Ryerson 10-K 13 Mar 14 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 13, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-13	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'
Entity Registrant Name	'RYERSON INC.	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000790528	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'No	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'Yes	'
Entity Filer Category	'Non-accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	100
Entity Public Float	$0	'

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Income Statement [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net sales

$802.50

[1]

$859.80

[2]

$906.90

[3]

$891.10

[4]

$850.30

[5]

$962.20

$1,090.60

[6]

$1,121.60

$3,460.30

$4,024.70

$4,729.80

Cost of materials sold

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,843.70

3,315.10

4,071

Gross profit

147.2

[1]

155.1

[2]

158.5

[3]

155.8

[4]

154.3

[5]

180.5

184

[6]

190.8

616.6

709.6

658.8

Warehousing, delivery, selling, general and administrative

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

479.5

508.2

539.8

Restructuring and other charges

'

'

2.1

'

1.1

'

'

'

1.9

1.1

11.1

Impairment charges on fixed assets and goodwill

1.2

1.1

6.8

0.9

0.1

'

0.9

'

10

1

9.3

Pension and other postretirement benefits curtailment gain

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-1.7

'

Operating profit

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

125.2

201

98.6

Other expense:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other income and (expense), net

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-0.2

-18

4.6

Interest and other expense on debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-110.5

-86.4

-80.1

Income (loss) before income taxes

-0.1

[1]

6.2

[2]

2.4

[3]

6

[4]

-7.9

[5]

32.1

32.6

[6]

39.8

14.5

96.6

23.1

Benefit for income taxes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-65.4

-7.2

-11.5

Net income

71.5

[1]

3.3

[2]

0.2

[3]

4.9

[4]

5.7

[5]

31.6

29.4

[6]

37.1

79.9

103.8

34.6

Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-5.8

-5.5

-8.3

Net income attributable to Ryerson Inc.

$72.40

[1]

$4.30

[2]

$1.90

[3]

$7.10

[4]

$7

[5]

$33.50

$30.60

[6]

$38.20

$85.70

$109.30

$42.90

[1]

Included in the fourth quarter 2013 results is an impairment charge of $1.2 million related to certain assets held for sale to recognize the assets at their appraised fair value less cost to sell and an income tax benefit of $71.6 million, primarily related to a reduction in valuation allowance previously recorded against U.S. deferred tax assets.

[2]

Included in the third quarter 2013 results is an impairment charge of $1.1 million related to certain assets held for sale to recognize the assets at their fair value less cost to sell.

[3]

Included in the second quarter 2013 results is an impairment charge of $6.8 million to reduce the carrying value of goodwill at a reporting unit to its implied fair value. The second quarter also includes a $2.1 million restructuring charge related to the closure of a facility.

[4]

Included in the first quarter 2013 results is an impairment charge of $0.9 million related to certain assets held for sale to recognize the assets at their fair value less cost to sell.

[5]

Included in the fourth quarter 2012 results is an impairment charge of $0.1 million related to certain assets held for sale to recognize the assets at their fair value less cost to sell, $1.1 million restructuring charges primarily for employee-related costs resulting from a facility closure, a $17.2 million loss on the redemption of the Ryerson Notes, and a $1.7 million curtailment gain related to an amendment of a Canadian post-retirement medical and life insurance plan. The fourth quarter of 2012 also included an income tax benefit of $15.2 million related to the release of valuation allowance associated with certain state deferred tax assets.

[6]

Included in the second quarter 2012 results is an impairment charge of $0.9 million related to certain assets held for sale to recognize the assets at their fair value less cost to sell.

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net income	$79.90	$103.80	$34.60
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-12.7	3.9	-1
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale investment	'	7.7	-9.8
Changes in defined benefit pension and other post-retirement benefit plans	126.2	-51.5	-66.7
Other comprehensive income (loss)	113.5	-39.9	-77.5
Total comprehensive income (loss), before tax	193.4	63.9	-42.9
Income tax provision (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income	49.5	-2.1	-1.5
Comprehensive income (loss), after tax	143.9	66	-41.4
Less: comprehensive loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest	-5.6	-5.9	-7
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Ryerson Inc.	$149.50	$71.90	($34.40)

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
Net income	$79.90	$103.80	$34.60
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	46.9	47.3	43.3
Deferred income taxes	-65.3	-10.2	-12.7
Provision for allowances, claims and doubtful accounts	-0.7	1.7	3.4
Restructuring and other charges	1.9	1.1	11.1
Impairment charges on fixed assets and goodwill	10	1	9.3
Gain on bargain purchase	'	'	-5.8
Pension and other postretirement benefits curtailment gain	'	-1.7	'
Loss on retirement of debt	'	17.2	0.2
Other items	0.8	2.8	1.2
Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions:	'	'	'
Receivables	8.9	120.2	-2.4
Inventories	4.4	-5.8	92.9
Other assets	6.3	8.4	10
Accounts payable	15.7	-38.3	-71.6
Accrued liabilities	-3.8	-8.4	-14.5
Accrued taxes payable/receivable	0.6	-3	2.2
Deferred employee benefit costs	-57.3	-49.5	-46.6
Net adjustments	-31.6	82.8	20
Net cash provided by operating activities	48.3	186.6	54.6
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	'	-5.1	-95.2
Decrease in restricted cash	2.1	1.4	16.7
Capital expenditures	-20.2	-40.8	-47
Investment in joint venture	'	-2.9	'
Increase in cash due to consolidation of joint venture	'	3	'
Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment	4.6	11.6	11.3
Other investments	'	-2.5	-0.8
Net cash used in investing activities	-13.5	-35.3	-115
Financing activities:	'	'	'
Long-term debt issued	'	900	'
Long-term debt retired	'	-484.6	'
Repayment of debt	'	'	-11.8
Net proceeds/(repayments) of short-term borrowings	-10.6	-149	68.5
Long-term debt issuance costs	-0.9	-18.1	'
Credit facility issuance costs	-3.7	'	-15.8
Net increase (decrease) in book overdrafts	-4.4	-11.8	17
Principal payments on capital lease obligations	-0.4	'	'
Distributions made to parent	-6.6	-379.9	'
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-26.6	-143.4	57.9
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	8.2	7.9	-2.5
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-5	1.6	1.6
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	3.2	9.5	-0.9
Beginning cash and cash equivalents	70.8	61.3	62.2
Cash and cash equivalents-end of period	74	70.8	61.3
Cash paid (received) during the period for:	'	'	'
Interest paid to third parties	103.3	67.6	71.5
Income taxes, net	1.2	5.2	-3.1
Noncash investing activities:	'	'	'
Asset additions under capital leases	$1.50	'	'

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$74	$70.80
Restricted cash (Note 3)	1.8	3.9
Receivables less provision for allowances, claims and doubtful accounts	385.4	396.7
Inventories (Note 4)	733	741.5
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	47.7	41.4
Total current assets	1,241.90	1,254.30
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation (Note 5)	452.7	483.4
Deferred income taxes (Note 18)	49.7	38.4
Other intangible assets (Note 6)	51.2	57.3
Goodwill (Note 7)	92	97
Deferred charges and other assets	30.5	33.8
Total assets	1,918	1,964.20
Current liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable	207.2	196.2
Accrued liabilities:	'	'
Salaries, wages and commissions	33	32.1
Deferred income taxes (Note 18)	121	121.6
Interest on debt	19.3	21.2
Other accrued liabilities	34.7	35.4
Short-term debt (Note 9)	32.3	35.3
Current portion of deferred employee benefits	13.6	14.2
Total current liabilities	461.1	456
Long-term debt (Note 9)	1,262.50	1,270.10
Deferred employee benefits (Note 10)	320.8	504.4
Taxes and other credits	16.8	14.2
Total liabilities	2,061.20	2,244.70
Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)	'	'
Redeemable noncontrolling interest (Note 2)	1.3	1.7
Ryerson Inc. stockholders' equity (deficit):	'	'
Common stock, value	'	'
Capital in excess of par value	64.7	71.3
Accumulated deficit	-16.8	-102.5
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-189.9	-253.7
Total Ryerson Inc. stockholders' equity (deficit)	-142	-284.9
Noncontrolling interest	-2.5	2.7
Total equity (deficit)	-144.5	-282.2
Total Liabilities and Equity	$1,918	$1,964.20

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Provision for allowances, claims and doubtful accounts	$5.40	$7.10
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	1,000	1,000
Common stock, shares issued	100	100
Common stock, shares outstanding	100	100

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_STO

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Capital in Excess of Par Value [Member]	Accumulated Deficit [Member]	Foreign Currency Translation [Member]	Benefit Plan Liabilities [Member]	Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Available-For-Sale Investments [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]	Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
In Millions, except Share data	USD ($)		USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2010	$77.40	'	$456.20	($254.70)	($7.40)	($137)	$5.40	$14.90	'
Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2010	'	100	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	34.6	'	'	42.9	'	'	'	-8.3	'
Foreign currency translation	-1	'	'	'	-2.3	'	'	1.3	'
Distributions to parent	-4.7	'	-4.7	'	'	'	'	'	'
Changes in defined benefit pension and other post-retirement benefit plans, net of tax benefit (provision)	-65.2	'	'	'	'	-65.2	'	'	'
Unrealized gain/loss on available-for-sale investment	-9.8	'	'	'	'	'	-9.8	'	'
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	31.3	'	451.5	-211.8	-9.7	-202.2	-4.4	7.9	'
Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2011	'	100	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	104.1	'	'	109.3	'	'	'	-5.2	'
Net income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-0.3
Net income (loss)	103.8	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation	4.3	'	'	'	4.3	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-0.4
Distributions to parent	-380.2	'	-380.2	'	'	'	'	'	'
Changes in defined benefit pension and other post-retirement benefit plans, net of tax benefit (provision)	-49.4	'	'	'	'	-49.4	'	'	'
Unrealized gain/loss on available-for-sale investment	7.7	'	'	'	'	'	7.7	'	'
Fair value of noncontrolling interest associated with business acquired	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2.4
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	1.7	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1.7
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	-282.2	'	71.3	-102.5	-5.4	-251.6	3.3	2.7	'
Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2012	100	100	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	80.1	'	'	85.7	'	'	'	-5.6	'
Net income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-0.2
Net income (loss)	79.9	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation	-12.5	'	'	'	-12.9	'	'	0.4	'
Foreign currency translation	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-0.2
Distributions to parent	-6.6	'	-6.6	'	'	'	'	'	'
Changes in defined benefit pension and other post-retirement benefit plans, net of tax benefit (provision)	76.7	'	'	'	'	76.7	'	'	'
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	1.3	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1.3
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	($144.50)	'	$64.70	($16.80)	($18.30)	($174.90)	$3.30	($2.50)	'
Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2013	100	100	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_STO1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Statement Of Stockholders Equity [Abstract]	'	'	'
Changes in defined benefit pension and other post-retirement benefit plans, tax benefit (provision)	($49.50)	$2.10	$1.50

Summary_of_Accounting_and_Fina

Summary of Accounting and Financial Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary of Accounting and Financial Policies	'
	Note 1: Summary of Accounting and Financial Policies
	Business Description and Basis of Presentation. Ryerson Inc. (“Ryerson”), a Delaware corporation, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ryerson Holding Corporation (“Ryerson Holding”).
	On October 19, 2007, the merger (the “Platinum Acquisition”) of Rhombus Merger Corporation (“Merger Sub”), a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ryerson Holding, with and into Ryerson, was consummated in accordance with the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated July 24, 2007, by and among Ryerson, Ryerson Holding and Merger Sub. Upon the closing of the Platinum Acquisition, Ryerson became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ryerson Holding. Ryerson Holding is 100% 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”), a Delaware corporation, 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 had 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.”
	Principles of Consolidation. The Company consolidates entities in which it owns or controls more than 50% of the voting shares. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Additionally, variable interest entities that do not have sufficient equity investment to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated support from other parties or whose equity investors lack the characteristics of a controlling financial interest for which the Company is the primary beneficiary are included in the consolidated financial statements.
	Business Segments. Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 280, “Segment Reporting” (“ASC 280”), establishes standards for reporting information on operating segments in interim and annual financial statements. Our Chief Executive Officer, together with the Operating Committee selected by our Board of Directors, serve as our Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”). Our CODM reviews our financial information for purposes of making operational decisions and assessing financial performance. The CODM views our business globally as metals service centers. We have one operating and reportable segment, metal service centers, in accordance with the criteria set forth in ASC 280.
	Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and related notes to the financial statements. Changes in such estimates may affect amounts reported in future periods.
	Equity Investments. Investments in affiliates in which the Company’s ownership is 20% to 50% are accounted for by the equity method. Equity income is reported in “Other income and (expense), net” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Equity income during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 totaled $0.3 million, $0.2 million, and $0.1 million, respectively.
	Revenue Recognition. Revenue is recognized in accordance with FASB ASC 605, “Revenue Recognition.” Revenue is recognized upon delivery of product to customers. The timing of shipment is substantially the same as the timing of delivery to customers given the proximity of the Company’s distribution sites to its customers. Revenue is recorded net of returns, allowances, customer discounts and incentives. Sales taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are accounted for on a net (excluded from revenues) basis.
	Provision for allowances, claims and doubtful accounts. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of customers and set credit limits based upon review of the customers’ current credit information and payment history. The Company monitors customer payments and maintains a provision for estimated credit losses based on historical experience and specific customer collection issues that the Company has identified. Estimation of such losses requires adjusting historical loss experience for current economic conditions and judgments about the probable effects of economic conditions on certain customers. The Company cannot guarantee that the rate of future credit losses will be similar to past experience. Provisions for allowances and claims are based upon historical rates, expected trends and estimates of potential returns, allowances, customer discounts and incentives. The Company considers all available information when assessing the adequacy of the provision for allowances, claims and doubtful accounts.
	Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs. Shipping and handling fees billed to customers are classified in “Net Sales” in our Consolidated Statement of Operations. Shipping and handling costs, primarily distribution costs, are classified in “Warehousing, delivery, selling, general and administrative” expenses in our Consolidated Statement of Operations. These costs totaled $83.9 million, $87.3 million and $94.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Benefits for Retired Employees. The Company recognizes the funded status of its defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, with changes in the funded status recognized through accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, in the year in which the changes occur. The estimated cost of the Company’s defined benefit pension plan and its postretirement medical benefits are determined annually after considering information provided by consulting actuaries. Key factors used in developing estimates of these liabilities include assumptions related to discount rates, rates of return on investments, future compensation costs, healthcare cost trends, benefit payment patterns and other factors. The cost of these benefits for retirees is accrued during their term of employment. Pensions are funded primarily in accordance with the requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”) of 1974 and the Pension Protection Act of 2006 into a trust established for the Ryerson Pension Plan. Costs for retired employee medical benefits are funded when claims are submitted. Certain salaried employees are covered by a defined contribution plan, for which the cost is expensed in the period earned.
	Cash Equivalents. Cash equivalents reflected in the financial statements are highly liquid, short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less that are an integral part of the Company’s cash management portfolio. Checks issued in excess of funds on deposit at the bank represent “book” overdrafts and are reclassified to accounts payable. Amounts reclassified totaled $33.1 million and $37.5 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Inventory Valuation. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market value. We use the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method for valuing our domestic inventories. We use the weighted-average cost and the specific cost methods for valuing our foreign inventories.
	Property, Plant and Equipment. Property, plant and equipment, including land use rights, are depreciated for financial reporting purposes using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The provision for depreciation in all periods presented is based on the following estimated useful lives of the assets:
	Land improvements	20 years
	Buildings	45 years
	Machinery and equipment	10-15 years
	Furniture and fixtures	10 years
	Transportation equipment	3-6 years
	Land use rights	50 years
	Expenditures for normal repairs and maintenance are charged against income in the period incurred.
	Goodwill. In accordance with FASB ASC 350, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other” (“ASC 350”), goodwill is reviewed at least annually for impairment or whenever indicators of potential impairment exist. We test for impairment of goodwill by assessing various qualitative factors with respect to developments in our business and the overall economy and calculating the fair value of a reporting unit using the discounted cash flow method, as necessary. If we determine that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the carrying value based on our qualitative assessment, we will proceed to the two-step goodwill impairment test. In step one, we compare the fair value of the reporting unit in which goodwill resides to its carrying value. If the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, the second step of the goodwill impairment test is performed to measure the amount of the impairment loss, if any. In the second step, the implied fair value of the goodwill is estimated as the fair value of the reporting unit used in the first step less the fair value of all other net tangible and intangible assets of the reporting unit. If the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess, not to exceed the carrying amount of the goodwill. The fair value of the reporting units are estimated using an average of an income approach and a market approach as this combination is deemed to be the most indicative of fair value in an orderly transaction between market participants.
	Long-lived Assets and Other Intangible Assets. Long-lived assets held and used by the Company are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The Company estimates the future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. If the sum of the expected future cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment is recognized. Any related impairment loss is calculated based upon comparison of the fair value to the carrying value of the asset. Separate intangible assets that have finite useful lives are amortized over their useful lives. An impaired intangible asset would be written down to fair value, using the discounted cash flow method.
	Deferred Financing Costs. Deferred financing costs associated with the issuance of debt are being amortized using the effective interest method over the life of the debt.
	Income Taxes. Deferred tax assets or liabilities reflect temporary differences between amounts of assets and liabilities for financial and tax reporting. Such amounts are adjusted, as appropriate, to reflect changes in enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when the temporary differences reverse. A valuation allowance is established to offset any deferred tax assets if, based upon the available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The determination of the amount of a valuation allowance to be provided on recorded deferred tax assets involves estimates regarding (1) the timing and amount of the reversal of taxable temporary differences, (2) expected future taxable income, (3) the impact of tax planning strategies and (4) the ability to carry back tax losses to offset prior taxable income. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, including past operating results, projections of future taxable income and the feasibility of ongoing tax planning strategies. The projections of future taxable income include a number of estimates and assumptions regarding volume, pricing, costs and industry cyclicality.
	Significant judgment is required in determining income tax provisions and in evaluating tax positions. In the normal course of business, the Company and its subsidiaries are examined by various federal, state and foreign tax authorities. The Company records the impact of a tax position, if that position is more likely than not to be sustained on audit, based on the technical merits of the position. The Company regularly assesses the potential outcomes of these examinations and any future examinations for the current or prior years in determining the adequacy of our provision for income taxes. The Company continually assesses the likelihood and amount of potential adjustments and adjusts the income tax provision, the current tax liability and deferred taxes in the period in which the facts that give rise to a revision become known.
	The Company recognizes the benefit of tax positions when a benefit is more likely than not (i.e., greater than 50% likely) to be sustained on its technical merits. Recognized tax benefits are measured at the largest amount that is more likely than not to be sustained, based on cumulative probability, in final settlement of the position. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense.
	Earnings Per Share Data. As the Company’s stock is not publicly traded, earnings (loss) per common share data is excluded from presentation.
	Foreign Currency. The Company translates assets and liabilities of its foreign subsidiaries, where the functional currency is the local currency, into U.S. dollars at the current rate of exchange on the last day of the reporting period. Revenues and expenses are translated at the average monthly exchange rates prevailing during the year.
	For foreign currency transactions, the Company translates these amounts to the Company’s functional currency at the exchange rate effective on the invoice date. If the exchange rate changes between the time of purchase and the time actual payment is made, a foreign exchange transaction gain or loss results which is included in determining net income (loss) for the year. The Company recognized $3.7 million of exchange gains, $1.5 million of exchange losses and $0.8 million of exchange losses for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. These amounts are primarily classified in “Other income and (expense), net” in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In February 2013, the 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 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 for our fiscal year beginning January 1, 2014. We do not expect the adoption to have a material impact on our financial statements.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Acquisitions	'
	Note 2: Acquisitions
	Singer Steel Company
	On March 14, 2011, the Company acquired all the issued and outstanding capital stock of Singer Steel Company (“Singer”). Singer is a full-service steel value-added processor with state-of-the-art processing equipment. We believe that Singer’s capabilities strongly enhance Ryerson’s offering in the Midwest and Northeast United States.
	The fair value of the consideration totaled $23.6 million on the acquisition date, of which $20.0 million was paid on the date of acquisition and $3.6 million was paid in 2012.
	The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date. The Company used a third-party valuation firm to estimate the fair values of the property, plant and equipment and intangible assets. Inventory was valued by the Company using acquisition date fair values of the metals.
		At March 14,
		2011
		(In millions)
	Cash	$	0.3
	Restricted cash		6.5
	Accounts receivable		7.3
	Inventory		16.3
	Property, plant, and equipment		8.2
	Intangible assets		4.3
	Other assets		0.2
	Total identifiable assets acquired		43.1
	Current liabilities		11.4
	Deferred tax liabilities		2.3
	Total liabilities assumed		13.7
	Net identifiable assets acquired		29.4
	Bargain purchase		(5.8	)
	Net assets acquired	$	23.6
	The fair value of accounts receivables acquired was $7.3 million, with a gross amount of $7.8 million. The Company expected $0.5 million to be uncollectible.
	Of the $4.3 million of acquired intangible assets, $2.2 million was assigned to customer relationships with a useful life of 7 years, $1.7 million was assigned to trademarks with a useful life of 5 years and $0.4 million was assigned to a license agreement with a useful life of 7 years.
	The transaction resulted in a bargain purchase primarily due to the fair value of acquired intangible assets and higher inventory valuation related to rising metals prices. The gain is included in other income and (expense), net in the Statement of Operations. The Company has recognized $0.4 million in acquisition-related fees, which is included in warehousing, delivery, selling, general and administrative expenses.
	Included in the 2011 financial results is $36.1 million of revenue and $9.4 million (includes the $5.8 million bargain purchase gain) of net income from Singer since the acquisition date.
	Turret Steel
	On December 9, 2011, the Company acquired all the issued and outstanding capital stock of Turret Steel Industries, Inc., Sunbelt-Turret Steel, Inc., Wilcox-Turret Cold Drawn, Inc., and Imperial Trucking Company, LLC (collectively, “Turret”). Turret is a premier distributor of Special Bar Quality Carbon and Alloy bar products. We believe that Turret’s product offerings strongly enhance Ryerson’s strategy of increasing its presence in long and fabricated products.
	Ryerson acquired Turret for a cash purchase price of $78.8 million, plus assumption of approximately $6.5 million of debt on the acquisition date. A total of $1.5 million of the $78.8 million cash purchase price was held back and paid to the seller in June 2012. The terms of the agreement also include deferred cash consideration payouts, totaling a maximum of $36.0 million over a period of 5 years, which are contingent on the seller’s continued employment with Ryerson as well as the financial performance of Turret. The deferred cash consideration will be recognized as compensation expense and recorded as it is incurred over the five year period.
	The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date. The Company used a third-party valuation firm to estimate the fair values of the property, plant and equipment and intangible assets. Inventory was valued by the Company using acquisition date fair values of the metals.
		At December 9,
		2011
		(In millions)
	Cash	$	1.8
	Accounts receivable		12
	Inventory		26.7
	Property, plant, and equipment		2.9
	Intangible assets		45.1
	Goodwill		25.1
	Other assets		1.2
	Total identifiable assets acquired		114.8
	Current liabilities		17.5
	Deferred tax liabilities		18.5
	Total liabilities assumed		36
	Net assets acquired	$	78.8
	The fair value of accounts receivables acquired was $12.0 million, with a gross amount of $12.4 million. The Company expected $0.4 million to be uncollectible.
	Of the $45.1 million of acquired intangible assets, $27.8 million was assigned to customer relationships with useful lives between 7 and 11 years, $17.0 million was assigned to trademarks with a useful life of 20 years and $0.3 million was assigned to a covenant not to compete with a useful life of 7 years. The Company recognized $25.1 million of goodwill, reflecting management’s expected synergies.
	The Company has recognized $0.4 million in acquisition-related fees, which is included in warehousing, delivery, selling, general and administrative expenses.
	Included in the 2011 financial results is $5.6 million of revenue and $17.0 million of net income, which includes $16.6 million of tax benefits, from Turret since the acquisition date.
	The following unaudited pro forma information presents consolidated results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 as if the acquisitions of Singer and Turret on March 14, 2011 and December 9, 2011, respectively, had occurred on January 1, 2011:
		Pro Forma
		Year Ended December 31,
		2012			2011
		(In millions)
	Net sales	$	4,024.70		$	4,866.80
	Net income attributable to Ryerson Inc.		109.3			27.9
	The 2011 supplemental pro forma net income (loss) was adjusted to exclude the $5.8 million bargain purchase gain and $18.0 million of tax benefits realized in 2011 as they are nonrecurring items.
	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.

Restricted_Cash

Restricted Cash	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Receivables [Abstract]	'
Restricted Cash	'
	Note 3: Restricted Cash
	We have cash restricted for purposes of covering letters of credit that can be presented for potential insurance claims, which totaled $1.8 million and $3.8 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. In addition, Ryerson China has a restricted cash balance of zero and $0.1 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, which is primarily related to letters of credit that can be presented for product material purchases.

