Safeguard Scientifics (SFES) 10-Q 24 Apr 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Apr. 22, 2015
Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	SAFEGUARD SCIENTIFICS INC
Entity Central Index Key	86115
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-15
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		20,708,867
Trading Symbol	SFE

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$85,086	$111,897
Marketable securities	24,475	25,263
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,721	1,684
Total current assets	111,282	138,844
Property and equipment, net	218	123
Ownership interests in and advances to partner companies	165,421	154,192
Loan participations receivable	3,851	3,855
Long-term marketable securities	20,657	19,365
Other assets	2,009	2,075
Total Assets	303,438	318,454
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	227	226
Accrued compensation and benefits	1,688	3,997
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	3,055	2,334
Total current liabilities	4,970	6,557
Other long-term liabilities	3,558	3,507
Convertible senior debentures	50,850	50,563
Total Liabilities	59,378	60,627
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 shares issued at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014	2,157	2,157
Additional paid-in capital	819,423	819,757
Treasury stock, at cost; 865 and 921 shares at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively	-18,171	-19,341
Accumulated deficit	-559,349	-544,746
Total Equity	244,060	257,827
Total Liabilities and Equity	$303,438	$318,454

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value	$0.10	$0.10
Preferred stock, shares authorized	1,000	1,000
Common stock, par value	$0.10	$0.10
Common stock, shares authorized	83,333	83,333
Common stock, shares issued	21,573	21,573
Treasury stock	865	921

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Statement [Abstract]
General and administrative expense	$4,880	$5,239
Operating loss	-4,880	-5,239
Other income (loss), net	-388	30,374
Interest income	449	470
Interest expense	-1,122	-1,094
Equity income (loss)	-8,662	6,808
Net income (loss) before income taxes	-14,603	31,319
Income tax benefit (expense)	0	0
Net loss	($14,603)	$31,319
Net income (loss) per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	($0.70)	$1.44
Diluted (in dollars per share)	($0.70)	$1.29
Weighted average shares used in computing income (loss) per share :
Basic (in shares)	20,861	21,687
Diluted (in shares)	20,861	25,121

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	($14,603)	$31,319
Other comprehensive income (loss), before taxes:
Unrealized net loss on available-for-sale securities	0	-3
Reclassification adjustment for other than temporary impairment of available-for-sale securities included in net income (loss)	0	3
Total comprehensive income (loss)	($14,603)	$31,319

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net cash used in operating activities	($6,481)	($7,816)
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Proceeds from sales of and distributions from companies	2,192	77,187
Acquisitions of ownership interests in companies	-14,129	-5,361
Advances and loans to companies	-8,338	-528
Repayment of advances and loans to companies	28	1,962
Increase in marketable securities	-9,337	-16,400
Decrease in marketable securities	8,815	18,914
Capital expenditures	-110	-11
Other	0	5
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-20,879	75,768
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Issuance of Company common stock, net	549	522
Repurchase of Company common stock	0	-8,040
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	549	-7,518
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	-26,811	60,434
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	111,897	139,318
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$85,086	$199,752

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENT_OF_CHAN

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (USD $)	Total	Accumulated Deficit [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$257,827	($544,746)	$2,157	$819,757	($19,341)
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014					921
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014			21,573
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net loss	-14,603	-14,603
Stock options exercised, net	549		0	-411	960
Stock options exercised, net (in shares)			0		-46
Issuance of restricted stock, net	30			-180	210
Issuance of restricted stock, net (in shares)					-10
Stock-based compensation expense	257			257
Balance at Mar. 31, 2015	$244,060	($559,349)	$2,157	$819,423	($18,171)
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2015					865
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2015			21,573

General

General	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
General	General
	The accompanying unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements of Safeguard Scientifics, Inc. (“Safeguard” or the “Company”) were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and the interim financial statement rules and regulations of the SEC. In the opinion of management, these statements include all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the Consolidated Financial Statements. The interim operating results are not necessarily indicative of the results for a full year or for any interim period. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations relating to interim financial statements. The Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included elsewhere in this Form 10-Q and with the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included in the Company’s 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Ownership_Interests_in_and_Adv

Ownership Interests in and Advances to Partner Companies and Funds	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, Schedule of Investments [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.
		March 31, 2015		December 31, 2014
		(Unaudited - In thousands)
	Equity Method:
	Partner companies	$	140,096	$	134,861
	Private equity funds	1,133		1,128
		141,229		135,989
	Cost Method:
	Partner companies	5,024		6,774
	Private equity funds	2,215		2,364
		7,239		9,138
	Advances to partner companies	16,953		9,065
		$	165,421	$	154,192
	Loan participations receivable	$	3,851	$	3,855
	The Company recognized an impairment charge of $2.3 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015 related to Dabo Health, Inc. which is reflected in Other income (loss), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The impairment was based on the decision of the Company and other shareholders not to continue to fund Dabo Health's operations. The adjusted carrying value of Dabo Health at March 31, 2015 was $0. The Company believes it is unlikely it will recover any of its capital.
	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 initial cash proceeds in connection with the transaction. 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 three months ended March 31, 2014. In March 2015, the Company received $2.0 million which was released from escrow resulting in a gain of $2.0 million which is included in Other income (loss), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2015. As of March 31, 2015, $0.9 million remains in escrow pending the resolution of indemnification claims by the buyer.
	In February 2014, NuPathe Inc., formerly a fair value method partner company, was acquired by Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. for $3.65 per share in cash. In addition to the upfront cash payment, NuPathe shareholders received rights to receive additional cash payments of up to $3.15 per share if specified milestones are achieved over time. The Company received initial net cash proceeds of $23.1 million as a result of the transaction. Depending on the achievement of certain milestones, the Company may receive up to an additional $24.2 million. The Company recognized a gain of $3.0 million, which is included in Other income (loss), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014.
	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 three months ended March 31, 2014.
	The Company’s share of the earnings or losses of partner companies, as well as any adjustments resulting from prior period finalizations of equity income or loss, are reflected in Equity income (loss) on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.  In the three months ended March 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 three months ended March 31, 2014.  Based on this evaluation, management concluded that these adjustments were not material to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

