Safeguard Scientifics (SFES) 10-Q 23 Oct 15 2015 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Oct. 21, 2015
Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	SAFEGUARD SCIENTIFICS INC
Entity Central Index Key	86,115
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		20,649,671
Trading Symbol	SFE

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 63,708	$ 111,897
Marketable securities	29,760	25,263
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	2,011	1,684
Total current assets	95,479	138,844
Property and equipment, net	1,438	123
Ownership interests in and advances to partner companies	162,988	154,192
Loan participations receivable	2,640	3,855
Long-term marketable securities	10,705	19,365
Other assets	1,903	2,075
Total Assets	275,153	318,454
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	253	226
Accrued compensation and benefits	3,137	3,997
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	3,644	2,334
Total current liabilities	7,034	6,557
Other long-term liabilities	3,928	3,507
Convertible senior debentures	51,441	50,563
Total Liabilities	$ 62,403	$ 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 September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014	2,157	2,157
Additional paid-in capital	818,671	819,757
Treasury stock, at cost; 877 and 921 shares at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively	(18,079)	(19,341)
Accumulated deficit	(589,999)	(544,746)
Total Equity	212,750	257,827
Total Liabilities and Equity	$ 275,153	$ 318,454

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares shares in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
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	877	921

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPER

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Statement [Abstract]
General and administrative expense	$ 3,962	$ 4,177	$ 13,596	$ 14,485
Operating loss	(3,962)	(4,177)	(13,596)	(14,485)
Other income (loss), net	704	(246)	301	31,580
Interest income	398	482	1,487	1,494
Interest expense	(1,133)	(1,103)	(3,383)	(3,295)
Equity loss	(7,635)	(8,962)	(30,062)	(5,329)
Net income (loss) before income taxes	(11,628)	(14,006)	(45,253)	9,965
Income tax benefit (expense)	0	0	0	0
Net loss	$ (11,628)	$ (14,006)	$ (45,253)	$ 9,965
Net income (loss) per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ (0.56)	$ (0.68)	$ (2.17)	$ 0.47
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.56)	$ (0.68)	$ (2.17)	$ 0.47
Weighted average shares used in computing income (loss) per share :
Basic (in shares)	20,919	20,678	20,892	21,042
Diluted (in shares)	20,919	20,678	20,892	21,418

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMEN

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net cash used in operating activities	$ (14,086)	$ (15,475)
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Proceeds from sales of and distributions from companies	25,029	81,626
Acquisitions of ownership interests in companies	(52,181)	(54,956)
Advances and loans to companies	(10,935)	(9,868)
Repayment of advances and loans to companies	1,290	5,509
Increase in marketable securities	(23,875)	(44,578)
Decrease in marketable securities	28,043	39,979
Capital expenditures	(402)	(11)
Other	0	5
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(33,031)	17,706
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Issuance of Company common stock, net	676	612
Repurchase of convertible senior debentures	0	(441)
Repurchase of Company common stock	(1,748)	(25,036)
Net cash used in financing activities	(1,072)	(24,865)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(48,189)	(22,634)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	111,897	139,318
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 63,708	$ 116,684

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANG

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY - 9 months ended Sep. 30, 2015 - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Accumulated Deficit [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 257,827	$ (544,746)	$ 2,157	$ 819,757	$ (19,341)
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014			21,573
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014					921
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net loss	(45,253)	(45,253)
Stock options exercised, net	676			(1,051)	$ 1,727
Stock options exercised, net (in shares)					(83)
Repurchase of common stock	(1,748)				$ (1,748)
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)					99
Issuance of restricted stock, net	108			(1,175)	$ 1,283
Issuance of restricted stock, net (in shares)					(60)
Stock-based compensation expense	1,140			1,140
Balance at Sep. 30, 2015	$ 212,750	$ (589,999)	$ 2,157	$ 818,671	$ (18,079)
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2015			21,573
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2015					877

