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
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	$ 106,173	$ (8,470)	$ 98,972	$ (7,232)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share	$ (0.59)	$ (0.57)	$ (0.80)	$ (0.85)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share	$ (0.59)	$ (0.57)	$ (0.80)	$ (0.85)
Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share	$ 7.16	$ 0.04	$ 6.93	$ 0.40
Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share	$ 7.17	$ 0.04	$ 6.95	$ 0.40
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	$ 6.57	$ (0.53)	$ 6.13	$ (0.45)
Weighted average number outstanding, common shares	16,055	16,013	16,041	16,182
Vested restricted stock units	71	58	64	55
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding, basic	16,126	16,071	16,105	16,237
Dilutive effect of stock options and non-vested restricted share units	42	0	47	0
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding, diluted	16,168	16,071	16,152	16,237
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
Net earnings (loss) attributable per share of Blyth, Inc. common stock	$ 6.58	$ (0.53)	$ 6.15	$ (0.45)