Ziff Davis (ZD) 10-Q 9 May 14 2014 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information Document	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	6-May-14
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'J2 GLOBAL, INC.	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001084048	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	47,553,114

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$208,068	$207,801
Short-term investments	71,300	90,789
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $3,714 and $4,105, respectively	63,666	67,245
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	24,343	20,064
Deferred income taxes	2,110	3,126
Total current assets	369,487	389,025
Long-term investments	35,698	47,351
Property and equipment, net	38,829	31,200
Tradenames, net	82,034	83,108
Patent and patent licenses, net	28,092	28,530
Customer relationships, net	124,979	100,980
Goodwill	483,255	457,422
Other purchased intangibles, net	11,158	10,915
Deferred income taxes	1,369	1,845
Other assets	3,383	3,413
Total assets	1,178,284	1,153,789
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	'	'
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	54,084	69,570
Income taxes payable	4,837	1,569
Deferred revenue, current	49,606	36,326
Liability for uncertain tax positions	5,711	5,535
Deferred income taxes	344	1,892
Total current liabilities	114,582	114,892
Long-term Debt	245,796	245,670
Liability for uncertain tax positions	38,504	38,329
Deferred income taxes	34,703	35,833
Deferred revenue, non-current	12,460	11,189
Other long-term liabilities	3,873	1,458
Total liabilities	449,918	447,371
Commitments and contingencies	0	0
Common stock, $0.01 par value. Authorized 95,000,000; total issued and outstanding 46,680,714 and 45,105,076 shares, respectively	467	461
Additional paid-in capital	227,149	216,872
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	498,318	484,850
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	2,432	4,235
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	728,366	706,418
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	1,178,284	1,153,789
Series A Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	'	'
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value	0	0
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	'	'
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value	$0	$0

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$3,714	$4,105
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	95,000,000	95,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	46,680,714	46,105,076
Common stock, shares outstanding	46,680,714	46,105,076
Preferred stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Treasury Stock, shares	0	0
Series A Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Preferred stock, shares authorized	6,000	6,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	5,064	5,064
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	5,064	5,064
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Preferred stock, shares authorized	20,000	20,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	4,155	4,155
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	4,155	4,155

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Revenues:	'	'
Total revenues	$134,124	$113,617
Cost of revenues (including share-based compensation of $154 and $214 for the three months of 2014 and 2013, respectively)	23,388	20,235
Gross profit	110,736	93,382
Operating expenses:	'	'
Sales and marketing (including share-based compensation of $491 and $418 for the three months of 2014 and 2013, respectively)	32,959	29,638
Research, development and engineering (including share-based compensation of $140 and $106 for the three months of 2014 and 2013, respectively)	7,213	6,746
General and administrative (including share-based compensation of $1,599 and $1,610 for the three months of 2014 and 2013, respectively)	28,979	24,011
Total operating expenses	69,151	60,395
Operating income	41,585	32,987
Interest expense (income), net	4,948	4,877
Other expense (income), net	-319	-161
Income before income taxes	36,956	28,271
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	8,191	5,500
Net income attributable to j2 Global, Inc. common shareholders	28,765	22,922
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	28,765	22,771
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$0	($151)
Net income per common share:	'	'
Basic	$0.61	$0.50
Diluted	$0.60	$0.49
Weighted average shares outstanding:	'	'
Basic	46,365,158	45,160,140
Diluted	46,765,732	45,668,167
Cash dividends paid per common share	$0.26	$0.23

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Income Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$2,384	$2,348
Cost of Sales [Member]	'	'
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	154	214
Selling and Marketing Expense [Member]	'	'
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	491	418
Research and Development Expense [Member]	'	'
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	140	106
General and Administrative Expense [Member]	'	'
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$1,599	$1,610

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$28,765	$22,771
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax (benefit) of $201 and ($714) for the three months of 2014 and 2013, respectively	837	-1,753
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale investments, net of tax (benefit) of ($1,529) and $1,628 for the three months of 2014 and 2013, respectively	-2,640	2,821
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	-1,803	1,068
Comprehensive Income	26,962	23,997
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	26,962	23,839
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	0	-151
Foreign currency translation adjustment attributable to noncontrolling Interest, net of tax (benefit) of $0 and ($6) for the three months of 2014 and 2013, respectively	$0	($7)

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Foreign currency translation adjustment	$201	($714)
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale investments	-1,529	1,628
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$0	$0

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme4

Condensed Consolidated Statement Of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$28,765	$22,771
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	13,137	8,762
Amortization of discount or premium of investments	352	453
Amortization of financing costs and discounts	162	150
Share-based compensation	2,384	2,348
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	-4,082	-280
Provision for doubtful accounts	732	833
Deferred income taxes	-211	-1,446
(Gain) loss on sale of available-for-sale investments	-40	0
Decrease (increase) in:	'	'
Accounts receivable	8,452	2,495
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-1,657	-139
Other assets	147	357
(Decrease) increase in:	'	'
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	-16,228	160
Income taxes payable	4,723	2,138
Deferred revenue	205	92
Liability for uncertain tax positions	351	1,294
Other	102	60
Net cash provided by operating activities	37,294	40,048
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Maturity of certificates of deposit	8,210	22,106
Purchase of certificates of deposit	0	-8,165
Sales of available-for-sale investments	29,705	31,932
Purchase of available-for-sale investments	-11,213	-35,244
Purchases of property and equipment	-2,936	-1,933
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash received	-49,068	-62,771
Purchases of intangible assets	-915	-333
Net cash used in investing activities	-26,217	-54,408
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Debt issuance costs	0	-47
Repurchases of common stock and restricted stock	-4,042	-2,069
Issuance of common stock under employee stock purchase plan	55	56
Exercise of stock options	4,926	2,025
Dividends paid	-12,418	-10,684
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	4,082	280
Deferred payments for acquisitions	-3,314	0
Net cash used in financing activities	-10,711	-10,439
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-99	-755
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	267	-25,554
Cash and cash equivalents	208,068	193,126
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$208,068	$193,126

Basis_Of_Presentation

Basis Of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	'
	Basis of Presentation
	j2 Global, Inc., together with its subsidiaries (“j2 Global” or the "Company"), is a leading provider of Internet services. Through its Business Cloud Services Division, the Company provides cloud services to businesses of all sizes, from individuals to enterprises, and licenses its intellectual property ("IP") to third parties. The Digital Media Division operates a portfolio of web properties providing technology, gaming and lifestyle content and an innovative data-driven platform connecting advertisers with visitors to those properties and to visitors of third party websites that are part of the Digital Media Division's advertising network.
	The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of j2 Global and its direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), including those for interim financial information and with the instructions for Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and note disclosures required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been reflected in these interim financial statements. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and related notes for the year ended December 31, 2013 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 3, 2014. Accordingly, significant accounting policies and other disclosures normally provided have been omitted since such items are disclosed therein.
	The results of operations for this interim period are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full year or for any future period.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, including judgments about investment classifications, and the reported amounts of net revenue and expenses during the reporting period. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its estimates based on historical experience and on various other factors that the Company believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Allowances for Doubtful Accounts
	j2 Global reserves for receivables it may not be able to collect. These reserves for the Company's Business Cloud Services segment are typically driven by the historical volume of credit card declines, an evaluation of current market conditions and past due invoices based on historical experience. These reserves for the Company's Digital Media segment are typically driven by past due invoices based on historical experience. Management evaluates the adequacy of these reserves on an ongoing basis.
	Revenue Recognition
	Business Cloud Services
	The Company's Business Cloud Services revenues substantially consist of monthly recurring subscription and usage-based fees, which are primarily paid in advance by credit card. In accordance with GAAP, the Company defers the portions of monthly, quarterly, semi-annually and annually recurring subscription and usage-based fees collected in advance and recognizes them in the period earned. Additionally, the Company defers and recognizes subscriber activation fees and related direct incremental costs over a subscriber's estimated useful life.
	j2 Global's Business Cloud Services also include patent license revenues generated under license agreements that provide for the payment of contractually determined fully paid-up or royalty-bearing license fees to j2 Global in exchange for the grant of non-exclusive, retroactive and future licenses to our intellectual property, including patented technology. Patent revenues may also consist of revenues generated from the sale of patents. Patent license revenues are recognized when earned over the term of the license agreements. With regard to fully paid-up license arrangements, the Company recognizes as revenue in the period the license agreement is executed the portion of the payment attributable to past use of the intellectual property and amortizes the remaining portion of such payments on a straight-line basis over the life of the licensed patent(s). With regard to royalty-bearing license arrangements, the Company recognizes revenues of license fees earned during the applicable period. With regard to patent sales, the Company recognizes as revenue in the period of the sale the amount of the purchase price over the carrying value of the patent(s) sold.
	The Business Cloud Services business also generates revenues by licensing certain technology to third parties. These licensing revenues are recognized when earned in accordance with the terms of the underlying agreement. Generally, revenue is recognized as the third party uses the licensed technology over the period.
	Digital Media
	The Company's Digital Media revenues primarily consist of revenues generated from the sale of advertising campaigns that are targeted to the Company's proprietary websites and to those websites operated by third parties that are part of the Digital Media business's advertising network. Revenues for these advertising campaigns are recognized as earned either when an ad is placed for viewing by a visitor to the appropriate web page or when the visitor "clicks through" on the ad, depending upon the terms with the individual advertiser.
	Revenues for Digital Media business-to-business operations consist of lead-generation campaigns for IT vendors and are recognized as earned when the Company delivers the qualified leads to the customer.
	j2 Global also generates Digital Media revenues through the license of certain assets to clients, for the clients' use in their own promotional materials or otherwise. Such assets may include logos, editorial reviews, or other copyrighted material. Revenues under such license agreements are recognized when the assets are delivered to the client. The Digital Media business also generates other types of revenues, including business listing fees, subscriptions to online publications, and from other sources. Such other revenues are recognized as earned.
	Fair Value Measurements
	As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable, interest receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses, interest payable, customer deposits and long-term debt are reflected in the financial statements at cost. With the exception of long-term debt, cost approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of such instruments. The fair value of the Company's senior unsecured notes was determined using the quoted market prices of debt instruments with similar terms and maturities. As of the same dates, the carrying value of other long-term liabilities approximated fair value as the related interest rates approximate rates currently available to j2 Global.
	Debt Issuance Costs and Debt Discount
	j2 Global capitalizes costs incurred with borrowing and issuance of debt securities and records debt discounts as a reduction to the debt amount. j2 Global capitalized costs incurred in connection with its sale of senior unsecured notes within long-term other assets and recorded the original purchase discount as a reduction to such notes (See Note 7 - Long Term Debt). These costs and discounts are amortized and included in interest expense over the life of the borrowing or term of the credit facility using the interest method.
	Concentration of Credit Risk
	All of the Company’s cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities are invested primarily at major financial institutions within the United States, United Kingdom and Ireland, with cash and cash equivalents also held at financial institutions within several other countries, including Australia, Austria, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, the Netherlands and Poland. These institutions are required to invest the Company’s cash in accordance with the Company’s investment policy with the principal objectives being preservation of capital, fulfillment of liquidity needs and above market returns commensurate with preservation of capital. The Company’s investment policy also requires that investments in marketable securities be in only highly rated instruments, with limitations on investing in securities of any single issuer. However, these investments are not insured against the possibility of a total or near complete loss of earnings or principal and are inherently subject to the credit risk related to the continued credit worthiness of the underlying issuer and general credit market risks.
	At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents were maintained in accounts that are insured up to the limit determined by the applicable governmental agency. The Company's deposits held in qualifying financial institutions in Ireland are fully insured through March 28, 2018 to the extent on deposit prior to March 28, 2013. With respect to the Company's deposits with financial institutions in other jurisdictions, the insured amount is immaterial in comparison to the total amount of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents held by these institutions which is not insured.
	Income Taxes
	The Company must make certain estimates and judgments in determining income tax expense for financial statement purposes. These estimates and judgments occur in the following areas, among others: (i) calculation of tax credits, benefits and deductions; (ii) calculation of tax assets and liabilities arising from differences in the timing of recognition of revenue and expense for tax and financial statement purposes; and (iii) interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions. Significant changes to these estimates may result in an increase or decrease to the Company’s tax provision in the current or a subsequent period.
	The Company must assess the likelihood that it will be able to recover its deferred tax assets. If recovery is not likely, the Company must increase its provision for taxes by recording a valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets that the Company estimates will not ultimately be recoverable. The Company believes that it will ultimately recover a substantial majority of the deferred tax assets recorded on its condensed consolidated balance sheets. However, should there be a change in the Company’s ability to recover its deferred tax assets, the Company’s tax provision would increase in the period in which j2 Global determined that the recovery was not likely.
	The calculation of the Company’s tax liabilities involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax laws. j2 Global recognizes liabilities for uncertain tax positions based on a two-step process. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. If the Company determines that a tax position will more likely than not be sustained on audit, then the second step requires j2 Global to estimate and measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement. It is inherently difficult and subjective to estimate such amounts, as j2 Global has to determine the probability of various possible outcomes. j2 Global reevaluates these uncertain tax positions on a quarterly basis. This evaluation is based on factors including, but not limited to, changes in facts or circumstances, changes in tax law, effectively settled issues under audit and new audit activity. Such a change in recognition or measurement would result in the recognition of a tax benefit or an additional charge to the tax provision.
	Reclassifications
	Certain prior year reported amounts have been reclassified to conform with the 2014 presentation.

