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Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Feb. 19, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2012
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Entity Registrant Name	FOSTER L B CO
Entity Central Index Key	0000352825
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 275,049
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		10,158,447
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Trading Symbol	fstr

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 101,464	$ 73,727
Accounts receivable - net	59,673	66,496
Inventories - net	107,108	89,464
Current deferred tax assets	4,585
Prepaid income tax	1,195	3,684
Other current assets	1,903	1,758
Current assets of discontinued operations	464	4,864
Total Current Assets	276,392	239,993
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT - NET	42,333	45,837
Goodwill	41,237	41,237
Other intangibles - net	40,165	42,871
Investments	4,332	3,495
Other assets	1,663	1,415
Assets of discontinued operations		5,046
TOTAL ASSETS	406,122	379,894
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Accounts payable - trade	50,454	49,213
Deferred revenue	7,447	6,833
Accrued payroll and employee benefits	9,604	9,483
Accrued warranty	15,727	6,632
Current maturities of long-term debt	35	2,384
Current deferred tax liabilities		759
Other accured liabilities	8,596	8,134
Liabilities of discontinued operations	106	1,294
Total Current Liabilities	91,969	84,732
LONG-TERM DEBT	27	51
DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES	12,140	11,708
OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES	14,411	13,588
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Common stock, outstanding 10,149,398 shares at 12/31/2012 and 10,073,403 shares at 12/31/2011	111	111
Paid-in capital	46,290	47,349
Retained earnings	270,311	255,152
Treasury stock - at cost, Common Stock, 966,381 shares at 12/31/2012 and 1,042,376 shares at 12/31/2011	(25,468)	(28,169)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(3,669)	(4,628)
Total Stockholders' Equity	287,575	269,815
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	$ 406,122	$ 379,894

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - shares	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	10,149,398	10,073,403
Treasury stock shares - at cost, Common Stock	966,381	1,042,376

Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Net Sales	$ 588,541	$ 575,337	$ 467,058
Cost of Goods Sold	496,272	476,927	394,197
Gross profit	92,269	98,410	72,861
Selling and Administrative Expenses	66,651	64,807	41,201
Amortization Expense	2,961	2,791	443
Interest Expense	542	622	1,003
Interest Income	(452)	(321)	(403)
Equity in Income/(Loss) of nonconsolidated investment	(837)	(707)	213
Loss/(Gain) on Foreign Exchange	238	(237)	83
Gain on marketable securities			(1,364)
Other Income	(664)	(1,197)	(279)
Total Operating Expenses	68,439	65,758	40,897
Income From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes	23,830	32,652	31,964
Income Tax Expense	9,066	10,585	11,958
Income From Continuing Operations	14,764	22,067	20,006
Income From Discontinued Operations Before Income Taxes, including Gain on Sale	3,842	1,287	778
Income Tax Expense	2,418	459	292
Income from discontinued operations	1,424	828	486
Net Income	$ 16,188	$ 22,895	$ 20,492
From Continuing Operations	$ 1.46	$ 2.16	$ 1.96
From Discontinued Operations	0.14	0.08	0.05
Basic Earnings Per Common Share	1.60	2.24	2.01
From Continuing Operations	1.44	2.14	1.93
From Discontinued Operations	0.14	0.08	0.05
Diluted Earnings Per Common Share	1.58	2.22	$ 1.98
Dividends Paid Per Common Share	$ 0.10	$ 0.10

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Net income	$ 16,188	$ 22,895	$ 20,492
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Pension liability adjustments (Net of tax: $356, $1,255, $34)	(765)	(2,254)	(74)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	1,724	(1,306)	117
Reclassification of market value adjustments for investments to earnings (Net of tax: $0, $0, $510)			(730)
Reclassification of unrealized derivative loss on cash flow hedges to earnings (Net of tax: $0, $0, ($7))			11
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:	959	(3,560)	(676)
Comprehensive income	$ 17,147	$ 19,335	$ 19,816

- Definition

The change in equity [net assets] of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources which are attributable to the reporting entity. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, but excludes any and all transactions which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent.

+ References + Details

- Definition

The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

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- Definition

Amount after tax and reclassification adjustments, resulting from the process of expressing in the reporting currency of the reporting entity those amounts that are denominated or measured in a different currency, and from transactions whose terms are denominated in a currency other than the entity's functional currency, which is attributable to the parent entity.

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+ Details

- Definition

Net of tax amount of other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the parent entity.

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- Definition

Net of tax amount, before reclassification adjustments, of the change in accumulated gain (loss) from derivative instruments designated and qualifying as the effective portion of cash flow hedges. Also includes an entity's share of an equity investee's increase (decrease) in deferred hedging gain (loss).

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+ Details

- Definition

Net of tax amount of unrealized holding gain (loss) before reclassification adjustments and transfers on available-for-sale securities.

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+ Details

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Pension liability adjustments (Net of tax: $356, $1,255, $34)	$ 356	$ 1,255	$ 34
Reclassification of market value adjustments for investments to earnings (Net of tax: $-, $-, $510)	0	0	510
Reclassification of unrealized derivative loss on cash flow hedges to earnings (Net of tax: $-, $-, ($7))	$ 0	$ 0	$ 7

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Income from continuing operations	$ 14,764	$ 22,067	$ 20,006
Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities:
Deferred income taxes	(4,563)	3,484	1,130
Depreciation and amortization	12,973	12,007	9,219
Equity in Income/(Loss) of nonconsolidated investment	(837)	(707)	213
Loss on sale of property, plant and equipment	388	145	10
Gain on marketable securities			(1,364)
Deferred gain amortization on sale-leaseback	(456)	(1,081)	(215)
Share-based compensation	1,989	1,958	1,944
Unrealized loss on derivative mark-to-market			11
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation	(199)	(425)	(961)
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	6,823	1,616	9,963
Inventories	(17,644)	(1,932)	29,954
Other current assets	(243)	923	8
Prepaid income tax	4,339	(2,141)	478
Other noncurrent assets	(194)	(136)	88
Accounts payable - trade	1,241	6,128	(13,868)
Deferred revenue	1,467	(9,609)	667
Accrued payroll and employee benefits	(594)	(566)	(1,201)
Other current liabilities	6,655	(2,161)	897
Other liabilities	381	1,925	(841)
Net Cash Provided by Continuing Operating Activities	26,290	31,495	56,138
Net Cash Provided (Used) by Discontinued Operations	176	(825)	3,344
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment	24	41	10,179
Capital expenditures on property, plant and equipment	(7,160)	(11,733)	(5,920)
Acquisitions		(8,952)	(90,807)
Capital contributions to equity method investment		(800)	(800)
Net Cash Used by Continuing Investing Activities	(7,136)	(21,444)	(87,348)
Net Cash Provided/(Used) by Discontinued Operations	10,548	(206)	(240)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Repayments of other long-term debt	(2,373)	(2,366)	(9,738)
Repayments of term loan			(13,095)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options and stock awards	122	207	451
Treasury stock acquisitions		(6,480)	(17)
Cash dividends on common stock paid to shareholders	(1,029)	(1,022)
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation	199	425	961
Net Cash Used by Financing Activities	(3,081)	(9,236)	(21,438)
Net Cash Used by Discontinued Financing Activities			(550)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	940	(857)	49
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents	27,737	(1,073)	(50,045)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period	73,727	74,800	124,845
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	101,464	73,727	74,800
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:
Interest Paid	405	505	806
Income Taxes Paid	$ 11,999	$ 9,395	10,805
Accrued Portec Purchase Price Funded In January 2011			8,952
Portec Available-for-Sale Securiteis Redeemed as part of Acquisition			2,158
Capital Expenditures Funded through Capital Leases			$ 199

Consolidated Statements Of Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Total
Balance, at Dec. 31, 2009	$ 111	$ 47,660	$ 212,787	$ (27,574)	$ (392)	$ 232,592
Net income			20,492			20,492
Other comprehensive income net of tax:
Pension liability adjustments (Net of tax: $356, $1,255, $34)					(74)	(74)
Reclassification of unrealized derivative loss on cash flow hedges to earnings (Net of tax: $0, $0, ($7))					11	11
Foreign currency translation adjustment					117	117
Reclassification of market value adjustments for investments to earnings (Net of tax: $0, $0, $510)					(730)	(730)
Purchase of Common shares for Treasury				(17)		(17)
Issuance of Common shares, net of forfeitures		(374)		3,730		3,356
Balance, at Dec. 31, 2010	111	47,286	233,279	(23,861)	(1,068)	255,747
Net income			22,895			22,895
Other comprehensive income net of tax:
Pension liability adjustments (Net of tax: $356, $1,255, $34)					(2,254)	(2,254)
Foreign currency translation adjustment					(1,306)	(1,306)
Purchase of Common shares for Treasury				(6,480)		(6,480)
Issuance of Common shares, net of forfeitures		63		2,172		2,235
Cash dividends on common stock paid to shareholders			(1,022)			(1,022)
Balance, at Dec. 31, 2011	111	47,349	255,152	(28,169)	(4,628)	269,815
Net income			16,188			16,188
Other comprehensive income net of tax:
Pension liability adjustments (Net of tax: $356, $1,255, $34)					(765)	(765)
Foreign currency translation adjustment					1,724	1,724
Issuance of Common shares, net of forfeitures		(1,059)		2,701		1,642
Cash dividends on common stock paid to shareholders			(1,029)			(1,029)
Balance, at Dec. 31, 2012	$ 111	$ 46,290	$ 270,311	$ (25,468)	$ (3,669)	$ 287,575

Consolidated Statements Of Stockholders' Equity (Parentheticals) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Purchase of Common shares for Treasury		278,655	493
Issuance of Common shares, net of forfeitures	75,995	50,528	113,667

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Note 1.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of financial statement presentation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries, ventures and partnerships in which a controlling interest is held. Inter-company transactions have been eliminated. The Company utilizes the equity method of accounting for companies where its ownership is less than or equal to 50% and significant influence exists.

Cash and cash equivalents

The Company considers cash and other instruments with maturities of three months or less, when purchased, to be cash and cash equivalents.

Cash equivalents principally consist of investments in money market funds and bank certificates of deposit at December 31, 2012 and 2011. The Company invests available funds in a manner to maximize returns, preserve investment principle and maintain liquidity while seeking the highest yield available.

The following table summarizes the Company’s investment in money market funds at December 31:



		2012
		Cost		Fair Value
		In thousands

BlackRock Liquidity Temporary Fund - Institutional	$	58,620	$	58,620

		2011
		Cost		Fair Value
		In thousands

BlackRock Liquidity Temporary Fund - Institutional	$	42,273	$	42,273

The above investment is a money market fund with various underlying securities all of which maintained AAA credit agency ratings. The carrying amounts approximate fair value because of the short maturity of the instruments.

Cash equivalents also consisted of investments in bank certificates of deposit of approximately $26,045,000 and $22,520,000 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The carrying amounts approximated fair value because of the short maturity of the instruments.

Cash and cash equivalents held in non-domestic accounts was approximately $38,731,000 and $28,639,000 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Inventories

Certain inventories are valued at the lower of the last-in, first-out (LIFO) cost or market. Approximately 37% in 2012 and 43% in 2011, of the Company’s inventory is valued at average cost or market, whichever is lower. Slow-moving inventory is reviewed and adjusted regularly, based upon product knowledge, physical inventory observation, and the age of the inventory.

Property, plant and equipment

Maintenance, repairs and minor renewals are charged to operations as incurred. Major renewals and betterments which substantially extend the useful life of the property are capitalized at cost. Upon sale or other disposition of assets, the costs and related accumulated depreciation and amortization are removed from the accounts and the resulting gain or loss, if any, is reflected in income.

Depreciation and amortization are provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of 25 to 40 years for buildings and 3 to 10 years for machinery and equipment. Leasehold improvements are amortized over 2 to 7 years which represent the lives of the respective leases or the lives of the improvements, whichever is shorter. The Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The Company did not record any asset impairment charges during 2012, 2011 or 2010.

Allowance for doubtful accounts

The allowance for doubtful accounts is recorded to reflect the ultimate realization of the Company’s accounts receivable and includes assessment of the probability of collection and the credit-worthiness of certain customers. Reserves for uncollectible accounts are recorded as part of selling and administrative expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company records a monthly provision for accounts receivable that are considered to be uncollectible. In order to calculate the appropriate monthly provision, the Company reviews its accounts receivable aging and calculates an allowance through application of historic reserve factors to overdue receivables. This calculation is supplemented by specific account reviews performed by the Company’s credit department. As necessary, the application of the Company’s allowance rates to specific customers are reviewed and adjusted to more accurately reflect the credit risk inherent within that customer relationship.

Investments

Investments in companies in which the Company has the ability to exert significant influence, but not control, over operating and financial policies (generally 20% to 50% ownership) are accounted for using the equity method. Under the equity method, investments are initially recorded at cost and adjusted for dividends and undistributed earnings and losses. The equity method of accounting requires a company to recognize a loss in the value of an equity method investment that is other than a temporary decline.

Goodwill and other intangible assets

Goodwill is tested annually for impairment or more often if there are indicators of impairment. The goodwill impairment test involves comparing the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, a second step is required to measure the goodwill impairment loss. This step compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill to the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying amount of the goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill, an impairment loss equal to the excess is recorded as a component of continuing operating activities. The Company performs its annual impairment tests as of October 1^st. No goodwill impairment was recognized during 2012, 2011 or 2010.

The Company has no significant indefinite-lived intangible assets. All intangible assets are amortized over their useful lives ranging from 5 to 25 years, with a total weighted average amortization period of approximately 20 years, as of December 31, 2012.

See Note 5, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” for additional information including regarding the Company’s goodwill and other intangible assets.

Environmental remediation and compliance

Environmental remediation costs are accrued when the liability is probable and costs are estimable. Environmental compliance costs, which principally include the disposal of waste generated by routine operations, are expensed as incurred. Capitalized environmental costs, when appropriate, are depreciated over their useful life. Reserves are not reduced by potential claims for recovery. Claims for recovery are recognized as agreements are reached with third parties or as amounts are received. Reserves are periodically reviewed and adjusted to reflect current remediation progress, prospective estimates of required activity, and other factors that may be relevant, including changes in technology or regulations. As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company maintained environmental and litigation reserves approximating $2,141,000 and $2,184,000, respectively.

Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by using the weighted average of common shares outstanding adjusted to include the potentially dilutive effect of outstanding stock options and restricted stock utilizing the treasury stock method.

Revenue recognition

The Company’s revenues are composed of product sales and products and services provided under long-term contracts. For product sales, the Company recognizes revenue upon transfer of title to the customer. Title generally passes to the customer upon shipment. In limited cases, title does not transfer and revenue is not recognized until the customer has received the products at its physical location. Revenue is recorded net of returns, allowances, customer discounts and incentives. Sales taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are accounted for on a net (excluded from revenues) basis. Shipping and handling costs are included in cost of goods sold. Revenues for products under long-term contracts are generally recognized using the percentage-of-completion method based upon the proportion of actual costs incurred to estimated total costs. For certain products, the percentage of completion is based upon actual labor costs to estimated total labor costs. At the time a loss contract becomes known, the entire amount of the estimated loss is recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Revenues recognized using percentage of completion were less than 10% of the Company’s consolidated revenues for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010.

Revenues from contract change orders and claims are recognized when the settlement is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Contract costs include all direct material, labor, subcontract costs and those indirect costs related to contract performance. Costs in excess of billings are classified as work-in-process inventory and generally comprise less than 5% of the Company’s inventory at cost.

Fair value of financial instruments

The Company’s financial instruments consist of cash equivalents, accounts receivable, investments, accounts payable and short-term and long-term debt.

The carrying amounts of the Company’s financial instruments at December 31, 2012 and 2011 approximate fair value. See Note 20, “Fair Value Measurements,” for additional information.

Use of estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Stock-based compensation

The Company applies the provisions of FASB ASC 718, “Compensation – Stock Compensation,” to account for the Company’s share-based compensation. Under the guidance, share-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the calculated fair value of the award. The expense is recognized over the employees’ requisite service period, generally the vesting period of the award.

Derivative financial instruments and hedging activities

The Company does not purchase or hold any derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.

At contract inception, the Company designates its derivative instruments as hedges. The Company recognizes all derivative instruments on the balance sheet at fair value. Fluctuations in the fair values of derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings within other income as the underlying hedged items affect earnings. To the extent that a change in the derivative does not perfectly offset the change in value of the risk being hedged, the ineffective portion is recognized in earnings immediately.

The Company is subject to exposures to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The Company manages its exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates on firm sale and purchase commitments by entering into foreign currency forward contracts. The Company’s risk management objective is to reduce its exposure to the effects of changes in exchange rates on these transactions over the duration of the transactions. No foreign currency hedges remained outstanding as of December 31, 2012 or 2011. Realized gains or losses from foreign currency hedges did not exceed $100,000 during the twelve month periods ended December 31, 2012, 2011 or 2010.

Product warranty

The Company maintains a current warranty liability for the repair or replacement of defective products. For certain manufactured products, an accrual is made on a monthly basis as a percentage of cost of sales. For long-term construction products, a warranty is established when the claim is known and quantifiable. The product warranty accrual is periodically adjusted based on the identification or resolution of known individual product warranty claims or due to changes in the Company’s historical warranty experience. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the product warranty was $15,727,000 and $6,632,000, respectively. See Note 21, “Commitments and Contingencies” for additional information regarding the product warranty.

Asset retirement obligations

The Company maintains liabilities for asset retirement obligations (ARO) in conjunction with the leases of the Tucson, AZ concrete railroad tie facility and a Pittsburgh, PA Rail Technologies facility.

A reconciliation of our liability for ARO’s at December 31, 2012 and 2011:



		2012		2011
		In thousands

Asset retirement obligation at beginning of year	$	931	$	1,407
Liabilities settled		(336)		(510)
Revisions in estimated cash flows		35		-
Accretion expense		33		34
Asset retirement obligation at end of year	$	663	$	931

At December 31, 2012, the balance of the ARO was recorded in “Other Long-Term Liabilities.” At December 31, 2011, approximately $906,000 was recorded in “Other Current Liabilities” with the remainder recorded in “Other Long-Term Liabilities”. The ARO associated with our Tucson, AZ concrete railroad tie facility was included in “Other Current Liabilities” at December 31, 2011. At December 31, 2012, this ARO was reclassified to “Other Long-Term Liabilities” due to the multi-year extension of the lease.

Income taxes

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. The provision for income taxes includes federal, state and foreign income taxes and reflects the taxes to be paid for the period and the change during the period in the deferred tax assets and liabilities.

The Company files a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return with certain wholly-owned subsidiaries. The deferred tax assets and/or liabilities are determined by multiplying the differences between the financial reporting and tax reporting bases for assets and liabilities by the enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when such differences are recovered or settled. The effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date of the change.

The Company makes judgments regarding the recognition of deferred tax assets and the future realization of these assets. As prescribed by FASB ASC 740 “Income Taxes” and applicable guidance, valuation allowances must be provided for those deferred tax assets for which it is more likely than not (a likelihood more than 50%) that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The guidance requires the Company to evaluate positive and negative evidence regarding the recoverability of deferred tax assets. Determination of whether the positive evidence outweighs the negative and quantification of the valuation allowance requires the Company to make estimates and judgments of future financial results.

The Company evaluates all tax positions taken on federal, state and foreign tax filings to determine if the position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination. For positions that meet the more likely than not to be sustained criteria, an evaluation to determine the largest amount of benefit, determined on a cumulative probability basis that is more likely than not to be realized upon ultimate settlement, is determined.

A previously recognized tax position is derecognized when it is subsequently determined that a tax position no longer meets the more likely than not threshold to be sustained. The evaluation of the sustainability of a tax position and the probable amount that is more likely than not is based on judgment, historical experience and on various other assumptions. The results of these estimates, that are not readily apparent from other sources, form the basis for recognizing an uncertain tax position liability. Actual results could differ from those estimates upon subsequent resolution of identified matters. The Company accrues interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in its provision for income taxes.

Foreign currency translation

The assets and liabilities of our foreign subsidiaries are measured using the local currency as the functional currency and are translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates as of the balance sheet date. Income statement amounts are translated at the weighted-average rates of exchange during the year. The translation adjustment is accumulated as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in determining net income. Included in net income for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2010 were foreign currency transaction losses of approximately $238,000 and $83,000, respectively. Included in net income for the year ended December 31, 2011 was a foreign currency transaction gain of approximately $237,000.

Research and development

The Company expenses research and development costs as costs are incurred. For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, research and development expenses were $2,926,000, $1,899,000 and $273,000, respectively, and were principally related to the Company’s friction management and railroad monitoring system products.

Reclassifications

Certain accounts in the prior year consolidated financial statements have been reclassified for comparative purposes principally to conform to the presentation of discontinued operations in the current year period.

Business Segments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Business Segments [Abstract]

Business Segments

Note 2.

Business Segments

L.B. Foster Company is organized and evaluated by product group, which is the basis for identifying reportable segments.

The Company is engaged in the manufacture, fabrication and distribution of rail, construction and tubular products.

The Company’s Rail segment provides a full line of new and used rail, trackwork and accessories to railroads, mines and industry. The Rail segment also designs and produces concrete railroad ties, insulated rail joints, power rail, track fasteners, coverboards and special accessories for mass transit and other rail systems. The Company also engineers, manufactures and assembles friction management products and railway wayside data collection and management systems.

The Company’s Construction segment sells and rents steel sheet piling, H-bearing pile, and other piling products for foundation and earth retention requirements. In addition, the Company’s Fabricated Products division sells bridge decking, bridge railing, structural steel fabrications, expansion joints and other products for highway construction and repair. The Buildings division produces precast concrete buildings.

The Company’s Tubular segment supplies pipe coatings for natural gas pipelines and utilities. Additionally, this segment produces threaded pipe products for industrial water well and irrigation markets.

The Company markets its products directly in all major industrial areas of the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, primarily through an internal sales force.

The following table illustrates net sales, profits, assets, depreciation/amortization and expenditures for long-lived assets of the Company by segment from continuing operating activities. Segment profit is the earnings from continuing operating activities before income taxes and includes internal cost of capital charges for assets used in the segment at a rate of, generally 1% per month. The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies except that the Company accounts for inventory on a First-In, First-Out (FIFO) basis at the segment level compared to a Last-In, First-Out (LIFO) basis at the consolidated level.



		2012
										Expenditures
		Net		Segment		Segment		Depreciation/		for Long-Lived
		Sales		Profit		Assets		Amortization		Assets
	In thousands
Rail Products	$	370,322	$	9,074	$	204,341	$	9,736	$	4,180
Construction Products		169,253		7,859		73,804		2,119		474
Tubular Products		48,966		12,854		13,573		599		1,350
Total	$	588,541	$	29,787	$	291,718	$	12,454	$	6,004



		2011
										Expenditures
		Net		Segment		Segment		Depreciation/		for Long-Lived
		Sales		Profit		Assets		Amortization		Assets
	In thousands
Rail Products	$	315,133	$	18,724	$	191,278	$	8,908	$	5,894
Construction Products		227,734		16,323		88,615		2,180		1,049
Tubular Products		32,470		6,810		11,758		453		3,995
Total	$	575,337	$	41,857	$	291,651	$	11,541	$	10,938



		2010
										Expenditures
		Net		Segment		Segment		Depreciation/		for Long-Lived
		Sales		Profit		Assets		Amortization		Assets
	In thousands
Rail Products	$	211,974	$	11,905	$	203,263	$	6,327	$	3,094
Construction Products		227,865		20,356		87,121		1,761		1,398
Tubular Products		27,219		3,949		6,207		765		543
Total	$	467,058	$	36,210	$	296,591	$	8,853	$	5,035

During 2012 and 2010 no single customer accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s consolidated net sales. In 2011, one customer accounted for approximately 10% of consolidated net sales. Sales to this customer were recorded in the Rail Products and Construction Products segments and were approximately $58,715,000 during 2011. Sales between segments are immaterial.

