Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

Segment Information (Details)

v2.4.0.6
Segment Information (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
 3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2012
Jun. 30, 2011
Jun. 30, 2012
Jun. 30, 2011
Net revenue:        
Net revenue $ 45,446 [1] $ 50,709 [1] $ 92,779 [1] $ 105,521 [1]
Contribution loss: (1,966) [1] (7,174) [1] (3,261) [1] (8,729) [1]
Reconciliation of contribution margin (loss) to net income (loss) attributable to Gaiam, Inc.:        
Interest and other income (expense) (123) [1] 61 [1] (67) [1] 107 [1]
Loss from equity method investment in RSOL (944) [1]   (1,640) [1]  
Income tax benefit (924) [1] (2,135) [1] (1,561) [1] (2,703) [1]
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest 56 [1] 837 [1] 135 [1] 778 [1]
Net loss attributable to Gaiam,Inc. (2,053) [1] (4,141) [1] (3,272) [1] (5,141) [1]
Direct to Consumer [Member]
        
Net revenue:        
Net revenue 16,921 16,206 38,491 34,108
Contribution loss: (3,585) (2,093) (5,427) (3,160)
Business [Member]
        
Net revenue:        
Net revenue 28,525 14,549 54,288 34,034
Contribution loss: 1,619 (3,207) (2,166) (3,761)
Solar (RSOL) [Member]
        
Net revenue:        
Net revenue   19,954   37,379
Contribution loss:   $ (1,874)   $ (1,808)
[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 three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and as a consolidated subsidiary for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011.