Blyth (BTH) 10-Q 1 Nov 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Entity Registrant Name	'BLYTH INC	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000921503	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'--12-31	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	16,016,689

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$82,253	$129,056
Short-term investments	6,858	32,073
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful receivables of $3,045 and $1,274, respectively	14,142	9,187
Inventories	85,311	90,952
Prepaid assets	17,411	18,309
Deferred income taxes - current	6,258	14,305
Other current assets	8,224	27,722
Total current assets	220,457	321,604
Property, plant and equipment, at cost:	'	'
Less accumulated depreciation of $152,219 and $145,082, respectively	96,642	93,108
Other assets:	'	'
Investments	2,014	2,141
Goodwill	2,298	2,298
Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $15,033 and $14,573, respectively	8,961	9,393
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent	15,569	'
Other assets	7,435	6,379
Total other assets	36,277	20,211
Total assets	353,376	434,923
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	'	'
Current maturities of long-term debt	871	72,532
Accounts payable	30,716	32,519
Accrued expenses	62,337	95,284
Dividends Payable	1,607	'
Income taxes payable	1,656	959
Other current liabilities	3,812	8,132
Total current liabilities	100,999	209,426
Deferred income taxes	0	1,951
Long-term debt, less current maturities	55,187	5,658
Other liabilities	14,307	12,537
Commitments and contingencies	0	0
ViSalus redeemable preferred stock	146,571	146,547
Stockholders' equity:	'	'
Preferred stock - authorized 10,000,000 shares of $0.01 par value; no shares issued	0	0
Common stock - authorized 50,000,000 shares of $0.02 par value; issued 26,574,031 shares and 26,505,210 shares, respectively	532	530
Additional contributed capital	168,483	167,080
Retained earnings	303,260	318,299
Accumulated other comprehensive income	15,696	14,401
Treasury stock, at cost, 10,557,342 shares and 9,944,239 shares, respectively	-452,040	-441,774
Total stockholders' equity	35,931	58,536
Noncontrolling interest	381	268
Total equity	36,312	58,804
Total liabilities and equity	$353,376	$434,923

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful receivables	$3,045	$1,274
Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment	152,219	145,082
Other intangible assets, accumulated amortization	$15,033	$14,573
Preferred stock, shares authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, shares authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Common stock, par value	$0.02	$0.02
Common stock, shares issued	26,574,031	26,505,210
Treasury stock, shares	10,557,342	9,944,239

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Ear

Consolidated Statements Of Earnings (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended		15 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share	$0	$0	$0.09	$0.03
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	($0.70)	($0.73)	$0.94	$0.04
Net sales	$179,466	$624,291	$848,493	$268,811
Cost of goods sold	66,935	223,476	283,250	92,086
Gross profit	112,531	400,815	565,243	176,725
Selling	84,343	279,948	380,301	122,837
Administrative and other expense	38,283	123,835	140,147	46,094
Total operating expense	122,626	403,783	520,448	168,931
Operating profit (loss)	-10,095	-2,968	44,795	7,794
Other expense (income):	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	2,256	5,038	4,472	1,567
Interest income	-111	-528	-1,155	-278
Foreign exchange and other, net	-266	-541	-2,146	-750
Total other expense	1,879	3,969	1,171	539
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and noncontrolling interest	-11,974	-6,937	43,624	7,255
Income tax expense (benefit)	-3,736	-1,497	17,724	3,050
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	-8,238	-5,440	25,900	4,205
Earnings from discontinued operations, net of income tax expense of $307 and $873, respectively	0	0	1,622	571
Net earnings (loss)	-8,238	-5,440	27,522	4,776
Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	232	1,792	11,271	4,031
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Blyth, Inc.	-8,470	-7,232	16,251	745
Dividend Paid To Noncotrolling Interest Holders in excess of income earned	-2,748	-4,582	0	0
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic	($11,218)	($11,814)	$16,251	$745
Basic earnings per share:	'	'	'	'
Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations	($0.70)	($0.73)	$0.85	$0.01
Net earnings from discontinued operations	$0	$0	$0.09	$0.03
Net earnings (loss) attributable per share of Blyth, Inc. common stock	($0.70)	($0.73)	$0.94	$0.04
Weighted average number of shares outstanding	16,071	16,237	17,241	17,302
Diluted earnings per share:	'	'	'	'
Weighted average number of shares outstanding	16,071	16,237	17,317	17,358
Cash dividend declared per share	$0.10	$0.20	$0.18	$0.10
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share	($0.70)	($0.73)	$0.85	$0.01

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Ear1

Consolidated Statements Of Earnings (Parenthetical) (USD $)	15 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Discontinued operations, income tax expense (benefit)	$307

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Com

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Net earnings	($5,440)	$27,522
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	1,356	3,704
Net unrealized gain (loss) on certain investments	'	'
Net unrealized gain (loss) on certain investments	-164	372
Net unrealized loss on cash flow hedging instruments	-51	-493
Less: Reclassification adjustments for (gain) loss included in net income	154	-597
Other comprehensive income	1,295	2,986
Total comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-4,145	30,508
Less: comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	-1,792	-11,271
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Blyth, Inc.	($5,937)	$19,237

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Sto

Consolidated Statements Of Stockholders' Equity (USD $)		Total	Common Stock	Additional Contributed Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Treasury Stock	Noncontrolling Interest	Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest	Redeemable Preferred Stock
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Beginning balance (as adjusted for stock split) at Dec. 31, 2011		$153,966	$514	$147,790	$420,349	$11,862	($426,717)	$168	$87,373	$0
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]		'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net earnings		16,466	'	'	16,251	'	'	215	11,056	'
Distributions to noncontrolling interest		-135	'	'	'	'	'	-135	'	'
Dividend Paid To Noncotrolling Interest Holders in excess of income earned		0	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Other comprehensive income		2,986	'	'	'	2,986	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation		4,462	2	4,460	'	'	'	'	'	'
Other comprehensive income		14,628	14	14,614	'	'	'	'	-38,421	'
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Issued for Services		2	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation		-72,354	'	'	-72,354	'	'	'	72,354	'
Dividends declared		-3,022	'	'	-3,022	'	'	'	'	'
Treasury stock purchases	[1]	-8,929	'	'	'	'	-8,929	'	'	'
Ending Balance (as adjusted for stock split) at Sep. 30, 2012		108,068	530	166,864	361,224	14,848	-435,646	248	132,362	0
Beginning balance (as adjusted for stock split) at Dec. 31, 2012		58,804	530	167,080	318,299	14,401	-441,774	268	'	146,547
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]		'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net earnings		-6,988	'	'	-7,232	'	'	244	0	1,548
Distributions to noncontrolling interest		-131	'	'	'	'	'	-131	'	6,106
Dividend Paid To Noncotrolling Interest Holders in excess of income earned		-4,582	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-4,582
Other comprehensive income		1,295	'	'	'	1,295	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation		1,405	'	1,403	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Issued for Services		'	2	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Dividends declared		-3,225	'	'	-3,225	'	'	'	'	'
Treasury stock purchases	[1]	-10,266	'	'	'	'	-10,266	'	'	'
Ending Balance (as adjusted for stock split) at Sep. 30, 2013		$36,312	$532	$168,483	$303,260	$15,696	($452,040)	$381	$0	$146,571
[1]	This includes shares withheld in order to satisfy employee withholding taxes upon the distribution of vested restricted stock units.

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Sto1

Consolidated Statements Of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended		15 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Dividends declared	$0.10	$0.20	$0.18	$0.10

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Cas

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Blyth, Inc.	($7,232)	$16,251
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	-1,792	-11,271
Earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax	0	-1,622
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	-5,440	25,900
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	9,775	7,892
Loss on sale of assets	130	438
Stock-based compensation expense of Blyth, Inc.	1,405	4,462
Deferred income taxes	-8,314	-16,901
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Accounts receivable	-4,756	-1,501
Inventories	5,829	-31,595
Prepaid and other	10,493	-3,284
Other long-term assets	-999	-1,713
Accounts payable	-2,145	-6,272
Accrued expenses	-8,536	47,017
Income taxes payable	721	372
Other liabilities and other	-3,107	-22,059
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities of continuing operations	-4,944	2,756
Net cash provided by operating activities of discontinued operations	0	1,869
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	-4,944	4,625
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Purchases of property, plant and equipment, net of disposals	-11,298	-15,960
Proceeds from Collection of Notes Receivable	10,000	0
Purchases of short-term investments	-12,793	-58,753
Proceeds from sale of short-term investments	37,756	50,256
Proceeds from sale of long-term investments	105	3,360
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	23,770	-21,097
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Purchases of treasury stock	-9,961	-7,306
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt	50,000	0
Repayments on long-term debt	-72,240	-7,930
Purchases of additional ViSalus interest	-25,341	-28,688
Payments on capital lease obligations	-126	-91
Payments of Dividends	-1,617	-1,291
Distributions to noncontrolling interest	-6,236	-135
Net cash used in financing activities	-65,521	-45,441
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	-108	166
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-46,803	-61,747
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	129,056	200,571
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	82,253	138,824
Non-cash transactions:	'	'
Stock issued for ViSalus acquisition	$0	$14,628

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Basis Of Presentation	'
	Blyth, Inc. (the “Company”) is a multi-channel company primarily focused on the direct to consumer market.  The Company formulates and markets weight management products, nutritional supplements and energy drinks, as well as home fragrance products and decorative accessories. The Company’s products include meal replacement shakes, nutritional supplements, energy drink mixes, and an extensive array of decorative and functional household products such as candles, accessories, seasonal decorations, household convenience items and personalized gifts. The Company’s products can be found throughout North America, Europe and Australia. Our financial results are reported in three segments: the Health & Wellness segment (ViSalus), the Candles & Home Décor segment (PartyLite) and the Catalog & Internet segment (Silver Star Brands, formerly known as the Miles Kimball Company).
	Note 1. Basis of Presentation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The Company's subsidiaries within the Catalog & Internet segment operate on a 52 or 53-week fiscal year ending on the Saturday closest to December 31. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include all adjustments (consisting only of items that are normal and recurring in nature) necessary for fair presentation of the Company's consolidated financial position as of September 30, 2013 and the consolidated results of its operations for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, and the consolidated statement of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012. These interim statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2012, as set forth in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K. Operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2013.
	In 2012, the Company sold its Sterno business as more fully detailed in Note 3 to the Consolidated financial statements. The results of operations of Sterno have been reclassified to discontinued operations for all periods presented.
	Two-for-one stock split
	On May 16, 2012, the Company's Board of Directors announced a two-for-one stock split of its common stock effective in the form of a stock dividend of one share for each outstanding share. The record date for the stock split was June 1, 2012, and the additional shares were distributed on June 15, 2012. Accordingly, all per share amounts, weighted average shares outstanding, shares outstanding and shares repurchased presented in the consolidated financial statements and notes have been adjusted retroactively to reflect the stock split. Shareholders' equity has been retroactively adjusted to give effect to the stock split for all periods presented by reclassifying the par value of the additional shares issued in connection with the stock split from Retained Earnings to Common Stock.
	Recently Adopted Accounting Guidance
	On January 31, 2013, FASB issued FASB ASU No. 2013-01, Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities ("ASU 2013-01"). This standard requires enhanced disclosure about financial instruments and derivative instruments that are either offset in the statement of financial position or subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement. The Company adopted ASU 2013-01 as of January 1, 2013. This standard did not have a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial condition or results of operations.
	On February 5, 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“ASU 2013-02”). ASU 2013-02 requires disclosure either on the face of the income statement or in the notes to the financial statements of significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income in their entirety. For amounts not reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures that provide additional details about those amounts. The Company adopted ASU 2013-02 as of January 1, 2013. This standard impacted presentation only and did not affect the Company's consolidated financial condition or results of operations.
	Recently Issued Accounting Guidance
	In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-05, Foreign Currency Matters (Topic 830): Parent’s Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity (“ASU 2013-05”). This amendment clarifies the applicable guidance for the release of cumulative translation adjustment into net earnings. When an entity ceases to have a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets within a foreign entity, the entity is required to apply the guidance in FASB Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 830-30 to release any related cumulative translation adjustment into net earnings. ASU 2013-05 is effective prospectively for fiscal years, and interim reporting periods within those years, beginning January 1, 2014. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists ("ASU 2013-11"), which provides guidance for the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. The Company will adopt the standard effective January 1, 2014. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial condition or results of operations.
	Other Comprehensive Income
	The following table discloses the tax effects allocated to each component of other comprehensive income in the financial statements:
			Nine months ended
	(In thousands)		September 30, 2013										September 30, 2012
			Before-Tax Amount			Tax (Expense) or Benefit			Net-of-tax Amount				Before-Tax Amount			Tax (Expense) or Benefit			Net-of-tax Amount
	Foreign currency translation adjustments		$	(583	)	$	1,939		$	1,356			$	4,067		$	(363	)	$	3,704
	Net unrealized gain (loss) on certain investments		(251		)	87			(164		)		526			(154		)	372
	Net unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedging instruments		(79		)	28			(51		)		(745		)	252			(493		)
	Less: Reclassification adjustments for (gain) loss included in net income		237			(83		)	154				(919		)	322			(597		)
	Other comprehensive income (loss)		$	(676	)	$	1,971		$	1,295			$	2,929		$	57		$	2,986
	The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 is as follows:
	(In thousands)
		Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment			Net unrealized gain (loss) on certain investments			Net unrealized loss on cash flow hedging instruments			Net Investment Hedge gain (loss)			Total
	Beginning balance at January 1, 2013	$	10,390		$	191		$	(85	)	$	3,905		$	14,401
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	2,232			(164		)	(51		)	(876		)	1,141
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (1) (2)	—			(112		)	(42		)	—			(154		)
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	2,232			(52		)	(9		)	(876		)	1,295
	Ending balance at September 30, 2013	$	12,622		$	139		$	(94	)	$	3,029		$	15,696
	(1) All amounts net of a 35% tax rate.
	(2) Reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income into Foreign exchange and other and Cost of goods sold.

