Financial Information for Segments (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue	$ 52,798	$ 42,983	$ 153,975	$ 135,762
Contribution income (loss)	(1,303)	(171)	(5,038)	(3,432)
Reconciliation of contribution loss to net income (loss) attributable to Gaiam, Inc.:
Interest and other expense, net	(123)	(192)	(404)	(259)
Gain on sale of investment	1,975		18,404
Loss from equity method investment in RSOL		(15,940)		(17,580)
Income tax expense (benefit)	245	(5,377)	4,897	(6,938)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(184)	(231)	(373)	(96)
Net income (loss) attributable to Gaiam, Inc.	120	(11,157)	7,692	(14,429)
Direct to consumer
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue	16,984	15,924	51,610	54,415
Contribution income (loss)	(5,426)	(3,010)	(15,150)	(9,209)
Business Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue	35,814	27,059	102,365	81,347
Contribution income (loss)	$ 4,123	$ 2,839	$ 10,112	$ 5,777