Revised Financials - Statement of Operations (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013
Income before income taxes and equity method loss	$ (5,875)	$ 3,595
Benefit from (provision for) income taxes	372	(195)
Loss from equity method investees, net of taxes	(2,110)	(1,433)
Net income (loss)	(7,613)	1,967
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests in consolidated entities	363	326
Net income attributable to Steel Excel Inc.	(7,250)	2,293
Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets
Income before income taxes and equity method loss		3,595
Benefit from (provision for) income taxes		(195)
Loss from equity method investees, net of taxes		(1,433)
Net income (loss)		1,967	(33,462)	75	7,657	4,087	1,495	538	1,207
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests in consolidated entities		326
Net income attributable to Steel Excel Inc.		2,293	(33,605)	(163)	7,668	6,599	1,806	723	1,543
Net income (loss) (in dollars per share)		$ 0.19
Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets | Previously Reported
Income before income taxes and equity method loss		3,595
Benefit from (provision for) income taxes		1,903
Loss from equity method investees, net of taxes		(1,433)
Net income (loss)		4,065
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests in consolidated entities		326
Net income attributable to Steel Excel Inc.		4,391
Net income (loss) (in dollars per share)		$ 0.37
Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets | Adjustments
Income before income taxes and equity method loss		0
Benefit from (provision for) income taxes		(2,098)	2,200	1,000	(1,100)	(700)	(700)	(300)	(1,800)
Loss from equity method investees, net of taxes		0
Net income (loss)		(2,098)
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests in consolidated entities		0
Net income attributable to Steel Excel Inc.		$ (2,098)
Net income (loss) (in dollars per share)		$ (0.18)