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Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017	Feb. 21, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2017
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			$ 174,226,746
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		10,346,213
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, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 37,678	$ 30,363
Accounts receivable - net	76,582	66,632
Inventories - net	97,543	83,243
Prepaid income tax	188	14,166
Other current assets	9,120	5,200
Total current assets	221,111	199,604
Property, plant, and equipment - net	96,096	103,973
Other assets:
Goodwill	19,785	18,932
Other intangibles - net	57,440	63,519
Investments	162	4,031
Other assets	1,962	2,964
Total assets	396,556	393,023
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	52,404	37,744
Deferred revenue	10,136	7,597
Accrued payroll and employee benefits	11,888	7,497
Accrued warranty	8,682	10,154
Current maturities of long-term debt	656	10,386
Other accrued liabilities	9,764	8,953
Total current liabilities	93,530	82,331
Long-term debt	129,310	149,179
Deferred tax liabilities	9,744	11,371
Other long-term liabilities	17,493	16,891
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, par value $0.01, authorized 20,000,000 shares; shares issued at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, 11,115,779; shares outstanding at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, 10,340,576 and 10,312,625, respectively	111	111
Paid-in capital	45,017	44,098
Retained earnings	137,780	133,667
Treasury stock — at cost, common stock, shares at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, 775,203 and 803,154, respectively	(18,662)	(19,336)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(17,767)	(25,289)
Total stockholders' equity	146,479	133,251
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	$ 396,556	$ 393,023

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Common stock, par value (usd per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (shares)	20,000,000	20,000,000
Common stock, issued shares (shares)	11,115,779	11,115,779
Common stock, shares outstanding (shares)	10,340,576	10,312,625
Treasury stock shares - at cost, common stock (in shares)	775,203	803,154

Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Statement [Abstract]
Sales of goods	$ 431,818	$ 415,375	$ 537,214
Sales of services	104,559	68,139	87,309
Total net sales	536,377	483,514	624,523
Cost of goods sold	346,985	331,437	420,169
Cost of services sold	86,140	61,721	70,701
Total cost of sales	433,125	393,158	490,870
Gross profit	103,252	90,356	133,653
Selling and administrative expenses	80,521	85,976	92,648
Amortization expense	6,992	9,575	12,245
Asset impairments	0	135,884	80,337
Interest expense	8,377	6,551	4,378
Interest income	(307)	(228)	(206)
Equity (income) loss of nonconsolidated investments	(6)	1,290	413
Other income	(367)	(1,523)	(5,585)
Total operating expenses	95,210	237,525	184,230
Income (loss) before income taxes	8,042	(147,169)	(50,577)
Income tax expense (benefit)	3,929	(5,509)	(6,132)
Net income (loss)	$ 4,113	$ (141,660)	$ (44,445)
Basic (loss) earnings per common share (usd per share)	$ 0.40	$ (13.79)	$ (4.33)
Diluted (loss) earnings per common share (usd per share)	0.39	(13.79)	(4.33)
Dividends paid per common share (usd per share)	$ 0.00	$ 0.12	$ 0.16

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Dec. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]

Net income (loss)

$ 4,113

$ (141,660)

$ (44,445)

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:

Foreign currency translation adjustment

6,024

(5,896)

(6,947)

Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges, net of tax (benefit) of $0, ($54), and ($76)

426

(83)

(121)

Pension and post-retirement benefit plans benefit (expense), net of tax expense (benefit): $159, ($491), and $208

920

(1,671)

631

Reclassification of pension liability adjustments to earnings, net of tax expense of $5, $135, and $160

^[1]

152

301

389

Other comprehensive income (loss)

7,522

(7,349)

(6,048)

Comprehensive income (loss)

$ 11,635

$ (149,009)

$ (50,493)

[1]	Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income for pension obligations are charged to selling and administrative expense.

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Unrealized loss on cash flow hedges, tax benefit	$ 0	$ (54)	$ (76)
Pension liability adjustments, tax (benefit) expense	159	(491)	208
Reclassification of pension liability adjustments to earnings, tax expense	$ 5	$ 135	$ 160

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)	$ 4,113	$ (141,660)	$ (44,445)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash provided (used) by operating activities:
Deferred income taxes	(1,983)	3,375	(14,582)
Depreciation	12,849	13,917	14,429
Amortization	6,992	9,575	12,245
Asset impairments	0	135,884	80,337
Equity (income) loss and remeasurement (gain)	(6)	1,290	(167)
Loss (gain) on sales and disposals of property, plant, and equipment	18	202	(2,064)
Stock-based compensation	1,696	1,346	1,471
Income tax deficiency (benefit) from stock-based compensation	0	332	(253)
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(9,217)	11,959	31,223
Inventories	(12,648)	10,479	4,331
Other current assets	350	1,380	3,248
Prepaid income tax	13,978	(13,035)	1,134
Other noncurrent assets	959	59	(909)
Dividends from L B Pipe & Coupling Products, LLC	0	0	90
Accounts payable	14,600	(16,005)	(17,204)
Deferred revenue	2,440	984	(2,279)
Accrued payroll and employee benefits	4,260	(2,676)	(5,136)
Other current liabilities	(588)	1,432	(4,189)
Other liabilities	1,559	(433)	(1,108)
Net cash provided by operating activities	39,372	18,405	56,172
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant, and equipment	1,462	969	5,339
Capital expenditures on property, plant, and equipment	(6,149)	(7,664)	(14,913)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	0	0	(196,001)
Loans and capital contributions to equity method investment	0	(1,235)	0
Net cash used by investing activities	(4,687)	(7,930)	(205,575)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Repayments of debt	(182,718)	(155,427)	(161,068)
Proceeds from debt	153,118	146,243	301,063
Proceeds from exercise of stock options and stock awards	0	0	68
Financing fees	0	(1,417)	(1,670)
Treasury stock acquisitions	(103)	(342)	(2,701)
Cash dividends on common stock paid to shareholders	0	(1,244)	(1,656)
Income tax (deficiency) benefit from stock-based compensation	0	(332)	253
Net cash (used) provided by financing activities	(29,703)	(12,519)	134,289
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	2,333	(905)	(3,598)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	7,315	(2,949)	(18,712)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	30,363	33,312	52,024
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	37,678	30,363	33,312
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Interest paid	7,589	4,855	3,674
Income taxes (received) paid	(11,189)	3,942	7,835
Capital expenditures funded through financing agreements	$ 0	$ 0	$ 288

Consolidated Statements Of Stockholders' Equity - USD ($)	Total	Common Stock	Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings	Treasury Stock	Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 335,888,000	$ 111,000	$ 48,115,000	$ 322,672,000	$ (23,118,000)	$ (11,892,000)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net (loss) income	(44,445,000)			(44,445,000)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Pension liability adjustment	1,020,000					1,020,000
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(6,947,000)					(6,947,000)
Unrealized derivative (loss) gain on cash flow hedges	(121,000)					(121,000)
Purchase of common shares for treasury	(1,587,000)				(1,587,000)
Issuance of common shares, net of shares withheld for taxes	(1,044,000)		(3,158,000)		2,114,000
Stock based compensation and related excess tax benefit/deficiency	1,724,000		1,724,000
Cash dividends on common stock paid to shareholders	(1,656,000)			(1,656,000)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	282,832,000	111,000	46,681,000	276,571,000	(22,591,000)	(17,940,000)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net (loss) income	(141,660,000)			(141,660,000)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Pension liability adjustment	(1,370,000)					(1,370,000)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(5,896,000)					(5,896,000)
Unrealized derivative (loss) gain on cash flow hedges	(83,000)					(83,000)
Purchase of common shares for treasury	(67,000)				(67,000)
Issuance of common shares, net of shares withheld for taxes	(275,000)		(3,597,000)		3,322,000
Stock based compensation and related excess tax benefit/deficiency	1,014,000		1,014,000
Cash dividends on common stock paid to shareholders	(1,244,000)			(1,244,000)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2016	133,251,000	111,000	44,098,000	133,667,000	(19,336,000)	(25,289,000)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net (loss) income	4,113,000			4,113,000
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Pension liability adjustment	1,072,000					1,072,000
Foreign currency translation adjustment	6,024,000					6,024,000
Unrealized derivative (loss) gain on cash flow hedges	426,000					426,000
Issuance of common shares, net of shares withheld for taxes	(103,000)		(777,000)		674,000
Stock based compensation and related excess tax benefit/deficiency	1,696,000		1,696,000
Cash dividends on common stock paid to shareholders	0
Balance at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 146,479,000	$ 111,000	$ 45,017,000	$ 137,780,000	$ (18,662,000)	$ (17,767,000)

Consolidated Statements Of Stockholders' Equity (Parentheticals) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Purchase of common shares for treasury (shares)	0	5,000	80,512
Common shares issued, net shares withheld for taxes	27,951	96,916	59,113

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	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, joint ventures, and partnerships in which a controlling interest is held. Inter-company transactions and accounts 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. The Company invests available funds in a manner to maximize returns, preserve investment principal, and maintain liquidity while seeking the highest yield available. Cash and cash equivalents held in non-domestic accounts were $35,807 and $29,400 at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Included in non-domestic cash equivalents are investments in bank term deposits of approximately $17 and $16 at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The carrying amounts approximated fair value because of the short maturity of the instruments. Inventories Certain inventories are valued at the lower of the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) cost or market. Approximately 50% in 2017 and 47% in 2016 of the Company’s inventory is valued at average cost or net realizable value, whichever is lower. Slow-moving inventory is reviewed and adjusted regularly, based upon product knowledge, physical inventory observation, and the age of the inventory. Inventory contains product costs, including inbound freight, direct labor, overhead costs relating to the manufacturing and distribution of products, and absorption costs representing the excess of manufacturing or production costs over the amounts charged to cost of sales or services. Property, plant, and equipment Depreciation and amortization are provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of 5 to 40 years for buildings and 2 to 10 years for machinery and equipment. Leasehold improvements are amortized over 5 to 13 years, which represent the lives of the respective leases or the lives of the improvements, whichever is shorter. Depreciation expense is recorded within “Cost of sales” and “Selling and administrative expenses" based upon the particular asset’s use. The Company reviews a long-lived asset for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. The Company impaired $14,956 of property, plant, and equipment related to the Test and Inspection Services business unit within the Tubular and Energy Services segment during the year ended December 31, 2016. There were no material property, plant, and equipment impairments recorded for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2015. Maintenance, repairs, and minor renewals are charged to operations as incurred. Major renewals and betterments that 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 other income or loss. 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 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 is reviewed and adjusted to more accurately reflect the credit risk inherent within that customer relationship. Assets held for sale The Company classifies assets as held for sale when management approves and commits to a formal plan of sale with the expectation the sale will be completed within one year. The net assets of the business held for sale are then recorded at the lower of their current carrying value or the fair market value, less costs to sell. 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, an impairment loss equal to the excess is recorded as a component of operations. The Company performs its annual impairment tests as of October 1^st. No goodwill impairment was recognized during 2017. During 2016 and 2015, the Company identified certain triggering events that indicated an interim impairment test was required. As a result of the Company’s assessment, the Company recorded goodwill impairment of $61,142 and $80,337 during 2016 and 2015, respectively. The 2016 charges related to the full impairment of the Chemtec Energy Services (or “Precision Measurement Systems”) and Protective Coatings business units goodwill within the Tubular and Energy Services segment resulting from the Chemtec Energy Services acquisition in 2014 and the 2013 acquisition of Ball Winch, LLC and a partial impairment of the Rail Technologies business unit goodwill within the Rail Products and Services segments, respectively. The 2015 impairment charge related to the goodwill resulting from the acquisition of IOS (or “Test and Inspection Services”) and Chemtec Energy Services within the Tubular and Energy Services segment. The measurement of goodwill impairment is a Level 3 fair value measurement, since the primary assumptions, including estimates of future revenue growth, gross margin, and EBITDA margin, are not market observable and require management to make judgments regarding future outcomes. Additional information concerning the impairments is set forth in Note 4 Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. The Company has no indefinite-lived intangible assets. The Company reviews a long-lived intangible asset for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. All intangible assets are amortized over their useful lives ranging from 4 to 25 years, with a total weighted average amortization period of approximately 15 years, at December 31, 2017. There were no definite-lived intangible asset impairments during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2015. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company recorded a definite-lived intangible asset impairment of $59,786 related to the Chemtec Energy Services and Test and Inspection Services business units within the Tubular and Energy Services segment. See Note 4 Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets for additional information regarding the Company’s 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 and are not discounted. Claims for recovery are recognized as agreements are reached with third parties or as amounts are received. Reserves are periodically reviewed throughout the year 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. See Note 19 Commitments and Contingent Liabilities, for additional information regarding the Company’s outstanding environmental and litigation reserves. 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 comprised of product and service sales as well as products and services provided under long-term contracts. For product and service sales, the Company recognizes revenue when the following criteria have been satisfied: persuasive evidence of a sales arrangement exists; product delivery and transfer of title to the customer has occurred or services have been rendered; the price is fixed or determinable; and collectability is reasonably assured. Generally, product title 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 and services under long-term contracts are recognized using the percentage-of-completion method. Sales and gross profit are recognized as work is performed based upon the proportion of actual costs incurred to estimated total project costs. Sales and gross profit are adjusted prospectively for revisions in estimated total project costs and contract values. For certain products and services, the percentage of completion is based upon actual labor costs as a percentage of estimated total labor costs. At the time a loss contract becomes known, the entire amount of the estimated loss is recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Costs in excess of billings are classified as work-in-process inventory. Projects with billings in excess of costs are recorded within deferred revenue. Deferred revenue Deferred revenue consists of customer billings or payments received for which the revenue recognition criteria have not yet been met as well as billings in excess of costs on percentage of completion projects. Advanced payments from customers typically relate to contracts with respect to which the Company has significantly fulfilled its obligations, but due to the Company’s continuing involvement with the project, revenue is precluded from being recognized until title, ownership, and risk of loss have passed to the customer. Fair value of financial instruments The Company’s financial instruments consist of cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, interest rate swap agreements, and debt. The carrying amounts of the Company’s financial instruments at December 31, 2017 and 2016 approximate fair value. See Note 18 Fair Value Measurements, for additional information. Stock-based compensation The Company applies the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 718, “Compensation - Stock Compensation,” to account for the Company’s stock-based compensation. Under the guidance, stock-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. See Note 15 Stock-based Compensation, for additional information. 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 based upon historical experience. For long-lived 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, 2017 and 2016, the product warranty reserve was $8,682 and $10,154, respectively. See Note 19 Commitments and Contingencies for additional information regarding the product warranty. Income taxes Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred taxes are measured using enacted tax laws and rates expected to be in effect when such differences are recovered or settled. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred taxes 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 of 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. The determination of whether the positive evidence outweighs the negative evidence 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 its 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, the largest amount of benefit to be realized upon ultimate settlement is determined on a cumulative probability basis. 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 expected tax benefit is based on judgment, historical experience, and various other assumptions. 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 or loss for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 were foreign currency transaction losses of approximately $804 and $12, respectively, and a gain of $1,616 for the year ended December 31, 2015. Research and development The Company expenses research and development costs as costs are incurred. For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, research and development expenses were $2,241, $3,511, and $3,937, respectively, and were principally related to the Company’s friction management and railroad monitoring system products within the Rail Products and Services segment. Use of estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) 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. Recently issued accounting guidance In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” (“ASU 2014-09”), which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Accounting Standards Codification 605, “Revenue Recognition” (“ASC 605”). ASU 2014-09 is based on the principle that revenue is recognized to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. It also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue, cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments, and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. ASU 2014-09 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. The Company will adopt the provisions of ASU 2014-09 on January 1, 2018, using the modified retrospective approach. Revenue from the Company's product and service sales will continue to be recognized when products are shipped or services are rendered (i.e., point in time). Revenue from the Company's product and services provided under long-term agreements will continue to be recognized as the Company transfers control of the product or provides the service to its customers (i.e., over time), which approximates the previously used percentage-of-completion or completed contract methods of accounting. The adoption of ASU 2014-09 is not expected to have a material impact to the Company's financial position or results of operations; however, the Company will present the disclosures required by this new standard beginning with our 2018 interim financial reporting. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)” (“ASU 2016-02”). The new accounting requirements include the accounting for, presentation of, and classification of leases. The guidance will result in most leases being capitalized as a right of use asset with a related liability on our balance sheets. The requirements of the new standard are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those annual periods. The Company is in the process of analyzing the impact of ASU 2016-02 on our financial position. The Company has a significant number of operating leases, and, as a result, expects this guidance to have a material impact on its Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. The change will not affect the covenants of the Second Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated March 13, 2015. The Company does not anticipate early adoption as it relates to ASU 2016-02. In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, “Income Taxes – Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory (Topic 740),” (“ASU 2016-16”) which will require an entity to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset, other than inventory, when the transfer occurs. The ASU is effective on January 1, 2018. The Company continues to evaluate the impact this standard will have on the Company’s financial statements but believes there will not be a material change once adopted. The Company has not elected the early adoption of ASU 2016-16. In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, “Compensation – Retirement Benefits (Topic 715)” (“ASU 2017-07”), which improves the presentation of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost. The guidance requires that the entity report the service cost component in the same line item or items as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period, and report the other components of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside a subtotal of income from operations. Of the components of net periodic benefit cost, only the service cost component will be eligible for asset capitalization. The new standard will be effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those annual periods. The Company is evaluating its implementation approach and assessing the impact of ASU 2017-07 on the presentation of operations. In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, “Income Statement – Reporting Comprehensive Income,” (“ASU 2018-02”) that will permit companies the option to reclassify stranded tax effects caused by the newly-enacted US Tax Cuts and Jobs Act from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings. Consequently, the amendments eliminate the stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and will improve the usefulness of information reported to financial statement users. However, because the amendments only relate to the reclassification of the income tax effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the underlying guidance that requires that the effect of a change in tax laws or rates be included in income from continuing operations is not affected. Adoption of the ASU will be optional and companies will need to disclose if it elects not to adopt the ASU. The ASU will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption will be permitted, including adoption in any interim period, for financial statements that have not yet been issued or made available for issuance. Entities will have the option to apply the amendments retrospectively or to record the reclassification as of the beginning of the period of adoption. Recently adopted accounting guidance In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, “Inventory (Topic 330)” (“ASU 2015-11”). The pronouncement was issued to simplify the measurement of inventory and changes the measurement from lower of cost or market to lower of cost or net realizable value. The standard defines net realizable value as the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. This standard requires prospective application and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of this guidance by the Company did not have a material impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, “Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718)” (“ASU 2016-09”), which simplifies the accounting for stock-based compensation. Among other things, ASU 2016-09 provides for (i) the simplification of accounting presentation of excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies, (ii) an accounting policy election regarding forfeitures to use an estimate or account for when incurred, and (iii) simplification of cash flow presentation for excess tax benefits. The standard is effective for the annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and the transition method required by ASU 2016-09 varies by amendment. The provisions of ASU 2016-09 related to the recognition of excess tax benefits in the income statement and classification in the statement of cash flows were adopted prospectively and prior periods were not retrospectively adjusted. ASU 2016-09 permits companies to make an accounting policy election to recognize forfeitures of stock-based awards as they occur or make an estimate by applying a forfeiture rate each quarter. The Company previously estimated forfeitures and will continue to apply this accounting policy. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350),” (“ASU 2017-04”) which simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Under the new guidance, an entity will recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value. This standard is effective for annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The adoption of this guidance by the Company did not to have a material impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements or interim goodwill testing.

Business Segments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Segment Reporting, Disclosure of Entity's Reportable Segments [Abstract]

Business Segments

The Company is a leading manufacturer and distributor of products and services for transportation and energy infrastructure with locations in North America and Europe. The Company is organized and evaluated by product group, which is the basis for identifying reportable segments. Each segment represents a revenue-producing component of the Company for which separate financial information is produced internally that is subject to evaluation by the Company’s chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources. Each segment is evaluated based upon its segment profit contribution to the Company’s consolidated results.

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

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

The Company’s Construction Products segment sells and rents steel sheet piling, H-bearing pile, and other piling products for foundation and earth retention requirements. The Construction Products segment also sells bridge decking, bridge railing, structural steel fabrications, expansion joints, bridge forms, and other products for highway construction and repair. Lastly, the Construction Products segment produces precast concrete buildings and a variety of specialty precast concrete products.

The Company’s Tubular and Energy Services segment provides pipe coatings for natural gas pipelines and utilities, upstream test and inspection services, and precision measurement systems for the oil and gas market, and produces threaded pipe products for the oil and gas markets as well as industrial water well and irrigation markets.

The following table illustrates net sales, profit (loss), assets, depreciation/amortization, and expenditures for long-lived assets of the Company by segment for the years ended or at December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015. Segment profit is the earnings from operations before income taxes and includes internal cost of capital charges for net assets used in the segment at a rate of generally 1% per month excluding recently acquired businesses. The internal cost of capital charges are eliminated during the consolidation process. 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.



	2017
	Net Sales		Segment Profit			Segment Assets		Depreciation/Amortization		Expenditures for Long-Lived Assets
Rail Products and Services	$	256,127	$	12,216		$	192,038	$	7,004	$	2,915
Construction Products	161,801		11,620			83,154		1,955		1,390
Tubular and Energy Services	118,449		3,849			100,706		9,410		1,282
Total	$	536,377	$	27,685		$	375,898	$	18,369	$	5,587

	2016
	Net Sales		Segment (Loss) Profit*			Segment Assets*		Depreciation/Amortization		Expenditures for Long-Lived Assets
Rail Products and Services	$	239,127	$	(26,228	)	$	174,049	$	7,276	$	856
Construction Products	145,602		8,189			81,074		2,256		687
Tubular and Energy Services	98,785		(116,126		)	100,006		12,644		3,810
Total	$	483,514	$	(134,165	)	$	355,129	$	22,176	$	5,353

	2015
	Net Sales		Segment Profit (Loss)**			Segment Assets**		Depreciation/Amortization		Expenditures for Long-Lived Assets
Rail Products and Services	$	328,982	$	27,037		$	241,222	$	8,098	$	4,273
Construction Products	176,394		12,958			86,335		2,720		1,260
Tubular and Energy Services	119,147		(81,344		)	216,715		14,857		4,303
Total	$	624,523	$	(41,349	)	$	544,272	$	25,675	$	9,836



*	Segment loss includes impairment of goodwill, definite-lived intangible assets, and property, plant, and equipment as further described in Note 4 Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets and Note 7 Property, Plant, and Equipment.



**	Segment loss includes impairment of goodwill as further described in Note 4 Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.

During 2017, 2016, and 2015, no single customer accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s consolidated net sales. Sales between segments are immaterial.

