Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information	Mar. 31, 2013	May 16, 2013
Document and Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	Tree.com, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	0001434621
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2013
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Smaller Reporting Company
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		11,251,154
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2013
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Revenue	$ 28,080	$ 13,235
Costs and expenses
Cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation shown separately below)	1,356	796
Selling and marketing expense	17,255	10,652
General and administrative expense	6,556	4,803
Product development	1,205	774
Depreciation	885	1,224
Amortization of intangibles	43	107
Restructuring and severance	(2)	(64)
Litigation settlements and contingencies (Note 11)	1,028	222
Total costs and expenses	28,326	18,514
Operating loss	(246)	(5,279)
Other income (expense)
Interest expense	(7)	(121)
Loss before income taxes	(253)	(5,400)
Income tax (provision) benefit	(20)	2,131
Net loss from continuing operations	(273)	(3,269)
Gain from sale of discontinued operations, net of tax	98	0
(Loss) income from operations of discontinued operations, net of tax	(2,542)	17,418
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax	(2,444)	17,418
Net (loss) income	$ (2,717)	$ 14,149
Weighted average basic shares outstanding (in shares)	10,967	10,555
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding (in shares)	10,967	10,555
Net loss per share from continuing operations
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ (0.02)	$ (0.31)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.02)	$ (0.31)
Net (loss) income per share from discontinued operations
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ (0.22)	$ 1.65
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.22)	$ 1.65
Net (loss) income per share attributable to common shareholders
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ (0.25)	$ 1.34
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.25)	$ 1.34

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 73,326	$ 80,190
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	29,027	29,414
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $541 and $503, respectively	13,545	11,488
Prepaid and other current assets	4,008	773
Current assets of discontinued operations	433	407
Total current assets	120,339	122,272
Property and equipment, net	5,833	6,155
Goodwill	3,632	3,632
Intangible assets, net	10,788	10,831
Other non-current assets	126	152
Non-current assets of discontinued operations (Note 6)	129	129
Total assets	140,847	143,171
LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable, trade	2,137	2,741
Deferred revenue	643	648
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	17,857	19,960
Current liabilities of discontinued operations	32,925	31,017
Total current liabilities	53,562	54,366
Other non-current liabilities	751	936
Deferred income taxes	4,712	4,694
Non-current liabilities of discontinued operations (Note 6)	236	253
Total liabilities	59,261	60,249
Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Preferred stock $.01 par value; authorized 5,000,000 shares; none issued or outstanding
Common stock $.01 par value; authorized 50,000,000 shares; issued 12,422,020 and 12,195,209 shares, respectively, and outstanding 11,233,541 and 11,006,730 shares, respectively	124	122
Additional paid-in capital	905,071	903,692
Accumulated deficit	(814,197)	(811,480)
Treasury stock 1,188,479 shares	(9,412)	(9,412)
Total shareholders' equity	81,586	82,922
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 140,847	$ 143,171

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
Accounts receivable, allowance (in dollars)	$ 541	$ 503
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, authorized shares	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock, issued shares	0	0
Preferred stock, outstanding shares	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, authorized shares	50,000,000	50,000,000
Common stock, issued shares	12,422,020	12,195,209
Common stock, outstanding shares	11,233,541	11,006,730
Treasury stock, shares	1,188,479	1,188,479

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Accumulated Deficit	Treasury Stock	Comprehensive Income
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Revision (Note 1) (Restatement adjustment)		$ (4)	$ 4
Revision (Note 1) (in shares) (Restatement adjustment)		(430)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012 (As previously reported)	82,922	126	903,688	(811,480)	(9,412)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	82,922	122	903,692	(811,480)	(9,412)
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012 (As previously reported)		12,625			1,188
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012		12,195			1,188
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2013	(2,717)			(2,717)
Comprehensive income	(2,717)					(2,717)
Non-cash compensation	1,433		1,433
Dividends	618		618
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock units, net of withholding taxes	(670)	2	(672)
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock units, net of withholding taxes (in shares)		227
Balance at Mar. 31, 2013	$ 81,586	$ 124	$ 905,071	$ (814,197)	$ (9,412)
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2013		12,422			1,188

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities attributable to continuing operations:
Net (loss) income	$ (2,717)	$ 14,149
Less loss (income) from discontinued operations, net of tax	2,444	(17,418)
Net loss from continuing operations	(273)	(3,269)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss from continuing operations to net cash used in operating activities attributable to continuing operations:
Loss on disposal of fixed assets	24	60
Amortization of intangibles	43	107
Depreciation	885	1,224
Non-cash compensation expense	1,433	1,184
Deferred income taxes	18	76
Bad debt expense (benefit)	29	(5)
Changes in current assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(2,085)	(166)
Prepaid and other current assets	(2,348)	(129)
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities	(2,520)	(3,721)
Income taxes payable	(430)	(103)
Deferred revenue	(6)	12
Other, net	(186)	(57)
Net cash used in operating activities attributable to continuing operations	(5,416)	(4,787)
Cash flows from investing activities attributable to continuing operations:
Capital expenditures	(587)	(606)
Decrease (increase) in restricted cash	386	(2,401)
Net cash used in investing activities attributable to continuing operations	(201)	(3,007)
Cash flows from financing activities attributable to continuing operations:
Issuance of common stock, net of withholding taxes	(671)	(827)
Net cash used in financing activities attributable to continuing operations	(671)	(827)
Total cash used in continuing operations	(6,288)	(8,621)
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities attributable to discontinued operations	(576)	71,421
Net cash provided by investing activities attributable to discontinued operations		6,066
Net cash used in financing activities attributable to discontinued operations		(55,454)
Total cash (used in) provided by discontinued operations	(576)	22,033
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(6,864)	13,412
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	80,190	45,541
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 73,326	$ 58,953

ORGANIZATION

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

ORGANIZATION

ORGANIZATION

NOTE 1—ORGANIZATION

Company Overview

Tree.com, Inc. is the parent of LendingTree, LLC, which owns several brands and businesses that provide information, tools, advice, products and services for critical transactions in consumers’ lives. Our family of brands includes: LendingTree®, GetSmart®, DegreeTree®, LendingTreeAutos, DoneRight®, ServiceTreeSM and InsuranceTree®. Together, these brands serve as an ally for consumers who are looking to comparison-shop for loans, education programs, home services providers and other services from multiple businesses and professionals that will compete for their business.

