SWK (SWKH) 10-K 27 Mar 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 23, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	SWK Holdings Corporation
Document Type	10-K
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		131,058,303
Entity Public Float		$0
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Central Index Key	1089907
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Smaller Reporting Company
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$58,728	$7,664
Accounts receivable	1,053	528
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	19	16
Finance receivables	10,561	660
Deferred tax asset	706	164
Total current assets	71,067	9,032
Finance receivables	82,786	28,626
Marketable investments	4,849	3,119
Investment in unconsolidated entities	9,044	10,425
Deferred tax asset	19,400	9,639
Debt issuance costs	381	523
Other assets	692	211
Total assets	188,219	61,575
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	863	363
Total current liabilities	863	363
Loan credit agreement		5,000
Warrant liability	421	292
Other long-term liabilities	1	3
Total liabilities	1,285	5,658
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 5,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 250,000,000 shares authorized; 131,058,303 and 43,034,894 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively	131	43
Additional paid-in capital	4,432,364	4,321,454
Accumulated deficit	-4,250,428	-4,271,193
Accumulated other comprehensive income
Total SWK Holdings Corporation stockholders' equity	182,067	50,304
Non-controlling interests in consolidated entities	4,867	5,613
Total stockholders' equity	186,934	55,917
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$188,219	$61,575

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value (in Dollars per share)	$0.00	$0.00
Preferred stock, shares authorized	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value (in Dollars per share)	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, shares authorized	250,000,000	250,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	131,058,303	43,034,894
Common stock, shares outstanding	131,058,303	43,034,894

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_INC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Revenues
Finance receivable interest income, including fees	$11,542	$3,090
Marketable investments interest income	360	166
Income related to investments in unconsolidated entities	5,341	2,779
Management fees	157	412
Total Revenues	17,400	6,447
Costs and expenses:
General and administrative	3,275	1,747
Total costs and expenses	3,275	1,747
Income from operations	14,125	4,700
Interest and other expense, net	-824	-209
Income before provision for income tax	13,301	4,491
Provision for income tax	10,303	9,841
Consolidated net income	23,604	14,332
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests	2,839	1,470
Net income attributable to SWK Holdings Corporation Stockholders	$20,765	$12,862
Net income per share attributable to SWK Holdings Corporation Stockholders
Basic	$0.32	$0.31
Diluted	$0.32	$0.31
Weighted Average Shares
Basic	64,855	41,343
Diluted	64,916	41,440

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Consolidated net income	$23,604	$14,332
Unrealized gains on investment in securities
Unrealized holding gains arising during period
Less: reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income
Total other comprehensive income
Comprehensive income	23,604	14,332
Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests	2,839	1,470
Comprehensive income attributable to SWK Holdings Corporation Stockholders	$20,765	$12,862

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_STO

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (USD $)	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Accumulated Deficit	Non-controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities	Total
In Thousands, except Share data
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	$43	$4,321,200	($4,284,055)	$7,000	$44,188
Beginning Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2012	42,894,894
Issuance of restricted stock
Issuance of restricted stock, shares	140,000
Stock-based compensation			254		254
Distribution to non-controlling interests				-2,857	-2,857
Net income			12,862	1,470	14,332
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	43	4,321,454	-4,271,193	5,613	55,917
Ending Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2013	43,034,894
Issuance of restricted stock
Issuance of restricted stock, shares	140,000
Issuance of common stock	88	110,066			110,154
Issuance of common stock, shares	87,883,409
Stock-based compensation			844		844
Distribution to non-controlling interests				-3,585	-3,585
Net income			20,765	2,839	23,604
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$131	$4,432,364	($4,250,428)	$4,867	$186,934
Ending Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2014	131,058,303

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:
Consolidated net income	$23,604	$14,332
Adjustments to reconcile consolidated net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Deferred income taxes	-10,303	-9,803
Income from investments in unconsolidated entities	-5,341	-2,779
Interest income in excess of cash collected	-3,583
Loan discount amortization and fee accretion	-448	-702
Depreciation and amortization	3	2
Payment-in-kind interest income		-119
Debt issuance cost amortization	143	47
Stock-based compensation	844	254
Change in fair value of warrants	-129	-60
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	-525	-331
Restricted cash		1,000
Prepaid expenses and other assets	-12	19
Interest reserve		-1,000
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	498	234
Net cash provided by operating activities	5,125	1,344
Cash flows from investing activities:
Issuance of finance receivables	-70,904	-29,630
Repayment of finance receivables	10,283	7,212
Distributions on investments in unconsolidated entities	6,722	5,354
Investment in marketable investments	-1,730	-3,000
Purchases of property and equipment	-1	-4
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-55,630	-20,068
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock	110,154
Net repayment of loan credit agreement	-5,000	4,661
Distributions to non-controlling interests	-3,585	-2,857
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	101,569	1,804
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	51,064	-16,920
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	7,664	24,584
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	58,728	7,664
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest	446	21
Cash paid for income taxes	$3

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa

Supplemental Cash Flow Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block]	During 2014, the Company received a warrant for 347,222 common shares for Tribute Pharmaceuticals at an exercise price of $0.43 per share in conjunction with the additional draw on a term loan. The fair value of the warrant at time of receipt was $99,000. The Company received a warrant for 681,090 common shares for Response Genetics at an exercise price of $0.94 per share in conjunction with a new term loan in July 2014. The fair value of the warrant at the time of receipt was $379,000. In September 2014, the Company assigned rights under the warrant to 200,321 common shares to an investment management client as part of a Loan Assignment. The fair value of the assigned rights at time of transfer was $115,000. The warrants, net of any portion assigned, are reflected in other assets in the consolidated balance sheet. In September 2014, the Company was issued 165,374 shares of Series F Preferred Stock of SynCardia, Inc. in lieu of cash payment of $230,000 on the SynCardia Second Lien Credit Agreement.
	During 2013, the Company issued a warrant for one million shares of common stock in conjunction with the execution of its Loan Facility. The initial fair value of the warrant of $232,000 was deferred and is reflected as warrant liability in the consolidated balance sheet.

SWK_Holdings_Corporation_and_S

SWK Holdings Corporation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]
SWK Holdings Corporation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Note 1. SWK Holdings Corporation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Nature of Operations
	SWK Holdings Corporation (the “Company”) was incorporated in July 1996 in California and reincorporated in Delaware in September 1999. In July 2012, the Company commenced its strategy of building a specialty finance and asset management business. The Company’s strategy is to be a leading healthcare capital provider by offering sophisticated, customized financing solutions to a broad range of life science companies, institutions and inventors. The Company has initially focused on monetizing cash flow streams derived from commercial-stage products and related intellectual property through royalty purchases and financings, as well as through the creation of synthetic revenue interests in commercialized products. The Company has been deploying its assets to earn interest, fees, and other income pursuant to this strategy, and the Company continues to identify and review financing and similar opportunities on an ongoing basis. In addition, through the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, SWK Advisors LLC, the Company provides non-discretionary investment advisory services to institutional clients in separately managed accounts to similarly invest in life science finance. SWK Advisors LLC is registered as an investment advisor with the Texas State Securities Board. The Company intends to fund transactions through their own working capital, as well as by building their asset management business by raising additional third party capital to be invested alongside the Company’s capital.
	The Company fills a niche that they believe is underserved in the sub-$50 million transaction size. Since many of its competitors that provide longer term, royalty-related financing options have much greater financial resources than the Company, they tend to not focus on transaction sizes below $50 million as it is generally inefficient for them to do so. In addition, the Company does not believe that a sufficient number of other companies offer similar types of long-term financing options to fill the demand of the sub-$50 million market. As such, the Company believes they face less competition from such longer term, royalty investors in transactions that are less than $50 million.
	The Company has net operating loss carryforwards (“NOLs”) and believes that the ability to utilize these NOLs is an important and substantial asset. The Company believes that the foregoing business strategies can create value for its stockholders, and produce prospective taxable income (or the ability to generate capital gains) that might permit the Company to utilize the NOLs. The Company is unable to assure investors that it will find suitable financing opportunities or that it will be able to utilize its existing NOLs.
	As of December 31, 2014, the Company has executed 14 transactions under its new specialty finance strategy, funding approximately $124,000,000 in various financial products across the life science sector. The Company’s portfolio includes senior and subordinated debt backed by royalties and synthetic royalties paid by companies in the life science sector, purchased royalties generated by sales of life science products and related intellectual property and an unconsolidated equity investment in a company which retains the marketing authorization rights to a pharmaceutical product.
	The Company is headquartered in Dallas, Texas.
	Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
	The Company’s consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“GAAP”).  The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of all subsidiaries and affiliates in which the Company holds a controlling financial interest as of the financial statement date. Normally a controlling financial interest reflects ownership of a majority of the voting interests. The Company consolidates a variable interest entity (“VIE”) when it possesses both the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact its economic performance and the Company is either obligated to absorb the losses that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the Company holds the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE, after elimination of intercompany accounts and transactions.
	The Company owns interests in various partnerships and limited liability companies, or LLCs. The Company consolidates its investments in these partnerships or LLCs, where the Company, as the general partner or managing member, exercises effective control, even though the Company’s ownership may be less than 50%. The related governing agreements provide the Company with broad powers, and the other parties do not participate in the management of the entity and do not have the substantial ability to remove the Company. The Company has reviewed each of the underlying agreements to determine if it has effective control. If circumstances changed and it was determined this control did not exist, this investment would be recorded using the equity method of accounting. Although this would change individual line items within the Company’s consolidated financial statements, it would have no effect on our operations and/or total stockholders’ equity attributable to the Company. The Company operates in one operating segment with a single management team that reports to the chief executive officer, who is the Company’s chief operating decision maker.
	Variable Interest Entities
	An entity is referred to as a VIE if it possesses one of the following criteria: (i) it is thinly capitalized, (ii) the residual equity holders do not control the entity, (iii) the equity holders are shielded from the economic losses, (iv) the equity holders do not participate fully in the entity’s residual economics, or (v) the entity was established with non-substantive voting interests. The Company consolidates a VIE when it has both the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the activities of the VIE and the right to receive benefits or the obligation to absorb losses of the entity that could be potentially significant to the VIE. Along with the VIEs that are consolidated in accordance with these guidelines, the Company also holds variable interests in other VIEs that are not consolidated because it is not the primary beneficiary. The Company continually monitors both consolidated and unconsolidated VIEs to determine if any events have occurred that could cause the primary beneficiary to change. See Note 4 for further discussion of VIEs.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates and assumptions are required in the determination of revenue recognition, stock-based compensation, impairment of financing receivables and long-lived assets, valuation of warrants, useful lives of property and equipment, income taxes and contingencies and litigation, among others.  Some of these judgments can be subjective and complex, and, consequently, actual results may differ from these estimates. The Company’s estimates often are based on complex judgments, probabilities and assumptions that it believes to be reasonable but that are inherently uncertain and unpredictable. For any given individual estimate or assumption made by the Company, there may also be other estimates or assumptions that are reasonable.
	The Company regularly evaluates its estimates and assumptions using historical experience and other factors, including the economic environment. As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, the Company’s estimates and assumptions may prove to be incomplete or inaccurate, or unanticipated events and circumstances may occur that might cause change those estimates and assumptions. Market conditions, such as illiquid credit markets, volatile equity markets, and economic downturn, can increase the uncertainty already inherent in the Company’s estimates and assumptions. The Company adjusts its estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances indicate the need for change. Those changes generally will be reflected in our consolidated financial statements on a prospective basis unless they are required to be treated retrospectively under the relevant accounting standard. It is possible that other professionals, applying reasonable judgment to the same facts and circumstances, could develop and support a range of alternative estimated amounts.
	Equity Method Investment
	The Company accounts for portfolio companies whose results are not consolidated, but over which it exercises significant influence, under the equity method of accounting. Whether or not the Company exercises significant influence with respect to a partner company depends on an evaluation of several factors including, among others, representation of the Company on the partner company’s board of directors and the Company’s ownership level. Under the equity method of accounting, the Company does not reflect a partner company’s financial statements within the company’s consolidated financial statements; however, the Company’s share of the income or loss of such partner company is reflected in the consolidated statements of income. The Company includes the carrying value of equity method partner companies as part of the investment in unconsolidated entities on the consolidated balance sheets.
	When the Company’s carrying value in an equity method partner company is reduced to zero, the Company records no further losses in its consolidated statements of income unless the Company has an outstanding guarantee obligation or has committed additional funding to such equity method partner company. When such equity method partner company subsequently reports income, the Company will not record its share of such income until it exceeds the amount of the Company’s share of losses not previously recognized.
	Finance Receivables
	The Company extends credit to customers through a variety of financing arrangements, including revenue interest term loans. The amounts outstanding on loans are referred to as finance receivables and are included in Finance Receivables on the consolidated balance sheets.  It is the Company’s expectation that the loans originated will be held for the foreseeable future or until maturity. In certain situations, for example to manage concentrations and/or credit risk, some or all of certain exposures may be sold. Loans for which the Company has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity are classified as held for investment (“HFI”). If the Company no longer has the intent or ability to hold loans for the foreseeable future, then the loans are transferred to held for sale (“HFS”). Loans entered into with the intent to resell are classified as HFS.
	If it is determined that a loan should be transferred from HFI to HFS, then the balance is transferred at the lower of cost or fair value. At the time of transfer, a write-down of the loan is recorded as a write-off when the carrying amount exceeds fair value and the difference relates to credit quality, otherwise the write-down is recorded as a reduction in interest and other income, and any loan loss reserve is reversed. Once classified as HFS, the amount by which the carrying value exceeds fair value is recorded as a valuation allowance and is reflected as a reduction to interest and other income.
	If it is determined that a loan should be transferred from HFS to HFI, the loan is transferred at the lower of cost or fair value on the transfer date, which coincides with the date of change in management’s intent. The difference between the carrying value of the loan and the fair value, if lower, is reflected as a loan discount at the transfer date, which reduces its carrying value. Subsequent to the transfer, the discount is accreted into earnings as an increase to finance revenue interest income over the life of the loan using the effective interest method.
	Finance receivables are stated at their principal amounts inclusive of deferred loan origination fees.  Interest income is credited as earned based on the effective interest rate method except when a finance receivable becomes past due 90 days or more and doubt exists as to the ultimate collection of interest or principal; in those cases the recognition of income is discontinued and any outstanding receivable for interest due is reversed.
	Marketable Investments
	The Company’s marketable investment portfolio includes two equity securities and one debt security as of December 31, 2014, and one equity security and one debt security as of December 31, 2013. The debt security is classified as an available-for-sale security, which is reported at fair value with unrealized gains or losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of applicable income taxes. In any case where fair value might fall below amortized cost, the Company would consider whether that security is other-than-temporarily impaired using all available information about the collectability of the security. The Company would not consider that an other-than temporary impairment for a debt security has occurred if (1) the Company does not intend to sell the debt security, (2) it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the debt security before recovery of its amortized cost basis and (3) the present value of estimated cash flows will fully cover the amortized cost of the security. The Company would consider that an other-than-temporary impairment has occurred if any of the above mentioned three conditions are not met.
	For a debt security for which an other-than-temporary impairment is considered to have occurred, the Company would recognize the entire difference between the amortized cost and the fair value in earnings if the Company intends to sell the debt security or it is more likely than not that the Company will be able to sell the debt security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If the Company does not intend to sell the debt security and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the debt security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, the Company would separate the difference between the amortized cost and the fair value of the debt security into the credit loss component and the non-credit loss component. The credit loss component would be recognized in earnings and the non-credit loss component would be recognized in other comprehensive income, net of applicable income taxes.
	The Company’s equity securities as of December 31, 2014, represent shares in privately-held companies and do not have a readily determinable fair value. As such, they are currently reflected at cost. As of December 31, 2014, there are no indicators of impairment for these securities.
	Derivatives
	All derivatives held by the Company are recognized in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. The accounting treatment for subsequent changes in the fair value depends on their use, and whether they qualify as effective “hedges” for accounting purposes. Derivatives that are not hedges must be adjusted to fair value through the consolidated statements of income. If a derivative is a hedge, then depending on its nature, changes in its fair value will be either offset against change in the fair value of hedged assets or liabilities through the consolidated statements of income, or recorded in other comprehensive income. The Company had no derivatives designated as hedges as of December 31, 2014 and 2013. The Company holds warrants issued to the Company in conjunction with term loan investments discussed in Note 2. These warrants meet the definition of a derivative and are included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. The Company issued a warrant on its own common stock in conjunction with its credit agreement discussed in Note 7. This warrant meets the definition of a derivative and is reflected as a warrant liability at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets.
	Revenue Recognition
	The Company records interest income on an accrual basis based on the effective interest rate method to the extent that it expects to collect such amounts. The Company recognizes investment management fees as earned over the period the services are rendered.  In general, the majority of investment management fees earned are charged either monthly or quarterly.  Incentive fees, if any, are recognized when earned at the end of the relevant performance period, pursuant to the underlying contract.  Other administrative service revenues are recognized when contractual obligations are fulfilled or as services are provided.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity date of three months or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. There were no such investments at December 31, 2014 or 2013, as all of our cash was held in checking or savings accounts.  At December 31, 2014, cash equivalents were deposited in financial institutions and consisted of immediately available fund balances.  The Company maintains its cash deposits and cash equivalents with well-known and stable financial institutions.
	Accounts Receivable
	Accounts receivable for management fees are recorded at the aggregate unpaid amount less any allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company determines an account receivable’s delinquency status based on its contractual terms. Interest is not charged on outstanding balances. Accounts are written-off only when all methods of recovery have been exhausted. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the allowance for doubtful accounts was zero.
	Certain Risks and Concentrations
	Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, finance receivables and marketable investments. The Company invests its excess cash with major U.S. banks and financial institutions. The Company has not experienced any losses on its cash and cash equivalents.
	The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and generally requires collateral.  For the year ended December 31, 2014, two partner companies accounted for 61 percent of total revenue. For the year ended December 31, 2013, three partner companies accounted for 78 percent of total revenue.
	The Company does not expect its current or future credit risk exposures to have a significant impact on its operations. However, there can be no assurance that its business will not experience any adverse impact from credit risk in the future.
	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which are three years for computer equipment, software and furniture and fixtures. Upon retirement or sale, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and any related gain or loss is reflected in operations. Improvements that extend the life of a specific asset are capitalized, while normal maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred.
	Segment Reporting
	The Company operates in one operating segment with a single management team that reports to the chief executive officer, who is our chief operating decision maker. Accordingly, the Company does not prepare discrete financial information with respect to separate product line and does not have separately reportable segments.
	Stock-based Compensation
	All employee and director stock-based compensation is measured at the grant date, based on the estimated fair value of the award, and is recognized as an expense over the requisite service period.  Stock-based compensation expense is reduced for estimated future forfeitures. These estimates are revised in future periods if actual forfeitures differ from the estimates. Changes in forfeiture estimates impact compensation expense in the period in which the change in estimate occurs.
	For restricted stock, the Company recognizes compensation expense in accordance with the fair value of the Company’s stock as determined on the grant date, amortized over the applicable service period. When vesting of awards is based wholly or in part upon the future performance of the stock price, such terms result in adjustments to the grant date fair value of the award and the derivation of a service period. If service is provided over the derived service period, the adjusted fair value of the awards will be recognized as compensation expense, regardless of whether or not the awards vest.
	Non-controlling Interests
	Non-controlling interests represent third-party equity ownership in certain of the Company’s consolidated subsidiaries, VIEs or investments and are presented as a component of equity. See Note 4 for further discussion of non-controlling interests.
	Income Taxes
	Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce deferred tax assets to an amount where realization is more likely than not.
	If the Company ultimately determines that the payment of such a liability is not necessary, then the Company reverses the liability and recognizes a tax benefit during the period in which the determination is made that the liability is no longer necessary. The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax benefit in the statements of income.
	Comprehensive Income
	Comprehensive income and its components attributable to the Company and non-controlling interests have been reported, net of tax, in the consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity and the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
	Net Income per Share
	Basic net income per share is computed using the weighted average number of outstanding shares of common stock. Diluted net income per share is computed using the weighted average number of outstanding shares of common stock and, when dilutive, shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of options and warrants deemed outstanding using the treasury stock method.
	The following table shows the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the following (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Year Ended
		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Numerator:
	Net income attributable to SWK Holdings Corporation Shareholders	$	20,765	$	12,862
	Denominator:
	Weighted-average shares outstanding		64,855		41,343
	Effect of dilutive securities		61		97
Weighted-average diluted shares		64,916		41,440
Basic income per share	$	0.32	$	0.31
Diluted income per share	$	0.32	$	0.31
As of December 31, 2014, and 2013, outstanding stock options and warrants to purchase shares of common stock in an aggregate of approximately 4.8 million and 6.2 million shares, respectively, have been excluded from the calculation of diluted net income per share as these securities were anti-dilutive.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, (“ASU 2014-09”), “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”. The objective of ASU 2014-09 is to establish a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and will supersede most of the existing revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is that an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In applying the new guidance, an entity will (1) identify the contract(s) with a customer; (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determine the transaction price; (4) allocate the transaction price to the contract’s performance obligations; and (5) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. ASU 2014-09 applies to all contracts with customers except those that are within the scope of other topics in the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. The new guidance is effective for annual reporting periods (including interim periods within those periods) beginning after December 15, 2016 for public companies. Early adoption is not permitted. Entities have the option of using either a full retrospective or modified approach to adopt ASU 2014-09. We are currently evaluating the new guidance and have not determined the impact this standard may have on our consolidated financial statements nor decided upon the method of adoption.
In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-12, Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period. This ASU is effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2015. We are currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements.
In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis, which amended the existing accounting standards for consolidation under both the variable interest model and the voting model. Under ASU No. 2015-02, companies will need to reevaluate whether an entity meets the criteria to be considered a VIE, whether companies still meet the definition of primary beneficiaries, and whether an entity needs to be consolidated under the voting model. ASU No. 2015-02 may be applied using a modified retrospective approach or retrospectively, and is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of the pending adoption of this new guidance.

