Document and Entity Information
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2012
Nov. 08, 2012
Entity Information [Line Items]    
Entity Registrant Name DEMAND MEDIA INC.  
Entity Central Index Key 0001365038  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Entity Filer Category Non-accelerated Filer  
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Period End Date Sep. 30, 2012  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2012  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3  
Trading Symbol DMD  
Amendment Flag false  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   86,340,427