Safeguard Scientifics (SFES) 10-Q 25 Oct 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Oct. 24, 2013
Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	SAFEGUARD SCIENTIFICS INC
Entity Central Index Key	86115
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2013
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		21,518,410
Trading Symbol	SFE

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$108,694	$66,029
Cash held in escrow	0	6,434
Marketable securities	54,132	110,957
Restricted marketable securities	5	10
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,275	2,408
Total current assets	164,106	185,838
Property and equipment, net	160	193
Ownership interests in and advances to partner companies and funds (of which $14,560 and $20,972 are measured at fair value at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively)	143,048	148,639
Loan participations receivable	8,279	7,085
Available-for-sale securities	32	58
Long-term marketable securities	3,292	29,059
Other assets	2,826	3,272
Total Assets	321,743	374,144
Current Liabilities:
Convertible senior debentures—current	470	0
Accounts payable	374	610
Accrued compensation and benefits	3,552	4,050
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	3,540	2,601
Total current liabilities	7,936	7,261
Other long-term liabilities	3,814	3,921
Convertible senior debentures—non-current	49,221	48,991
Total Liabilities	60,971	60,173
Commitments and contingencies
Equity:
Preferred stock, $0.10 par value; 1,000 shares authorized	0	0
Common stock, $0.10 par value; 83,333 shares authorized; 21,519 and 20,968 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively	2,152	2,097
Additional paid-in capital	822,170	815,946
Accumulated deficit	-563,564	-504,072
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	14	0
Total Equity	260,772	313,971
Total Liabilities and Equity	$321,743	$374,144

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Ownership interest in and advances, to partner companies and funds, fair value	$14,560	$20,972
Preferred stock, par value	$0.10	$0.10
Preferred stock, shares authorized	1,000	1,000
Common stock, par value	$0.10	$0.10
Common stock, shares authorized	83,333	83,333
Common stock, shares issued	21,519	20,968
Common stock, shares outstanding	21,519	20,968

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]
General and administrative expense	$4,835	$4,790	$16,924	$14,681
Operating loss	-4,835	-4,790	-16,924	-14,681
Other income (loss), net	-4,224	91	-6,191	7,994
Interest income	572	696	2,096	2,190
Interest expense	-1,077	-1,461	-3,220	-4,369
Equity loss	-9,866	-3,293	-35,253	-19,688
Net loss before income taxes	-19,430	-8,757	-59,492	-28,554
Income tax benefit (expense)	0	0	0	0
Net loss	($19,430)	($8,757)	($59,492)	($28,554)
Net loss per share:
Basic and diluted (in dollars per share)	($0.90)	($0.42)	($2.80)	($1.36)
Weighted average shares used in computing basic and diluted loss per share (in shares)	21,494	20,999	21,245	20,935

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net loss	($19,430)	($8,757)	($59,492)	($28,554)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, before Tax	14	-1,390	-26	4,410
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment for Write-down of Securities Included in Net Income, before Tax	0	94	40	238
Other comprehensive income (loss), before taxes:
Total comprehensive loss	($19,416)	($10,053)	($59,478)	($23,906)

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net cash used in operating activities	($16,299)	($12,616)
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Proceeds from sales of and distributions from companies and funds	2,603	14,526
Advances and loans to companies	-9,350	-13,315
Origination fees on mezzanine loans	42	74
Acquisitions of ownership interests in companies and funds	-28,718	-21,719
Increase in marketable securities	-47,072	-209,876
Decrease in marketable securities	129,664	226,133
Repayment of advances and loans to companies	1,044	3,214
Capital expenditures	-37	-25
Proceeds from sale of discontinued operations, net	6,434	0
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	54,610	-988
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Repurchase of convertible senior debentures	-43	0
Issuance of Company common stock, net	4,397	1,568
Net cash provided by financing activities	4,354	1,568
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents	42,665	-12,036
Cash and Cash Equivalents at beginning of period	66,029	83,187
Cash and Cash Equivalents at end of period	$108,694	$71,151

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENT_OF_CHAN

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (USD $)	Total	Accumulated Deficit [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	$313,971	($504,072)	$2,097	$815,946
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012			20,968
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	14				14
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net loss	-59,492	-59,492
Stock options exercised, net	4,397		55	4,342
Stock options exercised, net (in shares)			551
Issuance of restricted stock, net	74			74
Stock-based compensation expense	1,808			1,808
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	14				14
Balance at Sep. 30, 2013	$260,772	($563,564)	$2,152	$822,170
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2013			21,519

General

General	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
General	General
	The accompanying unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements of Safeguard Scientifics, Inc. (“Safeguard” or the “Company”) were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and the interim financial statement rules and regulations of the SEC. In the opinion of management, these statements include all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the Consolidated Financial Statements. The interim operating results are not necessarily indicative of the results for a full year or for any interim period. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations relating to interim financial statements. The Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included elsewhere in this Form 10-Q and with the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included in the Company’s 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Ownership_Interests_in_and_Adv

Ownership Interests in and Advances to Partner Companies and Funds	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, Schedule of Investments [Abstract]
Ownership Interests in and Advances to Partner Companies and Funds	Ownership Interests in and Advances to Partner Companies and Funds
	The following summarizes the carrying value of the Company’s ownership interests in and advances to partner companies and private equity funds.
		September 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
		(In thousands)
		(Unaudited)
	Fair value	$	14,560		$	20,972
	Equity Method:
	Partner companies	108,249			102,931
	Private equity funds	3,606			3,810
		111,855			106,741
	Cost Method:
	Partner companies	12,530			10,000
	Private equity funds	2,518			2,634
		15,048			12,634
	Advances to partner companies	1,585			8,292
		$	143,048		$	148,639
	Loan participations receivable	$	8,279		$	7,085
	Available-for-sale securities	$	32		$	58
	The Company recognized an impairment charge of $1.3 million in the three months ended September 30, 2013 related to PixelOptics, Inc. (“PixelOptics”) which is reflected in Equity loss in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The impairment was based on PixelOptics' inability to raise additional capital from independent sources to continue its operations. The Company previously recorded impairment charges of $9.9 million and $3.7 million related to PixelOptics in the second quarters of 2013 and 2012, respectively. The adjusted carrying value of PixelOptics at September 30, 2013 was $0. The Company believes it is unlikely it will recover any of its capital.
	For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company recognized an unrealized loss of $4.8 million and $6.4 million, respectively, on the mark-to-market of its holdings in NuPathe Inc. (“NuPathe”), which is included in Other income (loss), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	The following unaudited summarized results of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 for PixelOptics have been compiled from the unaudited financial statements of PixelOptics. The results of PixelOptics are reported on a one quarter lag.
		Six Months Ended June 30,
		2013			2012
		(In thousands)
		(Unaudited)
	Results of Operations:
	Revenue	$	800		$	569
	Operating loss	$	(12,219	)	$	(16,172	)
	Net loss	$	(14,838	)	$	(16,925	)

