Effect of Changes in Gaiam, Inc.'s Ownership Interest in Its Subsidiaries on Gaiam, Inc.'s Equity (Parenthetical) (Detail) (Paid-in Capital, USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011 Real Goods Solar	Dec. 31, 2011 Alteris Real Goods Solar
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Acquisition of a noncontrolling interest, related taxes	$ 16
Issuance of Real Goods Solar Class A common shares in conjunction with nonemployee director fees, and for employee share-based compensation		29,408
Issuance of Real Goods Solar Class A common shares in conjunction with its acquisition of Alteris			8,700,000
Real Goods Solar's repurchase of its Class A common shares		379,400