| Document And Entity Information | Mar. 13, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Mar. 13, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | HEALTHSTREAM INC |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001095565 |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity File Number | 000-27701 |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | TN |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 62-1443555 |
| Entity Address Address Line1 | 500 11th Avenue North |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 1000 |
| Entity Address City Or Town | Nashville |
| Entity Address State Or Province | TN |
| Entity Address Postal Zip Code | 37203 |
| City Area Code | 615 |
| Local Phone Number | 301-3100 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of each Class | Common Stock (Par Value $0.00) |
| Trading Symbol | HSTM |
| Name of each exchange on which registered | NASDAQ |
