Entity Central Index Key Foreign debt short term amount. Defined benefit plan actuarial gain loss recognized in net periodic benefit cost. Noncash income expense. Investment in subsidiaries net. Credit facility issuance costs. Dividends in excess of investment in subsidiaries. Document and entity information. 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 Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name 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 Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Net sales Sales Revenue Net Cost of materials sold Cost Of Goods Sold Gross profit Gross Profit Warehousing, delivery, selling, general and administrative Selling General And Administrative Expense Restructuring and other charges Restructuring Charges Impairment charges on fixed assets Asset Impairment Charges Operating profit Operating Income Loss Other income and (expense), net Nonoperating Income Expense Interest and other expense on debt Interest And Debt Expense Income before income taxes Income Loss From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes Extraordinary Items Noncontrolling Interest Provision for income taxes Income Tax Expense Benefit Net income Profit Loss Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest Net Income Loss Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Net income attributable to Ryerson Holding Corporation Net Income Loss Comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Ryerson Holding Corporation Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax Basic and diluted earnings per share Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted Statement Of Cash Flows [Abstract] Operating activities: Net Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities Continuing Operations [Abstract] Net income Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments To Reconcile Net Income Loss To Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization Depreciation And Amortization Stock-based compensation Share Based Compensation Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense Benefit Provision for allowances, claims and doubtful accounts Provision For Doubtful Accounts (Gain) loss on retirement of debt Gains Losses On Extinguishment Of Debt Other-than-temporary impairment charge on available-for-sale investments Other Than Temporary Impairment Losses Investments Portion Recognized In Earnings Net Premium and fees paid related to debt modification Payments Of Debt Restructuring Costs Other items Other Operating Activities Cash Flow Statement Change in operating assets and liabilities: Increase Decrease In Operating Capital [Abstract] Receivables Increase Decrease In Receivables Inventories Increase Decrease In Inventories Other assets Increase Decrease In Other Operating Assets Accounts payable Increase Decrease In Accounts Payable Accrued liabilities Increase Decrease In Accrued Liabilities Accrued taxes payable/receivable Increase Decrease In Accrued Taxes Payable Deferred employee benefit costs Increase Decrease In Pension And Postretirement Obligations Net adjustments Adjustments To Reconcile Net Income Loss To Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities Net Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities Continuing Operations Investing activities: Net Cash Provided By Used In Investing Activities Continuing Operations [Abstract] Acquisitions, net of cash acquired Payments To Acquire Businesses Net Of Cash Acquired Decrease in restricted cash Increase Decrease In Restricted Cash Capital expenditures Payments To Acquire Property Plant And Equipment Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment Proceeds From Sale Of Property Plant And Equipment Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided By Used In Investing Activities Continuing Operations Financing activities: Net Cash Provided By Used In Financing Activities Continuing Operations [Abstract] Net proceeds from issuance of common stock Proceeds From Issuance Of Common Stock Long-term debt issued Proceeds From Issuance Of Long Term Debt Repayment of debt Repayments Of Long Term Debt Net proceeds (repayments) of short-term borrowings Proceeds From Repayments Of Short Term Debt Maturing In Three Months Or Less Net increase (decrease) in book overdrafts Increase Decrease In Book Overdrafts Long-term debt issuance costs Payments Of Debt Issuance Costs Credit facility issuance costs Credit Facility Issuance Costs Principal payments on capital lease obligations Repayments Of Long Term Capital Lease Obligations Contributions from non-controlling interest Proceeds From Minority Shareholders Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities Net Cash Provided By Used In Financing Activities Continuing Operations Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Cash And Cash Equivalents Period Increase Decrease Excluding Exchange Rate Effect Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Effect Of Exchange Rate On Cash And Cash Equivalents Net change in cash and cash equivalents Cash And Cash Equivalents Period Increase Decrease Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period Cash And Cash Equivalents At Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents—end of period Supplemental disclosures: Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Cash paid during the period for: Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract] Interest paid to third parties Interest Paid Income taxes, net Income Taxes Paid Net Noncash investing