Segment Reporting

Effective December 31, 2012, we expanded our reportable segments from one to two, consisting of mortgage and non-mortgage. The change was made as the convergence of economic similarities associated with our mortgage and non-mortgage operating segments was no longer expected. This decision was made in connection with the update of our annual budget and forecast, which occurs in the fourth quarter each year. The non-mortgage reportable segment consists of our auto, education and home services operating segments, which are not yet mature businesses and have been aggregated. Prior period results have been reclassified to conform with the change in reportable segments.

Discontinued Operations

The businesses of RealEstate.com and RealEstate.com, REALTORS® (which together represent the former Real Estate segment) and LendingTree Loans are presented as discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of operations and cash flows for all periods presented. The notes accompanying these consolidated financial statements reflect our continuing operations and, unless otherwise noted, exclude information related to the discontinued operations.

Real Estate

LendingTree Loans

On May 12, 2011, we entered into an asset purchase agreement with Discover Bank, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Discover Financial Services, as amended on February 7, 2012, for the sale of substantially all of the operating assets of our LendingTree Loans business. We completed the sale on June 6, 2012.

The asset purchase agreement as amended provided for a purchase price of approximately $55.9 million in cash for the assets, subject to certain conditions. Of this total purchase price, $8.0 million was paid prior to the closing, $37.9 million was paid upon the closing and $10.0 million is due on the first anniversary of the closing (June 6, 2013), subject to certain conditions.

Discover generally did not assume liabilities of the LendingTree Loans business that arose before the closing date, except for certain liabilities directly related to assets Discover acquired. Of the initial purchase price payment, $17.1 million is being held in escrow pending resolution of certain actual and/or contingent liabilities that remain with us following the sale. The escrowed amount is recorded as restricted cash at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

Separate from the asset purchase agreement, we agreed to provide certain marketing-related services to Discover in connection with its mortgage origination business for approximately seventeen months following the closing, or such earlier point as the agreed-upon services are satisfactorily completed. Discover has been a network lender on our mortgage exchange since closing of the transaction.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2013 and 2012 and for the three months then ended have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for annual financial statements. In the opinion of management, the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the same basis as the audited financial statements, and include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for the fair presentation of our financial position for the periods presented. The results for the three months ended March 31, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year ending December 31, 2013, or any other period. These financial statements and notes should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and notes thereto included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.

Revision of Prior Period Financial Statements

In connection with the preparation of our consolidated financial statements for the first quarter of 2013, we determined that the number of outstanding shares has been overstated in prior periods due to issuances of unrestricted shares upon satisfaction of vesting conditions on restricted shares from 2009 to 2012 without canceling the original restricted share certificates. This resulted in double counting of certain vested restricted shares in the calculation of shares outstanding. Management has determined that unrestricted shares issued upon vesting of restricted shares should not have been considered validly issued or outstanding until the associated restricted shares were canceled. All of the restricted stock awards that were double counted were issued to our Chairman and CEO. The error in shares noted above was not reflected in our Chairman and CEO’s filings made under Section 13(d) or Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or in our disclosures of his holdings in public filings. In addition, our weighted average share calculation has erroneously included restricted shares, resulting in errors in the previously reported weighted average shares and earnings per share.

On December 26, 2012, we paid a special dividend of $1.00 per share to our shareholders of record on December 17, 2012. The dividend was paid on all shares shown as outstanding in our records, including the shares granted to our Chairman and CEO for which management has determined should not have been considered issued or outstanding. As a result, we unintentionally overpaid $0.4 million in dividends to our Chairman and CEO, which was presented as a financing cash outflow at December 31, 2012. Such amount was recorded as a receivable at March 31, 2013 and will be presented as a financing cash inflow when repaid to the Company. Other than that special dividend, we have not declared or paid any cash dividends on our common stock. There was also a related error in the dividend accrual recorded for unvested shares entitled to the dividend upon vesting, resulting in an over accrual of $0.2 million at December 31, 2012.

In accordance with ASC 250-10, we assessed materiality of the errors and concluded that the errors were not material to any of our previously issued financial statements. Accordingly, we will revise our previously issued financial statements prospectively to correct these errors.

The following table presents the effect of these corrections on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 (in thousands, except per share amounts):

	Year Ended December 31, 2012									Year Ended December 31, 2011
	As Reported			Adjustment			As Revised			As Reported			Adjustment			As Revised
Weighted average basic shares outstanding	11,313			(618		)	10,695			10,995			(618		)	10,377
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding	11,313			(618		)	10,695			10,995			(618		)	10,377
Net loss per share from continuing operations
Basic	$	(0.20	)	$	(0.01	)	$	(0.21	)	$	(4.52	)	$	(0.27	)	$	(4.79	)
Diluted	$	(0.20	)	$	(0.01	)	$	(0.21	)	$	(4.52	)	$	(0.27	)	$	(4.79	)
Net income (loss) per share from discontinuing operations
Basic	$	4.32		$	0.25		$	4.57		$	(0.89	)	$	(0.05	)	$	(0.94	)
Diluted	$	4.32		$	0.25		$	4.57		$	(0.89	)	$	(0.05	)	$	(0.94	)
Net income (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders
Basic	$	4.12		$	0.24		$	4.36		$	(5.41	)	$	(0.32	)	$	(5.73	)
Diluted	$	4.12		$	0.24		$	4.36		$	(5.41	)	$	(0.32	)	$	(5.73	)

For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, we had losses from continuing operations and, as a result, no potentially dilutive securities were included in the denominator for computing diluted earnings per share because the impact would have been anti-dilutive. Accordingly, the weighted average basic shares outstanding were used to compute all earnings per share amounts.

