Summary of Reconciliation of Carrying Amount of Total Equity (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended							9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013 Comprehensive Income	Sep. 30, 2013 Accumulated Deficit	Sep. 30, 2013 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Sep. 30, 2013 Class A and Class B Common Stock	Dec. 31, 2012 Class A and Class B Common Stock	Sep. 30, 2013 Paid-in Capital	Sep. 30, 2013 Noncontrolling Interest
Equity [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			$ 118,872			$ (43,661)	$ 118	$ 3	$ 3	$ 159,614	$ 2,798
Issuance of Gaiam, Inc. common stock and share-based compensation			543							543
Noncontrolling interest portion of subsidiary's business combinations			426								426
Comprehensive income:
Net income (loss)	304	(10,926)	8,065	(14,333)	8,065	7,692					373
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of taxes of $67	18	14	(152)	10	(152)		(80)				(72)
Comprehensive income	322	(10,912)	7,913	(14,323)	7,913
Ending Balance	$ 127,754		$ 127,754			$ (35,969)	$ 38	$ 3	$ 3	$ 160,157	$ 3,525