Safeguard Scientifics (SFES) 10-Q 24 Oct 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 23, 2014
Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'SAFEGUARD SCIENTIFICS INC	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000086115	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	20,535,769
Trading Symbol	'SFE	'

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$116,684	$139,318
Marketable securities	35,217	38,250
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,494	1,562
Total current assets	153,395	179,130
Property and equipment, net	95	138
Ownership interests in and advances to partner companies and funds (of which $0 and $20,057 are measured at fair value at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively)	158,638	148,579
Loan participations receivable	4,184	8,135
Long-term marketable securities	13,840	6,088
Other assets	2,156	3,926
Total Assets	332,308	345,996
Current Liabilities:	'	'
Convertible senior debentures—current	0	470
Accounts payable	261	245
Accrued compensation and benefits	3,070	5,028
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	3,335	2,431
Total current liabilities	6,666	8,174
Other long-term liabilities	3,471	3,683
Convertible senior debentures—non-current	50,283	49,478
Total Liabilities	60,420	61,335
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; 21,573 and 21,553 shares issued at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	2,157	2,155
Additional paid-in capital	822,512	822,103
Treasury stock, at cost; 1,103 and 4 shares at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	-23,149	0
Accumulated deficit	-529,632	-539,597
Total Equity	271,888	284,661
Total Liabilities and Equity	$332,308	$345,996

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Ownership interest in and advances, to partner companies and funds, fair value	$0	$20,057
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	21,573	21,553
Treasury stock	1,103	4

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, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
General and administrative expense	$4,177	$4,835	$14,485	$16,924
Operating loss	-4,177	-4,835	-14,485	-16,924
Other income (loss), net	-246	-4,224	31,580	-6,191
Interest income	482	572	1,494	2,096
Interest expense	-1,103	-1,077	-3,295	-3,220
Equity loss	-8,962	-9,866	-5,329	-35,253
Net income (loss) before income taxes	-14,006	-19,430	9,965	-59,492
Income tax benefit (expense)	0	0	0	0
Net loss	($14,006)	($19,430)	$9,965	($59,492)
Net income (loss) per share:	'	'	'	'
Basic (in dollars per share)	($0.68)	($0.90)	$0.47	($2.80)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	($0.68)	($0.90)	$0.47	($2.80)
Weighted average shares used in computing income (loss) per share :	'	'	'	'
Basic (in shares)	20,678	21,494	21,042	21,245
Diluted (in shares)	20,678	21,494	21,418	21,245

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	($14,006)	($19,430)	$9,965	($59,492)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before taxes:	'	'	'	'
Unrealized net gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities	-8	14	-12	-26
Reclassification adjustment for other than temporary impairment of available-for-sale securities included in net income (loss)	8	0	12	40
Total comprehensive income (loss)	($14,006)	($19,416)	$9,965	($59,478)

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:	'	'
Net cash used in operating activities	($15,475)	($16,299)
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:	'	'
Proceeds from sales of and distributions from companies and funds	81,626	2,603
Acquisitions of ownership interests in companies and funds	-54,956	-28,718
Advances and loans to companies	-9,868	-9,350
Repayment of advances and loans to companies	5,509	1,044
Origination fees on mezzanine loans	0	42
Increase in marketable securities	-44,578	-47,072
Decrease in marketable securities	39,979	129,664
Capital expenditures	-11	-37
Other	5	6,434
Net cash provided by investing activities	17,706	54,610
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:	'	'
Issuance of Company common stock, net	612	4,397
Repurchase of convertible senior debentures	-441	-43
Repurchase of Company common stock	-25,036	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-24,865	4,354
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	-22,634	42,665
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	139,318	66,029
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$116,684	$108,694

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENT_OF_CHAN

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (USD $)	Total	Accumulated Deficit [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$284,661	($539,597)	$2,155	$822,103	$0
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013	'	'	'	'	4
Shares, Issued	'	'	21,573	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	9,965	9,965	'	'	'
Stock options exercised, net	612	'	2	-842	1,452
Stock options exercised, net (in shares)	'	'	-18	'	-76
Issuance of restricted stock, net	74	'	'	-361	435
Issuance of restricted stock, net (in shares)	'	'	'	'	-19
Stock-based compensation expense	1,583	'	'	1,583	'
Repurchase of common stock	-25,036	'	'	'	-25,036
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)	'	'	'	'	1,194
Conversion of 2014 Debentures to common stock	29	'	'	29	'
Conversion of 2014 Debentures to common stock (in shares)	'	'	2	'	'
Balance at Sep. 30, 2014	$271,888	($529,632)	$2,157	$822,512	($23,149)
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2014	'	'	'	'	1,103

General

General	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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 2013 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, 2014
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, 2014			December 31, 2013
		(Unaudited - In thousands)
	Fair value	$	—		$	20,057
	Equity Method:
	Partner companies	141,073			108,872
	Private equity funds	1,132			1,766
		142,205			110,638
	Cost Method:
	Partner companies	6,050			13,480
	Private equity funds	2,418			2,418
		8,468			15,898
	Advances to partner companies	7,965			1,986
		$	158,638		$	148,579
	Loan participations receivable	$	4,184		$	8,135
	Available-for-sale securities	$	3		$	15
	The Company’s share of the earnings or losses of partner companies, as well as any adjustments resulting from prior period finalizations of equity income or loss, are reflected in Equity income (loss) on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.  In the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the amount related to prior periods was $1.8 million, of which $0.3 million related to 2012 and $1.5 million related to 2013. The adjustments primarily related to a change in revenue recognition accounting at a partner company. Management evaluated the quantitative and qualitative impact of the corrections on previously reported periods as well as on the nine months ended September 30, 2014.  Based on this evaluation, management concluded that these adjustments were not material to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
	In April 2014, the Company sold its ownership interests in Sotera Wireless, Inc., formerly a cost method partner company. The Company received $4.2 million in cash proceeds in connection with the transaction and recognized a gain of $1.5 million, which is included in Other income (loss), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.
	In February 2014, Crescendo Bioscience, Inc., formerly a cost method partner company, was acquired by Myriad Genetics, Inc. The Company received $38.4 million in cash proceeds in connection with the transaction, excluding $2.9 million, net of claims paid through September 30, 2014, which will be held in escrow until approximately May 2015. The Company recognized a gain of $27.4 million on the transaction, which is included in Other income (loss), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.
	In February 2014, NuPathe Inc., formerly a fair value method partner company, was acquired by Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. for $3.65 per share in cash. In addition to the upfront cash payment, NuPathe shareholders received rights to receive additional cash payments of up to $3.15 per share if specified milestones are achieved over time. The Company received initial net cash proceeds of $23.1 million as a result of the transaction. Depending on the achievement of certain milestones, the Company may receive up to an additional $24.2 million. The Company recognized a gain of $3.0 million, which is included in Other income (loss), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. 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, which is included in Other income (loss), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	In January 2014, Alverix, Inc., formerly an equity method partner company, was acquired by Becton, Dickinson and Company. The Company received cash proceeds of $15.7 million, excluding $1.7 million which will be held in escrow until approximately July 2015. The Company recognized a gain of $15.7 million on the transaction, which is included in Equity income (loss) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.
	In the second quarter of 2014, the Company’s primary ownership interest in Bridgevine, Inc. decreased from 22.7% to 17.3%.  As a result, the Company recognized an unrealized loss of $0.3 million which is reflected in Equity income (loss) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.
	In the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company received cash proceeds of $4.3 million from the repayment of loan participations receivable and $1.3 million from the sale of an equity interest initiated by Penn Mezzanine. The Company recorded an impairment charge of $0.3 million related to its Penn Mezzanine debt and equity participations in the nine months ended September 30, 2013, which is reflected in Other income (loss), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The charge included $0.2 million related to loan participations and $0.1 million representing an adjustment to the fair value of the Company’s participation in warrants.
	The Company recognized an impairment charge of $1.3 million related to PixelOptics Inc., formerly an equity method partner company, in the three months ended September 30, 2013 which is reflected in Equity income (loss) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The impairment was based on PixelOptics' inability to raise additional capital to continue its operations. The Company previously recorded an impairment charge of $9.9 million in the second quarter of 2013. The adjusted carrying value of PixelOptics is $0 and the Company believes it will not recover any of its capital. On November 4, 2013, PixelOptics filed a voluntary petition for relief under Chapter 7 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware.
	The Company recognized an impairment charge of $0.2 million related to its interest in a legacy private equity fund in the nine months ended September 30, 2013, which is reflected in Other income (loss), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, four partner companies accounted for under the equity method were considered significant. The following summarized statement of operations information for those partner companies for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 have been compiled from the financial statements of the respective partner companies and reflect certain historical adjustments. Results of operations of the partner companies are excluded for periods prior to their acquisition. The results of the four partner companies are reported on a one quarter lag.
		Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep-14			30-Sep-13
		(In thousands)
	Results of Operations:
	Revenue	$	125,645		$	67,074
	Gross profit	$	75,490		$	47,112
	Net loss	$	(37,541	)	$	(15,702	)