Finance_Receivables

Finance Receivables	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]
Finance Receivables	Note 2. Finance Receivables
	Finance receivables are reported at their determined principal balances net of any unearned income, cumulative charge-offs and unamortized deferred fees and costs. Unearned income and deferred fees and costs are amortized to interest income based on all cash flows expected using the effective interest method.
	The carrying value of finance receivables at December 31 are as follows (in thousands):
	Portfolio	2014			2013
	Term Loans	$	80,450		$	21,420
	Royalty Purchases		12,897			7,866
	Total		93,347			29,286
	Less: current portion		10,561			660
	Total noncurrent portion of finance receivables	$	82,786		$	28,626
	Term Loans
	Nautilus Neurosciences, Inc.
	On December 5, 2012, the Company entered into a credit agreement pursuant to which the lenders party thereto provided to Nautilus Neurosciences, Inc., a neurology-focused specialty pharmaceutical company, a term loan in the principal amount of $22,500,000. The loan was repaid on December 17, 2013. The Company initially provided $19,000,000 and a client of the Company provided the remaining $3,500,000 of the loan. The Company subsequently assigned $12,500,000 of the loan to its clients and retained the remaining $6,500,000. The loan was managed by the Company on behalf of its clients pursuant to the terms of each client’s investment management agreement.
	Prior to repayment, interest and principal under the loan was paid by a tiered revenue interest that is charged on quarterly net sales and royalties of the borrower applied in the following priority (i) first, to the payment of all accrued but unpaid interest until paid in full; and (ii) second to the payment of all principal of the loans. The loan accrued interest at either a base rate or the LIBOR rate, as determined by the borrower, plus an applicable margin; the base rate and LIBOR rate are subject to minimum floor values such that that minimum interest rate is 16%.  In addition, the Company received its proportionate share of a $2,000,000 exit fee, which was accreted to interest income over the term of the loan.  The Company recognized $1,591,000 in interest income, of which $578,000 related to the accretion of the exit fee, recorded as revenue in the consolidated statements of income for the year ended December 31, 2013.
	Tribute
	On August 8, 2013, the Company entered into a credit agreement pursuant to which the Company provided to Tribute Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. (“Tribute”) a secured term loan in the principal amount of $8,000,000. The loan matures on August 8, 2018. The Company provided $6,000,000 at closing and an additional $2,000,000 on February 4, 2014. On October 1, 2014, the credit agreement was amended to increase the secured term loan total commitment to $17,000,000, with $6,000,000 funded at the time of the amendment. The unfunded commitment under the loan is currently $3,000,000.
	Interest and principal under the loan will be paid by a tiered revenue interest that is charged on quarterly net sales and royalties of Tribute applied in the following priority first, to the payment of all accrued but unpaid interest until paid in full; second to the payment of all principal of the loans.
	The loan shall accrue interest at the LIBOR rate, plus an applicable margin, subject to a 13.5% minimum. In addition, the Company earned an origination fee at closing, and the Company is entitled to an exit fee upon the maturity of the loan, both of which will be accreted to interest income over the term of the loan. The Company recognized $1,352,000 and $366,000 in interest income recorded as revenue in the consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	In connection with the loan and at closing, Tribute also issued the Company a warrant to purchase 755,794 common shares an exercise price of $0.60 per share that may be exercised at any time prior to August 8, 2020 with an initial fair value of $334,000.   In conjunction with the additional draw on February 4, 2014, Tribute issued an additional warrant to purchase 347,222 common shares at an exercise price of $0.432 per share that may be exercised at any time prior to February 4, 2021, with an initial fair value of $99,000. In conjunction with the credit agreement amendment on October 1, 2014, Tribute issued an additional warrant to purchase 740,000 common shares at an exercise price of $0.70 per share that may be exercised at any time prior to October 1, 2019, with an initial fair value of $228,000. The fair market value of the warrants was $594,000 and $204,000 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and is included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheet. A net unrealized holdings gain of $62,000 was included in interest and other expense, net, in the consolidated statements of income for the year ended December 31, 2014. An unrealized holdings loss of $131,000 was included in interest and other expense, net, in the consolidated statements of income for the year ended December 31, 2013. The Company determined the fair value of the warrants outstanding at December 31, 2014 and 2013, using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions:
		31-Dec-14			31-Dec-13
	Dividend rate		0	%		0	%
	Risk-free rate		1.7	%		2.5	%
	Expected life (years)		5.4			6.6
	Expected volatility		95	%		97	%
	In the event of a change of control, a merger or a sale of all or substantially all of Tribute’s assets, the loan shall be due and payable. The Company will be entitled to certain additional payments in connection with repayments of the Loan, both on maturity and in connection with a prepayment or partial prepayment. Pursuant to the terms of the credit agreement, Tribute entered into a guaranty and collateral agreement granting the Company a security interest in substantially all of Tribute’s assets. The credit agreement contains certain affirmative and negative covenants. The obligations under the credit agreement to repay the loan may be accelerated upon the occurrence of an event of default under the credit agreement.
	SynCardia Credit Agreement
	First Lien Credit Agreement
	On December 13, 2013, the Company entered into a credit agreement pursuant to which the Company provided to SynCardia Systems, Inc. (“SynCardia”), a privately-held manufacturer of the world’s first and only FDA, Health Canada and CE (Europe) approved Total Artificial Heart, a secured term loan in the principal amount of $4,000,000. The loan was an expansion of the SynCardia’s existing credit facility, resulting in a total outstanding amount under the existing credit facility of $16,000,000 at closing. At the lenders’ option, the lenders can increase the term loan to $22,000,000; the Company has the right but not the obligation to advance $1,500,000 of any potential increase. The Company funded the $4,000,000, net of an original issue discount of $60,000 and an arrangement fee of $40,000 at closing.
	The loan matures on March 5, 2018, with principal due upon maturity. The loan bears interest at a rate of 13.5%.
	Pursuant to the terms of the credit agreement and subject to a security agreement, SynCardia granted the lenders a first priority security interest in substantially all of its assets. The security agreement contains certain affirmative and negative covenants.
	In the event of a change of control, a merger or a sale of all or substantially all of SynCardia’s assets, the loan shall be due and payable. The lenders will be entitled to certain additional payments in connection with repayments of the loan, both on maturity and in connection with a prepayment or partial prepayment. The obligations to repay the loan may be accelerated upon the occurrence of an event of default under the credit agreement.
	In addition to the discount and arrangement fee, the Company is entitled to an exit fee upon the maturity of the loan, both of which will be accreted to interest income over the term of the loan. The Company recognized $672,000 and $32,000 in interest income recorded as revenue in the consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	Second Lien Credit Agreement
	On December 13, 2013, the Company also entered into a second lien credit agreement, pursuant to which the Company and other lender parties thereto provided to SynCardia, a term loan in the principal amount of $10,000,000 (the “Second Lien Loan”). The Company provided $6,000,000 principal amount of the Second Lien Loan, funded at closing net of an origination fee of $90,000. The Second Lien Loan matured on December 13, 2021. The Second Lien Loan was contracted be repaid by a tiered revenue interest that is charged on quarterly net sales and royalties of, and any other income and revenue actually received by SynCardia. Pursuant to the terms of the Second Lien Loan, SynCardia granted the lenders a second priority security interest in its assets subject to a security agreement which contains certain affirmative and negative covenants.
	On February 13, 2015 the Second Lien Loan was repaid for total consideration of $17,000,000 comprised of $3,000,000 of cash, $11,500,000 million of senior secured second lien convertible notes (the “Convertible Notes”) and 1,798,563 shares of Series F Preferred Stock. The Company received its pro-rata share of the repayment consideration which included $1,800,000 million of cash, $6,900,000 of Convertible Notes and 1,079,138 shares of Series F Preferred Stock. The Convertible Notes accrue interest at 10% per annum and interest paid in kind. The Convertible Notes are convertible into shares of SynCardia common stock at a 25% discount to the price of an initial public offering.
	In the event of a Change of Control prior to conversion into shares of SynCardia common stock, the Convertible Notes shall be due, with the total amount payable to the lenders equal to a specified premium defined by the terms of the Convertible Notes. The obligations to repay the Convertible Notes may be accelerated upon the occurrence of an event of default under the terms of the Convertible Notes.
	The Company recognized $4,601,000 and $79,000 in interest income recorded as revenue in the consolidated statement of income for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company was issued 165,374 shares of Series F Preferred Stock of SynCardia, Inc. in lieu of one cash payment of $230,000 during the year ended December 31, 2014.
	Private Dental Products Company
	On December 10, 2013, the Company entered into a credit agreement to provide a private dental products company (“Dental Products Company”) a senior secured term loan with a principal amount of $6,000,000 funded upon close net of an arrangement fee of $60,000. The Loan matures on December 10, 2018.
	Interest and principal under the loan will be paid by a tiered revenue interest that is charged on quarterly net sales and royalties of the Dental Products Company. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, the Company was granted a first priority security interest in substantially all of the Dental Products Company’s assets. The loan accrues interest at the Libor Rate, plus an applicable margin; the Libor Rate is subject to minimum floor values such that that minimum interest rate is 14%.
	In the event of a change of control, a merger or a sale of all or substantially all of the Dental Products Company’s assets, the loan shall be due and payable. The Company will be entitled to certain additional payments in connection with repayments, both on maturity and in connection with prepayments.
	The Company also received a warrant to purchase up to 225 shares of the Dental Products Company’s common stock, which if exercised, is equivalent to approximately four percent ownership on a fully diluted basis. The warrant expires December 10, 2020. The warrant is currently valued at zero at December 31, 2014 and 2013 in the consolidated balance sheets.
	In addition to the arrangement fee, the Company is entitled to an exit fee upon the maturity of the loan, both of which will be accreted to interest income over the term of the loan. The Company recognized $618,000 and $51,000 in interest income recorded as revenue in the consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	The Dental Products Company is currently under default under the terms of the credit agreement and the loan has been classified as non-accrual. On January 8, 2015, the Company executed an amendment to the loan to advance an additional $650,000 to the Dental Products Company. For further discussion refer to “Non-Accrual Loan” later in this Note.
	Parnell Pharmaceuticals Holdings Pty Ltd
	On January 23, 2014, the Company entered into a credit agreement pursuant to which the lenders party thereto provided to Parnell Pharmaceuticals Holdings Pty Ltd, a leading global veterinary pharmaceutical business (“Parnell”), a term loan in the principal amount of $25,000,000. The Company provided $10,000,000 and the Company’s investment advisory clients provided the remaining $15,000,000 of the loan. The Company serves as the Agent, Sole Lead Arranger and Sole Bookrunner under the credit agreement. The loan was repaid on June 27, 2014.
	Parnell was obligated to make payments calculated on its quarterly net sales and royalties until such time as the lenders received a 2.0x cash on cash return. The revenue based payment was subject to certain quarterly and annual caps. Pursuant to the terms of the credit agreement, Parnell granted the lenders a first priority security interest in substantially all of Parnell’s assets.
	The Company recognized a syndication fee of $375,000 upon execution of the credit agreement and interest income of $834,000 as revenue in the consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2014, respectively.
	Response Genetics
	On July 30, 2014, the Company entered into a credit agreement pursuant to which the Company provided to Response Genetics, Inc. (“Response”) a term loan in the principal amount of $12,000,000. The loan matures on July 30, 2020. The Company provided $8,500,000 at closing and an additional $1,500,000 upon an amendment to the loan on February 2, 2015. Response can draw down the remaining $2,000,000 of the credit facility at any time until December 31, 2015, if Response achieves certain revenue thresholds, and as long as it is in compliance with all covenants under the credit agreement.
	Interest and principal under the loan will be paid by a tiered revenue interest that is charged on quarterly net sales and royalties of Response applied in the following priority: first, to the payment of all accrued but unpaid interest until paid in full; and second to the payment of all principal of the loans.
	In connection with the loan and at the time of close, Response also issued the Company a warrant to purchase 681,090 common shares at an exercise price of $0.94 per share, at any time prior to July 30, 2020 with an initial fair value of $379,000, which is included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2014.
	On September 9, 2014, the Company assigned to an investment management client approximately $3,500,000 of the total term loan commitment at par. The assignment included $2,500,000 previously funded to Response, and an unfunded commitment of approximately $1,000,000. In addition the Company assigned rights under the warrant to 200,321 common shares. The fair value of the transferred warrant rights at time of the assignment was $115,000. On February 2, 2015, to facilitate the amendment to the loan with Response, the Company purchased the previous syndication.
	The loan shall accrue interest at the LIBOR rate, plus an applicable margin, subject to a 13.5% minimum. In addition, the Company earned an origination fee at closing, and the Company is entitled to an exit fee upon the maturity of the loan, both of which will be accreted to interest income over the term of the loan. The Company recognized approximately $421,000 in interest income recorded as revenue in the consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2014.
	The fair market value of the warrant held by the Company at December 31, 2014 was $86,000, and is included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheet. An unrealized holding loss of $178,000 was included in interest and other expense, net in the consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2014. The Company determined the fair value of the warrant outstanding at December 31, 2014, using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions:
		31-Dec-14
	Dividend rate		0	%
	Risk-free rate		1.7	%
	Expected life (years)		5.6
	Expected volatility		90	%
	ABT Molecular Imaging, Inc.
	On October 10, 2014, the Company entered into a credit agreement pursuant to which the Company provided to ABT Molecular Imaging, Inc. (“ABT”) a second lien term loan in the principal amount of $10,000,000. The loan matures on October 8, 2021.
	ABT is obligated to make payments calculated on its quarterly net sales and royalties until such time as the lenders receive a 2.0x cash on cash return. The revenue-based payment is subject to certain quarterly and annual caps. The total amount payable is subject to adjustment under certain events including qualified partial payments, a change of control or full prepayment of the loan. The revenue-based payment is made quarterly. The Company recognized $382,000 in interest income recorded as revenue in the consolidated statement of income for the year ended December, 31, 2014.
	Pursuant to the terms of the credit agreement, ABT granted the lenders a second priority security interest in substantially all of its assets. The credit agreement contains certain affirmative and negative covenants. The obligations to repay the loan may be accelerated upon the occurrence of an event of default under the terms of the credit agreement.
	In connection with the loan, ABT also issued the Company 5,000,000 common share purchase warrants with each warrant entitling the Company to acquire one common share in the capital of ABT at an exercise price of $0.20, at any time prior to October 10, 2034. The warrant is currently valued at zero at December 31, 2014 in the consolidated balance sheet.
PDI, Inc.
On October 31, 2014, the Company entered into a credit agreement among pursuant to which the Company provided to PDI, Inc. (“PDI”) a term loan in the principal amount of $20,000,000. The loan matures on October 31, 2020.
Interest and principal under the loan will be paid by a tiered revenue interest that is charged on quarterly net sales and royalties of PDI applied in the following priority first, to the payment of all accrued but unpaid interest until paid in full; second to the payment of all principal of the loans. Beginning in January 2017, PDI will be required to make principal payments on the loan. Additionally, beginning in January 2017 and ending on October 31, 2020, subject to a quarter cap, the Company will be entitled to receive quarterly revenue-based payments from PDI equal to 1.25% of revenue derived from net sales of molecular diagnostics products.
The loan shall accrue interest at the LIBOR rate, plus an applicable margin, subject to a 13.5% minimum. In addition, the Company earned a $300,000 origination fee at closing, and the Company is entitled to an exit fee upon the maturity of the loan, both of which will be accreted to interest income over the term of the loan. The Company recognized approximately $536,000 in interest income recorded as revenue in the consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2014.
Pursuant to the terms of the credit agreement, PDI entered into a guarantee granting the Company a senior security interest in substantially all of their respective assets. The credit agreement contains certain affirmative and negative covenants. The obligations under the credit agreement to repay the loan may be accelerated upon the occurrence of an event of default under the credit agreement.
Galil Medical, Inc.
On December 9, 2014, the Company entered into a credit agreement pursuant to which the Company provided to Galil Medical, Inc. (“Galil”) a term loan in the principal amount of $12,500,000. The loan matures on December 9, 2019.
Interest and principal under the loan will be paid by a tiered revenue interest that is charged on quarterly net sales of Galil, subject to certain quarterly and annual caps, applied in the following priority first, to the payment of all accrued but unpaid interest until paid in full; second to the payment of all principal of the loans. The first principal payment will occur February 17, 2015.
The loan shall accrue interest at the LIBOR rate, plus an applicable margin, subject to a 13.0% minimum. In addition, the Company earned a $156,000 origination fee at closing, and the Company is entitled to an exit fee upon the maturity of the loan, both of which will be accreted to interest income over the term of the loan. The Company recognized approximately $103,000 in interest income recorded as revenue in the consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2014.
Pursuant to the terms of the credit agreement, Galil granted the Company a senior security interest in substantially all of their respective assets. The credit agreement contains certain affirmative and negative covenants. The obligations under the credit agreement to repay the loan may be accelerated upon the occurrence of an event of default under the credit agreement.
Royalty Purchases
Bess Royalty Purchase
On April 2, 2013, the Company, along with Bess Royalty, LP (“Bess”), purchased a royalty stream paid on the net sales of Besivance®, an ophthalmic antibiotic, from InSite Vision, Inc. Besivance is marketed globally by Bausch & Lomb. The initial purchase price totaled $15,000,000; the Company funded $6,000,000 of the purchase price at closing to own 40.3125% of the royalty stream. Additional contingent consideration includes (i) $1,000,000 to be paid by Bess upon certain net sales milestones achieved by Bausch & Lomb and (ii) annual payments to be remitted to InSite Vision, Inc. once aggregate royalty payments received by the Company and Bess exceed certain thresholds. Bess paid the $1,000,000 contingent consideration in February 2014, which did not result in a change in the Company’s interest in the royalty. The purchased royalty stream does not include any further amounts once the aggregate royalty payments received by the Company and Bess reach a certain threshold as defined in the underlying agreement. As the purchased royalty stream has been capped by the defined threshold amount, in effect limiting the Company’s implicit rate of return, the Company’s share of the purchase price has been reflected as a Finance Receivable in the consolidated financial statements. The Company recognized approximately $1,032,000 and $795,000 in interest income in the consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, representing our pro rata portion of royalties paid.
Tissue Regeneration Therapeutics Royalty Purchase
On June 12, 2013, the Company purchased from Tissue Regeneration Therapeutics, Inc. (“TRT”) two royalty streams derived from the licensed use of TRT’s technology in the family cord banking services sector. The initial purchase totaled $2,000,000 paid upon closing. On October 20, 2014, additional consideration of $1,250,000 was paid upon aggregate royalty payments reaching a certain threshold. Additional contingent consideration includes annual sharing payments due to TRT once aggregate royalty payments received by the Company exceed the purchase price paid by the Company. The purchased royalty stream does not include any further amounts once the aggregate royalty payments received by the Company reach a certain threshold as defined in the underlying agreement. The purchase has been reflected as a Finance Receivable in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. The Company recognized approximately $362,000 and $176,000 in interest income recorded as revenue in the consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Cambia® Royalty Purchase
On July 31, 2014, the Company purchased 25% of a royalty stream paid on the net sales of Cambia®, an NSAID pharmaceutical product indicated for the treatment of migraine. Cambia® is marketed in the United States by Depomed, Inc. and in Canada by Tribute. The initial purchase price totaled $4,000,000. Additional contingent consideration includes (i) $500,000 to be paid by the Company to the seller upon Cambia® reaching certain net sales and (ii) annual sharing payments to be remitted to the seller once aggregate royalty payments received by the Company exceed certain thresholds. The purchased royalty stream does not include any further amounts once the aggregate royalty payments received by the Company reach a certain threshold as defined in the purchase agreement. The Company recognized approximately $308,000 in interest income recorded as revenue in the consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2014.
Credit Quality of Finance Receivables
On a quarterly basis, the Company evaluates the carrying value of each finance receivable for impairment. Currently there are no finance receivables considered impaired and no corresponding allowance for credit losses for impaired loans.
A term loan is considered to be impaired when, based on current information and events, it is determined that the Company will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the loan contract, including scheduled interest payments. This evaluation is generally based on delinquency information, an assessment of the borrower’s financial condition and the adequacy of collateral, if any. The Company would generally place term loans on nonaccrual status when the full and timely collection of interest or principal becomes uncertain and they are 90 days past due for interest or principal, unless the term loan is both well-secured and in the process of collection. When placed on nonaccrual, the Company would reverse any accrued unpaid interest receivable against interest income and amortization of any net deferred fees is suspended. Generally, the Company would return a term loan to accrual status when all delinquent interest and principal become current under the terms of the credit agreement and collectability of remaining principal and interest is no longer doubtful. In certain circumstances, the Company may place a finance receivable on nonaccrual status but conclude it is not impaired.
Receivables associated with royalty stream purchases would be considered to be impaired when it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the book value of the remaining investment based upon adverse changes in the estimated underlying royalty stream.
When the Company identifies a finance receivable as impaired, it measures the impairment based on the present value of expected future cash flows, discounted at the receivable’s effective interest rate. If it is determined that the value of an impaired receivable is less than the recorded investment, the Company would recognize impairment with a charge to the allowance for credit losses. When the value of the impaired receivable is calculated by discounting expected cash flows, interest income would be recognized using the receivable’s effective interest rate over the remaining life of the receivable.
The Company would individually develop the allowance for credit losses for any identified impaired loans if any existed. In developing the allowance for credit losses, the Company would consider, among other things, the following credit quality indicators:
• business characteristics and financial conditions of obligors;
• current economic conditions and trends;
• actual charge-off experience;
• current delinquency levels;
• value of underlying collateral and guarantees;
• regulatory environment; and
• any other relevant factors predicting investment recovery.
Non-Accrual Loan
The Company had one non-accrual loan at December 31, 2014 for approximately $6,000,000. The Company measured the loan for impairment as of December 31, 2014 by comparing the outstanding loan balance to the fair market value of the collateral and determined that the fair value of the collateral exceeded the outstanding balance. As a result, the Company was not required to record any impairment charge on this loan as of December 31, 2014. As of December 31, 2013, the Company did not have any non-performing assets.

