Note 6 - Discontinued Operations (Detail) - Operations of discontinued operations (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Revenue		$ 6,661		$ 15,670
Cost of sales		4,799	2,901	10,299
Gross profit (loss)		1,862	(2,901)	5,371
Selling, general and administrative expenses	72	2,796	72	5,365
Research and development expenses		207		436
Operating loss	(72)	(1,141)	(2,973)	(430)
Interest and other income (expense), net		73	5	117
Interest expense		(138)		(310)
Loss on sale		(316)		(92)
Provision for income taxes		(13)		(31)
Loss from discontinued operations	(72)	(1,535)	(2,968)	(746)
Loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest	1	9	43	(1)
Net loss from discontinued operations attributable to Digital Angel Corporation	$ (71)	$ (1,526)	$ (2,925)	$ (747)
Loss from discontinued operations per common share – basic and diluted (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.00	$ (0.05)	$ (0.09)	$ (0.03)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – basic and diluted (in Shares)	30,501	29,950	30,188	29,801