Business_Acquisitions

Business Acquisitions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Business Combination, Step Acquisition [Abstract]	'
Business Acquisitions	'
	Business Acquisitions
	In August 2008, the Company signed a definitive agreement to purchase ViSalus, a direct seller of weight management products, nutritional supplements and energy drinks, through a series of investments. In October 2008, the Company completed its initial investment and acquired a 43.6% equity interest in ViSalus for $13.0 million in cash and incurred acquisition costs of $1.0 million for a total cash acquisition cost of $14.0 million. In April 2011, the Company completed the second phase of its acquisition of ViSalus for approximately $2.5 million, increasing its ownership to 57.5%. In January 2012, the Company completed the third phase of its acquisition of ViSalus and increased its ownership to 72.7% for approximately $22.5 million in cash and the issuance of 681,324 unregistered shares of the Company's common stock valued at $14.6 million, of which 340,662 shares may not be sold or transferred prior to January 12, 2014.  Due to the restrictions on transfer, the 340,662 shares of common stock that may not be sold or transferred were issued at a discount to the trading price. The payments in the third closing were based upon an estimate of the 2011 EBITDA pursuant to the formula in the original purchase agreement, and were subsequently adjusted in April 2012 for the difference between the actual 2011 EBITDA and the estimate used in the third closing. The Company paid an additional $6.2 million in April 2012 after determination of the actual 2011 EBITDA, bringing the total third phase acquisition cost to $43.3 million.
	In December 2012, the Company purchased an additional 8.2% of ViSalus increasing its ownership to 80.9% for a payment of $60.5 million to the ViSalus founders and its other noncontrolling members. In addition, the ViSalus founders and the other members exchanged their remaining membership interests for a total of 8,955,730 shares of Series A and Series B Redeemable Preferred Stock of ViSalus Inc. (“Preferred Stock”), which will become redeemable on December 31, 2017 for a total redemption price of $143.2 million. The Preferred Stock is redeemable for cash on December 31, 2017 at a price per share equal to $15.99 unless prior thereto ViSalus shall have effected a “Qualified IPO” or the holders, at their option, elect to convert their Preferred Stock into common shares of ViSalus. In January 2013, the Company made a final payment of $25.3 million to certain equity rights holders associated with the Company's acquisition of ViSalus.
	The Company has accounted for the redeemable preferred stock in accordance with the guidance of ASC 480 “Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity” (“ASC 480”) and the non-codified portions of Emerging Issues Task Force Topic D-98, “Classification and Measurement of Redeemable Securities”. ASC 480 requires preferred securities that are redeemable for cash to be classified outside permanent equity if they are redeemable (1) at a fixed or determinable date, (2) at the option of the holder or (3) upon occurrence of an event that is not solely within the control of the issuer. Accordingly, the Company has classified the Preferred Stock outside of permanent equity as its redemption has been determined to be not solely within the control of the issuer.
	As of September 30, 2013, $146.6 million of Preferred Stock was recorded outside of permanent equity as required by ASC 480. The Company determined the fair value of the Preferred Stock in December 2012 based on an allocation of ViSalus's total enterprise value to its Preferred and common stock components utilizing an option pricing model. The option pricing model considered the characteristics of the ViSalus Preferred and common stock, interest rates, expected term and estimated volatility. The enterprise value was determined using a combination of a discounted cash flow methodology and a publicly traded company market multiple methodology. The discounted cash flow methodology used an estimated weighted average cost of capital to discount the estimated future cash flows of ViSalus to its present value. The publicly traded company methodology used various market multiples with consideration for comparable operating revenues and earnings. The initial recording to fair value in December 2012 was recorded as a charge to retained earnings since no proceeds were received at the time of issuance. The difference in recorded value at September 30, 2013 and its previously recorded fair value at December 31, 2012 represents an accretion adjustment to be recorded on a prorated basis through December 2017 to arrive at the fully accreted value upon maturity.
	The acquisition of ViSalus involves related parties, as discussed in Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. In addition to Blyth, the other owners of ViSalus include its three founders (each of whom currently owns approximately 4.6% for a total of 13.7%) (“the founders”), Robert B. Goergen (the Company's Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, who owns 1.8%), Robert B. Goergen, Jr. (the Company's President and Chief Operating Officer, who owns 0.1%), Todd A. Goergen (ViSalus's Chief Strategy Officer, who owns 0.6%), and a small group of employees and others who collectively own approximately 2.9% of ViSalus. The Company's initial investment in ViSalus of $13.0 million was paid to ViSalus ($2.5 million), Ropart Asset Management Fund, LLC and Ropart Asset Management Fund II, LLC (collectively, “RAM”), ($3.0 million) and each of the three founders ($2.5 million each). The Company's second investment of $2.5 million was paid to RAM ($1.0 million), each of the three founders ($0.3 million each) and others ($0.6 million in the aggregate).  The Company's third investment in ViSalus of $28.7 million in cash and the issuance of 681,324 unregistered shares of common stock was paid to RAM ($11.0 million in cash), the three founders (a total of $10.1 million in cash and the issuance of a total of 681,324 unregistered shares) and others ($7.6 million in cash, in the aggregate). The Company's fourth investment of $60.5 million was paid to Robert B. Goergen ($5.1 million), Robert B. Goergen, Jr. ($0.2 million), Todd A. Goergen ($1.7 million), each of the three founders ($13.3 million each) and others ($13.6 million in the aggregate). Mr. Goergen, Blyth's chairman and chief executive officer, beneficially owns approximately 35.9% of Blyth's outstanding common stock (according to Amendment No. 4 to Schedule 13D filed by Mr. Goergen with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 8, 2013), and together with members of his family, owns substantially all of RAM.

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Discontinued Operations	'
	Discontinued Operations
	On October 29, 2012, the Company completed the sale of its Sterno business for $23.5 million in cash and recorded a gain of $5.5 million, net of tax expenses. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 revenues were $15.2 million and $43.4 million, and income before income taxes were $0.9 million and $2.5 million, respectively.
	On May 27, 2011, the Company sold substantially all of the net assets of its seasonal, home décor and home fragrance business (“Midwest-CBK”) within the former Wholesale segment for $36.9 million and incurred a loss of $2.5 million, net of tax benefits. The Company received cash proceeds of $23.6 million and a one year promissory note of $11.9 million, included within Other current assets in 2012, partially secured by fixed assets sold at the time of the transaction. On February 4, 2013, the Company and the borrower executed a settlement and release agreement and the borrower paid $10.0 million to the Company as a final settlement of the promissory note. As a result of this settlement, the Company recorded a $1.9 million impairment on the promissory note and recorded other adjustments of $0.3 million, for a net write-down of $1.6 million recorded in Foreign exchange and Other for the year ended December 31, 2012.
	These transactions are presented as discontinued operations in the consolidated financial statements and results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012.

Investments

Investments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]	'
Investments	'
	Investments
	The Company’s investments as of September 30, 2013 consisted of a number of financial securities including certificates of deposit, shares in mutual funds invested in short term bonds, and a cost investment. The Company accounts for its investments in debt and equity instruments in accordance with ASC 320, “Investments – Debt & Equity Securities.” The Company accounts for its cost investment in accordance with ASC 325, “Investments – Other.”
	The following table summarizes, by major security type, the amortized costs and fair value of the Company’s investments:
		September 30, 2013								December 31, 2012
	(In thousands)	Cost Basis(1)			Fair Value		Net unrealized loss in AOCI (2)			Cost Basis(1)		Fair Value		Net unrealized gain
														(loss) in AOCI
	Pre-refunded and municipal bonds	$	—		$	—	$	—		$	15,047	$	14,877	$	(170	)
	Short-term bond mutual funds	6,993			6,858		(135		)	17,014		17,196		182
	Certificates of deposit	1,652			1,652		—			1,779		1,779		—
	Other investment	362			362		—			362		362		—
	Total investments	$	9,007		$	8,872	$	(135	)	$	34,202	$	34,214	$	12
	(1) The cost basis represents the actual amount paid less any permanent impairment recorded on that asset.
	(2) The Company believes these short-term losses are temporary in nature therefore no permanent impairment is required.
	As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company held $6.9 million and $17.2 million of short-term bond mutual funds, which are classified as short-term available for sale investments. Unrealized gains and losses on these investments that are considered temporary are recorded in AOCI.   These securities are valued based on quoted prices in active markets. As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company recorded unrealized losses, net of tax of $0.1 million, and unrealized gains, net of tax of $0.1 million for each reporting period, respectively.
	Also included in long-term investments are certificates of deposit that are held as collateral for the Company’s outstanding standby letters of credit and for foreign operations of $1.7 million and $1.8 million as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. These investments are recorded at fair value which approximates cost. Interest earned on these investments is recorded in Interest income in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss).
	The Company holds a $0.4 million investment obtained through its ViSalus acquisition. As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company accounts for this investment on a cost basis under ASC 325. This investment involves related parties as discussed in Note 12.
	As of December 31, 2012, the Company held $14.9 million of available for sale municipal bonds and advance refunded or escrowed-to-maturity bonds (collectively referred to as “pre-refunded bonds”), which are bonds for which an irrevocable trust has been established to fund the remaining payments of principal and interest. These investments are valued based on quoted prices of similar instruments in inactive markets; interest earned on these investments is realized in Interest income in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss). As of December 31, 2012, the Company recorded unrealized losses, net of tax of $0.1 million in AOCI.
	In addition to the investments noted above, the Company holds mutual funds as part of a deferred compensation plan which are classified as available for sale. As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the fair value of these securities was $0.9 million and $0.8 million, respectively. These securities are valued based on quoted prices in an active market. Unrealized gains and losses on these securities are recorded in AOCI.  These mutual funds are included in Other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	The following table summarizes the proceeds and realized gains on the sale of available for sale investments recorded in Foreign exchange and other within the Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012. Gains and losses reclassified from AOCI, net to foreign exchange, in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings (Loss) are calculated using the specific identification method.
		Three months ended					Nine months ended
		September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012		September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012
	(In thousands)
	Net proceeds	$	9,585		$	19,991	$	37,861		$	53,251
	Realized Gains (Losses)	$	(48	)	$	185	$	(105	)	$	919

Inventories

Inventories	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Inventory, Net [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
	Inventories
	The major components of Inventories are as follows:
	(In thousands)	September 30, 2013		December 31, 2012
	Raw materials	$	6,955	$	6,656
	Finished goods	78,356		84,296
	Total	$	85,311	$	90,952
	As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the inventory valuation adjustments totaled $8.2 million and $7.3 million, respectively and have been netted against the above amounts.