Marketable_Investments

Marketable Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 3. Marketable Investments
	Investment in securities at December 31, 2014 and 2013 consist of the following:
		December 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Available for sale securities	$	3,119	$	3,119
	Equity securities		1,730		—
	Total	$	4,849	$	3,119
	Debt Security
	Senior Secured Note
	On July 9, 2013, the Company entered into a note purchase agreement to purchase, at par, $3,000,000 of a total $100,000,000 aggregate principal amount offering of a Senior Secured notes due in November 2026.  The notes pay interest quarterly at a rate of 11.5% per annum. The agreement allows the first interest payment date to include paid-in-kind notes for any cash shortfall, of which the Company received $119,000 on November 15, 2013.  Subsequent interest payments from February 15, 2014, through May 15, 2015, are supported by a cash interest reserve account funded at close of $4,500,000.  The notes are subject to redemption on or after July 10, 2015, at a price at or above par, as defined.  The notes are secured only by certain royalty and milestone payments associated with the sales of pharmaceutical products. The notes are reflected at fair value as available-for-sale securities. The Company recognized approximately $360,000 and $166,000 in interest income recorded as revenue in the consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	The amortized cost basis amounts, gross unrealized holding gains, gross unrealized holding losses and fair values of available-for-sale securities as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, are as follows (in thousands):
		Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Loss		Fair Value
	Available for sale securities:
	Corporate debt securities	$	3,119	$	—	$	—	$	3,119
		$	3,119	$	—	$	—	$	3,119
	Equity Securities
	SynCardia Series F Preferred Stock
	On September 15, 2014, the Company purchased a total of 1,244,511 shares of Series F Preferred Shares of SynCardia at a price of $1.39 per share, including 165,374 shares which were received in lieu of cash payment for $230,000 in interest income on the second lien loan. The Company’s total investment in SynCardia at December 31, 2014 was $1,730,000. The holders of the preferred shares are entitled to vote on all matters upon which holders of common shares have the right to vote and have representation on SynCardia’s Board of Directors. The preferred shares can be converted into common shares at any time after the date of issuance, and are automatically converted into common shares upon the closing of a public offering. The preferred shares will entitle the holder to receive a dividend at annual rate of ten percent and will accrue whether or not declared by SynCardia’s Board of Directors, and whether or not actually paid. No dividend will be declared or paid on any common shares unless simultaneously there also is declared or paid, a dividend on the preferred shares. Dividends accrued will be payable in cash or stock as determined, (i) upon the voluntary or involuntary conversion of the preferred shares, (ii) upon redemption thereof, or (iii) upon the occurrence of the liquidation or dissolution of the affairs of SynCardia. As described in Note 2, as part of the repayment of the SynCardia Second Lien Loan, on February 13, 2015 SWK received 1,079,138 shares of Series F Preferred Shares of SynCardia at a price of $1.39 per share.
	SynCarida Common Stock
	In conjunction with the first lien secured term loan with SynCardia, the Company received from SynCardia an aggregate of 40,000 shares of SynCardia’s Common Stock, in consideration for the mutual covenants and agreements set forth in the credit agreement. The shares purchased by the Company reflect an ownership percentage in SynCardia of less than 0.05%. The Company deems the shares to not have a readily determinable fair value. SynCardia is privately held and in development stage. The Company has reflected the shares at a zero cost basis as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.
	During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had no sales of available-for-sale securities and no securities have been considered impaired.

Variable_Interest_Entities

Variable Interest Entities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]
Variable Interest Entities	Note 4. Variable Interest Entities
	The Company consolidates the activities of VIEs of which it is the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary of a VIE is the variable interest holder possessing a controlling financial interest through (i) its power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and (ii) its obligation to absorb losses or its right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. In order to determine whether the Company owns a variable interest in a VIE, the Company performs qualitative analysis of the entity’s design, organizational structure, primary decision makers and relevant agreements.
	Consolidated VIE
	SWK HP Holdings LP (“SWK HP”)
	SWK HP was formed in December 2012 to acquire a limited partnership interest in Holmdel Pharmaceuticals LP (“Holmdel”).   Holmdel acquired the U.S. marketing authorization rights to a beta blocker pharmaceutical product indicated for the treatment of hypertension for a total purchase price of $13,000,000. The Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary SWK Holdings GP LLC (“SWK Holdings GP”) acquired a direct general partnership interest in SWK HP, which in turn acquired a limited partnership interest in Holmdel. The total investment in SWK HP of $13,000,000 included $6,000,000 provided by SWK Holdings GP and $7,000,000 provided by non-controlling interests.   Subject to customary limited partner protections afforded the investors by the terms of the limited partnership agreement, the Company maintains voting and managerial control of SWK HP and therefore includes it in its consolidated financial statements.
	SWK HP is considered a VIE due to the lack of voting or similar decision-making rights by its equity holders regarding activities that have a significant effect on the economic success of the partnership. The Company’s ownership in SWK HP constitutes variable interests. The Company has determined that it is the primary beneficiary of the SWK HP as (i) the Company has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of SWK HP via its obligations to perform under the partnership agreement, and (ii) the Company has the right to receive residual returns that could potentially be significant to SWK HP. As a result, the Company consolidates SWK HP in its financial statements and the limited partner interests of SWK HP owned by third parties are reflected as a non-controlling interest in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.
	Unconsolidated VIEs
	Holmdel
	SWK HP has significant influence over the decisions made by Holmdel. SWK HP will receive quarterly distributions of cash flow generated by the pharmaceutical product according to a tiered scale that is subject to certain cash on cash returns received by SWK HP. Until SWK HP receives a 1x cash on cash return on its interest in Holmdel, SWK HP will receive approximately 84% of the pharmaceutical product’s cash flow. As the cash on cash multiple received by SWK HP Holdings LP increases, SWK HP’s interest in the cash flow generated by the pharmaceutical product decreases, but in no instance will it decline below 39%. Holmdel is considered a VIE because SWK HP’s control over the partnership is disproportionate to its economic interest. This VIE remains unconsolidated as the power to direct the activities of the partnership is not held by the Company. The Company is using the equity method to account for this investment.  SWK HP’s current ownership in Holmdel approximates 84%.  The Company accounts for its interest in the entity based on the timing of quarterly distributions, which are paid on a quarter lag basis.
	For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company recognized $5,341,000 of equity method gains, of which $2,839,000 was attributable to the non-controlling interest in SWK HP. In addition, SWK HP received cash distributions totaling $6,722,000 during the year ended December 31, 2014, of which $3,585,000 was subsequently paid to holders of the non-controlling interests in SWK HP. For the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company recognized $2,779,000 of equity method gains, of which $1,470,000 was attributable to the non-controlling interest in SWK HP. In addition, SWK HP received cash distributions totaling $5,354,000 during the year ended December 31, 2013, of which $2,857,000 was subsequently paid to holders of the non-controlling interests in SWK HP. Changes in the carrying amount of the Company’s investment in Holmdel for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, are as follows (in thousands):
	Balance at December 31, 2012		$	13,000
	Add: Income from investments in unconsolidated entities			2,779
	Less: Cash distribution on investments in unconsolidated entities			(5,354	)
	Balance at December 31, 2013		$	10,425
	Add: Income from investments in unconsolidated entities			5,341
	Less: Cash distribution on investments in unconsolidated entities			(6,722	)
	Balance at December 31, 2014		$	9,044
	The following table provides the financial statement information related to Holmdel for the comparative periods which SWK HP has reflected its share of Holmdel income in the Company’s consolidated statements of income:
								Year ended
					As of December 31, 2014			December 31, 2014
					(in millions)			(in millions)
		Assets			$	11.6	Revenue	$	8
		Liabilities			$	1.5	Expenses	$	1.6
		Equity			$	10.1	Net income	$	6.4
								Year ended
					As of December 31, 2013			December 31, 2013
					(in millions)			(in millions)
		Assets			$	13.7	Revenue	$	5.8
		Liabilities			$	2.3	Expenses	$	3.1
		Equity			$	11.4	Net income	$	2.7