Acquisitions_of_Ownership_Inte

Acquisitions of Ownership Interests in Partner Companies and Funds	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Acquisitions of Ownership Interests in Partner Companies and Funds	Acquisitions of Ownership Interests in Partner Companies and Funds
	In September and June 2013, the Company funded an aggregate of $0.6 million of convertible bridge loans to Alverix, Inc. (“Alverix”). The Company had previously deployed an aggregate of $8.8 million in Alverix. Alverix provides next-generation instrument and connectivity platforms for diagnostic Point-of-Care testing. The Company accounts for its interest in Alverix under the equity method.
	In August 2013, the Company acquired a 34.4% primary ownership interest in Quantia, Inc. ("Quantia") for $7.5 million. Quantia provides a mobile and web-based physician relationship management platform, QuantiaMD, which enables principal participants throughout the healthcare spectrum, including health systems, payers, pharmaceutical companies and medical device companies, to engage and interact with their physicians. The Company accounts for its interest in Quantia under the equity method. The difference between the Company's cost and its interest in the underlying net assets of Quantia was preliminarily allocated to intangible assets and goodwill as reflected in the carrying value in Ownership interests in and advances to partner companies and funds on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	In August 2013, the Company deployed an additional $1.1 million into DriveFactor, Inc. ("DriveFactor"). The Company previously deployed an aggregate of $3.5 million in DriveFactor. DriveFactor is a provider of telematics technology and statistical analysis of driving data. The Company accounts for its interest in DriveFactor under the equity method. The difference between the Company’s cost and its interest in the underlying net assets of DriveFactor was allocated to goodwill as reflected in the carrying value in Ownership interests in and advances to partner companies and funds on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	In August 2013, the Company deployed $5.0 million in Clutch Holdings, Inc. (“Clutch”). The Company previously had acquired an interest in Clutch in February 2013 for $0.5 million. In conjunction with the most recent funding, the Company’s primary ownership interest in Clutch increased from 6.5% to 24.0%, above the threshold at which the Company believes it exercises significant influence. Accordingly, the Company adopted the equity method of accounting for its holdings in Clutch. The difference between the Company's cost and its interest in the underlying net assets of Clutch was preliminarily allocated to intangible assets and goodwill as reflected in the carrying value in Ownership interests in and advances to partner companies and funds on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The change in accounting treatment for the Company’s holdings in Clutch from the cost method to the equity method had no effect on the Consolidated Financial Statements of any prior period. Clutch is a mobile commerce platform that unifies applications associated with gifting, loyalty and shopping programs to improve the customer experience.
	In July 2013, the Company funded $1.0 million of a convertible bridge loan to Crescendo Bioscience, Inc. (“Crescendo Bioscience”). The Company previously had acquired an interest in Crescendo Bioscience in December 2012 for $10.0 million. Crescendo Bioscience is a molecular diagnostics laboratory focused on rheumatology. The Company accounts for its ownership interest in Crescendo Bioscience under the cost method.
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company funded $2.3 million for participations in loan and equity interests initiated by Penn Mezzanine. Included in this funding were $2.2 million for participation in a loan and $0.1 million for participation in equity of the borrower acquired by Penn Mezzanine.
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company funded an aggregate of $5.3 million of a convertible bridge loan to PixelOptics. The Company previously deployed an aggregate of $31.6 million in PixelOptics. PixelOptics provides electronic corrective eyeglasses designed to substantially reduce or eliminate the visual distortion and other limitations associated with multifocal lenses. The Company accounts for its interest in PixelOptics under the equity method. As previously noted, the adjusted carrying value of PixelOptics at September 30, 2013 was $0.
	In June 2013, the Company deployed an additional $5.3 million into Medivo, Inc. (“Medivo”). The Company had previously acquired an interest in Medivo in November 2011 for $6.3 million. Medivo is a cloud-based health monitoring platform that connects doctors, consumers and clinical labs. The Company accounts for its interest in Medivo under the equity method. With respect to the June 2013 deployment, the difference between the Company’s cost and its incremental interest in the underlying net assets of Medivo was preliminarily allocated to intangible assets and goodwill as reflected in the carrying value in Ownership interests in and advances to partner companies and funds on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	In May 2013, the Company funded $0.2 million of a convertible bridge loan to Hoopla Software, Inc. (“Hoopla”). The Company had previously acquired an interest in Hoopla in December 2011 for $1.3 million. Hoopla helps organizations create high performance sales cultures through software-as-a-service solutions that integrate with customer relationship management systems. The Company accounts for its interest in Hoopla under the equity method.
	In March 2013, the Company deployed an additional $1.7 million into Lumesis, Inc. (“Lumesis”). The Company had previously acquired an interest in Lumesis in February 2012 for $2.2 million. Lumesis is a financial technology company that is dedicated to delivering software solutions and comprehensive, timely data to the municipal bond marketplace. The Company accounts for its interest in Lumesis under the equity method. The difference between the Company’s cost and its interest in the underlying net assets of Lumesis was preliminarily allocated to intangible assets and goodwill as reflected in the carrying value in Ownership interests in and advances to partner companies and funds on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	In February 2013, the Company acquired a 27.6% primary ownership interest in Pneuron Corporation (“Pneuron”) for $5.0 million. Pneuron helps enterprise companies reduce the time and cost of application development by building solutions across heterogeneous databases and applications. The Company accounts for its ownership interest in Pneuron under the equity method. The difference between the Company’s cost and its interest in the underlying net assets of Pneuron was preliminarily allocated to intangible assets and goodwill as reflected in the carrying value in Ownership interests in and advances to partner companies and funds on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	In January 2013, the Company acquired a 7.7% primary interest in Sotera Wireless, Inc. (“Sotera Wireless”). The Company deployed $1.3 million into Sotera Wireless and acquired additional shares from a previous investor for $1.2 million. Sotera Wireless is a medical device company that has developed a wireless patient monitoring platform that is designed to keep clinicians connected to their patients. The Company accounts for its interest in Sotera Wireless under the cost method.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements
	The Company categorizes its financial instruments into a three-level fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). If the inputs used to measure fair value fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the category level is based on the lowest priority level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the instrument. Financial assets recorded at fair value on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets are categorized as follows:
	Level 1—Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
	Level 2—Include other inputs that are directly or indirectly observable in the marketplace.
	Level 3—Unobservable inputs which are supported by little or no market activity.
	The fair value hierarchy also requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.
	The following table provides the carrying value and fair value of certain financial assets and liabilities of the Company measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012:
		Carrying		Fair Value Measurement at September 30, 2013
		Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
		(In thousands)
		(Unaudited)
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	108,694	$	108,694	$	—	$	—
	Restricted marketable securities	5		5		—		—
	Ownership interest in common stock of NuPathe	12,437		12,437		—		—
	Ownership interest in warrants and options of NuPathe	2,123		—		—		2,123
	Available-for-sale securities	32		32		—		—
	Warrant participations	417		—		—		417
	Marketable securities—held-to-maturity:
	Commercial paper	$	23,749	$	23,749	$	—	$	—
	U.S. Treasury Bills	16,181		16,181		—		—
	Government agency bonds	2,645		2,645		—		—
	Certificates of deposit	14,849		14,849		—		—
	Total marketable securities	$	57,424	$	57,424	$	—	$	—
		Carrying		Fair Value Measurement at December 31, 2012
		Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
		(In thousands)
		(Unaudited)
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	66,029	$	66,029	$	—	$	—
	Cash held in escrow	6,434		6,434		—		—
	Restricted marketable securities	10		10		—		—
	Ownership interest in common stock of NuPathe	8,897		8,897		—		—
	Ownership interest in preferred stock, warrants and options of NuPathe	12,075		—		—		12,075
	Available-for-sale securities	58		58		—		—
	Warrant participations	423		—		—		423
	Marketable securities—held-to-maturity:
	Commercial paper	$	50,932	$	50,932	$	—	$	—
	U.S. Treasury Bills	21,352		21,352		—		—
	Government agency bonds	45,909		45,909		—		—
	Certificates of deposit	21,823		21,823		—		—
	Total marketable securities	$	140,016	$	140,016	$	—	$	—
	As of September 30, 2013, $54.1 million of marketable securities had contractual maturities which were less than one year and $3.3 million of marketable securities had contractual maturities greater than one year. Held-to-maturity securities are carried at amortized cost, which, due to the short-term maturity of these instruments, approximates fair value using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities defined as Level 1 inputs under the fair value hierarchy.
	The Company recorded an impairment charge of $1.3 million related to PixelOptics in the three months ended September 30, 2013, measured as the amount by which PixelOptics’ carrying value exceeded its estimated fair value.  The Company also recorded an impairment charge of $9.9 million related to PixelOptics in the three months ended June 30, 2013. The fair market value of the Company’s equity ownership in PixelOptics was determined to be $0 at September 30, 2013 based on Level 3 inputs as defined above.  The inputs and valuation techniques used were primarily an evaluation of discounted cash flows for PixelOptics.
	The Company’s Penn Mezzanine warrant participations are carried at fair value. The value of the Company’s holdings in warrant participations is measured by reference to Level 3 inputs. The inputs and valuation techniques used include discounted cash flows and valuation of comparable public companies.  The Company recorded an impairment charge of $0.3 million related to its Penn Mezzanine debt and equity participations in the second quarter of 2013 measured as the amount by which the carrying value of the Company’s participation in the debt, equity and warrant interests acquired by Penn Mezzanine exceeded their estimated fair values.
	The Company’s ownership interests in NuPathe are accounted for at fair value. In February 2013, the Company converted its 2,500 shares of preferred stock units, acquired in October 2012, into 2.5 million shares of common stock in NuPathe. The preferred stock units had been valued using Level 3 inputs. The fair value of the Company’s ownership interest in NuPathe’s common stock was measured using quoted market prices for NuPathe’s common stock as traded on the NASDAQ Global Market, which is considered a Level 1 input under the valuation hierarchy. The fair value of the Company’s ownership interest in NuPathe’s warrants and options was measured using a Black-Scholes option pricing model, which is based on Level 3 inputs as defined above.

