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Effect of Changes in Gaiam, Inc.'s Ownership Interest in Its Subsidiaries on Gaiam, Inc.'s Equity (Parenthetical) (Detail) (Paid-in Capital, USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011 Real Goods Solar | Dec. 31, 2010 Real Goods Solar | Dec. 31, 2011 Alteris Real Goods Solar
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Acquisition of a noncontrolling interest, related taxes | $ 16 |  |  |
Issuance of Real Goods Solar Class A common shares in conjunction with nonemployee director fees, and for employee share-based compensation |  | 29,408,000 | 21,040,000 |
Issuance of Real Goods Solar Class A common shares in conjunction with its acquisition of Alteris |  |  |  | 8,700,000,000
Real Goods Solar's repurchase of its Class A common shares |  | 379,400,000 |  |
Issuance of Real Goods Solar Class A common shares in conjunction with nonemployee director fees, and for employee share-based compensation |  | 29,408,000 | 21,040,000 |

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