Note 15 - Net (Loss) Income Per Share (Detail) - 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
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Numerators:
Net income (loss) from continuing operations (in Dollars)	$ 2,974	$ (120)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes (in Dollars)		(2,348)
Net income (loss) attributable to Steel Excel Inc. (in Dollars)	$ 3,310	$ (1,888)
Denominators:
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding (in Shares)	12,886	10,891
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock-based awards (in Shares)	23
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding (in Shares)	12,909	10,891
Net income (loss) from continuing operations	$ 0.23	$ (0.01)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes		$ (0.22)
Net income (loss) attributable to Steel Excel Inc.	$ 0.26	$ (0.17)
Diluted income (loss) per share:
Net income (loss) from continuing operations	$ 0.23	$ (0.01)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes		$ (0.22)
Net income (loss) attributable to Steel Excel Inc.	$ 0.26	$ (0.17)