Acquisitions_of_Ownership_Inte

Acquisitions of Ownership Interests in Partner Companies and Funds	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Acquisitions of Ownership Interests in Partner Companies	Acquisitions of Ownership Interests in Partner Companies
	During the first quarter of 2015, the Company funded an aggregate of $1.7 million of a convertible bridge loan to Quantia, Inc. The Company had previously deployed an aggregate of $12.5 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 March 2015, the Company funded $4.0 million of a convertible bridge loan to Spongecell, Inc. The Company had previously deployed $10.0 million in Spongecell. 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.
	In March 2015, the Company deployed an additional $0.3 million into Dabo Health. The Company had previously deployed $2.0 million in Dabo Health. The Company accounts for its interest in Dabo Health under the cost method. Following its impairment in the first quarter of 2015, the adjusted carrying value of Dabo Health at March 31, 2015 was $0.
	In March 2015, the Company funded $0.8 million of a convertible bridge loan to AdvantEdge Healthcare Solutions, Inc. ("AdvantEdge"). The Company had previously deployed $15.3 million in AdvantEdge. AdvantEdge is a provider of physician billing and practice management services and software to hospital-based physician groups, large office-based physician practices, and ambulatory surgery centers. The Company accounts for its interest in AdvantEdge under the equity method.
	During the first quarter of 2015, the Company funded an aggregate of $0.8 million of convertible bridge loans to AppFirst, Inc. The Company had previously deployed $8.6 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 February 2015, the Company funded $0.8 million of a convertible bridge loan to Clutch Holdings, Inc. ("Clutch"). The Company had previously deployed an aggregate of $7.5 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 February 2015, the Company acquired a 30.1% interest in CloudMine, Inc. for $2.9 million. CloudMine is an enterprise mobility company that provides a HIPAA-compliant managed mobility solution to accelerate development, eliminate maintenance and standardize cross-organizational mobile IT. The Company accounts for its interest in CloudMine under the equity method.
	In January 2015, the Company acquired a 19.9% interest in Aventura, Inc. for $6.0 million. Aventura is a leader in healthcare workflow optimization software solutions. The Company accounts for its interest in Aventura under the equity method.
	In January 2015, the Company acquired a 25.4% interest in Full Measure Education, Inc. ("Full Measure") for $4.0 million. Full Measure enables student success through a comprehensive technology-based communications platform. The Company accounts for its interest in Full Measure under the equity method.
	In January 2015, the Company deployed an additional $1.1 million into Trice Medical, Inc. The Company had previously deployed $5.0 million in Trice Medical. Trice Medical is a diagnostics company focused on micro invasive technologies. The Company accounts for its interest in Trice Medical under the equity method.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements
	The Company categorizes its financial instruments into a three-level fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). If the inputs used to measure fair value fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the category level is based on the lowest priority level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the instrument. Financial assets recorded at fair value on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets are categorized as follows:
	Level 1—Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
	Level 2—Include other inputs that are directly or indirectly observable in the marketplace.
	Level 3—Unobservable inputs which are supported by little or no market activity.
	The fair value hierarchy also requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.
	The following table provides the carrying value and fair value of certain financial assets and liabilities of the Company measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
		Carrying		Fair Value Measurement at March 31, 2015
		Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
		(Unaudited - In thousands)
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	85,086	$	85,086	$	—	$	—
	Marketable securities—held-to-maturity:
	Commercial paper	$	2,899	$	2,899	$	—	$	—
	U.S. treasury bills	1,503		1,503		—		—
	Government agency bonds	502		502		—		—
	Certificates of deposit	40,228		40,228		—		—
	Total marketable securities	$	45,132	$	45,132	$	—	$	—
		Carrying		Fair Value Measurement at December 31, 2014
		Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
		(Unaudited - In thousands)
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	111,897	$	111,897	$	—	$	—
	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	$	—	$	—
	As of March 31, 2015, $24.5 million of marketable securities had contractual maturities which were less than one year and $20.7 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 $2.3 million related to Dabo Health in the three months ended March 31, 2015, measured as the amount by which Dabo Health's carrying value exceeded its estimated fair value. The fair market value of the Company's equity ownership in Dabo Health was determined to be $0 at March 31, 2015 based on Level 3 inputs as defined above.