Goodwill_And_Other_Intangibles

Goodwill And Other Intangibles	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill And Other Intangibles	'
	Goodwill and Other Intangibles
	Goodwill is subject to an assessment for impairment using a two-step fair value-based test and, as such, other intangibles are also subject to impairment reviews, which must be performed at least annually or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that goodwill or other indefinite-lived intangibles might be impaired. As of September 30, 2013, there were no indications that a review was necessary.
	As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the carrying amount of the Company’s goodwill within the Candles & Home Décor segment was $2.3 million.
	Other intangible assets include indefinite-lived trade names, trademarks, domain names and customer relationships related to the Company's acquisition of Miles Kimball, Walter Drake and As We Change, which are reported in the Catalog & Internet segment and ViSalus, which is reported in the Health & Wellness segment. The Company does not amortize the indefinite-lived trade names, trademarks and domain names, but rather tests for impairment annually upon the occurrence of a triggering event. As of September 30, 2013, there were no indications that a review was necessary.
	Other intangible assets include the following:
		Health & Wellness Segment			Catalog & Internet Segment						Total
	(In thousands)	Indefinite-lived trade names and trademarks			Indefinite-lived trade names and trademarks			Customer			Indefinite-lived trade names and trademarks			Customer relationships
								relationships
	Other intangibles at Gross value	$	4,200		$	28,100		$	15,400		$	32,300		$	15,400
	Accumulated amortization	—			—			(14,573		)	—			(14,573		)
	Additions	900			—			—			900			—
	Other intangibles at Impairments	(3,100		)	(21,534		)	—			(24,634		)	—
	Other intangibles at December 31, 2012	$	2,000		$	6,566		$	827		$	8,566		$	827
	Additions	28			—			—			28			—
	Amortization	—			—			(460		)	—			(460		)
	Other intangibles at September 30, 2013	$	2,028		$	6,566		$	367		$	8,594		$	367
	Amortization expense is recorded on an accelerated basis over the estimated lives of the customer lists ranging from 5 to 12 years. Amortization expense for other intangible assets was $0.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 and $0.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The estimated annual amortization expense for 2013 is $0.6 million. The estimated amortization expense for 2014 is $0.2 million and an insignificant amount to be amortized in 2015.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements	'
	Fair Value Measurements
	The fair-value hierarchy established in ASC 820 prioritizes the inputs used in valuation techniques into three levels as follows:
		Level-1 – Observable inputs – quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities
		Level-2 – Observable inputs other than the quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities – such as quoted prices for similar instruments, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in inactive markets, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data;
		Level-3 – Unobservable inputs – includes amounts derived from valuation models where one or more significant inputs are unobservable and require the Company to develop relevant assumptions.
	Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
	The following tables summarize the financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of  September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, and the basis for that measurement, by level within the fair value hierarchy:
	(In thousands)	Balance as of September 30, 2013			Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)		Significant			Significant
							other observable inputs			unobservable inputs
							(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	Financial assets
	Certificates of deposit	$	1,652		$	—	$	1,652		$	—
	Short-term bond mutual funds	6,858			6,858		—			—
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	214			—		214			—
	Deferred compensation plan assets (1)	925			925		—			—
	Total	$	9,649		$	7,783	$	1,866		$	—
	Financial liabilities
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	(1,141	)	$	—	$	(1,141	)	$	—
	(1) Recorded as an Other asset with an offsetting liability for the obligation to its employees in Other liabilities.
	(In thousands)	Balance as of December 31, 2012			Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)		Significant			Significant
							other observable inputs			unobservable inputs
							(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	Financial assets
	Certificates of deposit	$	1,779		$	—	$	1,779		$	—
	Pre-refunded bonds	14,877			—		14,877			—
	Short-term bond mutual funds	17,196			17,196		—			—
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	121			—		121			—
	Deferred compensation plan assets (1)	825			825		—			—
	Total	$	34,798		$	18,021	$	16,777		$	—
	Financial liabilities
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	(131	)	$	—	$	(131	)	$	—
	(1) Recorded as an Other asset with an offsetting liability for the obligation to its employees in Other liabilities.
	The Company values its investments in equity securities within the deferred compensation plan and its investments in short term bond mutual funds using level 1 inputs, by obtaining quoted prices in active markets.  The deferred compensation plan assets consist of shares of mutual funds. The Company also enters into both cash flow and fair value hedges by purchasing foreign currency exchange forward contracts. These contracts are valued using level 2 inputs, primarily observable forward foreign exchange rates. The Company values its pre-refunded bond investments using information classified as level 2. This data consists of quoted prices of identical instruments in an inactive market and third party bid offers. The certificates of deposit that are used to collateralize some of the Company’s letters of credit have been valued using information classified as level 2, as these are not traded on the open market and are held unsecured by one counterparty.
	The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables and trade payables are considered to be representative of their respective fair values.
	Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
	The Company is required, on a non-recurring basis, to adjust the carrying value or provide valuation allowances for certain assets using fair value measurements in accordance with ASC 820. The Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis include property, plant and equipment, goodwill, intangibles and other assets. These assets are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis; however, they are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances, such as when there is evidence that impairment may exist. As of September 30, 2013, there were no indications or circumstances indicating that an impairment might exist.

Derivatives_and_Other_Financia

Derivatives and Other Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
General Discussion of Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities [Abstract]	'
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities	'
	Derivatives and Other Financial Instruments
	The Company uses foreign exchange forward contracts to hedge the impact of foreign currency fluctuations on foreign denominated inventory purchases, net assets of our foreign operations, intercompany payables and loans. It does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. The Company has hedged the net assets of certain of its foreign operations through foreign currency forward contracts. The realized and unrealized gains/losses on these hedges are recorded within AOCI until the investment is sold or disposed of. As of September 30, 2013, there were four outstanding net investment hedges. The cumulative net after-tax gain related to net investment hedges in AOCI as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 was $3.0 million and $3.9 million.
	The Company has designated its foreign currency forward contracts related to certain foreign denominated loans and intercompany payables as fair value hedges.  The gains or losses on the fair value hedges are recognized into earnings and generally offset the transaction gains or losses in the foreign denominated loans that they are intended to hedge.
	The Company has designated forward exchange contracts on forecasted intercompany inventory purchases and future purchase commitments as cash flow hedges and as long as the hedge remains effective and the underlying transaction remains probable, the effective portion of the changes in the fair value of these contracts will be recorded in AOCI until earnings are affected by the variability of the cash flows being hedged. Upon settlement of each commitment, the underlying forward contract is closed and the corresponding gain or loss is transferred from AOCI and is included in the measurement of the cost of the acquired asset upon sale.  If a hedging instrument is sold or terminated prior to maturity, gains and losses are deferred in AOCI until the hedged item is settled.  However, if the hedged item is probable of not occurring, the resulting gain or loss on the terminated hedge is recognized into earnings immediately.  The net after-tax unrealized loss included in AOCI at September 30, 2013 for cash flow hedges was $0.1 million and is expected to be transferred into earnings within the next twelve months upon settlement of the underlying commitment. The net after-tax loss included in AOCI at December 31, 2012 for cash flow hedges was $0.1 million.
	For financial statement presentation, net cash flows from such hedges are classified in the categories of the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows with the items being hedged. Forward contracts held with each bank are presented within the Consolidated Balance Sheets as a net asset or liability, based on netting agreements with each bank and whether the forward contracts are in a net gain or loss position. The foreign exchange contracts outstanding have maturity dates through August 2014.
	The table below details the fair value and location of the Company’s hedges in the Consolidated Balance Sheets:
	(In thousands)	30-Sep-13			31-Dec-12
		Accrued Expenses			Accrued Expenses			Prepaid Assets
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
	Foreign exchange forward contracts in an asset position	$	214		$	—		$	121
	Foreign exchange forward contracts in a liability position	(1,141		)	(131		)	—
	Net derivatives at fair value	$	(927	)	$	(131	)	$	121
	For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company recorded a loss of $0.1 million and $0.2 million respectively, compared to a loss of $0.3 million and $0.7 million in both comparable prior year periods related to foreign exchange forward contracts accounted for as Fair Value hedges to Foreign exchange and other.
	Gain and loss activity recorded to cost of goods sold and reclassified from AOCI related to the Company's Cash Flow hedges for the three and nine months ended September 30, are as follows:
		Amount of Loss Recognized in AOCI on Derivative							Amount of Gain (Loss)
	Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	(Effective Portion)							Reclassified from AOCI into Income
									(Effective Portion)
	(In thousands)	2013			2012				2013						2012
		Nine months ended							Three months ended			Nine months ended			Three months ended		Nine months ended
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	(180	)	$	(31	)		$	(72	)	$	(166	)	$	251	$	714

Accrued_Expenses

Accrued Expenses	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]	'
Accrued Expenses	'
	Accrued Expenses
	Accrued expenses consist of the following:
	(In thousands)	September 30, 2013		31-Dec-12
	Compensation and benefits	$	20,844	$	33,373
	Deferred revenue	17,026		13,381
	Promotional	5,737		6,325
	Taxes, other than income	2,327		2,956
	Other	16,403		39,249
	Total	$	62,337	$	95,284

LongTerm_Debt

Long-Term Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Long-Term Debt	'
	Long-Term Debt
	On October 20, 2003, the Company issued $100.0 million 5.50% Senior Notes due on November 1, 2013 at a discount of approximately $0.2 million. On July 10, 2013 these notes were settled for a total of $73.7 million which included make-whole interest expense of $1.2 million. The Company recorded this loss on extinguishment of the debt in the third quarter of 2013 as interest expense.
	On May 10, 2013, the Company issued $50.0 million principal amount of 6.00% Senior Notes due 2017. The notes bear interest payable semi-annually in arrears on May 15 and November 15. Proceeds from this issuance, together with available funds, were used to retire the outstanding $71.8 million of 5.50% Senior Notes due November 1, 2013 on July 10, 2013. The indenture governing the 6.00% Senior Notes due 2017 contains affirmative and negative covenants that, among other things, limit or restrict our and our subsidiaries' ability to incur additional debt, grant negative pledges to other creditors, prepay subordinated indebtedness and certain other indebtedness, pay dividends or make other distributions on capital stock, redeem or repurchase preferred and capital stock, make loans, investments and other restricted payments, engage in acquisitions, enter into transactions with affiliates, sell assets, create liens on assets to secure debt, or effect a consolidation or merger or to sell all, or substantially all, of our assets, in each case, subject to certain qualifications and exceptions set forth in the indenture.
	As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, Silver Star Brands had approximately $5.7 million and $6.2 million, respectively, of long-term debt outstanding under a real estate mortgage note payable which matures June 1, 2020.  Under the terms of the note, payments of principal and interest are required monthly at a fixed interest rate of 7.89%.
	The Company’s debt is recorded at its amortized cost basis which approximates its fair value.
	As of September 30, 2013, the Company had a total of $2.0 million available under an uncommitted bank facility to be used for letters of credit. The issuance of letters of credit under this facility will be available until January 31, 2014.  As of September 30, 2013, no amount was outstanding under this facility.
	As of September 30, 2013, the Company had $1.1 million in standby letters of credit outstanding that are collateralized with a certificate of deposit and have an expiration date of March 1, 2014.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	The Company's effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2013 was 31.2% which resulted in an income tax benefit of $3.7 million on a loss from continuing operations of $12.0 million. This compares to 42.0% for the three months ended September 30, 2012, which resulted in a tax expense of $3.1 million on a profit from continuing operations of $7.3 million. The effective tax rates for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 differ from the U.S. statutory tax rate primarily as a result of no tax benefit being realized on certain foreign net operating losses.
	The Company's effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 was 21.6% which resulted in an income tax benefit of $1.5 million on a loss from continuing operations of $6.9 million. This compares to 40.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, which resulted in a provision for income tax expense of $17.7 million on a profit from continuing operations of $43.6 million. The effective tax rates for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 differ from the U.S. statutory tax rate primarily as a result of no tax benefit being realized on certain foreign net operating losses.
	Due to the various jurisdictions in which the Company files tax returns and the uncertainty regarding the timing of the settlement of tax audits, it is possible that there could be significant changes in the amount of unrecognized tax benefits in 2013 but the amount cannot be estimated. There has been no material change in the Company's contingency reserve for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013.