Reconciliations of reportable segment net sales, profits, assets, depreciation/amortization, and expenditures for long-lived assets from continuing operating activities to the Company’s consolidated totals from continuing operating activities are illustrated as follows:



		2012		2011		2010
		In thousands
Net Sales from Continuing Operations:
Total for reportable segments	$	588,541	$	575,337	$	467,058
Other net sales		-		-		-
Total	$	588,541	$	575,337	$	467,058



Income from Continuing Operations:
Total for reportable segments	$	29,787	$	41,857	$	36,210
Adjustment of inventory to LIFO		1,118		(2,183)		2,276
Unallocated interest income		452		321		403
Unallocated equity in income/(losses) of nonconsolidated investments		837		707		(213)
Unallocated acquisition costs		-		-		(2,413)
Unallocated gain on sale of marketable securities		-		-		1,364
Unallocated corporate amounts		(8,364)		(8,050)		(5,663)
Income from continuing operations, before income taxes	$	23,830	$	32,652	$	31,964



Assets:
Total for reportable segments	$	291,718	$	291,651	$	296,591
Unallocated corporate assets		117,639		92,888		84,294
LIFO and corporate inventory reserves		(9,235)		(10,443)		(8,226)
Unallocated property, plant and equipment		6,000		5,798		5,743
Total assets	$	406,122	$	379,894	$	378,402



		2012		2011		2010
		In thousands
Depreciation/Amortization:
Total for reportable segments	$	12,454	$	11,541	$	8,853
Other		519		466		366
Total	$	12,973	$	12,007	$	9,219



Expenditures for Long-Lived Assets:
Total for reportable segments	$	6,004	$	10,938	$	5,035
Expenditures financed under capital leases		-		-		199
Other expenditures		1,156		795		686
Total	$	7,160	$	11,733	$	5,920

The following table summarizes the Company’s sales from continuing operating activities by major geographic region in which the Company has operations:



		2012		2011		2010
		In thousands
United States	$	485,111	$	483,889	$	443,547
Canada		40,892		41,252		9,862
United Kingdom		18,698		14,728		627
Other		43,840		35,468		13,022
	$	588,541	$	575,337	$	467,058

The following table summarizes the Company’s long-lived assets of continuing operating activities by geographic region:



		2012		2011		2010
		In thousands
United States	$	31,961	$	35,918	$	33,535
Canada		9,773		9,374		9,785
United Kingdom		599		545		489
	$	42,333	$	45,837	$	43,809

The following table summarizes the Company’s sales by major product line from continuing operating activities:



		2012		2011		2010
		In thousands
Rail distribution products	$	155,832	$	115,777	$	102,155
Piling products		114,070		162,641		146,703
Rail Technologies products		92,826		97,775		4,556
CXT concrete tie products		58,182		48,968		53,518
CXT concrete building products		30,195		35,557		60,091
Other products		137,436		114,619		100,035
	$	588,541	$	575,337	$	467,058

- Definition

The entire disclosure for reporting segments including data and tables. Reportable segments include those that meet any of the following quantitative thresholds a) it's reported revenue, including sales to external customers and intersegment sales or transfers is 10 percent or more of the combined revenue, internal and external, of all operating segments b) the absolute amount of its reported profit or loss is 10 percent or more of the greater, in absolute amount of 1) the combined reported profit of all operating segments that did not report a loss or 2) the combined reported loss of all operating segments that did report a loss c) its assets are 10 percent or more of the combined assets of all operating segments.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 34
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8981-108599

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 41
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e9038-108599

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 33
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8971-108599

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
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-Paragraph 12
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8595-108599

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-SubTopic 10
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-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8380-108599

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 32
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8933-108599

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-SubTopic 10
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-Paragraph 26
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8844-108599

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
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-Paragraph 35
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8984-108599

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 40
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e9031-108599

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 42
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e9054-108599

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-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8538-108599

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-SubTopic 10
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8924-108599

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8906-108599

Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 131
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Acquisitions

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Acquisitions [Abstract]

Acquisitions

Note 3.

Acquisitions

Portec Rail Products, Inc.

On December 15, 2010, the Company acquired Portec Rail Products, Inc. (Rail Technologies) and recorded its acquisition in accordance with ASC 805, “Business Combinations.” All outstanding shares of common stock of Rail Technologies not owned by the Company were canceled and converted into the right to receive consideration equal to $11.80 per share net to the holder in cash, without interest thereon. The total consideration paid in cash by the Company for the shares acquired in the merger and tender offer was approximately $113,322,000, including a final payment of $8,952,000 made in January 2011.

The results of the operations of Rail Technologies are included in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Operations as of December 15, 2010. Net revenues and net loss resulting from Rail Technologies that were included in the Company’s operating results were $4,556,000 and $(212,000), respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2010.

The unaudited pro forma results for the periods presented below are prepared as if the transaction occurred as of January 1, 2010. Pro forma adjustments exclude operating results of the divested rail joint business, and include depreciation and amortization and other adjustments in connection with the acquisition.



		For the Year Ended
		December 31,
		2010
		In thousands, except
		per share amounts

Total net sales	$	564,028
Earnings before income taxes	$	32,557
Net income	$	21,817
Basic earnings per share	$	2.13
Dilutive earnings per share	$	2.11

The pro forma results in the above table have not been reclassified to conform to the presentation of discontinued operations in the current year period. In connection with ASC 805-10-25, the Company remeasured its previously held equity interest in Rail Technologies at the acquisition date fair value and recognized a gain of $1,364,000 on December 15, 2010. Acquisition costs of approximately $2,413,000 for the period ended December 31, 2010 were classified as “Selling and Administrative Expenses.”

Interlocking Deck Systems International, LLC

On March 23, 2010, the Company purchased, pursuant to an Asset Purchase Agreement (Purchase Agreement), certain assets of Interlocking Deck Systems International, LLC (IDSI) for $7,000,000. The purchase price was $5,050,000 in cash paid on the closing date and $1,000,000 paid on the first anniversary of the closing, as defined in the Purchase Agreement, and $950,000 payable on the second anniversary of the closing, with the deferred payment obligations being embodied in a promissory note. No liabilities were assumed in this acquisition. The pro forma results for this acquisition were not material to the Company’s financial results.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for a business combination (or series of individually immaterial business combinations) completed during the period, including background, timing, and recognized assets and liabilities. The disclosure may include leverage buyout transactions (as applicable).

+ References

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Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Number 88-16
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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
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Reference 18: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 19: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Discontinued Operations

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Discontinued Operations [Abstract]

Discontinued Operations

Note 4.

Discontinued Operations

On June 4, 2012, the Company sold substantially all of the assets and liabilities of its railway securement business, Shipping Systems Division (SSD), for $8,579,000 to Holland, L.P., resulting in a pre-tax gain of approximately $3,508,000.

On August 30, 2012, the Company sold substantially all of the assets and liabilities of its precise structural products business, Precise, for $2,643,000 to Cianbro Fabrication and Coating Corporation, resulting in a pre-tax loss of approximately $315,000.

The operations of these divisions qualify as a “component of an entity” under FASB ASC 205-20, “Presentation of Financial Statements – Discontinued Operations” and thus, the operations have been reclassified as discontinued and prior periods have been reclassified to conform to this presentation. Future expenses of discontinued operations are not expected to be material. SSD and Precise were previously reported in the Rail Products and Construction Products segment, respectively.

Net sales and income, including the pre-tax gain of $3,193,000, from discontinued operations were as follows for the years ended December 31:



		2012		2011		2010
		Dollars in thousands
Net sales	$	8,705	$	15,589	$	7,992

Income from discontinued operations	$	3,842	$	1,287	$	778
Income tax expense		2,418		459		292
Income from discontinued operations	$	1,424	$	828	$	486
Effective income tax rate		63.0	%	35.7	%	37.5	%

Goodwill of $2,588,000 allocated to SSD for discontinued operations was not deductible for income tax purposes.

The following table details balance sheet information for discontinued operations at December 31:



		2012		2011
		In thousands
Current Assets	$	464	$	4,864
Other Assets
Property, plant and equipment-net		-		2,281
Goodwill		-		2,588
Other intangibles - net		-		177
Total Other Assets		-		5,046
Total Assets		464		9,910
Current Liabilities		106		1,294
Net assets of discontinued operations	$	358	$	8,616

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the facts and circumstances leading to the completed or expected disposal, manner and timing of disposal, the gain (loss) recognized in the income statement and the income statement caption that includes that gain (loss), amounts of revenues and pretax profit or loss reported in discontinued operations, the segment in which the disposal group was reported, and the classification (whether sold or classified as held for sale) and carrying value of the assets and liabilities comprising the disposal group. Includes all disposal groups, including those classified as components of the entity (discontinued operations).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Inventory

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Inventory [Abstract]

Inventory

Note 7.

Inventory

Inventories of continuing operating activities of the Company at December 31, 2012 and 2011 are summarized in the following table:



		2012		2011
		In thousands
Finished goods	$	78,715	$	71,758
Work-in-process		17,693		8,004
Raw materials		19,764		19,885

Total inventories at current costs		116,172		99,647
Less: LIFO reserve		(9,064)		(10,183)
	$	107,108	$	89,464

At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the LIFO carrying value of inventories for book purposes exceeded the LIFO value for tax purposes by approximately $11,686,000 and $14,636,000, respectively. During 2012, liquidation of certain LIFO inventory layers carried at costs which were higher than the costs of current purchases. The effect of these reductions in 2012 was to increase cost of goods sold by $15,000. During 2011, liquidation of LIFO layers carried at costs that were lower than current purchases resulted in a decrease to cost of goods sold of $33,000. During 2010, liquidation of LIFO layers carried at costs that were higher than current purchases resulted in an increase to cost of goods sold of $1,046,000.

Property, Plant and Equipment

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Property, Plant and Equipment

Note 8.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment of continuing operating activities at December 31, 2012 and 2011 consist of the following:



		2012		2011
	In thousands
Land	$	4,764	$	4,760
Improvements to land and leaseholds		23,187		22,570
Buildings		13,715		10,748
Machinery and equipment, including equipment under capitalized leases		80,120		81,933
Construction in progress		1,783		4,285
		123,569		124,296
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization, including
accumulated amortization of capitalized leases		81,236		78,459
	$	42,333	$	45,837

Depreciation expense, including amortization of assets under capital leases, for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 amounted to $9,979,000, $9,182,000, and $8,441,000, respectively.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for long-lived, physical assets that are used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale. Examples include land, buildings, machinery and equipment, and other types of furniture and equipment including, but not limited to, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment and software. This disclosure may include property plant and equipment accounting policies and methodology, a schedule of property, plant and equipment gross, additions, deletions, transfers and other changes, depreciation, depletion and amortization expense, net, accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization expense and useful lives, income statement disclosures, assets held for sale and public utility disclosures.

+ References + Details

Deferred Revenue	12 Months Ended
Deferred Revenue	Dec. 31, 2012
Deferred Revenue [Abstract]
Deferred Revenue	Note 10. Deferred Revenue Deferred revenue consists of customer payments received for which the revenue recognition criteria have not yet been met. The Company has significantly fulfilled its obligations under the contracts and the customers have paid, but due to the Company’s continuing involvement with the material, revenue is precluded from being recognized until the customer takes possession.

Borrowings	9 Months Ended
Borrowings	Sep. 30, 2012
Borrowings [Abstract]
Borrowings	Note 11. Borrowings United States On May 2, 2011, the Company, its domestic subsidiaries, and certain of its Canadian subsidiaries entered into a new $125,000,000 Revolving Credit Facility Credit Agreement (Credit Agreement) with PNC Bank, N.A., Bank of America, N.A., Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania. This Credit Agreement replaced a prior revolving credit facility with a maximum credit line of $90,000,000 and a $20,000,000 term loan. The Credit Agreement provides for a five-year, unsecured revolving credit facility that permits borrowing up to $125,000,000 for the U.S. borrowers and a sublimit of the equivalent of $15,000,000 U.S. dollars that is available to the Canadian borrowers. Provided no event of default exists, the Credit Agreement contains a provision that provides for an increase in the revolver facility of $50,000,000 that can be allocated to existing or new lenders if the Company’s borrowing requirements should increase. The Credit Agreement includes a sublimit of $20,000,000 for the issuance of trade and standby letters of credit. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement will bear interest at rates based upon either the base rate or LIBOR-based rate plus applicable margins. Applicable margins are dictated by the ratio of the Company’s indebtedness less cash on hand to the Company’s consolidated EBITDA, as defined in the underlying Credit Agreement. The base rate is the highest of (a) PNC Bank’s prime rate, (b) the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50% or (c) the daily LIBOR rate, as defined in the underlying Credit Agreement, plus 1.00%. The base rate spread ranges from 0.00% to 1.00%. LIBOR-based rates are determined by dividing the published LIBOR rate by a number equal to 1.00 minus the percentage prescribed by the Federal Reserve for determining the maximum reserve requirements with respect to any Eurocurrency funding by banks on such day. The LIBOR-based rate spread ranges from 1.00% to 2.00%. The Credit Agreement includes two financial covenants: (a) the Leverage Ratio, defined as the Company’s Indebtedness less cash on hand divided by the Company’s consolidated EBITDA, which must not exceed 3.00 to 1.00 and (b) Minimum Interest Coverage, defined as consolidated EBITDA less Capital Expenditures divided by consolidated interest expense, which must be no less than 3.00 to 1.00. The Credit Agreement permits the Company to pay dividends and distributions and make redemptions with respect to its stock provided no event of default or potential default (as defined in the Credit Agreement) has occurred prior to or after giving effect to the dividend, distribution, or redemption. Dividends, distributions, and redemptions are capped at $15,000,000 per year when funds are drawn on the facility. If no drawings on the facility exist, dividends, distributions, and redemptions in excess of $15,000,000 per year are subjected to a limitation of $75,000,000 in aggregate. The $75,000,000 aggregate limitation also includes certain loans, investments, and acquisitions. The Company is permitted to acquire the stock or assets of other entities with limited restrictions provided that the Leverage Ratio does not exceed 2.50 to 1.00 after giving effect to the acquisition. Other restrictions exist at all times including, but not limited to, limitation of the Company’s sale of assets, other indebtedness incurred by either the borrowers or the non-borrower subsidiaries of the Company, guaranties, and liens. On July 9, 2012, the Company amended the Credit Agreement to increase the limitation of the Company’s sale of assets from $10,000,000 to $25,000,000. As of December 31, 2012, the Company was in compliance with the Credit Agreement’s covenants. The Company had no outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility at December 31, 2012 or 2011 and had available borrowing capacity of $123,829,000 at December 31, 2012. Letters of Credit At December 31, 2012, the Company had outstanding letters of credit of approximately $1,171,000. United Kingdom A subsidiary of the Company has a working capital facility with NatWest Bank for its United Kingdom operations which includes an overdraft availability of £1,500,000 pounds sterling (approximately $2,437,000 at December 31, 2012). This credit facility supports the subsidiary’s working capital requirements and is collateralized by substantially all of the assets of its United Kingdom operations. The interest rate on this facility is the financial institution’s base rate plus 1.50%. Outstanding performance bonds reduce availability under this credit facility. The subsidiary of the Company had no outstanding borrowings under this credit facility as of December 31, 2012. There was approximately $61,000 in outstanding guarantees (as defined in the underlying agreement) at December 31, 2012. There were no borrowings or performance bonds outstanding on this facility as of December 31, 2011. This credit facility was renewed effective August 30, 2012 with no significant changes to the underlying terms or conditions in the facility. The expiration date of this credit facility is August 30, 2013. It is the Company’s intention to renew this credit facility with NatWest Bank during the annual review over the credit facility in 2013. The United Kingdom loan agreements contain certain financial covenants that require that subsidiary to maintain senior interest and cash flow coverage ratios. The subsidiary was in compliance with these financial covenants as of December 31, 2012. The subsidiary had available borrowing capacity of $2,376,000 at December 31, 2012.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for information about short-term and long-term debt arrangements, which includes amounts of borrowings under each line of credit, note payable, commercial paper issue, bonds indenture, debenture issue, own-share lending arrangements and any other contractual agreement to repay funds, and about the underlying arrangements, rationale for a classification as long-term, including repayment terms, interest rates, collateral provided, restrictions on use of assets and activities, whether or not in compliance with debt covenants, and other matters important to users of the financial statements, such as the effects of refinancing and noncompliance with debt covenants.

+ References + Details

Long-Term Debt and Related Matters

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Long-Term Debt and Related Matters [Abstract]

Long-Term Debt and Related Matters

Note 12.

Long-Term Debt and Related Matters

Long-term debt at December 31, 2012 and 2011 consists of the following:



		2012		2011
		In thousands
Lease obligations payable in installments through 2015 with a
weighted average interest rate of 5.37% at December 31, 2012
and 7.10% at December 31, 2011	$	62	$	1,490
Promissory notes issued in connection with the acquisition of
IDSI with imputed interest rates of 2.10%		-		945
		62		2,435
Less current maturities		35		2,384
	$	27	$	51

The maturities of long-term debt for each of the succeeding three years subsequent to December 31, 2012 are as follows:



		In thousands
2013	$	35
2014		22
2015		5
	$	62

Stockholders' Equity

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]

Stockholders' Equity

Note 13.

Stockholders’ Equity

The Company had authorized shares of 20,000,000 in Common stock with 11,115,779 shares issued at December 31, 2012 and 2011. The Common stock has a par value of $.01 per share and the current dividend as authorized by the Company’s Board of Directors is $0.10 per year or $0.025 per quarter. In February 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized an increase to the regular quarterly dividend to $0.03 from $0.025.

At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company had authorized shares of 5,000,000 in Preferred stock. No Preferred stock has been issued. No par value has been assigned to the Preferred stock.

The Company’s Board of Directors authorized the purchase of up to $25,000,000 in shares of its Common stock through a share repurchase program announced in May 2011 at prevailing market prices or privately negotiated transactions. There were no such repurchases of common stock under this program during 2012. During 2011 the Company purchased 278,655 shares of common stock for approximately $6,480,000. This authorization expires on December 31, 2013.

The Company’s Board of Directors authorized the purchase of up to $40,000,000 in shares of its Common stock through share repurchase programs announced in 2008 at prevailing market prices or privately negotiated transactions. There were no such repurchases of common stock under these programs during 2010. The authorization expired on December 31, 2010.

Cash dividends of approximately $1,029,000 and $1,022,000 were paid in 2012 and 2011, respectively. No cash dividends on Common stock were paid in 2010.



	Common Stock
Share Activity	Treasury	Outstanding
	Number of Shares
Balance at end of 2009	927,423	10,163,964
Issued for stock-based compensation plans	(113,174)	113,174
Balance at end of 2010	814,249	10,277,138
Purchased through share repurchase program	278,655	(278,655)
Issued for stock-based compensation plans	(50,528)	74,920
Balance at end of 2011	1,042,376	10,073,403
Issued for stock-based compensation plans	(75,995)	75,995
Balance at end of 2012	966,381	10,149,398

- Definition

The entire disclosure for shareholders' equity, comprised of portions attributable to the parent entity and noncontrolling interest, if any, including other comprehensive income (as applicable). Including, but not limited to: (1) balances of common stock, preferred stock, additional paid-in capital, other capital and retained earnings; (2) accumulated balance for each classification of other comprehensive income and total amount of comprehensive income; (3) amount and nature of changes in separate accounts, including the number of shares authorized and outstanding, number of shares issued upon exercise and conversion, and for other comprehensive income, the adjustments for reclassifications to net income; (4) rights and privileges of each class of stock authorized; (5) basis of treasury stock, if other than cost, and amounts paid and accounting treatment for treasury stock purchased significantly in excess of market; (6) dividends paid or payable per share and in the aggregate for each class of stock for each period presented; (7) dividend restrictions and accumulated preferred dividends in arrears (in aggregate and per share amount); (8) retained earnings appropriations or restrictions, such as dividend restrictions; (9) impact of change in accounting principle, initial adoption of new accounting principle and correction of an error in previously issued financial statements; (10) shares held in trust for Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP); (11) deferred compensation related to issuance of capital stock; (12) note received for issuance of stock; (13) unamortized discount on shares; (14) description, terms, and number of warrants or rights outstanding; (15) shares under subscription and subscription receivables, effective date of new retained earnings after quasi-reorganization and deficit eliminated by quasi-reorganization and, for a period of at least ten years after the effective date, the point in time from which the new retained dates; and (16) retroactive effective of subsequent change in capital structure.

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Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6405834&loc=d3e23285-112656

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21475-112644

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Preferred Stock
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6521494

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21463-112644

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 11
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21564-112644

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 43
-Section B
-Paragraph 7, 11A
-Chapter 1
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 12
-Paragraph 10
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 5
-Paragraph 15
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 17: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
-Paragraph d
-Article 4

Reference 18: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 29, 30, 31
-Article 5

Reference 19: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 4
-Section E

Reference 20: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
-Article 4

Reference 21: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 4
-Section C

Reference 22: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 129
-Paragraph 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 23: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Article 3

+ Details

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Abstract]

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Note 14.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, are as follows:



		2012		2011
		In thousands
Pension liability adjustment	$	(4,204)	$	(3,439)
Foreign currency translation adjustments		535		(1,189)
	$	(3,669)	$	(4,628)

Foreign currency translation adjustments are generally not adjusted for income taxes as they relate to indefinite investments in non U.S. subsidiaries.

Earnings Per Common Share

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Earnings Per Common Share [Abstract]

Earnings Per Common Share

Note 15.

Earnings Per Common Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share for the three years ended December 31:




		2012		2011		2010
		In thousands, except per share amounts
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per common share -
Income available to common stockholders:
Income from continuing operations	$	14,764	$	22,067	$	20,006
Income from discontinued operations		1,424		828		486
Net income	$	16,188	$	22,895	$	20,492

Denominator:
Weighted average shares		10,124		10,209		10,219
Denominator for basic earnings per common share		10,124		10,209		10,219

Effect of dilutive securities:
Employee stock options		16		29		67
Other stock compensation plans		94		74		62
Dilutive potential common shares		110		103		129
Denominator for diluted earnings per common share -
adjusted weighted average shares and assumed conversions		10,234		10,312		10,348
Basic earnings per share:
Continuing operations	$	1.46	$	2.16	$	1.96
Discontinued operations		0.14		0.08		0.05
Basic earnings per common share	$	1.60	$	2.24	$	2.01
Diluted earnings per share:
Continuing operations	$	1.44	$	2.14	$	1.93
Discontinued operations		0.14		0.08		0.05
Diluted earnings per common share	$	1.58	$	2.22	$	1.98

Dividends paid per common share	$	0.10	$	0.10	$	-

There were no antidilutive shares in 2012, 2011 and 2010.

Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Income Taxes [Abstract]

Income Taxes

Note 16.

Income Taxes

Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax liabilities and assets as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:



		2012		2011
		In thousands
Deferred tax liabilities:
Goodwill and other intangibles	$	(12,057)	$	(12,884)
Depreciation		(2,745)		(3,499)
Inventories		(3,433)		(4,333)
Unrepatriated earnings of foreign subsidiary		-		(428)
Other-net		(223)		(174)
Total deferred tax liabilities		(18,458)		(21,318)
Deferred tax assets:
Pension liability		2,787		3,210
Warranty reserve		5,752		2,058
Deferred compensation		1,161		1,601
Accounts receivable		358		924
Contingent liabilities		657		675
Deferred gain on sale / leaseback		-		178
State tax incentives		17		5
Net operating loss carryforwards		59		88
Foreign tax credit carryforwards		112		112
Total deferred tax assets		10,903		8,851
Net deferred tax liability	$	(7,555)	$	(12,467)

Significant components of the provision for income taxes are as follows:



		2012		2011		2010
		In thousands
Current:
Federal	$	9,742	$	4,123	$	10,023
State		1,977		485		775
Foreign		1,910		2,493		30
Total current		13,629		7,101		10,828
Deferred:
Federal		(3,966)		3,446		1,204
State		(155)		553		111
Foreign		(442)		(515)		(185)
Total deferred		(4,563)		3,484		1,130
Total income tax expense from continuing operating activities	$	9,066	$	10,585	$	11,958

The Company has unrecorded deferred income taxes on the undistributed earnings of its foreign subsidiaries. It is management’s intent and practice to indefinitely reinvest such earnings outside of the U.S. to support the continuing operations of its foreign subsidiaries. As a result of the liquidity and financial strength of the Company’s domestic operations, the Company does not currently anticipate a scenario where repatriation of these earnings would occur. At December 31, 2012, the aggregate undistributed earnings of the foreign subsidiaries (including cumulative unrealized currency gains related to previously taxed income) amounted to approximately $43,304,000. Upon distribution of these earnings in the form of dividends or otherwise, the Company may be subject to U.S. income taxes and foreign withholding taxes. It is not practical, however, to estimate the amount of taxes that may be payable on the eventual remittance of these earnings because of the complexity of the calculation.