Convertible_Debentures_and_Cre

Convertible Debentures and Credit Arrangements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Convertible Debentures and Credit Arrangements	Convertible Debentures and Credit Arrangements
	Convertible Senior Debentures
	In November 2012, Safeguard issued $55.0 million principal amount of its 5.25% convertible senior debentures due 2018 (the “2018 Debentures”). Proceeds from the offering were used to repurchase substantially all of the Company’s then outstanding 10.125% convertible senior debentures due 2014 (the “2014 Debentures”). Interest on the 2018 Debentures is payable semi-annually on May 15 and November 15.
	Holders of the 2018 Debentures may convert their notes prior to November 15, 2017 at their option only under the following circumstances:
	•	during any calendar quarter commencing after the calendar quarter ending on December 31, 2012, if the last reported sale price of the common stock for at least 20 trading days during the period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the immediately preceding calendar quarter is greater than or equal to 130% of the conversion price on each applicable trading day;
	•	during the five business day period after any five consecutive trading day period in which the trading price per $1,000 principal amount of notes for each trading day of the measurement period was less than 98% of the product of the last reported sale price of our common stock and the conversion rate on such trading day;
	•	if the notes have been called for redemption; or
	•	upon the occurrence of specified corporate events.
	On or after November 15, 2017, until the close of business on the second business day immediately preceding the maturity date, holders may convert their notes at any time, regardless of whether any of the foregoing conditions has been met. Upon conversion, the Company will satisfy its conversion obligation by paying or delivering, as the case may be, cash, shares of common stock or a combination of cash and shares of our common stock, at the Company’s election.
	The conversion rate of the 2018 Debentures is 55.17 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of debentures, equivalent to a conversion price of approximately $18.13 per share of common stock. The closing price per share of the Company’s common stock at March 31, 2015 was $18.08.
	On or after November 15, 2016, the Company may redeem for cash any of the 2018 Debentures if the last reported sale price of the Company’s common stock exceeds 140% of the conversion price for at least 20 trading days during the period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the trading day before the date that notice of redemption is given, including the last trading day of such period. Upon any redemption of the 2018 Debentures, the Company will pay a redemption price of 100% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the date of redemption, and additional interest, if any.
	The 2018 Debenture holders have the right to require the Company to repurchase the 2018 Debentures if the Company undergoes a fundamental change, which includes the sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s common stock or assets; liquidation; dissolution; a greater than 50% change in control; the delisting of the Company’s common stock from the New York Stock Exchange or the NASDAQ Global Market (or any of their respective successors); or a substantial change in the composition of the Company’s board of directors as defined in the governing agreement. Holders may require that the Company repurchase for cash all or part of their 2018 Debentures at a fundamental change repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the debentures to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the fundamental change repurchase date.
	Because the 2018 Debentures may be settled in cash or partially in cash upon conversion, the Company separately accounts for the liability and equity components of the 2018 Debentures. The carrying amount of the liability component was determined at the transaction date by measuring the fair value of a similar liability that does not have an associated equity component. The carrying amount of the equity component represented by the embedded conversion option was determined by deducting the fair value of the liability component from the initial proceeds of the 2018 Debentures as a whole. At March 31, 2015, the fair value of the $55.0 million outstanding 2018 Debentures was approximately $65.9 million, based on the midpoint of the bid and ask prices as of such date. At March 31, 2015, 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 $4.2 million and the net carrying value of the liability component was $50.8 million. The Company is amortizing the excess of the face value of the 2018 Debentures over their carrying value over their term as additional interest expense using the effective interest method and recorded $0.3 million of such expense for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. The effective interest rate on the 2018 Debentures is 8.7%.
	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 was required in connection with the sale of CompuCom Systems in 2004. Availability under the Company’s revolving credit facility at March 31, 2015 was $18.7 million.

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation
	Stock-based compensation expense was recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as follows:
		Three months ended March 31,
		2015		2014
		(Unaudited - In thousands)
	General and administrative expense	$	257	$	520
		$	257	$	520
	The fair value of the Company’s stock-based awards to employees was estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The risk-free rate was based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the end of the quarter in which the grant occurred. The expected term of stock options granted was estimated using the historical exercise behavior of employees. Expected volatility was based on historical volatility measured using weekly price observations of the Company’s common stock for a period equal to the stock option’s expected term.
	At March 31, 2015, the Company had outstanding options that vest based on three different types of vesting schedules:
	1)	performance-based;
	2)	market-based; and
	3)	service-based.
	Performance-based awards entitle participants to vest in a number of awards determined by achievement by the Company of target capital returns based on net cash proceeds received by the Company on the sale, merger or other exit transaction of certain identified partner companies. Vesting may occur, if at all, once per year. The requisite service periods for the performance-based awards are based on the Company’s estimate of when the performance conditions will be met. Compensation expense is recognized for performance-based awards for which the performance condition is considered probable of achievement. Compensation expense is recognized over the requisite service periods using the straight-line method but is accelerated if capital return targets are achieved earlier than estimated. During the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company did not issue any performance-based awards to employees. During the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, no performance-based awards vested. During the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, no performance-based awards were canceled or forfeited. The Company recorded compensation expense related to performance-based awards of $0.0 million and $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The maximum number of unvested shares at March 31, 2015 attainable under these option grants was 462 thousand shares.
	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. During the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, no market-based awards vested. The Company recorded compensation expense related to market-based awards of $0.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. The Company recognized all remaining compensation cost related to market-based awards in 2014. Depending on the Company’s stock performance, the maximum number of unvested shares at March 31, 2015 attainable under these grants was 226 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 three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, the Company issued 13 thousand and 0 thousand service-based awards to employees. The Company recorded compensation expense related to service-based awards of $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.
	Performance-based stock units 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 three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company did not issue any performance-based stock units to employees. During the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, no performance-based stock units vested.
	Under the 2014 performance-based award plan, once performance-based awards are fully vested, participants are entitled to receive cash payments based on their initial performance grant values as target capital returns described above are exceeded. At March 31, 2015, the liability associated with such potential cash payments was $0.0 million.
	During both the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company issued 2 thousand deferred stock units to non-employee directors for 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.
	All other awards are restricted stock awards that generally vest over four years. During the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company did not issue any restricted stock awards.
	Total compensation expense for deferred stock units, performance-based stock units and restricted stock was approximately $0.2 million and $0.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	The Company’s consolidated income tax benefit (expense) was $0.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. The Company has recorded a valuation allowance to reduce its net deferred tax asset to an amount that is more likely than not to be realized in future years. Accordingly, the benefit of the net operating loss that would have been recognized in the three months ended March 31, 2015 was offset by changes in the valuation allowance. The tax expense that would have been recognized in the three months ended March 31, 2014 was also offset by changes in the valuation allowance. During the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company had no material changes in uncertain tax positions.