Recent_Accounting_Pronouncemen

Recent Accounting Pronouncements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]	'
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists, which provides guidance on financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2013. This new guidance did not have a material impact on our financial statements.

Business_Acquisition

Business Acquisition	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Business Acquisition	'
	Business Acquisitions
	The Company completed the following acquisitions during the first three months of fiscal 2014, all within the Business Cloud Services segment, and paid the purchase price in cash in each transaction: (a) share purchase of City Numbers®, a Birmingham, UK-based worldwide provider of inbound local, national and international toll free phone numbers in over 80 countries; (b) share and asset purchase of Securstore®, an Iceland-based provider of cloud backup and recovery services for corporate and enterprise networks; (c) share purchase of Livedrive®, a UK-based provider of online backup with added file synchronization features for professionals and individuals; (d) asset purchase of Faxmate, a Brisbane, Australia-based provider of Internet fax; (e) share purchase of Critical Software Ltd., a UK-based email security and management company operating under the brand name iCriticalTM; and (f) other immaterial share and asset acquisitions.
	The condensed consolidated statement of income, since the date of each acquisition, and balance sheet, as of March 31, 2014, reflect the results of operations of all 2014 acquisitions. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, these acquisitions contributed $4.5 million to the Company's revenues. Net income contributed by these acquisitions was not separately identifiable due to the Company's integration activities. Total consideration for these transactions was $70.6 million, net of cash acquired and including $18.9 million in assumed liabilities consisting primarily of deferred revenues, trade accounts payable, and other accrued liabilities.
	The following table summarizes the allocation of the purchase consideration for these acquisitions (in thousands):
	Asset	Valuation
	Accounts Receivable	$	5,427
	Property and Equipment	6,112
	Other Assets	1,000
	Software	2,246
	Trade Names	80
	Customer Relationships	29,469
	Other Intangibles	5
	Goodwill	26,291
	Total	$	70,630
	The initial accounting for these acquisitions is incomplete and subject to change, which may be significant. j2 Global has recorded provisional amounts for certain intangible assets (including trade names, software and customer relationships), preliminary working capital and related tax items. During the first quarter of 2014, the Company recorded final adjustments to the initial working capital related to a prior period Digital Media acquisition, which resulted in an increase to goodwill in the amount of $0.2 million. Actual amounts recorded upon finalization of the purchase accounting may differ materially from the information presented in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
	Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and represents intangible assets that do not qualify for separate recognition. Goodwill recognized associated with these acquisitions during the three months ended March 31, 2014 is $26.3 million, of which $0.7 million is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.

Investments

Investments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Investments [Abstract]	'
Investments	'
	Investments
	Short-term investments consist generally of corporate and governmental debt securities and certificates of deposits, which are stated at fair market value. Realized gains and losses of short and long-term investments are recorded using the specific identification method.
	The following table summarizes j2 Global’s debt securities designated as available-for-sale, classified by the contractual maturity date of the security (in thousands):
		March 31,		December 31, 2013
		2014
	Due within 1 year	$	39,186	$	46,339
	Due within more than 1 year but less than 5 years	33,220		44,865
	Due within more than 5 years but less than 10 years	—		—
	Due 10 years or after	2,478		2,486
	Total	$	74,884	$	93,690
	The following table summarizes the Company’s investments designated as available-for-sale (in thousands):
		March 31,		December 31, 2013
		2014
	Available-for-sale	100,766		123,737
	Total	$	100,766	$	123,737
	The following table summarizes the gross unrealized gains and losses and fair values for the Company's available-for-sale investments as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 aggregated by major security type (in thousands):
		Amortized		Gross		Gross			Fair
		Cost		Unrealized		Unrealized			Value
				Gains		Losses
	March 31, 2014
	Debt Securities	$	74,767	$	151	$	(34	)	$	74,884
	Equity Securities	20,610		5,508		(236		)	25,882
	Total	$	95,377	$	5,659	$	(270	)	$	100,766
	December 31, 2013
	Debt Securities	$	93,569	$	158	$	(37	)	$	93,690
	Equity Securities	20,610		9,558		(121		)	30,047
	Total	$	114,179	$	9,716	$	(158	)	$	123,737
	At March 31, 2014, corporate and governmental debt securities, which have a fixed interest rate, were recorded as available-for-sale. There have been no significant changes in the maturity dates and average interest rates for the Company’s investment portfolio and debt obligations subsequent to March 31, 2014. At March 31, 2014, equity securities were recorded as available-for-sale and represent a strategic equity investment. At March 31, 2014, the Company’s available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value, with the unrealized gains and losses reported as a component of stockholders’ equity.
	Investments in an unrealized loss position as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, but in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months had a fair value of $32.3 million and $37.3 million, respectively. Investments in a continuous unrealized loss position for 12 months and longer as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 had a fair value of zero and $2.0 million, respectively, of which loss positions are determined to be temporary in nature.
	Recognition and Measurement of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment
	j2 Global regularly reviews and evaluates each investment that has an unrealized loss. An unrealized loss exists when the current fair value of an individual security is less than its amortized cost basis. Unrealized losses that are determined to be temporary in nature are recorded, net of tax, in accumulated other comprehensive income for available-for-sale securities.
	Regardless of the classification of the securities, the Company has assessed each position for impairment.
	Factors considered in determining whether a loss is temporary include:
	•	the length of time and the extent to which fair value has been below cost;
	•	the severity of the impairment;
	•	the cause of the impairment and the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer;
	•	activity in the market of the issuer which may indicate adverse credit conditions; and
	•	the Company’s ability and intent to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery.
	j2 Global’s review for impairment generally entails:
	•	identification and evaluation of investments that have indications of possible impairment;
	•	analysis of individual investments that have fair values less than amortized cost, including consideration of the length of time the investment has been in an unrealized loss position and the expected recovery period;
	•	discussion of evidential matter, including an evaluation of factors or triggers that could cause individual investments to qualify as having an other-than-temporary impairment and those that would not support an other-than-temporary impairment;
	•	documentation of the results of these analyses, as required under business policies; and
	•	information provided by third-party valuation experts.
	For these securities, a critical component of the evaluation for other-than-temporary impairments is the identification of credit impairment, where management does not expect to receive cash flows sufficient to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security. Credit impairment is assessed using a combination of a discounted cash flow model that estimates the cash flows on the underlying securities and a market comparables method, where the security is valued based upon indications from the secondary market of what discounts buyers demand when purchasing similar securities. The cash flow model incorporates actual cash flows from the securities through the current period and then projects the remaining cash flows using relevant interest rate curves over the remaining term. These cash flows are discounted using a number of assumptions, some of which include prevailing implied credit risk premiums, incremental credit spreads and illiquidity risk premiums, among others.
	Securities that have been identified as other-than-temporarily impaired are written down to their current fair value. For debt securities that are intended to be sold or that management believes it more-likely-than-not that will be required to sell prior to recovery, the full impairment is recognized immediately in earnings.
	For available-for-sale securities that management has no intent to sell and believes that it more-likely-than-not will not be required to sell prior to recovery, only the credit loss component of the impairment is recognized in earnings, while the rest of the fair value impairment is recognized in other comprehensive income. The credit loss component recognized in earnings is identified as the amount of principal cash flows not expected to be received over the remaining term of the security.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]	'
	Fair Value Measurements
	j2 Global complies with the provisions of ASC 820, which defines fair value, provides a framework for measuring fair value and expands the disclosures required for fair value measurements of financial and non-financial assets and liabilities. ASC 820 clarifies that fair value is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. As such, fair value is a market-based measurement that is determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or a liability. As a basis for considering such assumptions, ASC 820 establishes a three-tier value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in the valuation methodologies in measuring fair value:
		l	Level 1 – Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
		l	Level 2 – Include other inputs that are directly or indirectly observable in the marketplace.
		l	Level 3 – Unobservable inputs which are supported by little or no market activity.
	The fair value hierarchy also requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.
	The Company measures its cash equivalents and investments at fair value. j2 Global’s cash equivalents, short-term investments and other debt securities are primarily classified within Level 1. Cash equivalents and marketable securities are valued primarily using quoted market prices utilizing market observable inputs. The fair value of the Notes (See Note 7 - Long-Term Debt) was determined using the quoted market prices of debt instruments with similar terms, credit rating and maturities, which are considered Level 2 inputs. The total carrying value of long-term debt was $245.8 million and $245.7 million, and the corresponding fair value was approximately $287.3 million and $283.3 million, at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
	The following tables present the fair values of the Company’s financial instruments that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands):
	March 31, 2014	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Fair Value
	Cash equivalents:
	Money market and other funds	$	66,811	$	—	$	—	$	66,811
	Time deposits	30,797		—		—		30,797
	Corporate commercial papers	999		—		—		999
	Certificates of deposit	6,233		—		—		6,233
	Equity securities	25,882		—		—		25,882
	Debt securities issued by the U.S. Treasury and other U.S. government corporations and agencies	19,219		—		—		19,219
	Debt securities issued by states of the U.S. and political subdivisions of the states	2,275		—		—		2,275
	Debt securities issued by foreign governments	2,049		—		—		2,049
	Corporate debt securities	51,340		—		—		51,340
	Total	$	205,605	$	—	$	—	$	205,605
	December 31, 2013	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Fair Value
	Cash equivalents:
	Money market and other funds	$	101,232	$	—	$	—	$	101,232
	Time deposits	22,773		—		—		22,773
	Certificates of deposit	14,402		—		—		14,402
	Equity securities	30,047		—		—		30,047
	Debt securities issued by the U.S. Treasury and other U.S. government corporations and agencies	23,702		—		—		23,702
	Debt securities issued by states of the U.S. and political subdivisions of the states	3,296		—		—		3,296
	Corporate debt securities	66,692		—		—		66,692
	Total	$	262,144	$	—	$	—	$	262,144
	Losses associated with other-than-temporary impairments are recorded as a component of other income (expenses). Gains and losses not associated with other-than-temporary impairments are recorded as a component of other comprehensive income.

Goodwill_And_Intangible_Assets

Goodwill And Intangible Assets	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill And Intangible Assets	'
	Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired in a business combination. Intangible assets resulting from the acquisitions of entities accounted for using the purchase method of accounting are recorded at the estimated fair value of the assets acquired. Identifiable intangible assets are comprised of purchased customer relationships, trademarks and trade names, developed technologies and other intangible assets. The fair values of these identified intangible assets are based upon expected future cash flows or income, which take into consideration certain assumptions such as customer turnover, trade names and patent lives. These determinations are primarily based upon the Company’s historical experience and expected benefit of each intangible asset. If it is determined that such assumptions are not accurate, then the resulting change will impact the fair value of the intangible asset. Identifiable intangible assets are amortized over the period of estimated economic benefit, which ranges from one to 20 years.
	The changes in carrying amounts of goodwill for the three months ended March 31, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):
	Balance as of January 1, 2014	$	457,422
	Goodwill acquired (Note 3)	26,291
	Purchase accounting adjustments	(981		)
	Foreign exchange translation	523
	Balance as of March 31, 2014	$	483,255
	The Company's goodwill balance was $483.3 million as of March 31, 2014, of which $342.9 million and $140.4 million were recorded in the Business Cloud Services and Digital Media segment, respectively. Purchase accounting adjustments relate to adjustments to goodwill in connection with prior year business acquisitions.
	Intangible assets are summarized as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 as follows (in thousands):
	Intangible Assets with Indefinite Lives:
		March 31,				December 31,
		2014				2013
	Trade name	$	27,379			$	27,379
	Other	5,432				5,432
	Total	$	32,811			$	32,811
	Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization:
	As of March 31, 2014, intangible assets subject to amortization relate primarily to the following (in thousands):
		Weighted-Average		Historical				Accumulated			Net
		Amortization		Cost				Amortization
		Period
	Tradenames	16.7 years		$	67,073			$	(12,418	)	$	54,655
	Patent and patent licenses	7.9 years		59,816				(31,724		)	28,092
	Customer relationships	8.9 years		169,853				(44,874		)	124,979
	Other purchased intangibles	5.3 years		18,906				(13,180		)	5,726
	Total			$	315,648			$	(102,196	)	$	213,452
	As of December 31, 2013, intangible assets subject to amortization relate primarily to the following (in thousands):
		Weighted-Average		Historical				Accumulated			Net
		Amortization		Cost				Amortization
		Period
	Tradenames	17.0 years		$	66,911			$	(11,182	)	$	55,729
	Patent and patent licenses	8.1 years		58,446				(29,916		)	28,530
	Customer relationships	8.1 years		139,362				(38,382		)	100,980
	Other purchased intangibles	5.0 years		18,149				(12,666		)	5,483
	Total			$	282,868			$	(92,146	)	$	190,722
	Amortization expense, included in general and administrative expense, approximated $10.0 million and $6.8 million for the three month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  Amortization expense is estimated to approximate $41.5 million, $37.9 million, $31.9 million, $26.9 million and $19.1 million for fiscal years 2014 through 2018 respectively, and $66.2 million thereafter through the duration of the amortization period.

