Note 1 - SWK Holdings Corporation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Detail) - Computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Numerator:
Net income (loss) (in Dollars)	$ 60	$ (256)
Denominator:
Weighted-average shares outstanding	41,316	41,247
Effect of dilutive securities	80
Weighted-average diluted shares	41,396	41,247
Basic earnings (loss) per share (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.00	$ (0.01)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.00	$ (0.01)