Condensed Balance Sheets (unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 64,942	$ 8,487
Marketable securities	192,878	314,941
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $0 and $80, respectively	33,320	4,660
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	4,130	2,055
Total current assets	295,270	330,143
Property and equipment, net	76,922	21,060
Goodwill	43,575	8,244
Intangible assets, net	42,436	5,786
Other long-term assets	4,115	3,444
Total assets	462,318	368,677
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	3,548	1,841
Accrued and other liabilities	8,982	3,826
Current portion of capital lease obligations	405
Current portion of long-term debt	4,000
3/4% convertible senior subordinated notes	346	346
Total current liabilities	17,281	6,013
Other long-term liabilities	8,864	10,737
Deferred income taxes	6,026	30
Capital lease obligations, net of current portion	1,096
Long-term debt, net of current portion	10,000
Total liabilities	43,267	16,780
Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock	13,017	10,892
Additional paid-in capital	220,307	160,755
Accumulated other comprehensive income	1,022	743
Retained earnings	184,782	179,079
Total Steel Excel stockholders' equity	419,128	351,469
Non-controlling interest	(77)	428
Total stockholders' equity	419,051	351,897
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 462,318	$ 368,677