Inventories

Inventories	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
	Note 4: Inventories
	Inventories, at stated LIFO value, were classified at December 31, 2013 and 2012 as follows:
		At December 31,
		2013		2012
		(In millions)
	In process and finished products	$	733	$	741.5
	If current cost had been used to value inventories, such inventories would have been $67 million lower and $34 million lower than reported at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Approximately 91% and 88% of inventories are accounted for under the LIFO method at December 31, 2013 and 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 $11.7 million and $11.3 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Property_Plant_and_Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
	Note 5: Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following at December 31, 2013 and 2012:
		At December 31,
		2013			2012
		(In millions)
	Land and land improvements	$	98.9		$	98.3
	Buildings and leasehold improvements		198.5			203.4
	Machinery, equipment and other		350.5			339.6
	Construction in progress		2.6			7.1
	Total		650.5			648.4
	Less: Accumulated depreciation		(197.8	)		(165.0	)
	Net property, plant and equipment	$	452.7		$	483.4
	The Company recorded $3.2 million, $1.0 million, and $7.8 million of impairment charges in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, related to fixed assets. The impairment charges recorded in 2013, 2012 and 2011 related to certain assets held for sale in order to recognize the assets at their fair value less cost to sell in accordance with FASB ASC 360-10-35-43, “Property, Plant and Equipment – Other Presentation Matters.” 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 Company had $4.7 million and $3.6 million of assets held for sale, classified within “Prepaid expenses and other assets” as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Intangible_Assets

Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Intangible Assets	'
	Note 6: Intangible Assets
	The following summarizes the components of intangible assets at December 31, 2013 and 2012:
		At December 31, 2013							At December 31, 2012
		Gross		Accumulated			Net		Gross		Accumulated			Net
		Carrying		Amortization					Carrying		Amortization
		Amount							Amount
		(In millions)
	Amortized intangible assets
	Customer relationships	$	46.7	$	(13.4	)	$	33.3	$	46.8	$	(9.5	)	$	37.3
	Developed technology / product know-how		1.9		(1.3	)		0.6		1.9		(0.9	)		1
	Non-compete agreements		1.4		(0.9	)		0.5		1.4		(0.6	)		0.8
	Trademarks		19.7		(3.2	)		16.5		19.8		(1.9	)		17.9
	Licenses		0.5		(0.2	)		0.3		0.4		(0.1	)		0.3
	Total intangible assets	$	70.2	$	(19.0	)	$	51.2	$	70.3	$	(13.0	)	$	57.3
	Amortization expense related to intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $6.0 million, $6.0 million and $2.7 million, respectively.
	Intangible assets are amortized over a period between 2 and 20 years. Estimated amortization expense related to intangible assets at December 31, 2013, for each of the years in the five year period ending December 31, 2018 and thereafter is as follows:
		Estimated
		Amortization Expense
		(In millions)
	For the year ended December 31, 2014	$	6
	For the year ended December 31, 2015		5.6
	For the year ended December 31, 2016		4.8
	For the year ended December 31, 2017		4.6
	For the year ended December 31, 2018		4.3
	For the years ended thereafter		25.9

Goodwill

Goodwill	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill	'
	Note 7: Goodwill
	The following is a summary of changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012:
		Cost			Accumulated			Carrying
					Impairment			Amount
					(In millions)
	Balance at January 1, 2012	$	98.2		$	(1.5	)	$	96.7
	Acquisitions		0.2			—			0.2
	Changes due to foreign currency translation		0.1			—			0.1
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	98.5		$	(1.5	)	$	97
	Impairment charge		—			(6.8	)		(6.8	)
	Changes in purchase price allocation		2			—			2
	Changes due to foreign currency translation		(0.2	)		—			(0.2	)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	100.3		$	(8.3	)	$	92
	In 2012, the Company recognized $0.2 million of goodwill related to the Açofran acquisition, which is not deductible for income tax purposes.
	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.
	Based on our October 1, 2013 annual goodwill impairment test, we determined there was no additional impairment in 2013.

Restructuring_and_Other_Charge

Restructuring and Other Charges	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Restructuring and Other Charges	'
	Note 8: Restructuring and Other Charges
	The following summarizes restructuring accrual activity for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:
		Employee			Tenancy			Total
		Related			and Other			Restructuring
		Costs			Costs			Costs
		(In millions)
	Balance at January 1, 2011	$	0.1		$	0.2		$	0.3
	Restructuring charges		11.1			—			11.1
	Cash payments		(5.3	)		(0.2	)		(5.5	)
	Adjustments for pension and other post-retirement termination non-cash charges		(1.4	)		—			(1.4	)
	Balance at December 31, 2011	$	4.5		$	—		$	4.5
	Restructuring charges		1.3			0.2			1.5
	Reduction to reserve		(0.4	)		—			(0.4	)
	Cash payments		(4.4	)		(0.2	)		(4.6	)
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	1		$	—		$	1
	Restructuring charges		—			2.1			2.1
	Reduction to reserve		(0.2	)		—			(0.2	)
	Cash payments		(0.7	)		(0.5	)		(1.2	)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	0.1		$	1.6		$	1.7
	2013
	In 2013, the Company recorded a charge of $2.1 million related to a facility closure. The charge consists of tenancy-related costs, primarily future lease payments. In 2012, the Company recorded a $1.3 million charge for employee-related costs for this facility closure, which is discussed below. In 2013, the Company also recorded a $0.2 million reduction to the reserve for employee-related costs and credited restructuring and other charges in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. During 2013, the Company paid $0.7 million for employee-related costs and $0.5 million for tenancy-related costs for this facility closure. The remaining tenancy-related costs of $1.6 million are expected to be paid through 2019. The remaining $0.1 million balance in employee-related costs is expected to be paid during the first half of 2014.
	2012
	In 2012, the Company recorded a charge of $1.3 million related to the closure of one of its facilities. The charge consists of employee-related costs, primarily severance for 42 employees. In the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company paid $0.3 million in employee costs related to this facility closure.
	During 2012, the Company paid $4.0 million in employee costs and $0.2 million in tenancy costs related to its October 2011 reorganization plan. The Company also recorded a $0.4 million reduction to this reorganization reserve for employee-related costs and recorded a charge of $0.2 million related to tenancy costs. The $0.2 million net credit reduced the reserve for the October 2011 reorganization to zero and was credited to restructuring and other charges in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	In 2012, the Company paid the remaining $0.1 million of employee costs related to the facility closed in the fourth quarter of 2010.
	2011
	In October 2011, the Company implemented a reorganization plan that reduced headcount by 292 employees resulting in a restructuring charge of $9.8 million recorded in the fourth quarter. The Company reduced headcount in a continued effort to decentralize functions to its regions as well as to execute management’s strategy of focusing on long and fabricated product sales. The charge consists of restructuring expenses of $8.4 million for employee-related costs, primarily severance, and additional non-cash pensions and other post-retirement benefit costs totaling $1.4 million. In the fourth quarter of 2011, the Company paid $4.0 million in employee costs related to this restructuring.
	In 2011, the Company recorded an additional charge of $1.3 million related to the closure of one of its facilities for which it had recorded a charge of $12.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2010. The charge consists of additional employee-related costs, primarily severance. In 2011, the Company paid $1.3 million in employee costs related to this facility closure.
	During 2011, the Company paid the remaining $0.2 million of tenancy and other costs related to the exit plan liability recorded on October 19, 2007.

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Debt	'
	Note 9: Debt
	Long-term debt consisted of the following at December 31, 2013 and 2012:
		At December 31,
		2013		2012
		(In millions)
	Ryerson Secured Credit Facility	$	369.1	$	383.5
	9% Senior Secured Notes due 2017		600		600
	11  1⁄4% Senior Notes due 2018		300		300
	Foreign debt		25.7		21.9
	Total debt		1,294.80		1,305.40
	Less:
	Short-term credit facility borrowings		6.6		13.5
	Foreign debt		25.7		21.8
	Total long-term debt	$	1,262.50	$	1,270.10
	The principal payments required to be made on debt during the next five fiscal years are shown below:
		Amount
		(In millions)
	For the year ended December 31, 2014	$	25.7
	For the year ended December 31, 2015		—
	For the year ended December 31, 2016		—
	For the year ended December 31, 2017		969.1
	For the year ended December 31, 2018		300
	For the years ended thereafter		—
	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 December 31, 2013, Ryerson had $369.1 million of outstanding borrowings, $27 million of letters of credit issued and $234 million available under the $1.35 billion Ryerson Credit Facility compared to $383.5 million of outstanding borrowings, $27 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 2.1 percent and 2.6 percent at December 31, 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. The spread was fixed at 0.75% over the base rate and Canadian prime rate and 1.75% over the LIBOR rate and bankers’ acceptance rate through December 31, 2013. 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 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 (the “2017 Redemption Date”) and the 2018 Notes will become redeemable, in whole or in part, at any time on or after October 15, 2015 (the “2018 Redemption Date”), in each case at specified redemption prices. The 2017 and 2018 Notes are redeemable prior to such dates, as applicable, 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. Additionally, we may redeem up to 35% of each of the 2017 and 2018 Notes prior to the 2017 Redemption Date or 2018 Redemption Date, as applicable, with net cash proceeds from certain equity offerings at a price equal to (a) 109.000%, with respect to the 2017 Notes and (b) 111.250%, with respect to the 2018 Notes, of the principal amount thereof, plus any accrued and unpaid interest. 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.
	The Company used the net proceeds from the 2017 and 2018 Notes (i) to repay in full the 14  1⁄2 Senior Discount Notes due 2015 (“Ryerson Holding Notes”), plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon up to, but not including, the repayment date, (ii) to repay in full the Company’s outstanding Floating Rate Senior Secured Notes due November 1, 2014 (“2014 Notes” and, together with the 2015 Notes, the “Ryerson Notes”), plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon up to, but not including, the repayment date, (iii) to repay outstanding indebtedness under the Ryerson Credit Facility and (iv) to pay related fees, expenses and premiums.
	2014 and 2015 Notes
	As of November 1, 2012, all of the Ryerson Notes were repurchased or redeemed and cancelled. The Company recorded a $17.2 million loss on the repurchase and cancellation of debt related to the Ryerson Notes within other income and (expense), net on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	During 2011, $7.5 million principal amount of the 2015 Notes were repurchased for $7.7 million and retired, resulting in the recognition of a $0.2 million loss within other income and (expense), net on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	Foreign Debt
	At December 31, 2013, Ryerson China’s total foreign borrowings were $25.7 million, which were owed to banks in Asia at a weighted average interest rate of 4.3% 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 December 31, 2013, Açofran had no 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 $22 million and $21 million at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. Letters of credit issued by our foreign subsidiaries totaled $4 million and $8 million at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.
	Ryerson Holding Notes
	In 2012, the Company made a distribution of $344.9 million to Ryerson Holding to repay in full the Ryerson Holding Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon up to, but not including, the repayment date. As of November 1, 2012, all of the Ryerson Holding Notes were repurchased or redeemed and cancelled.

Employee_Benefits

Employee Benefits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Employee Benefits	'
	Note 10: Employee Benefits
	The Company accounts for its pension and postretirement plans in accordance with FASB ASC 715, “Compensation – Retirement Benefits” (“ASC 715”). In addition to requirements for an employer to recognize in its consolidated balance sheet an asset for a plan’s overfunded status or a liability for a plan’s underfunded status and to recognize changes in the funded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan in the year in which the changes occur, ASC 715 requires an employer to measure a plan’s assets and its obligations that determine its funded status as of the end of the employer’s fiscal year.
	Prior to January 1, 1998, the Company’s non-contributory defined benefit pension plan covered certain employees, retirees and their beneficiaries. Benefits provided to participants of the plan were based on pay and years of service for salaried employees and years of service and a fixed rate or a rate determined by job grade for all wage employees, including employees under collective bargaining agreements.
	Effective January 1, 1998, the Company froze the benefits accrued under its defined benefit pension plan for certain salaried employees and instituted a defined contribution plan. Effective March 31, 2000, benefits for certain salaried employees of J. M. Tull Metals Company and AFCO Metals, subsidiaries that were merged into JT Ryerson, were similarly frozen, with the employees becoming participants in the Company’s defined contribution plan. Salaried employees who vested in their benefits accrued under the defined benefit plan at December 31, 1997 and March 31, 2000, are entitled to those benefits upon retirement. For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, expense recognized for its defined contribution plans was $6.9 million, $6.8 million and $7.0 million, respectively.
	In 2012, the Company amended the terms of one of our Canadian post-retirement medical and life insurance plans which effectively eliminated benefits to a group of employees unless these individuals agreed to retire by December 31, 2015. These actions meet the definition of a curtailment under FASB ASC 715-30-15 and resulted in a curtailment gain of $1.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2012.
	The Company has other deferred employee benefit plans, including supplemental pension plans, the liability for which totaled $16.6 million and $18.5 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Summary of Assumptions and Activity
	The tables included below provide reconciliations of benefit obligations and fair value of plan assets of the Company plans as well as the funded status and components of net periodic benefit costs for each period related to each plan. The Company uses a December 31 measurement date to determine the pension and other postretirement benefit information. The assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at the end of the periods and net periodic benefit costs for the Pension Benefits for U.S. plans were as follows:
		Year Ended			Year Ended			Year Ended
		December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Discount rate for calculating obligations		4.8	%		4	%		4.9	%
	Discount rate for calculating net periodic benefit cost		4			4.9			5.35
	Expected rate of return on plan assets		8.2			8.75			8.75
	Rate of compensation increase – benefit obligations		2.8			3			3
	Rate of compensation increase – net periodic benefit cost		3			3			3
	The expected rate of return on U.S. plan assets is 8.00% for 2014.
	The assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at the end of the periods and net periodic benefit costs for the Other Postretirement Benefits, primarily health care, for U.S. plans were as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Discount rate for calculating obligations		4.35	%		3.6	%		4.6	%
	Discount rate for calculating net periodic benefit cost		3.6			4.6			5.25
	Rate of compensation increase – benefit obligations		2.8			3			3
	Rate of compensation increase – net periodic benefit cost		3			3			3
	The assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at the end of the periods and net periodic benefit costs for the Pension Benefits for Canadian plans were as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Discount rate for calculating obligations		4.6	%		4.2	%		4.75	%
	Discount rate for calculating net periodic benefit cost		4.2			4.75			5.25
	Expected rate of return on plan assets		6.5			6.5			7
	Rate of compensation increase		3.5			3.5			3.5
	The expected rate of return on Canadian plan assets is 6.50% for 2014.
	The assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at the end of the periods and net periodic benefit costs for the Other Postretirement Benefits, primarily healthcare, for Canadian plans were as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Discount rate for calculating obligations		4.4	%		4.1	%		4.8	%
	Discount rate for calculating net periodic benefit cost		4.1			4.8			5.25
	Rate of compensation increase		3.5			3.5			3.5
		Year Ended December 31,
		Pension Benefits						Other Benefits
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(In millions)
	Change in Benefit Obligation
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	930		$	856		$	130		$	143
	Service cost		3			3			1			1
	Interest cost		36			41			4			6
	Plan amendments		—			—			—			(11	)
	Actuarial (gain) loss		(68	)		81			(7	)		6
	Special termination benefits		—			1			—			—
	Effect of changes in exchange rates		(4	)		1			(1	)		1
	Curtailment gain		—			—			—			(2	)
	Benefits paid (net of participant contributions and Medicare subsidy)		(55	)		(53	)		(13	)		(14	)
	Benefit obligation at end of year	$	842		$	930		$	114		$	130
	Accumulated benefit obligation at end of year	$	838		$	925			N/A			N/A
	Change in Plan Assets
	Plan assets at fair value at beginning of year	$	560		$	497		$	—		$	—
	Actual return on plan assets		89			69			—			—
	Employer contributions		48			46			14			15
	Effect of changes in exchange rates		(3	)		1			—			—
	Benefits paid (net of participant contributions)		(55	)		(53	)		(14	)		(15	)
	Plan assets at fair value at end of year	$	639		$	560		$	—		$	—
	Reconciliation of Amount Recognized
	Funded status	$	(203	)	$	(370	)	$	(114	)	$	(130	)
Amounts recognized in balance sheet consist of:
Current liabilities	$	—		$	—		$	(12	)	$	(13	)
Non-current liabilities		(203	)		(370	)		(102	)		(117	)
Net benefit liability at the end of the year	$	(203	)	$	(370	)	$	(114	)	$	(130	)
Canadian benefit obligations represented $55 million and $60 million of the Company’s total Pension Benefits obligations at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Canadian plan assets represented $47 million and $48 million of the Company’s total plan assets at fair value at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. In addition, Canadian benefit obligations represented $15 million and $16 million of the Company’s total Other Benefits obligation at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at December 31, 2013 and 2012 consist of the following:
	At December 31,
	Pension Benefits						Other Benefits
	2013			2012			2013			2012
	(In millions)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss),
pre–tax, consists of
Net actuarial (gain) loss	$	276		$	403		$	(73	)	$	(73	)
Prior service cost (credit)		2			1			(10	)		(12	)
Total	$	278		$	404		$	(83	)	$	(85	)
Net actuarial losses of $10.4 million and prior service costs of $0.2 million for pension benefits and net actuarial gains of $7.9 million and prior service credits of $1.6 million for other postretirement benefits are expected to be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year.
Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 consist of the following:
	Year Ended December 31,
	Pension Benefits						Other Benefits
	2013			2012			2013			2012
	(In millions)
Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (loss),
pre–tax, consists of
Net actuarial loss (gain)	$	(112	)	$	58		$	(7	)	$	6
Amortization of net actuarial loss (gain)		(14	)		(11	)		7			8
Prior service cost (credit)		—			—			2			(11	)
Total	$	(126	)	$	47		$	2		$	3
For benefit obligation measurement purposes for U.S. plans at December 31, 2013, the annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits for participants under 65 was 7.5 percent, grading down to 5 percent in 2020, the level at which it is expected to remain. At December 31, 2013 the rate for participants over 65 was 7.25 percent, grading down to 5 percent in 2018, plus a risk adjustment of 0.6 percent grading down to zero percent in 2062, the level at which it is expected to remain. For measurement purposes for U.S. plans at December 31, 2012, the annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits for participants under 65 was 7 percent, grading down to 5 percent in 2020, the level at which it is expected to remain. At December 31, 2012 the rate for participants over 65 was 6.5 percent, grading down to 5 percent in 2018, plus a risk adjustment of 0.6 percent grading down to zero percent in 2062, the level at which it is expected to remain. For measurement purposes for U.S. plans at December 31, 2011, the annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits was 8.0 percent for all participants, grading down to 5 percent in 2017, the level at which it is expected to remain.
For benefit obligation measurement purposes for Canadian plans at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits was 8 percent per annum, grading down to 4.5 percent in 2033, the level at which it is expected to remain. For measurement purposes for Canadian plans at December 31, 2011, the annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits was 12 percent per annum, grading down to 5 percent in 2023, the level at which it is expected to remain.
The components of the Company’s net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:
	Year Ended December 31,
	Pension Benefits									Other Benefits
	2013			2012			2011			2013			2012			2011
	(In millions)
Components of net periodic benefit cost
Service cost	$	3		$	3		$	3		$	1		$	1		$	1
Interest cost		36			41			42			4			6			8
Expected return on assets		(45	)		(45	)		(47	)		—			—			—
Recognized actuarial loss (gain)		14			11			6			(7	)		(7	)		(4	)
Amortization of prior service credit		—			—			—			(2	)		—			—
Special termination benefits		—			—			1			—			—			1
Curtailment gain		—			—			—			—			(2	)		—
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)	$	8		$	10		$	5		$	(4	)	$	(2	)	$	6
The assumed health care cost trend rate has an effect on the amounts reported for the health care plans. For purposes of determining net periodic benefit cost for U.S plans, the annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits for participants under 65 was 7 percent, grading down to 5 percent in 2020, the level at which it is expected to remain. At December 31, 2013 the rate for participants over 65 was 6.5 percent, grading down to 5 percent in 2018, plus a risk adjustment of 0.6 percent grading down to zero percent in 2062, the level at which it is expected to remain. For purposes of determining net periodic benefit cost for Canadian plans, the annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits was 8 percent for the year ended December 31, 2013, grading down to 4.5 percent in 2033.
A one-percentage-point change in the assumed health care cost trend rate would have the following effects:
	1% increase			1% decrease
	(In millions)
Effect on service cost plus interest cost	$	0.2		$	(0.2	)
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation		4.1			(3.4	)
Pension Trust Assets
The expected long-term rate of return on pension trust assets is 6.50% to 8.00% based on the historical investment returns of the trust, the forecasted returns of the asset classes and a survey of comparable pension plan sponsors.
The Company’s pension trust weighted-average asset allocations at December 31, 2013 and 2012, by asset category are as follows:
	Trust Assets at
	December 31,
	2013			2012
Equity securities		70	%		64	%
Debt securities		19			22
Real Estate		3			3
Other		8			11
Total		100	%		100	%
The Board of Directors of Ryerson has general supervisory authority over the Pension Trust Fund and approves the investment policies and plan asset target allocation. An internal management committee provides on-going oversight of plan assets in accordance with the approved policies and asset allocation ranges and has the authority to appoint and dismiss investment managers. The investment policy objectives are to maximize long-term return from a diversified pool of assets while minimizing the risk of large losses, and to maintain adequate liquidity to permit timely payment of all benefits. The policies include diversification requirements and restrictions on concentration in any one single issuer or asset class. The currently approved asset investment classes are cash; fixed income; domestic equities; international equities; real estate; private equities and hedge funds of funds. Company management allocates the plan assets among the approved investment classes and provides appropriate directions to the investment managers pursuant to such allocations.
The approved target ranges and allocations as of the December 31, 2013 measurement date were as follows:
	Range			Target
Equity securities		35-85	%		63	%
Debt securities		30-Oct			22
Real Estate		0-10			9
Other		0-10			6
Total					100	%
The fair value of Ryerson’s pension plan assets at December 31, 2013 by asset category are as follows: See Note 16 for the definitions of Level 1, 2, and 3 fair value measurements.
	Fair Value Measurements at
	December 31, 2013
Asset Category	Total			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	(In millions)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	11.9		$	11.9		$	—		$	—
Equity securities:
US large cap		158.9			—			158.9			—
US small/mid cap		62.6			—			62.6			—
Canadian large cap		5.7			—			5.7			—
Canadian small cap		1.4			—			1.4			—
Other international companies		218.8			—			218.8			—
Fixed income securities:
Investment grade debt		118.8			—			118.8			—
Other types of investments:
Commodity funds		1.4			—			1.4			—
Multi-strategy funds		28.6			—			—			28.6
Private equity funds		12.7			—			—			12.7
Real estate		18.1			—			17.5			0.6
Total	$	638.9		$	11.9		$	585.1		$	41.9
The fair value of Ryerson’s pension plan assets at December 31, 2012 by asset category are as follows:
	Fair Value Measurements at
	December 31, 2012
Asset Category	Total			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	(In millions)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	11.1		$	11.1		$	—		$	—
Equity securities:
US large cap		121			—			121			—
US small/mid cap		45.4			—			45.4			—
Canadian large cap		6.4			—			6.4			—
Canadian small cap		1.6			—			1.6			—
Other international companies		183.1			—			183.1			—
Fixed income securities:
Investment grade debt		122.7			—			122.7			—
Other types of investments:
Commodity funds		1.5			—			1.5			—
Multi-strategy funds		26.7			—			—			26.7
Private equity funds		22.5			—			—			22.5
Real estate		17.7			—			17			0.7
Total	$	559.7		$	11.1		$	498.7		$	49.9
The pension assets classified as Level 2 investments in both 2013 and 2012 are part of common collective trust investments.
	Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs
	(Level 3)
	Multi-			Private Equity			Real Estate			Total
	Strategy			Funds
	Hedge funds
	(In millions)
Beginning balance at January 1, 2011	$	6		$	31.5		$	3.8		$	41.3
Actual return on plan assets:
Relating to assets still held at the reporting date		0.2			0.3			0.2			0.7
Relating to assets sold during the period		—			0.7			(0.2	)		0.5
Purchases		—			1.4			—			1.4
Sales		(3.5	)		(5.6	)		(1.3	)		(10.4	)
Ending balance at December 31, 2011	$	2.7		$	28.3		$	2.5		$	33.5
Actual return on plan assets:
Relating to assets still held at the reporting date		1.7			0.5			(0.3	)		1.9
Relating to assets sold during the period		(0.5	)		2.4			0.8			2.7
Purchases		25			0.5			—			25.5
Sales		(2.2	)		(9.2	)		(2.3	)		(13.7	)
Ending balance at December 31, 2012	$	26.7		$	22.5		$	0.7		$	49.9
Actual return on plan assets:
Relating to assets still held at the reporting date		1.9			(1.1	)		—			0.8
Relating to assets sold during the period		—			2.6			0.1			2.7
Sales		—			(11.3	)		(0.2	)		(11.5	)
Ending balance at December 31, 2013	$	28.6		$	12.7		$	0.6		$	41.9
Securities listed on one or more national securities exchanges are valued at their last reported sales price on the date of valuation. If no sale occurred on the valuation date, the security is valued at the mean of the last “bid” and “ask” prices on the valuation date.
Corporate and government bonds which are not listed or admitted to trading on any securities exchanges are valued at the average mean of the last bid and ask prices on the valuation date based on quotations supplied by recognized quotation services or by reputable broker dealers.
The non-publicly traded securities, other securities or instruments for which reliable market quotations are not available are valued at each investment manager’s discretion. Valuations will depend on facts and circumstances known as of the valuation date and application of certain valuation methods.
Contributions
The Company contributed $48.0 million, $45.9 million, and $43.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, to improve the funded status of the plans. The Company anticipates that it will have a minimum required pension contribution funding of approximately $68 million in 2014.
Estimated Future Benefit Payments
	Pension			Other
	Benefits			Benefits
	(In millions)
2014	$	56.5		$	12.7
2015		56.9			11.6
2016		57.3			11.1
2017		57.6			10.4
2018		57.9			9.8
2019-2023		291.3			40.1
Multiemployer Pension and Other Postretirement Plans
Ryerson participates in two multiemployer pension plans covering 66 employees at 4 locations. Total contributions to the plans were $0.5 million, $0.5 million, and $0.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. Ryerson’s contributions represent less than 5% of the total contributions to the plans. Ryerson maintains positive employee relations at all locations. During 2012, the Company exited and reentered the pension plan at one of the covered locations in an effort to reduce the overall pension liability. The transaction resulted in a withdrawal liability of $1.0 million, which will be paid over a period of 25 years. The balance of the withdrawal liability as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 was $0.5 million and $0.6 million, respectively. The Company’s participation in these plans is not material to our financial statements.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Note 11: Commitments and Contingencies
	Lease Obligations & Other
	The Company leases buildings and equipment under noncancellable operating leases expiring in various years through 2025. Future minimum rental commitments are estimated to total $125.1 million, including approximately $25.3 million in 2014, $21.5 million in 2015, $18.6 million in 2016, $14.8 million in 2017, $11.2 million in 2018 and $33.7 million thereafter.
	Rental expense under operating leases totaled $32.9 million, $32.6 million, and $30.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	To fulfill contractual requirements for certain customers in 2014, the Company has entered into certain fixed-price noncancellable contractual obligations. These purchase obligations aggregated to $43.3 million at December 31, 2103 with $42.2 million to be paid in 2014 and $1.1 million to be paid in 2015.
	Concentrations of Various Risks
	The Company’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, available-for-sale investments, derivative instruments, accounts payable, and notes payable. In the case of cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable, the carrying amount on the balance sheet approximates the fair values due to the short-term nature of these instruments. The available-for-sale investments in common stock are adjusted to fair value each period with unrealized gains and losses recorded within accumulated other comprehensive income. The derivative instruments are marked to market each period. The fair value of notes payable is disclosed in Note 16.
	The Company’s financial instruments that are exposed to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of derivative financial instruments and trade accounts receivable. Our derivative financial instruments are contracts placed with major financial institutions. Credit is generally extended to customers based upon an evaluation of each customer’s financial condition, with terms consistent in the industry and no collateral required. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade accounts receivable are limited due to the large number of customers and their dispersion across geographic areas.
	The Company has signed supply agreements with certain vendors which may obligate the Company to make cash deposits based on the spot price of aluminum at the end of each month. These cash deposits offset amounts payable to the vendor when inventory is received. We made no cash deposits for the year ended December 31, 2013. We have no exposure as of December 31, 2013.
	Approximately 12% of our total labor force is covered by collective bargaining agreements. There are collective bargaining agreements that will expire in fiscal 2014, which covers 4% of our total labor force. We believe that our overall relationship with our employees is good.
	Litigation
	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. That appeal is now fully briefed and we are awaiting either oral argument (which has been requested) or a decision. 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 and therefore, management cannot predict the ultimate outcome of this matter or estimate a range of potential loss at this time.
	There are various claims and pending actions against the Company. The amount of liability, if any, for those claims and actions at December 31, 2013 is not determinable but, in the opinion of management, such liability, if any, will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Related_Parties