The following tables present the effect of these corrections on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations for each of the quarters in the year ended December 31, 2012 (in thousands, except per share amounts):

	Three months ended March 31, 2012									Three months ended June 30, 2012
	As Reported			Adjustment			As Revised			As Reported			Adjustment			As Revised
Weighted average basic shares outstanding	11,173			(618		)	10,555			11,303			(618		)	10,685
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding	11,414			(859		)*	10,555			11,303			(618		)	10,685
Net loss per share from continuing operations
Basic	$	(0.29	)	$	(0.02	)	$	(0.31	)	$	(0.16	)	$	(0.00	)	$	(0.16	)
Diluted	$	(0.29	)	$	(0.02	)	$	(0.31	)	$	(0.16	)	$	(0.00	)	$	(0.16	)
Net income per share from discontinuing operations
Basic	$	1.56		$	0.09		$	1.65		$	2.44		$	0.14		$	2.58
Diluted	$	1.53		$	0.12	*	$	1.65		$	2.44		$	0.14		$	2.58
Net income per share attributable to common shareholders
Basic	$	1.27		$	0.07		$	1.34		$	2.28		$	0.13		$	2.41
Diluted	$	1.24		$	0.10	*	$	1.34		$	2.28		$	0.13		$	2.41

* Includes correction of an error of 241 shares and $0.03 per share made during the first quarter of 2012 related to the control number utilized for diluted earnings per share.

	Three months ended September 30, 2012							Three months ended December 31, 2012
	As Reported		Adjustment			As Revised		As Reported			Adjustment			As Revised
Weighted average basic shares outstanding	11,389		(618		)	10,771		11,386			(618		)	10,768
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding	12,003		(618		)	11,385		12,175			(618		)	11,557
Net income per share from continuing operations
Basic	$	0.02	$	0.01		$	0.03	$	0.22		$	0.01		$	0.23
Diluted	$	0.02	$	0.00		$	0.02	$	0.21		$	0.01		$	0.22
Net income (loss) per share from discontinuing operations
Basic	$	0.36	$	0.02		$	0.38	$	(0.02	)	$	0.00		$	(0.02	)
Diluted	$	0.35	$	0.01		$	0.36	$	(0.02	)	$	0.00		$	(0.02	)
Net income per share attributable to common shareholders
Basic	$	0.38	$	0.03		$	0.41	$	0.20		$	0.02		$	0.22
Diluted	$	0.37	$	0.01		$	0.38	$	0.19		$	0.01		$	0.20

The following table presents the effect these errors have on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2012:

	December 31, 2012
	As Reported	Adjustment		As Adjusted
Issued shares	12,625,678	(430,469	)	12,195,209
Outstanding shares	11,437,199	(430,469	)	11,006,730

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

NOTE 2—SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Accounting Estimates

Management is required to make certain estimates and assumptions during the preparation of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. These estimates and assumptions impact the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements. They also impact the reported amount of net earnings during any period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Significant estimates underlying the accompanying consolidated financial statements, including discontinued operations, include: loan loss obligations; the recoverability of long-lived assets, goodwill and intangible assets; the determination of income taxes payable and deferred income taxes, including related valuation allowances; restructuring reserves; contingent consideration related to business combinations; various other allowances, reserves and accruals; and assumptions related to the determination of stock-based compensation.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash and short-term, highly liquid money market investments with original maturities of three months or less.

Restricted Cash

Restricted cash and cash equivalents consists of the following (in thousands):

	March 31, 2013		December 31, 2012
Cash in escrow for surety bonds	$	6,501	$	6,500
Cash in escrow for corporate purchasing card program	400		800
Cash in escrow for sale of LTL (Note 6)	17,077		17,077
Cash in escrow for earnout related to an acquisition (Note 5)	1,956		1,956
Cash restricted for loan loss obligations	3,051		3,051
Other	42		30
Total restricted cash and cash equivalents	$	29,027	$	29,414

Certain Risks and Concentrations

Our business is subject to certain risks and concentrations including dependence on third-party technology providers, exposure to risks associated with online commerce security and credit card fraud.

Financial instruments, which potentially subject us to concentration of credit risk, consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are in excess of Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance limits, but are maintained with quality financial institutions of high credit.

Due to the nature of the mortgage lending industry, interest rate increases may negatively impact future revenue from our lender network.

Lenders participating on our lender network can offer their products directly to consumers through brokers, mass marketing campaigns or through other traditional methods of credit distribution. These lenders can also offer their products online, either directly to prospective borrowers, through one or more of our online competitors, or both. If a significant number of potential consumers are able to obtain loans from our participating lenders without utilizing our service, our ability to generate revenue may be limited. Because we do not have exclusive relationships with the lenders whose loan offerings are offered on our online marketplace, consumers may obtain offers and loans from these lenders without using our service.

We maintain operations solely in the United States.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2011, the FASB issued new accounting guidance that requires additional disclosures on financial instruments and derivative instruments that are either offset in accordance with existing accounting guidance or are subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement. The new requirements do not change the accounting guidance on netting, but rather enhance the disclosures to more clearly show the impact of netting arrangements on a company’s financial position. This new accounting guidance is effective on a retrospective basis for all comparative periods presented beginning on January 1, 2013. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In July 2012, the FASB issued new guidance which allows an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events and circumstances indicates that it is more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. This assessment should be used as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative impairment test. An entity would not be required to calculate the fair value of the intangible asset and perform the quantitative test unless the entity determines, based upon its qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying value. The update expands previous guidance by providing more examples of events and circumstances that an entity should consider in determining whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount. The update also allows an entity the option to bypass the qualitative assessment for any indefinite-lived intangible asset in any period and proceed directly to performing the quantitative impairment test. An entity will be able to resume performing the qualitative assessment in any subsequent period. This update is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after September 15, 2012, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-04, “Liabilities.” ASU No. 2013-04 requires an entity to measure obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation within the scope of this guidance is fixed at the reporting date, as the sum of the amount the reporting entity agreed to pay on the basis of its arrangement among its co-obligors and any additional amount the reporting entity expects to pay on behalf of its co-obligors. The guidance in this ASU also requires an entity to disclose the nature and amount of the obligation as well as other information about those obligations. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. We are evaluating the impact that the adoption will have on our consolidated financial statements in fiscal 2014.

INCOME TAXES	3 Months Ended
INCOME TAXES	Mar. 31, 2013
INCOME TAXES
INCOME TAXES	NOTE 9—INCOME TAXES For the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, we recorded a tax provision (benefit) of $20 thousand and $(2.1) million, respectively, which represent effective tax rates of (7.9)% and 39.5%, respectively. The Company established a valuation allowance of approximately $55 million during the year ended December 31, 2012 to offset its US net deferred tax assets, after excluding deferred tax liabilities related to indefinite lived intangible assets that are not going to provide a source of taxable income in the foreseeable future. In the first quarter of 2013, the effective income tax rate was impacted by the indefinite lived intangible assets which are amortized for tax purposes but are not amortized for book purposes, as well as a discrete state tax liability occurring during the quarter. In the first quarter of 2012, the tax rate was higher than the federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to the impact of state income taxes.