Long_Term_Debt

Long Term Debt	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Long-term Debt, Unclassified [Abstract]	'
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Long-Term Debt
	On July 26, 2012, j2 Global issued in a private offering exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, $250 million aggregate principal amount of 8.0% senior unsecured notes (the “Notes”) due August 1, 2020. j2 Global received proceeds of $245 million in cash, net of initial purchaser's discounts and commissions of $5 million. As of March 31, 2014, the unamortized discount on long-term debt was approximately $4.2 million. Unamortized other fees of approximately $1.2 million were incurred in connection with the issuance of the Notes and recorded in long-term other assets. The net proceeds were available for general corporate purposes, including acquisitions. Interest is payable semi-annually on February 1 and August 1 of each year beginning on February 1, 2013. j2 Global has the option to call the Notes in whole or in part after August 1, 2016, subject to certain premiums as defined in the indenture governing the Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest. In addition, at any time before August 1, 2016, j2 Global may redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, at a "make-whole" redemption price specified in the indenture plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to (but not including) the redemption date. Also, j2 Global may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes using proceeds from certain public offerings of our equity securities at a price equal to 108% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, prior to August 1, 2015. Upon a change in control, the holders may put the Notes at 101% of the principal amount of the Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the repurchase date. The Notes are not guaranteed by any of j2 Global's subsidiaries as of March 31, 2014, because, as of such date, all of j2 Global's existing domestic restricted subsidiaries are deemed insignificant subsidiaries (as that term is defined in the indenture).  If j2 Global or any of its restricted subsidiaries acquires or creates a domestic restricted subsidiary, other than an insignificant subsidiary, after the issue date, or any insignificant subsidiary ceases to fit within the definition of insignificant subsidiary, such restricted subsidiary is required to unconditionally guarantee, jointly and severally, on an unsecured basis, j2 Global's obligations under the Notes.
	The indenture to the Notes contains certain restrictive and other covenants applicable to j2 Global and subsidiaries designated as restricted subsidiaries, including but not limited to limitations on debt and disqualified or preferred stock, restricted payments, liens, sale and leaseback transactions, dividends and other payment restrictions, asset sales and transactions with affiliates. As of March 31, 2014, j2 Global was in compliance with all such covenants. Violation of these covenants could result in a default which could result in the acceleration of outstanding amounts if such default is not cured or waived within the time periods outlined in the indenture agreement.
	The amount recorded in long-term debt in the consolidated balance sheet for the Notes is equal to the aggregate principal amount of the Notes, net of initial purchaser's discounts. The estimated fair value of the Notes was $287.3 million as of March 31, 2014 and was based on the quoted market prices of debt instruments with similar terms, credit rating and maturities of the Notes as of March 31, 2014.
	Cash paid for interest for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was $10.0 million.
	Long-term debt as of March 31, 2014 consists of the following (in thousands):
	Notes	$	245,796
	Total long-term debt	245,796
	Less: Current portion	—
	Total long-term debt, less current portion	$	245,796

Commitments_And_Contingencies

Commitments And Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments And Contingencies	'
	Commitments and Contingencies
	Litigation
	From time-to-time, j2 Global is involved in litigation and other disputes or regulatory inquiries that arise in the ordinary course of its business. Many of these actions involve or are filed in response to patent actions filed by j2 Global against others. The number and significance of these disputes and inquiries has increased as our business has expanded and j2 Global has grown. Any claims or regulatory actions against j2 Global, whether meritorious or not, could be time-consuming, result in costly litigation, require significant management time and result in diversion of significant operational resources.
	As part of the Company’s continuing effort to prevent the unauthorized use of its intellectual property, j2 Global has brought claims against several companies for infringing its patents relating to online fax, voice and other messaging technologies, including, among others, Nextiva, Inc. (“Nextiva”), Vitelity Communications, Inc. (“Vitelity”), EC Data Systems, Inc. (“EC Data”) and Integrated Global Concepts, Inc. (“IGC”).
	On August 5, 2011, j2 Global and one of its affiliates filed suit in the United States District Court for the Central District of California (the “Central District of California”) against Nextiva, alleging infringement of U.S. Patents Nos. 6,208,638 (the “‘638 Patent”), 6,350,066 (the “‘066 Patent”) and 7,020,132 (the “’132 Patent”). On July 23, 2013, j2 Global filed an amended complaint, adding a claim for infringement of U.S. Patent No. 6,020,980 (the “‘980 Patent”). On February 7, 2014, this action was dismissed pursuant to a settlement agreement.
	On September 23, 2011, j2 Global and one of its affiliates filed suit against Vitelity in the Central District of California, alleging infringement of the ‘638 and ‘066 Patents. On April 3, 2014, this action was dismissed pursuant to a settlement agreement.
	On February 21, 2012, EC Data filed a complaint against j2 Global and one of its affiliates in the United District Court for the District of Colorado, seeking declaratory judgment of non-infringement of the ‘638 and ‘066 Patents. On April 9, 2012, j2 Global filed an answer to the complaint and counterclaims asserting that EC Data infringes these and other patents. On October 25, 2013, EC Data filed an amended complaint asserting claims for declaratory judgments of non-infringement and invalidity of the ‘638, ‘132, and ‘066 Patents, and U.S. Patent No. 6,597,688 (the “‘688 Patent”). On April 3, 2014 this action was dismissed pursuant to a settlement agreement.
	On June 28, 2013, j2 Global filed suit against EC Data in the Central District of California, alleging infringement of the ‘980 Patent. On April 3, 2014, this action was dismissed pursuant to a settlement agreement.
	On October 16, 2013, one of j2 Global’s affiliates entered its appearance as a plaintiff in a multi-district litigation proceeding entitled In re: Unified Messaging Solutions LLC and Advanced Messaging Technologies, Inc. Patent Litigation (N.D. Ill. Master Docket No. 12 C 6286). In that litigation, a company with certain rights to assert patents owned by the j2 Global affiliate has asserted those patents against a number of defendants, and those defendants have filed counterclaims for, inter alia, non-infringement, unenforceability, and invalidity of U.S. Patent Nos. 6,857,074; 7,836,141; 7,895,306; 7,895,313 and 7,934,148. On December 20, 2013, the Court issued a claim construction ruling, construing certain terms of the patents-in-suit.
	On August 28, 2013, Phyllis A. Huster (“Huster”) filed suit in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against Unified Messaging Solutions, LLC, Acacia Patent Acquisition LLC (“Acacia”), Charles R. Bobo, II (“Bobo”), j2 Global, and one of j2 Global’s affiliates for correction of inventorship of the ‘066 Patent and U.S. Patents Nos. 5,675,507; 5,870,549; 6,564,321; 6,857,074; 7,895,306; 7,836,141; 7,895,313 and 7,934,148. Huster seeks a declaration that she was the inventor of the patents at issue, an order directing the USPTO to substitute or add Huster as inventor of the patents at issue, an order that the defendants pay to Huster at least half of all earnings from licensing and sales of rights in the patents at issue, and costs and attorneys’ fees. On October 28, 2013, j2 Global, the j2 Global affiliate, and the other defendants in the case filed a motion to dismiss Huster’s action on the basis of improper venue and on the basis that Huster’s action is barred by laches. The defendants also filed a motion to strike certain portions of Huster’s prayer for relief. On the same day, j2 Global filed a motion to dismiss on the basis that it is not a proper party to Huster’s action; Bobo filed a motion to dismiss for lack of personal jurisdiction; and Acacia filed a motion to dismiss on the basis of lack of subject matter jurisdiction. Those motions remain pending.
	On September 15, 2006, a j2 Global affiliate filed a patent infringement suit against IGC in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia (the “Northern District of Georgia”). On May 13, 2008, IGC filed counterclaims alleging violations of Section 2 of the Sherman Act and breach of contract. IGC is seeking damages, including treble and punitive damages, an injunction against further violations, divestiture of certain assets, and attorneys’ fees and costs. On February 18, 2009, the Court granted the j2 Global affiliate’s motion to stay the case pending the conclusion of the j2 Global affiliate’s appeal of a summary judgment ruling of non-infringement in another case involving the same patents and issues as this action. On January 22, 2010, the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit affirmed the non-infringement ruling in the other case and on June 7, 2010 the Court lifted the stay. On September 2, 2011, the Northern District of Georgia Court granted the j2 Global affiliate’s motion to dismiss IGC’s breach of contract counterclaim and one portion of IGC’s antitrust counterclaim. On October 21, 2011, IGC filed a motion to strike certain of the affirmative defenses asserted by the j2 Global affiliate, which the Northern District of Georgia Court granted in part on July 26, 2012, striking certain of the affirmative defenses at issue. Following additional discovery, on June 20, 2012, the j2 Global affiliate filed a motion to dismiss its infringement claims and IGC's counterclaims for declaratory relief. On July 27, 2012, the Northern District of Georgia Court granted the j2 Global affiliate’s motion to dismiss, dismissing the j2 Global affiliate’s infringement claims and IGC’s related declaratory judgment counterclaims. On June 28, 2013, the Court bifurcated discovery, with the first stage of discovery limited to the issue of whether the j2 Global affiliate’s infringement claims were objectively baseless. The period for discovery into that issue ended on February 3, 2014. Also on February 3, 2014, IGC moved for leave to file amended counterclaims to assert a breach of contract claim. On March 12, 2014, j2 moved for summary judgment on IGC’s remaining antitrust claims. Both of those motions remain pending.
	On July 2, 2012, IGC filed suit against j2 Global and its affiliate in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California (“Northern District of California”), alleging that j2 Global - through filing suit in the Central District of California - breached a contract not to sue IGC. IGC seeks monetary damages, attorneys' fees, costs, injunctive relief and specific performance of the alleged covenant not to sue IGC. On August 24, 2012, j2 Global filed a motion to dismiss or alternatively to transfer the case to the Central District of California. The motion was heard on October 26, 2012; the Court denied the motion on March 29, 2013. On April 12, 2013, j2 Global filed its answer and asserted counterclaims for infringement of the ‘638, ‘066, ‘688, and ‘132 Patents. On May 3, 2013, IGC asserted counterclaims seeking declaratory judgments of invalidity, unenforceability and non-infringement of the ‘638, ‘066, ‘688, and ‘132 Patents, implied license and exhaustion, punitive damages, attorneys’ fees and costs. On June 28, 2013, the Court granted in part and denied in part j2 Global’s motion to dismiss certain of IGC’s counterclaims, dismissing the claims for declaratory judgment of exhaustion and punitive damages. On January 31, 2014, j2 moved for summary judgment on IGC’s breach of contract claims. On March 21, 2014, the Court granted summary judgment.
	On June 27, 2013, j2 Global filed suit against IGC in the Northern District of California, alleging infringement of the ‘980 Patent. On August 29, 2013, IGC filed counterclaims for declarations of invalidity, unenforceability, and non-infringement of the ‘980 Patent; an implied license to the ‘980 Patent; and breach and specific enforcement of an alleged covenant not to sue IGC. On September 26, 2013, j2 moved to dismiss IGC’s counterclaims for unenforceability and an implied license of the ‘980 Patent and for breach and specific performance of the contract not to sue. On February 26, 2014, the Court granted j2’s motion to dismiss in part, dismissing IGC’s claim for declaratory judgment of unenforceability of the ‘980 Patent and striking related affirmative defenses. On October 18, 2013, the Court consolidated IGC’s breach of contract counterclaim with the other case pending in the Northern District of California and stayed j2 Global's patent infringement claims pending resolution of the breach of contract claims. On March 21, 2014, the Court granted summary judgment on IGC’s breach of contract counterclaims.
	On February 17, 2011, Emmanuel Pantelakis (“Pantelakis”) filed suit against j2 Global Canada, Inc., carrying on business as Protus IP Solutions (“j2 Canada”), in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, alleging that Protus breached a contract with Pantelakis in connection with Protus’s e-mail marketing services. Pantelakis is seeking damages, attorneys’ fees, interest, and costs. On November 6, 2012, Pantelakis filed a second amended statement of claim adding claims for negligence and breach of contract. Following a pre-trial, Pantelakis expressed a desire to bring a motion seeking to remove Ontario counsel for j2 Canada due to an alleged conflict of interest. This motion was subsequently adjourned, as Pantelakis changed legal counsel. The parties are scheduled to have additional discussions, at which time Pantelakis will determine whether or not to proceed with this motion.
	On January 18, 2013, Paldo Sign and Display Company (“Paldo”), filed an amended complaint adding j2 Global, j2 Canada, and a former j2 Canada employee, Tyler Eyamie (“Eyamie”), as additional defendants in an existing purported class action pending in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. The amended complaint alleged violations of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (“TCPA”), the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act (“ICFA”), and common law conversion, arising from a customer’s alleged use of the j2 Canada system to send unsolicited facsimile transmissions. On August 23, 2013, Paldo filed a second amended complaint to add a second plaintiff, Sabon, Inc. (“Sabon”). j2 Global and j2 Canada filed a motion to dismiss the ICFA and conversion claims, which was granted. Paldo and Sabon seek statutory damages, costs, attorneys’ fees and injunctive relief for the remaining TCPA claims. Eyamie filed a motion to dismiss for lack of personal jurisdiction, which was granted on March 11, 2014. The discovery period commenced on April 17, 2014, and will close in August 2015. The case is set for trial in late January 2016.
	On February 19, 2013, Asher & Simons, P.A. (“Simons”) and Dr. Stuart T. Zaller, LLC (“Zaller”) filed suit against j2 Global and j2 Canada in the Circuit Court for Baltimore County, Maryland, alleging violations of the TCPA. j2 Global was dismissed from the lawsuit for lack of personal jurisdiction and in Q1 2014 the entire case was dismissed pursuant to a settlement agreement.
	On December 16, 2013, Anthony Jenkins filed a purported class action against “j2 Global, carrying on business as eFax” in the Central District of California. An amended complaint was filed on March 18, 2014 adding two named plaintiffs. The amended complaint includes causes of action for breach of contract, several state statutory violations and conversion. The claims arose either out of alleged difficulties some users encountered in canceling their eFax® online fax accounts or out of j2 Global allegedly being unjustly enriched and converting users’ funds. The potential class representatives are seeking damages, statutory damages, restitution, attorneys’ fees, interest, costs and injunctive relief on behalf of themselves and a purported nationwide class of persons allegedly similarly situated. On April 7, 2014, j2 Global filed a motion to dismiss the amended complaint. Plaintiffs have yet to file a responsive pleading to the motion to dismiss.
	On January 7, 2011 the Department of Revenue for the State of Washington (“Washington Department of Revenue”) issued assessments to j2 Global for business and occupations and retail sales tax for the periods January 1, 2004 through December 31, 2008 and January 1, 2009 through September 30, 2010. On February 4, 2011, j2 Global filed a petition for correction with the Washington Department of Revenue. On November 16, 2012, the Washington Department of Revenue issued a determination denying j2 Global’s petition. j2 Global paid the assessments on or about December 13, 2012 and on June 21, 2013 filed a complaint against the Washington Department of Revenue in the Superior Court of Washington for Thurston County, seeking a refund of the entire amount paid and asserting various declarations that the State improperly imposed tax. Discovery is ongoing.
	j2 Global does not believe, based on current knowledge, that the foregoing legal proceedings or claims, including those where an unfavorable outcome is reasonably possible, after giving effect to existing reserves, are likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. However, depending on the amount and the timing, an unfavorable resolution of some or all of these matters could materially affect j2 Global’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows in a particular period. The Company has not accrued for a loss contingency relating to these legal proceedings because unfavorable outcomes are not considered by management to be probable or the amount of any losses reasonably estimable.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	The Company’s tax provision for interim periods is determined using an estimate of the Company’s annual effective tax rate. Each quarter the Company updates its estimated annual effective tax rate and, if the estimate changes, makes a cumulative adjustment. j2 Global’s annual effective tax rate is normally lower than the 35% U.S. federal statutory rate and applicable apportioned state tax rates primarily due to anticipated earnings of the Company’s subsidiaries outside of the U.S. in jurisdictions where the Company’s effective tax rate is lower than in the U.S. For the quarter ended March 31, 2014, the effective tax rate was 22.2%.  j2 Global does not provide for U.S. income taxes on the undistributed earnings of the Company’s foreign operations because the Company intends to reinvest such earnings in foreign jurisdictions.  Income before income taxes included income from domestic operations of $11.6 million and $5.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and income from foreign operations of $25.4 million and $22.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had $44.2 million and $43.9 million, respectively, in liabilities for uncertain income tax positions. Accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are recognized in income tax expense on the Company’s consolidated statement of income.
	Cash paid for income taxes net of refunds received was $3.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014.
	Certain taxes are prepaid during the year and included within prepaid expenses and other current assets on the consolidated balance sheet. The Company’s prepaid taxes were $13.6 million and $11.3 million at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
	Income Tax Audits:
	j2 Global is currently under income tax audit by the California Franchise Tax Board (“FTB”) for tax years 2005 through 2007 and for tax years 2009 through 2011. The FTB has also issued Information Document Requests regarding the 2004 and 2008 tax years, although no formal notice of audit for these years has been provided. The Company is currently under audit by the Illinois Department of Revenue for income tax for tax years 2008 and 2009. The Company is currently under audit by the New York City Department of Finance for income tax for tax years 2009 through 2011.
	The Company is also under income tax audit by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") for tax years 2009 and 2011. The Company has appealed the IRS tax examiner's decision regarding transfer pricing for tax years 2009 and 2010 to the IRS appeals office and that process remains on-going.
	In addition, the Company is under income tax audit by the Canada Revenue Agency (“CRA”) for tax years 2010 through 2011. The Company is also under audit by the CRA for Goods and Services Tax for the tax period beginning on October 1, 2008 and ending on September 30, 2012.
	It is reasonably possible that these audits may conclude in the next 12 months and that the uncertain tax positions the Company has recorded in relation to these tax years may change compared to the liabilities recorded for these periods. If the recorded uncertain tax positions are inadequate to cover the associated tax liabilities, the Company would be required to record additional tax expense in the relevant period, which could be material. If the recorded uncertain tax positions are adequate to cover the associated tax liabilities, the Company would be required to record any excess as reduction in tax expense in the relevant period, which could be material. However, it is not currently possible to estimate the amount, if any, of such change.