Accounts_Payable_and_Accrued_L

Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities	Note 5.  Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities are comprised of the following as of December 31 (in thousands):
		Year Ended
		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Accrued payroll and bonuses	$	784	$	210
	Accounts payable and related expenses		48		59
	Client deposits		—		50
	Interest expense on loan credit agreement		—		21
	Other accrued liabilities		31		23
		$	863	$	363

Interest_and_Other_Expense

Interest and Other Expense	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Banking and Thrift [Abstract]
Interest and Other Expense	Note 6.  Interest and Other Expense
	Interest and other expense is comprised of the following for each of the years ended December 31 (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013
	Interest expense	$	(589	)	$	(68	)
	Interest income		10			49
	Decrease in fair value of warrant assets		(116	)		(130	)
	Increase in fair value of warrant liability		(129	)		(60	)
		$	(824	)	$	(209	)

Loan_Credit_Agreement_with_Rel

Loan Credit Agreement with Related Party	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 7. Loan Credit Agreement with Related Party
	The Company entered into a credit facility with an affiliate of a stockholder, Carlson Capital, L.P. (“Carlson”), (collectively, the “Stockholder”) on September 6, 2013. The credit facility provides financing for the Company, primarily for the purchase of eligible investments. The facility matures on September 6, 2017, and provides that the loan shall accrue interest at the LIBOR rate plus a 6.50% margin. The average interest rate for the period the facility was outstanding during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, was 6.73% and 6.75%, respectively. The principal is repayable in full at maturity. The facility works as a delayed draw credit facility with the Company having the ability to drawdown, as necessary, over the first 18 months (the “Draw Period”) up to $30,000,000, based on certain conditions. The credit facility provided for an initial $15,000,000 to be available at closing. The Company executed a draw of $5,000,000 on December 9, 2013. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company executed additional draws totaling $6,000,000 and then utilized net proceeds received from the Shareholder Equity Investment discussed in Note 9, to pay down the $11,000,000 outstanding balance of the credit facility. The outstanding balance of $5,000,000 was reflected as Loan credit agreement in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2013. There is no outstanding balance under the loan credit agreement as of December 31, 2014. On or before the last day of the Draw Period, the Company can request the loan amount to be increased to $30 million upon the Company realizing net proceeds of at least $10 million in cash through the issuance of new equity securities discussed in Note 9 fulfilled this requirement and as a result the Company had $19,000,000 of availability remaining on the facility as of December 31, 2014. The Draw Period expired on March 6, 2015. The Stockholder, as lender, has received a security interest in basically all assets of the Company as collateral for the facility. In conjunction with the credit facility, the Company issued warrants to the Stockholder for 1,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at a strike price of $1.3875. The warrants have a price dilution mechanism that was triggered by the price that shares were sold in the Rights Offering, and as a result, the strike price of the warrants was reduced to $1.348. In connection with the credit agreement, the Company and the Stockholder and certain of the Stockholder’s affiliates, including the lender entered into a Voting Rights Agreement restricting the Stockholder’s and such affiliates’ voting rights under certain circumstances and providing the Stockholder and such affiliates a right of first offer on certain future share issuances.
	Due to certain provisions within the warrant agreement, the warrants meet the definition of a derivative and do not qualify for a scope exception as it is not considered indexed in the Company’s stock. As such, the warrants with a value of $421,000 and $292,000 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, are reflected as a warrant liability in the consolidated balance sheets. Unrealized losses of $129,000 and $60,000 were included in interest and other expense in the consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company determined the fair value using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions:
		December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Dividend rate		0	%		0	%
	Risk-free rate		1.7	%		2.5	%
	Expected life (years)		5.7			6.7
	Expected volatility		32.7	%		27	%
	During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company recognized interest expense totaling $589,000 and $68,000, respectively. Interest expense included $143,000 and $47,000 of debt issuance cost amortization for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Note 8. Commitments and Contingencies
	(a)  Lease Obligations
	In 2012, the Company relocated its corporate headquarters to Dallas, Texas, where it leases approximately 1,300 square feet.  Total rent expense recognized under this lease was approximately $21,000 and $22,000 for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The office lease expired January 31, 2015. On November 21, 2014, the Company entered into a lease for approximately 2,400 square feet at another location in Dallas, Texas, beginning in 2015 with a lease term ending May 2020. Future minimum rent is as follows:
		2015	$	32,000
		2016		57,000
		2017		58,000
		2018		59,000
		2019		60,000
		Thereafter		26,000
	Total future minimum rent with non-cancellable terms of one year or more		$	292,000
	(b) Other Contractual Obligations
	As of December 31, 2014, the Company had unfunded commitments of $5,000,000 on the Tribute and Response Genetics loans discussed in Note 2.  In addition, as of December 31, 2014, the Company had unfunded contingent consideration payable to seller of Cambia® discussed in Note 2 of $500,000 contingent upon aggregate net sales levels achieving certain thresholds.
	(c) Litigation
	The Company is involved in, or has been involved in, arbitrations or various other legal proceedings that arise from the normal course of our business. The ultimate outcome of any litigation is uncertain, and either unfavorable or favorable outcomes could have a material negative impact on the Company’s results of operations, balance sheets and cash flows due to defense costs, and divert management resources.  The Company cannot predict the timing or outcome of these claims and other proceedings. Currently, the Company is not involved in any arbitration and/or other legal proceeding that it expects to have a material effect on its business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
	(d) Indemnification
	As permitted by Delaware law, the Company has agreements whereby it indemnifies its officers and directors for certain events or occurrences while the officer is, or was, serving at the Company’s request in such capacity. The term of the indemnification period is for the officer’s or director’s lifetime. The maximum potential amount of future payments the Company could be required to make under these indemnification agreements is unlimited; however, the Company has a director and officer insurance policy that limits its exposure and enables the Company to recover a portion of any such amounts. As a result of the Company’s insurance policy coverage, the Company believes the estimated fair value of these indemnification agreements is insignificant. Accordingly, the Company had no liabilities recorded for these agreements as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	Note 9. Stockholders’ Equity
	(a) Common Stock
	The total number of shares of common stock, $0.001 par value, that the Company is authorized to issue is 250,000,000.
	The Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with a Stockholder on August 18, 2014 (Initial Closing Date). Pursuant to the terms of the Securities Purchase Agreement, the Stockholder acquired, through a series of transactions, 73,348,525 newly issued shares of the Company’s common stock, for a purchase price of $1.37 per share or an aggregate purchase price of approximately $100,488,000. The Company incurred issuance costs of $2,159,000 in relation to this transaction.
	The Securities Purchase Agreement provides that the Company would conduct a rights offering as promptly as reasonably practical after the closing of the Securities Purchase Agreement. The rights offering was closed on November 26, 2014, with 14,534,884 newly issued common shares for a purchase price of $0.86 per share or an aggregate purchase price of $12,500,000. The Company incurred issuance costs of $675,000 in conjunction with the rights offering.
	In connection with the Securities Purchase Agreement, the Company and the Stockholder entered into a stockholders’ agreement, pursuant to which, among other things, the Company granted the Stockholder approval rights with respect to certain transactions including with respect to the incurrence of indebtedness over specified amounts, the sale of assets over specified amounts, declaration of dividends, loans, capital contributions to or investments in any third party over specified amounts, changes in the size of the board of directors or changes in the Company’s CEO. In addition, the Stockholder agreed that until the earlier of the fifth anniversary of the Initial Closing Date or the date it owns less than 40% of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock it will not increase its voting percentage to greater than 76% or cause the Company to engage in any buybacks in excess of 3% of the then outstanding shares of common stock without offering to acquire all of the then-outstanding common stock at the same price and on the same terms and conditions. The Stockholder further agreed that, until the earlier of the fifth anniversary of the Initial Closing Date or the date it owns less than 40% of the outstanding shares of common stock, it will not sell shares of common stock to any purchaser that would result in such purchaser having a voting percentage of common stock in excess of 40% unless the purchaser contemporaneously makes a binding offer to acquire all of the then-outstanding common stock of the Company, at the same price and on the same terms and conditions as the purchase of shares from the Stockholder. The Stockholder also agreed that, until the earlier of the eighth anniversary of the Initial Closing Date or the date it owns less than 40% of the outstanding shares of common stock, the Stockholder will not engage in a transaction as described in Rule 13e-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, without offering to acquire all of the then-outstanding common stock at the same price and on the same terms and conditions. Additionally, until the earlier of the eighth anniversary of the Initial Closing Date or the date it owns less than 40% of the outstanding shares of common stock, the Stockholder agrees to maintain at least two directors who are not affiliates of the Stockholder or the Company (the “Non-Affiliated Directors”), and agrees that any related party transaction or deregistration of the Common Stock from SEC reporting requirements requires the approval of the Non-Affiliated Directors. The stockholders’ agreement also contains a right for the Stockholder to serve as the exclusive standby purchaser for any additional rights offerings prior to September 6, 2016, and a pre-emptive right to purchase its pro rata share of any additional offerings other than such rights offerings by the Company prior to such date.
	The stockholders agreement also provides that, until the second anniversary of the Initial Closing Date, the Company will not seek, negotiate or consummate any sale of common stock, except through one or more rights offerings substantially on the same structural terms as the rights offering. In addition, the Stockholder agreed that until the earlier of the fifth anniversary of the Initial Closing Date or the date it owns less than 40% of the outstanding shares of common stock, it would provide support to the Company in various ways, including with respect to sourcing financing and other business opportunities.
	In connection with the transactions described above, the Company amended its Second Amended and Restated Rights Agreement to designate the Stockholder and its affiliates as Exempt Persons (as defined in the rights agreement) unless they own more than 76% of the outstanding shares of common stock.
	In connection with the transactions, the Voting Agreement by and among the Stockholder and the Company dated September 6, 2013 was terminated.
	(b) Preferred Stock
	The Board of Directors may, without further action by the stockholders, issue a series of preferred stock and fix the rights and preferences of those shares, including the dividend rights, dividend rates, conversion rights, exchange rights, voting rights, terms of redemption, redemption price or prices, liquidation preferences, the number of shares constituting any series and the designation of such series. As of December 31, 2014, no shares of preferred stock have been issued.
	(c) Stock Compensation Plans
	The Company’s 1999 Stock Incentive Plan (the “1999 Stock Incentive Plan”), as successor to the 1997 Stock Option Plan (the “1997 Stock Option Plan”), provided for options to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock to be granted to employees, independent contractors, officers, and directors. The plan expired in July 2009. As a result of the termination of all employees on December 31, 2009, the stock options held by employees were cancelled on March 31, 2010.  The only remaining options outstanding as of December 31, 2014 under the 1999 Stock Incentive Plan are those held by some of the Company’s current directors.
	The Company’s 2010 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2010 Stock Incentive Plan”) provides for options, restricted stock, and other customary forms of equity to be granted to the Company’s directors, officers, employees, and independent contractors. All forms of equity incentive compensation are granted at the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) and have a term not greater than 10 years from the date of grant.
	On August 18, 2014, the Company entered into new employment agreements with J. Brett Pope and Winston L. Black. In conjunction with the new employment agreements, each received an option grant for 1,000,000 shares with an exercise price of $1.37 per share. Fifty percent of the options vest annually over 4 years beginning December 31, 2015 and fifty percent vest if the 30-day average closing stock price exceeds $2.06 prior to December 31, 2018. In addition, the options granted to Messrs. Pope and Black on May 14, 2012 were modified to extend the termination date of the options from May 14, 2017 to December 31, 2018. As a result, the Company remeasured these grants as of August 18, 2014. The modification resulted in incremental value of $151,500, with $50,000 being expensed during the year ended December 31, 2014  There were no stock options granted in 2013.  There were no options exercised in 2014 or 2013.
	The following table summarizes activities under the option plans for the indicated periods:
			Options Outstanding
			Number of				Weighted				Weighted				Aggregate
			Shares				Average				Average				Intrinsic
							Exercise				Remaining Contractual				Value
							Price				Term
											(in years)
	Balances, December 31, 2012			1,680,000			$	1.01				8.8			$	2,200
	Options cancelled and retired			—				—
	Options exercised			—				—
	Options granted			—				—
	Balances, December 31, 2013			1,680,000				1.01				7.8				458,600
	Options cancelled and retired			(10,000	)			2.65
	Options exercised			—				—
	Options granted			2,000,000				1.37
	Balances, December 31, 2014			3,670,000			$	1.2				8.3			$	1,109,200
	Options vested and exerciseable and expected to be vested and exerciseable at December 31, 2014			3,380,000			$	1.2				8.3			$	1,048,455
	Options vested and exerciseable at December 31, 2014			545,000			$	1.36				5.9			$	251,700
	At December 31, 2014, there were no options available for grant under the 1999 Stock Incentive Plan, and the Company had no total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense under this Plan.  At December 31, 2014, there were 2.7 million shares reserved for equity awards under the 2010 Stock Incentive Plan and the Company had approximately $0.6 million of total unrecognized stock option expense, net of estimated forfeitures, which will be recognized over the weighted average remaining period of 2 years.
	The following table summarizes significant ranges of outstanding and exercisable options as of December 31, 2014:
					Options Outstanding, Vested and Exercisable
	Exercise Prices				Number				Weighted				Weighted				Number		Weighted
					Outstanding				Average				Average				Exercisable		Average
									Remaining				Exercise						Exercise
									Contractual				Price Per						Price Per Share
									Life (in Years)				Share
	$	0.7				20,000				4.6				0.7				20,000	$	0.7
		0.83				1,500,000				7.5				0.83				375,000		0.83
		1.24				20,000				3.6				1.24				20,000		1.24
		1.37				2,000,000				9.6				1.37				—		1.37
		2.67				20,000				2.6				2.67				20,000		2.67
		2.95				90,000				1.7				2.95				90,000		2.95
		3.5				20,000				2.2				3.5				20,000		3.5
		Total				3,670,000				8.3				1.2				545,000	$	1.36
	Employee stock-based compensation expense recognized for time-vesting options for the year ended December 31, 2014, and 2013, uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model for estimating the fair value of options granted under the Company’s equity incentive plans. Risk-free interest rates for the options were taken from the Daily Federal Yield Curve Rates on the grant dates for the expected life of the options as published by the Federal Reserve. The expected volatility was based upon historical data and other relevant factors such as the Company’s changes in historical volatility and its capital structure, in addition to mean reversion. Employee stock-based compensation expense recognized for market performance-vesting options uses a binomial lattice model for estimating the fair value of options granted under the Company’s equity incentive plans.
	In calculating the expected life of stock options, the Company determines the amount of time from grant date to exercise date for exercised options and adjusts this number for the expected time to exercise for unexercised options. The expected time to exercise for unexercised options is calculated from grant as the midpoint between the expiration date of the option and the later of the measurement date or the vesting date. In developing the expected life assumption, all amounts of time are weighted by the number of underlying options.
	On January 31, 2012, the Board of Directors (the “Board”) approved a change in the compensation plan for non-employee directors. In lieu of cash payments to our Board members historically paid for Board service, the Board approved an annual grant of 35,000 shares of restricted common stock for each of our non-executive Board members on January 31 of each year, starting with 2012. The restricted shares fully vest on the first anniversary of the grant and are forfeited if the Board member does not complete the full year of service.
	The following table summarizes restricted stock activities under the equity incentive plans for the indicated periods:
			Restricted Shares Outstanding
			Number of Shares				Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
	Balances, December 31, 2012			1,647,500			$	0.38
	Shares cancelled and forfeited			—				—
	Shares vested			(105,000	)			0.82
	Shares granted			140,000				0.83
	Balances, December 31, 2013			1,682,500			$	0.39
	Shares cancelled and forfeited			—				—
	Shares vested			(697,500	)			0.52
	Shares granted			140,000			$	1.13
	Balances, December 31, 2014			1,125,000			$	0.31
For restricted stock granted in 2014 and 2013 under the 2010 Stock Incentive Plan, the Company recognizes compensation expense in accordance with the fair value of such stock as determined on the grant date, amortized over the applicable derived service period using the graded amortization method. The fair value and derived service period of awards with market performance vesting was calculated using a lattice model and included adjustments to the fair value of the Company’s common stock resulting from the vesting conditions being based on the underlying stock price. . As a result of the Initial Closing, 540,000 shares of restricted stock vested pursuant to the terms of the Company’s 2010 Stock Incentive Plan. As a result, the Company recognized $545,000 of expense during the year ended December 31, 2014. The remaining 1,125,000 restricted shares are included in the Company’s shares outstanding as of December 31, 2014, but are not included in the computation of basic income per share as the shares are not yet earned by the recipients. The Company had no unrecognized stock based compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, related to restricted shares as of December 31, 2014.
The stock-based compensation expense recognized by the Company for the years ended December 31, 2014, and 2013 was $844,000 and $254,000, respectively.
(d) Non-controlling Interests
As discussed in Note 4, SWK HP has a limited partnership interest in Holmdel.    The total investment by SWK HP was $13,000,000, of which SWK Holdings GP provided $6,000,000.  The remaining $7,000,000 is reflected as non-controlling interest in the consolidated balance sheets and the consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity.   Changes in the carrying amount of the non-controlling interest in the consolidated balance sheet for the year ended December 31, 2014, is as follows:
Balance at December 31, 2013		$	5,613
Add: Income attributable to non-controlling interests			2,839
Less: Cash distribution to non-controlling interests			(3,585	)
Balance at December 31, 2014		$	4,867