Related Parties	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Related Parties	'
	Note 12: Related Parties
	The Company 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 was $5.0 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.
	In the fourth quarters of 2013 and 2012, the Company declared and made distributions to Ryerson Holding of $6.6 million and $35.0 million, respectively. In the fourth quarter of 2012, Company declared and made an additional distribution of $344.9 million to Ryerson Holding to repay the Ryerson Holding Notes plus accrued interest.

Sales_by_Product

Sales by Product	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Sales By Product Category [Abstract]	'
Sales by Product	'
	Note 13: Sales by Product
	The Company derives substantially all of its sales from the distribution of metals. The following table shows the Company’s percentage of sales by major product line:
		Year Ended December 31,
	Product Line	2013			2012			2011
		(Percentage of Sales)
	Carbon Steel Flat		26	%		25	%		27	%
	Carbon Steel Plate		11			13			11
	Carbon Steel Long		15			15			10
	Stainless Steel Flat		16			15			18
	Stainless Steel Plate		4			4			4
	Stainless Steel Long		3			4			4
	Aluminum Flat		15			14			15
	Aluminum Plate		3			3			3
	Aluminum Long		4			4			4
	Other		3			3			4
	Total		100	%		100	%		100	%
	No customer accounted for more than 2 percent of Company sales for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011. The top ten customers accounted for less than 11 percent of its sales for the year ended December 31, 2013. A significant majority of the Company’s sales are attributable to its U.S. operations and a significant majority of its long-lived assets are located in the United States. The only operations attributed to foreign countries relate to the Company’s subsidiaries in Canada, China, Mexico and Brazil, which in aggregate comprised 14 percent, 13 percent, and 14 percent of the Company’s sales during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively; Canadian, Chinese, Mexican and Brazilian assets were 16 percent, 16 percent and 15 percent of total Company assets at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Other_Matters

Other Matters	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity Method Investments And Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'
Other Matters	'
	Note 14: Other Matters
	Equity Investment
	Automated Laser Fabrication Co., LLC. In 2011, the Company invested $0.8 million in Automated Laser Fabrication Co., LLC (“ALF”) for a 38 percent equity interest. ALF is a steel processing company located in Streetsboro, Ohio. The Company accounts for this investment under the equity method of accounting. The Company’s investment in this joint venture is not considered material to the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Compensation_Plan

Compensation Plan	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'
Compensation Plan	'
	Note 15: Compensation Plan
	Participation Plan
	In 2009, Ryerson Holding adopted the 2009 Participation Plan (as amended and restated, the “Participation Plan”). The purpose of the Participation Plan is to provide incentive compensation to key employees of the Company by granting performance units. The value of the performance units is related to the appreciation in the value of the Company from and after the date of grant and the performance units vest over a period specified in the applicable award agreement, which typically vest over 44 months. The Participation Plan may be altered, amended or terminated by the Company at any time. All performance units will terminate upon termination of the Participation Plan or expiration on March 31, 2014. Participants in the Participation Plan may be entitled to receive compensation for their vested units if certain performance-based “qualifying events” occur during the participant’s employment with the Company or during a short period following the participant’s death.
	There are two “qualifying events” defined in the Participation Plan: (1) A “qualifying sale event” in which there is a sale of some or all of the stock of Ryerson Holding then held by Ryerson Holding’s principal stockholders and (2) A “qualifying distribution” in which Ryerson Holding pays a cash dividend to its principal stockholders. Upon the occurrence of a Qualifying Event, participants with vested units may receive an amount equal to the difference between: (i) the value (as defined by the Participation Plan) of the units on the date of the qualifying event, and (ii) the value of the units assigned on the date of grant. No amounts are due to participants until the total cash dividends and net proceeds from the sale of common stock to Ryerson Holding’s principal stockholder exceeds $875 million. Upon termination, with or without cause, units are forfeited, except in the case of death, as described in the Participation Plan. As of December 31, 2013, 87,500,000 units have been authorized. As of December 31,2012, 37,187,500 units were outstanding and vested. In 2013, 35,875,000 units were granted and 8,750,000 units were forfeited. As of December 31, 2013, 64,312,500 units were outstanding and 38,937,500 units have vested as of the date hereof. The Company is accounting for this Participation Plan in accordance with FASB ASC 718, “Compensation – Stock Compensation” (“ASC 718”). Since the occurrence of future “qualifying events” is not determinable or estimable, no liability or expense has been recognized to date. The fair value of the performance units are based upon cash dividends to and net proceeds from sales of common stock of Ryerson Holding by its principal stockholders through the end of each period that have occurred or are probable. The fair value of the performance units on their grant date was zero. The fair value of the performance units at December 31, 2013, which included accumulated cash distributions from 2009 through 2013 of $305.3 million, was zero.

Derivatives_and_Fair_Value_Mea

Derivatives and Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Investments All Other Investments [Abstract]	'
Derivatives and Fair Value Measurements	'
	Note 16: 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 Sheet as of December 31, 2013 and 2012:
			Asset Derivatives												Liability Derivatives
			December 31, 2013						December 31, 2012						December 31, 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		$	—			Prepaid		$	0.2			Other		$	0.2	Other	$	—
			expenses						expenses						accrued				accrued
			and						and						liabilities				liabilities
			other						other
			current						current
			assets						assets
	As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company’s foreign currency exchange contracts had a U.S. dollar notional amount of $2.2 million and $0.7 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had 131 tons and 182 tons, respectively, of nickel futures or option contracts related to forecasted purchases. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had 4,600 tons and 1,300 tons, respectively, of hot roll steel coil option contracts related to forecasted purchases. The Company has aluminum price swaps related to forecasted purchases, which had a notional amount of 195 tons and 80 tons as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	The following table summarizes the location and amount of gains and losses reported in our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:
					Amount of Gain/
					(Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives
					Year Ended December 31,
	Derivatives not designated as hedging		Location of Gain/(Loss)		2013				2012				2011
	instruments under ASC 815		Recognized in Income
			on
			Derivative
					(In millions)
	Foreign exchange contracts		Other income and (expense), net		$	—			$	0.1			$	0.2
	Commodity contracts		Cost of materials sold			(0.3	)			1.3				(1.9	)
	Natural gas commodity contracts		Warehousing, delivery, selling, general and administrative			—				—				(0.1	)
	Total				$	(0.3	)		$	1.4			$	(1.8	)
	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 December 31, 2013:
			At December 31, 2013
			Level 1				Level 2				Level 3
			(In millions)
	Assets
	Cash equivalents:
	Commercial paper		$	39.9			$	—			$	—
	Prepaid and other current assets:
	Common stock – available-for-sale investment		$	20.7			$	—			$	—
	Liabilities
	Mark-to-market derivatives:
	Commodity contracts		$	—			$	0.2			$	—
	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 following table presents assets and liabilities measured and recorded at fair value on our Consolidated Balance Sheets on a non-recurring basis and their level within the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2013:
			At December 31, 2013
			Level 1				Level 2				Level 3
		(In millions)
Assets
Other current assets – assets held for sale (Note 5)		$	—			$	4.7			$	—
The following table presents assets and liabilities measured and recorded at fair value on our Consolidated Balance Sheets on a non-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
Other current assets – assets held for sale (Note 5)		$	—			$	3.6			$	—
The carrying and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments at December 31, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
		At December 31, 2013								At December 31, 2012
		Carrying				Fair Value				Carrying				Fair Value
		Amount								Amount
		(In millions)
Cash and cash equivalents		$	74			$	74			$	70.8			$	70.8
Restricted cash			1.8				1.8				3.9				3.9
Receivables less provision for allowances, claims and doubtful accounts			385.4				385.4				396.7				396.7
Accounts payable			207.2				207.2				196.2				196.2
Long-term debt, including current portion			1,294.80				1,348.80				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).
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 market value at the end of the period in which it is determined that an other-than-temporary decline has occurred. As of December 31, 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 December 31, 2013 can be summarized as follows:
		At December 31, 2013
		Cost				Gross				Gross				Fair Value
						Unrealized				Unrealized
						Gains				Losses
		(In millions)
Common stock		$	17.4			$	3.3			$	—			$	20.7
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 this investment and there have been no sales for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'
	Note 17: Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	The following table details the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 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 loss before reclassifications		(12.9	)		80.1			—
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		—			(3.4	)		—
	Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)		(12.9	)		76.7			—
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	(18.3	)	$	(174.9	)	$	3.3
	The following table details the reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2013:
		Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Details about Accumulated Other	Amount reclassified from			Affected line item in the Condensed
	Comprehensive Income (Loss) Components	Accumulated Other			Consolidated Statements of
		Comprehensive Income
		(Loss)			Comprehensive Income
		For the Year Ended
		December 31, 2013
		(In millions)
	Amortization of defined benefit pension and other post-retirement benefit plan items
	Actuarial gain	$	(6.6	)	Warehousing, delivery, selling, general and administrative
	Prior service cost		1.4		Warehousing, delivery, selling, general and administrative
	Total before tax		(5.2	)
	Tax provision		1.8
	Net of tax	$	(3.4	)

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Note 18: Income Taxes
	The elements of the provision (benefit) for income taxes were as follows:
			Year Ended December 31,
			2013			2012			2011
			(In millions)
	Income (loss) before income tax:
	U.S.		$	36.1		$	103.8		$	27.9
	Foreign			(21.6	)		(7.2	)		(4.8	)
			$	14.5		$	96.6		$	23.1
	Current income taxes:
	Federal		$	(0.5	)	$	0.5		$	(5.2	)
	Foreign			(0.2	)		(0.6	)		5.9
	State			0.6			3.1			0.5
				(0.1	)		3			1.2
	Deferred income taxes			(65.3	)		(10.2	)		(12.7	)
	Total tax provision (benefit)		$	(65.4	)	$	(7.2	)	$	(11.5	)
	Income taxes differ from the amounts computed by applying the federal tax rate as follows:
			Year Ended December 31,
			2013			2012			2011
			(In millions)
	Federal income tax expense (benefit) computed at statutory tax rate of 35%		$	5.1		$	33.8		$	8.1
	Additional taxes or credits from:
	State and local income taxes, net of federal income tax effect			3.2			4.7			4.5
	Non-deductible expenses and non-taxable income			5.1			1.9			(1.1	)
	Foreign income not includable in federal taxable income			2			(0.8	)		6.3
	Effect of acquisition related elections and settlements (1)			(2.2	)		(7.1	)		—
	Valuation allowance changes (net) (2)			(76.8	)		(41.0	)		(30.1	)
	All other, net			(1.8	)		1.3			0.8
	Total income tax provision (benefit)		$	(65.4	)	$	(7.2	)	$	(11.5	)
	-1	Includes a $8.5 million deferred tax benefit related to a tax election corresponding with the acquisition of Turret, for which an offsetting valuation allowance was also recorded in 2012.
	-2	The 2012 change in valuation allowance includes a benefit from the use of U.S. federal and state net operating loss carryforwards totaling approximately $22 million.
	The components of the deferred income tax assets and liabilities arising under FASB ASC 740, “Income Taxes” (“ASC 740”) were as follows:
			At December 31,
			2013			2012
			(In millions)
	Deferred tax assets:
	AMT tax credit carryforwards		$	31		$	31
	Post-retirement benefits other than pensions			43			49
	Federal and foreign net operating loss carryforwards			25			18
	State net operating loss carryforwards			7			7
	Pension liability			74			143
	Other deductible temporary differences			16			17
	Less: valuation allowances			(18	)		(95	)
			$	178		$	170
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Fixed asset basis difference		$	107		$	112
	Inventory basis difference			129			130
	Other intangibles			15			11
				251			253
	Net deferred tax liability		$	(73	)	$	(83	)
	The Company recognized a total net tax benefit of $76.8 million related to 2013 changes in valuation allowance. As described in Note 1, the Company assesses the need for a valuation allowance considering all available positive and negative evidence, including past operating results, projections of future taxable income and the feasibility of ongoing tax planning strategies. The fourth quarter of 2013 was the first quarter in which the Company’s overall U.S. operations had sustained an operating profit in both the preceding cumulative three fiscal year period and in each of its two preceding fiscal years, providing objective evidence of Ryerson’s ability to earn future profits. Combined with Ryerson’s projections of future income providing additional subjective evidence of Ryerson’s ability to earn future profits and management’s judgment, the Company determined that these deferred tax assets were more likely than not realizable and accordingly the valuation allowance was no longer required.
	The Company will continue to maintain a valuation allowance on certain U.S. federal and state deferred tax assets until such time as in management’s judgment, considering all available positive and negative evidence, the Company determines that these deferred tax assets are more likely than not realizable.
	The Company had available at December 31, 2013, federal AMT credit carryforwards of approximately $31 million, which may be used indefinitely to reduce regular federal income taxes.
	The Company’s deferred tax assets also include $15 million related to U.S. federal net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards which expire in 17 years, $7 million related to state NOL carryforwards which expire generally in 1 to 20 years and $10 million related to foreign NOL carryforwards which expire in 1 to 5 years, available at December 31, 2013.
	Earnings from the Company’s foreign subsidiaries are considered to be indefinitely reinvested and, accordingly, no provision for U.S. federal and state income taxes or foreign withholding tax has been made in our consolidated financial statements related to the indefinitely reinvested earnings. At December 31, 2013, the Company had approximately $74 million of undistributed foreign earnings on which no U.S. tax expense has been recorded, predominately in Canada. A distribution of these non-U.S. earnings in the form of dividends or otherwise would subject the Company to both U.S. federal and state income taxes, as adjusted for tax credits and foreign withholding taxes. A determination of the amount of any unrecognized deferred income tax liability on the undistributed earnings is predominately dependent upon the availability of tax credits in the U.S., which is dependent on a number of factors including the timing of future distributions, the mix of distributions and the amount of both U.S. and non-U.S. source income in future years. Modeling of the many future potential scenarios and the related unrecognized deferred tax liability is therefore not practicable. None of the Company’s other foreign subsidiaries have a material amount of assets available for repatriation.
	The Company’s foreign subsidiaries in Canada and China held approximately $53 million and $8 million, respectively, in cash and short term investments at the end of 2013 that, if repatriated, would cause the Company to accrue additional U.S. income taxes. The Company does not intend to repatriate these funds.
	The Company accounts for uncertain income tax positions in accordance with ASC 740. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
			Unrecognized
			Tax Benefits
			(In millions)
	Unrecognized tax benefits balance at January 1, 2011		$	5.8
	Gross increases – tax positions in current periods			1.1
	Settlements and closing of statute of limitations			(0.9	)
Unrecognized tax benefits balance at December 31, 2011		$	6
Gross increases – tax positions in current periods			2
Unrecognized tax benefits balance at December 31, 2012		$	8
Gross increases – tax positions in current periods			0.4
Settlements and closing of statute of limitations			(0.6	)
Unrecognized tax benefits balance at December 31, 2013		$	7.8
Ryerson and its subsidiaries are subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income tax of multiple state and foreign jurisdictions. The Company has substantially concluded all U.S. federal income tax matters for years through 2009. Substantially all state and local income tax matters have been concluded through 2006. However, a change by a state in subsequent years would result in an insignificant change to the Company’s state tax liability. The Company has substantially concluded foreign income tax matters through 2009 for all significant foreign jurisdictions.
We recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, we had approximately $0.7 million and $0.7 million of accrued interest related to uncertain tax positions, respectively. Total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that would affect our effective tax rate if recognized is $5.3 million and $8.0 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
The Company and its U.S. subsidiaries are included in the consolidated federal income tax return with its parent company, Ryerson Holding. Income taxes have been computed as if the Company filed a separate income tax return.

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ

Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements	'
	Note 19: Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements
	On October 10, 2012, 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. Presented below is the condensed consolidating financial information of Ryerson and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 and for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.
	RYERSON INC.
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
	YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013
	(In millions)
		Parent			Joseph T.			Guarantor			Non-guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Ryerson
	Net sales	$	—		$	2,916.00		$	2,387.00		$	471.4		$	(2,314.1	)	$	3,460.30
	Cost of materials sold		—			2,412.80			2,341.20			403.8			(2,314.1	)		2,843.70
	Gross profit		—			503.2			45.8			67.6			—			616.6
	Warehousing, delivery, selling, general and administrative expenses		5.1			368.2			24.7			81.5			—			479.5
	Restructuring and other charges		—			—			—			1.9			—			1.9
	Impairment charges on fixed assets and goodwill		—			3.2			—			6.8			—			10
	Operating profit (loss)		(5.1	)		131.8			21.1			(22.6	)		—			125.2
	Other income and (expense), net		(4.4	)		0.3			—			3.9			—			(0.2	)
	Interest and other expense on debt		(15.3	)		(92.2	)		—			(3.0	)		—			(110.5	)
	Intercompany transactions:
	Interest expense on intercompany loans		(26.9	)		—			—			—			26.9			—
	Interest income on intercompany loans		—			19			7.9			—			(26.9	)		—
	Income (loss) before income taxes		(51.7	)		58.9			29			(21.7	)		—			14.5
	Provision (benefit) for income taxes		(31.0	)		(49.8	)		16.2			(0.8	)		—			(65.4	)
	Equity in (earnings) loss of subsidiaries		(106.4	)		(16.4	)		7.1			—			115.7			—
	Net income (loss)		85.7			125.1			5.7			(20.9	)		(115.7	)		79.9
	Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		—			—			—			(5.8	)		—			(5.8	)
	Net income (loss) attributable to Ryerson Inc.	$	85.7		$	125.1		$	5.7		$	(15.1	)	$	(115.7	)	$	85.7
	RYERSON INC.
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
	YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012
	(In millions)
		Parent			Joseph T.			Guarantor			Non-guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Ryerson
	Net sales	$	—		$	3,396.00		$	2,827.40		$	543.7		$	(2,742.4	)	$	4,024.70
	Cost of materials sold		—			2,819.00			2,773.30			465.2			(2,742.4	)		3,315.10
	Gross profit		—			577			54.1			78.5			—			709.6
	Warehousing, delivery, selling, general and administrative expenses		4.7			395.5			26.3			81.7			—			508.2
	Restructuring and other charges		—			(0.2	)		—			1.3			—			1.1
	Impairment charges on fixed assets and goodwill		—			1			—			—			—			1
	Pension and other postretirement benefits curtailment gain		—			—			—			(1.7	)		—			(1.7	)
	Operating profit (loss)		(4.7	)		180.7			27.8			(2.8	)		—			201
	Other income and (expense), net		(16.8	)		0.2			—			(1.4	)		—			(18.0	)
	Interest and other expense on debt		(62.4	)		(20.9	)		—			(3.1	)		—			(86.4	)
	Intercompany transactions:
	Interest expense on intercompany loans		(53.5	)		(39.7	)		—			—			93.2			—
	Interest income on intercompany loans		—			—			93.2			—			(93.2	)		—
	Income (loss) before income taxes		(137.4	)		120.3			121			(7.3	)		—			96.6
	Provision (benefit) for income taxes		(52.1	)		(0.5	)		45.2			0.2			—			(7.2	)
	Equity in (earnings) loss of subsidiaries		(194.6	)		(46.0	)		4			—			236.6			—
	Net income (loss)		109.3			166.8			71.8			(7.5	)		(236.6	)		103.8
	Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		—			—			—			(5.5	)		—			(5.5	)
	Net income (loss) attributable to Ryerson Inc.	$	109.3		$	166.8		$	71.8		$	(2.0	)	$	(236.6	)	$	109.3
	RYERSON INC.
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
	YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011
	(In millions)
		Parent			Joseph T.			Guarantor			Non-guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Ryerson
	Net sales	$	—		$	4,093.40		$	3,326.10		$	645		$	(3,334.7	)	$	4,729.80
	Cost of materials sold		—			3,560.90			3,288.40			556.4			(3,334.7	)		4,071.00
	Gross profit		—			532.5			37.7			88.6			—			658.8
	Warehousing, delivery, selling, general and administrative expenses		5.2			442.8			5.4			86.4			—			539.8
	Restructuring and other charges		—			10			—			1.1			—			11.1
	Impairment charges on fixed assets and goodwill		—			7.8			—			1.5			—			9.3
Operating profit (loss)		(5.2	)		71.9			32.3			(0.4	)		—			98.6
Other income and (expense), net		(0.2	)		6			—			(1.2	)		—			4.6
Interest and other expense on debt		(76.6	)		(0.1	)		—			(3.4	)		—			(80.1	)
Intercompany transactions:
Interest expense on intercompany loans		(42.0	)		(37.6	)		—			—			79.6			—
Interest income on intercompany loans		—			—			79.6			—			(79.6	)		—
Income (loss) before income taxes		(124.0	)		40.2			111.9			(5.0	)		—			23.1
Provision (benefit) for income taxes		(51.9	)		1.1			33.2			6.1			—			(11.5	)
Equity in (earnings) loss of subsidiaries		(115.0	)		(65.5	)		8.7			—			171.8			—
Net income (loss)		42.9			104.6			70			(11.1	)		(171.8	)		34.6
Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		—			—			—			(8.3	)		—			(8.3	)
Net income (loss) attributable to Ryerson Inc.	$	42.9		$	104.6		$	70		$	(2.8	)	$	(171.8	)	$	42.9
RYERSON INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013
(In millions)
	Parent			Joseph T.			Guarantor			Non-guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
				Ryerson
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	149.5		$	199.9		$	5.7		$	(31.7	)	$	(179.5	)	$	143.9
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		—			—			—			(5.6	)		—			(5.6	)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Ryerson Inc.	$	149.5		$	199.9		$	5.7		$	(26.1	)	$	(179.5	)	$	149.5
RYERSON INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012
(In millions)
	Parent			Joseph T.			Guarantor			Non-guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
				Ryerson
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	71.9		$	136.1		$	79.6		$	(5.0	)	$	(216.6	)	$	66
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		—			—			—			(5.9	)		—			(5.9	)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Ryerson Inc.	$	71.9		$	136.1		$	79.6		$	0.9		$	(216.6	)	$	71.9
RYERSON INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011
(In millions)
	Parent			Joseph T.			Guarantor			Non-guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
				Ryerson
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	(34.4	)	$	67.5		$	59.8		$	(16.7	)	$	(117.6	)	$	(41.4	)
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		—			—			—			(7.0	)		—			(7.0	)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Ryerson Inc.	$	(34.4	)	$	67.5		$	59.8		$	(9.7	)	$	(117.6	)	$	(34.4	)
RYERSON INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013
(In millions)
	Parent			Joseph T.			Guarantor			Non-guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
				Ryerson
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)	$	85.7		$	125.1		$	5.7		$	(20.9	)	$	(115.7	)	$	79.9
Non-cash expenses		(23.8	)		(6.4	)		7.9			15.9			—			(6.4	)
Equity in (earnings) loss of subsidiaries		(106.4	)		(16.4	)		7.1			—			115.7			—
Changes in working capital		625.8			980.3			(1,651.4	)		20.1			—			(25.2	)
Net adjustments		495.6			957.5			(1,636.4	)		36			115.7			(31.6	)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		581.3			1,082.60			(1,630.7	)		15.1			—			48.3
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		523.3			(564.3	)		1,486.10			(0.9	)		(1,457.7	)		(13.5	)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		(1,104.8	)		(525.8	)		144.7			1.6			1,457.70			(26.6	)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		(0.2	)		(7.5	)		0.1			15.8			—			8.2
Effect of exchange rates		—			—			0.4			(5.4	)		—			(5.0	)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents		(0.2	)		(7.5	)		0.5			10.4			—			3.2
Beginning cash and cash equivalents		0.2			15.3			1.9			53.4			—			70.8
Ending cash and cash equivalents	$	—		$	7.8		$	2.4		$	63.8		$	—		$	74
RYERSON INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012
(In millions)
	Parent			Joseph T.			Guarantor			Non-guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
				Ryerson
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)	$	109.3		$	166.8		$	71.8		$	(7.5	)	$	(236.6	)	$	103.8
Non-cash expenses		2.1			46			2.9			8.2			—			59.2
Equity in (earnings) loss of subsidiaries		(194.6	)		(46.0	)		4			—			236.6			—
Changes in working capital		1,020.40			(893.8	)		(123.8	)		20.8			—			23.6
Net adjustments		827.9			(893.8	)		(116.9	)		29			236.6			82.8
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		937.2			(727.0	)		(45.1	)		21.5			—			186.6
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		(2.0	)		(30.6	)		52.9			0.6			(56.2	)		(35.3	)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		(938.0	)		758.4			(7.5	)		(12.5	)		56.2			(143.4	)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		(2.8	)		0.8			0.3			9.6			—			7.9
Effect of exchange rates		—			—			0.1			1.5			—			1.6
Net change in cash and cash equivalents		(2.8	)		0.8			0.4			11.1			—			9.5
Beginning cash and cash equivalents		3			14.5			1.5			42.3			—			61.3
Ending cash and cash equivalents	$	0.2		$	15.3		$	1.9		$	53.4		$	—		$	70.8
RYERSON INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011
(In millions)
	Parent			Joseph T.			Guarantor			Non-guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
				Ryerson
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)	$	42.9		$	104.6		$	70		$	(11.1	)	$	(171.8	)	$	34.6
Non-cash expenses		(24.1	)		82			(15.8	)		7.9			—			50
Equity in (earnings) loss of subsidiaries		(115.0	)		(65.5	)		8.7			—			171.8			—
Changes in working capital		265.5			(511.3	)		218.4			(2.6	)		—			(30.0	)
Net adjustments		126.4			(494.8	)		211.3			5.3			171.8			20
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		169.3			(390.2	)		281.3			(5.8	)		—			54.6
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		97.3			3.4			(158.0	)		(10.2	)		(47.5	)		(115.0	)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		(264.1	)		386.3			(122.5	)		10.7			47.5			57.9
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		2.5			(0.5	)		0.8			(5.3	)		—			(2.5	)
Effect of exchange rates		—			—			—			1.6			—			1.6
Net change in cash and cash equivalents		2.5			(0.5	)		0.8			(3.7	)		—			(0.9	)
Beginning cash and cash equivalents		0.5			15			0.7			46			—			62.2
Ending cash and cash equivalents	$	3		$	14.5		$	1.5		$	42.3		$	—		$	61.3
RYERSON INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
31-Dec-13
(In millions)
	Parent			Joseph T.			Guarantor			Non-guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
				Ryerson
ASSETS
Current assets	$	3.5		$	1,173.70		$	113		$	235.4		$	(283.7	)	$	1,241.90
Property, plant and equipment net of accumulated depreciation		—			387.8			3.1			61.8			—			452.7
Other noncurrent assets		1,113.00			870.6			321.8			5.8			(2,087.8	)		223.4
Total Assets	$	1,116.50		$	2,432.10		$	437.9		$	303		$	(2,371.5	)	$	1,918.00
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities	$	259.3		$	239.7		$	135		$	110.8		$	(283.7	)	$	461.1
Noncurrent liabilities		999.2			1,200.00			5.3			27.7			(632.1	)		1,600.10
Redeemable noncontrolling interest		—			—			—			1.3			—			1.3
Ryerson Inc. stockholders’ equity		(142.0	)		992.4			297.6			165.7			(1,455.7	)		(142.0	)
Noncontrolling interest		—			—			—			(2.5	)		—			(2.5	)
Total Liabilities and Equity	$	1,116.50		$	2,432.10		$	437.9		$	303		$	(2,371.5	)	$	1,918.00
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