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' Equity	'
	Stockholders’ Equity
	Non-Controlling Interest
	Non-controlling interests represent equity interests in consolidated subsidiaries that are not attributable, either directly or indirectly, to j2 Global (i.e., minority interests). Non-controlling interests include the minority equity holders' proportionate share of the equity of Ziff Davis, LLC (formerly Ziff Davis, Inc.) and its subsidiaries ("Ziff Davis").
	Ownership interests in subsidiaries held by parties other than the Company are presented as non-controlling interests within stockholders' equity, separately from the equity held by the Company. Revenues, expenses, net income and other comprehensive income are reported in the consolidated financial statements at the consolidated amounts, which includes amounts attributable to both the Company's interest and the non-controlling interests in Ziff Davis. Net income and other comprehensive income is then attributed to the Company's interest and the non-controlling interests. Net income (loss) to non-controlling interests is deducted from net income in the condensed consolidated statements of income to determine net income (loss) attributable to the Company's common stockholders.
	Common Stock Repurchase Program
	In February 2012, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a program authorizing the repurchase of up to five million shares of our common stock through February 20, 2013 (the "2012 Program") and on February 11, 2014 extended the 2012 Program through February 20, 2015.  During the three month period ended March 31, 2014, no shares were repurchased under this program.
	Periodically, participants in j2 Global’s stock plans surrender to the Company shares of j2 Global stock to pay the exercise price or to satisfy tax withholding obligations arising upon the exercise of stock options or the vesting of restricted stock. During the three month period ended March 31, 2014, the Company purchased 82,509 shares from plan participants for this purpose.
	Dividends
	The following is a summary of each dividend declared during fiscal year 2014:
	Declaration Date	Dividend per Common Share		Record Date	Payment Date
	February 11, 2014	$	0.2625	February 24, 2014	March 10, 2014
	Future dividends are subject to Board approval.

Stock_Options_And_Employee_Sto

Stock Options And Employee Stock Purchase Plan	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Stock Options And Employee Stock Purchase Plan	'
	Stock Options and Employee Stock Purchase Plan
	j2 Global’s share-based compensation plans include the Second Amended and Restated 1997 Stock Option Plan (the “1997 Plan”), 2007 Stock Plan (the “2007 Plan”) and 2001 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “Purchase Plan”). Each plan is described below.
	The 1997 Plan terminated in 2007. A total of 12,000,000 shares of common stock were authorized to be used for 1997 Plan purposes. An additional 840,000 shares were authorized for issuance upon exercise of options granted outside the 1997 Plan. As of March 31, 2014, 246,029 shares underlying options and zero shares of restricted stock were outstanding under the 1997 Plan, all of which continue to be governed by the 1997 Plan.
	The 2007 Plan provides for the grant of incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units and other share-based awards. 4,500,000 shares of common stock are authorized to be used for 2007 Plan purposes. Options under the 2007 Plan may be granted at exercise prices determined by the Board of Directors, provided that the exercise prices shall not be less than the fair market value of j2 Global’s common stock on the date of grant for incentive stock options and not less than 85% of the fair market value of j2 Global’s common stock on the date of grant for non-statutory stock options. As of March 31, 2014, 576,662 shares underlying options and 104,200 shares of restricted stock were outstanding under the 2007 Plan.
	All stock option grants are approved by “outside directors” within the meaning of Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m).
	Stock Options
	The following table represents stock option activity for the three months ended March 31, 2014:
		Number of		Weighted-				Weighted-Average	Aggregate
		Shares		Average				Remaining	Intrinsic
				Exercise				Contractual	Value
				Price				Term (in years)
	Outstanding at January 1, 2014	1,175,657		$	21.21
	Granted	—		—
	Exercised	(352,966	)	14.46
	Canceled	—		—
	Outstanding at March 31, 2014	822,691		24.1				4.7	$	21,344,914
	Exercisable at March 31, 2014	611,372		23.33				3.9	$	16,335,927
	Vested and expected to vest at March 31, 2014	793,255		$	23.97			4.6	$	20,685,031
	The aggregate intrinsic values of options exercised during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 were $12.3 million and $1.4 million, respectively.
	As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, unrecognized stock compensation related to non-vested stock options granted under the 1997 Plan and the 2007 Plan approximated $1.5 million and $2.0 million, respectively. Unrecognized stock compensation expense related to non-vested stock options granted under these plans is expected to be recognized ratably over a weighted-average period of 1.8 years (i.e., the remaining requisite service period).
	Fair Value Disclosure
	j2 Global uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to calculate the fair value of each option grant. The expected volatility for the three months ended March 31, 2014 is based on historical volatility of the Company’s common stock. The Company estimates the expected term based upon the historical exercise behavior of our employees. The risk-free interest rate is based on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with a term equal to the expected term of the option assumed at the date of grant. The Company uses an annualized dividend yield based upon the per share dividends declared by its Board of Directors.  Estimated forfeiture rates were 11.07% and 15% as of March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	Restricted Stock
	j2 Global has awarded restricted stock and restricted stock units to its Board of Directors and senior staff pursuant to the 1997 Plan and the 2007 Plan. Compensation expense resulting from restricted stock and restricted unit grants is measured at fair value on the date of grant and is recognized as share-based compensation expense over the applicable vesting period. Beginning in fiscal year 2012 vesting periods are approximately one year for awards to members of the Company's Board of Directors and five years for senior staff. The Company recognized $1.9 million and $1.6 million of compensation expense for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, related to restricted stock and restricted stock units. As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had unrecognized share-based compensation cost of approximately $18.5 million and $20.2 million, respectively, associated with these awards. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.2 years for awards and 3.5 years for units.
	Restricted stock award activity for the three months ended March 31, 2014 is set forth below:
		Shares		Weighted-Average
				Grant-Date
				Fair Value
	Nonvested at January 1, 2014	1,178,371		$	17.86
	Granted	8,000		51.46
	Vested	(298,386	)	10.39
	Canceled	(509	)	—
	Nonvested at March 31, 2014	887,476		$	20.69
	Restricted stock unit award activity for the three months ended March 31, 2014 is set forth below:
		Number of		Weighted-Average		Aggregate
		Shares		Remaining		Intrinsic
				Contractual		Value
				Term (in years)
	Outstanding at January 1, 2014	109,725
	Granted	—
	Vested	(5,525	)
	Canceled	—
	Outstanding at March 31, 2014	104,200		2.1		$	5,215,210
	Vested and expected to vest at March 31, 2014	74,127		1.8		$	3,710,051
	Share-Based Compensation Expense
	The following table represents share-based compensation expense included in cost of revenues and operating expenses in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2014			2013
	Cost of revenues	$	154		$	214
	Operating expenses:
	Sales and marketing	491			418
	Research, development and engineering	140			106
	General and administrative	1,599			1,610
	Total	$	2,384		$	2,348
	Employee Stock Purchase Plan
	The Purchase Plan provides for the issuance of a maximum of two million shares of the Company's common stock. Under the Purchase Plan, eligible employees can have up to 15% of their earnings withheld, up to certain maximums, to be used to purchase shares of j2 Global’s common stock at certain plan-defined dates. The price of the common stock purchased under the Purchase Plan for the offering periods is equal to 95% of the fair market value of the common stock at the end of the offering period. For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, 1,270 and 1,860 shares were purchased under the plan, respectively. Cash received upon the issuance of common stock under the Purchase Plan was $55,000 and $56,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  As of March 31, 2014, 1,638,929 shares were available under the Purchase Plan for future issuance.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share Reconciliation [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	Earnings Per Share
	The components of basic and diluted earnings per share are as follows (in thousands, except share and per share data):
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2014			2013
	Numerator for basic and diluted net income per common share:
	Net income attributable to j2 Global, Inc. common shareholders	$	28,765		$	22,922
	Net income available to participating securities (a)	(635		)	(412		)
	Net income available to j2 Global, Inc. common shareholders	$	28,130		$	22,510
	Denominator:
	Weighted-average outstanding shares of common stock	46,365,158			45,160,140
	Dilutive effect of:
	Dilutive effect of equity incentive plans	400,574			508,027
	Common stock and common stock equivalents	46,765,732			45,668,167
	Net income per share:
	Basic	$	0.61		$	0.5
	Diluted	$	0.6		$	0.49
	(a)	Represents unvested share-based payment awards that contain certain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid).
	For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, there were zero and 15,000 options outstanding, respectively, which were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because the exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the common shares.