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Related Party Transaction, Due from (to) Related Party [Abstract]	'
Related Party Transactions	'
	Related Party Transactions
	As discussed in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the acquisition of ViSalus in October 2008 involved related parties. At the time of the acquisition in October 2008, ViSalus was owned in part by RAM, which owned a significant noncontrolling interest in ViSalus. In September 2012, RAM distributed its interest in ViSalus to its members, including: Robert B. Goergen, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Company; Robert B. Goergen, Jr., President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company and President, PartyLite Worldwide; and Todd A. Goergen, son of Robert B. Goergen and Pamela Goergen, a director of the Company, and brother of Robert B. Goergen, Jr. Robert B. Goergen, the Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, beneficially owns approximately 35.9% of the Company’s outstanding common stock (according to Amendment No. 4 to Schedule 13D filed by Mr. Goergen with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 8, 2013), and together with members of his family, owns substantially all of RAM.
	In August 2012, Todd Goergen became the Chief Strategy Officer of ViSalus. Mr. Goergen's base salary is $500,000 and he has an annual target bonus opportunity equal to 100% of his base salary (with a maximum annual bonus opportunity equal to 200% of his base salary). In May 2013, Todd A. Goergen was issued 507,375 RSUs and 620,125 nonqualified stock options under the ViSalus Plan. Todd A. Goergen is also a member of the Board of Directors of ViSalus.
	On July 25, 2012, ViSalus and the Company entered into a management services agreement whereby the Company will provide certain administrative support services to ViSalus for what is believed to be an arm's length price for such services. The basis for determining the price for the services is on a cost recovery basis and requires ViSalus to pay for such services within 30 days of receipt of the invoice. The agreement terminates on December 31, 2015 but can be amended by either party. The estimated cost of services to be provided in the current calendar year will be approximately $0.9 million.
	In April and July 2013, ViSalus paid cash dividends to its shareholders, including $1.5 million to Ryan Blair, $0.6 million to Robert B. Goergen, $0.2 million to Todd A. Goergen and $23.0 thousand to Robert B. Goergen, Jr. ViSalus has adopted a dividend policy and will declare and pay dividends out of available cash, subject to appropriate reserves. Ryan Blair will receive 4.6%, Robert B. Goergen will receive 1.8%, Todd A. Goergen (and trusts affiliated with him) will receive 0.6% and Robert B. Goergen, Jr. will receive 0.1% of the ViSalus future dividend payments, consistent with their ownership interests.
	As discussed in Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, ViSalus owns a 2.6% minority interest in a company that sells software licensing and other services to the direct selling industry, which involves related parties. RAM holds an approximately 5.5% interest in the company and the founders of ViSalus own approximately 7.1% of the company. In addition to this interest, RAM also has a significant influence on the management of the investee and representation on its Board of Directors. Fees paid to the company for software licensing and other services for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 were $0.5 million and $1.3 million, respectively. Fees paid to the company for software licensing and other services for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 were $0.4 million and $1.4 million, respectively.
	ViSalus entered into an agreement with FragMob LLC in October 2011 that extended to December 31, 2012 and was renewable. FragMob agreed to provide ViSalus with software development and hosting services for a mobile phone application that allowed ViSalus's promoters to access their ViNet distributor account information on their smart phones. In March 2012, ViSalus added a second application, a credit card swiper for mobile phones, to the services provided by FragMob pursuant to the agreement. On September 1, 2012, ViSalus and FragMob entered into a new revised agreement which extended the term to December 31, 2014 and revised certain terms of the agreement. Fees paid to FragMob for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 for both services were $0.5 million and $1.4 million, respectively. Fees paid to FragMob for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 for both services were $0.9 million and $2.1 million, respectively. ViSalus also purchased approximately $1.2 million of mobile credit card swiper devices from FragMob in 2012. FragMob is owned in part by RAM and the three founders of ViSalus.
	For the nine months ended September 30, 2013 RAM paid the Company $129.1 thousand to sublet office space, which we believe approximates the fair market rental for the rental period.

Stock_Based_Compensation

Stock Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Stock Based Compensation	'
	Stock-Based Compensation
	Blyth, Inc. Amended and Restated 2003 Omnibus Incentive Plan
	As of September 30, 2013, the Company had one active stock-based compensation plan, the Amended and Restated 2003 Omnibus Incentive Plan (“2003 Plan”), available to grant future awards. In addition, the Company maintains two inactive stock-based compensation plans (the Amended and Restated 1994 Employee Stock Option Plan and the Amended and Restated 1994 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors), under which vested and unexercised options remain outstanding. There were 2,040,897 shares authorized for grant under these plans as of September 30, 2013, and there were approximately 1,709,674 shares available for grant under these plans. As of September 30, 2013 the Company’s policy is to issue new shares of common stock for all stock options exercised and restricted stock grants.
	The Board of Directors and the stockholders of the Company have approved the adoption and subsequent amendments of the 2003 Plan. The 2003 Plan provides for grants of incentive and nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares, performance units, dividend equivalents and other stock unit awards to officers and employees. The 2003 Plan also provides for grants of nonqualified stock options to directors of the Company who are not, and who have not been during the immediately preceding 12-month period, officers or employees of the Company or any of its subsidiaries. Restricted stock and restricted stock units (“RSUs”) are granted to certain employees to incent performance and retention. RSUs issued under these plans provide that shares awarded may not be sold or otherwise transferred until restrictions have lapsed. The release of RSUs on each of the vesting dates is contingent upon continued active employment by the employee until the vesting dates. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, a total of 3,000 RSUs and 58,422 RSUs were granted, respectively.
	In accordance with U.S. GAAP, the Company measures and recognizes compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to employees and directors, including employee stock options, restricted stock and RSUs based on estimated fair values.
	Stock-based compensation expense recognized during the period is based on the value of the portion of stock-based payment awards that is ultimately expected to vest during the period. Stock-based compensation expense recognized in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 included compensation expense for restricted stock, RSUs and stock-based awards granted subsequent to January 31, 2006 based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of ASC 718, “Compensation—Stock Compensation” (“ASC 718”). The Company recognizes these compensation costs net of a forfeiture rate for only those awards expected to vest, on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award, which is over periods of 3 years for stock options; 2 to 5 years for employee restricted stock and RSUs; and 1 to 2 years for non-employee restricted stock and RSUs. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.
	Transactions related to restricted stock and RSUs are summarized as follows:
		Shares		Weighted Average		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
				Grant Date Fair Value		(In thousands)
	Nonvested restricted stock and RSUs at December 31, 2012	122,682		$	31.06	$	1,908
	Granted	58,422		16.2
	Vested	(76,883	)	28.75
	Forfeited	(5,481	)	23.65
	Nonvested restricted stock and RSUs at September 30, 2013	98,740		$	24.48	$	1,366
	Total restricted stock and RSUs at September 30, 2013	156,630		$	29	$	2,166
	Compensation expense related to restricted stock and RSUs for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was approximately $0.3 million and $0.7 million, respectively. The total recognized tax benefit for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was approximately $0.1 million and $0.3 million, respectively. Compensation expense related to restricted stock and RSUs for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was approximately $1.4 million and $4.5 million, respectively. The total recognized tax benefit for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was approximately $0.5 million and $1.6 million, respectively.
	As of September 30, 2013, there was $0.7 million of unearned compensation expense related to non-vested restricted stock and RSU awards.  This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.2 years. The total unrecognized stock-based compensation cost to be recognized in future periods as of September 30, 2013 does not consider the effect of stock-based awards that may be issued in subsequent periods.
	Transactions involving stock options are summarized as follows:
				Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
		Option Shares				Remaining Contractual Life
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012	29,750		$	54.46	0.5		—
	Options expired	(27,250	)	53.64
	Outstanding and exercisable at September 30, 2013	2,500		$	63.37	0.94		—
	Authorized unissued shares may be used under the stock-based compensation plans. The Company intends to issue shares of its common stock to meet the stock requirements of its awards in the future.
	All per share amounts, including weighted average option exercise prices and weighted average grant date fair value amounts, as well as shares outstanding and all share activity have been adjusted retroactively to reflect the two-for-one stock split that took place on June 15, 2012.
	ViSalus, Inc. 2012 Omnibus Incentive Plan
	On May 14, 2013, the Board of Directors of ViSalus, Inc. adopted the ViSalus, Inc. 2012 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “ViSalus Plan”), which allows the Board of Directors of ViSalus to grant nonqualified stock options, incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units, dividend equivalents and performance compensation awards to employees and others of ViSalus and its affiliates. The objectives of the ViSalus Plan are to attract, retain and provide incentives to employees and others to promote the long-term success of the business. In May 2013, 7,050,000 shares were authorized for grant under this plan by the Board of Directors of ViSalus and 286,749 shares were available for grant as of September 30, 2013.
	Transactions related to restricted stock and RSUs are summarized as follows:
	For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, 3,401,713 RSUs were issued, 153,550 forfeited and 3,248,163 outstanding. Compensation expense related to RSUs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 was a benefit of $47.3 thousand and an expense of $0.5 million, respectively. The total recognized tax expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 was an expense of $16.5 thousand and a benefit of $0.2 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2013, there was $4.7 million of unearned compensation expense related to non-vested RSUs.  This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 5.2 years. RSUs vest over an eight-year period beginning October 1, 2014 through October 1, 2020.
	Transactions involving stock options are summarized as follows:
	For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, 3,634,038 stock options were issued, 118,950 forfeited and 3,515,088 outstanding. Compensation expense related to nonqualified stock options for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 was a benefit of $0.3 million and an expense of $0.2 million, respectively. The total recognized tax expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 was an expense of $0.1 million and a benefit of $0.1 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2013, there was $0.7 million of unearned compensation expense related to non-vested nonqualified stock options awards.  This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 9.6 years. Nonqualified stock options vest over an eight-year period beginning October 1, 2013 through October 1, 2020.
	The fair value of the RSUs and nonqualified stock options was determined using a combination of a discounted cash flow methodology and a valuation approach using similar publicly traded companies. The discounted cash flow methodology used an estimated weighted average cost of capital to discount the estimated future cash flows of ViSalus to its present value. The publicly traded company methodology used various market multiples with consideration for comparable operating revenues and earnings.
	ViSalus is required to estimate the expected forfeiture rate and only recognizes expense for those shares and options expected to vest. If the actual forfeiture rate is materially different from the estimate, the share-based compensation expense could be materially different.
	The ViSalus Plan permits its participants to elect to have ViSalus purchase some or all of the shares acquired under the ViSalus Plan upon the vesting of RSUs or exercise of stock options unless such purchase would materially adversely affect ViSalus or would violate, or be prohibited by, the terms of any lending arrangements of the Company or ViSalus. These put rights automatically terminate upon an initial public offering of the common stock of ViSalus. Awards subject to these “put rights” may be classified as a liability and are subject to fair value measurement in accordance with ASC section 718 on “Stock Compensation”. Additional expense (or expense reduction) may be recorded in future periods for increases (or decreases) in the fair value of these awards. The fair value of these awards is based on ViSalus's future operating performance and may change significantly if ViSalus's sales forecasts and operating profits exceed or fall short of projections.

Redeemable_Preferred_Stock

Redeemable Preferred Stock	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Redeemable Preferred Stock	'
	Redeemable Preferred Stock
	In December 2012, the Company and the ViSalus founders and the other noncontrolling members reached an agreement and exchanged their remaining ViSalus membership interests for a total of 8,955,730 shares of Series A and Series B Redeemable Preferred Stock of ViSalus Inc. (“Preferred Stock”), which will become redeemable on December 31, 2017 for a total redemption price of $143.2 million (See Note 2). The shares are redeemable for cash on December 31, 2017 at a price per share equal to $15.99 unless prior thereto ViSalus shall have effected a “Qualified IPO” or the holders, at their option, elect to convert their Preferred Stock into common shares of ViSalus. The Preferred Stock converts into Class A and Class B common stock of ViSalus on a one for one basis. Preferred Stockholders have the same rights to earnings, dividends and voting as their common stock equivalents. ViSalus intends to pay quarterly dividends to its preferred and common stockholders (on an as-converted common stock basis) in an amount equal to its excess cash reserves. In the event of a voluntary or involuntary liquidation or dissolution, the holders of the Preferred Stock are entitled to be paid out of the assets of ViSalus prior to making any payment to common stock holders.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	Earnings Per Share
	Vested restricted stock units issued under the Company’s stock-based compensation plans participate in a cash equivalent of the dividends paid to common shareholders and are not considered contingently issuable shares. Accordingly, these RSUs are included in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share as common stock equivalents. RSUs that have not vested and are subject to a risk of forfeiture are included solely in the calculation of diluted earnings per share.
	The components of basic and diluted earnings per share are as follows:
		Three months ended					Nine months ended
	(In thousands)	September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012		September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012
	Net earnings (loss) attributable to Blyth, Inc.	$	(8,470	)	$	745	$	(7,232	)	$	16,251
	Less: Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest holders in excess of income earned	(2,748		)	—		(4,582		)	—
	Net earnings (loss) attributable to Blyth, Inc. common stockholders	$	(11,218	)	$	745	$	(11,814	)	$	16,251
	Weighted average number outstanding:
	Common shares	16,013			17,240		16,182			17,169
	Vested restricted stock units	58			62		55			72
	Basic common shares outstanding	16,071			17,302		16,237			17,241
	Dilutive effect of non-vested restricted shares units	—			56		—			76
	Diluted common shares outstanding	16,071			17,358		16,237			17,317
	Basic earnings per share attributable to common stockholders
	Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations	$	(0.70	)	$	0.01	$	(0.73	)	$	0.85
	Net earnings from discontinued operations	—			0.03		—			0.09
	Net earnings (loss) attributable per share of Blyth, Inc. common stock	$	(0.70	)	$	0.04	$	(0.73	)	$	0.94
	Diluted earnings per share attributable to common stockholders
	Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations	$	(0.70	)	$	0.01	$	(0.73	)	$	0.85
	Net earnings from discontinued operations	—			0.03		—			0.09
	Net earnings (loss) attributable per share of Blyth, Inc. common stock	$	(0.70	)	$	0.04	$	(0.73	)	$	0.94
	As of September 30, 2013 and 2012, options to purchase 2,500 and 29,750 shares of common stock, respectively, are not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect would be antidilutive.
	All weighted average shares outstanding in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share have been adjusted retroactively to reflect the two-for-one stock split that took place on June 15, 2012.

