Safeguard Scientifics (SFES) 10-K 4 Mar 16 2015 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Feb. 29, 2016	Jun. 30, 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-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		20,181,974
Trading Symbol	SFE
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 399,223,768

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 32,838	$ 111,897
Marketable securities	31,020	25,263
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	5,810	1,684
Total current assets	69,668	138,844
Property and equipment, net	2,145	123
Ownership interests in and advances to partner companies	171,601	154,192
Loan participations receivable	2,649	3,855
Long-term marketable securities	9,743	19,365
Other assets	1,828	2,075
Total Assets	257,634	318,454
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	290	226
Accrued compensation and benefits	3,338	3,997
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	2,789	2,334
Total current liabilities	6,417	6,557
Other long-term liabilities	3,965	3,507
Convertible senior debentures—non-current	51,747	50,563
Total Liabilities	$ 62,129	$ 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 issued at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively	2,157	2,157
Additional paid-in capital	817,434	819,757
Treasury stock, at cost; 993 and 921 shares at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively	(19,570)	(19,341)
Accumulated deficit	(604,270)	(544,746)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(246)	0
Total Equity	195,505	257,827
Total Liabilities and Equity	$ 257,634	$ 318,454

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.10	$ 0.10
Preferred stock, shares authorized	1,000,000	1,000,000
Common stock, par value	$ 0.10	$ 0.10
Common stock, shares authorized	83,333,000	83,333,000
Common stock, shares issued	21,573,000	21,573,000
Treasury Stock, Shares	993,000	921,000

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPER

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015		Sep. 30, 2015		Jun. 30, 2015		Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014		Sep. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2014		Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]
General and administrative expense	$ 3,958		$ 3,962		$ 4,754		$ 4,880		$ 4,485		$ 4,177		$ 5,069		$ 5,239		$ 17,554	$ 18,970	$ 21,644
Operating loss	(3,958)		(3,962)		(4,754)		(4,880)		(4,485)		(4,177)		(5,069)		(5,239)		(17,554)	(18,970)	(21,644)
Other income (loss), net	(84)		704		(15)		(388)		77		(246)		1,452		30,374		217	31,657	383
Interest income	448		398		640		449		407		482		542		470		1,935	1,901	2,646
Interest expense	(1,140)		(1,133)		(1,128)		(1,122)		(1,107)		(1,103)		(1,098)		(1,094)		(4,523)	(4,402)	(4,303)
Equity loss	(9,537)		(7,635)		(13,765)		(8,662)		(10,006)		(8,962)		(3,175)		6,808		(39,599)	(15,335)	(12,607)
Net loss before income taxes	(14,271)		(11,628)		(19,022)		(14,603)		(15,114)		(14,006)		(7,348)		31,319		(59,524)	(5,149)	(35,525)
Income tax benefit (expense)	0		0		0		0		0		0		0		0		0	0	0
Net loss	$ (14,271)		$ (11,628)		$ (19,022)		$ (14,603)		$ (15,114)		$ (14,006)		$ (7,348)		$ 31,319		$ (59,524)	$ (5,149)	$ (35,525)
Net loss per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ (0.69)	[1]	$ (0.56)	[1]	$ (0.91)	[1]	$ (0.70)	[1]	$ (0.73)	[1]	$ (0.68)	[1]	$ (0.35)	[1]	$ 1.44	[1]	$ (2.85)	$ (0.25)	$ (1.66)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.69)	[1]	$ (0.56)	[1]	$ (0.91)	[1]	$ (0.70)	[1]	$ (0.73)	[1]	$ (0.68)	[1]	$ (0.35)	[1]	$ 1.29	[1]	$ (2.85)	$ (0.25)	$ (1.66)
Weighted average shares used in computing net loss per share:
Basic (in shares)																	20,874	20,975	21,362
Diluted (in shares)																	20,874	20,975	21,362
[1]	Per share amounts for the quarters have each been calculated separately. Accordingly, quarterly amounts may not add to the annual amounts because of differences in the average common shares outstanding during each period. Additionally, in regard to diluted per share amounts only, quarterly amounts may not add to the annual amounts because of the inclusion of the effect of potentially dilutive securities only in the periods in which such effect would have been dilutive, and because of the adjustments to net income (loss) for the dilutive effect of partner company common stock equivalents and convertible securities.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net loss	$ (59,524)	$ (5,149)	$ (35,525)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before taxes:
Share of other comprehensive loss of equity method investments	(246)	0	0
Total comprehensive loss	$ (59,770)	$ (5,149)	$ (35,525)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHAN

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Accumulated Deficit [Member]	AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	$ 313,971	$ (504,072)	$ 0	$ 2,097	$ 815,946	$ 0
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012				20,968		0
Net loss	(35,525)	(35,525)
Stock options exercised, net	4,417			$ 55	4,261	$ 101
Stock options exercised, net (in shares)				559		7
Issuance of restricted stock, net	99			$ 3	75	$ 21
Issuance of restricted stock, net (in shares)				26		3
Stock-based compensation expense	1,821				1,821
Repurchase of common stock	(122)					$ (122)
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)						8
Share of other comprehensive loss of equity method investments	0
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	284,661	(539,597)	0	$ 2,155	822,103	$ 0
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013				21,553		4
Net loss	(5,149)	(5,149)
Stock options exercised, net	1,289			$ 2	(2,716)	$ 4,003
Stock options exercised, net (in shares)				18		198
Issuance of restricted stock, net	98				(1,594)	$ 1,692
Issuance of restricted stock, net (in shares)						79
Stock-based compensation expense	1,935				1,935
Repurchase of common stock	(25,036)					$ (25,036)
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)						1,194
Conversion of convertible senior debentures to common stock	29				29
Conversion of convertible senior debentures to common stock (in shares)				2
Share of other comprehensive loss of equity method investments	0
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	257,827	(544,746)	0	$ 2,157	819,757	$ (19,341)
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014				21,573		921
Net loss	(59,524)	(59,524)
Stock options exercised, net	676				(1,051)	$ 1,727
Stock options exercised, net (in shares)						83
Issuance of restricted stock, net	158				(2,883)	$ 3,041
Issuance of restricted stock, net (in shares)						149
Stock-based compensation expense	1,611				1,611
Repurchase of common stock	(4,997)					$ (4,997)
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)						304
Share of other comprehensive loss of equity method investments	(246)		(246)
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 195,505	$ (604,270)	$ (246)	$ 2,157	$ 817,434	$ (19,570)
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2015				21,573		993

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net loss	$ (59,524)	$ (5,149)	$ (35,525)
Adjustments to reconcile to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation	190	74	92
Amortization of debt discount	1,184	1,085	995
Equity loss	39,599	15,335	12,607
Other (income) loss, net	(217)	(31,657)	(383)
Stock-based compensation expense	1,611	1,935	1,821
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net	(923)	(369)	(1,194)
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other	331	(1,443)	366
Net cash used in operating activities	(17,749)	(20,189)	(21,221)
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Acquisitions of ownership interests in companies	(70,186)	(59,476)	(41,838)
Proceeds from sales of and distributions from companies	25,058	82,822	38,974
Advances and loans to companies	(15,208)	(10,968)	(10,464)
Repayment of advances and loans to companies	1,318	4,684	1,651
Increase in marketable securities	(29,755)	(55,594)	(69,883)
Decrease in marketable securities	33,640	55,410	165,379
Capital expenditures	(1,856)	(59)	(37)
Proceeds from sale of discontinued operations, net	0	0	6,434
Other, net	0	137	42
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(56,989)	16,956	90,258
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Repurchase of convertible senior debentures	0	(441)	(43)
Issuance of Company common stock, net	676	1,289	4,417
Repurchase of Company common stock	(4,997)	(25,036)	(122)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(4,321)	(24,188)	4,252
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(79,059)	(27,421)	73,289
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	111,897	139,318	66,029
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 32,838	$ 111,897	$ 139,318

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies	Significant Accounting Policies Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Safeguard (the "Company") and all of its subsidiaries in which a controlling financial interest is maintained. All intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. Principles of Accounting for Ownership Interests in Companies The Company accounts for its interests in its partner companies using one of the following methods: consolidation, fair value, equity or cost. The accounting method applied is generally determined by the degree of the Company's influence over the entity, primarily determined by our voting interest in the entity. In addition to holding voting and non-voting equity and debt securities, the Company also periodically makes advances to its partner companies in the form of promissory notes which are included in the Ownership interests in and advances to partner companies line item in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Consolidation Method. The Company generally accounts for partner companies in which it directly or indirectly owns more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities under the consolidation method of accounting. Under this method, the Company includes the partner companies’ financial statements within the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements, and all significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated. The Company reflects participation of other stockholders in the net assets and in the income or losses of these consolidated partner companies in Equity in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and in Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest in the Statements of Operations. Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest adjusts the Company’s consolidated operating results to reflect only the Company’s share of the earnings or losses of the consolidated partner company. The Company accounts for results of operations and cash flows of a consolidated partner company through the latest date in which it holds a controlling interest. If the Company subsequently relinquishes control but retains an interest in the partner company, the accounting method is adjusted to the equity, cost or fair value method of accounting, as appropriate. As of December 31, 2015 and for each of the years in the three-year period then ended, the Company did not hold a controlling interest in any of its partner companies. Fair Value Method. Unrealized gains and losses on the mark-to-market of the Company's holdings in fair value method companies and realized gains and losses on the sale of any holdings in fair value method companies are recognized in Other income (loss), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. As of December 31, 2015 , the Company did not account for any of its partner companies under the fair value method. Equity Method. The Company accounts for partner companies whose results are not consolidated, but over which it exercises significant influence, under the equity method of accounting. Whether or not the Company exercises significant influence with respect to a partner company depends on an evaluation of several factors including, among others, representation of the Company on the partner company’s board of directors and the Company’s ownership level, which is generally a 20% to 50% interest in the voting securities of a partner company, including voting rights associated with the Company’s holdings in common, preferred and other convertible instruments in the company. Under the equity method of accounting, the Company does not reflect a partner company’s financial statements within the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements; however, the Company’s share of the income or loss of such partner company is reflected in Equity income (loss) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company includes the carrying value of equity method partner companies in Ownership interests in and advances to partner companies on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Any excess of the Company’s cost over its underlying interest in the net assets of equity method partner companies that is allocated to intangible assets is amortized over the estimated useful lives of the related intangible assets. The Company reflects its share of the income or loss of the equity method partner companies on a one quarter lag. This reporting lag could result in a delay in recognition of the impact of changes in the business or operations of these partner companies. When the Company’s carrying value in an equity method partner company is reduced to zero, the Company records no further losses in its Consolidated Statements of Operations unless the Company has an outstanding guarantee obligation or has committed additional funding to such equity method partner company. When such equity method partner company subsequently reports income, the Company will not record its share of such income until it exceeds the amount of the Company’s share of losses not previously recognized. Cost Method. The Company accounts for partner companies not consolidated or accounted for under the equity method or fair value method under the cost method of accounting. Under the cost method, the Company does not include its share of the income or losses of partner companies in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company includes the carrying value of cost method partner companies in Ownership interests in and advances to partner companies on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Accounting Estimates The preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results may differ from these estimates. These estimates include the evaluation of the recoverability of the Company’s ownership interests in and advances to partner companies, income taxes, stock-based compensation and commitments and contingencies. Management evaluates its estimates on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors, including the current economic environment, which management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. Certain amounts recorded to reflect the Company’s share of income or losses of partner companies accounted for under the equity method are based on unaudited results of operations of those companies and may require adjustments in the future when audits of these entities’ financial statements are completed. For the year ended December 31, 2014, adjustments at a partner company primarily related to revenue recognition amounted to $1.7 million , of which $1.4 million related to 2013 and $0.3 million related to 2012. Management evaluated the quantitative and qualitative impact of the corrections on previously reported periods as well as on the year ended December 31, 2014. Based on this evaluation, management concluded that these adjustments were not material to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. It is reasonably possible that the Company’s accounting estimates with respect to the ultimate recoverability of the carrying value of the Company’s ownership interests in and advances to partner companies could change in the near term and that the effect of such changes on the financial statements could be material. At December 31, 2015 , the Company believes the carrying value of the Company’s ownership interests in and advances to partner companies is not impaired, although there can be no assurance that the Company’s future results will confirm this assessment, that a significant write-down or write-off will not be required in the future or that a significant loss will not be recorded in the future upon the sale of a company. Cash and Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities The Company considers all highly liquid instruments with an original maturity of 90 days or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents consist of deposits that are readily convertible into cash. The Company determines the appropriate classification of marketable securities at the time of purchase and reevaluates such designation as of each balance sheet date. Held-to-maturity securities are carried at amortized cost, which approximates fair value. Marketable securities consist of held-to-maturity securities, primarily consisting of government agency bonds, commercial paper and certificates of deposits. Marketable securities with a maturity date greater than one year from the balance sheet date are considered long-term. The Company has not experienced any significant losses on cash equivalents and does not believe it is exposed to any significant credit risk on cash and cash equivalents. Financial Instruments The Company’s financial instruments (principally cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, accounts receivable, notes receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses) are carried at cost, which approximates fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments. The Company’s long-term debt is carried at cost. Impairment of Ownership Interests In and Advances to Partner Companies On a periodic basis, but no less frequently than quarterly, the Company evaluates the carrying value of its equity and cost method partner companies for possible impairment based on achievement of business plan objectives and milestones, the fair value of each partner company relative to its carrying value, the financial condition and prospects of the partner company and other relevant factors. The business plan objectives and milestones the Company considers include, among others, those related to financial performance, such as achievement of planned financial results or completion of capital raising activities, and those that are not primarily financial in nature, such as hiring of key employees or the establishment of strategic relationships. Management then determines whether there has been an other than temporary decline in the value of its ownership interest in the company. Impairment is measured as the amount by which the carrying value of an asset exceeds its fair value. The fair value of privately held companies is generally determined based on the value at which independent third parties have invested or have committed to invest in these companies or based on other valuation methods, including discounted cash flows, valuation of comparable public companies and the valuation of acquisitions of similar companies. Impairment charges related to equity method partner companies are included in Equity income (loss) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Impairment charges related to cost method partner companies and funds are included in Other income (loss), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The reduced cost basis of a previously impaired partner company is not written-up if circumstances suggest the value of the company has subsequently recovered. Income Taxes The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method whereby deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. The Company measures deferred tax assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The Company recognizes the effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates in income in the period of the enactment date. The Company provides a valuation allowance against the net deferred tax asset for amounts which are not considered more likely than not to be realized. Net Income (Loss) Per Share The Company computes net income (loss) per share using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each year. The Company includes in diluted net income (loss) per share common stock equivalents (unless anti-dilutive) which would arise from the exercise of stock options and conversion of other convertible securities and adjusted, if applicable, for the effect on net income (loss) of such transactions. Diluted net income (loss) per share calculations adjust net income (loss) for the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents and convertible securities issued by the Company’s consolidated or equity method partner companies. Segment Information The Company reports segment data based on the management approach which designates the internal reporting used by management for making operating decisions and assessing performance as the source of the Company’s reportable operating segments.

