Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Total	Common Stock	Treasury Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Retained Earnings	Non-Controlling Interest
Balance at beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 357,518	$ 14	$ (81,355)	$ 267,444	$ (15,206)	$ 186,636	$ (15)
Balance at beginning of period (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014		14,220	2,814
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net loss attributable to Steel Excel Inc.	(7,250)					(7,250)
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests	(363)						(363)
Other comprehensive income	931				931
Net issuance of restricted shares (in shares)		160
Net issuance of restricted shares	(18)			(18)
Stock-based compensation	539			539
Balance at end of period at Mar. 31, 2015	$ 351,357	$ 14	$ (81,355)	$ 267,965	$ (14,275)	$ 179,386	$ (378)
Balance at end of period (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2015		14,380	2,814