Safeguard Scientifics (SFES) 10-K 6 Mar 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 04, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	SAFEGUARD SCIENTIFICS INC
Entity Central Index Key	86115
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		20,693,432
Trading Symbol	SFE
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$421,013,883

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$111,897	$139,318
Marketable securities	25,263	38,250
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,684	1,562
Total current assets	138,844	179,130
Property and equipment, net	123	138
Ownership interests in and advances to partner companies (of which $0 and $20,057 are measured at fair value at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively)	154,192	148,579
Loan participations receivable	3,855	8,135
Long-term marketable securities	19,365	6,088
Other assets	2,075	3,926
Total Assets	318,454	345,996
Current Liabilities:
Convertible senior debentures—current	0	470
Accounts payable	226	245
Accrued compensation and benefits	3,997	5,028
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	2,334	2,431
Total current liabilities	6,557	8,174
Other long-term liabilities	3,507	3,683
Convertible senior debentures—non-current	50,563	49,478
Total Liabilities	60,627	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 December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively	2,157	2,155
Additional paid-in capital	819,757	822,103
Treasury stock, at cost; 921 and 4 shares at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively	-19,341	0
Accumulated deficit	-544,746	-539,597
Total Equity	257,827	284,661
Total Liabilities and Equity	$318,454	$345,996

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Ownership interests 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	1,000,000	1,000,000
Common stock, par value	$0.10	$0.10
Common stock, shares authorized	83,333,000	83,333,000
Common stock, shares issued	21,573,000	21,553,000
Treasury Stock, Shares	921,000	4,000

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Sep. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2014		Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2013		Mar. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]
General and administrative expense	$4,485		$4,177		$5,069		$5,239		$4,720		$4,835		$6,715		$5,374		$18,970	$21,644	$19,473
Operating loss	-4,485		-4,177		-5,069		-5,239		-4,720		-4,835		-6,715		-5,374		-18,970	-21,644	-19,473
Other income (loss), net	77		-246		1,452		30,374		6,574		-4,224		-2,724		757		31,657	383	9,338
Interest income	407		482		542		470		550		572		790		734		1,901	2,646	2,926
Interest expense	-1,107		-1,103		-1,098		-1,094		-1,083		-1,077		-1,074		-1,069		-4,402	-4,303	-5,636
Equity loss	-10,006		-8,962		-3,175		6,808		22,646		-9,866		-18,400		-6,987		-15,335	-12,607	-26,517
Net loss before income taxes	-15,114		-14,006		-7,348		31,319		23,967		-19,430		-28,123		-11,939		-5,149	-35,525	-39,362
Income tax benefit (expense)	0		0		0		0		0		0		0		0		0	0	0
Net loss	($15,114)		($14,006)		($7,348)		$31,319		$23,967		($19,430)		($28,123)		($11,939)		($5,149)	($35,525)	($39,362)
Net loss per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	($0.73)	[1]	($0.68)	[1]	($0.35)	[1]	$1.44	[1]	$1.10	[1]	($0.90)	[1]	($1.33)	[1]	($0.57)	[1]	($0.25)	($1.66)	($1.88)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	($0.73)	[1]	($0.68)	[1]	($0.35)	[1]	$1.29	[1]	$0.99	[1]	($0.90)	[1]	($1.33)	[1]	($0.57)	[1]	($0.25)	($1.66)	($1.88)
Weighted average shares used in computing net loss per share:
Basic (in shares)																	20,975	21,362	20,974
Diluted (in shares)																	20,975	21,362	20,974
[1]	Per share amounts for the quarters have each been calculated separately. Accordingly, quarterly amounts may not add to the annual amounts because of differences in the average common shares outstanding during each period. Additionally, in regard to diluted per share amounts only, quarterly amounts may not add to the annual amounts because of the inclusion of the effect of potentially dilutive securities only in the periods in which such effect would have been dilutive, and because of the adjustments to net income (loss) for the dilutive effect of partner company common stock equivalents and convertible securities.

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net loss	($5,149)	($35,525)	($39,362)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before taxes:
Unrealized net gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities	-14	-43	4,388
Reclassification adjustment for gain from available-for-sale securities changed to fair value	0	0	-4,607
Reclassification adjustment for other than temporary impairment of available-for-sale securities included in net loss	14	43	260
Total comprehensive loss	($5,149)	($35,525)	($39,321)

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CHA

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (USD $)	Total	Accumulated Deficit [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]
In Thousands
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$348,280	($464,710)	($41)	$2,075	$810,956	$0
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2011				20,752		0
Net loss	-39,362	-39,362
Stock options exercised, net	1,741			19	1,722
Stock options exercised, net (in shares)				181
Issuance of restricted stock, net	94			3	91
Issuance of restricted stock, net (in shares)				-35
Stock-based compensation expense	2,014				2,014
Repurchase of common stock	-5,283				-5,283
Equity component of convertible senior debentures issued, net of issuance costs	6,446				6,446
Other comprehensive income	41		41
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	313,971	-504,072	0	2,097	815,946	0
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012				20,968		0
Net loss	-35,525	-35,525
Stock options exercised, net	4,417			55	4,261	101
Stock options exercised, net (in shares)				559		7
Issuance of restricted stock, net	99			3	75	21
Issuance of restricted stock, net (in shares)				-26		-3
Stock-based compensation expense	1,821				1,821
Repurchase of common stock	-122				0
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)						8
Repurchase of common stock						-122
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	284,661	-539,597	0	2,155	822,103	0
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013				21,553		4
Net loss	-5,149	-5,149
Stock options exercised, net	1,289			2	-2,716	4,003
Stock options exercised, net (in shares)				18		198
Issuance of restricted stock, net	98				-1,594	1,692
Issuance of restricted stock, net (in shares)						-79
Stock-based compensation expense	1,935				1,935
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)						1,194
Repurchase of common stock	-25,036					-25,036
Conversion of convertible senior debentures to common stock	29				29
Conversion of convertible senior debentures to common stock (in shares)				2
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$257,827	($544,746)	$0	$2,157	$819,757	($19,341)
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014				21,573		921

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net loss	($5,149)	($35,525)	($39,362)
Adjustments to reconcile to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation	74	92	108
Amortization of debt discount	1,085	995	726
Equity loss	15,335	12,607	26,517
Other (income) loss, net	-31,657	-383	-9,338
Stock-based compensation expense	1,935	1,821	2,014
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net	-369	-1,194	-418
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other	-1,443	366	3,228
Net cash used in operating activities	-20,189	-21,221	-16,525
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Acquisitions of ownership interests in companies	-59,476	-41,838	-46,100
Proceeds from sales of and distributions from companies	82,822	38,974	17,596
Advances and loans to companies	-10,968	-10,464	-13,665
Repayment of advances and loans to companies	4,684	1,651	3,214
Increase in marketable securities	-55,594	-69,883	-242,023
Decrease in marketable securities	55,410	165,379	276,392
Release of restricted cash equivalents for interest on convertible senior debentures	5	0	7,701
Capital expenditures	-59	-37	-73
Proceeds from sale of discontinued operations, net	0	6,434	0
Other, net	132	42	74
Net cash provided by investing activities	16,956	90,258	3,116
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from issuance of convertible senior debentures	0	0	55,000
Repurchase of convertible senior debentures	-441	-43	-58,703
Costs of issuance of convertible senior debentures	0	0	-1,790
Issuance of Company common stock, net	1,289	4,417	1,744
Repurchase of Company common stock	-25,036	-122	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-24,188	4,252	-3,749
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	-27,421	73,289	-17,158
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	139,318	66,029	83,187
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$111,897	$139,318	$66,029

Significant_Accounting_Policie

Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies	Significant Accounting Policies
	Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Safeguard (the "Company") and all of its subsidiaries in which a controlling financial interest is maintained. All intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.
	Principles of Accounting for Ownership Interests in Companies
	The Company accounts for its interests in its partner companies using one of the following methods: consolidation, fair value, equity, or cost. The accounting method applied is generally determined by the degree of the Company's influence over the entity, primarily determined by our voting interest in the entity.
	In addition to holding voting and non-voting equity and debt securities, the Company also periodically makes advances to its partner companies in the form of promissory notes which are included in the Ownership interests in and advances to partner companies line item in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	Consolidation Method. The Company generally accounts for partner companies in which it directly or indirectly owns more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities under the consolidation method of accounting. Under this method, the Company includes the partner companies’ financial statements within the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements, and all significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated. The Company reflects participation of other stockholders in the net assets and in the income or losses of these consolidated partner companies in Equity in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and in Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest in the Statements of Operations. Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest adjusts the Company’s consolidated operating results to reflect only the Company’s share of the earnings or losses of the consolidated partner company. The Company accounts for results of operations and cash flows of a consolidated partner company through the latest date in which it holds a controlling interest. If the Company subsequently relinquishes control but retains an interest in the partner company, the accounting method is adjusted to the equity, cost or fair value method of accounting, as appropriate. As of December 31, 2014 and for each of the three years in the period then ended, the Company did not hold a controlling interest in any of its partner companies.
	Fair Value Method. Unrealized gains and losses on the mark-to-market of the Company's holdings in fair value method companies and realized gains and losses on the sale of any holdings in fair value method companies are recognized in Other income (loss), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company accounted for its holdings in NuPathe Inc., a former publicly traded partner company, under the fair value method of accounting. As of December 31, 2014, the Company did not account for any of its partner companies under the fair value method.
	Equity Method. The Company accounts for partner companies whose results are not consolidated, but over which it exercises significant influence, under the equity method of accounting. Whether or not the Company exercises significant influence with respect to a partner company depends on an evaluation of several factors including, among others, representation of the Company on the partner company’s board of directors and the Company’s ownership level, which is generally a 20% to 50% interest in the voting securities of a partner company, including voting rights associated with the Company’s holdings in common, preferred and other convertible instruments in the company. Under the equity method of accounting, the Company does not reflect a partner company’s financial statements within the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements; however, the Company’s share of the income or loss of such partner company is reflected in Equity income (loss) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company includes the carrying value of equity method partner companies in Ownership interests in and advances to partner companies on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Any excess of the Company’s cost over its underlying interest in the net assets of equity method partner companies that is allocated to intangible assets is amortized over the estimated useful lives of the related intangible assets. The Company reflects its share of the income or loss of the equity method partner companies on a one quarter lag. This reporting lag could result in a delay in recognition of the impact of changes in the business or operations of these partner companies.
	When the Company’s carrying value in an equity method partner company is reduced to zero, the Company records no further losses in its Consolidated Statements of Operations unless the Company has an outstanding guarantee obligation or has committed additional funding to such equity method partner company. When such equity method partner company subsequently reports income, the Company will not record its share of such income until it exceeds the amount of the Company’s share of losses not previously recognized.
	Cost Method. The Company accounts for partner companies not consolidated or accounted for under the equity method or fair value method under the cost method of accounting. Under the cost method, the Company does not include its share of the income or losses of partner companies in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company includes the carrying value of cost method partner companies in Ownership interests in and advances to partner companies on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	Accounting Estimates
	The preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results may differ from these estimates. These estimates include the evaluation of the recoverability of the Company’s ownership interests in and advances to partner companies and investments in marketable securities, income taxes, stock-based compensation and commitments and contingencies. Management evaluates its estimates on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors, including the current economic environment, which management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances.
	Certain amounts recorded to reflect the Company’s share of income or losses of partner companies accounted for under the equity method are based on unaudited results of operations of those companies and may require adjustments in the future when audits of these entities’ financial statements are completed.
	It is reasonably possible that the Company’s accounting estimates with respect to the ultimate recoverability of the carrying value of the Company’s ownership interests in and advances to partner companies could change in the near term and that the effect of such changes on the financial statements could be material. At December 31, 2014, the Company believes the carrying value of the Company’s ownership interests in and advances to partner companies is not impaired, although there can be no assurance that the Company’s future results will confirm this assessment, that a significant write-down or write-off will not be required in the future, or that a significant loss will not be recorded in the future upon the sale of a company.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities
	The Company considers all highly liquid instruments with an original maturity of 90 days or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents consist of deposits that are readily convertible into cash. The Company determines the appropriate classification of marketable securities at the time of purchase and reevaluates such designation as of each balance sheet date. Held-to-maturity securities are carried at amortized cost, which approximates fair value. Marketable securities consist of held-to-maturity securities, primarily consisting of government agency bonds, commercial paper and certificates of deposits. Marketable securities with a maturity date greater than one year from the balance sheet date are considered long-term. The Company has not experienced any significant losses on cash equivalents and does not believe it is exposed to any significant credit risk on cash and cash equivalents.
	Financial Instruments
	The Company’s financial instruments (principally cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, accounts receivable, notes receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses) are carried at cost, which approximates fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments. The Company’s long-term debt is carried at cost.
	Accounting for Participating Interests in Mezzanine Loans Receivable and Related Equity Interests
	The Company’s participating interests in Penn Mezzanine loans are included in Loan participations receivable on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. On a periodic basis, but no less frequently than at the end of each quarter, the Company evaluates the carrying value of each loan participation receivable for impairment. A loan participation receivable is considered impaired when it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts (principal and interest) due according to the contractual terms of the participation agreement and related agreements with the borrowers. The Company maintains an allowance to provide for estimated loan losses based on evaluating known and inherent risks in the loans. The allowance is provided based upon management’s analysis of the pertinent factors underlying the quality of the loans. These factors include an analysis of the financial condition of the individual borrowers, delinquency levels, actual loan loss experience, current economic conditions and other relevant factors. The Company’s analysis includes methods to estimate the fair value of loan collateral and the existence of potential alternative sources of repayment. The Company does not accrue interest when a loan is considered impaired. All cash receipts from an impaired loan are applied to reduce the original principal amount of such loan until the principal has been fully recovered and would be recognized as interest income thereafter.
	The Company’s participation in equity interests acquired by Penn Mezzanine is accounted for under the cost method of accounting. On a periodic basis, but no less frequently than at the end of each quarter, the Company evaluates the carrying value of its participation in these equity interests for possible impairment based on achievement of business plan objectives and milestones, the fair value of the equity interest relative to its carrying value, the financial condition and prospects of the underlying company and other relevant factors. The Company’s participating interests in equity interests acquired by Penn Mezzanine are included in Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	Impairment of Ownership Interests In and Advances to Partner Companies
	On a periodic basis, but no less frequently than quarterly, the Company evaluates the carrying value of its equity and cost method partner companies for possible impairment based on achievement of business plan objectives and milestones, the fair value of each partner company relative to its carrying value, the financial condition and prospects of the partner company and other relevant factors. The business plan objectives and milestones the Company considers include, among others, those related to financial performance, such as achievement of planned financial results or completion of capital raising activities, and those that are not primarily financial in nature, such as hiring of key employees or the establishment of strategic relationships. Management then determines whether there has been an other than temporary decline in the value of its ownership interest in the company. Impairment is measured as the amount by which the carrying value of an asset exceeds its fair value.
	The fair value of privately held companies is generally determined based on the value at which independent third parties have invested or have committed to invest in these companies or based on other valuation methods, including discounted cash flows, valuation of comparable public companies and the valuation of acquisitions of similar companies.
	Impairment charges related to equity method partner companies are included in Equity income (loss) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Impairment charges related to cost method partner companies and funds are included in Other income (loss), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	The reduced cost basis of a previously impaired partner company is not written-up if circumstances suggest the value of the company has subsequently recovered.
	Income Taxes
	The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method whereby deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. The Company measures deferred tax assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The Company recognizes the effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates in income in the period of the enactment date. The Company provides a valuation allowance against the net deferred tax asset for amounts which are not considered more likely than not to be realized.
	Net Income (Loss) Per Share
	The Company computes net income (loss) per share using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each year. The Company includes in diluted net income (loss) per share common stock equivalents (unless anti-dilutive) which would arise from the exercise of stock options and conversion of other convertible securities and adjusted, if applicable, for the effect on net income (loss) of such transactions. Diluted net income (loss) per share calculations adjust net income (loss) for the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents and convertible securities issued by the Company’s consolidated or equity method partner companies.
	Segment Information
	The Company reports segment data based on the management approach which designates the internal reporting used by management for making operating decisions and assessing performance as the source of the Company’s reportable operating segments.