General

General	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 Adva

Ownership Interests in and Advances to Partner Companies and Funds	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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. September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 (Unaudited - In thousands) Equity Method: Partner companies $ 143,906 $ 134,861 Private equity funds 1,030 1,128 144,936 135,989 Cost Method: Partner companies 5,024 6,774 Private equity funds 2,050 2,364 7,074 9,138 Advances to partner companies 10,978 9,065 $ 162,988 $ 154,192 In January 2014, Alverix, Inc., formerly an equity method partner company, was acquired by Becton, Dickinson and Company. The Company received $15.7 million in initial cash proceeds in connection with the transaction. The Company recognized a gain of $15.7 million on the transaction, which is included in Equity income (loss) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. In July 2015, the Company received an additional $1.7 million in connection with the expiration of the escrow period, resulting in a gain of $1.7 million which is included in Equity income (loss), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30 , 2015. In December 2013, ThingWorx, Inc., formerly an equity method partner company, was acquired by PTC Inc. The Company received $36.4 million in initial cash proceeds in connection with the transaction excluding $4.1 million which will be held in escrow until December 2015. In July 2015, the Company received an additional $3.3 million associated with the achievement of performance milestones, resulting in a gain of $3.3 million which is included in Equity income (loss), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015. Depending on the achievement of certain additional milestones, the Company may receive up to an additional $3.2 million in connection with the transaction. 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 nine months ended September 30, 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 nine months ended September 30, 2015. In July 2015, the Company received the remaining $0.9 million which was released from escrow resulting in a gain of $0.9 million which is included in Other income (loss), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015. In July 2015, Quantia, Inc., formerly an equity method partner company, was acquired by Physicians Interactive. The Company received cash proceeds of $7.8 million in connection with the transaction, excluding $1.2 million which will be held in escrow until July 2016. The Company recognized an impairment charge of $2.9 million in the second quarter of 2015 which is reflected in Equity income (loss) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. The impairment was based on the difference between the Company's carrying value in Quantia and the initial net proceeds received. In April 2015, DriveFactor, Inc., formerly an equity method partner company, was acquired by CCC Information Services Inc. The Company received cash proceeds of $9.1 million , excluding $1.1 million which will be held in escrow until approximately April 2016. The Company recognized a gain of $6.1 million on the transaction, which is included in Equity income (loss) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. The Company recognized an impairment charge of $3.2 million in the second quarter of 2015 related to InfoBionic, Inc. which is reflected in Equity income (loss) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. The impairment was due to discontinuation of InfoBionic's first-generation product. The amount of the impairment was determined based on the value at which InfoBionic raised additional equity financing in July 2015 from the Company and other existing capital providers. Proceeds from the financing will be used for development and commercialization of the second-generation product. The Company recognized an impairment charge of $2.3 million in the first quarter of 2015 related to Dabo Health, Inc. which is reflected in Other income (loss), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. The impairment was based on the decision of the Company and other shareholders not to continue to fund Dabo Health's operations. The Company believes it is unlikely it will recover any of its capital.

Acquisitions of Ownership Inter

Acquisitions of Ownership Interests in Partner Companies and Funds	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Acquisitions of Ownership Interests in Partner Companies	Acquisitions of Ownership Interests in Partner Companies In July 2015, the Company deployed an additional $10.0 million into Apprenda, Inc. The Company had previously deployed $12.1 million in Apprenda. 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 interest in Apprenda under the equity method. In July 2015, the Company deployed an additional $1.5 million into InfoBionic. The Company had previously deployed an aggregate of $8.0 million in InfoBionic. 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 the six months ended June 30, 2015, the Company funded an aggregate of $2.8 million of convertible bridge loans to Quantia, Inc. The Company had previously deployed an aggregate of $12.5 million in Quantia. The Company accounted for its interest in Quantia under the equity method. In July 2015, Quantia was acquired by Physicians Interactive. During the six months ended June 30, 2015, the Company funded an aggregate of $2.0 million of convertible bridge loans to AppFirst, Inc. The Company had previously deployed an aggregate of $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 June 2015, the Company acquired a 24.5% interest in QuanticMind, Inc., formerly InsideVault, Inc., for $7.0 million . QuanticMind is a software-as-a-service company that provides enterprise-level predictive advertising management software for paid search, social and mobile. The Company accounts for its interest in QuanticMind under the equity method. In May 2015, the Company deployed an additional $3.5 million into Pneuron Corporation. The Company had previously deployed $5.0 million in Pneuron. Pneuron enables organizations to rapidly solve business problems through a distributed approach that cuts across data, applications and processes. The Company accounts for its interest in Pneuron under the equity method. In May and February 2015, the Company deployed an aggregate of $4.8 million into Clutch Holdings, Inc. ("Clutch"). The Company had previously deployed an aggregate of $7.5 million in Clutch. Clutch provides consumer management technology that delivers customer intelligence and consumer engagement solutions to premium brands. The Company accounts for its interest in Clutch under the equity method. In May 2015, the Company acquired a 22.6% interest in Sonobi, Inc. for $5.4 million . Sonobi is an advertising technology developer that creates data-driven tools and solutions to meet the evolving needs of demand- and sell-side organizations within the digital media marketplace. The Company accounts for its interest in Sonobi under the equity method. In April and March 2015, the Company funded an aggregate $1.0 million convertible bridge loan to AdvantEdge Healthcare Solutions, Inc. ("AdvantEdge"). The Company had previously deployed an aggregate of $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. In April 2015, the Company acquired a 31.5% interest in meQuilibrium for $6.5 million . meQuilibrium offers an individualized, online stress management program based on building resilience, defined as the capacity to rebound or bounce back from adversity, conflict, failure and also positive events, progress and increased responsibility. The Company accounts for its interest in meQuilibrium 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 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 impaired all of the carrying value of Dabo Health in the first quarter of 2015. The Company accounted for its interest in Dabo Health under the cost 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 an aggregate of $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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 instruments recorded at fair value on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets are categorized as follows: Level 1—Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. Level 2—Include other inputs that are directly or indirectly observable in the marketplace. Level 3—Unobservable inputs which are supported by little or no market activity. The fair value hierarchy also requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The following table provides the carrying value and fair value of certain financial assets and liabilities of the Company measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 : Carrying Value Fair Value Measurement at September 30, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (Unaudited - In thousands) Cash and cash equivalents $ 63,708 $ 63,708 $ — $ — Marketable securities—held-to-maturity: Certificates of deposit $ 40,465 $ 40,465 $ — $ — Total marketable securities $ 40,465 $ 40,465 $ — $ — Carrying Value Fair Value Measurement at December 31, 2014 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 September 30, 2015 , $29.8 million of marketable securities had contractual maturities which were less than one year and $10.7 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.