DISCRETIONARY CASH BONUS	3 Months Ended
DISCRETIONARY CASH BONUS	Mar. 31, 2013
DISCRETIONARY CASH BONUS
DISCRETIONARY CASH BONUS	NOTE 10—DISCRETIONARY CASH BONUS During February 2013, the Company incurred a compensation charge of $0.9 million related to a discretionary cash bonus payment to employee stock option holders.

CONTINGENCIES	3 Months Ended
CONTINGENCIES	Mar. 31, 2013
CONTINGENCIES
CONTINGENCIES	NOTE 11—CONTINGENCIES Overview We are involved in legal proceedings on an ongoing basis. If we believe that a loss arising from such matters is probable and can be reasonably estimated, we accrue the estimated liability in our financial statements. If only a range of estimated losses can be determined, we accrue an amount within the range that, in our judgment, reflects the most likely outcome; if none of the estimates within that range is a better estimate than any other amount, we accrue the low end of the range. For those proceedings in which an unfavorable outcome is reasonably possible but not probable, we have disclosed an estimate of the reasonably possible loss or range of losses or we have concluded that an estimate of the reasonably possible loss or range of losses arising directly from the proceeding (i.e., monetary damages or amounts paid in judgment or settlement) is not material. In assessing the materiality of a legal proceeding, we evaluate, among other factors, the amount of monetary damages claimed, as well as the potential impact of non-monetary remedies sought by plaintiffs (e.g., injunctive relief) that may require us to change our business practices in a manner that could have a material adverse impact on our business. With respect to the matters disclosed in this Note 11, unless otherwise indicated, we are unable to estimate the possible loss or range of losses that could potentially result from the application of such non-monetary remedies. Specific Matters Intellectual Property Litigation *Zillow* On September 8, 2010, the Company filed an action for patent infringement in the US District Court for the Western District of North Carolina against Zillow, Inc., Nextag, Inc., Quinstreet, Inc., Quinstreet Media, Inc. and Adchemy, Inc. The complaint was amended to include Leadpoint, Inc. d/b/a Securerights on September 24, 2010. The complaint alleges that each of the defendants infringe one or both of the Company’s patents—U.S. Patent No. 6,385,594, entitled “Method and Computer Network for Co-Ordinating a Loan over the Internet,” and U.S. Patent No. 6,611,816, entitled “Method and Computer Network for Co-Ordinating a Loan over the Internet.” Collectively, the asserted patents cover computer hardware and software used in facilitating business between computer users and multiple lenders on the internet. The defendants in this action asserted various counterclaims against the Company, including the assertion by certain of the defendants of counterclaims alleging illegal monopolization via our maintenance of the asserted patents. In July 2011, the Company reached a settlement agreement with Leadpoint, Inc. On July 20, 2011, all claims against Leadpoint, Inc. and all counter-claims against the Company by Leadpoint, Inc. were dismissed. In November 2012, the Company reached a settlement agreement with Quinstreet, Inc. and Quinstreet Media, Inc. (collectively, the Quinstreet Parties); all claims against the QuinStreet Parties and all counterclaims against the Company by the Quinstreet Parties were dismissed. The remaining parties are presently involved in discovery. Trial is currently expected in early 2014. The Company intends to vigorously defend all such counterclaims. *Internet Patents Corp.* In December 2012, Plaintiff filed a patent infringement lawsuit against us seeking a judgment that we had infringed a patent held by Plaintiff. Process was formally served with respect to this matter in April 2013. The complaint alleges that we infringe U.S. Patent No. 7,707,505, entitled “Dynamic Tabs for a Graphical User Interface”. We believe the Plaintiff’s allegations lack merit and intend to defend against this action vigorously. Other Litigation *Boschma* On May 25, 2007, Plaintiffs filed this putative class action against HLC in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. Plaintiffs allege that HLC sold them an option “ARM” (adjustable-rate mortgage) loan but failed to disclose in a clear and conspicuous manner, among other things, that the interest rate was not fixed, that negative amortization could occur and that the loan had a prepayment penalty. Based upon these factual allegations, Plaintiffs asserted violations of the federal Truth in Lending Act, violations of the Unfair Competition Law, breach of contract, and breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing. Plaintiffs purport to represent a class of all individuals who between June 1, 2003 and May 31, 2007 obtained through HLC an option ARM loan on their primary residence located in California, and seek rescission, damages, attorneys’ fees and injunctive relief. Plaintiffs have not yet filed a motion for class certification. Plaintiffs have filed a total of eight complaints in connection with this lawsuit. Each of the first seven complaints has been dismissed by the federal and state courts. Plaintiffs filed the eighth complaint (a Second Amended Complaint) in Orange County (California) Superior Court on March 4, 2010 alleging only the fraud and Unfair Competition Law claims. As with each of the seven previous versions of Plaintiffs’ complaint, the Second Amended Complaint was dismissed in April 2010. Plaintiffs appealed the dismissal and on August 10, 2011, the appellate court reversed the trial court’s dismissal and directed the trial court to overrule the demurrer. The case was remanded to superior court. During the second quarter of 2013, the parties have reached a tentative settlement agreement with respect to this matter. Accordingly, a provision was included in current liabilities of discontinued operations as of March 31, 2013. The impact of the settlement was not material. *Mortgage Store, Inc.