Condensed Balance Sheets (unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 70,869	$ 8,487
Marketable securities	188,207	314,941
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $0 and $80, respectively	24,654	4,660
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	3,113	2,055
Total current assets	286,843	330,143
Property and equipment, net	75,873	21,060
Goodwill	40,103	8,244
Intangible assets, net	45,013	5,786
Other long-term assets	4,314	3,444
Total assets	452,146	368,677
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	3,416	1,841
Accrued and other liabilities	8,759	3,826
Current portion of capital lease obligations	405
Current portion of long-term debt	4,000
3/4% convertible senior subordinated notes	346	346
Total current liabilities	16,926	6,013
Other long-term liabilities	10,760	10,737
Deferred income taxes	5,586	30
Capital lease obligations, net of current portion	1,190
Long-term debt, net of current portion	11,000
Total liabilities	45,462	16,780
Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock	12,932	10,892
Additional paid-in capital	213,891	160,755
Accumulated other comprehensive income	505	743
Retained earnings	179,433	179,079
Total Steel Excel stockholders' equity	406,761	351,469
Non-controlling interest	(77)	428
Total stockholders' equity	406,684	351,897
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 452,146	$ 368,677