Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract] Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract] Accounting Policies [Abstract] Accounting Policies [Abstract] Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 [Member] Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Current Accounts payable and accrued expenses Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,623 and $863 at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively Accrued Royalties, Current Accrued royalties Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Accumulated depreciation on property and equipment Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Accumulated other comprehensive loss AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member] Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life Estimated useful lives Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Stock based compensation Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Stock based compensation expense Total stock based compensation expense Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Allowance for doubtful accounts, net Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Amortized Cost and Fair Value Debt Securities [Abstract] Amortized Cost and Fair Value Debt Securities [Abstract] Amortized Cost and Fair Value Debt Securities [Abstract] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Total number of common equivalent shares excluded from the calculations of diluted earnings per share Assets Total assets Total assets Assets [Abstract] ASSETS Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Current assets: Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] Non-current assets: Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax Available for sale securities, Unrealized Gains Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax Available for sale securities, Unrealized Losses Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis Available for sale securities, Adjusted Cost Available-for-sale Securities, Current Available for sale securities, Fair Value Marketable securities Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Base Rate [Member] Base Rate [Member] Basic Earnings Per Share, Pro Forma Basic earnings per share Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Date of Acquisition Agreement Acquisition date of assets Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block] Summary of Unaudited ProForma Financial Information Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) Net income Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Total revenues Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs Transaction costs associated with the acquisition Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Business Combination Business Combination Increase Decrease To Reflect Liabilities Acquired At Fair Value [Abstract] Business Combination Increase Decrease To Reflect Liabilities Acquired At Fair Value [Abstract] Business Combination Increase Decrease To Reflect Liabilities Acquired At Fair Value [Abstract] Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Prepaid royalties and other prepaid assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Receivables Accounts receivable, net Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Accounts Payable Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Deferred Revenue Deferred revenue Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Assets, Current Deferred tax assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles Intangible assets Total intangible assets subject to amortization Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment Property and equipment Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net Net assets acquired Business Combinations [Abstract] Business Combinations [Abstract] Business Description and Basis of Presentation [Text Block] Basis of Presentation Capitalized Computer Software, Accumulated Amortization Accumulated amortization on capitalized software development Capitalized Computer Software, Net Capitalized software development, net of accumulated amortization of $39,099 and $31,787 at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and contingencies Common Stock Including Additional Paid in Capital [Member] Common Stock [Member] Common Stock, No Par Value Common stock, no par value Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Ending balance, shares Beginning balance, shares Common stock, shares outstanding Common Stocks, Including Additional Paid in Capital Common stock, no par value, 75,000 shares authorized; 31,896 and 31,748 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Comprehensive income Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Cost of Goods Sold, Excluding Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization Cost of revenues (excluding depreciation and amortization) Cost of Sales [Member] Cost of Revenues (Excluding Depreciation and Amortization) [Member] Costs and Expenses Total operating costs and expenses Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Operating costs and expenses: Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Cumulative Effect on Retained Earnings, Net of Tax Cumulative effect of accounting change Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Customer-Related Intangible Assets [Member] Customer-Related Intangible Assets [Member] Customer Relationships [Member] Customer Relationships [Member] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Debt Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Principal Principal payments prior to maturity Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred income taxes Deferred Revenue, Current Deferred revenue Deferred Revenue, Noncurrent Deferred revenue, noncurrent Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Deferred tax liabilities Denominator. Denominator [Abstract] Denominator: Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Depreciation and amortization Developed Technology Rights [Member] Developed Technology [Member] Diluted Earnings Per Share Pro Forma Diluted earnings per share Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Stock Based Compensation Document and entity information. Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Type Document Type Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings per share: Earnings Per Share, Basic Basic Basic earnings per share Earnings Per Share, Diluted Diluted Diluted earnings per share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Earnings Per Share Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Effective tax rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items] Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Escrow [Member] Escrow [Member] Cash Held in Escrow [Member] Eurodollar [Member] Eurodollar [Member] Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Excess tax benefit from equity awards Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities Excess tax benefit from equity awards Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Level 2 [Member] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Federal Funds Effective Swap Rate [Member] Federal Funds Effective Swap Rate [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Accumulated amortization on intangible assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Intangible assets, net General and Administrative Expense [Member] Other General and Administrative [Member] Goodwill Goodwill Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments Adjustment to goodwill HealthStream Provider Solutions [Member] HealthStream Provider Solutions [Member] Provider Solutions [Member] HealthStream Workforce Solutions [Member] HealthStream Workforce Solutions [Member] Workforce Solutions [Member] Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Income before income tax provision Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Loss (gain) on non-marketable equity investments Income Statement [Abstract] Income Statement [Abstract] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Income Taxes Income taxes disclosure. Income Taxes Disclosure [Line Items] Income Taxes Disclosure [Line Items] Income Taxes Disclosure [Table] Income Taxes Disclosure [Table] Income Taxes Disclosure [Table] Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income tax provision Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Accounts payable and accrued expenses Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Revenue Deferred revenue Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets Other assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Other prepaid expenses and other current assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Royalties Prepaid royalties Increase (Decrease) in Receivables Accounts and unbilled receivables Increase (Decrease) in Royalties Payable Accrued royalties Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Effect of dilutive shares Interest Coverage Ratio One Interest Coverage Ratio One