Consolidated Statements of Other Comprehensive Loss - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018		Sep. 30, 2017
Net loss after taxes/net increase (decrease) on net assets resulting from operations		$ (3,846)		$ (32,604)	[1]
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	[1]			(469)
Total comprehensive loss	[1]			(33,073)
Less: comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interest	[1]			1,614
Total comprehensive loss attributable to Medallion Financial Corp.	[1]			$ (34,687)
Bank Holding Company Accounting [Member]
Net loss after taxes/net increase (decrease) on net assets resulting from operations		(3,846)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax		(214)
Total comprehensive loss		(4,060)
Less: comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interest		851
Total comprehensive loss attributable to Medallion Financial Corp.		$ (4,911)
Investment Company Accounting [Member]
Net loss after taxes/net increase (decrease) on net assets resulting from operations			$ 619			$ (3,067)
Total comprehensive loss			619			(3,067)
Total comprehensive loss attributable to Medallion Financial Corp.			$ 619			$ (3,067)

[1] Balance includes the six months ended September 30, 2018 under Bank Holding Company Accounting and three months ended March 31, 2018 under Investment Company Accounting.