Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net revenues	$ 33,496	$ 31,420	$ 28,761	$ 26,351	$ 26,915	$ 34,293	$ 24,450	$ 14,446	$ 120,028	$ 100,104	$ 2,502
Gross profits	10,172	8,080	8,705	7,686	6,668	12,204	9,481	5,687	34,643	34,040	1,043
Net income from continuing operations	8,895	3,047	1,080	3,369	4	4,865	17,430	(120)	16,391	22,179	68
Net income	4,832	2,159	886	2,974	54	5,349	17,309	(2,468)	10,851	20,244	6,697
Net income attributable to Steel Excel Inc.	7,344	2,470	1,071	3,310	(77)	5,349	17,309	(1,888)	14,195	20,693	6,769
Net income from continuing operations attributable to Steel Excel Inc.	$ 9,173	$ 2,869	$ 1,116	$ 3,389	$ 26	$ 4,865	$ 17,430	$ (120)
Net income, basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.75	$ 0.23	$ 0.09	$ 0.26	$ 0.00	$ 0.37	$ 1.50	$ (0.01)	$ 1.13	$ 1.71	$ 0.62
Net income, diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.75	$ 0.23	$ 0.09	$ 0.26	$ 0.00	$ 0.37	$ 1.50	$ (0.01)	$ 1.13	$ 1.71	$ 0.62