Ownership_Interests_in_and_Adv

Ownership Interests in and Advances to Partner Companies and Funds	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Ownership Interests in and Advances to Partner Companies and Funds [Abstract]
Ownership Interests in and Advances to Partner Companies	Ownership Interests in and Advances to Partner Companies
	The following summarizes the carrying value of the Company’s ownership interests in and advances to partner companies.
		31-Dec-14			31-Dec-13
		(In thousands)
	Fair value	$	—		$	20,057
	Equity Method:
	Partner companies	134,861			108,872
	Private equity funds	1,128			1,766
		135,989			110,638
	Cost Method:
	Partner companies	6,774			13,480
	Private equity funds	2,364			2,418
		9,138			15,898
	Advances to partner companies	9,065			1,986
		$	154,192		$	148,579
	Loan participations receivable	$	3,855		$	8,135
	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.  For the year ended December 31, 2014, adjustments at a partner company primarily related to revenue recognition amounted to $1.7 million, of which $1.4 million related to 2013 and $0.3 million related to 2012. Management evaluated the quantitative and qualitative impact of the corrections on previously reported periods as well as on the year ended December 31, 2014.  Based on this evaluation, management concluded that these adjustments were not material to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
	The Company recognized impairment charges of $11.2 million and $5.0 million related to PixelOptics, Inc., formerly an equity method partner company, for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, which are reflected in Equity income (loss) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The impairments were based on PixelOptics' inability to raise additional capital to continue its operations. 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 adjusted carrying value of PixelOptics is $0 and the Company believes it will not recover any of its capital.
	The Company recognized an impairment charge of $1.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 related to its interest in the management company of Penn Mezzanine which is reflected in Equity income (loss) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company has determined that it will not be making any further new capital deployments in connection with Penn Mezzanine lending activities.
	For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company received cash proceeds of $4.7 million, $1.3 million and $2.5 million, respectively, from the repayment of loan participations receivable initiated by Penn Mezzanine. For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company received cash proceeds of $1.3 million and $0.8 million, respectively, from the sale of equity interests initiated by Penn Mezzanine. The Company recognized impairment charges of $0.3 million and $2.5 million related to its Penn Mezzanine debt and equity participations for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, which are reflected in Other income (loss), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	The Company recognized impairment charges of $0.1 million, $0.3 million and $0.4 million related to its interest in a legacy private equity fund for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, which are reflected in Other income (loss), net in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
	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 year ended December 31, 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 December 31, 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 year ended December 31, 2014.
	In February 2014, NuPathe, 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 year ended December 31, 2014. For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company recognized an unrealized loss of $0.9 million and an unrealized gain of $11.0 million, respectively, on the mark-to-market of its holdings in NuPathe, which are 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 year ended December 31, 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 $0.1 million which is reflected in Equity income (loss) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2014.
	In December 2013, ThingWorx, Inc., formerly an equity method partner company, was acquired by PTC, Inc. The Company received cash proceeds of $36.4 million, excluding $4.1 million which will be held in escrow until December 2015. Depending on the achievement of certain milestones, the Company may receive up to an additional $6.5 million in connection with the transaction. The Company recognized a gain of $32.7 million on the transaction which is recorded in Equity income (loss) in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2013.
	The following unaudited summarized balance sheets for PixelOptics at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 and the results of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, have been compiled from the financial statements of PixelOptics.  The results of PixelOptics are reported on a one quarter lag basis.
		As of June 30,			As of December 31,
		2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Balance Sheets:
	Current assets	$	285		$	323
	Non-current assets	4,588			5,259
	Total assets	$	4,873		$	5,582
	Current liabilities	$	56,721		$	34,184
	Non-current liabilities	1,818			10,228
	Shareholders’ equity	(53,666		)	(38,830		)
	Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	4,873		$	5,582
		Six Months Ended June 30,			Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Results of Operations:
	Revenue	$	800		$	1,092
	Operating loss	$	(12,219	)	$	(32,225	)
	Net loss	$	(14,838	)	$	(35,472	)
	The following summarized balance sheets for NuPathe at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 and the results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and the year ended December 31, 2012, have been compiled from the financial statements of NuPathe.
		As of September 30,			As of December 31,
		2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Balance Sheets:
	Current assets	$	11,281		$	23,020
	Non-current assets	10,140			7,587
	Total assets	$	21,421		$	30,607
	Current liabilities	$	8,411		$	3,173
	Non-current liabilities	5,802			24,421
	Shareholders’ equity	7,208			3,013
	Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	21,421		$	30,607
		Nine Months Ended September 30,			Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Results of Operations:
	Revenue	$	—		$	—
	Operating loss	$	(17,238	)	$	(21,033	)
Net loss	$	(30,417	)	$	(37,784	)
The following summarized financial information for partner companies and funds accounted for under the equity method at December 31, 2014 and 2013 and for each of the three years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 has been compiled from the financial statements of our respective partner companies and funds and reflects certain historical adjustments. Results of operations of the partner companies and funds are excluded for periods prior to their acquisition and subsequent to their disposition. The financial information below does not include information pertaining to PixelOptics or NuPathe.
	As of December 31,
	2014			2013
	(In thousands)
Balance Sheets:
Current assets	$	312,621		$	221,001
Non-current assets	90,469			90,042
Total assets	$	403,090		$	311,043
Current liabilities	$	163,016		$	153,398
Non-current liabilities	80,050			75,324
Shareholders’ equity	160,024			82,321
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	403,090		$	311,043
As of December 31, 2014, the Company’s carrying value in equity method partner companies, in the aggregate, exceeded the Company’s share of the net assets of such companies by approximately $94.0 million. Of this excess, $70.7 million was allocated to goodwill and $23.3 million was allocated to intangible assets.
	Year Ended December 31,
	2014			2013			2012
	(In thousands)
Results of Operations:
Revenue	$	320,702		$	273,764		$	191,928
Gross profit	$	102,803		$	123,234		$	90,876
Net loss	$	(108,458	)	$	(63,452	)	$	(79,662	)

Acquisitions_of_Ownership_Inte

Acquisitions of Ownership Interests in Partner Companies and Funds	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Acquisitions of Ownership Interests in Partner Companies	Acquisitions of Ownership Interests in Partner Companies
	In December 2014, the Company funded $0.3 million of a convertible bridge loan to Noble Medical, LLC ("Noble"). The Company had previously deployed $0.5 million in Noble. Noble has developed a platform to change patient behaviors through digital health interventions at the point of care. The Company accounts for its interest in Noble under the cost method.
	In November and May 2014, the Company deployed an aggregate of $1.3 million into Dabo Health, Inc. The Company had previously deployed $0.8 million in Dabo Health. Dabo Health provides the healthcare community with an online visualization platform to view and track improvement in key performance metrics, collaborate across hospitals and healthcare systems, and identify and share learnings. The Company accounts for its interest in Dabo Health under the cost method.
	In November and March 2014, the Company acquired a 27.8% interest in InfoBionic, Inc. for an aggregate of $8.0 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.
	During 2014, the Company funded an aggregate of $5.1 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 in healthcare to reach and engage high-value physicians in ways that ultimately reduce costs, save time, and improve quality of care. The Company accounts for its interest in Quantia under the equity method.
	In September and July 2014, the Company acquired a 31.9% interest in Trice Medical™ for an aggregate of $5.0 million. Trice Medical is a diagnostics company focused on micro invasive technologies. The Company accounts for its interest in Trice Medical 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.
	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.
	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 in WebLinc under the equity method.
	In June 2014, the Company acquired a 27.0% interest in Syapse, Inc. for $5.8 million. Syapse is a software company that enables healthcare providers to deploy precision medicine programs. The Company accounts for its interest in Syapse under the equity method.
	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 pet pharmaceutical company focused on developing high-quality generic prescription medicines for pets. The Company accounts for its interest in Putney under the equity method.
	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 technology company focused on providing business efficiency, data and regulatory solutions to the municipal bond marketplace. The Company accounts for its interest in Lumesis under the equity method.
	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 leading provider of Consumer Management technology that delivers customer intelligence and customer engagement solutions to premium brands. The Company accounts for its interest in Clutch under the equity method.
	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 is a medical device company that has developed an FDA-cleared wireless home sleep test for Obstructive Sleep Apnea called AccuSom® home sleep test. The Company accounts for its interest in NovaSom under the equity 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 a global technology company that is leading the movement to revolutionize traditional marketing and drive transformative results for marketers through its TerminalOne Marketing Operating System™. 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's technology provides global organizations the ability to achieve unmatched visibility into the real-time relationships between distributed applications and the global assets which support their execution. The Company accounts for its interest in AppFirst under the equity method.
	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 provides cloud-based software that helps sales organizations inspire and motivate sales team performance. The Company accounts for its interest in Hoopla under the equity method.
	In November 2013, the Company acquired a 22.0% interest in Apprenda, Inc. for $12.1 million. Apprenda is an enterprise platform-as-a-service company powering the next generation of enterprise software development in public, private and hybrid clouds. The Company accounts for its ownership interest in Apprenda under the equity method.
	In September and June 2013, the Company funded an aggregate of $0.6 million of convertible bridge loans to Alverix, Inc. The Company had previously deployed an aggregate of $8.8 million in Alverix. In January 2014, the Company sold its equity and debt interests in Alverix for $15.7 million. The Company accounted for its interest in Alverix under the equity method.
	In August 2013, the Company deployed an additional $1.1 million in DriveFactor, Inc. The Company previously deployed an aggregate of $3.5 million in DriveFactor. DriveFactor provides auto insurance companies and original equipment manufacturers with a SaaS platform for telematics-driven usage based insurance and rewards programs. The Company accounts for its interest in DriveFactor under the equity method.
	In July 2013, the Company funded $1.0 million of a convertible bridge loan to Crescendo Bioscience, Inc. The Company previously had acquired an interest in Crescendo Bioscience in December 2012 for $10.0 million. In February 2014, the Company sold its equity interest in Crescendo Bioscience for $38.4 million. The Company accounted for its interest in Crescendo Bioscience under the cost method.
	During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company funded $2.3 million for participations in loan and equity interests initiated by Penn Mezzanine. Included in this funding were $2.2 million for participations in loans and $0.1 million for participations in equity of the borrower acquired by Penn Mezzanine. During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company funded $4.2 million for participations in loan and equity interests initiated by Penn Mezzanine. Included in this funding was $3.8 million for participations in loans, $0.3 million for participations in equity of the borrowers, and $0.1 million for participations in warrants to acquire common stock of the borrowers.
	During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company funded an aggregate of $5.3 million of a convertible bridge loan to PixelOptics. The Company previously deployed an aggregate of $31.6 million in PixelOptics. The Company fully impaired its ownership interest in PixelOptics in 2013 based on PixelOptics' inability to raise additional capital to continue its operations. The adjusted carrying value of PixelOptics at December 31, 2014 was $0. The Company accounted for its interest in PixelOptics under the equity method.
	In June 2013, the Company deployed an additional $5.3 million in Medivo, Inc. The Company had previously deployed $6.3 million in Medivo. Medivo's mission is to improve the health of patients by using lab data and analytics to enable better treatment decisions. The Company accounts for its interest in Medivo under the equity method.
	In February 2013, the Company acquired a 27.6% interest in Pneuron Corporation for $5.0 million. Pneuron enables organizations to rapidly solve business problems through a distributed approach that cuts across data, applications and processes. The Company accounts for its ownership interest in Pneuron under the equity method.
	In October and March 2012, the Company deployed an additional $5.2 million in Good Start Genetics, Inc. The Company had previously deployed $6.8 million in Good Start Genetics. Good Start Genetics is a commercial-stage molecular genetic information company focused on transforming the standard of care in reproductive medicine by providing physicians and their patients with clinically relevant and actionable information concerning inherited genetic disorders. The Company accounts for its interest in Good Start Genetics under the equity method.
	In October 2012, the Company purchased 2,500 preferred stock units and warrants to purchase 2.5 million shares of common stock from NuPathe for $5.0 million. The preferred stock was converted into 2.5 million shares of common stock of NuPathe in February 2013. The Company previously deployed $18.3 million in NuPathe. In February 2014, the Company sold its equity interest in NuPathe for $23.1 million. The Company accounted for its ownership interest in NuPathe under the fair value method.
	In September 2012, the Company deployed an additional $5.0 million in ThingWorx. The Company previously deployed $5.0 million in ThingWorx in February 2011. In December 2013, the Company sold its equity interest in ThingWorx for $36.4 million. The Company accounted for its interest in ThingWorx under the equity method.
	In August 2012, the Company funded $0.4 million into New York Digital Health Accelerator in exchange for a 9.4% 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 under the equity method.
	In February 2012, the Company acquired a 23.1% ownership interest in Spongecell, Inc. for $10.0 million. Spongecell is a programmatic creative solution that leverages data-driven technology to automate the production and delivery of high-quality ads at scale across display, mobile and video. The Company accounts for its ownership interest in Spongecell under the equity method.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 (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 of the Company measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		Carrying		Fair Value Measurement at December 31, 2014
		Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
		(in thousands)
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	111,897	$	111,897	$	—	$	—
	Warrant participations	61		—		—		61
	Marketable securities—held-to-maturity:
	Commercial paper	$	6,596	$	6,596	$	—	$	—
	U.S. Treasury Bills	1,503		1,503		—		—
	Government agency bonds	503		503		—		—
	Certificates of deposit	36,026		36,026		—		—
	Total marketable securities	$	44,628	$	44,628	$	—	$	—
		Carrying		Fair Value Measurement at December 31, 2013
		Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
		(In thousands)
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	139,318	$	139,318	$	—	$	—
	Ownership interest in common stock of NuPathe	16,874		16,874		—		—
	Ownership interest in warrants and options of NuPathe	3,183		—		—		3,183
	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 December 31, 2014, $25.3 million of marketable securities had contractual maturities which were less than one year and $19.4 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, for the year ended December 31, 2013 measured as the amount by which PixelOptics’ carrying value exceeded its estimated fair value.  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 carrying value of the Company’s equity ownership in PixelOptics is $0 and the Company believes it will not recover any of its capital.
	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 recognized a gain of $1.1 million associated with mark-to-market adjustment related to its warrant participations with Penn Mezzanine for the year ended December 31, 2013, which is reflected in Other income (loss), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	The Company recognized an impairment charge of $1.8 million related to its ownership interest in the management company of Penn Mezzanine for the year ended December 31, 2013. The inputs and valuation techniques used were primarily an evaluation of the future cash flows associated with the Company's interest in the management company of Penn Mezzanine.
	The Company recorded an impairment charge of $0.3 million related to its Penn Mezzanine debt and equity participations for the year ended December 31, 2013 measured as the amount by which the carrying value of the Company’s participation in the debt and equity interests acquired by Penn Mezzanine exceeded their estimated fair values. The fair market values of the Company's participating interests in debt and equity acquired by Penn Mezzanine were determined based on Level 3 inputs as defined above. The inputs and valuation techniques used included discounted cash flows and valuations of comparable public companies.
	The Company recognized impairment charges of $0.1 million and $0.3 million related to a legacy private equity fund for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, 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 $1.6 million at December 31, 2014 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	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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:
		As of December 31,
		2014		2013
		(In thousands)
	Convertible senior debentures due 2018	$	50,563	$	49,478
	Convertible senior debentures due 2024	—		441
	Convertible senior debentures due 2014	—		29
		50,563		49,948
	Less: current portion	—		(470		)
	Convertible senior debentures — non-current	$	50,563	$	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”). The repurchase of the 2014 Debentures resulted in a loss on repurchase of $7.9 million which is reflected in Other income (loss), net in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2012. 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 have been met. Upon conversion, the Company will satisfy its conversion obligation by paying or delivering, as the case may be, cash, shares of our 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 of the Company’s common stock at December 31, 2014 was $19.82.
	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 Debentures 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 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 December 31, 2014, the fair value of the $55.0 million outstanding 2018 Debentures was approximately $70.8 million, based on the midpoint of the bid and ask prices as of such date. At December 31, 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 $4.4 million and the net carrying value of the liability component was $50.6 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 $1.1 million and $1.0 million of such expense for the years ended December 31, 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"). 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 $25.0 million in the form of borrowings, guarantees and issuances of letters of credit, subject to a $20.0 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 at the bank. The credit facility, as amended December 22, 2014, matures on December 21, 2015. 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 has been required in connection with the sale of CompuCom Systems in 2004. Availability under the Company’s revolving credit facility at December 31, 2014 was $18.7 million.

