sale	4.5	'	3.6	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Impairment charge of asset held for sale	$2	$0.90	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Derivatives_and_Fair_Value_Mea3

Derivatives and Fair Value Measurements - Location and Amount of Gains and Losses Reported in Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Detail) (Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815 [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amount of Gain/ (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives, Total	$0.20	$1.30	($0.50)	$1.30
Foreign exchange contracts [Member] | Other Income [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amount of Gain/ (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives, Total	'	-0.1	'	'
Commodity Contract [Member] | Cost of Sales [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amount of Gain/ (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives, Total	$0.20	$1.40	($0.50)	$1.30

Derivatives_and_Fair_Value_Mea4

Derivatives and Fair Value Measurements - Assets And Liabilities Measured And Recorded At Fair Value On Recurring Basis (Detail) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member], USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Commercial Paper [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Cash equivalents	$40.60	$28.30
Commercial Paper [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Cash equivalents	'	'
Commercial Paper [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Cash equivalents	'	'
Common stock - available-for-sale investment [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Prepaid and other current assets	22.5	20.7
Common stock - available-for-sale investment [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Prepaid and other current assets	'	'
Common stock - available-for-sale investment [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Prepaid and other current assets	'	'
Commodity Contract [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Mark-to-market liability derivatives	'	'
Commodity Contract [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Mark-to-market liability derivatives	0.3	'
Mark-to-market Asset derivatives	'	0.2
Commodity Contract [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Mark-to-market liability derivatives	'	'

Derivatives_and_Fair_Value_Mea5

Derivatives and Fair Value Measurements - Carrying and Estimated Fair Values of Financial Instruments (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents, Carrying Amount	$80.70	$70.80	$54	$61.30
Restricted Cash, Carrying Amount	4.6	3.9	'	'
Receivables less provision for allowances, claims and doubtful accounts, Carrying Amount	423.5	396.7	'	'
Accounts payable, Carrying Amount	239.9	196.2	'	'
Long-term debt, including current portion, Carrying Amount	1,240.10	1,305.40	'	'
Fair Value [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents, Fair Value	80.7	70.8	'	'
Restricted Cash, Fair Value	4.6	3.9	'	'
Receivables less provision for allowances, claims and doubtful accounts, Fair Value	423.5	396.7	'	'
Accounts payable, Fair Value	239.9	196.2	'	'
Long-term debt, including current portion, Fair Value	1,275.30	1,296.40	'	'
Carrying Amount [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents, Carrying Amount	80.7	70.8	'	'
Restricted Cash, Carrying Amount	4.6	3.9	'	'
Receivables less provision for allowances, claims and doubtful accounts, Carrying Amount	423.5	396.7	'	'
Accounts payable, Carrying Amount	239.9	196.2	'	'
Long-term debt, including current portion, Carrying Amount	$1,240.10	$1,305.40	'	'

Derivatives_and_Fair_Value_Mea6

Derivatives and Fair Value Measurements - Assets and Liabilities Measured and Recorded at Fair Value on Non Recurring Basis (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets - assets held for sale	$4.50	$3.60
Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets - assets held for sale	'	'
Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets - assets held for sale	4.5	3.6
Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets - assets held for sale	'	'

Derivatives_and_Fair_Value_Mea7

Derivatives and Fair Value Measurements - Available-for-Sale Securities (Detail) (Common Stock [Member], USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Common Stock [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Cost	$17.40	$17.40
Gross Unrealized Gains	5.1	3.3
Gross Unrealized Losses	'	'
Fair Value	$22.50	$20.70

Stockholders_Equity_Deficit_Ac2

Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest - Change In Stockholders' Equity (Deficit), Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 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

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Common Stock [Member]

Common Stock [Member]

Capital in Excess of Par Value [Member]

Capital in Excess of Par Value [Member]

Accumulated Deficit [Member]

Foreign Currency Translation [Member]

Benefit Plan Liabilities [Member]

Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Available- For-Sale Investments [Member]

Noncontrolling Interest [Member]

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Member]

Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Beginning Balance

'

'

($282.20)

'

'

'

$71.30

$71.30

($102.50)

($5.40)

($251.60)

$3.30

$2.70

'

Beginning Balance

'

'

1.7

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.7

Beginning Balance, shares

'

'

100

'

100

100

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income (loss)