* On November 30, 2006, The Mortgage Store, Inc. and Castleview Home Loans, Inc. filed this putative class action against HLC in the California Superior Court for Orange County. Plaintiffs, two former network lenders, alleged that HLC interfered with LendingTree’s contracts with network lenders by taking referrals from LendingTree without adequately disclose the relationship between them and that HLC charged Plaintiffs higher rates and fees than they otherwise would have been charged. Based upon these factual allegations, Plaintiffs assert claims for intentional interference with contractual relations, intentional interference with prospective economic advantage, and violation of the California Unfair Competition Law and California Business and Professions Code § 17500. Plaintiffs purport to represent all network lenders from December 14, 2004 to date, and seek damages, restitution, attorneys’ fees and punitive damages. Plaintiffs’ motion for class certification was granted April 29, 2010. On October 17, 2011, the Court granted HLC’s motion for summary judgment. Judgment was entered in favor of HLC on April 9, 2012. On June 15, 2012, Plaintiffs filed a Notice of Appeal. Plaintiffs filed their opening appellate brief on December 17, 2012. We filed our opposition to Plaintiffs’ appellate brief in April 2013. We believe Plaintiffs’ allegations lack merit and we intend to defend against this action vigorously. *Dijkstra* On November 7, 2008 Plaintiff filed this putative class action in Circuit Court of Ohio County, West Virginia against Harry Carenbauer, Home Loan Center, Inc., HLC Escrow, Inc. et al. The complaint alleges that HLC engaged in the unauthorized practice of law in West Virginia by permitting persons who were neither admitted to the practice of law in West Virginia nor under the direct supervision of a lawyer admitted to the practice of law in West Virginia to close mortgage loans. Plaintiffs assert claims for declaratory judgment, contempt, injunctive relief, conversion, unjust enrichment, breach of fiduciary duty, intentional misrepresentation or fraud, negligent misrepresentation, violation of the West Virginia Consumer Credit and Protection Act (CCPA), violation of the West Virginia Lender, Broker & Services Act, civil conspiracy, outrage and negligence. The claims against all defendants other than Mr. Carenbauer, HLC and HLC Escrow, Inc. have been dismissed. The case was removed to federal court in October 2011. On January 3, 2013, the court granted a conditional class certification only with respect to the declaratory judgment, contempt, unjust enrichment and CCPA claims. The conditional class includes consumers with mortgage loans in effect any time after November 8, 2007 who obtained such loans through HLC, and whose loans were closed by persons not admitted to the practice of law in West Virginia or by persons not under the direct supervision of a lawyer admitted to the practice of law in West Virginia. Discovery in this matter is ongoing. The Company believes that Plaintiff’s allegations lack merit and we intend to defend against this action vigorously. *Massachusetts Division of Banks* The Massachusetts Division of Banks (the “Division”) delivered to LendingTree, LLC on February 11, 2011 a Report of Examination/Inspection which identified various alleged violations of Massachusetts and federal laws, including the alleged insufficient delivery by LendingTree, LLC of various disclosures to its customers. On October 14, 2011, the Division provided a proposed Consent Agreement and Order to settle the Division’s allegations, which the Division had shared with other state mortgage lending regulators. Thirty-four of such state mortgage lending regulators (the “Joining Regulators”) indicated that if LendingTree, LLC would enter into the Consent Agreement and Order, they would agree not to pursue any analogous allegations that they otherwise might assert. As of the date of this report, none of the Joining Regulators have asserted any such allegations. The proposed Consent Agreement and Order calls for a fine to be allocated among the Division and the Joining Regulators and for LendingTree, LLC to adopt various new procedures and practices. We have commenced negotiations toward an acceptable Consent Agreement and Order. We do not believe our mortgage exchange business violated any federal or state mortgage lending laws; nor do we believe that any past operations of the mortgage business have resulted in a material violation of any such laws. Should the Division or any Joining Regulator bring any actions relating to the matters alleged in the February 2011 Report of Examination/Inspection, we intend to defend against such actions vigorously. The range of possible loss is estimated to be between $0.5 million and $6.5 million, and a reserve of $0.5 million has been established for this matter as of December 31, 2012.