Convertible_Debentures_and_Cre

Convertible Debentures and Credit Arrangements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Convertible Debentures and Credit Arrangements	Convertible Debentures and Credit Arrangements
	The carrying values of the Company’s convertible senior debentures were as follows:
		September 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
		(In thousands)
		(Unaudited)
	Convertible senior debentures due 2018	$	49,221		$	48,483
	Convertible senior debentures due 2014	29			67
	Convertible senior debentures due 2024	441			441
		49,691			48,991
	Less: current portion	(470		)	—
	Convertible senior debentures – non current	$	49,221		$	48,991
	Convertible Senior Debentures due 2018
	In November 2012, Safeguard issued $55.0 million principal amount of its 5.25% convertible senior debentures due 2018 (the “2018 Debentures”). Proceeds from the offering were used to repurchase substantially all of the Company’s then outstanding 10.125% convertible senior debentures due 2014 (the “2014 Debentures”). Interest on the 2018 Debentures is payable semi-annually on May 15 and November 15.
	Holders of the 2018 Debentures may convert their notes prior to November 15, 2017 at their option only under the following circumstances:
	•	during any calendar quarter commencing after the calendar quarter ending on December 31, 2012, if the last reported sale price of the common stock for at least 20 trading days during the period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the immediately preceding calendar quarter is greater than or equal to 130% of the conversion price on each applicable trading day;
	•	during the five business day period after any five consecutive trading day period in which the trading price per $1,000 principal amount of notes for each trading day of the measurement period was less than 98% of the product of the last reported sale price of our common stock and the conversion rate on such trading day;
	•	if the notes have been called for redemption; or
	•	upon the occurrence of specified corporate events.
	On or after November 15, 2017, until the close of business on the second business day immediately preceding the maturity date, holders may convert their notes at any time, regardless of whether any of the foregoing conditions has been met. Upon conversion, the Company will satisfy its conversion obligation by paying or delivering, as the case may be, cash, shares of common stock or a combination of cash and shares of our common stock, at the Company’s election.
	The conversion rate of the 2018 Debentures is 55.17 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of debentures, equivalent to a conversion price of approximately $18.13 per share of common stock. The closing price per share of the Company’s common stock at September 30, 2013 was $15.69.
	On or after November 15, 2016, the Company may redeem for cash any of the 2018 Debentures if the last reported sale price of the Company’s common stock exceeds 140% of the conversion price for at least 20 trading days during the period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the trading day before the date that notice of redemption is given, including the last trading day of such period. Upon any redemption of the 2018 Debentures, the Company will pay a redemption price of 100% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the date of redemption, and additional interest, if any.
	The 2018 Debenture holders have the right to require the Company to repurchase the 2018 Debentures if the Company undergoes a fundamental change, which includes the sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s common stock or assets; liquidation; dissolution; a greater than 50% change in control; the delisting of the Company’s common stock from the New York Stock Exchange or the NASDAQ Global Market (or any of their respective successors); or a substantial change in the composition of the Company’s board of directors as defined in the governing agreement. Holders may require that the Company repurchase for cash all or part of their 2018 Debentures at a fundamental change repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the debentures to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the fundamental change repurchase date.
	Because the 2018 Debentures may be settled in cash or partially in cash upon conversion, the Company separately accounts for the liability and equity components of the 2018 Debentures. The carrying amount of the liability component was determined at the transaction date by measuring the fair value of a similar liability that does not have an associated equity component. The carrying amount of the equity component represented by the embedded conversion option was determined by deducting the fair value of the liability component from the initial proceeds of the 2018 Debentures as a whole. At September 30, 2013, the fair value of the $55.0 million outstanding 2018 Debentures was approximately $59.4 million, based on the midpoint of the bid and ask prices as of such date. At September 30, 2013, the carrying amount of the equity component was $6.4 million, the principal amount of the liability component was $55.0 million, the unamortized discount was $5.8 million and the net carrying value of the liability component was $49.2 million. The Company is amortizing the excess of the face value of the 2018 Debentures over their carrying value over their term as additional interest expense using the effective interest method and recorded $0.7 million of such expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The effective interest rate on the 2018 Debentures is 8.7%.
	Convertible Senior Debentures due 2024
	In 2004, the Company issued an aggregate of $150.0 million in face value of convertible senior debentures with a stated maturity date of March 15, 2024 (the “2024 Debentures”). At September 30, 2013, the fair value of the $0.4 million outstanding 2024 Debentures approximated their carrying value, based on the midpoint of bid and ask prices as of such date. Interest on the 2024 Debentures is payable semi-annually. At the debenture holders’ option, the 2024 Debentures are convertible into the Company’s common stock through March 14, 2024, subject to certain conditions. The adjusted conversion rate of the 2024 Debentures is $43.3044 of principal amount per share. The remaining 2024 Debenture holders have the right to require the Company to repurchase the 2024 Debentures on March 20, 2014 or March 20, 2019 at a repurchase price equal to 100% of their face amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest. In limited circumstances, the Company has the right to redeem all or some of the 2024 Debentures.
	Convertible Senior Debentures due 2014
	In March 2010, the Company issued an aggregate of $46.9 million of the 2014 Debentures. As noted above, in November 2012, the Company repurchased substantially all of the 2014 Debentures for $58.7 million plus accrued interest.
	Credit Arrangements
	The Company is party to a loan agreement with a commercial bank which provides it with a revolving credit facility in the maximum aggregate amount of $50 million in the form of borrowings, guarantees and issuances of letters of credit (subject to a $20 million sublimit). Actual availability under the credit facility is based on the amount of cash maintained at the bank as well as the value of the Company’s public and private partner company interests. This credit facility bears interest at the prime rate for outstanding borrowings, subject to an increase in certain circumstances. Other than for limited exceptions, the Company is required to maintain all of its depository and operating accounts and the lesser of $80 million or 75% of its investment and securities accounts at the bank. The credit facility, as amended, matures on December 31, 2014. Under the credit facility, the Company provided a $6.3 million letter of credit expiring on March 19, 2019 to the landlord of CompuCom Systems, Inc.’s Dallas headquarters which was required in connection with the sale of CompuCom Systems in 2004. Availability under the Company’s revolving credit facility at September 30, 2013 was $43.7 million.