activities: Noncash Investing And Financing Items [Abstract] Asset additions under capital leases Capital Lease Obligations Incurred Condensed Financial Information Of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract] Assets Assets [Abstract] Current assets: Assets Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Restricted cash Restricted Cash And Cash Equivalents At Carrying Value Receivables less provision for allowances, claims and doubtful accounts Receivables Net Current Inventories Inventory Net Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid Expense And Other Assets Current Total current assets Assets Current Property, plant, and equipment, at cost Property Plant And Equipment Gross Less: Accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation Depletion And Amortization Property Plant And Equipment Property, plant and equipment, net Property Plant And Equipment Net Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets Net Noncurrent Other intangible assets Finite Lived Intangible Assets Net Goodwill Goodwill Deferred charges and other assets Prepaid Expense And Other Assets Noncurrent Total assets Assets Liabilities Liabilities [Abstract] Current liabilities: Liabilities Current [Abstract] Accounts payable Accounts Payable Current Salaries, wages and commissions Employee Related Liabilities Current Other accrued liabilities Other Accrued Liabilities Current Short-term debt Long Term Debt Current Current portion of deferred employee benefits Pension And Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans Current Liabilities Total current liabilities Liabilities Current Long-term debt Long Term Debt Noncurrent Deferred employee benefits Pension And Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans Liabilities Noncurrent Taxes and other credits Other Liabilities Noncurrent Total liabilities Liabilities Commitments and contingencies Commitments And Contingencies Redeemable noncontrolling interest Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Equity Carrying Amount Equity Stockholders Equity Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Ryerson Holding Corporation stockholders’ equity (deficit): Stockholders Equity [Abstract] Preferred stock, value Preferred Stock Value Common stock, value Common Stock Value Capital in excess of par value Additional Paid In Capital Common Stock Accumulated deficit Retained Earnings Accumulated Deficit Treasury stock at cost – Common stock, value Treasury Stock Value Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax Total Ryerson Holding Corporation stockholders’ equity (deficit) Stockholders Equity Noncontrolling interest Minority Interest Total equity (deficit) Stockholders Equity Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Total liabilities and equity Liabilities And Stockholders Equity Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract] Receivables, provision for allowances, claims and doubtful accounts Allowance For Doubtful Accounts Receivable Current Preferred stock, par value Preferred Stock Par Or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred Stock Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares issued Preferred Stock Shares Issued Common stock, par value Common Stock Par Or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued Common Stock Shares Issued Treasury stock at cost - Common stock, shares Treasury Stock Shares Accounting Policies [Abstract] Financial Statements Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements And Changes In Accounting Principles [Abstract] Recent Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements And Changes In Accounting Principles [Text Block] Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] Inventories Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Business Combinations [Abstract] Acquisitions Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Long-Term Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract] Employee Benefits Pension And Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Investments All Other Investments [Abstract] Derivatives and Fair Value Measurements Financial Instruments Disclosure [Text Block] Equity [Abstract] Stockholders' Equity (Deficit), Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Stockholders Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Related Parties Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract] Condensed Consolidating Guarantor Financial Statements Condensed Financial Statements [Text Block] Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Events Subsequent Events [Text Block] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Percentage of Sales by Major Product Lines Schedule Of Product Information Table [Text Block] Schedule of Inventories Schedule Of Inventory Current Table [Text Block] Long-Term Debt Schedule Of Debt Table [Text Block] Components of Net Periodic Benefit (Credit) Cost Schedule Of Net Benefit Costs Table [Text Block] Location and Fair Value Amount of Derivative Instruments Schedule Of Derivative Instruments In Statement Of Financial Position Fair Value [Text Block] Location and Amount of Gains and Losses Reported in Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Schedule Of Other Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments Statements Of Financial Performance And Financial Position Location Table [Text Block] Assets and Liabilities Measured and Recorded at Fair Value Schedule Of Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Table [Text