Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Cash flows from operating activities attributable to continuing operations: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Less: Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Net income (loss) from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Parent Adjustments to reconcile income (loss) from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities attributable to continuing operations: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Loss on disposal of fixed assets Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment Amortization of intangibles Amortization of Intangible Assets Depreciation Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Non-cash compensation expense Share-based Compensation Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Noncash Expense (Benefit) The noncash component of income tax expense for the period representing the increase (decrease) in the entity's deferred tax assets and liabilities pertaining to continuing operations. Excess tax benefit from stock-based award activity Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities Bad debt expense Provision for Doubtful Accounts Changes in current assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Prepaid and other current assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities This element represent increase or decrease in accounts payable and other current liabilities Income taxes payable Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Payable Other, net Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net Net cash provided by operating activities attributable to continuing operations Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations Cash flows from investing activities attributable to continuing operations: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Productive Assets Acquisition of a business Payments to Acquire Intangible Assets Decrease in restricted cash Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities attributable to continuing operations Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations Cash flows from financing activities attributable to continuing operations: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Payments related to net-share settlement of stock-based compensation, net of proceeds from exercise of stock options Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation Excess tax benefit from stock-based award activity Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Purchase of treasury stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Dividends Payments of Dividends Net cash used in financing activities attributable to continuing operations Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations Total cash provided by (used in) continuing operations Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Continuing Operations Net cash used in operating activities attributable to discontinued operations Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Discontinued Operations Total cash used in discontinued operations Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Discontinued Operations Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Schedule of computation of weighted average diluted shares WeightedAverageShareDisclosureTable [Table Text Block] WeightedAverageShareDisclosureTable [Table Text Block] Payables and Accruals [Abstract] Accrued expenses and other current liabilities Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accrued litigation liability Estimated Litigation Liability Accrued advertising expense Accrued Advertising, Current Accrued compensation and benefits Employee-related Liabilities, Current Accrued professional fees Accrued Professional Fees, Current Accrued restructuring costs Restructuring Reserve, Current Customer deposits and escrows Customer Deposits, Current Deferred rent Deferred Rent Credit, Current Other Other Liabilities, Current Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities Accrued Liabilities, Current Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] COMMITMENTS Commitments Disclosure [Text Block] Accounting Policies [Abstract] SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Litigation Status [Axis] Litigation Status [Axis] Litigation Status [Domain] Litigation Status [Domain] Pending litigation or appeal Pending Litigation [Member] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case Type [Domain] Litigation Case [Domain] Lijkel Dijkstra v. Harry Carenbauer, Home Loan Center, Inc Lijkel Dijkstra v. Harry Carenbauer, Home Loan Center, Inc [Member] Lijkel Dijkstra v. Harry Carenbauer, Home Loan Center, Inc [Member] Lending Tree v. Zillow, Inc. Lending Tree v. Zillow, Inc. [Member] Lending Tree v. Zillow, Inc. [Member] Massachusetts Division of Banks [Member] Massachusetts Division of Banks [Member] Massachusetts Division of Banks Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc. Demand Letter [Member] Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc. Demand Letter [Member] Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc. Demand Letter [Member] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Unfavorable regulatory action Unfavorable Regulatory Action [Member] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Member] Contingencies Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Number of patents found not infringed upon Loss Contingency, Number of Patents Found Not Infringed Upon Loss Contingency, Number of Patents Found Not Infringed Upon Litigation loss Litigation Settlement, Amount Range of possible loss, minimum Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Minimum Range of possible loss, maximum Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Maximum Number of patents alleged infringement upon, maximum Number of Patents Alleged Infringed Upon, Maximum Number of Patents Alleged Infringed Upon, Maximum Number of Joining Regulators Number of Joining Regulators This element represents the number of state mortgage regulation divisions that agree to not pursue litigation as part of an agreement for the company to sign a Consent Agreement and Order. Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Swingline Facility [Member] Swingline Facility [Member] Swingline Facility [Member] Letters of Credit [Member] Letters of Credit [Member] Letters of Credit [Member] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] Federal Funds Effective Swap Rate [Member] Federal Funds Effective Swap Rate [Member] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Base Rate [Member] Base Rate [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum Minimum [Member] Maximum Maximum [Member] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Revolving Credit Facility, current borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity Revolving Credit Facility, term Debt Instrument, Term Revolving Credit Facility, conditional increase to borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Conditional Increase to Borrowing Capacity Line of Credit Facility, Conditional Increase to Borrowing Capacity Revolving Credit Facility, basis spread on variable rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Revolving Credit Facility, collateral, percent of assets Line of Credit Facility, Collateral, Percent of Assets Line of Credit Facility, Collateral, Percent of Assets Revolving Credit Facility, collateral, percent of equity Line of Credit Facility, Collateral, Percent of Equity Line of Credit Facility, Collateral, Percent of Equity Revolving Credit Facility, unused capacity, commitment fee percentage Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage Revolving Credit Facility, letter of credit participation fee percentage Line of Credit Facility, Letter of Credit Participation Fee Percentage Line of Credit Facility, Participation Fee Revolving Credit Facility, letter of credit fronting fee percentage Line of Credit Facility, Letter of Credit Fronting Fee Percentage Line of Credit Facility, Letter of Credit Fronting Fee Percentage Fees and expense paid to lenders at closing Debt Instrument, Fee Amount Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income tax (expense) benefit Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Effective tax rates (as a percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract] RESTRICTED CASH Restricted Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Segment Reporting [Abstract] SEGMENT INFORMATION Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Income Statement [Abstract] Revenue Revenues Costs and expenses: Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation shown separately below) Cost of Revenue Selling and marketing expense Selling and Marketing Expense General and administrative expense General and Administrative Expense Product development Research and Development Expense Restructuring and severance Restructuring Charges Litigation settlements and contingencies Litigation Settlement, Expense Total costs and expenses Costs and Expenses Operating income (loss) Operating Income (Loss) Other income (expense): Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Interest expense Interest Income (Expense), Net Income (loss) before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations Net of Applicable Taxes This extension captures Income (loss) from operations of discontinued operations, net of tax. Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) Weighted average shares outstanding: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Basic Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Diluted Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Income (loss) per share from continuing operations: Income (Loss) from Operations before Extraordinary Items, Per Basic and Diluted Share [Abstract] Basic (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share Diluted (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share Loss per share from discontinued operations: Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic and Diluted Share [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Basic (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share Diluted (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share Income (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders: Basic (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block] Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Scenario, Forecast [Member] Scenario, Forecast [Member] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Name [Domain] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Lending Tree Loans Lending Tree Loans [Member] Represents the information pertaining to LendingTree Loans. Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Domain] Counterparty Name [Domain] Discover Discover Bank [Member] Represents Discover Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary of Discover Financial Services. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Cash and cash equivalents Asset Purchase Agreement Proceeds From Sale Asset Purchase Agreement Proceeds From Sale Represents the proceeds for sale of the assets under the purchase agreement entered into by the reporting entity. Settlement value of indemnification claim and other miscellaneous items Loss Contingency, Settlement Value Represents the amount of payment made by the entity towards the settlement with the buyers of previously purchased loans. Revenue and net income (loss) of discontinued operations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Income Statement Disclosures [Abstract] Revenue Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue Loss before income taxes Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax Income tax benefit (expense) Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation Loss from discontinued operations Assets and liabilities of facilities reported as discontinued operations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Balance Sheet Disclosures [Abstract] Current assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets, Current Non-current assets of discontinued operations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets, Noncurrent Current liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities, Current Non-current liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities, Noncurrent INCOME TAXES Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Calculation of weighted average common shares Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding Reconciliation [Abstract] Weighted average common shares, basic Effect of dilutive securities Incremental Weighted Average Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect [Abstract] Effect of stock options (in shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Effect of dilutive share awards (in shares) IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToRestrictedStockUnits IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToRestrictedStockUnits Weighted average common shares, diluted Anti-dilutive securities excluded from calculation of diluted earnings per share (in shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Common stock repurchases Disclosure of Repurchase Agreements [Abstract] Value of common stock authorized to be