Supplementary_Financial_Data

Supplementary Financial Data	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Supplementary Financial Data	'
	RYERSON INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
	SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
	SUMMARY BY QUARTER
	(In millions)
			Net Sales		Gross		Income (Loss)			Net Income		Net Income
					Profit		Before			(Loss)		(Loss)
							Income Taxes					Attributable
												to Ryerson
												Inc.
	2012
	First Quarter		$	1,121.60	$	190.8	$	39.8		$	37.1	$	38.2
	Second Quarter (1)			1,090.60		184		32.6			29.4		30.6
	Third Quarter			962.2		180.5		32.1			31.6		33.5
	Fourth Quarter (2)			850.3		154.3		(7.9	)		5.7		7
	Year		$	4,024.70	$	709.6	$	96.6		$	103.8	$	109.3
	2013
	First Quarter (3)		$	891.1	$	155.8	$	6		$	4.9	$	7.1
	Second Quarter (4)			906.9		158.5		2.4			0.2		1.9
	Third Quarter (5)			859.8		155.1		6.2			3.3		4.3
	Fourth Quarter (6)			802.5		147.2		(0.1	)		71.5		72.4
	Year		$	3,460.30	$	616.6	$	14.5		$	79.9	$	85.7
	-1	Included in the second quarter 2012 results is an impairment charge of $0.9 million related to certain assets held for sale to recognize the assets at their fair value less cost to sell.
	-2	Included in the fourth quarter 2012 results is an impairment charge of $0.1 million related to certain assets held for sale to recognize the assets at their fair value less cost to sell, $1.1 million restructuring charges primarily for employee-related costs resulting from a facility closure, a $17.2 million loss on the redemption of the Ryerson Notes, and a $1.7 million curtailment gain related to an amendment of a Canadian post-retirement medical and life insurance plan. The fourth quarter of 2012 also included an income tax benefit of $15.2 million related to the release of valuation allowance associated with certain state deferred tax assets.
	-3	Included in the first quarter 2013 results is an impairment charge of $0.9 million related to certain assets held for sale to recognize the assets at their fair value less cost to sell.
	-4	Included in the second quarter 2013 results is an impairment charge of $6.8 million to reduce the carrying value of goodwill at a reporting unit to its implied fair value. The second quarter also includes a $2.1 million restructuring charge related to the closure of a facility.
	-5	Included in the third quarter 2013 results is an impairment charge of $1.1 million related to certain assets held for sale to recognize the assets at their fair value less cost to sell.
	-6	Included in the fourth quarter 2013 results is an impairment charge of $1.2 million related to certain assets held for sale to recognize the assets at their appraised fair value less cost to sell and an income tax benefit of $71.6 million, primarily related to a reduction in valuation allowance previously recorded against U.S. deferred tax assets.

Schedule_IIValuation_and_Quali

Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Valuation And Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]	'
Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	'
	RYERSON INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
	SCHEDULE II—VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
	FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011
	(In millions)
			Provision for Allowances
			Balance at		Acquisition			Additions			Additions		Deductions			Balance
			Beginning		of Business			Charged			Charged		from			at End
			of Period					(Credited)			to Other		Reserves			of Period
								to Income			Comprehensive
											Income
	Year ended December 31, 2013
	Allowance for doubtful accounts		$	7.1	$	—		$	(0.7	)	$	—	$	(1.0	)(A)	$	5.4
	Valuation allowance—deferred tax assets			95.2		—			(76.8	)		—		—			18.4
	Year ended December 31, 2012
	Allowance for doubtful accounts		$	7.7	$	—		$	1.7		$	—	$	(2.3	)(A)	$	7.1
	Valuation allowance—deferred tax assets			121.5		1.2	(B)		(41.0	)		13.5		—			95.2
	Year ended December 31, 2011
	Allowance for doubtful accounts		$	8.7	$	—		$	3.4		$	—	$	(4.4	)(A)	$	7.7
	Valuation allowance—deferred tax assets			124.8		—			(30.1	)		26.8		—			121.5
	NOTES:
	(A)	Bad debts written off during the year
	(B)	Reserve of $1.2 million was acquired in acquisition of Açofran

Summary_of_Accounting_and_Fina1

Summary of Accounting and Financial Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Business Description and Basis of Presentation	'
	Business Description and Basis of Presentation. Ryerson Inc. (“Ryerson”), a Delaware corporation, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ryerson Holding Corporation (“Ryerson Holding”).
	On October 19, 2007, the merger (the “Platinum Acquisition”) of Rhombus Merger Corporation (“Merger Sub”), a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ryerson Holding, with and into Ryerson, was consummated in accordance with the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated July 24, 2007, by and among Ryerson, Ryerson Holding and Merger Sub. Upon the closing of the Platinum Acquisition, Ryerson became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ryerson Holding. Ryerson Holding is 100% 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”), a Delaware corporation, 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 had 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.”
Principles of Consolidation	'
	Principles of Consolidation. The Company consolidates entities in which it owns or controls more than 50% of the voting shares. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Additionally, variable interest entities that do not have sufficient equity investment to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated support from other parties or whose equity investors lack the characteristics of a controlling financial interest for which the Company is the primary beneficiary are included in the consolidated financial statements.
Business Segments	'
	Business Segments. Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 280, “Segment Reporting” (“ASC 280”), establishes standards for reporting information on operating segments in interim and annual financial statements. Our Chief Executive Officer, together with the Operating Committee selected by our Board of Directors, serve as our Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”). Our CODM reviews our financial information for purposes of making operational decisions and assessing financial performance. The CODM views our business globally as metals service centers. We have one operating and reportable segment, metal service centers, in accordance with the criteria set forth in ASC 280.
Use of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and related notes to the financial statements. Changes in such estimates may affect amounts reported in future periods.
Equity Investments	'
	Equity Investments. Investments in affiliates in which the Company’s ownership is 20% to 50% are accounted for by the equity method. Equity income is reported in “Other income and (expense), net” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Equity income during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 totaled $0.3 million, $0.2 million, and $0.1 million, respectively.
Revenue Recognition	'
	Revenue Recognition. Revenue is recognized in accordance with FASB ASC 605, “Revenue Recognition.” Revenue is recognized upon delivery of product to customers. The timing of shipment is substantially the same as the timing of delivery to customers given the proximity of the Company’s distribution sites to its customers. Revenue is recorded net of returns, allowances, customer discounts and incentives. Sales taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are accounted for on a net (excluded from revenues) basis.
Provision for Allowances, Claims and Doubtful Accounts	'
	Provision for allowances, claims and doubtful accounts. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of customers and set credit limits based upon review of the customers’ current credit information and payment history. The Company monitors customer payments and maintains a provision for estimated credit losses based on historical experience and specific customer collection issues that the Company has identified. Estimation of such losses requires adjusting historical loss experience for current economic conditions and judgments about the probable effects of economic conditions on certain customers. The Company cannot guarantee that the rate of future credit losses will be similar to past experience. Provisions for allowances and claims are based upon historical rates, expected trends and estimates of potential returns, allowances, customer discounts and incentives. The Company considers all available information when assessing the adequacy of the provision for allowances, claims and doubtful accounts.
Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs	'
	Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs. Shipping and handling fees billed to customers are classified in “Net Sales” in our Consolidated Statement of Operations. Shipping and handling costs, primarily distribution costs, are classified in “Warehousing, delivery, selling, general and administrative” expenses in our Consolidated Statement of Operations. These costs totaled $83.9 million, $87.3 million and $94.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Benefits for Retired Employees	'
	Benefits for Retired Employees. The Company recognizes the funded status of its defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, with changes in the funded status recognized through accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, in the year in which the changes occur. The estimated cost of the Company’s defined benefit pension plan and its postretirement medical benefits are determined annually after considering information provided by consulting actuaries. Key factors used in developing estimates of these liabilities include assumptions related to discount rates, rates of return on investments, future compensation costs, healthcare cost trends, benefit payment patterns and other factors. The cost of these benefits for retirees is accrued during their term of employment. Pensions are funded primarily in accordance with the requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”) of 1974 and the Pension Protection Act of 2006 into a trust established for the Ryerson Pension Plan. Costs for retired employee medical benefits are funded when claims are submitted. Certain salaried employees are covered by a defined contribution plan, for which the cost is expensed in the period earned.
Cash Equivalents	'
	Cash Equivalents. Cash equivalents reflected in the financial statements are highly liquid, short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less that are an integral part of the Company’s cash management portfolio. Checks issued in excess of funds on deposit at the bank represent “book” overdrafts and are reclassified to accounts payable. Amounts reclassified totaled $33.1 million and $37.5 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Inventory Valuation	'
	Inventory Valuation. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market value. We use the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method for valuing our domestic inventories. We use the weighted-average cost and the specific cost methods for valuing our foreign inventories.
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
	Property, Plant and Equipment. Property, plant and equipment, including land use rights, are depreciated for financial reporting purposes using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The provision for depreciation in all periods presented is based on the following estimated useful lives of the assets:
	Land improvements	20 years
	Buildings	45 years
	Machinery and equipment	10-15 years
	Furniture and fixtures	10 years
	Transportation equipment	3-6 years
	Land use rights	50 years
	Expenditures for normal repairs and maintenance are charged against income in the period incurred.
Goodwill	'
	Goodwill. In accordance with FASB ASC 350, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other” (“ASC 350”), goodwill is reviewed at least annually for impairment or whenever indicators of potential impairment exist. We test for impairment of goodwill by assessing various qualitative factors with respect to developments in our business and the overall economy and calculating the fair value of a reporting unit using the discounted cash flow method, as necessary. If we determine that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the carrying value based on our qualitative assessment, we will proceed to the two-step goodwill impairment test. In step one, we compare the fair value of the reporting unit in which goodwill resides to its carrying value. If the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, the second step of the goodwill impairment test is performed to measure the amount of the impairment loss, if any. In the second step, the implied fair value of the goodwill is estimated as the fair value of the reporting unit used in the first step less the fair value of all other net tangible and intangible assets of the reporting unit. If the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess, not to exceed the carrying amount of the goodwill. The fair value of the reporting units are estimated using an average of an income approach and a market approach as this combination is deemed to be the most indicative of fair value in an orderly transaction between market participants.
Long-lived Assets and Other Intangible Assets	'
	Long-lived Assets and Other Intangible Assets. Long-lived assets held and used by the Company are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The Company estimates the future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. If the sum of the expected future cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment is recognized. Any related impairment loss is calculated based upon comparison of the fair value to the carrying value of the asset. Separate intangible assets that have finite useful lives are amortized over their useful lives. An impaired intangible asset would be written down to fair value, using the discounted cash flow method.
Deferred Financing Costs	'
	Deferred Financing Costs. Deferred financing costs associated with the issuance of debt are being amortized using the effective interest method over the life of the debt.
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes. Deferred tax assets or liabilities reflect temporary differences between amounts of assets and liabilities for financial and tax reporting. Such amounts are adjusted, as appropriate, to reflect changes in enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when the temporary differences reverse. A valuation allowance is established to offset any deferred tax assets if, based upon the available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The determination of the amount of a valuation allowance to be provided on recorded deferred tax assets involves estimates regarding (1) the timing and amount of the reversal of taxable temporary differences, (2) expected future taxable income, (3) the impact of tax planning strategies and (4) the ability to carry back tax losses to offset prior taxable income. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, including past operating results, projections of future taxable income and the feasibility of ongoing tax planning strategies. The projections of future taxable income include a number of estimates and assumptions regarding volume, pricing, costs and industry cyclicality.
	Significant judgment is required in determining income tax provisions and in evaluating tax positions. In the normal course of business, the Company and its subsidiaries are examined by various federal, state and foreign tax authorities. The Company records the impact of a tax position, if that position is more likely than not to be sustained on audit, based on the technical merits of the position. The Company regularly assesses the potential outcomes of these examinations and any future examinations for the current or prior years in determining the adequacy of our provision for income taxes. The Company continually assesses the likelihood and amount of potential adjustments and adjusts the income tax provision, the current tax liability and deferred taxes in the period in which the facts that give rise to a revision become known.
	The Company recognizes the benefit of tax positions when a benefit is more likely than not (i.e., greater than 50% likely) to be sustained on its technical merits. Recognized tax benefits are measured at the largest amount that is more likely than not to be sustained, based on cumulative probability, in final settlement of the position. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense.
Earnings Per Share Data	'
	Earnings Per Share Data. As the Company’s stock is not publicly traded, earnings (loss) per common share data is excluded from presentation.
Foreign Currency	'
	Foreign Currency. The Company translates assets and liabilities of its foreign subsidiaries, where the functional currency is the local currency, into U.S. dollars at the current rate of exchange on the last day of the reporting period. Revenues and expenses are translated at the average monthly exchange rates prevailing during the year.
	For foreign currency transactions, the Company translates these amounts to the Company’s functional currency at the exchange rate effective on the invoice date. If the exchange rate changes between the time of purchase and the time actual payment is made, a foreign exchange transaction gain or loss results which is included in determining net income (loss) for the year. The Company recognized $3.7 million of exchange gains, $1.5 million of exchange losses and $0.8 million of exchange losses for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. These amounts are primarily classified in “Other income and (expense), net” in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In February 2013, the 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 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 for our fiscal year beginning January 1, 2014. We do not expect the adoption to have a material impact on our financial statements.

Summary_of_Accounting_and_Fina2

Summary of Accounting and Financial Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Estimated Useful Lives of Assets	'
	Property, Plant and Equipment. Property, plant and equipment, including land use rights, are depreciated for financial reporting purposes using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The provision for depreciation in all periods presented is based on the following estimated useful lives of the assets:
	Land improvements	20 years
	Buildings	45 years
	Machinery and equipment	10-15 years
	Furniture and fixtures	10 years
	Transportation equipment	3-6 years
	Land use rights	50 years

Acquisitions_Tables

Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Unaudited Pro Forma Information Presents Consolidated Results of Operations	'
	The following unaudited pro forma information presents consolidated results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 as if the acquisitions of Singer and Turret on March 14, 2011 and December 9, 2011, respectively, had occurred on January 1, 2011:
		Pro Forma
		Year Ended December 31,
		2012			2011
		(In millions)
	Net sales	$	4,024.70		$	4,866.80
	Net income attributable to Ryerson Inc.		109.3			27.9
Singer Steel Company [Member]	'
Estimated Fair Values of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	'
	The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date. The Company used a third-party valuation firm to estimate the fair values of the property, plant and equipment and intangible assets. Inventory was valued by the Company using acquisition date fair values of the metals.
		At March 14,
		2011
		(In millions)
	Cash	$	0.3
	Restricted cash		6.5
	Accounts receivable		7.3
	Inventory		16.3
	Property, plant, and equipment		8.2
	Intangible assets		4.3
	Other assets		0.2
	Total identifiable assets acquired		43.1
	Current liabilities		11.4
	Deferred tax liabilities		2.3
	Total liabilities assumed		13.7
	Net identifiable assets acquired		29.4
	Bargain purchase		(5.8	)
	Net assets acquired	$	23.6
Turret Steel [Member]	'
Estimated Fair Values of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	'
	The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date. The Company used a third-party valuation firm to estimate the fair values of the property, plant and equipment and intangible assets. Inventory was valued by the Company using acquisition date fair values of the metals.
		At December 9,
		2011
		(In millions)
	Cash	$	1.8
	Accounts receivable		12
	Inventory		26.7
	Property, plant, and equipment		2.9
	Intangible assets		45.1
	Goodwill		25.1
	Other assets		1.2
	Total identifiable assets acquired		114.8
	Current liabilities		17.5
	Deferred tax liabilities		18.5
	Total liabilities assumed		36
	Net assets acquired	$	78.8

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Inventories	'
	Inventories, at stated LIFO value, were classified at December 31, 2013 and 2012 as follows:
		At December 31,
		2013		2012
		(In millions)
	In process and finished products	$	733	$	741.5

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_T

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Property Plant and Equipment	'
	Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following at December 31, 2013 and 2012:
		At December 31,
		2013			2012
		(In millions)
	Land and land improvements	$	98.9		$	98.3
	Buildings and leasehold improvements		198.5			203.4
	Machinery, equipment and other		350.5			339.6
	Construction in progress		2.6			7.1
	Total		650.5			648.4
	Less: Accumulated depreciation		(197.8	)		(165.0	)
	Net property, plant and equipment	$	452.7		$	483.4

Intangible_Assets_Tables

Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Components of Intangible Assets	'
	The following summarizes the components of intangible assets at December 31, 2013 and 2012:
		At December 31, 2013							At December 31, 2012
		Gross		Accumulated			Net		Gross		Accumulated			Net
		Carrying		Amortization					Carrying		Amortization
		Amount							Amount
		(In millions)
	Amortized intangible assets
	Customer relationships	$	46.7	$	(13.4	)	$	33.3	$	46.8	$	(9.5	)	$	37.3
	Developed technology / product know-how		1.9		(1.3	)		0.6		1.9		(0.9	)		1
	Non-compete agreements		1.4		(0.9	)		0.5		1.4		(0.6	)		0.8
	Trademarks		19.7		(3.2	)		16.5		19.8		(1.9	)		17.9
	Licenses		0.5		(0.2	)		0.3		0.4		(0.1	)		0.3
	Total intangible assets	$	70.2	$	(19.0	)	$	51.2	$	70.3	$	(13.0	)	$	57.3
Estimated Amortization Expense Related to Intangible Assets	'
	Intangible assets are amortized over a period between 2 and 20 years. Estimated amortization expense related to intangible assets at December 31, 2013, for each of the years in the five year period ending December 31, 2018 and thereafter is as follows:
		Estimated
		Amortization Expense
		(In millions)
	For the year ended December 31, 2014	$	6
	For the year ended December 31, 2015		5.6
	For the year ended December 31, 2016		4.8
	For the year ended December 31, 2017		4.6
	For the year ended December 31, 2018		4.3
	For the years ended thereafter		25.9

Goodwill_Tables

Goodwill (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill	'
	The following is a summary of changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012:
		Cost			Accumulated			Carrying
					Impairment			Amount
					(In millions)
	Balance at January 1, 2012	$	98.2		$	(1.5	)	$	96.7
	Acquisitions		0.2			—			0.2
	Changes due to foreign currency translation		0.1			—			0.1
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	98.5		$	(1.5	)	$	97
	Impairment charge		—			(6.8	)		(6.8	)
	Changes in purchase price allocation		2			—			2
	Changes due to foreign currency translation		(0.2	)		—			(0.2	)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	100.3		$	(8.3	)	$	92

Restructuring_and_Other_Charge1

Restructuring and Other Charges (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Restructuring Accrual Activity	'
	The following summarizes restructuring accrual activity for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:
		Employee			Tenancy			Total
		Related			and Other			Restructuring
		Costs			Costs			Costs
		(In millions)
	Balance at January 1, 2011	$	0.1		$	0.2		$	0.3
	Restructuring charges		11.1			—			11.1
	Cash payments		(5.3	)		(0.2	)		(5.5	)
	Adjustments for pension and other post-retirement termination non-cash charges		(1.4	)		—			(1.4	)
	Balance at December 31, 2011	$	4.5		$	—		$	4.5
	Restructuring charges		1.3			0.2			1.5
	Reduction to reserve		(0.4	)		—			(0.4	)
	Cash payments		(4.4	)		(0.2	)		(4.6	)
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	1		$	—		$	1
	Restructuring charges		—			2.1			2.1
	Reduction to reserve		(0.2	)		—			(0.2	)
	Cash payments		(0.7	)		(0.5	)		(1.2	)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	0.1		$	1.6		$	1.7