Equity

Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 year ended December 31, 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.

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation
	Equity Compensation Plans
	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. The 2014 Equity Compensation Plan has 4.1 million shares authorized for issuance. During 2013, the Company issued 70 thousand options outside of existing plans as inducement awards in accordance with New York Stock Exchange rules. To the extent allowable, service-based options are incentive stock options. Options granted under the plans are at prices equal to or greater than the fair market value at the date of grant. Upon exercise of stock options, the Company issues shares first from treasury stock, if available, then from authorized but unissued shares. At December 31, 2014, the Company had reserved 4.6 million shares of common stock for possible future issuance under its 2014 Equity Compensation Plan, and other previously expired equity compensation plans.
	Classification of Stock-Based Compensation Expense
	Stock-based compensation expense was recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013				2012
		(In thousands)
	General and administrative expense	$	1,935		$	1,821			$	2,014
		$	1,935		$	1,821			$	2,014
	At December 31, 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 years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company did not issue any market-based awards to employees. During the year ended December 31, 2014, 22 thousand market-based awards vested. No market-based awards vested during 2013 or 2012. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, 155 thousand, 554 thousand and 6 thousand market-based awards were canceled or forfeited. The Company recorded compensation expense related to market-based awards of $0.0 million, $0.2 million and $0.4 million during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. There is no further expense to be recognized related to market-based awards. Depending on the Company’s stock performance, the maximum number of unvested shares at December 31, 2014 attainable under these grants was 226 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 upon 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 years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, the Company issued 8 thousand, 67 thousand and 180 thousand performance-based awards to employees. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, 7 thousand, 0 thousand and 14 thousand performance-based awards vested. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, 16 thousand, 398 thousand and 6 thousand performance-based awards were canceled or forfeited. The Company recorded compensation expense related to performance-based awards of $0.1 million, $0.0 million and $0.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The maximum number of unvested shares at December 31, 2014 attainable under these grants was 462 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 years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, the Company issued 23 thousand, 52 thousand and 113 thousand service-based awards to employees. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, 8 thousand, 14 thousand and 1 thousand service-based awards were canceled or forfeited. The Company recorded compensation expense related to these awards of $0.3 million, $0.5 million and $0.7 million during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	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 is 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. Assumptions used in the valuation of options granted in each period were as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014		2013			2012
	Service-Based Awards
	Dividend yield	0	%	0	%		0	%
	Expected volatility	32	%	52	%		56	%
	Average expected option life	5 years		5 years			5 years
	Risk-free interest rate	1.7	%	1.3	%		0.8	%
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014		2013			2012
	Performance-Based Awards
	Dividend yield	0	%	0	%		0	%
	Expected volatility	32	%	46	%		55	%
	Average expected option life	4.8 years		4.7 years			5.5 years
	Risk-free interest rate	1.7	%	1.8	%		0.8	%
	The weighted-average grant date fair value of options issued by the Company during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $7.02, $6.83 and $7.45 per share, respectively.
	Option activity of the Company is summarized below:
		Shares		Weighted				Weighted Average		Aggregate
				Average				Remaining		Intrinsic
				Exercise Price				Contractual Life		Value
		(In thousands)						(In years)		(In thousands)
	Outstanding at December 31, 2011	3,218		$	10.32
	Options granted	293		14.91
	Options exercised	(211	)	10.22
	Options canceled/forfeited	(13	)	13.48
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012	3,287		10.72
	Options granted	120		15.61
	Options exercised	(612	)	8.44
	Options canceled/forfeited	(967	)	9.38
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	1,828		12.51
	Options granted	31		19.38
	Options exercised	(365	)	11.48
	Options canceled/forfeited	(178	)	13.58
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014	1,316		12.81				3.99		$	9,402
	Options exercisable at December 31, 2014	537		12.13				2.54		4,201
	Options vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2014	964		12.33				2.65		7,350
	Shares available for future grant	2,638
	The total intrinsic value of options exercised for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $2.4 million, $3.9 million and $1.2 million, respectively.
	At December 31, 2014, total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested service-based stock options was $0.6 million. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.6 years.
	At December 31, 2014, the Company had recognized all compensation cost related to market-based stock options.
	At December 31, 2014, total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested performance-based stock options was $0.5 million. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.2 years but would be accelerated if stock price targets are achieved earlier than estimated.
	During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, the Company issued 119 thousand, 83 thousand and 90 thousand performance-based stock units to employees which vest based on 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, as described above related to performance-based option awards. Performance-based stock units represent the right to receive shares of the Company’s common stock, on a one-for-one basis. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, the Company issued 59 thousand, 28 thousand and 30 thousand restricted shares to employees. The 2013 and 2012 restricted shares issued vest 25% on the first anniversary of grant and the remaining 75% thereafter in equal monthly installments over the next three years. The 2014 restricted shares vest 25% on March 1, 2016 and in twelve quarterly installments thereafter, commencing on March 15, 2016.
	Under the 2014 performance-based award plan, once performance-based awards are fully vested, participants are entitled to receive cash payments equal to their performance grant values in excess of target capital returns described above.
	During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively, the Company issued 46 thousand, 48 thousand and 25 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.
	During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company granted 8 thousand, 8 thousand and 5 thousand shares, respectively, to members of its advisory boards, and recorded compensation expense of $0.1 million in each year related to these awards.
	Total compensation expense for deferred stock units, performance-based stock units and restricted stock was approximately $1.5 million, $1.1 million and $0.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Unrecognized compensation expense related to deferred stock units, performance stock units and restricted stock at December 31, 2014 was $4.1 million. The total fair value of deferred stock units, performance stock units and restricted stock vested during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $1.4 million, $1.1 million and $0.9 million, respectively.
	Deferred stock unit, performance-based stock unit and restricted stock activity are summarized below:
	Shares		Weighted Average
			Grant Date Fair
			Value
	(In thousands)
Unvested at December 31, 2012	347		$	13.85
Granted	167		17.45
Vested	(67	)	16.73
Forfeited	(130	)	13.35
Unvested at December 31, 2013	317		15.34
Granted	231		19.67
Vested	(78	)	17.91
Forfeited	(15	)	15.61
Unvested at December 31, 2014	455		17.09

Other_Income_Loss_Net

Other Income (Loss), Net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Other Income (Loss), Net	Other Income (Loss), Net
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Loss on repurchase of convertible debentures	$	—		$	—		$	(7,895	)
	Gain on sale of ownership interests in companies and funds, net	31,835			—			9,004
	Gain (loss) on mark-to-market of holdings in fair value method partner companies	—			(915		)	11,035
	Impairment charges on cost method partner companies and private equity funds	(54		)	(250		)	(350		)
	Gain on mark-to-market of Penn Mezzanine warrants	—			1,146			264
	Impairment charges on Penn Mezzanine loan and equity participations	—			(295		)	(2,489		)
	Other than temporary impairment on available-for-sale securities	(14		)	(43		)	(260		)
	Other	(110		)	740			29
		$	31,657		$	383		$	9,338

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	The federal and state provision (benefit) for income taxes was $0.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
	The total income tax provision (benefit) differed from the amounts computed by applying the U.S. federal income tax rate of 35% to net income (loss) before income taxes as a result of the following:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Statutory tax (benefit) expense	(35.0	)%		(35.0	)%		(35.0	)%
	Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from:
	Stock-based compensation	1.5			0.2			0.2
	Nondeductible expenses	2.9			0.1			0.1
	Valuation allowance	30.6			34.7			34.7
		0	%		0	%		0	%
	The tax effects of temporary differences that gave rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets were as follows:
		As of December 31,
		2014				2013
		(In thousands)
	Deferred tax asset:
	Carrying values of partner companies and other holdings	$	68,557			$	59,045
	Tax loss and credit carryforwards	76,766				82,403
	Accrued expenses	1,484				2,043
	Stock-based compensation	4,761				5,005
	Other	1,353				1,560
		152,921				150,056
	Valuation allowance	(152,921		)		(150,056		)
	Net deferred tax asset	$	—			$	—
	As of December 31, 2014, the Company and its subsidiaries consolidated for tax purposes had federal net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $208.2 million. These carryforwards expire as follows:
		Total
		(In thousands)
	2015	$	—
	2016	—
	2017	—
	2018	—
	2019 and thereafter	208,201
		$	208,201
	In assessing the recoverability of deferred tax assets, the Company considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company has determined that it is more likely than not that certain future tax benefits may not be realized as a result of current and future income. Accordingly, a valuation allowance has been recorded against substantially all of the Company’s deferred tax assets.
	The Company recognizes in its Consolidated Financial Statements the impact of a tax position if that position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination, based on the technical merits of the position. All uncertain tax positions relate to unrecognized tax benefits that would impact the effective tax rate when recognized.
	The Company does not expect any material increase or decrease in its income tax expense, in the next twelve months, related to examinations or changes in uncertain tax positions.
	There were no changes in the Company’s uncertain tax positions for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
	The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, and various state jurisdictions. Tax years 2011 and forward remain open for examination for federal tax purposes and the Company’s more significant state tax jurisdictions. To the extent utilized in future years’ tax returns, net operating loss carryforwards at December 31, 2014 will remain subject to examination until the respective tax year is closed. The Company recognizes penalties and interest accrued related to income tax liabilities in income tax benefit (expense) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Net_Income_Loss_Per_Share

Net Income (Loss) Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net Loss Per Share	Net Loss Per Share
	The calculations of net loss per share were:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(In thousands, except per share data)
	Basic:
	Net loss	$	(5,149	)	$	(35,525	)	$	(39,362	)
	Weighted average common shares outstanding	20,975			21,362			20,974
	Net loss per share	$	(0.25	)	$	(1.66	)	$	(1.88	)
	Diluted:
	Net loss	$	(5,149	)	$	(35,525	)	$	(39,362	)
	Weighted average common shares outstanding	20,975			21,362			20,974
	Net loss per share	$	(0.25	)	$	(1.66	)	$	(1.88	)
	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 from net income (loss) 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 loss per share for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 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 December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, options to purchase 1.3 million, 1.8 million and 3.3 million shares of common stock, respectively, at prices ranging from $7.14 to $19.95 per share, $3.93 to $18.80 per share and $3.93 to $18.80 per share, respectively, were excluded from the calculation.
	•	At December 31, 2014, unvested restricted stock units, performance-based stock units and DSUs convertible into 0.5 million shares of stock were excluded from the calculations. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, unvested restricted stock units, performance-based stock units and DSUs convertible into 0.3 million shares of stock were excluded from the calculations.
	•	For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, 3.0 million shares of common stock representing the effect of assumed conversion of the 2018 Debentures were excluded from the calculations.