repurchased Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Purchase of treasury stock (in shares) Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Remaining authorized repurchase amount Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] ASSETS: Assets [Abstract] Restricted cash and cash equivalents Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current Accounts receivable (net of allowance of $501 and $349, respectively) Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Prepaid and other current assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Current assets of discontinued operations Total current assets Assets, Current Property and equipment (net of accumulated depreciation of $15,173 and $14,810, respectively) Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Goodwill Goodwill Intangible assets, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Other non-current assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Total assets Assets LIABILITIES: Liabilities [Abstract] Accounts payable, trade Accounts Payable, Trade, Current Accrued expenses and other current liabilities Current liabilities of discontinued operations Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Other non-current liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Non-current liabilities of discontinued operations Total liabilities Liabilities Commitments and contingencies Commitments and Contingencies SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Preferred stock $.01 par value; 5,000,000 shares authorized; none issued or outstanding Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Common stock $.01 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized; 13,013,767 and 12,854,517 shares issued, respectively, and 11,540,240 and 11,386,240 shares outstanding, respectively Common Stock, Value, Outstanding Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Accumulated deficit Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Treasury stock 1,473,527 and 1,468,277 shares, respectively Treasury Stock, Value Total shareholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Total liabilities and shareholders' equity Liabilities and Equity Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Restructuring Type [Axis] Restructuring Type [Axis] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Continuing Lease Obligations Continuous Lease Obligations [Member] Represents information pertaining to continuous lease obligation. RESTRUCTURING EXPENSE Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Changes in restructuring expenses Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] December 31, 2014 Restructuring Reserve Restructuring income Business Exit Costs Payments Payments for Restructuring September 30, 2015 Schedule of accrued expenses and other current liabilities Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Accumulated Deficit Retained Earnings [Member] Treasury Stock Treasury Stock [Member] Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive Income [Member] Statement Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Balance Balance (in shares) Shares, Issued Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) Non-cash compensation Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Purchase of treasury stock Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Dividends Dividends Issuance of common stock for stock options, restricted stock awards and restricted stock units, net of withholding taxes Stock Issue During Period of Stock Option and Restricted Stock Net Value of Units This element represent Issuance of common stock values upon exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock units net of withholding taxes. Issuance of common stock for stock options, restricted stock awards and restricted stock units, net of withholding taxes (in shares) Stock Issue During Period of Stock Option and Restricted Stock Net Shares of Units This element represent Issuance of common stock shares upon exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock units net of withholding taxes. Tax benefit from stock-based award activity Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation Balance Balance (in shares) Document and Entity Information -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Entities [Table] Entities [Table] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Entity Information: Entity Information [Line Items] Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Document Type Document Type Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Schedule of revenue and net income (loss) of the discontinued operations Schedule of Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of disposal groups, which may include the gain (loss) recognized in the income statement and the income statement caption that includes that gain (loss), amounts of revenues and pretax profit or loss reported in discontinued operations Schedule of activity related to loss reserves on previously sold loans Schedule of Activity in Loss Reserves on Loans Sold [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of activity related to loss reserves on previously sold loans. RESTRUCTURING Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Accounts receivable, allowance (in dollars) Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Accumulated depreciation of property and equipment Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, authorized shares Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, issued shares Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred stock, outstanding shares Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, authorized shares Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, issued shares Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, outstanding shares Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Treasury stock, shares Treasury Stock, Shares Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Schedule of non-cash compensation expense related to equity awards Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table Text Block] Summary of changes in outstanding stock options Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of stock option valuation assumptions Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Schedule of changes in outstanding non-vested RSUs and restricted stock Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block] SUBSEQUENT EVENTS Subsequent Events [Text Block] ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES Accounts Payable, Accrued Liabilities, and Other Liabilities Disclosure, Current [Text Block] Schedule of balance of goodwill and intangible