Basic and diluted income per share (Tables)
 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]  
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]
   Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
   June 30, June 30,
   2012 2011 2012 2011
              
Net income attributable to The Dolan Company  $4,917 $2,572 $5,086 $6,047
Decrease in redeemable noncontrolling            
 interest in NDeX, net of tax  0  1,558  0  2,522
Net income attributable to The Dolan Company            
  common stockholders $4,917 $4,130 $5,086 $8,569
              
Basic:             
Shares used in the computation of basic net             
 income per share  30,276  30,107  30,226  30,118
Net income attributable to The Dolan Company             
 common stockholders per share — basic $0.16 $0.14 $0.17 $0.28
Diluted:            
Shares used in the computation of basic net             
 income per share  30,276  30,107  30,226  30,118
Stock options and restricted stock  80  104  81  134
Shares used in the computation of dilutive net             
 income per share  30,356  30,211  30,307  30,252
Net income attributable to The Dolan Company             
 common stockholders per share — diluted $0.16 $0.14 $0.17 $0.28