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	Related Party Transactions
	In May 2001, the Company entered into a $26.5 million loan agreement with Warren V. Musser, a former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Through December 31, 2014, the Company recognized impairment charges against the loan of $15.7 million. Since 2001 and through December 31, 2014, the Company has received a total of $17.0 million in payments on the loan. The carrying value of the loan at December 31, 2014 was zero. The Company received payments of $0.1 million on this loan agreement in 2014 and did not receive any payments on this loan agreement in 2013 or 2012.
	In the normal course of business, the Company’s directors, officers and employees hold board positions with partner and other companies in which the Company has a direct or indirect ownership interest.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 leases its corporate headquarters under a lease expiring in 2015 and office equipment under leases expiring at various dates to 2017. Total rental expense under operating leases was $0.6 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012. At December 31, 2014, the Company has future minimum lease payments of $0.4 million for the year ending December 31, 2015 under non-cancelable operating leases with initial or remaining terms of one year or more.
	The Company had outstanding guarantees of $3.8 million at December 31, 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 our 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 December 31, 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 December 31, 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 December 31, 2014.

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa

Supplemental Cash Flow Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	Supplemental Cash Flow Information
	During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company converted $2.7 million and $1.8 million, respectively, of advances to partner companies into ownership interests in partner companies. Cash paid for interest in the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was $2.9 million. Cash paid for interest in the year ended December 31, 2012 was $0.8 million. In addition, during the year ended December 31, 2012, interest payments of $4.8 million on the 2014 Debentures were made using restricted cash equivalents. Cash paid for taxes in the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $0.0 million in each year.

Operating_Segments

Operating Segments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Operating Segments	Operating Segments
	Effective December 31, 2014, the Company operates in two reportable segments: Healthcare and Technology. The Company no longer presents the operations of Penn Mezzanine as a separate reportable operating segment because management of the Company does not separately evaluate Penn Mezzanine financial results for purposes of making operating decisions and assessing performance. The results of Penn Mezzanine are now reported within corporate operations under Other Items. The amounts, discussion, and presentation of the Company's reportable segments reflect this restatement for all years presented.
	As of December 31, 2014, the Company held interests in 24 non-consolidated partner companies which are included in the Healthcare and Technology segments. The Company’s active partner companies as of December 31, 2014 by segment were as follows for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
	Healthcare
		Safeguard Primary Ownership as of December 31,
	Partner Company	2014		2013	2012		Accounting Method
	AdvantEdge Healthcare Solutions, Inc.	40.10%		40.10%	40.20%		Equity
	Dabo Health, Inc.	15.30%		8.00%	NA		Cost
	Good Start Genetics, Inc.	29.90%		30.00%	30.00%		Equity
	InfoBionic, Inc.	27.80%		NA	NA		Equity
	Medivo, Inc.	34.50%		34.50%	30.00%		Equity
	NovaSom, Inc.	31.70%		30.30%	30.30%		Equity
	Propeller Health, Inc.	24.60%		NA	NA		Equity
	Putney, Inc.	28.30%		27.60%	27.60%		Equity
	Quantia, Inc.	42.30%		35.10%	NA		Equity
	Syapse, Inc.	27.00%		NA	NA		Equity
	Trice Medical™	31.90%		NA	NA		Equity
	Technology
		Safeguard Primary Ownership as of December 31,
	Partner Company	2014		2013	2012		Accounting Method
	AppFirst, Inc.	34.30%		34.30%	35.00%		Equity
	Apprenda, Inc.	21.60%		22.00%	NA		Equity
	Beyond.com, Inc.	38.20%		38.20%	38.30%		Equity
	Bridgevine, Inc.	17.20%		22.70%	21.70%		Cost (1)
	Clutch Holdings, Inc.	29.60%		24.00%	NA		Equity
	DriveFactor, Inc.	40.60%		40.60%	35.40%		Equity
	Hoopla Software, Inc.	25.60%		25.30%	25.30%		Equity
	Lumesis, Inc.	45.70%		44.20%	31.60%		Equity
	MediaMath, Inc.	20.70%		22.50%	22.20%		Equity
	Pneuron Corporation	27.60%		27.60%	NA		Equity
	Spongecell, Inc.	23.00%		23.00%	23.10%		Equity
	Transactis, Inc.	24.80%		NA	NA		Equity
	WebLinc, Inc.	29.20%		NA	NA		Equity
	(1) 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.
	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 the interests in their respective partner companies.
	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 the interests in equity and cost method partner companies.
	Other Items include certain expenses which are not identifiable to the operations of the Company’s operating 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), equity income (loss) related to certain private equity fund ownership interests and income taxes. Other items also include interest earned on mezzanine loans, gain (loss) on the mark-to-market of our warrant participations, and impairment on debt and equity participation interests in which the Company participates with Penn Mezzanine as well as equity income (loss) associated with the Company's interest in the management company and general partner of Penn Mezzanine.
	As of December 31, 2014 and 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 $156.5 million and $183.7 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	The following represents segment data from operations:
		For the Year Ended December 31, 2014
		Healthcare			Technology			Total			Other			Total
								Segments			Items
		(In thousands)
	Operating loss	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	(18,970	)	$	(18,970	)
	Other income (loss), net	31,820			—			31,820			(163		)	31,657
	Interest income	—			—			—			1,901			1,901
	Equity loss	(3,944		)	(10,831		)	(14,775		)	(560		)	(15,335		)
	Net income (loss)	27,876			(10,831		)	17,045			(22,194		)	(5,149		)
	Segment Assets:
	December 31, 2014	62,292			88,408			150,700			167,754			318,454
		For the Year Ended December 31, 2013
		Healthcare			Technology			Total			Other			Total
								Segments			Items
		(In thousands)
	Operating loss	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	(21,644	)	$	(21,644	)
	Other income (loss), net	(857		)	—			(857		)	1,240			383
	Interest income	—			—			—			2,646			2,646
	Equity income (loss)	(31,706		)	20,899			(10,807		)	(1,800		)	(12,607		)
	Net income (loss)	(32,563		)	20,899			(11,664		)	(23,861		)	(35,525		)
	Segment Assets:
	December 31, 2013	74,939			69,471			144,410			201,586			345,996
	For the Year Ended December 31, 2012
	Healthcare			Technology			Total			Other			Total
							Segments			Items
	(In thousands)
Operating loss	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	(19,473	)	$	(19,473	)
Other income (loss), net	19,884			—			19,884			(10,546		)	9,338
Interest income	—			—			—			2,926			2,926
Equity income (loss)	(26,544		)	(119		)	(26,663		)	146			(26,517		)
Net loss	(6,660		)	(119		)	(6,779		)	(32,583		)	(39,362		)
Net loss from Other Items was as follows:
	Year Ended December 31,
	2014			2013			2012
	(In thousands)
Corporate operations	$	(22,194	)	$	(23,861	)	$	(32,583	)
Income tax benefit (expense)	—			—			—
	$	(22,194	)	$	(23,861	)	$	(32,583	)

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_I

Selected Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Selected Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)	Selected Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)
		Three Months Ended
		March 31			June 30			September 30			December 31
		(In thousands, except per share data)
	2014:00:00
	General and administrative expense	$	5,239		$	5,069		$	4,177		$	4,485
	Operating loss	(5,239		)	(5,069		)	(4,177		)	(4,485		)
	Other income (loss), net	30,374			1,452			(246		)	77
	Interest income	470			542			482			407
	Interest expense	(1,094		)	(1,098		)	(1,103		)	(1,107		)
	Equity income (loss)	6,808			(3,175		)	(8,962		)	(10,006		)
	Net income (loss) before income taxes	31,319			(7,348		)	(14,006		)	(15,114		)
	Income tax benefit (expense)	—			—			—			—
	Net income (loss)	$	31,319		$	(7,348	)	$	(14,006	)	$	(15,114	)
	Net income (loss) per share (a)
	Basic	$	1.44		$	(0.35	)	$	(0.68	)	$	(0.73	)
	Diluted	$	1.29		$	(0.35	)	$	(0.68	)	$	(0.73	)
	2013:00:00
	General and administrative expense	$	5,374		$	6,715		$	4,835		$	4,720
	Operating loss	(5,374		)	(6,715		)	(4,835		)	(4,720		)
	Other income (loss), net	757			(2,724		)	(4,224		)	6,574
	Interest income	734			790			572			550
	Interest expense	(1,069		)	(1,074		)	(1,077		)	(1,083		)
	Equity income (loss)	(6,987		)	(18,400		)	(9,866		)	22,646
	Net income (loss) before income taxes	(11,939		)	(28,123		)	(19,430		)	23,967
	Income tax benefit (expense)	—			—			—			—
	Net income (loss)	$	(11,939	)	$	(28,123	)	$	(19,430	)	$	23,967
	Net income (loss) per share (a)
	Basic	$	(0.57	)	$	(1.33	)	$	(0.90	)	$	1.1
	Diluted	$	(0.57	)	$	(1.33	)	$	(0.90	)	$	0.99
	(a)	Per share amounts for the quarters have each been calculated separately. Accordingly, quarterly amounts may not add to the annual amounts because of differences in the average common shares outstanding during each period. Additionally, in regard to diluted per share amounts only, quarterly amounts may not add to the annual amounts because of the inclusion of the effect of potentially dilutive securities only in the periods in which such effect would have been dilutive, and because of the adjustments to net income (loss) for the dilutive effect of partner company common stock equivalents and convertible securities.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events
	On February 11, 2015, the Company entered into an agreement effective as of February 2, 2015 for the lease of the Company’s new principal executive offices to be located at 170 Radnor Chester Road, Radnor, Pennsylvania. The term of the lease is estimated to commence on November 1, 2015, the date the Company expects to take possession of the leased property, and will extend through April 30, 2026.