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]	Note 10. Fair Value Measurements
	The Company measures and reports certain financial and non-financial assets and liabilities on a fair value basis. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price). GAAP specifies a three-level hierarchy that is used when measuring and disclosing fair value. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices available in active markets (i.e., observable inputs) and the lowest priority to data lacking transparency (i.e., unobservable inputs). An instrument’s categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of significant input to its valuation. The following is a description of the three hierarchy levels.
	Level 1	Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities. Active markets are considered to be those in which transactions for the assets or liabilities occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.
	Level 2	Quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs which are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability. This category includes quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets.
	Level 3	Unobservable inputs are not corroborated by market data. This category is comprised of financial and non-financial assets and liabilities whose fair value is estimated based on internally developed models or methodologies using significant inputs that are generally less readily observable from objective sources.
	Transfers into or out of any hierarchy level are recognized at the end of the reporting period in which the transfers occurred. There were no transfers between any levels during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.
	The fair value of equity method investments is not readily available nor have we estimated the fair value of these investments and disclosure is not required. The Company is not aware of any identified events or changes in circumstances that would have a significant adverse effect on the carrying value of any of our equity method investments included in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.
	Following are descriptions of the valuation methodologies used to measure material assets and liabilities at fair value and details of the valuation models, key inputs to those models and significant assumptions utilized.
	Cash and cash equivalents
	The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheet for cash and cash equivalents approximate those assets’ fair values.
	Securities available for sale
	Certain common equity securities are reported at fair value utilizing Level 1 inputs (exchange quoted prices).
	Finance Receivables
	The fair values of finance receivables are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, using market rates at the balance sheet date that reflect the credit and interest rate-risk inherent in the finance receivables. Projected future cash flows are calculated based upon contractual maturity or call dates, projected repayments and prepayments of principal. These receivables are classified as Level 3. Finance receivables are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis, but estimates of fair value are reflected below.
	Marketable Investments and Warrants
	Marketable Investments
	If active market prices are available, fair value measurement is based on quoted active market prices and, accordingly, these securities would be classified as Level 1. If active market prices are not available, fair value measurement is based on observable inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1, such as prices for similar assets or broker quotes utilizing observable inputs, and accordingly these securities would be classified as Level 2. If market prices are not available and there are no observable inputs, then fair value would be estimated by using valuation models including discounted cash flow methodologies, commonly used option-pricing models and broker quotes. Such securities would be classified as Level 3, if the valuation models and broker quotes are based on inputs that are unobservable in the market. If fair value is based on broker quotes, the Company checks the validity of received prices based on comparison to prices of other similar assets and market data such as relevant bench mark indices. Available-for-sale securities are measured at fair value on a recurring basis, while securities with no readily available fair market value are not, but estimates of fair value are reflected below.
	Derivative securities
	For exchange-traded derivatives, fair value is based on quoted market prices, and accordingly, would be classified as Level 1. For non-exchange traded derivatives, fair value is based on option pricing models and are classified as Level 3.
	The following table presents financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
			Total Carrying Value in Consolidated Balance Sheet			Quoted prices		Significant		Significant
						in active		other		unobservable
						markets for		observable		inputs
						identical assets		inputs		(Level 3)
						or liabilities		(Level 2)
						(Level 1)
	Financial Assets:
	Warrant assets		$	679		$	—	$	—	$	679
	Available-for-sale securities			3,119			—		—		3,119
	Financial Liabilities:
	Warrant liability		$	421		$	—	$	—	$	421
	The following table presents financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2013 (in thousands):
			Total Carrying Value in Consolidated Balance Sheet			Quoted prices		Significant		Significant
						in active		other		unobservable
						markets for		observable		inputs
						identical assets		inputs		(Level 3)
						or liabilities		(Level 2)
						(Level 1)
	Financial Assets:
	Warrant assets		$	204		$	—	$	—	$	204
	Available-for-sale securities			3,119			—		—		3,119
	Financial Liabilities:
	Warrant liability		$	292		$	—	$	—	$	292
	The changes on the value of the warrant assets during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (in thousands):
	Fair value – December 31, 2012		$	—
	Issuances			334
	Change in fair value			(130	)
	Fair value – December 31, 2013		$	204
	Issuance			706
	Transfers			(115	)
	Change in fair value			(116	)
	Fair value – December 31, 2014		$	679
	The changes on the value of the warrant liability during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (in thousands):
	Fair value – December 31, 2012		$	—
	Issuances			232
	Change in fair value			60
	Fair value – December 31, 2013		$	292
	Issuances			—
	Changes in fair value			129
	Fair value – December 31, 2014		$	421
	For assets and liabilities measured on a non-recurring basis during the year, accounting guidance requires quantitative disclosures about the fair value measurements separately for each major category. There were no remeasured assets or liabilities at fair value on a non-recurring basis during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.
	The following information is provided to help readers gain an understanding of the relationship between amounts reported in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and the related market or fair value. The disclosures include financial instruments and derivative financial instruments, other than investment in affiliates.
	Off-balance sheet financial instruments
	Fair values for off-balance sheet, credit related financial instruments are based on fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements and the counterparties’ credit standing.
For the year ended December 31, 2014:
		Carry Value			Fair Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Financial Assets
Cash and restricted cash		$	58,728		$	58,728	$	58,728	$	—	$	—
Finance receivables			93,347			93,347		—		—		93,347
Marketable investments			4,849			4,849		—		—		4,849
Other assets			679			679		—		—		679
Financial Liabilities
Warrant liability		$	421		$	421	$	—	$	—	$	421
For the year ended December 31, 2013:
		Carry Value			Fair Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Financial Assets
Cash and restricted cash		$	7,664		$	7,664	$	7,664	$	—	$	—
Finance receivables			29,286			29,324		—		—		29,324
Marketable investments			3,119			3,119		—		—		3,119
Other assets			204			204		—		—		204
Financial Liabilities
Warrant liability		$	292		$	292	$	—	$	—	$	292

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 11.  Income Taxes
	The components of income before income tax benefit are as follows (in thousands):
					December 31,
					2014				2013
		U.S.			$	13,301			$	4,491
	During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company’s benefit for income taxes was as follows:
			December 31,
			2014				2013
	Current benefit		$	—			$	(38	)
	Deferred benefit			(10,303	)			(9,803	)
			$	(10,303	)		$	(9,841	)
	The components of the income tax benefit are as follows (in thousands):
			December 31,
			2014				2013
	Federal tax expense at statutory rate		$	4,655			$	1,384
	Change in valuation allowance			(9,977	)			(20,960	)
	Change in statutory rate			(4,315	)			—
	Other			319				67
	Write off of expired deferred tax assets			9				10,080
	Provision related to non-controlling interest			(994	)			(412	)
	Total income tax benefit		$	(10,303	)		$	(9,841	)
	The Company records deferred tax assets if the realization of such assets is more likely than not to occur in accordance with accounting standards that address income taxes. Significant management judgment is required in determining whether a valuation allowance against the Company’s deferred tax assets is required. The Company has considered all available evidence, both positive and negative, such as historical levels of income and predictability of future forecasts of taxable income, in determining whether a valuation allowance is required. The Company is also required to forecast future taxable income in accordance with accounting standards that address income taxes to assess the appropriateness of a valuation allowance, which further requires the exercise of significant management judgment. Specifically, the Company evaluated the following criteria when considering a valuation allowance:
	• the history of tax net operating losses in recent years;
	• predictability of operating results
	• profitability for a sustained period of time; and
	• level of profitability on a quarterly basis.
	As of December 31, 2014, the Company had cumulative net income before tax for the three years then ended. Based on its historical operating performance, the Company has concluded that it was more likely than not that the Company would not be able to realize the full benefit of the U.S. federal and state deferred tax assets in the future. However, the Company has concluded that it is more likely than not that the Company will be able to realize approximately $20,106,000 benefit of the U.S. federal and state deferred tax assets in the future.
	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company’s valuation allowance against deferred tax assets decreased by approximately $10,032,000 and $20,960,000, respectively, due to write off of expired deferred tax assets and partial release of the Company’s valuation allowance.
	The Company will continue to assess the need for a valuation allowance on the deferred tax assets by evaluating both positive and negative evidence that may exist on a quarterly basis. Any adjustment to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance would be recorded in the consolidated statement of income for the period that the adjustment is determined to be required. The valuation allowance against deferred tax assets was $129,808,000 and $139,840,000 as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	Deferred tax assets consist of the following (in thousands):
			December 31,
			2014				2013
	Deferred tax assets
	Credit carryforward		$	2,660			$	2,660
	Stock based compensation			470				287
	Other			271				59
	Net operating losses			146,513				146,637
	Gross deferred tax assets			149,914				149,643
	Valuation allowance			(129,808	)			(139,840	)
	Net deferred tax assets		$	20,106			$	9,803
	The Tax Reform Act of 1986 limits the use of net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards in certain situations where stock ownership changes occur. In the event the Company has had a change in ownership, the future utilization of the Company’s net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards could be limited.
	A portion of deferred tax assets relating to NOLs, pertains to NOL carryforwards resulting from tax deductions upon the exercise of employee stock options of approximately $1,900,000. When recognized, the tax benefit of these loss carryforwards will be accounted for as a credit to additional paid-in capital rather than a reduction of the income tax expense.
	As of December 31, 2014, the Company had net operating loss carryforwards for federal income tax purposes of approximately $421,000,000. The federal net operating loss carryforwards, if not offset against future income, will expire by 2032, with the majority of such NOLs expiring by 2021.
	The Company also had federal research carryforwards of approximately $2,700,000. The federal credits will expire by 2029.
	The Company records liabilities, where appropriate, for all uncertain income tax positions. The Company recognizes potential accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within operations as income tax expense. The adoption of these provisions did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. At December 31, 2014, the Company did not have any unrecognized tax benefits.
	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands):
			2014				2013
	Balance as of January 1		$	—			$	41
	Additions for tax positions related to the current year			—				—
	Additions for tax positions related to prior years			—				—
	Reductions for tax positions of prior years due to lapse of statute of limitation			—				(41	)
	Settlements			—				—
	Balance as of December 31		$	—			$	—
	The Company is subject to taxation in the US and various state jurisdictions.  The Company is currently open to audit under the statute of limitations by the Internal Revenue Service for the years ending December 31, 1998 through December 31, 2014, due to carryforward of unutilized net operating losses and research and development credits.  The Company does not anticipate significant changes to its uncertain tax positions through December 31, 2014.

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	Note 12. Related Party Transactions
	The Company provides investment advisory services to an affiliate of a stockholder. During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company recognized approximately $100,000 and $120,000, respectively in revenue. Accounts receivable from the affiliate were approximately $0 and $75,000 as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.
	As disclosed in Note 7, on September 6, 2013, the Company entered into a credit facility with an affiliate of a stockholder. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had $0 and $5,000,000, respectively, outstanding under the credit facility.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	Note 13. Subsequent Events
	SynCardia
	On February 13, 2015 the Second Lien Loan was repaid for total consideration of $17,000,000 comprised of $3,000,000 of cash, $11,500,000 million of senior secured second lien convertible notes (the “Convertible Notes”) and 1,798,563 shares of Series F Preferred Stock. The Company received its pro-rata share of the repayment consideration which included $1,800,000 million of cash, $6,900,000 of Convertible Notes and 1,079,138 shares of Series F Preferred Stock. The Convertible Notes accrue interest at 10% per annum and interest paid in kind. The Convertible Notes are convertible into shares of SynCardia common stock at a 25% discount to the price of an initial public offering.

