Note 1 - SWK Holdings Corporation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Numerator:
Net income (loss) attributable to SWK Holdings Corporation Shareholders (in Dollars)	$ 620	$ (749)	$ 1,059	$ (1,672)
Denominator:
Weighted-average shares outstanding	41,352	41,247	41,340	41,247
Effect of dilutive securities	112	0	84	0
Weighted-average diluted shares	41,464	41,247	41,424	41,247
Basic income (loss) per share (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ (0.02)	$ 0.03	$ (0.04)
Diluted income (loss) per share (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ (0.02)	$ 0.03	$ (0.04)