| Document and Entity Information | Oct. 16, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 16, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | LEAF GROUP LTD. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-35048 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 20-4731239 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 1655 26th Street |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Santa Monica |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 90404 |
| City Area Code | 310 |
| Local Phone Number | 656-6253 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $0.0001 par value |
| Trading Symbol | LEAF |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001365038 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
