Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity - 6 months ended Jun. 30, 2015 - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Treasury Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Retained Earnings	Non-Controlling Interest
Balance at beginning of period (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014		14,220	2,814
Balance at beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 357,518	$ 14	$ (81,355)	$ 267,444	$ (15,206)	$ 186,636	$ (15)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net loss attributable to Steel Excel Inc.	(17,786)					(17,786)
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests	(290)						(290)
Other comprehensive income	15,117				15,117
Net issuance of restricted shares (in shares)		179
Net issuance of restricted shares	(32)			(32)
Stock-based compensation	1,597			1,597
Repurchases of common stock (in shares)			(14)
Repurchases of common stock	(268)		$ (268)
Balance at end of period (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2015		14,399	2,828
Balance at end of period at Jun. 30, 2015	$ 355,856	$ 14	$ (81,623)	$ 269,009	$ (89)	$ 168,850	$ (305)