Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Revenue Sales Revenue, Services, Net Related-party revenue from Expedia Related Party Transaction, Revenues from Transactions with Related Party Total revenue Revenues, Total Total revenue Costs and expenses: Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Cost of revenue (exclusive of amortization) (1) Cost of Revenue Selling and marketing(2) Selling and Marketing Expense Technology and Content Expense Technology and content(2) Technology and content expense includes primarily costs of employees and contractors engaged in the design, development, testing and maintenance of our website. General and administrative(2) General and Administrative Expense Related Party Shared Services Fee Related-party shared services fee Related-party shared services fee Depreciation of property and equipment, including internal-use software and website development costs Depreciation Depreciation Amortization of intangible assets Amortization of Intangible Assets Spin Off Costs Spin-Off costs Spin-Off costs Total costs and expenses Costs and Expenses, Total Total costs and expenses Operating income Operating Income (Loss) Operating income Other income (expense): Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Related Party Interest Income Expense Net Related-party interest income (expense), net Related Party interest income and expense, net. Other interest expense, net Interest Income (Expense), Net Other Nonoperating Income Expenses Other, net Other non-operating income and expenses, net. Total other expense, net Nonoperating Income (Expense), Total Total other expense, net Income before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Income before income taxes Provision for income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Provision for income taxes Net income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest Net income attributable to TripAdvisor, Inc. Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Net income attributable to TripAdvisor, Inc. Earnings Per Share attributable to TripAdvisor, Inc: Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Basic Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted Earnings Per Share, Diluted Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Basic Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Diluted Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Other comprehensive income, net of tax: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Foreign currency translation adjustments (a) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Comprehensive income ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Short-term investments Short-term Investments Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $5,370 and $5,184 at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Allowance for doubtful receivable Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Receivable from Expedia, net Related Party Transaction, Due from (to) Related Party, Current Deferred income taxes, net Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current, Total Total current assets Property and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Other long-term assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Intangible assets, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Goodwill Goodwill TOTAL ASSETS Assets, Total TOTAL ASSETS LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Payable Net Current Payable to Expedia, net Payable to Expedia, net Deferred revenue Deferred Revenue, Current Credit facility borrowings Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding Borrowings, current Other Short-term Borrowings Taxes payable Accrued Income Taxes, Current Accrued expenses and other current liabilities Accrued Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current, Total Total current liabilities Long-term liabilities: Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Deferred income taxes, net Deferred Tax Liabilities, Noncurrent Other long-term liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Borrowings, net of current portion Total long-term liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent, Total Total long-term liabilities Total Liabilities Liabilities, Total Total Liabilities Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Stockholders' equity: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Preferred stock $.001 par value Authorized shares: 100,000,000 and 0 Shares issued and outstanding: 0 and 0 Preferred stock, par value Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, share authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, share issued Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred stock, share outstanding Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Common Stock, Value, Issued Common stock Common stock, par value Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares outstanding Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Statement [Table] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Common Stock [Member] Common Stock Class B Common stock Statement [Line Items] Invested Capital Invested capital Invested capital from parent prior to Spin-Off. Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent, Total Ending balance Beginning balance Total stockholders' equity Total stockholders' equity TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Liabilities and Equity, Total TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY Invested Capital [Member] Invested Capital Invested Capital Balance Ending balance, shares Beginning balance, shares Additional paid-in capital Retained earnings Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Other comprehensive income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Tax benefits on equity awards Adjustment to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Effect from Share-based Compensation, Net Stock-based compensation expense Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Invested Capital for Acquisition Invested capital from Expedia for acquisition Invested capital from Expedia for acquisition Other Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Other Adjustment to Fair Value of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Adjustment to the fair value of redeemable noncontrolling interest Adjustment to the fair value of redeemable noncontrolling interest Net Income Loss Prior to Spin Off Net income attributable to TripAdvisor, Inc. prior to Spin-Off Net income attributable to TripAdvisor, Inc. prior to Spin-Off Net Income Loss Related to Spin Off Net income attributable to TripAdvisor, Inc. after the Spin-Off Net income attributable to TripAdvisor, Inc. after the Spin-Off Amortization of Stock Based Compensation Pre Spin Off Amortization of stock based compensation- pre-Spin-Off Amortization of stock based compensation- pre-Spin-Off Acquisition of Common Control Subsidiary Acquisition of common control subsidiary from Expedia