Ownership Interests in and Adva

Ownership Interests in and Advances to Partner Companies and Funds	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Ownership Interests in and Advances to Partner Companies and Funds [Abstract]
Ownership Interests in and Advances to Partner Companies	Ownership Interests in and Advances to Partner Companies The following summarizes the carrying value of the Company’s ownership interests in and advances to partner companies. December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 (In thousands) Equity Method: Partner companies $ 150,898 $ 134,861 Private equity funds 942 1,128 151,840 135,989 Cost Method: Partner companies 5,024 6,774 Private equity funds 1,966 2,364 6,990 9,138 Advances to partner companies 12,771 9,065 $ 171,601 $ 154,192 In January 2016, the Company received $4.1 million in connection with the expiration of the escrow period related to the December 2013 sale of ThingWorx, Inc. to PTC, Inc., resulting in a gain of $4.1 million which is included in Equity income (loss), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2015. This amount was included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2015 as the Company was owed such amount as of December 31, 2015. In July 2015, the Company received $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 year ended December 31, 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. The Company received $36.4 million in initial cash proceeds in connection with the transaction resulting in a gain of $32.7 million, which is included in Equity income (loss) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2013. In July 2015, the Company received $1.7 million in connection with the expiration of the escrow period related to the January 2014 sale of Alverix, Inc. to Becton, Dickinson and Company, resulting in a gain of $1.7 million which is included in Equity income (loss), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2015. The Company received $15.7 million in initial cash proceeds in connection with the transaction resulting in a gain of $15.7 million, which is included in Equity income (loss) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2014. In July and March 2015, the Company received an aggregate $2.9 million in connection with the expiration of the escrow period related to the February 2014 sale of Crescendo Bioscience, Inc. to Myriad Genetics, Inc., resulting in a gain of $2.9 million which is included in Other income (loss), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2015. The Company received $38.4 million in initial cash proceeds in connection with the transaction resulting in a gain of $27.4 million, which is included in Other income (loss), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2014. In July 2015, Quantia, Inc. 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 which is reflected in Equity income (loss) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 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. 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 year ended December 31, 2015. In April 2014, the Company sold its ownership interests in Sotera Wireless, Inc. The Company received $4.2 million in cash proceeds in connection with the transaction and recognized a gain of $1.5 million , which is included in Other income (loss), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2014. In February 2014, NuPathe was acquired by Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. for $3.65 per share in cash. In addition to the upfront cash payment, NuPathe shareholders received rights to receive additional cash payments of up to $3.15 per share if specified milestones are achieved over time. The Company received initial net cash proceeds of $23.1 million as a result of the transaction. Depending on the achievement of certain milestones, the Company may receive up to an additional $24.2 million . The Company recognized a gain of $3.0 million , which is included in Other income (loss), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2014. The Company recognized an impairment charge of $3.6 million related to AppFirst, Inc. which is reflected in Equity income (loss) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2015. The impairment was due to lack of revenue growth. The adjusted carrying value of AppFirst is $3.0 million . The Company recognized an impairment charge of $3.2 million related to InfoBionic, Inc. which is reflected in Equity income (loss) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 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. The Company recognized an impairment charge of $2.3 million related to Dabo Health, Inc. which is reflected in Other income (loss), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 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. The Company recognized impairment charges of $11.2 million related to PixelOptics, Inc. which are reflected in Equity income (loss) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2013. The impairments were based on PixelOptics' inability to raise additional capital to continue its operations. In 2013, PixelOptics filed a voluntary petition for relief under Chapter 7 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. The Company believes it is unlikely it will recover any of its capital. The following summarized financial information for partner companies and funds accounted for under the equity method at December 31, 2015 and 2014 and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2015 , has been compiled from the financial statements of our respective partner companies and funds and reflects certain historical adjustments. Results of operations of the partner companies and funds are excluded for periods prior to their acquisition and subsequent to their disposition. As of December 31, 2015 2014 (In thousands) Balance Sheets: Current assets $ 357,663 $ 312,621 Non-current assets 109,454 90,469 Total assets $ 467,117 $ 403,090 Current liabilities $ 253,692 $ 163,016 Non-current liabilities 110,829 80,050 Shareholders’ equity 102,596 160,024 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 467,117 $ 403,090 As of December 31, 2015 , the Company’s carrying value in equity method partner companies, in the aggregate, exceeded the Company’s share of the net assets of such companies by approximately $105.6 million . Of this excess, $78.8 million was allocated to goodwill and $26.8 million was allocated to intangible assets. Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (In thousands) Results of Operations: Revenue $ 401,182 $ 319,197 $ 270,666 Gross profit $ 113,801 $ 97,405 $ 121,297 Net loss $ (140,801 ) $ (108,994 ) $ (63,452 )