Geographic_Information

Geographic Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Segments, Geographical Areas [Abstract]	'
Geographic Information	'
	Segment Information
	The Company's business segments are based on the organization structure used by management for making operating and investment decisions and for assessing performance. j2 Global's reportable business segments are: (i) Business Cloud Services; and (ii) Digital Media. Segment accounting policies are the same as described in Note 1 - Basis of Presentation.
	Information on reportable segments and reconciliation to consolidated income from operations is presented below (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2014			2013
	Revenues by segment:
	Business Cloud Services	$	100,830		$	90,739
	Digital Media	33,368			22,907
	Elimination of inter-segment revenues	(74		)	(29		)
	Total revenues	134,124			113,617
	Direct costs by segment(1):
	Business Cloud Services	55,612			46,081
	Digital Media	28,716			26,903
	Direct costs by segment(1):	84,328			72,984
	Business Cloud Services operating income	45,218			44,657
	Digital Media operating income (loss)	4,652			(3,996		)
	Segment operating income	49,870			40,661
	Global operating costs(2)	8,285			7,674
	Income from operations	$	41,585		$	32,987
	(1) Direct costs for each segment include cost of revenues and other operating expenses that are directly attributable to the segment such as employee compensation expense, local sales and marketing expenses, engineering and operations, depreciation and amortization and other administrative expenses.
	(2) Global operating costs include general and administrative and other corporate expenses that are managed on a global basis and that are not directly attributable to any particular segment.
		March 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Assets:
	Business Cloud Services	$	848,633		$	818,722
	Digital Media	327,898			333,286
	Total assets from reportable segments	1,176,531			1,152,008
	Corporate	1,753			1,781
	Total assets	$	1,178,284		$	1,153,789
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2014			2013
	Capital expenditures:
	Business Cloud Services	$	1,875		$	976
	Digital Media	956			783
	Total from reportable segments	2,831			1,759
	Corporate	105			174
	Total capital expenditures	$	2,936		$	1,933
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2014			2013
	Depreciation and amortization:
	Business Cloud Services	$	8,030		$	5,456
	Digital Media	4,918			3,152
	Total from reportable segments	12,948			8,608
	Corporate	189			154
	Total depreciation and amortization	$	13,137		$	8,762
	j2 Global maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, Ireland, Japan and other countries. Geographic information about the U.S. and all other countries for the reporting periods is presented below. Such information attributes revenues based on jurisdictions where revenues are reported (in thousands).
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2014			2013
	Revenues:
	United States	$	91,428		$	76,378
	Canada	17,508			18,557
	Ireland	10,511			10,098
	All other countries	14,677			8,584
		$	134,124		$	113,617
		March 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Long-lived assets:
	United States	$	165,160		$	170,247
	All other countries	87,121			51,675
	Total	$	252,281		$	221,922

Unrestricted_Subsidiaries_Note

Unrestricted Subsidiaries (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Unrestricted Subsidiaires [Abstract]	'
Unrestricted Subsidiaries [Text Block]	'
	Unrestricted Subsidiaries
	As of March 31, 2014, the Company's Board of Directors had designated the following entities as “Unrestricted Subsidiary” under the indenture governing j2 Global's Notes:
	Ziff Davis, LLC and subsidiaries
	The financial position and results of operations of Ziff Davis, LLC and its subsidiaries are included in the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.
	As required by the indenture governing j2 Global's Notes, information sufficient to ascertain the financial condition and results of operations excluding the Unrestricted Subsidiaries must be presented. Accordingly, the Company is presenting the following tables.
	The financial position of Ziff Davis, LLC and its subsidiaries as of March 31, 2014 is as follows (in thousands):
		March 31, 2014
	ASSETS
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	23,582
	Accounts receivable	38,793
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	3,177
	Deferred income taxes	2,704
	Total current assets	68,256
	Property and equipment, net	13,217
	Trade names, net	48,796
	Customer relationships, net	50,419
	Goodwill	140,419
	Other purchased intangibles, net	3,583
	Deferred income taxes	1,510
	Other assets	1,698
	Total assets	$	327,898
	LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	11,560
	Income taxes payable	4,942
	Deferred revenue, current	2,831
	Deferred income taxes	679
	Total current liabilities	20,012
	Deferred income taxes	21,696
	Other long-term liabilities	1,443
	Total liabilities	43,151
	Additional paid-in capital	296,099
	Retained earnings	(11,310		)
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(42		)
	Total stockholders’ equity	284,747
	Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	327,898
	The results of operations of Ziff Davis, LLC and its subsidiaries for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2014			2013
	Revenues	$	33,368		$	22,907
	Cost of revenues	3,852			3,593
	Gross profit	29,516			19,314
	Operating expenses:
	Sales and marketing	14,958			12,787
	Research, development and engineering	1,072			1,978
	General and administrative	8,834			8,545
	Total operating expenses	24,864			23,310
	Income (loss) from operations	4,652			(3,996		)
	Interest expense (income), net	1			1,349
	Other expense (income), net	(342		)	70
	Income (loss) before income taxes	4,993			(5,415		)
	Income tax expense (benefit)	2,027			(2,332		)
	Net income (loss)	$	2,966		$	(3,083	)

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block]	'
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	The following table summarizes the changes in accumulated balances of other comprehensive income, net of tax, for the three months ended March 31, 2014 (in thousands):
		Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments				Foreign Currency Translation			Total
	Beginning balance	$	6,056			$	(1,821	)	$	4,235
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	(2,657		)		837			(1,820		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	17				—			17
	Net current period other comprehensive income	(2,640		)		837			(1,803		)
	Ending balance	$	3,416			$	(984	)	$	2,432
	The following table provides details about reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2014 (in thousands):
	Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components		Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income				Affected Line Item in the Statement of Income
			Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
	Unrealized loss on available-for-sale investments		26				Other expense (income), net
			26				Total, before income taxes
			(9		)		Income tax expense (benefit)
			17				Total, net of tax
	Total reclassifications for the period		$	17			Total, net of tax

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events	'
	Subsequent Events
	On May 2, 2014, in a cash transaction the Company acquired Online Backup Company Norway AS and a related subsidiary, a Nordic-based provider of online backup services.
	On May 7, 2014, the Company's Board of Directors approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.27 per share of common stock payable on June 3, 2014 to all stockholders of record as of the close of business on May 19, 2014.

Basis_Of_Presentation_Policy

Basis Of Presentation (Policy)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Use Of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, including judgments about investment classifications, and the reported amounts of net revenue and expenses during the reporting period. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its estimates based on historical experience and on various other factors that the Company believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Allowances For Doubtful Accounts	'
	Allowances for Doubtful Accounts
	j2 Global reserves for receivables it may not be able to collect. These reserves for the Company's Business Cloud Services segment are typically driven by the historical volume of credit card declines, an evaluation of current market conditions and past due invoices based on historical experience. These reserves for the Company's Digital Media segment are typically driven by past due invoices based on historical experience. Management evaluates the adequacy of these reserves on an ongoing basis.
Revenue Recognition	'
	Revenue Recognition
	Business Cloud Services
	The Company's Business Cloud Services revenues substantially consist of monthly recurring subscription and usage-based fees, which are primarily paid in advance by credit card. In accordance with GAAP, the Company defers the portions of monthly, quarterly, semi-annually and annually recurring subscription and usage-based fees collected in advance and recognizes them in the period earned. Additionally, the Company defers and recognizes subscriber activation fees and related direct incremental costs over a subscriber's estimated useful life.
	j2 Global's Business Cloud Services also include patent license revenues generated under license agreements that provide for the payment of contractually determined fully paid-up or royalty-bearing license fees to j2 Global in exchange for the grant of non-exclusive, retroactive and future licenses to our intellectual property, including patented technology. Patent revenues may also consist of revenues generated from the sale of patents. Patent license revenues are recognized when earned over the term of the license agreements. With regard to fully paid-up license arrangements, the Company recognizes as revenue in the period the license agreement is executed the portion of the payment attributable to past use of the intellectual property and amortizes the remaining portion of such payments on a straight-line basis over the life of the licensed patent(s). With regard to royalty-bearing license arrangements, the Company recognizes revenues of license fees earned during the applicable period. With regard to patent sales, the Company recognizes as revenue in the period of the sale the amount of the purchase price over the carrying value of the patent(s) sold.
	The Business Cloud Services business also generates revenues by licensing certain technology to third parties. These licensing revenues are recognized when earned in accordance with the terms of the underlying agreement. Generally, revenue is recognized as the third party uses the licensed technology over the period.
	Digital Media
	The Company's Digital Media revenues primarily consist of revenues generated from the sale of advertising campaigns that are targeted to the Company's proprietary websites and to those websites operated by third parties that are part of the Digital Media business's advertising network. Revenues for these advertising campaigns are recognized as earned either when an ad is placed for viewing by a visitor to the appropriate web page or when the visitor "clicks through" on the ad, depending upon the terms with the individual advertiser.
	Revenues for Digital Media business-to-business operations consist of lead-generation campaigns for IT vendors and are recognized as earned when the Company delivers the qualified leads to the customer.
	j2 Global also generates Digital Media revenues through the license of certain assets to clients, for the clients' use in their own promotional materials or otherwise. Such assets may include logos, editorial reviews, or other copyrighted material. Revenues under such license agreements are recognized when the assets are delivered to the client. The Digital Media business also generates other types of revenues, including business listing fees, subscriptions to online publications, and from other sources. Such other revenues are recognized as earned.
Fair Value Measurements	'
	Fair Value Measurements
	As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable, interest receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses, interest payable, customer deposits and long-term debt are reflected in the financial statements at cost. With the exception of long-term debt, cost approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of such instruments. The fair value of the Company's senior unsecured notes was determined using the quoted market prices of debt instruments with similar terms and maturities. As of the same dates, the carrying value of other long-term liabilities approximated fair value as the related interest rates approximate rates currently available to j2 Global.
Debt, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Debt Issuance Costs and Debt Discount
	j2 Global capitalizes costs incurred with borrowing and issuance of debt securities and records debt discounts as a reduction to the debt amount. j2 Global capitalized costs incurred in connection with its sale of senior unsecured notes within long-term other assets and recorded the original purchase discount as a reduction to such notes (See Note 7 - Long Term Debt). These costs and discounts are amortized and included in interest expense over the life of the borrowing or term of the credit facility using the interest method.
Concentration Of Credit Risk	'
	Concentration of Credit Risk
	All of the Company’s cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities are invested primarily at major financial institutions within the United States, United Kingdom and Ireland, with cash and cash equivalents also held at financial institutions within several other countries, including Australia, Austria, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, the Netherlands and Poland. These institutions are required to invest the Company’s cash in accordance with the Company’s investment policy with the principal objectives being preservation of capital, fulfillment of liquidity needs and above market returns commensurate with preservation of capital. The Company’s investment policy also requires that investments in marketable securities be in only highly rated instruments, with limitations on investing in securities of any single issuer. However, these investments are not insured against the possibility of a total or near complete loss of earnings or principal and are inherently subject to the credit risk related to the continued credit worthiness of the underlying issuer and general credit market risks.
	At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents were maintained in accounts that are insured up to the limit determined by the applicable governmental agency. The Company's deposits held in qualifying financial institutions in Ireland are fully insured through March 28, 2018 to the extent on deposit prior to March 28, 2013. With respect to the Company's deposits with financial institutions in other jurisdictions, the insured amount is immaterial in comparison to the total amount of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents held by these institutions which is not insured.
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	The Company must make certain estimates and judgments in determining income tax expense for financial statement purposes. These estimates and judgments occur in the following areas, among others: (i) calculation of tax credits, benefits and deductions; (ii) calculation of tax assets and liabilities arising from differences in the timing of recognition of revenue and expense for tax and financial statement purposes; and (iii) interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions. Significant changes to these estimates may result in an increase or decrease to the Company’s tax provision in the current or a subsequent period.
	The Company must assess the likelihood that it will be able to recover its deferred tax assets. If recovery is not likely, the Company must increase its provision for taxes by recording a valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets that the Company estimates will not ultimately be recoverable. The Company believes that it will ultimately recover a substantial majority of the deferred tax assets recorded on its condensed consolidated balance sheets. However, should there be a change in the Company’s ability to recover its deferred tax assets, the Company’s tax provision would increase in the period in which j2 Global determined that the recovery was not likely.
	The calculation of the Company’s tax liabilities involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax laws. j2 Global recognizes liabilities for uncertain tax positions based on a two-step process. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. If the Company determines that a tax position will more likely than not be sustained on audit, then the second step requires j2 Global to estimate and measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement. It is inherently difficult and subjective to estimate such amounts, as j2 Global has to determine the probability of various possible outcomes. j2 Global reevaluates these uncertain tax positions on a quarterly basis. This evaluation is based on factors including, but not limited to, changes in facts or circumstances, changes in tax law, effectively settled issues under audit and new audit activity. Such a change in recognition or measurement would result in the recognition of a tax benefit or an additional charge to the tax provision.
Comparability of Prior Year Financial Data, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Reclassifications
	Certain prior year reported amounts have been reclassified to conform with the 2014 presentation.