Convertible Debentures and Cred

Convertible Debentures and Credit Arrangements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Convertible Debentures and Credit Arrangements	Convertible Debentures and Credit Arrangements Convertible Senior Debentures In November 2012, the Company issued $55.0 million principal amount of its 5.25% convertible senior debentures due 2018 (the "2018 Debentures"). The 2018 Debentures may be settled in cash or partially in cash upon conversion. Accordingly, the Company separately accounts for the liability and equity components of the 2018 Debentures. The carrying amount of the liability component was determined at the transaction date by measuring the fair value of a similar liability that does not have an associated equity component. The carrying amount of the equity component represented by the embedded conversion option was determined by deducting the fair value of the liability component from the initial proceeds of the 2018 Debentures as a whole. At September 30, 2015 , the fair value of the $55.0 million outstanding 2018 Debentures was approximately $62.6 million , based on the midpoint of the bid and ask prices as of such date. At September 30, 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 $3.6 million and the net carrying value of the liability component was $51.4 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 $0.9 million and $0.8 million of such expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. 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 September 30, 2015 was $18.7 million .

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (Unaudited - In thousands) General and administrative expense $ 148 $ 176 $ 1,140 $ 1,583 $ 148 $ 176 $ 1,140 $ 1,583 The fair value of the Company’s option awards to employees was estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The risk-free rate was based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the end of the quarter in which the grant occurred. The expected term of stock options granted was estimated using the historical exercise behavior of employees. Expected volatility was based on historical volatility measured using weekly price observations of the Company’s common stock for a period equal to the stock option’s expected term. At September 30, 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 nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company did not issue any performance-based options to employees. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, 7 thousand performance-based options vested. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, 8 thousand and 16 thousand performance-based options, respectively, were canceled or forfeited. The Company recorded compensation expense related to performance-based options of $0.0 million for both the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, and $0.0 million and $0.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The maximum number of unvested shares at September 30, 2015 attainable under these option grants was 453 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 nine months ended September 30, 2014, 22 thousand market-based options vested. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, 91 thousand and 107 thousand market-based options, respectively, were canceled or forfeited. The Company recorded compensation expense related to market-based options of $0.0 million for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014. The Company recognized all remaining compensation cost related to market-based options in 2014. Depending on the Company’s stock performance, the maximum number of unvested shares at September 30, 2015 attainable under these option grants was 136 thousand shares. All other outstanding options are service-based awards that generally vest over four years after the date of grant and expire eight years after the date of grant. Compensation expense is recognized over the requisite service period using the straight-line method. The requisite service period for service-based awards is the period over which the award vests. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company issued 21 thousand and 5 thousand service-based options, respectively, to employees. The Company recorded compensation expense related to service-based options of $0.1 million for both the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, and $0.2 million and $0.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. 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 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 nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company did not issue any performance-based stock units to employees. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, no performance-based stock units vested. Under the 2014 performance-based award plan, once performance-based stock units 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 September 30, 2015, the liability associated with such potential cash payments was $0.0 million . During the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company issued 41 thousand and 45 thousand deferred stock units, respectively, 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. All other awards are restricted stock awards that generally vest over four years. During the nine months ended September 30, 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 $0.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, and $1.0 million and $1.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The Company’s consolidated income tax benefit (expense) was $0.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 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 and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and the three months ended September 30, 2014 was offset by changes in the valuation allowance. The tax expense that would have been recognized in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was also offset by changes in the valuation allowance. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015 , the Company had no material changes in uncertain tax positions.

