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	9 Months Ended		15 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share	$ 0.00	$ 0.00	$ 0.09	$ 0.03
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	$ (0.70)	$ (0.73)	$ 0.94	$ 0.04
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Blyth, Inc.	$ (8,470)	$ (7,232)	$ 16,251	$ 745
Dividend Paid To Noncotrolling Interest Holders in excess of income earned	(2,748)	(4,582)	0	0
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic	$ (11,218)	$ (11,814)	$ 16,251	$ 745
Weighted average number outstanding, common shares	16,013	16,182	17,169	17,240
Vested restricted stock units	58	55	72	62
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding, basic	16,071	16,237	17,241	17,302
Dilutive effect of stock options and non-vested restricted share units	0	0	76	56
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding, diluted	16,071	16,237	17,317	17,358
Basic earnings per share:
Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations	$ (0.70)	$ (0.73)	$ 0.85	$ 0.01
Net earnings from discontinued operations	$ 0.00	$ 0.00	$ 0.09	$ 0.03
Net earnings (loss) attributable per share of Blyth, Inc. common stock	$ (0.70)	$ (0.73)	$ 0.94	$ 0.04
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share	$ (0.70)	$ (0.73)	$ 0.85	$ 0.01