Block] Carrying and Estimated Fair Values of Financial Instruments Fair Value By Balance Sheet Grouping [Text Block] Assets and Liabilities Measured and Recorded at Fair Value on Non-Recurring Basis Fair Value Assets Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Text Block] Available-for-sale Securities Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities Reconciliation Table [Text Block] Change in Stockholders' Equity (Deficit), Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Schedule Of Stockholders Equity Table [Text Block] Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) by Component Schedule Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Table [Text Block] Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Table [Text Block] Calculation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share Schedule Of Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted Table [Text Block] Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) Schedule Of Comprehensive Income Loss Table [Text Block] Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited) Schedule Of Condensed Cash Flow Statement Table [Text Block] Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet (Unaudited) Schedule Of Condensed Balance Sheet Table [Text Block] Parent company shares owned by affiliates. Parent company percentage owned by affiliates. Parent company shares owned by affiliates Parent Company Shares Owned By Affiliates Parent company percentage owned by affiliates Parent Company Percentage Owned By Affiliates Receivables [Abstract] Schedule Of Entity Wide Information Revenue From External Customers By Products And Services [Table] Schedule Of Entity Wide Information Revenue From External Customers By Products And Services [Table] Concentration Risk Type Concentration Risk By Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Product Concentration Risk Product Concentration Risk [Member] Products and Services Product Or Service [Axis] Products and Services Products And Services [Domain] Carbon steel flat. Carbon Steel Flat [Member] Carbon Steel Flat [Member] Carbon steel plate. Carbon Steel Plate [Member] Carbon Steel Plate [Member] Carbon steel long. Carbon Steel Long [Member] Carbon Steel Long [Member] Stainless steel flat. Stainless Steel Flat [Member] Stainless Steel Flat [Member] Stainless steel plate. Stainless Steel Plate [Member] Stainless Steel Plate [Member] Stainless steel long. Stainless Steel Long [Member] Stainless Steel Long [Member] Aluminum flat. Aluminum Flat [Member] Aluminum Flat [Member] Aluminum plate. Aluminum Plate [Member] Aluminum Plate [Member] Aluminum long. Aluminum Long [Member] Aluminum Long [Member] Others. Other [Member] Others [Member] Concentration Risk Benchmark Concentration Risk By Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Sales Revenue Product Line Sales Revenue Product Line [Member] Revenue from External Customer [Line Items] Entity Wide Information Revenue From External Customer [Line Items] Concentration risk percentage Concentration Risk Percentage1 Capitalized debt issuance costs Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense In process and finished products Amount by which current cost used to value inventories is lower than LIFO valued inventories Inventory L I F O Reserve Inventories accounted under the LIFO method Percentage Of L I F O Inventory Lower of cost or market reserve Inventory Valuation Reserves Consignment inventory Other Inventory Materials Supplies And Merchandise Under Consignment Impairment charge Goodwill Impairment Loss Schedule Of Business Acquisitions By Acquisition [Table] Schedule Of Business Acquisitions By Acquisition [Table] Business Acquisition Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree Business Acquisition Acquiree [Domain] Southern Tool Steel Inc. Southern Tool [Member] Southern Tool Steel Inc [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Effective date of acquisition Business Acquisition Effective Date Of Acquisition1 Description of business acquisition Business Acquisition Description Of Acquired Entity Debt Instrument [Table] Debt Instrument [Table] Credit Facility Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility Credit Facility [Domain] Ryerson Credit Facility [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Debt Instrument Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name Debt Instrument Name [Domain] Two thousand and seventeen senior notes. 2017 Notes [Member] Two Thousand And Seventeen Senior Notes [Member] Two thousand eighteen senior notes. 2018 Notes [Member] Two Thousand Eighteen Senior Notes [Member] Two thousand twenty two senior notes. 2022 Notes [Member] Two Thousand Twenty Two Senior Notes [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Ryerson Credit Facility Line Of Credit Senior Notes Senior Notes Foreign debt Foreign Debt Short Term Amount Unamortized debt issuance costs and discounts Total debt Debt Longterm And Shortterm Combined Amount Total long-term debt Line of credit facility expiration date description. Minimum indebtedness including principal amount. Scenario Statement Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified Scenario Unspecified [Domain] Scenario 1. Scenario 1 [Member] Scenario1 [Member] Scenario 2. Scenario 2 [Member] Scenario2 [Member] Old credit facility. Old Credit Facility [Member] Old Credit Facility [Member] Legal Entity Legal Entity [Axis] Entity Entity [Domain] US subsidiaries. US Subsidiaries [Member] U S Subsidiaries [Member] Canadian