Effect of Changes in Gaiam, Inc.'s Ownership Interest in Its Subsidiaries on Gaiam, Inc.'s Equity (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Net income (loss) attributable to Gaiam, Inc.	$ (22,752)	$ (12,882)	[1]	$ (24,872)	[1]
Transfers from the noncontrolling interest:
Change from the net income (loss) attributable to Gaiam, Inc. and transfers from the noncontrolling interest		(13,052)		(22,526)
Paid-in Capital
Transfers from the noncontrolling interest:
Increase (Decrease) in Gaiam, Inc.'s paid-in capital for its acquisition		(170)
Paid-in Capital | Real Goods Solar
Transfers from the noncontrolling interest:
Increase in Gaiam, Inc.'s paid-in capital for the issuance of 29,408 Real Goods Solar Class A common shares in conjunction with nonemployee director fees, and for employee share-based compensation				193
Decrease in Gaiam, Inc.'s paid-in capital for Real Goods Solar's repurchase of 379,400 of its Class A common shares				(125)
Increase in Gaiam, Inc.'s paid-in capital in conjunction with the remeasurement of deferred tax liabilities related to our equity investment in Real Goods Solar upon deconsolidation				562
Paid-in Capital | Real Goods Solar | Alteris
Transfers from the noncontrolling interest:
Increase (Decrease) in Gaiam, Inc.'s paid-in capital for its acquisition				$ 1,716

[1] RSOL was deconsolidated and accounted for as an equity method investment from December 31, 2011 until May 28, 2013, when it became a cost method investment. Consequently, RSOL is reported as an equity method investment for the year ended December 31, 2012 and as a consolidated subsidiary for the year ended December 31, 2011.