Reconciliations of reportable segment net sales, profits (losses), assets, depreciation/amortization, and expenditures for long-lived assets to the Company’s consolidated totals are as follows for the years ended and as of December 31:



	2017			2016			2015
Income (loss) from Operations:
Profit (loss) for reportable segments	$	27,685		$	(134,165	)	$	(41,349	)
Interest expense	(8,377		)	(6,551		)	(4,378		)
Interest income	307			228			206
Other income	367			1,523			5,585
LIFO (expense) income	(2,009		)	2,643			2,468
Equity in income (loss) of nonconsolidated investments	6			(1,290		)	(413		)
Corporate expense, cost of capital elimination, and other unallocated charges	(9,937		)	(9,557		)	(12,696		)
Income (loss) before income taxes	$	8,042		$	(147,169	)	$	(50,577	)
Assets:
Total for reportable segments	$	375,898		$	355,129		$	544,272
Unallocated corporate assets	25,845			41,072			28,209
LIFO	(5,187		)	(3,178		)	(5,821		)
Total Assets	$	396,556		$	393,023		$	566,660
Depreciation/Amortization:
Total for reportable segments	$	18,369		$	22,176		$	25,675
Other	1,472			1,316			999
Total	$	19,841		$	23,492		$	26,674
Expenditures for Long-Lived Assets:
Total for reportable segments	$	5,587		$	5,353		$	9,836
Expenditures funded through financing agreements	—			—			288
Other expenditures	562			2,311			5,077
Total	$	6,149		$	7,664		$	15,201

The following table summarizes the Company’s sales by major geographic region in which the Company has operations for the years ended December 31:



	2017		2016		2015
United States	$	431,868	$	390,930	$	522,404
Canada	38,859		30,644		40,545
United Kingdom	37,237		37,188		26,817
Other	28,413		24,752		34,757
	$	536,377	$	483,514	$	624,523

The following table summarizes the Company’s long-lived assets by geographic region at December 31:



	2017		2016		2015
United States	$	89,439	$	96,650	$	118,053
Canada	4,788		5,445		6,186
United Kingdom	1,850		1,842		2,449
Other	19		36		57
	$	96,096	$	103,973	$	126,745

The following table summarizes the Company’s sales by major product line:



	2017		2016		2015
Rail Technologies	$	100,257	$	90,469	$	98,237
Rail Distribution	90,696		83,236		126,277
Piling	73,158		70,535		94,853
Precast Concrete Products	55,877		54,514		52,044
Test and Inspection Services	39,198		20,765		35,906
Protective Coatings	38,096		23,043		33,532
Fabricated Bridge	32,766		20,553		29,496
Precision Measurement Systems	29,670		42,830		36,048
Other products	76,659		77,569		118,130
	$	536,377	$	483,514	$	624,523

Acquisitions

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Acquisitions

TEW Plus, Ltd

On November 23, 2015, the Company acquired the 75% balance of the remaining shares of TEW Plus, Ltd (“Tew Plus”) for $2,130, net of cash acquired. Headquartered in Nottingham, UK, Tew Plus provides telecommunications and security systems to the railway and commercial markets. Their offerings include full installation services including: design, project management, survey, and commissioning along with future maintenance. The results of Tew Plus’ operations are included within the Rail Products and Services segment from the date of acquisition.

Inspection Oilfield Services

On March 13, 2015, the Company acquired IOS Holdings, Inc. (“IOS” or ”Test and Inspection Services”) for $167,404, net of cash acquired and a net working capital receivable adjustment of $2,363. The purchase agreement included an earn-out provision for the seller to generate an additional $60,000 of proceeds upon achieving certain levels of EBITDA during the three-year period that ended on December 31, 2017. The Company did not accrue an estimated earn-out obligation based upon a probability weighted valuation model of the projected EBITDA results, which indicated that the minimum target would not be achieved. Approximately $7,600 of the purchase price related to amounts held in escrow to satisfy potential indemnity claims made under the purchase agreement. Headquartered in Houston, TX, IOS is a leading independent provider of tubular management services with operations in every significant oil and gas producing region in the continental United States. The acquisition is included within our Tubular and Energy Services segment from the date of acquisition. See Note 4 Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, with respect to an impairment of the goodwill related to this acquisition.

TEW Holdings, Ltd

On January 13, 2015, the Company acquired TEW Holdings, Ltd (“Tew”) for $26,467, net of cash acquired, working capital, and net debt adjustments totaling $4,200. The purchase price included approximately $600 which was held in escrow to satisfy potential indemnity claims made under the purchase agreement. Headquartered in Nottingham, UK, Tew provides application engineering solutions primarily to the rail market and other major industries. The results of Tew’s operations are included within the Rail Products and Services segment from the date of acquisition.

Acquisition Summary

Each transaction was accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, which requires an acquiring entity to recognize, with limited exceptions, all of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a transaction at fair value as of the acquisition date. Goodwill primarily represents the value paid for each acquisition’s enhancement to the Company’s product and service offerings and capabilities, as well as a premium payment related to the ability to control the acquired assets.

No acquisition-related costs were incurred during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016. The Company incurred $760 of acquisition-related costs that are included in the results of operations within selling and administrative costs for the year ended December 31, 2015.

The following unaudited pro forma consolidated income statement presents the Company’s results as if the acquisitions of IOS and Tew had occurred on January 1, 2015. The 2015 pro forma results include the impact of the current year impairment of goodwill as further described in Note 4:



	Twelve months ended December 31,
	2015
Net sales	$	640,596
Gross profit	138,123
Net loss	(44,399		)
Diluted loss per share
As Reported	$	(4.33	)
Pro forma	$	(4.32	)

The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the dates of the acquisition:



Allocation of Purchase Price	November 23, 2015 - Tew Plus			March 13, 2015 - IOS				January 13, 2015 - Tew
Current assets	$	4,420		$	19,877			$	12,125
Other assets	—			708				—
Property, plant, and equipment	47			51,453			*	2,398
Goodwill	822			69,908			*	8,772
Other intangibles	1,074			50,354			*	14,048
Liabilities assumed	(3,597		)	(23,596		)		(6,465		)
Total	$	2,766		$	168,704			$	30,878



*	See Note 4 Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, and Note 7 Property, Plant, and Equipment, with respect to an impairment of property, plant, and equipment, intangible assets, and goodwill related to this acquisition.

The following table summarizes the estimates of the fair values and amortizable lives of the identifiable intangible assets acquired:



Intangible Asset	November 23, 2015 - Tew Plus		March 13, 2015 - IOS			January 13, 2015 - Tew
Trade name	$	—	$	2,641		$	870
Customer relationships	817		41,171			10,035
Technology	203		4,364			2,480
Non-competition agreements	54		2,178			663
Total identified intangible assets	$	1,074	$	50,354	**	$	14,048



**	See Note 4 Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, with respect to an impairment of intangible assets related to this acquisition.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The following table represents the goodwill balance by reportable segment:



	Rail Products and Services			Construction Products		Tubular and Energy Services			Total
Balance at December 31, 2015:	$	48,188		$	5,147	$	28,417		$	81,752
Foreign currency translation impact	(1,524		)	—		—			(1,524		)
Disposition	(154		)	—		—			(154		)
Impairment charges	(32,725		)	—		(28,417		)	(61,142		)
Balance at December 31, 2016:	13,785			5,147		—			18,932
Foreign currency translation impact	853			—		—			853
Balance at December 31, 2017:	$	14,638		$	5,147	$	—		$	19,785

The Company performs goodwill impairment tests annually during the fourth quarter, and also performs interim goodwill impairment tests if it is determined that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the carrying amount. Qualitative factors are assessed to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the carrying amount. No goodwill impairment was recorded in connection with these evaluations for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017. The Company continues to monitor the recoverability of the long-lived assets associated with certain reporting units of the Company and the long-term financial projections of the businesses. Sustained declines in the markets we serve may result in future long-lived asset impairment.

During the year ended December 31, 2016, various reporting units underperformed against their projections and revised their forecasts downward. The revised forecasts, which were primarily attributable to weakness in the rail and energy markets, indicated longer recovery horizons than we previously projected. In connection with the revisions to the longer term projections and a substantial decline in market capitalization, the Company concluded that these qualitative factors indicated that there was a more likely than not risk that the carrying value of goodwill exceeded its fair value.

As a result of the Company’s qualitative review, with the assistance of an independent valuation firm, the Company performed a quantitative interim test for impairment of goodwill as of June 1, 2016. The valuation included the use of both the income and market approaches. Greater weighting was applied to the income approach since the Company believes it is the most reliable indication of value as it captures forecasted revenues and earnings for the reporting units in the projection period that the market approach may not directly incorporate. In addition, a lack of comparable market transactions has limited the availability of information necessary for the market approach.

The results of the test indicated that the Rail Technologies (within the Rail Products and Services segment), Chemtec (or “Precision Measurement Systems”), and Protective Coatings (Chemtec and Protective Coatings are within the Tubular and Energy Services segment) business units’ respective fair values were less than their carrying values. All other reporting units that maintain goodwill substantially exceeded their carrying value and were not at risk of impairment. As a result of the continued weakness in the commodity cycles impacting the energy and rail markets, the near term projections of the Rail Technologies, Chemtec, and Protective Coatings business units had deteriorated and the expected future growth of these business units was determined to be insufficient to support the carrying values.

The Company determined the implied fair values of the Rail Technologies, Chemtec, and Protective Coatings business units by using level 3 unobservable inputs, which incorporated assumptions that we believe would be a reasonable market participant’s view in a hypothetical purchase, to develop the discounted cash flows of the respective reporting units. Significant level 3 inputs included estimates of future revenue growth, gross margin and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”). The resulting fair values of each reporting unit were allocated to the assets and liabilities of the respective reporting unit as if each reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination as of the test date and the fair value was the purchase price paid to acquire each reporting unit. The results of the step 2 analysis indicated that the carrying amounts of the goodwill of Rail Technologies, Chemtec, and Protective Coatings exceeded the implied fair values of that goodwill. Accordingly, the Company recognized a non-cash goodwill impairment of $61,142, which represented the full impairment of goodwill within the Chemtec and Protective Coatings business units and approximately 68% of Rail Technologies goodwill. No additional impairments were triggered as a result of the Company’s 2016 annual impairment test.

At December 31, 2017, approximately $14,638 of the Company’s goodwill balance is allocated to the Rail Technologies business unit within the Rail Products and Services reportable segment.

In 2015, the Company compared the implied fair values of the IOS (or “Test and Inspection Services”) and Chemtec goodwill amounts to the carrying amounts of that goodwill. The fair values of the IOS and Chemtec business units were allocated to all of the assets and liabilities of the respective reporting unit as if IOS and Chemtec had been acquired in business combinations as of the test date and the fair value was the purchase price paid to acquire each reporting unit. As a result of this valuation, it was determined that the carrying amounts of IOS’s and Chemtec’s goodwill exceeded the implied fair values of that goodwill. The Company recognized a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $80,337 to write down the carrying values to the implied fair values, of which $69,908 represented the full carrying value of goodwill related to the IOS acquisition and the remaining $10,429 related to the Chemtec reporting unit. No additional impairments were triggered as a result of the Company’s 2015 annual impairment test.

At December 31, 2017, the Company had an aggregate goodwill impairment of $141,479, which was related to the 2016 and 2015 write downs.

The following table represents the gross definite-lived intangible assets balance by reportable segment at December 31:



	2017		2016
Rail Products and Services	$	57,654	$	56,476
Construction Products	1,348		1,348
Tubular and Energy Services	29,179		29,179
	$	88,181	$	87,003

During the year ended December 31, 2017, based on the Company's review of impairment indicators, there was no test performed on the recoverability of our definite-lived intangible assets. There were no definite-lived intangible asset impairments recorded during the years ended December 31, 2017 or 2015.

During the year ended December 31, 2016, the results of our testing indicated that the long-lived assets related to the IOS and Chemtec business units, within the Tubular and Energy Services segment, had carrying values in excess of the asset groups’ fair value. Based upon level 3 unobservable inputs, the Company incorporated assumptions that it believes would be a reasonable market participant’s view in a hypothetical purchase, to develop the discounted cash flows. Significant level 3 inputs included estimates of future revenue growth, gross margin and EBITDA. As a result of the analysis, the Company recorded a $42,982 non-cash impairment of definite-lived intangible assets related to the IOS business unit and a $16,804 non-cash impairment of definite-lived intangible assets related to the Chemtec business unit.

The components of the Company’s intangible assets are as follows at:



	December 31, 2017
	Weighted Average Amortization Period In Years	Gross Carrying Value		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount
Non-compete agreements	5	$	4,238	$	(3,100	)	$	1,138
Patents	10	389		(164		)	225
Customer relationships	17	37,679		(9,171		)	28,508
Trademarks and trade names	14	10,085		(4,091		)	5,994
Technology	14	35,790		(14,215		)	21,575
		$	88,181	$	(30,741	)	$	57,440

	December 31, 2016
	Weighted Average Amortization Period In Years	Gross Carrying Value		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount
Non-compete agreements	5	$	4,219	$	(2,217	)	$	2,002
Patents	10	373		(143		)	230
Customer relationships	18	36,843		(6,582		)	30,261
Trademarks and trade names	14	10,018		(3,238		)	6,780
Technology	14	35,550		(11,304		)	24,246
		$	87,003	$	(23,484	)	$	63,519

Intangible assets are amortized over their useful lives ranging from 4 to 25 years, with a total weighted average amortization period of approximately 15 years. Amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 was $6,992, $9,575, and $12,245, respectively.

Estimated amortization expense for the years 2018 and thereafter is as follows:



	Amortization Expense
2018	$	7,036
2019	6,314
2020	5,991
2021	5,971
2022	5,904
2023 and thereafter	26,224
	$	57,440

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the aggregate amount of goodwill and a description of intangible assets, which may include (a) for amortizable intangible assets (also referred to as finite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, the amount of any significant residual value, and the weighted-average amortization period, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization (also referred to as indefinite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, and (c) the amount of research and development assets acquired and written off in the period, including the line item in the income statement in which the amounts written off are aggregated, if not readily apparent from the income statement. Also discloses (a) for amortizable intangibles assets in total and by major class, the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization, the total amortization expense for the period, and the estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization the carrying amount in total and by major class, and (c) for goodwill, in total and for each reportable segment, the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the period (including the aggregate amount of goodwill acquired, the aggregate amount of impairment losses recognized, and the amount of goodwill included in the gain (loss) on disposal of a reporting unit). If any part of goodwill has not been allocated to a reportable segment, discloses the unallocated amount and the reasons for not allocating. For each impairment loss recognized related to an intangible asset (excluding goodwill), discloses: (a) a description of the impaired intangible asset and the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method for determining fair value, (c) the caption in the income statement or the statement of activities in which the impairment loss is aggregated, and (d) the segment in which the impaired intangible asset is reported. For each goodwill impairment loss recognized, discloses: (a) a description of the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method of determining the fair value of the associated reporting unit, and (c) if a recognized impairment loss is an estimate not finalized and the reasons why the estimate is not final. May also disclose the nature and amount of any significant adjustments made to a previous estimate of an impairment loss.

+ References + Details

Accounts Receivable

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Accounts Receivable Additional Disclosures [Abstract]

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable at December 31, 2017 and 2016 are summarized as follows:



	2017			2016
Trade	$	74,514		$	64,707
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(2,151		)	(1,417		)
	72,363			63,290
Other	4,219			3,342
	$	76,582		$	66,632

The Company’s customers are principally in the transportation and energy infrastructure sectors. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, trade receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts, from customers were as follows:



	2017		2016
Rail Products and Services	$	31,225	$	29,552
Construction Products	20,070		20,531
Tubular and Energy Services	21,068		13,207
	$	72,363	$	63,290

Credit is extended based upon an evaluation of the customer’s financial condition and, while collateral is not required, the Company periodically receives surety bonds that guarantee payment. Credit terms are consistent with industry standards and practices.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for claims held for amounts due a entity, excluding financing receivables. Examples include, but are not limited to, trade accounts receivables, notes receivables, loans receivables. Includes disclosure for allowance for credit losses.

+ References + Details

Inventory

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Inventory, Net [Abstract]

Inventory

Inventories at December 31, 2017 and 2016 are summarized in the following table:



	2017			2016
Finished goods	$	55,846		$	46,673
Work-in-process	29,379			21,716
Raw materials	17,505			18,032
Total inventories at current costs	102,730			86,421
Less: LIFO reserve	(5,187		)	(3,178		)
	$	97,543		$	83,243

At December 31, 2017 and 2016, approximately 50% and 53% of the Company’s inventory was valued at the lower of LIFO cost or market. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the LIFO carrying value of inventories for book purposes exceeded the LIFO value for tax purposes by approximately $10,694 and $8,925, respectively. At December 31, 2017, liquidation of certain LIFO inventory layers carried at costs that were lower than the costs of current purchases resulted in a decrease in cost of goods sold of $16 and at December 31, 2016 and 2015 liquidation of certain LIFO inventory layers carried at costs that were higher than the costs of their current purchases resulted in an increase in cost of goods sold of $1,304 and $115, respectively.

Property, Plant and Equipment

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, Plant, and Equipment

Property, plant, and equipment at December 31, 2017 and 2016 consist of the following:



	2017		2016
Land	$	14,869	$	14,826
Improvements to land and leaseholds	17,415		17,408
Buildings	34,929		33,910
Machinery and equipment, including equipment under capitalized leases	120,806		118,060
Construction in progress	1,057		1,291
	189,076		185,495
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization, including accumulated amortization of capitalized leases	92,980		81,522
	$	96,096	$	103,973

There were no impairments of property, plant, and equipment recorded during the years ended December 31, 2017 or 2015.

During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company performed recoverability tests on reporting units when it was more likely than not that the carrying value of the long-lived asset group would not be recoverable. The results of our testing indicated that the long-lived assets related to the IOS business, within the Tubular and Energy Services segment, had carrying values in excess of the asset groups’ fair value. Based upon level 3 unobservable inputs, the Company incorporated assumptions that it believes would be a reasonable market participant’s view in a hypothetical purchase, to develop the discounted cash flows. Significant level 3 inputs included estimates of future revenue growth, gross margin, and EBITDA. As a result of the analysis, the Company recorded a $14,956 non-cash impairment of property, plant and equipment related to the IOS business.

Depreciation expense, including amortization of assets under capital leases, for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 amounted to $12,849, $13,917, and $14,429, respectively.

Investments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Investments [Abstract]

Investments

The Company is a member of a joint venture, L B Pipe and Coupling Products, LLC (“L B Pipe JV”), in which it maintains a 45% ownership interest. L B Pipe JV manufactures, markets, and sells various machined components and precision coupling products for the energy, water well, and construction markets and is scheduled to terminate on June 30, 2019.

Under applicable guidance for variable interest entities in FASB ASC 810, “Consolidation,” the Company previously determined that L B Pipe JV was a variable interest entity. The Company concluded that it was not the primary beneficiary of the variable interest entity, as the Company did not have a controlling financial interest and did not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of L B Pipe JV.

During the year ended December 31, 2017, pursuant to the limited liability company agreement, the Company determined to sell its 45% ownership to the other 45% equity holder and no longer classified the L B Pipe JV as a variable interest entity. The Company concluded that it has met the criteria under applicable guidance for a long-lived asset to be held for sale, and has, accordingly, reclassified L B Pipe JV investment of $3,875 as a current asset held for sale within "Other current assets" on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. During 2017, the asset was remeasured to its fair market value. The difference between the fair market value, $3,875, and the Company's carrying amount, $4,288, resulted in a $413 other-than-temporary impairment for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017. The Company performed recoverability tests over its nonconsolidated equity method investments and concluded that the fair values exceeded the carrying values and no impairment was recorded by the Company during the years ended December 31, 2016 or 2015.

During the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, each of the L B Pipe JV members received proportional distributions from L B Pipe JV. During 2016, the Company and the other 45% member each executed a revolving line of credit with L B Pipe JV with an available limit of $1,350. The Company and the other 45% member each loaned $1,235 to L B Pipe JV in an effort to maintain compliance with L B Pipe JV’s debt covenants with an unaffiliated bank. Pursuant to the sale agreement, the Company is to receive its outstanding loan balance, including applicable interest, upon its sale of L B Pipe JV.

The Company recorded equity in the income of L B Pipe JV of approximately $386 and losses of $1,345 and $410 for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.

At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company had a nonconsolidated equity method investment of $3,875, recorded as an asset held for sale in “Other current assets,” and $3,902, recorded in “Investments,” respectively, in L B Pipe JV and other investments totaling $162 and $129 at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

The Company is leasing five acres of land and two facilities to L B Pipe JV through June 30, 2019, with a 5.5-year renewal period. The current monthly lease payments, including interest, approximate $17, with a balloon payment of approximately $488, which is required to be paid at the termination of the lease, allocated over the renewal period, or during the initial term of the lease. This lease qualifies as a direct financing lease under the applicable guidance in FASB ASC 840-30, “Leases.”

The following is a schedule of the direct financing minimum lease payments for the years 2017 and thereafter:



	Minimum Lease Payments
2018	$	150
2019	585
	$	735

The Company’s exposure to loss results from its capital contributions, net of the Company’s share of L B Pipe JV’s income or loss, its revolving line of credit, and its net investment in the direct financing lease covering the facility used by L B Pipe JV for its operations. The carrying amounts with the maximum exposure to loss of the Company at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, are as follows:



	2017		2016
LB Pipe JV equity method investment	$	3,875	$	3,902
Revolving line of credit	1,235		1,235
Net investment in direct financing lease	735		871
	$	5,845	$	6,008

Deferred Revenue	12 Months Ended
Deferred Revenue	Dec. 31, 2017
Deferred Revenue [Abstract]
Deferred Revenue	Deferred Revenue Deferred revenue of $10,136 and $7,597 at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, consists of customer billings or payments received for which the revenue recognition criteria have not yet been met as well as billings in excess of costs on percentage of completion projects. Advanced payments from customers typically relate to contracts with respect to which the Company has significantly fulfilled its obligations, but due to the Company’s continuing involvement with the project, revenue is precluded from being recognized until title, ownership, and risk of loss have passed to the customer.

Long-Term Debt and Related Matters

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Long-Term Debt and Related Matters

Long-term debt at December 31, 2017 and 2016 consists of the following:



	2017		2016
Revolving credit facility with an interest rate of 4.78% at December 31, 2017 and 4.22% at December 31, 2016	$	128,470	$	127,073
Term loan payable in quarterly installments through January 1, 2020 with an interest rate of 3.92% at December 31, 2016	—		30,000
Financing agreement payable in installments through July 1, 2017 with an interest rate of 3.00% at December 31, 2016	—		534
Lease obligations payable in installments through 2020 with a weighted average interest rate of 3.21% at December 31, 2017 and 3.10% at December 31, 2016	1,496		1,958
Total	129,966		159,565
Less current maturities	656		10,386
Long-term portion	$	129,310	$	149,179

The maturities of long-term debt are as follows:



	December 31, 2017
2018	$	656
2019	576
2020	128,734
2021	—
2022	—
2023 and thereafter	—
Total	$	129,966

Borrowings

United States

On November 7, 2016, the Company, its domestic subsidiaries, and certain of its Canadian subsidiaries entered into the Second Amendment (the “Second Amendment”) to the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated March 13, 2015 and as amended by the First Amendment dated June 29, 2016 (the “Amended and Restated Credit Agreement”), with PNC Bank, N.A., Bank of America, N.A., Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania, and Branch Banking and Trust Company. This Second Amendment modifies the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement which had a maximum revolving credit line of $275,000. The Second Amendment reduces the permitted revolving credit borrowings to $195,000 and provides for additional term loan borrowing of $30,000 (“Term Loan”). The Term Loan was subject to quarterly straight line amortization until the scheduled maturity of January 1, 2020. Furthermore, certain matters, including excess cash flow, asset sales, and equity issuances, triggered mandatory prepayments to the Term Loan. Term Loan borrowings were not available to draw upon following repayment. During 2017, the Company paid off the balance of the Term Loan. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Second Amendment or Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, as applicable.