Net Income (Loss) Per Share

Net Income (Loss) Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (Unaudited - In thousands, except per share data) Basic: Net income (loss) $ (11,628 ) $ (14,006 ) $ (45,253 ) $ 9,965 Weighted average common shares outstanding 20,919 20,678 20,892 21,042 Net income (loss) per share $ (0.56 ) $ (0.68 ) $ (2.17 ) $ 0.47 Diluted: Net income (loss) for dilutive share computation $ (11,628 ) $ (14,006 ) $ (45,253 ) $ 9,965 Number of shares used in basic per share computation 20,919 20,678 20,892 21,042 Unvested restricted stock and DSUs — — — 354 Employee stock options — — — 22 Weighted average common shares outstanding 20,919 20,678 20,892 21,418 Net income (loss) per share $ (0.56 ) $ (0.68 ) $ (2.17 ) $ 0.47 Basic and diluted average common shares outstanding for purposes of computing net income (loss) per share includes outstanding common shares and vested deferred stock units (DSUs). If a consolidated or equity method partner company has dilutive stock options, unvested restricted stock, DSUs or warrants, diluted net income (loss) per share is computed by first deducting the income attributable to the potential exercise of the dilutive securities of the partner company from net income (loss). Any impact is shown as an adjustment to net income (loss) for purposes of calculating diluted net income (loss) per share. Diluted earnings per share for the three months ended September 30, 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 September 30, 2015 and 2014, options to purchase 1.1 million and 1.7 million shares of common stock at prices ranging from $7.14 to $19.95 and $3.93 to $18.80 , respectively, were excluded from the calculations. • At September 30, 2015 and 2014, unvested restricted stock, performance-based stock units and DSUs convertible into 0.4 million and 0.3 million shares of stock, respectively, were excluded from the calculations. • At September 30, 2015 and 2014, 3.0 million shares of common stock, representing the effect of the assumed conversion of the 2018 Debentures, were excluded from the calculation. Diluted earnings per share for the nine months ended September 30, 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 September 30, 2015 and 2014, options to purchase 1.1 million and 0.8 million shares of common stock at prices ranging from $7.14 to $19.95 and $7.41 to $18.78 , respectively, were excluded from the calculations. • At September 30, 2015 and 2014, unvested restricted stock, performance-based stock units and DSUs convertible into 0.4 million and 0.3 million shares of stock, respectively, were excluded from the calculations. • At September 30, 2015 and 2014, 3.0 million shares of common stock, representing the effect of the assumed conversion of the 2018 Debentures, were excluded from the calculation.

Operating Segments

Operating Segments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Operating Segments	Operating Segments As of September 30, 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 September 30, 2015 : Healthcare Partner Company Safeguard Primary Ownership as of September 30, 2015 Accounting Method AdvantEdge Healthcare Solutions, Inc. 40.1% Equity Aventura, Inc. 19.9% Equity Good Start Genetics, Inc. 29.8% Equity InfoBionic, Inc. 38.5% Equity Medivo, Inc. 34.5% Equity meQuilibrium, Inc. 31.5% Equity NovaSom, Inc. 31.7% Equity Propeller Health, Inc. 24.6% Equity Putney, Inc. 28.2% Equity Syapse, Inc. 24.4% Equity Trice Medical, Inc. 27.7% Equity Technology Partner Company Safeguard Primary Ownership as of September 30, 2015 Accounting Method AppFirst, Inc. 34.2% Equity Apprenda, Inc. 29.5% Equity Beyond.com, Inc. 38.2% Equity Bridgevine, Inc. 17.2% Cost CloudMine, Inc. 30.1% Equity Clutch Holdings, Inc. 39.3% Equity Full Measure Education, Inc. 25.4% Equity Hoopla Software, Inc. 25.6% Equity QuanticMind, Inc. (formerly InsideVault, Inc.) 24.5% Equity Lumesis, Inc. 44.7% Equity MediaMath, Inc. 20.6% Equity Pneuron Corporation 35.4% Equity Sonobi, Inc. 22.6% Equity Spongecell, Inc. 23.0% Equity Transactis, Inc. 24.5% Equity WebLinc, Inc. 29.2% 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 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 September 30, 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 totaling $104.2 million and $156.5 million at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively. Three months ended September 30, 2015 Healthcare Technology Total Segments Other Items Total (Unaudited - In thousands) Operating loss $ — $ — $ — $ (3,962 ) $ (3,962 ) Other income (loss), net 869 — 869 (165 ) 704 Equity loss (4,581 ) (2,966 ) (7,547 ) (88 ) (7,635 ) Net loss (3,712 ) (2,966 ) (6,678 ) (4,950 ) (11,628 ) Segment Assets: September 30, 2015 48,463 111,445 159,908 115,245 275,153 December 31, 2014 62,292 88,408 150,700 167,754 318,454 Three months ended September 30, 2014 Healthcare Technology Total Segments Other Items Total (Unaudited - In thousands) Operating loss $ — $ — $ — $ (4,177 ) $ (4,177 ) Other loss, net (8 ) — (8 ) (238 ) (246 ) Equity loss (4,734 ) (4,109 ) (8,843 ) (119 ) (8,962 ) Net loss (4,742 ) (4,109 ) (8,851 ) (5,155 ) (14,006 ) Nine months ended September 30, 2015 Healthcare Technology Total Segments Other Items Total (Unaudited - In thousands) Operating loss $ — $ — $ — $ (13,596 ) $ (13,596 ) Other income (loss), net 558 — 558 (257 ) 301 Equity loss (21,686 ) (8,344 ) (30,030 ) (32 ) (30,062 ) Net loss (21,128 ) (8,344 ) (29,472 ) (15,781 ) (45,253 ) Nine months ended September 30, 2014 Healthcare Technology Total Segments Other Items Total (Unaudited - In thousands) Operating loss $ — $ — $ — $ (14,485 ) $ (14,485 ) Other income (loss), net 31,823 — 31,823 (243 ) 31,580 Equity income (loss) 1,341 (6,108 ) (4,767 ) (562 ) (5,329 ) Net income (loss) 33,164 (6,108 ) 27,056 (17,091 ) 9,965