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation
	Stock-based compensation expense was recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as follows:
		Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013		2012		2013		2012
		(In thousands)
		(Unaudited)
	General and administrative expense	$	510	$	317	$	1,808	$	1,546
		$	510	$	317	$	1,808	$	1,546
	The fair value of the Company’s stock-based awards to employees was estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The risk-free rate was based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the end of the quarter in which the grant occurred. The expected term of stock options granted was estimated using the historical exercise behavior of employees. Expected volatility was based on historical volatility measured using weekly price observations of the Company’s common stock for a period equal to the stock option’s expected term.
	At September 30, 2013, the Company had outstanding options that vest based on three different types of vesting schedules:
	1)	market–based;
	2)	performance-based; and
	3)	service-based.
	Market-based awards entitle participants to vest in a number of options determined by achievement by the Company of certain target market capitalization increases (measured by reference to stock price increases on a specified number of outstanding shares) over an eight-year period. The requisite service periods for the market-based awards are based on the Company’s estimate of the dates on which the market conditions will be met as determined using a Monte Carlo simulation model. Compensation expense is recognized over the requisite service periods using the straight-line method but is accelerated if market capitalization targets are achieved earlier than estimated. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, the Company did not issue any market-based option awards to employees. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, no options vested based on achievement of market capitalization targets. During the three months ended September 30, 2013, 499 thousand unvested market-based awards expired by their terms. The Company recorded compensation expense related to market-based option awards of $0.0 million and $0.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and $0.2 million and $0.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Depending on the Company’s stock performance, the maximum number of unvested shares at September 30, 2013 attainable under these grants was 457 thousand shares.
	Performance-based awards entitle participants to vest in a number of awards determined by achievement by the Company of target capital returns based on net cash proceeds received by the Company on the sale, merger or other exit transaction of certain identified partner companies. Vesting may occur, if at all, once per year. The requisite service periods for the performance-based awards are based on the Company’s estimate of when the performance conditions will be met. Compensation expense is recognized for performance-based awards for which the performance condition is considered probable of achievement. Compensation expense is recognized over the requisite service periods using the straight-line method but is accelerated if capital return targets are achieved earlier than estimated. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, the Company did not issue any performance-based awards to employees. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, 0 and 14 thousand performance-based awards vested. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, 16 thousand and 0 performance-based awards were canceled or forfeited. The Company recorded compensation expense related to performance-based option awards of $0.1 million and $0.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and $0.3 million and $0.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The maximum number of unvested shares at September 30, 2013 attainable under these option grants was 795 thousand shares.
	All other outstanding options are service-based awards that generally vest over four years after the date of grant and expire eight years after the date of grant. Compensation expense is recognized over the requisite service period using the straight-line method. The requisite service period for service-based awards is the period over which the award vests. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, the Company issued 39 thousand and 46 thousand service-based option awards to employees. The Company recorded compensation expense related to service-based option awards of $0.2 million and $0.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, and $0.4 million and $0.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, the Company issued 46 thousand and 23 thousand deferred stock units to non-employee directors for annual service grants or fees earned during the preceding quarter. Deferred stock units issued to directors in lieu of directors fees are 100% vested at the grant date; matching deferred stock units equal to 25% of directors’ fees deferred vest one year following the grant date or, if earlier, upon reaching age 65. Deferred stock units are payable in stock on a one-for-one basis. Payments related to the deferred stock units are generally distributable following termination of employment or service, death or permanent disability.
	Total compensation expense for deferred stock units, performance-based stock units and restricted stock was approximately $0.3 million and $0.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, and $1.0 million and $0.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company issued five thousand unrestricted shares to members of its advisory board, and recorded expense of $0.1 million related to these awards.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	The Company’s consolidated income tax benefit (expense) was $0.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012. The Company has recorded a valuation allowance to reduce its net deferred tax asset to an amount that is more likely than not to be realized in future years. Accordingly, the tax benefit related to the net operating losses that would have been recognized in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were offset by changes in the valuation allowance.
	During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company had no material changes in uncertain tax positions.

Net_Loss_Per_Share

Net Loss Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net Loss Per Share	Net Loss Per Share
	The calculations of net loss per share were as follows:
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(In thousands except per share data)
		(Unaudited)
	Basic and Diluted:
	Net loss	$	(19,430	)	$	(8,757	)	$	(59,492	)	$	(28,554	)
	Weighted average common shares outstanding	21,494			20,999			21,245			20,935
	Net loss per share	$	(0.90	)	$	(0.42	)	$	(2.80	)	$	(1.36	)
	Basic and diluted average common shares outstanding for purposes of computing net loss per share includes outstanding common shares and vested deferred stock units (DSUs).
	If a consolidated or equity method partner company has dilutive stock options, unvested restricted stock, DSUs or warrants, diluted net loss per share is computed by first deducting the income attributable to the potential exercise of the dilutive securities of the partner company from net loss. Any impact is shown as an adjustment to net loss for purposes of calculating diluted net loss per share.
	The following potential shares of common stock and their effects on net loss were excluded from the diluted net loss per share calculation because their effect would be anti-dilutive:
	•	For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, options to purchase 2.3 million and 3.1 million shares of common stock, respectively, at prices ranging from $3.93 to $18.80 for both periods, were excluded from the calculations.
	•	For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, unvested restricted stock units, performance stock units and DSUs convertible into 0.3 million and 0.2 million shares of stock, respectively, were excluded from the calculations.
	•	For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, 3.0 million shares of common stock representing the effect of the assumed conversion of the 2018 Debentures, were excluded from the calculation.
	•	For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, 2.8 million shares of common stock representing the effect of the assumed conversion of the 2014 Debentures, were excluded from the calculations.

