Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract] Environmental obligations Environmental Obligations Environmental obligations. Insurance claim liabilities Insurance Claim Liabilities Insurance claim liabilities. Asset retirement obligations Asset Retirement Obligations, Noncurrent Deferred purchase price obligation Deferred Purchase Price Obligation Deferred purchase price obligation. Other Other Long Term Liabilities Other long term liabilities. Total other long term liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Guarantees [Abstract] Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Eliminations [Member] Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Issuer [Member] Subsidiary Issuer [Member] Guarantors [Member] Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Non-Guarantors [Member] Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Net sales of zinc material and other goods Sales Revenue, Goods, Net Net sales of nickel-based material and other services Recycling Revenue EAF dust service fees Sales Revenue, Services, Net Net sales Revenue, Net Cost of sales of zinc material and other goods Costs Of Goods Sold Excluding Depreciation And Amortization Cost of sales of zinc material and other goods. Cost of sales of nickel-based material and other services Cost Of Sales Of Nickel Based Material And Other Services Excluding Depreciation And Amortization Cost of sales of nickel-based material and other services. Cost of EAF dust services Cost of Services Unusual or Infrequent Item, Insurance Proceeds Unusual or Infrequent Item, Insurance Proceeds Restructuring expenses Restructuring Charges Cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization) Cost Of Sales Excluding Depreciation And Amortization Cost of sales excluding depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Selling, general and administrative expenses Selling, General and Administrative Expense Total costs and expenses Costs and Expenses (Loss) income from operations Operating Income (Loss) Equity (loss) in income of subsidiaries, net of taxes Equity In Income Of Subsidiaries Net Of Taxes Equity in income of subsidiaries net of taxes. Other income (expense) Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Interest expense Interest and Debt Expense Interest and other income Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total other income (expense) Nonoperating Income (Expense) (Loss) income before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Income tax (benefit) expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net (loss) income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Credit Agreement Credit Agreement [Member] Credit Agreement [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Zochem Facility Zochem Facility [Member] Zochem Facility [Member]. 2014 Zochem Facility 2014 Zochem Facility [Member] 2014 Zochem Facility [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Senior secured revolving credit facility period (months) Credit Facility Credit Period Credit facility credit period. Senior secured revolving credit facility aggregate principal amount Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Maximum Debt To Equity Ratio Maximum Debt To Equity Ratio Maximum debt to equity ratio. Maximum principal amount of revolving credit agreement Maximum Borrowing Capacity For Letters Of Credit Maximum borrowing capacity for letters of credit. Outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit agreement Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding Undrawn availability under the revolving credit agreement Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Applicable margin based on average undrawn availability (percent) Debt Instrument Basis Spread On Variable Rate Under Condition One Debt instrument basis spread on variable rate under condition one. Applicable Margin Plus Eurodollar Rate Applicable Margin Plus Eurodollar Rate Applicable margin plus Eurodollar rate. Applicable margin based on average undrawn availability, condition two (percent) Debt Instrument, Letter of Credit fee Debt Instrument, Letter of Credit fee Rate of fee to the issuing bank/Unused line fee to the lenders (percent) Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage Fronting fee to the issuing bank (percent) Line Of Credit Facility Fronting Fee Percentage Line of credit facility fronting fee percentage. Minimum percentage of advances considered for customary event of default (percent) Minimum Percentage Of Advances Considered For Customary Event Of Default Minimum percentage of advances considered for customary event of default. Applicable rate plus additional (percent) Debt Instrument Additional Interest Payable On Default Debt instrument additional interest payable on default. Increased in letter of credit fee (percent) Line Of Credit Facility Unused Capacity Additional Fee Percentage during Availability Period Line of credit facility unused capacity commitment additional fee percentage on default. Minimum fixed charge coverage ratio Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio Fixed charge coverage ratio. Issuance cost Debt Issuance Cost Amortization of deferred finance costs Amortization of Financing Costs Inventory, Net [Abstract] Raw materials Inventory, Raw Materials, Gross Work-in-process Inventory, Work in Process, Gross Finished goods Inventory, Finished Goods, Gross Supplies and spare parts Inventory, Supplies, Net of Reserves Total Inventories Inventory, Net Insurance [Abstract] Insurance Recoveries Business And Property Damages Insurance Recoveries [Text Block] Business and property damages insurance recoveries. Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Business Insurance Recoveries [Table] Schedule of Business Insurance Recoveries [Table] INMETCO Credit Facility Inmetco Facility [Member] Inmetco Facility [Member] Business Interruption Loss [Line Items] Business Interruption Loss [Line Items] Property damage insurance recovery Property Damage Insurance Recovery Property damage insurance recovery. Cost of clean-up and repairs Accident Clean Up Expense Accident clean up expense. Write off of fixed assets Write Off Of Assets In Connection With Insurance Recovery Write off of assets in connection with insurance recovery. Gain related to insurance recovery included in cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization) Accident Costs Included In Cost Of Sales Accident costs included in cost of sales. Insurance proceeds related to fixed assets Insurance Proceeds Related To Fixed Assets Insurance proceeds related to fixed assets. Costs capitalized Accident Related Costs Capitalized Accident related costs capitalized. Schedule of Other Long-Term Liabilities Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Table Text Block] Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current [Abstract] Refundable income taxes Prepaid Taxes Prepaid hedge contracts Prepaid Hedge Contracts Expenses Options and swaps included in prepaid expenses and other assets. Other Other Prepaid Expense, Current Total prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] Pennsylvania PENNSYLVANIA ABL and Zochem ABL and Zochem [Member] ABL and Zochem [Member] ABL Facility Abl Facility [Member] ABL facility. Surety Bond Surety Bond [Member] Letters of credit outstanding under the revolving credit agreement Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Number of bond outstanding (surety bond) Number Of Surety Bonds Outstanding Number of surety bonds outstanding. Amount collateralize closure bonds for two of the company Value Of Surety Bonds Outstanding Value of surety bonds outstanding. Number of facilities (facility) Number Of Facilities Number of facilities. Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum Minimum [Member] Maximum Maximum [Member] Horsehead Horsehead Holding Corporation [Member] Horsehead Holding Corporation. Senior secured revolving credit facility term (years) Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility Term Senior secured revolving credit facility term. Debt Instrument, Increase of advances in receivables and inventory Line of Credit Facility, Additional Capacity During Availability Period Line of Credit Facility, Additional Capacity During Availability Period LIBOR interest rate (percent) Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate during Availability Period Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate during Availability Period Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate during Availability Period Range of revolving credit agreement, plus an applicable margin based on average undrawn availability (percent) Applicable Margin Plus Eurodollar Rate during Availability Period Applicable Margin Plus Eurodollar Rate during Availability Period Applicable Margin Plus Eurodollar Rate during Availability Period Minimum fixed charge coverage ratio contains in revolving credit agreement Minimum Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio Minimum fixed charge coverage ratio. Minimum undrawn availability of line of credit within any business day (days) Minimum Undrawn Availability Of Line Of Credit With In Any Business Day Minimum undrawn availability of line of credit with in any business day. Minimum undrawn availability of line of credit within consecutive five business day Minimum Undrawn Availability Of Line Of Credit With In Consecutive Five Business Day Minimum undrawn availability of line of credit with in consecutive five business day. Number of business days (days) Number Of Business Days Number of business days. Other Long-Term Liabilities Other Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract] Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents Disclosure [Text Block] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Schedule of Information Used to Compute Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Schedule of Anti-dilutive Shares Excluded from Earnings Per Share Calculation Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block] Property Plant And Equipment Useful Life And Values [Abstract] Property Plant and Equipment Useful Life And Values [Abstract] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] New Zinc Facility New Zinc Facility [Member] New Zinc Facility [Member] Monaca Pennsylvania Facility Monaca Pennsylvania Facility [Member] Monaca Pennsylvania Facility [Member] Depreciation and Amortization Expenses for Property Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Depreciation And Amortization Expenses For Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items] Depreciation and amortization expenses for property plant and equipment. Capitalization of interest expenses Interest Expense Capitalize Interest expense capitalize. Net capitalized interest expense Capitalized Interest Project Capitalized interest project. Impairment charges Asset Impairment Charges Net book value of asset Net Book Value Of Remaining Asset Net book value of remaining asset. Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Other comprehensive income, net of tax: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Net pension liability adjustment Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax Comprehensive (loss) income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash Flows from Operating Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Net (loss) income Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash used in operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Gain on insurance recovery related to fixed assets Gain On Insurance Recovery Related To Fixed Assets Gain on insurance recovery related to fixed assets. Deferred income tax benefit Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Accretion on debt Amortization of Debt Discount (Premium) Accretion on ESOI liabilities Accretion Expense Losses on writedown or disposal of assets Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment, Excluding Oil and Gas Property and Timber Property (Gains) on derivative financial instruments Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Lower of cost or market adjustment to inventories Inventory Write-down Non-cash compensation expense Share-based Compensation Capitalization of interest Capitalization Of Interest Capitalization of interest. Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] (Increase) in accounts receivable, net Increase (Decrease) in Accounts and Other Receivables Decrease (increase) in inventories, net Increase (Decrease) in Inventories (Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets (Increase) in deferred finance costs and other Increase (Decrease) in Deposit Assets (Decrease) in accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Increase in accrued expenses Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Liabilities Increase in other long-term liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Noncurrent Liabilities Net cash used in operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash Flows from Investing Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Purchase of property, plant and equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Insurance proceeds related to fixed assets Proceeds from Insurance Settlement, Investing Activities Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash Flows from Financing Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Proceeds from the issuance of debt Proceeds from Issuance of Debt Distributions to noncontrolling interest equity holders Proceeds from (Payments to) Noncontrolling Interests Borrowings on the Credit Facilities Proceeds from Long-term Lines of Credit Repayments on the Credit Facilities Repayments of Long-term Lines of Credit Debt issuance costs Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Borrowings on the Credit Agreement Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Repayments on the Credit Agreement Repayments of Long-term Debt Proceeds from the exercise of stock options Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Tax effect of share based compensation award exercise and vesting Tax Effect From Share Based Compensation Financing Activities Net Tax effect from share based compensation financing activities net. Restricted stock withheld for taxes Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation Net cash provided by financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Commodity contract Nickel Commodity contract Nickel [Member] Commodity contract Nickel [Member] Swap Swap [Member] Put Option Put Option [Member] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Subsequent Event [Member] Investment Type [Axis] Investment Type [Axis] Investments [Domain] Investments [Domain] Fixed Price Swaps Fixed Price Swaps [Member] Fixed Price Swaps [Member] Call Option Call Option [Member] Position [Axis] Position [Axis] Position [Domain] Position [Domain] Long Long [Member] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Number of Broker Number of Broker Number of broker. Maximum period of deliver quantities of product (years) Maximum Period Of Deliver Quantities Of Product Minimum period of deliver quantities of product. Fixed portion of fixed to variable swap contracts (dollars per lb) Derivative Swap Type Fixed To Variable Swap Contracts Fixed to variable price rate related to the price risk swap derivative. Copper fixed to variable contracts outstanding (dollars per lb) Copper Fixed To Variable Contracts Outstanding Copper fixed to variable contracts outstanding. Zinc fixed to variable future swap contracts (tons) Fixed To Variable Future Swap Contracts Capacity Fixed to variable future swap contracts Capacity Fixed portion of nickel swap contracts (dollars per lb) Fixed Portion Of Nickel Swap Contracts Fixed portion of nickel swap contracts. Lead variable to fixed contracts outstanding (dollars per lb) Lead Variable To Fixed Contracts Outstanding Lead variable to fixed contracts outstanding. Variable to fixed future swap contracts (tons) Variable To Fixed Future Swap Contracts Capacity Variable to fixed future swap contracts. Variable to fixed future swap contracts (dollars per ton) Variable To Fixed Future Swap Contracts, Strike Price Variable To Fixed Future Swap Contracts, Strike Price Proceeds from the exercise of options Proceeds from Sale of Derivatives Proceeds from Sale of Derivatives Settlement of swap contracts Settlement Of Derivative Contracts Settlement of derivative contracts. Strike price (dollars per lb) Derivative, Price Risk Option Strike Price Quantity of zinc production (tons) Capacity Of Underlying Assets Capacity of underlying assets. Percentage of the expected shipments for the period (percent) Percentage Unit Of Zinc Expected For Shipments Percentage unit of zinc expected for shipments. Cost of option Cost Of Derivatives Purchased Cost of derivatives purchased. Strike price rate negligible during period (dollars per lb) Strike Price Of Derivative Strike price of derivative. Call options exercised (shares) Call