Business_Acquisition_Tables

Business Acquisition (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	'
	The following table summarizes the allocation of the purchase consideration for these acquisitions (in thousands):
	Asset	Valuation
	Accounts Receivable	$	5,427
	Property and Equipment	6,112
	Other Assets	1,000
	Software	2,246
	Trade Names	80
	Customer Relationships	29,469
	Other Intangibles	5
	Goodwill	26,291
	Total	$	70,630

Investments_Tables

Investments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Investments [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Debt Securities By Contractual Maturity Date	'
	The following table summarizes j2 Global’s debt securities designated as available-for-sale, classified by the contractual maturity date of the security (in thousands):
		March 31,		December 31, 2013
		2014
	Due within 1 year	$	39,186	$	46,339
	Due within more than 1 year but less than 5 years	33,220		44,865
	Due within more than 5 years but less than 10 years	—		—
	Due 10 years or after	2,478		2,486
	Total	$	74,884	$	93,690
Schedule Of Available-For-Sale And Trading Securities	'
	The following table summarizes the Company’s investments designated as available-for-sale (in thousands):
		March 31,		December 31, 2013
		2014
	Available-for-sale	100,766		123,737
	Total	$	100,766	$	123,737
Summary Of Gross Unrealized Gains And Losses And Fair Values	'
	The following table summarizes the gross unrealized gains and losses and fair values for the Company's available-for-sale investments as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 aggregated by major security type (in thousands):
		Amortized		Gross		Gross			Fair
		Cost		Unrealized		Unrealized			Value
				Gains		Losses
	March 31, 2014
	Debt Securities	$	74,767	$	151	$	(34	)	$	74,884
	Equity Securities	20,610		5,508		(236		)	25,882
	Total	$	95,377	$	5,659	$	(270	)	$	100,766
	December 31, 2013
	Debt Securities	$	93,569	$	158	$	(37	)	$	93,690
	Equity Securities	20,610		9,558		(121		)	30,047
	Total	$	114,179	$	9,716	$	(158	)	$	123,737

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Fair Values Of Financial Instruments Measured On Recurring Basis	'
	The following tables present the fair values of the Company’s financial instruments that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands):
	March 31, 2014	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Fair Value
	Cash equivalents:
	Money market and other funds	$	66,811	$	—	$	—	$	66,811
	Time deposits	30,797		—		—		30,797
	Corporate commercial papers	999		—		—		999
	Certificates of deposit	6,233		—		—		6,233
	Equity securities	25,882		—		—		25,882
	Debt securities issued by the U.S. Treasury and other U.S. government corporations and agencies	19,219		—		—		19,219
	Debt securities issued by states of the U.S. and political subdivisions of the states	2,275		—		—		2,275
	Debt securities issued by foreign governments	2,049		—		—		2,049
	Corporate debt securities	51,340		—		—		51,340
	Total	$	205,605	$	—	$	—	$	205,605
	December 31, 2013	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Fair Value
	Cash equivalents:
	Money market and other funds	$	101,232	$	—	$	—	$	101,232
	Time deposits	22,773		—		—		22,773
	Certificates of deposit	14,402		—		—		14,402
	Equity securities	30,047		—		—		30,047
	Debt securities issued by the U.S. Treasury and other U.S. government corporations and agencies	23,702		—		—		23,702
	Debt securities issued by states of the U.S. and political subdivisions of the states	3,296		—		—		3,296
	Corporate debt securities	66,692		—		—		66,692
	Total	$	262,144	$	—	$	—	$	262,144

Goodwill_And_Intangible_Assets1

Goodwill And Intangible Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Changes In Carrying Amounts Of Goodwill	'
	The changes in carrying amounts of goodwill for the three months ended March 31, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):
	Balance as of January 1, 2014	$	457,422
	Goodwill acquired (Note 3)	26,291
	Purchase accounting adjustments	(981		)
	Foreign exchange translation	523
	Balance as of March 31, 2014	$	483,255
Schedule Of Intangible Assets With Indefinite Lives	'
	Intangible Assets with Indefinite Lives:
		March 31,				December 31,
		2014				2013
	Trade name	$	27,379			$	27,379
	Other	5,432				5,432
	Total	$	32,811			$	32,811
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets By Major Class	'
	As of March 31, 2014, intangible assets subject to amortization relate primarily to the following (in thousands):
		Weighted-Average		Historical				Accumulated			Net
		Amortization		Cost				Amortization
		Period
	Tradenames	16.7 years		$	67,073			$	(12,418	)	$	54,655
	Patent and patent licenses	7.9 years		59,816				(31,724		)	28,092
	Customer relationships	8.9 years		169,853				(44,874		)	124,979
	Other purchased intangibles	5.3 years		18,906				(13,180		)	5,726
	Total			$	315,648			$	(102,196	)	$	213,452
	As of December 31, 2013, intangible assets subject to amortization relate primarily to the following (in thousands):
		Weighted-Average		Historical				Accumulated			Net
		Amortization		Cost				Amortization
		Period
	Tradenames	17.0 years		$	66,911			$	(11,182	)	$	55,729
	Patent and patent licenses	8.1 years		58,446				(29,916		)	28,530
	Customer relationships	8.1 years		139,362				(38,382		)	100,980
	Other purchased intangibles	5.0 years		18,149				(12,666		)	5,483
	Total			$	282,868			$	(92,146	)	$	190,722

Long_Term_Debt_Tables

Long Term Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Long-term Debt, Unclassified [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]	'
	Long-term debt as of March 31, 2014 consists of the following (in thousands):
	Notes	$	245,796
	Total long-term debt	245,796
	Less: Current portion	—
	Total long-term debt, less current portion	$	245,796

Stock_Options_And_Employee_Sto1

Stock Options And Employee Stock Purchase Plan (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Stock Options Activity	'
	The following table represents stock option activity for the three months ended March 31, 2014:
		Number of		Weighted-				Weighted-Average	Aggregate
		Shares		Average				Remaining	Intrinsic
				Exercise				Contractual	Value
				Price				Term (in years)
	Outstanding at January 1, 2014	1,175,657		$	21.21
	Granted	—		—
	Exercised	(352,966	)	14.46
	Canceled	—		—
	Outstanding at March 31, 2014	822,691		24.1				4.7	$	21,344,914
	Exercisable at March 31, 2014	611,372		23.33				3.9	$	16,335,927
	Vested and expected to vest at March 31, 2014	793,255		$	23.97			4.6	$	20,685,031
Allocation Of Share-Based Compensation Expense	'
	The following table represents share-based compensation expense included in cost of revenues and operating expenses in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2014			2013
	Cost of revenues	$	154		$	214
	Operating expenses:
	Sales and marketing	491			418
	Research, development and engineering	140			106
	General and administrative	1,599			1,610
	Total	$	2,384		$	2,348
Restricted Stock [Member]	'
Restricted Stock And Restricted Stock Unit Award Activity	'
	Restricted stock award activity for the three months ended March 31, 2014 is set forth below:
		Shares		Weighted-Average
				Grant-Date
				Fair Value
	Nonvested at January 1, 2014	1,178,371		$	17.86
	Granted	8,000		51.46
	Vested	(298,386	)	10.39
	Canceled	(509	)	—
	Nonvested at March 31, 2014	887,476		$	20.69
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'
Restricted Stock And Restricted Stock Unit Award Activity	'
	Restricted stock unit award activity for the three months ended March 31, 2014 is set forth below:
		Number of		Weighted-Average		Aggregate
		Shares		Remaining		Intrinsic
				Contractual		Value
				Term (in years)
	Outstanding at January 1, 2014	109,725
	Granted	—
	Vested	(5,525	)
	Canceled	—
	Outstanding at March 31, 2014	104,200		2.1		$	5,215,210
	Vested and expected to vest at March 31, 2014	74,127		1.8		$	3,710,051

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share Reconciliation [Abstract]	'
Components Of Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Share	'
	The components of basic and diluted earnings per share are as follows (in thousands, except share and per share data):
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2014			2013
	Numerator for basic and diluted net income per common share:
	Net income attributable to j2 Global, Inc. common shareholders	$	28,765		$	22,922
	Net income available to participating securities (a)	(635		)	(412		)
	Net income available to j2 Global, Inc. common shareholders	$	28,130		$	22,510
	Denominator:
	Weighted-average outstanding shares of common stock	46,365,158			45,160,140
	Dilutive effect of:
	Dilutive effect of equity incentive plans	400,574			508,027
	Common stock and common stock equivalents	46,765,732			45,668,167
	Net income per share:
	Basic	$	0.61		$	0.5
	Diluted	$	0.6		$	0.49
	(a)	Represents unvested share-based payment awards that contain certain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid).

Geographic_Information_Tables

Geographic Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Segments, Geographical Areas [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	'
	Information on reportable segments and reconciliation to consolidated income from operations is presented below (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2014			2013
	Revenues by segment:
	Business Cloud Services	$	100,830		$	90,739
	Digital Media	33,368			22,907
	Elimination of inter-segment revenues	(74		)	(29		)
	Total revenues	134,124			113,617
	Direct costs by segment(1):
	Business Cloud Services	55,612			46,081
	Digital Media	28,716			26,903
	Direct costs by segment(1):	84,328			72,984
	Business Cloud Services operating income	45,218			44,657
	Digital Media operating income (loss)	4,652			(3,996		)
	Segment operating income	49,870			40,661
	Global operating costs(2)	8,285			7,674
	Income from operations	$	41,585		$	32,987
	(1) Direct costs for each segment include cost of revenues and other operating expenses that are directly attributable to the segment such as employee compensation expense, local sales and marketing expenses, engineering and operations, depreciation and amortization and other administrative expenses.
	(2) Global operating costs include general and administrative and other corporate expenses that are managed on a global basis and that are not directly attributable to any particular segment.
		March 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Assets:
	Business Cloud Services	$	848,633		$	818,722
	Digital Media	327,898			333,286
	Total assets from reportable segments	1,176,531			1,152,008
	Corporate	1,753			1,781
	Total assets	$	1,178,284		$	1,153,789
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2014			2013
	Capital expenditures:
	Business Cloud Services	$	1,875		$	976
	Digital Media	956			783
	Total from reportable segments	2,831			1,759
	Corporate	105			174
	Total capital expenditures	$	2,936		$	1,933
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2014			2013
	Depreciation and amortization:
	Business Cloud Services	$	8,030		$	5,456
	Digital Media	4,918			3,152
	Total from reportable segments	12,948			8,608
	Corporate	189			154
	Total depreciation and amortization	$	13,137		$	8,762
Summary On Revenues And Long-Lived Assets By Geographic Areas	'
	j2 Global maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, Ireland, Japan and other countries. Geographic information about the U.S. and all other countries for the reporting periods is presented below. Such information attributes revenues based on jurisdictions where revenues are reported (in thousands).
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2014			2013
	Revenues:
	United States	$	91,428		$	76,378
	Canada	17,508			18,557
	Ireland	10,511			10,098
	All other countries	14,677			8,584
		$	134,124		$	113,617
		March 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Long-lived assets:
	United States	$	165,160		$	170,247
	All other countries	87,121			51,675
	Total	$	252,281		$	221,922

Unrestricted_Subsidiaries_Tabl

Unrestricted Subsidiaries (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Unrestricted Subsidiaires [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Unrestricted Subsidiaries Financial Information [Table Text Block]	'
	The financial position of Ziff Davis, LLC and its subsidiaries as of March 31, 2014 is as follows (in thousands):
		March 31, 2014
	ASSETS
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	23,582
	Accounts receivable	38,793
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	3,177
	Deferred income taxes	2,704
	Total current assets	68,256
	Property and equipment, net	13,217
	Trade names, net	48,796
	Customer relationships, net	50,419
	Goodwill	140,419
	Other purchased intangibles, net	3,583
	Deferred income taxes	1,510
	Other assets	1,698
	Total assets	$	327,898
	LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	11,560
	Income taxes payable	4,942
	Deferred revenue, current	2,831
	Deferred income taxes	679
	Total current liabilities	20,012
	Deferred income taxes	21,696
	Other long-term liabilities	1,443
	Total liabilities	43,151
	Additional paid-in capital	296,099
	Retained earnings	(11,310		)
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(42		)
	Total stockholders’ equity	284,747
	Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	327,898
	The results of operations of Ziff Davis, LLC and its subsidiaries for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2014			2013
	Revenues	$	33,368		$	22,907
	Cost of revenues	3,852			3,593
	Gross profit	29,516			19,314
	Operating expenses:
	Sales and marketing	14,958			12,787
	Research, development and engineering	1,072			1,978
	General and administrative	8,834			8,545
	Total operating expenses	24,864			23,310
	Income (loss) from operations	4,652			(3,996		)
	Interest expense (income), net	1			1,349
	Other expense (income), net	(342		)	70
	Income (loss) before income taxes	4,993			(5,415		)
	Income tax expense (benefit)	2,027			(2,332		)
	Net income (loss)	$	2,966		$	(3,083	)

