Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

Document and Entity Information Document

v2.4.0.6
Document and Entity Information Document
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2012
Nov. 04, 2012
Entity Information [Line Items]    
Entity Registrant Name PDI INC  
Entity Central Index Key 0001054102  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Entity Filer Category Smaller Reporting Company  
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Period End Date Sep. 30, 2012  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2012  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3  
Amendment Flag false  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   14,944,467