Income before income taxes, as shown in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations, includes the following components:



		2012		2011		2010
		In thousands

Domestic	$	16,600	$	23,433	$	32,067
Foreign		7,230		9,219		(103)
Income from continuing operations, before income taxes	$	23,830	$	32,652	$	31,964

The reconciliation of income tax computed at statutory rates to income tax expense is as follows:



	2012		2011		2010

Statutory rate	35.0	%	35.0	%	35.0	%
Effect of foreign tax	(3.0)		(2.3)		-
State income tax	4.5		2.2		2.2
Nondeductible expenses	1.4		0.7		0.2
Tax credits	(2.2)		(2.0)		-
Other	2.3		(1.1)		-
	38.0	%	32.5	%	37.4	%

At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the tax benefit of net operating loss carryforwards available for state income tax purposes was approximately $59,000 and $88,000, respectively. The net operating loss carryforwards will expire in 2017 through 2024. The Company has foreign tax credit carryforwards in the amount of $112,000 that will expire in 2014 through 2016. The Company anticipates utilizing these credit carryforwards prior to their expiration and, therefore, has not provided a valuation allowance for these amounts. The Company received approximately $903,000 in state tax refunds in 2011 not previously recognized by the Company as realization was not more likely than not.

The following table provides a reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2012 and 2011:



		2012		2011
		In thousands

Unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of period:	$	1,849	$	645
Increases based on tax positions for prior periods		220		1,401
Increases based on tax positions related to current period		-		34
Decreases related to settlements with taxing authorities		-		(139)
Decreases as a result of a lapse of the applicable statute of limitations		(24)		(92)
Balance at end of period	$	2,045	$	1,849

The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate is $2,045,000 at December 31, 2012. The Company accrues interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in its provision for income taxes. At December 31, 2012, the Company had accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits of $320,000.

The Company files income tax returns in the United States and in various state, local and foreign jurisdictions. The Company is subject to federal income tax examinations for the period 2009 forward. With respect to the state, local and foreign filings, the Company is generally subject to income tax examinations for the periods 2008 forward.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for income taxes. Disclosures may include net deferred tax liability or asset recognized in an enterprise's statement of financial position, net change during the year in the total valuation allowance, approximate tax effect of each type of temporary difference and carryforward that gives rise to a significant portion of deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets, utilization of a tax carryback, and tax uncertainties information.

+ References

+ Details

Stock-Based Compensation

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Stock-based Compensation [Abstract]

Stock-based Compensation

Note 17.

Stock-based Compensation

The Company applies the provisions of FASB ASC 718, “Compensation – Stock Compensation,” to account for the Company’s share-based compensation. Share-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the calculated fair value of the award and is recognized over the employees’ requisite service period. The Company recorded stock compensation expense of $1,989,000, $1,958,000 and $1,944,000 for the periods ended 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, related to fully-vested stock awards, restricted stock awards and performance unit awards as follows.

Stock Option Awards

The Company has three equity compensation plans: The 1985 Long-Term Incentive Plan (1985 Plan), the 1998 Long-Term Incentive Plan for Officers and Directors, amended and restated in May 2011, (1998 Plan) and the 2006 Omnibus Incentive Plan, amended and restated in May 2011 (Omnibus Plan). The 1985 Plan expired on January 1, 2005. Although no further awards can be made under the 1985 Plan, prior awards are not affected by the termination of the Plan.

The 1998 Plan provides for the award of options to key employees and directors to purchase up to 900,000 shares of Common stock at no less than 100% of fair market value on the date of the grant. The 1998 Plan provides for the granting of “nonqualified options” and “incentive stock options” with a duration of not more than ten years from the date of grant. The 1998 Plan also provides that, unless otherwise set forth in the option agreement, options are exercisable in installments of up to 25% annually beginning one year from date of grant. Non-employee directors were automatically awarded fully vested, nonqualified stock options to acquire 5,000 shares of the Company’s Common stock on each date the outside directors were elected at an annual shareholders’ meeting to serve as directors. The 1998 Plan was amended in May 2006 to remove the automatic awarding of options to outside directors.

The Omnibus Plan allows for the issuance of 900,000 shares of Common stock through the granting of stock options or stock awards (including performance units convertible into stock) to key employees and directors at no less than 100% of fair market value on the date of the grant. The Omnibus Plan provides for the granting of “nonqualified options” with a duration of not more than ten years from the date of grant. The Omnibus Plan also provides that, unless otherwise set forth in the option agreement, options are exercisable in installments of up to 25% annually beginning one year from the date of grant. No options have been granted under the Omnibus Plan and, as such, there was no stock compensation expense related to stock options recorded in 2012, 2011 or 2010.

Certain information for the three years ended December 31, 2012 relative to employee stock options is summarized as follows:



	2012	2011	2010
Number of shares under the plans:
Outstanding and exercisable at beginning of year	39,950	80,950	180,950
Granted	-	-	-
Canceled	-	-	-
Exercised	(17,450)	(41,000)	(100,000)
Outstanding and exercisable at end of year	22,500	39,950	80,950

Number of shares available for future grant:
Beginning of year	315,840	391,881	443,566
End of year	561,655	315,840	391,881

The total intrinsic value of options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2012 was $743,000, $773,000 and $2,751,000, respectively.

At December 31, 2012, options outstanding and exercisable under the Company’s equity plans had option prices ranging from $7.81 to $14.77, with a weighted average exercise price of $10.41. At December 31, 2011, options outstanding and exercisable under the Company’s equity plans had option prices ranging from $4.23 to $14.77, with a weighted average exercise price of $8.94 per share. At December 31, 2010, options outstanding and exercisable under the Company’s equity plans had option prices ranging from $2.75 to $14.77, with a weighted average price of $6.95.

The weighted average remaining contractual life of the stock options outstanding at December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 were 2.2, 2.8 and 2.7 years, respectively.

The weighted average exercise price per share of the options exercised in 2012, 2011 and 2010 were $7.03, $5.02 and $4.51, respectively. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 were $457,000, $1,112,000 and $2,483,000, respectively.

Certain information for the year ended December 31, 2012 relative to stock options at respective exercise price ranges is summarized as follows:



	Options Outstanding and Exercisable
	Number	Weighted Average		Weighted
Range of Exercise Prices	of Shares	Remaining Life		Exercise Price

$7.81 - $8.97	10,000	1.9	$	8.39
$9.29 - $14.77	12,500	2.5		12.03
	22,500	2.2	$	10.41

Shares issued as a result of stock option exercise generally will be from previously issued shares which have been reacquired by the Company and held as Treasury shares.

Fully-Vested Stock Awards

Non-employee directors are automatically awarded 3,500 fully vested shares, or a lesser amount determined by the directors, of the Company’s Common stock on each date the non-employee directors are elected at an annual shareholders’ meeting to serve as directors.

The non-employee directors were granted a total of 12,000, 10,500 and 12,000 fully-vested shares for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Compensation expense recorded by the Company related to fully-vested stock awards to non-employee directors was approximately $337,000, $370,000 and $340,000 for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

In addition to the 12,000 shares of fully-vested stock granted to the non-employee directors in 2010, the Company granted, pursuant to the Omnibus Plan approximately 2,000 fully-vested shares to key employees. The grant date fair value of these fully-vested stock grants was $34.73. The weighted average fair value of all the fully-vested stock grants awarded was $28.05, $35.24 and $29.10 per share for 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Restricted Stock Awards

The Restricted Stock Awards granted under the Omnibus Plan generally have vesting requirements that are determined by the underlying Restricted Stock Agreement. These forfeitable Restricted Stock Awards time-vest after a four year holding period, unless indicated otherwise by the underlying Restricted Stock Agreement. Shares issued as a result of Restricted Stock Awards generally are previously issued shares which have been reacquired by the Company and held as Treasury shares or authorized but previously unissued common stock.

For the periods ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company granted approximately 43,000, 46,000 and 40,000 shares, respectively, of restricted stock under the Omnibus Plan. During 2012, the Company also granted approximately 66,000 shares of restricted stock to an employee director. A summary of restricted stock award activity follows:



					Aggregate
			Grant Date		Fair
Grant Date	Shares		Fair Value		Value	Vesting Date
March 3, 2010	12,185	$	31.92	$	389,000	March 3, 2014
May 28, 2010	2,500		28.07		70,000	February 28, 2012
May 28, 2010	17,500		28.07		491,000	May 28, 2014
October 21, 2010	7,500		31.04		233,000	October 21, 2014
March 15, 2011	24,836		38.46		955,000	March 15, 2015
July 21, 2011	16,600		38.44		638,000	July 21, 2015
August 29, 2011	5,000		24.50		123,000	August 29, 2014
February 1, 2012	66,000		30.15		1,990,000	February 1, 2016
March 6, 2012	18,347		27.49		504,000	March 6, 2016
May 23, 2012	8,000		28.05		224,000	May 23, 2016
December 11, 2012	16,330		41.98		686,000	December 12, 2015

These forfeitable Restricted Stock Awards time-vest after a four-year period, unless indicated otherwise by the underlying Restricted Stock Agreement. Certain awards of restricted stock included in the above table provide for partial vesting over a period up to the vesting date listed. Shares issued as a result of Restricted Stock Awards generally are previously issued shares which have been reacquired by the Company and held as Treasury shares or authorized but previously unissued common stock.

Performance Unit Awards

Annually, under separate three-year long-term incentive plans, pursuant to the Omnibus Plan, the Company grants performance units. Performance units granted during the periods ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 are as follows:



						Aggregate
Incentive				Grant Date		Fair
Plan	Grant Date	Units		Fair Value		Value	Vesting Date
2010 - 2012	March 2, 2010	36,541	$	31.83	$	1,163,000	March 2, 2013
2011 - 2013	March 15, 2011	34,002		38.46		1,308,000	March 15, 2014
2012 - 2014	March 6, 2012	43,042		27.49		1,183,000	March 6, 2015

In addition, on March 15, 2011 the Company awarded, pursuant to the Omnibus Plan, 1,500 special performance units to a former employee director and 1,000 special performance units to an executive officer. Based on the satisfaction of the underlying performance conditions, these special performance units were converted, net of shares withheld for applicable income tax purposes, into 1,436 and 957 shares, respectively, of the Company’s common stock on March 6, 2012. The grant date fair value of these awards was $38.46 and the aggregate fair value was $58,000 and $38,000, respectively.

Performance units are subject to forfeiture and will be converted into common stock of the Company based upon the Company’s performance relative to performance measures and conversion multiples as defined in the underlying plan. The aggregate fair value in the above table is based upon achieving 100% of the performance targets as defined in the underlying plan. During 2012, the Company reversed $807,000 of incentive compensation recognized in prior years under its separate three-year long-term incentive plans caused by the impact of the product warranty charge on Company performance, as it related to the awards’ underlying performance conditions. More information on the product warranty charge can be found in Note 21, Commitments and Contingent Liabilities.

The number of shares awarded under the respective three year long-term incentive plans was determined using an average grant date fair value over a ten day period as follows:



		Average
		Grant date
Incentive Plan		Fair Value	Ten Day Period
2010 - 2012	$	29.39	February 2010
2011 - 2013		40.25	February 2011
2012 - 2014		31.60	February 2012

Excluding the fully-vested stock awards granted to non-employee directors, the Company recorded compensation expense of $1,652,000, $1,588,000 and $1,604,000, respectively, for the periods ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 related to restricted stock and performance unit awards.

The Company issued, pursuant to the Omnibus Plan, approximately 34,000 fully-vested shares during 2012 which were earned under the 2009 – 2011 three year long-term incentive plan. This non-cash transaction of $1,130,000 was reflected as a decrease to Treasury Stock in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2012. During 2011 the Company issued, pursuant to the Omnibus Plan, approximately 20,000 fully-vested shares which were earned under the 2008 – 2010 three year long-term incentive plan. This non-cash transaction of $670,000 was reflected as a decrease to Treasury Stock in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2011.

Shares issued as a result of performance unit awards generally are previously issued shares which have been reacquired by the Company and held as Treasury shares or authorized but previously unissued common stock.

The excess tax benefit realized for the tax deduction from stock-based compensation approximated $199,000, $425,000 and $961,000 for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. This excess tax benefit is included in cash flows from financing activities in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for compensation-related costs for equity-based compensation, which may include disclosure of policies, compensation plan details, allocation of equity compensation, incentive distributions, equity-based arrangements to obtain goods and services, deferred compensation arrangements, employee stock ownership plan details and employee stock purchase plan details.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 50
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6406099&loc=d3e25284-112666

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 40
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6418621&loc=d3e17540-113929

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5047-113901

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5444-113901

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 14

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 123R
-Paragraph 64, 65, A240
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Statement of Position (SOP)
-Number 93-6
-Paragraph 53
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Retirement Plans

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Retirement Plans [Abstract]

Retirement Plans

Note 18.

Retirement Plans

The Company has five retirement plans which cover its hourly and salaried employees in the United States: three defined benefit plans (one active / two frozen) and two defined contribution plans. Employees are eligible to participate in the appropriate plan based on employment classification. The Company's funding to the defined benefit and defined contribution plans are governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), applicable plan policy and investment guidelines. The Company policy is to contribute at least the minimum in accordance with the funding standards of ERISA.

The Company’s subsidiary, L.B. Foster Rail Technologies (Rail Technologies), maintains two defined contribution plans for its employees in Canada, as well as a post-retirement benefit plan. In the United Kingdom, Rail Technologies maintains both a defined contribution plan and a defined benefit plan. These plans are discussed in further detail below.

United States Defined Benefit Plans

The following tables present a reconciliation of the changes in the benefit obligation, the fair market value of the assets and the funded status of the plans:



		2012		2011
		In thousands
Changes in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	16,986	$	14,955
Service cost		31		30
Interest cost		748		799
Actuarial losses		980		1,896
Benefits paid		(711)		(694)
Benefit obligation at end of year	$	18,034	$	16,986



Change to plan assets:
Fair value of assets at beginning of year	$	12,088	$	11,433
Actual gain on plan assets		1,127		266
Employer contribution		758		1,083
Benefits paid		(711)		(694)
Fair value of assets at end of year		13,262		12,088
Funded status at end of year	$	(4,772)	$	(4,898)



Amounts recognized in the consolidated
balance sheet consist of:
Other long-term liabilities	$	(4,772)	$	(4,898)



Amounts recognized in accumulated other
comprehensive income consist of:
Net loss	$	4,675	$	4,206
Prior service cost		4		5
	$	4,679	$	4,211

The actuarial loss included in accumulated other comprehensive loss that will be recognized in net periodic pension cost during 2013 is $212,000, before taxes.

Net periodic pension costs for the three years ended December 31, 2012 are as follows:



		2012		2011		2010
Components of net periodic benefit cost:		In thousands
Service cost	$	31	$	30	$	31
Interest cost		748		799		264
Expected return on plan assets		(810)		(764)		(286)
Amortization of prior service cost		1		1		-
Recognized net actuarial loss		194		111		106
Net periodic benefit cost	$	164	$	177	$	115

The weighted average assumptions used to measure the projected benefit obligation for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:



	2012		2011
Discount rate	4.0	%	4.5	%

The weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit costs for the three years ended December 31, 2012:



	2012		2011		2010
Discount rate	4.00	%	5.48	%	6.00	%
Expected rate of return on plan assets	6.50	%	6.70	%	7.75	%

The expected long-term rate of return is based on numerous factors including the target asset allocation for plan assets, historical rate of return, long-term inflation assumptions, and current and projected market conditions. Different asset category compositions between the two defined benefit plans led to two different expected rates of return on plan assets in 2011.

Amounts applicable to the Company’s pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets are as follows:



		2012		2011
		In thousands
Projected benefit obligation	$	18,034	$	16,986
Accumulated benefit obligation		18,034		16,986
Fair value of plan assets		13,262		12,088

Plan assets consist primarily of various fixed income and equity investments. The Company’s primary investment objective is to provide long-term growth of capital while accepting a moderate level of risk. The investments are limited to cash and equivalents, bonds, preferred stocks and common stocks. The investment target ranges and actual allocation of pension plan assets by major category at December 31, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:



	Target		2012		2011
Asset Category
Cash and cash equivalents	0 - 10	%	7	%	4	%
Total fixed income funds	30 - 50		31		37
Total mutual funds / equities	50 - 70		62		59
Total			100	%	100	%

In accordance with the fair value disclosure requirements with FASB ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” the following assets were measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2012 and 2011. Additional information regarding FASB ASC 820 and the fair value hierarchy can be found in Note 20, Fair Value Measurements.



		December 31,
		2012		2011
		In thousands
Asset Category
Cash and cash equivalents	$	984	$	513
Fixed income funds
Government bonds		-		1,342
Corporate bonds		4,168		3,146
Total fixed income funds		4,168		4,488
Equity funds and equities
Mutual funds		7,163		678
Common stock		947		6,409
Total equity funds and equities		8,110		7,087

Total	$	13,262	$	12,088

Cash equivalents. The Company uses quoted market prices to determine the fair value of these investments in interest-bearing cash accounts and they are classified in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. The carrying amounts approximate fair value because of the short maturity of the instruments.

Fixed income funds. Investments within the fixed income funds category consist of fixed income corporate debt and U.S. government and various state agency obligations. The Company uses quoted market prices to determine the fair value of these fixed income funds. These instruments consist of exchange-traded government and corporate bonds and are classified in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.

Equity funds and equities. The valuation of investments in registered investment companies is based on the underlying investments in securities. Securities traded on security exchanges are valued at the latest quoted sales price. Securities traded in the over-the-counter market and listed securities for which no sale was reported on that date are valued at the average of the last reported bid and ask quotations. These investments are classified in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.

The Company expects to contribute approximately $555,000 to its United States defined benefit plans in 2013.

The following benefit payments are expected to be paid:



		Pension
		Benefits
		In thousands
2013	$	743
2014		754
2015		766
2016		812
2017		886
Years 2018-2022		5,184

United Kingdom Defined Benefit Plans

During 2010, the Conveyors International Limited Pension Plan (Conveyors plan) was merged with the Portec Rail Products (UK) Limited Pension Plan (Portec Rail Plan) a defined benefit pension plan in the United Kingdom. The combined Portec Rail Plan covers some current employees, former employees and retirees of the original Portec Rail Plan along with former employees of the Conveyors plan. The Portec Rail Plan has been frozen to new entrants since April 1, 1997 and also covers the former employees of the Conveyors plan after January 2002. Benefits under the Portec Rail Plan, including the former Conveyors plan, were based on years of service and eligible compensation during defined periods of service. Our funding policy for the Portec Rail Plan is to make minimum annual contributions required by applicable regulations. Contributions of $297,000 and $235,000 were made to the plan on December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

The funded status of the United Kingdom defined benefit plan at year end is as follows:



		2012		2011
		In thousands
Changes in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	6,964	$	6,229
Interest cost		338		331
Actuarial losses		652		544
Plan transfers		-		194
Benefits paid		(236)		(309)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes		316		(25)
Benefit obligation at end of year	$	8,034	$	6,964



Change to plan assets:
Fair value of assets at beginning of year	$	5,160	$	5,293
Actual gain (loss) on plan assets		596		(233)
Employer contribution		297		235
Plan transfers		-		194
Benefits paid		(236)		(309)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes		234		(20)
Fair value of assets at end of year		6,051		5,160
Funded status at end of year	$	(1,983)	$	(1,804)



Amounts recognized in the consolidated
balance sheet consist of:
Other long-term liabilities	$	(1,983)	$	(1,804)

Net periodic pension costs for the three years ended December 31, 2012 are as follows:



		2012		2011
Components of net periodic benefit cost:		In thousands
Interest cost	$	338	$	331
Expected return on plan assets		(307)		(337)
Amortization of transition obligation		(49)		(47)
Amortization of prior service cost		23		22
Recognized net actuarial gain		221		107
Net periodic benefit cost	$	226	$	76

The weighted average assumptions used to measure the benefit obligation for the years ended December 31 were as follows:



	2012		2011
Discount rate	4.3	%	4.7	%
Expected rate of return on plan assets	5.2	%	5.7	%

Amounts applicable to the Company’s pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets are as follows:



		2012		2011
		In thousands
Projected benefit obligation	$	8,034	$	6,964
Accumulated benefit obligation		8,034		6,964
Fair value of plan assets		6,051		5,160

The Company has estimated the long-term rate of return on plan assets based primarily on historical returns on plan assets, adjusted for changes in target portfolio allocations and recent changes in long-term interest rates based on publicly available information.

Plan assets are invested by the trustees in accordance with a written statement of investment principles. This statement permits investment in equities, corporate bonds, United Kingdom government securities, commercial property and cash, based on certain target allocation percentages.

Asset allocation is primarily based on a strategy to provide steady growth without undue fluctuations. The target asset allocation percentages for 2012 are as follows:



	Portec Rail
	Plan
Equity securities	Up to 100%
Commercial property	Not to exceed 50%
U.K. Government securities	Not to exceed 50%
Cash	Up to 100%

Substantially all plan assets held within the Portec Rail Plan consists of marketable securities and are classified in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.

The plan assets by category for the years ended December 31, are as follows:



		December 31,
		2012		2011
Asset Category		In thousands
Cash and cash equivalents	$	520	$	180
Equity securities		2,250		2,286
Bonds		1,529		965
Commercial property		1,636		1,264
Alternatives		116		465
Total	$	6,051	$	5,160

United Kingdom regulations require trustees to adopt a prudent approach to funding required contributions to defined benefit pension plans. The Company anticipates making contributions of $228,000 to the Portec Rail Plan during 2013.

The following estimated future benefits payments are expected to be paid under the Portec Rail Plan:



		Pension
		Benefits
		In thousands
2013	$	201
2014		232
2015		257
2016		290
2017		313
Years 2018-2022		1,960

Other Post-Retirement Benefit Plan

At Rail Technologies' operation near Montreal, Quebec, Canada, it maintains a post-retirement benefit plan, which provides retiree life insurance, health care benefits and, for a closed group of employees, dental care. Retiring employees with a minimum of 10 years of service are eligible for the plan benefits. The plan is not funded. Cost of benefits earned by employees is charged to expense as services are rendered. The expense related to this plan was not material for 2012 and 2011. Rail Technologies' accrued benefit obligation was $1,130,000 and $879,000 as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Benefit payments anticipated for 2012 are not material. Accordingly, this obligation is recognized within other long-term liabilities.

The weighted average assumptions used to measure the benefit obligation for the years ended December 31 were as follows:



	2012		2011
Discount rate	4.4	%	5.3	%
Weighted average health care trend rate	6.6	%	7.0	%

The weighted average health care rate trends downward to an ultimate rate of 4.40% in 2032.

Defined Contribution Plans

The Company has a domestic defined contribution plan that covers all non-union hourly and all salaried employees (Salaried Plan). The Salaried Plan permits both pre-tax and after-tax employee contributions. Participants can contribute, subject to statutory limitations, between 1% and 75% of eligible pre-tax pay and between 1% and 100% of eligible after-tax pay. The Company's employer match is 100% of the first 1% of deferred eligible compensation and up to 50% of the next 6%, based on years of service, of deferred eligible compensation, for a total maximum potential match of 4%. The Company may also make discretionary contributions to the Salaried Plan.

The Company also has a domestic defined contribution plan for union hourly employees with contributions made by both the participants and the Company based on various formulas (Union Plan).

The Company’s Rail Technologies subsidiary maintains a defined contribution plan covering all non-union employees at its Montreal, Quebec, Canada location (Montreal Plan). Under the terms of the Montreal Plan, Rail Technologies may contribute 4% of each employee’s compensation as a non-elective contribution and may also contribute 30% of the first 6% of each employee’s compensation contributed to the Montreal Plan.