Net_Income_Loss_Per_Share

Net Income (Loss) Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net Income (Loss) Per Share	Net Income (Loss) Per Share
	The calculations of net income (loss) per share were as follows:
		Three months ended March 31,
		2015			2014
		(Unaudited - In thousands, except per share data)
	Basic:
	Net income (loss)	$	(14,603	)	$	31,319
	Weighted average common shares outstanding	20,861			21,687
	Net income (loss) per share	$	(0.70	)	$	1.44
	Diluted:
	Net income (loss)	$	(14,603	)	$	31,319
	Interest on convertible senior debentures	—			1,051
	Net income (loss) for dilutive share computation	$	(14,603	)	$	32,370
	Number of shares used in basic per share computation	20,861			21,687
	Convertible senior debentures	—			3,044
	Unvested restricted stock and DSUs	—			23
	Employee stock options	—			367
	Weighted average common shares outstanding	20,861			25,121
	Net income (loss) per share	$	(0.70	)	$	1.29
	Basic and diluted average common shares outstanding for purposes of computing net income (loss) per share includes outstanding common shares and vested deferred stock units (DSUs).
	If a consolidated or equity method partner company has dilutive stock options, unvested restricted stock, DSUs or warrants, diluted net income (loss) per share is computed by first deducting the income attributable to the potential exercise of the dilutive securities of the partner company from net income (loss). Any impact is shown as an adjustment to net income (loss) for purposes of calculating diluted net income (loss) per share.
	Diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 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 March 31, 2015 and 2014, options to purchase 1.3 million and 0.9 million shares of common stock at prices ranging from $7.14 to $19.95 and $7.41 to $18.76, respectively, were excluded from the calculations.
	•	At March 31, 2015 and 2014, unvested restricted stock, performance stock units and DSUs convertible into 0.4 million and 0.3 million shares of stock, respectively, were excluded from the calculations.
	•	At March 31, 2015, 3.0 million shares of common stock, representing the effect of the assumed conversion of the 2018 Debentures, were excluded from the calculation.

Operating_Segments

Operating Segments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Operating Segments	Operating Segments
	As of March 31, 2015, the Company held interests in 27 non-consolidated partner companies which are included in the Healthcare and Technology segments. The Company’s active partner companies by segment were as follows as of March 31, 2015:
	Healthcare
	Partner Company	Safeguard Primary Ownership as of March 31, 2015		Accounting Method
	AdvantEdge Healthcare Solutions, Inc.	40.10%		Equity
	Aventura, Inc.	19.90%		Equity
	Dabo Health, Inc.	15.30%		Cost
	Good Start Genetics, Inc.	29.80%		Equity
	InfoBionic, Inc.	27.80%		Equity
	Medivo, Inc.	34.50%		Equity
	NovaSom, Inc.	31.70%		Equity
	Propeller Health, Inc.	24.60%		Equity
	Putney, Inc.	28.30%		Equity
	Quantia, Inc.	42.30%		Equity
	Syapse, Inc.	27.00%		Equity
	Trice Medical, Inc.	27.70%		Equity
	Technology
	Partner Company	Safeguard Primary Ownership as of March 31, 2015		Accounting Method
	AppFirst, Inc.	34.30%		Equity
	Apprenda, Inc.	21.40%		Equity
	Beyond.com, Inc.	38.20%		Equity
	Bridgevine, Inc.	17.20%		Cost
	CloudMine, Inc.	30.10%		Equity
	Clutch Holdings, Inc.	29.60%		Equity
	DriveFactor, Inc.	40.60%		Equity
	Full Measure Education, Inc.	25.40%		Equity
	Hoopla Software, Inc.	25.60%		Equity
	Lumesis, Inc.	45.30%		Equity
	MediaMath, Inc.	20.70%		Equity
	Pneuron Corporation	27.60%		Equity
	Spongecell, Inc.	23.00%		Equity
	Transactis, Inc.	24.80%		Equity
	WebLinc, Inc.	29.20%		Equity
	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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, 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 $130.2 million and $156.5 million, at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
		Three months ended March 31, 2015
		Healthcare			Technology			Total			Other			Total
								Segments			Items
		(Unaudited - In thousands)
	Operating loss	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	(4,880	)	$	(4,880	)
	Other loss, net	(239		)	—			(239		)	(149		)	(388		)
	Interest income	—			—			—			449			449
	Equity income (loss)	(4,042		)	(4,772		)	(8,814		)	152			(8,662		)
	Net loss	(4,281		)	(4,772		)	(9,053		)	(5,550		)	(14,603		)
	Segment Assets:
	March 31, 2015	65,804			96,269			162,073			141,365			303,438
	December 31, 2014	62,292			88,408			150,700			167,754			318,454
		Three months ended March 31, 2014
		Healthcare			Technology			Total			Other			Total
								Segments			Items
		(Unaudited - In thousands)
	Operating loss	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	(5,239	)	$	(5,239	)
	Other income (loss), net	30,379			—			30,379			(5		)	30,374
	Interest income	—			—			—			470			470
	Equity income (loss)	10,622			(3,585		)	7,037			(229		)	6,808
	Net income (loss)	41,001			(3,585		)	37,416			(6,097		)	31,319