subsidiaries. Canadian Subsidiaries [Member] Canadian Subsidiaries [Member] Range Range [Axis] Range Range [Member] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Variable Rate Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate Variable Rate [Domain] Federal funds rate. Federal Funds Rate [Member] Federal Funds Rate [Member] Prime rate and one month LIBOR rate. Prime Rate and One Month LIBOR Rate [Member] Prime Rate And One Month L I B O R Rate [Member] Thirty days LIBOR rate. 30 Day LIBOR Rate [Member] Thirty Days L I B O R Rate [Member] Bank of Canada overnight rate. Bank of Canada Overnight Rate [Member] Bank Of Canada Overnight Rate [Member] One month Canadian bankers acceptance rate. One Month Canadian Bankers Acceptance Rate [Member] One Month Canadian Bankers Acceptance Rate [Member] Base rate and Canadian prime rate. Base Rate and Canadian Prime Rate [Member] Base Rate And Canadian Prime Rate [Member] LIBOR and Banker's acceptance rate. LIBOR and Banker's Acceptance Rate [Member] Libor And Bankers Acceptance Rate [Member] Revolving credit facility maximum borrowing capacity Line Of Credit Facility Maximum Borrowing Capacity Credit facility maturity date Line Of Credit Facility Expiration Date1 Credit facility scenario 2 maturity description of ("2017 Notes") Line Of Credit Facility Expiration Description Minimum indebtedness including principal amount Minimum Indebtedness Including Principal Amount Charge to write-off a portion of the issuance costs Write Off Of Deferred Debt Issuance Cost Outstanding borrowings Letters of credit Letters Of Credit Outstanding Amount Available credit facility Line Of Credit Facility Remaining Borrowing Capacity Weighted average interest rate Debt Weighted Average Interest Rate Line of credit facility, description of collateral Line Of Credit Facility Collateral Interest rate on overdue amounts and during default. Percentage of spread over amount available to be borrowed Debt Instrument Basis Spread On Variable Rate1 Default bear interest rate Interest Rate On Overdue Amounts And During Default Commitment fees on amounts not borrowed Line Of Credit Facility Commitment Fee Percentage Joseph T. Ryerson [Member] Subsidiary Issuer [Member] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Debt Instrument Redemption Period [Axis] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Debt Instrument Redemption Period [Domain] Redeemable in twelve months beginning May 15, 2019 [Member] Debt Instrument Redemption Period Two [Member] Redeemable in twelve months beginning May 15, 2020 [Member] Debt Instrument Redemption Period Three [Member] Redeemable in twelve months beginning May 15, 2021 and thereafter [Member] Debt Instrument Redemption Period Four [Member] Redeemable before May 15, 2019 [Member] Debt Instrument Redemption Period One [Member] Twenty eighteen and twenty twenty two notes. 2018 Notes and 2022 Notes [Member] Twenty Eighteen And Twenty Twenty Two Notes [Member] Income Statement Location Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location Income Statement Location [Domain] Other Income and (Expense), Net [Member] Other Nonoperating Income Expense [Member] Aggregate amount of senior notes issued Debt Instrument Face Amount Debt Instrument Percentage Debt Instrument Interest Rate Stated Percentage Notes redemption date Debt Instrument Redemption Period Start Date Redemption price as a percentage of principal amount Debt Instrument Redemption Price Percentage Principal amount of debt instrument repurchased Debt Instrument Repurchased Face Amount The portion of the notes that the Company may redeem prior to the debt instrument redemption date with net cash proceeds from certain equity offerings. Debt instrument optional redemption price percentage. Optional redemption amount prior to redemption date Optional Redemption Prior To Maturity Additional Percentage Of Principal Optional redemption price as a percentage of principal amount Debt Instrument Optional Redemption Price Percentage Extent of future net income to which the terms of the Ryerson Notes restrict Ryerson from paying dividends to Ryerson Holding. Maximum percentage of dividend of future net income Dividend Payment Threshold Of Percentage Of Future Net Income Debt instruments senior notes retired Early Repayment Of Senior Debt Gain (loss) on retirement of debt Foreign debt. Foreign Debt [Member] Foreign Debt [Member] Owed to banks. Owed to Banks [Member] Owed To Banks [Member] Ryerson China Limited. Ryerson China [Member] Ryerson China Limited [Member] Short-term Debt, Type Short Term Debt Type [Axis] Short-term Debt, Type Short Term Debt Type [Domain] Other Foreign Entity [Member] Foreign Line Of Credit [Member] Letters of credit issued by our foreign subsidiaries Defined Benefit Plans And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plans And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures Defined Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan Defined Benefit Plans [Domain] Pension Benefits [Member] Pension Plans Defined Benefit [Member] Other Benefits [Member] Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Defined Benefit [Member] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plans And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] Service cost Defined Benefit Plan Service Cost Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan Interest Cost Expected return on assets Defined Benefit Plan Expected Return On Plan Assets Recognized actuarial (gain) loss Defined Benefit Plan Actuarial