Acquisition of common control subsidiary from Expedia Acquisition of common control subsidiary from Expedia Extinguishment of Receivable Due from Parent Related to Spin Off Including Transfers of Assets and Liabilities Extinguishment of receivable due from Expedia related to Spin-Off, including transfers of assets and liabilities Extinguishment of receivable due from Expedia related to Spin-Off, including transfers of assets and liabilities Distribution to Parent Related to Spin Off Net Distribution to Expedia related to Spin-Off, net Distribution to Expedia related to Spin-Off, net Amortization of Stock Based Compensation Post Spin Off Amortization of stock based compensation- post Spin-Off Amortization of stock based compensation- post Spin-Off Operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Stock-based compensation Share-based Compensation Amortization of deferred financing costs Amortization of Financing Costs Deferred tax expense (benefit) Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation Provision for doubtful accounts Provision for Doubtful Accounts Foreign Exchange Gain Loss on Cash and Cash Equivalents Net Foreign exchange (gain) loss on cash and cash equivalents, net Foreign exchange (gain) loss on cash and cash equivalents, net Foreign exchange (gain) loss on cash and cash equivalents, net Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable Prepaid expenses and other current assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense Prepaid expenses and other current assets Accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Taxes payable Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Taxes Payable Increase Decrease in Accrued Liability and Other Current Liability Accrued expenses and other current liabilities Accrued expenses and other current liabilities Deferred revenue Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Revenue Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Net cash provided by operating activities Investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Acquisitions, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Acquisitions, net of cash acquired Capital expenditures, including internal-use software and website development costs Capital expenditures, including internal-use software and website development Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Transfers to Parent Net Transfers to Expedia, Inc., net Transfers to Expedia, Inc., net Transfers to Expedia, Inc., net Acquisitions, net of cash acquired, from Expedia, Inc. Payments to Acquire Business Two, Net of Cash Acquired Acquisitions, net of cash acquired, from Expedia, Inc. Distribution to Related to Spin Off Distribution to Expedia, Inc., related to Spin-Off Distribution to Expedia, Inc., related to Spin-Off Distribution to Expedia, Inc., related to Spin-Off Purchase of short-term investments Payments to Acquire Short-term Investments Purchase of short-term investments Maturity of short-term investments Proceeds from Sale, Maturity and Collection of Short-term Investments Other Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Other Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Net cash used in investing activities Financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Payments on Acquisition Earn Out Payments on acquisition earn-out Payments on acquisition earn-out Payments on acquisition earn-out Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Change in restricted cash Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash Change in restricted cash Net cash provided by financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net cash provided by financing activities Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Net increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Net increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year Cash and cash equivalents at end of year Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Income Tax Paid to Taxing Authorities Income taxes paid directly to taxing authorities, net Income taxes paid directly to taxing authorities, net Income Taxes Paid to Parent Income taxes paid to Expedia, Inc. Income taxes paid to Expedia, Inc. Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities: Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract] ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Organization and Basis of Presentation [Abstract] Organization and Basis of Presentation [Abstract] SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract] Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract] ACQUISITIONS Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Acquisitions [Abstract] Acquisitions [Abstract] PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Property and Equipment, Net [Abstract] Property and Equipment, Net [Abstract] GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract] Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract] EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Employee Benefits Plans [Abstract] Employee Benefits Plans [Abstract] STOCK BASED AWARDS AND OTHER EQUITY INSTRUMENTS Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Stock Based Awards And Other Equity Instruments [Abstract] Stock Based Awards And Other Equity Instruments [Abstract] INCOME TAXES Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Income Taxes [Abstract] Income Taxes [Abstract] RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Related Party Transactions [Abstract] COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract] DEBT Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Debt [Abstract] Debt [Abstract] SEGMENT INFORMATION Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Segment Information [Abstract] Segment Information [Abstract] ST0CKHOLDERS' EQUITY Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-term Investments [Text Block] Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short Term Investments [Abstract] Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short Term Investments [Abstract] FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Fair Value Measurements [Abstract] Fair Value Measurements [Abstract] ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES Accounts Payable, Accrued Liabilities, and Other Liabilities Disclosure, Current [Text Block] Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities [Abstract] Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities [Abstract] EARNINGS PER SHARE Earnings Per Share [Text Block] VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract] Amendment Flag Current Fiscal Year End Date Document Period End Date Document Type Entity Central Index Key Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Entity Registrant Name Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Public Float Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Consolidated and Combined Statements of Operations [Abstract] Consolidated and Combined Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]