Accounting_Policies_by_Policy_

Accounting Policies, by Policy (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Nature of Operations	Nature of Operations
	SWK Holdings Corporation (the “Company”) was incorporated in July 1996 in California and reincorporated in Delaware in September 1999. In July 2012, the Company commenced its strategy of building a specialty finance and asset management business. The Company’s strategy is to be a leading healthcare capital provider by offering sophisticated, customized financing solutions to a broad range of life science companies, institutions and inventors. The Company has initially focused on monetizing cash flow streams derived from commercial-stage products and related intellectual property through royalty purchases and financings, as well as through the creation of synthetic revenue interests in commercialized products. The Company has been deploying its assets to earn interest, fees, and other income pursuant to this strategy, and the Company continues to identify and review financing and similar opportunities on an ongoing basis. In addition, through the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, SWK Advisors LLC, the Company provides non-discretionary investment advisory services to institutional clients in separately managed accounts to similarly invest in life science finance. SWK Advisors LLC is registered as an investment advisor with the Texas State Securities Board. The Company intends to fund transactions through their own working capital, as well as by building their asset management business by raising additional third party capital to be invested alongside the Company’s capital.
	The Company fills a niche that they believe is underserved in the sub-$50 million transaction size. Since many of its competitors that provide longer term, royalty-related financing options have much greater financial resources than the Company, they tend to not focus on transaction sizes below $50 million as it is generally inefficient for them to do so. In addition, the Company does not believe that a sufficient number of other companies offer similar types of long-term financing options to fill the demand of the sub-$50 million market. As such, the Company believes they face less competition from such longer term, royalty investors in transactions that are less than $50 million.
	The Company has net operating loss carryforwards (“NOLs”) and believes that the ability to utilize these NOLs is an important and substantial asset. The Company believes that the foregoing business strategies can create value for its stockholders, and produce prospective taxable income (or the ability to generate capital gains) that might permit the Company to utilize the NOLs. The Company is unable to assure investors that it will find suitable financing opportunities or that it will be able to utilize its existing NOLs.
	As of December 31, 2014, the Company has executed 14 transactions under its new specialty finance strategy, funding approximately $124,000,000 in various financial products across the life science sector. The Company’s portfolio includes senior and subordinated debt backed by royalties and synthetic royalties paid by companies in the life science sector, purchased royalties generated by sales of life science products and related intellectual property and an unconsolidated equity investment in a company which retains the marketing authorization rights to a pharmaceutical product.
	The Company is headquartered in Dallas, Texas.
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation	Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
	The Company’s consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“GAAP”).  The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of all subsidiaries and affiliates in which the Company holds a controlling financial interest as of the financial statement date. Normally a controlling financial interest reflects ownership of a majority of the voting interests. The Company consolidates a variable interest entity (“VIE”) when it possesses both the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact its economic performance and the Company is either obligated to absorb the losses that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the Company holds the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE, after elimination of intercompany accounts and transactions.
	The Company owns interests in various partnerships and limited liability companies, or LLCs. The Company consolidates its investments in these partnerships or LLCs, where the Company, as the general partner or managing member, exercises effective control, even though the Company’s ownership may be less than 50%. The related governing agreements provide the Company with broad powers, and the other parties do not participate in the management of the entity and do not have the substantial ability to remove the Company. The Company has reviewed each of the underlying agreements to determine if it has effective control. If circumstances changed and it was determined this control did not exist, this investment would be recorded using the equity method of accounting. Although this would change individual line items within the Company’s consolidated financial statements, it would have no effect on our operations and/or total stockholders’ equity attributable to the Company. The Company operates in one operating segment with a single management team that reports to the chief executive officer, who is the Company’s chief operating decision maker.
Variable Interest Entity	Variable Interest Entities
	An entity is referred to as a VIE if it possesses one of the following criteria: (i) it is thinly capitalized, (ii) the residual equity holders do not control the entity, (iii) the equity holders are shielded from the economic losses, (iv) the equity holders do not participate fully in the entity’s residual economics, or (v) the entity was established with non-substantive voting interests. The Company consolidates a VIE when it has both the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the activities of the VIE and the right to receive benefits or the obligation to absorb losses of the entity that could be potentially significant to the VIE. Along with the VIEs that are consolidated in accordance with these guidelines, the Company also holds variable interests in other VIEs that are not consolidated because it is not the primary beneficiary. The Company continually monitors both consolidated and unconsolidated VIEs to determine if any events have occurred that could cause the primary beneficiary to change. See Note 4 for further discussion of VIEs.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates and assumptions are required in the determination of revenue recognition, stock-based compensation, impairment of financing receivables and long-lived assets, valuation of warrants, useful lives of property and equipment, income taxes and contingencies and litigation, among others.  Some of these judgments can be subjective and complex, and, consequently, actual results may differ from these estimates. The Company’s estimates often are based on complex judgments, probabilities and assumptions that it believes to be reasonable but that are inherently uncertain and unpredictable. For any given individual estimate or assumption made by the Company, there may also be other estimates or assumptions that are reasonable.
	The Company regularly evaluates its estimates and assumptions using historical experience and other factors, including the economic environment. As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, the Company’s estimates and assumptions may prove to be incomplete or inaccurate, or unanticipated events and circumstances may occur that might cause change those estimates and assumptions. Market conditions, such as illiquid credit markets, volatile equity markets, and economic downturn, can increase the uncertainty already inherent in the Company’s estimates and assumptions. The Company adjusts its estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances indicate the need for change. Those changes generally will be reflected in our consolidated financial statements on a prospective basis unless they are required to be treated retrospectively under the relevant accounting standard. It is possible that other professionals, applying reasonable judgment to the same facts and circumstances, could develop and support a range of alternative estimated amounts.
Equity Method Investments	Equity Method Investment
	The Company accounts for portfolio companies whose results are not consolidated, but over which it exercises significant influence, under the equity method of accounting. Whether or not the Company exercises significant influence with respect to a partner company depends on an evaluation of several factors including, among others, representation of the Company on the partner company’s board of directors and the Company’s ownership level. Under the equity method of accounting, the Company does not reflect a partner company’s financial statements within the company’s consolidated financial statements; however, the Company’s share of the income or loss of such partner company is reflected in the consolidated statements of income. The Company includes the carrying value of equity method partner companies as part of the investment in unconsolidated entities on the consolidated balance sheets.
	When the Company’s carrying value in an equity method partner company is reduced to zero, the Company records no further losses in its consolidated statements of income unless the Company has an outstanding guarantee obligation or has committed additional funding to such equity method partner company. When such equity method partner company subsequently reports income, the Company will not record its share of such income until it exceeds the amount of the Company’s share of losses not previously recognized.
Finance Receivable	Finance Receivables
	The Company extends credit to customers through a variety of financing arrangements, including revenue interest term loans. The amounts outstanding on loans are referred to as finance receivables and are included in Finance Receivables on the consolidated balance sheets.  It is the Company’s expectation that the loans originated will be held for the foreseeable future or until maturity. In certain situations, for example to manage concentrations and/or credit risk, some or all of certain exposures may be sold. Loans for which the Company has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity are classified as held for investment (“HFI”). If the Company no longer has the intent or ability to hold loans for the foreseeable future, then the loans are transferred to held for sale (“HFS”). Loans entered into with the intent to resell are classified as HFS.
	If it is determined that a loan should be transferred from HFI to HFS, then the balance is transferred at the lower of cost or fair value. At the time of transfer, a write-down of the loan is recorded as a write-off when the carrying amount exceeds fair value and the difference relates to credit quality, otherwise the write-down is recorded as a reduction in interest and other income, and any loan loss reserve is reversed. Once classified as HFS, the amount by which the carrying value exceeds fair value is recorded as a valuation allowance and is reflected as a reduction to interest and other income.
	If it is determined that a loan should be transferred from HFS to HFI, the loan is transferred at the lower of cost or fair value on the transfer date, which coincides with the date of change in management’s intent. The difference between the carrying value of the loan and the fair value, if lower, is reflected as a loan discount at the transfer date, which reduces its carrying value. Subsequent to the transfer, the discount is accreted into earnings as an increase to finance revenue interest income over the life of the loan using the effective interest method.
	Finance receivables are stated at their principal amounts inclusive of deferred loan origination fees.  Interest income is credited as earned based on the effective interest rate method except when a finance receivable becomes past due 90 days or more and doubt exists as to the ultimate collection of interest or principal; in those cases the recognition of income is discontinued and any outstanding receivable for interest due is reversed.
Marketable Investments	Marketable Investments
	The Company’s marketable investment portfolio includes two equity securities and one debt security as of December 31, 2014, and one equity security and one debt security as of December 31, 2013. The debt security is classified as an available-for-sale security, which is reported at fair value with unrealized gains or losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of applicable income taxes. In any case where fair value might fall below amortized cost, the Company would consider whether that security is other-than-temporarily impaired using all available information about the collectability of the security. The Company would not consider that an other-than temporary impairment for a debt security has occurred if (1) the Company does not intend to sell the debt security, (2) it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the debt security before recovery of its amortized cost basis and (3) the present value of estimated cash flows will fully cover the amortized cost of the security. The Company would consider that an other-than-temporary impairment has occurred if any of the above mentioned three conditions are not met.
	For a debt security for which an other-than-temporary impairment is considered to have occurred, the Company would recognize the entire difference between the amortized cost and the fair value in earnings if the Company intends to sell the debt security or it is more likely than not that the Company will be able to sell the debt security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If the Company does not intend to sell the debt security and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the debt security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, the Company would separate the difference between the amortized cost and the fair value of the debt security into the credit loss component and the non-credit loss component. The credit loss component would be recognized in earnings and the non-credit loss component would be recognized in other comprehensive income, net of applicable income taxes.
	The Company’s equity securities as of December 31, 2014, represent shares in privately-held companies and do not have a readily determinable fair value. As such, they are currently reflected at cost. As of December 31, 2014, there are no indicators of impairment for these securities.
Derivatives	Derivatives
	All derivatives held by the Company are recognized in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. The accounting treatment for subsequent changes in the fair value depends on their use, and whether they qualify as effective “hedges” for accounting purposes. Derivatives that are not hedges must be adjusted to fair value through the consolidated statements of income. If a derivative is a hedge, then depending on its nature, changes in its fair value will be either offset against change in the fair value of hedged assets or liabilities through the consolidated statements of income, or recorded in other comprehensive income. The Company had no derivatives designated as hedges as of December 31, 2014 and 2013. The Company holds warrants issued to the Company in conjunction with term loan investments discussed in Note 2. These warrants meet the definition of a derivative and are included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. The Company issued a warrant on its own common stock in conjunction with its credit agreement discussed in Note 7. This warrant meets the definition of a derivative and is reflected as a warrant liability at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition
	The Company records interest income on an accrual basis based on the effective interest rate method to the extent that it expects to collect such amounts. The Company recognizes investment management fees as earned over the period the services are rendered.  In general, the majority of investment management fees earned are charged either monthly or quarterly.  Incentive fees, if any, are recognized when earned at the end of the relevant performance period, pursuant to the underlying contract.  Other administrative service revenues are recognized when contractual obligations are fulfilled or as services are provided.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity date of three months or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. There were no such investments at December 31, 2014 or 2013, as all of our cash was held in checking or savings accounts.  At December 31, 2014, cash equivalents were deposited in financial institutions and consisted of immediately available fund balances.  The Company maintains its cash deposits and cash equivalents with well-known and stable financial institutions.
Accounts Receivable	Accounts Receivable
	Accounts receivable for management fees are recorded at the aggregate unpaid amount less any allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company determines an account receivable’s delinquency status based on its contractual terms. Interest is not charged on outstanding balances. Accounts are written-off only when all methods of recovery have been exhausted. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the allowance for doubtful accounts was zero.
Certain Risks and Concentrations	Certain Risks and Concentrations
	Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, finance receivables and marketable investments. The Company invests its excess cash with major U.S. banks and financial institutions. The Company has not experienced any losses on its cash and cash equivalents.
	The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and generally requires collateral.  For the year ended December 31, 2014, two partner companies accounted for 61 percent of total revenue. For the year ended December 31, 2013, three partner companies accounted for 78 percent of total revenue.
	The Company does not expect its current or future credit risk exposures to have a significant impact on its operations. However, there can be no assurance that its business will not experience any adverse impact from credit risk in the future.
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which are three years for computer equipment, software and furniture and fixtures. Upon retirement or sale, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and any related gain or loss is reflected in operations. Improvements that extend the life of a specific asset are capitalized, while normal maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred.
Segment Reporting	Segment Reporting
	The Company operates in one operating segment with a single management team that reports to the chief executive officer, who is our chief operating decision maker. Accordingly, the Company does not prepare discrete financial information with respect to separate product line and does not have separately reportable segments.
Stock-based Compensation	Stock-based Compensation
	All employee and director stock-based compensation is measured at the grant date, based on the estimated fair value of the award, and is recognized as an expense over the requisite service period.  Stock-based compensation expense is reduced for estimated future forfeitures. These estimates are revised in future periods if actual forfeitures differ from the estimates. Changes in forfeiture estimates impact compensation expense in the period in which the change in estimate occurs.
	For restricted stock, the Company recognizes compensation expense in accordance with the fair value of the Company’s stock as determined on the grant date, amortized over the applicable service period. When vesting of awards is based wholly or in part upon the future performance of the stock price, such terms result in adjustments to the grant date fair value of the award and the derivation of a service period. If service is provided over the derived service period, the adjusted fair value of the awards will be recognized as compensation expense, regardless of whether or not the awards vest.
Non-controlling Interests	Non-controlling Interests
	Non-controlling interests represent third-party equity ownership in certain of the Company’s consolidated subsidiaries, VIEs or investments and are presented as a component of equity. See Note 4 for further discussion of non-controlling interests.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce deferred tax assets to an amount where realization is more likely than not.
	If the Company ultimately determines that the payment of such a liability is not necessary, then the Company reverses the liability and recognizes a tax benefit during the period in which the determination is made that the liability is no longer necessary. The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax benefit in the statements of income.
Comprehensive Income	Comprehensive Income
	Comprehensive income and its components attributable to the Company and non-controlling interests have been reported, net of tax, in the consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity and the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
Net Income per Share	Net Income per Share
	Basic net income per share is computed using the weighted average number of outstanding shares of common stock. Diluted net income per share is computed using the weighted average number of outstanding shares of common stock and, when dilutive, shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of options and warrants deemed outstanding using the treasury stock method.
	The following table shows the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the following (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Year Ended
		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Numerator:
	Net income attributable to SWK Holdings Corporation Shareholders	$	20,765	$	12,862
	Denominator:
	Weighted-average shares outstanding		64,855		41,343
	Effect of dilutive securities		61		97
	Weighted-average diluted shares		64,921		41,440
	Basic income per share	$	0.32	$	0.31
	Diluted income per share	$	0.32	$	0.31
	As of December 31, 2014, and 2013, outstanding stock options and warrants to purchase shares of common stock in an aggregate of approximately 4.8 million and 6.2 million shares, respectively, have been excluded from the calculation of diluted net income per share as these securities were anti-dilutive.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, (“ASU 2014-09”), “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”. The objective of ASU 2014-09 is to establish a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and will supersede most of the existing revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is that an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In applying the new guidance, an entity will (1) identify the contract(s) with a customer; (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determine the transaction price; (4) allocate the transaction price to the contract’s performance obligations; and (5) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. ASU 2014-09 applies to all contracts with customers except those that are within the scope of other topics in the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. The new guidance is effective for annual reporting periods (including interim periods within those periods) beginning after December 15, 2016 for public companies. Early adoption is not permitted. Entities have the option of using either a full retrospective or modified approach to adopt ASU 2014-09. We are currently evaluating the new guidance and have not determined the impact this standard may have on our consolidated financial statements nor decided upon the method of adoption.
	In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-12, Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period. This ASU is effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2015. We are currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements.
	In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis, which amended the existing accounting standards for consolidation under both the variable interest model and the voting model. Under ASU No. 2015-02, companies will need to reevaluate whether an entity meets the criteria to be considered a VIE, whether companies still meet the definition of primary beneficiaries, and whether an entity needs to be consolidated under the voting model. ASU No. 2015-02 may be applied using a modified retrospective approach or retrospectively, and is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of the pending adoption of this new guidance.

SWK_Holdings_Corporation_and_S1

SWK Holdings Corporation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]		Year Ended
		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Numerator:
	Net income attributable to SWK Holdings Corporation Shareholders	$	20,765	$	12,862
	Denominator:
	Weighted-average shares outstanding		64,855		41,343
	Effect of dilutive securities		61		97
	Weighted-average diluted shares		64,916		41,440
	Basic income per share	$	0.32	$	0.31
	Diluted income per share	$	0.32	$	0.31

Finance_Receivables_Tables

Finance Receivables (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Note 2 - Finance Receivables (Tables) [Line Items]
Schedule of carrying value of finance receivables [Table Text Block]	Portfolio	2014			2013
	Term Loans	$	80,450		$	21,420
	Royalty Purchases		12,897			7,866
	Total		93,347			29,286
	Less: current portion		10,561			660
	Total noncurrent portion of finance receivables	$	82,786		$	28,626
Schedule of fair value using the Black-Scholes option pricing model [Table Text Block]		31-Dec-14
	Dividend rate		0	%
	Risk-free rate		1.7	%
	Expected life (years)		5.6
	Expected volatility		90	%
Tribute Term Loan [Member]
Note 2 - Finance Receivables (Tables) [Line Items]
Schedule of fair value using the Black-Scholes option pricing model [Table Text Block]		31-Dec-14			31-Dec-13
	Dividend rate		0	%		0	%
	Risk-free rate		1.7	%		2.5	%
	Expected life (years)		5.4			6.6
	Expected volatility		95	%		97	%

Marketable_Investments_Tables

Marketable Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Schedule of Marketable Investments		December 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Available for sale securities	$	3,119	$	3,119
	Equity securities		1,730		—
	Total	$	4,849	$	3,119
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities Reconciliation [Table Text Block]		Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Loss		Fair Value
	Available for sale securities:
	Corporate debt securities	$	3,119	$	—	$	—	$	3,119
		$	3,119	$	—	$	—	$	3,119

Variable_Interest_Entities_Tab

Variable Interest Entities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Variable Interest Entities [Abstract]
Schedule of changes in the carrying amount of equity investment table text block	Balance at December 31, 2012		$	13,000
	Add: Income from investments in unconsolidated entities			2,779
	Less: Cash distribution on investments in unconsolidated entities			(5,354	)
	Balance at December 31, 2013		$	10,425
	Add: Income from investments in unconsolidated entities			5,341
	Less: Cash distribution on investments in unconsolidated entities			(6,722	)
	Balance at December 31, 2014		$	9,044
Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block]								Year ended
					As of December 31, 2014			December 31, 2014
					(in millions)			(in millions)
		Assets			$	11.6	Revenue	$	8
		Liabilities			$	1.5	Expenses	$	1.6
		Equity			$	10.1	Net income	$	6.4
								Year ended
					As of December 31, 2013			December 31, 2013
					(in millions)			(in millions)
		Assets			$	13.7	Revenue	$	5.8
		Liabilities			$	2.3	Expenses	$	3.1
		Equity			$	11.4	Net income	$	2.7