assets, net Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill [Table Text Block] Schedule of intangible assets with definite lives Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of amortization of intangible assets with definite lives for the next five years Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Schedule of restructuring expense and payments against liabilities Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block] ORGANIZATION -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- ORGANIZATION Business Description and Basis of Presentation [Text Block] Goodwill Goodwill, Gross Accumulated impairment losses Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss Net goodwill Intangible assets with indefinite lives Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Intangible assets with definite lives, net Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Total intangible assets, net Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Customer lists Customer Lists [Member] Other Other Intangible Assets [Member] Intangible assets with definite lives Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Cash consideration on acquisition date Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Contingent consideration range, minimum Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, Low Contingent consideration range, maximum Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High Intangible assets acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired Contingent consideration on acquisition date Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability Cost Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Accumulated amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Total intangible assets with definite lives, net Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life Contingent consideration reduction Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability Schedule of mortgage and non-mortgage product revenue Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Investor [Axis] Investor [Axis] Information by investor Investor [Domain] Investor [Domain] [Domain] for Information by investor Investor One [Member] Investor One [Member] Investor One [Member] Investor Two [Member] Investor Two [Member] Investor Two [Member] Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents [Axis] Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents [Axis] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Domain] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Domain] Cash Restricted for Loan Loss Obligations Escrow Deposit for Loan Loss Obligations [Member] Represents the restricted cash in escrow deposit for loan loss obligations. Discover Bank Loan loss obligations Obligation to Repurchase Receivables Sold [Member] Statement, Operating Activities Segment [Axis] Operating Activities [Axis] Segment, Operating Activities [Domain] Operating Activities [Domain] Discontinued operations Discontinued Operations [Member] Period of Loan Sales [Axis] Period of Loan Sales [Axis] Information related to loan sales, by period. Period of Loan Sales [Domain] Period of Loan Sales [Domain] Details pertaining to loan sales, by period. Loan Loss Obligations Number of loans sold with losses Loss Contingencies, Number of Loans Sold with Losses Represents the number of loans sold with losses by the entity. Original principal balance of loans sold Loss Contingencies, Original Principal Balance Represents the original principal balance of loans sold by the entity. Loss Contingencies, Number of Loans Sold to one investor Loss Contingencies, Number of Loans Sold to one investor Loss Contingencies, Number of Loans Sold to one investor Loss Contingencies, Percentage of the Original Loan Issue Balance Loss Contingencies, Percentage of the Original Loan Issue Balance Loss Contingencies, Percentage of the Original Loan Issue Balance Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Loss Contingencies, Settlement, Number of Buyers of Previously Purchased Limited Documentation Loans Loss Contingencies, Settlement, Number of Buyers of Previously Purchased Limited Documentation Loans Represents the number of buyers of previously purchased limited documentation loans with whom settlement negotiations are entered by the entity. Estimated range of remaining possible losses due to loan losses, minimum Estimated range of remaining possible losses due to loan losses, maximum Loan loss reserve, at carrying value Loss Contingency Accrual Number of investors to whom loans are guaranteed Guarantee Obligations, Number of Investors to whom Loans Guaranteed Represents the number of investors to whom loans are guaranteed by the entity. Activity related to loss reserves on previously sold loans Loss Contingency Accrual [Roll Forward] Loan loss reserve, beginning of period Provisions Loss Contingency Accrual, Provision Charge-offs to reserves Loss Contingency, Accrual Carrying Value, Charge Offs The charge-offs made in the period which reduced loss contingency liabilities. Loan loss reserve, end of period Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Domain] Products and Services [Domain] Mortgage Products [Member] Mortgage Products [Member] Mortgage Products [Member] Non-mortgage Products [Member] Non-mortgage Products [Member] Non-mortgage Products [Member] Segment Information Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Schedule of Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Schedule of Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table Text Block] Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table] Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs, by Report Line [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs, Report Line [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Cost of revenue Cost of Sales [Member] Selling and marketing expense Selling and Marketing Expense [Member] General and administrative expense General and Administrative Expense [Member] Product development Research and Development Expense [Member] Restructuring and severance Restructuring Charges [Member] Non-cash compensation expense related to equity awards Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items] Total non-cash compensation Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Accounting Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Certain Risks and Concentrations Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block] Litigation Settlements and Contingencies Legal Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block] Recent Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Remainder of current year Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Remainder