3.3

31.6

8.4

98.1

'

'

'

'

13.3

'

'

'

-4.8

'

Net income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-0.1

Net income (loss) excluding portion attributable to noncontrolling interest

'

'

8.5

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Foreign currency translation

'

'

-6.5

'

'

'

'

'

'

-6.8

'

'

0.3

-0.3

Changes in defined benefit pension and other post-retirement benefit plans, net of tax provision

'

'

3.5

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.5

'

'

'

Unrealized gain on available-for-sale investment

'

'

1.8

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.8

'

'

Ending Balance

-274.9

'

-274.9

'

'

'

71.3

71.3

-89.2

-12.2

-248.1

5.1

-1.8

'

Ending Balance

$1.30

'

$1.30

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1.30

Ending Balance, shares

100

'

100

'

100

100

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stockholders_Equity_Deficit_Ac3

Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest - Change In Stockholders' Equity (Deficit), Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]	'
Changes in defined benefit pension and other post-retirement benefit plans, tax provision	$0.40
Benefit Plan Liabilities [Member]	'
Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]	'
Changes in defined benefit pension and other post-retirement benefit plans, tax provision	$0.40

Stockholders_Equity_Deficit_Ac4

Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest - Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss) by Component (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified			Foreign Currency Translation [Member]	Benefit Plan Liabilities [Member]	Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Available- For-Sale Investments [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) net of tax, beginning balance	($255.20)	($253.70)	($5.40)	($251.60)	$3.30
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	'	'	-6.8	'	1.8
Reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income, period net of tax	'	'	'	3.5	'
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	'	'	-6.8	3.5	1.8
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) net of tax, ending balance	($255.20)	($253.70)	($12.20)	($248.10)	$5.10

Stockholders_Equity_Deficit_Ac5

Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest - Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Provision for income taxes	$2.90	$0.50	$6.20	$6.40
Benefit Plan Liabilities [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	'	'	'	'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total before tax	1.3	'	3.9	'
Provision for income taxes	0.1	'	0.4	'
Net of tax	1.2	'	3.5	'
Benefit Plan Liabilities [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Warehousing, delivery, selling, general and administrative [Member]	'	'	'	'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Actuarial gain	1.6	'	4.9	'
Prior service credits	($0.30)	'	($1)	'

Related_Parties_Additional_Inf

Related Parties - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'	'
Annual related party monitoring fee maximum	$5	'
Payment of monitoring fee recorded	$3.80	$3.80

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Provision for income taxes	$2.90	$0.50	$6.20	$6.40	'
Valuation allowance	$82.10	'	$82.10	'	$95.20

Condensed_Consolidating_Guaran2

Condensed Consolidating Guarantor Financial Statements - Additional information (Detail)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'
Ownership percentage	100.00%
2017 and 2018 Notes [Member]	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'
Dividend payment threshold of percentage of future net income	50.00%

