Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
Net income (loss) attributable to Steel Excel Inc.	$ 3,310	$ (1,888)
Less: Loss from discontinued operations		(2,348)
Net income from continuing operations, net of taxes	3,310	460
Adjustments to reconcile net income from continuing operations, to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities of continuing operations:
Stock-based compensation expense	620	25
Depreciation and amortization	5,001	1,831
Accretion and amortization related to marketable securities, net	258	439
Adjustment of deferred income taxes	(1,818)	153
Loss on disposal of long-lived assets	23
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest	(336)	(580)
Changes in current assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	2,067	(6,926)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(2,130)	(1,408)
Other assets	119	(18)
Accounts payable	(2,059)	2,124
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	3,384	1,063
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities of continuing operations	8,439	(2,837)
Net cash used in operating activities of discontinued operations		(709)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	8,439	(3,546)
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
Purchases of net assets in acquisitions		(48,131)
Purchases of property and equipment	(2,459)	(1,625)
Investment in associated company	(4,000)
Investment by non-controlling interest		75
Purchases of marketable securities	(47,192)	(198,630)
Sales of marketable securities	8,315	261,312
Maturities of marketable securities	56,045	27,500
Net cash provided by investing activities	10,709	40,501
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Repurchases of common stock	(2,098)
Repayments of capital lease obligations	(106)
Repayments of long-term debt	(13,000)
Net cash used in financing activities	(15,204)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	3,944	36,955
Effect of foreign currency translation on cash and cash equivalents		(4)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning balance	71,556	8,487
Cash and cash equivalents, ending balance	$ 75,500	$ 45,438