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Long-term Debt	'
	Long-term debt consisted of the following at December 31, 2013 and 2012:
		At December 31,
		2013		2012
		(In millions)
	Ryerson Secured Credit Facility	$	369.1	$	383.5
	9% Senior Secured Notes due 2017		600		600
	11  1⁄4% Senior Notes due 2018		300		300
	Foreign debt		25.7		21.9
	Total debt		1,294.80		1,305.40
	Less:
	Short-term credit facility borrowings		6.6		13.5
	Foreign debt		25.7		21.8
	Total long-term debt	$	1,262.50	$	1,270.10
Principal Payments on Debt	'
	The principal payments required to be made on debt during the next five fiscal years are shown below:
		Amount
		(In millions)
	For the year ended December 31, 2014	$	25.7
	For the year ended December 31, 2015		—
	For the year ended December 31, 2016		—
	For the year ended December 31, 2017		969.1
	For the year ended December 31, 2018		300
	For the years ended thereafter		—

Employee_Benefits_Tables

Employee Benefits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Components of Benefit Obligation and Net Obligation Recognized in Financial Statements	'
	Year Ended December 31,
		Pension Benefits						Other Benefits
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(In millions)
	Change in Benefit Obligation
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	930		$	856		$	130		$	143
	Service cost		3			3			1			1
	Interest cost		36			41			4			6
	Plan amendments		—			—			—			(11	)
	Actuarial (gain) loss		(68	)		81			(7	)		6
	Special termination benefits		—			1			—			—
	Effect of changes in exchange rates		(4	)		1			(1	)		1
	Curtailment gain		—			—			—			(2	)
	Benefits paid (net of participant contributions and Medicare subsidy)		(55	)		(53	)		(13	)		(14	)
	Benefit obligation at end of year	$	842		$	930		$	114		$	130
	Accumulated benefit obligation at end of year	$	838		$	925			N/A			N/A
	Change in Plan Assets
	Plan assets at fair value at beginning of year	$	560		$	497		$	—		$	—
	Actual return on plan assets		89			69			—			—
	Employer contributions		48			46			14			15
	Effect of changes in exchange rates		(3	)		1			—			—
	Benefits paid (net of participant contributions)		(55	)		(53	)		(14	)		(15	)
	Plan assets at fair value at end of year	$	639		$	560		$	—		$	—
	Reconciliation of Amount Recognized
	Funded status	$	(203	)	$	(370	)	$	(114	)	$	(130	)
	Amounts recognized in balance sheet consist of:
	Current liabilities	$	—		$	—		$	(12	)	$	(13	)
	Non-current liabilities		(203	)		(370	)		(102	)		(117	)
	Net benefit liability at the end of the year	$	(203	)	$	(370	)	$	(114	)	$	(130	)
Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss)	'
	Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at December 31, 2013 and 2012 consist of the following:
		At December 31,
		Pension Benefits						Other Benefits
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(In millions)
	Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss),
	pre–tax, consists of
	Net actuarial (gain) loss	$	276		$	403		$	(73	)	$	(73	)
	Prior service cost (credit)		2			1			(10	)		(12	)
	Total	$	278		$	404		$	(83	)	$	(85	)
Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (loss)	'
	Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 consist of the following:
		Year Ended December 31,
		Pension Benefits						Other Benefits
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(In millions)
	Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (loss),
	pre–tax, consists of
	Net actuarial loss (gain)	$	(112	)	$	58		$	(7	)	$	6
	Amortization of net actuarial loss (gain)		(14	)		(11	)		7			8
	Prior service cost (credit)		—			—			2			(11	)
	Total	$	(126	)	$	47		$	2		$	3
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost	'
	The components of the Company’s net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		Pension Benefits									Other Benefits
		2013			2012			2011			2013			2012			2011
		(In millions)
	Components of net periodic benefit cost
	Service cost	$	3		$	3		$	3		$	1		$	1		$	1
	Interest cost		36			41			42			4			6			8
	Expected return on assets		(45	)		(45	)		(47	)		—			—			—
	Recognized actuarial loss (gain)		14			11			6			(7	)		(7	)		(4	)
	Amortization of prior service credit		—			—			—			(2	)		—			—
	Special termination benefits		—			—			1			—			—			1
	Curtailment gain		—			—			—			—			(2	)		—
	Net periodic benefit cost (credit)	$	8		$	10		$	5		$	(4	)	$	(2	)	$	6
Effects of One-Percentage-Point Change in Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates	'
	A one-percentage-point change in the assumed health care cost trend rate would have the following effects:
		1% increase			1% decrease
		(In millions)
	Effect on service cost plus interest cost	$	0.2		$	(0.2	)
	Effect on postretirement benefit obligation		4.1			(3.4	)
Asset Allocations by Asset Category	'
	The Company’s pension trust weighted-average asset allocations at December 31, 2013 and 2012, by asset category are as follows:
		Trust Assets at
		December 31,
		2013			2012
	Equity securities		70	%		64	%
	Debt securities		19			22
	Real Estate		3			3
	Other		8			11
	Total		100	%		100	%
Fair Values of Pension Plan Assets	'
	The fair value of Ryerson’s pension plan assets at December 31, 2013 by asset category are as follows: See Note 16 for the definitions of Level 1, 2, and 3 fair value measurements.
		Fair Value Measurements at
		December 31, 2013
	Asset Category	Total			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
		(In millions)
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	11.9		$	11.9		$	—		$	—
	Equity securities:
	US large cap		158.9			—			158.9			—
	US small/mid cap		62.6			—			62.6			—
	Canadian large cap		5.7			—			5.7			—
	Canadian small cap		1.4			—			1.4			—
	Other international companies		218.8			—			218.8			—
	Fixed income securities:
	Investment grade debt		118.8			—			118.8			—
	Other types of investments:
	Commodity funds		1.4			—			1.4			—
	Multi-strategy funds		28.6			—			—			28.6
	Private equity funds		12.7			—			—			12.7
	Real estate		18.1			—			17.5			0.6
	Total	$	638.9		$	11.9		$	585.1		$	41.9
	The fair value of Ryerson’s pension plan assets at December 31, 2012 by asset category are as follows:
		Fair Value Measurements at
		December 31, 2012
	Asset Category	Total			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
		(In millions)
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	11.1		$	11.1		$	—		$	—
	Equity securities:
	US large cap		121			—			121			—
	US small/mid cap		45.4			—			45.4			—
	Canadian large cap		6.4			—			6.4			—
	Canadian small cap		1.6			—			1.6			—
	Other international companies		183.1			—			183.1			—
	Fixed income securities:
	Investment grade debt		122.7			—			122.7			—
	Other types of investments:
	Commodity funds		1.5			—			1.5			—
	Multi-strategy funds		26.7			—			—			26.7
	Private equity funds		22.5			—			—			22.5
	Real estate		17.7			—			17			0.7
	Total	$	559.7		$	11.1		$	498.7		$	49.9
Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs	'
	The pension assets classified as Level 2 investments in both 2013 and 2012 are part of common collective trust investments.
		Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs
		(Level 3)
		Multi-			Private Equity			Real Estate			Total
		Strategy			Funds
		Hedge funds
		(In millions)
	Beginning balance at January 1, 2011	$	6		$	31.5		$	3.8		$	41.3
	Actual return on plan assets:
	Relating to assets still held at the reporting date		0.2			0.3			0.2			0.7
	Relating to assets sold during the period		—			0.7			(0.2	)		0.5
	Purchases		—			1.4			—			1.4
	Sales		(3.5	)		(5.6	)		(1.3	)		(10.4	)
	Ending balance at December 31, 2011	$	2.7		$	28.3		$	2.5		$	33.5
	Actual return on plan assets:
	Relating to assets still held at the reporting date		1.7			0.5			(0.3	)		1.9
	Relating to assets sold during the period		(0.5	)		2.4			0.8			2.7
	Purchases		25			0.5			—			25.5
	Sales		(2.2	)		(9.2	)		(2.3	)		(13.7	)
	Ending balance at December 31, 2012	$	26.7		$	22.5		$	0.7		$	49.9
	Actual return on plan assets:
	Relating to assets still held at the reporting date		1.9			(1.1	)		—			0.8
	Relating to assets sold during the period		—			2.6			0.1			2.7
	Sales		—			(11.3	)		(0.2	)		(11.5	)
	Ending balance at December 31, 2013	$	28.6		$	12.7		$	0.6		$	41.9
Estimated Future Benefit Payments	'
	Estimated Future Benefit Payments
		Pension			Other
		Benefits			Benefits
		(In millions)
	2014	$	56.5		$	12.7
	2015		56.9			11.6
	2016		57.3			11.1
	2017		57.6			10.4
	2018		57.9			9.8
	2019-2023		291.3			40.1
Other Postretirement Benefits for U.S. plans [Member]	'
Assumptions Used for Retirement Benefit Plans	'
	The assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at the end of the periods and net periodic benefit costs for the Other Postretirement Benefits, primarily health care, for U.S. plans were as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Discount rate for calculating obligations		4.35	%		3.6	%		4.6	%
	Discount rate for calculating net periodic benefit cost		3.6			4.6			5.25
	Rate of compensation increase – benefit obligations		2.8			3			3
	Rate of compensation increase – net periodic benefit cost		3			3			3
Pension Benefits for Canadian Plans [Member]	'
Assumptions Used for Retirement Benefit Plans	'
	The assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at the end of the periods and net periodic benefit costs for the Pension Benefits for Canadian plans were as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Discount rate for calculating obligations		4.6	%		4.2	%		4.75	%
	Discount rate for calculating net periodic benefit cost		4.2			4.75			5.25
	Expected rate of return on plan assets		6.5			6.5			7
	Rate of compensation increase		3.5			3.5			3.5
Other Postretirement Benefits for Canadian Plans [Member]	'
Assumptions Used for Retirement Benefit Plans	'
	The assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at the end of the periods and net periodic benefit costs for the Other Postretirement Benefits, primarily healthcare, for Canadian plans were as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Discount rate for calculating obligations		4.4	%		4.1	%		4.8	%
	Discount rate for calculating net periodic benefit cost		4.1			4.8			5.25
	Rate of compensation increase		3.5			3.5			3.5
Pension Benefits for U.S. plans [Member]	'
Assumptions Used for Retirement Benefit Plans	'
	The assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at the end of the periods and net periodic benefit costs for the Pension Benefits for U.S. plans were as follows:
		Year Ended			Year Ended			Year Ended
		December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Discount rate for calculating obligations		4.8	%		4	%		4.9	%
	Discount rate for calculating net periodic benefit cost		4			4.9			5.35
	Expected rate of return on plan assets		8.2			8.75			8.75
	Rate of compensation increase – benefit obligations		2.8			3			3
	Rate of compensation increase – net periodic benefit cost		3			3			3
Target Ranges and Allocations [Member]	'
Asset Allocations by Asset Category	'
	The approved target ranges and allocations as of the December 31, 2013 measurement date were as follows:
		Range			Target
	Equity securities		35-85	%		63	%
	Debt securities		30-Oct			22
	Real Estate		0-10			9
	Other		0-10			6
	Total					100	%

Sales_by_Product_Tables

Sales by Product (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Sales By Product Category [Abstract]	'
Percentage of Sales by Major Product Line	'
	The following table shows the Company’s percentage of sales by major product line:
		Year Ended December 31,
	Product Line	2013			2012			2011
		(Percentage of Sales)
	Carbon Steel Flat		26	%		25	%		27	%
	Carbon Steel Plate		11			13			11
	Carbon Steel Long		15			15			10
	Stainless Steel Flat		16			15			18
	Stainless Steel Plate		4			4			4
	Stainless Steel Long		3			4			4
	Aluminum Flat		15			14			15
	Aluminum Plate		3			3			3
	Aluminum Long		4			4			4
	Other		3			3			4
	Total		100	%		100	%		100	%

Derivatives_and_Fair_Value_Mea1

Derivatives and Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Investments All Other Investments [Abstract]	'
Location and Fair Value Amount of Derivative Instruments Reported in Consolidated Balance Sheet	'
	The following table summarizes the location and fair value amount of our derivative instruments reported in our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2013 and 2012:
		Asset Derivatives												Liability Derivatives
		December 31, 2013						December 31, 2012						December 31, 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		$	—			Prepaid		$	0.2			Other		$	0.2	Other	$	—
		expenses						expenses						accrued				accrued
		and						and						liabilities				liabilities
		other						other
		current						current
		assets						assets
Location and Amount of Gains and Losses Reported in Consolidated Statements of Operations	'
	The following table summarizes the location and amount of gains and losses reported in our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:
				Amount of Gain/
				(Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives
				Year Ended December 31,
	Derivatives not designated as hedging	Location of Gain/(Loss)		2013				2012				2011
	instruments under ASC 815	Recognized in Income
		on
		Derivative
				(In millions)
	Foreign exchange contracts	Other income and (expense), net		$	—			$	0.1			$	0.2
	Commodity contracts	Cost of materials sold			(0.3	)			1.3				(1.9	)
	Natural gas commodity contracts	Warehousing, delivery, selling, general and administrative			—				—				(0.1	)
	Total			$	(0.3	)		$	1.4			$	(1.8	)
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 December 31, 2013:
		At December 31, 2013
		Level 1				Level 2				Level 3
		(In millions)
	Assets
	Cash equivalents:
	Commercial paper	$	39.9			$	—			$	—
	Prepaid and other current assets:
	Common stock – available-for-sale investment	$	20.7			$	—			$	—
	Liabilities
	Mark-to-market derivatives:
	Commodity contracts	$	—			$	0.2			$	—
	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			$	—
Assets and Liabilities Measured and Recorded at Fair Value on Non-Recurring Basis	'
	The following table presents assets and liabilities measured and recorded at fair value on our Consolidated Balance Sheets on a non-recurring basis and their level within the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2013:
		At December 31, 2013
		Level 1				Level 2				Level 3
		(In millions)
	Assets
	Other current assets – assets held for sale (Note 5)	$	—			$	4.7			$	—
	The following table presents assets and liabilities measured and recorded at fair value on our Consolidated Balance Sheets on a non-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
	Other current assets – assets held for sale (Note 5)	$	—			$	3.6			$	—
Carrying and Estimated Fair Values Financial Instruments	'
	The carrying and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments at December 31, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
		At December 31, 2013								At December 31, 2012
		Carrying				Fair Value				Carrying				Fair Value
		Amount								Amount
		(In millions)
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	74			$	74			$	70.8			$	70.8
	Restricted cash		1.8				1.8				3.9				3.9
	Receivables less provision for allowances, claims and doubtful accounts		385.4				385.4				396.7				396.7
	Accounts payable		207.2				207.2				196.2				196.2
	Long-term debt, including current portion		1,294.80				1,348.80				1,305.40				1,296.40
Available-for-sale Securities	'
	The Company’s available-for-sale securities as of December 31, 2013 can be summarized as follows:
		At December 31, 2013
		Cost				Gross				Gross				Fair Value
						Unrealized				Unrealized
						Gains				Losses
		(In millions)
	Common stock	$	17.4			$	3.3			$	—			$	20.7
	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

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) by Component	'
	The following table details the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 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 loss before reclassifications		(12.9	)		80.1			—
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		—			(3.4	)		—
	Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)		(12.9	)		76.7			—
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	(18.3	)	$	(174.9	)	$	3.3
Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'
	The following table details the reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2013:
		Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Details about Accumulated Other	Amount reclassified from			Affected line item in the Condensed
	Comprehensive Income (Loss) Components	Accumulated Other			Consolidated Statements of
		Comprehensive Income
		(Loss)			Comprehensive Income
		For the Year Ended
		December 31, 2013
		(In millions)
	Amortization of defined benefit pension and other post-retirement benefit plan items
	Actuarial gain	$	(6.6	)	Warehousing, delivery, selling, general and administrative
	Prior service cost		1.4		Warehousing, delivery, selling, general and administrative
	Total before tax		(5.2	)
	Tax provision		1.8
	Net of tax	$	(3.4	)

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Elements of Provision (benefit) for Income Taxes	'
	The elements of the provision (benefit) for income taxes were as follows:
			Year Ended December 31,
			2013			2012			2011
			(In millions)
	Income (loss) before income tax:
	U.S.		$	36.1		$	103.8		$	27.9
	Foreign			(21.6	)		(7.2	)		(4.8	)
			$	14.5		$	96.6		$	23.1
	Current income taxes:
	Federal		$	(0.5	)	$	0.5		$	(5.2	)
	Foreign			(0.2	)		(0.6	)		5.9
	State			0.6			3.1			0.5
				(0.1	)		3			1.2
	Deferred income taxes			(65.3	)		(10.2	)		(12.7	)
	Total tax provision (benefit)		$	(65.4	)	$	(7.2	)	$	(11.5	)
Income Taxes Differ from Amounts Computed by Applying Federal Tax	'
	Income taxes differ from the amounts computed by applying the federal tax rate as follows:
			Year Ended December 31,
			2013			2012			2011
			(In millions)
	Federal income tax expense (benefit) computed at statutory tax rate of 35%		$	5.1		$	33.8		$	8.1
	Additional taxes or credits from:
	State and local income taxes, net of federal income tax effect			3.2			4.7			4.5
	Non-deductible expenses and non-taxable income			5.1			1.9			(1.1	)
	Foreign income not includable in federal taxable income			2			(0.8	)		6.3
	Effect of acquisition related elections and settlements (1)			(2.2	)		(7.1	)		—
	Valuation allowance changes (net) (2)			(76.8	)		(41.0	)		(30.1	)
	All other, net			(1.8	)		1.3			0.8
	Total income tax provision (benefit)		$	(65.4	)	$	(7.2	)	$	(11.5	)
	-1	Includes a $8.5 million deferred tax benefit related to a tax election corresponding with the acquisition of Turret, for which an offsetting valuation allowance was also recorded in 2012.
	-2	The 2012 change in valuation allowance includes a benefit from the use of U.S. federal and state net operating loss carryforwards totaling approximately $22 million.
Components of Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities	'
	The components of the deferred income tax assets and liabilities arising under FASB ASC 740, “Income Taxes” (“ASC 740”) were as follows:
			At December 31,
			2013			2012
			(In millions)
	Deferred tax assets:
	AMT tax credit carryforwards		$	31		$	31
	Post-retirement benefits other than pensions			43			49
	Federal and foreign net operating loss carryforwards			25			18
	State net operating loss carryforwards			7			7
	Pension liability			74			143
	Other deductible temporary differences			16			17
	Less: valuation allowances			(18	)		(95	)
			$	178		$	170
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Fixed asset basis difference		$	107		$	112
	Inventory basis difference			129			130
	Other intangibles			15			11
				251			253
	Net deferred tax liability		$	(73	)	$	(83	)
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits	'
	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
			Unrecognized
			Tax Benefits
			(In millions)
	Unrecognized tax benefits balance at January 1, 2011		$	5.8
	Gross increases – tax positions in current periods			1.1
	Settlements and closing of statute of limitations			(0.9	)
	Unrecognized tax benefits balance at December 31, 2011		$	6
	Gross increases – tax positions in current periods			2
	Unrecognized tax benefits balance at December 31, 2012		$	8
	Gross increases – tax positions in current periods			0.4
	Settlements and closing of statute of limitations			(0.6	)
	Unrecognized tax benefits balance at December 31, 2013		$	7.8

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ1

Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations	'
	RYERSON INC.
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
	YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013
	(In millions)
		Parent			Joseph T.			Guarantor			Non-guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Ryerson
	Net sales	$	—		$	2,916.00		$	2,387.00		$	471.4		$	(2,314.1	)	$	3,460.30
	Cost of materials sold		—			2,412.80			2,341.20			403.8			(2,314.1	)		2,843.70
	Gross profit		—			503.2			45.8			67.6			—			616.6
	Warehousing, delivery, selling, general and administrative expenses		5.1			368.2			24.7			81.5			—			479.5
	Restructuring and other charges		—			—			—			1.9			—			1.9
	Impairment charges on fixed assets and goodwill		—			3.2			—			6.8			—			10
	Operating profit (loss)		(5.1	)		131.8			21.1			(22.6	)		—			125.2
	Other income and (expense), net		(4.4	)		0.3			—			3.9			—			(0.2	)
	Interest and other expense on debt		(15.3	)		(92.2	)		—			(3.0	)		—			(110.5	)
	Intercompany transactions:
	Interest expense on intercompany loans		(26.9	)		—			—			—			26.9			—
	Interest income on intercompany loans		—			19			7.9			—			(26.9	)		—
	Income (loss) before income taxes		(51.7	)		58.9			29			(21.7	)		—			14.5
	Provision (benefit) for income taxes		(31.0	)		(49.8	)		16.2			(0.8	)		—			(65.4	)
	Equity in (earnings) loss of subsidiaries		(106.4	)		(16.4	)		7.1			—			115.7			—
	Net income (loss)		85.7			125.1			5.7			(20.9	)		(115.7	)		79.9
	Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		—			—			—			(5.8	)		—			(5.8	)
	Net income (loss) attributable to Ryerson Inc.	$	85.7		$	125.1		$	5.7		$	(15.1	)	$	(115.7	)	$	85.7
	RYERSON INC.
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
	YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012
	(In millions)
		Parent			Joseph T.			Guarantor			Non-guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Ryerson
	Net sales	$	—		$	3,396.00		$	2,827.40		$	543.7		$	(2,742.4	)	$	4,024.70
	Cost of materials sold		—			2,819.00			2,773.30			465.2			(2,742.4	)		3,315.10
	Gross profit		—			577			54.1			78.5			—			709.6
	Warehousing, delivery, selling, general and administrative expenses		4.7			395.5			26.3			81.7			—			508.2
	Restructuring and other charges		—			(0.2	)		—			1.3			—			1.1
	Impairment charges on fixed assets and goodwill		—			1			—			—			—			1
	Pension and other postretirement benefits curtailment gain		—			—			—			(1.7	)		—			(1.7	)
	Operating profit (loss)		(4.7	)		180.7			27.8			(2.8	)		—			201
	Other income and (expense), net		(16.8	)		0.2			—			(1.4	)		—			(18.0	)
	Interest and other expense on debt		(62.4	)		(20.9	)		—			(3.1	)		—			(86.4	)
	Intercompany transactions:
	Interest expense on intercompany loans		(53.5	)		(39.7	)		—			—			93.2			—
	Interest income on intercompany loans		—			—			93.2			—			(93.2	)		—
	Income (loss) before income taxes		(137.4	)		120.3			121			(7.3	)		—			96.6
	Provision (benefit) for income taxes		(52.1	)		(0.5	)		45.2			0.2			—			(7.2	)
	Equity in (earnings) loss of subsidiaries		(194.6	)		(46.0	)		4			—			236.6			—
	Net income (loss)		109.3			166.8			71.8			(7.5	)		(236.6	)		103.8
	Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		—			—			—			(5.5	)		—			(5.5	)
	Net income (loss) attributable to Ryerson Inc.	$	109.3		$	166.8		$	71.8		$	(2.0	)	$	(236.6	)	$	109.3
	RYERSON INC.
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
	YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011
	(In millions)
		Parent			Joseph T.			Guarantor			Non-guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Ryerson
	Net sales	$	—		$	4,093.40		$	3,326.10		$	645		$	(3,334.7	)	$	4,729.80
	Cost of materials sold		—			3,560.90			3,288.40			556.4			(3,334.7	)		4,071.00
	Gross profit		—			532.5			37.7			88.6			—			658.8
	Warehousing, delivery, selling, general and administrative expenses		5.2			442.8			5.4			86.4			—			539.8
	Restructuring and other charges		—			10			—			1.1			—			11.1
	Impairment charges on fixed assets and goodwill		—			7.8			—			1.5			—			9.3
	Operating profit (loss)		(5.2	)		71.9			32.3			(0.4	)		—			98.6
	Other income and (expense), net		(0.2	)		6			—			(1.2	)		—			4.6
Interest and other expense on debt		(76.6	)		(0.1	)		—			(3.4	)		—			(80.1	)
Intercompany transactions:
Interest expense on intercompany loans		(42.0	)		(37.6	)		—			—			79.6			—
Interest income on intercompany loans		—			—			79.6			—			(79.6	)		—
Income (loss) before income taxes		(124.0	)		40.2			111.9			(5.0	)		—			23.1
Provision (benefit) for income taxes		(51.9	)		1.1			33.2			6.1			—			(11.5	)
Equity in (earnings) loss of subsidiaries		(115.0	)		(65.5	)		8.7			—			171.8			—
Net income (loss)		42.9			104.6			70			(11.1	)		(171.8	)		34.6
Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		—			—			—			(8.3	)		—			(8.3	)
Net income (loss) attributable to Ryerson Inc.	$	42.9		$	104.6		$	70		$	(2.8	)	$	(171.8	)	$	42.9
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income	'
	RYERSON INC.
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
	YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013
	(In millions)
		Parent			Joseph T.			Guarantor			Non-guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Ryerson
	Comprehensive income (loss)	$	149.5		$	199.9		$	5.7		$	(31.7	)	$	(179.5	)	$	143.9
	Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		—			—			—			(5.6	)		—			(5.6	)
	Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Ryerson Inc.	$	149.5		$	199.9		$	5.7		$	(26.1	)	$	(179.5	)	$	149.5
	RYERSON INC.
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
	YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012
	(In millions)
		Parent			Joseph T.			Guarantor			Non-guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Ryerson
	Comprehensive income (loss)	$	71.9		$	136.1		$	79.6		$	(5.0	)	$	(216.6	)	$	66
	Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		—			—			—			(5.9	)		—			(5.9	)
	Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Ryerson Inc.	$	71.9		$	136.1		$	79.6		$	0.9		$	(216.6	)	$	71.9
	RYERSON INC.
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
	YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011
	(In millions)
		Parent			Joseph T.			Guarantor			Non-guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Ryerson
	Comprehensive income (loss)	$	(34.4	)	$	67.5		$	59.8		$	(16.7	)	$	(117.6	)	$	(41.4	)
	Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		—			—			—			(7.0	)		—			(7.0	)
	Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Ryerson Inc.	$	(34.4	)	$	67.5		$	59.8		$	(9.7	)	$	(117.6	)	$	(34.4	)
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows	'
	RYERSON INC.
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
	YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013
	(In millions)
		Parent			Joseph T.			Guarantor			Non-guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Ryerson
	OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
	Net income (loss)	$	85.7		$	125.1		$	5.7		$	(20.9	)	$	(115.7	)	$	79.9
	Non-cash expenses		(23.8	)		(6.4	)		7.9			15.9			—			(6.4	)
	Equity in (earnings) loss of subsidiaries		(106.4	)		(16.4	)		7.1			—			115.7			—
	Changes in working capital		625.8			980.3			(1,651.4	)		20.1			—			(25.2	)
	Net adjustments		495.6			957.5			(1,636.4	)		36			115.7			(31.6	)
	Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		581.3			1,082.60			(1,630.7	)		15.1			—			48.3
	INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
	Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		523.3			(564.3	)		1,486.10			(0.9	)		(1,457.7	)		(13.5	)
	FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
	Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		(1,104.8	)		(525.8	)		144.7			1.6			1,457.70			(26.6	)
	Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		(0.2	)		(7.5	)		0.1			15.8			—			8.2
	Effect of exchange rates		—			—			0.4			(5.4	)		—			(5.0	)
	Net change in cash and cash equivalents		(0.2	)		(7.5	)		0.5			10.4			—			3.2
	Beginning cash and cash equivalents		0.2			15.3			1.9			53.4			—			70.8
	Ending cash and cash equivalents	$	—		$	7.8		$	2.4		$	63.8		$	—		$	74
	RYERSON INC.
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
	YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012
	(In millions)
		Parent			Joseph T.			Guarantor			Non-guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Ryerson
	OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
	Net income (loss)	$	109.3		$	166.8		$	71.8		$	(7.5	)	$	(236.6	)	$	103.8
	Non-cash expenses		2.1			46			2.9			8.2			—			59.2
	Equity in (earnings) loss of subsidiaries		(194.6	)		(46.0	)		4			—			236.6			—
	Changes in working capital		1,020.40			(893.8	)		(123.8	)		20.8			—			23.6
	Net adjustments		827.9			(893.8	)		(116.9	)		29			236.6			82.8
	Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		937.2			(727.0	)		(45.1	)		21.5			—			186.6
	INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
	Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		(2.0	)		(30.6	)		52.9			0.6			(56.2	)		(35.3	)
	FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
	Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		(938.0	)		758.4			(7.5	)		(12.5	)		56.2			(143.4	)
	Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		(2.8	)		0.8			0.3			9.6			—			7.9
	Effect of exchange rates		—			—			0.1			1.5			—			1.6
	Net change in cash and cash equivalents		(2.8	)		0.8			0.4			11.1			—			9.5
	Beginning cash and cash equivalents		3			14.5			1.5			42.3			—			61.3
	Ending cash and cash equivalents	$	0.2		$	15.3		$	1.9		$	53.4		$	—		$	70.8
	RYERSON INC.
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
	YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011
	(In millions)
		Parent			Joseph T.			Guarantor			Non-guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Ryerson
	OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
	Net income (loss)	$	42.9		$	104.6		$	70		$	(11.1	)	$	(171.8	)	$	34.6
	Non-cash expenses		(24.1	)		82			(15.8	)		7.9			—			50
	Equity in (earnings) loss of subsidiaries		(115.0	)		(65.5	)		8.7			—			171.8			—
	Changes in working capital		265.5			(511.3	)		218.4			(2.6	)		—			(30.0	)
	Net adjustments		126.4			(494.8	)		211.3			5.3			171.8			20
	Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		169.3			(390.2	)		281.3			(5.8	)		—			54.6
	INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
	Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		97.3			3.4			(158.0	)		(10.2	)		(47.5	)		(115.0	)
	FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
	Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		(264.1	)		386.3			(122.5	)		10.7			47.5			57.9
	Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		2.5			(0.5	)		0.8			(5.3	)		—			(2.5	)
	Effect of exchange rates		—			—			—			1.6			—			1.6
Net change in cash and cash equivalents		2.5			(0.5	)		0.8			(3.7	)		—			(0.9	)
Beginning cash and cash equivalents		0.5			15			0.7			46			—			62.2
Ending cash and cash equivalents	$	3		$	14.5		$	1.5		$	42.3		$	—		$	61.3
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet	'
	RYERSON INC.
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
	31-Dec-13
	(In millions)
		Parent			Joseph T.			Guarantor			Non-guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Ryerson
	ASSETS
	Current assets	$	3.5		$	1,173.70		$	113		$	235.4		$	(283.7	)	$	1,241.90
	Property, plant and equipment net of accumulated depreciation		—			387.8			3.1			61.8			—			452.7
	Other noncurrent assets		1,113.00			870.6			321.8			5.8			(2,087.8	)		223.4
	Total Assets	$	1,116.50		$	2,432.10		$	437.9		$	303		$	(2,371.5	)	$	1,918.00
	LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	Current liabilities	$	259.3		$	239.7		$	135		$	110.8		$	(283.7	)	$	461.1
	Noncurrent liabilities		999.2			1,200.00			5.3			27.7			(632.1	)		1,600.10
	Redeemable noncontrolling interest		—			—			—			1.3			—			1.3
	Ryerson Inc. stockholders’ equity		(142.0	)		992.4			297.6			165.7			(1,455.7	)		(142.0	)
	Noncontrolling interest		—			—			—			(2.5	)		—			(2.5	)
	Total Liabilities and Equity	$	1,116.50		$	2,432.10		$	437.9		$	303		$	(2,371.5	)	$	1,918.00
	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

