Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (945)		$ 2,159		$ 11,852		$ 6,019
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment	16		(3)		30		(39)
Reclassification to realized gains	0		(346)		0		(346)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	16	[1]	(349)	[1]	30	[1]	(385)	[1]
Gross unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities, net of tax	(761)	[2]	2,421	[2]	6,622	[2]	5,917	[2]
Reclassification to realized gains, net of tax	(911)	[3]	(1,176)	[3]	(2,488)	[3]	(1,158)	[3]
Net unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities, net of taxes	(1,672)		1,245		4,134		4,759
Comprehensive income (loss)	(2,601)		3,055		16,016		10,393
Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interest	(238)		311		99		832
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Steel Excel Inc.	(2,839)		3,366		16,115		11,225
Tax benefit (provision) on gross unrealized gains (losses)	586		(1,351)		(3,449)		(3,455)
Tax benefit (provision) on reclassifications to realized gains (losses)	$ 434		$ 687		$ 1,296		$ 676

[1] No tax effect on cumulative translation adjustments

[2] Tax benefit (provision) on gross unrealized gains: $586 $(1,351) $(3,449) $(3,455)

[3] Tax benefit (provision) on reclassifications to realized gains: $434 $687 $1,296 $676