Acquisitions of Ownership Inter

Acquisitions of Ownership Interests in Partner Companies and Funds	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Acquisitions of Ownership Interests in Partner Companies	Acquisitions of Ownership Interests in Partner Companies In December 2015, the Company funded $2.0 million of a convertible bridge loan to CloudMine, Inc. The Company had previously acquired a 30.1% interest in CloudMine for $2.9 million in February 2015. CloudMine empowers payers, providers, and pharmaceutical organizations to mobilize patient information by building robust applications and driving actionable insights. The Company accounts for its interest in CloudMine under the equity method. In December 2015, the Company funded $0.7 million of a convertible bridge loan to Hoopla Software, Inc. The Company had previously deployed an aggregate of $3.2 million in Hoopla. Hoopla provides cloud-based software that helps sales organizations inspire and motivate sales team performance. The Company accounts for its interest in Hoopla under the equity method. In December 2015, the Company acquired a 26.3% interest in Zipnosis, Inc. for $7.0 million. Zipnosis provides health systems with a white-labeled, fully integrated virtual care platform. The Company accounts for its interest in Zipnosis under the equity method. In December 2015, the Company funded $0.6 million of a convertible bridge loan to WebLinc, Inc. The Company had previously deployed $6.0 million in WebLinc. WebLinc is a commerce platform provider for fast growing online retailers. The Company accounts for its interest in WebLinc under the equity method. In October 2015, the Company acquired a 34.2% interest in Cask Data, Inc. for $11.0 million. Cask Data accelerates the development and deployment of production Hadoop applications. The Company accounts for its interest in Cask under the equity method. During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company funded an aggregate of $3.0 million of convertible bridge loans to AppFirst, Inc. The Company had previously deployed an aggregate of $8.6 million in AppFirst. AppFirst's patented technology provides enterprises with continuous and complete visibility into all the applications and supporting resources in their IT ecosystem, regardless of infrastructure. The Company accounts for its interest in AppFirst under the equity method. 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, Inc. 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. 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. 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. The Company had previously deployed an aggregate of $15.3 million in AdvantEdge. AdvantEdge is a technology-enabled provider of healthcare revenue cycle and business management solutions that improve decision-making, maximize financial performance, streamline operations and mitigate compliance risks for healthcare providers. 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 is a digital coaching platform that delivers clinically validated and highly personalized resilience solutions to employers, health plans, wellness providers, and consumers increasing engagement, productivity and performance, as well as improving outcomes in managing stress, health and well-being. 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 creative technology company that allows brand advertisers to create personal connections on a global scale. 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, Inc. 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 January 2015, the Company acquired a 19.9% interest in Aventura, Inc. for $6.0 million. Aventura provides awareness computing for the healthcare industry. 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. for $4.0 million. Full Measure is a technology company dedicated to the higher education industry. 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. In August 2014, the Company acquired a 24.6% interest in Propeller Health, Inc. for $9.0 million . Propeller Health provides digital solutions to measurably improve respiratory health. The Company accounts for its interest in Propeller Health under the equity method. In August 2014, the Company acquired a 24.8% interest in Transactis, Inc. for $9.5 million . Transactis provides electronic billing and payment solutions. The Company accounts for its interest in Transactis under the equity method. In June 2014, the Company acquired a 27.0% interest in Syapse, Inc. for $5.8 million . Syapse is a software company that enables healthcare providers to deploy precision medicine programs. The Company accounts for its interest in Syapse under the equity method. In June and April 2014, the Company deployed an aggregate of $5.0 million into Putney, Inc. The Company had previously deployed $10.0 million in Putney. Putney is a pet pharmaceutical company focused on developing high-quality generic prescription medicines for pets. The Company accounts for its interest in Putney under the equity method. In May and January 2014, the Company deployed an aggregate of $1.7 million into Lumesis, Inc. The Company had previously deployed an aggregate of $3.9 million in Lumesis. Lumesis is a financial technology company focused on providing business efficiency, data and regulatory solutions to the municipal bond marketplace. The Company accounts for its interest in Lumesis under the equity method. In May 2014, the Company funded $1.1 million of a convertible bridge loan to NovaSom, Inc. The Company had previously deployed $20.0 million in NovaSom. NovaSom is a medical device company that has developed an FDA-cleared wireless home sleep test for Obstructive Sleep Apnea called AccuSom ® Home Sleep Test. The Company accounts for its interest in NovaSom under the equity method. In May 2014, the Company deployed an additional $7.0 million into MediaMath, Inc. In connection with the May 2014 financing, the Company’s primary ownership interest decreased from 22.5% to 20.6% . As a result, the Company recognized an unrealized gain of $7.0 million which is reflected in Equity income (loss) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2014. The Company had previously deployed an aggregate of $18.6 million in MediaMath. MediaMath is a global technology company that is leading the movement to revolutionize traditional marketing and drive transformative results for marketers through its TerminalOne Marketing Operating System™. The Company accounts for its interest in MediaMath under the equity method. In March 2014, the Company funded $0.2 million of a convertible bridge loan to Sotera Wireless, Inc. The Company previously deployed $1.3 million into Sotera Wireless and acquired additional shares from a previous investor for $1.2 million . In April 2014, the Company sold its equity and debt interests in Sotera Wireless for $4.2 million . The Company accounted for its interest in Sotera Wireless under the cost method. In September and June 2013, the Company funded an aggregate of $0.6 million of convertible bridge loans to Alverix, Inc. The Company had previously deployed an aggregate of $8.8 million in Alverix. In January 2014, the Company sold its equity and debt interests in Alverix for $15.7 million . The Company accounted for its interest in Alverix under the equity method. In August 2013, the Company deployed an additional $1.1 million in DriveFactor, Inc. The Company previously deployed an aggregate of $3.5 million in DriveFactor. In April 2015, the Company sold its interests in DriveFactor for $9.1 million . The Company accounted for its interest in DriveFactor under the equity method. In July 2013, the Company funded $1.0 million of a convertible bridge loan to Crescendo Bioscience, Inc. The Company previously had previously deployed $10.0 million in Crescendo Bioscience. In February 2014, the Company sold its interest in Crescendo Bioscience for $38.4 million . The Company accounted for its interest in Crescendo Bioscience under the cost method. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company funded an aggregate of $5.3 million of a convertible bridge loan to PixelOptics, Inc. The Company previously deployed an aggregate of $31.6 million in PixelOptics. The Company fully impaired its ownership interest in PixelOptics in 2013 based on PixelOptics' inability to raise additional capital to continue its operations. The Company accounted for its interest in PixelOptics under the equity method. In June 2013, the Company deployed an additional $5.3 million in Medivo, Inc. The Company had previously deployed $6.3 million in Medivo. Medivo is a healthcare data analytics company that unlocks the power of lab data to improve health. The Company accounts for its interest in Medivo under the equity method.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 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 (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). If the inputs used to measure fair value fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the category level is based on the lowest priority level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the instrument. Financial assets recorded at fair value on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets are categorized as follows: Level 1—Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. Level 2—Include other inputs that are directly or indirectly observable in the marketplace. Level 3—Unobservable inputs which are supported by little or no market activity. The fair value hierarchy also requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The following table provides the carrying value and fair value of certain financial assets of the Company measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 : Carrying Value Fair Value Measurement at December 31, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (in thousands) Cash and cash equivalents $ 32,838 $ 32,838 $ — $ — Marketable securities—held-to-maturity: Government agency bonds $ 1,329 $ 1,329 $ — $ — Certificates of deposit 39,434 39,434 — — Total marketable securities $ 40,763 $ 40,763 $ — $ — Carrying Value Fair Value Measurement at December 31, 2014 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (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 December 31, 2015 , $31.0 million of marketable securities had contractual maturities which were less than one year and $9.7 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	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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”). Interest on the 2018 Debentures is payable semi-annually on May 15 and November 15. Holders of the 2018 Debentures may convert their notes prior to November 15, 2017 at their option only under the following circumstances: • during any calendar quarter commencing after the calendar quarter ending on December 31, 2012, if the last reported sale price of the common stock for at least 20 trading days during the period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the immediately preceding calendar quarter is greater than or equal to 130% of the conversion price on each applicable trading day; • during the five business day period after any five consecutive trading day period in which the trading price per $1,000 principal amount of notes for each trading day of the measurement period was less than 98% of the product of the last reported sale price of our common stock and the conversion rate on such trading day; • if the notes have been called for redemption; or • upon the occurrence of specified corporate events. On or after November 15, 2017 until the close of business on the second business day immediately preceding the maturity date, holders may convert their notes at any time, regardless of whether any of the foregoing conditions have been met. Upon conversion, the Company will satisfy its conversion obligation by paying or delivering, as the case may be, cash, shares of our common stock or a combination of cash and shares of our common stock, at the Company’s election. The conversion rate of the 2018 Debentures is 55.17 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of debentures, equivalent to a conversion price of approximately $18.13 per share of common stock. The closing price of the Company’s common stock at December 31, 2015 was $14.51 . On or after November 15, 2016, the Company may redeem for cash any of the 2018 Debentures if the last reported sale price of the Company’s common stock exceeds 140% of the conversion price for at least 20 trading days during the period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the trading day before the date that notice of redemption is given, including the last trading day of such period. Upon any redemption of the 2018 Debentures, the Company will pay a redemption price of 100% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the date of redemption, and additional interest, if any. The 2018 Debentures holders have the right to require the Company to repurchase the 2018 Debentures if the Company undergoes a fundamental change, which includes the sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s common stock or assets; liquidation; dissolution; a greater than 50% change in control; the delisting of the Company’s common stock from the New York Stock Exchange or the NASDAQ Global Market (or any of their respective successors); or a substantial change in the composition of the Company’s board of directors as defined in the governing agreement. Holders may require that the Company repurchase for cash all or part of their debentures at a fundamental change repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the debentures to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the fundamental change repurchase date. Because the 2018 Debentures may be settled in cash or partially in cash upon conversion, the Company separately accounts for the liability and equity components of the 2018 Debentures. The carrying amount of the liability component was determined at the transaction date by measuring the fair value of a similar liability that does not have an associated equity component. The carrying amount of the equity component represented by the embedded conversion option was determined by deducting the fair value of the liability component from the initial proceeds of the 2018 Debentures as a whole. At December 31, 2015 , the fair value of the $55.0 million outstanding 2018 Debentures was approximately $60.5 million , based on the midpoint of the bid and ask prices as of such date. At December 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 $3.3 million and the net carrying value of the liability component was $51.7 million . The Company is amortizing the excess of the face value of the 2018 Debentures over their carrying value over their term as additional interest expense using the effective interest method and recorded $1.2 million , $1.1 million and $1.0 million of such expense for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , 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 29, 2015, matures on December 19, 2016 . Under the credit facility, the Company provided a $6.3 million letter of credit expiring on March 19, 2019 to the landlord of CompuCom Systems, Inc.’s Dallas headquarters which has been required in connection with the sale of CompuCom Systems in 2004. Availability under the Company’s revolving credit facility at December 31, 2015 was $18.7 million .

Equity

Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 year ended December 31, 2015, the Company repurchased 0.3 million shares at an aggregate cost of $5.0 million .

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation Equity Compensation Plans The 2014 Equity Compensation Plan has 4.1 million shares authorized for issuance. During 2013, the Company issued 70 thousand options outside of existing plans as inducement awards in accordance with New York Stock Exchange rules. To the extent allowable, service-based options are incentive stock options. Options granted under the plans are at prices equal to or greater than the fair market value at the date of grant. Upon exercise of stock options, the Company issues shares first from treasury stock, if available, then from authorized but unissued shares. At December 31, 2015 , the Company had reserved 4.2 million shares of common stock for possible future issuance under its 2014 Equity Compensation Plan, and other previously expired equity compensation plans. Classification of Stock-Based Compensation Expense Stock-based compensation expense was recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (In thousands) General and administrative expense $ 1,611 $ 1,935 $ 1,821 $ 1,611 $ 1,935 $ 1,821 At December 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 upon the sale, merger or other exit transaction of certain identified partner companies. Vesting may occur, if at all, once per year. The requisite service periods for the performance-based awards are based on the Company’s estimate of when the performance conditions will be met. Compensation expense is recognized for performance-based awards for which the performance condition is considered probable of achievement. Compensation expense is recognized over the requisite service periods using the straight-line method but is accelerated if capital return targets are achieved earlier than estimated. During the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively, the Company issued 0 thousand , 8 thousand and 67 thousand performance-based options to employees. During the year ended December 31, 2014, 7 thousand performance-based options vested. No performance-based options vested during 2015 or 2013. During the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively, 9 thousand , 16 thousand and 398 thousand performance-based options were canceled or forfeited. The Company recorded compensation expense related to performance-based options of $0.0 million , $0.1 million and $0.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. The maximum number of unvested shares at December 31, 2015 attainable under these 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 years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company did not issue any market-based awards to employees. During the year ended December 31, 2014, 22 thousand market-based options vested. No market-based options vested during 2015 or 2013. During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, 91 thousand , 155 thousand and 554 thousand market-based options were canceled or forfeited. The Company recorded compensation expense related to market-based options of $0.0 million , $0.0 million and $0.2 million during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. There is no further expense to be recognized related to market-based options. Depending on the Company’s stock performance, the maximum number of unvested shares at December 31, 2015 attainable under these 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 years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively, the Company issued 31 thousand , 23 thousand and 52 thousand service-based options to employees. During the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively, 8 thousand , 8 thousand and 14 thousand service-based options were canceled or forfeited. The Company recorded compensation expense related to these options of $0.3 million , $0.3 million and $0.5 million during the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. 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 is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the end of the quarter in which the grant occurred. The expected term of stock options granted was estimated using the historical exercise behavior of employees. Expected volatility was based on historical volatility measured using weekly price observations of the Company’s common stock for a period equal to the stock option’s expected term. Assumptions used in the valuation of options granted in each period were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Service-Based Options Dividend yield 0 % 0 % 0 % Expected volatility 26 % 32 % 52 % Average expected option life 5 years 5 years 5 years Risk-free interest rate 1.5 % 1.7 % 1.3 % Year Ended December 31, 2014 2013 Performance-Based Options Dividend yield 0 % 0 % Expected volatility 32 % 46 % Average expected option life 4.8 years 4.7 years Risk-free interest rate 1.7 % 1.8 % The weighted-average grant date fair value of options issued by the Company during the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was $4.25 , $7.02 and $6.83 per share, respectively. Option activity of the Company is summarized below: Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life Aggregate Intrinsic Value (In thousands) (In years) (In thousands) Outstanding at December 31, 2012 3,287 $ 10.72 Options granted 120 15.61 Options exercised (612 ) 8.44 Options canceled/forfeited (967 ) 9.38 Outstanding at December 31, 2013 1,828 12.51 Options granted 31 19.38 Options exercised (365 ) 11.48 Options canceled/forfeited (178 ) 13.58 Outstanding at December 31, 2014 1,316 12.81 Options granted 31 17.26 Options exercised (155 ) 13.12 Options canceled/forfeited (107 ) 13.06 Outstanding at December 31, 2015 1,085 12.86 3.78 $ 2,819 Options exercisable at December 31, 2015 422 12.14 2.38 1,351 Options vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2015 1,085 12.86 3.78 2,819 Shares available for future grant 2,345 The total intrinsic value of options exercised for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was $0.9 million , $2.4 million and $3.9 million , respectively. At December 31, 2015 , total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested service-based options was $0.3 million . That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.6 years. At December 31, 2015 , total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested performance-based options was $0.3 million . That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.6 years but would be accelerated if stock price targets are achieved earlier than estimated. 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 years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively, the Company issued 153 thousand , 119 thousand and 83 thousand performance-based stock units to employees. Under the 2015 and 2014 performance-based award plans, 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 December 31, 2015, the liability associated with such potential cash payments was $0.0 million . During the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively, the Company issued 81 thousand , 59 thousand and 28 thousand restricted shares to employees. Restricted shares generally vest over a period of approximately four years. During the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , respectively, the Company issued 44 thousand , 46 thousand and 48 thousand deferred stock units to non-employee directors for annual service grants or fees earned during the preceding quarter. Deferred stock units issued to directors in lieu of directors fees are 100% vested at the grant date; matching deferred stock units equal to 25% of directors’ fees deferred vest one year following the grant date or, if earlier, upon reaching age 65. Deferred stock units are payable in stock on a one-for-one basis. Payments related to the deferred stock units are generally distributable following termination of employment or service, death or permanent disability. During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company granted 9 thousand , 8 thousand and 8 thousand shares, respectively, to members of its advisory boards, and recorded compensation expense of $0.1 million in each year related to these awards. Total compensation expense for deferred stock units, performance-based stock units and restricted stock was approximately $1.3 million , $1.5 million and $1.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Unrecognized compensation expense related to deferred stock units, performance stock units and restricted stock at December 31, 2015 was $4.8 million . The total fair value of deferred stock units, performance stock units and restricted stock vested during the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was $1.1 million , $1.4 million and $1.1 million , respectively. Deferred stock unit, performance-based stock unit and restricted stock activity are summarized below: Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (In thousands) Unvested at December 31, 2013 317 $ 15.34 Granted 231 19.67 Vested (78 ) 17.91 Forfeited (15 ) 15.61 Unvested at December 31, 2014 455 17.09 Granted 286 15.02 Vested (64 ) 17.42 Forfeited (7 ) 18.76 Unvested at December 31, 2015 670 16.16

Other Income (Loss), Net

Other Income (Loss), Net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Other Income (Loss), Net	Other Income (Loss), Net Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (In thousands) Gain on sale of ownership interests in cost method partner companies $ 2,914 $ 31,835 $ — Impairment charges on cost method partner companies and private equity funds (2,754 ) (54 ) (250 ) Other 57 (124 ) 633 $ 217 $ 31,657 $ 383

