Restatement of previously issued financial statements (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Selling, general and administrative	$ 4,551	$ 7,150
Operating loss	(4,490)	(7,862)
Revaluation of warrant liability	557	0
Net loss	(4,725)	(7,555)
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest	(1,121)	(3,006)
Net loss attributable to MGT Capital Investments, Inc.	(3,604)	(4,549)
Total Comprehensive loss	(4,676)	(7,338)
Comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interest	(1,095)	(2,878)
Comprehensive loss attributable to MGT Capital Investments, Inc.	(3,581)	(4,460)
Net loss applicable to Common shareholders	(5,882)	(4,549)
Basic and diluted loss per share (in dollars per share)	$ (2.62)	$ (3.86)
Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]
Selling, general and administrative	4,251
Operating loss	(4,190)
Revaluation of warrant liability	0
Net loss	(4,982)
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest	(1,117)
Net loss attributable to MGT Capital Investments, Inc.	(3,865)
Total Comprehensive loss	(4,933)
Comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interest	(1,091)
Comprehensive loss attributable to MGT Capital Investments, Inc.	(3,842)
Net loss applicable to Common shareholders	$ (8,420)
Basic and diluted loss per share (in dollars per share)	$ (3.75)