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies
	The Company and its partner companies are involved in various claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. In the current opinion of the Company, the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations, however, no assurance can be given as to the outcome of these actions, and one or more adverse rulings could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations or that of its partner companies. The Company records costs associated with legal fees as such services are rendered.
	The Company had outstanding guarantees of $3.8 million at March 31, 2015 which related to one of the Company's private equity holdings.
	Under certain circumstances, the Company may be required to return a portion or all the distributions it received as a general partner of a private equity fund (“clawback”). The maximum clawback the Company could be required to return due to its general partner interest is approximately $1.3 million, of which $1.0 million was reflected in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities and $0.3 million was reflected in Other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2015. 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 $2.4 million was included in Other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at March 31, 2015.
	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 March 31, 2015.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	11. Subsequent Events
	In April 2015, the Company sold its ownership interest in DriveFactor, Inc. The Company has received cash proceeds of approximately $8.9 million in connection with the transaction, excluding $1.1 million which will be held in escrow until April 2016. The Company will recognize a gain of approximately $5.9 million on the transaction in the three months ending June 30, 2015.

Ownership_Interests_in_and_Adv1

Ownership Interests in and Advances to Partner Companies and Funds (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, Schedule of Investments [Abstract]
Ownership Interests in and Advances to Partner Companies and Private Equity Funds	The following summarizes the carrying value of the Company’s ownership interests in and advances to partner companies.
		March 31, 2015		December 31, 2014
		(Unaudited - In thousands)
	Equity Method:
	Partner companies	$	140,096	$	134,861
	Private equity funds	1,133		1,128
		141,229		135,989
	Cost Method:
	Partner companies	5,024		6,774
	Private equity funds	2,215		2,364
		7,239		9,138
	Advances to partner companies	16,953		9,065
		$	165,421	$	154,192
	Loan participations receivable	$	3,851	$	3,855

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Carrying Value and Fair Value of Certain Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	The following table provides the carrying value and fair value of certain financial assets and liabilities of the Company measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
		Carrying		Fair Value Measurement at March 31, 2015
		Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
		(Unaudited - In thousands)
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	85,086	$	85,086	$	—	$	—
	Marketable securities—held-to-maturity:
	Commercial paper	$	2,899	$	2,899	$	—	$	—
	U.S. treasury bills	1,503		1,503		—		—
	Government agency bonds	502		502		—		—
	Certificates of deposit	40,228		40,228		—		—
	Total marketable securities	$	45,132	$	45,132	$	—	$	—
		Carrying		Fair Value Measurement at December 31, 2014
		Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
		(Unaudited - In thousands)
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	111,897	$	111,897	$	—	$	—
	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	$	—	$	—

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation Expense	Stock-based compensation expense was recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as follows:
		Three months ended March 31,
		2015		2014
		(Unaudited - In thousands)
	General and administrative expense	$	257	$	520
		$	257	$	520
Types of Vesting Schedules	At March 31, 2015, the Company had outstanding options that vest based on three different types of vesting schedules:
	1)	performance-based;
	2)	market-based; and
	3)	service-based.

Net_Income_Loss_Per_Share_Tabl

Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Calculations of Net Loss Per Share	The calculations of net income (loss) per share were as follows:
		Three months ended March 31,
		2015			2014
		(Unaudited - In thousands, except per share data)
	Basic:
	Net income (loss)	$	(14,603	)	$	31,319
	Weighted average common shares outstanding	20,861			21,687
	Net income (loss) per share	$	(0.70	)	$	1.44
	Diluted:
	Net income (loss)	$	(14,603	)	$	31,319
	Interest on convertible senior debentures	—			1,051
	Net income (loss) for dilutive share computation	$	(14,603	)	$	32,370
	Number of shares used in basic per share computation	20,861			21,687
	Convertible senior debentures	—			3,044
	Unvested restricted stock and DSUs	—			23
	Employee stock options	—			367
	Weighted average common shares outstanding	20,861			25,121
	Net income (loss) per share	$	(0.70	)	$	1.29

