Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited) (USD $)
In Thousands, except Share data
Total
Discover Ready [Member]
Ndex [Member]
Common Stock [Member]
Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]
Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]
Discover Ready [Member]
Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]
Ndex [Member]
Accumulated Deficit [Member]
Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2010 $ 278,858     $ 30 $ 286,148     $ (6,022) $ (1,298)
Beginning Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2010       30,511,408          
Net income attributable to The Dolan Company 19,493             19,493  
decrease in redeemable noncontrolling interest in NDeX, Net of tax   (1,261) 7,487     (1,261) 7,487    
Unrealized gain on interest rate swap, net of tax 13               13
Share-based compensation expense, including issuance of restricted stock (shares are net of forfeitures) 3,861       3,861        
Share-based compensation expense, including issuance of restricted stock (shares are net of forfeitures), Shares       198,689          
Issuance of common stock pursuant to the exercise of stock options 9       9        
Issuance of common stock pursuant to the exercise of stock options, Shares       4,000          
Payments For Repurchase Of Common Stock (1,691)       (1,691)        
Payments For Repurchase Of Common Stock, Shares       (137,500)          
Other (77)       (77)        
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2011 306,692     30 294,476     13,471 (1,285)
Ending Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2011       30,576,597          
Net income attributable to The Dolan Company 5,086             5,086  
decrease in redeemable noncontrolling interest in NDeX, Net of tax 0 4,792 (2,511)     4,792 (2,511)    
Unrealized gain on interest rate swap, net of tax 134               134
Share-based compensation expense, including issuance of restricted stock (shares are net of forfeitures) 1,908       1,908        
Share-based compensation expense, including issuance of restricted stock (shares are net of forfeitures), Shares       393,380          
Issuance of common stock pursuant to the exercise of stock options 30       30        
Issuance of common stock pursuant to the exercise of stock options, Shares (13,500)     13,500          
Payments For Repurchase Of Common Stock 0                
Ending Balance at Jun. 30, 2012 $ 316,131     $ 30 $ 298,695     $ 18,557 $ (1,151)
Ending Balance, Shares at Jun. 30, 2012       30,983,477