Condensed_Consolidating_Guaran3

Condensed Consolidating Guarantor Financial Statements - Condensed Consolidating Statement Of Comprehensive Income (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	$859.80	$962.20	$2,657.80	$3,174.40
Cost of materials sold	704.7	781.7	2,188.40	2,619.10
Gross profit	155.1	180.5	469.4	555.3
Warehousing, delivery, selling, general and administrative	119.6	127.1	362.7	390
Restructuring and other charges	'	'	2.1	'
Impairment charges on fixed assets and goodwill	1.1	'	8.8	0.9
Operating profit (loss)	34.4	53.4	95.8	164.4
Other income and (expense), net	-1.1	-1.5	2.1	-1
Interest and other expense on debt	-27.1	-19.8	-83.3	-58.9
Interest expense on intercompany loans	'	'	'	'
Interest income on intercompany loans	'	'	'	'
Income before income taxes	6.2	32.1	14.6	104.5
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	2.9	0.5	6.2	6.4
Equity in (earnings) loss of subsidiaries	'	'	'	'
Net income	3.3	31.6	8.4	98.1
Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	-1	-1.9	-4.9	-4.2
Net income (loss) attributable to Ryerson Inc.	4.3	33.5	13.3	102.3
Comprehensive income (loss)	8.6	42.5	6.9	110.4
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	-1.2	-2.1	-4.9	-4.8
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Ryerson Inc.	9.8	44.6	11.8	115.2
Parent [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	'	'	'	'
Cost of materials sold	'	'	'	'
Gross profit	'	'	'	'
Warehousing, delivery, selling, general and administrative	1.3	1	3.8	3.5
Restructuring and other charges	'	'	'	'
Impairment charges on fixed assets and goodwill	'	'	'	'
Operating profit (loss)	-1.3	-1	-3.8	-3.5
Other income and (expense), net	'	'	'	0.3
Interest and other expense on debt	-3.3	-19	-11.9	-56.4
Interest expense on intercompany loans	-7.4	-13.9	-19.4	-38.5
Interest income on intercompany loans	'	'	'	'
Income before income taxes	-12	-33.9	-35.1	-98.1
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	-8.6	'	-13	'
Equity in (earnings) loss of subsidiaries	-7.7	-67.4	-35.4	-200.4
Net income	4.3	33.5	13.3	102.3
Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss) attributable to Ryerson Inc.	4.3	33.5	13.3	102.3
Comprehensive income (loss)	9.8	44.6	11.8	115.2
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	'	'	'	'
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Ryerson Inc.	9.8	44.6	11.8	115.2
Joseph T. Ryerson [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	726.2	811.5	2,241.90	2,684.60
Cost of materials sold	599.2	661.7	1,857.40	2,235.30
Gross profit	127	149.8	384.5	449.3
Warehousing, delivery, selling, general and administrative	91.3	98.2	278.9	305.6
Restructuring and other charges	'	'	'	'
Impairment charges on fixed assets and goodwill	1.1	'	2	0.9
Operating profit (loss)	34.6	51.6	103.6	142.8
Other income and (expense), net	'	0.1	0.2	0.2
Interest and other expense on debt	-23.1	-0.1	-69.2	-0.1
Interest expense on intercompany loans	'	-10.3	'	-30.1
Interest income on intercompany loans	5.5	'	13.6	'
Income before income taxes	17	41.3	48.2	112.8
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	12.2	0.4	18.3	4
Equity in (earnings) loss of subsidiaries	-4.7	-8.7	-14.3	-38
Net income	9.5	49.6	44.2	146.8
Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss) attributable to Ryerson Inc.	9.5	49.6	44.2	146.8
Comprehensive income (loss)	10.3	49.8	46.7	147.5
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	'	'	'	'
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Ryerson Inc.	10.3	49.8	46.7	147.5
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	596.5	639.9	1,800	2,249.90
Cost of materials sold	585.7	628	1,766.20	2,206.20
Gross profit	10.8	11.9	33.8	43.7
Warehousing, delivery, selling, general and administrative	6.3	6.6	17.5	19.3
Restructuring and other charges	'	'	'	'
Impairment charges on fixed assets and goodwill	'	'	'	'
Operating profit (loss)	4.5	5.3	16.3	24.4
Other income and (expense), net	'	'	'	'
Interest and other expense on debt	'	'	'	'
Interest expense on intercompany loans	'	'	'	'
Interest income on intercompany loans	1.9	24.2	5.8	68.6
Income before income taxes	6.4	29.5	22.1	93
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	5.3	'	8.3	2
Equity in (earnings) loss of subsidiaries	-4.1	1.6	-0.2	1
Net income	5.2	27.9	14	90
Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss) attributable to Ryerson Inc.	5.2	27.9	14	90
Comprehensive income (loss)	5.7	31.2	15.8	94.6
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	'	'	'	'
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Ryerson Inc.	5.7	31.2	15.8	94.6
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	116.3	131.9	360.7	420.5
Cost of materials sold	99	113.1	309.6	358.2
Gross profit	17.3	18.8	51.1	62.3
Warehousing, delivery, selling, general and administrative	20.7	21.3	62.5	61.6
Restructuring and other charges	'	'	2.1	'
Impairment charges on fixed assets and goodwill	'	'	6.8	'
Operating profit (loss)	-3.4	-2.5	-20.3	0.7
Other income and (expense), net	-1.1	-1.6	1.9	-1.5
Interest and other expense on debt	-0.7	-0.7	-2.2	-2.4
Interest expense on intercompany loans	'	'	'	'
Interest income on intercompany loans	'	'	'	'
Income before income taxes	-5.2	-4.8	-20.6	-3.2
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	-6	0.1	-7.4	0.4
Equity in (earnings) loss of subsidiaries	'	'	'	'
Net income	0.8	-4.9	-13.2	-3.6
Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	-1	-1.9	-4.9	-4.2
Net income (loss) attributable to Ryerson Inc.	1.8	-3	-8.3	0.6
Comprehensive income (loss)	4.7	2.3	-19.1	2.9
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	-1.2	-2.1	-4.9	-4.8
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Ryerson Inc.	5.9	4.4	-14.2	7.7
Eliminations [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	-579.2	-621.1	-1,744.80	-2,180.60
Cost of materials sold	-579.2	-621.1	-1,744.80	-2,180.60
Gross profit	'	'	'	'
Warehousing, delivery, selling, general and administrative	'	'	'	'
Restructuring and other charges	'	'	'	'
Impairment charges on fixed assets and goodwill	'	'	'	'
Operating profit (loss)	'	'	'	'
Other income and (expense), net	'	'	'	'
Interest and other expense on debt	'	'	'	'
Interest expense on intercompany loans	7.4	24.2	19.4	68.6
Interest income on intercompany loans	-7.4	-24.2	-19.4	-68.6
Income before income taxes	'	'	'	'
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	'	'	'	'
Equity in (earnings) loss of subsidiaries	16.5	74.5	49.9	237.4
Net income	-16.5	-74.5	-49.9	-237.4
Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss) attributable to Ryerson Inc.	-16.5	-74.5	-49.9	-237.4
Comprehensive income (loss)	-21.9	-85.4	-48.3	-249.8
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	'	'	'	'
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Ryerson Inc.	($21.90)	($85.40)	($48.30)	($249.80)