Operating_Segments_Tables

Operating Segments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Active Partner Companies by Segment	The Company’s active partner companies by segment were as follows as of March 31, 2015:
	Healthcare
	Partner Company	Safeguard Primary Ownership as of March 31, 2015		Accounting Method
	AdvantEdge Healthcare Solutions, Inc.	40.10%		Equity
	Aventura, Inc.	19.90%		Equity
	Dabo Health, Inc.	15.30%		Cost
	Good Start Genetics, Inc.	29.80%		Equity
	InfoBionic, Inc.	27.80%		Equity
	Medivo, Inc.	34.50%		Equity
	NovaSom, Inc.	31.70%		Equity
	Propeller Health, Inc.	24.60%		Equity
	Putney, Inc.	28.30%		Equity
	Quantia, Inc.	42.30%		Equity
	Syapse, Inc.	27.00%		Equity
	Trice Medical, Inc.	27.70%		Equity
	Technology
	Partner Company	Safeguard Primary Ownership as of March 31, 2015		Accounting Method
	AppFirst, Inc.	34.30%		Equity
	Apprenda, Inc.	21.40%		Equity
	Beyond.com, Inc.	38.20%		Equity
	Bridgevine, Inc.	17.20%		Cost
	CloudMine, Inc.	30.10%		Equity
	Clutch Holdings, Inc.	29.60%		Equity
	DriveFactor, Inc.	40.60%		Equity
	Full Measure Education, Inc.	25.40%		Equity
	Hoopla Software, Inc.	25.60%		Equity
	Lumesis, Inc.	45.30%		Equity
	MediaMath, Inc.	20.70%		Equity
	Pneuron Corporation	27.60%		Equity
	Spongecell, Inc.	23.00%		Equity
	Transactis, Inc.	24.80%		Equity
	WebLinc, Inc.	29.20%		Equity
Segment Data from Operations
		Three months ended March 31, 2015
		Healthcare			Technology			Total			Other			Total
								Segments			Items
		(Unaudited - In thousands)
	Operating loss	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	(4,880	)	$	(4,880	)
	Other loss, net	(239		)	—			(239		)	(149		)	(388		)
	Interest income	—			—			—			449			449
	Equity income (loss)	(4,042		)	(4,772		)	(8,814		)	152			(8,662		)
	Net loss	(4,281		)	(4,772		)	(9,053		)	(5,550		)	(14,603		)
	Segment Assets:
	March 31, 2015	65,804			96,269			162,073			141,365			303,438
	December 31, 2014	62,292			88,408			150,700			167,754			318,454
		Three months ended March 31, 2014
		Healthcare			Technology			Total			Other			Total
								Segments			Items
		(Unaudited - In thousands)
	Operating loss	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	(5,239	)	$	(5,239	)
	Other income (loss), net	30,379			—			30,379			(5		)	30,374
	Interest income	—			—			—			470			470
	Equity income (loss)	10,622			(3,585		)	7,037			(229		)	6,808
	Net income (loss)	41,001			(3,585		)	37,416			(6,097		)	31,319

Ownership_Interests_in_and_Adv2

Ownership Interests in and Advances to Partner Companies and Funds - Carrying Value (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments In And Advances To Affiliates [Line Items]
Equity method investments	$141,229,000	$135,989,000
Cost method investments	7,239,000	9,138,000
Advances to partner companies	16,953,000	9,065,000
Ownership interests in and advances to partner companies and funds ($19,363 and $20,972 at fair value at June 30,2013 and December 31,2012, respectively)	165,421,000	154,192,000
Loan participations receivable	3,851,000	3,855,000
Partner companies [Member]
Investments In And Advances To Affiliates [Line Items]
Equity method investments	140,096,000	134,861,000
Cost method investments	5,024,000	6,774,000
Private equity funds [Member]
Investments In And Advances To Affiliates [Line Items]
Equity method investments	1,133,000	1,128,000
Cost method investments	$2,215,000	$2,364,000

Ownership_Interests_in_and_Adv3

Ownership Interests in and Advances to Partner Companies and Funds - Narrative (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014
Investment [Line Items]
Equity method investments	$141,229,000						$135,989,000
Proceeds from sale of business	2,192,000	77,187,000
Dabo [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Asset impairment charges	2,300,000
Equity method investments	0
Crescendo Bioscience, Inc. [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Realized gains on cost method investment		27,400,000
Gain on Escrow Proceed Receipts	2,000,000
Amount held in escrow	900,000
Proceeds from sale of business			38,400,000
Nupathe [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Proceeds sale of business (in dollars per share)			$3.65
Proceeds from sale of business			23,100,000
Proceeds from milestone payments (in dollars per share)			$3.15
Proceeds from milestone payments			24,200,000
Gain on sale of business		3,000,000
Alverix, Inc. [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Amount held in escrow				1,700,000
Proceeds from sale of business				15,700,000
Gain on sale of business		15,700,000
Equity Income (Loss) [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Immaterial prior period adjustment made in current period		$1,700,000			$1,400,000	$300,000

Acquisitions_of_Ownership_Inte1

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

3 Months Ended

16 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

37 Months Ended

15 Months Ended

99 Months Ended

25 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

23 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Feb. 28, 2015

Feb. 28, 2015

Feb. 28, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

Feb. 28, 2015

Jan. 31, 2015

Jan. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Payments to acquire equity method investments

$14,129,000

$5,361,000

Equity method investments

141,229,000

135,989,000

141,229,000

135,989,000

135,989,000

Quantia [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Convertible bridge loan

1,700,000

Payments to acquire equity method investments

12,500,000

Spongecell [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Convertible bridge loan

4,000,000

Payments to acquire equity method investments

10,000,000

Dabo [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Convertible bridge loan

300,000

Payments to acquire cost method investments

2,000,000

Equity method investments

0

0

Advantedge [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Convertible bridge loan

800,000

Payments to acquire equity method investments

15,300,000

AppFirst, Inc. [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Convertible bridge loan

800,000

Payments to acquire equity method investments

8,600,000

Clutch [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Convertible bridge loan

800,000

Payments to acquire equity method investments

7,500,000

CloudMine [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Payments to acquire equity method investments