ORGANIZATION (Details)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
ORGANIZATION (Details)	Mar. 31, 2013 item	Dec. 31, 2012 item
ORGANIZATION
Number of reportable operating segments prior to expansion		1
Number of reportable business segments	2

ORGANIZATION (Details 2) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011 RealEstate.com Internet domain names and trademarks	Mar. 31, 2013 Lending Tree Loans Discover Bank	Dec. 31, 2012 Lending Tree Loans Discover Bank	Feb. 07, 2012 Lending Tree Loans Discover Bank
Organization- Discontinued Operations
Proceeds from sale of assets	$ 8.3
Gain on sale of internet domain names and trademarks	7.8
Amount receivable for sale of assets				55.9
Amount received from sale of assets prior to closing				8.0
Amount received from sale of assets on the closing				37.9
Amount received from sale of assets on the first anniversary of the closing				10.0
Portion of the initial purchase price payment held in escrow for certain actual and/or contingent liabilities		$ 17.1	$ 17.1
Period for which marketing related services are to be provided		17 months

ORGANIZATION (Details 3) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended					12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2012	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Special dividend paid (in dollars per share)	$ 1.00
Effect of corrections on consolidated statement of operations
Weighted average basic shares outstanding		10,967,000	10,768,000	10,771,000	10,685,000	10,555,000	10,695,000	10,377,000
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding		10,967,000	11,557,000	11,385,000	10,685,000	10,555,000	10,695,000	10,377,000
Net income (loss) per share from continuing operations
Basic (in dollars per share)		$ (0.02)	$ 0.23	$ 0.03	$ (0.16)	$ (0.31)	$ (0.21)	$ (4.79)
Diluted (in dollars per share)		$ (0.02)	$ 0.22	$ 0.02	$ (0.16)	$ (0.31)	$ (0.21)	$ (4.79)
Net income (loss) per share from discontinuing operations
Basic (in dollars per share)		$ (0.22)	$ (0.02)	$ 0.38	$ 2.58	$ 1.65	$ 4.57	$ (0.94)
Diluted (in dollars per share)		$ (0.22)	$ (0.02)	$ 0.36	$ 2.58	$ 1.65	$ 4.57	$ (0.94)
Net income per share attributable to common shareholders
Basic (in dollars per share)		$ (0.25)	$ 0.22	$ 0.41	$ 2.41	$ 1.34	$ 4.36	$ (5.73)
Diluted (in dollars per share)		$ (0.25)	$ 0.20	$ 0.38	$ 2.41	$ 1.34	$ 4.36	$ (5.73)
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from calculation of diluted earnings per share		700,000				200,000	0	0
Effect of errors on consolidated balance sheet
Issued shares		12,422,020	12,195,209				12,195,209
Outstanding shares		11,233,541	11,006,730				11,006,730
Release of restrictions on restricted stock awards \| Chairman and CEO
Dividend overpaid	$ 0.4
Over accrual of dividend for unvested shares			$ 0.2				$ 0.2
As Reported \| Release of restrictions on restricted stock awards
Effect of corrections on consolidated statement of operations
Weighted average basic shares outstanding			11,386,000	11,389,000	11,303,000	11,173,000	11,313,000	10,995,000
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding			12,175,000	12,003,000	11,303,000	11,414,000	11,313,000	10,995,000
Net income (loss) per share from continuing operations
Basic (in dollars per share)			$ 0.22	$ 0.02	$ (0.16)	$ (0.29)	$ (0.20)	$ (4.52)
Diluted (in dollars per share)			$ 0.21	$ 0.02	$ (0.16)	$ (0.29)	$ (0.20)	$ (4.52)
Net income (loss) per share from discontinuing operations
Basic (in dollars per share)			$ (0.02)	$ 0.36	$ 2.44	$ 1.56	$ 4.32	$ (0.89)
Diluted (in dollars per share)			$ (0.02)	$ 0.35	$ 2.44	$ 1.53	$ 4.32	$ (0.89)
Net income per share attributable to common shareholders
Basic (in dollars per share)			$ 0.20	$ 0.38	$ 2.28	$ 1.27	$ 4.12	$ (5.41)
Diluted (in dollars per share)			$ 0.19	$ 0.37	$ 2.28	$ 1.24	$ 4.12	$ (5.41)
Effect of errors on consolidated balance sheet
Issued shares			12,625,678				12,625,678
Outstanding shares			11,437,199				11,437,199
Adjustment
Net income per share attributable to common shareholders
Error correction related to the control number utilized for diluted earnings per share (in shares)						241,000
Error correction related to the control number utilized for diluted earnings per share (in dollar per share)						$ 0.03
Adjustment \| Release of restrictions on restricted stock awards
Effect of corrections on consolidated statement of operations
Weighted average basic shares outstanding			(618,000)	(618,000)	(618,000)	(618,000)	(618,000)	(618,000)
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding			(618,000)	(618,000)	(618,000)	(859,000)	(618,000)	(618,000)
Net income (loss) per share from continuing operations
Basic (in dollars per share)			$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 0.00	$ (0.02)	$ (0.01)	$ (0.27)
Diluted (in dollars per share)			$ 0.01	$ 0.00	$ 0.00	$ (0.02)	$ (0.01)	$ (0.27)
Net income (loss) per share from discontinuing operations
Basic (in dollars per share)			$ 0.00	$ 0.02	$ 0.14	$ 0.09	$ 0.25	$ (0.05)
Diluted (in dollars per share)			$ 0.00	$ 0.01	$ 0.14	$ 0.12	$ 0.25	$ (0.05)
Net income per share attributable to common shareholders
Basic (in dollars per share)			$ 0.02	$ 0.03	$ 0.13	$ 0.07	$ 0.24	$ (0.32)
Diluted (in dollars per share)			$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 0.13	$ 0.10	$ 0.24	$ (0.32)
Effect of errors on consolidated balance sheet
Issued shares			(430,469)				(430,469)
Outstanding shares			(430,469)				(430,469)

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Restricted cash
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	$ 29,027	$ 29,414
Cash in escrow for surety bonds
Restricted cash
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	6,501	6,500
Cash in escrow for corporate purchasing card program
Restricted cash
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	400	800
Cash in escrow for sale of LTL
Restricted cash
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	17,077	17,077
Cash in escrow for earnout related to an acquisition
Restricted cash
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	1,956	1,956
Cash in escrow for loan loss obligations
Restricted cash
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	3,051	3,051
Other
Restricted cash
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	$ 42	$ 30

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Goodwill	$ 486,720	$ 486,720
Accumulated impairment losses	(483,088)	(483,088)
Net goodwill	3,632	3,632
Intangible assets with indefinite lives	10,142	10,142
Intangible assets with definite lives, net	646	689
Total intangible assets, net	$ 10,788	$ 10,831

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Intangible assets with definite lives
Cost	$ 33,629	$ 33,629
Accumulated Amortization	(32,983)	(32,940)
Net	646	689
Purchase agreements
Intangible assets with definite lives
Cost	236	236
Accumulated Amortization	(177)	(165)
Net	59	71
Purchase agreements \| Weighted average
Intangible assets with definite lives
Amortization Life	5 years	5 years
Technology
Intangible assets with definite lives
Cost	25,194	25,194
Accumulated Amortization	(25,173)	(25,158)
Net	21	36
Technology \| Weighted average
Intangible assets with definite lives
Amortization Life	3 years	3 years
Customer lists
Intangible assets with definite lives
Cost	6,682	6,682
Accumulated Amortization	(6,121)	(6,106)
Net	561	576
Customer lists \| Weighted average
Intangible assets with definite lives
Amortization Life	4 years 2 months 12 days	4 years 2 months 12 days
Other
Intangible assets with definite lives
Cost	1,517	1,517
Accumulated Amortization	(1,512)	(1,511)
Net	$ 5	$ 6
Other \| Weighted average
Intangible assets with definite lives
Amortization Life	2 years 6 months	2 years 6 months

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details 3) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Amortization of intangible assets with definite lives computed on a straight-line basis
Nine months ending December 31, 2013	$ 103
Year ending December 31, 2014	86
Year ending December 31, 2015	60
Year ending December 31, 2016	60
Year ending December 31, 2017	60
Thereafter	277
Net	$ 646	$ 689

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment, gross	$ 30,006	$ 29,449
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	(24,173)	(23,294)
Total property and equipment, net	5,833	6,155
Computer equipment and capitalized software
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment, gross	25,603	25,592
Leasehold improvements
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment, gross	2,074	2,055
Furniture and other equipment
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment, gross	1,303	1,302
Projects in progress
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment, gross	$ 1,026	$ 500

ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
Litigation accruals	$ 585,000	$ 535,000
Accrued advertising expense	6,325,000	6,638,000
Accrued compensation and benefits	1,727,000	2,603,000
Accrued professional fees	1,483,000	1,399,000
Accrued restructuring costs	366,000	364,000
Customer deposits and escrows	2,399,000	2,101,000
Deferred rent	227,000	217,000
Other	4,745,000	6,103,000
Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities	17,857,000	19,960,000
Accrued restructuring liability classified in other long-term liabilities	$ 400,000	$ 500,000