Significant_Accounting_Policie1

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Safeguard (the "Company") and all of its subsidiaries in which a controlling financial interest is maintained. All intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.
Principles of Accounting for Ownership Interests in Companies	Impairment of Ownership Interests In and Advances to Partner Companies
	On a periodic basis, but no less frequently than quarterly, the Company evaluates the carrying value of its equity and cost method partner companies for possible impairment based on achievement of business plan objectives and milestones, the fair value of each partner company relative to its carrying value, the financial condition and prospects of the partner company and other relevant factors. The business plan objectives and milestones the Company considers include, among others, those related to financial performance, such as achievement of planned financial results or completion of capital raising activities, and those that are not primarily financial in nature, such as hiring of key employees or the establishment of strategic relationships. Management then determines whether there has been an other than temporary decline in the value of its ownership interest in the company. Impairment is measured as the amount by which the carrying value of an asset exceeds its fair value.
	The fair value of privately held companies is generally determined based on the value at which independent third parties have invested or have committed to invest in these companies or based on other valuation methods, including discounted cash flows, valuation of comparable public companies and the valuation of acquisitions of similar companies.
	Impairment charges related to equity method partner companies are included in Equity income (loss) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Impairment charges related to cost method partner companies and funds are included in Other income (loss), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	The reduced cost basis of a previously impaired partner company is not written-up if circumstances suggest the value of the company has subsequently recovered.
	Accounting for Participating Interests in Mezzanine Loans Receivable and Related Equity Interests
	The Company’s participating interests in Penn Mezzanine loans are included in Loan participations receivable on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. On a periodic basis, but no less frequently than at the end of each quarter, the Company evaluates the carrying value of each loan participation receivable for impairment. A loan participation receivable is considered impaired when it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts (principal and interest) due according to the contractual terms of the participation agreement and related agreements with the borrowers. The Company maintains an allowance to provide for estimated loan losses based on evaluating known and inherent risks in the loans. The allowance is provided based upon management’s analysis of the pertinent factors underlying the quality of the loans. These factors include an analysis of the financial condition of the individual borrowers, delinquency levels, actual loan loss experience, current economic conditions and other relevant factors. The Company’s analysis includes methods to estimate the fair value of loan collateral and the existence of potential alternative sources of repayment. The Company does not accrue interest when a loan is considered impaired. All cash receipts from an impaired loan are applied to reduce the original principal amount of such loan until the principal has been fully recovered and would be recognized as interest income thereafter.
	The Company’s participation in equity interests acquired by Penn Mezzanine is accounted for under the cost method of accounting. On a periodic basis, but no less frequently than at the end of each quarter, the Company evaluates the carrying value of its participation in these equity interests for possible impairment based on achievement of business plan objectives and milestones, the fair value of the equity interest relative to its carrying value, the financial condition and prospects of the underlying company and other relevant factors. The Company’s participating interests in equity interests acquired by Penn Mezzanine are included in Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	Principles of Accounting for Ownership Interests in Companies
	The Company accounts for its interests in its partner companies using one of the following methods: consolidation, fair value, equity, or cost. The accounting method applied is generally determined by the degree of the Company's influence over the entity, primarily determined by our voting interest in the entity.
	In addition to holding voting and non-voting equity and debt securities, the Company also periodically makes advances to its partner companies in the form of promissory notes which are included in the Ownership interests in and advances to partner companies line item in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	Consolidation Method. The Company generally accounts for partner companies in which it directly or indirectly owns more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities under the consolidation method of accounting. Under this method, the Company includes the partner companies’ financial statements within the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements, and all significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated. The Company reflects participation of other stockholders in the net assets and in the income or losses of these consolidated partner companies in Equity in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and in Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest in the Statements of Operations. Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest adjusts the Company’s consolidated operating results to reflect only the Company’s share of the earnings or losses of the consolidated partner company. The Company accounts for results of operations and cash flows of a consolidated partner company through the latest date in which it holds a controlling interest. If the Company subsequently relinquishes control but retains an interest in the partner company, the accounting method is adjusted to the equity, cost or fair value method of accounting, as appropriate. As of December 31, 2014 and for each of the three years in the period then ended, the Company did not hold a controlling interest in any of its partner companies.
	Fair Value Method. Unrealized gains and losses on the mark-to-market of the Company's holdings in fair value method companies and realized gains and losses on the sale of any holdings in fair value method companies are recognized in Other income (loss), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company accounted for its holdings in NuPathe Inc., a former publicly traded partner company, under the fair value method of accounting. As of December 31, 2014, the Company did not account for any of its partner companies under the fair value method.
	Equity Method. The Company accounts for partner companies whose results are not consolidated, but over which it exercises significant influence, under the equity method of accounting. Whether or not the Company exercises significant influence with respect to a partner company depends on an evaluation of several factors including, among others, representation of the Company on the partner company’s board of directors and the Company’s ownership level, which is generally a 20% to 50% interest in the voting securities of a partner company, including voting rights associated with the Company’s holdings in common, preferred and other convertible instruments in the company. Under the equity method of accounting, the Company does not reflect a partner company’s financial statements within the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements; however, the Company’s share of the income or loss of such partner company is reflected in Equity income (loss) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company includes the carrying value of equity method partner companies in Ownership interests in and advances to partner companies on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Any excess of the Company’s cost over its underlying interest in the net assets of equity method partner companies that is allocated to intangible assets is amortized over the estimated useful lives of the related intangible assets. The Company reflects its share of the income or loss of the equity method partner companies on a one quarter lag. This reporting lag could result in a delay in recognition of the impact of changes in the business or operations of these partner companies.
	When the Company’s carrying value in an equity method partner company is reduced to zero, the Company records no further losses in its Consolidated Statements of Operations unless the Company has an outstanding guarantee obligation or has committed additional funding to such equity method partner company. When such equity method partner company subsequently reports income, the Company will not record its share of such income until it exceeds the amount of the Company’s share of losses not previously recognized.
	Cost Method. The Company accounts for partner companies not consolidated or accounted for under the equity method or fair value method under the cost method of accounting. Under the cost method, the Company does not include its share of the income or losses of partner companies in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company includes the carrying value of cost method partner companies in Ownership interests in and advances to partner companies on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Accounting Estimates	Accounting Estimates
	The preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results may differ from these estimates. These estimates include the evaluation of the recoverability of the Company’s ownership interests in and advances to partner companies and investments in marketable securities, income taxes, stock-based compensation and commitments and contingencies. Management evaluates its estimates on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors, including the current economic environment, which management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances.
	Certain amounts recorded to reflect the Company’s share of income or losses of partner companies accounted for under the equity method are based on unaudited results of operations of those companies and may require adjustments in the future when audits of these entities’ financial statements are completed.
	It is reasonably possible that the Company’s accounting estimates with respect to the ultimate recoverability of the carrying value of the Company’s ownership interests in and advances to partner companies could change in the near term and that the effect of such changes on the financial statements could be material. At December 31, 2014, the Company believes the carrying value of the Company’s ownership interests in and advances to partner companies is not impaired, although there can be no assurance that the Company’s future results will confirm this assessment, that a significant write-down or write-off will not be required in the future, or that a significant loss will not be recorded in the future upon the sale of a company.
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities	Cash and Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities
	The Company considers all highly liquid instruments with an original maturity of 90 days or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents consist of deposits that are readily convertible into cash. The Company determines the appropriate classification of marketable securities at the time of purchase and reevaluates such designation as of each balance sheet date. Held-to-maturity securities are carried at amortized cost, which approximates fair value. Marketable securities consist of held-to-maturity securities, primarily consisting of government agency bonds, commercial paper and certificates of deposits. Marketable securities with a maturity date greater than one year from the balance sheet date are considered long-term. The Company has not experienced any significant losses on cash equivalents and does not believe it is exposed to any significant credit risk on cash and cash equivalents.
Financial Instruments	Financial Instruments
	The Company’s financial instruments (principally cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, accounts receivable, notes receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses) are carried at cost, which approximates fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments. The Company’s long-term debt is carried at cost.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method whereby deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. The Company measures deferred tax assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The Company recognizes the effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates in income in the period of the enactment date. The Company provides a valuation allowance against the net deferred tax asset for amounts which are not considered more likely than not to be realized.
Net Income (Loss) Per Share	Net Income (Loss) Per Share
	The Company computes net income (loss) per share using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each year. The Company includes in diluted net income (loss) per share common stock equivalents (unless anti-dilutive) which would arise from the exercise of stock options and conversion of other convertible securities and adjusted, if applicable, for the effect on net income (loss) of such transactions. Diluted net income (loss) per share calculations adjust net income (loss) for the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents and convertible securities issued by the Company’s consolidated or equity method partner companies.
Segment Information	Segment Information
	The Company reports segment data based on the management approach which designates the internal reporting used by management for making operating decisions and assessing performance as the source of the Company’s reportable operating segments.

Ownership_Interests_in_and_Adv1

Ownership Interests in and Advances to Partner Companies and Funds (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Summary of the carrying value of the Company's 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.
		31-Dec-14			31-Dec-13
		(In thousands)
	Fair value	$	—		$	20,057
	Equity Method:
	Partner companies	134,861			108,872
	Private equity funds	1,128			1,766
		135,989			110,638
	Cost Method:
	Partner companies	6,774			13,480
	Private equity funds	2,364			2,418
		9,138			15,898
	Advances to partner companies	9,065			1,986
		$	154,192		$	148,579
	Loan participations receivable	$	3,855		$	8,135
Unaudited Financial Information
		As of December 31,
		2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	Balance Sheets:
	Current assets	$	312,621		$	221,001
	Non-current assets	90,469			90,042
	Total assets	$	403,090		$	311,043
	Current liabilities	$	163,016		$	153,398
	Non-current liabilities	80,050			75,324
	Shareholders’ equity	160,024			82,321
	Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	403,090		$	311,043
Results of Operation	As of December 31, 2014, the Company’s carrying value in equity method partner companies, in the aggregate, exceeded the Company’s share of the net assets of such companies by approximately $94.0 million. Of this excess, $70.7 million was allocated to goodwill and $23.3 million was allocated to intangible assets.
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Results of Operations:
	Revenue	$	320,702		$	273,764		$	191,928
	Gross profit	$	102,803		$	123,234		$	90,876
	Net loss	$	(108,458	)	$	(63,452	)	$	(79,662	)
PixelOptics, Inc. [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Unaudited Financial Information	The following unaudited summarized balance sheets for PixelOptics at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 and the results of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, have been compiled from the financial statements of PixelOptics.  The results of PixelOptics are reported on a one quarter lag basis.
		As of June 30,			As of December 31,
		2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Balance Sheets:
	Current assets	$	285		$	323
	Non-current assets	4,588			5,259
	Total assets	$	4,873		$	5,582
	Current liabilities	$	56,721		$	34,184
	Non-current liabilities	1,818			10,228
	Shareholders’ equity	(53,666		)	(38,830		)
	Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	4,873		$	5,582
Results of Operation
		Six Months Ended June 30,			Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Results of Operations:
	Revenue	$	800		$	1,092
	Operating loss	$	(12,219	)	$	(32,225	)
	Net loss	$	(14,838	)	$	(35,472	)
Nupathe [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Unaudited Financial Information	The following summarized balance sheets for NuPathe at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 and the results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and the year ended December 31, 2012, have been compiled from the financial statements of NuPathe.
		As of September 30,			As of December 31,
		2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Balance Sheets:
	Current assets	$	11,281		$	23,020
	Non-current assets	10,140			7,587
	Total assets	$	21,421		$	30,607
	Current liabilities	$	8,411		$	3,173
	Non-current liabilities	5,802			24,421
	Shareholders’ equity	7,208			3,013
	Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	21,421		$	30,607
Results of Operation
		Nine Months Ended September 30,			Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Results of Operations:
	Revenue	$	—		$	—
	Operating loss	$	(17,238	)	$	(21,033	)
	Net loss	$	(30,417	)	$	(37,784	)

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 of the Company measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		Carrying		Fair Value Measurement at December 31, 2014
		Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
		(in thousands)
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	111,897	$	111,897	$	—	$	—
	Warrant participations	61		—		—		61
	Marketable securities—held-to-maturity:
	Commercial paper	$	6,596	$	6,596	$	—	$	—
	U.S. Treasury Bills	1,503		1,503		—		—
	Government agency bonds	503		503		—		—
	Certificates of deposit	36,026		36,026		—		—
	Total marketable securities	$	44,628	$	44,628	$	—	$	—
		Carrying		Fair Value Measurement at December 31, 2013
		Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
		(In thousands)
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	139,318	$	139,318	$	—	$	—
	Ownership interest in common stock of NuPathe	16,874		16,874		—		—
	Ownership interest in warrants and options of NuPathe	3,183		—		—		3,183
	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)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Convertible Senior Debentures	The carrying values of the Company’s convertible senior debentures were as follows:
		As of December 31,
		2014		2013
		(In thousands)
	Convertible senior debentures due 2018	$	50,563	$	49,478
	Convertible senior debentures due 2024	—		441
	Convertible senior debentures due 2014	—		29
		50,563		49,948
	Less: current portion	—		(470		)
	Convertible senior debentures — non-current	$	50,563	$	49,478

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013				2012
		(In thousands)
	General and administrative expense	$	1,935		$	1,821			$	2,014
		$	1,935		$	1,821			$	2,014
Assumptions Used in Valuation of Option Granted	Assumptions used in the valuation of options granted in each period were as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014		2013			2012
	Service-Based Awards
	Dividend yield	0	%	0	%		0	%
	Expected volatility	32	%	52	%		56	%
	Average expected option life	5 years		5 years			5 years
	Risk-free interest rate	1.7	%	1.3	%		0.8	%
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014		2013			2012
	Performance-Based Awards
	Dividend yield	0	%	0	%		0	%
	Expected volatility	32	%	46	%		55	%
	Average expected option life	4.8 years		4.7 years			5.5 years
	Risk-free interest rate	1.7	%	1.8	%		0.8	%
Option Activity	Option activity of the Company is summarized below:
		Shares		Weighted				Weighted Average		Aggregate
				Average				Remaining		Intrinsic
				Exercise Price				Contractual Life		Value
		(In thousands)						(In years)		(In thousands)
	Outstanding at December 31, 2011	3,218		$	10.32
	Options granted	293		14.91
	Options exercised	(211	)	10.22
	Options canceled/forfeited	(13	)	13.48
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012	3,287		10.72
	Options granted	120		15.61
	Options exercised	(612	)	8.44
	Options canceled/forfeited	(967	)	9.38
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	1,828		12.51
	Options granted	31		19.38
	Options exercised	(365	)	11.48
	Options canceled/forfeited	(178	)	13.58
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014	1,316		12.81				3.99		$	9,402
	Options exercisable at December 31, 2014	537		12.13				2.54		4,201
	Options vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2014	964		12.33				2.65		7,350
	Shares available for future grant	2,638
Deferred Stock Unit, Performance-Based Stock Unit and Restricted Stock Activity	Deferred stock unit, performance-based stock unit and restricted stock activity are summarized below:
		Shares		Weighted Average
				Grant Date Fair
				Value
		(In thousands)
	Unvested at December 31, 2012	347		$	13.85
	Granted	167		17.45
	Vested	(67	)	16.73
	Forfeited	(130	)	13.35
	Unvested at December 31, 2013	317		15.34
	Granted	231		19.67
	Vested	(78	)	17.91
	Forfeited	(15	)	15.61
	Unvested at December 31, 2014	455		17.09

Other_Income_Loss_Net_Tables

Other Income (Loss), Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Other Income (Loss), Net
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Loss on repurchase of convertible debentures	$	—		$	—		$	(7,895	)
	Gain on sale of ownership interests in companies and funds, net	31,835			—			9,004
	Gain (loss) on mark-to-market of holdings in fair value method partner companies	—			(915		)	11,035
	Impairment charges on cost method partner companies and private equity funds	(54		)	(250		)	(350		)
	Gain on mark-to-market of Penn Mezzanine warrants	—			1,146			264
	Impairment charges on Penn Mezzanine loan and equity participations	—			(295		)	(2,489		)
	Other than temporary impairment on available-for-sale securities	(14		)	(43		)	(260		)
	Other	(110		)	740			29
		$	31,657		$	383		$	9,338

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Differences Between United States Federal Income Tax Rate and Effective Income Tax Rate	The total income tax provision (benefit) differed from the amounts computed by applying the U.S. federal income tax rate of 35% to net income (loss) before income taxes as a result of the following:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Statutory tax (benefit) expense	(35.0	)%		(35.0	)%		(35.0	)%
	Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from:
	Stock-based compensation	1.5			0.2			0.2
	Nondeductible expenses	2.9			0.1			0.1
	Valuation allowance	30.6			34.7			34.7
		0	%		0	%		0	%
Deferred Tax Assets and Deferred Tax Liabilities	The tax effects of temporary differences that gave rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets were as follows:
		As of December 31,
		2014				2013
		(In thousands)
	Deferred tax asset:
	Carrying values of partner companies and other holdings	$	68,557			$	59,045
	Tax loss and credit carryforwards	76,766				82,403
	Accrued expenses	1,484				2,043
	Stock-based compensation	4,761				5,005
	Other	1,353				1,560
		152,921				150,056
	Valuation allowance	(152,921		)		(150,056		)
	Net deferred tax asset	$	—			$	—
Carryforwards Expiration	As of December 31, 2014, the Company and its subsidiaries consolidated for tax purposes had federal net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $208.2 million. These carryforwards expire as follows:
		Total
		(In thousands)
	2015	$	—
	2016	—
	2017	—
	2018	—
	2019 and thereafter	208,201
		$	208,201

