Document And Entity Information (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	Steel Excel Inc.
Document Type	10-K
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		11,969,216
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Central Index Key	0000709804
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2013
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2013
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Public Float			$ 129.1