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Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (USD $)
Total
Common Stock [Member]
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Treasury Stock [Member]
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Parent [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Total Equity [Member]
Beginning Balance, Equity at Dec. 31, 2011   $ 64,000us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockMember
$ 1,388,253,000us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
  $ (698,704,000)us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember
$ 12,928,000us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
$ 702,541,000us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
$ (3,074,000)us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
$ 699,467,000us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_StockholdersEquityTotalMember
Beginning Balance, Shares, Outstanding at Dec. 31, 2011   644,145,201us-gaap_SharesOutstanding
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockMember
             
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]                  
Net loss (51,031,000)us-gaap_ProfitLoss       (54,773,000)us-gaap_ProfitLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember
  (54,773,000)us-gaap_ProfitLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
3,748,000us-gaap_ProfitLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
(51,025,000)us-gaap_ProfitLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_StockholdersEquityTotalMember
Foreign currency translation adjustments (425,000)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax         (535,000)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
(535,000)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
960,000us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
425,000us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_StockholdersEquityTotalMember
Pension liability adjustment 0us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeReclassificationAdjustmentsNetOfTax                
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale debt security, net of tax           53,000us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
53,000us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
  53,000us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_StockholdersEquityTotalMember
Adjustment of redeemable noncontrolling interests to redemption value (12,604,000)us-gaap_MinorityInterestChangeInRedemptionValue 0us-gaap_MinorityInterestChangeInRedemptionValue
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockMember
(12,604,000)us-gaap_MinorityInterestChangeInRedemptionValue
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
      (12,604,000)us-gaap_MinorityInterestChangeInRedemptionValue
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
0us-gaap_MinorityInterestChangeInRedemptionValue
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
(12,604,000)us-gaap_MinorityInterestChangeInRedemptionValue
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_StockholdersEquityTotalMember
Common stock issued in connection with acquisition of business, shares   152,446us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesAcquisitions
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockMember
             
Purchases of additional interests in consolidated subsidiaries, shares   51,000grpn_Purchasesofadditionalinterestsinconsolidatedsubsidiariesshares
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockMember
             
Shares issued to settle liability-classified awards, shares 660,539us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures 660,539us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockMember
             
Shares issued to settle liability-classified awards and contingent consideration 2,267,000grpn_SharesIssuedToSettleLiabilityClassifiedAwards   2,503,000grpn_SharesIssuedToSettleLiabilityClassifiedAwards
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
      2,503,000grpn_SharesIssuedToSettleLiabilityClassifiedAwards
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
  2,503,000grpn_SharesIssuedToSettleLiabilityClassifiedAwards
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_StockholdersEquityTotalMember
Purchase of noncontrolling interest, excess of purchase price over value of noncontrolling interest     (2,584,000)grpn_Purchaseofnoncontrollinginterestexcessofpurchasepriceovervalueofnoncontrollinginterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
      (2,584,000)grpn_Purchaseofnoncontrollinginterestexcessofpurchasepriceovervalueofnoncontrollinginterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
   
Purchase of interests in consolidated subsidiaries               739,000us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromRedemptions
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
 
Purchase of noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries                 (1,845,000)grpn_Purchaseofnoncontrollinginterestsinconsolidatedsubsidiaries
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_StockholdersEquityTotalMember
Exercise of stock options, shares   9,025,164us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockMember
             
Exercise of stock options, value   1,000us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockMember
9,312,000us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
      9,313,000us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
  9,313,000us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_StockholdersEquityTotalMember
Vesting of restricted stock units, shares   4,452,979us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockMember
             
Tax withholding related to net share settlements of stock-based compensation awards, shares   (1,563,647)us-gaap_SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockMember
             