The Second Amendment further provides for modifications to the financial covenants as defined in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. The Second Amendment calls for the elimination of the Maximum Leverage Ratio covenant through the quarter ending June 30, 2018. After that period, the Maximum Gross Leverage Ratio covenant will be reinstated to require a maximum ratio of 4.25 Consolidated Indebtedness to 1.00 Gross Leverage for the quarter ending September 30, 2018, and 3.75 to 1.00 for all periods thereafter until the maturity date of the credit facility of March 13, 2020. The Second Amendment also includes a Minimum Last Twelve Months EBITDA covenant (“Minimum EBITDA”). For the quarter ended December 31, 2016 through the quarter ended June 30, 2017, the Minimum EBITDA had to be at least $18,500. For each quarter thereafter, through the quarter ending June 30, 2018, the Minimum EBITDA requirement will increase by various increments. The incremental Minimum EBITDA requirement for the period ended December 31, 2017 was at least $25,000. At June 30, 2018, the Minimum EBITDA requirement will be $31,000. After the quarter ending June 30, 2018, the Minimum EBITDA covenant will be eliminated through the maturity of the credit agreement. The Second Amendment also includes a Minimum Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio covenant. The covenant represents the ratio of the Company’s fixed charges to the last twelve months of EBITDA, and is required to be a minimum of 1.00 to 1.00 through the quarter ended December 31, 2017 and 1.25 to 1.00 for each quarter thereafter through the maturity of the credit facility. The final financial covenant included in the Second Amendment is a Minimum Liquidity covenant which calls for a minimum of $25,000 in undrawn availability on the revolving credit loan at all times through the quarter ending June 30, 2018.

The Second Amendment includes several changes to certain non-financial covenants as defined in the Credit Agreement. Through the maturity date of the agreement, the Company has been prohibited from making any future acquisitions. The limitation on permitted annual distributions of dividends or redemptions of the Company’s stock was decreased from $4,000 to $1,700. The aggregate limitation on loans to and investments in non-loan parties was decreased from $10,000 to $5,000. Furthermore, the limitation on asset sales was decreased from $25,000 annually with a carryover of up to $15,000 from the prior year to $25,000 in the aggregate through the maturity date of the credit facility. At December 31, 2017, the Company was in compliance with the covenants in the Second Amendment.

The Second Amendment provides for the elimination of the three lowest tiers of the pricing grid that had previously been defined in the First Amendment. Upon execution of the Second Amendment through the quarter ending March 31, 2018, the Company will be locked into the highest tier of the pricing grid which provides for pricing of the prime rate plus 225 basis points on base rate loans and the applicable LIBOR rate plus 325 basis points on euro rate loans. For each quarter after March 31, 2018 and through the maturity date of the credit facility, the Company’s position on the pricing grid will be governed by a Minimum Net Leverage ratio which is the ratio of Consolidated Indebtedness less cash on hand in excess of $15,000 to EBITDA. If, after March 31, 2018 the Minimum Net Leverage ratio positions the Company on the lowest tier of the pricing grid, pricing will be the prime rate plus 150 basis points on base rate loans or the applicable LIBOR rate plus 250 basis points on euro rate loans.

At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company had outstanding letters of credit of approximately $425 and had net available borrowing capacity of $41,105 and $67,502, respectively. The maturity date of the facility is March 13, 2020.

United Kingdom

A subsidiary of the Company has a credit facility with NatWest Bank for its United Kingdom operations that includes an overdraft availability of £1,500 pounds sterling (approximately $2,027 at December 31, 2017). This credit facility supports the United Kingdom’s working capital requirements and is collateralized by substantially all of the assets of the subsidiary's operations. The interest rate on this facility is the financial institution’s base rate plus 2.50%. Outstanding performance bonds reduce availability under this credit facility. There were no outstanding borrowings under this credit facility at December 31, 2017, however, there were $533 in outstanding guarantees (as defined in the underlying agreement) at December 31, 2017. This credit facility was renewed and amended during the fourth quarter of 2017 with all underlying terms and conditions remaining unchanged as a result of the renewal. It is the Company’s intention to renew this credit facility with NatWest Bank during the annual review in 2018.

The United Kingdom loan agreements contain certain financial covenants that require the subsidiary to maintain senior interest and cash flow coverage ratios. The subsidiary was in compliance with these financial covenants at December 31, 2017 and 2016. The subsidiary had available borrowing capacity of $1,494 and $1,650 at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Stockholders' Equity

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]

Stockholders' Equity

Stockholders’ Equity

The Company had authorized shares of 20,000,000 in common stock with 11,115,779 shares issued at December 31, 2017 and 2016. The common stock has a par value of $0.01 per share and the Company paid dividends of $0.04 per share for each of the first three quarters of 2016 and suspended dividend payments during the fourth quarter of 2016, which continued throughout 2017.

At December 31, 2017 and 2016, 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.

On December 4, 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the purchase of up to $15,000 in shares of its common stock through a share repurchase program at prevailing market prices or privately negotiated transactions. The Company repurchased 80,512 shares, for an aggregate price of $1,587, during 2015 under the repurchase program. On December 9, 2015, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $30,000 of the Company’s common shares until December 31, 2017. This authorization became effective January 1, 2016 and replaced the prior authorization. The Second Amendment limits the amount of common shares that the Company can repurchase. The Company repurchased 5,000 shares, for an aggregate price of $67, during 2016 under the repurchase program. There were no repurchases under the program for the year ended December 31, 2017. Approximately $29,933 remained of our $30,000 share repurchase program that was announced December 9, 2015 and expired on December 31, 2017.

At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company withheld 7,277 and 20,186 shares for approximately $103 and $275, respectively, from employees to pay their withholding taxes in connection with the exercise and/or vesting of stock options and restricted stock awards.

Cash dividends of $0, $1,244, and $1,656 were declared and paid in 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.



	Common Stock
	Treasury		Outstanding
Share Activity	(Number of Shares)
Balance at end of 2014	873,374		10,242,405
Issued for stock-based compensation plans	(59,113	)	59,113
Repurchased common stock	80,512		(80,512	)
Balance at end of 2015	894,773		10,221,006
Issued for stock-based compensation plans	(96,619	)	96,619
Repurchased common stock	5,000		(5,000	)
Balance at end of 2016	803,154		10,312,625
Issued for stock-based compensation plans	(27,951	)	27,951
Balance at end of 2017	775,203		10,340,576

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, are as follows:



	2017			2016
Pension and post-retirement benefit plan adjustments	$	(3,367	)	$	(4,439	)
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swap contracts	222			(204		)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(14,622		)	(20,646		)
	$	(17,767	)	$	(25,289	)

Foreign currency translation adjustments are generally not adjusted for income taxes as they relate to indefinite investments in non U.S. subsidiaries. See Note 14 Income Taxes for further information.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Stockholders’ Equity

At December 31, 2017 and 2016, 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.

Cash dividends of $0, $1,244, and $1,656 were declared and paid in 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.



	Common Stock
	Treasury		Outstanding
Share Activity	(Number of Shares)
Balance at end of 2014	873,374		10,242,405
Issued for stock-based compensation plans	(59,113	)	59,113
Repurchased common stock	80,512		(80,512	)
Balance at end of 2015	894,773		10,221,006
Issued for stock-based compensation plans	(96,619	)	96,619
Repurchased common stock	5,000		(5,000	)
Balance at end of 2016	803,154		10,312,625
Issued for stock-based compensation plans	(27,951	)	27,951
Balance at end of 2017	775,203		10,340,576

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, are as follows:



	2017			2016
Pension and post-retirement benefit plan adjustments	$	(3,367	)	$	(4,439	)
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swap contracts	222			(204		)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(14,622		)	(20,646		)
	$	(17,767	)	$	(25,289	)

Earnings Per Common Share

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings Per Common Share

(Share amounts in thousands)

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



	2017		2016			2015
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share:
Net income (loss)	$	4,113	$	(141,660	)	$	(44,445	)
Denominator:
Weighted average shares outstanding	10,334		10,273			10,254
Denominator for basic earnings per common share	10,334		10,273			10,254
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock compensation plans	149		—			—
Dilutive potential common shares	149		—			—
Denominator for diluted earnings per common share - adjusted weighted average shares outstanding and assumed conversions	10,483		10,273			10,254
Basic earnings (loss) per common share	$	0.40	$	(13.79	)	$	(4.33	)
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share	$	0.39	$	(13.79	)	$	(4.33	)
Dividends paid per common share	$	—	$	0.12		$	0.16

There were 143 and 130 anti-dilutive shares in 2016 and 2015, respectively, that were excluded from the above calculation.

Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes

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



	2017		2016			2015
Domestic	$	2,072	$	(151,027	)	$	(55,061	)
Foreign	5,970		3,858			4,484
Income (loss) from operations, before income taxes	$	8,042	$	(147,169	)	$	(50,577	)

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



	2017			2016			2015
Current:
Federal	$	2,630		$	(9,980	)	$	5,571
State	822			(487		)	1,540
Foreign	2,460			1,583			1,339
Total current	5,912			(8,884		)	8,450
Deferred:
Federal	(1,559		)	2,555			(12,016		)
State	17			706			(2,014		)
Foreign	(441		)	114			(552		)
Total deferred	(1,983		)	3,375			(14,582		)
Total income tax expense (benefit)	$	3,929		$	(5,509	)	$	(6,132	)

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



	2017					2016					2015
	Amount			Percent		Amount			Percent		Amount			Percent
Statutory rate	$	2,815		35.0	%	$	(51,509	)	35.0	%	$	(17,702	)	35.0	%
Foreign tax rate differential	(717		)	(8.9	)	(485		)	0.3		(419		)	0.8
State income taxes, net of federal benefit	368			4.6		(2,893		)	2.0		(159		)	0.3
Non-deductible goodwill impairment	—			—		11,448			(7.8	)	12,737			(25.2	)
Non-deductible expenses	323			4.0		262			(0.2	)	452			(0.9	)
Domestic production activities deduction	(405		)	(5.0	)	700			(0.5	)	(507		)	1.0
U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: remeasurement of deferred taxes	10,260			127.6		—			—		—			—
U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: deferred foreign earnings	4,009			49.9		—			—		—			—
Tax on unremitted foreign earnings	(6,712		)	(83.5	)	7,932			(5.4	)	—			—
Change in valuation allowance	(6,023		)	(74.9	)	29,719			(20.2	)	—			—
Other	11			0.1		(683		)	0.5		(534		)	1.1
Total income tax expense (benefit) / Effective rate	$	3,929		48.9	%	$	(5,509	)	3.7	%	$	(6,132	)	12.1	%

Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows:



	2017			2016
Deferred tax assets:
Goodwill and other intangibles	$	19,324		$	32,699
Pension and post-retirement liability	1,532			2,186
Warranty reserve	2,060			3,633
Deferred compensation	2,385			1,227
Contingent liabilities	1,669			2,336
Net operating loss / tax credit carryforwards	1,816			1,384
Other	1,442			2,190
Total deferred tax assets	30,228			45,655
Less: valuation allowance	(23,696		)	(29,719		)
Net deferred tax assets	6,532			15,936
Deferred tax liabilities:
Goodwill and other intangibles	(5,721		)	(6,087		)
Depreciation	(7,079		)	(10,586		)
Unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries	(1,220		)	(7,932		)
Inventories	(1,743		)	(1,506		)
Other	(513		)	(1,196		)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(16,276		)	(27,307		)
Net deferred tax liabilities	$	(9,744	)	$	(11,371	)

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”) was enacted on December 22, 2017. The Act reduces the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, requires companies to pay a one-time transition tax on earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries that were previously tax deferred and creates new taxes on certain foreign sourced earnings. At December 31, 2017, we have not completed our accounting for the tax effects of enactment of the Act; however, in certain cases, as described below, we have made a reasonable estimate of the effects on our existing deferred tax balances and the one-time transition tax. The provisional tax benefit related to the remeasurement of certain deferred tax assets and liabilities was $1,508, and was included as a component of income tax expense from continuing operations. The provisional tax expense related to the one-time transition tax on mandatory deemed repatriation of foreign earnings, and related items, was $3,298 based on cumulative foreign earnings of $65,113 and was also included as a component of income tax expense from continuing operations. In all cases, we will continue to make and refine our calculations as additional analysis is completed. Our estimates may be adjusted in future periods throughout 2018 as we gain a more thorough understanding of the tax law, as further guidance is issued, and as we evaluate our income tax accounting policies with regard to certain provisions of the Act.

A provisional estimate could not be made for the global intangible low-taxed income ("GILTI") provisions of the Act, as the Company has not yet completed its assessment or elected an accounting policy to either recognize deferred taxes for basis differences expected to reverse as GILTI or to record GILTI as period costs if and when incurred. Additional information is necessary to prepare a more detailed analysis of the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities and historical foreign earnings, as well as potential correlative adjustments.

Each quarter, management reviews operations and liquidity needs in each jurisdiction to assess the Company’s intent to reinvest foreign earnings outside of the United States. At December 31, 2017, management determined that cash balances of its Canadian and United Kingdom subsidiaries exceeded projected capital needs by $30,200. Management does not intend for such amounts to be permanently reinvested outside of the United States and has therefore accrued foreign withholding taxes of $1,220 at December 31, 2017.

At December 31, 2017, the Company has not recorded deferred U.S. income taxes or foreign withholding taxes on remaining undistributed foreign earnings of $2,318. It is management's intent and practice to indefinitely reinvest such earnings outside of the United States. Determination of the amount of any unrecognized deferred income tax liability associated with these undistributed earnings is not practicable because of the complexities of the hypothetical calculation.

A valuation allowance is required to be established or maintained when, based on currently available information and other factors, it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. The Company has considered all available evidence, both positive and negative, in assessing the need for a valuation allowance in each jurisdiction.

The negative evidence considered in evaluating U.S. deferred tax assets included cumulative financial losses over the three-year period ended December 31, 2017 and the inability to consistently achieve forecasted results. Positive evidence considered included the composition and reversal patterns of existing taxable and deductible temporary differences between financial reporting and tax, as well as the composition of financial losses. Cumulative financial losses over the three-year period ended December 31, 2017 were a significant piece of objective negative evidence, and typically limit a Company’s ability to consider other subjective evidence. Based on our evaluation, a valuation allowance of $23,696 was recorded at December 31, 2017 to recognize only the amount of deferred tax assets more likely than not to be realized. The amount of deferred tax assets considered realizable, however, could be adjusted if objective negative evidence in the form of cumulative financial losses is no longer present, and additional weight is given to subjective evidence such as our projections for growth.

At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the tax benefit of net operating loss carryforwards available for state income tax purposes was $1,708 and $1,378, respectively. The state net operating loss carryforwards will expire in various years through 2037. We believe it is more likely than not that the tax benefit from state operating loss carryforwards will not be realized. In recognition of this risk, we have provided a valuation allowance of $1,708 against deferred tax assets related to state operating loss carryforwards at December 31, 2017.

At December 31, 2017, the Company has net operating loss carryforwards in certain foreign jurisdictions of $1,363, which may be carried forward indefinitely. The foreign jurisdictions have incurred cumulative financial losses over the three-year period ended December 31, 2017 and have projected future taxable losses. We believe it is more likely than not that the tax benefit from these loss carryforwards will not be realized. In recognition of this risk, we have provided a valuation allowance of $481, collectively, against deferred tax assets in foreign jurisdictions at December 31, 2017.

The determination to record or not record a valuation allowance involves management judgment, based on the consideration of positive and negative evidence available at the time of the assessment. Management will continue to assess the realization of its deferred tax assets based upon future evidence, and may record adjustments to valuation allowances against deferred tax assets in future periods, as appropriate, that could materially impact net income.

The following table provides a reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2017 and 2016:



	2017			2016
Unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of period:	$	619		$	582
Increases based on tax positions for prior periods	—			37
Decreases based on tax positions for prior periods	(20		)	—
Balance at end of period	$	599		$	619

The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate is $599 at December 31, 2017. The Company accrues interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in its provision for income taxes. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company had accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits of $500 and $464, respectively. At December 31, 2017, the Company does not expect any material increases or decreases to its unrecognized tax benefits within the next 12 months. Ultimate realization of this decrease is dependent upon the occurrence of certain events, including the completion of audits by tax authorities and expiration of statutes of limitations.

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 2014 period and thereafter. With respect to the state, local, and foreign filings, certain entities of the Company are subject to income tax examinations for the 2013 period and thereafter.

Stock-Based Compensation

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Share-based Compensation [Abstract]

Stock-based Compensation

The Company applies the provisions of FASB ASC 718, “Compensation - Stock Compensation,” to account for the Company’s stock-based compensation. Stock-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-based compensation expense of $1,696, $1,346, and $1,471 for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively, related to fully-vested stock awards, restricted stock awards, and performance unit awards. At December 31, 2017, unrecognized compensation expense for awards the Company expects to vest approximated $3,687. The Company will recognize this expense over the upcoming 3.3 year period through March 2021.

Shares issued as a result of vested stock-based compensation generally will be from previously issued shares that have been reacquired by the Company and held as Treasury stock or authorized but previously unissued common stock.

The Company realized reductions in excess tax benefits of $0 and $332 for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and excess tax benefits for the tax deduction from stock-based compensation of $253 for the year ended December 31, 2015. This excess tax benefit or deficiency is included in "Cash flows from financing activities" in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015. Applying the prospective approach in accordance with FASB ASU 2016-09, a charge of $127 was recorded in "Income tax expense" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, and is now included in "Cash flows from operating activities" for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

At December 31, 2017, the Company had stock awards issued pursuant to the 2006 Omnibus Incentive Plan, as amended and restated in May 2016 (“Omnibus Plan”). The Omnibus Plan allows for the issuance of 1,270,000 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, stock options are exercisable in installments of up to 25% annually beginning one year from the date of grant. No stock options have been granted under the Omnibus Plan and, as such, there was no stock-based compensation expense related to stock options recorded in 2017, 2016, or 2015.

Stock Option Awards

No stock options were outstanding during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016. Certain information for the year ended December 31, 2015 relative to employee stock options is summarized as follows:



	2015
Number of shares under the plans:
Outstanding and exercisable at beginning of year	7,500
Granted	—
Canceled	—
Exercised	(7,500	)
Outstanding and exercisable at end of year	—

The weighted average exercise price per share of the stock options exercised in 2015 was $9.08. The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2015 was $253.

Fully-Vested Stock Awards

Non-employee directors are automatically awarded fully vested shares of the Company’s common stock on each date the non-employee directors are elected at the annual shareholders’ meeting to serve as directors. During the quarter ended June 30, 2017, the Nomination and Governance Committee and Board of Directors jointly approved the Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors under the 2006 Omnibus Incentive Plan, which permits non-employee directors of the Company to defer receipt of earned cash and/or stock compensation for service on the Board.

The non-employee directors were granted a total of 39,280, 59,598, and 14,000 fully-vested shares for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. Compensation expense recorded by the Company related to fully-vested stock awards to non-employee directors was approximately $704, $698, and $534 for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. During 2017, 26,860 deferred share units were allotted to the accounts of the non-employee directors pursuant to the Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors.

The weighted average fair value of all the fully-vested stock grants awarded was $17.92, $11.72, and $38.15 per share for 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.

Restricted Stock Awards and Performance Unit Awards

Under the 2006 Omnibus Plan, the Company grants eligible employees restricted stock and performance unit awards. The forfeitable restricted stock awards granted prior to March 2015 generally time-vest after a four-year period, and those granted subsequent to March 2015 generally time-vest ratably over a three-year period, unless indicated otherwise by the underlying restricted stock agreement. Performance unit awards are offered annually under separate three-year long-term incentive programs. 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 program. If the Company’s estimate of the number of performance stock awards expected to vest changes in a subsequent accounting period, cumulative compensation expense could increase or decrease. The change will be recognized in the current period for the vested shares and would change future expense over the remaining vesting period.

The following table summarizes the restricted stock award, deferred stock, and performance unit award activity for the three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015:



	Restricted Stock		Deferred Stock	Performance Stock Units		Weighted Average Aggregate Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding at January 1, 2015	108,237		—	71,990		$	36.25
Granted	29,656		—	41,114		44.93
Vested	(39,076	)	—	(23,877	)	32.35
Adjustment for incentive awards expected to vest	—		—	(53,228	)	43.26
Canceled and forfeited	(5,000	)	—	—		44.84
Outstanding at December 31, 2015	93,817		—	35,999		$	39.66
Granted	48,283		—	129,844		12.50
Vested	(56,807	)	—	—		28.45
Adjustment for incentive awards not expected to vest	—		—	(93,103	)	24.79
Canceled and forfeited	(6,021	)	—	(9,050	)	18.82
Outstanding at December 31, 2016	79,272		—	63,690		$	21.66
Granted	175,196		26,860	120,583		14.46
Vested	(22,808	)	—	—		28.88
Adjustment for incentive awards not expected to vest	—		—	46,130		19.00
Canceled and forfeited	(44,854	)	—	(49,062	)	15.40
Outstanding at December 31, 2017	186,806		26,860	181,341		$	16.53

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.

Excluding the fully-vested stock awards granted to non-employee directors, the Company recorded stock-based compensation expense of $1,499, $648, and $937, respectively, for the periods ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 related to restricted stock and performance unit awards. The following table presents the number of shares available for future grants:



	2017	2016	2015
Number of shares available for future grant:
Beginning of year	675,447	407,307	469,840
End of year	639,390	675,447	407,307

Retirement Plans

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Retirement Benefits [Abstract]

Retirement Plans

The Company has three retirement plans that cover its hourly and salaried employees in the United States: one defined benefit plan, which is frozen, and two defined contribution plans. On December 31, 2017, the Company consolidated its three United States defined benefit plans into one United States defined benefit plan and consolidated its prior four United States defined contribution plans into two United States defined contribution plans. Employees are eligible to participate in the appropriate plan based on employment classification. The Company’s contributions to the defined benefit and defined contribution plans are governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”) and the Company’s policy and investment guidelines of the applicable plan. The Company’s policy is to contribute at least the minimum in accordance with the funding standards of ERISA.

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 two defined contribution plans and a defined benefit plan, which is frozen. These plans are discussed in further detail below.

United States Defined Benefit Plan

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 plan, as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:



	2017			2016
Changes in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	18,241		$	17,759
Service cost	—			36
Interest cost	684			746
Actuarial loss	775			534
Benefits paid	(917		)	(834		)
Benefit obligation at end of year	$	18,783		$	18,241
Change to plan assets:
Fair value of assets at beginning of year	$	14,180		$	14,235
Actual gain on plan assets	1,629			779
Benefits paid	(917		)	(834		)
Fair value of assets at end of year	14,892			14,180
Funded status at end of year	$	(3,891	)	$	(4,061	)
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet consist of:
Other long-term liabilities	$	(3,891	)	$	(4,061	)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of:
Net loss	$	3,913		$	4,186

The actuarial loss included in accumulated other comprehensive loss that will be recognized in net periodic pension cost during 2018 is $96, before taxes.

Net periodic pension costs for the three years ended December 31, 2017 are as follows:



	2017			2016			2015
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
Service cost	$	—		$	36		$	38
Interest cost	684			746			742
Expected return on plan assets	(710		)	(717		)	(816		)
Amortization of prior service cost	—			—			3
Recognized net actuarial loss	130			276			275
Net periodic pension cost	$	104		$	341		$	242

The weighted average assumptions in the following table represent the rates used to develop the actuarial present value of the projected benefit obligation for the year listed and also the net periodic benefit cost for the following year.