Net_Income_Loss_Per_Share_Tabl

Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Calculations of Net Income (Loss) Per Share	The calculations of net loss per share were:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(In thousands, except per share data)
	Basic:
	Net loss	$	(5,149	)	$	(35,525	)	$	(39,362	)
	Weighted average common shares outstanding	20,975			21,362			20,974
	Net loss per share	$	(0.25	)	$	(1.66	)	$	(1.88	)
	Diluted:
	Net loss	$	(5,149	)	$	(35,525	)	$	(39,362	)
	Weighted average common shares outstanding	20,975			21,362			20,974
	Net loss per share	$	(0.25	)	$	(1.66	)	$	(1.88	)

Operating_Segments_Tables

Operating Segments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Active Partner Companies by Segment	The Company’s active partner companies as of December 31, 2014 by segment were as follows for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
	Healthcare
		Safeguard Primary Ownership as of December 31,
	Partner Company	2014		2013	2012		Accounting Method
	AdvantEdge Healthcare Solutions, Inc.	40.10%		40.10%	40.20%		Equity
	Dabo Health, Inc.	15.30%		8.00%	NA		Cost
	Good Start Genetics, Inc.	29.90%		30.00%	30.00%		Equity
	InfoBionic, Inc.	27.80%		NA	NA		Equity
	Medivo, Inc.	34.50%		34.50%	30.00%		Equity
	NovaSom, Inc.	31.70%		30.30%	30.30%		Equity
	Propeller Health, Inc.	24.60%		NA	NA		Equity
	Putney, Inc.	28.30%		27.60%	27.60%		Equity
	Quantia, Inc.	42.30%		35.10%	NA		Equity
	Syapse, Inc.	27.00%		NA	NA		Equity
	Trice Medical™	31.90%		NA	NA		Equity
	Technology
		Safeguard Primary Ownership as of December 31,
	Partner Company	2014		2013	2012		Accounting Method
	AppFirst, Inc.	34.30%		34.30%	35.00%		Equity
	Apprenda, Inc.	21.60%		22.00%	NA		Equity
	Beyond.com, Inc.	38.20%		38.20%	38.30%		Equity
	Bridgevine, Inc.	17.20%		22.70%	21.70%		Cost (1)
	Clutch Holdings, Inc.	29.60%		24.00%	NA		Equity
	DriveFactor, Inc.	40.60%		40.60%	35.40%		Equity
	Hoopla Software, Inc.	25.60%		25.30%	25.30%		Equity
	Lumesis, Inc.	45.70%		44.20%	31.60%		Equity
	MediaMath, Inc.	20.70%		22.50%	22.20%		Equity
	Pneuron Corporation	27.60%		27.60%	NA		Equity
	Spongecell, Inc.	23.00%		23.00%	23.10%		Equity
	Transactis, Inc.	24.80%		NA	NA		Equity
	WebLinc, Inc.	29.20%		NA	NA		Equity
Segment Data from Operations	The following represents segment data from operations:
		For the Year Ended December 31, 2014
		Healthcare			Technology			Total			Other			Total
								Segments			Items
		(In thousands)
	Operating loss	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	(18,970	)	$	(18,970	)
	Other income (loss), net	31,820			—			31,820			(163		)	31,657
	Interest income	—			—			—			1,901			1,901
	Equity loss	(3,944		)	(10,831		)	(14,775		)	(560		)	(15,335		)
	Net income (loss)	27,876			(10,831		)	17,045			(22,194		)	(5,149		)
	Segment Assets:
	December 31, 2014	62,292			88,408			150,700			167,754			318,454
		For the Year Ended December 31, 2013
		Healthcare			Technology			Total			Other			Total
								Segments			Items
		(In thousands)
	Operating loss	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	(21,644	)	$	(21,644	)
	Other income (loss), net	(857		)	—			(857		)	1,240			383
	Interest income	—			—			—			2,646			2,646
	Equity income (loss)	(31,706		)	20,899			(10,807		)	(1,800		)	(12,607		)
	Net income (loss)	(32,563		)	20,899			(11,664		)	(23,861		)	(35,525		)
	Segment Assets:
	December 31, 2013	74,939			69,471			144,410			201,586			345,996
		For the Year Ended December 31, 2012
		Healthcare			Technology			Total			Other			Total
								Segments			Items
		(In thousands)
	Operating loss	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	(19,473	)	$	(19,473	)
	Other income (loss), net	19,884			—			19,884			(10,546		)	9,338
	Interest income	—			—			—			2,926			2,926
	Equity income (loss)	(26,544		)	(119		)	(26,663		)	146			(26,517		)
	Net loss	(6,660		)	(119		)	(6,779		)	(32,583		)	(39,362		)
Net Loss from Other Items	Net loss from Other Items was as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Corporate operations	$	(22,194	)	$	(23,861	)	$	(32,583	)
	Income tax benefit (expense)	—			—			—
		$	(22,194	)	$	(23,861	)	$	(32,583	)

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_I1

Selected Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Selected Quarterly Financial Information
		Three Months Ended
		March 31			June 30			September 30			December 31
		(In thousands, except per share data)
	2014:00:00
	General and administrative expense	$	5,239		$	5,069		$	4,177		$	4,485
	Operating loss	(5,239		)	(5,069		)	(4,177		)	(4,485		)
	Other income (loss), net	30,374			1,452			(246		)	77
	Interest income	470			542			482			407
	Interest expense	(1,094		)	(1,098		)	(1,103		)	(1,107		)
	Equity income (loss)	6,808			(3,175		)	(8,962		)	(10,006		)
	Net income (loss) before income taxes	31,319			(7,348		)	(14,006		)	(15,114		)
	Income tax benefit (expense)	—			—			—			—
	Net income (loss)	$	31,319		$	(7,348	)	$	(14,006	)	$	(15,114	)
	Net income (loss) per share (a)
	Basic	$	1.44		$	(0.35	)	$	(0.68	)	$	(0.73	)
	Diluted	$	1.29		$	(0.35	)	$	(0.68	)	$	(0.73	)
	2013:00:00
	General and administrative expense	$	5,374		$	6,715		$	4,835		$	4,720
	Operating loss	(5,374		)	(6,715		)	(4,835		)	(4,720		)
	Other income (loss), net	757			(2,724		)	(4,224		)	6,574
	Interest income	734			790			572			550
	Interest expense	(1,069		)	(1,074		)	(1,077		)	(1,083		)
	Equity income (loss)	(6,987		)	(18,400		)	(9,866		)	22,646
	Net income (loss) before income taxes	(11,939		)	(28,123		)	(19,430		)	23,967
	Income tax benefit (expense)	—			—			—			—
	Net income (loss)	$	(11,939	)	$	(28,123	)	$	(19,430	)	$	23,967
	Net income (loss) per share (a)
	Basic	$	(0.57	)	$	(1.33	)	$	(0.90	)	$	1.1
	Diluted	$	(0.57	)	$	(1.33	)	$	(0.90	)	$	0.99
	(a)	Per share amounts for the quarters have each been calculated separately. Accordingly, quarterly amounts may not add to the annual amounts because of differences in the average common shares outstanding during each period. Additionally, in regard to diluted per share amounts only, quarterly amounts may not add to the annual amounts because of the inclusion of the effect of potentially dilutive securities only in the periods in which such effect would have been dilutive, and because of the adjustments to net income (loss) for the dilutive effect of partner company common stock equivalents and convertible securities.

Ownership_Interests_in_and_Adv2

Ownership Interests in and Advances to Partner Companies and Funds - Summary of the carrying value of the Company's ownership interests in and advances to partner companies and private equity funds (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Fair value	$0	$20,057,000
Equity method investments	135,989,000	110,638,000
Cost method investments	9,138,000	15,898,000
Advances to partner companies	9,065,000	1,986,000
Total	154,192,000	148,579,000
Loan participations receivable	3,855,000	8,135,000
Partner companies [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Equity method investments	134,861,000	108,872,000
Cost method investments	6,774,000	13,480,000
Private equity funds [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Equity method investments	1,128,000	1,766,000
Cost method investments	$2,364,000	$2,418,000

Ownership_Interests_in_and_Adv3

Ownership Interests in and Advances to Partner Companies and Funds - Narrative (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Apr. 30, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014
Investment [Line Items]
Adjusted carrying value of capital	$135,989,000	$110,638,000					$110,638,000
Proceeds from sale of business	82,822,000	38,974,000	17,596,000
Equity method investment assets exceed carrying value of investment	94,000,000
Goodwill [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Equity method investment allocation of excess fair value	70,700,000
Intangible Assets [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Equity method investment allocation of excess fair value	23,300,000
Private equity funds [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Adjusted carrying value of capital	1,128,000	1,766,000					1,766,000
Impairment charges	100,000	300,000	400,000
Penn Mezzanine [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Impairment charges		300,000	2,500,000
PixelOptics, Inc. [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges		11,200,000	5,000,000
Adjusted carrying value of capital	0
Penn Mezzanine [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Proceeds from Collection of Notes Receivable	4,700,000	1,300,000	2,500,000
Proceeds from Sale, Maturity and Collection of Investments	1,300,000	800,000
Sotera [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of business				4,200,000
Cost-method Investments, Realized Gains	1,500,000
Crescendo [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of business					38,400,000
Cost-method Investments, Realized Gains	27,400,000
Amount held in escrow	2,900,000
Nupathe [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of business					23,100,000
Proceeds From Divestiture of Businesses and Interests in Affiliates per Share					$3.65
Proceeds from Milestone Payments per Share					$3.15
Proceeds from Milestone Payments					24,200,000
Gain on sale of business	3,000,000
Unrealized Loss on Securities		900,000
Unrealized gain on securities			11,000,000
Alverix Inc [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of business						15,700,000
Amount held in escrow						1,700,000
Gain on sale of business	15,700,000
Bridgevine, Inc. [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage								17.30%	22.70%
Equity Method Investment, Unrealized Gain (Loss) from Change in Ownership	100,000
ThingWorx, Inc. [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of business							36,400,000
Amount held in escrow	4,100,000
Gain on sale of business							32,700,000
Proceeds from milestone payments							6,500,000
Equity loss [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Immaterial prior period adjustment made in current period	1,700,000	1,400,000	300,000
Equity loss [Member] | Penn Mezzanine [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Impairment charges		$1,800,000

Ownership_Interests_in_and_Adv4

Ownership Interests in and Advances to Partner Companies and Funds - Unaudited Summarized Balance sheets for PixelOptics (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Current assets	$312,621	$221,001
Non-current assets	90,469	90,042
Total assets	403,090	311,043
Current liabilities	163,016	153,398
Non-current liabilities	80,050	75,324
Shareholders’ equity	160,024	82,321
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	403,090	311,043
PixelOptics, Inc. [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Current assets			285	323
Non-current assets			4,588	5,259
Total assets			4,873	5,582
Current liabilities			56,721	34,184
Non-current liabilities			1,818	10,228
Shareholders’ equity			-53,666	-38,830
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity			$4,873	$5,582

Ownership_Interests_in_and_Adv5

Ownership Interests in and Advances to Partner Companies and Funds - Results of Operations for PixelOptics (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013
Results of Operations:
Revenue	$320,702	$273,764	$191,928
Net loss	-108,458	-63,452	-79,662
PixelOptics, Inc. [Member]
Results of Operations:
Revenue			1,092	800
Operating loss			-32,225	-12,219
Net loss			($35,472)	($14,838)

Ownership_Interests_in_and_Adv6

Ownership Interests in and Advances to Partner Companies and Funds - Summarized Balance Sheets for NuPathe (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Current assets	$312,621	$221,001
Non-current assets	90,469	90,042
Total assets	403,090	311,043
Current liabilities	163,016	153,398
Non-current liabilities	80,050	75,324
Shareholders’ equity	160,024	82,321
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	403,090	311,043
Nupathe [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Current assets			11,281	23,020
Non-current assets			10,140	7,587
Total assets			21,421	30,607
Current liabilities			8,411	3,173
Non-current liabilities			5,802	24,421
Shareholders’ equity			7,208	3,013
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity			$21,421	$30,607

Ownership_Interests_in_and_Adv7

Ownership Interests in and Advances to Partner Companies and Funds - Results of Operations for NuPathe (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013
Investment [Line Items]
Revenue	$320,702	$273,764	$191,928
Net loss	-108,458	-63,452	-79,662
Nupathe [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Revenue			0	0
Operating loss			-21,033	-17,238
Net loss			($37,784)	($30,417)

Ownership_Interests_in_and_Adv8

Ownership Interests in and Advances to Partner Companies and Funds - Summarized Balance Sheets for Equity Method Investments (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Current assets	$312,621	$221,001
Non-current assets	90,469	90,042
Total assets	403,090	311,043
Current liabilities	163,016	153,398
Non-current liabilities	80,050	75,324
Shareholders’ equity	160,024	82,321
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$403,090	$311,043

Ownership_Interests_in_and_Adv9

Ownership Interests in and Advances to Partner Companies and Funds - Results of Operations for Equity Method Investments (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Revenue	$320,702	$273,764	$191,928
Gross profit	102,803	123,234	90,876
Net loss	($108,458)	($63,452)	($79,662)

Acquisitions_of_Ownership_Inte1

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

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

49 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

24 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

5 Months Ended

7 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

24 Months Ended

10 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

18 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

13 Months Ended

8 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

53 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

27 Months Ended

5 Months Ended

23 Months Ended

30 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

2 Months Ended

7 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jul. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Feb. 28, 2013

Oct. 23, 2012

Aug. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2014

Nov. 30, 2013

31-May-14

Sep. 30, 2014

Jan. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Feb. 28, 2014

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2013

Nov. 30, 2011

Apr. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Feb. 28, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2012

