Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 10,851	$ 20,244	$ 6,697
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(63)	(100)	164
Release of foreign currency translation gains	(361)	0	(2,542)
Net foreign currency translation adjustment:	(424)	(100)	(2,378)
Net unrealized gain on marketable securities, net of taxes	5,994	303	260
Comprehensive income	16,421	20,447	4,579
Comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interest	3,344	449	72
Comprehensive income attributable to Steel Excel Inc.	$ 19,765	$ 20,896	$ 4,651