CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (5,531)	$ (11,516)	$ 285
Translation adjustment	25	0	0
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities, net of income taxes	44	(55)	(208)
Comprehensive income (loss)	(5,462)	(11,571)	77
Less: noncontrolling interest's share	(10)	0	0
Comprehensive loss attributable to Merge Healthcare Incorporated	$ (5,452)	$ (11,571)	$ 77

The change in equity [net assets] of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources which are attributable to the reporting entity. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, but excludes any and all transactions which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent.

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-Glossary Comprehensive Income

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6508144

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-Glossary Net Income

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-Glossary Other Comprehensive Income

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+ Details

- Definition

The portion of net Income or Loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest (if any) deducted in order to derive the portion attributable to the parent.

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+ Details

- Definition

Adjustment that results from the process of translating subsidiary financial statements and foreign equity investments into the reporting currency of the reporting entity, net of tax.

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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

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+ Details

- Definition

Tax effect of the change in accumulated other comprehensive income, that is, the tax effect on items included in other comprehensive income during the period that is attributable to noncontrolling interest.

+ References

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- Definition

Appreciation or loss in value (before reclassification adjustment) of the total of unsold securities during the period being reported on, net of tax. Reclassification adjustments include: (1) the unrealized holding gain (loss), net of tax, at the date of the transfer for a debt security from the held-to-maturity category transferred into the available-for-sale category. Also includes the unrealized gain (loss) at the date of transfer for a debt security from the available-for-sale category transferred into the held-to-maturity category; (2) the unrealized gains (losses) realized upon the sale of securities, after tax; and (3) the unrealized gains (losses) realized upon the write-down of securities, after tax.

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+ Details

- Definition

The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest.

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