Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 4,065	$ 2,974
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of taxes	0	(59)
Net unrealized gain on marketable securities, net of taxes	3,991	2,871
Comprehensive income	8,056	5,786
Comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interest	326	336
Comprehensive income attributable to Steel Excel Inc.	$ 8,382	$ 6,122