Feb. 29, 2012

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

31-May-14

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Nov. 30, 2014

Nov. 30, 2014

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

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

$59,476,000

$41,838,000

$46,100,000

Proceeds from sale of business

82,822,000

38,974,000

17,596,000

Equity method investments

135,989,000

110,638,000

135,989,000

110,638,000

110,638,000

110,638,000

110,638,000

110,638,000

110,638,000

110,638,000

110,638,000

110,638,000

110,638,000

Crescendo [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Convertible bridge loan

1,000,000

Payments to Acquire Other Investments

10,000,000

Nupathe [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Number of preferred stock units and warrants purchased

2,500

Warrants exercisable for common shares

2,500,000

Purchase price of preferred stock and warrants

5,000,000

Shares of common stock to be purchased with preferred stock units and warrants

2,500,000

Acquisitions of ownership interests in companies as available-for-sale securities

18,300,000

Noble [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Convertible bridge loan

300,000

500,000

New York Digital Health Accelerator II [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Ownership interest under equity method, percentage

12.50%

12.50%

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

100,000

Trice [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Ownership interest under equity method, percentage

31.90%

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

5,000,000

Apprenda, Inc. [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Ownership interest under equity method, percentage

22.00%

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

12,100,000

Hoopla Software, Inc. [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

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

1,400,000

1,800,000

Alverix [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Convertible bridge loan

600,000

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

8,800,000

Alverix Inc [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Proceeds from sale of business

15,700,000

Quantia [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Convertible bridge loan

5,100,000

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

7,500,000

DriveFactor Inc. [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

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

1,100,000

3,500,000

Clutch [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

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

2,000,000

5,500,000

Crescendo [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Proceeds from sale of business

38,400,000

Penn Mezzanine [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Fund amount for participations in loan and equity interests

2,300,000

4,200,000

Fund amount for participations in loan

2,200,000

3,800,000

Fund amount for participations in equity interests

100,000

300,000

Fund amount for participations in warrants

100,000

PixelOptics, Inc. [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Convertible bridge loan

5,300,000

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

31,600,000

Equity method investments

0

0

Medivo, Inc. [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

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

5,300,000

6,300,000

Pneuron [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Ownership interest under equity method, percentage

27.60%

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

5,000,000

Sotera [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Convertible bridge loan

200,000

Payments to Acquire Other Investments

1,300,000

Cost of shares acquired from previous investor

1,200,000

Proceeds from sale of business

4,200,000

Appfirst [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Convertible bridge loan

2,100,000

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

6,500,000

Good Start Genetics, Inc. [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

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

5,200,000

6,800,000

Nupathe [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Proceeds from sale of business

23,100,000

ThingWorx, Inc. [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

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

5,000,000

5,000,000

Proceeds from sale of business

36,400,000

MediaMath, Inc. [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Ownership interest under equity method, percentage

20.60%

22.50%

20.60%

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

7,000,000

18,600,000

Equity Method Investment, Unrealized Gain (Loss) from Change in Ownership

7,000,000

New York Digital Health Accelerator [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Ownership interest under equity method, percentage

9.40%

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

400,000

Spongecell [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Ownership interest under equity method, percentage

23.10%

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

10,000,000

Putney, Inc. [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

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

5,000,000

10,000,000

Lumesis, Inc. [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

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

1,700,000

3,900,000

NovaSom, Inc. [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Convertible bridge loan

1,100,000

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

20,000,000

Propeller [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Ownership interest under equity method, percentage

24.60%

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

9,000,000

Transactis [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Ownership interest under equity method, percentage

24.80%

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

9,500,000

WebLinc [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Ownership interest under equity method, percentage

29.20%

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

6,000,000

Syapse, Inc. [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Ownership interest under equity method, percentage

27.00%

27.00%

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

5,800,000

Dabo [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Payments to Acquire Other Investments

800,000

1,300,000

InfoBionic [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Ownership interest under equity method, percentage

27.80%

27.80%

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

$8,000,000

Fair_Value_Measurements_Carryi

Fair Value Measurements - 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 $)	Dec. 31, 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	$111,897	$139,318
Warrant participations	0	0
Marketable securities - held-to-maturity	44,628	44,338
Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Warrant participations	0	0
Marketable securities - held-to-maturity	0	0
Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Warrant participations	61	1,563
Marketable securities - held-to-maturity	0	0
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] | Preferred stock, warrants and options [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Ownership interest		0
Nupathe [Member] | Preferred stock, warrants and options [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Ownership interest		0
Nupathe [Member] | Preferred stock, warrants and options [Member] | Level 3 [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]
Marketable securities - held-to-maturity	6,596	13,599
Commercial Paper [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities - held-to-maturity	0	0
Commercial Paper [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities - held-to-maturity	0	0
U.S. Treasury Bills [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities - held-to-maturity	1,503	8,014
U.S. Treasury Bills [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities - held-to-maturity	0	0
U.S. Treasury Bills [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities - held-to-maturity	0	0
US Government Agencies Debt Securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities - held-to-maturity	503	9,945
US Government Agencies Debt Securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities - held-to-maturity	0	0
US Government Agencies Debt Securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities - held-to-maturity	0	0
Certificates of deposit [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities - held-to-maturity	36,026	12,780
Certificates of deposit [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities - held-to-maturity	0	0
Certificates of deposit [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities - held-to-maturity	0	0
Carrying Value [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	111,897	139,318
Warrant participations	61	1,563
Marketable securities - held-to-maturity	44,628	44,338
Carrying Value [Member] | Nupathe [Member] | Common Stock [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Ownership interest		16,874
Carrying Value [Member] | Nupathe [Member] | Preferred stock, warrants and options [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Ownership interest		3,183
Carrying Value [Member] | Commercial Paper [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities - held-to-maturity	6,596	13,599
Carrying Value [Member] | U.S. Treasury Bills [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities - held-to-maturity	1,503	8,014
Carrying Value [Member] | US Government Agencies Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities - held-to-maturity	503	9,945
Carrying Value [Member] | Certificates of deposit [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities - held-to-maturity	$36,026	$12,780

Fair_Value_Measurements_Narrat

Fair Value Measurements - Narrative (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Marketable securities, current	$25,263,000	$38,250,000
Marketable securities, non current	19,365,000	6,088,000
Equity method investments	135,989,000	110,638,000
Private equity funds [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Equity method investments	1,128,000	1,766,000
Impairment charges	100,000	300,000	400,000
Private equity funds [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair market value of investment	1,600,000
Penn Mezzanine [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amount of gain associated with mark-to-market adjustments		1,100,000
Impairment charges		300,000	2,500,000
Penn Mezzanine [Member] | Equity loss [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Impairment charges		1,800,000
PixelOptics, Inc. [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges		11,200,000	5,000,000
Equity method investments	$0

Convertible_Debentures_and_Cre2

Convertible Debentures and Credit Arrangements - Schedule of Convertible Senior Debentures (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Convertible senior debentures	$50,563	$49,948
Less: current portion	0	-470
Convertible senior debentures—non-current	50,563	49,478
Convertible Senior Debentures due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Convertible senior debentures	50,563	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_Cre3

Convertible Debentures and Credit Arrangements - Convertible Senior Debentures due 2018 Narrative (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Nov. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2010
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amortization of debt discount	$1,085,000	$995,000	$726,000
Convertible Senior Debentures due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of convertible senior debentures				55,000,000
Interest rate on debentures				5.25%
Number of days within 30 consecutive trading days in which the closing price of the entity's common stock exceeded the conversion price giving the holders of the debentures an option (in days)	20 days
Number of consecutive trading days during which the closing price of the entity's common stock exceeded the conversion price for at least 20 days giving the holders of the debentures an option (in days)	30 days
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
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
Principal amount of convertible debentures	1,000
Closing price is percentage of conversion price	98.00%
Conversion rate of common stock	55.17
Conversion price (in dollars per share)	$18.13
Closing price for common stock	$19.82
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%
Outstanding debentures	55,000,000
Fair value of Debentures outstanding	70,800,000
Gross carrying amount of equity component	6,400,000
Principal amount of liability component	55,000,000
Unamortized discount	4,400,000
Carrying value of liability component	50,600,000
Amortization of debt discount	1,100,000	1,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage	8.70%
Convertible Senior Debentures due 2018 [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of the closing sales price of the entity's common stock that the conversion price exceeded giving the holders of the debentures an option (as a percent)	130.00%
Convertible Senior Debentures due 2014 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of convertible senior debentures					46,900,000
Interest rate on debentures				10.13%
Loss on retirement of debt				$7,900,000

Convertible_Debentures_and_Cre4

Convertible Debentures and Credit Arrangements - Convertible Senior Debentures due 2024 Narrative (Details) (Convertible Senior Debentures due 2024 [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2004
Convertible Senior Debentures due 2024 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount	$150,000,000

Convertible_Debentures_and_Cre5

Convertible Debentures and Credit Arrangements - Convertible Senior Debentures due 2014 Narrative (Details) (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]
Face amount			$46,900,000
Repurchase amount		58,700,000
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Principal Converted to Common Stock	$29,000

Convertible_Debentures_and_Cre6

Convertible Debentures and Credit Arrangements - Credit Arrangements Narrative (Details) (Credit Arrangements [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	25,000,000
Sublimit facility attached on revolving credit facility	20,000,000
Remaining borrowing capacity	18,700,000
After Amendment [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maturity date	21-Dec-15
Landlord Of Compu Com Systems Incs Dallas Headquarters [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Letters of credit outstanding	6,300,000
Letter of credit expiration date	19-Mar-19

Equity_Detail

Equity (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 01, 2014
Stock Repurchase [Line Items]
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value		25,036,000
Common Stock [Member]
Stock Repurchase [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount			25,000,000
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)		1,200
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value	$25,000,000

StockBased_Compensation_Equity

Stock-Based Compensation - Equity Compensation Plans Narrative (Details)	12 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	31-May-14	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Reserved shares of common stock for possible future issuance			4,600,000
Employee stock options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options issued	70,000
2004 Equity Compensation Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Number of Shares, Period Increase (Decrease)		2,200,000
Number of shares authorized for issuance			4,100,000

StockBased_Compensation_StockB

Stock-Based Compensation - Stock-Based Compensation Expense (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$1,935	$1,821	$2,014
General and Administrative Expense [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$1,935	$1,821	$2,014

StockBased_Compensation_Classi

Stock-Based Compensation - Classification of Stock-Based Compensation Expense Narrative (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	vesting_type
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of award vesting types	3
Weighted-average grant date fair value of options issued	$7.02	$6.83	$7.45
Total intrinsic value of options exercised	$2.40	$3.90	$1.20
Market-based awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	8 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period	22,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Forfeitures and Expirations	155,000	554,000	6,000
Stock-based compensation expense	0	0.2	0.4
Stock-based compensation, maximum number of unvested shares	226,000
Performance-based awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period	7,000	0	14,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Forfeitures and Expirations	16,000	398,000	6,000
Stock-based compensation expense	0.1	0	0.2
Stock-based compensation, maximum number of unvested shares	462,000
Options issued	8,000	67,000	180,000
Total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options granted	0.5
Total unrecognized compensation cost, weighted-average period for recognition	3 years 2 months 12 days
Service-based awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	4 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Forfeitures and Expirations	8,000	14,000	1,000
Stock-based compensation expense	0.3	0.5	0.7
Options issued	23,000	52,000	113,000
Expiration term	8 years
Service Based Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options granted	0.6
Total unrecognized compensation cost, weighted-average period for recognition	2 years 7 months 12 days
Performance Stock Unit [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options issued	119,000	83,000	90,000
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	3 years
Options issued	59,000	28,000	30,000
Percentage of shares vesting on the first anniversary of grant	25.00%
Percentage of shares vesting after the first anniversary of grant	75.00%
Deferred Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options issued	46,000	48,000	25,000
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
Deferred stock units, performance-based stock units and restricted stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period	78,000	67,000
Stock-based compensation expense	1.5	1.1	0.7
Total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options granted	4.1
Granted to restricted shares to members of its advisory boards	231,000	167,000
Total fair value of stock-based compensation vested	1.4	1.1	0.9
Non Employees [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense		$0.10
Granted to restricted shares to members of its advisory boards	8,000	8,000	5,000

StockBased_Compensation_Assump

Stock-Based Compensation - Assumptions used in Valuation of Options Granted (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Service-based awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Expected volatility	32.00%	52.00%	56.00%
Average expected option life	5 years	5 years	5 years
Risk-free interest rate	1.70%	1.30%	0.80%
Performance-based awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Expected volatility	32.00%	46.00%	55.00%
Average expected option life	4 years 9 months 18 days	4 years 8 months 12 days	5 years 6 months
Risk-free interest rate	1.70%	1.80%	0.80%

StockBased_Compensation_Option

Stock-Based Compensation - Option Activity (Detail) (Stock Option [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Stock Option [Member]
Shares
Outstanding, Beginning Balance	1,828	3,287	3,218
Options granted	31	120	293
Options exercised	-365	-612	-211
Options canceled/forfeited	-178	-967	-13
Outstanding, Ending Balance	1,316	1,828	3,287
Options exercisable	537
Options vested and expected to vest	964
Shares available for future grant	2,638
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding, Beginning Balance	$12.51	$10.72	$10.32
Options granted	$19.38	$15.61	$14.91
Options exercised	$11.48	$8.44	$10.22
Options canceled/forfeited	$13.58	$9.38	$13.48
Outstanding, Ending Balance	$12.81	$12.51	$10.72
Options exercisable	$12.13
Options vested and expected to vest	$12.33
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life
Outstanding, Contractual life	3 years 11 months 27 days
Options exercisable	2 years 6 months 15 days
Options vested and expected to vest	2 years 7 months 24 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding intrinsic value	$9,402
Options exercisable	4,201
Options vested and expected to vest	$7,350