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			1 Months Ended			3 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	May 31, 2013 Discover	Mar. 31, 2013 Discover	Dec. 31, 2012 Discover	Mar. 31, 2013 Real estate businesses	Mar. 31, 2012 Real estate businesses	Dec. 31, 2012 Real estate businesses	Mar. 31, 2013 Lending Tree Loans	Mar. 31, 2012 Lending Tree Loans	Dec. 31, 2012 Lending Tree Loans
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
Indemnification claim settlement value				$ 1,500,000
Amount of reserve for contingencies					1,500,000	1,600,000
Revenue and net income (loss) of discontinued operations
Revenue							1,000	41,000		(1,195,000)	50,866,000
Income (loss) before income taxes							7,000	(74,000)		(2,498,000)	19,722,000
Income tax benefit (expense)										(51,000)	(2,230,000)
Gain from sale of discontinued operations, net of tax										98,000
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	(2,444,000)	17,418,000					7,000	(74,000)		(2,451,000)	17,492,000
Assets and liabilities of facilities reported as discontinued operations
Current assets	433,000		407,000							433,000		407,000
Non-current assets	129,000		129,000							129,000		129,000
Current liabilities	(32,925,000)		(31,017,000)				(232,000)		(206,000)	(32,693,000)		(30,811,000)
Non-current liabilities	(236,000)		(253,000)							(236,000)		(253,000)
Net liabilities							$ (232,000)		$ (206,000)	$ (32,367,000)		$ (30,528,000)

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Details 2) (Lending Tree Loans, Discontinued operations, USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Lending Tree Loans \| Discontinued operations
Loans held for sale
Maximum time period interest can be delinquent before being deemed uncollectable	3 months
Loans held for sale	$ 0	$ 0

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Details 3) (Lending Tree Loans, Discontinued operations, USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013 item	Mar. 31, 2012 item	Mar. 31, 2013 Loans held for sale	Dec. 31, 2012 Loans held for sale	Mar. 31, 2013 Measured at Fair Value Loans held for sale	Dec. 31, 2012 Measured at Fair Value Loans held for sale
Loans on Nonaccrual
Aggregate unpaid principal balance			$ 412,000	$ 412,000	$ 412,000	$ 412,000
Difference between fair value and aggregate unpaid principal balance			(412,000)	(412,000)	(412,000)	(412,000)
Number of loans repurchased	0	2
Unpaid principal balance on repurchased loans		$ 700,000

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Details 5) (Lending Tree Loans, Discontinued operations, USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012
Loans held for sale
Gains (losses) included in earnings relating to assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Total net gains (losses) included in earnings relating to assets	$ 18
Change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets still held at the end of the period	(23)
Interest Rate Lock Commitments
Gains (losses) included in earnings relating to assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Total net gains (losses) included in earnings	42,387
Change in unrealized gain (losses) relating to assets and liabilities still held at the end of the period	9,849
Forward delivery contracts
Gains (losses) included in earnings relating to assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Total net gains (losses) included in earnings	629
Change in unrealized gain (losses) relating to assets and liabilities still held at the end of the period	$ 132

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Details 6) (Lending Tree Loans, Discontinued operations, USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012
Gain/(loss) recognized in the consolidated statements of operations for derivatives
Gain/(Loss) recognized in Income on Derivative	$ 46,948
Interest Rate Lock Commitments
Gain/(loss) recognized in the consolidated statements of operations for derivatives
Gain/(Loss) recognized in Income on Derivative	42,387
Forward delivery contracts
Gain/(loss) recognized in the consolidated statements of operations for derivatives
Gain/(Loss) recognized in Income on Derivative	$ 4,561

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Details 9) (Discontinued operations, USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	0 Months Ended		3 Months Ended						3 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Jul. 21, 2012 Warehouse lines of credit Lending Tree Loans item	Mar. 31, 2013 First warehouse line	Mar. 31, 2013 First warehouse line Loans being sold to lender	Mar. 31, 2013 First warehouse line Loans not being sold to lender	Mar. 31, 2013 First warehouse line Minimum Loans being sold to lender	Mar. 31, 2013 First warehouse line Maximum Loans being sold to lender	Mar. 31, 2013 Uncommitted line of credit facility Loans being sold to lender	Mar. 31, 2013 Uncommitted line of credit facility Loans not being sold to lender	Mar. 31, 2013 Second warehouse line	Mar. 31, 2013 Third warehouse line	Mar. 31, 2013 Third warehouse line Minimum	Mar. 31, 2013 Third warehouse line Maximum
Warehouse Lines of Credit
Number of lines of credit expired	3
Borrowing capacity	$ 325.0	$ 125.0							$ 100.0	$ 100.0
Variable interest rate basis			30-day Adjusted LIBOR	30-day Adjusted LIBOR					30-day LIBOR
Alternate interest rate (as a percent)							2.00%	2.00%
Margin add to variable interest rate (as a percent)					1.50%	1.75%		1.50%	3.25%
Interest rate (a a percent)											3.25%	3.75%

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Non-cash compensation expense related to equity awards
Non-cash compensation expense	$ 1,433	$ 1,184
Cost of revenue
Non-cash compensation expense related to equity awards
Non-cash compensation expense	2	3
Selling and marketing expense
Non-cash compensation expense related to equity awards
Non-cash compensation expense	217	157
General and administrative expense
Non-cash compensation expense related to equity awards
Non-cash compensation expense	1,030	875
Product development
Non-cash compensation expense related to equity awards
Non-cash compensation expense	$ 184	$ 149

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Details 2) (Restricted stock, USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Feb. 28, 2013 Chairman and CEO Grant one	Feb. 28, 2013 Chairman and CEO Grant two	Feb. 28, 2013 Chairman and CEO Grant two Minimum
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
Number of awards granted (in shares)	125,000	62,500	62,500
Fair value of awards		$ 1.1	$ 0.9
Vesting period		3 years		1 year
Market-based performance target achievement period			3 years

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Details 3) (Stock options, USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013
Stock options
Stock options, Shares
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)	1,072,503
Exercised (in shares)	(12,842)
Expired (in shares)	(676)
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	1,058,985
Options exercisable at the end of the period (in shares)	266,554
Stock options, Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$ 8.97
Exercised (in dollars per share)	$ 7.54
Expired (in dollars per share)	$ 9.15
Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$ 8.99
Options exercisable at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$ 11.88
Stock options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term
Outstanding at the end of the period	5 years 6 months
Options exercisable at the end of the period	4 years 9 months 18 days
Stock options, Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at the end of the period	$ 10,144
Options exercisable at the end of the period	$ 1,841