Supplementary_Financial_Data_T

Supplementary Financial Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Summary by Quarter	'
	RYERSON INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
	SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
	SUMMARY BY QUARTER
	(In millions)
			Net Sales		Gross		Income (Loss)			Net Income		Net Income
					Profit		Before			(Loss)		(Loss)
							Income Taxes					Attributable
												to Ryerson
												Inc.
	2012
	First Quarter		$	1,121.60	$	190.8	$	39.8		$	37.1	$	38.2
	Second Quarter (1)			1,090.60		184		32.6			29.4		30.6
	Third Quarter			962.2		180.5		32.1			31.6		33.5
	Fourth Quarter (2)			850.3		154.3		(7.9	)		5.7		7
	Year		$	4,024.70	$	709.6	$	96.6		$	103.8	$	109.3
	2013
	First Quarter (3)		$	891.1	$	155.8	$	6		$	4.9	$	7.1
	Second Quarter (4)			906.9		158.5		2.4			0.2		1.9
	Third Quarter (5)			859.8		155.1		6.2			3.3		4.3
	Fourth Quarter (6)			802.5		147.2		(0.1	)		71.5		72.4
	Year		$	3,460.30	$	616.6	$	14.5		$	79.9	$	85.7
	-1	Included in the second quarter 2012 results is an impairment charge of $0.9 million related to certain assets held for sale to recognize the assets at their fair value less cost to sell.
	-2	Included in the fourth quarter 2012 results is an impairment charge of $0.1 million related to certain assets held for sale to recognize the assets at their fair value less cost to sell, $1.1 million restructuring charges primarily for employee-related costs resulting from a facility closure, a $17.2 million loss on the redemption of the Ryerson Notes, and a $1.7 million curtailment gain related to an amendment of a Canadian post-retirement medical and life insurance plan. The fourth quarter of 2012 also included an income tax benefit of $15.2 million related to the release of valuation allowance associated with certain state deferred tax assets.
	-3	Included in the first quarter 2013 results is an impairment charge of $0.9 million related to certain assets held for sale to recognize the assets at their fair value less cost to sell.
	-4	Included in the second quarter 2013 results is an impairment charge of $6.8 million to reduce the carrying value of goodwill at a reporting unit to its implied fair value. The second quarter also includes a $2.1 million restructuring charge related to the closure of a facility.
	-5	Included in the third quarter 2013 results is an impairment charge of $1.1 million related to certain assets held for sale to recognize the assets at their fair value less cost to sell.
	-6	Included in the fourth quarter 2013 results is an impairment charge of $1.2 million related to certain assets held for sale to recognize the assets at their appraised fair value less cost to sell and an income tax benefit of $71.6 million, primarily related to a reduction in valuation allowance previously recorded against U.S. deferred tax assets.

Summary_of_Accounting_and_Fina3

Summary of Accounting and Financial Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Summary of Accounting and Financial Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Parent company percentage owned by affiliates	100.00%	'	'
Equity Income	$0.30	$0.20	$0.10
Shipping and Handling costs	83.9	87.3	94.8
Book Overdrafts	33.1	37.5	'
Foreign Currency transaction gain (loss)	$3.70	($1.50)	($0.80)
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%	'	'
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Summary of Accounting and Financial Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Investments in affiliates by equity method	20.00%	'	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Summary of Accounting and Financial Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Investments in affiliates by equity method	50.00%	'	'

Summary_of_Accounting_and_Fina4

Summary of Accounting and Financial Policies - Estimated Useful Lives of Assets (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Land Improvements [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'20 years
Buildings [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'45 years
Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'10 years
Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'15 years
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'10 years
Transportation Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'3 years
Transportation Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'6 years
Land Use Rights [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'50 years

Acquisitions_Additional_Inform

Acquisitions - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Feb. 17, 2012

Mar. 14, 2011

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 14, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 14, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 14, 2011

Dec. 09, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 09, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 09, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 09, 2011

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Acofran [Member]

Singer Steel Company [Member]

Singer Steel Company [Member]

Singer Steel Company [Member]

Singer Steel Company [Member]

Singer Steel Company [Member]

Singer Steel Company [Member]

Singer Steel Company [Member]

Singer Steel Company [Member]

Singer Steel Company [Member]

Turret Steel [Member]

Turret Steel [Member]

Turret Steel [Member]

Turret Steel [Member]

Turret Steel [Member]

Turret Steel [Member]

Turret Steel [Member]

Turret Steel [Member]

Turret Steel [Member]

Turret Steel [Member]

Customer Relationships [Member]

Customer Relationships [Member]

Trademarks [Member]

Trademarks [Member]

Licenses [Member]

Licenses [Member]

Customer Relationships [Member]

Customer Relationships [Member]

Customer Relationships [Member]

Trademarks [Member]

Trademarks [Member]

Non-compete agreements [Member]

Non-compete agreements [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

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Net assets acquired

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$23.60

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$78.80

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Cash paid for acquisition

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20

3.6

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Accounts receivable

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7.3

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12

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'

Accounts receivables gross amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7.8

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

12.4

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Account receivable estimates uncollectible

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.5

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.4

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Customer relationships, trademarks, license agreement

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.3

'

'

'

2.2

'

1.7

'

0.4

45.1

'

'

27.8

'

'

'

17

'

0.3

Useful life

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'2 years

'20 years

'

'

'

'

'7 years

'

'5 years

'

'7 years

'

'

'

'

'

'7 years

'11 years

'20 years

'

'7 years

'

Acquisition-related fees

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.4

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.4

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenue

802.5

[1]

859.8

[2]

906.9

[3]

891.1

[4]

850.3

[5]

962.2

1,090.60

[6]

1,121.60

3,460.30

4,024.70

4,729.80

'

'

'

'

'

36.1

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.6

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income (loss)

71.5

[1]

3.3

[2]

0.2

[3]

4.9

[4]

5.7

[5]

31.6

29.4

[6]

37.1

79.9

103.8

34.6

'

'

'

'

'

9.4

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

17

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Bargain purchase gain

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.8

'

'

'

5.8

'

5.8

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt on the acquisition date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6.5

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash purchase price held back

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.5

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred cash consideration payouts

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

36

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Consideration payment period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'5 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill

92

'

'

'

97

'

'

'

92

97

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

25.1

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Tax benefit

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$18

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$16.60

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business acquisition acquired equity interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

Included in the fourth quarter 2013 results is an impairment charge of $1.2 million related to certain assets held for sale to recognize the assets at their appraised fair value less cost to sell and an income tax benefit of $71.6 million, primarily related to a reduction in valuation allowance previously recorded against U.S. deferred tax assets.

[2]

Included in the third quarter 2013 results is an impairment charge of $1.1 million related to certain assets held for sale to recognize the assets at their fair value less cost to sell.

[3]

Included in the second quarter 2013 results is an impairment charge of $6.8 million to reduce the carrying value of goodwill at a reporting unit to its implied fair value. The second quarter also includes a $2.1 million restructuring charge related to the closure of a facility.

[4]

Included in the first quarter 2013 results is an impairment charge of $0.9 million related to certain assets held for sale to recognize the assets at their fair value less cost to sell.

[5]

Included in the fourth quarter 2012 results is an impairment charge of $0.1 million related to certain assets held for sale to recognize the assets at their fair value less cost to sell, $1.1 million restructuring charges primarily for employee-related costs resulting from a facility closure, a $17.2 million loss on the redemption of the Ryerson Notes, and a $1.7 million curtailment gain related to an amendment of a Canadian post-retirement medical and life insurance plan. The fourth quarter of 2012 also included an income tax benefit of $15.2 million related to the release of valuation allowance associated with certain state deferred tax assets.

[6]

Included in the second quarter 2012 results is an impairment charge of $0.9 million related to certain assets held for sale to recognize the assets at their fair value less cost to sell.

Acquisitions_Estimated_Fair_Va

Acquisitions - Estimated Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 14, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 09, 2011
				Singer Steel Company [Member]	Singer Steel Company [Member]	Turret Steel [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cash	'	'	'	$0.30	'	$1.80
Restricted cash	'	'	'	6.5	'	'
Accounts receivable	'	'	'	7.3	'	12
Inventory	'	'	'	16.3	'	26.7
Property, plant, and equipment	'	'	'	8.2	'	2.9
Intangible assets	'	'	'	4.3	'	45.1
Goodwill	'	92	97	'	'	25.1
Other assets	'	'	'	0.2	'	1.2
Total identifiable assets acquired	'	'	'	43.1	'	114.8
Current liabilities	'	'	'	11.4	'	17.5
Deferred tax liabilities	'	'	'	2.3	'	18.5
Total liabilities assumed	'	'	'	13.7	'	36
Net identifiable assets acquired	'	'	'	29.4	'	'
Bargain purchase	-5.8	'	'	-5.8	-5.8	'
Net assets acquired	'	'	'	$23.60	'	$78.80

Acquisitions_Pro_Forma_Informa

Acquisitions - Pro Forma Information Presents Consolidated Results of Operations (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'	'
Net sales	$4,024.70	$4,866.80
Net income attributable to Ryerson Inc.	$109.30	$27.90

Restricted_Cash_Additional_Inf

Restricted Cash - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]	'	'
Restricted cash	$1.80	$3.90
Letter of Credit [Member]	'	'
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]	'	'
Restricted cash	1.8	3.8
Letter of Credit [Member] | Ryerson China [Member]	'	'
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]	'	'
Restricted cash	$0	$0.10

Inventories_Schedule_of_Invent

Inventories - Schedule of Inventories (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
In process and finished products	$733	$741.50

Inventories_Additional_Informa

Inventories - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 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	$67	$34
Inventories accounted under the LIFO method	91.00%	88.00%
Consignment inventory	$11.70	$11.30

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_S

Property, Plant and Equipment - Schedule of Property Plant and Equipment (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]	'	'
Land and land improvements	$98.90	$98.30
Buildings and leasehold improvements	198.5	203.4
Machinery, equipment and other	350.5	339.6
Construction in progress	2.6	7.1
Total	650.5	648.4
Less: Accumulated depreciation	-197.8	-165
Net property, plant and equipment	$452.70	$483.40

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_A

Property, Plant and Equipment - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]	'	'	'
Impairment charges related to fixed assets	$3.20	$1	$7.80
Assets held for sale	$4.70	$3.60	'

Intangible_Assets_Components_o

Intangible Assets - Components of Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	$70.20	$70.30
Accumulated Amortization	-19	-13
Net	51.2	57.3
Customer Relationships [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	46.7	46.8
Accumulated Amortization	-13.4	-9.5
Net	33.3	37.3
Developed technology / product know-how [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	1.9	1.9
Accumulated Amortization	-1.3	-0.9
Net	0.6	1
Non-compete agreements [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	1.4	1.4
Accumulated Amortization	-0.9	-0.6
Net	0.5	0.8
Trademarks [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	19.7	19.8
Accumulated Amortization	-3.2	-1.9
Net	16.5	17.9
Licenses [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	0.5	0.4
Accumulated Amortization	-0.2	-0.1
Net	$0.30	$0.30

Intangible_Assets_Additional_I

Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Amortization expense	$6	$6	$2.70
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Amortization period of Intangible assets	'2 years	'	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Amortization period of Intangible assets	'20 years	'	'

Intangible_Assets_Estimated_Am

Intangible Assets - Estimated Amortization Expense Related to Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Finite Lived Intangible Assets Future Amortization Expense [Abstract]	'
For the year ended December 31, 2014	$6
For the year ended December 31, 2015	5.6
For the year ended December 31, 2016	4.8
For the year ended December 31, 2017	4.6
For the year ended December 31, 2018	4.3
For the years ended thereafter	$25.90

Goodwill_Changes_in_Carrying_A

Goodwill - Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
				Cost [Member]	Cost [Member]	Accumulated Impairment [Member]	Accumulated Impairment [Member]	Goodwill Carrying Amount [Member]	Goodwill Carrying Amount [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill cost, beginning balance	'	'	'	$98.50	$98.20	'	'	'	'
Goodwill, Accumulated Impairment, beginning balance	'	'	'	'	'	-1.5	-1.5	'	'
Impairment charge	-6.8	'	'	'	'	-6.8	'	-6.8	'
Changes in purchase price allocation	'	'	'	2	'	'	'	2	'
Goodwill, Accumulated Impairment, ending balance	'	'	'	'	'	-8.3	-1.5	'	'
Goodwill, carrying amount, beginning balance	'	92	97	'	'	'	'	97	96.7
Acquisitions	'	'	'	'	0.2	'	'	'	0.2
Changes due to foreign currency translation	'	'	'	-0.2	0.1	'	'	-0.2	0.1
Goodwill, carrying amount, ending balance	'	92	97	'	'	'	'	92	97
Goodwill cost, ending balance	'	'	'	$100.30	$98.50	'	'	'	'

Goodwill_Additional_Informatio

Goodwill - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	Reporting_Unit			Canada [Member]	Acofran [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill related to acquisition	'	'	'	'	$0.20
Reporting unit tested for goodwill	1	'	'	'	'
Impairment charges in the second quarter	6.8	'	'	'	'
Goodwill	'	$92	$97	$0	'

Restructuring_and_Other_Charge2

Restructuring and Other Charges - Restructuring Accrual Activity (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Beginning balance	$1	$4.50	$0.30
Restructuring charges	2.1	1.5	11.1
Reduction to reserve	-0.2	-0.4	'
Cash payments	-1.2	-4.6	-5.5
Adjustments for pension and other post-retirement termination non-cash charges	'	'	-1.4
Ending balance	1.7	1	4.5
Employee Related Costs [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Beginning balance	1	4.5	0.1
Restructuring charges	'	1.3	11.1
Reduction to reserve	-0.2	-0.4	'
Cash payments	-0.7	-4.4	-5.3
Adjustments for pension and other post-retirement termination non-cash charges	'	'	-1.4
Ending balance	0.1	1	4.5
Tenancy and Other Costs [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Beginning balance	'	'	0.2
Restructuring charges	2.1	0.2	'
Cash payments	-0.5	-0.2	-0.2
Ending balance	$1.60	'	'

Restructuring_and_Other_Charge3

Restructuring and Other Charges - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2011

Facility Closing [Member]

Facility Closing [Member]

Facility Closing [Member]

Facility Closing [Member]

Facility Closing [Member]

Facility Closing [Member]

Facility Closing [Member]

Facility Closing [Member]

Facility Closing [Member]

Facility Closing [Member]

Facility Closing [Member]

October 2011 Reorganization Plan [Member]

October 2011 Reorganization Plan [Member]

October 2011 Reorganization Plan [Member]

October 2011 Reorganization Plan [Member]

October 2011 Reorganization Plan [Member]

October 2011 Reorganization Plan [Member]

October 2011 Reorganization Plan [Member]

Two Thousand Seven Exit Plan [Member]

Employees

Employee Costs [Member]

Employee Costs [Member]

Employee Costs [Member]

Employee Costs [Member]

Employee Costs [Member]

Tenancy-related Costs [Member]

Tenancy-related Costs [Member]

Employees

Employee Costs [Member]

Employee Costs [Member]

Tenancy-related Costs [Member]

Pension And Other Postretirement [Member]

Tenancy-related Costs [Member]

Scenario, Forecast [Member]

Scenario, Forecast [Member]

First half of 2014

Through 2019

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restructuring charges

$2.10

$1.50

$11.10

'

$12.50

$2.10

$1.30

$1.30

'

'

$1.30

'

'

'

'

'

$9.80

'

$8.40

'

$0.20

$1.40

'

Reduction to reserve

-0.2

-0.4

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-0.2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-0.4

'

'

'

Restructuring cost cash payment

1.2

4.6

5.5

'

'

'

'

'

0.3

0.7

0.1

1.3

'

0.5

'

'

'

'

4

4

0.2

'

0.2

Restructuring cost expected to be paid

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.1

'

1.6

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of employees impacted

'

'

'

'

'

'

42

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

292

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restructuring reserve

$1.70

$1

$4.50

$0.30

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0

'

'

'

'

'

Debt_Longterm_Debt_Detail

Debt - Long-term Debt (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Foreign debt	$25,700,000	$21,900,000
Total debt	1,294,800,000	1,305,400,000
Total long-term debt	1,262,500,000	1,270,100,000
Ryerson Secured Credit Facility [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Ryerson Secured Credit Facility	369,100,000	383,500,000
2017 Notes [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Senior Notes	600,000,000	600,000,000
2018 Notes [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Senior Notes	300,000,000	300,000,000
Short-term credit facility borrowings [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Short-term credit facility borrowings	6,600,000	13,500,000
Short-term foreign debt [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Foreign debt	$25,700,000	$21,800,000

Debt_Principal_Payments_on_Deb

Debt - Principal Payments on Debt (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
For the year ended December 31, 2014	$25,700,000
For the year ended December 31, 2015	'
For the year ended December 31, 2016	'
For the year ended December 31, 2017	969,100,000
For the year ended December 31, 2018	300,000,000
For the years ended thereafter	'

Debt_Ryerson_Credit_Facility_A

Debt - Ryerson Credit Facility - Additional Information (Detail) (Ryerson Secured Credit Facility [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Apr. 03, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Amended and restated credit facility agreement	$1,350,000,000	$1,350,000,000	'
Outstanding borrowings	369,100,000	'	383,500,000
Letters of credit	27,000,000	'	27,000,000
Available credit facility	234,000,000	'	293,000,000
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.	'	'
Weighted average interest rate	2.10%	'	2.60%
Default bear interest rate	2.00%	'	'
Base Rate And Canadian Prime Rate [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percentage of spread over amount available to be borrowed	0.75%	'	'
LIBOR and Banker's Acceptance Rate [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percentage of spread over amount available to be borrowed	1.75%	'	'
Scenario 2 [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Credit facility scenario 2 maturity description of ("2017 Notes")	'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.	'	'
Credit facility maturity date	16-Aug-17	'	'
Scenario 1 [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Credit facility maturity date	3-Apr-18	'	'
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Commitment fess on amounts not borrowed	0.25%	'	'
Minimum [Member] | Base Rate And Canadian Prime Rate [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percentage of spread over amount available to be borrowed	0.50%	'	'
Minimum [Member] | LIBOR and Banker's Acceptance Rate [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percentage of spread over amount available to be borrowed	1.50%	'	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Commitment fess on amounts not borrowed	0.38%	'	'
Maximum [Member] | Base Rate And Canadian Prime Rate [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percentage of spread over amount available to be borrowed	1.00%	'	'
Maximum [Member] | LIBOR and Banker's Acceptance Rate [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percentage of spread over amount available to be borrowed	2.00%	'	'
US Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Amended and restated credit facility agreement	1,215,000,000	'	'
Canadian Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Amended and restated credit facility agreement	$135,000,000	'	'

Debt_2017_and_2018_Notes_Addit

Debt - 2017 and 2018 Notes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Oct. 10, 2012
2017 Notes [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Aggregate amount of senior notes issued	'	$600,000,000
Debt Instrument Percentage	'	9.00%
2018 Notes [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Aggregate amount of senior notes issued	'	$300,000,000
Debt Instrument Percentage	'	11.25%
Redemption price as a percentage of principal amount Prior to Redemption date	111.25%	'
2018 Notes [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Notes redemption date	15-Oct-15	'
2017 and 2018 Notes [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Maximum percentage of dividend of future net income	50.00%	'
Redemption price as a percentage of principal amount	100.00%	'
Optional redemption amount prior to redemption date	35.00%	'
2017 and 2018 Notes [Member] | Change Of Control Event [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Redemption price as a percentage of principal amount	101.00%	'
2017 Notes [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Redemption price as a percentage of principal amount Prior to Redemption date	109.00%	'
2017 Notes [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Notes redemption date	15-Apr-15	'