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'
Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table provides details about reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2014 (in thousands):
	Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components		Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income				Affected Line Item in the Statement of Income
			Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
	Unrealized loss on available-for-sale investments		26				Other expense (income), net
			26				Total, before income taxes
			(9		)		Income tax expense (benefit)
			17				Total, net of tax
	Total reclassifications for the period		$	17			Total, net of tax
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes the changes in accumulated balances of other comprehensive income, net of tax, for the three months ended March 31, 2014 (in thousands):
		Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments				Foreign Currency Translation			Total
	Beginning balance	$	6,056			$	(1,821	)	$	4,235
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	(2,657		)		837			(1,820		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	17				—			17
	Net current period other comprehensive income	(2,640		)		837			(1,803		)
	Ending balance	$	3,416			$	(984	)	$	2,432

Basis_Of_Presentation_Details

Basis Of Presentation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Revenue	$134,124	$113,617
Net income attributable to j2 Global, Inc. common shareholders	$28,765	$22,922
Basic earnings per share	$0.61	$0.50
Diluted earnings per share	$0.60	$0.49

Business_Acquisition_Details

Business Acquisition (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	$26,291,000	'
Goodwill	483,255,000	457,422,000
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible Amount	700,000	'
Business Acquisition Contributed Total Revenue	4,500,000	'
Total consideration of transaction, net of cash acquired	70,600,000	'
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Liabilities Incurred	18,900,000	'
IGN Entertainment, Inc [Member]	'	'
Goodwill, Period Increase (Decrease)	$200,000	'

Business_Acquisition_Business_

Business Acquisition Business Acquisition (Allocation of Aggregate Purchase Price) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Receivables	$5,427	'
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment	6,112	'
Business Combination, Purchase Price Allocation Current Noncurrent Assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets	1,000	'
Business Combination, Purchase Price Allocation, Goodwill Amount	483,255	457,422
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	26,291	'
Developed Technology Rights [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles	2,246	'
Trade Names [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles	80	'
Customer Relationships [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles	29,469	'
Other Intangible Assets [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles	$5	'

Investments_Schedule_Of_Debt_S

Investments (Schedule Of Debt Securities By Contractual Maturity Date) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Investments [Abstract]	'	'
Due within 1 year	$39,186	$46,339
Due within more than 1 year but less than 5 years	33,220	44,865
Due within more than 5 years but less than 10 years	0	0
Due 10 years or after	2,478	2,486
Total	$74,884	$93,690

Investments_Schedule_Of_Availa

Investments (Schedule Of Available-For-Sale And Trading Securities) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Investments [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	$100,766	$123,737
Total	$100,766	$123,737

Investments_Summary_Of_Gross_U

Investments (Summary Of Gross Unrealized Gains And Losses And Fair Values) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	$95,377	$114,179
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	5,659	9,716
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-270	-158
Available-for-sale Securities	100,766	123,737
Equity Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	20,610	20,610
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	5,508	9,558
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-236	-121
Available-for-sale Securities	25,882	30,047
Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	74,767	93,569
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	151	158
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-34	-37
Available-for-sale Securities	$74,884	$93,690

Investments_Investments_Narrat

Investments Investments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Investments [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	$32.30	$37.30
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	$0	$2

Fair_Value_Measurements_Schedu

Fair Value Measurements (Schedule Of Fair Values Of Financial Instruments Measured On Recurring Basis) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Total assets	$205,605	$262,144
Money Market Funds [Member]	'	'
Cash	66,811	101,232
Bank Time Deposits [Member]	'	'
Cash	30,797	22,773
Commercial Paper [Member]	'	'
Cash	999	'
Certificates of Deposit [Member]	'	'
Investments	6,233	14,402
Equity Securities [Member]	'	'
Investments	25,882	30,047
Debt Securities Issued By The U.S Treasury And Other U.S Government Corporations And Agencies [Member]	'	'
Investments	19,219	23,702
Debt Securities Issued By States Of The United States And Political Subdivisions Of The States [Member]	'	'
Investments	2,275	3,296
Debt Securities Issued By Foreign Governments [Member]	'	'
Investments	2,049	'
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Investments	51,340	66,692
Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Total assets	205,605	262,144
Level 1 [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]	'	'
Cash	66,811	101,232
Level 1 [Member] | Bank Time Deposits [Member]	'	'
Cash	30,797	22,773
Level 1 [Member] | Commercial Paper [Member]	'	'
Cash	999	'
Level 1 [Member] | Certificates of Deposit [Member]	'	'
Investments	6,233	14,402
Level 1 [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]	'	'
Investments	25,882	30,047
Level 1 [Member] | Debt Securities Issued By The U.S Treasury And Other U.S Government Corporations And Agencies [Member]	'	'
Investments	19,219	23,702
Level 1 [Member] | Debt Securities Issued By States Of The United States And Political Subdivisions Of The States [Member]	'	'
Investments	2,275	3,296
Level 1 [Member] | Debt Securities Issued By Foreign Governments [Member]	'	'
Investments	2,049	'
Level 1 [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Investments	51,340	66,692
Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Total assets	0	0
Level 2 [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]	'	'
Cash	0	0
Level 2 [Member] | Bank Time Deposits [Member]	'	'
Cash	0	0
Level 2 [Member] | Commercial Paper [Member]	'	'
Cash	0	'
Level 2 [Member] | Certificates of Deposit [Member]	'	'
Investments	0	0
Level 2 [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]	'	'
Investments	0	0
Level 2 [Member] | Debt Securities Issued By The U.S Treasury And Other U.S Government Corporations And Agencies [Member]	'	'
Investments	0	0
Level 2 [Member] | Debt Securities Issued By States Of The United States And Political Subdivisions Of The States [Member]	'	'
Investments	0	0
Level 2 [Member] | Debt Securities Issued By Foreign Governments [Member]	'	'
Investments	0	'
Level 2 [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Investments	0	0
Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Total assets	0	0
Level 3 [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]	'	'
Cash	0	0
Level 3 [Member] | Bank Time Deposits [Member]	'	'
Cash	0	0
Level 3 [Member] | Commercial Paper [Member]	'	'
Cash	0	'
Level 3 [Member] | Certificates of Deposit [Member]	'	'
Investments	0	0
Level 3 [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]	'	'
Investments	0	0
Level 3 [Member] | Debt Securities Issued By The U.S Treasury And Other U.S Government Corporations And Agencies [Member]	'	'
Investments	0	0
Level 3 [Member] | Debt Securities Issued By States Of The United States And Political Subdivisions Of The States [Member]	'	'
Investments	0	0
Level 3 [Member] | Debt Securities Issued By Foreign Governments [Member]	'	'
Investments	0	'
Level 3 [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Investments	$0	$0

Fair_Value_Measurements_Fair_V

Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurements (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'
Long-term Debt	$245,796,000	$245,670,000
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	$287,300,000	$283,300,000

Goodwill_And_Intangible_Assets2

Goodwill And Intangible Assets (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Goodwill	$483,255,000	'	$457,422,000
Amortization expense	10,000,000	6,800,000	'
Estimated future amortization expense in year 2014	41,500,000	'	'
Estimated future amortization expense in year 2015	37,900,000	'	'
Estimated future amortization expense in year 2016	31,900,000	'	'
Estimated future amortization expense in year 2017	26,900,000	'	'
Estimated future amortization expense in year 2018	19,100,000	'	'
Estimated future amortization expense thereafter	66,200,000	'	'
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Identifiable intangible assets minimum useful life (years)	'1 year	'	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Identifiable intangible assets minimum useful life (years)	'20 years	'	'
Business Cloud Services Segment [Member]	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Goodwill	342,900,000	'	'
Digital Media Segment [Member]	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Goodwill	$140,400,000	'	'

Goodwill_And_Intangible_Assets3

Goodwill And Intangible Assets (Changes In Carrying Amounts Of Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Balance as of January 1, 2014	$457,422
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	26,291
Purchase Accounting Adjustments	-981
Foreign Exchange Translation	523
Balance as of March 31, 2014	$483,255

Goodwill_And_Intangible_Assets4

Goodwill And Intangible Assets (Indefinite Intangible Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Intangible assets	$32,811	$32,811
Trade Names [Member]	'	'
Intangible assets	27,379	27,379
Other Intangible Assets [Member]	'	'
Intangible assets	$5,432	$5,432

Goodwill_And_Intangible_Assets5

Goodwill And Intangible Assets (Schedule Of Intangible Assets Subject To Amortization) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Historical Cost	$315,648	$282,868
Accumulated Amortization	-102,196	-92,146
Net	213,452	190,722
Trade Names [Member]	'	'
Historical Cost	67,073	66,911
Accumulated Amortization	-12,418	-11,182
Net	54,655	55,729
Weighted-Average Amortization Period, years	'16 years 8 months 12 days	'17 years
Patents And Patent Licenses [Member]	'	'
Historical Cost	59,816	58,446
Accumulated Amortization	-31,724	-29,916
Net	28,092	28,530
Weighted-Average Amortization Period, years	'7 years 10 months 24 days	'8 years 1 month 6 days
Customer Relationships [Member]	'	'
Historical Cost	169,853	139,362
Accumulated Amortization	-44,874	-38,382
Net	124,979	100,980
Weighted-Average Amortization Period, years	'8 years 10 months 24 days	'8 years 1 month 6 days
Other Purchased Intangibles [Member]	'	'
Historical Cost	18,906	18,149
Accumulated Amortization	-13,180	-12,666
Net	$5,726	$5,483
Weighted-Average Amortization Period, years	'5 years 3 months 18 days	'5 years

Long_Term_Debt_Details

Long Term Debt (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jul. 26, 2012
Long-term Debt, Unclassified [Abstract]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument, Issuance Date	26-Jul-12	'	'
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$250,000,000	'	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	8.00%	'	'
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	1-Aug-20	'	'
Proceeds from Debt, Net of Issuance Costs	245,000,000	'	'
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount	4,200,000	'	5,000,000
Debt Issuance Cost	1,200,000	'	'
Debt Instrument, Frequency of Periodic Payment	'semi-annually	'	'
Debt Instrument, Date of First Required Payment	1-Feb-13	'	'
Debt Instrument, Call Date, Earliest	1-Aug-16	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Long-term Debt	245,796,000	245,670,000	'
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities	0	'	'
Total long-term debt, less current portion	245,796,000	'	'
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	287,300,000	283,300,000	'
Interest Paid	$10,000,000	'	'

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2009

Dec. 31, 2007

Dec. 31, 2006

Dec. 31, 2005

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2009

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2009

Dec. 31, 2008

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2009

California Franchise Tax Board [Member]

California Franchise Tax Board [Member]

California Franchise Tax Board [Member]

California Franchise Tax Board [Member]

California Franchise Tax Board [Member]

California Franchise Tax Board [Member]

Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member]

Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member]

Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member]

Canada Revenue Agency [Member]

Canada Revenue Agency [Member]

Illinois Department of Revenue [Member]

Illinois Department of Revenue [Member]

New York City Department of Finance [Member]

New York City Department of Finance [Member]

New York City Department of Finance [Member]

Income Taxes [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

U.S. federal statutory rate

35.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Effective income tax rate

22.20%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income before income taxes, domestic operations

$11.60

$5.40

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income before income taxes, foreign operations

25.4

22.9

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Liabilities for uncertain income tax positions

44.2

'

43.9

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash paid for income taxes

3.3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Prepaid tax payments

$13.60

'

$11.30

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income Tax Examination, Year under Examination

'

'

'

'2011

'2010

'2009

'2007

'2006

'2005

'2011

'2010

'2009

'2011

'2010

'2009

'2008

'2011

'2010

'2009

Stockholders_Equity_Details

Stockholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	7-May-14	Feb. 12, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'	'
Stock Repurchased	'	'	82,509
Dividend amount to be paid, per common share	$0.27	$0.26	'
Dividend, declaration date	7-May-14	11-Feb-14	'
Dividend, date to be paid	3-Jun-14	10-Mar-14	'
Dividend, date of record	19-May-14	24-Feb-14	'
2012 Repurchase Program [Member]	'	'	'
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'	'
Maximum number of shares authorized to be repurchased	'	'	5,000,000
Stock Repurchased	'	'	0