Operating_Segments

Operating Segments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Operating Segments	Operating Segments
	In the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company expanded its focus within the former Life Sciences segment to include companies in the HealthTech sector and renamed that segment “Healthcare.” The HealthTech sector had previously been included in the Company’s Technology segment. AdvantEdge Healthcare Solutions, a provider of physician billing and practice management services and software, which had previously been reported within the Technology segment, is now reported under the Healthcare segment. As a result of the change, the Company has restated its previously reported segment disclosure information, to include the results of AdvantEdge Healthcare Solutions within the Healthcare segment.
	As of September 30, 2013, the Company held interests in 22 non-consolidated partner companies which are included in the Healthcare and Technology segments. Included in the Penn Mezzanine segment are the Company’s interests in the Penn Mezzanine management company and general partner and the Company’s participations in mezzanine loans and equity interests initiated by Penn Mezzanine.
	The Company’s active partner companies by segment were as follows as of September 30, 2013:
	Healthcare
	Partner Company	Safeguard Primary Ownership	Accounting Method
		as of September 30, 2013
	AdvantEdge Healthcare Solutions, Inc.	40.20%	Equity
	Alverix, Inc.	49.20%	Equity
	Crescendo Bioscience, Inc.	12.60%	Cost
	Good Start Genetics, Inc.	30.00%	Equity
	Medivo, Inc.	34.50%	Equity
	NovaSom, Inc.	30.30%	Equity
	NuPathe Inc.	16.50%	Fair value (1)
	PixelOptics, Inc.	24.60%	Equity
	Putney, Inc.	27.60%	Equity
	Quantia, Inc.	34.40%	Equity
	Sotera Wireless, Inc.	7.40%	Cost
	Technology
	Partner Company	Safeguard Primary Ownership	Accounting Method
		as of September 30, 2013
	AppFirst, Inc.	34.50%	Equity
	Beyond.com, Inc.	38.20%	Equity
	Bridgevine, Inc.	22.70%	Equity
	Clutch Holdings, Inc.	24.00%	Equity
	DriveFactor, Inc.	40.60%	Equity
	Hoopla Software, Inc.	25.30%	Equity
	Lumesis, Inc.	44.20%	Equity
	MediaMath, Inc.	22.50%	Equity
	Pneuron Corporation	27.60%	Equity
	Spongecell, Inc.	23.00%	Equity
	ThingWorx, Inc.	39.80%	Equity
	(1) The Company’s ownership interest in NuPathe was accounted for as available-for-sale securities following NuPathe’s completion of an initial public offering in August 2010. In October 2012, the Company participated in a private placement of NuPathe preferred stock units, and in conjunction with this financing, the Company placed two persons on NuPathe’s board of directors. As a result, the Company determined that it exercised significant influence over NuPathe which made the equity method of accounting applicable to its ownership interests. Instead, the Company elected the fair value option beginning in October 2012. Prior to August 2010, the Company accounted for NuPathe under the equity method.
	As of September 30, 2013, the Company has a 36% ownership interest in the management company and general partner of Penn Mezzanine L.P., which is included in the Penn Mezzanine segment. The Company accounts for its interest under the equity method.
	Results of the Healthcare and Technology segments reflect the equity income (loss) of their respective equity method partner companies, other income (loss) associated with fair value method and cost method partner companies and the gains or losses on the sale of their respective partner companies. Results of the Penn Mezzanine segment includes interest, dividends and participation fees earned on the mezzanine interests in which the Company participates as well as equity income (loss) associated with the Company’s management company and general partner interest in the Penn Mezzanine platform.
	Management evaluates the Healthcare and Technology segments’ performance based on net income (loss) which is impacted by the number of partner companies accounted for under the equity method, the Company’s voting ownership percentage in these partner companies and the net results of operations of these partner companies, any impairment charges and gain (loss) on the sale of equity and cost method partner companies.
	Management evaluates the Penn Mezzanine segment performance based on the performance of the mezzanine interests in which the Company participates. This includes an evaluation of the current and future cash flows associated with interest and dividend payments as well as estimated losses based on evaluating known and inherent risks in the investments in which the Company participates.
	Other Items include certain expenses which are not identifiable to the operations of the Company’s operating business segments. Other Items primarily consist of general and administrative expenses related to corporate operations, including employee compensation, insurance and professional fees, including legal and finance, interest income, interest expense and other income (loss) and equity income (loss) related to certain private equity fund ownership interests. Other Items also include income taxes, which are reviewed by management independent of segment results.
	As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, all of the Company’s assets were located in the United States.
	Segment assets in Other Items included primarily cash, cash equivalents, cash held in escrow, and marketable securities of $166.1 million and $212.5 million, at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies
	The Company and its partner companies are involved in various claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. While in the current opinion of the Company the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations, no assurance can be given as to the outcome of these actions, and one or more adverse rulings could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations or that of its partner companies. The Company records costs associated with legal fees as such services are rendered.
	The Company had outstanding guarantees of $3.8 million at September 30, 2013.
	The Company has committed capital of approximately $0.1 million to a private equity fund. This commitment is expected to be funded during the next 12 months.
	Under certain circumstances, the Company may be required to return a portion or all the distributions it received as a general partner of a private equity fund (“clawback”). The maximum clawback the Company could be required to return due to its general partner interest is approximately $1.3 million, of which $1.0 million was reflected in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities and $0.3 million was reflected in Other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at September 30, 2013. The Company’s ownership in the fund is 19%. The clawback liability is joint and several; therefore the Company may be required to fund the clawback for other general partners should they default. The Company believes its potential liability due to the possibility of default by other general partners is remote.
	In connection with the Company’s May 2008 sale of its equity and debt interests in Acsis, Inc., Alliance Consulting Group Associates, Inc., Laureate Biopharma, Inc., ProModel Corporation and Neuronyx, Inc. (the “Bundle Transaction”), an aggregate of $6.4 million of the gross proceeds of the sale were placed in escrow pending the expiration of a predetermined notification period, subject to possible extension in the event of a claim against the escrowed amounts. On April 25, 2009, the purchaser in the Bundle Transaction notified the Company of claims being asserted against the entire escrowed amounts. In April 2013, the case was tried on the merits and the verdict in the case denied the purchaser’s claims against the escrowed funds. The escrow funds were released to the Company in June 2013.
	In connection with the Bundle Transaction, the Company agreed to continue its guarantee of the Laureate Biopharma, Inc. Princeton, New Jersey facility lease, subject to certain conditions. During the three months ended September 30, 2013, the Company obtained the release of its obligation at no expense to the Company.
	In October 2001, the Company entered into an agreement with its former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer to provide for annual payments of $0.65 million per year and certain health care and other benefits for life. The related current liability of $0.8 million was included in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities and the long-term portion of $2.7 million was included in Other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at September 30, 2013.
	The Company provided a $6.3 million letter of credit expiring on March 19, 2019 to the landlord of CompuCom Systems, Inc.’s Dallas headquarters as required in connection with the sale of CompuCom Systems in 2004.
	The Company has agreements with certain employees that provide for severance payments to the employee in the event the employee is terminated without cause or an employee terminates his employment for “good reason.” The maximum aggregate exposure under the agreements was approximately $2.4 million at September 30, 2013. During the second quarter of 2013, a Company executive terminated his employment for “good reason.”  As a result of the termination, the Company recognized a severance charge of $0.9 million. During the three months ended September 30, 2013, substantially all the payments required to be made by the Company related to the severance charge were paid.

Ownership_Interests_in_and_Adv1

Ownership Interests in and Advances to Partner Companies and Funds (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, Schedule of Investments [Abstract]
Ownership Interests in and Advances to Partner Companies and Private Equity Funds	The following summarizes the carrying value of the Company’s ownership interests in and advances to partner companies and private equity funds.
		September 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
		(In thousands)
		(Unaudited)
	Fair value	$	14,560		$	20,972
	Equity Method:
	Partner companies	108,249			102,931
	Private equity funds	3,606			3,810
		111,855			106,741
	Cost Method:
	Partner companies	12,530			10,000
	Private equity funds	2,518			2,634
		15,048			12,634
	Advances to partner companies	1,585			8,292
		$	143,048		$	148,639
	Loan participations receivable	$	8,279		$	7,085
	Available-for-sale securities	$	32		$	58
Results of Operations of PixelOptics	The results of PixelOptics are reported on a one quarter lag.
		Six Months Ended June 30,
		2013			2012
		(In thousands)
		(Unaudited)
	Results of Operations:
	Revenue	$	800		$	569
	Operating loss	$	(12,219	)	$	(16,172	)
	Net loss	$	(14,838	)	$	(16,925	)

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Carrying Value and Fair Value of Certain Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	The following table provides the carrying value and fair value of certain financial assets and liabilities of the Company measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012:
		Carrying		Fair Value Measurement at September 30, 2013
		Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
		(In thousands)
		(Unaudited)
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	108,694	$	108,694	$	—	$	—
	Restricted marketable securities	5		5		—		—
	Ownership interest in common stock of NuPathe	12,437		12,437		—		—
	Ownership interest in warrants and options of NuPathe	2,123		—		—		2,123
	Available-for-sale securities	32		32		—		—
	Warrant participations	417		—		—		417
	Marketable securities—held-to-maturity:
	Commercial paper	$	23,749	$	23,749	$	—	$	—
	U.S. Treasury Bills	16,181		16,181		—		—
	Government agency bonds	2,645		2,645		—		—
	Certificates of deposit	14,849		14,849		—		—
	Total marketable securities	$	57,424	$	57,424	$	—	$	—
		Carrying		Fair Value Measurement at December 31, 2012
		Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
		(In thousands)
		(Unaudited)
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	66,029	$	66,029	$	—	$	—
	Cash held in escrow	6,434		6,434		—		—
	Restricted marketable securities	10		10		—		—
	Ownership interest in common stock of NuPathe	8,897		8,897		—		—
	Ownership interest in preferred stock, warrants and options of NuPathe	12,075		—		—		12,075
	Available-for-sale securities	58		58		—		—
	Warrant participations	423		—		—		423
	Marketable securities—held-to-maturity:
	Commercial paper	$	50,932	$	50,932	$	—	$	—
	U.S. Treasury Bills	21,352		21,352		—		—
	Government agency bonds	45,909		45,909		—		—
	Certificates of deposit	21,823		21,823		—		—
	Total marketable securities	$	140,016	$	140,016	$	—	$	—

Convertible_Debentures_and_Cre1

Convertible Debentures and Credit Arrangements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Convertible Senior Debentures	The carrying values of the Company’s convertible senior debentures were as follows:
		September 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
		(In thousands)
		(Unaudited)
	Convertible senior debentures due 2018	$	49,221		$	48,483
	Convertible senior debentures due 2014	29			67
	Convertible senior debentures due 2024	441			441
		49,691			48,991
	Less: current portion	(470		)	—
	Convertible senior debentures – non current	$	49,221		$	48,991

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation Expense	Stock-based compensation expense was recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as follows:
		Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013		2012		2013		2012
		(In thousands)
		(Unaudited)
	General and administrative expense	$	510	$	317	$	1,808	$	1,546
		$	510	$	317	$	1,808	$	1,546

Net_Loss_Per_Share_Tables

Net Loss Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Calculations of Net Loss Per Share	The calculations of net loss per share were as follows:
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(In thousands except per share data)
		(Unaudited)
	Basic and Diluted:
	Net loss	$	(19,430	)	$	(8,757	)	$	(59,492	)	$	(28,554	)
	Weighted average common shares outstanding	21,494			20,999			21,245			20,935
	Net loss per share	$	(0.90	)	$	(0.42	)	$	(2.80	)	$	(1.36	)

