Stock Repurchase Programs	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012
Stock Repurchase Programs [Abstract]
Stock Repurchase Programs	5. Stock Repurchase Programs We have previously announced several stock repurchase programs. Under our stock repurchase programs, shares of Hudson City Bancorp common stock may be purchased in the open market or through other privately negotiated transactions, depending on market conditions. The repurchased shares are held as treasury stock for general corporate use. In accordance with the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding with the FRB, future share repurchases must be approved by the FRB. We did not purchase any of our common shares pursuant to the repurchase programs during the three months ended March 31, 2012. Included in treasury stock are vested shares related to stock awards that were surrendered for withholding taxes. These shares are included in treasury stock purchases in the consolidated statements of cash flows and amounted to 62,579 shares for the three months ended March 31, 2012. As of March 31, 2012, there remained 50,123,550 shares that may be purchased under the existing stock repurchase programs.

Stock Repurchase Programs

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Stock Repurchase Programs [Abstract]

5. Stock Repurchase Programs

We have previously announced several stock repurchase programs. Under our stock repurchase programs, shares of Hudson City Bancorp common stock may be purchased in the open market or through other privately negotiated transactions, depending on market conditions. The repurchased shares are held as treasury stock for general corporate use. In accordance with the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding with the FRB, future share repurchases must be approved by the FRB. We did not purchase any of our common shares pursuant to the repurchase programs during the three months ended March 31, 2012. Included in treasury stock are vested shares related to stock awards that were surrendered for withholding taxes. These shares are included in treasury stock purchases in the consolidated statements of cash flows and amounted to 62,579 shares for the three months ended March 31, 2012. As of March 31, 2012, there remained 50,123,550 shares that may be purchased under the existing stock repurchase programs.