Treasury_And_Common_Stock

Treasury And Common Stock	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Treasury And Common Stock [Abstract]	'
Treasury And Common Stock	'
	Treasury and Common Stock
	Treasury Stock (In thousands, except shares)	Shares	Amount
	Balance at January 1, 2012	9,204,340	$	(426,717	)
	Treasury stock purchases	283,300	(7,306		)
	Treasury stock withheld in connection with long-term incentive plan	45,263	(1,623		)
	Balance at September 30, 2012	9,532,903	$	(435,646	)
	Balance at January 1, 2013	9,944,239	$	(441,774	)
	Treasury stock purchases	594,582	(9,961		)
	Treasury stock withheld in connection with long-term incentive plan	18,521	(305		)
	Balance at September 30, 2013	10,557,342	$	(452,040	)
	Common Stock (In thousands, except shares)	Shares	Amount
	Balance at January 1, 2012	25,641,484	$	514
	Common stock issued for the purchase of additional ViSalus interest	681,324	14
	Common stock issued in connection with long-term incentive plan	173,402	2
	Balance at September 30, 2012	26,496,210	$	530
	Balance at January 1, 2013	26,505,210	$	530
	Common stock issued in connection with long-term incentive plan	68,821	2
	Balance at September 30, 2013	26,574,031	$	532
	All share amounts, including shares outstanding and activity of Treasury stock and Common stock have been adjusted retroactively to reflect the two-for-one stock split that took place on June 15, 2012.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	Segment Information
	The Company formulates and markets weight management products, nutritional supplements and energy drinks, as well as home fragrance products and decorative accessories. The Company’s products include meal replacement shakes, nutritional supplements, energy drink mixes, and an extensive array of decorative and functional household products such as candles, accessories, seasonal decorations, household convenience items, personalized gifts and health wellness related products. The Company's products can be found throughout North America, Europe and Australia. The Company's financial results are reported in three segments: the Health & Wellness segment, Candles & Home Décor segment and the Catalog & Internet segment.
	Within the Health & Wellness segment, the Company operates ViSalus, which is focused on selling meal replacement shakes, nutritional supplements, nutritional cookies and energy drinks. Products in this segment are sold through networks of independent sales promoters. ViSalus brand products are sold in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.
	Within the Candles & Home Décor segment, the Company designs, manufactures or sources, markets and distributes an extensive line of products including scented candles, candle-related accessories and other fragranced products under the PartyLite® brand. PartyLite also offers gourmet foods under the Two Sisters Gourmet® by PartyLite® brand name. Products in this segment are sold through networks of independent sales consultants. PartyLite brand products are sold in North America, Europe and Australia.
	Within the Catalog & Internet segment, under the Silver Star brand name, the Company designs, sources and markets a broad range of household convenience items, health and wellness products, holiday cards, personalized gifts, kitchen accessories, premium photo albums and frames.  These products are sold directly to the consumer under the Miles Kimball®, Walter Drake®, Easy Comforts®, As We Change® and Exposures® brands.  These products are sold in North America.
	Operating profit in all segments represents net sales less operating expenses directly related to the business segments and corporate expenses allocated to the business segments.  Other expense includes Interest expense, Interest income, and Foreign exchange and other which are not allocated to the business segments.  Identifiable assets for each segment consist of assets used directly in its operations and intangible assets, if any, resulting from purchase business combinations.  Unallocated Corporate within the identifiable assets include cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, discontinued operations, prepaid income tax, corporate fixed assets, deferred bond costs and other long-term investments, which are not allocated to the business segments.
	The geographic area data includes net sales based on product shipment destination and long-lived assets, which consist of fixed assets, based on physical location.
	Operating Segment Information
		Three months ended						Nine months ended
	(In thousands)	September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012			September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012
	Net Sales
	Health & Wellness	$	82,437		$	169,913		$	288,267		$	496,930
	Candles & Home Décor	67,525			69,482			236,282			257,188
	Catalog & Internet	29,504			29,416			99,742			94,375
	Total	$	179,466		$	268,811		$	624,291		$	848,493
	Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
	Health & Wellness	$	(342	)	$	23,195		$	6,611		$	60,461
	Candles & Home Décor	(9,558		)	(13,310		)	(6,471		)	(9,507		)
	Catalog & Internet	(195		)	(2,091		)	(3,108		)	(6,159		)
	Operating profit (loss)	(10,095		)	7,794			(2,968		)	44,795
	Unallocated Corporate	(1,879		)	(539		)	(3,969		)	(1,171		)
	Total	$	(11,974	)	$	7,255		$	(6,937	)	$	43,624
	Identifiable Assets	September 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
	Health & Wellness	$	67,226		$	93,821
	Candles & Home Décor	175,459			189,147
	Catalog & Internet	50,081			50,661
	Unallocated  Corporate	60,610			101,294
	Total	$	353,376		$	434,923

Contingencies

Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	As previously disclosed, the Company, certain of its officers, FVA Ventures, Inc. (“FVA”), ViSalus Holdings, LLC, ViSalus and one of its Founders were named as defendants in a putative class action filed in federal district court in Connecticut on behalf of purchasers of the Company's common stock during the period March to November 2012. On June 3, 2013, the Company and the other defendants moved to dismiss the then-operative amended complaint.  In lieu of responding to the motion to dismiss, on June 24, 2013 plaintiff filed a second amended complaint, which is currently operative and names as defendants the Company, certain of its officers, ViSalus Holdings, LLC, ViSalus, and a ViSalus co-founder/promoter.  The second amended complaint, which seeks unspecified damages and asserts violations of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder, alleges certain misstatements and omissions by certain defendants, including concerning ViSalus's operations and prospects, and further alleges that certain defendants engaged in a fraudulent or deceptive “scheme.”  On August 2, 2013, the Company and the other defendants filed a memorandum of law in support of our motion to dismiss the second amended complaint. On September 12, 2013, plaintiff filed a memorandum of law opposing defendants’ motion to dismiss its second amended complaint, and on October 3, 2013 the Company and the other defendants filed a reply memorandum in support of our motion to dismiss the second amended complaint. The Company believes that it has meritorious defenses to the claims asserted against it and it intends to defend itself vigorously.
	The Company is also involved in litigation arising in the ordinary course of business, which, in our opinion, will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows, including the putative class action described in the first paragraph.

Basis_of_Presentation_Policies

Basis of Presentation (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Principles of Consolidation	'
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The Company's subsidiaries within the Catalog & Internet segment operate on a 52 or 53-week fiscal year ending on the Saturday closest to December 31. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include all adjustments (consisting only of items that are normal and recurring in nature) necessary for fair presentation of the Company's consolidated financial position as of September 30, 2013 and the consolidated results of its operations for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, and the consolidated statement of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012. These interim statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2012, as set forth in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K. Operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2013.
Discontinued Operations	'
	In 2012, the Company sold its Sterno business as more fully detailed in Note 3 to the Consolidated financial statements. The results of operations of Sterno have been reclassified to discontinued operations for all periods presented.
Two-for-one stock split	'
	Two-for-one stock split
	On May 16, 2012, the Company's Board of Directors announced a two-for-one stock split of its common stock effective in the form of a stock dividend of one share for each outstanding share. The record date for the stock split was June 1, 2012, and the additional shares were distributed on June 15, 2012. Accordingly, all per share amounts, weighted average shares outstanding, shares outstanding and shares repurchased presented in the consolidated financial statements and notes have been adjusted retroactively to reflect the stock split. Shareholders' equity has been retroactively adjusted to give effect to the stock split for all periods presented by reclassifying the par value of the additional shares issued in connection with the stock split from Retained Earnings to Common Stock.

Basis_of_Presentation_Tables

Basis of Presentation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Tax Effects Allocated To Each Component Of Other Comprehensive Income	'
	The following table discloses the tax effects allocated to each component of other comprehensive income in the financial statements:
			Nine months ended
	(In thousands)		September 30, 2013										September 30, 2012
			Before-Tax Amount			Tax (Expense) or Benefit			Net-of-tax Amount				Before-Tax Amount			Tax (Expense) or Benefit			Net-of-tax Amount
	Foreign currency translation adjustments		$	(583	)	$	1,939		$	1,356			$	4,067		$	(363	)	$	3,704
	Net unrealized gain (loss) on certain investments		(251		)	87			(164		)		526			(154		)	372
	Net unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedging instruments		(79		)	28			(51		)		(745		)	252			(493		)
	Less: Reclassification adjustments for (gain) loss included in net income		237			(83		)	154				(919		)	322			(597		)
	Other comprehensive income (loss)		$	(676	)	$	1,971		$	1,295			$	2,929		$	57		$	2,986
	The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 is as follows:
	(In thousands)
		Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment			Net unrealized gain (loss) on certain investments			Net unrealized loss on cash flow hedging instruments			Net Investment Hedge gain (loss)			Total
	Beginning balance at January 1, 2013	$	10,390		$	191		$	(85	)	$	3,905		$	14,401
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	2,232			(164		)	(51		)	(876		)	1,141
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (1) (2)	—			(112		)	(42		)	—			(154		)
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	2,232			(52		)	(9		)	(876		)	1,295
	Ending balance at September 30, 2013	$	12,622		$	139		$	(94	)	$	3,029		$	15,696
	(1) All amounts net of a 35% tax rate.
	(2) Reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income into Foreign exchange and other and Cost of goods sold.