Operating_Segments_Tables

Operating Segments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Active Partner Companies by Segment	The Company’s active partner companies by segment were as follows as of September 30, 2013:
	Healthcare
	Partner Company	Safeguard Primary Ownership		Accounting Method
		as of September 30, 2013
	AdvantEdge Healthcare Solutions, Inc.	40.20%		Equity
	Alverix, Inc.	49.20%		Equity
	Crescendo Bioscience, Inc.	12.60%		Cost
	Good Start Genetics, Inc.	30.00%		Equity
	Medivo, Inc.	34.50%		Equity
	NovaSom, Inc.	30.30%		Equity
	NuPathe Inc.	16.50%		Fair value (1)
	PixelOptics, Inc.	24.60%		Equity
	Putney, Inc.	27.60%		Equity
	Quantia, Inc.	34.40%		Equity
	Sotera Wireless, Inc.	7.40%		Cost
	Technology
	Partner Company	Safeguard Primary Ownership		Accounting Method
		as of September 30, 2013
	AppFirst, Inc.	34.50%		Equity
	Beyond.com, Inc.	38.20%		Equity
	Bridgevine, Inc.	22.70%		Equity
	Clutch Holdings, Inc.	24.00%		Equity
	DriveFactor, Inc.	40.60%		Equity
	Hoopla Software, Inc.	25.30%		Equity
	Lumesis, Inc.	44.20%		Equity
	MediaMath, Inc.	22.50%		Equity
	Pneuron Corporation	27.60%		Equity
	Spongecell, Inc.	23.00%		Equity
	ThingWorx, Inc.	39.80%		Equity
	(1) The Company’s ownership interest in NuPathe was accounted for as available-for-sale securities following NuPathe’s completion of an initial public offering in August 2010. In October 2012, the Company participated in a private placement of NuPathe preferred stock units, and in conjunction with this financing, the Company placed two persons on NuPathe’s board of directors. As a result, the Company determined that it exercised significant influence over NuPathe which made the equity method of accounting applicable to its ownership interests. Instead, the Company elected the fair value option beginning in October 2012. Prior to August 2010, the Company accounted for NuPathe under the equity method.
Segment Data from Operations
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
		Healthcare			Technology			Penn			Total			Other			Total
								Mezzanine			Segments			Items
		(In thousands)
		(Unaudited)
	Operating loss	$	—		$	—		$	(4	)	$	(4	)	$	(4,831	)	$	(4,835	)
	Interest income	—			—			394			394			178			572
	Equity income (loss)	(6,553		)	(3,490		)	(92		)	(10,135		)	269			(9,866		)
	Net income (loss)	(11,325		)	(3,490		)	845			(13,970		)	(5,460		)	(19,430		)
	Segment Assets:
	30-Sep-13	72,563			64,393			12,873			149,829			171,914			321,743
	31-Dec-12	83,500			58,753			12,153			154,406			219,738			374,144
		Three months ended September 30, 2012
		Healthcare			Technology			Penn			Total			Other			Total
								Mezzanine			Segments			Items
		(In thousands)
		(Unaudited)
	Operating loss	$	—		$	—		$	(2	)	$	(2	)	$	(4,788	)	$	(4,790	)
	Interest income	—			—			322			322			374			696
	Equity income (loss)	(5,727		)	2,508			(72		)	(3,291		)	(2		)	(3,293		)
	Net income (loss)	(5,811		)	2,508			423			(2,880		)	(5,877		)	(8,757		)
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
		Healthcare			Technology			Penn			Total			Other			Total
								Mezzanine			Segments			Items
		(In thousands)
		(Unaudited)
	Operating loss	$	—		$	—		$	(13	)	$	(13	)	$	(16,911	)	$	(16,924	)
	Interest income	—			—			1,118			1,118			978			2,096
	Equity income (loss)	(27,303		)	(7,990		)	(256		)	(35,549		)	296			(35,253		)
	Net income (loss)	(33,665		)	(7,990		)	1,173			(40,482		)	(19,010		)	(59,492		)
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
		Healthcare			Technology			Penn			Total			Other			Total
								Mezzanine			Segments			Items
		(In thousands)
		(Unaudited)
	Operating loss	$	—		$	—		$	(6	)	$	(6	)	$	(14,675	)	$	(14,681	)
	Interest income	—			—			1,170			1,170			1,020			2,190
	Equity income (loss)	(20,886		)	1,463			(260		)	(19,683		)	(5		)	(19,688		)
	Net income (loss)	(11,991		)	1,463			340			(10,188		)	(18,366		)	(28,554		)

Carrying_Value_of_Ownership_In

Carrying Value of Ownership Interests in and Advances to Partner Companies and Private Equity Funds (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Investments In And Advances To Affiliates [Line Items]
Fair value	$14,560	$20,972
Equity method investments	111,855	106,741
Cost method investments	15,048	12,634
Advances to partner companies	1,585	8,292
Ownership interests in and advances to partner companies and funds ($19,363 and $20,972 at fair value at June 30,2013 and December 31,2012, respectively)	143,048	148,639
Loan participations receivable	8,279	7,085
Available-for-sale securities	32	58
Partner companies [Member]
Investments In And Advances To Affiliates [Line Items]
Equity method investments	108,249	102,931
Cost method investments	12,530	10,000
Private equity funds [Member]
Investments In And Advances To Affiliates [Line Items]
Equity method investments	3,606	3,810
Cost method investments	$2,518	$2,634

Ownership_Interests_in_and_Adv2

Ownership Interests in and Advances to Partner Companies and Funds - Narrative (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013
			Private equity funds [Member]	Private equity funds [Member]	Nupathe [Member]	Nupathe [Member]	PixelOptics, Inc. [Member]	PixelOptics, Inc. [Member]	PixelOptics, Inc. [Member]	Penn Mezzanine [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Recognized impairment charges							$1,300,000	$9,900,000	$3,700,000	$300,000
Equity method investments	111,855,000	106,741,000	3,606,000	3,810,000			0
Recognition of unrealized loss (gain) on mark-to-market of ownership interests					$4,800,000	$6,400,000

Results_of_Operations_of_Pixel

Results of Operations of PixelOptics (Detail) (PixelOptics, Inc. [Member], USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
PixelOptics, Inc. [Member]
Results of Operations:
Revenue	$800	$569
Operating loss	-12,219	-16,172
Net loss	($14,838)	($16,925)

Acquisitions_of_Ownership_Inte1

Acquisitions of Ownership Interests in Partner Companies and Funds - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Aug. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Aug. 31, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Nov. 30, 2011

31-May-13

Dec. 31, 2011

Mar. 31, 2013

Feb. 29, 2012

Feb. 28, 2013

Jul. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jan. 31, 2013

Alverix [Member]

Alverix [Member]

Quantia, Inc. [Member]

Drive Factor [Member]

Drive Factor [Member]

Clutch Holdings, LLC [Member]

Clutch Holdings, LLC [Member]

Penn Mezzanine [Member]

PixelOptics, Inc. [Member]

Medivo Inc [Member]

Medivo Inc [Member]

Hoopla Software, Inc. [Member]

Hoopla Software, Inc. [Member]

Lumesis, Inc. [Member]

Lumesis, Inc. [Member]

Pneuron, Inc. [Member]

Crescendo [Member]

Crescendo [Member]

Sotera [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Convertible bridge loan