Gain Loss Recognized In Net Periodic Benefit Cost Amortization of prior service credit Defined Benefit Plan Amortization Of Prior Service Cost Credit Net periodic benefit (credit) cost Defined Benefit Plan Net Periodic Benefit Cost Contribution to the pension plan fund Pension Contributions Anticipated minimum required pension contribution funding for the remainder of fiscal period Defined Benefit Plans Estimated Future Employer Contributions In Current Fiscal Year Proposed plan description Loss Contingency Damages Sought Estimated overall cost for construction and recovery Loss Contingency Damages Sought Value Offsetting [Abstract] Fair Values Derivatives Balance Sheet Location By Derivative Contract Type By Hedging Designation [Table] Fair Values Derivatives Balance Sheet Location By Derivative Contract Type By Hedging Designation [Table] Hedging Designation Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation Hedging Designation [Domain] Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments under ASC 815 [Member] Nondesignated [Member] Derivative Instrument Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivative Contract Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Commodity Contracts [Member] Commodity Contract [Member] Other Accrued Liabilities [Member] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member] Prepaid Expenses And Other Current Assets [Member] Other Accrued Liabilities [Member] Other Current Liabilities [Member] Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items] Asset Derivatives, Fair Value Derivative Assets Liability Derivatives, Fair Value Derivative Liabilities Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Nickel futures or option contracts. Nickel Futures or Option Contracts [Member] Nickel Futures Or Option Contracts [Member] Hot roll steel coil option. Hot Roll Steel Coil Option [Member] Hot Roll Steel Coil Option [Member] Aluminum price swaps. Aluminum Price Swaps [Member] Aluminum Price Swaps [Member] Diesel fuel hedge contracts. Diesel Fuel Hedge Contracts [Member] Diesel Fuel Hedge Contracts [Member] Minimum [Member] Notional amount of foreign currency exchange contracts Derivative Notional Amount Commodity notional value Derivative Nonmonetary Notional Amount Mass Commodity notional value Derivative Nonmonetary Notional Amount Volume Derivative Instruments Gain Loss By Hedging Relationship By Income Statement Location By Derivative Instrument Risk [Table] Derivative Instruments Gain Loss By Hedging Relationship By Income Statement Location By Derivative Instrument Risk [Table] Metal Commodity Contracts [Member] Diesel fuel hedges. Diesel Fuel Hedges [Member] Diesel Fuel Hedges [Member] Cost of Materials Sold [Member] Cost Of Sales [Member] Warehousing delivery selling general and administrative. Warehousing Delivery Selling General and Administrative [Member] Warehousing Delivery Selling General And Administrative [Member] Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items] Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items] Amount of Gain/ (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives, Total Derivative Gain Loss On Derivative Net Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Table] Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Table] Measurement Frequency Fair Value By Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency Fair Value Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member] Asset Class Fair Value By Asset Class [Axis] Asset Class Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation By Asset Class [Domain] Common Stock [Member] Common Stock [Member] Fair Value, Hierarchy Fair Value By Fair Value Hierarchy Level [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Level 1 [Member] Fair Value Inputs Level1 [Member] Level 2 [Member] Fair Value Inputs Level2 [Member] Level 3 [Member] Fair Value Inputs Level3 [Member] Prepaid and Other Current Assets [Member] Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Available for sale investment Available For Sale Securities Equity Securities Mark-to-market derivatives, assets Mark-to-market derivatives, liabilities Contract term for exchange contracts Derivative Term Of Contract Cash and cash equivalents, Carrying Amount Restricted cash, Carrying Amount Receivables less provision for allowances, claims and doubtful accounts, Carrying Amount Accounts payable, Carrying Amount Long-term debt, including current portion, Carrying Amount Restricted cash fair value disclosure. Cash and cash equivalents, Fair Value Cash And Cash Equivalents Fair Value Disclosure Restricted cash, Fair Value Restricted Cash Fair Value Disclosure Receivables less provision for allowances, claims and doubtful accounts, Fair Value Receivables Fair Value Disclosure Accounts payable, Fair Value Accounts Payable Fair Value Disclosure Long-term debt, including current portion, Fair Value Debt Instrument Fair Value Prepaid expenses and other current assets - assets held for sale Assets Of Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Current Impairment charge on assets held for sale Impairment Of Long Lived Assets To Be Disposed Of Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] Fair Value Measurements Nonrecurring [Member] Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Table] Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Table] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities Major Types Of Debt And Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities Major Types