CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY (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 4Licensing Corporation Shareholders [Member]	Non-controlling Interests [Member]	Total
BALANCE at Dec. 31, 2012	$ 158	$ 69,524	$ (13,519)	$ 344	$ (36,488)	$ 20,019	$ (16,602)	$ 3,417
BALANCE (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012	15,839,000							15,838,879
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Capital contribution from noncontrolling interest	0	0	0	0	0	0	643	643
Stock-based compensation expense	0	90	0	0	0	90	0	90
Comprehensive net (loss) income	0	0	(2,649)	(344)	0	(2,993)	186	(2,807)
BALANCE at Sep. 30, 2013	$ 158	$ 69,614	$ (16,168)	$ 0	$ (36,488)	$ 17,116	$ (15,773)	$ 1,343
BALANCE (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2013	15,839,000							15,838,879