Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Effect of Changes in Gaiam, Inc.'s Ownership Interest in Its Subsidiaries on Gaiam, Inc.'s Equity (Detail)

v2.4.0.6
Effect of Changes in Gaiam, Inc.'s Ownership Interest in Its Subsidiaries on Gaiam, Inc.'s Equity (Detail) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]      
Net income (loss) attributable to Gaiam, Inc. $ (12,882) [1] $ (24,872) [1] $ 4,275 [1]
Transfers from the noncontrolling interest:      
Change from the net income (loss) attributable to Gaiam, Inc. and transfers from the noncontrolling interest (13,052) (22,526) 4,376
Paid-in Capital
      
Transfers from the noncontrolling interest:      
Decrease in Gaiam, Inc.'s paid-in capital for its subsidiary's acquisition of a noncontrolling interest, including related taxes of $16 (170)    
Paid-in Capital | Spiritual Cinema, Inc
      
Transfers from the noncontrolling interest:      
Decrease in Gaiam, Inc.'s paid-in capital for its subsidiary's acquisition of a noncontrolling interest, including related taxes of $16     (75)
Paid-in Capital | Real Goods Solar
      
Transfers from the noncontrolling interest:      
Increase in Gaiam, Inc.'s paid-in capital for the issuance of 29,408 in 2011 and 21,040 in 2010 Real Goods Solar Class A common shares in conjunction with nonemployee director fees, and for employee share-based compensation   193 176
Decrease in Gaiam, Inc.'s paid-in capital for Real Goods Solar's repurchase of 379,400 of its Class A common shares   (125)  
Increase in Gaiam, Inc.'s paid-in capital in conjunction with the remeasurement of deferred tax liabilities related to our equity investment in Real Goods Solar upon deconsolidation   562  
Increase in Gaiam, Inc.'s paid-in capital for the issuance of 29,408 in 2011 and 21,040 in 2010 Real Goods Solar Class A common shares in conjunction with nonemployee director fees, and for employee share-based compensation   193 176
Paid-in Capital | Real Goods Solar | Alteris
      
Transfers from the noncontrolling interest:      
Decrease in Gaiam, Inc.'s paid-in capital for its subsidiary's acquisition of a noncontrolling interest, including related taxes of $16   $ 1,716  
[1] RSOL was deconsolidated and accounted for as an equity method investment effective December 31, 2011. Consequently, RSOL is reported as an equity method investment for the year ended December 31, 2012 and as a consolidated subsidiary for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010.