StockBased_Compensation_Deferr

Stock-Based Compensation - Deferred Stock Unit, Performance-Based Stock Unit and Restricted Stock Activity (Detail) (Deferred stock units, performance-based stock units and restricted stock [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Deferred stock units, performance-based stock units and restricted stock [Member]
Unvested, shares
Unvested, Beginning Balance	317	347
Granted	231	167
Vested	-78	-67
Forfeited	-15	-130
Unvested, Ending Balance	455	317
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested, Beginning Balance	$15.34	$13.85
Granted	$19.67	$17.45
Vested	$17.91	$16.73
Forfeited	$15.61	$13.35
Unvested ,Ending Balance	$17.09	$15.34

Other_Income_Loss_Net_Detail

Other Income (Loss), Net (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Other Income and Expense [Line Items]
Gain on sale of ownership interests in companies and funds, net									$31,835	$0	$9,004
Other than temporary impairment on available-for-sale securities	-14				-43				-14	-43	-260
Other									-110	740	29
Other income (loss), net	77	-246	1,452	30,374	6,574	-4,224	-2,724	757	31,657	383	9,338
Debt Repurchase [Member]
Other Income and Expense [Line Items]
Loss on repurchase of convertible debentures									0	0	-7,895
Nupathe [Member]
Other Income and Expense [Line Items]
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments									0	-915	11,035
Cost-method Investments [Member]
Other Income and Expense [Line Items]
Impairment charges									-54	-250	-350
Penn Mezzanine [Member]
Other Income and Expense [Line Items]
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments									0	1,146	264
Impairment charges									$0	($295)	($2,489)

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Detail

Income Taxes - Narrative (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Federal income tax expense (benefit)	$0	$0	$0
State and local income tax expense (benefit)	0	0	0
Statutory tax (benefit) expense	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Net operating loss carryforwards	$208,201,000

Income_Taxes_Differences_Betwe

Income Taxes - Differences Between United States Federal Income Tax Rate and Effective Income Tax Rate (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Statutory tax (benefit) expense	-35.00%	-35.00%	-35.00%
Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from:
Share based compensation	1.50%	0.20%	0.20%
Nondeductible expenses	2.90%	0.10%	0.10%
Valuation allowance	30.60%	34.70%	34.70%
Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations, Total	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Income_Taxes_Deferred_Tax_Asse

Income Taxes - Deferred Tax Assets and Deferred Tax Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred tax asset:
Carrying values of partner companies and other holdings	$68,557	$59,045
Tax loss and credit carryforwards	76,766	82,403
Accrued expenses	1,484	2,043
Stock-based compensation	4,761	5,005
Other	1,353	1,560
Deferred tax assets, gross	152,921	150,056
Valuation allowance	-152,921	-150,056
Net deferred tax asset	$0	$0

Income_Taxes_Carryforwards_Exp

Income Taxes - Carryforwards Expiration (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
2015	$0
2016	0
2017	0
2018	0
2019 and thereafter	208,201
Total	$208,201

Net_Income_Loss_Per_Share_Calc

Net Income (Loss) Per Share - Calculations of Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Sep. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2014		Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2013		Mar. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Basic:
Net loss	($15,114)		($14,006)		($7,348)		$31,319		$23,967		($19,430)		($28,123)		($11,939)		($5,149)	($35,525)	($39,362)
Basic (in shares)																	20,975	21,362	20,974
Net income (loss) per share (in dollars per share)	($0.73)	[1]	($0.68)	[1]	($0.35)	[1]	$1.44	[1]	$1.10	[1]	($0.90)	[1]	($1.33)	[1]	($0.57)	[1]	($0.25)	($1.66)	($1.88)
Diluted:
Net loss	($15,114)		($14,006)		($7,348)		$31,319		$23,967		($19,430)		($28,123)		($11,939)		($5,149)	($35,525)	($39,362)
Diluted (in shares)																	20,975	21,362	20,974
Net income (loss) per share (in dollars per share)	($0.73)	[1]	($0.68)	[1]	($0.35)	[1]	$1.29	[1]	$0.99	[1]	($0.90)	[1]	($1.33)	[1]	($0.57)	[1]	($0.25)	($1.66)	($1.88)
[1]	Per share amounts for the quarters have each been calculated separately. Accordingly, quarterly amounts may not add to the annual amounts because of differences in the average common shares outstanding during each period. Additionally, in regard to diluted per share amounts only, quarterly amounts may not add to the annual amounts because of the inclusion of the effect of potentially dilutive securities only in the periods in which such effect would have been dilutive, and because of the adjustments to net income (loss) for the dilutive effect of partner company common stock equivalents and convertible securities.

Net_Income_Loss_Per_Share_Narr

Net Income (Loss) Per Share - Narrative (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Shares of common stock at prices ranging, lower limit	$7.14	$3.93	$3.93
Shares of common stock at prices ranging, upper limit	$19.95	$18.80	$18.80
Employee stock options [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Share of common stock excluded from diluted net loss per share calculation	1.3	1.8	3.3
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	0.5	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

Related_Party_Transactions_Det

Related Party Transactions (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			168 Months Ended
	31-May-01	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Loan agreement	$26,500,000
Impairment charges against loan					15,700,000
Receipt in payments on loan		100,000	0	0	17,000,000
Loan, carrying value		$0			$0

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2001	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Commitment Contingencies And Guarantees [Line Items]
Total rental expense under operating leases		$600,000	$600,000	$600,000
Future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases 2014		400,000
Company outstanding guarantees		3,800,000
Accrued expenses		2,334,000	2,431,000
Other long-term liabilities		3,507,000	3,683,000
Annual payments	650,000
Employee Severance [Member]
Commitment Contingencies And Guarantees [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost		3,000,000
Letter of credit [Member]
Commitment Contingencies And Guarantees [Line Items]
Letters of credit outstanding		6,300,000
Letter of credit expiration date		19-Mar-19
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities [Member]
Commitment Contingencies And Guarantees [Line Items]
Liability to former chairman and chief executive officer, current		800,000
Other long-term liabilities [Member]
Commitment Contingencies And Guarantees [Line Items]
Liability to former chairman and chief executive officer, non-current		2,500,000
Clawback Liability [Member]
Commitment Contingencies And Guarantees [Line Items]
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		1,300,000
Accrued expenses		1,000,000
Other long-term liabilities		300,000
Company's ownership in the funds		19.00%
Private equity funds [Member]
Commitment Contingencies And Guarantees [Line Items]
Committed capital of private equity funds		$200,000
Funding period		12 months

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa1

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash Flow Supplemental Disclosures [Line Items]
Converted instrument amount	$2.70	$1.80
Interest payments	2.9	2.9	0.8
Cash paid for taxes	0	0	0
Convertible Senior Debentures due 2014 [Member]
Cash Flow Supplemental Disclosures [Line Items]
Interest payments		$4.80

Operating_Segments_Narrative_D

Operating Segments - Narrative (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	partner_company
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Non-consolidated partner companies	24
Other Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets included cash, cash equivalents, cash held in escrow and marketable securities	156.5	$183.70
Bridgevine, Inc. [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage			17.30%	22.70%

Operating_Segments_Active_Part

Operating Segments - Active Partner Companies by Segment (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended									12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Operating loss	($4,485)		($4,177)	($5,069)	($5,239)	($4,720)	($4,835)	($6,715)	($5,374)	($18,970)		($21,644)	($19,473)
Other income (loss), net	77		-246	1,452	30,374	6,574	-4,224	-2,724	757	31,657		383	9,338
Interest income	407		482	542	470	550	572	790	734	1,901		2,646	2,926
Equity loss	-10,006		-8,962	-3,175	6,808	22,646	-9,866	-18,400	-6,987	-15,335		-12,607	-26,517
Net loss	-15,114		-14,006	-7,348	31,319	23,967	-19,430	-28,123	-11,939	-5,149		-35,525	-39,362
Assets	318,454					345,996				318,454		345,996
Net loss before income taxes	-15,114		-14,006	-7,348	31,319	23,967	-19,430	-28,123	-11,939	-5,149		-35,525	-39,362
Income tax benefit (expense)	0		0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0		0	0
Healthcare [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Operating loss										0		0	0
Other income (loss), net										31,820		-857	19,884
Interest income										0		0	0
Equity loss										-3,944		-31,706	-26,544
Net loss										27,876		-32,563	-6,660
Assets	62,292					74,939				62,292		74,939
Healthcare [Member] | AdvantEdge Healthcare Solutions, Inc. [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage	40.10%					40.10%				40.10%		40.10%	40.20%
Healthcare [Member] | Dabo Health, Inc. [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under cost method, percentage	15.30%					8.00%				15.30%		8.00%
Healthcare [Member] | Good Start Genetics, Inc. [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage	29.90%					30.00%				29.90%		30.00%	30.00%
Healthcare [Member] | InfoBionic [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage	27.80%									27.80%
Healthcare [Member] | Medivo, Inc. [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage	34.50%					34.50%				34.50%		34.50%	30.00%
Healthcare [Member] | NovaSom, Inc. [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage	31.70%					30.30%				31.70%		30.30%	30.30%
Healthcare [Member] | Propeller [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage	24.60%									24.60%
Healthcare [Member] | Putney, Inc. [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage	28.30%					27.60%				28.30%		27.60%	27.60%
Healthcare [Member] | Quantia, Inc. [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage	42.30%					35.10%				42.30%		35.10%
Healthcare [Member] | Syapse, Inc. [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage	27.00%									27.00%
Healthcare [Member] | Trice [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage	31.90%									31.90%
Technology [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Operating loss										0		0	0
Other income (loss), net										0		0	0
Interest income										0		0	0
Equity loss										-10,831		20,899	-119
Net loss										-10,831		20,899	-119
Assets	88,408					69,471				88,408		69,471
Technology [Member] | Appfirst [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage	34.30%					34.30%				34.30%		34.30%	35.00%
Technology [Member] | Apprenda, Inc. [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage	21.60%					22.00%				21.60%		22.00%
Technology [Member] | Beyond.com, Inc [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage	38.20%					38.20%				38.20%		38.20%	38.30%
Technology [Member] | Bridgevine, Inc. [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under cost method, percentage	17.20%	[1]				22.70%				17.20%	[1]	22.70%	21.70%
Technology [Member] | Clutch [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage	29.60%					24.00%				29.60%		24.00%
Technology [Member] | DriveFactor Inc. [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage	40.60%					40.60%				40.60%		40.60%	35.40%
Technology [Member] | Hoopla Software, Inc. [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage	25.60%					25.30%				25.60%		25.30%	25.30%
Technology [Member] | Lumesis, Inc. [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage	45.70%					44.20%				45.70%		44.20%	31.60%
Technology [Member] | MediaMath, Inc. [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage	20.70%					22.50%				20.70%		22.50%	22.20%
Technology [Member] | Pneuron [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage	27.60%					27.60%				27.60%		27.60%
Technology [Member] | Spongecell, Inc. [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage	23.00%					23.00%				23.00%		23.00%	23.10%
Technology [Member] | Transactis [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage	24.80%									24.80%
Technology [Member] | WebLinc [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage	29.20%									29.20%
Reportable Subsegments [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Operating loss										0		0	0
Other income (loss), net										31,820		-857	19,884
Interest income										0		0	0
Equity loss										-14,775		-10,807	-26,663
Net loss										17,045		-11,664	-6,779
Assets	150,700					144,410				150,700		144,410
Other Segments [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Operating loss										-18,970		-21,644	-19,473
Other income (loss), net										-163		1,240	-10,546
Interest income										1,901		2,646	2,926
Equity loss										-560		-1,800	146
Net loss										-22,194		-23,861	-32,583
Assets	167,754					201,586				167,754		201,586
Net loss before income taxes										-22,194		-23,861	-32,583
Income tax benefit (expense)										$0		$0	$0
[1]	(1) In the second quarter of 2014, the Company’s ownership interest in Bridgevine decreased from 22.7% to 17.3%, below thethreshold at which the Company believes it exercises significant influence. Accordingly, the Company changed its method ofaccounting for Bridgevine from the equity method to the cost method.

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_I2

Selected Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Sep. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2014		Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2013		Mar. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
General and administrative expense	$4,485		$4,177		$5,069		$5,239		$4,720		$4,835		$6,715		$5,374		$18,970	$21,644	$19,473
Operating loss	-4,485		-4,177		-5,069		-5,239		-4,720		-4,835		-6,715		-5,374		-18,970	-21,644	-19,473
Other income (loss), net	77		-246		1,452		30,374		6,574		-4,224		-2,724		757		31,657	383	9,338
Interest income	407		482		542		470		550		572		790		734		1,901	2,646	2,926
Interest expense	-1,107		-1,103		-1,098		-1,094		-1,083		-1,077		-1,074		-1,069		-4,402	-4,303	-5,636
Equity loss	-10,006		-8,962		-3,175		6,808		22,646		-9,866		-18,400		-6,987		-15,335	-12,607	-26,517
Net loss before income taxes	-15,114		-14,006		-7,348		31,319		23,967		-19,430		-28,123		-11,939		-5,149	-35,525	-39,362
Income tax benefit (expense)	0		0		0		0		0		0		0		0		0	0	0
Net loss	($15,114)		($14,006)		($7,348)		$31,319		$23,967		($19,430)		($28,123)		($11,939)		($5,149)	($35,525)	($39,362)
Net loss per share
Basic (in dollars per share)	($0.73)	[1]	($0.68)	[1]	($0.35)	[1]	$1.44	[1]	$1.10	[1]	($0.90)	[1]	($1.33)	[1]	($0.57)	[1]	($0.25)	($1.66)	($1.88)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	($0.73)	[1]	($0.68)	[1]	($0.35)	[1]	$1.29	[1]	$0.99	[1]	($0.90)	[1]	($1.33)	[1]	($0.57)	[1]	($0.25)	($1.66)	($1.88)
[1]	Per share amounts for the quarters have each been calculated separately. Accordingly, quarterly amounts may not add to the annual amounts because of differences in the average common shares outstanding during each period. Additionally, in regard to diluted per share amounts only, quarterly amounts may not add to the annual amounts because of the inclusion of the effect of potentially dilutive securities only in the periods in which such effect would have been dilutive, and because of the adjustments to net income (loss) for the dilutive effect of partner company common stock equivalents and convertible securities.