Summary of Reconciliation of Carrying Amount of Total Equity (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended							3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014 Comprehensive Loss	Mar. 31, 2014 Accumulated Deficit	Mar. 31, 2014 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Mar. 31, 2014 Class A and Class B Common Stock	Dec. 31, 2013 Class A and Class B Common Stock	Mar. 31, 2014 Paid-in Capital	Mar. 31, 2014 Noncontrolling Interest
Equity [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$ 105,290			$ (66,413)	$ (33)	$ 3	$ 3	$ 167,875	$ 3,858
Issuance of Gaiam, Inc. common stock and share-based compensation	734							734
Comprehensive loss:
Net income (loss)	(2,072)	(222)	(2,072)	(2,134)					62
Unrealized gains on investment, net of tax of $128	232		232		232
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of taxes of $4	11		11		(5)				16
Comprehensive loss	(1,829)	(275)	(1,829)
Ending Balance	$ 104,195			$ (68,547)	$ 194	$ 3	$ 3	$ 168,609	$ 3,936