	2017		2016		2015
Discount rate	3.9	%	4.3	%	4.3	%
Expected rate of return on plan assets	5.9	%	5.2	%	5.2	%

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. The increase in the expected rate of return on plan assets reflects the expected increased corporate shareholder returns resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.

Amounts applicable to the Company’s pension plan with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets are as follows at December 31:



	2017		2016
Projected benefit obligation	$	18,783	$	18,241
Accumulated benefit obligation	18,783		18,241
Fair value of plan assets	14,892		14,180

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 cash equivalents, bonds, preferred stocks, and common stocks. The investment target ranges and actual allocation of pension plan assets by major category at December 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows:



	Target	2017		2016
Asset Category
Cash and cash equivalents	0 - 10%	2	%	5	%
Total fixed income funds	25 - 50	32		33
Total mutual funds and equities	50 - 70	66		62
Total		100	%	100	%

In accordance with the fair value disclosure requirements of FASB ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” the following assets were measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2017 and 2016. Additional information regarding FASB ASC 820 and the fair value hierarchy can be found in Note 18 Fair Value Measurements.



	2017		2016
Asset Category
Cash and cash equivalents	$	284	$	660
Fixed income funds
Corporate bonds	4,755		4,767
Total fixed income funds	4,755		4,767
Equity funds and equities
Mutual funds	712		8,753
Exchange-Traded Funds (“ETF”)	9,141		—
Total mutual funds and equities	9,853		8,753
Total	$	14,892	$	14,180

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. The Company uses quoted market prices to determine the fair values 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 currently does not anticipate contributions to its United States defined benefit plan in 2018.

The following benefit payments are expected to be paid:



	Pension
	Benefits
2018	$	927
2019	996
2020	1,003
2021	1,058
2022	1,071
Years 2023-2027	5,608

United Kingdom Defined Benefit Plan

The Portec Rail Products (UK) Limited Pension Plan covers certain current employees, former employees, and retirees. The plan has been frozen to new entrants since April 1, 1997 and also covers the former employees of a merged plan after January 2002. Benefits under the plan were based on years of service and eligible compensation during defined periods of service. Our funding policy for the plan is to make minimum annual contributions required by applicable regulations.

The funded status of the United Kingdom defined benefit plan at December 31, 2017 and 2016 is as follows:



	2017			2016
Changes in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	8,104		$	7,862
Interest cost	236			259
Actuarial (gain) loss	(451		)	1,532
Benefits paid	(322		)	(273		)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	768			(1,276		)
Benefit obligation at end of year	$	8,335		$	8,104
Change to plan assets:
Fair value of assets at beginning of year	$	5,826		$	6,661
Actual gain on plan assets	573			265
Employer contribution	276			253
Benefits paid	(322		)	(273		)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	551			(1,080		)
Fair value of assets at end of year	6,904			5,826
Funded status at end of year	$	(1,431	)	$	(2,278	)
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet consist of:
Other long-term liabilities	$	(1,431	)	$	(2,278	)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of:
Net loss	$	1,161		$	2,015
Prior service cost	39			53
	$	1,200		$	2,068

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



	2017			2016			2015
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
Interest cost	$	236		$	259		$	295
Expected return on plan assets	(280		)	(290		)	(324		)
Amortization of prior service cost	19			17			27
Recognized net actuarial loss	192			275			225
Net periodic pension cost	$	167		$	261		$	223



	2017		2016		2015
Discount rate	2.5	%	2.7	%	4.0	%
Expected rate of return on plan assets	4.1	%	4.4	%	5.2	%

Amounts applicable to the Company’s pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets are as follows at December 31:



	2017		2016
Projected benefit obligation	$	8,335	$	8,104
Accumulated benefit obligation	8,335		8,104
Fair value of plan assets	6,904		5,826

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 2017 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%

Plan assets held within the United Kingdom defined benefit plan consist of cash and marketable securities that have been classified as Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. All other plan assets have been classified as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

The plan assets by category for the two years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows:



	2017		2016
Asset Category
Cash and cash equivalents	$	695	$	707
Equity securities	2,707		2,617
Bonds	2,276		1,347
Other	1,226		1,155
Total	$	6,904	$	5,826

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 $253 to the United Kingdom defined benefit plan during 2018.

The following estimated future benefits payments are expected to be paid under the United Kingdom defined benefit plan:



	Pension
	Benefits
2018	$	259
2019	275
2020	291
2021	299
2022	317
Years 2023-2027	2,040

Other Post-Retirement Benefit Plan

Rail Technologies’ operation near Montreal, Quebec, Canada, 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 2017 or 2016. Rail Technologies’ accrued benefit obligation was $1,104 and $909 as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. This obligation is recognized within other long-term liabilities. Benefit payments anticipated for 2018 are not material.



	2017		2016
Discount rate	3.6	%	4.0	%
Weighted average health care trend rate	5.1	%	5.1	%

The weighted average health care rate trends downward to an ultimate rate of 4.4% in 2035.

Defined Contribution Plans

The Company sponsors six defined contribution plans for hourly and salaried employees across our domestic and international facilities. The following table summarizes the expense associated with the contributions made to these plans.



	Twelve Months Ended December 31,
	2017		2016		2015
United States	$	2,641	$	1,813	$	2,434
Canada	223		225		226
United Kingdom	450		376		494
	$	3,314	$	2,414	$	3,154

Rental And Lease Information

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Leases [Abstract]

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, 2017, 2016, and 2015 amounted to $5,278, $4,864, and $4,611, 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 at December 31, 2017:



	Capital		Operating
Year ending December 31,	Leases		Leases
2018	$	711	$	4,483
2019	598		3,149
2020	265		2,467
2021	—		1,769
2022	—		1,177
2023 and thereafter	—		4,766
Total minimum lease payments	1,574		$	17,811
Less: amount representing interest	78
Total present value of minimum payments with interest rates ranging from 2.95% to 4.25%	$	1,496

Assets recorded under capital leases are as follows for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016:



	2017		2016
Machinery and equipment at cost	$	3,164	$	3,152
Less: accumulated amortization	1,066		829
Net capital lease assets	$	2,098	$	2,323

Fair Value Measurements

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements

The Company determines the fair value of assets and liabilities based on the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. The fair values are based on assumptions that market participants would use when pricing an asset or liability, including assumptions about risk and the risks inherent in valuation techniques and the inputs to valuations. The fair value hierarchy is based on whether the inputs to valuation techniques are observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s own assumptions of what market participants would use. The fair value hierarchy includes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value as described below.

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 classification of a financial asset or liability within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

The Company has an established process for determining fair value for its financial assets and liabilities, principally cash and cash equivalents and interest rate swaps. 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 section describes 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 non-domestic term deposits. The carrying amounts approximate fair value because of the short maturity of the instruments.

LIBOR-Based interest rate swaps. To reduce the impact of interest rate changes on outstanding variable-rate debt, the Company entered into forward starting LIBOR-based interest rate swaps with notional values totaling $50,000. The swaps became effective in February 2017 at which point they effectively converted a portion of the debt from variable to fixed-rate borrowings during the term of the swap contract. The fair value of the interest rate swaps is based on market-observable forward interest rates and represents the estimated amount that the Company would pay to terminate the agreements. As such, the swap agreements have been classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

The following assets of the Company were measured at fair value on a recurring basis subject to the disclosure requirements of FASB ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurement,” at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016:



	Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using								Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
	December 31, 2017		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		December 31, 2016		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Term deposits	$	17	$	17	$	—	$	—	$	16	$	16	$	—	$	—
Interest rate swaps	222		—		222		—		—		—		—		—
Total assets	$	239	$	17	$	222	$	—	$	16	$	16	$	—	$	—
Interest rate swaps	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	334	$	—	$	334	$	—
Total liabilities	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	334	$	—	$	334	$	—

The interest rate swaps are accounted for as fair value hedges and substantially offset the changes in fair value of the hedged portion of the underlying debt that are attributable to the changes in market risk. Therefore, the gains and losses related to changes in the fair value of the interest rate swaps are included in interest income or expense, in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2017, interest expense from interest rate swaps was $378.

In accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC 820, the Company measures certain nonfinancial assets and liabilities at fair value, that are recognized or disclosed on a nonrecurring basis. During the year ended December 31, 2017, a $413 other-than-temporary impairment charge was recorded with respect to L B Pipe JV assets held for sale utilizing a Level 2 fair value measurement. The impairment was a result of the Company's carrying value being greater than the agreed-upon sales price, or fair market value. See Note 8 Investments contained herein for additional information.

Information regarding the fair value disclosures associated with the assets of the Company’s defined benefit plans can be found in Note 16 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 + Details

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities

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 that 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 product warranty accrual:



	Warranty Liability
Balance at December 31, 2016	$	10,154
Additions to warranty liability	3,564
Warranty liability utilized	(5,036		)
Balance at December 31, 2017	$	8,682

Included within the above table are concrete tie warranty reserves of approximately $7,595 and $7,574, respectively, at December 31, 2017 and 2016. For the periods ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, the Company recorded approximately $21, $204, and $972, respectively, in pre-tax concrete tie warranty charges within “Cost of goods sold” in the Company’s Rail Products and Services segment primarily related to concrete ties manufactured at the Company’s former Grand Island, NE facility. For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company recorded $839 in pre-tax warranty charges within “Cost of services sold” in our Tubular and Energy Services segment related to a Protective Coatings claim. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company recorded approximately $1,224 in pre-tax warranty charges within “Cost of goods sold” in the Company’s Rail Products and Services segment related to Transit Products project.

UPRR Warranty Claims

On July 12, 2011, UPRR notified (the “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 pre-stressed concrete railroad ties to UPRR. 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. Of the 3.0 million ties manufactured between 1998 and 2011 from the Grand Island, NE facility, approximately 1.6 million ties were sold during the period 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, within five years of the sale of a concrete tie, UPRR 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.

Following the UPRR Notice, the Company worked with material scientists and pre-stressed 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.

2012

During 2012, the Company completed sufficient testing and analysis to further understand this matter. Based upon testing results and expert analysis, 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. During the fourth quarter of 2012 and first quarter of 2013, the Company reached agreement with UPRR on several matters including a tie rating process for the Company and UPRR to work together to identify, prioritize, and replace defective ties that meet the criteria for replacement. This process applies to the ties the Company shipped to 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 UPRR and other customer concerns, the Company also reverted to a previously used warranty policy providing a 15-year warranty with a 1:1 replacement ratio. This change provided an additional 10 years of warranty protection. In the amended 2005 supply agreement, the Company and UPRR also extended the supply of Tucson ties by 5 years and agreed on a cash payment of $12,000 to UPRR as compensation for concrete ties already replaced by UPRR during the investigation period.

During 2012, as a result of the testing that the Company conducted on concrete ties manufactured at its former Grand Island, NE facility and the developments related to UPRR and other customer matters, the Company recorded pre-tax warranty charges of $22,000 in “Cost of Goods Sold” within its Rail Products and Services segment based on the Company’s estimate of the number of defective concrete ties that will ultimately require replacement during the applicable warranty periods.

2013

Throughout 2013, at UPRR’s request and under the terms of the amended 2005 supply agreement, the Company provided warranty replacement concrete ties for use across certain UPRR subdivisions. The Company attempted to reconcile the quantity of warranty claims for ties replaced and obtain supporting detail for the ties removed. The Company believes that UPRR did not replace concrete ties in accordance with the amended agreement and has not furnished adequate documentation throughout the replacement process in these subdivisions to support its full warranty claim. Based on the information received by the Company to date, the Company believes that a significant number of ties which UPRR replaced in these subdivisions did not meet the criteria to be covered as warranty replacement ties under the amended 2005 supply agreement. The disagreement related to the 2013 warranty replacement activity includes approximately 170,000 ties where the Company provided detailed documentation supporting our position with reason codes that detail why these ties are not eligible for a warranty claim.

In late November 2013, the Company received notice from UPRR asserting a material breach of the amended 2005 supply agreement. UPRR’s notice asserted that the failure to honor its claims for warranty ties in these subdivisions was a material breach. Following receipt of this notice, the Company provided information to UPRR to refute UPRR’s claim of breach and included the reconciliation of warranty claims supported by substantial findings from the Company’s track observation team, all within the 90-day cure period. The Company also proposed further discussions to reach agreement on reconciliation for 2013 replacement activities and future replacement activities and a recommended process that will ensure future replacement activities are done with appropriate documentation and per the terms of the amended 2005 supply agreement.

2014

During the first quarter of 2014, the Company further responded within the 90-day cure period to UPRR’s claim and presented a reconciliation for the subdivisions at issue. This proposed reconciliation was based on empirical data and visual observation from Company employees that were present during the replacement process for a substantial majority of the concrete ties replaced. The Company spent considerable time documenting facts related to concrete tie condition and track condition to assess whether the ties replaced met the criteria to be eligible for replacement under the terms of the amended 2005 supply agreement.

During 2014, the Company increased its accrual by an additional $8,766 based on revised estimates of ties to be replaced based upon scientific testing and other analysis, adjusted for ties already provided to UPRR. The Company continued to work with UPRR to identify, replace, and reconcile defective ties related to the warranty claim in accordance with the amended 2005 supply agreement. The Company and UPRR met during the third quarter of 2014 to evaluate each other’s position in an effort to work towards agreement on the unreconciled 2013 and 2014 replacement activity as well as the standards and practices to be implemented for future replacement activity and warranty tie replacement.

In November and December of 2014, the Company received additional notices from UPRR asserting that ties manufactured in 2000 were defective and again asserting material breaches of the amended 2005 supply agreement relating to warranty tie replacements as well as certain new ties provided to UPRR being out of specification.

At December 31, 2014, the Company and UPRR had not been able to reconcile the disagreement related to the 2013 and 2014 warranty replacement activity. The disagreement relating to the 2014 warranty replacement activity includes approximately 90,100 ties that the Company believes are not warranty-eligible.

2015

On January 23, 2015, UPRR filed a Complaint and Demand for Jury Trial in the District Court for Douglas County, NE against the Company and its subsidiary, CXT, asserting, among other matters, that the Company breached its express warranty, breached an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, and anticipatorily repudiated its warranty obligations, and that UPRR’s exclusive and limited remedy provisions in the supply agreement have failed of their essential purpose which entitles UPRR to recover all incidental and consequential damages. The Complaint seeks to cancel all duties of UPRR under the contract, to adjudge the Company as having no remaining rights under the contracts, and to recover damages in an amount to be determined at trial for the value of unfulfilled warranty replacement ties and ties likely to become warranty eligible, for costs of cover for replacement ties, and for various incidental and consequential damages. The amended 2005 supply agreement provides that UPRR’s exclusive remedy is to receive a replacement tie that meets the contract specifications for each tie that failed to meet the contract specifications or otherwise contained a material defect provided that the Company receives written notice of such failure or defect within 15 years after that tie was produced. The amended 2005 supply agreement provides that the Company’s warranty does not apply to ties that (a) have been repaired or altered without the Company’s written consent in such a way as to affect the stability or reliability thereof, (b) have been subject to misuse, negligence, or accident, or (c) have been improperly maintained or used contrary to the specifications for which such ties were produced. The amended 2005 supply agreement also continues to provide that the Company’s warranty is in lieu of all other express or implied warranties and that neither party shall be subject to or liable for any incidental or consequential damages to the other party. The dispute is largely based on (1) claims submitted that the Company believes are for ties claimed for warranty replacement that are inaccurately under concrete tie rating guidelines and procedures agreed to in 2012 and incorporated by amendment to the 2005 supply agreement rated and are not the responsibility of the Company and claims that do not meet the criteria of a warranty replacement and (2) UPRR’s assertion, which the Company vigorously disputes, that UPRR in future years will be entitled to warranty replacement ties for virtually all of the Grand Island ties. Many thousands of Grand Island ties have been performing in track for over ten years. In addition, a significant amount of Grand Island ties were rated by both parties in the excellent category of the rating system.

In June 2015, UPRR delivered an additional notice alleging deficiencies in certain ties produced in the Company’s Tucson and Spokane locations and other claimed material breaches which the Company contends are unfounded. The Company again responded to UPRR that it was not in material breach of the amended 2005 supply agreement relating to warranty tie replacements and that the ties in question complied with the specifications provided by UPRR.

On June 16 and 17, 2015, UPRR issued formal notice of the termination of the concrete tie supply agreement as well as the termination of the lease agreement at the Tucson, AZ production facility and rejection and revocation of its prior acceptance of certain ties manufactured at the Company’s Spokane, WA production facility. Since that time, UPRR has discontinued submitting purchase orders to the Company for shipment of warranty replacement ties.

On May 29, 2015, the Company and CXT filed an Answer, Affirmative Defenses and Counterclaims in response to the Complaint, denying liability to UPRR. As a result of UPRR’s subsequent June 16-17, 2015 actions and certain related conduct, the Company on October 5, 2015 amended the pending Answer, Affirmative Defenses and Counterclaims to add, among other things, assertions that UPRR’s conduct in question was wrongful and unjustified and constituted additional grounds for the affirmative defenses to UPRR’s claims and also for the Company’s counterclaims.

2016

By Scheduling Order dated June 29, 2016, an August 31, 2017 deadline for the completion of fact discovery was established with trial to proceed at some future date after October 30, 2017, and UPRR filed an amended notice of trial to commence on October 30, 2017.

2017

By Third Amended Scheduling Order dated September 26, 2017, a June 29, 2018 deadline for completion of discovery has been established with trial to proceed at some future date on or after October 1, 2018. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2017, the parties continued to conduct discovery, with various disputes that required and will likely require court resolution. The Company intends to continue to engage in discussions in an effort to resolve the UPRR matter. However, we cannot predict that such discussions will be successful, or that the results of the litigation with UPRR, or any settlement or judgment amounts, will reasonably approximate our estimated accruals for loss contingencies. Future potential costs pertaining to UPRR’s claims and the outcome of the UPRR litigation could result in a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows.

As a result of the preliminary status of the litigation and the uncertainty of any potential judgment, an estimate of any additional loss, or a range of additional loss, associated with this litigation cannot be made based upon currently available information.

Other Legal Matters

In June and September 2017, the Company recorded a cumulative pre-tax warranty charge within “Cost of services sold” in its Tubular and Energy Services segment of $839 from a claim alleging a pipe expansion issue caused by our Protective Coatings services. The claim was settled during the year ended December 31, 2017.

In December 2016, the Company recorded a pre-tax warranty charge within “Cost of goods sold” within its Rail Products and Services segment of approximately $1,224 with respect to allegedly defective products provided in connection with a transit project.

In September 2015, the Company was notified of a collective action complaint by current and former Test and Inspection Services employees to recover unpaid overtime wages and other damages under the Fair Labor Standards Act. The parties commenced court-ordered mediation on October 17, 2016. In December 2016, the Company reached an agreement in principle to settle the claim for $900 and no admission of liability, subject to negotiation of a settlement agreement and approval by the court, which is expected to occur in the first half of 2017. For the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company recorded within “Selling and administrative expenses” in the Company’s Tubular and Energy Services segment a pre-tax charge of approximately $900 related to the anticipated settlement of this claim. For the year ended December 31, 2017, the final settlement of $797 was approved. The approval resulted in a pre-tax income adjustment of $103 within “Selling and administrative expenses” reported in the Company’s Tubular and Energy Services segment.

The Company is also subject to other legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of its business. Legal actions are subject to inherent uncertainties, and future events could change management's assessment of the probability or estimated amount of potential losses from pending or threatened legal actions. Based on available information, it is the opinion of management that the ultimate resolution of pending or threatened legal actions, both individually and in the aggregate, will not result in losses having a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position or liquidity at December 31, 2017.

If management believes that, based on available information, it is at least reasonably possible that a material loss (or additional material loss in excess of any accrual) will be incurred in connection with any legal actions, the Company discloses an estimate of the possible loss or range of loss, either individually or in the aggregate, as appropriate, if such an estimate can be made, or discloses that an estimate cannot be made. Based on the Company's assessment at December 31, 2017, no such disclosures were considered necessary.

Environmental Matters

The Company is subject to national, state, foreign, 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 facilities. The Company’s efforts to comply with environmental regulations may have an adverse effect on its future earnings. On June 5, 2017, a General Notice Letter was received from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) indicating that the Company may be a potentially responsible party regarding the Portland Harbor Superfund Site cleanup along with numerous other companies. The Company is reviewing the basis for its identification by the EPA and the nature of the historic operations of an L.B. Foster predecessor on the site. 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 following table sets forth the Company’s undiscounted environmental obligation:



	Environmental liability
Balance at December 31, 2016	$	6,270
Additions to environmental obligations	143
Environmental obligations utilized	(269		)
Balance at December 31, 2017	$	6,144

Other Income

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]

Other Income

The following table summarizes the Company’s other income for the three years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015.



	2017			2016			2015
Gain on Protective Coatings Field Service asset sale (a)	$	(487	)	$	—		$	—
Gain on Rail Segment patent sale (b)	(500		)	—			—
Gain on Tucson, AZ asset sale (c)	—			—			(2,279		)
Foreign currency losses (gains)	804			12			(1,616		)
Remeasurement gain on equity method investment (d)	—			—			(580		)
Legal settlement gain (e)	—			—			(460		)
Other	(184		)	(1,535		)	(650		)
	$	(367	)	$	(1,523	)	$	(5,585	)


a)	On August 7, 2017, the Company sold the assets of its Protective Coatings Field Services business for $1,200, resulting in a pre-tax gain on sale of $487 within our Tubular and Energy Services segment.


b)	On August 8, 2017, the Company sold its rights in European transit rail patents. The gain on sale of $500 was recorded within the Rail Products and Services segment.


c)	On December 23, 2015, the Company sold certain assets related to the former Tucson, AZ precast concrete tie facility for $2,750 resulting in a pre-tax gain on sale of $2,279.


d)	On November 23, 2015, the Company acquired the remaining 75% of shares of Tew Plus resulting in a gain of $580, which is recorded within other income as of December 31, 2015. The gain is included in equity loss (income) and remeasurement gain within the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.


e)	During the fourth quarter of 2015 the Company received $460 from the Steel Antitrust Settlement Fund related to a claim regarding steel purchased by the Company between 2005 and 2007.

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)

Quarterly financial information for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 is presented below:



	2017
	First Quarter			Second Quarter		Third Quarter		Fourth Quarter (1)
Net sales	$	118,702		$	144,860	$	131,492	$	141,323
Gross profit	$	21,252		$	27,736	$	26,365	$	27,899
Net (loss) income	$	(2,422	)	$	3,024	$	3,222	$	289
Basic (loss) earnings per common share	$	(0.23	)	$	0.29	$	0.31	$	0.03
Diluted (loss) earnings per common share	$	(0.23	)	$	0.29	$	0.31	$	0.03
Dividends paid per common share	$	—		$	—	$	—	$	—

Differences between the sum of quarterly results and the annual amounts in the Consolidated Statements of Operations are due to rounding.


(1)	- Fourth quarter 2017 includes provisional tax amounts related to the enactment of the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, including additional tax expense of $3,298 related to the one-time transition tax and a $1,508 tax benefit related to the remeasurement of certain deferred tax assets and liabilities.