Of Debt And Equity Securities [Domain] Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items] Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items] Cost Available For Sale Equity Securities Amortized Cost Basis Gross Unrealized Gains Available For Sale Equity Securities Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain Before Tax Gross Unrealized Losses Available For Sale Equity Securities Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss Before Tax Fair Value Proceeds from sale of investments Proceeds From Sale Of Available For Sale Securities Equity Statement Of Stockholders Equity [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Equity Components Statement Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component Equity Component [Domain] Treasury Stock [Member] Treasury Stock [Member] Capital in Excess of Par Value [Member] Additional Paid In Capital [Member] Accumulated Deficit [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Foreign Currency Translation [Member] Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member] Benefit Plan Liabilities [Member] Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member] Available-For-Sale Investments [Member] Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain Loss [Member] Non-controlling Interest [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Redeemable noncontrolling interest. Redeemable Non- controlling Interest [Member] Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Beginning Balance Beginning Balance, Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Beginning Balance, shares Net income (loss) Net income (loss) Net Income Loss Including Portion Attributable To Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest Net income (loss) Net Income Loss Attributable To Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Net Income Loss Attributable To Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Foreign currency translation Other Comprehensive Income Loss Foreign Currency Transaction And Translation Adjustment Net Of Tax Gain on intra-entity foreign currency transactions Other Comprehensive Income Foreign Currency Transaction And Translation Gain Loss Arising During Period Net Of Tax Changes in defined benefit pension and other post-retirement benefit plans, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income Loss Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Adjustment Net Of Tax Unrealized loss on available-for-sale investment, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income Unrealized Holding Gain Loss On Securities Arising During Period Net Of Tax Other-than-temporary impairment, net of tax Other Than Temporary Impairment Losses Investments Portion Recognized In Earnings Net Availableforsale Securities Stock-based compensation expense Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital Sharebased Compensation Requisite Service Period Recognition Value Issuance of common stock Stock Issued During Period Value New Issues Issuance of common stock, shares Stock Issued During Period Shares New Issues Contributions from non-controlling interest Noncontrolling Interest Increase From Sale Of Parent Equity Interest Ending Balance Ending Balance, Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Ending Balance, shares Other than temporary impairment losses investment tax expense (benefit). Changes in defined benefit pension and other post-retirement benefit plans, tax Other Comprehensive Income Loss Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Tax Unrealized loss on available-for-sale investment, tax Other Comprehensive Income Unrealized Holding Gain Loss On Securities Arising During Period Tax Other-than-temporary impairment, tax Other Than Temporary Impairment Losses Investment Tax Expense Benefit Underwritten public offering closing date. Underwritten public offering closing date Underwritten Public Offering Closing Date Common stock, underwritten shares issued Common stock net proceeds from underwritten offering Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items] Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) net of tax, beginning balance Other comprehensive income before reclassifications Other Comprehensive Income Loss Before Reclassifications Net Of Tax Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Reclassification From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Current Period Net Of Tax Net current-period other comprehensive income Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) net of tax, ending balance Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Other-than-temporary Impairment [Member] Accumulated Otherthan Temporary Impairment Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Amortization of Defined Benefit Pension and Other Post-retirement Benefit Plan Items, Actuarial Loss [Member] Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Net Gain Loss Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Amortization of Defined Benefit Pension and Other Post-retirement Benefit Plan Items, Prior Service Credits [Member] Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Net Prior Service Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Amortization of Defined Benefit Pension and Other Post-retirement Benefit Plan Items [Member] Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Tax benefit Reclassifications out of AOCI Reclassification From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Current Period Before Tax Tax provision Reclassification