Interest coverage ratio Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract] Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract] Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures Non-marketable equity investments Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block] Marketable Securities Investment Type [Axis] Investment Type [Axis] Investments [Domain] Investments [Domain] Letter Of Credit Subfacility [Member] Letter Of Credit Subfacility [Member] Letter of Credit Subfacility [Member] Leverage Ratio One Leverage Ratio One Maximum total leverage ratio Liabilities and Equity Total liabilities and shareholders' equity Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Current liabilities: Long-term Line of Credit Balances outstanding on the revolving credit facility Lender Name [Axis] Lender Name [Axis] Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Terms Description of Line of credit facility Covenant Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity Aggregate principal amount of loan agreement Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date Maturity date of Loan agreement Line Of Credit Facility Increased Facility Size Due To Accordion Feature Line Of Credit Facility Increased Facility Size Due To Accordion Feature Increase in revolving credit facility Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate Description Interest rate under credit facility Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate During Period Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate During Period Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Maximum borrowing capacity under credit facility Line Of Credit Facility Percentage Of Applicable Margin For Borrowings Line Of Credit Facility Percentage Of Applicable Margin For Borrowings Applicable margin for loans Line of Credit Facility [Table] Line of Credit Facility [Table] Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage Commitment fee paid per annum Segment Reconciling Items [Member] Unallocated [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Morrisey Associates Inc. Morrisey Associates Inc [Member] Morrisey Associates Inc [Member] Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Net income Net income Net tangible assets include deferred revenue book value. Net Tangible Assets Include Deferred Revenue Book Value Net tangible assets include deferred revenue book value at acquisition date Net Tangible Assets Include Deferred Revenue Fair Value Net Tangible Assets Include Deferred Revenue Fair Value Net tangible assets include deferred revenue fair value at acquisition date New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract] New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract] New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block] Recent Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] New accounting standards not yet adopted policy. New Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted [Policy Text Block] Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted Non Escrow [Member] Non Escrow [Member] Cash Paid [Member] Number of stock incentive plans. Number Of Stock Incentive Plans Number of incentive plans Numerator. Numerator [Abstract] Numerator: Operating Income [Abstract] Operating Income [Abstract] Operating income: Operating Income (Loss) Operating income Operating income Operating Segments [Member] Operating Segments [Member] Other Assets, Current Other prepaid expenses and other current assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Other assets Other Commitments [Axis] Other Commitments [Axis] Other Commitments [Domain] Other Commitments [Domain] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Comprehensive income Total other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Other comprehensive income, net of taxes: Other General and Administrative Expense Other general and administrative expenses Other Intangible Assets [Member] Other Intangible Assets [Member] Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Other long term liabilities Other Noncash Expense Other Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Other income, net Patient Experience Solutions [Member] Patient Experience Solutions [Member] Patient Experience Solutions [Member] Payments for Software Payments associated with capitalized software development Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation Taxes paid related to net settlement of equity awards Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Consideration paid for acquisition in cash Total consideration paid Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Business combinations, net of cash acquired Payments To Acquire Cost Method Investments Payments To Acquire Cost Method Investments Payments to acquire cost method investments Payments to Acquire Marketable Securities Purchases of marketable securities Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Purchases of property and equipment Prepaid Royalties Prepaid royalties, net of amortization Proceeds from Maturities, Prepayments and Calls of Available-for-sale Securities Proceeds from maturities of marketable securities Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets Proceeds from sale of long-lived assets Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Proceeds from exercise of stock options Product development. Product Development [Member] Product Development [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $24,470 and $20,527 at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively Provision for Doubtful Accounts Provision for doubtful accounts Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Recently adopted accounting standards policy. Recently Adopted Accounting Standards Policy Policy [Text Block] Accounting Standards Recently Adopted Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated [Table Text Block] Business Segment Information Based on Assets Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block] Business Segment Information Based on Operating Income Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Table] Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Table] Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block] Business Segment Information Based on Net Revenues Research and Development Expense Product development Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] RSUs [Member] Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Retained earnings Retained Earnings [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Revenue, Net Revenues, net Revenue, Net [Abstract] Revenues, net: Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Fair Value of Available for Sale Marketable Securities Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block] Summary of Purchase Price Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share 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] Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table Text Block] Stock Based Compensation Expense Recorded in Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination [Table Text Block] Components of Identifiable Intangible Assets and Estimated Useful Lives Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block] Summary of Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Business Segments Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items] Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items] Selling and Marketing Expense Sales and marketing Selling and Marketing Expense [Member] Sales and Marketing [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Restricted share units issued Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted average grant date fair value, restricted share unit Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Equity Award [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Ending balance Beginning balance Total shareholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Shareholders' equity: Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Common stock issued under stock plans, net of shares withheld for employee taxes, shares Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Gross Stock based compensation , shares Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Common stock issued under stock plans, net of shares withheld for employee taxes Sun Trust Bank [Member] Sun Trust Bank [Member] SunTrust Bank [Member] Swing Line Sub Facility [Member] Swing Line Subfacility [Member] Swing Line Sub Facility [Member] Trade Names [Member] Trade Name [Member] Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] Unbilled Receivables, Current Accounts receivable - unbilled US Government-sponsored Enterprises Debt Securities [Member] Government-Sponsored Enterprises Debt Securities [Member] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Diluted Weighted average diluted shares Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Basic Weighted average shares outstanding Write down of deferred revenue. Write Down Of Deferred Revenue Write-down of deferred revenue