Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (7,613)		$ 1,967
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment	2		0
Reclassification to realized gains	0		0
Net foreign currency translation adjustment	2	[1]	0	[1]
Gross unrealized gains on marketable securities, net of tax	1,114	[2]	8,023	[2]
Reclassification to realized gains, net of tax	(185)	[3]	(1,934)	[3]
Net unrealized gain on marketable securities, net of taxes	929		6,089
Comprehensive income (loss)	(6,682)		8,056
Comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interest	363		326
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Steel Excel Inc.	(6,319)		8,382
Tax provision on gross unrealized gains	(548)		0
Tax benefit on reclassifications to realized gains (losses)	$ 91		$ 0

[1] No tax effect on cumulative translation adjustments

[2] Tax provision on gross unrealized gains: $(548) $0

[3] Tax benefit on reclassifications to realized gains: $91 $0