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 September 30, 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 September 30, 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 $2.3 million was included in Other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at September 30, 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 September 30, 2015 . In June 2011, the Company's former partner company, Advanced BioHealing, Inc. (“ABH”) was acquired by Shire plc. Prior to the expiration of the escrow period in March 2012, Shire plc filed a claim against all amounts held in escrow related to the sale based principally upon a United States Department of Justice (“DOJ”) false claims act investigation relating to ABH. No further proceeds will be distributed to the Company or other former owners until the validity of such claims is determined. The Company presently views it as unlikely that it will receive any portion of such amount in the short or long-term. In connection with the above-referenced investigation, in July 2015 the Company received a Civil Investigation Demand-Documentary Material from the DOJ regarding ABH and Safeguard’s relationship with ABH. Safeguard intends to cooperate with the investigation.

Equity

Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Equity	Equity In July 2015, 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 third quarter of 2015, the Company repurchased 0.1 million shares at an aggregate cost of $1.7 million .

Ownership Interests in and Ad18

Ownership Interests in and Advances to Partner Companies and Funds (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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. September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 (Unaudited - In thousands) Equity Method: Partner companies $ 143,906 $ 134,861 Private equity funds 1,030 1,128 144,936 135,989 Cost Method: Partner companies 5,024 6,774 Private equity funds 2,050 2,364 7,074 9,138 Advances to partner companies 10,978 9,065 $ 162,988 $ 154,192

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 : Carrying Value Fair Value Measurement at September 30, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (Unaudited - In thousands) Cash and cash equivalents $ 63,708 $ 63,708 $ — $ — Marketable securities—held-to-maturity: Certificates of deposit $ 40,465 $ 40,465 $ — $ — Total marketable securities $ 40,465 $ 40,465 $ — $ — Carrying Value Fair Value Measurement at December 31, 2014 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 $ — $ —

Stock-Based Compensation (Table

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (Unaudited - In thousands) General and administrative expense $ 148 $ 176 $ 1,140 $ 1,583 $ 148 $ 176 $ 1,140 $ 1,583
Types of Vesting Schedules	At September 30, 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 (Ta

Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (Unaudited - In thousands, except per share data) Basic: Net income (loss) $ (11,628 ) $ (14,006 ) $ (45,253 ) $ 9,965 Weighted average common shares outstanding 20,919 20,678 20,892 21,042 Net income (loss) per share $ (0.56 ) $ (0.68 ) $ (2.17 ) $ 0.47 Diluted: Net income (loss) for dilutive share computation $ (11,628 ) $ (14,006 ) $ (45,253 ) $ 9,965 Number of shares used in basic per share computation 20,919 20,678 20,892 21,042 Unvested restricted stock and DSUs — — — 354 Employee stock options — — — 22 Weighted average common shares outstanding 20,919 20,678 20,892 21,418 Net income (loss) per share $ (0.56 ) $ (0.68 ) $ (2.17 ) $ 0.47

Operating Segments (Tables)

