XML 11 R1.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v3.23.3
Document And Entity Information - shares
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Oct. 30, 2023
Document Information [Line Items]    
Entity Central Index Key 0000086115  
Entity Registrant Name SAFEGUARD SCIENTIFICS INC  
Amendment Flag false  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2023  
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Quarterly Report true  
Document Period End Date Sep. 30, 2023  
Document Transition Report false  
Entity File Number 1-5620  
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code PA  
Entity Tax Identification Number 23-1609753  
Entity Address, Address Line One 150 N. Radnor Chester Road  
Entity Address, City or Town Radnor  
Entity Address, State or Province PA  
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 19087  
City Area Code 610  
Local Phone Number 293-0600  
Title of 12(b) Security common stock, par value $0.10  
Trading Symbol SFE  
Security Exchange Name NASDAQ  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes  
Entity Small Business true  
Entity Filer Category Non-accelerated Filer  
Entity Emerging Growth Company false  
Entity Shell Company false  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   16,575,618