$600,000

$5,300,000

$200,000

$1,000,000

Payments to Acquire Other Investments

10,000,000

1,300,000

Acquisitions of ownership interests in companies and funds, net of cash acquired

28,718,000

21,719,000

8,800,000

7,500,000

1,100,000

3,500,000

5,000,000

500,000

31,600,000

5,300,000

6,300,000

1,300,000

1,700,000

2,200,000

5,000,000

Equity method investments

111,855,000

106,741,000

0

Ownership interest under cost method, percentage

6.50%

7.70%

Ownership interest under equity method, percentage

34.40%

24.00%

27.60%

Fund amount for participations in loan and equity interests

2,300,000

Fund amount for participations in loan

2,200,000

Fund amount for participations in equity interests

100,000

Cost of shares acquired from previous investor

$1,200,000

Carrying_Value_and_Fair_Value_

Carrying Value and Fair Value of Certain Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash held in escrow	$0	$6,434
Restricted marketable securities	5	10
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	108,694	66,029
Cash held in escrow		6,434
Restricted marketable securities	5	10
Available-for-sale securities	32	58
Warrant participations	0	0
Total marketable securities	57,424	140,016
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Cash held in escrow		0
Restricted marketable securities	0	0
Available-for-sale securities	0	0
Warrant participations	0	0
Total marketable securities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Cash held in escrow		0
Restricted marketable securities	0	0
Available-for-sale securities	0	0
Warrant participations	417	423
Total marketable securities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	108,694	66,029
Cash held in escrow		6,434
Restricted marketable securities	5	10
Available-for-sale securities	32	58
Warrant participations	417	423
Total marketable securities	57,424	140,016
NuPathe [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Common Stock [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Ownership interest	12,437	8,897
NuPathe [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Common Stock [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Ownership interest	0	0
NuPathe [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Common Stock [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Ownership interest	0	0
NuPathe [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Common Stock [Member] | Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Ownership interest	12,437	8,897
NuPathe [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Preferred stock, warrants and options [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Ownership interest	0
NuPathe [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Preferred stock, warrants and options [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Ownership interest	0
NuPathe [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Preferred stock, warrants and options [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Ownership interest	2,123
NuPathe [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Preferred stock, warrants and options [Member] | Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Ownership interest	2,123
NuPathe [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Preferred Stock Warrants [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Ownership interest		0
NuPathe [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Preferred Stock Warrants [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Ownership interest		0
NuPathe [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Preferred Stock Warrants [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Ownership interest		12,075
NuPathe [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Preferred Stock Warrants [Member] | Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Ownership interest		12,075
Commercial paper [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total marketable securities	23,749	50,932
Commercial paper [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total marketable securities	0	0
Commercial paper [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total marketable securities	0	0
Commercial paper [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total marketable securities	23,749	50,932
U.S. Treasury Bills [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total marketable securities	16,181	21,352
U.S. Treasury Bills [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total marketable securities	0	0
U.S. Treasury Bills [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total marketable securities	0	0
U.S. Treasury Bills [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total marketable securities	16,181	21,352
Government agency bonds [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total marketable securities	2,645	45,909
Government agency bonds [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total marketable securities	0	0
Government agency bonds [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total marketable securities	0	0
Government agency bonds [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total marketable securities	2,645	45,909
Certificates of deposit [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total marketable securities	14,849	21,823
Certificates of deposit [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total marketable securities	0	0
Certificates of deposit [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total marketable securities	0	0
Certificates of deposit [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total marketable securities	$14,849	$21,823

Fair_Value_Measurements_Narrat

Fair Value Measurements - Narrative (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Feb. 28, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013
			NuPathe [Member]	PixelOptics, Inc. [Member]	PixelOptics, Inc. [Member]	PixelOptics, Inc. [Member]	Penn Mezzanine [Member]
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Marketable securities, current	$54,132,000	$110,957,000
Marketable securities, non current	3,292,000	29,059,000
Other Asset Impairment Charges				1,300,000	9,900,000	3,700,000	300,000
Ownership interest	$111,855,000	$106,741,000		$0
Number of convertible preferred stock units			2,500
Number of common shares after conversion			2,500,000

Carrying_Values_of_Convertible

Carrying Values of Convertible Senior Debentures (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Convertible senior debentures	$49,691	$48,991
Less: current portion	-470	0
Convertible senior debentures – non current	49,221	48,991
Convertible Senior Debentures due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Convertible senior debentures	49,221	48,483
Convertible Senior Debentures due 2014 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Convertible senior debentures	29	67
Convertible Senior Debentures due 2024 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Convertible senior debentures	$441	$441

Convertible_Debentures_and_Cre2

Convertible Debentures and Credit Arrangements - Convertible Senior Debentures due 2018 - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2010
		Convertible Senior Debentures due 2018 [Member]	Convertible Senior Debentures due 2018 [Member]	Convertible Senior Debentures due 2018 [Member]	Convertible Senior Debentures due 2014 [Member]	Convertible Senior Debentures due 2014 [Member]
				Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate face value of convertible senior debentures			$55,000,000			$46,900,000
Interest rate on debentures		8.70%	5.25%		10.13%
Debt Instrument Expiration Date Year		2018
Percentage of the closing sales price of the entity's common stock that the conversion price exceeded giving the holders of the debentures an option (as a percent)				130.00%
Number of consecutive trading days during which the trading price per $1,000 principal amount for at least five days was less than 98% of the product of the closing sale price per share of Company common stock multiplied by the conversion rate on each such trading day (in days)		5 days
Number of days after five consecutive trading days in which the trading price per $1,000 principal amount was less than 98% of the product of the closing sale price per share of Company common stock multiplied by the conversion rate on each such trading day (in days)		5 days
Principal amount of convertible debentures	1,000	1,000
Closing price is percentage of conversion price		98.00%
Convertible senior debentures, convertible latest date		15-Nov-17
Conversion rate of common stock		55.17
Conversion price (in dollars per share)		$18.13
Closing price for common stock		$15.69
Sales price of common stock to conversion price		140.00%
Number of days within 30 consecutive trading days in which the closing price of the entity's common stock exceeded the conversion price giving the holders of the debentures an option (in days)		20 days
Number of consecutive trading days during which the closing price of the entity's common stock exceeded the conversion price for at least 20 days giving the holders of the debentures an option (in days)		30 days
Debentures redemption price		100.00%
Change in control due to debentures redemption		50.00%
Percentage of principal amount and accrued and unpaid interest for repurchase of debt		100.00%
Outstanding debentures		55,000,000
Fair value of Debentures outstanding		59,400,000
Gross carrying amount of equity component		6,400,000
Principal amount of liability component		55,000,000
Unamortized discount		5,800,000
Carrying value of liability component		49,200,000
Additional interest expenses		$700,000

Convertible_Debentures_and_Cre3

Convertible Debentures and Credit Arrangements - Convertible Senior Debentures due 2024 - Additional Information (Detail) (Convertible Senior Debentures due 2024 [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2004
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate face value of convertible senior debentures		$150,000,000
Credit facility maturity date		15-Mar-24
Fair value of Debentures outstanding	$400,000
Convertible senior debentures, interest payment description	semi-annually
Convertible senior debentures, convertible latest date	14-Mar-24
Conversion price (in dollars per share)	$43.30
Percentage of face amount which is equal to repurchase price for providing optional conversion of debentures	100.00%
Scenario One [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Convertible senior debentures, optional repurchase date	20-Mar-14
Scenario Two [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Convertible senior debentures, optional repurchase date	20-Mar-19

Convertible_Debentures_and_Cre4

Convertible Debentures and Credit Arrangements - Convertible Senior Debentures due 2014 - Additional Information (Detail) (Convertible Senior Debentures due 2014 [Member], USD $)	Nov. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2010
Convertible Senior Debentures due 2014 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate face value of convertible senior debentures		$46,900,000
Repurchase of Debentures	$58,700,000

Convertible_Debentures_and_Cre5

Convertible Debentures and Credit Arrangements - Credit Arrangements - Additional Information (Detail) (Credit Arrangements, USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum aggregate amount of revolving credit facility in the form of borrowings, guarantees and issuances of letters of credit (subject to a $20 million sublimit)	50,000,000
Sublimit facility attached on revolving credit facility	20,000,000
Amount of depository, operating accounts, the lesser and investment and securities accounts required to be maintained at the lending bank	80,000,000
Percentage of depository, operating accounts, the lesser and investment and securities accounts required to be maintained at the lending bank	75.00%
Amount available for borrowing under revolving credit facility	43,700,000
After Amendment
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility maturity date	31-Dec-14
Landlord of CompuCom Systems
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Letter of credit under the credit facility	6,300,000
Letter of credit expiration date	19-Mar-19

StockBased_Compensation_Expens

Stock-Based Compensation Expense (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$510	$317	$1,808	$1,546
General And Administrative Expenses [Member]
Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$510	$317	$1,808	$1,546

