Earnings Per Share - Schedule Of Components Of Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Blyth, Inc.	$ 2,596	$ 7,479
Weighted average number outstanding, common shares	16,539	17,052
Vested restricted stock units	50	78
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding, basic	16,589	17,130
Dilutive effect of stock options and non-vested restricted share units	43	118
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding, diluted	16,632	17,248
Basic earnings per share:
Net earnings from continuing operations	$ 0.16	$ 0.42
Net earnings from discontinued operations	$ 0.00	$ 0.02
Net earnings attributable per share of Blyth, Inc.	$ 0.16	$ 0.44
Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract]
Net earnings from continuing operations	$ 0.16	$ 0.42
Net earnings from discontinued operations	$ 0.00	$ 0.01
Net earnings attributable per share of Blyth, Inc.	$ 0.16	$ 0.43