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The federal and state provision (benefit) for income taxes was $0.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 . The total income tax provision (benefit) differed from the amounts computed by applying the U.S. federal income tax rate of 35.0% to net income (loss) before income taxes as a result of the following: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Statutory tax (benefit) expense (35.0 )% (35.0 )% (35.0 )% Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from: Stock-based compensation 0.1 1.5 0.2 Nondeductible expenses 0.2 2.9 0.1 Valuation allowance 34.7 30.6 34.7 0.0 % 0.0 % 0.0 % The tax effects of temporary differences that gave rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets were as follows: As of December 31, 2015 2014 (In thousands) Deferred tax asset: Carrying values of partner companies and other holdings $ 83,042 $ 68,557 Tax loss and credit carryforwards 84,493 76,766 Accrued expenses 1,391 1,484 Stock-based compensation 1,655 4,761 Other 1,369 1,353 171,950 152,921 Valuation allowance (171,950 ) (152,921 ) Net deferred tax asset $ — $ — As of December 31, 2015 , the Company and its subsidiaries consolidated for tax purposes had federal net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $230.3 million . These carryforwards expire as follows: Total (In thousands) 2016 $ — 2017 — 2018 — 2019 — 2020 and thereafter 230,278 $ 230,278 In assessing the recoverability of deferred tax assets, the Company considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company has determined that it is more likely than not that certain future tax benefits may not be realized as a result of current and future income. Accordingly, a valuation allowance has been recorded against substantially all of the Company’s deferred tax assets. The Company recognizes in its Consolidated Financial Statements the impact of a tax position if that position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination, based on the technical merits of the position. All uncertain tax positions relate to unrecognized tax benefits that would impact the effective tax rate when recognized. The Company does not expect any material increase or decrease in its income tax expense, in the next twelve months, related to examinations or changes in uncertain tax positions. There were no changes in the Company’s uncertain tax positions for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 . The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, and various state jurisdictions. Tax years 2012 and forward remain open for examination for federal tax purposes and the Company’s more significant state tax jurisdictions. To the extent utilized in future years’ tax returns, net operating loss carryforwards at December 31, 2015 will remain subject to examination until the respective tax year is closed. The Company recognizes penalties and interest accrued related to income tax liabilities in income tax benefit (expense) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Net Income (Loss) Per Share

Net Income (Loss) Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net Loss Per Share	Net Loss Per Share The calculations of net loss per share were: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (In thousands, except per share data) Basic: Net loss $ (59,524 ) $ (5,149 ) $ (35,525 ) Weighted average common shares outstanding 20,874 20,975 21,362 Net loss per share $ (2.85 ) $ (0.25 ) $ (1.66 ) Diluted: Net loss $ (59,524 ) $ (5,149 ) $ (35,525 ) Weighted average common shares outstanding 20,874 20,975 21,362 Net loss per share $ (2.85 ) $ (0.25 ) $ (1.66 ) Basic and diluted average common shares outstanding for purposes of computing net income (loss) per share includes outstanding common shares and vested deferred stock units (DSUs). If a consolidated or equity method partner company has dilutive stock options, unvested restricted stock, DSUs, or warrants, diluted net income (loss) per share is computed by first deducting from net income (loss) the income attributable to the potential exercise of the dilutive securities of the partner company from net income (loss). Any impact is shown as an adjustment to net income (loss) for purposes of calculating diluted net income (loss) per share. Diluted loss per share for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 do not reflect the following potential shares of common stock that would have an anti-dilutive effect or have unsatisfied performance or market conditions: • At December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , options to purchase 1.1 million , 1.3 million and 1.8 million shares of common stock, respectively, at prices ranging from $7.14 to $19.95 per share, $7.14 to $19.95 per share and $3.93 to $18.80 per share, respectively, were excluded from the calculation. • At December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 unvested restricted stock units, performance-based stock units and DSUs convertible into 0.7 million , 0.5 million and 0.3 million shares of stock were excluded from the calculations. • For the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013, 3.0 million shares of common stock representing the effect of assumed conversion of the 2018 Debentures were excluded from the calculations.

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	Related Party Transactions In May 2001, the Company entered into a $26.5 million loan agreement with Warren V. Musser, a former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Through December 31, 2015 , the Company recognized impairment charges against the loan of $15.7 million . Since 2001 and through December 31, 2015 , the Company has received a total of $17.0 million in payments on the loan. The carrying value of the loan at December 31, 2015 was zero . The Company received payments of $0.1 million on this loan agreement in 2014 and did not receive any payments on this loan agreement in 2015 or 2013. In the normal course of business, the Company’s directors, officers and employees hold board positions with partner and other companies in which the Company has a direct or indirect ownership interest.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 leases its corporate headquarters under a lease expiring in 2026 and office equipment under leases expiring at various dates to 2020. Total rental expense under operating leases was $0.5 million , $0.6 million and $0.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. At December 31, 2015, future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases with initial or remaining terms of one year or more are as follows: Total (In thousands) 2016 $ 397 2017 584 2018 591 2019 602 2020 and thereafter 3,843 $ 6,017 The Company had outstanding guarantees of $3.8 million at December 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 our general partner interest is approximately $1.3 million , of which $1.0 million was reflected in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities and $0.3 million was reflected in Other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 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 December 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 December 31, 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.

Supplemental Cash Flow Informat

Supplemental Cash Flow Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	Supplemental Cash Flow Information During the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company converted $1.0 million and $2.7 million , respectively, of advances to partner companies into ownership interests in partner companies. Cash paid for interest in each of the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was $2.9 million . Cash paid for taxes in each of the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was $0.0 million .

Operating Segments

Operating Segments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Operating Segments	Operating Segments As of December 31, 2015 , the Company held interests in 29 non-consolidated partner companies which are included in the Healthcare and Technology segments. The Company’s active partner companies as of December 31, 2015 by segment were as follows for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 : Healthcare Safeguard Primary Ownership as of December 31, Partner Company 2015 2014 2013 Accounting Method AdvantEdge Healthcare Solutions, Inc. 40.1% 40.1% 40.1% Equity Aventura, Inc. 19.9% NA NA Equity Good Start Genetics, Inc. 29.6% 29.9% 30.0% Equity InfoBionic, Inc. 38.5% 27.8% NA Equity Medivo, Inc. 34.5% 34.5% 34.5% Equity meQuilibrium 31.5% NA NA Equity NovaSom, Inc. 31.7% 31.7% 30.3% Equity Propeller Health, Inc. 24.6% 24.6% NA Equity Putney, Inc. 28.2% 28.3% 27.6% Equity Syapse, Inc. 24.4% 27.0% NA Equity Trice Medical, Inc. 27.7% 31.9% NA Equity Zipnosis, Inc 26.3% NA NA Equity Technology Safeguard Primary Ownership as of December 31, Partner Company 2015 2014 2013 Accounting Method AppFirst, Inc. 34.2% 34.3% 34.3% Equity Apprenda, Inc. 29.5% 21.6% 22.0% Equity Beyond.com, Inc. 38.2% 38.2% 38.2% Equity Bridgevine, Inc. 17.2% 17.2% 22.7% Cost (1) Cask Data, Inc. 34.2% NA NA Equity CloudMine, Inc. 30.1% NA NA Equity Clutch Holdings, Inc. 39.3% 29.6% 24.0% Equity Full Measure Education, Inc. 25.4% NA NA Equity Hoopla Software, Inc. 25.6% 25.6% 25.3% Equity Lumesis, Inc. 44.7% 45.7% 44.2% Equity MediaMath, Inc. 20.6% 20.7% 22.5% Equity Pneuron Corporation 35.4% 27.6% 27.6% Equity QuanticMind, Inc. (formerly InsideVault, Inc.) 23.6% NA NA Equity Sonobi, Inc. 22.6% NA NA Equity Spongecell, Inc. 23.0% 23.0% 23.0% Equity Transactis, Inc. 24.5% 24.8% NA Equity WebLinc, Inc. 29.2% 29.2% NA Equity (1) In the second quarter of 2014, the Company’s ownership interest in Bridgevine decreased below the threshold at which the Company believes it exercises significant influence. Accordingly, the Company changed its method of accounting for Bridgevine from the equity method to the cost method. Results of the Healthcare and Technology segments reflect the equity income (loss) of their respective equity method partner companies, other income (loss) associated with fair value method and cost method partner companies and the gains or losses on the sale of the interests in their respective partner companies. Management evaluates the Healthcare and Technology segments’ performance based on net income (loss) which is impacted by the number of partner companies accounted for under the equity method, the Company’s voting ownership percentage in these partner companies and the net results of operations of these partner companies, any impairment charges and gain (loss) on the sale of the interests in equity and cost method partner companies. Other Items include certain expenses which are not identifiable to the operations of the Company’s operating segments. Other Items primarily consist of general and administrative expenses related to corporate operations, including employee compensation, insurance, professional fees, rent expense, 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, a mezzanine lender focused on lower middle-market, Mid-Atlantic companies. Penn Mezzanine is not making any new loans and has two remaining loans in which the Company has participating interests. As of December 31, 2015 and 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 $73.6 million and $156.5 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The following represents segment data from operations: For the Year Ended December 31, 2015 Healthcare Technology Total Segments Other Items Total (In thousands) Operating loss $ — $ — $ — $ (17,554 ) $ (17,554 ) Other income (loss), net 558 — 558 (341 ) 217 Equity loss (23,790 ) (15,691 ) (39,481 ) (118 ) (39,599 ) Net loss (23,232 ) (15,691 ) (38,923 ) (20,601 ) (59,524 ) Segment Assets: December 31, 2015 53,332 119,442 172,774 84,860 257,634 For the Year Ended December 31, 2014 Healthcare Technology Total Segments Other Items Total (In thousands) Operating loss $ — $ — $ — $ (18,970 ) $ (18,970 ) Other income (loss), net 31,820 — 31,820 (163 ) 31,657 Equity loss (3,944 ) (10,831 ) (14,775 ) (560 ) (15,335 ) Net income (loss) 27,876 (10,831 ) 17,045 (22,194 ) (5,149 ) Segment Assets: December 31, 2014 62,292 88,408 150,700 167,754 318,454 For the Year Ended December 31, 2013 Healthcare Technology Total Other Total (In thousands) Operating loss $ — $ — $ — $ (21,644 ) $ (21,644 ) Other income (loss), net (857 ) — (857 ) 1,240 383 Equity income (loss) (31,706 ) 20,899 (10,807 ) (1,800 ) (12,607 ) Net income (loss) (32,563 ) 20,899 (11,664 ) (23,861 ) (35,525 ) Net loss from Other Items was as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (In thousands) Corporate operations $ (20,601 ) $ (22,194 ) $ (23,861 ) Income tax benefit (expense) — — — $ (20,601 ) $ (22,194 ) $ (23,861 )

Selected Quarterly Financial In

Selected Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Selected Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)	Selected Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) Three Months Ended March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31 (In thousands, except per share data) 2015: General and administrative expense $ 4,880 $ 4,754 $ 3,962 $ 3,958 Operating loss (4,880 ) (4,754 ) (3,962 ) (3,958 ) Other income (loss), net (388 ) (15 ) 704 (84 ) Interest income 449 640 398 448 Interest expense (1,122 ) (1,128 ) (1,133 ) (1,140 ) Equity loss (8,662 ) (13,765 ) (7,635 ) (9,537 ) Net loss before income taxes (14,603 ) (19,022 ) (11,628 ) (14,271 ) Income tax benefit (expense) — — — — Net loss $ (14,603 ) $ (19,022 ) $ (11,628 ) $ (14,271 ) Net loss per share (a) Basic $ (0.70 ) $ (0.91 ) $ (0.56 ) $ (0.69 ) Diluted $ (0.70 ) $ (0.91 ) $ (0.56 ) $ (0.69 ) 2014: General and administrative expense $ 5,239 $ 5,069 $ 4,177 $ 4,485 Operating loss (5,239 ) (5,069 ) (4,177 ) (4,485 ) Other income (loss), net 30,374 1,452 (246 ) 77 Interest income 470 542 482 407 Interest expense (1,094 ) (1,098 ) (1,103 ) (1,107 ) Equity income (loss) 6,808 (3,175 ) (8,962 ) (10,006 ) Net income (loss) before income taxes 31,319 (7,348 ) (14,006 ) (15,114 ) Income tax benefit (expense) — — — — Net income (loss) $ 31,319 $ (7,348 ) $ (14,006 ) $ (15,114 ) Net income (loss) per share (a) Basic $ 1.44 $ (0.35 ) $ (0.68 ) $ (0.73 ) Diluted $ 1.29 $ (0.35 ) $ (0.68 ) $ (0.73 ) (a) Per share amounts for the quarters have each been calculated separately. Accordingly, quarterly amounts may not add to the annual amounts because of differences in the average common shares outstanding during each period. Additionally, in regard to diluted per share amounts only, quarterly amounts may not add to the annual amounts because of the inclusion of the effect of potentially dilutive securities only in the periods in which such effect would have been dilutive, and because of the adjustments to net income (loss) for the dilutive effect of partner company common stock equivalents and convertible securities.

