Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Hooper Holmes, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	The Company considers highly liquid investments with original maturities at the date of purchase of less than 90 days to be cash equivalents.
Accounts Receivable	Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. The Company maintains allowances for doubtful accounts for (i) estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments and (ii) estimated amounts that customers may deduct from their remittances to the Company for billed items not in compliance with customer specifications. Allowances for uncollectible accounts are estimated based on the Company's periodic review of accounts receivable historical losses, current receivables aging and existing industry and economic data. Account balances are charged off to the allowance after all means of collections have been exhausted and potential for recovery is considered remote. Customer billing adjustments are recorded against revenue whereas adjustments for bad debts are recorded within selling, general and administrative expenses. Accounts receivable are net of an allowance for doubtful accounts and pricing adjustments
Inventories	Inventories, which consist of finished goods and component inventory, are stated at the lower of average cost or market.
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the assets’ estimated useful lives. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the improvement or the remaining lease term. The cost of maintenance and repairs is charged to operations as incurred. Internal use software and website development costs are capitalized and included in property, plant and equipment in the consolidated balance sheet. These assets are depreciated over the estimated useful life of the asset using the straight-line method. Subsequent modifications or upgrades to internal use software are capitalized only to the extent that additional functionality is provided.
Long-Lived Assets	Long-lived assets, including intangible assets with determinable useful lives, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the assets to the future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets and is charged to earnings. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less the costs to sell. Intangible assets with determinable useful lives are amortized on a straight line basis over their respective estimated useful lives.
Deferred Rent	The Company accounts for scheduled rent increases contained in its leases on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.
Advertising	Costs related to space in publications are expensed as incurred.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue is recognized for our health risk assessment services when the paramedical exam or wellness screening is completed and the results are delivered to our customers. Revenues generated from medical record collection, laboratory testing, fingerstick test kits and other services are recognized when the related service is completed and the results are delivered to our customers. Sales tax collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities is accounted for on a net basis and therefore is excluded from revenues in the consolidated statements of operations.
Income Taxes	Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carry forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income and the reversal of deferred tax liabilities during the period in which related temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies in making this assessment.
Income Tax Uncertainties	The Company recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon settlement with the tax authorities. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs. The Company records interest related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and penalties in income tax expense.
Use of Estimates	The preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events. These estimates and the underlying assumptions affect the amounts of assets and liabilities reported, disclosures about contingent assets and liabilities, and reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Such estimates include the valuation of accounts receivable, property, plant and equipment, intangible assets, and deferred tax assets and the assessment of contingencies, among others. These estimates and assumptions are based on the Company’s best estimates and judgment. The Company evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors, including the current economic environment, which the Company believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. The Company adjusts such estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate. The continuing weakness in the economy and its negative impact on the life insurance industry which the Company serves have combined to increase the uncertainty inherent in such estimates and assumptions. As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ significantly from these estimates. Changes in those estimates will be reflected in the consolidated financial statements in future periods.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets	The Company evaluates the recovery of its long-lived assets when events or changes in circumstances occur that indicate that the carrying value of assets may not be recoverable.
Share-based Compensation	The Company recognizes share-based compensation cost on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. Compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award. The fair value of each stock option granted during the year was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model The Company’s initial accruals for share-based compensation expense are based on the estimated number of instruments for which the requisite service is expected to be rendered. Therefore, the Company is required to incorporate the probability of pre-vesting forfeitures in determining the number of vested options and restricted stock. The forfeiture rate is based on historical forfeiture experience. The Company monitors employee termination patterns to estimate forfeiture rates.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Hooper Holmes, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers highly liquid investments with original maturities at the date of purchase of less than 90 days to be cash equivalents.

Accounts Receivable

Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. The Company maintains allowances for doubtful accounts for (i) estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments and (ii) estimated amounts that customers may deduct from their remittances to the Company for billed items not in compliance with customer specifications. Allowances for uncollectible accounts are estimated based on the Company's periodic review of accounts receivable historical losses, current receivables aging and existing industry and economic data. Account balances are charged off to the allowance after all means of collections have been exhausted and potential for recovery is considered remote. Customer billing adjustments are recorded against revenue whereas adjustments for bad debts are recorded within selling, general and administrative expenses. Accounts receivable are net of an allowance for doubtful accounts and pricing adjustments

Inventories

Inventories, which consist of finished goods and component inventory, are stated at the lower of average cost or market.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the assets’ estimated useful lives. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the improvement or the remaining lease term. The cost of maintenance and repairs is charged to operations as incurred.

Internal use software and website development costs are capitalized and included in property, plant and equipment in the consolidated balance sheet. These assets are depreciated over the estimated useful life of the asset using the straight-line method. Subsequent modifications or upgrades to internal use software are capitalized only to the extent that additional functionality is provided.

Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets, including intangible assets with determinable useful lives, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the assets to the future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets and is charged to earnings. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less the costs to sell. Intangible assets with determinable useful lives are amortized on a straight line basis over their respective estimated useful lives.

Deferred Rent

The Company accounts for scheduled rent increases contained in its leases on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.

Advertising

Costs related to space in publications are expensed as incurred.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue is recognized for our health risk assessment services when the paramedical exam or wellness screening is completed and the results are delivered to our customers. Revenues generated from medical record collection, laboratory testing, fingerstick test kits and other services are recognized when the related service is completed and the results are delivered to our customers.

Sales tax collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities is accounted for on a net basis and therefore is excluded from revenues in the consolidated statements of operations.

Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carry forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income and the reversal of deferred tax liabilities during the period in which related temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies in making this assessment.

Income Tax Uncertainties

The Company recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon settlement with the tax authorities. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs. The Company records interest related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and penalties in income tax expense.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events. These estimates and the underlying assumptions affect the amounts of assets and liabilities reported, disclosures about contingent assets and liabilities, and reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Such estimates include the valuation of accounts receivable, property, plant and equipment, intangible assets, and deferred tax assets and the assessment of contingencies, among others. These estimates and assumptions are based on the Company’s best estimates and judgment. The Company evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors, including the current economic environment, which the Company believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. The Company adjusts such estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate. The continuing weakness in the economy and its negative impact on the life insurance industry which the Company serves have combined to increase the uncertainty inherent in such estimates and assumptions. As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ significantly from these estimates. Changes in those estimates will be reflected in the consolidated financial statements in future periods.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The Company evaluates the recovery of its long-lived assets when events or changes in circumstances occur that indicate that the carrying value of assets may not be recoverable.

Share-based Compensation

The Company recognizes share-based compensation cost on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. Compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award.

The fair value of each stock option granted during the year was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model

The Company’s initial accruals for share-based compensation expense are based on the estimated number of instruments for which the requisite service is expected to be rendered. Therefore, the Company is required to incorporate the probability of pre-vesting forfeitures in determining the number of vested options and restricted stock. The forfeiture rate is based on historical forfeiture experience. The Company monitors employee termination patterns to estimate forfeiture rates.