Tax withholding related to net share settlements of stock-based compensation awards, value     (14,918,000)us-gaap_AdjustmentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
      (14,918,000)us-gaap_AdjustmentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
  (14,918,000)us-gaap_AdjustmentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_StockholdersEquityTotalMember
Stock-based compensation on equity-classified awards     93,781,000us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
      93,781,000us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
  93,781,000us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_StockholdersEquityTotalMember
Excess tax benefits on stock-based compensation awards     21,263,000us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalTaxEffectFromShareBasedCompensation
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
      21,263,000us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalTaxEffectFromShareBasedCompensation
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
  21,263,000us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalTaxEffectFromShareBasedCompensation
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_StockholdersEquityTotalMember
Partnership distributions to noncontrolling interest holders               (4,312,000)us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
(4,312,000)us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_StockholdersEquityTotalMember
Ending Balance, Equity at Dec. 31, 2012   65,000us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockMember
1,485,006,000us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
  (753,477,000)us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember
12,446,000us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
744,040,000us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
(1,939,000)us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
742,101,000us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_StockholdersEquityTotalMember
Ending Balance, Shares, Outstanding at Dec. 31, 2012   656,923,682us-gaap_SharesOutstanding
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockMember
             
Beginning Balance, Treasury Stock, Value at Dec. 31, 2012       0us-gaap_TreasuryStockValue
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember
         
Beginning Balance, Treasury Stock, Shares at Dec. 31, 2012       0us-gaap_TreasuryStockShares
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember
         
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]                  
Net loss (88,946,000)us-gaap_ProfitLoss       (95,393,000)us-gaap_ProfitLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember
  (95,393,000)us-gaap_ProfitLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
6,447,000us-gaap_ProfitLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
(88,946,000)us-gaap_ProfitLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_StockholdersEquityTotalMember
Foreign currency translation adjustments (12,933,000)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax         12,559,000us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
12,559,000us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
374,000us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
12,933,000us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_StockholdersEquityTotalMember
Pension liability adjustment 0us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeReclassificationAdjustmentsNetOfTax                
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale debt security, net of tax           (175,000)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
(175,000)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
  (175,000)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_StockholdersEquityTotalMember
Adjustment of redeemable noncontrolling interests to redemption value 0us-gaap_MinorityInterestChangeInRedemptionValue                
Common stock issued in connection with acquisition of business, shares   276,217us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesAcquisitions
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockMember
             
Common stock issued in connection with acquisition of business, net of issuance costs   0grpn_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueAcquisitionsNetofIssuanceCosts
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockMember
3,051,000grpn_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueAcquisitionsNetofIssuanceCosts
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
      3,051,000grpn_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueAcquisitionsNetofIssuanceCosts
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
  3,051,000grpn_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueAcquisitionsNetofIssuanceCosts
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_StockholdersEquityTotalMember
Shares issued to settle liability-classified awards, shares   758,474us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockMember
             
Shares issued to settle liability-classified awards and contingent consideration 4,649,000grpn_SharesIssuedToSettleLiabilityClassifiedAwards   4,649,000grpn_SharesIssuedToSettleLiabilityClassifiedAwards
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
      4,649,000grpn_SharesIssuedToSettleLiabilityClassifiedAwards
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
  4,649,000grpn_SharesIssuedToSettleLiabilityClassifiedAwards
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_StockholdersEquityTotalMember
Exercise of stock options, shares   4,003,544us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockMember
             
Exercise of stock options, value     4,062,000us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
      4,062,000us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
  4,062,000us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_StockholdersEquityTotalMember
Vesting of restricted stock units, shares   15,565,805us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockMember
             
Vesting of restricted stock units, value   2,000us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalShareBasedCompensationRestrictedStockUnitsRequisiteServicePeriodRecognition
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockMember
(2,000)us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalShareBasedCompensationRestrictedStockUnitsRequisiteServicePeriodRecognition
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
           
Shares issued under employee stock purchase plan, shares   774,288us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesEmployeeStockPurchasePlans
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockMember
             
Shares issued under employee stock purchase plan, value     3,241,000us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueEmployeeStockPurchasePlan
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
      3,241,000us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueEmployeeStockPurchasePlan
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
  3,241,000us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueEmployeeStockPurchasePlan
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_StockholdersEquityTotalMember
Tax withholding related to net share settlements of stock-based compensation awards, shares   (5,752,058)us-gaap_SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockMember
             