Significant Accounting Polici23

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Safeguard (the "Company") and all of its subsidiaries in which a controlling financial interest is maintained. All intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.
Principles of Accounting for Ownership Interests in Companies	Principles of Accounting for Ownership Interests in Companies The Company accounts for its interests in its partner companies using one of the following methods: consolidation, fair value, equity or cost. The accounting method applied is generally determined by the degree of the Company's influence over the entity, primarily determined by our voting interest in the entity. In addition to holding voting and non-voting equity and debt securities, the Company also periodically makes advances to its partner companies in the form of promissory notes which are included in the Ownership interests in and advances to partner companies line item in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Consolidation Method. The Company generally accounts for partner companies in which it directly or indirectly owns more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities under the consolidation method of accounting. Under this method, the Company includes the partner companies’ financial statements within the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements, and all significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated. The Company reflects participation of other stockholders in the net assets and in the income or losses of these consolidated partner companies in Equity in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and in Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest in the Statements of Operations. Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest adjusts the Company’s consolidated operating results to reflect only the Company’s share of the earnings or losses of the consolidated partner company. The Company accounts for results of operations and cash flows of a consolidated partner company through the latest date in which it holds a controlling interest. If the Company subsequently relinquishes control but retains an interest in the partner company, the accounting method is adjusted to the equity, cost or fair value method of accounting, as appropriate. As of December 31, 2015 and for each of the years in the three-year period then ended, the Company did not hold a controlling interest in any of its partner companies. Fair Value Method. Unrealized gains and losses on the mark-to-market of the Company's holdings in fair value method companies and realized gains and losses on the sale of any holdings in fair value method companies are recognized in Other income (loss), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. As of December 31, 2015 , the Company did not account for any of its partner companies under the fair value method. Equity Method. The Company accounts for partner companies whose results are not consolidated, but over which it exercises significant influence, under the equity method of accounting. Whether or not the Company exercises significant influence with respect to a partner company depends on an evaluation of several factors including, among others, representation of the Company on the partner company’s board of directors and the Company’s ownership level, which is generally a 20% to 50% interest in the voting securities of a partner company, including voting rights associated with the Company’s holdings in common, preferred and other convertible instruments in the company. Under the equity method of accounting, the Company does not reflect a partner company’s financial statements within the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements; however, the Company’s share of the income or loss of such partner company is reflected in Equity income (loss) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company includes the carrying value of equity method partner companies in Ownership interests in and advances to partner companies on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Any excess of the Company’s cost over its underlying interest in the net assets of equity method partner companies that is allocated to intangible assets is amortized over the estimated useful lives of the related intangible assets. The Company reflects its share of the income or loss of the equity method partner companies on a one quarter lag. This reporting lag could result in a delay in recognition of the impact of changes in the business or operations of these partner companies. When the Company’s carrying value in an equity method partner company is reduced to zero, the Company records no further losses in its Consolidated Statements of Operations unless the Company has an outstanding guarantee obligation or has committed additional funding to such equity method partner company. When such equity method partner company subsequently reports income, the Company will not record its share of such income until it exceeds the amount of the Company’s share of losses not previously recognized. Cost Method. The Company accounts for partner companies not consolidated or accounted for under the equity method or fair value method under the cost method of accounting. Under the cost method, the Company does not include its share of the income or losses of partner companies in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company includes the carrying value of cost method partner companies in Ownership interests in and advances to partner companies on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Impairment of Ownership Interests In and Advances to Partner Companies On a periodic basis, but no less frequently than quarterly, the Company evaluates the carrying value of its equity and cost method partner companies for possible impairment based on achievement of business plan objectives and milestones, the fair value of each partner company relative to its carrying value, the financial condition and prospects of the partner company and other relevant factors. The business plan objectives and milestones the Company considers include, among others, those related to financial performance, such as achievement of planned financial results or completion of capital raising activities, and those that are not primarily financial in nature, such as hiring of key employees or the establishment of strategic relationships. Management then determines whether there has been an other than temporary decline in the value of its ownership interest in the company. Impairment is measured as the amount by which the carrying value of an asset exceeds its fair value. The fair value of privately held companies is generally determined based on the value at which independent third parties have invested or have committed to invest in these companies or based on other valuation methods, including discounted cash flows, valuation of comparable public companies and the valuation of acquisitions of similar companies. Impairment charges related to equity method partner companies are included in Equity income (loss) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Impairment charges related to cost method partner companies and funds are included in Other income (loss), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The reduced cost basis of a previously impaired partner company is not written-up if circumstances suggest the value of the company has subsequently recovered.
Accounting Estimates	Accounting Estimates The preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results may differ from these estimates. These estimates include the evaluation of the recoverability of the Company’s ownership interests in and advances to partner companies, income taxes, stock-based compensation and commitments and contingencies. Management evaluates its estimates on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors, including the current economic environment, which management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. Certain amounts recorded to reflect the Company’s share of income or losses of partner companies accounted for under the equity method are based on unaudited results of operations of those companies and may require adjustments in the future when audits of these entities’ financial statements are completed. For the year ended December 31, 2014, adjustments at a partner company primarily related to revenue recognition amounted to $1.7 million , of which $1.4 million related to 2013 and $0.3 million related to 2012. Management evaluated the quantitative and qualitative impact of the corrections on previously reported periods as well as on the year ended December 31, 2014. Based on this evaluation, management concluded that these adjustments were not material to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. It is reasonably possible that the Company’s accounting estimates with respect to the ultimate recoverability of the carrying value of the Company’s ownership interests in and advances to partner companies could change in the near term and that the effect of such changes on the financial statements could be material. At December 31, 2015 , the Company believes the carrying value of the Company’s ownership interests in and advances to partner companies is not impaired, although there can be no assurance that the Company’s future results will confirm this assessment, that a significant write-down or write-off will not be required in the future or that a significant loss will not be recorded in the future upon the sale of a company.
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities	Cash and Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities The Company considers all highly liquid instruments with an original maturity of 90 days or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents consist of deposits that are readily convertible into cash. The Company determines the appropriate classification of marketable securities at the time of purchase and reevaluates such designation as of each balance sheet date. Held-to-maturity securities are carried at amortized cost, which approximates fair value. Marketable securities consist of held-to-maturity securities, primarily consisting of government agency bonds, commercial paper and certificates of deposits. Marketable securities with a maturity date greater than one year from the balance sheet date are considered long-term. The Company has not experienced any significant losses on cash equivalents and does not believe it is exposed to any significant credit risk on cash and cash equivalents.
Financial Instruments	Financial Instruments The Company’s financial instruments (principally cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, accounts receivable, notes receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses) are carried at cost, which approximates fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments. The Company’s long-term debt is carried at cost.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method whereby deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. The Company measures deferred tax assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The Company recognizes the effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates in income in the period of the enactment date. The Company provides a valuation allowance against the net deferred tax asset for amounts which are not considered more likely than not to be realized.
Net Income (Loss) Per Share	Net Income (Loss) Per Share The Company computes net income (loss) per share using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each year. The Company includes in diluted net income (loss) per share common stock equivalents (unless anti-dilutive) which would arise from the exercise of stock options and conversion of other convertible securities and adjusted, if applicable, for the effect on net income (loss) of such transactions. Diluted net income (loss) per share calculations adjust net income (loss) for the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents and convertible securities issued by the Company’s consolidated or equity method partner companies.
Segment Information	Segment Information The Company reports segment data based on the management approach which designates the internal reporting used by management for making operating decisions and assessing performance as the source of the Company’s reportable operating segments.

Ownership Interests in and Ad24

Ownership Interests in and Advances to Partner Companies and Funds (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Summary of the carrying value of the Company's ownership interests in and advances to partner companies and private equity funds	The following summarizes the carrying value of the Company’s ownership interests in and advances to partner companies. December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 (In thousands) Equity Method: Partner companies $ 150,898 $ 134,861 Private equity funds 942 1,128 151,840 135,989 Cost Method: Partner companies 5,024 6,774 Private equity funds 1,966 2,364 6,990 9,138 Advances to partner companies 12,771 9,065 $ 171,601 $ 154,192
Unaudited Financial Information	As of December 31, 2015 2014 (In thousands) Balance Sheets: Current assets $ 357,663 $ 312,621 Non-current assets 109,454 90,469 Total assets $ 467,117 $ 403,090 Current liabilities $ 253,692 $ 163,016 Non-current liabilities 110,829 80,050 Shareholders’ equity 102,596 160,024 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 467,117 $ 403,090
Results of Operation	Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (In thousands) Results of Operations: Revenue $ 401,182 $ 319,197 $ 270,666 Gross profit $ 113,801 $ 97,405 $ 121,297 Net loss $ (140,801 ) $ (108,994 ) $ (63,452 )

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 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 of the Company measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 : Carrying Value Fair Value Measurement at December 31, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (in thousands) Cash and cash equivalents $ 32,838 $ 32,838 $ — $ — Marketable securities—held-to-maturity: Government agency bonds $ 1,329 $ 1,329 $ — $ — Certificates of deposit 39,434 39,434 — — Total marketable securities $ 40,763 $ 40,763 $ — $ — Carrying Value Fair Value Measurement at December 31, 2014 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (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)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 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: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (In thousands) General and administrative expense $ 1,611 $ 1,935 $ 1,821 $ 1,611 $ 1,935 $ 1,821
Assumptions Used in Valuation of Option Granted	Assumptions used in the valuation of options granted in each period were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Service-Based Options Dividend yield 0 % 0 % 0 % Expected volatility 26 % 32 % 52 % Average expected option life 5 years 5 years 5 years Risk-free interest rate 1.5 % 1.7 % 1.3 % Year Ended December 31, 2014 2013 Performance-Based Options Dividend yield 0 % 0 % Expected volatility 32 % 46 % Average expected option life 4.8 years 4.7 years Risk-free interest rate 1.7 % 1.8 %
Option Activity	Option activity of the Company is summarized below: Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life Aggregate Intrinsic Value (In thousands) (In years) (In thousands) Outstanding at December 31, 2012 3,287 $ 10.72 Options granted 120 15.61 Options exercised (612 ) 8.44 Options canceled/forfeited (967 ) 9.38 Outstanding at December 31, 2013 1,828 12.51 Options granted 31 19.38 Options exercised (365 ) 11.48 Options canceled/forfeited (178 ) 13.58 Outstanding at December 31, 2014 1,316 12.81 Options granted 31 17.26 Options exercised (155 ) 13.12 Options canceled/forfeited (107 ) 13.06 Outstanding at December 31, 2015 1,085 12.86 3.78 $ 2,819 Options exercisable at December 31, 2015 422 12.14 2.38 1,351 Options vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2015 1,085 12.86 3.78 2,819 Shares available for future grant 2,345
Deferred Stock Unit, Performance-Based Stock Unit and Restricted Stock Activity	Deferred stock unit, performance-based stock unit and restricted stock activity are summarized below: Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (In thousands) Unvested at December 31, 2013 317 $ 15.34 Granted 231 19.67 Vested (78 ) 17.91 Forfeited (15 ) 15.61 Unvested at December 31, 2014 455 17.09 Granted 286 15.02 Vested (64 ) 17.42 Forfeited (7 ) 18.76 Unvested at December 31, 2015 670 16.16

Other Income (Loss), Net (Table

Other Income (Loss), Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Other Income (Loss), Net	Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (In thousands) Gain on sale of ownership interests in cost method partner companies $ 2,914 $ 31,835 $ — Impairment charges on cost method partner companies and private equity funds (2,754 ) (54 ) (250 ) Other 57 (124 ) 633 $ 217 $ 31,657 $ 383

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Differences Between United States Federal Income Tax Rate and Effective Income Tax Rate	The total income tax provision (benefit) differed from the amounts computed by applying the U.S. federal income tax rate of 35.0% to net income (loss) before income taxes as a result of the following: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Statutory tax (benefit) expense (35.0 )% (35.0 )% (35.0 )% Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from: Stock-based compensation 0.1 1.5 0.2 Nondeductible expenses 0.2 2.9 0.1 Valuation allowance 34.7 30.6 34.7 0.0 % 0.0 % 0.0 %
Deferred Tax Assets and Deferred Tax Liabilities	The tax effects of temporary differences that gave rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets were as follows: As of December 31, 2015 2014 (In thousands) Deferred tax asset: Carrying values of partner companies and other holdings $ 83,042 $ 68,557 Tax loss and credit carryforwards 84,493 76,766 Accrued expenses 1,391 1,484 Stock-based compensation 1,655 4,761 Other 1,369 1,353 171,950 152,921 Valuation allowance (171,950 ) (152,921 ) Net deferred tax asset $ — $ —
Carryforwards Expiration	As of December 31, 2015 , the Company and its subsidiaries consolidated for tax purposes had federal net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $230.3 million . These carryforwards expire as follows: Total (In thousands) 2016 $ — 2017 — 2018 — 2019 — 2020 and thereafter 230,278 $ 230,278

Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Ta

Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Calculations of Net Income (Loss) Per Share	The calculations of net loss per share were: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (In thousands, except per share data) Basic: Net loss $ (59,524 ) $ (5,149 ) $ (35,525 ) Weighted average common shares outstanding 20,874 20,975 21,362 Net loss per share $ (2.85 ) $ (0.25 ) $ (1.66 ) Diluted: Net loss $ (59,524 ) $ (5,149 ) $ (35,525 ) Weighted average common shares outstanding 20,874 20,975 21,362 Net loss per share $ (2.85 ) $ (0.25 ) $ (1.66 )

Operating Segments (Tables)

Operating Segments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Active Partner Companies by Segment	The Company’s active partner companies as of December 31, 2015 by segment were as follows for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 : Healthcare Safeguard Primary Ownership as of December 31, Partner Company 2015 2014 2013 Accounting Method AdvantEdge Healthcare Solutions, Inc. 40.1% 40.1% 40.1% Equity Aventura, Inc. 19.9% NA NA Equity Good Start Genetics, Inc. 29.6% 29.9% 30.0% Equity InfoBionic, Inc. 38.5% 27.8% NA Equity Medivo, Inc. 34.5% 34.5% 34.5% Equity meQuilibrium 31.5% NA NA Equity NovaSom, Inc. 31.7% 31.7% 30.3% Equity Propeller Health, Inc. 24.6% 24.6% NA Equity Putney, Inc. 28.2% 28.3% 27.6% Equity Syapse, Inc. 24.4% 27.0% NA Equity Trice Medical, Inc. 27.7% 31.9% NA Equity Zipnosis, Inc 26.3% NA NA Equity Technology Safeguard Primary Ownership as of December 31, Partner Company 2015 2014 2013 Accounting Method AppFirst, Inc. 34.2% 34.3% 34.3% Equity Apprenda, Inc. 29.5% 21.6% 22.0% Equity Beyond.com, Inc. 38.2% 38.2% 38.2% Equity Bridgevine, Inc. 17.2% 17.2% 22.7% Cost (1) Cask Data, Inc. 34.2% NA NA Equity CloudMine, Inc. 30.1% NA NA Equity Clutch Holdings, Inc. 39.3% 29.6% 24.0% Equity Full Measure Education, Inc. 25.4% NA NA Equity Hoopla Software, Inc. 25.6% 25.6% 25.3% Equity Lumesis, Inc. 44.7% 45.7% 44.2% Equity MediaMath, Inc. 20.6% 20.7% 22.5% Equity Pneuron Corporation 35.4% 27.6% 27.6% Equity QuanticMind, Inc. (formerly InsideVault, Inc.) 23.6% NA NA Equity Sonobi, Inc. 22.6% NA NA Equity Spongecell, Inc. 23.0% 23.0% 23.0% Equity Transactis, Inc. 24.5% 24.8% NA Equity WebLinc, Inc. 29.2% 29.2% NA Equity
Segment Data from Operations	The following represents segment data from operations: For the Year Ended December 31, 2015 Healthcare Technology Total Segments Other Items Total (In thousands) Operating loss $ — $ — $ — $ (17,554 ) $ (17,554 ) Other income (loss), net 558 — 558 (341 ) 217 Equity loss (23,790 ) (15,691 ) (39,481 ) (118 ) (39,599 ) Net loss (23,232 ) (15,691 ) (38,923 ) (20,601 ) (59,524 ) Segment Assets: December 31, 2015 53,332 119,442 172,774 84,860 257,634 For the Year Ended December 31, 2014 Healthcare Technology Total Segments Other Items Total (In thousands) Operating loss $ — $ — $ — $ (18,970 ) $ (18,970 ) Other income (loss), net 31,820 — 31,820 (163 ) 31,657 Equity loss (3,944 ) (10,831 ) (14,775 ) (560 ) (15,335 ) Net income (loss) 27,876 (10,831 ) 17,045 (22,194 ) (5,149 ) Segment Assets: December 31, 2014 62,292 88,408 150,700 167,754 318,454 For the Year Ended December 31, 2013 Healthcare Technology Total Other Total (In thousands) Operating loss $ — $ — $ — $ (21,644 ) $ (21,644 ) Other income (loss), net (857 ) — (857 ) 1,240 383 Equity income (loss) (31,706 ) 20,899 (10,807 ) (1,800 ) (12,607 ) Net income (loss) (32,563 ) 20,899 (11,664 ) (23,861 ) (35,525 )
Net Loss from Other Items	Net loss from Other Items was as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (In thousands) Corporate operations $ (20,601 ) $ (22,194 ) $ (23,861 ) Income tax benefit (expense) — — — $ (20,601 ) $ (22,194 ) $ (23,861 )

Selected Quarterly Financial 31

Selected Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Selected Quarterly Financial Information	Three Months Ended March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31 (In thousands, except per share data) 2015: General and administrative expense $ 4,880 $ 4,754 $ 3,962 $ 3,958 Operating loss (4,880 ) (4,754 ) (3,962 ) (3,958 ) Other income (loss), net (388 ) (15 ) 704 (84 ) Interest income 449 640 398 448 Interest expense (1,122 ) (1,128 ) (1,133 ) (1,140 ) Equity loss (8,662 ) (13,765 ) (7,635 ) (9,537 ) Net loss before income taxes (14,603 ) (19,022 ) (11,628 ) (14,271 ) Income tax benefit (expense) — — — — Net loss $ (14,603 ) $ (19,022 ) $ (11,628 ) $ (14,271 ) Net loss per share (a) Basic $ (0.70 ) $ (0.91 ) $ (0.56 ) $ (0.69 ) Diluted $ (0.70 ) $ (0.91 ) $ (0.56 ) $ (0.69 ) 2014: General and administrative expense $ 5,239 $ 5,069 $ 4,177 $ 4,485 Operating loss (5,239 ) (5,069 ) (4,177 ) (4,485 ) Other income (loss), net 30,374 1,452 (246 ) 77 Interest income 470 542 482 407 Interest expense (1,094 ) (1,098 ) (1,103 ) (1,107 ) Equity income (loss) 6,808 (3,175 ) (8,962 ) (10,006 ) Net income (loss) before income taxes 31,319 (7,348 ) (14,006 ) (15,114 ) Income tax benefit (expense) — — — — Net income (loss) $ 31,319 $ (7,348 ) $ (14,006 ) $ (15,114 ) Net income (loss) per share (a) Basic $ 1.44 $ (0.35 ) $ (0.68 ) $ (0.73 ) Diluted $ 1.29 $ (0.35 ) $ (0.68 ) $ (0.73 ) (a) Per share amounts for the quarters have each been calculated separately. Accordingly, quarterly amounts may not add to the annual amounts because of differences in the average common shares outstanding during each period. Additionally, in regard to diluted per share amounts only, quarterly amounts may not add to the annual amounts because of the inclusion of the effect of potentially dilutive securities only in the periods in which such effect would have been dilutive, and because of the adjustments to net income (loss) for the dilutive effect of partner company common stock equivalents and convertible securities.

Significant Accounting Polici32

Significant Accounting Policies Out of Period Adjustments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Equity Income (Loss)
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Immaterial prior period adjustment made in current period	$ 1.7	$ 1.4	$ 0.3

Ownership Interests in and Ad33

Ownership Interests in and Advances to Partner Companies and Funds - Summary of the carrying value of the Company's ownership interests in and advances to partner companies and private equity funds (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Equity method investments	$ 151,840	$ 135,989
Cost method investments	6,990	9,138
Advances to partner companies	12,771	9,065
Total	171,601	154,192
Partner companies [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Equity method investments	150,898	134,861
Cost method investments	5,024	6,774
Private equity funds [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Equity method investments	942	1,128
Cost method investments	$ 1,966	$ 2,364

Ownership Interests in and Ad34

Ownership Interests in and Advances to Partner Companies and Funds - Narrative (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended						5 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2016	Jul. 31, 2015	Apr. 30, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Investment [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of business								$ 25,058	$ 82,822	$ 38,974
Adjusted carrying value of capital								151,840	135,989
Equity method investment assets exceed carrying value of investment								105,600
Goodwill [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Equity method investment allocation of excess fair value								78,800
Intangible Assets [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Equity method investment allocation of excess fair value								26,800
Thing Worx Inc [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of business		$ 3,300				$ 36,400
Gain on sale of business								3,300		32,700
Proceeds from milestone payments								3,200
Alverix Inc [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of business		1,700			$ 15,700				15,700
Gain on sale of business								1,700	15,700
Crescendo [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of business				$ 38,400			$ 2,900		38,400
Gain on sale of business								2,900
Cost-method Investments, realized gains									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
DriveFactor Inc. [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of business			$ 9,100
Gain on sale of business								6,100
Amount held in escrow			1,100
InfoBionic [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Asset impairment charges								3,200
Dabo [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Asset impairment charges								2,300
Sotera [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of business			$ 4,200
Cost-method Investments, realized gains									1,500
Nupathe [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of business				23,100
Gain on sale of business									$ 3,000
Proceeds from milestone payments				$ 24,200
Proceeds from divestiture of businesses and interests in affiliates (in dollars per share)				$ 3.65
Proceeds from milestone payments (in dollars per share)				$ 3.15
Appfirst [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Asset impairment charges								3,600
Adjusted carrying value of capital								$ 3,000
PixelOptics, Inc. [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Asset impairment charges										$ 11,200
Subsequent Event [Member] | Thing Worx Inc [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of business	$ 4,100
Gain on sale of business	$ 4,100

Ownership Interests in and Ad35

Ownership Interests in and Advances to Partner Companies and Funds - Summarized Balance Sheets for Equity Method Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Current assets	$ 357,663	$ 312,621
Non-current assets	109,454	90,469
Total assets	467,117	403,090
Current liabilities	253,692	163,016
Non-current liabilities	110,829	80,050
Shareholders’ equity	102,596	160,024
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$ 467,117	$ 403,090

Ownership Interests in and Ad36

Ownership Interests in and Advances to Partner Companies and Funds - Results of Operations for Equity Method Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Revenue	$ 401,182	$ 319,197	$ 270,666
Gross profit	113,801	97,405	121,297
Net loss	$ (140,801)	$ (108,994)	$ (63,452)

Acquisitions of Ownership Int37

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

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2015

Oct. 31, 2015

Jul. 31, 2015

Jun. 30, 2015

May. 31, 2015

Apr. 30, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Feb. 28, 2015

Jan. 31, 2015

Aug. 31, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

May. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Jan. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Jul. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Apr. 30, 2015

Jun. 30, 2014

May. 31, 2015

Sep. 30, 2013

Jul. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

May. 31, 2014

Jun. 30, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2014

Apr. 30, 2014

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

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

$ 70,186

$ 59,476

$ 41,838

Proceeds from sale of business

$ 25,058

82,822

38,974

CloudMine [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Convertible bridge loan

$ 2,000

Ownership interest under equity method, percentage

30.10%

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

$ 2,900

Hoopla Software, Inc. [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Convertible bridge loan

$ 700

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

$ 3,200

Zipnosis [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Ownership interest under equity method, percentage

26.30%

26.30%

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

$ 7,000

WebLinc [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Convertible bridge loan

$ 600

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

$ 6,000

Cask Data [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Ownership interest under equity method, percentage

34.20%

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

$ 11,000

Appfirst [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Convertible bridge loan

$ 3,000

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

$ 8,600

Apprenda [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

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

$ 10,000

$ 12,100

InfoBionic [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

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

1,500

$ 8,000

Quantia [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Convertible bridge loan

$ 2,800

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

$ 12,500

Proceeds from sale of business

7,800

InsideVault [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Ownership interest under equity method, percentage

24.50%

24.50%

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

$ 7,000

Pneuron [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

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

$ 3,500

$ 5,000

Clutch [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

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

$ 4,800

$ 7,500

Sonobi [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Ownership interest under equity method, percentage

22.60%

22.60%

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

$ 5,400

Advantedge [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Convertible bridge loan