Accounts_Payable_and_Accrued_L1

Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Schedule of Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities		Year Ended
		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Accrued payroll and bonuses	$	784	$	210
	Accounts payable and related expenses		48		59
	Client deposits		—		50
	Interest expense on loan credit agreement		—		21
	Other accrued liabilities		31		23
		$	863	$	363

Interest_and_Other_Expense_Tab

Interest and Other Expense (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Banking and Thrift [Abstract]
Schedule of Interest and Other Income		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013
	Interest expense	$	(589	)	$	(68	)
	Interest income		10			49
	Decrease in fair value of warrant assets		(116	)		(130	)
	Increase in fair value of warrant liability		(129	)		(60	)
		$	(824	)	$	(209	)

Loan_Credit_Agreement_Tables

Loan Credit Agreement (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Assumptions Used [Table Text Block]		December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Dividend rate		0	%		0	%
	Risk-free rate		1.7	%		2.5	%
	Expected life (years)		5.7			6.7
	Expected volatility		32.7	%		27	%

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments		2015	$	32,000
		2016		57,000
		2017		58,000
		2018		59,000
		2019		60,000
		Thereafter		26,000
	Total future minimum rent with non-cancellable terms of one year or more		$	292,000

Stockholders_Equity_Tables

Stockholders Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]			Options Outstanding
			Number of				Weighted				Weighted				Aggregate
			Shares				Average				Average				Intrinsic
							Exercise				Remaining Contractual				Value
							Price				Term
											(in years)
	Balances, December 31, 2012			1,680,000			$	1.01				8.8			$	2,200
	Options cancelled and retired			—				—
	Options exercised			—				—
	Options granted			—				—
	Balances, December 31, 2013			1,680,000				1.01				7.8				458,600
	Options cancelled and retired			10,000				2.65
	Options exercised			—				—
	Options granted			2,000,000				1.37
	Balances, December 31, 2014			3,670,000			$	1.2				8.3			$	1,109,200
	Options vested and exerciseable and expected to be vested and exerciseable at December 31, 2014			3,380,000			$	1.2				8.3			$	1,048,455
	Options vested and exerciseable at December 31, 2014			545,000			$	1.36				5.9			$	251,700
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table Text Block]	Options Outstanding, Vested and Exercisable
	Exercise Prices				Number				Weighted				Weighted				Number		Weighted
					Outstanding				Average				Average				Exercisable		Average
									Remaining				Exercise						Exercise
									Contractual				Price Per						Price Per Share
									Life (in Years)				Share
	$	0.7				20,000				4.6				0.7				20,000	$	0.7
		0.83				1,500,000				7.5				0.83				375,000		0.83
		1.24				20,000				3.6				1.24				20,000		1.24
		1.37				2,000,000				9.6				1.37				—		1.37
		2.67				20,000				2.6				2.67				20,000		2.67
		2.95				90,000				1.7				2.95				90,000		2.95
		3.5				20,000				2.2				3.5				20,000		3.5
		Total				3,670,000				8.4				1.2				545,000	$	1.36
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block]			Restricted Shares Outstanding
			Number of Shares				Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
	Balances, December 31, 2012			1,647,500			$	0.38
	Shares cancelled and forfeited			—				—
	Shares vested			(105,000	)			0.82
	Shares granted			140,000				0.83
	Balances, December 31, 2013			1,682,500			$	0.39
	Shares cancelled and forfeited			—				—
	Shares vested			(697,500	)			0.83
	Shares granted			140,000			$	1.13
	Balances, December 31, 2014			1,125,000			$	0.45
Change in Non-Controlling Interest, Carrying amount	Balance at December 31, 2013		$	5,613
	Add: Income attributable to non-controlling interests			2,839
	Less: Cash distribution to non-controlling interests			(3,585	)
	Balance at December 31, 2014		$	4,867

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]	The following table presents financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
		Total Carrying Value in Consolidated Balance Sheet			Quoted prices		Significant		Significant
					in active		other		unobservable
					markets for		observable		inputs
					identical assets		inputs		(Level 3)
					or liabilities		(Level 2)
					(Level 1)
	Financial Assets:
	Warrant assets	$	679		$	—	$	—	$	679
	Available-for-sale securities		3,119			—		—		3,119
	Financial Liabilities:
	Warrant liability	$	421		$	—	$	—	$	421
	The following table presents financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2013 (in thousands):
		Total Carrying Value in Consolidated Balance Sheet			Quoted prices		Significant		Significant
					in active		other		unobservable
					markets for		observable		inputs
					identical assets		inputs		(Level 3)
					or liabilities		(Level 2)
					(Level 1)
	Financial Assets:
	Warrant assets	$	204		$	—	$	—	$	204
	Available-for-sale securities		3,119			—		—		4,849
	Financial Liabilities:
	Warrant liability	$	292		$	—	$	—	$	292
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	The changes on the value of the warrant assets during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (in thousands):
	Fair value – December 31, 2012	$	—
	Issuances		334
	Change in fair value		(130	)
	Fair value – December 31, 2013	$	204
	Issuance		706
	Transfers		(115	)
	Change in fair value		(116	)
	Fair value – December 31, 2014	$	679
	The changes on the value of the warrant liability during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (in thousands):
	Fair value – December 31, 2012	$	—
	Issuances		232
	Change in fair value		60
	Fair value – December 31, 2013	$	292
	Issuances		—
	Changes in fair value		129
	Fair value – December 31, 2014	$	421
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block]	For the year ended December 31, 2014:
		Carry Value			Fair Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Financial Assets
	Cash and restricted cash	$	58,728		$	58,728	$	58,728	$	—	$	—
	Finance receivables		93,347			93,347		—		—		93,347
	Marketable investments		4,849			4,849		—		—		4,849
	Other assets		679			679		—		—		679
	Financial Liabilities
	Warrant liability	$	421		$	421	$	—	$	—	$	421
	For the year ended December 31, 2013:
		Carry Value			Fair Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Financial Assets
	Cash and restricted cash	$	7,664		$	7,664	$	7,664	$	—	$	—
	Finance receivables		29,286			29,324		—		—		29,324
	Marketable investments		3,119			3,119		—		—		3,119
	Other assets		204			204		—		—		204
	Financial Liabilities
	Warrant liability	$	292		$	292	$	—	$	—	$	292

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Income before Income Tax					December 31,
					2014				2013
		U.S.			$	13,301			$	4,491
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company’s benefit for income taxes was as follows:
			December 31,
			2014				2013
	Current benefit		$	—			$	(38	)
	Deferred benefit			(10,303	)			(9,803	)
			$	(10,303	)		$	(9,841	)
	The components of the income tax benefit are as follows (in thousands):
			December 31,
			2014				2013
	Federal tax expense at statutory rate		$	4,655			$	1,384
	Change in valuation allowance			(9,977	)			(20,960	)
	Change in statutory rate			(4,315	)			—
	Other			319				67
	Write off of expired deferred tax assets			9				10,080
	Provision related to non-controlling interest			(994	)			(412	)
	Total income tax benefit		$	(10,303	)		$	(9,841	)
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities			December 31,
			2014				2013
	Deferred tax assets
	Credit carryforward		$	2,660			$	2,660
	Stock based compensation			470				287
	Other			271				59
	Net operating losses			146,513				146,637
	Gross deferred tax assets			149,914				149,643
	Valuation allowance			(129,808	)			(139,840	)
	Net deferred tax assets		$	20,106			$	9,803
Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits			2014				2013
	Balance as of January 1		$	—			$	41
	Additions for tax positions related to the current year			—				—
	Additions for tax positions related to prior years			—				—
	Reductions for tax positions of prior years due to lapse of statute of limitation			—				(41	)
	Settlements			—				—
	Balance as of December 31		$	—			$	—

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa1

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 09, 2014	Jul. 30, 2014	Feb. 04, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	0		0
Warrants Issued for Common Stock	$1,000,000
Fair value of warrants issued	232
Series F Preferred Stock [Member]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued		165,374
Proceeds from issuance of Preferred Stock		230
Warrant [Member]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) [Line Items]
Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Warrants or Rights				200,321	681,090	347,222
Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights					$0.94	$0.43
Derivative Asset, Noncurrent				$115	$379	$99

SWK_Holdings_Corporation_and_S2

SWK Holdings Corporation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details Narrative)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	Item
Note1SWKHoldingsCorporationandSummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetailsLineItems [Line Items]
Number of Operating Segments	1
Number of Major Customers	3
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount (in Shares)	4,800	6,200
Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Sales [Member]
Note1SWKHoldingsCorporationandSummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetailsLineItems [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	61.00%	78.00%

SWK_Holdings_Corporation_and_S3

SWK Holdings Corporation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Numerator:
Net income attributable to SWK Holdings Corporation Shareholders (in Dollars)	$20,765	$12,862
Denominator:
Weighted-average shares outstanding	64,855	41,343
Effect of dilutive securities	61	97
Weighted-average diluted shares	64,916	41,440
Basic earnings (loss) per share (in Dollars per share)	$0.32	$0.31
Diluted earnings (loss) per share (in Dollars per share)	$0.32	$0.31

Finance_Receivables_Details

Finance Receivables (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Portfolio
Notes Receivable, Net	$93,347	$29,286
Less: current portion	10,561	660
Total noncurrent portion of finance receivables	82,786	28,626
Life Science Term Loans [Member]
Portfolio
Notes Receivable, Net	80,450	21,420
Life Science Royalty Purchases [Member]
Portfolio
Notes Receivable, Net	$12,897	$7,866

Finance_Receivables_Details_Na

Finance Receivables (Details Narrative) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jul. 30, 2014

Jul. 31, 2014

Jul. 31, 2014

Feb. 04, 2014

Aug. 08, 2013

Dec. 13, 2013

Dec. 10, 2013

Apr. 02, 2013

Jun. 12, 2013

Jan. 23, 2014

Dec. 05, 2012

Oct. 01, 2014

Note2FinanceReceivablesDetailsLineItems [Line Items]

Debt Instrument, Face Amount

$25,000

$22,500

Loan Commitment Assigned by Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the Company

12,500

Interest Income, Other

11,542

3,090

Payments to Acquire Notes Receivable

-10,283

-7,212

Warrants and Rights Outstanding

421

292

Fair Value Adjustment of Warrants

-129

-60

Response Genetics, Inc.

Note2FinanceReceivablesDetailsLineItems [Line Items]

Debt Instrument, Face Amount

8,500

Class of Warrant or Right, Outstanding (in Shares)

681,090

Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights (in Dollars per Share)

$0.94

Warrants and Rights Outstanding

228

Fair Value Adjustment of Warrants

379

Loan Interest Rates

The loan shall accrue interest at the LIBOR rate, plus an applicable margin, subject to a 13.5% minimum.

Response Genetics, Inc. | Principal Amount [Member]

Note2FinanceReceivablesDetailsLineItems [Line Items]

Debt Instrument, Face Amount

12,000

Cambia [Member]

Note2FinanceReceivablesDetailsLineItems [Line Items]

Interest Income, Other

308

Acquisation percentage

25.00%

25.00%

Payments to acquire business gross

4,000

Cambia [Member] | Business Acquisition Contingent Consideration Potential Cash Payment [Member]

Note2FinanceReceivablesDetailsLineItems [Line Items]

Payments to acquire business gross

500

Marketable Securities [Member] | Tribute Warrant [Member]

Note2FinanceReceivablesDetailsLineItems [Line Items]

Warrants and Rights Outstanding

594

204

Nautilus Neurosciences Inc [Member] | Revenue [Member]

Note2FinanceReceivablesDetailsLineItems [Line Items]

Interest Income, Other

1,591

Tribute Term Loan [Member]

Note2FinanceReceivablesDetailsLineItems [Line Items]

Debt Instrument, Face Amount

8,000

17,000

Interest Income, Other

1,352

366

Payments to Acquire Notes Receivable

2,000

6,000

Receivable with Imputed Interest, Effective Yield (Interest Rate)

13.50%

Class of Warrant or Right, Outstanding (in Shares)

347,222

755,794

740,000

Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights (in Dollars per Share)

$0.43

$0.60

$0.70

Warrants and Rights Outstanding

99

Tribute Term Loan [Member] | Marketable Securities [Member]

Note2FinanceReceivablesDetailsLineItems [Line Items]

Warrants and Rights Outstanding

334

Tribute Term Loan [Member] | Revenue [Member]

Note2FinanceReceivablesDetailsLineItems [Line Items]

Interest Income, Other

62

-131

Syn Cardia Systems [Member]

Note2FinanceReceivablesDetailsLineItems [Line Items]

Debt Instrument, Face Amount

16,000

Payments to Acquire Notes Receivable

4,000

Receivable with Imputed Interest, Effective Yield (Interest Rate)

13.50%

Finance Receivable, Maximum Facility Agreement Capacity

22,000

Advances to Affiliates, Maximum Rights, Capacity

1,500

Receivable with Imputed Interest, Discount

60

Payments for Fees

40

Syn Cardia Systems [Member] | Second Lien Loan [Member]

Note2FinanceReceivablesDetailsLineItems [Line Items]

Debt Instrument, Face Amount

6,000

Shares issued in lieu of cash payment

165,374

Payments for Fees

90

Financing Receivable, Gross

10,000

Syn Cardia Systems [Member] | Revenue [Member]

Note2FinanceReceivablesDetailsLineItems [Line Items]

Interest Income, Other

672

32

Syn Cardia Systems [Member] | Revenue [Member] | Second Lien Loan [Member]

Note2FinanceReceivablesDetailsLineItems [Line Items]

Interest Income, Other

4,601

79

Dental Products Company [Member]

Note2FinanceReceivablesDetailsLineItems [Line Items]

Debt Instrument, Face Amount

6,000

Receivable with Imputed Interest, Effective Yield (Interest Rate)

14.00%

Class of Warrant or Right, Outstanding (in Shares)

225

Payments for Fees

60

Dental Products Company [Member] | Revenue [Member]

Note2FinanceReceivablesDetailsLineItems [Line Items]

Interest Income, Other

618

51

Parnell Pharmaceuticals Holdings Pty Ltd [Member] | Revenue [Member]

Note2FinanceReceivablesDetailsLineItems [Line Items]

Interest Income, Other

834

Syndication Fee

375

Besivance [Member]

Note2FinanceReceivablesDetailsLineItems [Line Items]

Total Cost of Royalty Stream

15,000

Company Funded Royalty Stream

6,000

Royalty Stream, Percentage

40.31%

Royalty Stream Contingent Consideration, Paid By Third Party

1,000

Besivance [Member] | Revenue [Member]

Note2FinanceReceivablesDetailsLineItems [Line Items]

Interest Income, Other

1,032

795

TRT [Member]

Note2FinanceReceivablesDetailsLineItems [Line Items]

Total Cost of Royalty Stream

2,000

Royalty Stream Contingent Consideration, Liability

1,250

TRT [Member] | Revenue [Member]

Note2FinanceReceivablesDetailsLineItems [Line Items]

Interest Income, Other

362

176

SWK Funding LLC [Member]

Note2FinanceReceivablesDetailsLineItems [Line Items]

Debt Instrument, Face Amount

6,500

10,000

19,000

A Client Of SWK Advisors [Member]

Note2FinanceReceivablesDetailsLineItems [Line Items]

Debt Instrument, Face Amount

3,500

Clients Of SWK Holdings [Member]

Note2FinanceReceivablesDetailsLineItems [Line Items]

Debt Instrument, Face Amount

15,000

Drawdown Through December 15 2015 [Member] | Response Genetics, Inc.