	2016
	First Quarter			Second Quarter (1)			Third Quarter (2)			Fourth Quarter (3)
Net sales	$	126,310		$	135,994		$	114,644		$	106,566
Gross profit	$	23,960		$	27,813		$	19,803		$	18,779
Net loss	$	(2,832	)	$	(91,996	)	$	(5,982	)	$	(40,851	)
Basic loss per common share	$	(0.28	)	$	(8.96	)	$	(0.58	)	$	(3.97	)
Diluted loss per common share	$	(0.28	)	$	(8.96	)	$	(0.58	)	$	(3.97	)
Dividends paid per common share	$	0.04		$	0.04		$	0.04		$	—


(1)	- Second quarter 2016 includes $128,938 impairment of assets related to the Chemtec, Protective Coatings, IOS, and Rail Technologies product groups.


(2)	- Third quarter 2016 includes $6,946 related to the finalization of the impairment analysis of the Chemtec and Rail Technologies product groups.


(3)	- Fourth quarter 2016 includes deferred U.S. income taxes and foreign withholding taxes of $7,932 on unremitted foreign earnings and a valuation allowance of $29,719 against deferred tax assets.

Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]

Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure

L. B. FOSTER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017, 2016, AND 2015



	Balance at Beginning of Year		Additions Charged to Costs and Expenses		Deductions (1)		Balance at End of Year
2017
Deducted from assets to which they apply:
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	1,417	$	1,517	$	783	$	2,151
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets	$	29,719	$	—	$	6,023	$	23,696
2016
Deducted from assets to which they apply:
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	1,485	$	982	$	1,050	$	1,417
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets	$	—	$	29,719	$	—	$	29,719
2015
Deducted from assets to which they apply:
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	1,036	$	1,113	$	664	$	1,485


(1)	Notes and accounts receivable written off as uncollectible.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of presentation	Basis of financial statement presentation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, joint ventures, and partnerships in which a controlling interest is held. Inter-company transactions and accounts 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	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 Company invests available funds in a manner to maximize returns, preserve investment principal, and maintain liquidity while seeking the highest yield available. Cash and cash equivalents held in non-domestic accounts were $35,807 and $29,400 at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Included in non-domestic cash equivalents are investments in bank term deposits of approximately $17 and $16 at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The carrying amounts approximated fair value because of the short maturity of the instruments.
Inventories	Inventories Certain inventories are valued at the lower of the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) cost or market. Approximately 50% in 2017 and 47% in 2016 of the Company’s inventory is valued at average cost or net realizable value, whichever is lower. Slow-moving inventory is reviewed and adjusted regularly, based upon product knowledge, physical inventory observation, and the age of the inventory. Inventory contains product costs, including inbound freight, direct labor, overhead costs relating to the manufacturing and distribution of products, and absorption costs representing the excess of manufacturing or production costs over the amounts charged to cost of sales or services.
Property, plant and equipment	Property, plant, and equipment Depreciation and amortization are provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of 5 to 40 years for buildings and 2 to 10 years for machinery and equipment. Leasehold improvements are amortized over 5 to 13 years, which represent the lives of the respective leases or the lives of the improvements, whichever is shorter. Depreciation expense is recorded within “Cost of sales” and “Selling and administrative expenses" based upon the particular asset’s use. The Company reviews a long-lived asset for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. The Company impaired $14,956 of property, plant, and equipment related to the Test and Inspection Services business unit within the Tubular and Energy Services segment during the year ended December 31, 2016. There were no material property, plant, and equipment impairments recorded for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2015. Maintenance, repairs, and minor renewals are charged to operations as incurred. Major renewals and betterments that 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 other income or loss.
Allowance for doubtful accounts	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 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 is reviewed and adjusted to more accurately reflect the credit risk inherent within that customer relationship.
Assets held for sale	Assets held for sale The Company classifies assets as held for sale when management approves and commits to a formal plan of sale with the expectation the sale will be completed within one year. The net assets of the business held for sale are then recorded at the lower of their current carrying value or the fair market value, less costs to sell.
Investments	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 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, an impairment loss equal to the excess is recorded as a component of operations. The Company performs its annual impairment tests as of October 1^st. No goodwill impairment was recognized during 2017. During 2016 and 2015, the Company identified certain triggering events that indicated an interim impairment test was required. As a result of the Company’s assessment, the Company recorded goodwill impairment of $61,142 and $80,337 during 2016 and 2015, respectively. The 2016 charges related to the full impairment of the Chemtec Energy Services (or “Precision Measurement Systems”) and Protective Coatings business units goodwill within the Tubular and Energy Services segment resulting from the Chemtec Energy Services acquisition in 2014 and the 2013 acquisition of Ball Winch, LLC and a partial impairment of the Rail Technologies business unit goodwill within the Rail Products and Services segments, respectively. The 2015 impairment charge related to the goodwill resulting from the acquisition of IOS (or “Test and Inspection Services”) and Chemtec Energy Services within the Tubular and Energy Services segment. The measurement of goodwill impairment is a Level 3 fair value measurement, since the primary assumptions, including estimates of future revenue growth, gross margin, and EBITDA margin, are not market observable and require management to make judgments regarding future outcomes. Additional information concerning the impairments is set forth in Note 4 Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. The Company has no indefinite-lived intangible assets. The Company reviews a long-lived intangible asset for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. All intangible assets are amortized over their useful lives ranging from 4 to 25 years, with a total weighted average amortization period of approximately 15 years, at December 31, 2017. There were no definite-lived intangible asset impairments during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2015. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company recorded a definite-lived intangible asset impairment of $59,786 related to the Chemtec Energy Services and Test and Inspection Services business units within the Tubular and Energy Services segment. See Note 4 Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets for additional information regarding the Company’s intangible assets.
Environmental remediation and compliance	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 and are not discounted. Claims for recovery are recognized as agreements are reached with third parties or as amounts are received. Reserves are periodically reviewed throughout the year 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. See Note 19 Commitments and Contingent Liabilities, for additional information regarding the Company’s outstanding environmental and litigation reserves.
Earnings per share	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	Revenue recognition The Company’s revenues are comprised of product and service sales as well as products and services provided under long-term contracts. For product and service sales, the Company recognizes revenue when the following criteria have been satisfied: persuasive evidence of a sales arrangement exists; product delivery and transfer of title to the customer has occurred or services have been rendered; the price is fixed or determinable; and collectability is reasonably assured. Generally, product title 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.
Revenue recognition - Percentage of Completion Method	Revenues for products and services under long-term contracts are recognized using the percentage-of-completion method. Sales and gross profit are recognized as work is performed based upon the proportion of actual costs incurred to estimated total project costs. Sales and gross profit are adjusted prospectively for revisions in estimated total project costs and contract values. For certain products and services, the percentage of completion is based upon actual labor costs as a percentage of estimated total labor costs. At the time a loss contract becomes known, the entire amount of the estimated loss is recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Costs in excess of billings are classified as work-in-process inventory. Projects with billings in excess of costs are recorded within deferred revenue.
Deferred revenue	Deferred revenue Deferred revenue consists of customer billings or payments received for which the revenue recognition criteria have not yet been met as well as billings in excess of costs on percentage of completion projects. Advanced payments from customers typically relate to contracts with respect to which the Company has significantly fulfilled its obligations, but due to the Company’s continuing involvement with the project, revenue is precluded from being recognized until title, ownership, and risk of loss have passed to the customer.
Fair value of financial instruments	Fair value of financial instruments The Company’s financial instruments consist of cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, interest rate swap agreements, and debt. The carrying amounts of the Company’s financial instruments at December 31, 2017 and 2016 approximate fair value.
Stock-based compensation	Stock-based compensation The Company applies the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 718, “Compensation - Stock Compensation,” to account for the Company’s stock-based compensation. Under the guidance, stock-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. See Note 15 Stock-based Compensation, for additional information.
Product warranty	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 based upon historical experience. For long-lived 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.
Income taxes	Income taxes Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred taxes are measured using enacted tax laws and rates expected to be in effect when such differences are recovered or settled. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred taxes 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 of 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. The determination of whether the positive evidence outweighs the negative evidence 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 its 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, the largest amount of benefit to be realized upon ultimate settlement is determined on a cumulative probability basis. 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 expected tax benefit is based on judgment, historical experience, and various other assumptions. 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	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).
Research and development	Research and development The Company expenses research and development costs as costs are incurred.
Use of estimates	Use of estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) 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.
Recently issued or adopted accounting guidance	Recently issued accounting guidance In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” (“ASU 2014-09”), which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Accounting Standards Codification 605, “Revenue Recognition” (“ASC 605”). ASU 2014-09 is based on the principle that revenue is recognized to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. It also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue, cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments, and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. ASU 2014-09 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. The Company will adopt the provisions of ASU 2014-09 on January 1, 2018, using the modified retrospective approach. Revenue from the Company's product and service sales will continue to be recognized when products are shipped or services are rendered (i.e., point in time). Revenue from the Company's product and services provided under long-term agreements will continue to be recognized as the Company transfers control of the product or provides the service to its customers (i.e., over time), which approximates the previously used percentage-of-completion or completed contract methods of accounting. The adoption of ASU 2014-09 is not expected to have a material impact to the Company's financial position or results of operations; however, the Company will present the disclosures required by this new standard beginning with our 2018 interim financial reporting. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)” (“ASU 2016-02”). The new accounting requirements include the accounting for, presentation of, and classification of leases. The guidance will result in most leases being capitalized as a right of use asset with a related liability on our balance sheets. The requirements of the new standard are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those annual periods. The Company is in the process of analyzing the impact of ASU 2016-02 on our financial position. The Company has a significant number of operating leases, and, as a result, expects this guidance to have a material impact on its Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. The change will not affect the covenants of the Second Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated March 13, 2015. The Company does not anticipate early adoption as it relates to ASU 2016-02. In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, “Income Taxes – Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory (Topic 740),” (“ASU 2016-16”) which will require an entity to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset, other than inventory, when the transfer occurs. The ASU is effective on January 1, 2018. The Company continues to evaluate the impact this standard will have on the Company’s financial statements but believes there will not be a material change once adopted. The Company has not elected the early adoption of ASU 2016-16. In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, “Compensation – Retirement Benefits (Topic 715)” (“ASU 2017-07”), which improves the presentation of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost. The guidance requires that the entity report the service cost component in the same line item or items as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period, and report the other components of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside a subtotal of income from operations. Of the components of net periodic benefit cost, only the service cost component will be eligible for asset capitalization. The new standard will be effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those annual periods. The Company is evaluating its implementation approach and assessing the impact of ASU 2017-07 on the presentation of operations. In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, “Income Statement – Reporting Comprehensive Income,” (“ASU 2018-02”) that will permit companies the option to reclassify stranded tax effects caused by the newly-enacted US Tax Cuts and Jobs Act from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings. Consequently, the amendments eliminate the stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and will improve the usefulness of information reported to financial statement users. However, because the amendments only relate to the reclassification of the income tax effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the underlying guidance that requires that the effect of a change in tax laws or rates be included in income from continuing operations is not affected. Adoption of the ASU will be optional and companies will need to disclose if it elects not to adopt the ASU. The ASU will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption will be permitted, including adoption in any interim period, for financial statements that have not yet been issued or made available for issuance. Entities will have the option to apply the amendments retrospectively or to record the reclassification as of the beginning of the period of adoption. Recently adopted accounting guidance In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, “Inventory (Topic 330)” (“ASU 2015-11”). The pronouncement was issued to simplify the measurement of inventory and changes the measurement from lower of cost or market to lower of cost or net realizable value. The standard defines net realizable value as the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. This standard requires prospective application and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of this guidance by the Company did not have a material impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, “Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718)” (“ASU 2016-09”), which simplifies the accounting for stock-based compensation. Among other things, ASU 2016-09 provides for (i) the simplification of accounting presentation of excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies, (ii) an accounting policy election regarding forfeitures to use an estimate or account for when incurred, and (iii) simplification of cash flow presentation for excess tax benefits. The standard is effective for the annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and the transition method required by ASU 2016-09 varies by amendment. The provisions of ASU 2016-09 related to the recognition of excess tax benefits in the income statement and classification in the statement of cash flows were adopted prospectively and prior periods were not retrospectively adjusted. ASU 2016-09 permits companies to make an accounting policy election to recognize forfeitures of stock-based awards as they occur or make an estimate by applying a forfeiture rate each quarter. The Company previously estimated forfeitures and will continue to apply this accounting policy. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350),” (“ASU 2017-04”) which simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Under the new guidance, an entity will recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value. This standard is effective for annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The adoption of this guidance by the Company did not to have a material impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements or interim goodwill testing.

Business Segments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Segment Reporting, Disclosure of Entity's Reportable Segments [Abstract]

Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment



	2017
	Net Sales		Segment Profit			Segment Assets		Depreciation/Amortization		Expenditures for Long-Lived Assets
Rail Products and Services	$	256,127	$	12,216		$	192,038	$	7,004	$	2,915
Construction Products	161,801		11,620			83,154		1,955		1,390
Tubular and Energy Services	118,449		3,849			100,706		9,410		1,282
Total	$	536,377	$	27,685		$	375,898	$	18,369	$	5,587

	2016
	Net Sales		Segment (Loss) Profit*			Segment Assets*		Depreciation/Amortization		Expenditures for Long-Lived Assets
Rail Products and Services	$	239,127	$	(26,228	)	$	174,049	$	7,276	$	856
Construction Products	145,602		8,189			81,074		2,256		687
Tubular and Energy Services	98,785		(116,126		)	100,006		12,644		3,810
Total	$	483,514	$	(134,165	)	$	355,129	$	22,176	$	5,353

	2015
	Net Sales		Segment Profit (Loss)**			Segment Assets**		Depreciation/Amortization		Expenditures for Long-Lived Assets
Rail Products and Services	$	328,982	$	27,037		$	241,222	$	8,098	$	4,273
Construction Products	176,394		12,958			86,335		2,720		1,260
Tubular and Energy Services	119,147		(81,344		)	216,715		14,857		4,303
Total	$	624,523	$	(41,349	)	$	544,272	$	25,675	$	9,836



*	Segment loss includes impairment of goodwill, definite-lived intangible assets, and property, plant, and equipment as further described in Note 4 Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets and Note 7 Property, Plant, and Equipment.



**	Segment loss includes impairment of goodwill as further described in Note 4 Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.

Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated



	2017			2016			2015
Income (loss) from Operations:
Profit (loss) for reportable segments	$	27,685		$	(134,165	)	$	(41,349	)
Interest expense	(8,377		)	(6,551		)	(4,378		)
Interest income	307			228			206
Other income	367			1,523			5,585
LIFO (expense) income	(2,009		)	2,643			2,468
Equity in income (loss) of nonconsolidated investments	6			(1,290		)	(413		)
Corporate expense, cost of capital elimination, and other unallocated charges	(9,937		)	(9,557		)	(12,696		)
Income (loss) before income taxes	$	8,042		$	(147,169	)	$	(50,577	)
Assets:
Total for reportable segments	$	375,898		$	355,129		$	544,272
Unallocated corporate assets	25,845			41,072			28,209
LIFO	(5,187		)	(3,178		)	(5,821		)
Total Assets	$	396,556		$	393,023		$	566,660
Depreciation/Amortization:
Total for reportable segments	$	18,369		$	22,176		$	25,675
Other	1,472			1,316			999
Total	$	19,841		$	23,492		$	26,674
Expenditures for Long-Lived Assets:
Total for reportable segments	$	5,587		$	5,353		$	9,836
Expenditures funded through financing agreements	—			—			288
Other expenditures	562			2,311			5,077
Total	$	6,149		$	7,664		$	15,201

Revenue from External Customers by Geographic Areas

The following table summarizes the Company’s sales by major geographic region in which the Company has operations for the years ended December 31:



	2017		2016		2015
United States	$	431,868	$	390,930	$	522,404
Canada	38,859		30,644		40,545
United Kingdom	37,237		37,188		26,817
Other	28,413		24,752		34,757
	$	536,377	$	483,514	$	624,523

Long-lived Assets by Geographic Areas

The following table summarizes the Company’s long-lived assets by geographic region at December 31:



	2017		2016		2015
United States	$	89,439	$	96,650	$	118,053
Canada	4,788		5,445		6,186
United Kingdom	1,850		1,842		2,449
Other	19		36		57
	$	96,096	$	103,973	$	126,745

Schedule of Revenues by Major Product Line

The following table summarizes the Company’s sales by major product line:



	2017		2016		2015
Rail Technologies	$	100,257	$	90,469	$	98,237
Rail Distribution	90,696		83,236		126,277
Piling	73,158		70,535		94,853
Precast Concrete Products	55,877		54,514		52,044
Test and Inspection Services	39,198		20,765		35,906
Protective Coatings	38,096		23,043		33,532
Fabricated Bridge	32,766		20,553		29,496
Precision Measurement Systems	29,670		42,830		36,048
Other products	76,659		77,569		118,130
	$	536,377	$	483,514	$	624,523

Acquisitions (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information



	Twelve months ended December 31,
	2015
Net sales	$	640,596
Gross profit	138,123
Net loss	(44,399		)
Diluted loss per share
As Reported	$	(4.33	)
Pro forma	$	(4.32	)

Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed

The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the dates of the acquisition:



Allocation of Purchase Price	November 23, 2015 - Tew Plus			March 13, 2015 - IOS				January 13, 2015 - Tew
Current assets	$	4,420		$	19,877			$	12,125
Other assets	—			708				—
Property, plant, and equipment	47			51,453			*	2,398
Goodwill	822			69,908			*	8,772
Other intangibles	1,074			50,354			*	14,048
Liabilities assumed	(3,597		)	(23,596		)		(6,465		)
Total	$	2,766		$	168,704			$	30,878



*	See Note 4 Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, and Note 7 Property, Plant, and Equipment, with respect to an impairment of property, plant, and equipment, intangible assets, and goodwill related to this acquisition.

Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination

The following table summarizes the estimates of the fair values and amortizable lives of the identifiable intangible assets acquired:



Intangible Asset	November 23, 2015 - Tew Plus		March 13, 2015 - IOS			January 13, 2015 - Tew
Trade name	$	—	$	2,641		$	870
Customer relationships	817		41,171			10,035
Technology	203		4,364			2,480
Non-competition agreements	54		2,178			663
Total identified intangible assets	$	1,074	$	50,354	**	$	14,048



**	See Note 4 Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, with respect to an impairment of intangible assets related to this acquisition.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Goodwill

The following table represents the goodwill balance by reportable segment:



	Rail Products and Services			Construction Products		Tubular and Energy Services			Total
Balance at December 31, 2015:	$	48,188		$	5,147	$	28,417		$	81,752
Foreign currency translation impact	(1,524		)	—		—			(1,524		)
Disposition	(154		)	—		—			(154		)
Impairment charges	(32,725		)	—		(28,417		)	(61,142		)
Balance at December 31, 2016:	13,785			5,147		—			18,932
Foreign currency translation impact	853			—		—			853
Balance at December 31, 2017:	$	14,638		$	5,147	$	—		$	19,785

Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets

The following table represents the gross definite-lived intangible assets balance by reportable segment at December 31:



	2017		2016
Rail Products and Services	$	57,654	$	56,476
Construction Products	1,348		1,348
Tubular and Energy Services	29,179		29,179
	$	88,181	$	87,003

Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill

The components of the Company’s intangible assets are as follows at:



	December 31, 2017
	Weighted Average Amortization Period In Years	Gross Carrying Value		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount
Non-compete agreements	5	$	4,238	$	(3,100	)	$	1,138
Patents	10	389		(164		)	225
Customer relationships	17	37,679		(9,171		)	28,508
Trademarks and trade names	14	10,085		(4,091		)	5,994
Technology	14	35,790		(14,215		)	21,575
		$	88,181	$	(30,741	)	$	57,440

	December 31, 2016
	Weighted Average Amortization Period In Years	Gross Carrying Value		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount
Non-compete agreements	5	$	4,219	$	(2,217	)	$	2,002
Patents	10	373		(143		)	230
Customer relationships	18	36,843		(6,582		)	30,261
Trademarks and trade names	14	10,018		(3,238		)	6,780
Technology	14	35,550		(11,304		)	24,246
		$	87,003	$	(23,484	)	$	63,519

Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense

Estimated amortization expense for the years 2018 and thereafter is as follows:



	Amortization Expense
2018	$	7,036
2019	6,314
2020	5,991
2021	5,971
2022	5,904
2023 and thereafter	26,224
	$	57,440

Accounts Receivable (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable

Schedule Of Accounts Receivable, Net

Accounts receivable at December 31, 2017 and 2016 are summarized as follows:



	2017			2016
Trade	$	74,514		$	64,707
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(2,151		)	(1,417		)
	72,363			63,290
Other	4,219			3,342
	$	76,582		$	66,632

Operating Segments

Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable

Schedule Of Accounts Receivable, Net



	2017		2016
Rail Products and Services	$	31,225	$	29,552
Construction Products	20,070		20,531
Tubular and Energy Services	21,068		13,207
	$	72,363	$	63,290

Inventory (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Inventory, Net [Abstract]

Schedule of Inventory Of Continuing Operations

Inventories at December 31, 2017 and 2016 are summarized in the following table:



	2017			2016
Finished goods	$	55,846		$	46,673
Work-in-process	29,379			21,716
Raw materials	17,505			18,032
Total inventories at current costs	102,730			86,421
Less: LIFO reserve	(5,187		)	(3,178		)
	$	97,543		$	83,243

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant, and equipment at December 31, 2017 and 2016 consist of the following:



	2017		2016
Land	$	14,869	$	14,826
Improvements to land and leaseholds	17,415		17,408
Buildings	34,929		33,910
Machinery and equipment, including equipment under capitalized leases	120,806		118,060
Construction in progress	1,057		1,291
	189,076		185,495
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization, including accumulated amortization of capitalized leases	92,980		81,522
	$	96,096	$	103,973

Investments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Investments [Abstract]

Schedule of Direct Financing Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases

The following is a schedule of the direct financing minimum lease payments for the years 2017 and thereafter:



	Minimum Lease Payments
2018	$	150
2019	585
	$	735

Schedule Of Carrying Amount And Maximum Loss Exposure Of Equity Investments

The carrying amounts with the maximum exposure to loss of the Company at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, are as follows:



	2017		2016
LB Pipe JV equity method investment	$	3,875	$	3,902
Revolving line of credit	1,235		1,235
Net investment in direct financing lease	735		871
	$	5,845	$	6,008

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of the significant judgments and assumptions made in determining whether a variable interest (as defined) held by the entity requires the variable interest entity (VIE) (as defined) to be consolidated and (or) disclose information about its involvement with the VIE, individually or in aggregate (as applicable); the nature of restrictions, if any, on the consolidated VIE's assets and on the settlement of its liabilities reported by an entity in its statement of financial position, including the carrying amounts of such assets and liabilities; the nature of, and changes in, the risks associated with involvement in the VIE; how involvement with the VIE affects the entity's financial position, financial performance, and cash flows; the lack of recourse if creditors (or beneficial interest holders) of the consolidated VIE have no recourse to the general credit of the primary beneficiary (if applicable); the terms of arrangements, giving consideration to both explicit arrangements and implicit variable interests, if any, that could require the entity to provide financial support to the VIE, including events or circumstances that could expose the entity to a loss; the methodology used by the entity for determining whether or not it is the primary beneficiary of the variable interest entity; the significant factors considered and judgments made in determining that the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance are shared (as defined); the carrying amounts and classification of assets and liabilities of the VIE included in the statement of financial position; the entity's maximum exposure to loss, if any, as a result of its involvement with the VIE, including how the maximum exposure is determined and significant sources of the entity's exposure to the VIE; a comparison of the carrying amounts of the assets and liabilities and the entity's maximum exposure to loss; information about any liquidity arrangements, guarantees, and (or) other commitments by third parties that may affect the fair value or risk of the entity's variable interest in the VIE; whether or not the entity has provided financial support or other support (explicitly or implicitly) to the VIE that it was not previously contractually required to provide or whether the entity intends to provide that support, including the type and amount of the support and the primary reasons for providing the support; and supplemental information the entity determines necessary to provide.