Investments_Tables

Investments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Amortized Costs And Fair Value	'
	The following table summarizes, by major security type, the amortized costs and fair value of the Company’s investments:
		September 30, 2013								December 31, 2012
	(In thousands)	Cost Basis(1)			Fair Value		Net unrealized loss in AOCI (2)			Cost Basis(1)		Fair Value		Net unrealized gain
														(loss) in AOCI
	Pre-refunded and municipal bonds	$	—		$	—	$	—		$	15,047	$	14,877	$	(170	)
	Short-term bond mutual funds	6,993			6,858		(135		)	17,014		17,196		182
	Certificates of deposit	1,652			1,652		—			1,779		1,779		—
	Other investment	362			362		—			362		362		—
	Total investments	$	9,007		$	8,872	$	(135	)	$	34,202	$	34,214	$	12
	(1) The cost basis represents the actual amount paid less any permanent impairment recorded on that asset.
Schedule Of Gains And Losses	'
		Three months ended					Nine months ended
		September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012		September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012
	(In thousands)
	Net proceeds	$	9,585		$	19,991	$	37,861		$	53,251
	Realized Gains (Losses)	$	(48	)	$	185	$	(105	)	$	919

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Inventory, Net [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Components Of Inventory	'
	The major components of Inventories are as follows:
	(In thousands)	September 30, 2013		December 31, 2012
	Raw materials	$	6,955	$	6,656
	Finished goods	78,356		84,296
	Total	$	85,311	$	90,952

Goodwill_And_Other_Intangibles1

Goodwill And Other Intangibles (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Other Intangible Assets By Segment	'
	Other intangible assets include the following:
		Health & Wellness Segment			Catalog & Internet Segment						Total
	(In thousands)	Indefinite-lived trade names and trademarks			Indefinite-lived trade names and trademarks			Customer			Indefinite-lived trade names and trademarks			Customer relationships
								relationships
	Other intangibles at Gross value	$	4,200		$	28,100		$	15,400		$	32,300		$	15,400
	Accumulated amortization	—			—			(14,573		)	—			(14,573		)
	Additions	900			—			—			900			—
	Other intangibles at Impairments	(3,100		)	(21,534		)	—			(24,634		)	—
	Other intangibles at December 31, 2012	$	2,000		$	6,566		$	827		$	8,566		$	827
	Additions	28			—			—			28			—
	Amortization	—			—			(460		)	—			(460		)
	Other intangibles at September 30, 2013	$	2,028		$	6,566		$	367		$	8,594		$	367

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis	'
	The following tables summarize the financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of  September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, and the basis for that measurement, by level within the fair value hierarchy:
	(In thousands)	Balance as of September 30, 2013			Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)		Significant			Significant
							other observable inputs			unobservable inputs
							(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	Financial assets
	Certificates of deposit	$	1,652		$	—	$	1,652		$	—
	Short-term bond mutual funds	6,858			6,858		—			—
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	214			—		214			—
	Deferred compensation plan assets (1)	925			925		—			—
	Total	$	9,649		$	7,783	$	1,866		$	—
	Financial liabilities
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	(1,141	)	$	—	$	(1,141	)	$	—
	(1) Recorded as an Other asset with an offsetting liability for the obligation to its employees in Other liabilities.
	(In thousands)	Balance as of December 31, 2012			Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)		Significant			Significant
							other observable inputs			unobservable inputs
							(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	Financial assets
	Certificates of deposit	$	1,779		$	—	$	1,779		$	—
	Pre-refunded bonds	14,877			—		14,877			—
	Short-term bond mutual funds	17,196			17,196		—			—
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	121			—		121			—
	Deferred compensation plan assets (1)	825			825		—			—
	Total	$	34,798		$	18,021	$	16,777		$	—
	Financial liabilities
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	(131	)	$	—	$	(131	)	$	—
	(1) Recorded as an Other asset with an offsetting liability for the obligation to its employees in Other liabilities.

Derivatives_and_Other_Financia1

Derivatives and Other Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
General Discussion of Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Fair Value And Location Of Hedges In The Consolidated Balance Sheets	'
	The table below details the fair value and location of the Company’s hedges in the Consolidated Balance Sheets:
	(In thousands)	30-Sep-13			31-Dec-12
		Accrued Expenses			Accrued Expenses			Prepaid Assets
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
	Foreign exchange forward contracts in an asset position	$	214		$	—		$	121
	Foreign exchange forward contracts in a liability position	(1,141		)	(131		)	—
	Net derivatives at fair value	$	(927	)	$	(131	)	$	121
Schedule Of Cash Flow Hedges	'
		Amount of Loss Recognized in AOCI on Derivative							Amount of Gain (Loss)
	Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	(Effective Portion)							Reclassified from AOCI into Income
									(Effective Portion)
	(In thousands)	2013			2012				2013						2012
		Nine months ended							Three months ended			Nine months ended			Three months ended		Nine months ended
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	(180	)	$	(31	)		$	(72	)	$	(166	)	$	251	$	714

Accrued_Expenses_Tables

Accrued Expenses (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Accrued Expenses	'
	Accrued expenses consist of the following:
	(In thousands)	September 30, 2013		31-Dec-12
	Compensation and benefits	$	20,844	$	33,373
	Deferred revenue	17,026		13,381
	Promotional	5,737		6,325
	Taxes, other than income	2,327		2,956
	Other	16,403		39,249
	Total	$	62,337	$	95,284

Stock_Based_Compensation_Table

Stock Based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Restricted Stock And RSUs	'
	Transactions related to restricted stock and RSUs are summarized as follows:
		Shares		Weighted Average		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
				Grant Date Fair Value		(In thousands)
	Nonvested restricted stock and RSUs at December 31, 2012	122,682		$	31.06	$	1,908
	Granted	58,422		16.2
	Vested	(76,883	)	28.75
	Forfeited	(5,481	)	23.65
	Nonvested restricted stock and RSUs at September 30, 2013	98,740		$	24.48	$	1,366
	Total restricted stock and RSUs at September 30, 2013	156,630		$	29	$	2,166
Schedule Of Stock Options	'
	Transactions involving stock options are summarized as follows:
				Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
		Option Shares				Remaining Contractual Life
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012	29,750		$	54.46	0.5		—
	Options expired	(27,250	)	53.64
	Outstanding and exercisable at September 30, 2013	2,500		$	63.37	0.94		—

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Components Of Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Share	'
	The components of basic and diluted earnings per share are as follows:
		Three months ended					Nine months ended
	(In thousands)	September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012		September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012
	Net earnings (loss) attributable to Blyth, Inc.	$	(8,470	)	$	745	$	(7,232	)	$	16,251
	Less: Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest holders in excess of income earned	(2,748		)	—		(4,582		)	—
	Net earnings (loss) attributable to Blyth, Inc. common stockholders	$	(11,218	)	$	745	$	(11,814	)	$	16,251
	Weighted average number outstanding:
	Common shares	16,013			17,240		16,182			17,169
	Vested restricted stock units	58			62		55			72
	Basic common shares outstanding	16,071			17,302		16,237			17,241
	Dilutive effect of non-vested restricted shares units	—			56		—			76
	Diluted common shares outstanding	16,071			17,358		16,237			17,317
	Basic earnings per share attributable to common stockholders
	Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations	$	(0.70	)	$	0.01	$	(0.73	)	$	0.85
	Net earnings from discontinued operations	—			0.03		—			0.09
	Net earnings (loss) attributable per share of Blyth, Inc. common stock	$	(0.70	)	$	0.04	$	(0.73	)	$	0.94
	Diluted earnings per share attributable to common stockholders
	Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations	$	(0.70	)	$	0.01	$	(0.73	)	$	0.85
	Net earnings from discontinued operations	—			0.03		—			0.09
	Net earnings (loss) attributable per share of Blyth, Inc. common stock	$	(0.70	)	$	0.04	$	(0.73	)	$	0.94

Treasury_And_Common_Stock_Tabl

Treasury And Common Stock (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Treasury And Common Stock [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Treasury Stock	'
	Treasury Stock (In thousands, except shares)	Shares	Amount
	Balance at January 1, 2012	9,204,340	$	(426,717	)
	Treasury stock purchases	283,300	(7,306		)
	Treasury stock withheld in connection with long-term incentive plan	45,263	(1,623		)
	Balance at September 30, 2012	9,532,903	$	(435,646	)
	Balance at January 1, 2013	9,944,239	$	(441,774	)
	Treasury stock purchases	594,582	(9,961		)
	Treasury stock withheld in connection with long-term incentive plan	18,521	(305		)
	Balance at September 30, 2013	10,557,342	$	(452,040	)
Schedule Of Common Stock	'
	Common Stock (In thousands, except shares)	Shares	Amount
	Balance at January 1, 2012	25,641,484	$	514
	Common stock issued for the purchase of additional ViSalus interest	681,324	14
	Common stock issued in connection with long-term incentive plan	173,402	2
	Balance at September 30, 2012	26,496,210	$	530
	Balance at January 1, 2013	26,505,210	$	530
	Common stock issued in connection with long-term incentive plan	68,821	2
	Balance at September 30, 2013	26,574,031	$	532

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Net Sales And Operating Profit By Segment	'
	Operating Segment Information
		Three months ended						Nine months ended
	(In thousands)	September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012			September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012
	Net Sales
	Health & Wellness	$	82,437		$	169,913		$	288,267		$	496,930
	Candles & Home Décor	67,525			69,482			236,282			257,188
	Catalog & Internet	29,504			29,416			99,742			94,375
	Total	$	179,466		$	268,811		$	624,291		$	848,493
	Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
	Health & Wellness	$	(342	)	$	23,195		$	6,611		$	60,461
	Candles & Home Décor	(9,558		)	(13,310		)	(6,471		)	(9,507		)
	Catalog & Internet	(195		)	(2,091		)	(3,108		)	(6,159		)
	Operating profit (loss)	(10,095		)	7,794			(2,968		)	44,795
	Unallocated Corporate	(1,879		)	(539		)	(3,969		)	(1,171		)
	Total	$	(11,974	)	$	7,255		$	(6,937	)	$	43,624
	Identifiable Assets	September 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
	Health & Wellness	$	67,226		$	93,821
	Candles & Home Décor	175,459			189,147
	Catalog & Internet	50,081			50,661
	Unallocated  Corporate	60,610			101,294
	Total	$	353,376		$	434,923

Basis_of_Presentation_Summary_

Basis of Presentation - Summary of Accumulated Other Income (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments, Before Tax Amount	($583)	$4,067
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Tax	1,939	-363
Foreign currency translation adjustments, Net of Tax	1,356	3,704
Unrealized holding gain arising during period, Before-Tax Amount	-251	526
Unrealized holding gain arising during period, Tax (Expense) or Benefit	87	-154
Unrealized holding gain arising during period, Net-of-tax Amount	-164	372
Less: Reclassification adjustments for (gain) loss included in net income, Before-Tax Amount	237	-919
Less: Reclassification adjustments for (gain) loss included in net income, Tax (Expense) or Benefit	-83	322
Less: Reclassification adjustments for (gain) loss included in net income, Net-of-Tax Amount	154	-597
Net unrealized gain (loss), Net-of-tax Amount	1,295	2,986
Net unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedging instruments, Before-Tax Amount	-79	-745
Net unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedging instruments, Tax (Expense) or Benefit	28	252
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax	-51	-493
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax	-676	2,929
Other comprehensive income (loss), Tax (Expense) or Benefit	1,971	57
Other comprehensive income (loss), Net-of-tax Amount	$1,295	$2,986

Basis_of_Presentation_Details_

Basis of Presentation (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended		15 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	($3,736)	($1,497)	$17,724	$3,050
Comprehensive Income [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	'	$0	'	'

Basis_of_Presentation_OCI_PL_r

Basis of Presentation OCI PL reclassification (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	$15,696	'	$14,401
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	1,295	2,986	'
Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]	'	'	'
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	12,622	'	10,390
othercomprehensiveincomelossbeforereclassificationsnetoftax	2,232	'	'
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	0	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	2,232	'	'
Investments [Member]	'	'	'
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	139	'	191
othercomprehensiveincomelossbeforereclassificationsnetoftax	-164	'	'
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	-112	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	-52	'	'
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member]	'	'	'
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	-94	'	-85
othercomprehensiveincomelossbeforereclassificationsnetoftax	-51	'	'
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	-42	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	-9	'	'
Net Investment Hedging [Member]	'	'	'
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	3,029	'	3,905
othercomprehensiveincomelossbeforereclassificationsnetoftax	-876	'	'
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	0	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	-876	'	'
Comprehensive Income [Member]	'	'	'
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	15,696	'	14,401
othercomprehensiveincomelossbeforereclassificationsnetoftax	1,141	'	'
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	-154	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	$1,295	'	'

Business_Acquisitions_Details

Business Acquisitions (Details) (USD $)

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Jan. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 18, 2012

Jan. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2008

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Oct. 31, 2008

Oct. 31, 2008

Oct. 31, 2008

Oct. 31, 2008

27-May-11

Apr. 30, 2011

27-May-11

27-May-11

27-May-11

Jan. 31, 2012

Apr. 30, 2012

Jan. 31, 2012

Jan. 31, 2012

Jan. 31, 2012

Jan. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Subsequent Event [Member]

ViSalus Holdings, LLC [Member]

Individual Founder [Member]

The Founders [Member]

Employees And Others [Member]

Chief Executive Officer [Member]

Chief Operating Officer [Member]

Chief Strategy Officer [Member]

Initial Phase [Member]

Initial Phase [Member]

Initial Phase [Member]

Initial Phase [Member]

Second Phase [Member]

Second Phase [Member]

Second Phase [Member]

Second Phase [Member]

Second Phase [Member]

Third Phase [Member]

Third Phase [Member]

Third Phase [Member]

Third Phase [Member]

Third Phase [Member]

Third Phase [Member]

Fourth Phase [Member]

Fourth Phase [Member]

Fourth Phase [Member]

Fourth Phase [Member]

Fourth Phase [Member]

Fourth Phase [Member]

ViSalus Holdings, LLC [Member]

The Founders [Member]

Noncontrolling Interest

ViSalus Holdings, LLC [Member]

Individual Founder [Member]

Noncontrolling Interest

Others [Member]

ViSalus Holdings, LLC [Member]

ViSalus Holdings, LLC [Member]

The Founders [Member]

Noncontrolling Interest

Others [Member]

The Founders [Member]

Others [Member]

Chief Executive Officer [Member]

Chief Operating Officer [Member]

Chief Strategy Officer [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity interest acquired

'

'

'

'

80.90%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

43.60%

'

'

'

57.50%

'

'

'

'

'

72.70%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cost of acquired entity, cash paid

'

'

'

'

'

$25,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$13,000,000

'

$2,500,000

$3,000,000

$2,500,000

'

$300,000

$1,000,000

$600,000

$22,500,000

$6,200,000

$28,700,000

$10,100,000

$11,000,000

$7,600,000

$60,500,000

$13,300,000

$13,600,000

$5,100,000

$200,000

$1,700,000

Acquisition costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acquisition Costs, Cumulative

'

'

'

'

'

'

14,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

43,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unregistered shares of common stock

'

681,324

681,324

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unregistered shares of common stock not to be sold or transferred prior to January 12, 2014

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

340,662

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unregistered shares of common stock, value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

14,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Acquisition, Increase In Voting Interest

8.20%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

ViSalus redeemable preferred stock

$146,547,000

'

'

$146,571,000

$143,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Preferred stock, shares issued

0

'

'

0

8,955,730

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Preferred Stock, Redemption Price Per Share

'

'

'

'

$15.99

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Minority interest percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.60%

13.70%

2.90%

1.80%

0.10%

0.60%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common stock outstanding, ownership percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

35.90%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Discontinued_Operations_Narrat

Discontinued Operations - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended		15 Months Ended	0 Months Ended		9 Months Ended	15 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
	27-May-11	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	27-May-11	Oct. 29, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Feb. 04, 2013
						Midwest-CBK [Member]	Sterno [Member]	Sterno [Member]	Sterno [Member]	Subsequent Event [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sale of discontinued operations	'	'	'	'	'	$36,900,000	$23,500,000	'	'	'
Loss on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax	'	'	'	'	'	2,500,000	5,500,000	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	15,200,000	'	'	43,400,000	'	'
Net earnings (loss) from discontinued operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,500,000	900,000	'
Net working capital adjustment	23,600,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Term Of Promissory Note	'1 year	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Promissory note received as a consideration of sale	11,900,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Proceeds from financing receivable	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	10,000,000
Impairment of assets	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,900,000
Other Asset Impairment Charges	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	300,000
Foreign exchange and other, net	'	($266,000)	($541,000)	($2,146,000)	($750,000)	'	'	'	'	($1,600,000)

Investments_Schedule_Of_Amorti

Investments - Schedule Of Amortized Costs And Fair Value (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Cost Basis	$9,007	[1]	$34,202	[1]
Fair Value	8,872		34,214
Accumulated Unrealized Gains Losses On Available For Sale Securities Before Tax	-135		12
Pre-Refunded And Municipal Bonds [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Cost Basis	0	[1]	15,047	[1]
Fair Value	0		14,877
Accumulated Unrealized Gains Losses On Available For Sale Securities Before Tax	0		-170
Net unrealized gain (loss) in AOCI	'		100
Short-Term Bond Mutual Funds [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Cost Basis	6,993	[1]	17,014
Fair Value	6,858		17,196
Accumulated Unrealized Gains Losses On Available For Sale Securities Before Tax	-135		182
Net unrealized gain (loss) in AOCI	100		100
Certificates of Deposit [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Cost Basis	1,652	[1]	1,779	[1]
Fair Value	1,652		1,779
Net unrealized gain (loss) in AOCI	0		0
Other Investment [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Cost Basis	362	[1]	362	[1]
Fair Value	362		362
Net unrealized gain (loss) in AOCI	$0		$0
[1]	The cost basis represents the actual amount paid less any permanent impairment recorded on that asset.

Investments_Schedule_Of_Gains_

Investments - Schedule Of Gains And Losses (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended		15 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net proceeds	$9,585	$37,861	$53,251	$19,991
Realized gains (losses)	($48)	($105)	$919	$185

Investments_Narrative_Details

Investments - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Fair Value	$8,872		$34,214
Cost Basis	9,007	[1]	34,202	[1]
Pre-Refunded And Municipal Bonds [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Fair Value	0		14,877
Cost Basis	0	[1]	15,047	[1]
Certificates of Deposit [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Fair Value	1,652		1,779
Cost Basis	1,652	[1]	1,779	[1]
Other Investment [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Fair Value	362		362
Cost Basis	362	[1]	362	[1]
Mutual Funds [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Fair Value	$900		$800
[1]	The cost basis represents the actual amount paid less any permanent impairment recorded on that asset.

Inventories_Schedule_Of_Compon

Inventories - Schedule Of Components Of Inventory (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Inventory, Net [Abstract]	'	'
Raw materials	$6,955,000	$6,656,000
Finished goods	78,356,000	84,296,000
Total	85,311,000	90,952,000
Inventory reserves	$8,200,000	$7,300,000

Goodwill_And_Other_Intangibles2

Goodwill And Other Intangibles - Schedule Of Other Intangible Assets By Segment (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

15 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Indefinite-Lived Trade Names And Trademarks [Member]

Indefinite-Lived Trade Names And Trademarks [Member]

Indefinite-Lived Trade Names And Trademarks [Member]

Indefinite-Lived Trade Names And Trademarks [Member]

Indefinite-Lived Trade Names And Trademarks [Member]

Indefinite-Lived Trade Names And Trademarks [Member]

Indefinite-Lived Trade Names And Trademarks [Member]

Indefinite-Lived Trade Names And Trademarks [Member]

Indefinite-Lived Trade Names And Trademarks [Member]

Customer Relationships [Member]

Customer Relationships [Member]

Customer Relationships [Member]

Customer Relationships [Member]

Customer Relationships [Member]

Customer Relationships [Member]

Direct Selling Segment [Member]

Direct Selling Segment [Member]

Direct Selling Segment [Member]

Catalog & Internet Segment [Member]

Catalog & Internet Segment [Member]

Catalog & Internet Segment [Member]

Catalog & Internet Segment [Member]

Catalog & Internet Segment [Member]

Catalog & Internet Segment [Member]

Catalog & Internet Segment [Member]

Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)

'

'

'

'

$32,300

'

'

$4,200

'

$28,100

'

$15,400

'

'

'

$15,400

'

Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other intangibles, beginning balance

'

9,393

8,566

'

'

2,000

'

'

'

'

6,566

'

367

827

'

'

'

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization

-15,033

-14,573

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-14,573

-460

'

'

-14,573

'

Impairments

'

'

'

0

-24,634

'

0

-3,100

0

-21,534

'

0

'

'

'

0

'

Amortization of Intangible Assets

-200

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

460

-500

'

-200

Additions

'

'

28

'

900

28

'

900

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other intangibles, ending balance

$8,961

$9,393

$8,594

'

$8,566

$2,028

'

$2,000

'

$6,566

$6,566

$827

$367

$367

'

$827

$367

Goodwill_And_Other_Intangibles3

Goodwill And Other Intangibles - Narrative (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

15 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Direct Selling Segment [Member]

Direct Selling Segment [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Indefinite-Lived Trade Names And Trademarks [Member]

Indefinite-Lived Trade Names And Trademarks [Member]

Indefinite-Lived Trade Names And Trademarks [Member]

Indefinite-Lived Trade Names And Trademarks [Member]

Indefinite-Lived Trade Names And Trademarks [Member]

Indefinite-Lived Trade Names And Trademarks [Member]

Indefinite-Lived Trade Names And Trademarks [Member]

Indefinite-Lived Trade Names And Trademarks [Member]

Indefinite-Lived Trade Names And Trademarks [Member]

Customer Relationships [Member]

Customer Relationships [Member]

Customer Relationships [Member]

Customer Relationships [Member]

Customer Relationships [Member]

Customer Relationships [Member]

Direct Selling Segment [Member]

Direct Selling Segment [Member]

Direct Selling Segment [Member]

Catalog & Internet Segment [Member]

Catalog & Internet Segment [Member]

Catalog & Internet Segment [Member]

Catalog & Internet Segment [Member]

Catalog & Internet Segment [Member]

Catalog & Internet Segment [Member]

Catalog & Internet Segment [Member]

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill

$2,298,000

$2,298,000

$2,300,000

$2,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Indefinite-lived intangibles

'

'

'

'

'

'

28,000

'

900,000

28,000

'

900,000

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Non-cash pre-tax impairment charge

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

24,634,000

'

0

3,100,000

0

21,534,000

'

0

'

'

'

0

'

Estimated annual amortization expense for 2013

600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Estimated annual amortization expense for 2014

200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)

8,961,000

9,393,000

'

'

'

'

8,594,000

'

8,566,000

2,028,000

'

2,000,000

'

6,566,000

6,566,000

827,000

367,000

367,000

'

827,000

367,000

Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

32,300,000

'

'

4,200,000

'

28,100,000

'

15,400,000

'

'

'

15,400,000

'

Estimated life of the customer lists,years

'

'

'

'

'12 years

'5 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amortization of Intangible Assets

($200,000)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$460,000

($500,000)

'

($200,000)

Fair_Value_Measurements_Schedu

Fair Value Measurements - Schedule Of Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'		'
Total	$9,649		$34,798
Certificates of Deposit [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'		'
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	1,652		1,779
Pre-Refunded Bonds [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'		'
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	'		14,877
Short-Term Bond Mutual Funds [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'		'
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	6,858		17,196
Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'		'
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	214		121
Liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	-1,141		-131
Deferred Compensation Plan Assets [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'		'
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	925	[1]	825	[1]
Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'		'
Total	7,783		18,021
Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Certificates of Deposit [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'		'
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	0		0
Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Pre-Refunded Bonds [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'		'
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	'		0
Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Short-Term Bond Mutual Funds [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'		'
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	6,858		17,196
Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'		'
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	0		0
Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Deferred Compensation Plan Assets [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'		'
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	925		825	[1]
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'		'
Total	1,866		16,777
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Certificates of Deposit [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'		'
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	1,652		1,779
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Pre-Refunded Bonds [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'		'
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	'		14,877
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Short-Term Bond Mutual Funds [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'		'
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	0		0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'		'
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	214		121
Liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	-1,141		-131
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Deferred Compensation Plan Assets [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'		'
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	0	[1]	0	[1]
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'		'
Total	0		0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Certificates of Deposit [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'		'
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	0		0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Pre-Refunded Bonds [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'		'
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	'		0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Short-Term Bond Mutual Funds [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'		'
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	0		0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'		'
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	0		0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Deferred Compensation Plan Assets [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'		'
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	$0	[1]	$0	[1]
[1]	Recorded as an Other asset with an offsetting liability for the obligation to its employees in Other liabilities.