Operating Segments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Active Partner Companies by Segment	The Company’s active partner companies by segment were as follows as of September 30, 2015 : Healthcare Partner Company Safeguard Primary Ownership as of September 30, 2015 Accounting Method AdvantEdge Healthcare Solutions, Inc. 40.1% Equity Aventura, Inc. 19.9% Equity Good Start Genetics, Inc. 29.8% Equity InfoBionic, Inc. 38.5% Equity Medivo, Inc. 34.5% Equity meQuilibrium, Inc. 31.5% Equity NovaSom, Inc. 31.7% Equity Propeller Health, Inc. 24.6% Equity Putney, Inc. 28.2% Equity Syapse, Inc. 24.4% Equity Trice Medical, Inc. 27.7% Equity Technology Partner Company Safeguard Primary Ownership as of September 30, 2015 Accounting Method AppFirst, Inc. 34.2% Equity Apprenda, Inc. 29.5% Equity Beyond.com, Inc. 38.2% Equity Bridgevine, Inc. 17.2% Cost CloudMine, Inc. 30.1% Equity Clutch Holdings, Inc. 39.3% Equity Full Measure Education, Inc. 25.4% Equity Hoopla Software, Inc. 25.6% Equity QuanticMind, Inc. (formerly InsideVault, Inc.) 24.5% Equity Lumesis, Inc. 44.7% Equity MediaMath, Inc. 20.6% Equity Pneuron Corporation 35.4% Equity Sonobi, Inc. 22.6% Equity Spongecell, Inc. 23.0% Equity Transactis, Inc. 24.5% Equity WebLinc, Inc. 29.2% Equity
Segment Data from Operations	Three months ended September 30, 2015 Healthcare Technology Total Segments Other Items Total (Unaudited - In thousands) Operating loss $ — $ — $ — $ (3,962 ) $ (3,962 ) Other income (loss), net 869 — 869 (165 ) 704 Equity loss (4,581 ) (2,966 ) (7,547 ) (88 ) (7,635 ) Net loss (3,712 ) (2,966 ) (6,678 ) (4,950 ) (11,628 ) Segment Assets: September 30, 2015 48,463 111,445 159,908 115,245 275,153 December 31, 2014 62,292 88,408 150,700 167,754 318,454 Three months ended September 30, 2014 Healthcare Technology Total Segments Other Items Total (Unaudited - In thousands) Operating loss $ — $ — $ — $ (4,177 ) $ (4,177 ) Other loss, net (8 ) — (8 ) (238 ) (246 ) Equity loss (4,734 ) (4,109 ) (8,843 ) (119 ) (8,962 ) Net loss (4,742 ) (4,109 ) (8,851 ) (5,155 ) (14,006 ) Nine months ended September 30, 2015 Healthcare Technology Total Segments Other Items Total (Unaudited - In thousands) Operating loss $ — $ — $ — $ (13,596 ) $ (13,596 ) Other income (loss), net 558 — 558 (257 ) 301 Equity loss (21,686 ) (8,344 ) (30,030 ) (32 ) (30,062 ) Net loss (21,128 ) (8,344 ) (29,472 ) (15,781 ) (45,253 ) Nine months ended September 30, 2014 Healthcare Technology Total Segments Other Items Total (Unaudited - In thousands) Operating loss $ — $ — $ — $ (14,485 ) $ (14,485 ) Other income (loss), net 31,823 — 31,823 (243 ) 31,580 Equity income (loss) 1,341 (6,108 ) (4,767 ) (562 ) (5,329 ) Net income (loss) 33,164 (6,108 ) 27,056 (17,091 ) 9,965

Ownership Interests in and Ad23

Ownership Interests in and Advances to Partner Companies and Funds - Carrying Value (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments In And Advances To Affiliates [Line Items]
Equity method investments	$ 144,936	$ 135,989
Cost method investments	7,074	9,138
Advances to partner companies	10,978	9,065
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)	162,988	154,192
Partner companies [Member]
Investments In And Advances To Affiliates [Line Items]
Equity method investments	143,906	134,861
Cost method investments	5,024	6,774
Private equity funds [Member]
Investments In And Advances To Affiliates [Line Items]
Equity method investments	1,030	1,128
Cost method investments	$ 2,050	$ 2,364

Ownership Interests in and Ad24

Ownership Interests in and Advances to Partner Companies and Funds - Narrative (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended						3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2015	Apr. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Investment [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of business										$ 25,029	$ 81,626
Alverix, Inc. [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of business					$ 15,700
Gain on sale of business	$ 1,700				$ 15,700
Alverix [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of business	1,700
Thing Worx Inc [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of business	3,300					$ 36,400
Gain on sale of business	3,300
Amount held in escrow							$ 4,100			4,100
Proceeds from milestone payments							3,200
Crescendo Bioscience, Inc. [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of business	900		$ 2,000	$ 38,400
Gain on sale of business	900		$ 2,000
Realized gains on cost method investment				$ 27,400
Quantia [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of business	$ 7,800
Amount held in escrow							1,200			1,200
Asset impairment charges								$ 2,900
Drive Factor [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of business		$ 9,100
Gain on sale of business		$ 6,100
Amount held in escrow							$ 1,100			$ 1,100
InfoBionic [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Asset impairment charges								$ 3,200
Dabo [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Asset impairment charges									$ 2,300

Acquisitions of Ownership Int25

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

1 Months Ended

2 Months Ended

4 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2015

Jun. 30, 2015

May. 31, 2015

Apr. 30, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Feb. 28, 2015

Jan. 31, 2015

Apr. 30, 2015

Feb. 28, 2015

May. 31, 2015

Apr. 30, 2015

Jun. 30, 2015

Sep. 30, 2015

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Payments to acquire equity method investments

$ 52,181

$ 54,956

Apprenda [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Payments to acquire equity method investments

$ 10,000

$ 12,100

InfoBionic [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Payments to acquire equity method investments

$ 1,500

8,000

Quantia [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Payments to acquire equity method investments

$ 12,500

Convertible bridge loan

2,800

AppFirst, Inc. [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Payments to acquire equity method investments

8,600

Convertible bridge loan

$ 2,000

InsideVault [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Payments to acquire equity method investments

