| Document and Entity Information | Apr. 01, 2022 |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | UNIVERSAL STAINLESS & ALLOY PRODUCTS INC |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000931584 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Apr. 1, 2022 |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-39467 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 25-1724540 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 600 Mayer Street |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Bridgeville |
| Entity Address, State or Province | PA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 15017 |
| City Area Code | (412) |
| Local Phone Number | 257-7600 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Common Stock [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share |
| Trading Symbol | USAP |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Preferred Stock [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | Preferred Stock Purchase Rights |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
