| Cover | Sep. 09, 2019 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Sep. 9, 2019 |
| Entity File Number | 000-51541 |
| Entity Registrant Name | GENOMIC HEALTH, INC. |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001131324 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 77-0552594 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 301 Penobscot Drive |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Redwood City |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 94063 |
| City Area Code | (650) |
| Local Phone Number | 556-9300 |
| Written Communications | true |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share |
| Trading Symbol | GHDX |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