Options Exercised Call options exercised. Amount of outstanding over the counter position Amount Of Outstanding Over Counter Position Amount of outstanding over counter position. Derivatives instruments proceed from selling of right related to future bankruptcy settlement Derivatives Instruments Proceed From Selling Of Right Related To Future Bankruptcy Settlement Derivatives instruments proceed from selling of right related to future bankruptcy settlement. Schedule of Long-Term Debt Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Deposits [Abstract] Deferred finance costs Deferred Finance Costs, Net Other Prepaid Expense Other, Noncurrent Deposits and other, Total Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Noncurrent Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $594 and $554, respectively Accounts and Other Receivables, Net, Current Inventories, net Prepaid expenses and other current assets Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Property, plant and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Other assets Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] Intangible assets, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Deferred finance costs and other Total other assets Assets, Noncurrent Total assets Assets LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current liabilities Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Current maturities of long-term debt Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Accrued expenses Accrued Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Long-term debt, less current maturities Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Other long-term liabilities Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Commitments and contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Stockholders’ equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; 100,000 shares authorized; 50,708 and 50,437 shares issued and outstanding in 2014 and 2013, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued Preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share; 10,000 shares authorized; no shares issued or outstanding Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive income Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total stockholders’ equity before noncontrolling interest Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Noncontrolling interest Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total stockholders’ equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity Liabilities and Equity Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table] Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table] Horsehead HORSEHEAD CORPORATION [Member] HORSEHEAD CORPORATION [Member] Zochem Zochem [Member] Zochem. INMETCO INMETCO [Member] INMETCO. Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Operating Segments Operating Segments [Member] Corporate, Eliminations and Other Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] Revenue from External Customer [Line Items] Revenue from External Customer [Line Items] (Loss) income before income taxes Business Combinations [Abstract] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Mitsui Zinc Powders Mitsui Zinc Powders [Member] Mitsui Zinc Powders [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Estimated purchase price Business Combination Estimated Consideration Transferred Business combination estimated consideration transferred. Business acquisition purchase price paid Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Contingent consideration, Total Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability Contingent consideration fee based on tons shipped, maximum Business Acquisition Maximum Contingent Consideration Business acquisition maximum contingent consideration. Contingent consideration, Reduction of estimated liability Contingent consideration, Reduction of estimated liability Contingent consideration, Reduction of estimated liability Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets Prepaid Expenses And Other Current Assets Disclosure [Text Block] The entire disclosure for prepaid expense and other current assets. This includes amounts paid in advance for capitalized costs that will be expenses with the passage of time or the occurrence of a triggering event, and will be charged against earnings within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer, and the aggregate carrying amount of current assets, as of the balance sheet date, not separately presented elsewhere in the balance sheet. Current assets are expected to be realized or consumed within one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Restructuring Expenses Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Schedule of Accrued Expenses Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block] Other comprehensive loss, net of tax: Clean-up, repair and other costs associated with the explosion Insurance Recovery Related Expense Insurance recovery related expense. Amount Of Fire Insurance, Deductible Amount Of Fire Insurance, Deductible Amount Of Fire Insurance, Deductible Recorded insurance recoveries related to property damage Final insurance settlement Insurance Recoveries Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Retained Earnings Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] Non-Controlling Interest Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Beginning Balance Beginning Balance (shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Restricted stock vesting Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures Restricted stock vesting (shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures Stock compensation expense Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Share-based Compensation, Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Net tax benefit of equity award vesting Adjustment to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Effect from Share-based Compensation, Net Distribution to noncontrolling interests Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders Restricted stock withheld for taxes Restricted Stock Withheld For Taxes Restricted stock withheld for taxes. Comprehensive loss, net of tax Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Ending Balance Ending Balance (shares) Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract] Senior Notes Senior Notes [Member] 9.00% Senior Notes due 2017 9.00% Senior Notes due 2017 [Member] 9.00% Senior Notes due 2017 [Member] Notes sold Debt Instrument, Face Amount Debt interest rate (percent) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Senior secured notes issue price as percentage of par Senior Secured Notes Issue Price Senior secured notes issue price. Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Options Options Held [Member] Swaps Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net Gains (losses) included in net sales: Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net [Abstract] Equity [Abstract] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] Inmetco Facility Inmetco Senior Secured Revolving Credit Agreement [Member] Inmetco senior secured revolving credit agreement. Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Senior secured revolving credit facility period (years) Percentage of fronting fee to the issuing bank equal to maximum principal amount (percent) Line Of Credit One Time Fronting Fee Percent Of Maximum Principal Amount Line of credit one time fronting fee percent of maximum principal amount. Maximum cash flow leverage ratio Debt Instrument Maximum Cash Leverage Ratio Debt instrument maximum cash leverage ratio. Minimum tangible net worth Debt Instrument Minimum Tangible Net Worth Requirement Debt instrument minimum tangible net worth requirement. Minimum net profit requirement Debt Instrument Minimum Net Profit Requirement Debt instrument minimum net profit requirement. Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Subsequent Events [Abstract] 10.50% Senior Secured Notes due 2017 10.50% Senior Secured Notes due 2017 [Member] 10.50% Senior Secured Notes due 2014 [Member] Senior Secured Notes Senior Secured Notes [Member] Senior Secured Notes [Member] Effective interest rate (percent) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Long-term Debt Long-term Debt Proceeds from Issuance of Private Placement Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract] Land and land improvements Land and Land Improvements Buildings and building improvements Buildings and Improvements, Gross Machinery and equipment Machinery and Equipment, Gross Construction in progress Construction in Progress, Gross Property, plant and equipment, Gross Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Less accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Property, plant and equipment, net Convertible Senior Notes Convertible Senior Notes [Member] Convertible senior notes. Convertible Notes Convertible Notes [Member] Convertible Notes [Member] Convertible notes issued Interest on convertible note (percent) Proceeds from the issuance of convertible notes Proceeds from Convertible Debt Conversion rate Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Ratio Principal amount of convertible notes (shares) Underlying Share Amount Of Convertible Notes Underlying share amount of convertible notes. Conversion price (dollars per share) Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price Percentage of principal amount of convertible notes to repurchase (percent) Percentage Of Principal Amount Of Convertible Notes To Repurchase Percentage of principal amount of convertible notes to repurchase. Fair value of the liability component of the convertible notes Convertible Debt Fair Value At Issuance Convertible debt fair value at issuance. Nonconvertible rate (percent) Nonconvertible Rate Nonconvertible rate. Carrying amount of the embedded conversion option Initial Carrying Amount Of Embedded Conversion Option Initial carrying amount of embedded conversion option. Embedded conversion options, deferred taxes Deferred Taxes Related To Initial Carrying Amount Of Embedded Conversion Option Deferred taxes related to initial carrying amount of embedded conversion option. Remaining issuance costs accounted for as equity issuance Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Stock Issued, Issuance Costs Interest expense includes the contractual interest coupon Interest Expense, Debt Interest expense includes the contractual interest coupon (percent) Contractual Coupon Interest Percentage Contractual coupon interest percentage. Carrying amount of the convertible notes Convertible Notes Payable Unamortized discount of the convertible notes Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount Carrying amount of the equity component Debt Instrument, Convertible, Carrying Amount of Equity Component Accumulated accretion related to the equity component Accumulated Accretion Equity Component Accumulated accretion equity component. Fair value of the convertible notes Convertible Debt, Fair Value Disclosures Gain On Insurance Recovery Related To Fixed Assets Deferred income tax provision Capitalization of interest Equity (loss) in income of subsidiaries, net of taxes Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable Decrease in inventories Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other current assets (Increase) decrease in deferred finance costs and other (Decrease) increase in long-term liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash Investment in and advance (to) from subsidiaries Investment In And Advance To From Subsidiaries Investment in and advance to from subsidiaries. Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Title of Individual [Axis] Title of Individual [Axis] Relationship to Entity [Domain] Relationship to Entity [Domain] Management Management [Member] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Equity Award [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] 2006 Plan Stock Option Plan Two Thousand Six [Member] Stock Option Plan Two Thousand Six [Member] 2012 Plan Plan Two Thousand Twelve [Member] Plan Two Thousand Twelve [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Number of restricted stock unit granted (shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross Stock option period (years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period Number of options vested and exercisable (shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Number Issuance of stock option exercise price (dollars per share) Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price Stock option remaining contractual life (years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Share based compensation expenses Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Restricted stock units outstanding (shares) Restricted Stock Units Outstanding Restricted stock units outstanding. Restricted stock options outstanding weighted average grant date fair value (dollars per share) Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Restricted Stock Options Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award restricted stock options weighted average grant date fair value. Number of restricted stock vested (shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Restricted stock vested intrinsic value Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Restricted Stock Vested Intrinsic Value Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award restricted stock vested intrinsic value. Unrecognized compensation expense Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Awards, stock options or other grants expected to be issued (shares) Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Shares Expected To Be Issued Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award shares expected to be issued. Common stock, capital shares reserved for future issuance (shares) Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance Share based compensation number of restricted stock average grant date fair value (dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Stock option vesting period (years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Stock option requisite service period (years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Requisite Service Period Management based restricted stock (shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Risk free interest rate (percent) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Expected dividends Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Payments Forfeiture rate Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Fair Value Assumptions Forfeiture Rate Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award fair value assumptions forfeiture rate. Allowance for accounts receivable Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Common stock, par value (dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares authorized (shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued (shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares outstanding (shares) Preferred stock, par value (dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, shares authorized (shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares issued (shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred stock, shares outstanding (shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Cumulative translation adjustments Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Net pension adjustment Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net of Tax Accumulated other comprehensive income Share-Based Compensation Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Schedule of Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated [Table] Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated [Table] Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items] Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items] Total assets Capital expenditures for the six months ended June 30, 2014 Property, Plant and Equipment, Additions Postemployment Benefits [Abstract] Employee Benefit Plans Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans [Text Block] Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Costs Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Inventories Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Long -Term Debt Long-term Debt [Text Block] Deferred Finance Costs and Other Deposits And Other Disclosure [Text Block] The entire disclosure for deposits and other at the end of the reporting period. Accrued Expenses Accrued Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block] The entire disclosure for accrued liabilities at the end of the reporting period. Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract] Net periodic benefit costs related to the plan Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost Contribution to defined benefit plans Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer Expected additional contribution to defined benefit pension plan during fiscal year Defined Benefit Plans, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Current Fiscal Year Fair value of salary pension plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets Guarantor Financial Information Guarantor Financial Information [Text Block] Guarantor financial information. Schedule of Gains and Losses Resulting from Company's Hedging Activities Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Fair Value of Swap Contracts and Put Options Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Basic (loss) income per share: Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Weighted average shares outstanding – basic (shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Basic (loss) earnings per share (dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted (loss) income per share: Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted (shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Diluted (loss) earnings per share (dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Reconciliation of average shares outstanding – basic to average shares outstanding – diluted: Earnings Per Share Reconciliation [Abstract] Effect of dilutive securities: Incremental Weighted Average Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect [Abstract] Options (shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Conversion of Debt Securities Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Conversion of Debt Securities Restricted stock units (shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable To Share Based Payment Arrangements Restricted Stock Incremental common shares attributable to share based payment arrangements restricted stock. Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted (shares) Subsequent Events Subsequent Events [Text Block] Document Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Document Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document Type Document Type Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Accounts receivable, net of allowance Total current assets Investment in and advances to subsidiaries Investment In And Advances To Affiliates Investment in and advances to affiliates. Total current liabilities Common stock Preferred stock Total stockholders’ equity before noncontrolling interest Total stockholders’ equity Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity Zochem Credit Facility Zochem Credit Facility [Member] Zochem Credit Facility [Member] 3.80% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2017 Three Point Eight Zero Percent Convertible Senior Notes Due Two Thousand Seventeen [Member] Three point eight zero percent convertible senior notes due two thousand seventeen. 10.50% Senior Secured Notes Due 2017 Ten Point Five Zero Percentage Senior Secured Notes Due Two Zero One Seven [Member] Ten point five zero percentage senior secured notes due two zero one seven. Loan Payable, related to New Market Tax Credit program Loans Payable 3.80% Convertible Senior Notes due July 2017, net of debt discount 10.50% Senior Secured Notes due June 2017, net of debt discount Secured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent Long-term Line of Credit Long-term Line of Credit Credit Agreement, interest payable at variable rates Credit Agreement Amount Outstanding Credit agreement amount outstanding. Long term debt Less portion currently payable Notes and Loans Payable, Current Long term debt, net Maturity date of convertible note Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Maturity of senior secured notes Maturity Of Senior Secured Notes Maturity of senior secured notes. Reserves for slow moving inventory Inventory Valuation Reserves Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Effective tax rates (percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Statutory federal income tax rate (percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent Conversion price of Convertible Notes (dollars per share) Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Contingencies Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Restructuring and Related Costs Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block] Number of U.S. banks Number Of Domestic Banks In Which Companys Cash Balance Concentrated Number of domestic banks in which company's cash balance concentrated. Number of Canadian banks Number Of Foreign Banks In Which Companys Cash Balance Concentrated Number of foreign banks in which company's cash balance concentrated. Cash held at foreign institution Foreign Financial Institutions, Actual Deposits Money market demand account interest rate (percent) Weighted Average Rate Domestic Deposit Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract] Service Cost Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Interest Cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets Losses Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses) Net periodic benefit cost Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Options and Swaps Options And Swaps [Member] Options and swaps. Options and swaps included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets. Swaps included in Accrued expenses Accrued Hedge Contracts Current Accrued hedge contracts current. Acquisition of Business Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Consolidated Balance Sheets Schedule Of Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Schedule of balance sheet. Schedule of Consolidated Statements of Operations Schedule Of Income Statement [Table Text Block] Schedule of income statement table. Schedule of Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow Schedule Of Cash Flow Statement [Table Text Block] Schedule of cash flow statement table. Credit agreement remaining borrowing capacity Credit Agreement Remaining Borrowing Capacity Credit agreement remaining borrowing capacity. Payment for the premium of the insurance Payment Of Insurance Premium Payment of insurance premium. Credit agreement expiration date Credit Agreement Expiration Date Credit agreement expiration date. Commitment fee on the undrawn amount of the credit agreement (percent) Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage Maximum debt to equity ratio Earnings Per Share, Diluted, Other Disclosures [Abstract] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Options Employee Stock Option [Member] Restricted Stock Restricted Stock [Member] Dilutive Securities Included And Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Dilutive Securities Included And Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Dilutive Securities Included And Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Anti-dilutive shares excluded from earnings per share calculation, Exercise Price (dollars per share) Anti Dilutive Shares Excluded From Earnings Per Share Exercise Price Anti dilutive shares excluded from earnings per share exercise price. Anti-dilutive shares excluded from earnings per share calculation, Total (shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Senior Secured Notes Additional Senior Secured Notes Additional [Member] Senior Secured Notes Additional [Member] Additional Senior secured notes issue price of par value (percent) Received proceeds from the offering Proceeds from Issuance of Private Placement Net proceeds from the offering Proceeds from Debt, Net of Issuance Costs Debt instrument redemption price first (percent) Debt Instrument Redemption Price First Debt instrument redemption price first. Maximum percentage amount redeemable of aggregate principal (percent) Debt Instrument Redemption Principal Amount Debt instrument redemption principal amount. Debt instrument redemption price second (percent) Debt Instrument Redemption Price Second Debt instrument redemption price second. Debt discount of senior secured notes Senior Secured Debt Discount Senior secured debt discount. Interest expense related to Senior Secured Notes Interest Expense Carrying amount of the Senior Secured Note Fair value of the senior secured notes Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure Debt Premium Debt Instrument Premium Debt instrument premium. Schedule of Segment Information Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table Text Block] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Schedule of Costs and Insurance Recoveries Schedule of Business Insurance Recoveries [Table Text Block] Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value [Abstract] Cash in bank Cash Money market demand account Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Total cash and cash equivalents Income Statement [Abstract] Net sales Insurance claim income Cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization) Total costs and expenses NET (LOSS) INCOME (Loss) income per common share: Weighted average shares outstanding: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Inventories Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Employee related costs Employee-related Liabilities, Current EAF dust processing reserve Accrued Expenses On Eaf Dust Processing Reserve EAF dust processing reserve. Workers’ compensation insurance claim liabilities Workers' Compensation Liability, Current Unearned tolling revenue Accrued Expenses On Unearned Tolling Revenue Unearned tolling revenue. Accrued electric Accrued Utilities Electric Accrued utilities electric. Accrued interest Accrued Interest Accrued interest. Unearned contractual services Unearned Contractual Services Unearned Contractual Services Restructuring accrual Restructuring Reserve Other Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Total accrued expenses Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Non guarantor subsidiaries assets (percent) Percentage Of Assets By Non Guarantor Subsidiaries Percentage of assets by non guarantor subsidiaries. Non guarantor subsidiaries revenues (percent) Percentage Of Revenues By Non Guarantor Subsidiaries Percentage of revenues by non guarantor subsidiaries. Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table Text Block] Schedule of Deferred Finance Cost and Other Schedule Of Deposits And Other [Table Text Block] Schedule of deposits and other. Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Accounting Policies [Abstract] New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Forecast Scenario, Forecast [Member] Restructuring Type [Axis] Restructuring Type [Axis] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Facility Closing Facility Closing [Member] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Expected number of terminations Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Number of Positions Eliminated Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Accrual at beginning of period Adjustments to previously recorded restructuring charges Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment Cash payments Payments for Restructuring Accrual at end of period Expected exit and disposal costs incurred Exit and Disposal Costs, Expected Cost Exit and Disposal Costs, Expected Cost Expected exit and Disposal Costs incurred Expected exit and Disposal Costs incurred Expected exit and Disposal Costs incurred Basis of Presentation Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block]