2,900,000

Ownership interest under equity method, percentage

30.10%

30.10%

30.10%

30.10%

Aventura [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Payments to acquire equity method investments

6,000,000

Ownership interest under equity method, percentage

19.90%

19.90%

Full Measure [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Payments to acquire equity method investments

4,000,000

Ownership interest under equity method, percentage

25.40%

25.40%

Trice [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Payments to acquire equity method investments

$1,100,000

$5,000,000

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 $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
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	$85,086	$111,897
Total marketable securities	45,132	44,628
Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Total marketable securities	0	0
Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Total marketable securities	0	0
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	85,086	111,897
Total marketable securities	45,132	44,628
Commercial paper [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total marketable securities	2,899	6,596
Commercial paper [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total marketable securities	0	0
Commercial paper [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total marketable securities	0	0
Commercial paper [Member] | Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total marketable securities	2,899	6,596
U.S. Treasury Bills [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total marketable securities	1,503	1,503
U.S. Treasury Bills [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total marketable securities	0	0
U.S. Treasury Bills [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total marketable securities	0	0
U.S. Treasury Bills [Member] | Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total marketable securities	1,503	1,503
Government agency bonds [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total marketable securities	502	503
Government agency bonds [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total marketable securities	0	0
Government agency bonds [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total marketable securities	0	0
Government agency bonds [Member] | Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total marketable securities	502	503
Certificates of deposit [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total marketable securities	40,228	36,026
Certificates of deposit [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total marketable securities	0	0
Certificates of deposit [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total marketable securities	0	0
Certificates of deposit [Member] | Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total marketable securities	$40,228	$36,026

Fair_Value_Measurements_Narrat

Fair Value Measurements - Narrative (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities, current	$24,475,000	$25,263,000
Marketable securities, non current	20,657,000	19,365,000
Equity method investments	141,229,000	135,989,000
Dabo [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset impairment charges	2,300,000
Equity method investments	$0

Convertible_Debentures_and_Cre1

Convertible Debentures and Credit Arrangements - Convertible Senior Debentures Narrative (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Nov. 30, 2012
	D
Convertible Senior Debentures due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate face value of convertible senior debentures	$55,000,000		$55,000,000
Interest rate on debentures			5.25%
Number of trading days	20
Consecutive trading days	30 days
Threshold percentage of stock trigger	130.00%
Number of consecutive trading days during which the trading price per $1,000 principal amount for at least five days was less than 98% of the product of the closing sale price per share of Company common stock multiplied by the conversion rate on each such trading day (in days)	5 days
Number of days after five consecutive trading days in which the trading price per $1,000 principal amount was less than 98% of the product of the closing sale price per share of Company common stock multiplied by the conversion rate on each such trading day (in days)	5 days
Principal amount of convertible debentures	1,000
Closing price is percentage of conversion price	98.00%
Conversion rate of common stock (in shares)	55.17
Conversion price (in dollars per share)	$18.13
Closing price for common stock	$18.08
Sales price of common stock to conversion price	140.00%
Debentures redemption price	100.00%
Change in control due to debentures redemption	50.00%
Percentage of principal amount and accrued and unpaid interest for repurchase of debt	100.00%
Fair value of debentures outstanding	65,900,000
Gross carrying amount of equity component	6,400,000
Unamortized discount	4,200,000
Carrying value of liability component	50,800,000
Amortization of debt discount (premium)	$300,000	$300,000
Debt instrument, interest rate, effective percentage	8.70%
Convertible Senior Debentures due 2014 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on debentures			10.13%

Convertible_Debentures_and_Cre2

Convertible Debentures and Credit Arrangements - Credit Arrangements Narrative (Detail) (Credit Arrangements [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum aggregate amount of revolving credit facility in the form of borrowings, guarantees and issuances of letters of credit (subject to a $20 million sublimit)	25,000,000
Sublimit facility attached on revolving credit facility	20,000,000
Amount available for borrowing under revolving credit facility	18,700,000
After Amendment [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility maturity date	21-Dec-15
Landlord Of Compu Com Systems Incs Dallas Headquarters [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Letter of credit under the credit facility	6,300,000
Letter of credit expiration date	19-Mar-19

StockBased_Compensation_StockB

Stock-Based Compensation - Stock-Based Compensation Expense (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$257	$520
General And Administrative Expenses [Member]
Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$257	$520

StockBased_Compensation_Narrat

Stock-Based Compensation - Narrative (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of award vesting types	3
Cash Liability for Performance-Based Units	$0
Performance Shares [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	0	0.1
Stock-based compensation, maximum number of unvested shares	462,000
Market Based Awards [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	0	0
Stock-based compensation, maximum number of unvested shares	226,000
Vesting period	8 years
Service Based Award [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	0.1	0.1
Vesting period	4 years
Expiration period	8 years
Options issued	13,000	0
Deferred Stock Units [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of shares vested in lieu of directors fees at the grant date	100.00%
Portion of Director fees matched to deferred stock units	25.00%
Vesting period of deferred stock	1 year
Minimum age required for meeting directors fees deferred vest criteria	65
Deferred Stock Units [Member] | Director [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares issued to non-employee individual	2,000	2,000
Deferred stock units, performance-based stock units and restricted stock [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$0.20	$0.30

Income_Taxes_Detail

Income Taxes (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income tax benefit (expense)	$0	$0

