Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Consolidated Statements of Operations [Abstract]
Revenue			$ 34,839
Operating Expenses:
Cost of sales			13,811
Selling, general and administrative	21,168	20,847	37,214
Total operating expenses	21,168	20,847	51,025
Operating loss	(21,168)	(20,847)	(16,186)
Other income (loss), net	(6,145)	74,809	108,881
Interest income	1,424	718	480
Interest expense	(5,971)	(5,737)	(3,164)
Equity income (loss)	142,457	(22,334)	(23,227)
Net income from continuing operations before income taxes	110,597	26,609	66,784
Income tax benefit			14
Net income from continuing operations	110,597	26,609	66,798
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax			1,975
Net income	110,597	26,609	68,773
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest			(1,163)
Net income attributable to Safeguard Scientifics, Inc.	110,597	26,609	67,610
Basic Income Per Share:
Net income from continuing operations attributable to Safeguard Scientifics, Inc. common shareholders	$ 5.33	$ 1.30	$ 3.26
Net income from discontinued operations attributable to Safeguard Scientifics, Inc. common shareholders			$ 0.07
Net income attributable to Safeguard Scientifics, Inc. common shareholders	$ 5.33	$ 1.30	$ 3.33
Diluted Income Per Share:
Net income from continuing operations attributable to Safeguard Scientifics, Inc. common shareholders	$ 4.74	$ 1.24	$ 3.08
Net income from discontinued operations attributable to Safeguard Scientifics, Inc. common shareholders			$ 0.06
Net income attributable to Safeguard Scientifics, Inc. common shareholders	$ 4.74	$ 1.24	$ 3.14
Average shares used in computing income per share:
Basic	20,764	20,535	20,308
Diluted	24,522	21,507	22,383
Amounts attributable to Safeguard Scientifics, Inc. common shareholders:
Net income from continuing operations	110,597	26,609	66,240
Net income from discontinued operations			1,370
Net income attributable to Safeguard Scientifics, Inc.	$ 110,597	$ 26,609	$ 67,610