Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 2,159	$ 5,349	$ 6,019	$ 20,189
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of taxes	(349)	(62)	(385)	(70)
Net unrealized gain on marketable securities, net of taxes	1,245	942	4,759	560
Comprehensive income	3,055	6,229	10,393	20,679
Comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interest	311	0	832	580
Comprehensive income attributable to Steel Excel Inc.	$ 3,366	$ 6,229	$ 11,225	$ 21,259