From Aoci Current Period Tax Net of tax Advisory fees paid to related party due to termination of agreement. Schedule Of Related Party Transactions By Related Party [Table] Schedule Of Related Party Transactions By Related Party [Table] Related Party Related Party Transactions By Related Party [Axis] Related Party Related Party [Domain] Platinum Equity Advisors LLC. Platinum Advisors [Member] Platinum Equity Advisors L L C [Member] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Payment of advisory services termination fee Payment Of Advisory Services Termination Fee Provision (benefit) for income taxes Valuation allowance Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance Numerator: Net Income Loss [Abstract] Net income attributable to Ryerson Holding Corporation Denominator: Weighted Average Number Of Shares Outstanding [Abstract] Weighted average shares outstanding Weighted Average Number Of Shares Outstanding Basic Dilutive effect of stock-based awards Incremental Common Shares Attributable To Share Based Payment Arrangements Weighted average shares outstanding adjusted for dilutive securities Weighted Average Number Of Diluted Shares Outstanding Earnings per share Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted [Abstract] Basic Earnings Per Share Basic Diluted Earnings Per Share Diluted Schedule Of Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Schedule Of Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Twenty eighteen notes. 2018 Notes [Member] Twenty Eighteen Notes [Member] Guarantor [Member] Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items] Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items] Ownership percentage by parent Minority Interest Ownership Percentage By Parent Condensed Statement Of Comprehensive Income [Table] Condensed Statement Of Comprehensive Income [Table] Consolidation Items Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items Consolidation Items [Domain] Eliminations [Member] Consolidation Eliminations [Member] Parent [Member] Parent Company [Member] Joseph T Ryerson and Son Incorporate [Member] Joseph T. Ryerson [Member] Joseph Ryerson And Son Incorporate [Member] Non-guarantor [Member] Non Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Condensed Statement Of Income Captions [Line Items] Condensed Statement Of Income Captions [Line Items] Impairment charges on fixed assets Interest expense on intercompany loans Interest Expense Related Party Interest income on intercompany loans Interest Income Related Party Income (loss) before income taxes Income Loss From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes Minority Interest And Income Loss From Equity Method Investments Equity in (earnings) loss of subsidiaries Income Loss From Equity Method Investments Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest Comprehensive income (loss) Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table] Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table] Condensed Cash Flow Statements Captions [Line Items] Condensed Cash Flow Statements Captions [Line Items] Net income (loss) Non-cash (income) expenses Noncash Income Expense Changes in working capital Increase Decrease In Operating Capital Loan to related companies Payments To Fund Longterm Loans To Related Parties Loan repayment from related companies Proceeds From Payments For Long Term Loans For Related Parties Investment in subsidiaries Investment In Subsidiaries Net Other investing activities Payments For Proceeds From Other Investing Activities Net proceeds/(repayments) of short-term borrowings Proceeds from intercompany borrowings Proceeds From Repayments Of Related Party Debt Repayment of intercompany borrowings Repayments Of Related Party Debt Net decrease in book overdrafts Capital contributions Proceeds From Contributions From Parent Other financing activities Proceeds From Payments For Other Financing Activities Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents Condensed Balance Sheet Statement [Table] Condensed Balance Sheet Statement [Table] Condensed Balance Sheet Statements Captions [Line Items] Condensed Balance Sheet Statements Captions [Line Items] Intercompany receivable Accounts Receivable Related Parties Other current assets Other Assets Current Investments in subsidiaries Investments In Affiliates Subsidiaries Associates And Joint Ventures Intercompany notes receivable Notes Receivable Related Parties Property, plant and equipment net of accumulated depreciation Deferred charges Deferred Costs Other noncurrent assets Other Assets Noncurrent LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Liabilities And Stockholders Equity [Abstract] Intercompany payable Accounts Payable Related Parties Current Other current liabilities Other Liabilities Current Dividends in excess of investment in subsidiaries Dividends In Excess Of Investment In Subsidiaries Long-term debt – intercompany Due To Related Parties Noncurrent Other noncurrent liabilities Ryerson Holding Corporation stockholders’ equity Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] Scenario, Forecast [Member] Scenario Forecast [Member] Other Income (Expense), Net [Member] Interest and other expense on debt. Interest and Other Expense on Debt [Member] Interest And Other Expense On Debt [Member] Subsequent Event Type Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Percentage of outstanding principal amount redeemed Debt Instrument Redemption Price Percentage Of Principal Amount Redeemed Charge on redemption of debt