StockBased_Compensation_Narrat

Stock-Based Compensation - Narrative (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Market Based Awards [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expiration period			8 years
Options vested			0	0
Stock-based compensation expense	$0	$0.10	$0.20	$0.30
Stock-based compensation, maximum number of unvested shares			457,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Forfeitures and Expirations		499,000
Performance Shares [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	0.1	0	0.3	0.1
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Forfeitures and Expirations			16,000	0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period			0	14,000
Performance based maximum number of unvested shares			795,000
Service Based Award [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	0.2	0.1	0.4	0.5
Vesting period			4 years
Expiration term			8 years
Options issued			39,000	46,000
Deferred Stock Units [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Deferred stock units issued to non-employee directors			46,000	23,000
Percentage of shares vested in lieu of directors fees at the grant date			100.00%
Portion of Director fees matched to deferred stock units			25.00%
Vesting period of deferred stock			1 year
Minimum age required for meeting directors fees deferred vest criteria			65 years
Deferred stock units, performance-based stock units and restricted stock [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	0.3	0.1	1	0.6
Unrestricted Shares [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense				$0.10
Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award equity instruments other than options issued in period				5

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Detail

Income Taxes - Narrative (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income tax benefit (expense)	$0	$0	$0	$0

Calculations_of_Net_Loss_Per_S

Calculations of Net Loss Per Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net loss	($19,430)	($8,757)	($59,492)	($28,554)
Weighted average common shares outstanding, Basic and diluted (in shares)	21,494	20,999	21,245	20,935
Net loss per share, Basic and diluted (in dollars per share)	($0.90)	($0.42)	($2.80)	($1.36)

Net_Loss_Per_Share_Narrative_D

Net Loss Per Share - Narrative (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Shares of common stock at prices ranging, lower limit	$3.93	$3.93	$3.93	$3.93
Shares of common stock at prices ranging, upper limit	$18.80	$18.80	$18.80	$18.80
Stock Options
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Share of common stock excluded from diluted net loss per share calculation	2.3	3.1	2.3	3.1
Deferred stock units, performance-based stock units and restricted stock [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Share of common stock excluded from diluted net loss per share calculation	0.3	0.2	0.3	0.2
Convertible Senior Debentures due 2014 [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Share of common stock excluded from diluted net loss per share calculation		2.8		2.8
Convertible Senior Debentures due 2018 [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Share of common stock excluded from diluted net loss per share calculation	3		3

Operating_Segments_Narrative_D

Operating Segments - Narrative (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Non-consolidated partner companies	22
Other Items [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets included cash, cash equivalents, cash held in escrow, and marketable securities	$166.10	$212.50
Penn Mezzanine [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage	36.00%

Active_Partner_Companies_by_Se

Active Partner Companies by Segment (Detail)

Aug. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Quantia [Member]

Clutch Holdings, LLC [Member]

Clutch Holdings, LLC [Member]

Pneuron, Inc. [Member]

Healthcare [Member]

Healthcare [Member]

Healthcare [Member]

Healthcare [Member]

Healthcare [Member]

Healthcare [Member]

Healthcare [Member]

Healthcare [Member]

Healthcare [Member]

Healthcare [Member]

Healthcare [Member]

Technology [Member]

Technology [Member]

Technology [Member]

Technology [Member]

Technology [Member]

Technology [Member]

Technology [Member]

Technology [Member]

Technology [Member]

Technology [Member]

Technology [Member]

AdvantEdge Healthcare Solutions, Inc. [Member]

Alverix, Inc. [Member]

Crescendo Bioscience, Inc. [Member]

Good Start Genetics, Inc. [Member]

Medivo, Inc. [Member]

NovaSom, Inc. [Member]

NuPathe Inc. [Member]

PixelOptics, Inc. [Member]

Putney, Inc. [Member]

Quantia [Member]

Sotera Wireless, Inc. [Member]

AppFirst, Inc. [Member]

Beyond.com, Inc [Member]

Bridgevine, Inc. [Member]

Clutch Holdings, LLC [Member]

DriveFactor Inc. [Member]

Hoopla Software, Inc. [Member]

Lumesis, Inc. [Member]

MediaMath, Inc. [Member]

Pneuron, Inc. [Member]

Spongecell, Inc. [Member]

ThingWorx, Inc. [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Ownership interest under equity method, percentage

34.40%

24.00%

27.60%

40.20%

49.20%

30.00%

34.50%

30.30%

24.60%

27.60%

34.40%

34.50%

38.20%

22.70%

24.00%

40.60%

25.30%

44.20%

22.50%

27.60%

23.00%

39.80%

Ownership interest under cost method, percentage

6.50%

12.60%

7.40%

Ownership interest under fair value method, percentage

16.50%

[1]

[1]

The Company’s ownership interest in NuPathe was accounted for as available-for-sale securities following NuPathe’s completion of an initial public offering in August 2010. In October 2012, the Company participated in a private placement of NuPathe preferred stock units, and in conjunction with this financing, the Company placed two persons on NuPathe’s board of directors. As a result, the Company determined that it exercised significant influence over NuPathe which made the equity method of accounting applicable to its ownership interests. Instead, the Company elected the fair value option beginning in October 2012. Prior to August 2010, the Company accounted for NuPathe under the equity method.

Active_Partner_Companies_by_Se1

Active Partner Companies by Segment (Parenthetical) (Detail) (NuPathe [Member])	Oct. 31, 2012
	person
NuPathe [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of Board of directors	2

Segment_Data_from_Operations_D

Segment Data from Operations (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating loss	($4,835)	($4,790)	($16,924)	($14,681)
Interest income	572	696	2,096	2,190
Equity income (loss)	-9,866	-3,293	-35,253	-19,688
Net income (loss)	-19,430	-8,757	-59,492	-28,554
Segment Assets	321,743		321,743		374,144
Total Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating loss	-4	-2	-13	-6
Interest income	394	322	1,118	1,170
Equity income (loss)	-10,135	-3,291	-35,549	-19,683
Net income (loss)	-13,970	-2,880	-40,482	-10,188
Segment Assets	149,829		149,829		154,406
Healthcare [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating loss	0	0	0	0
Interest income	0	0	0	0
Equity income (loss)	-6,553	-5,727	-27,303	-20,886
Net income (loss)	-11,325	-5,811	-33,665	-11,991
Segment Assets	72,563		72,563		83,500
Technology [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating loss	0	0	0	0
Interest income	0	0	0	0
Equity income (loss)	-3,490	2,508	-7,990	1,463
Net income (loss)	-3,490	2,508	-7,990	1,463
Segment Assets	64,393		64,393		58,753
Penn Mezzanine [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating loss	-4	-2	-13	-6
Interest income	394	322	1,118	1,170
Equity income (loss)	-92	-72	-256	-260
Net income (loss)	845	423	1,173	340
Segment Assets	12,873		12,873		12,153
Other Items [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating loss	-4,831	-4,788	-16,911	-14,675
Interest income	178	374	978	1,020
Equity income (loss)	269	-2	296	-5
Net income (loss)	-5,460	-5,877	-19,010	-18,366
Segment Assets	$171,914		$171,914		$219,738

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

31-May-08

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jun. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Employee Severance

Employee Severance

Letter of credit

Clawback Liability

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

Other long-term liabilities

Other long-term liabilities

Private equity funds [Member]

Clawback Liability

Clawback Liability

Commitment Contingencies And Guarantees [Line Items]

Company outstanding guarantees

$3,800,000

$2,400,000

Committed capital of private equity funds

100,000

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

1,300,000

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

3,540,000

2,601,000

1,000,000

Other long-term liabilities

3,814,000

3,921,000

300,000

Company's ownership in the funds

19.00%

Proceeds from sales of and distributions from companies and funds

6,400,000

2,603,000

14,526,000

Annual payments

650,000

Liability to former chairman and chief executive officer, current

800,000

Liability to former chairman and chief executive officer, non-current

2,700,000

Letter of credit under the credit facility

6,300,000

Letter of credit expiration date

19-Mar-19

Severance charge

$900,000