Debt_2014_and_2015_Notes_Addit

Debt - 2014 and 2015 Notes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gain (Loss) on Repurchase of Debt Instrument	($17.20)	($17.20)	($0.20)
Debt Instruments Senior Notes Retired	'	'	11.8
2014 and 2015 Notes [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gain (Loss) on Repurchase of Debt Instrument	'	-17.2	'
2015 Notes [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gain (Loss) on Repurchase of Debt Instrument	'	'	-0.2
Principal Amount Of Debt Instrument Repurchased	'	'	7.5
Debt Instruments Senior Notes Retired	'	'	$7.70

Debt_Foreign_Debt_and_Ryerson_

Debt - Foreign Debt and Ryerson Holding Notes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Foreign debt	'	$25.70	$21.90	$25.70	$21.90
Distribution to repay Ryerson Holding Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest	344.9	6.6	35	6.6	379.9
Foreign Debt [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Available credit facility	'	22	21	22	21
Letters of credit issued by our foreign subsidiaries	'	4	8	4	8
Owed To Banks [Member] | Ryerson China [Member] | Foreign Debt [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Foreign debt	'	25.7	21.4	25.7	21.4
Weighted average interest rate	'	4.30%	4.80%	4.30%	4.80%
Owed To Banks [Member] | Acofran [Member] | Foreign Debt [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Foreign debt	'	$0	$0.50	$0	$0.50
Weighted average interest rate	'	'	11.20%	'	11.20%

Employee_Benefits_Additional_I

Employee Benefits - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Contribution Plan Expense	$6.90	$6.80	$7
Other deferred employee benefit plans	16.6	18.5	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	638.9	559.7	'
Contribution to the pension plan fund	48	45.9	43.9
Anticipated minimum required pension contribution funding	68	'	'
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Expected Return On Plan Assets Percentage	6.50%	'	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Expected Return On Plan Assets Percentage	8.00%	'	'
Pension Benefits for Canadian Plans [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Expected Return On Plan Assets Percentage	6.50%	6.50%	7.00%
Defined Benefit Plan Other Benefit Obligation	55	60	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	47	48	'
Pension Benefits for U.S. plans [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Expected Return On Plan Assets Percentage	8.20%	8.75%	8.75%
Other Postretirement Benefits for Canadian Plans [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Other Benefit Obligation	15	16	'
Pension Benefits [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Other Benefit Obligation	842	930	856
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	639	560	497
Net actuarial gains (losses) expected to be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-10.4	'	'
Prior service costs (credits) expected to be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	0.2	'	'
Other Benefits [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Other Benefit Obligation	114	130	143
Net actuarial gains (losses) expected to be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	7.9	'	'
Prior service costs (credits) expected to be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	($1.60)	'	'
Scenario, Forecast [Member] | Pension Benefits for Canadian Plans [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Expected Return On Plan Assets Percentage	6.50%	'	'
Scenario, Forecast [Member] | Pension Benefits for U.S. plans [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Expected Return On Plan Assets Percentage	8.00%	'	'

Employee_Benefits_Other_Postre

Employee Benefits - Other Postretirement Benefits for Canadian Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Pension and other postretirement benefits curtailment gain (loss)	'	'	$1.70	'
Other Postretirement Benefits for Canadian Plans [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Pension and other postretirement benefits curtailment gain (loss)	$1.70	'	$1.70	'
Annual rate of increase in per capita cost of covered health care benefits, rate	'	8.00%	8.00%	12.00%
Annual rate of increase in per capita cost of covered health care benefits, ultimate rate	'	4.50%	4.50%	5.00%
Annual rate of increase in per capita cost of covered health care benefits, date	'2033	'2033	'2033	'2023

Employee_Benefits_Assumptions_

Employee Benefits - Assumptions Used for Retirement Benefit Plans (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Other Postretirement Benefits for U.S. plans [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'
Discount rate for calculating obligations	4.35%	3.60%	4.60%
Discount rate for calculating net periodic benefit cost	3.60%	4.60%	5.25%
Rate of compensation increase - benefit obligations	2.80%	3.00%	3.00%
Rate of compensation increase	3.00%	3.00%	3.00%
Pension Benefits for Canadian Plans [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'
Discount rate for calculating obligations	4.60%	4.20%	4.75%
Discount rate for calculating net periodic benefit cost	4.20%	4.75%	5.25%
Expected rate of return on plan assets	6.50%	6.50%	7.00%
Rate of compensation increase	3.50%	3.50%	3.50%
Other Postretirement Benefits for Canadian Plans [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'
Discount rate for calculating obligations	4.40%	4.10%	4.80%
Discount rate for calculating net periodic benefit cost	4.10%	4.80%	5.25%
Rate of compensation increase	3.50%	3.50%	3.50%
Pension Benefits for U.S. plans [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'
Discount rate for calculating obligations	4.80%	4.00%	4.90%
Discount rate for calculating net periodic benefit cost	4.00%	4.90%	5.35%
Expected rate of return on plan assets	8.20%	8.75%	8.75%
Rate of compensation increase - benefit obligations	2.80%	3.00%	3.00%
Rate of compensation increase	3.00%	3.00%	3.00%

Employee_Benefits_Benefit_Obli

Employee Benefits - Benefit Obligations and Net Periodic Benefit Costs (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Change in Benefit Obligation	'	'	'
Pension and other postretirement benefits curtailment gain	'	($1.70)	'
Change in Plan Assets	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets, Ending Balance	638.9	559.7	'
Current liabilities	-13.6	-14.2	'
Non-current liabilities	-320.8	-504.4	'
Pension Benefits [Member]	'	'	'
Change in Benefit Obligation	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Beginning Balance	930	856	'
Service cost	3	3	3
Interest cost	36	41	42
Actuarial (gain) loss	-68	81	'
Special termination benefits	'	1	1
Effect of changes in exchange rates	-4	1	'
Benefits paid (net of participant contributions and Medicare subsidy)	-55	-53	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Ending Balance	842	930	856
Accumulated benefit obligation at end of year	838	925	'
Change in Plan Assets	'	'	'
Beginning balance	560	497	'
Actual return on plan assets	89	69	'
Employer contributions	48	46	'
Effect of changes in exchange rates	-3	1	'
Benefits paid (net of participant contributions)	-55	-53	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets, Ending Balance	639	560	497
Funded status	-203	-370	'
Non-current liabilities	-203	-370	'
Net benefit liability at the end of the year	-203	-370	'
Other Benefits [Member]	'	'	'
Change in Benefit Obligation	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Beginning Balance	130	143	'
Service cost	1	1	1
Interest cost	4	6	8
Plan amendments	'	-11	'
Actuarial (gain) loss	-7	6	'
Special termination benefits	'	'	1
Effect of changes in exchange rates	-1	1	'
Pension and other postretirement benefits curtailment gain	'	-2	'
Benefits paid (net of participant contributions and Medicare subsidy)	-13	-14	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Ending Balance	114	130	143
Change in Plan Assets	'	'	'
Employer contributions	14	15	'
Benefits paid (net of participant contributions)	-14	-15	'
Funded status	-114	-130	'
Current liabilities	-12	-13	'
Non-current liabilities	-102	-117	'
Net benefit liability at the end of the year	($114)	($130)	'

Employee_Benefits_Amounts_Reco

Employee Benefits - Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss) (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Pension Benefits [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'
Net actuarial (gain) loss	$276	$403
Prior service cost (credit)	2	1
Total	278	404
Other Benefits [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'
Net actuarial (gain) loss	-73	-73
Prior service cost (credit)	-10	-12
Total	($83)	($85)

Employee_Benefits_Amounts_Reco1

Employee Benefits - Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (loss) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total	($126.20)	$51.50	$66.70
Pension Benefits [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net actuarial loss (gain)	-112	58	'
Amortization of net actuarial loss (gain)	-14	-11	'
Total	-126	47	'
Other Benefits [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net actuarial loss (gain)	-7	6	'
Amortization of net actuarial loss (gain)	7	8	'
Prior service credit	2	-11	'
Total	$2	$3	'

Employee_Benefits_Other_Postre1

Employee Benefits - Other Postretirement Benefits for U.S. Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (Other Postretirement Benefits for U.S. plans [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
			Under 65 [Member]	Under 65 [Member]	Over 65 [Member]	Over 65 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Annual rate of increase in per capita cost of covered health care benefits, rate	7.00%	8.00%	7.50%	7.00%	7.25%	6.50%
Annual rate of increase in per capita cost of covered health care benefits, ultimate rate	5.00%	5.00%	5.00%	5.00%	5.00%	5.00%
Annual rate of increase in per capita cost of covered health care benefits, date	'2020	'2017	'2020	'2020	'2018	'2018
Annual rate of increase in per capita cost of covered health care benefits, risk adjustment	'	'	'	'	0.60%	0.60%
Annual rate of increase in per capita cost of covered health care benefits, risk adjustment	'	'	'	'	0.00%	0.00%
Annual rate of increase in per capita cost of covered health care benefits, risk adjustment date	'	'	'	'	'2062	'2062

Employee_Benefits_Components_o

Employee Benefits - Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'
Curtailment gain	'	($1.70)	'
Pension Benefits [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'
Service cost	3	3	3
Interest cost	36	41	42
Expected return on assets	-45	-45	-47
Recognized actuarial loss (gain)	14	11	6
Special termination benefits	'	1	1
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)	8	10	5
Other Benefits [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'
Service cost	1	1	1
Interest cost	4	6	8
Recognized actuarial loss (gain)	-7	-7	-4
Amortization of prior service credit	-2	'	'
Special termination benefits	'	'	1
Curtailment gain	'	-2	'
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)	($4)	($2)	$6

Employee_Benefits_Effects_of_O

Employee Benefits - Effects of One-Percentage-Point Change in Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Effect on service cost plus interest cost, 1% increase	$0.20
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation, 1% increase	4.1
Effect on service cost plus interest cost, 1% decrease	-0.2
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation, 1% decrease	($3.40)

Employee_Benefits_Weighted_Ave

Employee Benefits - Weighted Average Asset Allocations (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'
Defined benefit plan weighted average asset allocation	100.00%	100.00%
Equity Securities [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'
Defined benefit plan weighted average asset allocation	70.00%	64.00%
Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'
Defined benefit plan weighted average asset allocation	19.00%	22.00%
Real Estate [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'
Defined benefit plan weighted average asset allocation	3.00%	3.00%
Other [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'
Defined benefit plan weighted average asset allocation	8.00%	11.00%

Employee_Benefits_Target_Range

Employee Benefits - Target Ranges and Allocations (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'
Target Allocation	100.00%
Equity Securities [Member]	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'
Target Allocation, minimum	35.00%
Target Allocation, maximum	85.00%
Target Allocation	63.00%
Debt Securities [Member]	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'
Target Allocation, minimum	10.00%
Target Allocation, maximum	30.00%
Target Allocation	22.00%
Real Estate [Member]	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'
Target Allocation, minimum	0.00%
Target Allocation, maximum	10.00%
Target Allocation	9.00%
Other [Member]	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'
Target Allocation, minimum	0.00%
Target Allocation, maximum	10.00%
Target Allocation	6.00%

Employee_Benefits_Fair_Value_o

Employee Benefits - Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets by Asset Category (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	$638.90	$559.70	'	'
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	11.9	11.1	'	'
Equity Securities [Member] | US large cap [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	158.9	121	'	'
Equity Securities [Member] | US small/mid cap [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	62.6	45.4	'	'
Equity Securities [Member] | Canadian Large Cap [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	5.7	6.4	'	'
Equity Securities [Member] | Canadian Small Cap [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	1.4	1.6	'	'
Equity Securities [Member] | Other international companies [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	218.8	183.1	'	'
Fixed Income Securities [Member] | Investment Grade Debt [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	118.8	122.7	'	'
Other Investments [Member] | Commodity funds [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	1.4	1.5	'	'
Other Investments [Member] | Multi-strategy funds [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	28.6	26.7	'	'
Other Investments [Member] | Private equity funds [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	12.7	22.5	'	'
Real estate [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	18.1	17.7	'	'
Level 1 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	11.9	11.1	'	'
Level 1 [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	11.9	11.1	'	'
Level 2 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	585.1	498.7	'	'
Level 2 [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | US large cap [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	158.9	121	'	'
Level 2 [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | US small/mid cap [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	62.6	45.4	'	'
Level 2 [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Canadian Large Cap [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	5.7	6.4	'	'
Level 2 [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Canadian Small Cap [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	1.4	1.6	'	'
Level 2 [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Other international companies [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	218.8	183.1	'	'
Level 2 [Member] | Fixed Income Securities [Member] | Investment Grade Debt [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	118.8	122.7	'	'
Level 2 [Member] | Other Investments [Member] | Commodity funds [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	1.4	1.5	'	'
Level 2 [Member] | Real estate [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	17.5	17	'	'
Level 3 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	41.9	49.9	33.5	41.3
Level 3 [Member] | Other Investments [Member] | Multi-strategy funds [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	28.6	26.7	'	'
Level 3 [Member] | Other Investments [Member] | Private equity funds [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	12.7	22.5	'	'
Level 3 [Member] | Real estate [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	$0.60	$0.70	'	'

Employee_Benefits_Fair_Value_M

Employee Benefits - Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets, Ending Balance	$638.90	$559.70	'
Level 3 [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'
Beginning balance	49.9	33.5	41.3
Relating to assets still held at the reporting date	0.8	1.9	0.7
Relating to assets sold during the period	2.7	2.7	0.5
Purchases	'	25.5	1.4
Sales	-11.5	-13.7	-10.4
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets, Ending Balance	41.9	49.9	33.5
Level 3 [Member] | Multi-Strategy Hedge funds [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'
Beginning balance	26.7	2.7	6
Relating to assets still held at the reporting date	1.9	1.7	0.2
Relating to assets sold during the period	'	-0.5	'
Purchases	'	25	'
Sales	'	-2.2	-3.5
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets, Ending Balance	28.6	26.7	2.7
Level 3 [Member] | Private Equity Funds [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'
Beginning balance	22.5	28.3	31.5
Relating to assets still held at the reporting date	-1.1	0.5	0.3
Relating to assets sold during the period	2.6	2.4	0.7
Purchases	'	0.5	1.4
Sales	-11.3	-9.2	-5.6
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets, Ending Balance	12.7	22.5	28.3
Level 3 [Member] | Real Estate [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'
Beginning balance	0.7	2.5	3.8
Relating to assets still held at the reporting date	'	-0.3	0.2
Relating to assets sold during the period	0.1	0.8	-0.2
Sales	-0.2	-2.3	-1.3
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets, Ending Balance	$0.60	$0.70	$2.50

Employee_Benefits_Estimated_Fu

Employee Benefits - Estimated Future Benefit Payments (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Pension Benefits [Member]	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'
2014	$56.50
2015	56.9
2016	57.3
2017	57.6
2018	57.9
2019-2023	291.3
Other Benefits [Member]	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'
2014	12.7
2015	11.6
2016	11.1
2017	10.4
2018	9.8
2019-2023	$40.10

Employee_Benefits_Multiemploye

Employee Benefits - Multiemployer Pension and Other Postretirement Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
	Location
	Employees
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'
Multiemployer plans description	'Ryerson participates in two multiemployer pension plans covering 66 employees at 4 locations.	'	'
Multiemployer pension plan covered employees	66	'	'
Multiemployer pension plan covered locations	4	'	'
Multiemployer plan contributions	$0.50	$0.50	$0.40
Pension withdrawal liability	0.5	0.6	'
Period of Withdrawal pension liability Payment	'25 years	'	'
Location One [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'
Pension withdrawal liability	$1	'	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percentage of contributions to the plans	5.00%	'	'

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Future minimum rental commitment total	$125.10	'	'
Future minimum rental commitment year 2014	25.3	'	'
Future minimum rental commitment year 2015	21.5	'	'
Future minimum rental commitment year 2016	18.6	'	'
Future minimum rental commitment year 2017	14.8	'	'
Future minimum rental commitment year 2018	11.2	'	'
Future minimum rental commitment year thereafter	33.7	'	'
Rental expense under operating leases	32.9	32.6	30.5
Purchase obligations	43.3	'	'
Purchase obligations to be paid in 2014	42.2	'	'
Purchase obligations to be paid in 2015	1.1	'	'
Cash deposit to offset amounts payable	0	'	'
Percentage of total labor expired under collective bargaining agreement	12.00%	'	'
Potential loss range minimum	0	'	'
Potential loss range maximum	27.7	'	'
Total awarded value for damages to plaintiffs	$27.70	'	'
Fiscal Year 2014 [Member]	'	'	'
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percentage of total labor expired under collective bargaining agreement	4.00%	'	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Noncancellable operating leases expire period	'2025	'	'

Related_Parties_Additional_Inf

Related Parties - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Annual related party monitoring fee maximum	'	'	'	$5	'	'
Payment of monitoring fee	'	'	'	5	5	5
Distributions to Ryerson Holding	$344.90	$6.60	$35	$6.60	$379.90	'

Sales_by_Product_Percentage_of

Sales by Product - Percentage of Sales by Major Product Line (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percentage of sales by major product lines	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%	25.00%	27.00%
Carbon Steel Plate [Member]	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percentage of sales by major product lines	11.00%	13.00%	11.00%
Carbon Steel Long [Member]	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percentage of sales by major product lines	15.00%	15.00%	10.00%
Stainless Steel Flat [Member]	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percentage of sales by major product lines	16.00%	15.00%	18.00%
Stainless Steel Plate [Member]	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percentage of sales by major product lines	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%	4.00%
Aluminum Flat [Member]	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percentage of sales by major product lines	15.00%	14.00%	15.00%
Aluminum Plate [Member]	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percentage of sales by major product lines	3.00%	3.00%	3.00%
Aluminum Long [Member]	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percentage of sales by major product lines	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%	4.00%

Sales_by_Product_Additional_In

Sales by Product - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Sales By Product Category [Abstract]	'	'	'
Percentage Of Consolidated Sales From Foreign Countries	14.00%	13.00%	14.00%
Percentage of assets in foreign country	16.00%	16.00%	15.00%
Percentage one customer to total sales	2.00%	2.00%	2.00%
Percentage top ten customers to total sales	11.00%	'	'

Other_Matters_Additional_Infor

Other Matters - Additional Information (Detail) (Automated Laser Fabrication Co., LLC ("ALF") [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2011
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Automated Laser Fabrication Co., LLC ("ALF") [Member]	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'
Equity method investment	$0.80
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	38.00%

Compensation_Plan_Additional_I

Compensation Plan - Additional Information (Detail) (Performance shares [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Performance shares [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Performance units vest period	'44 months	'	'	'	'
Performance units, expiration date	31-Mar-14	'	'	'	'
Proceed from sale of common stock	$875	'	'	'	'
Share based compensation authorized	87,500,000	'	'	'	'
Share based compensation granted	35,875,000	'	'	'	'
Share based compensation forfeited	8,750,000	'	'	'	'
Share based compensation vested	38,937,500	37,187,500	'	'	'
Share based compensation outstanding	64,312,500	37,187,500	'	'	'
Grant date fair value of performance units	0	0	0	0	0
Cash distributions	$305.30	'	'	'	'

Derivatives_and_Fair_Value_Mea2

Derivatives 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], Commodity contracts [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Other accrued liabilities [Member]	Prepaid expenses and other current assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Asset Derivatives, Fair Value	'	$0.20
Liability Derivatives, Fair Value	$0.20	'

Derivatives_and_Fair_Value_Mea3

Derivatives and Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'
Proceeds from sale of investments	$0	$0	$0
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'
Contract term for exchange contracts, Maximum	'3 months	'	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'
Contract term for exchange contracts, Maximum	'12 months	'	'
Foreign exchange contracts [Member]	'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'
Notional amount of foreign currency exchange contracts	$2.20	$0.70	'
Nickel Futures or Option Contracts [Member]	'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'
Commodity notional value	131	182	'
Hot Roll Steel Coil Option Contracts [Member]	'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'
Commodity notional value	4,600	1,300	'
Aluminum Price Swaps [Member]	'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'
Commodity notional value	195	80	'

Derivatives_and_Fair_Value_Mea4

Derivatives and Fair Value Measurements - Location and Amount of Gains and Losses Reported in Consolidated Statements of Operations (Detail) (Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815 [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Amount of gain/(loss) recognized in income on derivatives, Total	($0.30)	$1.40	($1.80)
Foreign exchange contracts [Member] | Other income and (expense), net [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Amount of gain/(loss) recognized in income on derivatives, Total	'	0.1	0.2
Commodity contracts [Member] | Cost of Sales [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Amount of gain/(loss) recognized in income on derivatives, Total	-0.3	1.3	-1.9
Natural gas commodity contracts [Member] | Operating Expense [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Amount of gain/(loss) recognized in income on derivatives, Total	'	'	($0.10)

Derivatives_and_Fair_Value_Mea5

Derivatives and Fair Value Measurements - Assets and Liabilities Measured and Recorded at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 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	$39.90	$28.30
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	20.7	20.7
Commodity contracts [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Mark-to-market liability derivatives	0.2	'
Mark-to-market asset derivatives	'	$0.20

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 $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Other current assets - assets held for sale	$4.70	$3.60
Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Other current assets - assets held for sale	$4.70	$3.60

Derivatives_and_Fair_Value_Mea7

Derivatives and Fair Value Measurements - Carrying and Estimated Fair Values Financial Instruments (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents, Carrying Amount	$74	$70.80	$61.30	$62.20
Restricted Cash, Carrying Amount	1.8	3.9	'	'
Receivables less provision for allowances, claims and doubtful accounts, Carrying Amount	385.4	396.7	'	'
Accounts payable, Carrying Amount	207.2	196.2	'	'
Long-term debt, including current portion, Carrying Amount	1,294.80	1,305.40	'	'
Fair Value [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents, Fair Value	74	70.8	'	'
Restricted Cash, Fair Value	1.8	3.9	'	'
Receivables less provision for allowances, claims and doubtful accounts, Fair Value	385.4	396.7	'	'
Accounts payable, Fair Value	207.2	196.2	'	'
Long-term debt, including current portion, Fair Value	1,348.80	1,296.40	'	'
Carrying Amount [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents, Carrying Amount	74	70.8	'	'
Restricted Cash, Carrying Amount	1.8	3.9	'	'
Receivables less provision for allowances, claims and doubtful accounts, Carrying Amount	385.4	396.7	'	'
Accounts payable, Carrying Amount	207.2	196.2	'	'
Long-term debt, including current portion, Carrying Amount	$1,294.80	$1,305.40	'	'

Derivatives_and_Fair_Value_Mea8

Derivatives and Fair Value Measurements - Available-for-Sale Securities (Detail) (Common Stock [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 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	3.3	3.3
Gross Unrealized Losses	'	'
Fair Value	$20.70	$20.70

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income - Schedule of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified			Foreign Currency Translation [Member]	Benefit Plan Liabilities [Member]	Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Available-For-Sale Investments [Member]	Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Available-For-Sale Investments [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	($189.90)	($253.70)	($5.40)	($251.60)	$3.30	$3.30
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	'	'	-12.9	80.1	'	'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	'	'	'	-3.4	'	'
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	'	'	-12.9	76.7	'	'
Ending Balance	($189.90)	($253.70)	($18.30)	($174.90)	$3.30	$3.30

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv3

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income - Schedule of Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total before tax

($0.10)

[1]

$6.20

[2]

$2.40

[3]

$6

[4]

($7.90)

[5]

$32.10

$32.60

[6]

$39.80

$14.50

$96.60

$23.10

Tax provision

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-65.4

-7.2

-11.5

Net of tax

71.5

[1]

3.3

[2]

0.2

[3]

4.9

[4]

5.7

[5]

31.6

29.4

[6]

37.1

79.9

103.8

34.6

Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Benefit Plan Liabilities [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total before tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-5.2

'

'

Tax provision

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.8

'

'

Net of tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-3.4

'

'

Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Benefit Plan Liabilities [Member] | Operating Expense [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Actuarial gain

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-6.6

'

'

Prior service credits

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1.40

'

'

[1]

Included in the fourth quarter 2013 results is an impairment charge of $1.2 million related to certain assets held for sale to recognize the assets at their appraised fair value less cost to sell and an income tax benefit of $71.6 million, primarily related to a reduction in valuation allowance previously recorded against U.S. deferred tax assets.

[2]

Included in the third quarter 2013 results is an impairment charge of $1.1 million related to certain assets held for sale to recognize the assets at their fair value less cost to sell.

[3]

Included in the second quarter 2013 results is an impairment charge of $6.8 million to reduce the carrying value of goodwill at a reporting unit to its implied fair value. The second quarter also includes a $2.1 million restructuring charge related to the closure of a facility.

[4]

Included in the first quarter 2013 results is an impairment charge of $0.9 million related to certain assets held for sale to recognize the assets at their fair value less cost to sell.