The Company’s Rail Technologies subsidiary also maintains a defined contribution plan covering substantially all employees at its United Kingdom locations (U.K. Plan). Benefits under the U.K. Plan are provided under no formal written agreement. Under the terms of the defined contribution U.K. Plan, Rail Technologies may make non-elective contributions of between 3% and 10% of each employee’s compensation.

Finally, the Company’s Rail Technologies subsidiary maintains a defined contribution plan covering substantially all of the employees of at its Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada location (Burnaby Plan). Under the terms of the Burnaby Plan, Rail Technologies makes a non-elective contribution of 4% of each employee’s compensation and may also contribute 30% of the first 6% of each employee’s compensation contributed to the Burnaby Plan.

The following table summarizes the expense associated with the contributions made to these plans. Due to the Company not acquiring Rail Technologies until December 15, 2010, there were no contributions made by the Company to the Montreal, U.K. or Burnaby Plans in 2010.



		2012		2011		2010
		In thousands
Salaried Plan	$	2,028	$	1,846	$	1,700
Union Plan		79		62		34
Montreal Plan		126		101		-
U.K. Plan		116		122		-
Burnaby Plan		143		106		-
	$	2,492	$	2,237	$	1,734

- Definition

The entire disclosure for pension and other postretirement benefits.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/topic&trid=2235017

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Implementation Guide (Q and A)
-Number FAS88
-Paragraph 63
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph b
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 106
-Paragraph 518
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph a
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 03-2
-Paragraph 8
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 87
-Paragraph 264
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph q
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph h
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 8
-Subparagraph m
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5, 6, 7, 8
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 158
-Paragraph 7, 21, 22
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
-Number FAS106-2
-Paragraph 20, 21, 22
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 30
-Paragraph 26
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Rental And Lease Information

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Rental and Lease Information [Abstract]

Rental and Lease Information

Note 19.

Rental and Lease Information

The Company has capital and operating leases for certain plant facilities, office facilities, and equipment. Rental expense for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 amounted to $3,762,000, $4,367,000 and $3,674,000, respectively. Generally, land and building leases include escalation clauses.

The following is a schedule, by year, of the future minimum payments under capital and operating leases, together with the present value of the net minimum payments as of December 31, 2012:



		Capital		Operating
Year ending December 31,		Leases		Leases
		In thousands
2013	$	37	$	3,138
2014		23		2,752
2015		5		2,051
2016		-		1,525
2017 and thereafter		-		2,998
Total minimum lease payments		65	$	12,464
Less amount representing interest		3
Total present value of minimum payments		62
Less current portion of such obligations		35
Long-term obligations with interest rates ranging from 1.74% to 8.46%	$	27

Assets recorded under capital leases are as follows:



		2012		2011
		In thousands

Land improvements	$	6,373	$	6,372
Machinery and equipment at cost		6,395		6,399
Buildings		399		399
		13,167		13,170
Less accumulated amortization		12,556		11,019
Net capital lease assets	$	611	$	2,151

Included in the Company’s “Other Income” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations are gains recognized in connection with the Company’s 2008 sale-leaseback transaction. During 2011, the Company provided the lessor of the Houston, TX property with written notice of the Company’s termination of the lease in its entirety effective April 30, 2012. As a result of this termination, the Company recognized $577,000 of previously deferred gain and is recorded in other income in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Including this amount, the Company recorded approximately $456,000, $1,081,000 and $215,000 within “Other Income” related to this transaction for the periods ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for lessee entity's leasing arrangements including, but not limited to, all of the following: (a.) The basis on which contingent rental payments are determined, (b.) The existence and terms of renewal or purchase options and escalation clauses, (c.) Restrictions imposed by lease agreements, such as those concerning dividends, additional debt, and further leasing.

+ References + Details

Fair Value Measurements

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements

Note 20.

Fair Value Measurements

FASB ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The Company applies the provisions of ASC 820 to all its assets and liabilities that are being measured and reported on a fair value basis.

ASC 820 discusses valuation techniques, such as the market approach (comparable market prices), the income approach (present value of future income or cash flow) and the cost approach (cost to replace the service capacity of an asset or replacement cost). ASC 820 enables readers of financial statements to assess the inputs used to develop those measurements by establishing a hierarchy, which prioritizes those inputs used, for ranking the quality and reliability of the information used to determine fair values. The standard requires that each asset and liability carried at fair value be classified into one of the following categories:

Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2: Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.

Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.

The Company has an established process for determining fair value for its financial assets and liabilities, principally cash and cash equivalents and foreign currency exchange contracts. Fair value is based on quoted market prices, where available. If quoted market prices are not available, fair value is based on assumptions that use as inputs market-based parameters. The following sections describe the valuation methodologies used by the Company to measure different financial instruments at fair value, including an indication of the level in the fair value hierarchy in which each instrument is generally classified. Where appropriate the description includes details of the key inputs to the valuations and any significant assumptions.

Cash equivalents. Included within “Cash and cash equivalents” are investments in money market funds with various underlying securities all of which maintain AAA credit ratings. Also included within cash equivalents are our investments in non-domestic bank certificates of deposit. The Company uses quoted market prices to determine the fair value of these investments and they are classified in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. The carrying amounts approximate fair value because of the short maturity of the instruments.

IDSI acquisition notes. The Company issued non-interest bearing notes associated with its 2010 acquisition of Interlocking Deck Systems International, LLC (IDSI). The Company determined the fair value of these notes by computing the present value of the note payments using an interest rate formula applicable to the Company’s long-term debt. This note was paid during 2012. The note was included within “Current maturities of long-term debt” at December 31, 2011.

The following assets and liabilities of the Company were measured at fair value on a recurring basis subject to the disclosure requirements of ASC 820 at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:



				Fair Value Measurements at
				Reporting Date Using
				Quoted Prices in		Significant
				Active Markets		Other		Significant
				for Identical		Observable		Unobservable
		December 31,		Assets		Inputs		Inputs
		2012		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
		In thousands
Assets
Domestic money market funds	$	58,620	$	58,620	$	-	$	-
Non domestic bank certificates of deposit		26,045		26,045		-		-
Cash equivalents at fair value		84,665		84,665		-		-

Total Assets	$	84,665	$	84,665	$	-	$	-



				Fair Value Measurements at
				Reporting Date Using
				Quoted Prices in		Significant
				Active Markets		Other		Significant
				for Identical		Observable		Unobservable
		December 31,		Assets		Inputs		Inputs
		2011		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
		In thousands
Assets
Domestic money market funds	$	42,273	$	42,273	$	-	$	-
Non domestic bank certificates of deposit		22,520		22,520		-		-
Cash equivalents at fair value		64,793		64,793		-		-

Total Assets	$	64,793	$	64,793	$	-	$	-

Liabilities
IDSI acquisition short-term note	$	(945)	$	-	$	(945)	$	-
Total current maturities of other long-term debt		(945)		-		(945)		-

Total Liabilities	$	(945)	$	-	$	(945)	$	-

Information regarding the fair value disclosures associated with the assets of the Company’s defined benefit plans can be found in Note 18, Retirement Plans.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 820
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7578670&loc=d3e19207-110258

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 30
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6957238&loc=d3e14172-108612

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 21
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7491637&loc=d3e13537-108611

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 28
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6957238&loc=d3e14064-108612

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 16
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7491637&loc=d3e13504-108611

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7491637&loc=d3e13433-108611

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 15B
-Subparagraph a, b
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 44A, 44B
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 159
-Paragraph 17-22, 27, 28
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 15A
-Subparagraph a-d
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Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
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-Paragraph 15C, 15D
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Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 157
-Paragraph 32, 33, 34
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 3, 10, 14, 15
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities

Note 21.

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities

Product Liability Claims

On July 12, 2011, the UPRR notified (UPRR Notice) the Company and its subsidiary, CXT Incorporated (CXT), of a warranty claim under CXT's 2005 supply contract relating to the sale of prestressed concrete railroad ties to the UPRR. The UPRR asserted that a significant percentage of concrete ties manufactured in 2006 through 2011 at CXT's Grand Island, NE facility failed to meet contract specifications, had workmanship defects and were cracking and failing prematurely. Approximately 1.6 million ties were sold from Grand Island, NE to the UPRR during the period the UPRR had claimed nonconformance. The 2005 contract called for each concrete tie which failed to conform to the specifications or had a material defect in workmanship to be replaced with 1.5 new concrete ties, provided, that UPRR within five years of the sale of a concrete tie, notified CXT of such failure to conform or such defect in workmanship. The UPRR Notice did not specify how many ties manufactured during this period were defective nor the exact nature of the alleged workmanship defect. Additionally, UPRR notified the Company that a customer of the UPRR asserted that a representative sample of ties manufactured by the Company’s Grand Island, NE facility failed a test contained in the contract specification. At the customer’s request, UPRR removed approximately 115,000 concrete ties, which were a subset of the ties subject to the UPRR Notice.

Beginning in July 2011 through the second quarter of 2012, the Company worked with material scientists and prestressed concrete experts to test a representative sample of Grand Island, NE concrete ties and assess warranty claims for certain concrete ties made in its Grand Island, NE facility between 1998 and 2011. The Company discontinued manufacturing operations in Grand Island, NE in early 2011.

During 2012, the Company completed sufficient testing and analysis to further understand this matter. Additionally, in a combined effort with UPRR, the Company analyzed Grand Island, NE concrete ties in track. Based upon these findings, the Company believed it discovered conditions, which largely related to the 2006 to 2007 manufacturing period, that can shorten the life of the concrete ties produced during this period. The Company also agreed on a process with the UPRR for identifying, prioritizing and replacing ties that meet the criteria for replacement. This process will be applied to the ties the Company shipped to the UPRR from its Grand Island, NE facility from 1998 to 2011. During most of this period the Company’s warranty policy for UPRR carried a 5 year warranty with a 1.5:1 replacement ratio for any defective ties. In order to accommodate the UPRR and other customer concerns, the Company reverted to a previously used warranty policy. This will result in all concrete ties with a 5 year warranty and a 1.5:1 replacement ratio, now having a 15 year warranty and a 1:1 replacement ratio. This change will provide an additional 10 years of warranty protection. The 1:1 replacement ratio will furnish one tie for each tie replaced under the Company’s claims process. During the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company reached agreement with the UPRR resulting in the Company and the UPRR working together to identify and replace defective ties. The process of planning and documenting will be done by both the Company and the UPRR to ensure this is done in a timely manner. In connection with this agreement, the Company and the UPRR agreed on a cash payment of $12.0 million to the UPRR as compensation for concrete ties replaced by the UPRR during the investigation period.

During 2012, as a result of testing the Company conducted on concrete ties manufactured at its former Grand Island, NE facility and of the related developments of the UPRR and other customer matters, the Company recorded pre-tax warranty charges of approximately $22.0 million in “Cost of Goods Sold” within its Rail Products segment based on the Company’s estimate of the number of defective concrete ties that will ultimately require replacement during the applicable warranty periods.

The Company is subject to product warranty claims that arise in the ordinary course of its business. For certain manufactured products, the Company maintains a product warranty accrual which is adjusted on a monthly basis as a percentage of cost of sales. This product warranty accrual is periodically adjusted based on the identification or resolution of known individual product warranty claims. The following table sets forth the Company’s continuing operating activities product warranty accrual:



		In thousands
Balance at December 31, 2010	$	4,403
Additions to warranty liability		4,437
Warranty liability utilized		(2,208)
Balance at December 31, 2011		6,632
Additions to warranty liability		24,252
Warranty liability utilized		(15,157)
Balance at December 31, 2012	$	15,727

Included within the above table are concrete tie warranty reserves of approximately $14,837,000, $5,160,000 and $1,966,000, respectively, as of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010. For the periods ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company recorded approximately $23,019,000, $3,469,000 and $750,000, respectively, in pre-tax concrete tie warranty charges within “Cost of Goods Sold” in the Company’s Rail Products segment primarily related to concrete ties manufactured at the Company’s former Grand Island, NE facility.

While the Company believes this is a reasonable estimate of these potential warranty claims, these estimates could change due to new information and future events. There can be no assurance at this point that future potential costs pertaining to these claims or other potential future claims will not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations.

Environmental and Legal Proceedings

The Company is subject to national, state, foreign, provincial and/or local laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment. The Company is monitoring its potential environmental exposure related to current and former Rail Technologies facilities. The Company’s efforts to comply with environmental regulations may have an adverse effect on its future earnings. In the opinion of management, compliance with the present environmental protection laws will not have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, competitive position or capital expenditures of the Company.

The Company is also subject to legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of its business. In the opinion of management, the amount of ultimate liability with respect to these actions will not materially affect the financial condition or liquidity of the Company. The resolution, in any reporting period, of one or more of these matters could have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations for that period.

As of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company maintained environmental and litigation reserves approximating $2,141,000 and $2,184,000, respectively.

On January 11, 2012, CXT received a subpoena from the United States Department of Transportation Inspector General (IG) requesting records related to its manufacture of concrete railroad ties in Grand Island, NE. CXT and the Company have been cooperating fully with the IG.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for commitments and contingencies.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6449706&loc=d3e16207-108621

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 460
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6398077&loc=d3e12565-110249

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 450
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6952336&loc=d3e14435-108349

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.25)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 440
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394976&loc=d3e25287-109308

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)
-Number 14
-Paragraph 3
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 5
-Paragraph 9, 10, 11, 12
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) [Abstract]

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)

Note 22.

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)

As more fully described in Note 4 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, “Discontinued Operations,” the Company sold its SSD and Precise businesses in June 2012 and August 2012, respectively. The operations of these divisions qualify as a “component of an entity” under FASB ASC 205-20 and thus, the operations have been reclassified as discontinued and prior periods have been reclassified to conform to this presentation.

Quarterly financial information for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 is presented below:



		2012
		First		Second		Third		Fourth
		Quarter		Quarter (1)		Quarter (2)		Quarter		Total
		In thousands, except per share amounts

Net sales	$	114,291	$	163,180	$	170,346	$	140,724	$	588,541
Gross profit	$	21,652	$	12,334	$	30,713	$	27,570	$	92,269
Income from continuing operations	$	2,979	$	(3,321)	$	8,463	$	6,643	$	14,764
Income from discontinued operations	$	390	$	1,250	$	(238)	$	22	$	1,424
Net income	$	3,369	$	(2,071)	$	8,225	$	6,665	$	16,188
Basic earnings per common share:
From continuing operations	$	0.30	$	(0.33)	$	0.83	$	0.65	$	1.46
From discontinued operations	$	0.04	$	0.12	$	(0.02)	$	-	$	0.14
Basic earnings per common share	$	0.33	$	(0.20)	$	0.81	$	0.66	$	1.60
Diluted earnings per common share:
From continuing operations	$	0.29	$	(0.33)	$	0.83	$	0.65	$	1.44
From discontinued operations	$	0.04	$	0.12	$	(0.02)	$	-	$	0.14
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.32	$	(0.20)	$	0.81	$	0.65	$	1.58
Dividends paid per common share	$	0.025	$	0.025	$	0.025	$	0.025	$	0.10

(1) Includes a pre-tax gain of approximately $3,508,000 from the Company’s sale of SSD.

(2) Includes a pre-tax loss of approximately $315,000 from the Company’s sale of Precise.



		2011
		First		Second		Third		Fourth
		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter (3)		Quarter		Total
		In thousands, except per share amounts

Net sales	$	113,688	$	169,591	$	158,323	$	133,735	$	575,337
Gross profit	$	16,986	$	25,306	$	29,594	$	26,524	$	98,410
Income from continuing operations	$	605	$	6,294	$	9,351	$	5,817	$	22,067
Income from discontinued operations	$	(76)	$	229	$	389	$	286	$	828
Net income	$	529	$	6,523	$	9,740	$	6,103	$	22,895
Basic earnings per common share:
From continuing operations	$	0.06	$	0.61	$	0.92	$	0.58	$	2.16
From discontinued operations	$	(0.01)	$	0.02	$	0.04	$	0.03	$	0.08
Basic earnings per common share	$	0.05	$	0.63	$	0.96	$	0.61	$	2.24
Diluted earnings per common share:
From continuing operations	$	0.06	$	0.60	$	0.91	$	0.57	$	2.14
From discontinued operations	$	(0.01)	$	0.02	$	0.04	$	0.03	$	0.08
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.05	$	0.63	$	0.95	$	0.60	$	2.22
Dividends paid per common share	$	-	$	0.050	$	0.025	$	0.025	$	0.10

(3) Includes a pre-tax gain of approximately $577,000 associated with the early termination of the lease associated with the Company’s sale-leaseback transaction.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the quarterly financial data in the annual financial statements. The disclosure may include a tabular presentation of financial information for each fiscal quarter for the current and previous year, including revenues, gross profit, income or loss before extraordinary items and earnings per share data. It also includes an indication if the information in the note is unaudited, comments on the aggregate effect of year-end adjustments, and an explanation of matters or transactions that affect comparability or are pertinent to an understanding of the information furnished.

+ References + Details

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of financial statement presentation [Policy Text Block]

Basis of financial statement presentation

Cash and cash equivalents [Policy Text Block]

Cash and cash equivalents

The Company considers cash and other instruments with maturities of three months or less, when purchased, to be cash and cash equivalents.

The following table summarizes the Company’s investment in money market funds at December 31:



		2012
		Cost		Fair Value
		In thousands

BlackRock Liquidity Temporary Fund - Institutional	$	58,620	$	58,620

		2011
		Cost		Fair Value
		In thousands

BlackRock Liquidity Temporary Fund - Institutional	$	42,273	$	42,273

Cash and cash equivalents held in non-domestic accounts was approximately $38,731,000 and $28,639,000 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively

Inventories [Policy Text Block]

Inventories

Property, plant and equipment [Policy Text Block]

Property, plant and equipment

Allowance for doubtful accounts [Policy Text Block]

Allowance for doubtful accountsThe allowance for doubtful accounts is recorded to reflect the ultimate realization of the Company's accounts receivable and includes assessment of the probability of collection and the credit-worthiness of certain customers. Reserves for uncollectible accounts are recorded as part of selling and administrative expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company records a monthly provision for accounts receivable that are considered to be uncollectible. In order to calculate the appropriate monthly provision, the Company reviews its accounts receivable aging and calculates an allowance through application of historic reserve factors to overdue receivables. This calculation is supplemented by specific account reviews performed by the Company's credit department. As necessary, the application of the Company's allowance rates to specific customers are reviewed and adjusted to more accurately reflect the credit risk inherent within that customer relationship

Investments [Policy Text Block]

Investments

Goodwill and other intangible assets [Policy Text Block]

Goodwill and other intangible assets

See Note 5, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” for additional information including regarding the Company’s goodwill and other intangible assets

Environmental remediation and compliance [Policy Text Block]

Environmental remediation and compliance

Earnings per share [Policy Text Block]

Earnings per share

Revenue recognition [Policy Text Block]

Revenue recognition

Fair value of financial instruments [Policy Text Block]

Fair value of financial instruments

The Company’s financial instruments consist of cash equivalents, accounts receivable, investments, accounts payable and short-term and long-term debt.

The carrying amounts of the Company’s financial instruments at December 31, 2012 and 2011 approximate fair value. See Note 20, “Fair Value Measurements,” for additional information

Use of estimates [Policy Text Block]

Use of estimates

Stock-based compensation [Policy Text Block]

Stock-based compensation

Derivative financial instruments and hedging activities [Policy Text Block]

Derivative financial instruments and hedging activities

The Company does not purchase or hold any derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.

Product Warranty [Policy Text Block]

Product warranty

Asset retirement obligations [Policy Text Block]

Asset retirement obligations

A reconciliation of our liability for ARO’s at December 31, 2012 and 2011:



		2012		2011
		In thousands

Asset retirement obligation at beginning of year	$	931	$	1,407
Liabilities settled		(336)		(510)
Revisions in estimated cash flows		35		-
Accretion expense		33		34
Asset retirement obligation at end of year	$	663	$	931

Income Taxes [Policy Text Block]

Income taxes

Income Tax Uncertainties [Policy Text Block]

Foreign Currency Translation [Policy Text Block]

Foreign currency translation

Reclassifications [Policy Text Block]

Reclassifications

Fair Value Measurements (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Fair Value Measurements (Policies)	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Fair Value Measurements FASB ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The Company applies the provisions of ASC 820 to all its assets and liabilities that are being measured and reported on a fair value basis. ASC 820 discusses valuation techniques, such as the market approach (comparable market prices), the income approach (present value of future income or cash flow) and the cost approach (cost to replace the service capacity of an asset or replacement cost). ASC 820 enables readers of financial statements to assess the inputs used to develop those measurements by establishing a hierarchy, which prioritizes those inputs used, for ranking the quality and reliability of the information used to determine fair values. The standard requires that each asset and liability carried at fair value be classified into one of the following categories: Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2: Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data. Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data. The Company has an established process for determining fair value for its financial assets and liabilities, principally cash and cash equivalents and foreign currency exchange contracts. Fair value is based on quoted market prices, where available. If quoted market prices are not available, fair value is based on assumptions that use as inputs market-based parameters. The following sections describe the valuation methodologies used by the Company to measure different financial instruments at fair value, including an indication of the level in the fair value hierarchy in which each instrument is generally classified. Where appropriate the description includes details of the key inputs to the valuations and any significant assumptions

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Investment In Money Market Funds [Table Text Block]



		2012
		Cost		Fair Value
		In thousands

BlackRock Liquidity Temporary Fund - Institutional	$	58,620	$	58,620

		2011
		Cost		Fair Value
		In thousands

BlackRock Liquidity Temporary Fund - Institutional	$	42,273	$	42,273

Reconciliation Of Liability For Asset Retirement Obligations [Table Text Block]



		2012		2011
		In thousands

Asset retirement obligation at beginning of year	$	931	$	1,407
Liabilities settled		(336)		(510)
Revisions in estimated cash flows		35		-
Accretion expense		33		34
Asset retirement obligation at end of year	$	663	$	931

Business Segments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Business Segments [Abstract]

Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]

		2012
										Expenditures
		Net		Segment		Segment		Depreciation/		for Long-Lived
		Sales		Profit		Assets		Amortization		Assets
	In thousands
Rail Products	$	370,322	$	9,074	$	204,341	$	9,736	$	4,180
Construction Products		169,253		7,859		73,804		2,119		474
Tubular Products		48,966		12,854		13,573		599		1,350
Total	$	588,541	$	29,787	$	291,718	$	12,454	$	6,004



		2011
										Expenditures
		Net		Segment		Segment		Depreciation/		for Long-Lived
		Sales		Profit		Assets		Amortization		Assets
	In thousands
Rail Products	$	315,133	$	18,724	$	191,278	$	8,908	$	5,894
Construction Products		227,734		16,323		88,615		2,180		1,049
Tubular Products		32,470		6,810		11,758		453		3,995
Total	$	575,337	$	41,857	$	291,651	$	11,541	$	10,938



		2010
										Expenditures
		Net		Segment		Segment		Depreciation/		for Long-Lived
		Sales		Profit		Assets		Amortization		Assets
	In thousands
Rail Products	$	211,974	$	11,905	$	203,263	$	6,327	$	3,094
Construction Products		227,865		20,356		87,121		1,761		1,398
Tubular Products		27,219		3,949		6,207		765		543
Total	$	467,058	$	36,210	$	296,591	$	8,853	$	5,035

Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]

		2012		2011		2010
		In thousands
Net Sales from Continuing Operations:
Total for reportable segments	$	588,541	$	575,337	$	467,058
Other net sales		-		-		-
Total	$	588,541	$	575,337	$	467,058



Income from Continuing Operations:
Total for reportable segments	$	29,787	$	41,857	$	36,210
Adjustment of inventory to LIFO		1,118		(2,183)		2,276
Unallocated interest income		452		321		403
Unallocated equity in income/(losses) of nonconsolidated investments		837		707		(213)
Unallocated acquisition costs		-		-		(2,413)
Unallocated gain on sale of marketable securities		-		-		1,364
Unallocated corporate amounts		(8,364)		(8,050)		(5,663)
Income from continuing operations, before income taxes	$	23,830	$	32,652	$	31,964



Assets:
Total for reportable segments	$	291,718	$	291,651	$	296,591
Unallocated corporate assets		117,639		92,888		84,294
LIFO and corporate inventory reserves		(9,235)		(10,443)		(8,226)
Unallocated property, plant and equipment		6,000		5,798		5,743
Total assets	$	406,122	$	379,894	$	378,402



		2012		2011		2010
		In thousands
Depreciation/Amortization:
Total for reportable segments	$	12,454	$	11,541	$	8,853
Other		519		466		366
Total	$	12,973	$	12,007	$	9,219



Expenditures for Long-Lived Assets:
Total for reportable segments	$	6,004	$	10,938	$	5,035
Expenditures financed under capital leases		-		-		199
Other expenditures		1,156		795		686
Total	$	7,160	$	11,733	$	5,920

Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas [Table Text Block]

The following table summarizes the Company’s sales from continuing operating activities by major geographic region in which the Company has operations:



		2012		2011		2010
		In thousands
United States	$	485,111	$	483,889	$	443,547
Canada		40,892		41,252		9,862
United Kingdom		18,698		14,728		627
Other		43,840		35,468		13,022
	$	588,541	$	575,337	$	467,058

The following table summarizes the Company’s long-lived assets of continuing operating activities by geographic region:



		2012		2011		2010
		In thousands
United States	$	31,961	$	35,918	$	33,535
Canada		9,773		9,374		9,785
United Kingdom		599		545		489
	$	42,333	$	45,837	$	43,809

The following table summarizes the Company’s sales by major product line from continuing operating activities:



		2012		2011		2010
		In thousands
Rail distribution products	$	155,832	$	115,777	$	102,155
Piling products		114,070		162,641		146,703
Rail Technologies products		92,826		97,775		4,556
CXT concrete tie products		58,182		48,968		53,518
CXT concrete building products		30,195		35,557		60,091
Other products		137,436		114,619		100,035
	$	588,541	$	575,337	$	467,058

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of the profit or loss and total assets for each reportable segment. An entity discloses certain information on each reportable segment if the amounts (a) are included in the measure of segment profit or loss reviewed by the chief operating decision maker or (b) are otherwise regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker, even if not included in that measure of segment profit or loss.

