Service Line Revenues (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
Revenues
Revenues	$ 38,391	$ 33,671	$ 35,401	$ 38,792	$ 40,827	$ 38,157	$ 37,928	$ 40,577	$ 146,255		$ 157,489		$ 166,370
Revenue before Intercompany eliminations									148,382		159,465		168,439
Portamedic [Member]
Revenues
Revenues									95,815		106,626		118,555
Heritage Labs [Member]
Revenues
Revenues									13,153		13,663		13,682
Health & Wellness [Member]
Revenues
Revenues									21,349		18,441		14,343
Hooper Holmes Services [Member]
Revenues
Revenues									18,065		20,735		21,859
Intercompany eliminations [Member]
Revenues
Revenues									$ (2,127)	[1]	$ (1,976)	[1]	$ (2,069)	[1]

[1] Represents intercompany sales from Heritage Labs to Portamedic