Net_Income_Loss_Per_Share_Calc

Net Income (Loss) Per Share - Calculations of Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Basic:
Net income (loss)	($14,603)	$31,319
Weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares)	20,861	21,687
Net income (loss) per share (in dollars per share)	($0.70)	$1.44
Diluted:
Interest on convertible senior debentures	0	1,051
Net income (loss) attributable to parent, diluted	($14,603)	$32,370
Number of shares used in basic per share computation (in shares)	20,861	21,687
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Conversion of Debt Securities	0	3,044
Weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares)	20,861	25,121
Net income (loss) per share (in dollars per share)	($0.70)	$1.29
Restricted Stock Unit And Performance Stock Unit And Deferred Stock Unit [Member]
Diluted:
Stock options (in shares)	0	23
Employee stock options [Member]
Diluted:
Stock options (in shares)	0	367

Net_Income_Loss_Per_Share_Narr

Net Income (Loss) Per Share - Narrative (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Stock Options
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Share of common stock excluded from diluted net loss per share calculation	1.3	0.9
Shares of common stock at prices ranging, lower limit	$7.14	$7.41
Shares of common stock at prices ranging, upper limit	$19.95	$18.76
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	0.4	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

Operating_Segments_Narrative_D

Operating Segments - Narrative (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Non-consolidated partner companies	27
Other Items [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets included cash, cash equivalents, cash held in escrow, and marketable securities	$130.20	$156.50

Operating_Segments_Active_Part

Operating Segments - Active Partner Companies by Segment (Detail)	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015
Aventura [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage	19.90%
CloudMine [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage		30.10%
Full Measure [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage	25.40%
Healthcare [Member] | AdvantEdge Healthcare Solutions, Inc. [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage			40.10%
Healthcare [Member] | Aventura [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage			19.90%
Healthcare [Member] | Dabo [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under cost method, percentage			15.30%
Healthcare [Member] | Good Start Genetics, Inc. [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage			29.80%
Healthcare [Member] | InfoBionic [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage			27.80%
Healthcare [Member] | Medivo, Inc. [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage			34.50%
Healthcare [Member] | Novasom, Inc. [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage			31.70%
Healthcare [Member] | Propeller [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage			24.60%
Healthcare [Member] | Putney, Inc. [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage			28.30%
Healthcare [Member] | Quantia [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage			42.30%
Healthcare [Member] | Syapse, Inc. [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage			27.00%
Healthcare [Member] | Trice [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage			27.70%
Technology [Member] | AppFirst, Inc. [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage			34.30%
Technology [Member] | Apprenda [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage			21.40%
Technology [Member] | Beyond.com, Inc [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage			38.20%
Technology [Member] | Bridgevine, Inc. [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under cost method, percentage			17.20%
Technology [Member] | CloudMine [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage			30.10%
Technology [Member] | Clutch Holdings, LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage			29.60%
Technology [Member] | DriveFactor Inc. [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage			40.60%
Technology [Member] | Full Measure [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage			25.40%
Technology [Member] | Hoopla Software, Inc. [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage			25.60%
Technology [Member] | Lumesis, Inc. [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage			45.30%
Technology [Member] | MediaMath, Inc. [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage			20.70%
Technology [Member] | Pneuron, Inc. [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage			27.60%
Technology [Member] | Spongecell, Inc. [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage			23.00%
Technology [Member] | Transactis [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage			24.80%
Technology [Member] | WebLinc [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage			29.20%

Operating_Segments_Segment_Dat

Operating Segments - Segment Data from Operations (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating loss	($4,880)	($5,239)
Other loss, net	-388	30,374
Interest income	449	470
Equity income (loss)	-8,662	6,808
Net income (loss)	-14,603	31,319
Segment assets	303,438		318,454
Total Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating loss	0	0
Other loss, net	-239	30,379
Interest income	0	0
Equity income (loss)	-8,814	7,037
Net income (loss)	-9,053	37,416
Segment assets	162,073		150,700
Healthcare [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating loss	0	0
Other loss, net	-239	30,379
Interest income	0
Equity income (loss)	-4,042	10,622
Net income (loss)	-4,281	41,001
Segment assets	65,804		62,292
Technology [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating loss	0	0
Other loss, net	0
Interest income	0
Equity income (loss)	-4,772	-3,585
Net income (loss)	-4,772	-3,585
Segment assets	96,269		88,408
Other Items [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating loss	-4,880	-5,239
Other loss, net	-149	-5
Interest income	449	470
Equity income (loss)	152	-229
Net income (loss)	-5,550	-6,097
Segment assets	$141,365		$167,754

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2001	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitment Contingencies And Guarantees [Line Items]
Accrued expenses		$3,055,000	$2,334,000
Other long-term liabilities		3,558,000	3,507,000
Annual payments	650,000
Employee Severance
Commitment Contingencies And Guarantees [Line Items]
Maximum severance payments		3,000,000
Letter of credit
Commitment Contingencies And Guarantees [Line Items]
Letter of credit under the credit facility		6,300,000
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
Commitment Contingencies And Guarantees [Line Items]
Liability to former chairman and chief executive officer, current		800,000
Other long-term liabilities
Commitment Contingencies And Guarantees [Line Items]
Liability to former chairman and chief executive officer, non-current		2,400,000
Clawback Liability
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]
Company outstanding guarantees		$3,800,000

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Apr. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Proceeds from sales of and distributions from companies	$2,192,000	$77,187,000
Drive Factor [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Proceeds from sales of and distributions from companies			8,900,000
Amount held in escrow			1,100,000
Gain on sale of business				$5,900,000