+ References + Details

Acquisitions (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Acquisitions [Abstract]

Portec Rail Products, Inc. Unaudited Pro Forma Results [Table Text Block]



		For the Year Ended
		December 31,
		2010
		In thousands, except
		per share amounts

Total net sales	$	564,028
Earnings before income taxes	$	32,557
Net income	$	21,817
Basic earnings per share	$	2.13
Dilutive earnings per share	$	2.11

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of pro forma results of operations for a material business acquisition or series of individually immaterial business acquisitions that are material in the aggregate.

+ References + Details

Discontinued Operations (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Discontinued Operations [Abstract]

Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures [Table Text Block]

Net sales and income, including the pre-tax gain of $3,193,000, from discontinued operations were as follows for the years ended December 31:



		2012		2011		2010
		Dollars in thousands
Net sales	$	8,705	$	15,589	$	7,992

Income from discontinued operations	$	3,842	$	1,287	$	778
Income tax expense		2,418		459		292
Income from discontinued operations	$	1,424	$	828	$	486
Effective income tax rate		63.0	%	35.7	%	37.5	%

Goodwill of $2,588,000 allocated to SSD for discontinued operations was not deductible for income tax purposes.

The following table details balance sheet information for discontinued operations at December 31:



		2012		2011
		In thousands
Current Assets	$	464	$	4,864
Other Assets
Property, plant and equipment-net		-		2,281
Goodwill		-		2,588
Other intangibles - net		-		177
Total Other Assets		-		5,046
Total Assets		464		9,910
Current Liabilities		106		1,294
Net assets of discontinued operations	$	358	$	8,616

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of disposal groups, which may include the gain (loss) recognized in the income statement and the income statement caption that includes that gain (loss), amounts of revenues and pretax profit or loss reported in discontinued operations, the classification and carrying value of the assets and liabilities comprising the disposal group, and the segment in which the disposal group was reported. Also may include the amount of adjustments to amounts previously reported in discontinued operations such as resolution of contingencies arising from the disposal transaction or the operations of the component prior to disposal.

+ References + Details

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]

Schedule of Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]



	December 31, 2012
	Weighted Average		Gross				Net
	Amortization Period		Carrying		Accumulated		Carrying
	In Years		Value		Amortization		Amount
	In thousands
Non-compete agreements	5	$	380	$	(367)	$	13
Patents	10		815		(412)		403
Customer relationships	23		19,960		(2,488)		17,472
Supplier relationships	5		350		(143)		207
Trademarks	17		6,280		(879)		5,401
Technology	18		19,026		(2,357)		16,669
	20	$	46,811	$	(6,646)	$	40,165



	December 31, 2011
	Weighted Average		Gross				Net
	Amortization Period		Carrying		Accumulated		Carrying
	In Years		Value		Amortization		Amount
	In thousands
Non-compete agreements	5	$	380	$	(361)	$	19
Patents	10		556		(181)		375
Customer relationships	23		19,960		(1,402)		18,558
Supplier relationships	5		350		(73)		277
Trademarks	17		6,280		(447)		5,833
Technology	18		19,026		(1,217)		17,809
	20	$	46,552	$	(3,681)	$	42,871

Schedule of Expected Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]



		In thousands
2013	$	2,781
2014		2,781
2015		2,506
2016		2,412
2017		2,345
2018 and thereafter		27,340
	$	40,165

Accounts Receivable (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]

Schedule Of Accounts Receivable, Net [Table Text Block]



		2012		2011
		In thousands
Trade	$	59,308	$	66,287
Allowance for doubtful accounts		(899)		(1,725)
		58,409		64,562
Other		1,264		1,934
	$	59,673	$	66,496

Operating Segments [Member]

Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]

Schedule Of Accounts Receivable, Net [Table Text Block]



		2012		2011
		In thousands
Rail	$	34,886	$	31,800
Construction		18,677		29,430
Tubular		4,846		3,332
	$	58,409	$	64,562

Inventory (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Inventory [Abstract]

Schedule of Inventory Of Continuing Operations [Table Text Block]



		2012		2011
		In thousands
Finished goods	$	78,715	$	71,758
Work-in-process		17,693		8,004
Raw materials		19,764		19,885

Total inventories at current costs		116,172		99,647
Less: LIFO reserve		(9,064)		(10,183)
	$	107,108	$	89,464

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]



		2012		2011
	In thousands
Land	$	4,764	$	4,760
Improvements to land and leaseholds		23,187		22,570
Buildings		13,715		10,748
Machinery and equipment, including equipment under capitalized leases		80,120		81,933
Construction in progress		1,783		4,285
		123,569		124,296
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization, including
accumulated amortization of capitalized leases		81,236		78,459
	$	42,333	$	45,837

Investments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Investments [Abstract]

Schedule Of Carrying Amount And Maximum Loss Exposure Of Equity Investments [Table Text Block]



		2012		2011
		In thousands
Equity method investment	$	4,332	$	3,495
Net investment in direct financing lease		1,327		971
	$	5,659	$	4,466

Schedule of Direct Financing Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases [Table Text Block]



		In thousands
2013	$	106
2014		114
2015		122
2016		131
2017		140
2018 and thereafter		714
	$	1,327

Long-Term Debt and Related Matters (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Long-Term Debt and Related Matters [Abstract]

Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]



		2012		2011
		In thousands
Lease obligations payable in installments through 2015 with a
weighted average interest rate of 5.37% at December 31, 2012
and 7.10% at December 31, 2011	$	62	$	1,490
Promissory notes issued in connection with the acquisition of
IDSI with imputed interest rates of 2.10%		-		945
		62		2,435
Less current maturities		35		2,384
	$	27	$	51

Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]



		In thousands
2013	$	35
2014		22
2015		5
	$	62

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of long-debt instruments or arrangements, including identification, terms, features, collateral requirements and other information necessary to a fair presentation. These are debt arrangements that originally required repayment more than twelve months after issuance or greater than the normal operating cycle of the entity, if longer.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 470
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6479336&loc=d3e64711-112823

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21475-112644

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(e),(f))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 55
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6584090&loc=d3e28878-108400

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21538-112644

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1A
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28541-108399

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 6
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21506-112644

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28551-108399

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 7
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21521-112644

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 22
-Article 5

+ Details

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]

Schedule of Common Stock Outstanding Roll Forward [Table Text Block]



	Common Stock
Share Activity	Treasury	Outstanding
	Number of Shares
Balance at end of 2009	927,423	10,163,964
Issued for stock-based compensation plans	(113,174)	113,174
Balance at end of 2010	814,249	10,277,138
Purchased through share repurchase program	278,655	(278,655)
Issued for stock-based compensation plans	(50,528)	74,920
Balance at end of 2011	1,042,376	10,073,403
Issued for stock-based compensation plans	(75,995)	75,995
Balance at end of 2012	966,381	10,149,398

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Abstract]

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Table Text Block]



		2012		2011
		In thousands
Pension liability adjustment	$	(4,204)	$	(3,439)
Foreign currency translation adjustments		535		(1,189)
	$	(3,669)	$	(4,628)

Earnings Per Common Share (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Earnings Per Common Share [Abstract]

Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]




		2012		2011		2010
		In thousands, except per share amounts
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per common share -
Income available to common stockholders:
Income from continuing operations	$	14,764	$	22,067	$	20,006
Income from discontinued operations		1,424		828		486
Net income	$	16,188	$	22,895	$	20,492

Denominator:
Weighted average shares		10,124		10,209		10,219
Denominator for basic earnings per common share		10,124		10,209		10,219

Effect of dilutive securities:
Employee stock options		16		29		67
Other stock compensation plans		94		74		62
Dilutive potential common shares		110		103		129
Denominator for diluted earnings per common share -
adjusted weighted average shares and assumed conversions		10,234		10,312		10,348
Basic earnings per share:
Continuing operations	$	1.46	$	2.16	$	1.96
Discontinued operations		0.14		0.08		0.05
Basic earnings per common share	$	1.60	$	2.24	$	2.01
Diluted earnings per share:
Continuing operations	$	1.44	$	2.14	$	1.93
Discontinued operations		0.14		0.08		0.05
Diluted earnings per common share	$	1.58	$	2.22	$	1.98

Dividends paid per common share	$	0.10	$	0.10	$	-

Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Income Taxes [Abstract]

Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]



		2012		2011
		In thousands
Deferred tax liabilities:
Goodwill and other intangibles	$	(12,057)	$	(12,884)
Depreciation		(2,745)		(3,499)
Inventories		(3,433)		(4,333)
Unrepatriated earnings of foreign subsidiary		-		(428)
Other-net		(223)		(174)
Total deferred tax liabilities		(18,458)		(21,318)
Deferred tax assets:
Pension liability		2,787		3,210
Warranty reserve		5,752		2,058
Deferred compensation		1,161		1,601
Accounts receivable		358		924
Contingent liabilities		657		675
Deferred gain on sale / leaseback		-		178
State tax incentives		17		5
Net operating loss carryforwards		59		88
Foreign tax credit carryforwards		112		112
Total deferred tax assets		10,903		8,851
Net deferred tax liability	$	(7,555)	$	(12,467)

Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]



		2012		2011		2010
		In thousands
Current:
Federal	$	9,742	$	4,123	$	10,023
State		1,977		485		775
Foreign		1,910		2,493		30
Total current		13,629		7,101		10,828
Deferred:
Federal		(3,966)		3,446		1,204
State		(155)		553		111
Foreign		(442)		(515)		(185)
Total deferred		(4,563)		3,484		1,130
Total income tax expense from continuing operating activities	$	9,066	$	10,585	$	11,958

Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block]



		2012		2011		2010
		In thousands

Domestic	$	16,600	$	23,433	$	32,067
Foreign		7,230		9,219		(103)
Income from continuing operations, before income taxes	$	23,830	$	32,652	$	31,964

Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]



	2012		2011		2010

Statutory rate	35.0	%	35.0	%	35.0	%
Effect of foreign tax	(3.0)		(2.3)		-
State income tax	4.5		2.2		2.2
Nondeductible expenses	1.4		0.7		0.2
Tax credits	(2.2)		(2.0)		-
Other	2.3		(1.1)		-
	38.0	%	32.5	%	37.4	%

Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward [Table Text Block]



		2012		2011
		In thousands

Unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of period:	$	1,849	$	645
Increases based on tax positions for prior periods		220		1,401
Increases based on tax positions related to current period		-		34
Decreases related to settlements with taxing authorities		-		(139)
Decreases as a result of a lapse of the applicable statute of limitations		(24)		(92)
Balance at end of period	$	2,045	$	1,849

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Stock-based Compensation [Abstract]

Schedule of Stock Options Roll Forward [Table Text Block]



	2012	2011	2010
Number of shares under the plans:
Outstanding and exercisable at beginning of year	39,950	80,950	180,950
Granted	-	-	-
Canceled	-	-	-
Exercised	(17,450)	(41,000)	(100,000)
Outstanding and exercisable at end of year	22,500	39,950	80,950

Number of shares available for future grant:
Beginning of year	315,840	391,881	443,566
End of year	561,655	315,840	391,881

Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table Text Block]



	Options Outstanding and Exercisable
	Number	Weighted Average		Weighted
Range of Exercise Prices	of Shares	Remaining Life		Exercise Price

$7.81 - $8.97	10,000	1.9	$	8.39
$9.29 - $14.77	12,500	2.5		12.03
	22,500	2.2	$	10.41

Schedule of Nonvested Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block]



					Aggregate
			Grant Date		Fair
Grant Date	Shares		Fair Value		Value	Vesting Date
March 3, 2010	12,185	$	31.92	$	389,000	March 3, 2014
May 28, 2010	2,500		28.07		70,000	February 28, 2012
May 28, 2010	17,500		28.07		491,000	May 28, 2014
October 21, 2010	7,500		31.04		233,000	October 21, 2014
March 15, 2011	24,836		38.46		955,000	March 15, 2015
July 21, 2011	16,600		38.44		638,000	July 21, 2015
August 29, 2011	5,000		24.50		123,000	August 29, 2014
February 1, 2012	66,000		30.15		1,990,000	February 1, 2016
March 6, 2012	18,347		27.49		504,000	March 6, 2016
May 23, 2012	8,000		28.05		224,000	May 23, 2016
December 11, 2012	16,330		41.98		686,000	December 12, 2015

Schedule of Nonvested Performance-based Units Activity [Table Text Block]



						Aggregate
Incentive				Grant Date		Fair
Plan	Grant Date	Units		Fair Value		Value	Vesting Date
2010 - 2012	March 2, 2010	36,541	$	31.83	$	1,163,000	March 2, 2013
2011 - 2013	March 15, 2011	34,002		38.46		1,308,000	March 15, 2014
2012 - 2014	March 6, 2012	43,042		27.49		1,183,000	March 6, 2015

Schedule of Grants, Average Grant Date Fair Value [Table Text Block]



		Average
		Grant date
Incentive Plan		Fair Value	Ten Day Period
2010 - 2012	$	29.39	February 2010
2011 - 2013		40.25	February 2011
2012 - 2014		31.60	February 2012

Retirement Plans (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]

Schedule of Costs of Retirement Plans [Table Text Block]



		2012		2011		2010
		In thousands
Salaried Plan	$	2,028	$	1,846	$	1,700
Union Plan		79		62		34
Montreal Plan		126		101		-
U.K. Plan		116		122		-
Burnaby Plan		143		106		-
	$	2,492	$	2,237	$	1,734

United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member]

Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]

Schedule of Changes in Accumulated Postemployment Benefit Obligations [Table Text Block]



		2012		2011
		In thousands
Changes in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	16,986	$	14,955
Service cost		31		30
Interest cost		748		799
Actuarial losses		980		1,896
Benefits paid		(711)		(694)
Benefit obligation at end of year	$	18,034	$	16,986

Schedule of Changes in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Table Text Block]



Change to plan assets:
Fair value of assets at beginning of year	$	12,088	$	11,433
Actual gain on plan assets		1,127		266
Employer contribution		758		1,083
Benefits paid		(711)		(694)
Fair value of assets at end of year		13,262		12,088
Funded status at end of year	$	(4,772)	$	(4,898)

Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Table Text Block]



Amounts recognized in the consolidated
balance sheet consist of:
Other long-term liabilities	$	(4,772)	$	(4,898)

Schedule of Amounts in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) to be Recognized over Next Fiscal Year [Table Text Block]



Amounts recognized in accumulated other
comprehensive income consist of:
Net loss	$	4,675	$	4,206
Prior service cost		4		5
	$	4,679	$	4,211

Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]



		2012		2011		2010
Components of net periodic benefit cost:		In thousands
Service cost	$	31	$	30	$	31
Interest cost		748		799		264
Expected return on plan assets		(810)		(764)		(286)
Amortization of prior service cost		1		1		-
Recognized net actuarial loss		194		111		106
Net periodic benefit cost	$	164	$	177	$	115

Schedule of Assumptions Used [Table Text Block]

The weighted average assumptions used to measure the projected benefit obligation for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:



	2012		2011
Discount rate	4.0	%	4.5	%

The weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit costs for the three years ended December 31, 2012:



	2012		2011		2010
Discount rate	4.00	%	5.48	%	6.00	%
Expected rate of return on plan assets	6.50	%	6.70	%	7.75	%

Schedule of Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Fair Value of Plan Assets [Table Text Block]



		2012		2011
		In thousands
Projected benefit obligation	$	18,034	$	16,986
Accumulated benefit obligation		18,034		16,986
Fair value of plan assets		13,262		12,088

Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block]

	Target		2012		2011
Asset Category
Cash and cash equivalents	0 - 10	%	7	%	4	%
Total fixed income funds	30 - 50		31		37
Total mutual funds / equities	50 - 70		62		59
Total			100	%	100	%



		December 31,
		2012		2011
		In thousands
Asset Category
Cash and cash equivalents	$	984	$	513
Fixed income funds
Government bonds		-		1,342
Corporate bonds		4,168		3,146
Total fixed income funds		4,168		4,488
Equity funds and equities
Mutual funds		7,163		678
Common stock		947		6,409
Total equity funds and equities		8,110		7,087

Total	$	13,262	$	12,088

Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block]



		Pension
		Benefits
		In thousands
2013	$	743
2014		754
2015		766
2016		812
2017		886
Years 2018-2022		5,184

United Kingdom Benefit Plans [Member]

Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]

Schedule of Changes in Accumulated Postemployment Benefit Obligations [Table Text Block]



		2012		2011
		In thousands
Changes in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	6,964	$	6,229
Interest cost		338		331
Actuarial losses		652		544
Plan transfers		-		194
Benefits paid		(236)		(309)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes		316		(25)
Benefit obligation at end of year	$	8,034	$	6,964

Schedule of Changes in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Table Text Block]



Change to plan assets:
Fair value of assets at beginning of year	$	5,160	$	5,293
Actual gain (loss) on plan assets		596		(233)
Employer contribution		297		235
Plan transfers		-		194
Benefits paid		(236)		(309)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes		234		(20)
Fair value of assets at end of year		6,051		5,160
Funded status at end of year	$	(1,983)	$	(1,804)

Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Table Text Block]



Amounts recognized in the consolidated
balance sheet consist of:
Other long-term liabilities	$	(1,983)	$	(1,804)

Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]



		2012		2011
Components of net periodic benefit cost:		In thousands
Interest cost	$	338	$	331
Expected return on plan assets		(307)		(337)
Amortization of transition obligation		(49)		(47)
Amortization of prior service cost		23		22
Recognized net actuarial gain		221		107
Net periodic benefit cost	$	226	$	76

Schedule of Assumptions Used [Table Text Block]



	2012		2011
Discount rate	4.3	%	4.7	%
Expected rate of return on plan assets	5.2	%	5.7	%

Schedule of Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Fair Value of Plan Assets [Table Text Block]



		2012		2011
		In thousands
Projected benefit obligation	$	8,034	$	6,964
Accumulated benefit obligation		8,034		6,964
Fair value of plan assets		6,051		5,160

Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block]

	Portec Rail
	Plan
Equity securities	Up to 100%
Commercial property	Not to exceed 50%
U.K. Government securities	Not to exceed 50%
Cash	Up to 100%

Substantially all plan assets held within the Portec Rail Plan consists of marketable securities and are classified in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.

The plan assets by category for the years ended December 31, are as follows:



		December 31,
		2012		2011
Asset Category		In thousands
Cash and cash equivalents	$	520	$	180
Equity securities		2,250		2,286
Bonds		1,529		965
Commercial property		1,636		1,264
Alternatives		116		465
Total	$	6,051	$	5,160

Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block]



		Pension
		Benefits
		In thousands
2013	$	201
2014		232
2015		257
2016		290
2017		313
Years 2018-2022		1,960

Other Post-Retirement Benefit Plan [Member]

Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]

Schedule of Assumptions Used [Table Text Block]



	2012		2011
Discount rate	4.4	%	5.3	%
Weighted average health care trend rate	6.6	%	7.0	%

Rental And Lease Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Rental and Lease Information [Abstract]

Schedule Of Future Minimum Payments Under Capital And Operating Leases [Table Text Block]



		Capital		Operating
Year ending December 31,		Leases		Leases
		In thousands
2013	$	37	$	3,138
2014		23		2,752
2015		5		2,051
2016		-		1,525
2017 and thereafter		-		2,998
Total minimum lease payments		65	$	12,464
Less amount representing interest		3
Total present value of minimum payments		62
Less current portion of such obligations		35
Long-term obligations with interest rates ranging from 1.74% to 8.46%	$	27

Schedule of Capital Leased Assets [Table Text Block]



		2012		2011
		In thousands

Land improvements	$	6,373	$	6,372
Machinery and equipment at cost		6,395		6,399
Buildings		399		399
		13,167		13,170
Less accumulated amortization		12,556		11,019
Net capital lease assets	$	611	$	2,151

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]

Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]



				Fair Value Measurements at
				Reporting Date Using
				Quoted Prices in		Significant
				Active Markets		Other		Significant
				for Identical		Observable		Unobservable
		December 31,		Assets		Inputs		Inputs
		2012		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
		In thousands
Assets
Domestic money market funds	$	58,620	$	58,620	$	-	$	-
Non domestic bank certificates of deposit		26,045		26,045		-		-
Cash equivalents at fair value		84,665		84,665		-		-

Total Assets	$	84,665	$	84,665	$	-	$	-



				Fair Value Measurements at
				Reporting Date Using
				Quoted Prices in		Significant
				Active Markets		Other		Significant
				for Identical		Observable		Unobservable
		December 31,		Assets		Inputs		Inputs
		2011		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
		In thousands
Assets
Domestic money market funds	$	42,273	$	42,273	$	-	$	-
Non domestic bank certificates of deposit		22,520		22,520		-		-
Cash equivalents at fair value		64,793		64,793		-		-

Total Assets	$	64,793	$	64,793	$	-	$	-

Liabilities
IDSI acquisition short-term note	$	(945)	$	-	$	(945)	$	-
Total current maturities of other long-term debt		(945)		-		(945)		-

Total Liabilities	$	(945)	$	-	$	(945)	$	-

Commitments and Contingent Liabilites (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities [Abstract]

Schedule of Product Warranty Liability [Table Text Block]



		In thousands
Balance at December 31, 2010	$	4,403
Additions to warranty liability		4,437
Warranty liability utilized		(2,208)
Balance at December 31, 2011		6,632
Additions to warranty liability		24,252
Warranty liability utilized		(15,157)
Balance at December 31, 2012	$	15,727

Quarterly Financial Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) [Abstract]

Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]

		2012
		First		Second		Third		Fourth
		Quarter		Quarter (1)		Quarter (2)		Quarter		Total
		In thousands, except per share amounts

Net sales	$	114,291	$	163,180	$	170,346	$	140,724	$	588,541
Gross profit	$	21,652	$	12,334	$	30,713	$	27,570	$	92,269
Income from continuing operations	$	2,979	$	(3,321)	$	8,463	$	6,643	$	14,764
Income from discontinued operations	$	390	$	1,250	$	(238)	$	22	$	1,424
Net income	$	3,369	$	(2,071)	$	8,225	$	6,665	$	16,188
Basic earnings per common share:
From continuing operations	$	0.30	$	(0.33)	$	0.83	$	0.65	$	1.46
From discontinued operations	$	0.04	$	0.12	$	(0.02)	$	-	$	0.14
Basic earnings per common share	$	0.33	$	(0.20)	$	0.81	$	0.66	$	1.60
Diluted earnings per common share:
From continuing operations	$	0.29	$	(0.33)	$	0.83	$	0.65	$	1.44
From discontinued operations	$	0.04	$	0.12	$	(0.02)	$	-	$	0.14
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.32	$	(0.20)	$	0.81	$	0.65	$	1.58
Dividends paid per common share	$	0.025	$	0.025	$	0.025	$	0.025	$	0.10

(1) Includes a pre-tax gain of approximately $3,508,000 from the Company’s sale of SSD.

