Revised Financials - Quarterly Financial Data (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
Net revenues	$ 38,885	$ 45,159
Gross profits	6,697	10,058
Net income (loss) from continuing operations	(7,613)	1,967
Net income (loss)	(7,613)	1,967
Net income (loss) attributable to Steel Excel Inc.	(7,250)	2,293
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ (0.63)	$ 0.19
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.63)	$ 0.19
Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets
Net revenues		45,159	54,482	58,583	51,924	33,496	31,420	28,761	26,351
Gross profits		10,058	13,799	17,183	15,003	9,120	8,010	8,041	6,983
Net income (loss) from continuing operations		1,967	(33,968)	75	7,657	8,150	2,383	732	1,602
Net income (loss)		1,967	(33,462)	75	7,657	4,087	1,495	538	1,207
Net income (loss) attributable to Steel Excel Inc.		2,293	(33,605)	(163)	7,668	6,599	1,806	723	1,543
Net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Steel Excel Inc.		$ 2,293	$ (33,832)	$ (163)	$ 7,668	$ 8,428	$ 2,205	$ 768	$ 1,622
Basic (in dollars per share)		$ 0.19	$ (2.97)	$ (0.01)	$ 0.64	$ 0.69	$ 0.18	$ 0.06	$ 0.13
Diluted (in dollars per share)		$ 0.19	$ (2.97)	$ (0.01)	$ 0.64	$ 0.69	$ 0.18	$ 0.06	$ 0.13