Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 71,556	$ 8,487
Marketable securities	199,128	314,941
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $0	17,257	4,660
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	3,670	2,055
Total current assets	291,611	330,143
Property and equipment, net	77,768	21,060
Goodwill	53,093	8,244
Intangible assets, net	39,887	5,786
Other long-term assets	4,136	3,444
Total assets	466,495	368,677
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	4,282	1,841
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	6,337	3,826
Current portion of long-term debt	4,000
Current portion of capital lease obligations	413
3/4% convertible senior subordinated notes due 2023	346	346
Total current liabilities	15,378	6,013
Capital lease obligations, net of current portion	984
Long-term debt, net of current portion	9,000
Other long-term liabilities	9,171	10,767
Total liabilities	34,533	16,780
Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)
Common stock; $0.001 par value; Authorized shares, 40,000; outstanding shares, 12,907 and 10,892 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively	13	11
Additional paid-in capital	231,170	171,636
Accumulated other comprehensive income	946	743
Retained earnings	199,772	179,079
Total Steel Excel Inc. stockholders' equity	431,901	351,469
Non-controlling interest	61	428
Total stockholders' equity	431,962	351,897
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 466,495	$ 368,677