Note 14 - Net (Loss) Income Per Share (Detail) - A Reconciliation of the Numerator and Denominator of the Basic and Diluted Net (Loss) Income Per Share (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jul. 01, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jul. 01, 2011
Numerators (basic and diluted)
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of taxes (in Dollars)	$ 2,242	$ (1,550)	$ (226)	$ 267
Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes (in Dollars)		6,830		6,830
Net income attributable to Steel Excel Inc. (in Dollars)	$ 2,242	$ 5,280	$ 354	$ 7,097
Denominators
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding (in Shares)	11,588	10,881	11,240	10,881
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock-based awards (in Shares)	17	14	17	10
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding (in Shares)	11,605	10,895	11,257	10,891
Basic
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of taxes	$ 0.19	$ (0.14)	$ (0.02)	$ 0.02
Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes		$ 0.63		$ 0.63
Net income attributable to Steel Excel Inc.	$ 0.19	$ 0.49	$ 0.03	$ 0.65
Diluted
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of taxes	$ 0.19	$ (0.14)	$ (0.02)	$ 0.02
Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes		$ 0.63		$ 0.63
Net income attributable to Steel Excel Inc.	$ 0.19	$ 0.48	$ 0.03	$ 0.65