+ References + Details

Long-Term Debt and Related Matters (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments

Long-term debt at December 31, 2017 and 2016 consists of the following:



	2017		2016
Revolving credit facility with an interest rate of 4.78% at December 31, 2017 and 4.22% at December 31, 2016	$	128,470	$	127,073
Term loan payable in quarterly installments through January 1, 2020 with an interest rate of 3.92% at December 31, 2016	—		30,000
Financing agreement payable in installments through July 1, 2017 with an interest rate of 3.00% at December 31, 2016	—		534
Lease obligations payable in installments through 2020 with a weighted average interest rate of 3.21% at December 31, 2017 and 3.10% at December 31, 2016	1,496		1,958
Total	129,966		159,565
Less current maturities	656		10,386
Long-term portion	$	129,310	$	149,179

Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt

The maturities of long-term debt are as follows:



	December 31, 2017
2018	$	656
2019	576
2020	128,734
2021	—
2022	—
2023 and thereafter	—
Total	$	129,966

- 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 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84159872&loc=d3e21475-112644

Reference 3: 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=75038535&loc=d3e64711-112823

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=26873400&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=64930739&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=84159872&loc=d3e21538-112644

Reference 7: 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=84159872&loc=d3e21506-112644

Reference 8: 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=64930785&loc=d3e28541-108399

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=64930785&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=84159872&loc=d3e21521-112644

+ Details

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]

Schedule of Common Stock Outstanding Roll Forward



	Common Stock
	Treasury		Outstanding
Share Activity	(Number of Shares)
Balance at end of 2014	873,374		10,242,405
Issued for stock-based compensation plans	(59,113	)	59,113
Repurchased common stock	80,512		(80,512	)
Balance at end of 2015	894,773		10,221,006
Issued for stock-based compensation plans	(96,619	)	96,619
Repurchased common stock	5,000		(5,000	)
Balance at end of 2016	803,154		10,312,625
Issued for stock-based compensation plans	(27,951	)	27,951
Balance at end of 2017	775,203		10,340,576

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, are as follows:



	2017			2016
Pension and post-retirement benefit plan adjustments	$	(3,367	)	$	(4,439	)
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swap contracts	222			(204		)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(14,622		)	(20,646		)
	$	(17,767	)	$	(25,289	)

Earnings Per Common Share (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted

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



	2017		2016			2015
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share:
Net income (loss)	$	4,113	$	(141,660	)	$	(44,445	)
Denominator:
Weighted average shares outstanding	10,334		10,273			10,254
Denominator for basic earnings per common share	10,334		10,273			10,254
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock compensation plans	149		—			—
Dilutive potential common shares	149		—			—
Denominator for diluted earnings per common share - adjusted weighted average shares outstanding and assumed conversions	10,483		10,273			10,254
Basic earnings (loss) per common share	$	0.40	$	(13.79	)	$	(4.33	)
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share	$	0.39	$	(13.79	)	$	(4.33	)
Dividends paid per common share	$	—	$	0.12		$	0.16

Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign

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



	2017		2016			2015
Domestic	$	2,072	$	(151,027	)	$	(55,061	)
Foreign	5,970		3,858			4,484
Income (loss) from operations, before income taxes	$	8,042	$	(147,169	)	$	(50,577	)

Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)

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



	2017			2016			2015
Current:
Federal	$	2,630		$	(9,980	)	$	5,571
State	822			(487		)	1,540
Foreign	2,460			1,583			1,339
Total current	5,912			(8,884		)	8,450
Deferred:
Federal	(1,559		)	2,555			(12,016		)
State	17			706			(2,014		)
Foreign	(441		)	114			(552		)
Total deferred	(1,983		)	3,375			(14,582		)
Total income tax expense (benefit)	$	3,929		$	(5,509	)	$	(6,132	)

Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation

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



	2017					2016					2015
	Amount			Percent		Amount			Percent		Amount			Percent
Statutory rate	$	2,815		35.0	%	$	(51,509	)	35.0	%	$	(17,702	)	35.0	%
Foreign tax rate differential	(717		)	(8.9	)	(485		)	0.3		(419		)	0.8
State income taxes, net of federal benefit	368			4.6		(2,893		)	2.0		(159		)	0.3
Non-deductible goodwill impairment	—			—		11,448			(7.8	)	12,737			(25.2	)
Non-deductible expenses	323			4.0		262			(0.2	)	452			(0.9	)
Domestic production activities deduction	(405		)	(5.0	)	700			(0.5	)	(507		)	1.0
U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: remeasurement of deferred taxes	10,260			127.6		—			—		—			—
U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: deferred foreign earnings	4,009			49.9		—			—		—			—
Tax on unremitted foreign earnings	(6,712		)	(83.5	)	7,932			(5.4	)	—			—
Change in valuation allowance	(6,023		)	(74.9	)	29,719			(20.2	)	—			—
Other	11			0.1		(683		)	0.5		(534		)	1.1
Total income tax expense (benefit) / Effective rate	$	3,929		48.9	%	$	(5,509	)	3.7	%	$	(6,132	)	12.1	%

Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities

Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows:



	2017			2016
Deferred tax assets:
Goodwill and other intangibles	$	19,324		$	32,699
Pension and post-retirement liability	1,532			2,186
Warranty reserve	2,060			3,633
Deferred compensation	2,385			1,227
Contingent liabilities	1,669			2,336
Net operating loss / tax credit carryforwards	1,816			1,384
Other	1,442			2,190
Total deferred tax assets	30,228			45,655
Less: valuation allowance	(23,696		)	(29,719		)
Net deferred tax assets	6,532			15,936
Deferred tax liabilities:
Goodwill and other intangibles	(5,721		)	(6,087		)
Depreciation	(7,079		)	(10,586		)
Unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries	(1,220		)	(7,932		)
Inventories	(1,743		)	(1,506		)
Other	(513		)	(1,196		)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(16,276		)	(27,307		)
Net deferred tax liabilities	$	(9,744	)	$	(11,371	)

Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward

The following table provides a reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2017 and 2016:



	2017			2016
Unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of period:	$	619		$	582
Increases based on tax positions for prior periods	—			37
Decreases based on tax positions for prior periods	(20		)	—
Balance at end of period	$	599		$	619

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Share-based Compensation [Abstract]

Summary of Stock Option Activity



	2015
Number of shares under the plans:
Outstanding and exercisable at beginning of year	7,500
Granted	—
Canceled	—
Exercised	(7,500	)
Outstanding and exercisable at end of year	—

Schedule of Nonvested Share Activity

The following table summarizes the restricted stock award, deferred stock, and performance unit award activity for the three-year periods ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015:



	Restricted Stock		Deferred Stock	Performance Stock Units		Weighted Average Aggregate Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding at January 1, 2015	108,237		—	71,990		$	36.25
Granted	29,656		—	41,114		44.93
Vested	(39,076	)	—	(23,877	)	32.35
Adjustment for incentive awards expected to vest	—		—	(53,228	)	43.26
Canceled and forfeited	(5,000	)	—	—		44.84
Outstanding at December 31, 2015	93,817		—	35,999		$	39.66
Granted	48,283		—	129,844		12.50
Vested	(56,807	)	—	—		28.45
Adjustment for incentive awards not expected to vest	—		—	(93,103	)	24.79
Canceled and forfeited	(6,021	)	—	(9,050	)	18.82
Outstanding at December 31, 2016	79,272		—	63,690		$	21.66
Granted	175,196		26,860	120,583		14.46
Vested	(22,808	)	—	—		28.88
Adjustment for incentive awards not expected to vest	—		—	46,130		19.00
Canceled and forfeited	(44,854	)	—	(49,062	)	15.40
Outstanding at December 31, 2017	186,806		26,860	181,341		$	16.53

Disclosure of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award

The following table presents the number of shares available for future grants:



	2017	2016	2015
Number of shares available for future grant:
Beginning of year	675,447	407,307	469,840
End of year	639,390	675,447	407,307

Retirement Plans (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure

Schedule of Costs of Retirement Plans



	Twelve Months Ended December 31,
	2017		2016		2015
United States	$	2,641	$	1,813	$	2,434
Canada	223		225		226
United Kingdom	450		376		494
	$	3,314	$	2,414	$	3,154

Pension Plan | UNITED STATES

Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure

Schedule of Changes in Accumulated Postemployment Benefit Obligations

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 plan, as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:



	2017			2016
Changes in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	18,241		$	17,759
Service cost	—			36
Interest cost	684			746
Actuarial loss	775			534
Benefits paid	(917		)	(834		)
Benefit obligation at end of year	$	18,783		$	18,241
Change to plan assets:
Fair value of assets at beginning of year	$	14,180		$	14,235
Actual gain on plan assets	1,629			779
Benefits paid	(917		)	(834		)
Fair value of assets at end of year	14,892			14,180
Funded status at end of year	$	(3,891	)	$	(4,061	)
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet consist of:
Other long-term liabilities	$	(3,891	)	$	(4,061	)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of:
Net loss	$	3,913		$	4,186

Schedule of Changes in Fair Value of Plan Assets

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 plan, as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:



	2017			2016
Changes in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	18,241		$	17,759
Service cost	—			36
Interest cost	684			746
Actuarial loss	775			534
Benefits paid	(917		)	(834		)
Benefit obligation at end of year	$	18,783		$	18,241
Change to plan assets:
Fair value of assets at beginning of year	$	14,180		$	14,235
Actual gain on plan assets	1,629			779
Benefits paid	(917		)	(834		)
Fair value of assets at end of year	14,892			14,180
Funded status at end of year	$	(3,891	)	$	(4,061	)
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet consist of:
Other long-term liabilities	$	(3,891	)	$	(4,061	)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of:
Net loss	$	3,913		$	4,186

Schedule of Net Benefit Costs

Net periodic pension costs for the three years ended December 31, 2017 are as follows:



	2017			2016			2015
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
Service cost	$	—		$	36		$	38
Interest cost	684			746			742
Expected return on plan assets	(710		)	(717		)	(816		)
Amortization of prior service cost	—			—			3
Recognized net actuarial loss	130			276			275
Net periodic pension cost	$	104		$	341		$	242

Schedule of Assumptions Used



	2017		2016		2015
Discount rate	3.9	%	4.3	%	4.3	%
Expected rate of return on plan assets	5.9	%	5.2	%	5.2	%

Schedule of Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Fair Value of Plan Assets

Amounts applicable to the Company’s pension plan with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets are as follows at December 31:



	2017		2016
Projected benefit obligation	$	18,783	$	18,241
Accumulated benefit obligation	18,783		18,241
Fair value of plan assets	14,892		14,180

Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets

The investment target ranges and actual allocation of pension plan assets by major category at December 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows:



	Target	2017		2016
Asset Category
Cash and cash equivalents	0 - 10%	2	%	5	%
Total fixed income funds	25 - 50	32		33
Total mutual funds and equities	50 - 70	66		62
Total		100	%	100	%



	2017		2016
Asset Category
Cash and cash equivalents	$	284	$	660
Fixed income funds
Corporate bonds	4,755		4,767
Total fixed income funds	4,755		4,767
Equity funds and equities
Mutual funds	712		8,753
Exchange-Traded Funds (“ETF”)	9,141		—
Total mutual funds and equities	9,853		8,753
Total	$	14,892	$	14,180

Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments

The following benefit payments are expected to be paid:



	Pension
	Benefits
2018	$	927
2019	996
2020	1,003
2021	1,058
2022	1,071
Years 2023-2027	5,608

Pension Plan | Foreign Plan

Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure

Schedule of Changes in Fair Value of Plan Assets

The funded status of the United Kingdom defined benefit plan at December 31, 2017 and 2016 is as follows:



	2017			2016
Changes in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	8,104		$	7,862
Interest cost	236			259
Actuarial (gain) loss	(451		)	1,532
Benefits paid	(322		)	(273		)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	768			(1,276		)
Benefit obligation at end of year	$	8,335		$	8,104
Change to plan assets:
Fair value of assets at beginning of year	$	5,826		$	6,661
Actual gain on plan assets	573			265
Employer contribution	276			253
Benefits paid	(322		)	(273		)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	551			(1,080		)
Fair value of assets at end of year	6,904			5,826
Funded status at end of year	$	(1,431	)	$	(2,278	)
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet consist of:
Other long-term liabilities	$	(1,431	)	$	(2,278	)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of:
Net loss	$	1,161		$	2,015
Prior service cost	39			53
	$	1,200		$	2,068

Schedule of Net Benefit Costs

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



	2017			2016			2015
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
Interest cost	$	236		$	259		$	295
Expected return on plan assets	(280		)	(290		)	(324		)
Amortization of prior service cost	19			17			27
Recognized net actuarial loss	192			275			225
Net periodic pension cost	$	167		$	261		$	223

Schedule of Assumptions Used



	2017		2016		2015
Discount rate	2.5	%	2.7	%	4.0	%
Expected rate of return on plan assets	4.1	%	4.4	%	5.2	%

Schedule of Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Fair Value of Plan Assets

Amounts applicable to the Company’s pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets are as follows at December 31:



	2017		2016
Projected benefit obligation	$	8,335	$	8,104
Accumulated benefit obligation	8,335		8,104
Fair value of plan assets	6,904		5,826

Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets

The target asset allocation percentages for 2017 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%

The plan assets by category for the two years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows:



	2017		2016
Asset Category
Cash and cash equivalents	$	695	$	707
Equity securities	2,707		2,617
Bonds	2,276		1,347
Other	1,226		1,155
Total	$	6,904	$	5,826

Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments

The following estimated future benefits payments are expected to be paid under the United Kingdom defined benefit plan:



	Pension
	Benefits
2018	$	259
2019	275
2020	291
2021	299
2022	317
Years 2023-2027	2,040

Other Postretirement Benefits Plan

Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure

Schedule of Assumptions Used



	2017		2016
Discount rate	3.6	%	4.0	%
Weighted average health care trend rate	5.1	%	5.1	%

Rental And Lease Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Leases [Abstract]

Schedule Of Future Minimum Payments Under Capital And Operating Leases

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 at December 31, 2017:



	Capital		Operating
Year ending December 31,	Leases		Leases
2018	$	711	$	4,483
2019	598		3,149
2020	265		2,467
2021	—		1,769
2022	—		1,177
2023 and thereafter	—		4,766
Total minimum lease payments	1,574		$	17,811
Less: amount representing interest	78
Total present value of minimum payments with interest rates ranging from 2.95% to 4.25%	$	1,496

Schedule of Capital Leased Assets

Assets recorded under capital leases are as follows for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016:



	2017		2016
Machinery and equipment at cost	$	3,164	$	3,152
Less: accumulated amortization	1,066		829
Net capital lease assets	$	2,098	$	2,323

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis



	Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using								Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
	December 31, 2017		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		December 31, 2016		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Term deposits	$	17	$	17	$	—	$	—	$	16	$	16	$	—	$	—
Interest rate swaps	222		—		222		—		—		—		—		—
Total assets	$	239	$	17	$	222	$	—	$	16	$	16	$	—	$	—
Interest rate swaps	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	334	$	—	$	334	$	—
Total liabilities	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	334	$	—	$	334	$	—

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Product Warranty Liability



	Warranty Liability
Balance at December 31, 2016	$	10,154
Additions to warranty liability	3,564
Warranty liability utilized	(5,036		)
Balance at December 31, 2017	$	8,682

Environmental Loss Contingencies

The following table sets forth the Company’s undiscounted environmental obligation:



	Environmental liability
Balance at December 31, 2016	$	6,270
Additions to environmental obligations	143
Environmental obligations utilized	(269		)
Balance at December 31, 2017	$	6,144

Other Income (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]

Interest and Other Income

The following table summarizes the Company’s other income for the three years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015.



	2017			2016			2015
Gain on Protective Coatings Field Service asset sale (a)	$	(487	)	$	—		$	—
Gain on Rail Segment patent sale (b)	(500		)	—			—
Gain on Tucson, AZ asset sale (c)	—			—			(2,279		)
Foreign currency losses (gains)	804			12			(1,616		)
Remeasurement gain on equity method investment (d)	—			—			(580		)
Legal settlement gain (e)	—			—			(460		)
Other	(184		)	(1,535		)	(650		)
	$	(367	)	$	(1,523	)	$	(5,585	)


a)	On August 7, 2017, the Company sold the assets of its Protective Coatings Field Services business for $1,200, resulting in a pre-tax gain on sale of $487 within our Tubular and Energy Services segment.


b)	On August 8, 2017, the Company sold its rights in European transit rail patents. The gain on sale of $500 was recorded within the Rail Products and Services segment.


c)	On December 23, 2015, the Company sold certain assets related to the former Tucson, AZ precast concrete tie facility for $2,750 resulting in a pre-tax gain on sale of $2,279.


d)	On November 23, 2015, the Company acquired the remaining 75% of shares of Tew Plus resulting in a gain of $580, which is recorded within other income as of December 31, 2015. The gain is included in equity loss (income) and remeasurement gain within the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.


e)	During the fourth quarter of 2015 the Company received $460 from the Steel Antitrust Settlement Fund related to a claim regarding steel purchased by the Company between 2005 and 2007.

Quarterly Financial Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Quarterly Financial Information

Quarterly financial information for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 is presented below:



	2017
	First Quarter			Second Quarter		Third Quarter		Fourth Quarter (1)
Net sales	$	118,702		$	144,860	$	131,492	$	141,323
Gross profit	$	21,252		$	27,736	$	26,365	$	27,899
Net (loss) income	$	(2,422	)	$	3,024	$	3,222	$	289
Basic (loss) earnings per common share	$	(0.23	)	$	0.29	$	0.31	$	0.03
Diluted (loss) earnings per common share	$	(0.23	)	$	0.29	$	0.31	$	0.03
Dividends paid per common share	$	—		$	—	$	—	$	—

Differences between the sum of quarterly results and the annual amounts in the Consolidated Statements of Operations are due to rounding.


(1)	- Fourth quarter 2017 includes provisional tax amounts related to the enactment of the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, including additional tax expense of $3,298 related to the one-time transition tax and a $1,508 tax benefit related to the remeasurement of certain deferred tax assets and liabilities.



	2016
	First Quarter			Second Quarter (1)			Third Quarter (2)			Fourth Quarter (3)
Net sales	$	126,310		$	135,994		$	114,644		$	106,566
Gross profit	$	23,960		$	27,813		$	19,803		$	18,779
Net loss	$	(2,832	)	$	(91,996	)	$	(5,982	)	$	(40,851	)
Basic loss per common share	$	(0.28	)	$	(8.96	)	$	(0.58	)	$	(3.97	)
Diluted loss per common share	$	(0.28	)	$	(8.96	)	$	(0.58	)	$	(3.97	)
Dividends paid per common share	$	0.04		$	0.04		$	0.04		$	—


(1)	- Second quarter 2016 includes $128,938 impairment of assets related to the Chemtec, Protective Coatings, IOS, and Rail Technologies product groups.


(2)	- Third quarter 2016 includes $6,946 related to the finalization of the impairment analysis of the Chemtec and Rail Technologies product groups.


(3)	- Fourth quarter 2016 includes deferred U.S. income taxes and foreign withholding taxes of $7,932 on unremitted foreign earnings and a valuation allowance of $29,719 against deferred tax assets.

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Percentage of weighted average cost of inventory		50.00%	47.00%
Impairment of long lived assets held for use		$ 0	$ 14,956,000	$ 0
Goodwill impairment	$ 128,938,000	0	61,142,000	80,337,000
Impairment of finite lived intangible assets		0	59,786,000	0
Accrued warranty		8,682,000	10,154,000
Foreign currency transaction (losses) gains		(804,000)	(12,000)	1,616,000
Research and development expense		$ 2,241,000	3,511,000	$ 3,937,000
Minimum
Finite lived intangible assets useful life		4 years
Minimum \| Buildings
Property, plant and equipment useful life		5 years
Minimum \| Machinery and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment useful life		2 years
Minimum \| Leasehold Improvements
Property, plant and equipment useful life		5 years
Maximum
Finite lived intangible assets useful life		25 years
Maximum \| Buildings
Property, plant and equipment useful life		40 years
Maximum \| Machinery and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment useful life		10 years
Maximum \| Leasehold Improvements
Property, plant and equipment useful life		13 years
Weighted Average
Finite lived intangible assets useful life		15 years
Non-Domestic
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 35,807,000	29,400,000
Bank term deposits		$ 17,000	$ 16,000

Business Segments (Segment Net Sales, Profit (Loss), Assets, Depreciation and Amortization, and Capital Expenditures) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information
Net Sales	$ 536,377	$ 483,514	$ 624,523
Segment Profit	27,685	(134,165)	(41,349)
Segment Assets	396,556	393,023	566,660
Depreciation/Amortization	19,841	23,492	26,674
Expenditures for Long-Lived Assets	6,149	7,664	15,201
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information
Net Sales	536,377	483,514	624,523
Segment Profit	27,685	(134,165)	(41,349)
Segment Assets	375,898	355,129	544,272
Depreciation/Amortization	18,369	22,176	25,675
Expenditures for Long-Lived Assets	5,587	5,353	9,836
Operating Segments \| Rail Products and Services
Segment Reporting Information
Net Sales	256,127	239,127	328,982
Segment Profit	12,216	(26,228)	27,037
Segment Assets	192,038	174,049	241,222
Depreciation/Amortization	7,004	7,276	8,098
Expenditures for Long-Lived Assets	2,915	856	4,273
Operating Segments \| Construction Products
Segment Reporting Information
Net Sales	161,801	145,602	176,394
Segment Profit	11,620	8,189	12,958
Segment Assets	83,154	81,074	86,335
Depreciation/Amortization	1,955	2,256	2,720
Expenditures for Long-Lived Assets	1,390	687	1,260
Operating Segments \| Tubular and Energy Services
Segment Reporting Information
Net Sales	118,449	98,785	119,147
Segment Profit	3,849	(116,126)	(81,344)
Segment Assets	100,706	100,006	216,715
Depreciation/Amortization	9,410	12,644	14,857
Expenditures for Long-Lived Assets	$ 1,282	$ 3,810	$ 4,303

Business Segments (Significant Reconciling Items) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income (loss) from Operations:
Profit (loss) for reportable segments	$ 27,685	$ (134,165)	$ (41,349)
Interest expense	(8,377)	(6,551)	(4,378)
Interest income	307	228	206
Other income	367	1,523	5,585
LIFO (expense) income	(2,009)	2,643	2,468
Equity in income (loss) of nonconsolidated investments	6	(1,290)	(413)
Corporate expense, cost of capital elimination, and other unallocated charges	(9,937)	(9,557)	(12,696)
Income (loss) before income taxes	8,042	(147,169)	(50,577)
Assets:
Segment Assets	396,556	393,023	566,660
Depreciation/Amortization	19,841	23,492	26,674
Expenditures for Long-Lived Assets	6,149	7,664	15,201
Operating Segments
Income (loss) from Operations:
Profit (loss) for reportable segments	27,685	(134,165)	(41,349)
Assets:
Segment Assets	375,898	355,129	544,272
Depreciation/Amortization	18,369	22,176	25,675
Expenditures for Long-Lived Assets	5,587	5,353	9,836
Corporate
Assets:
Segment Assets	25,845	41,072	28,209
Depreciation/Amortization	1,472	1,316	999
Expenditures for Long-Lived Assets	562	2,311	5,077
Reconciling Items
Assets:
Segment Assets	(5,187)	(3,178)	(5,821)
Expenditures for Long-Lived Assets	$ 0	$ 0	$ 288