$ 1,000

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

$ 15,300

meQuilibrium [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Ownership interest under equity method, percentage

31.50%

31.50%

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

$ 6,500

Spongecell [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Convertible bridge loan

$ 4,000

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

$ 10,000

Dabo [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Convertible bridge loan

$ 300

Payments to Acquire Other Investments

$ 2,000

Aventura [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Ownership interest under equity method, percentage

19.90%

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

$ 6,000

Full Measure [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Ownership interest under equity method, percentage

25.40%

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

$ 4,000

Trice [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

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

$ 1,100

$ 5,000

Propeller [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Ownership interest under equity method, percentage

24.60%

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

$ 9,000

Transactis [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Ownership interest under equity method, percentage

24.80%

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

$ 9,500

Syapse, Inc. [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Ownership interest under equity method, percentage

27.00%

27.00%

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

$ 5,800

Putney, Inc. [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

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

$ 5,000

$ 10,000

Lumesis, Inc. [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

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

$ 1,700

$ 3,900

NovaSom, Inc. [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Convertible bridge loan

$ 1,100

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

$ 20,000

MediaMath, Inc. [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Ownership interest under equity method, percentage

20.60%

20.60%

22.50%

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

$ 7,000

$ 18,600

Unrealized gain (loss) from change in ownership

7,000

Sotera [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Convertible bridge loan

$ 200

Payments to Acquire Other Investments

1,300

Cost of shares acquired from previous investor

1,200

Proceeds from sale of business

4,200

Alverix Inc [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Convertible bridge loan

$ 600

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

$ 8,800

Proceeds from sale of business

$ 1,700

$ 15,700

15,700

DriveFactor Inc. [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

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

$ 1,100

$ 3,500

Proceeds from sale of business

$ 9,100

Crescendo [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Convertible bridge loan

$ 1,000

Payments to Acquire Other Investments

$ 10,000

Proceeds from sale of business

$ 38,400

$ 2,900

$ 38,400

PixelOptics, Inc. [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Convertible bridge loan

$ 5,300

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

$ 31,600

Medivo, Inc. [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

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

$ 5,300

$ 6,300

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	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Carrying Value [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 32,838	$ 111,897
Marketable securities - held-to-maturity	40,763	44,628
Carrying Value [Member] | Commercial Paper [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities - held-to-maturity		6,596
Carrying Value [Member] | U.S. Treasury Bills [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities - held-to-maturity		1,503
Carrying Value [Member] | US Government Agencies Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities - held-to-maturity	1,329	503
Carrying Value [Member] | Certificates of deposit [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities - held-to-maturity	39,434	36,026
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	32,838	111,897
Marketable securities - held-to-maturity	40,763	44,628
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Marketable securities - held-to-maturity	0	0
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Marketable securities - held-to-maturity	0	0
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Commercial Paper [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities - held-to-maturity		6,596
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Commercial Paper [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities - held-to-maturity		0
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Commercial Paper [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities - held-to-maturity		0
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | U.S. Treasury Bills [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities - held-to-maturity		1,503
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | U.S. Treasury Bills [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities - held-to-maturity		0
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | U.S. Treasury Bills [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities - held-to-maturity		0
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | US Government Agencies Debt Securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities - held-to-maturity	1,329	503
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | US Government Agencies Debt Securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities - held-to-maturity	0	0
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | US Government Agencies Debt Securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities - held-to-maturity	0	0
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Certificates of deposit [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities - held-to-maturity	39,434	36,026
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Certificates of deposit [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities - held-to-maturity	0	0
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Certificates of deposit [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities - held-to-maturity	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Value Measurements - Narr

Fair Value Measurements - Narrative (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Marketable securities, current	$ 31,020	$ 25,263
Marketable securities, non current	$ 9,743	$ 19,365

Convertible Debentures and Cr40

Convertible Debentures and Credit Arrangements - Convertible Senior Debentures due 2018 Narrative (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amortization of debt discount	$ 1,184,000	$ 1,085,000	$ 995,000
Convertible Senior Debentures due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of convertible senior debentures				$ 55,000,000
Interest rate on debentures				5.25%
Number of days within 30 consecutive trading days in which the closing price of the entity's common stock exceeded the conversion price giving the holders of the debentures an option (in days)	20 days
Number of consecutive trading days during which the closing price of the entity's common stock exceeded the conversion price for at least 20 days giving the holders of the debentures an option (in days)	30 days
Number of days after five consecutive trading days in which the trading price per $1,000 principal amount was less than 98% of the product of the closing sale price per share of Company common stock multiplied by the conversion rate on each such trading day (in days)	5 days
Number of consecutive trading days during which the trading price per $1,000 principal amount for at least five days was less than 98% of the product of the closing sale price per share of Company common stock multiplied by the conversion rate on each such trading day (in days)	5 days
Principal amount of convertible debentures	$ 1,000
Closing price is percentage of conversion price	98.00%
Conversion rate of common stock	55.17
Conversion price (in dollars per share)	$ 18.13
Closing price for common stock	$ 14.51
Sales price of common stock to conversion price	140.00%
Debentures redemption price	100.00%
Change in control due to debentures redemption	50.00%
Percentage of principal amount and accrued and unpaid interest for repurchase of debt	100.00%
Outstanding debentures	$ 55,000,000
Fair value of Debentures outstanding	60,500,000
Gross carrying amount of equity component	6,400,000
Principal amount of liability component	55,000,000
Unamortized discount	3,300,000
Carrying value of liability component	51,700,000
Amortization of debt discount	$ 1,200,000	$ 1,100,000	$ 1,000,000
Debt instrument effective rate	8.70%
Convertible Senior Debentures due 2018 [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of the closing sales price of the entity's common stock that the conversion price exceeded giving the holders of the debentures an option (as a percent)	130.00%

Convertible Debentures and Cr41

Convertible Debentures and Credit Arrangements - Credit Arrangements Narrative (Details) - Credit Arrangements [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 25,000,000
Sublimit facility attached on revolving credit facility	20,000,000
Remaining borrowing capacity	$ 18,700,000
After Amendment [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maturity date	Dec. 19, 2016
Landlord Of Compu Com Systems Incs Dallas Headquarters [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Letters of credit outstanding	$ 6,300,000
Letter of credit expiration date	Mar. 19, 2019

Equity (Detail)

Equity (Detail) - USD ($) shares in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jul. 01, 2015
Stock Repurchase [Line Items]
Repurchase of common stock	$ 4,997,000	$ 25,036,000	$ 122,000
Common Stock [Member]
Stock Repurchase [Line Items]
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount (in shares)				$ 25,000,000
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)	0.3
Repurchase of common stock	$ 5,000,000

Stock-Based Compensation - Equ

Stock-Based Compensation - Equity Compensation Plans Narrative (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Reserved shares of common stock for possible future issuance		4,200
Employee stock options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options issued (in shares)	70
2004 Equity Compensation Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares authorized for issuance		4,100

Stock-Based Compensation - Sto

Stock-Based Compensation - Stock-Based Compensation Expense (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 1,611	$ 1,935	$ 1,821
General and Administrative Expense [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 1,611	$ 1,935	$ 1,821

Stock-Based Compensation - Cla

Stock-Based Compensation - Classification of Stock-Based Compensation Expense Narrative (Detail) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)vesting_type$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of award vesting types | vesting_type	3
Weighted-average grant date fair value of options issued (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 4.25	$ 7.02	$ 6.83
Total intrinsic value of options exercised | $	$ 0.9	$ 2.4	$ 3.9
Cash liability for performance-based units | $	$ 0
Performance-based awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options granted (in shares)	0	8,000	67,000
Options vested (in shares)		7,000
Options forfeited in period (in shares)	9,000	16,000	398,000
Stock-based compensation expense | $	$ 0	$ 0.1	$ 0
Stock-based compensation, maximum number of unvested shares (in shares)	453,000
Total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options granted | $	$ 0.3
Weighted-average period for recognition (in years)	2 years 7 months 12 days
Market-based awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options vested (in shares)	22,000
Options forfeited in period (in shares)	91,000	155,000	554,000
Stock-based compensation expense | $	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0.2
Stock-based compensation, maximum number of unvested shares (in shares)	136,000
Vesting period (in years)	8 years
Service-based awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options granted (in shares)	31,000	23,000	52,000
Options forfeited in period (in shares)	8,000	8,000	14,000
Stock-based compensation expense | $	$ 0.3	$ 0.3	$ 0.5
Vesting period (in years)	4 years
Expiration term (in years)	8 years
Total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options granted | $	$ 0.3
Weighted-average period for recognition (in years)	2 years 7 months 12 days
Performance Stock Unit [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options issued (in shares)	153,000	119,000	83,000
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options issued (in shares)	81,000	59,000	28,000
Restricted Stock [Member] | Non Employees [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense | $		$ 0.1
Granted to restricted shares to members of its advisory boards (in shares)	9,000	8,000	8,000
Deferred Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options issued (in shares)	44,000	46,000	48,000
Percentage of shares vested in lieu of directors fees at the grant date	100.00%
Portion of Director fees matched to deferred stock units	25.00%
Vesting period of deferred stock (in years)	1 year
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 | $	$ 1.3	$ 1.5	$ 1.1
Granted to restricted shares to members of its advisory boards (in shares)	286,000	231,000
Compensation cost not yet recognized | $	$ 4.8
Total fair value of stock-based compensation vested | $	$ 1.1	$ 1.4	$ 1.1

Stock-Based Compensation - Ass

Stock-Based Compensation - Assumptions used in Valuation of Options Granted (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Service-based awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Expected volatility	26.00%	32.00%	52.00%
Average expected option life	5 years	5 years	5 years
Risk-free interest rate	1.50%	1.70%	1.30%
Performance-based awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Dividend yield		0.00%	0.00%
Expected volatility		32.00%	46.00%
Average expected option life		4 years 9 months 18 days	4 years 8 months 12 days
Risk-free interest rate		1.70%	1.80%

Stock-Based Compensation - Opt

Stock-Based Compensation - Option Activity (Detail) - Stock Option [Member] - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Shares
Outstanding, Beginning Balance	1,316	1,828	3,287
Options granted	31	31	120
Options exercised	(155)	(365)	(612)
Options canceled/forfeited	(107)	(178)	(967)
Outstanding, Ending Balance	1,085	1,316	1,828
Options exercisable	422
Options vested and expected to vest	1,085
Shares available for future grant	2,345
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding, Beginning Balance	$ 12.81	$ 12.51	$ 10.72
Options granted	17.26	19.38	15.61
Options exercised	13.12	11.48	8.44
Options canceled/forfeited	13.06	13.58	9.38
Outstanding, Ending Balance	12.86	$ 12.81	$ 12.51
Options exercisable	12.14
Options vested and expected to vest	$ 12.86
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life
Outstanding, contractual life (in years)	3 years 9 months 11 days
Options exercisable (in years)	2 years 4 months 17 days
Options vested and expected to vest (in years)	3 years 9 months 11 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding intrinsic value	$ 2,819
Options exercisable	1,351
Options vested and expected to vest	$ 2,819

Stock-Based Compensation - Def

Stock-Based Compensation - Deferred Stock Unit, Performance-Based Stock Unit and Restricted Stock Activity (Detail) - Deferred stock units, performance-based stock units and restricted stock [Member] - $ / shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Unvested, shares
Unvested, Beginning Balance	455	317
Granted	286	231
Vested	(64)	(78)
Forfeited	(7)	(15)
Unvested, Ending Balance	670	455
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested, Beginning Balance	$ 17.09	$ 15.34
Granted	15.02	19.67
Vested	17.42	17.91
Forfeited	18.76	15.61
Unvested ,Ending Balance	$ 16.16	$ 17.09

Other Income (Loss), Net (Detai

Other Income (Loss), Net (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Other Income and Expense [Line Items]
Other									$ 57	$ (124)	$ 633
Other income (loss), net	$ (84)	$ 704	$ (15)	$ (388)	$ 77	$ (246)	$ 1,452	$ 30,374	217	31,657	383
Cost-method Investments [Member]
Other Income and Expense [Line Items]
Gain on sale of ownership interests in cost method partner companies									2,914	31,835	0
Impairment charges on cost method partner companies and private equity funds									$ (2,754)	$ (54)	$ (250)

Income Taxes - Narrative (Deta

Income Taxes - Narrative (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Federal income tax expense (benefit)	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
State and local income tax expense (benefit)	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Statutory tax (benefit) expense	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 230,278