[5]

Included in the fourth quarter 2012 results is an impairment charge of $0.1 million related to certain assets held for sale to recognize the assets at their fair value less cost to sell, $1.1 million restructuring charges primarily for employee-related costs resulting from a facility closure, a $17.2 million loss on the redemption of the Ryerson Notes, and a $1.7 million curtailment gain related to an amendment of a Canadian post-retirement medical and life insurance plan. The fourth quarter of 2012 also included an income tax benefit of $15.2 million related to the release of valuation allowance associated with certain state deferred tax assets.

[6]

Included in the second quarter 2012 results is an impairment charge of $0.9 million related to certain assets held for sale to recognize the assets at their fair value less cost to sell.

Income_Taxes_Elements_of_Provi

Income Taxes - Elements of Provision (benefit) for Income Taxes (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Income (loss) before income tax:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

U.S.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$36.10

$103.80

$27.90

Foreign

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-21.6

-7.2

-4.8

Income (loss) before income taxes

-0.1

[1]

6.2

[2]

2.4

[3]

6

[4]

-7.9

[5]

32.1

32.6

[6]

39.8

14.5

96.6

23.1

Current income taxes:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Federal

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-0.5

0.5

-5.2

Foreign

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-0.2

-0.6

5.9

State

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.6

3.1

0.5

Current income taxes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-0.1

3

1.2

Deferred income taxes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-65.3

-10.2

-12.7

Total income tax provision (benefit)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

($65.40)

($7.20)

($11.50)

[1]

Included in the fourth quarter 2013 results is an impairment charge of $1.2 million related to certain assets held for sale to recognize the assets at their appraised fair value less cost to sell and an income tax benefit of $71.6 million, primarily related to a reduction in valuation allowance previously recorded against U.S. deferred tax assets.

[2]

Included in the third quarter 2013 results is an impairment charge of $1.1 million related to certain assets held for sale to recognize the assets at their fair value less cost to sell.

[3]

Included in the second quarter 2013 results is an impairment charge of $6.8 million to reduce the carrying value of goodwill at a reporting unit to its implied fair value. The second quarter also includes a $2.1 million restructuring charge related to the closure of a facility.

[4]

Included in the first quarter 2013 results is an impairment charge of $0.9 million related to certain assets held for sale to recognize the assets at their fair value less cost to sell.

[5]

Included in the fourth quarter 2012 results is an impairment charge of $0.1 million related to certain assets held for sale to recognize the assets at their fair value less cost to sell, $1.1 million restructuring charges primarily for employee-related costs resulting from a facility closure, a $17.2 million loss on the redemption of the Ryerson Notes, and a $1.7 million curtailment gain related to an amendment of a Canadian post-retirement medical and life insurance plan. The fourth quarter of 2012 also included an income tax benefit of $15.2 million related to the release of valuation allowance associated with certain state deferred tax assets.

[6]

Included in the second quarter 2012 results is an impairment charge of $0.9 million related to certain assets held for sale to recognize the assets at their fair value less cost to sell.

Income_Taxes_Reconciliation_of

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Income Taxes with Amounts Computed by Applying Federal Tax Rate (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'		'		'
Federal income tax expense (benefit) computed at statutory tax rate of 35%	$5.10		$33.80		$8.10
Additional taxes or credits from:	'		'		'
State and local income taxes, net of federal income tax effect	3.2		4.7		4.5
Non-deductible expenses and non-taxable income	5.1		1.9		-1.1
Foreign income not includable in federal taxable income	2		-0.8		6.3
Effect of acquisition related elections and settlements	-2.2	[1]	-7.1	[1]	'
Valuation allowance changes (net)	-76.8	[2]	-41	[2]	-30.1	[2]
All other, net	-1.8		1.3		0.8
Total income tax provision (benefit)	($65.40)		($7.20)		($11.50)
[1]	Includes a $8.5 million deferred tax benefit related to a tax election corresponding with the acquisition of Turret, for which an offsetting valuation allowance was also recorded in 2012.
[2]	The 2012 change in valuation allowance includes a benefit from the use of U.S. federal and state net operating loss carryforwards totaling approximately $22 million.

Income_Taxes_Reconciliation_of1

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Income Taxes with Amounts Computed by Applying Federal Tax Rate (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Reconciliation Of Effective Income Tax Rate [Line Items]	'	'	'
Statutory tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Deferred tax benefit	($65.30)	($10.20)	($12.70)
U.S. federal and state net operating loss carryforwards	'	22	'
Turret Steel [Member]	'	'	'
Reconciliation Of Effective Income Tax Rate [Line Items]	'	'	'
Deferred tax benefit	'	($8.50)	'

Income_Taxes_Components_of_Def

Income Taxes - Components of Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Deferred tax assets:	'	'
AMT tax credit carryforwards	$31	$31
Post-retirement benefits other than pensions	43	49
Federal and foreign net operating loss carryforwards	25	18
State net operating loss carryforwards	7	7
Pension liability	74	143
Other deductible temporary differences	16	17
Less: valuation allowances	-18	-95
Deferred tax assets, net	178	170
Deferred tax liabilities:	'	'
Fixed asset basis difference	107	112
Inventory basis difference	129	130
Other intangibles	15	11
Deferred tax liabilities	251	253
Net deferred tax liability	($73)	($83)

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax [Line Items]	'		'		'
Net tax benefit related to changes in valuation allowance	($76.80)	[1]	($41)	[1]	($30.10)	[1]
Federal AMT Credit carryforwards	31		31		'
Federal net operating loss carry-forwards	15		'		'
State net operating loss carry-forwards	7		7		'
Foreign net operating loss carry-forwards	10		'		'
Undistributed foreign earnings	74		'		'
Accrued interest related to uncertain tax positions	0.7		0.7		'
Unrecognized tax benefits that would affect effective tax rate if recognized	5.3		8		'
Domestic Tax Authority [Member]	'		'		'
Income Tax [Line Items]	'		'		'
Net operating loss carry-forwards expiration period	'17 years		'		'
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'		'		'
Income Tax [Line Items]	'		'		'
Net operating loss carry-forwards expiration period	'1 year		'		'
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'		'		'
Income Tax [Line Items]	'		'		'
Net operating loss carry-forwards expiration period	'20 years		'		'
Foreign Tax Authority [Member] | Canada [Member]	'		'		'
Income Tax [Line Items]	'		'		'
Cash and Short term investments	53		'		'
Foreign Tax Authority [Member] | China [Member]	'		'		'
Income Tax [Line Items]	'		'		'
Cash and Short term investments	$8		'		'
Foreign Tax Authority [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'		'		'
Income Tax [Line Items]	'		'		'
Net operating loss carry-forwards expiration period	'1 year		'		'
Foreign Tax Authority [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'		'		'
Income Tax [Line Items]	'		'		'
Net operating loss carry-forwards expiration period	'5 years		'		'
[1]	The 2012 change in valuation allowance includes a benefit from the use of U.S. federal and state net operating loss carryforwards totaling approximately $22 million.

Income_Taxes_Reconciliation_of2

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits beginning balance	$8	$6	$5.80
Gross increases - tax positions in current periods	0.4	2	1.1
Settlements and closing of statute of limitations	-0.6	'	-0.9
Unrecognized tax benefits ending balance	$7.80	$8	$6

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ2

Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements - Additional Information (Detail) (2017 and 2018 Notes [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
2017 and 2018 Notes [Member]	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'
Ownership percentage	100.00%
Dividend payment threshold of percentage of future net income	50.00%

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ3

Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements - Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net sales

$802.50

[1]

$859.80

[2]

$906.90

[3]

$891.10

[4]

$850.30

[5]

$962.20

$1,090.60

[6]

$1,121.60

$3,460.30

$4,024.70

$4,729.80

Cost of materials sold

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,843.70

3,315.10

4,071

Gross profit

147.2

[1]

155.1

[2]

158.5

[3]

155.8

[4]

154.3

[5]

180.5

184

[6]

190.8

616.6

709.6

658.8

Warehousing, delivery, selling, general and administrative expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

479.5

508.2

539.8

Restructuring and other charges

'

'

2.1

'

1.1

'

'

'

1.9

1.1

11.1

Impairment charges on fixed assets and goodwill

1.2

1.1

6.8

0.9

0.1

'

0.9

'

10

1

9.3

Pension and other postretirement benefits curtailment gain

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-1.7

'

Operating profit (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

125.2

201

98.6

Other income and (expense), net

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-0.2

-18

4.6

Interest and other expense on debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-110.5

-86.4

-80.1

Income (loss) before income taxes

-0.1

[1]

6.2

[2]

2.4

[3]

6

[4]

-7.9

[5]

32.1

32.6

[6]

39.8

14.5

96.6

23.1

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-65.4

-7.2

-11.5

Net income

71.5

[1]

3.3

[2]

0.2

[3]

4.9

[4]

5.7

[5]

31.6

29.4

[6]

37.1

79.9

103.8

34.6

Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-5.8

-5.5

-8.3

Net income (loss) attributable to Ryerson Inc.

72.4

[1]

4.3

[2]

1.9

[3]

7.1

[4]

7

[5]

33.5

30.6

[6]

38.2

85.7

109.3

42.9

Parent [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Warehousing, delivery, selling, general and administrative expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.1

4.7

5.2

Operating profit (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-5.1

-4.7

-5.2

Other income and (expense), net

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-4.4

-16.8

-0.2

Interest and other expense on debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-15.3

-62.4

-76.6

Interest expense on intercompany loans

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-26.9

-53.5

-42

Income (loss) before income taxes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-51.7

-137.4

-124

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-31

-52.1

-51.9

Equity in (earnings) loss of subsidiaries

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-106.4

-194.6

-115

Net income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

85.7

109.3

42.9

Net income (loss) attributable to Ryerson Inc.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

85.7

109.3

42.9

Joseph T. Ryerson [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net sales

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,916

3,396

4,093.40

Cost of materials sold

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,412.80

2,819

3,560.90

Gross profit

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

503.2

577

532.5

Warehousing, delivery, selling, general and administrative expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

368.2

395.5

442.8

Restructuring and other charges

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-0.2

10

Impairment charges on fixed assets and goodwill

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.2

1

7.8

Operating profit (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

131.8

180.7

71.9

Other income and (expense), net

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.3

0.2

6

Interest and other expense on debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-92.2

-20.9

-0.1

Interest expense on intercompany loans

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-39.7

-37.6

Interest income on intercompany loans

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

19

'

'

Income (loss) before income taxes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

58.9

120.3

40.2

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-49.8

-0.5

1.1

Equity in (earnings) loss of subsidiaries

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-16.4

-46

-65.5

Net income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

125.1

166.8

104.6

Net income (loss) attributable to Ryerson Inc.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

125.1

166.8

104.6

Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net sales

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,387

2,827.40

3,326.10

Cost of materials sold

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,341.20

2,773.30

3,288.40

Gross profit

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

45.8

54.1

37.7

Warehousing, delivery, selling, general and administrative expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

24.7

26.3

5.4

Operating profit (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

21.1

27.8

32.3

Interest income on intercompany loans

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7.9

93.2

79.6

Income (loss) before income taxes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

29

121

111.9

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

16.2

45.2

33.2

Equity in (earnings) loss of subsidiaries

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7.1

4

8.7

Net income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.7

71.8

70

Net income (loss) attributable to Ryerson Inc.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.7

71.8

70

Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net sales

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

471.4

543.7

645

Cost of materials sold

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

403.8

465.2

556.4

Gross profit

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

67.6

78.5

88.6

Warehousing, delivery, selling, general and administrative expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

81.5

81.7

86.4

Restructuring and other charges

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.9

1.3

1.1

Impairment charges on fixed assets and goodwill

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6.8

'

1.5

Pension and other postretirement benefits curtailment gain

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-1.7

'

Operating profit (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-22.6

-2.8

-0.4

Other income and (expense), net

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.9

-1.4

-1.2

Interest and other expense on debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-3

-3.1

-3.4

Income (loss) before income taxes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-21.7

-7.3

-5

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-0.8

0.2

6.1

Net income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-20.9

-7.5

-11.1

Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-5.8

-5.5

-8.3

Net income (loss) attributable to Ryerson Inc.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-15.1

-2

-2.8

Eliminations [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net sales

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-2,314.10

-2,742.40

-3,334.70

Cost of materials sold

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-2,314.10

-2,742.40

-3,334.70

Interest expense on intercompany loans

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

26.9

93.2

79.6

Interest income on intercompany loans

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-26.9

-93.2

-79.6

Equity in (earnings) loss of subsidiaries

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

115.7

236.6

171.8

Net income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-115.7

-236.6

-171.8

Net income (loss) attributable to Ryerson Inc.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

($115.70)

($236.60)

($171.80)

[1]

Included in the fourth quarter 2013 results is an impairment charge of $1.2 million related to certain assets held for sale to recognize the assets at their appraised fair value less cost to sell and an income tax benefit of $71.6 million, primarily related to a reduction in valuation allowance previously recorded against U.S. deferred tax assets.

[2]

Included in the third quarter 2013 results is an impairment charge of $1.1 million related to certain assets held for sale to recognize the assets at their fair value less cost to sell.

[3]

Included in the second quarter 2013 results is an impairment charge of $6.8 million to reduce the carrying value of goodwill at a reporting unit to its implied fair value. The second quarter also includes a $2.1 million restructuring charge related to the closure of a facility.

[4]

Included in the first quarter 2013 results is an impairment charge of $0.9 million related to certain assets held for sale to recognize the assets at their fair value less cost to sell.

[5]

Included in the fourth quarter 2012 results is an impairment charge of $0.1 million related to certain assets held for sale to recognize the assets at their fair value less cost to sell, $1.1 million restructuring charges primarily for employee-related costs resulting from a facility closure, a $17.2 million loss on the redemption of the Ryerson Notes, and a $1.7 million curtailment gain related to an amendment of a Canadian post-retirement medical and life insurance plan. The fourth quarter of 2012 also included an income tax benefit of $15.2 million related to the release of valuation allowance associated with certain state deferred tax assets.

[6]

Included in the second quarter 2012 results is an impairment charge of $0.9 million related to certain assets held for sale to recognize the assets at their fair value less cost to sell.

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ4

Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements - Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'
Comprehensive income (loss)	$143.90	$66	($41.40)
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	-5.6	-5.9	-7
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Ryerson Inc.	149.5	71.9	-34.4
Parent [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'
Comprehensive income (loss)	149.5	71.9	-34.4
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Ryerson Inc.	149.5	71.9	-34.4
Joseph T. Ryerson [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'
Comprehensive income (loss)	199.9	136.1	67.5
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Ryerson Inc.	199.9	136.1	67.5
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'
Comprehensive income (loss)	5.7	79.6	59.8
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Ryerson Inc.	5.7	79.6	59.8
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'
Comprehensive income (loss)	-31.7	-5	-16.7
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	-5.6	-5.9	-7
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Ryerson Inc.	-26.1	0.9	-9.7
Eliminations [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'
Comprehensive income (loss)	-179.5	-216.6	-117.6
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Ryerson Inc.	($179.50)	($216.60)	($117.60)

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ5

Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements - Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	$79.90	$103.80	$34.60
Non-cash expenses	-6.4	59.2	50
Changes in working capital	-25.2	23.6	-30
Net adjustments	-31.6	82.8	20
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	48.3	186.6	54.6
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-13.5	-35.3	-115
Financing activities:	'	'	'
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-26.6	-143.4	57.9
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	8.2	7.9	-2.5
Effect of exchange rates	-5	1.6	1.6
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	3.2	9.5	-0.9
Beginning cash and cash equivalents	70.8	61.3	62.2
Cash and cash equivalents-end of period	74	70.8	61.3
Parent [Member]	'	'	'
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	85.7	109.3	42.9
Non-cash expenses	-23.8	2.1	-24.1
Equity in (earnings) loss of subsidiaries	-106.4	-194.6	-115
Changes in working capital	625.8	1,020.40	265.5
Net adjustments	495.6	827.9	126.4
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	581.3	937.2	169.3
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	523.3	-2	97.3
Financing activities:	'	'	'
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-1,104.80	-938	-264.1
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-0.2	-2.8	2.5
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	-0.2	-2.8	2.5
Beginning cash and cash equivalents	0.2	3	0.5
Cash and cash equivalents-end of period	'	0.2	3
Joseph T. Ryerson [Member]	'	'	'
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	125.1	166.8	104.6
Non-cash expenses	-6.4	46	82
Equity in (earnings) loss of subsidiaries	-16.4	-46	-65.5
Changes in working capital	980.3	-893.8	-511.3
Net adjustments	957.5	-893.8	-494.8
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	1,082.60	-727	-390.2
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-564.3	-30.6	3.4
Financing activities:	'	'	'
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-525.8	758.4	386.3
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-7.5	0.8	-0.5
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	-7.5	0.8	-0.5
Beginning cash and cash equivalents	15.3	14.5	15
Cash and cash equivalents-end of period	7.8	15.3	14.5
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	5.7	71.8	70
Non-cash expenses	7.9	2.9	-15.8
Equity in (earnings) loss of subsidiaries	7.1	4	8.7
Changes in working capital	-1,651.40	-123.8	218.4
Net adjustments	-1,636.40	-116.9	211.3
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	-1,630.70	-45.1	281.3
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	1,486.10	52.9	-158
Financing activities:	'	'	'
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	144.7	-7.5	-122.5
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	0.1	0.3	0.8
Effect of exchange rates	0.4	0.1	'
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	0.5	0.4	0.8
Beginning cash and cash equivalents	1.9	1.5	0.7
Cash and cash equivalents-end of period	2.4	1.9	1.5
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	-20.9	-7.5	-11.1
Non-cash expenses	15.9	8.2	7.9
Changes in working capital	20.1	20.8	-2.6
Net adjustments	36	29	5.3
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	15.1	21.5	-5.8
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-0.9	0.6	-10.2
Financing activities:	'	'	'
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	1.6	-12.5	10.7
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	15.8	9.6	-5.3
Effect of exchange rates	-5.4	1.5	1.6
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	10.4	11.1	-3.7
Beginning cash and cash equivalents	53.4	42.3	46
Cash and cash equivalents-end of period	63.8	53.4	42.3
Eliminations [Member]	'	'	'
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	-115.7	-236.6	-171.8
Equity in (earnings) loss of subsidiaries	115.7	236.6	171.8
Net adjustments	115.7	236.6	171.8
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-1,457.70	-56.2	-47.5
Financing activities:	'	'	'
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	$1,457.70	$56.20	$47.50

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ6

Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements - Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS	'	'
Current assets	$1,241.90	$1,254.30
Property, plant and equipment net of accumulated depreciation	452.7	483.4
Other noncurrent assets	223.4	226.5
Total assets	1,918	1,964.20
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	'	'
Current liabilities	461.1	456
Noncurrent liabilities	1,600.10	1,788.70
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	1.3	1.7
Ryerson Inc. stockholders' equity	-142	-284.9
Noncontrolling interest	-2.5	2.7
Total Liabilities and Equity	1,918	1,964.20
Parent [Member]	'	'
ASSETS	'	'
Current assets	3.5	381.7
Other noncurrent assets	1,113	944.2
Total assets	1,116.50	1,325.90
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	'	'
Current liabilities	259.3	16.5
Noncurrent liabilities	999.2	1,594.30
Ryerson Inc. stockholders' equity	-142	-284.9
Total Liabilities and Equity	1,116.50	1,325.90
Joseph T. Ryerson [Member]	'	'
ASSETS	'	'
Current assets	1,173.70	2,215.90
Property, plant and equipment net of accumulated depreciation	387.8	410.8
Other noncurrent assets	870.6	319.2
Total assets	2,432.10	2,945.90
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	'	'
Current liabilities	239.7	254.3
Noncurrent liabilities	1,200	1,872.20
Ryerson Inc. stockholders' equity	992.4	819.4
Total Liabilities and Equity	2,432.10	2,945.90
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'
ASSETS	'	'
Current assets	113	63
Property, plant and equipment net of accumulated depreciation	3.1	3.1
Other noncurrent assets	321.8	1,818.60
Total assets	437.9	1,884.70
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	'	'
Current liabilities	135	1,738.30
Noncurrent liabilities	5.3	0.8
Ryerson Inc. stockholders' equity	297.6	145.6
Total Liabilities and Equity	437.9	1,884.70
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'
ASSETS	'	'
Current assets	235.4	214.5
Property, plant and equipment net of accumulated depreciation	61.8	69.5
Other noncurrent assets	5.8	14.4
Total assets	303	298.4
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	'	'
Current liabilities	110.8	67.7
Noncurrent liabilities	27.7	32.8
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	1.3	1.7
Ryerson Inc. stockholders' equity	165.7	193.5
Noncontrolling interest	-2.5	2.7
Total Liabilities and Equity	303	298.4
Eliminations [Member]	'	'
ASSETS	'	'
Current assets	-283.7	-1,620.80
Other noncurrent assets	-2,087.80	-2,869.90
Total assets	-2,371.50	-4,490.70
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	'	'
Current liabilities	-283.7	-1,620.80
Noncurrent liabilities	-632.1	-1,711.40
Ryerson Inc. stockholders' equity	-1,455.70	-1,158.50
Total Liabilities and Equity	($2,371.50)	($4,490.70)

Summary_by_Quarter_Detail

Summary by Quarter (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended														12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2013		Mar. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012		Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Supplemental Financial Information [Abstract]	'		'		'		'		'		'	'		'	'	'	'
Net sales	$802.50	[1]	$859.80	[2]	$906.90	[3]	$891.10	[4]	$850.30	[5]	$962.20	$1,090.60	[6]	$1,121.60	$3,460.30	$4,024.70	$4,729.80
Gross profit	147.2	[1]	155.1	[2]	158.5	[3]	155.8	[4]	154.3	[5]	180.5	184	[6]	190.8	616.6	709.6	658.8
Income (loss) before income taxes	-0.1	[1]	6.2	[2]	2.4	[3]	6	[4]	-7.9	[5]	32.1	32.6	[6]	39.8	14.5	96.6	23.1
Net income (loss)	71.5	[1]	3.3	[2]	0.2	[3]	4.9	[4]	5.7	[5]	31.6	29.4	[6]	37.1	79.9	103.8	34.6
Net income (loss) attributable to Ryerson Inc.	$72.40	[1]	$4.30	[2]	$1.90	[3]	$7.10	[4]	$7	[5]	$33.50	$30.60	[6]	$38.20	$85.70	$109.30	$42.90
[1]	Included in the fourth quarter 2013 results is an impairment charge of $1.2 million related to certain assets held for sale to recognize the assets at their appraised fair value less cost to sell and an income tax benefit of $71.6 million, primarily related to a reduction in valuation allowance previously recorded against U.S. deferred tax assets.
[2]	Included in the third quarter 2013 results is an impairment charge of $1.1 million related to certain assets held for sale to recognize the assets at their fair value less cost to sell.
[3]	Included in the second quarter 2013 results is an impairment charge of $6.8 million to reduce the carrying value of goodwill at a reporting unit to its implied fair value. The second quarter also includes a $2.1 million restructuring charge related to the closure of a facility.
[4]	Included in the first quarter 2013 results is an impairment charge of $0.9 million related to certain assets held for sale to recognize the assets at their fair value less cost to sell.
[5]	Included in the fourth quarter 2012 results is an impairment charge of $0.1 million related to certain assets held for sale to recognize the assets at their fair value less cost to sell, $1.1 million restructuring charges primarily for employee-related costs resulting from a facility closure, a $17.2 million loss on the redemption of the Ryerson Notes, and a $1.7 million curtailment gain related to an amendment of a Canadian post-retirement medical and life insurance plan. The fourth quarter of 2012 also included an income tax benefit of $15.2 million related to the release of valuation allowance associated with certain state deferred tax assets.
[6]	Included in the second quarter 2012 results is an impairment charge of $0.9 million related to certain assets held for sale to recognize the assets at their fair value less cost to sell.

Summary_by_Quarter_Parenthetic

Summary by Quarter (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended						12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Supplemental Financial Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Impairment charges on fixed assets and goodwill	$1.20	$1.10	$6.80	$0.90	$0.10	$0.90	$10	$1	$9.30
Restructuring charge	'	'	2.1	'	1.1	'	1.9	1.1	11.1
Loss on redemption of notes	'	'	'	'	-17.2	'	'	-17.2	-0.2
Pension and other postretirement benefits curtailment gain (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1.7	'
Income tax benefit	71.6	'	'	'	15.2	'	'	'	'
Other Postretirement Benefits for Canadian Plans [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Supplemental Financial Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Pension and other postretirement benefits curtailment gain (loss)	'	'	'	'	$1.70	'	'	$1.70	'

Valuation_and_Qualifying_Accou

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Allowance for doubtful accounts [Member]	'	'	'
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Balance at Beginning of Period	$7.10	$7.70	$8.70
Additions Charged (Credited) to Income	-0.7	1.7	3.4
Deductions from Reserves	-1	-2.3	-4.4
Balance at End of Period	5.4	7.1	7.7
Valuation allowance deferred tax assets [Member]	'	'	'
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Balance at Beginning of Period	95.2	121.5	124.8
Acquisition of Business	'	1.2	'
Additions Charged (Credited) to Income	-76.8	-41	-30.1
Additions Charged to Other Comprehensive Income	'	13.5	26.8
Balance at End of Period	$18.40	$95.20	$121.50

Valuation_and_Qualifying_Accou1

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Parenthetical) (Detail) (Acofran [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Acofran [Member]	'	'
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Reserve acquired	$1.20	$1.20