| Document and Entity Information | Sep. 24, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001576169 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Sep. 24, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | BENEFITFOCUS, INC. |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-36061 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 46-2346314 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 100 Benefitfocus Way |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Charleston |
| Entity Address, State or Province | SC |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 29492 |
| City Area Code | (843) |
| Local Phone Number | 849-7476 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Security 12b Title | Common Stock, $0.001 Par Value |
| Trading Symbol | BNFT |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