Derivatives_and_Other_Financia2

Derivatives and Other Financial Instruments - Schedule Of Fair Value And Location Of Hedges In The Consolidated Balance Sheets (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Prepaid And Other [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Net derivatives at fair value	($927)	$121
Prepaid And Other [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Foreign exchange forward contracts in asset positions	214	121
Foreign exchange forward contracts in liability positions	-1,141	0
Accrued Expenses [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Net derivatives at fair value	'	-131
Accrued Expenses [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Foreign exchange forward contracts in asset positions	'	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Foreign exchange forward contracts in liability positions	'	($131)

Derivatives_and_Other_Financia3

Derivatives and Other Financial Instruments - Schedule Of Cash Flow Hedges (Details) (Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended		15 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013
Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amount of Loss Recognized in AOCI on Derivative (Effective Portion)	'	($180)	($31)	'
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion)	($72)	($166)	$714	$251

Derivatives_and_Other_Financia4

Derivatives and Other Financial Instruments - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	2 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	15 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 01, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
						Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts [Member]	Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cumulative net after-tax gain related to net investment hedges	'	$3,000,000	'	$3,900,000	$3,000,000	'	'
Net after-tax unrealized gain included in accumulated AOCI expected to be transferred	'	-100,000	'	-100,000	'	'	'
Amount of Loss Recognized in AOCI on Derivative (Effective Portion)	'	'	'	'	'	-180,000	-31,000
Gain (loss) on fair value hedge derivatives	($200,000)	($100,000)	($700,000)	'	($300,000)	'	'

Accrued_Expenses_Details

Accrued Expenses (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]	'	'
Compensation and benefits	$20,844	$33,373
Deferred revenue	17,026	13,381
Promotional	5,737	6,325
Taxes, other than income	2,327	2,956
Other	16,403	39,249
Total	$62,337	$95,284

LongTerm_Debt_Summary_of_LongT

Long-Term Debt - Summary of Long-Term Debt (Details) (Senior Notes [Member])	Sep. 30, 2013
Senior Notes [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Percentage Rate	5.50%

LongTerm_Debt_Narrative_Detail

Long-Term Debt - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 10, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Oct. 20, 2003	Sep. 30, 2013	8-May-13	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
			5.50% Senior Notes Due On November 1, 2013 [Member]	5.50% Senior Notes Due On November 1, 2013 [Member]	Six Point Zero Percent Senior Notes Due On June Fifteen Two Thousand And Seventeen [Member]	Six Point Zero Percent Senior Notes Due On June Fifteen Two Thousand And Seventeen [Member]	Miles Kimball [Member]	Miles Kimball [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Note issuance date	'	'	20-Oct-03	'	10-May-13	'	'	'
Senior notes issued	'	'	'	$100	'	$50	'	'
Interest rate of Senior Notes	'	'	'	5.50%	'	6.00%	'	'
Maturity date of long-term debt outstanding	'	'	1-Nov-13	'	30-Jun-17	'	'	'
Senior Notes	'	'	71.8	'	'	'	'	'
Discount amount, over the life of the notes	'	'	'	0.2	'	'	'	'
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount	73.7	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt	1.2	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Long-term debt outstanding	'	'	'	'	'	'	5.7	6.2
Long-term debt fixed interest rate	'	'	'	'	'	'	7.89%	'
Amount available under uncommitted bank facility to be used for letters of credit	'	2	'	'	'	'	'	'
Letters of credit outstanding, amount	'	$1.10	'	'	'	'	'	'

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Income Taxes - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended		15 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations	31.20%	21.60%	40.60%	42.00%
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	($3,736)	($1,497)	$17,724	$3,050
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	($11,974)	($6,937)	$43,624	$7,255

Related_Party_Transactions_Det

Related Party Transactions (Details) (USD $)

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

15 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

2 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 01, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Chief Executive Officer [Member]

Noncontrolling Interest

noncontrollinginterestfounders [Member]

FragMob LLC [Member]

FragMob LLC [Member]

FragMob LLC [Member]

FragMob LLC [Member]

Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of ViSalus [Member]

President and Chief Operating Officer [Member]

noncontrollinginterestservice [Member]

noncontrollinginterestservice [Member]

noncontrollinginterestservice [Member]

noncontrollinginterestservice [Member]

ViSalus Holdings, LLC [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Chief Strategy Officer [Member]

ViSalus Holdings, LLC [Member]

Chief Strategy Officer [Member]

Related Party Transaction [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

620,125

'

Common stock outstanding, ownership percentage

'

'

35.90%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Officers' Compensation

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$500,000

'

Percent Of Annual Target Bonus Opportunity Equal To Base Salary

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

200.00%

Granted, Shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

507,375

'

Period To Pay For Services After Receipt Of Invoice

'30 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Related Party Transaction, Estimated Cost Of Services To Be Provided For Rlelated Party

900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payments of Dividends

1,617,000

1,291,000

600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,500,000

23,000

'

'

'

'

200,000

'

Dividend Percent of Share

'

'

0.018

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.046

0.001

'

'

'

'

0.006

'

Acquisition investment percentage

'

'

'

5.50%

7.10%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.60%

'

'

'

Amount paid for service

'

'

'

'

'

500,000

1,400,000

2,100,000

900,000

'

'

400,000

500,000

1,300,000

1,400,000

'

'

Related Party Costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating Leases, Income Statement, Sublease Revenue

'

'

'

$129,100

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock_Based_Compensation_Sched

Stock Based Compensation - Schedule Of Restricted Stock And RSUs (Details) (Non-Vested Restricted Stock And Restricted Stock Unit Awards(RSUs) [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Non-Vested Restricted Stock And Restricted Stock Unit Awards(RSUs) [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Nonvested restricted stock and RSUs beginning balance, Shares	'	122,682	'
Nonvested restricted stock and RSUs beginning balance, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	'	$31.06	'
Granted, Shares	3,000	58,422	'
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted	'	$16.20	'
Vested, Shares	'	-76,883	'
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Vested	'	$28.75	'
Forfeited, Shares	'	-5,481	'
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Forfeited	'	$23.65	'
Nonvested restricted stock and RSUs ending balance, Shares	98,740	98,740	'
Nonvested restricted stock and RSUs ending balance, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$24.48	$24.48	'
Nonvested restricted stock and RSUs ending balance, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$1,366	$1,366	$1,908
Total restricted stock and RSU's ending balance, Shares	156,630	156,630	'
Total restricted stock and RSUs ending balance, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$29	$29	'
Total restricted stock and RSUs at September 30, 2012, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$2,166	$2,166	'

Stock_Based_Compensation_Sched1

Stock Based Compensation - Schedule Of Stock Options (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Options Outstanding, Beginning of Period	29,750	'	29,750
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding and exercisable, Beginning of Period	$54.46	'	'
Options expired, Shares	-27,250	'	'
Options expired, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$53.64	'	'
Options Outstanding, End of Period	2,500	29,750	29,750
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding and exercisable, End of Period	$63.37	$54.46	'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	'11 months 8 days	'6 months	'
Options expired, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$0	$0	'

Stock_Based_Compensation_Narra

Stock Based Compensation - Narrative (Details) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

15 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Jun. 15, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

2003 Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Non-Vested Restricted Stock And Restricted Stock Unit Awards(RSUs) [Member]

Non-Vested Restricted Stock And Restricted Stock Unit Awards(RSUs) [Member]

Two Thousand And Thirteen Long Term Incentive Plan [Member]

Non Vested Restricted Stock And Restricted Stock Unit Awards 2013 [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Employee Restricted Stock Units(RSUs) [Member]

Non-Employee Restricted Stock Units(RSUs) [Member]

Employee Restricted Stock Units(RSUs) [Member]

Non-Employee Restricted Stock Units(RSUs) [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Shares authorized

'

'

'

'

2,040,897

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,050,000

'

'

'

'

'

Shares available for grant

'

'

'

'

1,709,674

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

286,749

'

'

'

'

'

Minimum number of months nonemployment required for grants on nonqualified stock options to directors

'

'12 months

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of RSUs granted

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,000

58,422

'

3,401,713

'

'

'

'

Stock or Unit Option Plan Expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

($0.30)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Requisite service period of the award

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'3 years

'

'

'

'

'5 years

'2 years

'2 years

'1 year

Compensation expense

'

'

'

'

'

0.3

1.4

4.5

0.7

'

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

Total recognized tax benefit

'

'

'

'

'

0.1

0.5

1.6

0.3

-0.1

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$16.20

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$28.75

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unearned compensation expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0.70

$0.70

$0.70

'

$4.70

'

'

'

'

Weighted average period of unearned compensation expense related to non-vested restricted stock and RSU awards cost is expected to be recognized

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'9 years 7 months

'

'1 year 2 months

'

'5 years 2 months

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,634,038

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Options outstanding

'

2,500

29,750

29,750

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock split

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Redeemable_Preferred_Stock_Det

Redeemable Preferred Stock (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 18, 2012
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Equity [Abstract]	'	'	'
Preferred stock, redemption amount	$146,571	$146,547	$143,200
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0	8,955,730
Preferred stock, redemption price per share	'	'	$15.99

Earnings_Per_Share_Schedule_Of

Earnings Per Share - Schedule Of Components Of Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended		15 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share	$0	$0	$0.09	$0.03
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	($0.70)	($0.73)	$0.94	$0.04
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Blyth, Inc.	($8,470)	($7,232)	$16,251	$745
Dividend Paid To Noncotrolling Interest Holders in excess of income earned	-2,748	-4,582	0	0
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic	($11,218)	($11,814)	$16,251	$745
Weighted average number outstanding, common shares	16,013	16,182	17,169	17,240
Vested restricted stock units	58	55	72	62
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding, basic	16,071	16,237	17,241	17,302
Dilutive effect of stock options and non-vested restricted share units	0	0	76	56
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding, diluted	16,071	16,237	17,317	17,358
Basic earnings per share:	'	'	'	'
Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations	($0.70)	($0.73)	$0.85	$0.01
Net earnings from discontinued operations	$0	$0	$0.09	$0.03
Net earnings (loss) attributable per share of Blyth, Inc. common stock	($0.70)	($0.73)	$0.94	$0.04
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share	($0.70)	($0.73)	$0.85	$0.01

Earnings_Per_Share_Narrative_D

Earnings Per Share - Narrative (Details)	0 Months Ended
	Jun. 15, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Options outstanding	'	2,500	29,750	29,750
Stock split	2	'	'	'

Treasury_And_Common_Stock_Sche

Treasury And Common Stock - Schedule Of Treasury Stock (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'		'
Treasury Stock, Beginning Balance, Amount	($441,774)		($426,717)
Treasury stock purchases	-10,266	[1]	-8,929	[1]
Treasury Stock, Ending Balance, Amount	-452,040		'
Treasury Stock, Shares, Beginning Balance	9,944,239		9,204,340
Treasury Stock, Shares, Ending Balance	10,557,342		'
Excluding Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member]	'		'
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'		'
Treasury stock purchases	-9,961		-7,306
Treasury stock purchased in connection with long-term incentive plan, Shares	594,582		283,300
Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member]	'		'
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'		'
Treasury stock purchases	-305		-1,623
Treasury Stock, Ending Balance, Amount	'		$435,646
Treasury stock purchased in connection with long-term incentive plan, Shares	18,521		45,263
Treasury Stock, Shares, Ending Balance	'		9,532,903
[1]	This includes shares withheld in order to satisfy employee withholding taxes upon the distribution of vested restricted stock units.

Treasury_And_Common_Stock_Sche1

Treasury And Common Stock - Schedule Of Common Stock (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Acquisitions	681,324	'	681,324
Beginning balance, Shares	25,641,484	26,505,210	25,641,484
Beginning balance, Amount	$514	$530	$514
Common stock issued in connection with long-term incentive plan, Shares	'	68,821	173,402
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Acquisitions	'	'	14,628
Common stock issued in connection with long-term incentive plan, Amount	'	'	2
Ending balance, Shares	'	26,574,031	26,496,210
Ending balance, Amount	'	532	530
Common Stock	'	'	'
Beginning balance, Amount	'	530	'
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Acquisitions	'	'	14
Common stock issued in connection with long-term incentive plan, Amount	'	$2	'

Treasury_And_Common_Stock_Narr

Treasury And Common Stock - Narrative (Details)	0 Months Ended
	Jun. 15, 2012
Treasury And Common Stock [Abstract]	'
Stock split	2

Segment_Information_Schedule_O

Segment Information - Schedule Of Net Sales And Operating Profit By Segment (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended		15 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	$179,466	$624,291	$848,493	$268,811	'
Operating profit (loss)	-10,095	-2,968	44,795	7,794	'
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	-11,974	-6,937	43,624	7,255	'
Identifiable Assets	353,376	353,376	'	353,376	434,923
Health & Wellness [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	82,437	288,267	496,930	169,913	'
Operating profit (loss)	-342	6,611	60,461	23,195	'
Identifiable Assets	67,226	67,226	'	67,226	93,821
Candles & Home Decor [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	67,525	236,282	257,188	69,482	'
Operating profit (loss)	-9,558	-6,471	-9,507	-13,310	'
Identifiable Assets	175,459	175,459	'	175,459	189,147
Catalog & Internet [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	29,504	99,742	94,375	29,416	'
Operating profit (loss)	-195	-3,108	-6,159	-2,091	'
Identifiable Assets	50,081	50,081	'	50,081	50,661
Unallocated Corporate [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Operating profit (loss)	-1,879	-3,969	-1,171	-539	'
Identifiable Assets	$60,610	$60,610	'	$60,610	$101,294

Segment_Information_identifiab

Segment Information identifiable assets (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Identifiable Assets	$353,376	$434,923
Health & Wellness [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Identifiable Assets	67,226	93,821
Candles & Home Decor [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Identifiable Assets	175,459	189,147
Catalog & Internet [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Identifiable Assets	50,081	50,661
Unallocated Corporate [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Identifiable Assets	$60,610	$101,294