Acquisitions_of_Ownership_Inte

Acquisitions of Ownership Interests in Partner Companies and Funds	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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 July 2014, the Company acquired a 31.9% interest in Trice Medical, Inc. for an aggregate of $5.0 million. Trice Medical is a diagnostics company focused on micro invasive technologies specifically targeting orthopedics. The Company accounts for its interest in Trice Medical under the equity method. The difference between the Company's cost and its interest in the underlying net assets of Trice Medical was preliminarily allocated to intangible assets and goodwill and is reflected in the carrying value in Ownership interests in and advances to partner companies and funds on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	In August, July and April 2014, the Company funded an aggregate of $4.3 million of convertible bridge loans to Quantia, Inc. The Company had previously deployed an aggregate of $7.5 million in Quantia. 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.
	In August 2014, the Company acquired a 24.6% interest in Propeller Health, Inc. for $9.0 million. Propeller Health provides digital solutions to improve respiratory health. The Company accounts for its interest in Propeller Health under the equity method. The difference between the Company's cost and its interest in the underlying net assets of Propeller Health was preliminarily allocated to intangible assets and goodwill and is reflected in the carrying value in Ownership interests in and advances to partner companies and funds on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	In August 2014, the Company acquired a 24.8% interest in Transactis, Inc. for $9.5 million. Transactis is a provider of electronic billing and payment solutions. The Company accounts for its interest in Transactis under the equity method. The difference between the Company's cost and its interest in the underlying net assets of Transactis was preliminarily allocated to intangible assets and goodwill and is reflected in the carrying value in Ownership interests in and advances to partner companies and funds on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	In August 2014, the Company acquired a 29.2% interest in WebLinc, Inc. for $6.0 million. WebLinc is a commerce platform provider for fast growing online retailers. The Company accounts for its interest inWebLinc under the equity method. The difference between the Company's cost and its interest in the underlying net assets of WebLinc was preliminarily allocated to intangible assets and goodwill and is reflected in the carrying value in Ownership interests in and advances to partner companies and funds on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	In June 2014, the Company acquired a 27.0% interest in Syapse, Inc. for $5.8 million. Syapse provides a precision medicine data platform that enables laboratories, registries, and hospitals to use molecular profiling to diagnose and treat patients. The Company accounts for its interest in Syapse under the equity method. The difference between the Company's cost and its interest in the underlying net assets of Syapse was preliminarily allocated to intangible assets and goodwill and is reflected in the carrying value in Ownership interests in and advances to partner companies and funds on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	In June and April 2014, the Company deployed an aggregate of $5.0 million into Putney, Inc. The Company had previously deployed $10.0 million in Putney. Putney is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on providing generic medicines for pets. The Company accounts for its interest in Putney under the equity method. The difference between the Company's cost and its interest in the underlying net assets of Putney was allocated to intangible assets and goodwill and is reflected in the carrying value in Ownership interests in and advances to partner companies and funds on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	In May and January 2014, the Company deployed an aggregate of $1.7 million into Lumesis, Inc. The Company had previously deployed an aggregate of $3.9 million in Lumesis. 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 allocated to goodwill and is reflected in the carrying value in Ownership interests in and advances to partner companies and funds on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	In May 2014, the Company funded $0.1 million into New York Digital Health Accelerator II in exchange for a 12.5% limited partnership interest in the fund which is run by the New York eHealth Collaborative and the New York City Investment Fund for early- and growth-stage digital health companies that are developing technology products in care coordination, patient engagement, analytics and message alerts for healthcare providers. The Company accounts for its interest in New York Digital Health Accelerator II under the equity method.
	In May 2014, the Company deployed an additional $2.0 million into Clutch Holdings, Inc. ("Clutch"). The Company had previously deployed an aggregate of $5.5 million in Clutch. Clutch is a provider of loyalty and gift card programs to retailers through its proprietary platform, and offers a mobile wallet application to consumers to track and store gift and loyalty cards, coupons and other retail shopping tools. The Company accounts for its interest in Clutch under the equity method. The difference between the Company's cost and its interest in the underlying net assets of Clutch was allocated to intangible assets and goodwill and is reflected in the carrying value in Ownership interests in and advances to partner companies and funds on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	In May 2014, the Company funded $1.1 million of a convertible bridge loan to NovaSom, Inc. The Company had previously deployed $20.0 million in NovaSom. NovaSom provides diagnostic devices and services for home testing and evaluation of sleep-disordered breathing, including obstructive sleep apnea. The Company accounts for its interest in NovaSom under the equity method.
	In May 2014, the Company deployed an additional $0.8 million into Dabo Health, Inc. ("Dabo"). The Company had previously deployed $0.8 million in Dabo. Dabo provides the healthcare community with a healthcare information platform that brings clarity to quality metrics, makes them actionable to hospitals and care providers, and facilitates collaboration for quality improvement. The Company accounts for its interest in Dabo under the cost method.
	In May 2014, the Company deployed an additional $7.0 million into MediaMath, Inc. In connection with the May 2014 financing, the Company’s primary ownership interest decreased from 22.5% to 20.6%.  As a result, the Company recognized an unrealized gain of $7.0 million which is reflected in Equity income (loss) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company had previously deployed an aggregate of $18.6 million in MediaMath. MediaMath is an online media trading company that enables advertising agencies and their advertisers to optimize their ad spending across various exchanges through its proprietary algorithmic bidding platform and data integration technology. The Company accounts for its interest in MediaMath under the equity method.
	In May 2014, the Company funded $2.1 million of a convertible bridge loan to AppFirst, Inc. The Company had previously deployed $6.5 million in AppFirst. AppFirst delivers application monitoring systems for development operations professionals and technology executives with visibility into systems, applications and business metrics. The Company accounts for its interest in AppFirst under the equity method.
	In March 2014, the Company acquired a 20.4% interest in InfoBionic Inc. for $4.0 million. InfoBionic is an emerging digital health company focused on creating patient monitoring solutions for chronic disease management with an initial market focus on cardiac arrhythmias. The Company accounts for its interest in InfoBionic under the equity method. The difference between the Company's cost and its interest in the underlying net assets of InfoBionic was preliminarily allocated to intangible assets and goodwill and is reflected in the carrying value in Ownership interests in and advances to partner companies and funds on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	In March 2014, the Company funded $0.2 million of a convertible bridge loan to Sotera Wireless, Inc. The Company previously deployed $1.3 million into Sotera Wireless and acquired additional shares from a previous investor for $1.2 million. In April 2014, the Company sold its equity and debt interests in Sotera Wireless for $4.2 million. The Company accounted for its interest in Sotera Wireless under the cost method.
	In January 2014, the Company deployed an additional $1.4 million into Hoopla Software, Inc. ("Hoopla"). The Company had previously deployed an aggregate of $1.8 million in Hoopla. 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. The difference between the Company's cost and its interest in the underlying net assets of Hoopla was preliminarily allocated to intangible assets and goodwill and is reflected in the carrying value in Ownership interests in and advances to partner companies and funds on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
		Carrying		Fair Value Measurement at September 30, 2014
		Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
		(Unaudited - In thousands)
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	116,684	$	116,684	$	—	$	—
	Available-for-sale securities	3		3		—		—
	Warrant participations	71		—		—		71
	Marketable securities—held-to-maturity:
	Commercial paper	$	6,592	$	6,592	$	—	$	—
	U.S. treasury bills	1,504		1,504		—		—
	Government agency bonds	13,503		13,503		—		—
	Certificates of deposit	27,458		27,458		—		—
	Total marketable securities	$	49,057	$	49,057	$	—	$	—
		Carrying		Fair Value Measurement at December 31, 2013
		Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
		(Unaudited - In thousands)
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	139,318	$	139,318	$	—	$	—
	Restricted marketable securities	5		5		—		—
	Ownership interest in common stock of NuPathe	16,874		16,874		—		—
	Ownership interest in warrants and options of NuPathe	3,183		—		—		3,183
	Available-for-sale securities	15		15		—		—
	Warrant participations	1,563		—		—		1,563
	Marketable securities—held-to-maturity:
	Commercial paper	$	13,599	$	13,599	$	—	$	—
	U.S. treasury bills	8,014		8,014		—		—
	Government agency bonds	9,945		9,945		—		—
	Certificates of deposit	12,780		12,780		—		—
	Total marketable securities	$	44,338	$	44,338	$	—	$	—
	As of September 30, 2014, $35.2 million of marketable securities had contractual maturities which were less than one year and $13.8 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 $11.2 million related to PixelOptics, formerly an equity method partner company, in the nine months ended September 30, 2013 measured as the amount by which PixelOptics’ carrying value exceeded its estimated fair value.  The carrying value of the Company’s equity ownership in PixelOptics is $0 and the Company believes it will not recover any of its capital. On November 4, 2013, PixelOptics filed a voluntary petition for relief under Chapter 7 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware.
	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 nine months ended September 30, 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 recognized an impairment charge of $0.2 million related to its interest in a legacy private equity fund in the nine months ended September 30, 2013 measured as the amount by which the carrying value of the Company’s interest in the fund exceeded its estimated fair value. The fair market value of the Company’s interest in the fund was determined to be $1.7 million based on the fair value of the Company’s pro rata portion of the fund’s net assets, which is a Level 3 input under the fair value hierarchy.

Convertible_Debentures_and_Cre

Convertible Debentures and Credit Arrangements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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, 2014		December 31, 2013
		(Unaudited - In thousands)
	Convertible senior debentures due 2018	$	50,283	$	49,478
	Convertible senior debentures due 2024	—		441
	Convertible senior debentures due 2014	—		29
		50,283		49,948
	Less: current portion	—		(470		)
	Convertible senior debentures – non current	$	50,283	$	49,478
	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, 2014 was $18.40.
	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, 2014, the fair value of the $55.0 million outstanding 2018 Debentures was approximately $68.5 million, based on the midpoint of the bid and ask prices as of such date. At September 30, 2014, 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 $4.7 million and the net carrying value of the liability component was $50.3 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 $0.8 million and $0.7 million of such expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. 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") of which approximately $0.4 million remained outstanding as of December 31, 2013. The Company repurchased or redeemed all of the remaining 2024 Debentures in the second quarter of 2014.
	Convertible Senior Debentures due 2014
	In 2010, the Company issued an aggregate of $46.9 million of the 2014 Debentures. In November 2012, the Company repurchased substantially all of the 2014 Debentures for $58.7 million plus accrued interest. The remaining $29 thousand outstanding principal amount of the 2014 Debentures was converted into the Company's common stock in March 2014.
	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, 2014 was $43.7 million.

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
		(Unaudited - In thousands)
	General and administrative expense	$	176	$	510	$	1,583	$	1,808
		$	176	$	510	$	1,583	$	1,808
	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, 2014, 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, 2014 and 2013, respectively, the Company did not issue any market-based option awards to employees. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, 22 thousand and 0 options, respectively, vested based on achievement of market capitalization targets. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, 107 thousand unvested market-based awards expired by their terms. The Company recorded compensation expense related to market-based option awards of $0.0 million for both the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, and $0.0 million and $0.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Depending on the Company’s stock performance, the maximum number of unvested shares at September 30, 2014 attainable under these grants was 273 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, 2014 and 2013, the Company did not issue any performance-based awards to employees. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, 7 thousand and 0 performance-based awards vested. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, 16 thousand and 13 thousand performance based awards were canceled or forfeited. The Company recorded compensation expense related to performance-based option awards of $0.0 million and $0.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $0.1 million and $0.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The maximum number of unvested shares at September 30, 2014 attainable under these option grants was 429 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, 2014 and 2013, respectively, the Company issued 5 thousand and 39 thousand service-based option awards to employees. The Company recorded compensation expense related to service-based option awards of $0.1 million and $0.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $0.3 million and $0.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, the Company issued 45 thousand and 46 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 $0.1 million and $0.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $1.2 million and $1.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	In May 2014, the Company’s shareholders approved an amendment and restatement of the 2004 Equity Compensation Plan to increase the number of shares of common stock reserved for issuance by 2.2 million shares, to rename the plan the 2014 Equity Compensation Plan, and to make certain other clarifying changes and updates to the plan.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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, 2014 and 2013. 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 expense that would have been recognized in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was offset by changes in the valuation allowance. The benefit of the net operating loss that would have been recognized in the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 and the nine months ended September 30, 2013 was also offset by changes in the valuation allowance.
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company had no material changes in uncertain tax positions.

Net_Income_Loss_Per_Share

Net Income (Loss) Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Net Income (Loss) Per Share	'
	Net Income (Loss) Per Share
	The calculations of net income (loss) per share were as follows:
		Three months ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014		2013
		(Unaudited - In thousands, except per share data)
	Basic:
	Net income (loss)	$	(14,006	)	$	(19,430	)	$	9,965	$	(59,492	)
	Weighted average common shares outstanding	20,678			21,494			21,042		21,245
	Net income (loss) per share	$	(0.68	)	$	(0.90	)	$	0.47	$	(2.80	)
	Diluted:
	Net income (loss) for dilutive share computation	$	(14,006	)	$	(19,430	)	$	9,965	$	(59,492	)
	Number of shares used in basic per share computation	20,678			21,494			21,042		21,245
	Unvested restricted stock and DSUs	—			—			354		—
	Employee stock options	—			—			22		—
	Weighted average common shares outstanding	20,678			21,494			21,418		21,245
	Net income (loss) per share	$	(0.68	)	$	(0.90	)	$	0.47	$	(2.80	)
	Basic and diluted average common shares outstanding for purposes of computing net income (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 income (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 income (loss). Any impact is shown as an adjustment to net income (loss) for purposes of calculating diluted net income (loss) per share.
	Diluted earnings per share for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 do not reflect the following potential shares of common stock that would have an anti-dilutive effect or have unsatisfied performance or market conditions:
	•	At September 30, 2014 and 2013, options to purchase 1.7 million and 2.3 million shares of common stock at prices ranging from $3.93 to $18.80 for both periods were excluded from the calculations.
	•	At both September 30, 2014 and 2013, unvested restricted stock, performance stock units and DSUs convertible into 0.3 million shares of stock were excluded from the calculations.
	•	At September 30, 2014 and 2013, 3.0 million shares of common stock, representing the effect of the assumed conversion of the 2018 Debentures, were excluded from the calculation.
	Diluted earnings per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 do not reflect the following potential shares of common stock that would have an anti-dilutive effect or have unsatisfied performance or market conditions:
	•	At September 30, 2014 and 2013, options to purchase 0.8 million and 2.3 million shares of common stock at prices ranging from $7.41 to $18.78 and $3.93 to $18.80, respectively, were excluded from the calculations.
	•	At both September 30, 2014 and 2013, unvested restricted stock, performance stock units and DSUs convertible into 0.3 million shares of stock were excluded from the calculations.
	•	At both September 30, 2014 and 2013, 3.0 million shares of common stock, representing the effect of the assumed conversion of the 2018 Debentures, were excluded from the calculation.

Operating_Segments

Operating Segments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Operating Segments	'
	Operating Segments
	As of September 30, 2014, the Company held interests in 24 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, 2014:
	Healthcare
	Partner Company	Safeguard Primary Ownership as of September 30, 2014		Accounting Method
	AdvantEdge Healthcare Solutions, Inc.	40.10%		Equity
	Dabo Health, Inc.	12.90%		Cost
	Good Start Genetics, Inc.	29.90%		Equity
	InfoBionic Inc.	18.00%		Equity (1)
	Medivo, Inc.	34.50%		Equity
	NovaSom, Inc.	30.30%		Equity
	Propeller Health, Inc.	24.40%		Equity
	Putney, Inc.	28.30%		Equity
	Quantia, Inc.	42.30%		Equity
	Syapse, Inc.	27.00%		Equity
	Trice Medical, Inc.	31.90%		Equity
	Technology
	Partner Company	Safeguard Primary Ownership as of September 30, 2014		Accounting Method
	AppFirst, Inc.	34.30%		Equity
	Apprenda, Inc.	21.60%		Equity
	Beyond.com, Inc.	38.20%		Equity
	Bridgevine, Inc.	17.20%		Cost (2)
	Clutch Holdings, Inc.	29.60%		Equity
	DriveFactor, Inc.	40.60%		Equity
	Hoopla Software, Inc.	25.60%		Equity
	Lumesis, Inc.	48.50%		Equity
	MediaMath, Inc.	20.50%		Equity
	Pneuron Corporation	27.60%		Equity
	Spongecell, Inc.	23.00%		Equity
	Transactis, Inc.	24.80%		Equity
	WebLinc, Inc.	29.20%		Equity
	(1) The decrease in the Company's primary ownership below 20.0% in the third quarter of 2014 is considered temporary because the Company expects to deploy additional capital in InfoBionic in the fourth quarter of 2014. Accordingly, the Company continues to exercise significant influence over InfoBionic and account for it under the equity method.
	(2) In the second quarter of 2014, the Company’s ownership interest in Bridgevine decreased from 22.7% to 17.3%, below the threshold at which the Company believes it exercises significant influence. Accordingly, the Company changed its method of accounting for Bridgevine from the equity method to the cost method at such time.
	As of September 30, 2014, 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 include 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, 2014 and December 31, 2013, all of the Company’s assets were located in the United States.
	Segment assets in Other Items included primarily cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities of $165.7 million and $183.7 million, at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
		Three months ended September 30, 2014
		Healthcare			Technology			Penn			Total			Other			Total
								Mezzanine			Segments			Items
		(Unaudited - In thousands)
	Operating loss	$	—		$	—		$	(3	)	$	(3	)	$	(4,174	)	$	(4,177	)
	Other income (loss), net	(8		)	—			(238		)	(246		)	—			(246		)
	Interest income	—			—			307			307			175			482
	Equity income (loss)	(4,734		)	(4,109		)	(158		)	(9,001		)	39			(8,962		)
	Net loss	(4,742		)	(4,109		)	(92		)	(8,943		)	(5,063		)	(14,006		)
	Segment Assets:
	September 30, 2014	62,066			93,025			6,490			161,581			170,727			332,308
	31-Dec-13	74,939			69,471			12,783			157,193			188,803			345,996
		Three months ended September 30, 2013
		Healthcare			Technology			Penn			Total			Other			Total
								Mezzanine			Segments			Items
		(Unaudited - In thousands)
	Operating loss	$	—		$	—		$	(4	)	$	(4	)	$	(4,831	)	$	(4,835	)
	Other income (loss), net	(4,772		)	—			547			(4,225		)	1			(4,224		)
	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		)
		Nine months ended September 30, 2014
		Healthcare			Technology			Penn			Total			Other			Total
Mezzanine								Segments			Items
	(Unaudited - In thousands)
Operating loss	$	—		$	—		$	(8	)	$	(8	)	$	(14,477	)	$	(14,485	)
Other income (loss), net	31,823			—			(243		)	31,580			—			31,580
Interest income	—			—			1,087			1,087			407			1,494
Equity income (loss)	1,341			(6,108		)	(596		)	(5,363		)	34			(5,329		)
Net income (loss)	33,164			(6,108		)	240			27,296			(17,331		)	9,965
	Nine months ended September 30, 2013
	Healthcare			Technology			Penn			Total			Other			Total
							Mezzanine			Segments			Items
	(Unaudited - In thousands)
Operating loss	$	—		$	—		$	(13	)	$	(13	)	$	(16,911	)	$	(16,924	)
Other income (loss), net	(6,362		)	—			324			(6,038		)	(153		)	(6,191		)
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		)

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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. 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, however, 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, 2014 which related to one of the Company's private equity holdings.
	The Company also has committed capital of approximately $0.2 million to other private equity funds. These commitments are 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 Sheets at September 30, 2014. 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 October 2001, the Company entered into an agreement with a former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, 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 $2.5 million was included in Other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at September 30, 2014.
	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 $3.0 million at September 30, 2014.

Equity

Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Equity	'
	Equity
	In February 2014, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the Company, from time to time and depending on market conditions, to repurchase up to $25.0 million of the Company's outstanding common stock. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company repurchased 1.2 million shares at an aggregate cost of $25.0 million. This share repurchase program was completed in May 2014.

Ownership_Interests_in_and_Adv1

Ownership Interests in and Advances to Partner Companies and Funds (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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, 2014			December 31, 2013
		(Unaudited - In thousands)
	Fair value	$	—		$	20,057
	Equity Method:
	Partner companies	141,073			108,872
	Private equity funds	1,132			1,766
		142,205			110,638
	Cost Method:
	Partner companies	6,050			13,480
	Private equity funds	2,418			2,418
		8,468			15,898
	Advances to partner companies	7,965			1,986
		$	158,638		$	148,579
	Loan participations receivable	$	4,184		$	8,135
	Available-for-sale securities	$	3		$	15
Equity Method Investments, Results of Operations	'
	The following summarized statement of operations information for those partner companies for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 have been compiled from the financial statements of the respective partner companies and reflect certain historical adjustments. Results of operations of the partner companies are excluded for periods prior to their acquisition. The results of the four partner companies are reported on a one quarter lag.
		Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep-14			30-Sep-13
		(In thousands)
	Results of Operations:
	Revenue	$	125,645		$	67,074
	Gross profit	$	75,490		$	47,112
	Net loss	$	(37,541	)	$	(15,702	)

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
		Carrying		Fair Value Measurement at September 30, 2014
		Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
		(Unaudited - In thousands)
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	116,684	$	116,684	$	—	$	—
	Available-for-sale securities	3		3		—		—
	Warrant participations	71		—		—		71
	Marketable securities—held-to-maturity:
	Commercial paper	$	6,592	$	6,592	$	—	$	—
	U.S. treasury bills	1,504		1,504		—		—
	Government agency bonds	13,503		13,503		—		—
	Certificates of deposit	27,458		27,458		—		—
	Total marketable securities	$	49,057	$	49,057	$	—	$	—
		Carrying		Fair Value Measurement at December 31, 2013
		Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
		(Unaudited - In thousands)
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	139,318	$	139,318	$	—	$	—
	Restricted marketable securities	5		5		—		—
	Ownership interest in common stock of NuPathe	16,874		16,874		—		—
	Ownership interest in warrants and options of NuPathe	3,183		—		—		3,183
	Available-for-sale securities	15		15		—		—
	Warrant participations	1,563		—		—		1,563
	Marketable securities—held-to-maturity:
	Commercial paper	$	13,599	$	13,599	$	—	$	—
	U.S. treasury bills	8,014		8,014		—		—
	Government agency bonds	9,945		9,945		—		—
	Certificates of deposit	12,780		12,780		—		—
	Total marketable securities	$	44,338	$	44,338	$	—	$	—

Convertible_Debentures_and_Cre1

Convertible Debentures and Credit Arrangements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Convertible Senior Debentures	'
	The carrying values of the Company’s convertible senior debentures were as follows:
		September 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
		(Unaudited - In thousands)
	Convertible senior debentures due 2018	$	50,283	$	49,478
	Convertible senior debentures due 2024	—		441
	Convertible senior debentures due 2014	—		29
		50,283		49,948
	Less: current portion	—		(470		)
	Convertible senior debentures – non current	$	50,283	$	49,478

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
		(Unaudited - In thousands)
	General and administrative expense	$	176	$	510	$	1,583	$	1,808
		$	176	$	510	$	1,583	$	1,808
Types of Vesting Schedules	'
	At September 30, 2014, 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.

Net_Income_Loss_Per_Share_Tabl

Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Calculations of Net Loss Per Share	'
	The calculations of net income (loss) per share were as follows:
		Three months ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014		2013
		(Unaudited - In thousands, except per share data)
	Basic:
	Net income (loss)	$	(14,006	)	$	(19,430	)	$	9,965	$	(59,492	)
	Weighted average common shares outstanding	20,678			21,494			21,042		21,245
	Net income (loss) per share	$	(0.68	)	$	(0.90	)	$	0.47	$	(2.80	)
	Diluted:
	Net income (loss) for dilutive share computation	$	(14,006	)	$	(19,430	)	$	9,965	$	(59,492	)
	Number of shares used in basic per share computation	20,678			21,494			21,042		21,245
	Unvested restricted stock and DSUs	—			—			354		—
	Employee stock options	—			—			22		—
	Weighted average common shares outstanding	20,678			21,494			21,418		21,245
	Net income (loss) per share	$	(0.68	)	$	(0.90	)	$	0.47	$	(2.80	)

Operating_Segments_Tables

Operating Segments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Active Partner Companies by Segment	'
	The Company’s active partner companies by segment were as follows as of September 30, 2014:
	Healthcare
	Partner Company	Safeguard Primary Ownership as of September 30, 2014		Accounting Method
	AdvantEdge Healthcare Solutions, Inc.	40.10%		Equity
	Dabo Health, Inc.	12.90%		Cost
	Good Start Genetics, Inc.	29.90%		Equity
	InfoBionic Inc.	18.00%		Equity (1)
	Medivo, Inc.	34.50%		Equity
	NovaSom, Inc.	30.30%		Equity
	Propeller Health, Inc.	24.40%		Equity
	Putney, Inc.	28.30%		Equity
	Quantia, Inc.	42.30%		Equity
	Syapse, Inc.	27.00%		Equity
	Trice Medical, Inc.	31.90%		Equity
	Technology
	Partner Company	Safeguard Primary Ownership as of September 30, 2014		Accounting Method
	AppFirst, Inc.	34.30%		Equity
	Apprenda, Inc.	21.60%		Equity
	Beyond.com, Inc.	38.20%		Equity
	Bridgevine, Inc.	17.20%		Cost (2)
	Clutch Holdings, Inc.	29.60%		Equity
	DriveFactor, Inc.	40.60%		Equity
	Hoopla Software, Inc.	25.60%		Equity
	Lumesis, Inc.	48.50%		Equity
	MediaMath, Inc.	20.50%		Equity
	Pneuron Corporation	27.60%		Equity
	Spongecell, Inc.	23.00%		Equity
	Transactis, Inc.	24.80%		Equity
	WebLinc, Inc.	29.20%		Equity
	(1) The decrease in the Company's primary ownership below 20.0% in the third quarter of 2014 is considered temporary because the Company expects to deploy additional capital in InfoBionic in the fourth quarter of 2014. Accordingly, the Company continues to exercise significant influence over InfoBionic and account for it under the equity method.
	(2) In the second quarter of 2014, the Company’s ownership interest in Bridgevine decreased from 22.7% to 17.3%, below the threshold at which the Company believes it exercises significant influence. Accordingly, the Company changed its method of accounting for Bridgevine from the equity method to the cost method at such time.
Segment Data from Operations	'
		Three months ended September 30, 2014
		Healthcare			Technology			Penn			Total			Other			Total
								Mezzanine			Segments			Items
		(Unaudited - In thousands)
	Operating loss	$	—		$	—		$	(3	)	$	(3	)	$	(4,174	)	$	(4,177	)
	Other income (loss), net	(8		)	—			(238		)	(246		)	—			(246		)
	Interest income	—			—			307			307			175			482
	Equity income (loss)	(4,734		)	(4,109		)	(158		)	(9,001		)	39			(8,962		)
	Net loss	(4,742		)	(4,109		)	(92		)	(8,943		)	(5,063		)	(14,006		)
	Segment Assets:
	September 30, 2014	62,066			93,025			6,490			161,581			170,727			332,308
	31-Dec-13	74,939			69,471			12,783			157,193			188,803			345,996
		Three months ended September 30, 2013
		Healthcare			Technology			Penn			Total			Other			Total
								Mezzanine			Segments			Items
		(Unaudited - In thousands)
	Operating loss	$	—		$	—		$	(4	)	$	(4	)	$	(4,831	)	$	(4,835	)
	Other income (loss), net	(4,772		)	—			547			(4,225		)	1			(4,224		)
	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		)
		Nine months ended September 30, 2014
		Healthcare			Technology			Penn			Total			Other			Total
								Mezzanine			Segments			Items
		(Unaudited - In thousands)
	Operating loss	$	—		$	—		$	(8	)	$	(8	)	$	(14,477	)	$	(14,485	)
	Other income (loss), net	31,823			—			(243		)	31,580			—			31,580
	Interest income	—			—			1,087			1,087			407			1,494
	Equity income (loss)	1,341			(6,108		)	(596		)	(5,363		)	34			(5,329		)
	Net income (loss)	33,164			(6,108		)	240			27,296			(17,331		)	9,965
		Nine months ended September 30, 2013
		Healthcare			Technology			Penn			Total			Other			Total
								Mezzanine			Segments			Items
		(Unaudited - In thousands)
	Operating loss	$	—		$	—		$	(13	)	$	(13	)	$	(16,911	)	$	(16,924	)
	Other income (loss), net	(6,362		)	—			324			(6,038		)	(153		)	(6,191		)
	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		)

Carrying_Value_of_Ownership_In

Carrying Value of Ownership Interests in and Advances to Partner Companies and Private Equity Funds (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Investments In And Advances To Affiliates [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value	$0	$20,057,000
Equity method investments	142,205,000	110,638,000
Cost method investments	8,468,000	15,898,000
Advances to partner companies	7,965,000	1,986,000
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)	158,638,000	148,579,000
Loan participations receivable	4,184,000	8,135,000
Available-for-sale securities	3,000	15,000
Partner companies [Member]	'	'
Investments In And Advances To Affiliates [Line Items]	'	'
Equity method investments	141,073,000	108,872,000
Cost method investments	6,050,000	13,480,000
Private equity funds [Member]	'	'
Investments In And Advances To Affiliates [Line Items]	'	'
Equity method investments	1,132,000	1,766,000
Cost method investments	$2,418,000	$2,418,000

Ownership_Interests_in_and_Adv2

Ownership Interests in and Advances to Partner Companies and Funds - Narrative (Detail) (USD $)

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Apr. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Jan. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

partner_company

Sotera [Member]

Sotera [Member]

Crescendo Bioscience, Inc. [Member]

Crescendo Bioscience, Inc. [Member]

Nupathe [Member]

Nupathe [Member]

Nupathe [Member]

Nupathe [Member]

Alverix, Inc. [Member]

Alverix, Inc. [Member]

Penn Mezzanine [Member]

Penn Mezzanine [Member]

Legacy Private Equity Fund [Member]

Pixel Optics Inc [Member]

Pixel Optics Inc [Member]

Pixel Optics Inc [Member]

Bridgevine, Inc. [Member]

Bridgevine, Inc. [Member]

Bridgevine, Inc. [Member]

Equity Income (Loss) [Member]

Equity Income (Loss) [Member]

Equity Income (Loss) [Member]

Loan participations [Member]

Warrant [Member]

Penn Mezzanine [Member]

Penn Mezzanine [Member]

Investment [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Immaterial prior period adjustment made in current period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1,800,000

$1,500,000

$300,000

'

'

Proceeds from sale of business

81,626,000

2,603,000

'

4,200,000

'

38,400,000

'

23,100,000

'

'

'

15,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Realized gains on cost method investment

'

'

'

'

1,500,000

'

27,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds sale of business (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$3.65

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from milestone payments (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$3.15

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from milestone payments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

24,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gain on sale of business

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,000,000

'

'

15,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrealized loss on securities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,800,000

'

6,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amount held in escrow

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,900,000

'

'

'

'

1,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Ownership interest under equity method, percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

17.30%

22.70%

'

'

'

'

'

Equity method investment, additional information

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from repayments of loan receivable

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from sale of equity interests

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Asset impairment charges

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

300,000

200,000

1,300,000

9,900,000

11,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

200,000

100,000

Equity method investments

$142,205,000

'

$110,638,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0

'

$0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of partner companies that meet conditions of a significant subsidiary

4

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Ownership_Interests_in_and_Adv3

Ownership Interests in and Advances to Partner Companies and Funds Aggregate Partner Company Income Statement Disclosures (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'	'
Equity method investment, revenue	$125,645	$67,074
Equity method investment, gross profit (loss)	75,490	47,112
Equity method investment, net income (loss)	($37,541)	($15,702)

Acquisitions_of_Ownership_Inte1

Acquisitions of Ownership Interests in Partner Companies and Funds Narrative (Detail) (USD $)

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

27 Months Ended

5 Months Ended

23 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

10 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

30 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

2 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

53 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

13 Months Ended

5 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

24 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

31-May-14

Dec. 31, 2013

31-May-14

31-May-14

Dec. 31, 2013

31-May-14

Dec. 31, 2013

31-May-14

Dec. 31, 2013

31-May-14

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Apr. 30, 2014

31-May-14

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Aug. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Aug. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Aug. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Apr. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Trice [Member]

Syapse, Inc. [Member]

Putney, Inc. [Member]

Putney, Inc. [Member]

Lumesis, Inc. [Member]

Lumesis, Inc. [Member]

New York Digital Health Accelerator II [Member]

Clutch [Member]

Clutch [Member]

Novasom, Inc. [Member]

Novasom, Inc. [Member]

Dabo [Member]

Dabo [Member]

MediaMath, Inc. [Member]

MediaMath, Inc. [Member]

MediaMath, Inc. [Member]

MediaMath, Inc. [Member]

AppFirst, Inc. [Member]

AppFirst, Inc. [Member]

Quantia [Member]

Quantia [Member]

Propeller [Member]

Propeller [Member]

Transactis [Member]

Transactis [Member]

WebLinc [Member]

WebLinc [Member]

InfoBionic, Inc. [Member]

Sotera Wireless, Inc. [Member]

Sotera Wireless, Inc. [Member]

Sotera Wireless, Inc. [Member]

Hoopla Software, Inc. [Member]

Hoopla Software, Inc. [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Ownership interest under equity method, percentage

'

'

31.90%

27.00%

'

'

'

'

12.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

20.60%

'

'

22.50%

'

'

'

'

'

24.60%

'

24.80%

'

29.20%

20.40%

'

'

'

'

'

Payments to acquire equity method investments

$54,956,000

$28,718,000

$5,000,000

$5,800,000

$5,000,000

$10,000,000

$1,700,000

$3,900,000

$100,000

$2,000,000

$5,500,000

'

$20,000,000

'

'

$7,000,000

'

$18,600,000

'

'

$6,500,000

$7,500,000

'

$9,000,000

'

$9,500,000

'

$6,000,000

'

$4,000,000

'

'

'

$1,400,000

$1,800,000

Equity method investment, additional information

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payments to acquire cost method investments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

800,000

800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,300,000

'

'

Convertible bridge loan

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,100,000

'

'

4,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

200,000

'

'

'

Cost of shares acquired from previous investor

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,200,000

'

'

Proceeds from sales of and distributions from companies and funds

$81,626,000

$2,603,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$4,200,000

'

'

'

'

Carrying_Value_and_Fair_Value_

Carrying Value and Fair Value of Certain Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member], USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$116,684	$139,318
Restricted marketable securities	'	5
Available-for-sale securities	3	15
Warrant participations	0	0
Total marketable securities	49,057	44,338
Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Restricted marketable securities	'	0
Available-for-sale securities	0	0
Warrant participations	0	0
Total marketable securities	0	0
Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Restricted marketable securities	'	0
Available-for-sale securities	0	0
Warrant participations	71	1,563
Total marketable securities	0	0
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	116,684	139,318
Restricted marketable securities	'	5
Available-for-sale securities	3	15
Warrant participations	71	1,563
Total marketable securities	49,057	44,338
NuPathe [Member] | Common stock [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Ownership interest	'	16,874
NuPathe [Member] | Common stock [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Ownership interest	'	0
NuPathe [Member] | Common stock [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Ownership interest	'	0
NuPathe [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	'	16,874
NuPathe [Member] | 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] | 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] | Warrants and options [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Ownership interest	'	3,183
NuPathe [Member] | 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	'	3,183
Commercial paper [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total marketable securities	6,592	13,599
Commercial paper [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] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total marketable securities	0	0
Commercial paper [Member] | Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total marketable securities	6,592	13,599
U.S. Treasury Bills [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total marketable securities	1,504	8,014
U.S. Treasury Bills [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] | 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] | Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total marketable securities	1,504	8,014
Government agency bonds [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total marketable securities	13,503	9,945
Government agency bonds [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] | 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] | Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total marketable securities	13,503	9,945
Certificates of deposit [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total marketable securities	27,458	12,780
Certificates of deposit [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] | 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] | Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total marketable securities	$27,458	$12,780

Fair_Value_Measurements_Narrat

Fair Value Measurements - Narrative (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014
			Pixel Optics Inc [Member]	Pixel Optics Inc [Member]	Pixel Optics Inc [Member]	Penn Mezzanine [Member]	Legacy Private Equity Fund [Member]	Legacy Private Equity Fund [Member]
								Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Marketable securities, current	$35,217,000	$38,250,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Marketable securities, non current	13,840,000	6,088,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,700,000
Asset impairment charges	'	'	1,300,000	9,900,000	11,200,000	300,000	200,000	'
Equity method investments	$142,205,000	$110,638,000	$0	'	$0	'	'	'

Carrying_Values_of_Convertible

Carrying Values of Convertible Senior Debentures (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Convertible senior debentures	$50,283	$49,948
Less: current portion	0	-470
Convertible senior debentures – non current	50,283	49,478
Convertible Senior Debentures due 2018 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Convertible senior debentures	50,283	49,478
Convertible Senior Debentures due 2024 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Convertible senior debentures	0	441
Convertible Senior Debentures due 2014 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Convertible senior debentures	$0	$29

Convertible_Debentures_and_Cre2

Convertible Debentures and Credit Arrangements Convertible Senior Debentures due 2018 Narrative (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012	Nov. 30, 2012	Dec. 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]
	D
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Aggregate face value of convertible senior debentures	$55,000,000	'	$55,000,000	'	$46,900,000
Interest rate on debentures	'	'	5.25%	10.13%	'
Number of trading days	20	'	'	'	'
Consecutive trading days	'30 days	'	'	'	'
Threshold percentage of stock trigger	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	'	'	'	'
Closing price is percentage of conversion price	98.00%	'	'	'	'
Conversion rate of common stock (in shares)	55.17	'	'	'	'
Conversion price (in dollars per share)	$18.13	'	'	'	'
Closing price for common stock	$18.40	'	'	'	'
Sales price of common stock to conversion price	140.00%	'	'	'	'
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%	'	'	'	'
Fair value of debentures outstanding	68,500,000	'	'	'	'
Gross carrying amount of equity component	6,400,000	'	'	'	'
Unamortized discount	4,700,000	'	'	'	'
Carrying value of liability component	50,300,000	'	'	'	'
Amortization of debt discount (premium)	$800,000	$700,000	'	'	'
Debt instrument, interest rate, effective percentage	8.70%	'	'	'	'

Convertible_Debentures_and_Cre3

Convertible Debentures and Credit Arrangements Convertible Senior Debentures due 2024 Narrative (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2004
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Convertible debt outstanding	$50,283,000	$49,948,000	'
Convertible Senior Debentures due 2024 [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Aggregate face value of convertible senior debentures	'	'	150,000,000
Outstanding debentures	'	400,000	'
Convertible debt outstanding	$0	$441,000	'

Convertible_Debentures_and_Cre4

Convertible Debentures and Credit Arrangements Convertible Senior Debentures due 2014 Narrative (Detail) (Convertible Senior Debentures due 2014 [Member], USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Nov. 30, 2012	Dec. 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	'
Principal converted to common stock	$29,000	'	'

Convertible_Debentures_and_Cre5

Convertible Debentures and Credit Arrangements Credit Arrangements Narrative (Detail) (Credit Arrangements [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Credit Arrangements [Member]	'
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%
Credit facility maturity date	31-Dec-14
Letter of credit under the credit facility	6,300,000
Letter of credit expiration date	19-Mar-19
Amount available for borrowing under revolving credit facility	$43,700,000

StockBased_Compensation_Expens

Stock-Based Compensation Expense (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	$176	$510	$1,583	$1,808
General And Administrative Expenses [Member]	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	$176	$510	$1,583	$1,808

StockBased_Compensation_Narrat

Stock-Based Compensation - Narrative (Detail) (USD $)

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

31-May-14

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

vesting_type

Market Based Awards [Member]

Market Based Awards [Member]

Market Based Awards [Member]

Market Based Awards [Member]

Performance Shares [Member]

Performance Shares [Member]

Performance Shares [Member]

Performance Shares [Member]

Service Based Award [Member]

Service Based Award [Member]

Service Based Award [Member]

Service Based Award [Member]

Deferred Stock Units [Member]

Deferred stock units, performance-based stock units and restricted stock [Member]

Deferred stock units, performance-based stock units and restricted stock [Member]

Deferred stock units, performance-based stock units and restricted stock [Member]

Deferred stock units, performance-based stock units and restricted stock [Member]

Director [Member]

Director [Member]

Y

Deferred Stock Units [Member]

Deferred Stock Units [Member]

Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of award vesting types

'

3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Expiration period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'8 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of shares vested in period

'

'

'

'

22,000

0

'

'

7,000

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

16,000

13,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of nonvested options expired

'

'

'

'

107,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock-based compensation expense

'

'

$0

$0

$0

$0.20

$0

$0.10

$0.10

$0.30

$0.10

$0.20

$0.30

$0.40

'

$0.10

$0.30

$1.20

$1

'

'

Stock-based compensation, maximum number of unvested shares

'

'

'

'

273,000

'

'

'

429,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Vesting period

'

'

'

'

'8 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'4 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Options issued

