Non-controlling interest (restated) (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Net loss attributable to MGT Capital Investments, Inc.	$ (365)	$ (1,202)	$ (2,471)	$ (4,144)
Transfers (to) from the non-controlling interest:
Increase in MGTs paid-in capital from sale and assignment of Medicsight Stock			0	21
Increase in MGTs paid-in capital from Medicsight Share Consolidation			2,392	0
Increase in MGTs paid-in capital from repurchase of Medicsight Shares			1,973	0
Changes from the net loss attributable to MGT Capital Investments, Inc. and transfers to the non-controlling interest			$ 1,894	$ (4,123)