Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 8,732		$ 886		$ 12,797		$ 3,860
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment	14	[1]	23	[1]	14	[1]	(36)	[1]
Gross unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities, net of tax	2,124	[2]	(128)	[2]	7,383	[2]	3,496	[2]
Reclassification to realized gains (losses), net of tax	(309)	[3]	771	[3]	(1,577)	[3]	18	[3]
Net unrealized gain on marketable securities, net of taxes	1,815		643		5,806		3,514
Comprehensive income	10,561		1,552		18,617		7,338
Comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interest	11		185		337		521
Comprehensive income attributable to Steel Excel Inc.	10,572		1,737		18,954		7,859
Tax benefit (provision) on gross unrealized gains (losses)	(1,271)		126		(4,035)		(2,104)
Tax benefit (provision) on reclassifications to realized gains (losses)	$ 196		$ (474)		$ 862		$ (11)

[1] No tax effect on cumulative translation adjustments

[2] Tax benefit (provision) on gross unrealized gains: $(1,271) $126 $(4,035) $(2,104)

[3] Tax benefit (provision) on reclassifications to realized gains: $196 $(474) $862 $(11)