Income Taxes - Differences Bet

Income Taxes - Differences Between United States Federal Income Tax Rate and Effective Income Tax Rate (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Statutory tax (benefit) expense	(35.00%)	(35.00%)	(35.00%)
Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from:
Stock-based compensation	0.10%	1.50%	0.20%
Nondeductible expenses	0.20%	2.90%	0.10%
Valuation allowance	34.70%	30.60%	34.70%
Effective income tax rate, percent	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Income Taxes - Deferred Tax As

Income Taxes - Deferred Tax Assets and Deferred Tax Liabilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Deferred tax asset:
Carrying values of partner companies and other holdings	$ 83,042	$ 68,557
Tax loss and credit carryforwards	84,493	76,766
Accrued expenses	1,391	1,484
Stock-based compensation	1,655	4,761
Other	1,369	1,353
Deferred tax assets, gross	171,950	152,921
Valuation allowance	(171,950)	(152,921)
Net deferred tax asset	$ 0	$ 0

Income Taxes - Carryforwards E

Income Taxes - Carryforwards Expiration (Detail) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
2,016	$ 0
2,017	0
2,018	0
2,019	0
2020 and thereafter	230,278
Total	$ 230,278

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																12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015		Sep. 30, 2015		Jun. 30, 2015		Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014		Sep. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2014		Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Basic:
Net loss	$ (14,271)		$ (11,628)		$ (19,022)		$ (14,603)		$ (15,114)		$ (14,006)		$ (7,348)		$ 31,319		$ (59,524)	$ (5,149)	$ (35,525)
Basic (in shares)																	20,874	20,975	21,362
Net income (loss) per share (in dollars per share)	$ (0.69)	[1]	$ (0.56)	[1]	$ (0.91)	[1]	$ (0.70)	[1]	$ (0.73)	[1]	$ (0.68)	[1]	$ (0.35)	[1]	$ 1.44	[1]	$ (2.85)	$ (0.25)	$ (1.66)
Diluted:
Net loss	$ (14,271)		$ (11,628)		$ (19,022)		$ (14,603)		$ (15,114)		$ (14,006)		$ (7,348)		$ 31,319		$ (59,524)	$ (5,149)	$ (35,525)
Diluted (in shares)																	20,874	20,975	21,362
Net income (loss) per share (in dollars per share)	$ (0.69)	[1]	$ (0.56)	[1]	$ (0.91)	[1]	$ (0.70)	[1]	$ (0.73)	[1]	$ (0.68)	[1]	$ (0.35)	[1]	$ 1.29	[1]	$ (2.85)	$ (0.25)	$ (1.66)
[1]	Per share amounts for the quarters have each been calculated separately. Accordingly, quarterly amounts may not add to the annual amounts because of differences in the average common shares outstanding during each period. Additionally, in regard to diluted per share amounts only, quarterly amounts may not add to the annual amounts because of the inclusion of the effect of potentially dilutive securities only in the periods in which such effect would have been dilutive, and because of the adjustments to net income (loss) for the dilutive effect of partner company common stock equivalents and convertible securities.

Net Income (Loss) Per Share 55

Net Income (Loss) Per Share - Narrative (Detail) - $ / shares shares in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Shares of common stock at prices ranging, lower limit	$ 7.14	$ 7.14	$ 3.93
Shares of common stock at prices ranging, upper limit	$ 19.95	$ 19.95	$ 18.80
Employee stock options [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Share of common stock excluded from diluted net loss per share calculation (in shares)	1.1	1.3	1.8
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 (in shares)	0.7	0.5	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 (in shares)	3	3	3

Related Party Transactions (Det

Related Party Transactions (Detail) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			180 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2001	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2015
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Loan agreement	$ 26,500,000
Impairment charges against loan					$ 15,700,000
Receipt in payments on loan		$ 0	$ 100,000	$ 0	17,000,000
Loan, carrying value		$ 0			$ 0

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2001	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitment Contingencies And Guarantees [Line Items]
Total rental expense under operating leases		$ 500	$ 600	$ 600
Future minimum payments, 2016		397
Future minimum payments, 2017		584
Future minimum payments, 2018		591
Future minimum payments, 2019		602
Future minimum payments, 2020 and thereafter		3,843
Future minimum payments		6,017
Company outstanding guarantees		3,800
Accrued expenses		2,789	2,334
Other long-term liabilities		3,965	$ 3,507
Annual payments	$ 650
Employee Severance [Member]
Commitment Contingencies And Guarantees [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost		3,000
Credit Arrangements [Member] | Landlord Of Compu Com Systems Incs Dallas Headquarters [Member]
Commitment Contingencies And Guarantees [Line Items]
Letters of credit outstanding		$ 6,300
Letter of credit expiration date		Mar. 19, 2019
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities [Member]
Commitment Contingencies And Guarantees [Line Items]
Liability to former chairman and chief executive officer, current		$ 800
Other long-term liabilities [Member]
Commitment Contingencies And Guarantees [Line Items]
Liability to former chairman and chief executive officer, non-current		2,300
Clawback Liability [Member]
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%

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform58

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Converted instrument amount	$ 1	$ 2.7
Interest payments	2.9	2.9	$ 2.9
Cash paid for taxes	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Operating Segments - Narrative

Operating Segments - Narrative (Detail) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)partner_company	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Non-consolidated partner companies | partner_company	29
Other Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets included cash, cash equivalents, cash held in escrow and marketable securities | $	$ 73.6	$ 156.5

Operating Segments - Active Pa

Operating Segments - Active Partner Companies by Segment (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Healthcare [Member] | AdvantEdge Healthcare Solutions, Inc. [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage	40.10%	40.10%		40.10%
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	29.60%	29.90%		30.00%
Healthcare [Member] | InfoBionic [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage	38.50%	27.80%
Healthcare [Member] | Medivo, Inc. [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage	34.50%	34.50%		34.50%
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%	31.70%		30.30%
Healthcare [Member] | Propeller [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage	24.60%	24.60%
Healthcare [Member] | Putney, Inc. [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage	28.20%	28.30%		27.60%
Healthcare [Member] | Syapse, Inc. [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage	24.40%	27.00%
Healthcare [Member] | Trice [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage	27.70%	31.90%
Healthcare [Member] | Zipnosis [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage	26.30%
Technology [Member] | Appfirst [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage	34.20%	34.30%		34.30%
Technology [Member] | Apprenda, Inc. [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage	29.50%	21.60%		22.00%
Technology [Member] | Beyond.com, Inc [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage	38.20%	38.20%		38.20%
Technology [Member] | Bridgevine, Inc. [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under cost method, percentage	17.20%	17.20%	[1]	22.70%
Technology [Member] | Cask Data [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage	34.20%
Technology [Member] | CloudMine [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage	30.10%
Technology [Member] | Clutch [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage	39.30%	29.60%		24.00%
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%	25.60%		25.30%
Technology [Member] | Lumesis, Inc. [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage	44.70%	45.70%		44.20%
Technology [Member] | MediaMath, Inc. [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage	20.60%	20.70%		22.50%
Technology [Member] | Pneuron [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage	35.40%	27.60%		27.60%
Technology [Member] | QuanticMind, Inc. [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage	23.60%
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%	23.00%		23.00%
Technology [Member] | Transactis [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage	24.50%	24.80%
Technology [Member] | WebLinc [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest under equity method, percentage	29.20%	29.20%
[1]	(1) In the second quarter of 2014, the Company’s ownership interest in Bridgevine decreased below the threshold at which the Company believes it exercises significant influence. Accordingly, the Company changed its method of accounting for Bridgevine from the equity method to the cost method.

Operating Segments - Schedule

Operating Segments - Schedule of Segment Reporting Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating loss	$ (3,958)	$ (3,962)	$ (4,754)	$ (4,880)	$ (4,485)	$ (4,177)	$ (5,069)	$ (5,239)	$ (17,554)	$ (18,970)	$ (21,644)
Other income (loss), net	(84)	704	(15)	(388)	77	(246)	1,452	30,374	217	31,657	383
Equity loss	(9,537)	(7,635)	(13,765)	(8,662)	(10,006)	(8,962)	(3,175)	6,808	(39,599)	(15,335)	(12,607)
Net loss	(14,271)	$ (11,628)	$ (19,022)	$ (14,603)	(15,114)	$ (14,006)	$ (7,348)	$ 31,319	(59,524)	(5,149)	(35,525)
Assets	257,634				318,454				257,634	318,454
Healthcare [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating loss									0	0	0
Other income (loss), net									558	31,820	(857)
Equity loss									(23,790)	(3,944)	(31,706)
Net loss									(23,232)	27,876	(32,563)
Assets	53,332				62,292				53,332	62,292
Technology [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating loss									0	0	0
Other income (loss), net									0	0	0
Equity loss									(15,691)	(10,831)	20,899
Net loss									(15,691)	(10,831)	20,899
Assets	119,442				88,408				119,442	88,408
Reportable Subsegments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating loss									0	0	0
Other income (loss), net									558	31,820	(857)
Equity loss									(39,481)	(14,775)	(10,807)
Net loss									(38,923)	17,045	(11,664)
Assets	172,774				150,700				172,774	150,700
Other Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating loss									(17,554)	(18,970)	(21,644)
Other income (loss), net									(341)	(163)	1,240
Equity loss									(118)	(560)	(1,800)
Net loss									(20,601)	(22,194)	$ (23,861)
Assets	$ 84,860				$ 167,754				$ 84,860	$ 167,754

Operating Segments - Schedul62

Operating Segments - Schedule of Income (Loss) from Other Items (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Corporate operations	$ (14,271)	$ (11,628)	$ (19,022)	$ (14,603)	$ (15,114)	$ (14,006)	$ (7,348)	$ 31,319	$ (59,524)	$ (5,149)	$ (35,525)
Income tax benefit (expense)	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Net loss	$ (14,271)	$ (11,628)	$ (19,022)	$ (14,603)	$ (15,114)	$ (14,006)	$ (7,348)	$ 31,319	(59,524)	(5,149)	(35,525)
Other Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Corporate operations									(20,601)	(22,194)	(23,861)
Income tax benefit (expense)									0	0	0
Net loss									$ (20,601)	$ (22,194)	$ (23,861)

Selected Quarterly Financial 63

Selected Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015		Sep. 30, 2015		Jun. 30, 2015		Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014		Sep. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2014		Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
General and administrative expense	$ 3,958		$ 3,962		$ 4,754		$ 4,880		$ 4,485		$ 4,177		$ 5,069		$ 5,239		$ 17,554	$ 18,970	$ 21,644
Operating loss	(3,958)		(3,962)		(4,754)		(4,880)		(4,485)		(4,177)		(5,069)		(5,239)		(17,554)	(18,970)	(21,644)
Other income (loss), net	(84)		704		(15)		(388)		77		(246)		1,452		30,374		217	31,657	383
Interest income	448		398		640		449		407		482		542		470		1,935	1,901	2,646
Interest expense	(1,140)		(1,133)		(1,128)		(1,122)		(1,107)		(1,103)		(1,098)		(1,094)		(4,523)	(4,402)	(4,303)
Equity loss	(9,537)		(7,635)		(13,765)		(8,662)		(10,006)		(8,962)		(3,175)		6,808		(39,599)	(15,335)	(12,607)
Net loss before income taxes	(14,271)		(11,628)		(19,022)		(14,603)		(15,114)		(14,006)		(7,348)		31,319		(59,524)	(5,149)	(35,525)
Income tax benefit (expense)	0		0		0		0		0		0		0		0		0	0	0
Net loss	$ (14,271)		$ (11,628)		$ (19,022)		$ (14,603)		$ (15,114)		$ (14,006)		$ (7,348)		$ 31,319		$ (59,524)	$ (5,149)	$ (35,525)
Net loss per share
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ (0.69)	[1]	$ (0.56)	[1]	$ (0.91)	[1]	$ (0.70)	[1]	$ (0.73)	[1]	$ (0.68)	[1]	$ (0.35)	[1]	$ 1.44	[1]	$ (2.85)	$ (0.25)	$ (1.66)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.69)	[1]	$ (0.56)	[1]	$ (0.91)	[1]	$ (0.70)	[1]	$ (0.73)	[1]	$ (0.68)	[1]	$ (0.35)	[1]	$ 1.29	[1]	$ (2.85)	$ (0.25)	$ (1.66)
[1]	Per share amounts for the quarters have each been calculated separately. Accordingly, quarterly amounts may not add to the annual amounts because of differences in the average common shares outstanding during each period. Additionally, in regard to diluted per share amounts only, quarterly amounts may not add to the annual amounts because of the inclusion of the effect of potentially dilutive securities only in the periods in which such effect would have been dilutive, and because of the adjustments to net income (loss) for the dilutive effect of partner company common stock equivalents and convertible securities.