of Fiscal Year Year ending December 31, 2016 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years Year ending December 31, 2017 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years Year ending December 31, 2018 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years Year ending December 31, 2019 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years Thereafter Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Total Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due CONTINGENCIES Legal Matters and Contingencies [Text Block] DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] Amortization of intangible assets with definite lives computed on a straight-line basis Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Remainder of current year Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2016 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two 2017 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three 2018 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four 2019 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five Thereafter Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Five STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] RSUs Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Restricted stock Restricted Stock [Member] STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Nonvested RSUs and Restricted Stock, Number of Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Nonvested at the beginning of the period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Vested (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Forfeited (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Nonvested at the end of the period (in shares) Nonvested RSUs and Restricted Stock, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] Nonvested at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Vested (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Forfeited (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Nonvested at the end of the period (in dollars per share) Schedule of Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table] Schedule of Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table] Cash in Escrow for Surety Bonds Escrow Deposit for Surety Bonds [Member] Represents the restricted cash in escrow deposit for surety bonds. Cash in Escrow for Corporate Purchasing Card Program Escrow Deposit for Corporate Purchasing Card Program [Member] Represents the restricted cash in escrow deposit for corporate purchasing card program. Cash in escrow for sale of LendingTree Loans Escrow Deposit for Sale of LTL [Member] Represents the restricted cash in escrow deposit for sale of LTL. Other Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Other Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] Represents the restricted cash and cash equivalent that are not separately disclosed elsewhere in the taxonomy. Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items] Decrease (increase) in Restricted Cash SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Vesting [Axis] Vesting [Axis] Vesting [Domain] Vesting [Domain] Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche One [Member] Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche One [Member] Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Two [Member] Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Two [Member] Aggregate stock options Stock Compensation Plan [Member] Stock options Employee Stock Option [Member] Director Stock Option [Member] Director Stock Option [Member] An arrangement whereby a director of the board is entitled to receive, in the future, subject to vesting and other restrictions, a number of shares in the entity at a specified price, as defined in the agreement. Although there are variations, normally, after vesting, when an option is exercised, the director-holder pays the strike value in cash to the issuing employer-entity and receives equity shares. The equity shares can be sold into the market for cash at the current market price without restriction. Options may be used to attract, retain and incentivize directors, in addition to their regular salary and other benefits. Share Price Share Price Stock options, Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross Exercised (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Expired (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Expirations in Period Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares) Options exercisable at the end of the period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number Stock options, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercised (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Forfeited (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Expired (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share) Options exercisable at the end of the period (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Stock options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Outstanding at the end of the period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Options exercisable at the end of the period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Stock options, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Options, Aggregate Intrinsic Value [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Outstanding at the end of the period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Options exercisable at the end of the period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value Stock options, Grant Date Fair Value Valuation Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract] Grant date fair value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Expected term Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term, Simplified Method Vesting period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Award Vesting Rights, Percentage Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage Expected dividends Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Payments Expected dividend rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Expected volatility, minimum Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate, Minimum Expected volatility, maximum Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate, Maximum Risk-free interest rate, minimum Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate, Minimum Risk-free interest rate, maximum Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate, Maximum Schedule of income tax (expense) benefit Schedule of income tax provision benefit [Table Text Block] [Table Text Block] for Schedule of income tax provision benefit [Table]