$ 7,000

Ownership interest under equity method, percentage

24.50%

24.50%

Pneuron [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Payments to acquire equity method investments

$ 3,500

$ 5,000

Clutch [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Payments to acquire equity method investments

$ 7,500

$ 4,800

Sonobi [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Payments to acquire equity method investments

$ 5,400

Ownership interest under equity method, percentage

22.60%

22.60%

Advantedge [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Payments to acquire equity method investments

$ 15,300

Convertible bridge loan

$ 1,000

meQuilibrium [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Payments to acquire equity method investments

$ 6,500

Ownership interest under equity method, percentage

31.50%

31.50%

31.50%

Spongecell [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Payments to acquire equity method investments

10,000

Convertible bridge loan

$ 4,000

Dabo [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Convertible bridge loan

$ 300

Payments to acquire cost method investments

$ 2,000

CloudMine [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Payments to acquire equity method investments

$ 2,900

Ownership interest under equity method, percentage

30.10%

30.10%

Aventura [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Payments to acquire equity method investments

$ 6,000

Ownership interest under equity method, percentage

19.90%

Full Measure [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Payments to acquire equity method investments

$ 4,000

Ownership interest under equity method, percentage

25.40%

Trice [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Payments to acquire equity method investments

$ 1,100

$ 5,000

Fair Value Measurements - Carr

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 ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 63,708	$ 111,897
Total marketable securities	40,465	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	63,708	111,897
Total marketable securities	40,465	44,628
Commercial paper [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total marketable securities		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
Commercial paper [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total marketable securities		0
Commercial paper [Member] | Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total marketable securities		6,596
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
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
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
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
Government agency bonds [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total marketable securities		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
Government agency bonds [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total marketable securities		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		503
Certificates of deposit [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total marketable securities	40,465	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	$ 40,465	$ 36,026

Fair Value Measurements - Narr

Fair Value Measurements - Narrative (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Marketable securities, current	$ 29,760	$ 25,263
Marketable securities, non current	$ 10,705	$ 19,365

Convertible Debentures and Cr28

Convertible Debentures and Credit Arrangements - Convertible Senior Debentures Narrative (Detail) - Convertible Senior Debentures due 2018 [Member] - USD ($)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate face value of convertible senior debentures	$ 55,000,000		$ 55,000,000
Interest rate on debentures			5.25%
Fair value of debentures outstanding	62,600,000
Gross carrying amount of equity component	6,400,000
Unamortized discount	3,600,000
Carrying value of liability component	51,400,000
Amortization of debt discount (premium)	$ 900,000	$ 800,000
Debt instrument, interest rate, effective percentage	8.70%

Convertible Debentures and Cr29

Convertible Debentures and Credit Arrangements - Credit Arrangements Narrative (Detail) - Credit Arrangements [Member]	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)
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	Dec. 21, 2015
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	Mar. 19, 2019

Stock-Based Compensation - Sto

Stock-Based Compensation - Stock-Based Compensation Expense (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 148	$ 176	$ 1,140	$ 1,583
General And Administrative Expenses [Member]
Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 148	$ 176	$ 1,140	$ 1,583

Stock-Based Compensation - Nar

Stock-Based Compensation - Narrative (Detail) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)vesting_type	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)vesting_typeyrshares	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)shares
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of award vesting types | vesting_type	3		3
Cash Liability for Performance-Based Units | $	$ 0		$ 0
Performance Shares [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense | $	0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0.1
Stock-based compensation, maximum number of unvested shares			453,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested, Number of Shares				7,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period			8,000	16,000
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			136,000
Vesting period			8 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested, Number of Shares				22,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period			91,000	107,000
Service Based Award [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense | $	0.1	0.1	$ 0.2	$ 0.3
Vesting period			4 years
Expiration period			8 years
Options issued			21,000	5,000
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 | yr			65
Deferred Stock Units [Member] | Director [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares issued to non-employee individual			41,000	45,000
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 | $	$ 0.1	$ 0.1	$ 1	$ 1.2
Vesting period			4 years

Income Taxes (Detail)

Income Taxes (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income tax benefit (expense)	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Net Income (Loss) Per Share -

Net Income (Loss) Per Share - Calculations of Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Basic:
Net income (loss)	$ (11,628)	$ (14,006)	$ (45,253)	$ 9,965
Weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares)	20,919	20,678	20,892	21,042
Net income (loss) per share (in dollars per share)	$ (0.56)	$ (0.68)	$ (2.17)	$ 0.47
Diluted:
Net income (loss) attributable to parent, diluted	$ (11,628)	$ (14,006)	$ (45,253)	$ 9,965
Number of shares used in basic per share computation (in shares)	20,919	20,678	20,892	21,042
Weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares)	20,919	20,678	20,892	21,418
Net income (loss) per share (in dollars per share)	$ (0.56)	$ (0.68)	$ (2.17)	$ 0.47
Restricted Stock Unit And Performance Stock Unit And Deferred Stock Unit [Member]
Diluted:
Stock options (in shares)	0	0	0	354
Employee stock options [Member]
Diluted:
Stock options (in shares)	0	0	0	22