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,000

39,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Shares issued to non-employee individual

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

45,000

46,000

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

Increase in number of shares reserved for issuance

2,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Detail

Income Taxes - Narrative (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Income tax benefit (expense)	$0	$0	$0	$0

Calculations_of_Net_Income_Los

Calculations of Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Basic:	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	($14,006)	($19,430)	$9,965	($59,492)
Weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares)	20,678	21,494	21,042	21,245
Net income (loss) per share (in dollars per share)	($0.68)	($0.90)	$0.47	($2.80)
Diluted:	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss) attributable to parent, diluted	($14,006)	($19,430)	$9,965	($59,492)
Number of shares used in basic per share computation (in shares)	20,678	21,494	21,042	21,245
Weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares)	20,678	21,494	21,418	21,245
Net income (loss) per share (in dollars per share)	($0.68)	($0.90)	$0.47	($2.80)
Restricted Stock Unit And Performance Stock Unit And Deferred Stock Unit [Member]	'	'	'	'
Diluted:	'	'	'	'
Stock options (in shares)	0	0	354	0
Employee stock options [Member]	'	'	'	'
Diluted:	'	'	'	'
Stock options (in shares)	0	0	22	0

Net_Income_Loss_Per_Share_Narr

Net Income (Loss) Per Share - Narrative (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
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	1.7	2.3	0.8	2.3
Shares of common stock at prices ranging, lower limit	$3.93	$3.93	$7.41	$3.93
Shares of common stock at prices ranging, upper limit	$18.80	$18.80	$18.78	$18.80
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	0.3	0.3	0.3
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	'	3

Operating_Segments_Narrative_D

Operating Segments - Narrative (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Non-consolidated partner companies	24	'
Other Items [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets included cash, cash equivalents, cash held in escrow, and marketable securities	$165.70	$183.70
Penn Mezzanine [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage	36.00%	'
Clutch [Member] | Technology [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage	29.60%	'

Active_Partner_Companies_by_Se

Active Partner Companies by Segment (Detail)

Mar. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

31-May-14

Apr. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

InfoBionic [Member]

Propeller [Member]

Syapse, Inc. [Member]

Bridgevine, Inc. [Member]

Bridgevine, Inc. [Member]

MediaMath, Inc. [Member]

MediaMath, Inc. [Member]

Trice [Member]

Transactis [Member]

WebLinc [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]

Technology [Member]

Technology [Member]

Technology [Member]

Technology [Member]

AdvantEdge Healthcare Solutions, Inc. [Member]

Dabo [Member]

Good Start Genetics, Inc. [Member]

InfoBionic [Member]

Medivo, Inc. [Member]

Novasom, Inc. [Member]

Propeller [Member]

Putney, Inc. [Member]

Quantia [Member]

Syapse, Inc. [Member]

Trice [Member]

AppFirst, Inc. [Member]

Apprenda [Member]

Beyond.com, Inc [Member]

Bridgevine, Inc. [Member]

Bridgevine, 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]

Transactis [Member]

WebLinc [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity method threshold

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Ownership interest under equity method, percentage

20.40%

24.60%

27.00%

17.30%

22.70%

20.60%

22.50%

31.90%

24.80%

29.20%

40.10%

'

29.90%

18.00%

[1]

34.50%

30.30%

24.40%

28.30%

42.30%

27.00%

31.90%

34.30%

21.60%

38.20%

'

17.30%

22.70%

29.60%

40.60%

25.60%

48.50%

20.50%

27.60%

23.00%

24.80%

29.20%

Ownership interest under cost method, percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

12.90%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

17.20%

[2]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

The decrease in the Company's primary ownership below 20.0% in the third quarter of 2014 is considered temporary because the Company expects to deploy additional capital in InfoBionic in the fourth quarter of 2014. Accordingly, the Company continues to exercise significant influence over InfoBionic and account for it under the equity method.

[2]

In the second quarter of 2014, the Company’s ownership interest in Bridgevine decreased from 22.7% to 17.3%, below the threshold at which the Company believes it exercises significant influence. Accordingly, the Company changed its method of accounting for Bridgevine from the equity method to the cost method at such time.

Segment_Data_from_Operations_D

Segment Data from Operations (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Operating loss	($4,177)	($4,835)	($14,485)	($16,924)	'
Other income (loss), net	-246	-4,224	31,580	-6,191	'
Interest income	482	572	1,494	2,096	'
Equity income (loss)	-8,962	-9,866	-5,329	-35,253	'
Net loss	-14,006	-19,430	9,965	-59,492	'
Segment assets	332,308	'	332,308	'	345,996
Total Segments	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Operating loss	-3	-4	-8	-13	'
Other income (loss), net	-246	-4,225	31,580	-6,038	'
Interest income	307	394	1,087	1,118	'
Equity income (loss)	-9,001	-10,135	-5,363	-35,549	'
Net loss	-8,943	-13,970	27,296	-40,482	'
Segment assets	161,581	'	161,581	'	157,193
Healthcare [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Operating loss	0	0	0	0	'
Other income (loss), net	-8	-4,772	31,823	-6,362	'
Interest income	0	0	0	0	'
Equity income (loss)	-4,734	-6,553	1,341	-27,303	'
Net loss	-4,742	-11,325	33,164	-33,665	'
Segment assets	62,066	'	62,066	'	74,939
Technology [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Operating loss	0	0	0	0	'
Other income (loss), net	0	0	0	0	'
Interest income	0	0	0	0	'
Equity income (loss)	-4,109	-3,490	-6,108	-7,990	'
Net loss	-4,109	-3,490	-6,108	-7,990	'
Segment assets	93,025	'	93,025	'	69,471
Penn Mezzanine [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Operating loss	-3	-4	-8	-13	'
Other income (loss), net	-238	547	-243	324	'
Interest income	307	394	1,087	1,118	'
Equity income (loss)	-158	-92	-596	-256	'
Net loss	-92	845	240	1,173	'
Segment assets	6,490	'	6,490	'	12,783
Other Items [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Operating loss	-4,174	-4,831	-14,477	-16,911	'
Other income (loss), net	0	1	0	-153	'
Interest income	175	178	407	978	'
Equity income (loss)	39	269	34	296	'
Net loss	-5,063	-5,460	-17,331	-19,010	'
Segment assets	$170,727	'	$170,727	'	$188,803

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended			9 Months Ended					9 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2001	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
				Employee Severance	Letter of credit	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	Other long-term liabilities	Clawback Liability	Private equity funds [Member]
Commitment Contingencies And Guarantees [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Company outstanding guarantees	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$3,800,000
Committed capital of private equity funds	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	200,000
Funding period	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'12 months
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,300,000	'
Accrued expenses	'	3,335,000	2,431,000	'	'	'	'	1,000,000	'
Other long-term liabilities	'	3,471,000	3,683,000	'	'	'	'	300,000	'
Company's ownership in the funds	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	19.00%	'
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	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,500,000	'	'
Letter of credit under the credit facility	'	'	'	'	6,300,000	'	'	'	'
Maximum severance payments	'	'	'	$3,000,000	'	'	'	'	'

Equity_Details

Equity (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'
Repurchase of common stock	'	$25,036,000
Common Stock [Member]	'	'
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'
Authorized repurchase amount	25,000,000	'
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)	'	1,200
Repurchase of common stock	'	$25,000,000