Condensed Balance Sheets (unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 75,500	$ 71,556
Marketable securities	186,338	199,128
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $0	15,190	17,257
Deferred income taxes	188	188
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	5,613	3,482
Total current assets	282,829	291,611
Property and equipment, net	77,673	77,768
Goodwill	58,257	53,093
Intangible assets, net	37,486	39,887
Investment in associated company	4,000
Deferred income taxes	1,696	1,696
Other long-term assets	2,322	2,440
Total assets	464,263	466,495
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	2,453	4,282
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	10,111	6,103
Current portion of long-term debt		4,000
Current portion of capital lease obligations	413	413
3/4% convertible senior subordinated notes due 2023	346	346
Total current liabilities	13,323	15,144
Capital lease obligations, net of current portion	878	984
Long-term debt, net of current portion		9,000
Deferred income taxes	39	33
Other long-term liabilities	9,753	9,372
Total liabilities	23,993	34,533
Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock	13	13
Additional paid-in capital	229,692	231,170
Accumulated other comprehensive income	3,758	946
Retained earnings	203,082	199,772
Total Steel Excel Inc. stockholders' equity	436,545	431,901
Non-controlling interest	3,725	61
Total stockholders' equity	440,270	431,962
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 464,263	$ 466,495