Stock_Options_And_Employee_Sto2

Stock Options And Employee Stock Purchase Plan (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$2,384,000	$2,348,000	'
Number of options outstanding	822,691	'	1,175,657
Number of options granted	0	'	'
Cash received upon the issuance of common stock	55,000	56,000	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Total Intrinsic Value	12,300,000	1,400,000	'
Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	1,500,000	'	2,000,000
Restricted Stock And Restricted Stock Unit (RSU) [Member]	'	'	'
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	1,900,000	1,600,000	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	18,500,000	'	20,200,000
Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'	'
Shares, Granted	8,000	'	'
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value, Granted	$51.46	'	'
Number of stocks outstanding	887,476	'	1,178,371
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'	'	'
Shares, Granted	0	'	'
Number of stocks outstanding	104,200	'	109,725
1997 Stock Option Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Additional shares authorized for issuance	840,000	'	'
Maximum issuance of common stock	12,000,000	'	'
1997 Stock Option Plan [Member] | Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'
Number of options outstanding	246,029	'	'
1997 Stock Option Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'	'
Number of stocks outstanding	0	'	'
2007 Stock Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Number of options outstanding	576,662	'	'
Number of stocks outstanding	104,200	'	'
Maximum issuance of common stock	4,500,000	'	'
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member] | Common Stock [Member]	'	'	'
Market value of common stock on the date of grant for incentive stock options	95.00%	'	'
Maximum earnings withheld by the employees	15.00%	'	'
Number of shares purchased under the plan	1,270	1,860	'
Cash received upon the issuance of common stock	$55,000	$56,000	'
Number of shares available for issuance	1,638,929	'	'
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Market value of common stock on the date of grant for incentive stock options	85.00%	'	'

Stock_Options_And_Employee_Sto3

Stock Options And Employee Stock Purchase Plan (Stock Options) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
			Stock Options [Member]	Stock Options [Member]
Number of Shares, Outstanding Beginning of Period	1,175,657	'	'	'
Number of options granted	0	'	'	'
Number of Shares, Exercised	-352,966	'	'	'
Number of Shares, Canceled	0	'	'	'
Number of Shares, Outstanding Ending of Period	822,691	'	'	'
Number of Shares, Exercisable	611,372	'	'	'
Number of Shares, Vested and expected to vest	793,255	'	'	'
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Outstanding Beginning of Period	$21.21	'	'	'
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Granted	$0	'	'	'
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Exercised	$14.46	'	'	'
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Canceled	$0	'	'	'
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Outstanding Ending of Period	$24.10	'	'	'
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Exercisable	$23.33	'	'	'
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Vested and expected to vest	$23.97	'	'	'
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term, Outstanding (in years)	'4 years 8 months 1 day	'	'	'
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term, Exercisable (in years)	'3 years 11 months 9 days	'	'	'
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term, Vested and expected to vest (in years)	'4 years 6 months 29 days	'	'	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding	$21,344,914	'	'	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable	16,335,927	'	'	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Vested and expected to vest	20,685,031	'	'	'
Aggregate intrinsic values of options exercised	12,300,000	1,400,000	'	'
Unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested awards granted	'	'	$1,500,000	$2,000,000
Weighted-average period to recognize compensation cost (in years)	'	'	'1 year 9 months 15 days	'

Stock_Options_And_Employee_Sto4

Stock Options And Employee Stock Purchase Plan (Assumptions To Estimate Fair Value Of Stock Options) (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'	'
Estimated forfeiture rate	11.07%	15.00%

Stock_Options_And_Employee_Sto5

Stock Options And Employee Stock Purchase Plan (Restricted Stock) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Compensation cost recognized	$2,384,000	$2,348,000	'
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	2,384,000	2,348,000	'
Restricted Stock And Restricted Stock Unit (RSU) [Member]	'	'	'
Compensation cost recognized	1,900,000	1,600,000	'
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	1,900,000	1,600,000	'
Unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested awards granted	18,500,000	'	20,200,000
Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'	'
Shares, Nonvested at January 1, 2014	1,178,371	'	'
Shares, Granted	8,000	'	'
Shares, Vested	-298,386	'	'
Shares, Canceled	-509	'	'
Shares, Nonvested at March 31, 2014	887,476	'	'
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value, Nonvested at January 1, 2014	$17.86	'	'
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value, Granted	$51.46	'	'
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value, Vested	$10.39	'	'
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value, Canceled	$0	'	'
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value, Nonvested at March 31, 2014	$20.69	'	'
Weighted-average period to recognize compensation cost (in years)	'3 years 2 months 12 days	'	'
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'	'	'
Shares, Nonvested at January 1, 2014	109,725	'	'
Shares, Granted	0	'	'
Shares, Vested	-5,525	'	'
Shares, Canceled	0	'	'
Shares, Nonvested at March 31, 2014	104,200	'	'
Share Based Compensation Equity Awards Other Than Options Expected To Vest Shares	74,127	'	'
Weighted-average period to recognize compensation cost (in years)	'3 years 5 months 19 days	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms	'2 years 0 months 22 days	'	'
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Expected To Vest Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	'1 year 10 months 2 days	'	'
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Expected To Vest Intrinsic Value	3,710,051	'	'
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$5,215,210	'	'

Stock_Options_And_Employee_Sto6

Stock Options And Employee Stock Purchase Plan (Allocation Of Share-Based Compensation Expense) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$2,384	$2,348
Cost Of Revenues [Member]	'	'
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	154	214
Sales And Marketing [Member]	'	'
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	491	418
Research, Development And Engineering [Member]	'	'
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	140	106
General And Administrative [Member]	'	'
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$1,599	$1,610

Earnings_Per_Share_Details

Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share Reconciliation [Abstract]	'	'
Net income attributable to j2 Global, Inc. common shareholders	$28,765	$22,922
Net earnings available to participating securities	-635	-412
Net earnings available to common shareholders	$28,130	$22,510
Weighted-average outstanding shares of common stock - basic	46,365,158	45,160,140
Dilutive effect of equity incentive plans	400,574	508,027
Weighted-average outstanding shares of common stock - diluted	46,765,732	45,668,167
Basic	$0.61	$0.50
Diluted	$0.60	$0.49
Share options excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share	0	15,000

Geographic_Information_Details

Geographic Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Total revenues	$134,124	$113,617	'
United States	252,281	'	221,922
Total long-lived assets	252,281	'	221,922
UNITED STATES	'	'	'
Total revenues	91,428	76,378	'
United States	165,160	'	170,247
Total long-lived assets	165,160	'	170,247
CANADA	'	'	'
Total revenues	17,508	18,557	'
IRELAND	'	'	'
Total revenues	10,511	10,098	'
All Other Countries [Member]	'	'	'
Total revenues	14,677	8,584	'
United States	87,121	'	51,675
Total long-lived assets	$87,121	'	$51,675

Segment_Information_Reportable

Segment Information Reportable Segment Information (Reconciliation of Total Segment Operating Income to Consolidated Operating Income) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Total revenues	$134,124	$113,617
Operating Income (Loss)	41,585	32,987
Global Operating Costs	8,285	7,674
Business Cloud Services Segment [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Total revenues	100,830	90,739
Direct Costs By Segment	55,612	46,081
Operating Income (Loss)	45,218	44,657
Digital Media Segment [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Total revenues	33,368	22,907
Direct Costs By Segment	28,716	26,903
Operating Income (Loss)	4,652	-3,996
Intersegment Elimination [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Total revenues	-74	-29
Operating Segments [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Operating Income (Loss)	$49,870	$40,661

Segment_Information_Reportable1

Segment Information Reportable Segment Information (Total Assets, Capital Expenditures, Depreciation And Amortization) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'
Assets	$1,178,284	'	$1,153,789
Property, Plant and Equipment, Additions	2,936	1,933	'
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction	13,137	8,762	'
Business Cloud Services Segment [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'
Assets	848,633	'	818,722
Property, Plant and Equipment, Additions	1,875	976	'
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction	8,030	5,456	'
Digital Media Segment [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'
Assets	327,898	'	333,286
Property, Plant and Equipment, Additions	956	783	'
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction	4,918	3,152	'
Operating Segments [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'
Assets	1,176,531	'	1,152,008
Property, Plant and Equipment, Additions	2,831	1,759	'
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction	12,948	8,608	'
Corporate [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'
Assets	1,753	'	1,781
Property, Plant and Equipment, Additions	105	174	'
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction	$189	$154	'

Unrestricted_Subsidiaries_Unre

Unrestricted Subsidiaries Unrestricted Subsidiaries (Financial Position) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Cash and cash equivalents	$208,068	$207,801	$193,126	$218,680
Accounts receivable	63,666	67,245	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	24,343	20,064	'	'
Deferred income taxes	2,110	3,126	'	'
Assets, Current	369,487	389,025	'	'
Property and equipment, net	38,829	31,200	'	'
Tradenames, net	82,034	83,108	'	'
Customer Relationships, Net	124,979	100,980	'	'
Goodwill	483,255	457,422	'	'
Other purchased intangibles, net	11,158	10,915	'	'
Deferred income taxes	1,369	1,845	'	'
Other assets	3,383	3,413	'	'
Assets	1,178,284	1,153,789	'	'
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	54,084	69,570	'	'
Income taxes payable	4,837	1,569	'	'
Deferred revenue, current	49,606	36,326	'	'
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Current	344	1,892	'	'
Liabilities, Current	114,582	114,892	'	'
Deferred income taxes	34,703	35,833	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	3,873	1,458	'	'
Liabilities	449,918	447,371	'	'
Commitments and contingencies	0	0	'	'
Common Stock, Value, Issued	467	461	'	'
Additional paid-in capital	227,149	216,872	'	'
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	498,318	484,850	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	2,432	4,235	'	'
Liabilities and Equity	1,178,284	1,153,789	'	'
Ziff Davis, LLC [Member]	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	23,582	'	'	'
Accounts receivable	38,793	'	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	3,177	'	'	'
Deferred income taxes	2,704	'	'	'
Assets, Current	68,256	'	'	'
Property and equipment, net	13,217	'	'	'
Tradenames, net	48,796	'	'	'
Customer Relationships, Net	50,419	'	'	'
Goodwill	140,419	'	'	'
Other purchased intangibles, net	3,583	'	'	'
Deferred income taxes	1,510	'	'	'
Other assets	1,698	'	'	'
Assets	327,898	'	'	'
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	11,560	'	'	'
Income taxes payable	4,942	'	'	'
Deferred revenue, current	2,831	'	'	'
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Current	679	'	'	'
Liabilities, Current	20,012	'	'	'
Deferred income taxes	21,696	'	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	1,443	'	'	'
Liabilities	43,151	'	'	'
Additional paid-in capital	296,099	'	'	'
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	-11,310	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	-42	'	'	'
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent	284,747	'	'	'
Liabilities and Equity	$327,898	'	'	'

Unrestricted_Subsidiaries_Unre1

Unrestricted Subsidiaries Unrestricted Subsidiaries (Results of Operations) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Total revenues	$134,124	$113,617
Cost of Goods Sold, Subscription	23,388	20,235
Gross Profit	110,736	93,382
Selling and Marketing Expense	32,959	29,638
Research and Development Expense	7,213	6,746
General and Administrative Expense	28,979	24,011
Operating Expenses	69,151	60,395
Operating Income (Loss)	41,585	32,987
Interest expense (income), net	4,948	4,877
Other expense (income), net	-319	-161
Income before income taxes	36,956	28,271
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	8,191	5,500
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	28,765	22,771
Ziff Davis, LLC [Member]	'	'
Total revenues	33,368	22,907
Cost of Goods Sold, Subscription	3,852	3,593
Gross Profit	29,516	19,314
Selling and Marketing Expense	14,958	12,787
Research and Development Expense	1,072	1,978
General and Administrative Expense	8,834	8,545
Operating Expenses	24,864	23,310
Operating Income (Loss)	4,652	-3,996
Interest expense (income), net	1	1,349
Other expense (income), net	-342	70
Income before income taxes	4,993	-5,415
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	$2,027	($2,332)

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Roll Forward (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Roll Forward [Line Items]	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax	$3,416	'	$6,056
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale investments, net of tax (benefit)	-2,657	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax	837	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income Loss Arising During Period Total Net of Tax	-1,820	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax (benefit)	837	-1,753	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Beginning Balance	4,235	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Ending Balance	2,432	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment for Sale of Securities Included in Net Income, Net of Tax	17	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Reclassification Adjustment Realized upon Sale or Liquidation, Net of Tax	0	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income Loss Reclassification Adjustments Total Net of Tax	17	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax	-2,640	2,821	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	-1,803	1,068	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	($984)	'	($1,821)

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv3

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTableTextBlock [Line Items]	'	'
Other expense (income), net	($319)	($161)
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	8,191	5,500
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment for Sale of Securities Included in Net Income, Net of Tax	17	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Realized upon Sale or Liquidation, Net of Tax	0	'
Other Comprehensive Income Loss Reclassification Adjustments Total Net of Tax	17	'
Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member]	'	'
ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTableTextBlock [Line Items]	'	'
Other expense (income), net	26	'
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	($9)	'

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
	7-May-14	Feb. 12, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'	'
Dividends declared date	7-May-14	11-Feb-14
Dividend amount to be paid, per common share	$0.27	$0.26
Date dividend is payable	3-Jun-14	10-Mar-14
Date shareholders must be on record for dividend	19-May-14	24-Feb-14