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Details 4) (Stock options, USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013
Stock options outstanding and exercisable by range of exercise prices
Options Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	1,058,985
Options Outstanding - Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	5 years 5 months 23 days
Options Outstanding - Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 8.99
Options Exercisable at the end of the period (in shares)	266,554
Options Exercisable - Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 11.88
Range of exercise price $0.01 to $4.99
Stock options outstanding and exercisable by range of exercise prices
Exercise price, low end of the range (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01
Exercise price, high end of the range (in dollars per share)	$ 4.99
Options Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	914
Options Outstanding - Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	6 months 4 days
Options Outstanding - Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 2.54
Options Exercisable at the end of the period (in shares)	914
Options Exercisable - Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 2.54
Range of exercise price $5.00 to $7.45
Stock options outstanding and exercisable by range of exercise prices
Exercise price, low end of the range (in dollars per share)	$ 5.00
Exercise price, high end of the range (in dollars per share)	$ 7.45
Options Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	304,352
Options Outstanding - Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	8 years 5 months 16 days
Options Outstanding - Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 6.65
Options Exercisable at the end of the period (in shares)	101,771
Options Exercisable - Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 6.65
Range of exercise price $7.46 to $9.99
Stock options outstanding and exercisable by range of exercise prices
Exercise price, low end of the range (in dollars per share)	$ 7.46
Exercise price, high end of the range (in dollars per share)	$ 9.99
Options Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	614,075
Options Outstanding - Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	4 years 9 months 7 days
Options Outstanding - Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 8.44
Options Exercisable at the end of the period (in shares)	24,225
Options Exercisable - Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 7.53
Range of exercise price $10.00 to $14.99
Stock options outstanding and exercisable by range of exercise prices
Exercise price, low end of the range (in dollars per share)	$ 10.00
Exercise price, high end of the range (in dollars per share)	$ 14.99
Options Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	12,201
Options Outstanding - Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	1 year 6 months
Options Outstanding - Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 12.33
Options Exercisable at the end of the period (in shares)	12,201
Options Exercisable - Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 12.33
Range of exercise price $15.00 to $19.99
Stock options outstanding and exercisable by range of exercise prices
Exercise price, low end of the range (in dollars per share)	$ 15.00
Exercise price, high end of the range (in dollars per share)	$ 19.99
Options Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	80,780
Options Outstanding - Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	2 years 2 months 1 day
Options Outstanding - Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 15.02
Options Exercisable at the end of the period (in shares)	80,780
Options Exercisable - Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 15.02
Range of exercise price $20.00 to $24.99
Stock options outstanding and exercisable by range of exercise prices
Exercise price, low end of the range (in dollars per share)	$ 20.00
Exercise price, high end of the range (in dollars per share)	$ 24.99
Options Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	46,663
Options Outstanding - Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	2 years 2 months 8 days
Options Outstanding - Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 20.19
Options Exercisable at the end of the period (in shares)	46,663
Options Exercisable - Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 20.19

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Details 5) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Details 5) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2013
RSUs
Nonvested RSUs, Restricted Stock and Performance Stock Shares, Number of Shares
Nonvested at the beginning of the period (in shares)	757,111
Granted (in shares)	199,200
Vested (in shares)	(133,181)
Forfeited (in shares)	(44,148)
Nonvested at the end of the period (in shares)	778,982
Nonvested RSUs, Restricted Stock and Performance Stock Shares, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$ 9.09
Granted (in dollars per share)	$ 17.49
Vested (in dollars per share)	$ 7.45
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$ 8.32
Nonvested at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$ 11.64
Restricted stock
Nonvested RSUs, Restricted Stock and Performance Stock Shares, Number of Shares
Nonvested at the beginning of the period (in shares)	187,501
Granted (in shares)	125,000
Vested (in shares)	(187,501)
Nonvested at the end of the period (in shares)	62,500
Nonvested RSUs, Restricted Stock and Performance Stock Shares, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$ 7.44
Granted (in dollars per share)	$ 17.49
Vested (in dollars per share)	$ 7.44
Nonvested at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$ 17.49
PSSs
Nonvested RSUs, Restricted Stock and Performance Stock Shares, Number of Shares
Granted (in shares)	62,500
Nonvested at the end of the period (in shares)	62,500
Nonvested RSUs, Restricted Stock and Performance Stock Shares, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Granted (in dollars per share)	$ 13.93
Nonvested at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$ 13.93

INCOME TAXES (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
INCOME TAXES (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
INCOME TAXES
Income tax provision (benefit)	$ 20,000	$ (2,131,000)
Effective tax rates (as a percent)	(7.90%)	39.50%
Valuation allowance			$ 55,000,000
Federal statutory rate (as a percent)		35.00%

DISCRETIONARY CASH BONUS (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013
DISCRETIONARY CASH BONUS
Compensation charge related to discretionary cash bonus	$ 900	$ 920

CONTINGENCIES (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
CONTINGENCIES (Details) (USD $)	May 31, 2007 Violation of various laws and breach of contracts and covenants item	Nov. 30, 2006 Intentional interference with contractual relations and prospective economic advantage and violation of various laws item	Mar. 31, 2013 Massachusetts Division of Banks item	Dec. 31, 2012 Massachusetts Division of Banks
Contingencies
Number of total complaints filed	8
Number of complaints dismissed by federal and state courts	7
Number of former network lenders		2
Number of Joining Regulators			34
Joining Regulators with analogous allegations			0
Range of possible loss, minimum				$ 500,000
Range of possible loss, maximum				6,500,000
Amount of reserve for contingencies				$ 500,000

RESTRUCTURING EXPENSE (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
RESTRUCTURING EXPENSE (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Changes in restructuring expenses
Balance, beginning of period	$ 906,000
Restructuring (income) expense	(2,000)
Payments (receipts)	(123,000)
Balance, end of period	782,000
Restructuring liabilities
Restructuring liabilities included in accrued expense and other current liabilities	366,000	364,000
Restructuring liabilities included in other non-current liabilities	400,000	500,000
Continuing Lease Obligations
Changes in restructuring expenses
Balance, beginning of period	906,000
Restructuring (income) expense	(2,000)
Payments (receipts)	(123,000)
Balance, end of period	$ 782,000