Condensed_Consolidating_Guaran4

Condensed Consolidating Guarantor Financial Statements - Condensed Consolidating Statement Of Cash Flows (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Operating activities:	'	'
Net income (loss)	$8.40	$98.10
Non-cash expenses	53.3	38.3
Equity in (earnings) loss of subsidiaries	'	'
Changes in working capital	26.3	-50.3
Net adjustments	79.6	-12
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	88	86.1
Investing activities:	'	'
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-12.9	-29.5
Financing activities:	'	'
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-62.5	-65.5
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	12.6	-8.9
Effect of exchange rates	-2.7	1.6
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	9.9	-7.3
Cash and cash equivalents-beginning of period	70.8	61.3
Cash and cash equivalents-end of period	80.7	54
Parent [Member]	'	'
Operating activities:	'	'
Net income (loss)	13.3	102.3
Non-cash expenses	-0.1	18.3
Equity in (earnings) loss of subsidiaries	-35.4	-200.4
Changes in working capital	616.5	9.8
Net adjustments	581	-172.3
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	594.3	-70
Investing activities:	'	'
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	493.7	-2.2
Financing activities:	'	'
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-1,080.50	69.5
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	7.5	-2.7
Effect of exchange rates	'	'
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	7.5	-2.7
Cash and cash equivalents-beginning of period	0.2	3
Cash and cash equivalents-end of period	7.7	0.3
Joseph T. Ryerson [Member]	'	'
Operating activities:	'	'
Net income (loss)	44.2	146.8
Non-cash expenses	37.8	12.3
Equity in (earnings) loss of subsidiaries	-14.3	-38
Changes in working capital	1,038	-83.7
Net adjustments	1,061.50	-109.4
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	1,105.70	37.4
Investing activities:	'	'
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-614.5	-26.1
Financing activities:	'	'
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-495.9	-11
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-4.7	0.3
Effect of exchange rates	'	-0.2
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	-4.7	0.1
Cash and cash equivalents-beginning of period	15.3	14.5
Cash and cash equivalents-end of period	10.6	14.6
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'
Operating activities:	'	'
Net income (loss)	14	90
Non-cash expenses	2.5	2.2
Equity in (earnings) loss of subsidiaries	-0.2	1
Changes in working capital	-1,640.10	20.3
Net adjustments	-1,637.80	23.5
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	-1,623.80	113.5
Investing activities:	'	'
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	1,444.20	-143.1
Financing activities:	'	'
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	181	29.2
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	1.4	-0.4
Effect of exchange rates	-0.1	'
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	1.3	-0.4
Cash and cash equivalents-beginning of period	1.9	1.5
Cash and cash equivalents-end of period	3.2	1.1
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'
Operating activities:	'	'
Net income (loss)	-13.2	-3.6
Non-cash expenses	13.1	5.5
Equity in (earnings) loss of subsidiaries	'	'
Changes in working capital	11.9	3.3
Net adjustments	25	8.8
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	11.8	5.2
Investing activities:	'	'
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-2.6	1.9
Financing activities:	'	'
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-0.8	-13.2
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	8.4	-6.1
Effect of exchange rates	-2.6	1.8
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	5.8	-4.3
Cash and cash equivalents-beginning of period	53.4	42.3
Cash and cash equivalents-end of period	59.2	38
Eliminations [Member]	'	'
Operating activities:	'	'
Net income (loss)	-49.9	-237.4
Non-cash expenses	'	'
Equity in (earnings) loss of subsidiaries	49.9	237.4
Changes in working capital	'	'
Net adjustments	49.9	237.4
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	'	'
Investing activities:	'	'
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-1,333.70	140
Financing activities:	'	'
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	1,333.70	-140
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	'	'
Effect of exchange rates	'	'
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents-beginning of period	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents-end of period	'	'