Tax withholding related to net share settlements of stock-based compensation awards, value     (47,684,000)us-gaap_AdjustmentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
      (47,684,000)us-gaap_AdjustmentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
  (47,684,000)us-gaap_AdjustmentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_StockholdersEquityTotalMember
Stock-based compensation on equity-classified awards     122,222,000us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
      122,222,000us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
  122,222,000us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_StockholdersEquityTotalMember
Excess tax benefits on stock-based compensation awards     9,666,000us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalTaxEffectFromShareBasedCompensation
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
      9,666,000us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalTaxEffectFromShareBasedCompensation
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
  9,666,000us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalTaxEffectFromShareBasedCompensation
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_StockholdersEquityTotalMember
Purchases of treasury stock, shares       (4,432,800)us-gaap_TreasuryStockSharesAcquired
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember
         
Purchases of treasury stock, value       (46,587,000)us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember
    (46,587,000)us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
  (46,587,000)us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_StockholdersEquityTotalMember
Partnership distributions to noncontrolling interest holders               (6,851,000)us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
(6,851,000)us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_StockholdersEquityTotalMember
Ending Balance, Equity at Dec. 31, 2013 711,682,000us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest 67,000us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockMember
1,584,211,000us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
  (848,870,000)us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember
24,830,000us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
713,651,000us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
(1,969,000)us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
711,682,000us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_StockholdersEquityTotalMember
Ending Balance, Treasury Stock, Value at Dec. 31, 2013 (46,587,000)us-gaap_TreasuryStockValue     (46,587,000)us-gaap_TreasuryStockValue
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember
         
Ending Balance, Treasury Stock, Shares at Dec. 31, 2013       (4,432,800)us-gaap_TreasuryStockShares
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember
         
Ending Balance, Shares, Outstanding at Dec. 31, 2013   672,549,952us-gaap_SharesOutstanding
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockMember
             
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]                  
Net loss (63,919,000)us-gaap_ProfitLoss       (73,090,000)us-gaap_ProfitLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember
  (73,090,000)us-gaap_ProfitLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
9,171,000us-gaap_ProfitLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
(63,919,000)us-gaap_ProfitLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_StockholdersEquityTotalMember
Foreign currency translation adjustments (11,625,000)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax         11,812,000us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
11,812,000us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
(187,000)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
11,625,000us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_StockholdersEquityTotalMember
Pension liability adjustment (1,500,000)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeReclassificationAdjustmentsNetOfTax         (1,500,000)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeReclassificationAdjustmentsNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
(1,500,000)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeReclassificationAdjustmentsNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
0us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeReclassificationAdjustmentsNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
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Adjustment of redeemable noncontrolling interests to redemption value 0us-gaap_MinorityInterestChangeInRedemptionValue                
Common stock issued in connection with acquisition of business, shares   15,255,180us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesAcquisitions
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Common stock issued in connection with acquisition of business, net of issuance costs   2,000grpn_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueAcquisitionsNetofIssuanceCosts
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Purchase of interests in consolidated subsidiaries               2,415,000us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromRedemptions
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Purchase of noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries                 (3,895,000)grpn_Purchaseofnoncontrollinginterestsinconsolidatedsubsidiaries
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Tax withholding related to net share settlements of stock-based compensation awards, shares   (5,708,990)us-gaap_SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation
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Tax withholding related to net share settlements of stock-based compensation awards, value     (44,509,000)us-gaap_AdjustmentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation
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/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
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/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
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/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
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  133,230,000us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation
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Excess tax benefits on stock-based compensation awards     (569,000)us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalTaxEffectFromShareBasedCompensation
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Purchases of treasury stock, shares       (22,806,304)us-gaap_TreasuryStockSharesAcquired
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Purchases of treasury stock, value       (151,880,000)us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod
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  (151,880,000)us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod
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Partnership distributions to noncontrolling interest holders               (7,312,000)us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders
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(7,312,000)us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders
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1,847,420,000us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
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35,763,000us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
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2,118,000us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
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764,944,000us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
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Ending Balance, Treasury Stock, Value at Dec. 31, 2014 $ (198,467,000)us-gaap_TreasuryStockValue     $ (198,467,000)us-gaap_TreasuryStockValue
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Ending Balance, Treasury Stock, Shares at Dec. 31, 2014       (27,239,104)us-gaap_TreasuryStockShares
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
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Ending Balance, Shares, Outstanding at Dec. 31, 2014   701,408,060us-gaap_SharesOutstanding
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
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