Business Segments (Revenue by Geography) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets
Net Sales	$ 536,377	$ 483,514	$ 624,523
United States
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets
Net Sales	431,868	390,930	522,404
Canada
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets
Net Sales	38,859	30,644	40,545
United Kingdom
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets
Net Sales	37,237	37,188	26,817
Other
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets
Net Sales	$ 28,413	$ 24,752	$ 34,757

Business Segments (Long Lived Asset by Geography) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets
Long-lived assets	$ 96,096	$ 103,973	$ 126,745
United States
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets
Long-lived assets	89,439	96,650	118,053
Canada
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets
Long-lived assets	4,788	5,445	6,186
United Kingdom
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets
Long-lived assets	1,850	1,842	2,449
Other
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets
Long-lived assets	$ 19	$ 36	$ 57

Business Segments (Revenue by Product Line) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets
Net Sales	$ 536,377	$ 483,514	$ 624,523
Rail Technologies
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets
Net Sales	100,257	90,469	98,237
Rail Distribution
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets
Net Sales	90,696	83,236	126,277
Piling
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets
Net Sales	73,158	70,535	94,853
Precast Concrete Products
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets
Net Sales	55,877	54,514	52,044
Test and Inspection Services
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets
Net Sales	39,198	20,765	35,906
Protective Coatings
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets
Net Sales	38,096	23,043	33,532
Fabricated Bridge
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets
Net Sales	32,766	20,553	29,496
Precision Measurement Systems
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets
Net Sales	29,670	42,830	36,048
Other products
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets
Net Sales	$ 76,659	$ 77,569	$ 118,130

Acquisitions (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)				12 Months Ended
Acquisitions (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	Nov. 23, 2015	Mar. 13, 2015	Jan. 13, 2015	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Business Acquisition
Payment to acquire business, net of cash acquired				$ 0	$ 0	$ 196,001,000
Business acquisition cost				$ 0	$ 0	$ 760,000
TEW Plus LTD
Business Acquisition
Acquisition date	Nov. 23, 2015
Percentage of voting interests acquired	75.00%
Name of acquired entity	TEW Plus, Ltd (“Tew Plus”)
Payment to acquire business, net of cash acquired	$ 2,130,000
Inspection Oilfield Services (IOS)
Business Acquisition
Acquisition date		Mar. 13, 2015
Name of acquired entity		IOS Holdings, Inc. (“IOS” or ”Test and Inspection Services”)
Payment to acquire business, net of cash acquired		$ 167,404,000
Working capital adjustment		2,363,000
Earn out provision		60,000,000
Indemnified assets		$ 7,600,000
TEW Holdings, LTD
Business Acquisition
Acquisition date			Jan. 13, 2015
Name of acquired entity			TEW Holdings, Ltd (“Tew”)
Payment to acquire business, net of cash acquired			$ 26,467,000
Working capital adjustment			4,200,000
Indemnified assets			$ 600,000

Acquisitions (Pro Forma Income Statements) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information
Net sales											$ 640,596
Gross profit											138,123
Net loss											$ (44,399)
Diluted (loss) earnings per common share (usd per share)	$ 0.03	$ 0.31	$ 0.29	$ (0.23)	$ (3.97)	$ (0.58)	$ (8.96)	$ (0.28)	$ 0.39	$ (13.79)	$ (4.33)
Dilutive (loss) earnings per share Pro forma (usd per share)											$ (4.32)

Acquisitions (Allocation of Purchase Price) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Nov. 23, 2015	Mar. 13, 2015	Jan. 13, 2015
Business Acquisition
Goodwill	$ 19,785	$ 18,932	$ 81,752
TEW Plus LTD
Business Acquisition
Current assets				$ 4,420
Other assets				0
Property, plant, and equipment				47
Goodwill				822
Other intangibles				1,074
Liabilities assumed				(3,597)
Total				$ 2,766
Inspection Oilfield Services (IOS)
Business Acquisition
Current assets					$ 19,877
Other assets					708
Property, plant, and equipment					51,453
Goodwill					69,908
Other intangibles					50,354
Liabilities assumed					(23,596)
Total					$ 168,704
TEW Holdings, LTD
Business Acquisition
Current assets						$ 12,125
Other assets						0
Property, plant, and equipment						2,398
Goodwill						8,772
Other intangibles						14,048
Liabilities assumed						(6,465)
Total						$ 30,878

Acquisitions (Identifiable Intangible Assets Acquired) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Nov. 23, 2015	Mar. 13, 2015	Jan. 13, 2015
TEW Plus LTD
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Fair value estimate of acquired identifiable intangible assets	$ 1,074
TEW Plus LTD \| Trade name
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Fair value estimate of acquired identifiable intangible assets	0
TEW Plus LTD \| Customer relationships
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Fair value estimate of acquired identifiable intangible assets	817
TEW Plus LTD \| Technology
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Fair value estimate of acquired identifiable intangible assets	203
TEW Plus LTD \| Non-competition agreements
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Fair value estimate of acquired identifiable intangible assets	$ 54
Inspection Oilfield Services (IOS)
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Fair value estimate of acquired identifiable intangible assets		$ 50,354
Inspection Oilfield Services (IOS) \| Trade name
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Fair value estimate of acquired identifiable intangible assets		2,641
Inspection Oilfield Services (IOS) \| Customer relationships
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Fair value estimate of acquired identifiable intangible assets		41,171
Inspection Oilfield Services (IOS) \| Technology
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Fair value estimate of acquired identifiable intangible assets		4,364
Inspection Oilfield Services (IOS) \| Non-competition agreements
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Fair value estimate of acquired identifiable intangible assets		$ 2,178
TEW Holdings, LTD
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Fair value estimate of acquired identifiable intangible assets			$ 14,048
TEW Holdings, LTD \| Trade name
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Fair value estimate of acquired identifiable intangible assets			870
TEW Holdings, LTD \| Customer relationships
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Fair value estimate of acquired identifiable intangible assets			10,035
TEW Holdings, LTD \| Technology
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Fair value estimate of acquired identifiable intangible assets			2,480
TEW Holdings, LTD \| Non-competition agreements
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Fair value estimate of acquired identifiable intangible assets			$ 663

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Mar. 13, 2015
Goodwill impairment	$ 128,938,000	$ 0	$ 61,142,000	$ 80,337,000
Goodwill		19,785,000	18,932,000	81,752,000
Aggregate goodwill impairment		141,479
Impairment of finite lived intangible assets		0	59,786,000	0
Amortization expense		$ 6,992,000	9,575,000	12,245,000
Minimum
Finite lived intangible assets useful life		4 years
Maximum
Finite lived intangible assets useful life		25 years
Weighted Average
Finite lived intangible assets useful life		15 years
Rail Products and Services
Goodwill impairment			32,725,000
Goodwill		$ 14,638,000	13,785,000	48,188,000
Inspection Oilfield Services (IOS)
Goodwill impairment				69,908,000
Goodwill					$ 69,908,000
Impairment of finite lived intangible assets			42,982,000
Chemtec Energy Services, LLC
Goodwill impairment				$ 10,429,000
Impairment of finite lived intangible assets			$ 16,804,000

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Schedule of Goodwill) (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill
Beginning balance		$ 18,932,000	$ 81,752,000
Foreign currency translation impact		853,000	(1,524,000)
Disposition			(154,000)
Impairment charges	$ (128,938,000)	0	(61,142,000)	$ (80,337,000)
Ending balance		19,785,000	18,932,000	81,752,000
Rail Products and Services
Goodwill
Beginning balance		13,785,000	48,188,000
Foreign currency translation impact		853,000	(1,524,000)
Disposition			(154,000)
Impairment charges			(32,725,000)
Ending balance		14,638,000	13,785,000	48,188,000
Construction Products
Goodwill
Beginning balance		5,147,000	5,147,000
Foreign currency translation impact		0	0
Disposition			0
Impairment charges			0
Ending balance		5,147,000	5,147,000	5,147,000
Tubular and Energy Services
Goodwill
Beginning balance		0	28,417,000
Foreign currency translation impact		0	0
Disposition			0
Impairment charges			(28,417,000)
Ending balance		$ 0	$ 0	$ 28,417,000

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Goodwill Gross) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Goodwill
Goodwill, gross carrying value	$ 88,181	$ 87,003
Rail Products and Services
Goodwill
Goodwill, gross carrying value	57,654	56,476
Construction Products
Goodwill
Goodwill, gross carrying value	1,348	1,348
Tubular and Energy Services
Goodwill
Goodwill, gross carrying value	$ 29,179	$ 29,179

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Schedule of Intangible Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Value	$ 88,181	$ 87,003
Accumulated Amortization	(30,741)	(23,484)
Net Carrying Amount	57,440	63,519
Non-competition agreements
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Value	4,238	4,219
Accumulated Amortization	(3,100)	(2,217)
Net Carrying Amount	1,138	2,002
Patents
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Value	389	373
Accumulated Amortization	(164)	(143)
Net Carrying Amount	225	230
Customer relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Value	37,679	36,843
Accumulated Amortization	(9,171)	(6,582)
Net Carrying Amount	28,508	30,261
Trademarks and trade names
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Value	10,085	10,018
Accumulated Amortization	(4,091)	(3,238)
Net Carrying Amount	5,994	6,780
Technology
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Value	35,790	35,550
Accumulated Amortization	(14,215)	(11,304)
Net Carrying Amount	$ 21,575	$ 24,246
Weighted Average
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Weighted Average Amortization Period In Years	15 years
Weighted Average \| Non-competition agreements
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Weighted Average Amortization Period In Years	5 years	5 years
Weighted Average \| Patents
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Weighted Average Amortization Period In Years	10 years	10 years
Weighted Average \| Customer relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Weighted Average Amortization Period In Years	17 years	18 years
Weighted Average \| Trademarks and trade names
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Weighted Average Amortization Period In Years	14 years	14 years
Weighted Average \| Technology
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Weighted Average Amortization Period In Years	14 years	14 years

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Schedule of Expected Amortization Expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity
2018	$ 7,036
2019	6,314
2020	5,991
2021	5,971
2022	5,904
2023 and thereafter	26,224
Net Carrying Amount	$ 57,440	$ 63,519

Accounts Receivable (Accounts Receivable Of Continuing Operations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounts Receivable Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Trade	$ 74,514	$ 64,707
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(2,151)	(1,417)
Accounts receivable, net, current, total	72,363	63,290
Other	4,219	3,342
Total accounts and other receivables	$ 76,582	$ 66,632

Accounts Receivable (Segment Trade Accounts Receivable) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable
Accounts receivable, net - segment	$ 72,363	$ 63,290
Rail Products and Services
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable
Accounts receivable, net - segment	31,225	29,552
Construction Products
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable
Accounts receivable, net - segment	20,070	20,531
Tubular and Energy Services
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable
Accounts receivable, net - segment	$ 21,068	$ 13,207

Inventory (Schedule of Inventory) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Inventory, Net [Abstract]
Finished goods	$ 55,846	$ 46,673
Work-in-process	29,379	21,716
Raw materials	17,505	18,032
Total inventories at current costs	102,730	86,421
Less: LIFO reserve	(5,187)	(3,178)
Inventory, Net	$ 97,543	$ 83,243
Percentage of inventory measured at LIFO or cost of market	50.00%	53.00%
Excess of Book LIFO Over Tax LIFO	$ 10,694	$ 8,925
Effects of inventory liquidation on income	$ (16)	$ 1,304	$ 115

Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment - gross	$ 189,076	$ 185,495
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization, including accumulated amortization of capitalized leases	92,980	81,522
Total property, plant and equipment, net	96,096	103,973
Land
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment - gross	14,869	14,826
Improvements to land and leaseholds
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment - gross	17,415	17,408
Buildings
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment - gross	34,929	33,910
Machinery and equipment, including equipment under capitalized leases
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment - gross	120,806	118,060
Construction in progress
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment - gross	$ 1,057	$ 1,291

Property, Plant and Equipment - Narratives (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Impaired tangible assets	$ 0	$ 14,956,000	$ 0
Depreciation	$ 12,849,000	$ 13,917,000	$ 14,429,000

Investments (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
Investments (Narrative) (Details)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($) a facility	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Equity method investment	$ 162,000	$ 4,031,000
Equity method investments, impairment		0	$ 0
Equity in income (loss) of nonconsolidated investments	$ 6,000	(1,290,000)	(413,000)
Lb Pipe Coupling Products Llc
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Equity method investment ownership percentage	45.00%
Equity method investment	$ 3,875,000	3,902,000
Impairment of long lived assets to be disposed of	413,000
Due from joint venture	1,235,000
Equity in income (loss) of nonconsolidated investments	$ 386,000	(1,345,000)	$ (410,000)
Lb Pipe Coupling Products Llc \| Capital Leased Land
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Area of land \| a	5
Number of facilities \| facility	2
Capital lease length of renewal term	5 years 6 months
Monthly rent	$ 17,000
Balloon payment	$ 488,000
Lb Pipe Coupling Products Llc \| Third Party
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Equity method investment ownership percentage	45.00%
LB Pipe JV
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Maximum lending capacity	$ 1,350,000
Other equity investments
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Equity method investment	162,000	$ 129,000
Fair Value \| Lb Pipe Coupling Products Llc
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Equity method investment	3,875,000
Carrying value \| Lb Pipe Coupling Products Llc
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Equity method investment	$ 4,288,000

Investments (Schedule of Direct Financing Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases Table) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, Fiscal Year Maturity
2018	$ 150
2019	585
Total	$ 735

Investments (Schedule Of Carrying Amount And Maximum Loss Exposure Of Equity Investments) (Details) - Lb Pipe Coupling Products Llc - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Maximum exposure to loss	$ 5,845	$ 6,008
LB Pipe JV equity method investment
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Maximum exposure to loss	3,875	3,902
Revolving line of credit
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Maximum exposure to loss	1,235	1,235
Net investment in direct financing lease
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Maximum exposure to loss	$ 735	$ 871

Deferred Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Deferred Revenue [Abstract]
Deferred revenue	$ 10,136	$ 7,597

- Definition

The carrying amount of consideration received or receivable as of the balance sheet date on potential earnings that were not recognized as revenue in conformity with GAAP, and which are expected to be recognized as such within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer, including sales, license fees, and royalties, but excluding interest income.

+ References + Details

Long-Term Debt and Related Matters (Schedule Of Long-Term Debt Table) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument
Revolving credit facility with an interest rate of 4.78% at December 31, 2017 and 4.22% at December 31, 2016	$ 128,470		$ 127,073
Term loan payable in quarterly installments through January 1, 2020 with an interest rate of 3.92% at December 31, 2016	0		30,000
Total	129,966		159,565
Less current maturities	656		10,386
Long-term portion	$ 129,310		$ 149,179
Interest rate on credit facility	4.78%		4.22%
Interest rate on accounts payable			3.92%
Finance Agreement
Debt Instrument
Lease obligations payable in installments	$ 0		$ 534
Interest rate on term loan		3.00%
Lease Obligation
Debt Instrument
Lease obligations payable in installments	$ 1,496		$ 1,958
Interest rate on debt obligation	3.21%		3.10%

Long-Term Debt and Related Matters (Schedule Of Long-Term Debt Maturities Table) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity
2018	$ 656
2019	576
2020	128,734
2021	0
2022	0
2023 and thereafter	0
Total	$ 129,966	$ 159,565

Long-Term Debt and Related Matters (Narrative - United States) (Details)			3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 07, 2016 USD ($)	Jun. 29, 2016 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility
Term loan					$ 0	$ 30,000,000
Line of credit outstanding					128,470,000	127,073,000
PNC Bank, N.A., Bank of America, N.A., Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania, and Branch Banking and Trust Company
Line of Credit Facility
Line of credit maximum borrowing capacity	$ 195,000,000	$ 275,000,000
Term loan	$ 30,000,000
Leverage ratio in effect for the seventh quarter of a credit agreement	4.25
Leverage ratio in effect for the eighth quarter and remainder of a credit agreement	3.75
EBITDA required			$ 18,500,000		25,000,000
EBITDA required for seventh quarter					$ 31,000,000
Fixed charge coverage ratio					1
Maximum dividends, distributions, or redemptions allowed	$ 1,700,000	4,000,000
Loans and advances limit	5,000,000	10,000,000
Maximum asset sales allowed	$ 25,000,000	25,000,000
Carryover of asset sales allowed		$ 15,000,000
PNC Bank, N.A., Bank of America, N.A., Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania, and Branch Banking and Trust Company \| Revolving Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility
Line of credit outstanding					$ 425,000	425,000
Remaining borrowing capacity					$ 41,105,000	$ 67,502,000
PNC Bank, N.A., Bank of America, N.A., Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania, and Branch Banking and Trust Company \| Euro-rate
Line of Credit Facility
Variable rate on spread	3.25%
PNC Bank, N.A., Bank of America, N.A., Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania, and Branch Banking and Trust Company \| Base Rate
Line of Credit Facility
Variable rate on spread	2.25%
PNC Bank, N.A., Bank of America, N.A., Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania, and Branch Banking and Trust Company \| Lowest Tier \| Euro-rate
Line of Credit Facility
Variable rate on spread	2.50%
PNC Bank, N.A., Bank of America, N.A., Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania, and Branch Banking and Trust Company \| Lowest Tier \| Base Rate
Line of Credit Facility
Variable rate on spread	1.50%
PNC Bank, N.A., Bank of America, N.A., Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania, and Branch Banking and Trust Company \| Forecasted
Line of Credit Facility
Fixed charge coverage ratio after fifth quarter				1.25
Liquidity covenant				$ 25,000,000

Long-Term Debt and Related Matters (Narrative - United Kingdom) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 GBP (£)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility
Line of credit outstanding	$ 128,470,000		$ 127,073,000
NatWest Bank [Member] \| Foreign Line of Credit
Line of Credit Facility
Line of credit maximum borrowing capacity	2,027,000	£ 1,500,000
Line of credit outstanding	0
Remaining borrowing capacity	$ 1,494,000		$ 1,650,000
NatWest Bank [Member] \| Foreign Line of Credit \| Base Rate
Line of Credit Facility
Variable rate on spread	2.50%
NatWest Bank Outstanding Guarantees \| Foreign Line of Credit
Line of Credit Facility
Line of credit outstanding	$ 533,000

- Definition

The carrying value as of the balance sheet date of the current and noncurrent portions of long-term obligations drawn from a line of credit, which is a bank's commitment to make loans up to a specific amount. Examples of items that might be included in the application of this element may consist of letters of credit, standby letters of credit, and revolving credit arrangements, under which borrowings can be made up to a maximum amount as of any point in time conditional on satisfaction of specified terms before, as of and after the date of drawdowns on the line. Includes short-term obligations that would normally be classified as current liabilities but for which (a) postbalance sheet date issuance of a long term obligation to refinance the short term obligation on a long term basis, or (b) the enterprise has entered into a financing agreement that clearly permits the enterprise to refinance the short-term obligation on a long term basis and the following conditions are met (1) the agreement does not expire within 1 year and is not cancelable by the lender except for violation of an objectively determinable provision, (2) no violation exists at the BS date, and (3) the lender has entered into the financing agreement is expected to be financially capable of honoring the agreement.

+ References + Details

Stockholders' Equity (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
Stockholders' Equity (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 09, 2015	Dec. 04, 2013
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, shares authorized (shares)	20,000,000				20,000,000				20,000,000	20,000,000
Common stock, issued shares (shares)	11,115,779				11,115,779				11,115,779	11,115,779
Common stock, par value (usd per share)	$ 0.01				$ 0.01				$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Dividends paid per common share (usd per share)	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0.04	$ 0.04	$ 0.04	$ 0.00	$ 0.12	$ 0.16
Preferred stock shares authorized (shares)	5,000,000				5,000,000				5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock issued (shares)	0				0				0	0
Preferred stock par value (usd per share)	$ 0				$ 0				$ 0	$ 0
Repurchased common stock (shares)									0	5,000	80,512
Purchase of common shares for treasury										$ 67,000	$ 1,587,000
Shares paid for tax withholding (shares)									7,277	20,186
Adjustments related to tax withholding									$ 103,000	$ 275,000
Cash dividends on common stock paid to shareholders									0	$ 1,244,000	$ 1,656,000
December 2013 Share Repurchase Program
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchase program authorized amount													$ 15,000,000
December 2015 Share Repurchase Program
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchase program authorized amount												$ 30,000,000
Shares remaining for repurchase, value	$ 29,933,000								$ 29,933,000

Stockholders' Equity (Rollforward Of Common Stock Table) (Details) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Beginning (shares)	10,312,625
Repurchased common stock (shares)	0	5,000	80,512
Ending (shares)	10,340,576	10,312,625
Treasury
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Beginning (shares)	803,154	894,773	873,374
Issued for stock-based compensation plans (shares)	(27,951)	(96,619)	(59,113)
Repurchased common stock (shares)		5,000	80,512
Ending (shares)	775,203	803,154	894,773
Common Stock
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Beginning (shares)	10,312,625	10,221,006	10,242,405
Issued for stock-based compensation plans (shares)	27,951	96,619	59,113
Repurchased common stock (shares)		(5,000)	(80,512)
Ending (shares)	10,340,576	10,312,625	10,221,006

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Stockholders' equity	$ 146,479	$ 133,251	$ 282,832	$ 335,888
Pension and post-retirement benefit plan adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Stockholders' equity	(3,367)	(4,439)
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swap contracts
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Stockholders' equity	222	(204)
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Stockholders' equity	(14,622)	(20,646)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Stockholders' equity	$ (17,767)	$ (25,289)	$ (17,940)	$ (11,892)

Earning Per Common Share (Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share:
Net income (loss)	$ 289	$ 3,222	$ 3,024	$ (2,422)	$ (40,851)	$ (5,982)	$ (91,996)	$ (2,832)	$ 4,113	$ (141,660)	$ (44,445)
Denominator:
Weighted average shares outstanding (shares)									10,334	10,273	10,254
Denominator for basic earnings per common share (shares)									10,334	10,273	10,254
Effect of dilutive securities:
Other stock compensation plans (shares)									149	0	0
Dilutive potential common shares (shares)									149	0	0
Denominator for diluted earnings per common share - adjusted weighted average shares and assumed conversions (shares)									10,483	10,273	10,254
Basic earnings (loss) per common share (usd per share)	$ 0.03	$ 0.31	$ 0.29	$ (0.23)	$ (3.97)	$ (0.58)	$ (8.96)	$ (0.28)	$ 0.40	$ (13.79)	$ (4.33)
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share (usd per share)	0.03	0.31	0.29	(0.23)	(3.97)	(0.58)	(8.96)	(0.28)	0.39	(13.79)	(4.33)
Dividends paid per common share (usd per share)	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0.04	$ 0.04	$ 0.04	$ 0.00	$ 0.12	$ 0.16
Antidilutive shares excluded from computation of earnings per share (shares)										143	130