Note2FinanceReceivablesDetailsLineItems [Line Items]

Debt Instrument, Face Amount

$3,500

$3,500

Class of Warrant or Right, Outstanding (in Shares)

200,321

200,321

Finance_Receivables_Details_2

Finance Receivables (Details 2) (Tribute Term Loan [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Tribute Term Loan [Member]
Note2FinanceReceivablesDetailsFairValueAssumptionsLineItems [Line Items]
Dividend rate	0.00%	0.00%
Risk-free rate	1.70%	2.50%
Expected life (years)	5 years 4 months 24 days	6 years 6 months
Expected volatility	95.00%	97.00%

Marketable_Investments_Details

Marketable Investments (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Marketable Investments Details
Available for sale securities	$3,119	$3,119
Equity securities	1,730
Marketable investments	$4,849	$3,119

Marketable_Investments_Details1

Marketable Investments (Details Narrative) (USD $)	12 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Nov. 15, 2013	Jul. 09, 2013	Sep. 15, 2014	Feb. 13, 2015
Note3MarketableInvestmentsDetailsLineItems [Line Items]
Paid-in-Kind Interest	($3,583)
Investment Income, Interest	360	166
Price per Share	$0.00	$0.00
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	0	0
Agreement To Purchase Senior Secured Notes [Member]
Note3MarketableInvestmentsDetailsLineItems [Line Items]
Senior Notes				3,000
Receivable with Imputed Interest, Effective Yield (Interest Rate)				11.50%
Paid-in-Kind Interest			119
Cash Interest Reserve Created at Close				4,500
Agreement To Purchase Senior Secured Notes [Member] | Revenue [Member]
Note3MarketableInvestmentsDetailsLineItems [Line Items]
Investment Income, Interest	360	166
Agreement To Purchase Senior Secured Notes [Member] | Tribute [Member]
Note3MarketableInvestmentsDetailsLineItems [Line Items]
Senior Notes				100,000
SynCardia Series F Preferred Stock [Member]
Note3MarketableInvestmentsDetailsLineItems [Line Items]
Senior Notes	1,730
Shares purchased, shares					1,244,551
Price per Share					$1.39
Ownership Percentage	0.05%
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued					165,374
Proceeds from issuance of Preferred Stock					$230
SynCardia Series F Preferred Stock [Member] | Second Lien Loan [Member]
Note3MarketableInvestmentsDetailsLineItems [Line Items]
Shares purchased, shares						1,079,138
Price per Share						$1.39

Marketable_Investments_Details2

Marketable Investments (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Investment Holdings Reconciliation [Abstract]
Amortized Cost	$3,119	$3,119
Gross Unrealized Gains
Gross Unrealized Loss
Fair Value	$3,119	$3,119

Variable_Interest_Entities_Det

Variable Interest Entities (Details Narrative) (USD $)	12 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Note4VariableInterestEntitiesDetailsLineItems [Line Items]
Percent of Pharmaceutical Product's Cash Flow to be Received by the Limited Partnership			84.00%
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments	$5,341	$2,779
Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions	6,722	5,354
Payments to Noncontrolling Interests	3,585	2,857
SWKHP Holdings [Member]
Note4VariableInterestEntitiesDetailsLineItems [Line Items]
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments	2,839	1,470
Minimum Interest [Member]
Note4VariableInterestEntitiesDetailsLineItems [Line Items]
Percent of Pharmaceutical Product's Cash Flow to be Received by the Limited Partnership			39.00%
Non-controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities
Note4VariableInterestEntitiesDetailsLineItems [Line Items]
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures			7,000
Payments to Noncontrolling Interests	3,585	2,857
Holmdel Pharmaceuticals LP [Member]
Note4VariableInterestEntitiesDetailsLineItems [Line Items]
Payments to Acquire Intangible Assets			13,000
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent			84.00%
SWKHP Holdings LP [Member]
Note4VariableInterestEntitiesDetailsLineItems [Line Items]
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures			13,000
SWKHP Holdings GP [Member]
Note4VariableInterestEntitiesDetailsLineItems [Line Items]
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures			$6,000

Variable_Interest_Entities_Det1

Variable Interest Entities (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Change in Investment Carrying Amount - Holmdel [Abstract]
Beginning Balance	$10,425	$13,000
Add: Income from investments in unconsolidated entities	5,341	2,779
Less: Cash distribution on investments in unconsolidated entities	-6,722	-5,354
Ending Balance	$9,044	$10,425

Variable_Interest_Entities_Det2

Variable Interest Entities (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Financial Statement Information - Holmdel [Abstract]
Assets	$11,600	$13,700
Liabilities	1,500	2,300
Equity	10,100	11,400
Revenue	8,000	5,800
Expenses	1,600	3,100
Net income	$6,400	$2,700

Accounts_Payable_and_Accrued_L2

Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accrued payroll and bonuses	$784	$210
Accounts payable and related expenses	48	59
Client deposits		50
Interest expense on loan credit agreement		21
Other accrued liabilities	31	23
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities, net	$863	$363

Interest_and_Other_Expense_Det

Interest and Other Expense (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Interest And Other Expense Details
Interest expense	($589)	($68)
Interest income	10	49
Decrease in fair value of warrant assets	-116	-130
Increase in fair value of warrant liability	-129	-60
Interest and Other Expense, net	($824)	($209)

Loan_Credit_Agreement_with_Rel1

Loan Credit Agreement with Related Party (Details Narrative) (USD $)	12 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 09, 2013	Sep. 09, 2014	Jul. 30, 2014	Feb. 04, 2014
Note5LoanCreditAgreementwithRelatedPartyDetailsLineItems [Line Items]
Long-term Line of Credit, Noncurrent		$5,000
Warrants and Rights Outstanding	421	292
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives	129	60
Interest Expense, Debt	-589	-68
Amortization of Financing Costs	143	47
Warrant [Member]
Note5LoanCreditAgreementwithRelatedPartyDetailsLineItems [Line Items]
Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Warrants or Rights (in Shares)				200,321	681,090	347,222
Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights (in Dollars per Share)					$0.94	$0.43
Delayed Draw [Member]
Note5LoanCreditAgreementwithRelatedPartyDetailsLineItems [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	6.50%
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate at Period End	6.73%	6.75%
Debt Instrument, Term	18 months
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	30,000
Proceeds from Lines of Credit	6,000
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Period	4 years
Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Warrants or Rights (in Shares)	1,000,000
Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights (in Dollars per Share)	$1.39
Delayed Draw [Member] | Loan Credit Agreement [Member]
Note5LoanCreditAgreementwithRelatedPartyDetailsLineItems [Line Items]
Proceeds from Lines of Credit			5,000
Delayed Draw [Member] | Amount Available At Closing [Member]
Note5LoanCreditAgreementwithRelatedPartyDetailsLineItems [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	15,000
Delayed Draw [Member] | Amount Available After Realizing Net Proceeds Of At Least 10 Million [Member]
Note5LoanCreditAgreementwithRelatedPartyDetailsLineItems [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	30,000
Delayed Draw [Member] | Threshold For Loan Increase [Member]
Note5LoanCreditAgreementwithRelatedPartyDetailsLineItems [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	19,000
Proceeds from Lines of Credit	$11,000

Loan_Credit_Agreement_with_Rel2

Loan Credit Agreement with Related Party (Details) (Loan Credit Agreement [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Loan Credit Agreement [Member]
Note5LoanCreditAgreementwithRelatedPartyDetailsValuationAssumptionsLineItems [Line Items]
Dividend rate	0.00%	0.00%
Risk-free rate	1.70%	2.50%
Expected life (years)	5 years 8 months 12 days	6 years 8 months 12 days
Expected volatility	32.70%	27.00%

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
2015	$32,000
2016	57,000
2017	58,000
2018	59,000
2019	60,000
Thereafter	26,000
Total future minimum rent with non-cancellable terms of one year or more	$292,000

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies (Details Narrative) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Nov. 21, 2014	Dec. 31, 2012
			sqft	sqft
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Area leased for Office			2,400	1,300
Office Rent	$21	$22

Stockholders_Equity_Details_Na

Stockholders' Equity (Details Narrative) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Nov. 26, 2014	Aug. 18, 2014	Jan. 31, 2012
Note6StockholdersEquityDetailsLineItems [Line Items]
Common Shares par Value	$0.00	$0.00
Net proceeds from issuance of stock	$110,154
Share-based Compensation	844	254
Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Subsidiary Equity Issuance			7,000
Carlson Capital, L.P. [Member]
Note6StockholdersEquityDetailsLineItems [Line Items]
Acquisation percentage					69.00%
Common Shares Acquired				14,534,884	73,348,525
Common Shares par Value					$0.00
Common Shares purchase price				$0.86	$1.37
Stock issuance cost				675	2,159
Common Shares aggregate purchase value				12,500	100,488
J Brett Pope [Member]
Note6StockholdersEquityDetailsLineItems [Line Items]
Warrants to purchase common share	1,000,000
Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights (in Dollars per Share)	$1.37
Winston Black [Member]
Note6StockholdersEquityDetailsLineItems [Line Items]
Warrants to purchase common share	1,000,000
Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights (in Dollars per Share)	$1.37
Non Executive Board Members [Member]
Note6StockholdersEquityDetailsLineItems [Line Items]
Share-based Goods and Nonemployee Services Transaction, Quantity of Securities Issued (in Shares)						35,000
SWKHP Holdings LP [Member]
Note6StockholdersEquityDetailsLineItems [Line Items]
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures			13,000
SWKHP Holdings GP [Member]
Note6StockholdersEquityDetailsLineItems [Line Items]
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures			$6,000
Restricted Stock [Member]
Note6StockholdersEquityDetailsLineItems [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number (in Shares)	1,125,000	1,682,500	1,647,500

Stockholders_Equity_Details

Stockholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of Activities Under Option Plans [Abstract]
Balances - Number of shares	3,670,000	1,680,000
Balances - Weighted Average exercise price	$1.20	$1.01
Balances - Weighted average remaining contractual term	8 years 3 months 18 days	7 years 9 months 17 days
Balances - Aggregate intrinsic value	$1,109,200	$458,600
Options vested and exercisable and expected to be vested and exercisable at December 31, 2014	3,380,000
Options vested and exercisable and expected to be vested and exercisable at December 31, 2014	$1.20
Options vested and exercisable and expected to be vested and exercisable at December 31, 2014	8 years 3 months 18 days
Options vested and exercisable and expected to be vested and exercisable at December 31, 2014	1,048,455
Options vested and exercisable at end of period	545,000
Options vested and exercisable at end of period	$1.36
Options vested and exercisable at end of period	5 years 10 months 24 days
Options vested and exercisable at end of period	$251,700
Options cancelled and retired (in shares)	-10,000	0
Options cancelled and retired	$2.65	$0
Options exercised (in shares)	0	0
Options exercised	$0	$0
Options granted (in shares)	2,000,000	0
Options granted	$1.37	$0

Stockholders_Equity_Details_2

Stockholders' Equity (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise Prices	$1.20	$1.01
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share	$1.20	$1.01
Seventy cents [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise Prices	$0.70
Number Outstanding, Vested and Exercisable (in Shares)	20,000
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (In Years)	4 years 7 months 6 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share	$0.70
Number Exercisable (in Shares)	20,000
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share	$0.70
Eighty Three Cents [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise Prices	$0.83
Number Outstanding, Vested and Exercisable (in Shares)	1,500,000
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (In Years)	7 years 6 months
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share	$0.83
Number Exercisable (in Shares)	375,000
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share	$0.83
One Dollar Twenty Four Cents [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise Prices	$1.24
Number Outstanding, Vested and Exercisable (in Shares)	20,000
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (In Years)	3 years 7 months 6 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share	$1.24
Number Exercisable (in Shares)	20,000
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share	$1.24
One Dollar Eighty Three Cents [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise Prices	$1.37
Number Outstanding, Vested and Exercisable (in Shares)	2,000,000
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (In Years)	9 years 7 months 6 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share	$1.37
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share	$1.37
Two Dollars Sixty Seven Cents [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise Prices	$2.67
Number Outstanding, Vested and Exercisable (in Shares)	20,000
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (In Years)	2 years 7 months 6 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share	$2.67
Number Exercisable (in Shares)	20,000
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share	$2.67
Two Ninety Five [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise Prices	$2.95
Number Outstanding, Vested and Exercisable (in Shares)	90,000
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (In Years)	1 year 8 months 12 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share	$2.95
Number Exercisable (in Shares)	90,000
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share	$2.95
Three Fifty [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise Prices	$3.50
Number Outstanding, Vested and Exercisable (in Shares)	20,000
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (In Years)	2 years 2 months 12 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share	$3.50
Number Exercisable (in Shares)	20,000
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share	$3.50
Total [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise Prices	$1.20
Number Outstanding, Vested and Exercisable (in Shares)	3,670,000
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (In Years)	8 years 4 months 24 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share	$1.20
Number Exercisable (in Shares)	545,000
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share	$1.36

Stockholders_Equity_Details_3

Stockholders' Equity (Details 3) (Restricted Stock [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Restricted Stock [Member]
Note6StockholdersEquityDetailsRestrictedStockActivityLineItems [Line Items]
Balances, Number of Shares	1,125,000	1,682,500	1,647,500
Shares cancelled and forfeited
Shares vested	-697,500	-105,000
Shares granted	140,000	140,000
Balances, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (per share)	$0.45	$0.39	$0.38
Shares cancelled and forfeited (per share)
Shares vested (per share)	$0.83	$0.82
Shares granted (per share)	$1.13	$0.83

Stockholders_Equity_Details_4

Stockholders' Equity (Details 4) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Changes in Carrying Amount of Non-Controlling Interest [Abstract]
Beginning Balance	$5,613
Add: Income attributable to non-controlling interests	2,839	1,470
Less: Cash distribution to non-controlling interests	-3,585
Ending Balance	$4,867	$5,613

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financial Assets:
Tribute warrant	$679	$204
Available-for-sale securities	3,119	3,119
Financial Liabilities:
Warrant liability	421	292
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Financial Assets:
Available-for-sale securities	3,119	4,849
Tribute Warrant [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Financial Assets:
Tribute warrant	679	204
Financial Liabilities:
Warrant liability	421	292
Tribute Warrant [Member] | Marketable Securities [Member]
Financial Assets:
Tribute warrant	679	204
Financial Liabilities:
Warrant liability	$421	$292

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail1

Fair Value Measurements (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair value - December 31	$204
Fair value - December 31	679	204
Fair value - December 31	292
Change in fair value of warrants	-129	-60
Fair value - December 31	421	292
Tribute Warrant [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair value - December 31	204
Issuances	706	334
Assignment	-115
Change in fair value	-116	-130
Fair value - December 31	679	204
Warrent Liability [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair value - December 31	292
Issuances		232
Change in fair value of warrants	129	60
Fair value - December 31	$421	$292

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail2

Fair Value Measurements (Details 3) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financial Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$58,728	$7,664	$24,584
Cash and cash equivalents at fair value	58,728	7,664
Finance receivables	93,347	29,286
Finance receivables at fair value	93,347	29,324
Marketable investments	4,849	3,119
Marketable investments at fair value	4,849	3,119
Other assets	679	204
Other Assets at fair value	679	204
Financial Liabilities
Warrant liability	421	292
Gross liability at fair value	421	292
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Financial Assets
Cash and cash equivalents at fair value	58,728	7,664
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Financial Assets
Finance receivables at fair value	93,347	29,324
Marketable investments at fair value	4,849	3,119
Other Assets at fair value	679	204
Financial Liabilities
Gross liability at fair value	$421	$292

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Taxes Details
U. S.	$13,301	$4,491

Income_Taxes_Details_2

Income Taxes (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Current benefit		($38)
Deferred benefit	-10,303	-9,803
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	-10,303	-9,841
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Amount
Federal tax benefit at statutory rate	4,655	1,384
Change in valuation allowance	-9,977	-20,960
Change in statutory rate	-4,315
Other	319	67
Write off of expired deferred tax assets	-9	10,080
Provision related to non-controlling interest	-994	-412
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	($10,303)	($9,841)

Income_Taxes_Details_3

Income Taxes (Details 3) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred tax assets
Credit carryforward	$2,660	$2,660
Stock based compensation	470	287
Other	271	59
Net operating losses	146,513	146,637
Gross deferred tax assets	149,914	149,643
Valuation allowance	-129,808	-139,840
Net deferred tax assets	$20,106	$9,803

Income_Taxes_Details_4

Income Taxes (Details 4) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Taxes Details 4
Balance as of January 1		$41
Additions for tax positions related to the current year
Additions for tax positions related to prior years
Reductions for tax positions of prior years due to lapse of statute of limitation		-41
Settlements
Balance as of December 31

Income_Taxes_Details_Narrative

Income Taxes (Details Narrative) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Taxes Details Narrative
Net operating loss carryforwards resulting from tax deductions upon the exercise of employee stock options	$1,900
Net operating loss carryforwards for federal income tax	421,000
[us-gaap:DeferredTaxAssetsTaxCreditCarryforwardsResearch]	$2,700

Related_Party_Transactions_Det

Related Party Transactions (Details Narrative) (Stockholder [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Revenue recognized	$100,000	$120,000
Accounts receivable from the affiliate	0	75,000
Loan Credit Agreement [Member]
Proceeds from Lines of Credit	$0	$5,000

Subsequent_Events_Details_Narr

Subsequent Events (Details Narrative) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 13, 2015	Jan. 23, 2014	Dec. 05, 2012
Debt Instrument, Face Amount			$25,000	$22,500
Loan Commitment Assigned by Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the Company	12,500
Subsequent Event [Member] | Syn Cardia Systems [Member]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount		1,800
Loan Commitment Assigned by Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the Company		6,900
Shares issued in lieu of cash payment		1,079,138
Accured Interest, percentage		10.00%
Subsequent Event [Member] | Syn Cardia Systems [Member] | Second Lien Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount		17,000
Loan Commitment Assigned by Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the Company		$11,500
Shares issued in lieu of cash payment		1,798,563