Net Income (Loss) Per Share 34

Net Income (Loss) Per Share - Narrative (Detail) - $ / shares shares in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 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	1.1	1.7	1.1	0.8
Shares of common stock at prices ranging, lower limit	$ 7.14	$ 3.93	$ 7.14	$ 7.41
Shares of common stock at prices ranging, upper limit	$ 19.95	$ 18.80	$ 19.95	$ 18.78
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		0.4	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	3	3	3

Operating Segments - Narrative

Operating Segments - Narrative (Detail) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)nonconsolidated_partner_company	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Non-consolidated partner companies | nonconsolidated_partner_company	27
Other Items [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets included cash, cash equivalents, cash held in escrow, and marketable securities	$ 104.2	$ 156.5

Operating Segments - Active Pa

Operating Segments - Active Partner Companies by Segment (Detail)	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	May. 31, 2015	Apr. 30, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015	Jan. 31, 2015
Aventura [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage						19.90%
meQuilibrium [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage				31.50%
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%
InsideVault [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage		24.50%
Sonobi [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage			22.60%
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] | 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	38.50%
Healthcare [Member] | Medivo, Inc. [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage	34.50%
Healthcare [Member] | meQuilibrium [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage	31.50%
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	28.20%
Healthcare [Member] | Syapse, Inc. [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage	24.40%
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	34.20%
Technology [Member] | Apprenda [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage	29.50%
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	39.30%
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] | InsideVault [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage	24.50%
Technology [Member] | Lumesis, Inc. [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage	44.70%
Technology [Member] | MediaMath, Inc. [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage	20.60%
Technology [Member] | Pneuron [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage	35.40%
Technology [Member] | Sonobi [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage	22.60%
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	24.50%
Technology [Member] | WebLinc [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage	29.20%

Operating Segments - Segment D

Operating Segments - Segment Data from Operations (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating loss	$ (3,962)	$ (4,177)	$ (13,596)	$ (14,485)
Other income (loss), net	704	(246)	301	31,580
Equity loss	(7,635)	(8,962)	(30,062)	(5,329)
Net income (loss)	(11,628)	(14,006)	(45,253)	9,965
Segment assets	275,153		275,153		$ 318,454
Total Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating loss	0	0	0	0
Other income (loss), net	869	(8)	558	31,823
Equity loss	(7,547)	(8,843)	(30,030)	(4,767)
Net income (loss)	(6,678)	(8,851)	(29,472)	27,056
Segment assets	159,908		159,908		150,700
Healthcare [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating loss	0	0	0	0
Other income (loss), net	869	(8)	558	31,823
Equity loss	(4,581)	(4,734)	(21,686)	1,341
Net income (loss)	(3,712)	(4,742)	(21,128)	33,164
Segment assets	48,463		48,463		62,292
Technology [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating loss	0	0	0	0
Other income (loss), net	0	0	0	0
Equity loss	(2,966)	(4,109)	(8,344)	(6,108)
Net income (loss)	(2,966)	(4,109)	(8,344)	(6,108)
Segment assets	111,445		111,445		88,408
Other Items [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating loss	(3,962)	(4,177)	(13,596)	(14,485)
Other income (loss), net	(165)	(238)	(257)	(243)
Equity loss	(88)	(119)	(32)	(562)
Net income (loss)	(4,950)	$ (5,155)	(15,781)	$ (17,091)
Segment assets	$ 115,245		$ 115,245		$ 167,754

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2001	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitment Contingencies And Guarantees [Line Items]
Accrued expenses		$ 3,644	$ 2,334
Other long-term liabilities		3,928	$ 3,507
Annual payments	$ 650
Employee Severance
Commitment Contingencies And Guarantees [Line Items]
Maximum severance payments		3,000
Letter of credit
Commitment Contingencies And Guarantees [Line Items]
Letter of credit under the credit facility		6,300
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
Commitment Contingencies And Guarantees [Line Items]
Liability to former chairman and chief executive officer, current		800
Other long-term liabilities
Commitment Contingencies And Guarantees [Line Items]
Liability to former chairman and chief executive officer, non-current		2,300
Clawback Liability
Commitment Contingencies And Guarantees [Line Items]
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		1,300
Accrued expenses		1,000
Other long-term liabilities		$ 300
Company's ownership in the funds		19.00%
Private equity funds [Member]
Commitment Contingencies And Guarantees [Line Items]
Company outstanding guarantees		$ 3,800

Equity (Details)

Equity (Details) - USD ($) shares in Millions	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jul. 01, 2015
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchased during period, value		$ 1,748,000
Common Stock [Member]
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount			$ 25,000,000
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)	0.1
Stock repurchased during period, value	$ 1,700,000