Investment (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 12, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 11, 2013	Feb. 11, 2013	Jan. 05, 2015
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investments in and advances to subsidiaries, net	$ 23,936		$ 33,983
Unrealized loss	(53,891)
ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc. | Steel Partners Holdings L.P.
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of shares owned (in shares)	6,383,005		5,941,170	6,481,185
Ownership (as a percent)	15.40%			14.70%
Number of shares purchased					7,500,000
Stock price (in dollars per share)					$ 4.00
Number of warrants purchased (in shares)	2,000,000				2,000,000
Expiration period (in years)	5 years
Exercise price of warrants (in dollars per share)					$ 5.00
Period of investment agreement (in years)	2 years
ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc. | HNH
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership (as a percent)	12.30%
ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc. | Steel Partner Holdings & HNH
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership (as a percent)	27.70%
ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc. | Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss)
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Unrealized loss		(2,400)
ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc. | Recurring | Level 1
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investments in and advances to subsidiaries, net	$ 23,900		$ 34,000
ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc. | Maximum | Steel Partners Holdings L.P.
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership (as a percent)	30.00%
ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc. | Maximum | Subsequent Event | Steel Partners Holdings L.P.
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership (as a percent)						45.00%