CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' DEFICIT (UNAUDITED) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Accumulated Deficit [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive 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							15,777,711
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issuance of Common Stock and stock options exercised		88				88		88
Issuance of Common Stock and stock options exercised (in shares)	61
Net income (loss)			9,720			9,720	(1)	9,719
Translation adjustment				(84)		(84)		(84)
BALANCE at Sep. 30, 2012	$ 158	$ 69,524	$ (13,343)	$ 417	$ (36,488)	$ 20,268	$ (16,602)	$ 3,666
BALANCE (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2012	15,839							15,838,879