Income Taxes (Income Before Income Tax Domestic And Foreign Components Table) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Domestic	$ 2,072	$ (151,027)	$ (55,061)
Foreign	5,970	3,858	4,484
Income (loss) before income taxes	$ 8,042	$ (147,169)	$ (50,577)

Income Taxes (Significant Components Of The Provision For Income Taxes) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current:
Federal	$ 2,630	$ (9,980)	$ 5,571
State	822	(487)	1,540
Foreign	2,460	1,583	1,339
Total current	5,912	(8,884)	8,450
Deferred:
Federal	(1,559)	2,555	(12,016)
State	17	706	(2,014)
Foreign	(441)	114	(552)
Total deferred	(1,983)	3,375	(14,582)
Total income tax expense (benefit)	$ 3,929	$ (5,509)	$ (6,132)

Income Taxes (Reconciliation Of Income Tax Rates) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Amount
Statutory rate	$ 2,815	$ (51,509)	$ (17,702)
Foreign tax rate differential	(717)	(485)	(419)
State income taxes, net of federal benefit	368	(2,893)	(159)
Non-deductible goodwill impairment	0	11,448	12,737
Non-deductible expenses	323	262	452
Domestic production activities deduction	(405)	700	(507)
U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: remeasurement of deferred taxes	10,260	0	0
U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: deferred foreign earnings	4,009	0	0
Tax on unremitted foreign earnings	(6,712)	7,932	0
Change in valuation allowance	(6,023)	29,719	0
Other	11	(683)	(534)
Total income tax expense (benefit)	$ 3,929	$ (5,509)	$ (6,132)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent
Statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Foreign tax rate differential	(8.90%)	0.30%	0.80%
State income taxes, net of federal benefit	4.60%	2.00%	0.30%
Non-deductible goodwill impairment	0.00%	(7.80%)	(25.20%)
Non-deductible expenses	4.00%	(0.20%)	(0.90%)
Domestic production activities deduction	(5.00%)	(0.50%)	1.00%
U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: remeasurement of deferred taxes	127.60%	0.00%	0.00%
U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: deferred foreign earnings	49.90%	0.00%	0.00%
Tax on unremitted foreign earnings	(83.50%)	(5.40%)	0.00%
Change in valuation allowance	(74.90%)	(20.20%)	0.00%
Other	0.10%	0.50%	1.10%
Total income tax expense (benefit) / Effective rate	48.90%	3.70%	12.10%

Income Taxes (Significant Components Of Deferred Tax Liabilities And Assets Table) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Deferred tax assets:
Goodwill and other intangibles	$ 19,324	$ 32,699
Pension and post-retirement liability	1,532	2,186
Warranty reserve	2,060	3,633
Deferred compensation	2,385	1,227
Contingent liabilities	1,669	2,336
Net operating loss / tax credit carryforwards	1,816	1,384
Other	1,442	2,190
Total deferred tax assets	30,228	45,655
Less: valuation allowance	(23,696)	(29,719)
Net deferred tax assets	6,532	15,936
Deferred tax liabilities:
Goodwill and other intangibles	(5,721)	(6,087)
Depreciation	(7,079)	(10,586)
Unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries	(1,220)	(7,932)
Inventories	(1,743)	(1,506)
Other	(513)	(1,196)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(16,276)	(27,307)
Net deferred tax liability	$ (9,744)	$ (11,371)

Income Taxes (Unrecorded Deferred Income Taxes On Undistributed Earnings Of Foreign Subsidiaries) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Tax benefit adjustments related to tax cuts and jobs act	$ 1,508	$ 1,508
Additional tax expense from foreign tax positions, related to tax and jobs act	3,298	3,298
Tax Act, cumulative foreign earnings	65,113	65,113
Foreign earnings repatriated			$ 30,200
Accrued foreign withholding taxes, unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries	1,220	1,220	$ 7,932
Undistributed earnings from foreign subsidiaries	$ 2,318	$ 2,318

Income Taxes (Operating Loss Carryforwards) (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Operating Loss Carryforwards
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance	$ 23,696	$ 29,719
Operating loss carryforwards, valuation allowance	481
State and local
Operating Loss Carryforwards
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance	1,708
Operating loss carryforward	$ 1,708	$ 1,378
State and local \| Maximum
Operating Loss Carryforwards
Operating loss carryforwards, expiration date	Dec. 31, 2037
Foreign tax authority \| Secretariat of the Federal Revenue Bureau of Brazil
Operating Loss Carryforwards
Operating loss carryforward	$ 1,363

Income Taxes (Reconciliation Of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Table) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns
Unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of period:	$ 619	$ 582
Increases based on tax positions for prior periods	0	37
Decreases based on tax positions for prior periods	(20)	0
Balance at end of period	599	619
Unrecognized tax benefit that would impact effective tax rate	599
Accrued interest and tax penalties	$ 500	$ 464
IRS
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns
Open tax year	2013

Stock-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Stock-based compensation	$ 1,696,000	$ 1,346,000	$ 1,471,000
Share based compensation cost not recognized	$ 3,687,000
Period in which compensation will be recognized	3 years 3 months
Excess income tax deficiency from share-based compensation	$ 0	$ (332,000)	$ 253,000
Income tax expense, excess tax benefits	$ 127,000
Granted, weighted average grant price (usd per share)	$ 14.46	$ 12.50	$ 44.93
Equity Option
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Stock options granted, shares			0
Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Shares granted other than options, shares	175,196	48,283	29,656
Share-based units, shares	186,806	79,272	93,817	108,237
Deferred Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Shares granted other than options, shares	26,860	0	0
Share-based units, shares	26,860	0	0	0
Share based awards, vesting period	3 years
Performance Stock Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Stock-based compensation	$ 1,499,000	$ 648,000	$ 937,000
Shares granted other than options, shares	120,583	129,844	41,114
Share-based units, shares	181,341	63,690	35,999	71,990
Non-Employee Directors \| Fully-Vested Stock Awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Stock-based compensation	$ 704,000	$ 698,000	$ 534,000
Shares granted other than options, shares	39,280	59,598	14,000
Granted, weighted average grant price (usd per share)	$ 17.92	$ 11.72	$ 38.15
The Omnibus Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Stock-based compensation	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Share-based compensation, number of shares authorized	1,270,000
Stock options granted, shares	0	0	0
March 2015 \| Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Share based awards, vesting period	3 years

Stock-based Compensation (Summary of Stock Option Activity) (Details) - Equity Option - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Number of shares under the plans:
Outstanding and exercisable at beginning of year, shares	0	0	7,500
Granted, shares			0
Canceled, shares			0
Exercised, shares			(7,500)
Outstanding and exercisable at end of year, shares	0	0	0
Weighted average exercise price (usd per share)			$ 9.08
Option intrinsic value			$ 253

Stock-Based Compensation (Restricted Stock and Performance Unit Awards) (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Beginning balance, weighted average grant price (usd per share)	$ 21.66	$ 39.66	$ 36.25
Granted, weighted average grant price (usd per share)	14.46	12.50	44.93
Vested, weighted average grant price (usd per share)	28.88	28.45	32.35
Adjustment for incentive awards expected to vest, weighted average grant price (usd per share)	19.00	24.79	43.26
Canceled, weighted average grant price (usd per share)	15.40	18.82	44.84
Ending balance, weighted average grant price (usd per share)	$ 16.53	$ 21.66	$ 39.66
Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares
Beginning Balance, shares	79,272	93,817	108,237
Granted, shares	175,196	48,283	29,656
Vested, shares	(22,808)	(56,807)	(39,076)
Adjustment for incentive awards not expected to vest, shares	0	0	0
Canceled and forfeited, shares	(44,854)	(6,021)	(5,000)
Ending Balance, shares	186,806	79,272	93,817
Deferred Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares
Beginning Balance, shares	0	0	0
Granted, shares	26,860	0	0
Vested, shares	0	0	0
Adjustment for incentive awards not expected to vest, shares	0	0	0
Canceled and forfeited, shares	0	0	0
Ending Balance, shares	26,860	0	0
Performance Stock Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares
Beginning Balance, shares	63,690	35,999	71,990
Granted, shares	120,583	129,844	41,114
Vested, shares	0	0	(23,877)
Adjustment for incentive awards not expected to vest, shares	46,130	(93,103)	(53,228)
Canceled and forfeited, shares	(49,062)	(9,050)	0
Ending Balance, shares	181,341	63,690	35,999

Stock-based Compensation (Fully-vested Stock Awards Non-employees) (Details) - Performance Stock Units - shares	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Number of shares available for future grant - Beginning of year	675,447	407,307	469,840
Number of shares available for future grant - End of year	639,390	675,447	407,307

Retirement Plans (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Retirement Plans (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($) plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure
Net loss to be recognize during the next fiscal period \| $	$ 96
Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure
Number of defined contribution plans	6
Pension Plan \| UNITED STATES
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure
Number of retirement plans	3
Number of defined benefit plans	1
Number of defined contribution plans	2
Pension Plan \| CANADA
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure
Number of defined contribution plans	2
Pension Plan \| UNITED KINGDOM
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure
Number of defined benefit plans	1
Number of defined contribution plans	2
Expected future contribution by employer during next fiscal period \| $	$ 253

Retirement Plans (Schedule of Benefit Obligation, Fair Value of Assets, and Funded Status of the Plans) (Details) - Pension Plan - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
UNITED STATES
Changes in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$ 18,241	$ 17,759
Service cost	0	36	$ 38
Interest cost	684	746	742
Actuarial loss	775	534
Benefits paid	(917)	(834)
Benefit obligation at end of year	18,783	18,241	17,759
Change to plan assets:
Fair value of assets at beginning of year	14,180	14,235
Actual gain on plan assets	1,629	779
Benefits paid	(917)	(834)
Fair value of assets at end of year	14,892	14,180	14,235
Funded status at end of year	(3,891)	(4,061)
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet consist of:
Other long-term liabilities	(3,891)	(4,061)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of:
Net loss	3,913	4,186
Foreign Plan
Changes in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	8,104	7,862
Interest cost	236	259	295
Actuarial loss	(451)	1,532
Benefits paid	(322)	(273)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	768	(1,276)
Benefit obligation at end of year	8,335	8,104	7,862
Change to plan assets:
Fair value of assets at beginning of year	5,826	6,661
Actual gain on plan assets	573	265
Employer contribution	276	253
Benefits paid	(322)	(273)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	551	(1,080)
Fair value of assets at end of year	6,904	5,826	$ 6,661
Funded status at end of year	(1,431)	(2,278)
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet consist of:
Other long-term liabilities	(1,431)	(2,278)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of:
Net loss	1,161	2,015
Prior service cost	39	53
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax, Total	$ 1,200	$ 2,068

Retirement Plans (Schedule Of Net Periodic Benefit Costs) (Details) - Pension Plan - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
UNITED STATES
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
Service cost	$ 0	$ 36	$ 38
Interest cost	684	746	742
Expected return on plan assets	(710)	(717)	(816)
Amortization of prior service cost	0	0	3
Recognized net actuarial loss	130	276	275
Net periodic pension cost	104	341	242
Foreign Plan
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
Interest cost	236	259	295
Expected return on plan assets	(280)	(290)	(324)
Amortization of prior service cost	19	17	27
Recognized net actuarial loss	192	275	225
Net periodic pension cost	$ 167	$ 261	$ 223

Retirement Plans (Actuarial Assumptions) (Details) - Pension Plan	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
UNITED STATES
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure
Discount rate	3.90%	4.30%	4.30%
Expected rate of return on plan assets	5.90%	5.20%	5.20%
Foreign Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure
Discount rate	2.50%	2.70%	4.00%
Expected rate of return on plan assets	4.10%	4.40%	5.20%

Retirement Plans (Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Asset) (Details) - Pension Plan - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
UNITED STATES
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure
Projected benefit obligation	$ 18,783	$ 18,241	$ 17,759
Accumulated benefit obligation	18,783	18,241
Fair value of plan assets	14,892	14,180	14,235
Foreign Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure
Projected benefit obligation	8,335	8,104	7,862
Accumulated benefit obligation	8,335	8,104
Fair value of plan assets	$ 6,904	$ 5,826	$ 6,661

Retirement Plans (Plan Asset Investment Allocation Percentage) (Details) - Pension Plan	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
UNITED STATES
Asset Category
Percentage of plan assets	100.00%	100.00%
UNITED STATES \| Cash and cash equivalents
Asset Category
Percentage of plan assets	2.00%	5.00%
UNITED STATES \| Cash and cash equivalents \| Minimum
Asset Category
Targets percentage of plan assets	0.00%
UNITED STATES \| Cash and cash equivalents \| Maximum
Asset Category
Targets percentage of plan assets	10.00%
UNITED STATES \| Total fixed income funds
Asset Category
Percentage of plan assets	32.00%	33.00%
UNITED STATES \| Total fixed income funds \| Minimum
Asset Category
Targets percentage of plan assets	25.00%
UNITED STATES \| Total fixed income funds \| Maximum
Asset Category
Targets percentage of plan assets	50.00%
UNITED STATES \| Total mutual funds and equities
Asset Category
Percentage of plan assets	66.00%	62.00%
UNITED STATES \| Total mutual funds and equities \| Minimum
Asset Category
Targets percentage of plan assets	50.00%
UNITED STATES \| Total mutual funds and equities \| Maximum
Asset Category
Targets percentage of plan assets	70.00%
Foreign Plan \| Cash and cash equivalents \| Maximum
Asset Category
Targets percentage of plan assets	100.00%
Foreign Plan \| Equity securities \| Maximum
Asset Category
Targets percentage of plan assets	100.00%
Foreign Plan \| Commercial property \| Maximum
Asset Category
Targets percentage of plan assets	50.00%
Foreign Plan \| U.K. Government securities \| Maximum
Asset Category
Targets percentage of plan assets	50.00%

Retirement Plans (Information About Plan Assets) (Details) - Pension Plan - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
UNITED STATES
Asset Category
Fair value of plan assets	$ 14,892	$ 14,180	$ 14,235
UNITED STATES \| Cash and cash equivalents
Asset Category
Fair value of plan assets	284	660
UNITED STATES \| Total fixed income funds
Asset Category
Fair value of plan assets	4,755	4,767
UNITED STATES \| Corporate bonds
Asset Category
Fair value of plan assets	4,755	4,767
UNITED STATES \| Total mutual funds and equities
Asset Category
Fair value of plan assets	9,853	8,753
UNITED STATES \| Mutual funds
Asset Category
Fair value of plan assets	712	8,753
UNITED STATES \| Exchange-Traded Funds (“ETF”)
Asset Category
Fair value of plan assets	9,141	0
Foreign Plan
Asset Category
Fair value of plan assets	6,904	5,826	$ 6,661
Foreign Plan \| Cash and cash equivalents
Asset Category
Fair value of plan assets	695	707
Foreign Plan \| Bonds
Asset Category
Fair value of plan assets	2,276	1,347
Foreign Plan \| Other
Asset Category
Fair value of plan assets	1,226	1,155
Foreign Plan \| Exchange-Traded Funds (“ETF”)
Asset Category
Fair value of plan assets	$ 2,707	$ 2,617

Retirement Plans (Benefit Payments) (Details) - Pension Plan $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)
UNITED STATES
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment
2018	$ 927
2019	996
2020	1,003
2021	1,058
2022	1,071
Years 2023-2027	5,608
Foreign Plan
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment
2018	259
2019	275
2020	291
2021	299
2022	317
Years 2023-2027	$ 2,040

Retirement Plans (Other Post-Retirement Retirement Plan) (Details) - Other Postretirement Benefits Plan - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure
Minimum service period for eligibility	10 years
Accrued benefit obligation	$ 1,104	$ 909
Discount rate	3.60%	4.00%
Weighted average health care trend rate	5.10%	5.10%
Weighted average health care cost trend	4.40%

Retirement Plans (Defined Contribution Plans) (Details) - Pension Plan $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($) plan	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure
Number of defined contribution plans \| plan	6
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost \| $	$ 3,314	$ 2,414	$ 3,154
CANADA
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure
Number of defined contribution plans \| plan	2
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost \| $	$ 223	225	226
UNITED KINGDOM
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure
Number of defined contribution plans \| plan	2
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost \| $	$ 450	376	494
UNITED STATES
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure
Number of defined contribution plans \| plan	2
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost \| $	$ 2,641	$ 1,813	$ 2,434

Rental And Lease Information (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Leases [Abstract]
Rent expense	$ 5,278	$ 4,864	$ 4,611

Rental And Lease Information (Future Minimum Lease Payment) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity
2018	$ 711
2019	598
2020	265
2021	0
2022	0
2023 and thereafter	0
Total minimum lease payments	1,574
Less: amount representing interest	78
Total present value of minimum payments with interest rates ranging from 2.95% to 4.25%	1,496
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity
2018	4,483
2019	3,149
2020	2,467
2021	1,769
2028	1,177
2023 and thereafter	4,766
Total minimum lease payments	$ 17,811
Minimum
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity
Debt instrument state interest rate	2.95%
Maximum
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity
Debt instrument state interest rate	4.25%

Rental And Lease Information (Assets Recorded Under Capital Leases) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Leases [Abstract]
Machinery and equipment at cost	$ 3,164	$ 3,152
Less: accumulated amortization	1,066	829
Net capital lease assets	$ 2,098	$ 2,323

Fair Value Measurements (Narratives) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Interest expense	$ 8,377	$ 6,551	$ 4,378
Lb Pipe Coupling Products Llc
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Impairment of long lived assets to be disposed of	413
Swap
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Notional amount	50,000
Interest expense	$ 378

Fair Value Measurements (Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions
Term deposits	$ 17	$ 16
Interest rate swaps	222	0
Total assets	239	16
Interest rate swaps	0	334
Total liabilities	0	334
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions
Term deposits	17	16
Interest rate swaps	0	0
Total assets	17	16
Interest rate swaps	0	0
Total liabilities	0	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions
Term deposits	0	0
Interest rate swaps	222	0
Total assets	222	0
Interest rate swaps	0	334
Total liabilities	0	334
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions
Term deposits	0	0
Interest rate swaps	0	0
Total assets	0	0
Interest rate swaps	0	0
Total liabilities	$ 0	$ 0

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Schedule of Product Warranty Liability) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)
Movement in Standard Product Warranty Accrual
December 31, 2016	$ 10,154
Additions to warranty liability	3,564
Warranty liability utilized	(5,036)
December 31, 2017	$ 8,682

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Environmental Liability) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies
December 31, 2016	$ 6,270
Additions to environmental obligations	143
Environmental obligations utilized	(269)
December 31, 2017	$ 6,144

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Narratives) (Details) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($) tie	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($) tie	Dec. 31, 2013 tie	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Product Liability Contingency
Accrued warranty	$ 10,154	$ 8,682	$ 10,154
Concrete ties manufactured \| tie		3,000,000
Warranty period							10 years
Reserve for Concrete Ties [Member]
Product Liability Contingency
Accrued warranty	7,574	$ 7,595	7,574
Product warranty expense		$ 21	204	$ 972
Warranty period							5 years
Uprr
Product Liability Contingency
Concrete ties manufactured \| tie		1,600,000
Warranty period							5 years
Warranty ratio							1.5
Uprr \| Reserve for Concrete Ties [Member]
Product Liability Contingency
Product warranty expense							$ 22,000
Litigation settlement, amount award to other party							$ 12,000
Cure period to claim					90 days
Increase in warranty accrual					$ 8,766
Ties excluded from warranty \| tie					90,100
Two Thousand Five Contract
Product Liability Contingency
Concrete ties manufacturing ratio \| tie		1.5
Replacement period for ties post sale		5 years
Warranty Policy
Product Liability Contingency
Warranty period							15 years
Warranty ratio							1
Warranty Policy \| Uprr
Product Liability Contingency
Ties that did not meet warranty criteria \| tie						170,000
Collective Action Complaint
Product Liability Contingency
Litigation settlement, amount award to other party	$ 900
Litigation settlement expense		$ 797	900
Tubular and Energy Services
Product Liability Contingency
Product warranty expense		839
Tubular and Energy Services \| Collective Action Complaint \| Adjustments
Product Liability Contingency
Litigation settlement expense		$ (103)
Rail Products and Services
Product Liability Contingency
Product warranty expense			$ 1,224

Other Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands				3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Other Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 07, 2017	Dec. 23, 2015	Nov. 23, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Gain on Rail Segment patent sale					$ (500)	$ 0	$ 0
Foreign currency losses (gains)					804	12	(1,616)
Remeasurement gain on equity method investment					0	0	(580)
Legal settlement gain				$ (460)	0	0	(460)
Other					(184)	(1,535)	(650)
Other income					(367)	(1,523)	(5,585)
TEW Plus LTD
Remeasurement gain on equity method investment			$ (580)
Percentage of voting interests acquired			75.00%
Asset Sale \| Protective Coating Field Service
(Gain) loss on sale of asset					(487)	0	0
Proceeds from sales of asset	$ 1,200
Asset Sale \| Tucson Arizona
(Gain) loss on sale of asset		$ (2,279)			$ 0	$ 0	$ (2,279)
Proceeds from sales of asset		$ 2,750

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 141,323,000	$ 131,492,000	$ 144,860,000	$ 118,702,000	$ 106,566,000	$ 114,644,000	$ 135,994,000	$ 126,310,000	$ 431,818,000	$ 415,375,000	$ 537,214,000
Gross profit	27,899,000	26,365,000	27,736,000	21,252,000	18,779,000	19,803,000	27,813,000	23,960,000	103,252,000	90,356,000	133,653,000
Net income (loss)	$ 289,000	$ 3,222,000	$ 3,024,000	$ (2,422,000)	$ (40,851,000)	$ (5,982,000)	$ (91,996,000)	$ (2,832,000)	$ 4,113,000	$ (141,660,000)	$ (44,445,000)
Basic earnings (loss) per common share (usd per share)	$ 0.03	$ 0.31	$ 0.29	$ (0.23)	$ (3.97)	$ (0.58)	$ (8.96)	$ (0.28)	$ 0.40	$ (13.79)	$ (4.33)
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share (usd per share)	0.03	0.31	0.29	(0.23)	(3.97)	(0.58)	(8.96)	(0.28)	0.39	(13.79)	(4.33)
Dividends paid per common share (usd per share)	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0.04	$ 0.04	$ 0.04	$ 0.00	$ 0.12	$ 0.16
Additional tax expense from foreign tax positions, related to tax and jobs act	$ 3,298,000								$ 3,298,000
Tax benefit adjustments related to tax cuts and jobs act	1,508,000								1,508,000
Goodwill impairment							$ 128,938,000		0	$ 61,142,000	$ 80,337,000
Pre-tax gain on sale of facility						$ 6,946,000
Accrued foreign withholding taxes, unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries	1,220,000				$ 7,932,000				1,220,000	7,932,000
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance	$ 23,696,000				$ 29,719,000				$ 23,696,000	$ 29,719,000

Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves
Balance at Beginning of Year	$ 1,417	$ 1,485	$ 1,036
Additions Charged to Costs and Expenses	1,517	982	1,113
Deductions	783	1,050	664
Balance at End of Year	2,151	1,417	1,485
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves
Balance at Beginning of Year	29,719	0
Additions Charged to Costs and Expenses	0	29,719
Deductions	6,023	0
Balance at End of Year	$ 23,696	$ 29,719	$ 0