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)

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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, 2013
Dec. 31, 2012
Dec. 31, 2011
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]      
Net income (loss) attributable to Gaiam, Inc. $ (22,752) $ (12,882) [1] $ (24,872) [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)
Paid-in Capital
      
Transfers from the noncontrolling interest:      
Increase (Decrease) in Gaiam, Inc.'s paid-in capital for its acquisition   (170)  
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 Real Goods Solar Class A common shares in conjunction with nonemployee director fees, and for employee share-based compensation     193
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
Paid-in Capital | Real Goods Solar | Alteris
      
Transfers from the noncontrolling interest:      
Increase (Decrease) in Gaiam, Inc.'s paid-in capital for its acquisition     $ 1,716
[1] RSOL was deconsolidated and accounted for as an equity method investment from December 31, 2011 until May 28, 2013, when it became a cost method investment. Consequently, RSOL is reported as an equity method investment for the year ended December 31, 2012 and as a consolidated subsidiary for the year ended December 31, 2011.