Condensed_Consolidating_Guaran5

Condensed Consolidating Guarantor Financial Statements - Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS	'	'
Current assets	$1,257.70	$1,254.30
Property, plant and equipment net of accumulated depreciation	461.5	483.4
Other noncurrent assets	213.5	226.5
Total assets	1,932.70	1,964.20
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	'	'
Current liabilities	517.1	456
Noncurrent liabilities	1,689.20	1,788.70
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	1.3	1.7
Ryerson Inc. stockholders' equity	-273.1	-284.9
Noncontrolling interest	-1.8	2.7
Total liabilities and equity	1,932.70	1,964.20
Parent [Member]	'	'
ASSETS	'	'
Current assets	18.4	381.7
Property, plant and equipment net of accumulated depreciation	'	'
Other noncurrent assets	978.9	944.2
Total assets	997.3	1,325.90
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	'	'
Current liabilities	245.4	16.5
Noncurrent liabilities	1,025	1,594.30
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	'	'
Ryerson Inc. stockholders' equity	-273.1	-284.9
Noncontrolling interest	'	'
Total liabilities and equity	997.3	1,325.90
Joseph T. Ryerson [Member]	'	'
ASSETS	'	'
Current assets	1,159.40	2,215.90
Property, plant and equipment net of accumulated depreciation	393.8	410.8
Other noncurrent assets	934.8	319.2
Total assets	2,488	2,945.90
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	'	'
Current liabilities	290	254.3
Noncurrent liabilities	1,331.90	1,872.20
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	'	'
Ryerson Inc. stockholders' equity	866.1	819.4
Noncontrolling interest	'	'
Total liabilities and equity	2,488	2,945.90
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'
ASSETS	'	'
Current assets	121.2	63
Property, plant and equipment net of accumulated depreciation	3.2	3.1
Other noncurrent assets	371.8	1,818.60
Total assets	496.2	1,884.70
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	'	'
Current liabilities	160.7	1,738.30
Noncurrent liabilities	0.8	0.8
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	'	'
Ryerson Inc. stockholders' equity	334.7	145.6
Noncontrolling interest	'	'
Total liabilities and equity	496.2	1,884.70
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'
ASSETS	'	'
Current assets	236.5	214.5
Property, plant and equipment net of accumulated depreciation	64.5	69.5
Other noncurrent assets	7.2	14.4
Total assets	308.2	298.4
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	'	'
Current liabilities	98.9	67.7
Noncurrent liabilities	30.5	32.8
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	1.3	1.7
Ryerson Inc. stockholders' equity	179.3	193.5
Noncontrolling interest	-1.8	2.7
Total liabilities and equity	308.2	298.4
Eliminations [Member]	'	'
ASSETS	'	'
Current assets	-277.8	-1,620.80
Property, plant and equipment net of accumulated depreciation	'	'
Other noncurrent assets	-2,079.20	-2,869.90
Total assets	-2,357	-4,490.70
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	'	'
Current liabilities	-277.9	-1,620.80
Noncurrent liabilities	-699	-1,711.40
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	'	'
Ryerson Inc. stockholders' equity	-1,380.10	-1,158.50
Noncontrolling interest	'	'
Total liabilities and equity	($2,357)	($4,490.70)