(2) Includes a pre-tax loss of approximately $315,000 from the Company’s sale of Precise.



		2011
		First		Second		Third		Fourth
		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter (3)		Quarter		Total
		In thousands, except per share amounts

Net sales	$	113,688	$	169,591	$	158,323	$	133,735	$	575,337
Gross profit	$	16,986	$	25,306	$	29,594	$	26,524	$	98,410
Income from continuing operations	$	605	$	6,294	$	9,351	$	5,817	$	22,067
Income from discontinued operations	$	(76)	$	229	$	389	$	286	$	828
Net income	$	529	$	6,523	$	9,740	$	6,103	$	22,895
Basic earnings per common share:
From continuing operations	$	0.06	$	0.61	$	0.92	$	0.58	$	2.16
From discontinued operations	$	(0.01)	$	0.02	$	0.04	$	0.03	$	0.08
Basic earnings per common share	$	0.05	$	0.63	$	0.96	$	0.61	$	2.24
Diluted earnings per common share:
From continuing operations	$	0.06	$	0.60	$	0.91	$	0.57	$	2.14
From discontinued operations	$	(0.01)	$	0.02	$	0.04	$	0.03	$	0.08
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.05	$	0.63	$	0.95	$	0.60	$	2.22
Dividends paid per common share	$	-	$	0.050	$	0.025	$	0.025	$	0.10

(3) Includes a pre-tax gain of approximately $577,000 associated with the early termination of the lease associated with the Company’s sale-leaseback transaction.

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) contract in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($) contract	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($) contract	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)
Certificates of Deposit, at Carrying Value	$ 26,045,000	$ 22,520,000
Cash And Cash Equivalents, Non-Domestic Account, At Carrying Value	$ 38,731,000	$ 28,639,000
Percentage of Weighted Average Cost Inventory	37.00%	43.00%
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	20 years	20 years
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies	$ 2,141,000	$ 2,184,000
Revenues Recognized Using Percentage Of Completion Method, Less Than, Percentage Of Consolidated Revenues	10.00%
Costs in Excess of Billings on Uncompleted Contracts or Programs, Percentage (Less Than) Of Total Inventory At Cost, Classified As Work In Process	5.00%
Number of Foreign Currency Derivatives Held \| contract	0	0
Impact of Foreign Currency Derivatives on Earnings is Immaterial	Realized gains or losses from foreign currency hedges did not exceed $100,000 during the twelve month periods ended December 31, 2012, 2011 or 2010
Product Warranty Accrual	$ 15,727,000	$ 6,632,000
Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Realized	(238,000)	237,000	(83,000)
Research and Development Expense	$ 2,926,000	$ 1,899,000	$ 273,000
Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	25 years
Maximum [Member] \| Building [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	40 years
Maximum [Member] \| Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	10 years
Maximum [Member] \| Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	7 years
Minimum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	5 years
Minimum [Member] \| Building [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	25 years
Minimum [Member] \| Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	3 years
Minimum [Member] \| Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	2 years

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule Of Investments In Money Market Funds Table) (Details) - BlackRock Liquidity Temporary Fund - Institutional [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Cost		$ 42,273
Fair Value		$ 42,273
Taxable Money Market Funds [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Cost	$ 58,620
Fair Value	$ 58,620

- Definition

Value of the investment at close of period. For schedules of investments that are categorized, the value would be aggregated by category. For investment in and advances to affiliates, if operations of any controlled companies are different in character from those of the company, group such affiliates within divisions and by type of activities.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 946
-SubTopic 320
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.12-12.Column C.3,4)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6955306&loc=d3e611133-123010

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 946
-SubTopic 320
-Section S99
-Paragraph 4
-Subparagraph (SX 210.12-12C.Column C.7)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6955306&loc=d3e611225-123010

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 946
-SubTopic 320
-Section S99
-Paragraph 6
-Subparagraph (SX 210.12-14.Column E.2,3)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6955306&loc=d3e611322-123010

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 946
-SubTopic 320
-Section S99
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph (SX 210.12-13.Column C.6)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6955306&loc=d3e611282-123010

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 12
-Paragraph Column C
-Article 12

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 12
-Paragraph 3, 4
-Article 12

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 14
-Paragraph 2, 3
-Article 12

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 13
-Paragraph 6
-Article 12

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 12C
-Paragraph 7
-Article 12

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 14
-Paragraph Column E
-Article 12

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 12C
-Paragraph Column C
-Article 12

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 13
-Paragraph Column C
-Article 12

+ Details

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Reconciliation Of Liability For Asset Retirement Obligations Table) (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Asset retirement obligation at beginning of year	$ 931,000	$ 1,407,000
Liabilities settled	(336,000)	(510,000)
Revisions in estimated cash flows	35,000
Accretion expense	33,000	34,000
Asset retirement obligation at end of year	$ 663,000	931,000
Asset Retirement Obligations, Other Current Liabilities		$ 906,000

Business Segments (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment Reporting, Factors Used to Identify Entity's Reportable Segments	L.B. Foster Company is organized and evaluated by product group, which is the basis for identifying reportable segments.The Company is engaged in the manufacture, fabrication and distribution of rail, construction and tubular products.The Company's Rail segment provides a full line of new and used rail, trackwork and accessories to railroads, mines and industry. The Rail segment also designs and produces concrete railroad ties, insulated rail joints, power rail, track fasteners, coverboards and special accessories for mass transit and other rail systems. The Company also engineers, manufactures and assembles friction management products and railway wayside data collection and management systems. The Company's Construction segment sells and rents steel sheet piling, H-bearing pile, and other piling products for foundation and earth retention requirements. In addition, the Company's Fabricated Products division sells bridge decking, bridge railing, structural steel fabrications, expansion joints and other products for highway construction and repair. The Buildings division produces precast concrete buildings.The Company's Tubular segment supplies pipe coatings for natural gas pipelines and utilities. Additionally, this segment produces threaded pipe products for industrial water well and irrigation markets. The Company markets its products directly in all major industrial areas of the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, primarily through an internal sales force
Segment Reporting, Measurement for Transactions Between Reportable Segments	The following table illustrates net sales, profits, assets, depreciation/amortization and expenditures for long-lived assets of the Company by segment from continuing operating activities. Segment profit is the earnings from continuing operating activities before income taxes and includes internal cost of capital charges for assets used in the segment at a rate of, generally 1% per month. The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies except that the Company accounts for inventory on a First-In, First-Out (FIFO) basis at the segment level compared to a Last-In, First-Out (LIFO) basis at the consolidated level
Customer 1 - 10% of Sales [Member] \| Rail Products And Construction Products [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Entity-Wide Revenue, Major Customer, Percentage		10.00%
Entity-Wide Revenue, Major Customer, Amount		$ 58,715

Business Segments (Schedule Of Net Sales, Profits, Assets, Depreciation/Amortization And Expenditures By Reporting Segment) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

^[1]

Jun. 30, 2012

^[2]

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Sep. 30, 2011

Jun. 30, 2011

Mar. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Net Sales

$ 140,724

$ 170,346

$ 163,180

$ 114,291

$ 133,735

$ 158,323

$ 169,591

$ 113,688

$ 588,541

$ 575,337

$ 467,058

Segment Profit

29,787

41,857

36,210

Segment Assets

291,718

291,651

291,718

291,651

296,591

Depreciation/Amortization

12,454

11,541

8,853

Expenditures for Long-Lived Assets

6,004

10,938

5,035

Rail Products Segment [Member]

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Net Sales

370,322

315,133

211,974

Segment Profit

9,074

18,724

11,905

Segment Assets

204,341

191,278

204,341

191,278

203,263

Depreciation/Amortization

9,736

8,908

6,327

Expenditures for Long-Lived Assets

4,180

5,894

3,094

Construction Products Segment [Member]

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Net Sales

169,253

227,734

227,865

Segment Profit

7,859

16,323

20,356

Segment Assets

73,804

88,615

73,804

88,615

87,121

Depreciation/Amortization

2,119

2,180

1,761

Expenditures for Long-Lived Assets

474

1,049

1,398

Tubular Products Segments [Member]

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Net Sales

48,966

32,470

27,219

Segment Profit

12,854

6,810

3,949

Segment Assets

$ 13,573

$ 11,758

13,573

11,758

6,207

Depreciation/Amortization

599

453

765

Expenditures for Long-Lived Assets

$ 1,350

$ 3,995

$ 543

[1]	Includes a pre-tax loss of approximately $315,000 from the Company’s sale of Precise
[2]	Includes a pre-tax gain of approximately $3,508,000 from the Company’s sale of SSD.

- Definition

The other noncash expense, not otherwise specified in the taxonomy, charged against earnings in the period to allocate the cost of tangible and intangible assets over their remaining economic lives.

+ References + Details

Business Segments (Schedule Of Reporting Sement Data To Consolidated Totals From Continuing Ops) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

^[1]

Jun. 30, 2012

^[2]

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Sep. 30, 2011

Jun. 30, 2011

Mar. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Net Sales

$ 140,724

$ 170,346

$ 163,180

$ 114,291

$ 133,735

$ 158,323

$ 169,591

$ 113,688

$ 588,541

$ 575,337

$ 467,058

Income from continuing operations, before income taxes

23,830

32,652

31,964

Assets

406,122

379,894

406,122

379,894

378,402

Depreciation and amortization

12,973

12,007

9,219

Capital expenditures on property, plant and equipment

7,160

11,733

5,920

Long-lived assets of continuing operating activities

42,333

45,837

42,333

45,837

43,809

Total for reportable segments [Member]

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Net Sales

588,541

575,337

467,058

Income from continuing operations, before income taxes

29,787

41,857

36,210

Assets

291,718

291,651

291,718

291,651

296,591

Depreciation and amortization

12,454

11,541

8,853

Capital expenditures on property, plant and equipment

6,004

10,938

5,035

Other net sales [Member]

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Net Sales

Adjustment of inventory to LIFO [Member]

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Income from continuing operations, before income taxes

1,118

(2,183)

2,276

Unallocated interest income [Member]

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Income from continuing operations, before income taxes

452

321

403

Unallocated equity in income/(losses) of nonconsolidated investments [Member]

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Income from continuing operations, before income taxes

837

707

(213)

Unallocated acquisition costs [Member]

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Income from continuing operations, before income taxes

(2,413)

Unallocated gain on sale of marketable securities [Member]

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Income from continuing operations, before income taxes

1,364

Unallocated corporate amounts [Member]

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Income from continuing operations, before income taxes

(8,364)

(8,050)

(5,663)

Unallocated corporate assets [Member]

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Assets

117,639

92,888

117,639

92,888

84,294

LIFO and corporate inventory reserves [Member]

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Assets

(9,235)

(10,443)

(9,235)

(10,443)

(8,226)

Unallocated property, plant and equipment [Member]

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Assets

6,000

5,798

6,000

5,798

5,743

Other - Segment Reporting [Member]

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Depreciation and amortization

519

466

366

Expenditures financed under capital leases [Member]

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Capital expenditures on property, plant and equipment

199

Other Expenditures [Member]

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Capital expenditures on property, plant and equipment

1,156

795

686

Rail distribution products [Member]

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Net Sales

155,832

115,777

102,155

Piling Products [Member]

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Net Sales

114,070

162,641

146,703

Rail Technologies products [Member]

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Net Sales

92,826

97,775

4,556

CXT concrete tie products [Member]

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Net Sales

58,182

48,968

53,518

CXT concrete building products [Member]

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Net Sales

30,195

35,557

60,091

Other products [Member]

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Net Sales

137,436

114,619

100,035

United States [Member]

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Net Sales

485,111

483,889

443,547

Long-lived assets of continuing operating activities

31,961

35,918

31,961

35,918

33,535

Canada [Member]

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Net Sales

40,892

41,252

9,862

Long-lived assets of continuing operating activities

9,773

9,374

9,773

9,374

9,785

United Kingdom [Member]

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Net Sales

18,698

14,728

627

Long-lived assets of continuing operating activities

$ 599

$ 545

599

545

489

Other - Seg Reporting [Member]

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Net Sales

$ 43,840

$ 35,468

$ 13,022

[1]	Includes a pre-tax loss of approximately $315,000 from the Company’s sale of Precise
[2]	Includes a pre-tax gain of approximately $3,508,000 from the Company’s sale of SSD.

Acquisitions (Portec Rail Products, Inc.) (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 23, 2010	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2010	Jan. 31, 2011	Dec. 15, 2010
Portec Rail Products, Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Effective Date of Acquisition		Dec. 15, 2010
Business Acquisition, Name of Acquired Entity		Portec Rail Products, Inc. (Rail Technologies)
Business Acquisition, Share Price					$ 11.80
Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Cash Paid					$ 113,322
Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Cash Paid, Final Payment				$ 8,952
Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual			$ 4,556
Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Earnings or Loss of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual			(212)
Business Acquisition, Preexisting Relationship, Gain (Loss) Recognized					$ 1,364
Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Transaction Costs			$ 2,413
Interlocking Deck Systems International, LLC [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Effective Date of Acquisition		Mar. 23, 2010
Business Acquisition, Name of Acquired Entity	Interlocking Deck Systems International, LLC (IDSI)
Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Cash Paid	$ 5,050
Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Cash Paid, Final Payment	$ 950

Acquisitions (Portec Rail Products, Inc. Unaudited Pro Forma Results) (Table) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands			12 Months Ended
	Dec. 15, 2010	Mar. 23, 2010	Dec. 31, 2010
Portec Rail Products, Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Description	The unaudited pro forma results for the periods presented below are prepared as if the transaction occurred as of January 1, 2010. Pro forma adjustments exclude operating results of the divested rail joint business, and include depreciation and amortization and other adjustments in connection with the acquisition
Total net sales			$ 564,028
Earnings before income taxes			32,557
Net income			$ 21,817
Basic earnings per share			$ 2.13
Dilutive earnings per share			$ 2.11
Interlocking Deck Systems International, LLC [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Description		The pro forma results for this acquisition were not material to the Company's financial results

- Definition

The pro forma basic net income per share for a period as if the business combination or combinations had been completed at the beginning of a period.

+ References + Details

- Definition

The pro forma diluted net income per share for a period as if the business combination or combinations had been completed at the beginning of a period.

+ References + Details

- Definition

Description of the pro forma information, nature of adjustments made to historical information to arrive at pro forma amounts, amounts excluded from pro forma information, any material-nonrecurring items included in the pro forma information and limitations of pro forma disclosures.

+ References + Details

Acquisitions (Interlocking Deck Systems International, LLC) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands			12 Months Ended
	Dec. 15, 2010	Mar. 23, 2010	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2011
Portec Rail Products, Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Effective Date of Acquisition			Dec. 15, 2010
Business Acquisition, Name of Acquired Entity			Portec Rail Products, Inc. (Rail Technologies)
Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Cash Paid	$ 113,322
Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Cash Paid, Final Payment				$ 8,952
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Description	The unaudited pro forma results for the periods presented below are prepared as if the transaction occurred as of January 1, 2010. Pro forma adjustments exclude operating results of the divested rail joint business, and include depreciation and amortization and other adjustments in connection with the acquisition
Interlocking Deck Systems International, LLC [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Effective Date of Acquisition			Mar. 23, 2010
Business Acquisition, Name of Acquired Entity		Interlocking Deck Systems International, LLC (IDSI)
Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Purchase Price		$ 7,000
Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Cash Paid		5,050
Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Cash Paid, Payment On First Anniversary Of Closing		1,000
Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Cash Paid, Final Payment		950
Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Liabilities Incurred		$ 0
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Description		The pro forma results for this acquisition were not material to the Company's financial results

Discontinued Operations (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands			12 Months Ended
	Aug. 30, 2012	Jun. 04, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax			$ 3,193
Goodwill Allocated To Discontinued Operations				$ 2,588
Shipping Systems Division [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Description and Timing of Disposal		On June 4, 2012, the Company sold substantially all of the assets and liabilities of its railway securement business, Shipping Systems Division (SSD)
Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses, Net of Cash Divested		$ 8,579
Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax		$ 3,508
Goodwill Allocated To Discontinued Operations			$ 2,588
Precise Structural Products Business [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Description and Timing of Disposal	On August 30, 2012, the Company sold substantially all of the assets and liabilities of its precise structural products business
Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses, Net of Cash Divested	$ 2,643
Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax	$ (315)

Discontinued Operations (Net Sales and Income from Discontinued Operations) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

^[1]

Jun. 30, 2012

^[2]

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Sep. 30, 2011

Jun. 30, 2011

Mar. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Discontinued Operations [Abstract]

Net sales

$ 8,705

$ 15,589

$ 7,992

Income from discontinued operations

3,842

1,287

778

Income tax expense

2,418

459

292

Income from discontinued operations

$ 22

$ (238)

$ 1,250

$ 390

$ 286

$ 389

$ 229

$ (76)

$ 1,424

$ 828

$ 486

Effective Income Tax Rate Discontinued Operations

63.00%

35.70%

37.50%

[1]	Includes a pre-tax loss of approximately $315,000 from the Company’s sale of Precise
[2]	Includes a pre-tax gain of approximately $3,508,000 from the Company’s sale of SSD.

- Definition

Tax effect allocated to a disposal group that is classified as a component of the entity reported as a separate component of income before extraordinary items. Includes the tax effects of the following: income (loss) from operations during the phase-out period, gain (loss) on disposal, provision (or any reversals of earlier provisions) for loss on disposal, and adjustments of a prior period gain (loss) on disposal.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (b),(c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6360339&loc=d3e1361-107760

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32672-109319

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 20
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=18498875&loc=d3e38679-109324

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 20
-Section 45
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6892542&loc=d3e957-107759

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 144
-Paragraph 47
-Subparagraph c
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 46
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 144
-Paragraph 43
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

- Definition

Amount of income (loss) from a disposal group, net of income tax before extraordinary items allocable to noncontrolling interests. Includes, net of tax, income (loss) from operations during the phase-out period, gain (loss) on disposal, provision (or any reversals of earlier provisions) for loss on disposal, and adjustments of a prior period gain (loss) on disposal.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 225
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04.12)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879464&loc=d3e573970-122913

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 225
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.14)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6880815&loc=d3e20235-122688

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6360339&loc=d3e1361-107760

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 20
-Section 45
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6892542&loc=d3e957-107759

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Paragraph 13
-Article 7

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 29
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 144
-Paragraph 43
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 144
-Paragraph 47
-Subparagraph c
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 03
-Paragraph 15
-Article 5

+ Details

Discontinued Operations (Balance Sheet for Discontinued Operations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Discontinued Operations [Abstract]
Current Assets	$ 464	$ 4,864
Property, plant and equipment-net		2,281
Goodwill		2,588
Other intangibles - net		177
Total Other Assets		5,046
Total Assets	464	9,910
Total Current Liabilities	106	1,294
Net assets of discontinued operations	$ 358	$ 8,616

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Jun. 04, 2012
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Goodwill		$ 2,588
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Intangible Assets, Net		177
Goodwill	$ 41,237	41,237
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)	$ 40,165	$ 42,871
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	20 years	20 years
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$ 2,961	$ 2,791	$ 443
Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	25 years
Minimum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	5 years
Rail Products Segment [Member]
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Goodwill				$ 2,588
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Intangible Assets, Net		177		$ 170
Goodwill	$ 38,026	38,026
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)	44,506
Construction Products Segment [Member]
Goodwill	3,211	$ 3,211
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)	$ 2,305

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Schedule of Intangible Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Amortization Period In Years	20 years	20 years
Gross Carrying Value	$ 46,811	$ 46,552
Accumulated Amortization	(6,646)	(3,681)
Net Carrying Amount	$ 40,165	$ 42,871
Non-compete agreements [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Amortization Period In Years	5 years	5 years
Gross Carrying Value	$ 380	$ 380
Accumulated Amortization	(367)	(361)
Net Carrying Amount	$ 13	$ 19
Patents [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Amortization Period In Years	10 years	10 years
Gross Carrying Value	$ 815	$ 556
Accumulated Amortization	(412)	(181)
Net Carrying Amount	$ 403	$ 375
Customer relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Amortization Period In Years	23 years	23 years
Gross Carrying Value	$ 19,960	$ 19,960
Accumulated Amortization	(2,488)	(1,402)
Net Carrying Amount	$ 17,472	$ 18,558
Supplier relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Amortization Period In Years	5 years	5 years
Gross Carrying Value	$ 350	$ 350
Accumulated Amortization	(143)	(73)
Net Carrying Amount	$ 207	$ 277
Trademarks [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Amortization Period In Years	17 years	17 years
Gross Carrying Value	$ 6,280	$ 6,280
Accumulated Amortization	(879)	(447)
Net Carrying Amount	$ 5,401	$ 5,833
Technology [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Amortization Period In Years	18 years	18 years
Gross Carrying Value	$ 19,026	$ 19,026
Accumulated Amortization	(2,357)	(1,217)
Net Carrying Amount	$ 16,669	$ 17,809

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Schedule of Expected Amortization Expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
2013	$ 2,781
2014	2,781
2015	2,506
2016	2,412
2017	2,345
2018 and thereafter	27,340
Net Carrying Amount	$ 40,165	$ 42,871

Accounts Receivable (Accounts Receivable Of Continuing Operations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Accounts Receivable [Abstract]
Trade	$ 59,308	$ 66,287
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(899)	(1,725)
Accounts receivable, net, current, total	58,409	64,562
Other	1,264	1,934
Total accounts and other receivables	59,673	66,496
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Recoveries	$ (319)
Provision for Doubtful Accounts		$ 275	$ 274

Accounts Receivable (Segment Trade Accounts Receivable) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts receivable, net - segment	$ 58,409	$ 64,562
Rail Products Segment [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts receivable, net - segment	34,886	31,800
Construction Products Segment [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts receivable, net - segment	18,677	29,430
Tubular Products Segments [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts receivable, net - segment	$ 4,846	$ 3,332

Inventory (Schedule of Inventory) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Inventory [Abstract]
Finished goods	$ 78,715	$ 71,758
Work-in-process	17,693	8,004
Raw materials	19,764	19,885
Total inventories at current costs	116,172	99,647
Less: LIFO reserve	(9,064)	(10,183)
Inventory	107,108	89,464
Excess of Book LIFO Over Tax LIFO	11,686	14,636
Effect Of Inventory Liquidation On Cost Of Good Sold, Increase/(Decrease)	$ 15	$ (33)	$ 1,046

Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment - gross	$ 123,569	$ 124,296
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization, including accumulated amortization of capitalized leases	81,236	78,459
Total property, plant and equipment, net	42,333	45,837
Depreciation and amortization	9,979	9,182	$ 8,441
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment - gross	4,764	4,760
Improvements To Land And LeaseHolds [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment - gross	23,187	22,570
Building [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment - gross	13,715	10,748
Machinery And Equipment, Including Equipment Under Capitalized Leases [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment - gross	80,120	81,933
Construction in Progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment - gross	$ 1,783	$ 4,285

