Business combinations (Tables)
 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2012
Business Combinations [Abstract]  
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block]
  Pro Forma
  Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
  June 30, June 30,
  2011 2011
Total revenues$77,470 $158,410
Net income attributable to The Dolan Company 3,348  7,855
Net income attributable to The Dolan Company per share - basic and      
 diluted$0.11 $0.26
Actual/Pro forma weighted average shares outstanding:     
 Basic 30,107  30,118
 Diluted 30,211  30,252