CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' DEFICIT (UNAUDITED) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income [Member]	Less Treasury Stock [Member]	Total Equity of 4 Kids Entertainment, Inc. Shareholders [Member]	Non-controlling Interests [Member]	Total
BALANCE at Dec. 31, 2011	$ 158	$ 69,436	$ (23,063)	$ 501	$ (36,488)	$ 10,544	$ (16,601)	$ (6,057)
BALANCE (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2011	15,778,000							15,777,711
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net gain (loss)	0	0	4,023	0	0	4,023	(1)	4,022
Translation adjustment	0	0	0	(36)	0	(36)	0	(36)
BALANCE at Mar. 31, 2012	$ 158	$ 69,436	$ (19,040)	$ 465	$ (36,488)	$ 14,531	$ (16,602)	$ (2,071)
BALANCE (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2012	15,778,000							15,777,711