Investments (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended		2 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Investments (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	Nov. 30, 2012 USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2012 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($) a	Sep. 30, 2012 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($) a	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Investments			$ 4,332		$ 4,332	$ 3,495
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage			45.00%		45.00%
Equity Method Investment, Description of Principal Activities					The Company is a member of a joint venture with L B Industries, Inc. and James Legg until June 30, 2019. The Company and L B Industries, Inc. each have a 45% ownership interest in the joint venture, L B Pipe & Coupling Products, LLC (JV). The JV manufactures, markets and sells various precision coupling products for the energy, utility and construction markets
Payments to Acquire Interest in Joint Venture						3,000
Equity in Income/(Loss) of Nonconsolidated Investment					$ 837	707	$ (213)
Capital Lease Length Of Lease Term			9 years 6 months		9 years 6 months
Capital Lease Length Of Renewal Term			5 years 6 months		5 years 6 months
Capital Leases, Monthly Rent		$ 10		$ 10
Capital Leases Balloon Payment In Direct Financing Leases			$ 488		$ 488
Capital Leases, Net Investment in Direct Financing Leases			$ 1,327		$ 1,327	$ 971
Capital Leased Land [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Area of Land \| a			5		5
Capital Leased Land First Amendment To Lease Additional Monthly Rent [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Capital Leases, Monthly Rent	$ 7
Capital Leased Land First Amendment To Lease Monthly Rent Total [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Capital Leases, Monthly Rent			$ 17
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary, Aggregated Disclosure [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity, Methodology for Determining Whether Entity is Primary Beneficiary					Under applicable guidance for variable interest entities in ASC 810, "Consolidation," the Company determined that the JV is a variable interest entity, as the JV has not demonstrated that it has sufficient equity to support its operations without additional financial support. The Company concluded that it is not the primary beneficiary of the variable interest entity, as the Company does not have a controlling financial interest and does not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the JV. Accordingly, the Company concluded that the equity method of accounting remains appropriate

Investments (Schedule Of Carrying Amounts With Maximum Exposure To Loss Table) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Investments [Abstract]
Equity method investment	$ 4,332	$ 3,495
Net investment in direct financing lease	1,327	971
Total Equity Method Investment And Net Investment In Direct Financing Lease	$ 5,659	$ 4,466

Investments (Schedule of Direct Financing Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases Table) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Investments [Abstract]
Current	$ 106
Year Two	114
Year Three	122
Year Four	131
Year Five	140
Year Six and thereafter	714
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, Total	$ 1,327

Borrowings (Narrative) (Details) £ in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 GBP (£)	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)	May 31, 2011 USD ($)
Letter of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding			$ 1,171
Prior Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity					$ 90,000
Prior Credit Facility Term Loan [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity					$ 20,000
PNC Bank, N.A., Bank of America, N.A., Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania [Member] \| Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Initiation Date	May 02, 2011
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity			125,000
Line of Credit Facility, Description	On May 2, 2011, the Company, its domestic subsidiaries, and certain of its Canadian subsidiaries entered into a new $125,000,000 Revolving Credit Facility Credit Agreement (Credit Agreement) with PNC Bank, N.A., Bank of America, N.A., Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania. This Credit Agreement replaced a prior revolving credit facility with a maximum credit line of $90,000,000 and a $20,000,000 term loan. The Credit Agreement provides for a five-year, unsecured revolving credit facility that permits borrowing up to $125,000,000 for the U.S. borrowers and a sublimit of the equivalent of $15,000,000 U.S. dollars that is available to the Canadian borrowers. Provided no event of default exists, the Credit Agreement contains a provision that provides for an increase in the revolver facility of $50,000,000 that can be allocated to existing or new lenders if the Company's borrowing requirements should increase. The Credit Agreement includes a sublimit of $20,000,000 for the issuance of trade and standby letters of credit
Line of Credit Facility, Borrowing Capacity, Description	The Credit Agreement provides for a five-year, unsecured revolving credit facility that permits borrowing up to $125,000,000 for the U.S. borrowers and a sublimit of the equivalent of $15,000,000 U.S. dollars that is available to the Canadian borrowers.
Line of Credit Facility, Provision for Increase in Capacity	$ 50,000
Line of Credit Facility, Capacity Available for Trade Purchases			20,000
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate Description	Borrowings under the Credit Agreement will bear interest at rates based upon either the base rate or LIBOR-based rate plus applicable margins. Applicable margins are dictated by the ratio of the Company's indebtedness less cash on hand to the Company's consolidated EBITDA, as defined in the underlying Credit Agreement. The base rate is the highest of (a) PNC Bank's prime rate, (b) the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50% or (c) the daily LIBOR rate, as defined in the underlying Credit Agreement, plus 1.00%. The base rate spread ranges from 0.00% to 1.00%. LIBOR-based rates are determined by dividing the published LIBOR rate by a number equal to 1.00 minus the percentage prescribed by the Federal Reserve for determining the maximum reserve requirements with respect to any Eurocurrency funding by banks on such day. The LIBOR-based rate spread ranges from 1.00% to 2.00%.
Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Terms	The Credit Agreement includes two financial covenants: (a) the Leverage Ratio, defined as the Company's Indebtedness less cash on hand divided by the Company's consolidated EBITDA, which must not exceed 3.00 to 1.00 and (b) Minimum Interest Coverage, defined as consolidated EBITDA less Capital Expenditures divided by consolidated interest expense, which must be no less than 3.00 to 1.00.
Line of Credit Facility, Dividend Restrictions	The Credit Agreement permits the Company to pay dividends and distributions and make redemptions with respect to its stock provided no event of default or potential default (as defined in the Credit Agreement) has occurred prior to or after giving effect to the dividend, distribution, or redemption. Dividends, distributions, and redemptions are capped at $15,000,000 per year when funds are drawn on the facility. If no drawings on the facility exist, dividends, distributions, and redemptions in excess of $15,000,000 per year are subjected to a limitation of $75,000,000 in aggregate. The $75,000,000 aggregate limitation also includes certain loans, investments, and acquisitions. The Company is permitted to acquire the stock or assets of other entities with limited restrictions provided that the Leverage Ratio does not exceed 2.50 to 1.00 after giving effect to the acquisition.
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding			0	$ 0
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity			123,829
Line of Credit Facility, Asset Restrictions	Other restrictions exist at all times including, but not limited to, limitation of the Company's sale of assets, other indebtedness incurred by either the borrowers or the non-borrower subsidiaries of the Company, guaranties, and liens. On July 9, 2012, the Company amended the Credit Agreement to increase the limitation of the Company's sale of assets from $10,000,000 to $25,000,000.
Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Compliance	As of December 31, 2012, the Company was in compliance with the Credit Agreement's covenants
PNC Bank, N.A., Bank of America, N.A., Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania [Member] \| Revolving Credit Facility Available To Canadian Borrowers [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity			15,000
NatWest Bank [Member] \| Foreign Line of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Initiation Date	Aug. 30, 2012
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity		£ 1,500	2,437
Line of Credit Facility, Description	A subsidiary of the Company has a working capital facility with NatWest Bank for its United Kingdom operations which includes an overdraft availability of £1,500,000 pounds sterling (approximately $2,437,000 at December 31, 2012). This credit facility supports the subsidiary's working capital requirements and is collateralized by substantially all of the assets of its United Kingdom operations
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate Description	. The interest rate on this facility is the financial institution's base rate plus 1.50%.
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding			0
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity			2,376
Line of Credit Facility, Collateral	This credit facility supports the subsidiary's working capital requirements and is collateralized by substantially all of the assets of its United Kingdom operations.
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date	Aug. 30, 2013
Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Compliance	The United Kingdom loan agreements contain certain financial covenants that require that subsidiary to maintain senior interest and cash flow coverage ratios. The subsidiary was in compliance with these financial covenants as of December 31, 2012
NatWest Bank Outstanding Guarantees [Member] \| Foreign Line of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding			$ 61	$ 0

Long-Term Debt and Related Matters (Schedule Of Long-Term Debt Table) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Long-Term Debt and Related Matters [Abstract]
Lease obligations payable in installments through 2015 with a weighted average interest rate of 5.37% at December 31, 2012 and 7.10% at December 31, 2011	$ 62	$ 1,490
Promissory notes issued in connection with the acquisition of IDSI with imputed interest rates of 2.10%		945
Long-term debt and lease obligations, total	62	2,435
Less current maturities	35	2,384
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations, total	$ 27	$ 51
Lease Expiration Date	Dec. 31, 2015
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	5.37%	7.10%
Debt Instrument, Imputed Interest Rate at End of Period		2.10%

Long-Term Debt and Related Matters (Schedule Of Long-Term Debt Maturities Table) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Long-Term Debt and Related Matters [Abstract]
Current	$ 35
Year Two	22
Year Three	5
Long-term debt and lease obligations, total	$ 62	$ 2,435

Stockholders' Equity (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2013	May 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2008
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired				278,655	493
Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock				$ 6,480	$ 17
Common Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common Stock, Shares Authorized			20,000,000	20,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued			11,115,779	11,115,779
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share			$ 0.01
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared			$ 0.10
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired				278,655
Dividends, Common Stock, Cash			$ 1,029	$ 1,022	$ 0
Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized			5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued			0
Preferred Stock, No Par Value			$ 0.00
Common Stock Dividend Per Quarter [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared			$ 0.025
May 2011 Share Repurchase Program [Member] \| Common Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount		$ 25,000
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired			0	278,655
Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock				$ 6,480
Stock Repurchase Program, Period in Force			1 year
Fiscal 2008 Share Repurchase Program [Member] \| Common Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount						$ 40,000
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired					0
Stock Repurchase Program Period End Date			Dec. 31, 2010
Subsequent Event [Member] \| Common Stock Dividend Per Quarter [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Subsequent Event, Date			Feb. 28, 2013
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$ 0.03

Stockholders' Equity (Rollforward Of Common Stock Table) (Details) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Balance (Outstanding Shares), Beginning	10,073,403
Purchased through share repurchase program (Treasury)		278,655	493
Balance (Outstanding Shares), Ending	10,149,398	10,073,403
Common Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Balance (Treasury Shares), Beginning	1,042,376	814,249	927,423
Balance (Outstanding Shares), Beginning	10,073,403	10,277,138	10,163,964
Issued for stock-based compensation plans (Treasury)	(75,995)	(50,528)	(113,174)
Issued for stock-based compensation plans (Outstanding)	75,995	74,920	113,174
Purchased through share repurchase program (Treasury)		278,655
Purchased through share repurchase program (Outstanding)		(278,655)
Balance (Treasury Shares), Ending	966,381	1,042,376	814,249
Balance (Outstanding Shares), Ending	10,149,398	10,073,403	10,277,138

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Abstract]
Pension liability adjustment	$ (4,204)	$ (3,439)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	535	(1,189)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Total	$ (3,669)	$ (4,628)

- Definition

The total of net gain (loss), prior service cost (credit), and transition assets (obligations), as well as minimum pension liability if still remaining, included in accumulated other comprehensive income associated with a defined benefit pension or other postretirement plan(s) because they have yet to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 10A
-Subparagraph (j-k)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=20435746&loc=SL7669646-108580

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 11
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=20435746&loc=d3e637-108580

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 14
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=20435746&loc=d3e681-108580

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (i)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=21915506&loc=d3e1928-114920

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 14A
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=20435746&loc=SL7669686-108580

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 130
-Paragraph 26
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 158
-Paragraph 7
-Subparagraph c
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph i
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

- Definition

Accumulated adjustment, net of tax, that results from the process of translating subsidiary financial statements and foreign equity investments into the reporting currency from the functional currency of the reporting entity, net of reclassification of realized foreign currency translation gains or losses.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 14
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=20435746&loc=d3e681-108580

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 11
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=20435746&loc=d3e637-108580

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Paragraph 10A
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=20435746&loc=SL7669646-108580

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=20435746&loc=SL7669686-108580

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 830
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6915805&loc=d3e32022-110900

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6450520&loc=d3e32583-110901

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 52
-Paragraph 12, 13
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 45
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 52
-Paragraph 31
-Subparagraph a
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 12
-Paragraph 10
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 130
-Paragraph 17, 18, 19, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

- Definition

Accumulated change in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources, net of tax effect, at period end. Excludes Net Income (Loss), and accumulated changes in equity from transactions resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Includes foreign currency translation items, certain pension adjustments, unrealized gains and losses on certain investments in debt and equity securities, other than temporary impairment (OTTI) losses related to factors other than credit losses on available-for-sale and held-to-maturity debt securities that an entity does not intend to sell and it is not more likely than not that the entity will be required to sell before recovery of the amortized cost basis, as well as changes in the fair value of derivatives related to the effective portion of a designated cash flow hedge.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 11
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=20435746&loc=d3e637-108580

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
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-Paragraph 14A
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=20435746&loc=SL7669686-108580

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 31
-Article 5

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
-Number FAS115-1/124-1
-Paragraph 15D
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 12
-Paragraph 10
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 130
-Paragraph 14, 17, 26
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Article 3

+ Details

Earning Per Common Share (Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted) (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

^[1]

Jun. 30, 2012

^[2]

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Sep. 30, 2011

Jun. 30, 2011

Mar. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Earnings Per Common Share [Abstract]

Income from continuing operations

$ 6,643

$ 8,463

$ (3,321)

$ 2,979

$ 5,817

$ 9,351

$ 6,294

$ 605

$ 14,764

$ 22,067

$ 20,006

Income from discontinued operations

(238)

1,250

390

286

389

229

(76)

1,424

828

486

Net Income

$ 6,665

$ 8,225

$ (2,071)

$ 3,369

$ 6,103

$ 9,740

$ 6,523

$ 529

$ 16,188

$ 22,895

$ 20,492

Weighted average shares

10,124,000

10,209,000

10,219,000

Denominator for basic earnings per common share

10,124,000

10,209,000

10,219,000

Employee stock options

16,000

29,000

67,000

Other stock compensation plans

94,000

74,000

62,000

Dilutive potential common shares

110,000

103,000

129,000

Denominator for diluted earnings per common share - adjusted weighted average shares and assumed conversions

10,234,000

10,312,000

10,348,000

Basic earnings per common share: From continuing operations

$ 0.650

$ 0.830

$ (0.330)

$ 0.300

$ 0.58

$ 0.92

$ 0.61

$ 0.06

$ 1.46

$ 2.16

$ 1.96

Basic earnings per common share: From discontinued operations

(0.020)

0.120

0.040

0.03

0.04

0.02

(0.01)

0.14

0.08

0.05

Basic Earnings Per Common Share

0.660

0.810

(0.200)

0.330

0.61

0.96

0.63

0.05

1.60

2.24

2.01

Diluted earnings per common share: From continuing operations

0.650

0.830

(0.330)

0.290

0.57

0.91

0.60

0.06

1.44

2.14

1.93

Diluted earnings per common share: From discontinued operations

(0.020)

0.120

0.040

0.03

0.04

0.02

(0.01)

0.14

0.08

0.05

Diluted Earnings Per Common Share

0.650

0.810

(0.200)

0.320

0.60

0.95

0.63

$ 0.05

1.58

2.22

$ 1.98

Dividends paid per common share

$ 0.025

$ 0.050

$ 0.10

Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount

[1]	Includes a pre-tax loss of approximately $315,000 from the Company’s sale of Precise
[2]	Includes a pre-tax gain of approximately $3,508,000 from the Company’s sale of SSD.

Income Taxes (Significant Components Of Deferred Tax Liabilities And Assets Table) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Goodwill and other intangibles	$ (12,057)	$ (12,884)
Depreciation	(2,745)	(3,499)
Inventories	(3,433)	(4,333)
Unrepatriated earnings of foreign subsidiary		(428)
Other-net	(223)	(174)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(18,458)	(21,318)
Pension liability	2,787	3,210
Warranty reserve	5,752	2,058
Deferred compensation	1,161	1,601
Accounts receivable	358	924
Contingent liabilities	657	675
Deferred gain on sale / leaseback		178
State tax incentives	17	5
Net operating loss carryforwards	59	88
Foreign tax credit carryforwards	112	112
Total deferred tax assets	10,903	8,851
Net deferred tax liability	$ (7,555)	$ (12,467)

Income Taxes (Significant Components Of The Provision For Income Taxes Table) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Federal	$ 9,742	$ 4,123	$ 10,023
State	1,977	485	775
Foreign	1,910	2,493	30
Total current	13,629	7,101	10,828
Federal	(3,966)	3,446	1,204
State	(155)	553	111
Foreign	(442)	(515)	(185)
Total deferred	(4,563)	3,484	1,130
Total income tax expense from continuing operations	$ 9,066	$ 10,585	$ 11,958

Income Taxes (Unrecorded Deferred Income Taxes On Undistributed Earnings Of Foreign Subsidiaries) (Details) - Undistributed Earnings of Foreign Subsidiaries and Foreign Corporate Joint Ventures [Member] $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Deferred Tax Liability Not Recognized [Line Items]
Deferred Tax Liability Not Recognized, Description of Temporary Difference	The Company has unrecorded deferred income taxes on the undistributed earnings of its foreign subsidiaries. It is management's intent and practice to indefinitely reinvest such earnings outside of the U.S. to support the continuing operations of its foreign subsidiaries. As a result of the liquidity and financial strength of the Company's domestic operations, the Company does not currently anticipate a scenario where repatriation of these earnings would occur. At December 31, 2012, the aggregate undistributed earnings of the foreign subsidiaries (including cumulative unrealized currency gains related to previously taxed income) amounted to approximately $43,304,000. Upon distribution of these earnings in the form of dividends or otherwise, the Company may be subject to U.S. income taxes and foreign withholding taxes
Undistributed Earnings of Foreign Subsidiaries	$ 43,304
Deferred Tax Liability Not Recognized, Determination of Deferred Tax Liability is Not Practicable	It is not practical, however, to estimate the amount of taxes that may be payable on the eventual remittance of these earnings because of the complexity of the calculation

Income Taxes (Income Before Income Tax Domestic And Foreign Components Table) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Domestic	$ 16,600	$ 23,433	$ 32,067
Foreign	7,230	9,219	(103)
Income From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes	$ 23,830	$ 32,652	$ 31,964

Income Taxes (Reconciliation Of Income Tax Rates Table) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Rates different than statutory	(3.00%)	(2.30%)
State income tax	4.50%	2.20%	2.20%
Nondeductible expenses	1.40%	0.70%	0.20%
Tax credits	(2.20%)	(2.00%)
Other	2.30%	(1.10%)
Effective income tax rate, total	38.00%	32.50%	37.40%

Income Taxes (Operating Loss Carryforwards) (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Foreign	$ 112	$ 112
Foreign Tax Authority [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Foreign	$ 112
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Expiration Dates	The Company has foreign tax credit carryforwards in the amount of $112,000 that will expire in 2014 through 2016
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	$ 59	88
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Expiration Dates	The net operating loss carryforwards will expire in 2017 through 2024.
State Tax Refunds Not Previously Recognized As Realization Was Not More Likely Than Not		$ 903

Income Taxes (Reconciliation Of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Table) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of period	$ 1,849	$ 645
Increases based on tax positions for prior periods	220	1,401
Increases based on tax positions related to current period		34
Decreases related to settlements with taxing authorities		(139)
Decreases as a result of a lapse of the applicable statute of limitations	(24)	(92)
Balance at end of period	2,045	$ 1,849
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate	2,045
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued	$ 320
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Open Tax Year	2009
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Open Tax Year	2008

Stock-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands				9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 06, 2012	May 15, 2011	Mar. 15, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation					$ 1,989	$ 1,958	$ 1,944
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		$ 38.46
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues					1,642	2,235	3,356
Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities					$ 199	$ 425	$ 961
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period				4 years
Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross					0	0	0
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit					$ 7.81	$ 4.23	$ 2.75
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit					14.77	14.77	14.77
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price, End of Period					$ 10.41	$ 8.94	$ 6.95
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term					2 years 2 months 12 days	2 years 9 months 18 days	2 years 8 months 12 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price					$ 7.03	$ 5.02	$ 4.51
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Total Intrinsic Value					$ 457	$ 1,112	$ 2,483
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period					17,450	41,000	100,000
Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation					$ (807)
Ristricted Stock And Performance Shares Combined [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation					$ 1,652	$ 1,588	$ 1,604
Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price								$ 4.00
Minimum [Member] \| Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price, End of Period					$ 8.39
Maximum [Member] \| Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price, End of Period					$ 12.03
Numer Of Shares Automatically Awarded To Non-Employee Directors [Member] \| Fully-Vested Stock Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Shares Issued in Period					3,500	3,500	3,500
Granted to Employee Director [Member] \| Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period			1,500
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period	1,436
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Grants In Period, Aggregate Fair Value		$ 58
Granted to Executive [Member] \| Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period			1,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period	957
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Grants In Period, Aggregate Fair Value		$ 38
Granted to Non-Employee Directors [Member] \| Fully-Vested Stock Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation					$ 337	$ 370	$ 340
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period					12,000	10,500	12,000
The 1985 Plan [Member] \| Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights					The 1998 Plan also provides that, unless otherwise set forth in the option agreement, options are exercisable in installments of up to 25% annually beginning one year from date of grant
The Omnibus Plan [Member] \| Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation					$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized					900,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Description					The Omnibus Plan allows for the issuance of 900,000 shares of Common stock through the granting of stock options or stock awards (including performance units convertible into stock) to key employees and directors at no less than 100% of fair market value on the date of the grant. The Omnibus Plan provides for the granting of "nonqualified options" with a duration of not more than ten years from the date of grant
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights					The Omnibus Plan also provides that, unless otherwise set forth in the option agreement, options are exercisable in installments of up to 25% annually beginning one year from the date of grant
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross					0	0	0
The Omnibus Plan [Member] \| Fully-Vested Stock Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value					$ 28.05	$ 35.24
The Omnibus Plan [Member] \| Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period					43,000	46,000	40,000
The Omnibus Plan [Member] \| Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period					34,000	20,000
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues					$ 1,130	$ 670
The Omnibus Plan [Member] \| Granted to Employee [Member] \| Fully-Vested Stock Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period							2,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value							$ 34.73
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value							$ 29.10
The Omnibus Plan [Member] \| Granted to Employee Director [Member] \| Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period					66,000
The 1998 Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized					900,000
The 1998 Plan [Member] \| Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Description					The 1998 Plan provides for the award of options to key employees and directors to purchase up to 900,000 shares of Common stock at no less than 100% of fair market value on the date of the grant. The 1998 Plan provides for the granting of "nonqualified options" and "incentive stock options" with a duration of not more than ten years from the date of grant.
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Plan Modification, Description and Terms					Non-employee directors were automatically awarded fully vested, nonqualified stock options to acquire 5,000 shares of the Company's Common stock on each date the outside directors were elected at an annual shareholders' meeting to serve as directors. The 1998 Plan was amended in May 2006 to remove the automatic awarding of options to outside directors

Stock-Based Compensation (Certain Information Relative To Stock Options Table) (Details) - Stock Option [Member] - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit	$ 7.81	$ 4.23	$ 2.75
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit	$ 14.77	14.77	14.77
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Exercisable Options	22,500
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	2 years 2 months 12 days
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price, End of Period	$ 10.41	$ 8.94	$ 6.95
Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Exercisable Options	10,000
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	1 year 10 months 24 days
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price, End of Period	$ 8.39
Minimum [Member] \| Range Of Exercise Prices - Lower Limit [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit	7.81
Minimum [Member] \| Range Of Exercise Prices - Upper Limit [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit	$ 9.29
Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Exercisable Options	12,500
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	2 years 6 months
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price, End of Period	$ 12.03
Maximum [Member] \| Range Of Exercise Prices - Lower Limit [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit	8.97
Maximum [Member] \| Range Of Exercise Prices - Upper Limit [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit	$ 14.77

Stock-Based Compensation (Summary of Stock Option Activity) (Details) - Stock Option [Member] - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares, Outstanding and Exercisable, Beginning of Period	39,950	80,950	180,950
Shares, Granted	0	0	0
Shares, Canceled	0	0	0
Shares, Exercised	(17,450)	(41,000)	(100,000)
Shares, Outstanding and Exercisable, End of Period	22,500	39,950	80,950
Number of shares available for grant - Beginning,	315,840	391,881	443,566
Number of shares available for grant - Ending,	561,655	315,840	391,881
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercised	$ 7.03	$ 5.02	$ 4.51
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	2 years 2 months 12 days	2 years 9 months 18 days	2 years 8 months 12 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding and Exercisable at End of Period	$ 743	$ 773	$ 2,751

Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule of Restricted Stock Awards) (Details) - USD ($)		12 Months Ended
	May 15, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grant Date Fair Value	$ 38.46
Grant Date - 3/3/2010 [Member] \| Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grant Date		March 3, 2010
Shares		12,185
Grant Date Fair Value		$ 31.92
Aggregate Fair Value		$ 389,000
Vesting Date		March 3, 2014
Grant Date - 5/28/2010 [Member] \| Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grant Date		May 28, 2010
Shares		2,500
Grant Date Fair Value		$ 28.07
Aggregate Fair Value		$ 70,000
Vesting Date		February 28, 2012
Grant Date - 5/28/2010 (2) [Member] \| Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grant Date		May 28, 2010
Shares		17,500
Grant Date Fair Value		$ 28.07
Aggregate Fair Value		$ 491,000
Vesting Date		May 28, 2014
Grant Date - 10/21/2010 [Member] \| Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grant Date		October 21, 2010
Shares		7,500
Grant Date Fair Value		$ 31.04
Aggregate Fair Value		$ 233,000
Vesting Date		October 21, 2014
Grant Date - 3/15/2011 [Member] \| Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grant Date		March 15, 2011
Shares		24,836
Grant Date Fair Value		$ 38.46
Aggregate Fair Value		$ 955,000
Vesting Date		March 15, 2015
Grant Date - 7/21/2011 [Member] \| Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grant Date		July 21, 2011
Shares		16,600
Grant Date Fair Value		$ 38.44
Aggregate Fair Value		$ 638,000
Vesting Date		July 21, 2015
Grant Date - 8/29/2011 [Member] \| Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grant Date		August 29, 2011
Shares		5,000
Grant Date Fair Value		$ 24.50
Aggregate Fair Value		$ 123,000
Vesting Date		August 29, 2014
Grant Date - 2/1/2012 [Member] \| Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grant Date		February 1, 2012
Shares		66,000
Grant Date Fair Value		$ 30.15
Aggregate Fair Value		$ 1,990,000
Vesting Date		February 1, 2016
Grant Date - 3/6/2012 [Member] \| Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grant Date		March 6, 2012
Shares		18,347
Grant Date Fair Value		$ 27.49
Aggregate Fair Value		$ 504,000
Vesting Date		March 6, 2016
Grant Date - 5/23/2012 [Member] \| Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grant Date		May 23, 2012
Shares		8,000
Grant Date Fair Value		$ 28.05
Aggregate Fair Value		$ 224,000
Vesting Date		May 23, 2016
Grant Date - 12/11/2012 [Member] \| Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grant Date		December 11, 2012
Shares		16,330
Grant Date Fair Value		$ 41.98
Aggregate Fair Value		$ 686,000
Vesting Date		December 12, 2015

Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule of Performance Unit Awards) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
	May 15, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grant Date Fair Value	$ 38.46
Incentive Plan, 2010-2012 [Member] \| Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grant Date		March 2, 2010
Units		36,541
Grant Date Fair Value		$ 31.83
Aggregate Fair Value		$ 1,163
Vesting Date		March 2, 2013
Incentive Plan, 2011-2013 [Member] \| Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grant Date		March 15, 2011
Units		34,002
Grant Date Fair Value		$ 38.46
Aggregate Fair Value		$ 1,308
Vesting Date		March 15, 2014
Incentive Plan, 2012-2014 [Member] \| Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grant Date		March 6, 2012
Units		43,042
Grant Date Fair Value		$ 27.49
Aggregate Fair Value		$ 1,183
Vesting Date		March 6, 2015

Stock-Based Compensation (Number Of Shares At Average Grant Date Fair Value Over Ten Day Period Table) (Details) - Performance Shares [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012 $ / shares
Incentive Plan, 2010-2012 [Member] \| Ten Day Period - February 2010 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Grants In Period Average Ten Day Grant Date Fair Value	$ 29.39
Incentive Plan, 2011-2013 [Member] \| Ten Day Period - February 2011 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Grants In Period Average Ten Day Grant Date Fair Value	40.25
Incentive Plan, 2012-2014 [Member] \| Ten Day Period - February 2012 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Grants In Period Average Ten Day Grant Date Fair Value	$ 31.60

Retirement Plans (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
General Discussion of Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits			The Company has five retirement plans which cover its hourly and salaried employees in the United States: three defined benefit plans (one active / two frozen) and two defined contribution plans. Employees are eligible to participate in the appropriate plan based on employment classification. The Company's funding to the defined benefit and defined contribution plans are governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), applicable plan policy and investment guidelines. The Company policy is to contribute at least the minimum in accordance with the funding standards of ERISA.The Company's subsidiary, L.B. Foster Rail Technologies (Rail Technologies), maintains two defined contribution plans for its employees in Canada, as well as a post-retirement benefit plan. In the United Kingdom, Rail Technologies maintains both a defined contribution plan and a defined benefit plan. These plans are discussed in further detail below
Salaried Benefit Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Description of Postemployment Benefits	The Company has a domestic defined contribution plan that covers all non-union hourly and all salaried employees (Salaried Plan). The Salaried Plan permits both pre-tax and after-tax employee contributions. Participants can contribute, subject to statutory limitations, between 1% and 75% of eligible pre-tax pay and between 1% and 100% of eligible after-tax pay. The Company's employer match is 100% of the first 1% of deferred eligible compensation and up to 50% of the next 6%, based on years of service, of deferred eligible compensation, for a total maximum potential match of 4%. The Company may also make discretionary contributions to the Salaried Plan.
Union Benefit Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Description of Postemployment Benefits	The Company also has a domestic defined contribution plan for union hourly employees with contributions made by both the participants and the Company based on various formulas (Union Plan).
United Kingdom Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
General Discussion of Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits			During 2010, the Conveyors International Limited Pension Plan (Conveyors plan) was merged with the Portec Rail Products (UK) Limited Pension Plan (Portec Rail Plan) a defined benefit pension plan in the United Kingdom. The combined Portec Rail Plan covers some current employees, former employees and retirees of the original Portec Rail Plan along with former employees of the Conveyors plan. The Portec Rail Plan has been frozen to new entrants since April 1, 1997 and also covers the former employees of the Conveyors plan after January 2002. Benefits under the Portec Rail Plan, including the former Conveyors plan, were based on years of service and eligible compensation during defined periods of service. Our funding policy for the Portec Rail Plan is to make minimum annual contributions required by applicable regulations
Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Gain (Loss)			$ 652	$ 544
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer			297	235
Description of Postemployment Benefits	The Company's Rail Technologies subsidiary also maintains a defined contribution plan covering substantially all employees at its United Kingdom locations (U.K. Plan). Benefits under the U.K. Plan are provided under no formal written agreement. Under the terms of the defined contribution U.K. Plan, Rail Technologies may make non-elective contributions of between 3% and 10% of each employee's compensation.
Kelsan Benefit Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Description of Postemployment Benefits	Finally, the Company's Rail Technologies subsidiary maintains a defined contribution plan covering substantially all of the employees of at its Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada location (Burnaby Plan). Under the terms of the Burnaby Plan, Rail Technologies makes a non-elective contribution of 4% of each employee's compensation and may also contribute 30% of the first 6% of each employee's compensation contributed to the Burnaby Plan. The following table summarizes the expense associated with the contributions made to these plans. Due to the Company not acquiring Rail Technologies until December 15, 2010, there were no contributions made by the Company to the Montreal, U.K. or Burnaby Plans in 2010.
United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Gain (Loss)			980	1,896
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer			$ 758	$ 1,083
Canadian Employees [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Description of Postemployment Benefits	The Company's Rail Technologies subsidiary maintains a defined contribution plan covering all non-union employees at its Montreal, Quebec, Canada location (Montreal Plan). Under the terms of the Montreal Plan, Rail Technologies may contribute 4% of each employee's compensation as a non-elective contribution and may also contribute 30% of the first 6% of each employee's compensation contributed to the Montreal Plan.
Subsequent Event [Member] \| United Kingdom Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year		$ 228
Subsequent Event [Member] \| United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Gain (Loss)		(212)
Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year		$ 555

Retirement Plans (Schedule of Changes In Benefit Obligation) (United States) (Details) - United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Benefit obligation at beginning of period	$ 16,986	$ 14,955
Service cost	31	30	$ 31
Interest cost	748	799	264
Actuarial losses	980	1,896
Benefits paid	(711)	(694)
Benefit obligation at end of period	18,034	16,986	14,955
Fair value of assets at beginning of period	12,088	11,433
Actual gain (loss) on plan assets	1,127	266
Employer contribution	758	1,083
Fair value of assets at end of period	13,262	12,088	$ 11,433
Funded status at end of period	(4,772)	(4,898)
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet consist of: Other long-term liabilities	(4,772)	(4,898)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of: Net loss	4,675	4,206
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of: Prior service cost	4	5
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax, Total	$ 4,679	$ 4,211

Retirement Plans (Schedule Of Net Periodic Benefit Costs) (United States) (Details) - United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	$ 31	$ 30	$ 31
Interest cost	748	799	264
Expected return on plan assets	(810)	(764)	(286)
Amortization of prior service cost	1	1
Recognized net actuarial gain/loss	194	111	106
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 164	$ 177	$ 115
Projected benefit obligation: Discount rate	4.00%	4.50%
Net periodic benefit costs: Discount rate	4.00%	5.48%	6.00%
Net periodic benefit costs: Expected return on plan assets	6.50%	6.70%	7.75%
Projected benefit obligation	$ 18,034	$ 16,986	$ 14,955
Accumulated benefit obligation	18,034	16,986
Fair value of plan assets	$ 13,262	$ 12,088	$ 11,433

Retirement Plans (Information About Plan Assets) (United States) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 84,665	$ 64,793
United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Investment Policies and Strategies Narrative Description	Plan assets consist primarily of various fixed income and equity investments. The Company's primary investment objective is to provide long-term growth of capital while accepting a moderate level of risk. The investments are limited to cash and equivalents, bonds, preferred stocks and common stocks. The investment target ranges and actual allocation of pension plan assets by major category at December 31, 2012 and 2011 are as follows
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets at Fair Value, Valuation Techniques	In accordance with the fair value disclosure requirements with FASB ASC 820, "Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures," the following assets were measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2012 and 2011. Additional information regarding FASB ASC 820 and the fair value hierarchy can be found in Note 20, Fair Value Measurements
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 984	513
Fixed income funds: Government bonds		1,342
Fixed income funds: Corporate bonds	4,168	3,146
Total fixed income funds	4,168	4,488
Equity funds and equities: Mutual funds	7,163	678
Equity funds and equities: Common stock	947	6,409
Total equity funds and equities	8,110	7,087
Fair value of plan assets	$ 13,262	$ 12,088	$ 11,433
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] \| United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Investment Strategies, Investment Fund Category	Cash and cash equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Range Minimum	0.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Range Maximum	10.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	7.00%	4.00%
Fixed Income Funds [Member] \| United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Investment Strategies, Investment Fund Category	Total fixed income funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Range Minimum	30.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Range Maximum	50.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	31.00%	37.00%
Equity Funds [Member] \| United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Investment Strategies, Investment Fund Category	Total mutual funds / equities
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Range Minimum	50.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Range Maximum	70.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	62.00%	59.00%

Retirement Plans (Benefit Payments) (United States) (Details) - United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member] $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Next Twelve Months	$ 743
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Two	754
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Three	766
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Four	812
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Five	886
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Five Fiscal Years Thereafter	$ 5,184

Retirement Plans (Schedule of Changes In Benefit Obligation) (United Kingdom) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Benefit obligation at beginning of period	$ 16,986	$ 14,955
Interest cost	748	799	$ 264
Actuarial losses	980	1,896
Benefits paid	(711)	(694)
Benefit obligation at end of period	18,034	16,986	14,955
Fair value of assets at beginning of period	12,088	11,433
Actual gain (loss) on plan assets	1,127	266
Employer contribution	758	1,083
Fair value of assets at end of period	13,262	12,088	11,433
Funded status at end of period	(4,772)	(4,898)
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet consist of: Other long-term liabilities	(4,772)	(4,898)
United Kingdom Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Benefit obligation at beginning of period	6,964	6,229
Interest cost	338	331
Actuarial losses	652	544
Plan transfers		194
Benefits paid	(236)	(309)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	316	(25)
Benefit obligation at end of period	8,034	6,964	6,229
Fair value of assets at beginning of period	5,160	5,293
Actual gain (loss) on plan assets	596	(233)
Employer contribution	297	235
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	234	(20)
Fair value of assets at end of period	6,051	5,160	$ 5,293
Funded status at end of period	(1,983)	(1,804)
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet consist of: Other long-term liabilities	$ (1,983)	$ (1,804)

Retirement Plans (Schedule Of Net Periodic Benefit Costs) (United Kingdom) (Details) - United Kingdom Benefit Plans [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Interest cost	$ 338	$ 331
Expected return on plan assets	(307)	(337)
Amortization of transition amount	(49)	(47)
Amortization of prior service cost	23	22
Recognized net actuarial gain/loss	221	107
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 226	$ 76
Net periodic benefit costs: Discount rate	4.30%	4.70%
Net periodic benefit costs: Expected return on plan assets	5.20%	5.70%
Projected benefit obligation	$ 8,034	$ 6,964	$ 6,229
Accumulated benefit obligation	8,034	6,964
Fair value of plan assets	$ 6,051	$ 5,160	$ 5,293

Retirement Plans (Information About Plan Assets) (United Kingdom) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 84,665	$ 64,793
United Kingdom Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	520	180
Equity securities	2,250	2,286
Bonds	1,529	965
Alternatives	116	465
Fair value of plan assets	$ 6,051	5,160	$ 5,293
Equity Funds [Member] \| United Kingdom Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Allocation Percentage	Up to 100%
Commercial Property [Member] \| United Kingdom Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Allocation Percentage	Not to exceed 50%
U.K. Government securities [Member] \| United Kingdom Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Allocation Percentage	Not to exceed 50%
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] \| United Kingdom Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Allocation Percentage	Up to 100%
Real Estate Investment [Member] \| United Kingdom Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Commercial property	$ 1,636	$ 1,264

Retirement Plans (Benefit Payments) (United Kingdom) (Details) - United Kingdom Benefit Plans [Member] $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Next Twelve Months	$ 201
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Two	232
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Three	257
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Four	290
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Five	313
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Five Fiscal Years Thereafter	$ 1,960

Retirement Plans (Other Post-Retirement Retirement Plan) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
General Discussion of Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits	The Company has five retirement plans which cover its hourly and salaried employees in the United States: three defined benefit plans (one active / two frozen) and two defined contribution plans. Employees are eligible to participate in the appropriate plan based on employment classification. The Company's funding to the defined benefit and defined contribution plans are governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), applicable plan policy and investment guidelines. The Company policy is to contribute at least the minimum in accordance with the funding standards of ERISA.The Company's subsidiary, L.B. Foster Rail Technologies (Rail Technologies), maintains two defined contribution plans for its employees in Canada, as well as a post-retirement benefit plan. In the United Kingdom, Rail Technologies maintains both a defined contribution plan and a defined benefit plan. These plans are discussed in further detail below
Other Post-Retirement Benefit Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
General Discussion of Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits	At Rail Technologies' operation near Montreal, Quebec, Canada, it maintains a post-retirement benefit plan, which provides retiree life insurance, health care benefits and, for a closed group of employees, dental care. Retiring employees with a minimum of 10 years of service are eligible for the plan benefits. The plan is not funded. Cost of benefits earned by employees is charged to expense as services are rendered. The expense related to this plan was not material for 2012 and 2011. Rail Technologies' accrued benefit obligation was $1,130,000 and $879,000 as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Benefit payments anticipated for 2012 are not material. Accordingly, this obligation is recognized within other long-term liabilities
Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities, Noncurrent	$ 1,130	$ 879
Projected benefit obligation: Discount rate	4.40%	5.30%
Weighted average health care trend rate	6.60%	7.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Ultimate Health Care Cost Trend Rate	4.40%

- Definition

Description of and general information regarding the types of plans utilized by the employer.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=21915506&loc=d3e1928-114920

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=21915506&loc=d3e2410-114920

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=21915506&loc=d3e2417-114920

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5, 6
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 22
-Paragraph 8
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 158
-Paragraph 7
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

- Definition

This represents the noncurrent liability for underfunded plans recognized in the balance sheet that is associated with the defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement defined benefit plans.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=21915506&loc=d3e2417-114920

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=21915506&loc=d3e1928-114920

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=21915240&loc=d3e1703-114919

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=21915506&loc=d3e2410-114920

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.24)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 6
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph c
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 3
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Retirement Plans (Defined Contribution Plans) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Description of Defined Contribution Pension and Other Postretirement Plans	The Company has a domestic defined contribution plan that covers all non-union hourly and all salaried employees (Salaried Plan). The Salaried Plan permits both pre-tax and after-tax employee contributions. Participants can contribute, subject to statutory limitations, between 1% and 75% of eligible pre-tax pay and between 1% and 100% of eligible after-tax pay. The Company's employer match is 100% of the first 1% of deferred eligible compensation and up to 50% of the next 6%, based on years of service, of deferred eligible compensation, for a total maximum potential match of 4%. The Company may also make discretionary contributions to the Salaried Plan. The Company also has a domestic defined contribution plan for union hourly employees with contributions made by both the participants and the Company based on various formulas (Union Plan). The Company's Rail Technologies subsidiary maintains a defined contribution plan covering all non-union employees at its Montreal, Quebec, Canada location (Montreal Plan). Under the terms of the Montreal Plan, Rail Technologies may contribute 4% of each employee's compensation as a non-elective contribution and may also contribute 30% of the first 6% of each employee's compensation contributed to the Montreal Plan. The Company's Rail Technologies subsidiary also maintains a defined contribution plan covering substantially all employees at its United Kingdom locations (U.K. Plan). Benefits under the U.K. Plan are provided under no formal written agreement. Under the terms of the defined contribution U.K. Plan, Rail Technologies may make non-elective contributions of between 3% and 10% of each employee's compensation. Finally, the Company's Rail Technologies subsidiary maintains a defined contribution plan covering substantially all of the employees of at its Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada location (Burnaby Plan). Under the terms of the Burnaby Plan, Rail Technologies makes a non-elective contribution of 4% of each employee's compensation and may also contribute 30% of the first 6% of each employee's compensation contributed to the Burnaby Plan
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized	$ 2,492	$ 2,237	$ 1,734
Salaried Benefit Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized	2,028	1,846	1,700
Union Benefit Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized	79	62	$ 34
Montreal Benefit Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized	126	101
United Kingdom Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized	116	122
Burnaby Benefit Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized	$ 143	$ 106

- Definition

Description of the terms and benefits provided by the employer's defined contribution plans. A defined contribution plan provides benefits in return for services rendered, provides an individual account for each participant, and has terms that specify how contributions to the individual's account are to be determined rather than the amount of benefits the individual is to receive. Under a defined contribution pension plan, the benefits a participant will receive depend solely on the amount contributed to the participant's account, the returns earned on investments of those contributions, and forfeitures of other participants' benefits that may be allocated to such participant's account. A description of the plan(s) including employee groups covered, the basis for determining contributions, and the nature and effects of significant matters affecting comparability of information for all periods presented.

+ References + Details

Rental And Lease Information (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011
Rental and Lease Information [Abstract]
Rent Expense	$ 3,762	$ 4,367	$ 3,674
Sale Leaseback Transaction, Cumulative Gain Recognized	577			$ 577
Sale Leaseback Transaction, Current Period Gain Recognized	$ 456	$ 1,081	$ 215

Rental And Lease Information (Future Minimum Lease Payment Table) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Rental and Lease Information [Abstract]
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months	$ 37
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Two Years	23
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Three Years	5
Capital Leases, Total minimum lease payments	65
Less amount representing interest	3
Total present value of minimum payments	62
Less current portion of such obligations	35
Long-term obligations with interest rates ranging from 1.74% to 8.46%	$ 27
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Minimum	1.74%
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Maximum	8.46%
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months	$ 3,138
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years	2,752
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years	2,051
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years	1,525
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter	2,998
Operating Leases, Total minimum lease payments	$ 12,464

Rental And Lease Information (Assets Recorded Under Capital Leases Table) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]
Capital Leased Assets, Gross	$ 13,167	$ 13,170
Less accumulated amortization	12,556	11,019
Net capital lease assets	611	2,151
Land Improvements [Member]
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]
Capital Leased Assets, Gross	6,373	6,372
Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]
Capital Leased Assets, Gross	6,395	6,399
Building [Member]
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]
Capital Leased Assets, Gross	$ 399	$ 399

Fair Value Measurements (Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 84,665	$ 64,793
Total Assets	84,665	64,793
IDSI acquisition short-term note		(945)
Total current maturities of other long-term debt		(945)
Total Liabilities		(945)
Domestic money market funds [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	58,620	42,273
Non domestic bank certificates of deposit [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	26,045	22,520
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	84,665	64,793
Total Assets	84,665	64,793
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] \| Domestic money market funds [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	58,620	42,273
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] \| Non domestic bank certificates of deposit [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 26,045	22,520
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
IDSI acquisition short-term note		(945)
Total current maturities of other long-term debt		(945)
Total Liabilities		$ (945)

Commitments and Contingent Liabilites (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Product Liability Contingency [Line Items]
Standard Product Warranty Accrual	$ 15,727	$ 6,632	$ 4,403
Reserve for Concrete Ties [Member]
Product Liability Contingency [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Settlement Agreement, Consideration	12,000
Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss	22,000
Standard Product Warranty Accrual	14,837	5,160	1,966
Standard Product Warranty Accrual, Period Increase (Decrease)	23,019	3,469	$ 750
Reserve for Environmental Costs [Member]
Product Liability Contingency [Line Items]
Estimated Litigation Liability	$ 2,141	$ 2,184

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Schedule of Product Warranty Liability) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities [Abstract]
Balance, Beginning	$ 6,632	$ 4,403
Additions to warranty liability	24,252	4,437
Warranty liability utilized	(15,157)	(2,208)
Balance, Ending	$ 15,727	$ 6,632

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Tables) (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Sep. 30, 2011

Jun. 30, 2011

Mar. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Net Sales

$ 140,724

$ 170,346

^[1]

$ 163,180

^[2]

$ 114,291

$ 133,735

$ 158,323

$ 169,591

$ 113,688

$ 588,541

$ 575,337

$ 467,058

Gross profit

27,570

30,713

^[1]

12,334

^[2]

21,652

26,524

29,594

25,306

16,986

92,269

98,410

72,861

Income from continuing operations

6,643

8,463

^[1]

(3,321)

^[2]

2,979

5,817

9,351

6,294

605

14,764

22,067

20,006

Income from discontinued operations

(238)

^[1]

1,250

^[2]

390

286

389

229

(76)

1,424

828

486

Net income

$ 6,665

$ 8,225

^[1]

$ (2,071)

^[2]

$ 3,369

$ 6,103

$ 9,740

$ 6,523

$ 529

$ 16,188

$ 22,895

$ 20,492

Basic earnings per common share: From continuing operations

$ 0.650

$ 0.830

^[1]

$ (0.330)

^[2]

$ 0.300

$ 0.58

$ 0.92

$ 0.61

$ 0.06

$ 1.46

$ 2.16

$ 1.96

Basic earnings per common share: From discontinued operations

(0.020)

^[1]

0.120

^[2]

0.040

0.03

0.04

0.02

(0.01)

0.14

0.08

0.05

Basic earnings per common share

0.660

0.810

^[1]

(0.200)

^[2]

0.330

0.61

0.96

0.63

0.05

1.60

2.24

2.01

Diluted earnings per common share: From continuing operations

0.650

0.830

^[1]

(0.330)

^[2]

0.290

0.57

0.91

0.60

0.06

1.44

2.14

1.93

Diluted earnings per common share: From discontinued operations

(0.020)

^[1]

0.120

^[2]

0.040

0.03

0.04

0.02

(0.01)

0.14

0.08

0.05

Diluted earnings per common share

0.650

0.810

^[1]

(0.200)

^[2]

0.320

0.60

0.95

0.63

$ 0.05

1.58

2.22

$ 1.98

Dividends paid per common share

$ 0.025

^[1]

$ 0.025

^[2]

$ 0.025

$ 0.050

$ 0.10

Sale Leaseback Transaction, Cumulative Gain Recognized

$ 577

Sale Of SSD [Member]

Significant Acquisitions and Disposals, Gain (Loss) on Sale or Disposal, Pretax

$ 3,508

Sale Of Precise [Member]

Significant Acquisitions and Disposals, Gain (Loss) on Sale or Disposal, Pretax

$ 315

[1]	Includes a pre-tax loss of approximately $315,000 from the Company’s sale of Precise
[2]	Includes a pre-tax gain of approximately $3,508,000 from the Company’s sale of SSD.