v2.4.0.8

Inventories - Finished Goods Available for Resale (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011
--- | --- | ---
Inventory By Segment [Line Items] |  |
Total | $ 339,411 | $ 247,696
Weight Management, Targeted Nutrition and Energy, Sports and Fitness [Member] |  |
Inventory By Segment [Line Items] |  |
Total | 303,800 | 223,500
Outer Nutrition [Member] |  |
Inventory By Segment [Line Items] |  |
Total | 17,500 | 11,100
Literature, promotional and other [Member] |  |
Inventory By Segment [Line Items] |  |
Total | $ 18,100 | $ 13,100

X
- Details
Name: | hlf_InventoryBySegmentLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | hlf_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Carrying amount (lower of cost or market) as of the balance sheet date of inventories less all valuation and other allowances. Excludes noncurrent inventory balances (expected to remain on hand past one year or one operating cycle, if longer). + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.6(a)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 330 -SubTopic 10 -Section 35 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6386567&loc=d3e3927-108312 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6361293&loc=d3e6676-107765 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_InventoryNet
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant