Blyth (BTH) 10-Q 1 Aug 14 2014 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jul. 30, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Jun-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q2	'
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	'	16,054,157

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$76,631	$114,847
Short-term investments	24,034	7,985
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful receivables of $4,581 and $3,932, respectively	13,218	12,704
Inventories	75,211	75,795
Prepaid assets	16,390	18,630
Deferred income taxes	3,959	2,198
Other current assets	8,726	7,649
Total current assets	218,169	239,808
Property, plant and equipment, at cost:	'	'
Less accumulated depreciation of $158,986 and $155,911, respectively	87,049	95,428
Other assets:	'	'
Investments	2,025	2,246
Goodwill	2,924	2,298
Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $15,289 and $15,186, respectively	8,677	8,808
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent	9,397	10,425
Other assets	7,358	7,764
Total other assets	30,381	31,541
Total assets	335,599	366,777
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	'	'
Current maturities of long-term debt	891	952
Accounts payable	23,292	33,197
Accrued expenses	53,656	58,917
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Current	509	585
Income taxes payable	778	779
Other current liabilities	3,629	9,603
Total current liabilities	82,755	104,033
Long-term debt, less current maturities	54,885	55,326
Other liabilities	13,071	14,787
Commitments and contingencies	0	0
ViSalus redeemable preferred stock	146,667	146,603
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 26,608,958 shares and 26,574,031 shares, respectively	533	532
Additional contributed capital	169,457	168,732
Retained earnings	303,072	312,036
Accumulated other comprehensive income	16,834	16,362
Treasury stock, at cost, 10,566,295 shares and 10,557,342 shares, respectively	-452,166	-452,040
Total stockholders' equity	37,730	45,622
Noncontrolling interest	491	406
Total equity	38,221	46,028
Total liabilities and equity	$335,599	$366,777

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful receivables	$5,199	$3,932
Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment	161,336	155,911
Other intangible assets, accumulated amortization	$15,317	$15,186
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	26,625,576	26,574,031
Treasury stock, shares	10,571,419	10,557,342

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Ear

Consolidated Statements Of Earnings (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Net sales	$157,793	$211,731	$333,462	$444,825
Cost of goods sold	56,464	76,524	118,653	156,541
Gross profit	101,329	135,207	214,809	288,284
Selling	69,754	92,492	148,062	195,605
Administrative and other expense	34,380	41,565	72,192	85,551
Total operating expense	104,134	134,057	220,254	281,156
Operating profit (loss)	-2,805	1,150	-5,445	7,128
Other expense (income):	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	1,014	1,648	1,991	2,782
Interest income	-91	-142	-135	-417
Foreign exchange and other, net	72	278	100	-274
Total other expense	995	1,784	1,956	2,091
Earnings (loss) from operations before income taxes and noncontrolling interest	-3,800	-634	-7,401	5,037
Income tax expense (benefit)	969	21	520	2,239
Net earnings (loss)	-4,769	-655	-7,921	2,798
Less: Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	-329	703	-719	1,560
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Blyth, Inc.	-4,440	-1,358	-7,202	1,238
Dividend Paid To Noncotrolling Interest Holders in excess of income earned	-447	-1,834	-957	-1,834
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic	($4,887)	($3,192)	($8,159)	($596)
Earnings Per Share, Basic	($0.30)	($0.20)	($0.51)	($0.04)
Basic earnings per share:	'	'	'	'
Weighted average number of shares outstanding	16,111	16,056	16,096	16,321
Diluted earnings per share:	'	'	'	'
Weighted average number of shares outstanding	16,111	16,056	16,096	16,321
Cash dividend declared per share	$0	$0	$0.05	$0.10
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	($0.30)	($0.20)	($0.51)	($0.04)

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Com

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Net earnings	($7,921)	$2,798
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	365	-1,212
Net unrealized gain (loss) on certain investments	'	'
Net unrealized gain (loss) on certain investments	-24	-205
Net unrealized loss on cash flow hedging instruments	10	274
Less: Reclassification adjustments for loss included in net income	121	90
Other comprehensive income (loss)	472	-1,053
Total comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-7,449	1,745
Less: comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	719	-1,560
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Blyth, Inc.	($6,730)	$185

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 Preferred Stock
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
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
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent		1,238	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]		'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net earnings		1,400	'	'	1,238	'	'	162	1,398
Distributions to noncontrolling interest		-90	'	'	'	'	'	-90	3,239
Dividend Paid To Noncotrolling Interest Holders in excess of income earned		-1,834	'	'	-1,834	'	'	'	-1,834
Other comprehensive loss		-1,053	'	'	'	-1,053	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation		1,134	2	1,132	'	'	'	'	'
Dividends declared		-1,617	'	'	-1,617	'	'	'	'
Treasury stock purchases	[1]	-10,266	'	'	'	'	-10,266	'	'
Ending Balance (as adjusted for stock split) at Jun. 30, 2013		46,478	532	168,212	316,086	13,348	-452,040	340	146,540
Beginning balance (as adjusted for stock split) at Dec. 31, 2013		46,028	532	168,732	312,036	16,362	-452,040	406	146,603
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent		-7,202	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]		'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net earnings		-7,027	'	'	'	'	'	175	-893
Distributions to noncontrolling interest		-90	'	'	'	'	'	-90	'
Dividend Paid To Noncotrolling Interest Holders in excess of income earned		-957	'	'	'	'	'	'	-957
Other comprehensive loss		472	'	'	'	472	'	'	'
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Issued for Services		'	1	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation		726	'	725	'	'	'	'	'
Dividends declared		-805	'	'	-805	'	'	'	'
Treasury stock purchases	[1]	-126	'	'	'	'	-126	'	'
Ending Balance (as adjusted for stock split) at Jun. 30, 2014		$38,221	$533	$169,457	$303,072	$16,834	($452,166)	$491	$146,667
[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		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Dividends declared	$0	$0	$0.05	$0.10

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Cas

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	($7,921)	$2,798
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	6,668	6,537
Loss (gain) on sale of assets	333	65
Stock-based compensation expense of Blyth, Inc.	726	1,134
Deferred income taxes	-1,151	-1,617
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Accounts receivable	-524	-892
Inventories	911	7,035
Prepaid and other	1,447	5,975
Other long-term assets	176	-1,127
Accounts payable	-10,085	-6,140
Accrued expenses	-5,795	-6,522
Income taxes payable	-12	896
Other liabilities and other	-7,973	-3,744
Net cash used in operating activities	-23,200	4,398
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Purchases of property, plant and equipment, net of disposals	-1,785	-9,758
Proceeds from Collection of Notes Receivable	0	10,000
Proceeds from Sale of Other Assets, Investing Activities	4,091	0
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired	-236	0
Purchases of short-term investments	-20,032	-12,793
Proceeds from sale of short-term investments	4,000	28,277
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-13,962	15,726
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Purchases of treasury stock	0	-9,961
Proceeds from Issuance of Senior Long-term Debt	0	50,000
Repayments on long-term debt	-332	-307
Purchases of additional ViSalus interest	0	-25,341
Payments on capital lease obligations	-179	-83
Dividends	-805	-1,617
Distributions to noncontrolling interest	-90	-3,329
Net cash used in financing activities	-1,406	9,362
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	352	-1,899
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-38,216	27,587
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	114,847	129,056
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$76,631	$156,643

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Basis Of Presentation	'
	the Health & Wellness segment (ViSalus), and the Catalog & Internet segment (Silver Star Brands).
	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 June 30, 2014 and the consolidated results of its operations and cash flows for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013. These interim statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2013, as set forth in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K. Operating results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2014.
	Recently Adopted 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. The Company adopted ASU 2013-01 as of January 1, 2014. This standard did not have an 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 adopted ASU 2013-11 as of January 1, 2014. This standard did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial condition or results of operations.
	Recently Issued Accounting Guidance
	In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-08, Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): "Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity", ("ASU 2014-08"). ASU 2014-08 changes the definition of reporting discontinued operations by limiting discontinued operations reporting to disposals that represent strategic shifts what will have a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results. The amendments of this update also require additional disclosures for discontinued operations. The Company is required to adopt ASU 2014-08 prospectively for all disposals classified as held for sale during fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2014. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	On May 28, 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), ("ASU 2014-09"), which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods and services to customers. ASU 2014-09 will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective. The new standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is not permitted. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	Other Comprehensive Income
	The following table discloses the tax effects allocated to each component of other comprehensive income in the financial statements:
		Six months ended
	(In thousands)	June 30, 2014										June 30, 2013
		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	$	551		$	(186	)	$	365			$	(288	)	$	(924	)	$	(1,212	)
	Net unrealized gain (loss) on certain investments	(37		)	13			(24		)		(315		)	110			(205		)
	Net unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedging instruments	16			(6		)	10				422			(148		)	274
	Less: Reclassification adjustments for (gain) loss included in net income	186			(65		)	121				139			(49		)	90
	Other comprehensive income (loss)	$	716		$	(244	)	$	472			$	(42	)	$	(1,011	)	$	(1,053	)
	The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, for the six months ended June 30, 2014 is as follows:
	(In thousands)	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment			Net unrealized gain (loss) on certain investments			Net unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedging instruments			Net Investment Hedge gain (loss)			Total
	Beginning balance at January 1, 2014	$	13,905		$	263		$	(110	)	$	2,304		$	16,362
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	521			(24		)	10			(156		)	351
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (1) (2)	—			(44		)	(77		)	—			(121		)
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	521			20			87			(156		)	472
	Balance at June 30, 2014	$	14,426		$	283		$	(23	)	$	2,148		$	16,834
	(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	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
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, functional foods, nutritional supplements and energy drink mixes, 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 and April 2012, the Company completed the third phase of its acquisition of ViSalus and increased its ownership to 72.7% for approximately $28.7 million in cash and the issuance of 681,324 unregistered shares of the Company's common stock valued at $14.6 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 June 30, 2014, $146.7 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 June 30, 2014 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, who owns 1.8%), Robert B. Goergen, Jr. (President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, who owns 0.1%), Todd A. Goergen (ViSalus's Chief Operating 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, the Company's Chairman of the Board, beneficially owns approximately 36.0% of Blyth's outstanding common stock, and together with members of his family, owns substantially all of RAM.
	On April 1, 2014, ViSalus entered into an agreement to acquire the remaining 50% interest of a healthy snack manufacturer it did not already own for $250,000, bringing the total acquisition cost to $0.5 million. The purchase agreement also provides for a payment of contingent consideration to the former owner based on gross profit from product sales over the next 26 months. The total purchase price inclusive of the expected payments to be made for product sales will be approximately $0.7 million. The difference between the estimated purchase price and the net assets acquired was recorded as goodwill within the Health & Wellness segment. Financial results of the healthy snack manufacturer prior to the acquisition and for interim periods subsequent to the acquisition are not significant.

Investments

Investments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]	'
Investments	'
	Investments
	The Company’s investments as of June 30, 2014 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:
		June 30, 2014											December 31, 2013
	(In thousands)	Cost Basis(1)			Fair Value				Net unrealized loss in AOCI (2)				Cost Basis(1)		Fair Value		Net unrealized loss in AOCI (2)
	Short-term bond mutual funds	$	24,000		$	24,034			$	34			$	8,000	$	7,985	$	(15	)
	Certificates of deposit	1,663			1,663				—				1,634		1,634		—
	Other investment	362			362				—				612		612		—
	Total investments	$	26,025		$	26,059			$	34			$	10,246	$	10,231	$	(15	)
	(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 June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company held $24.0 million and $8.0 million, respectively, 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 June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company recorded insignificant unrealized losses, net of tax.
	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 $1.6 million as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, 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).
	Included in Other investments is a $0.4 million investment obtained through its ViSalus acquisition. As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company accounts for this investment on a cost basis under ASC 325. This investment involves related parties as discussed in Note 12.
	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 June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the fair value of these securities was $0.9 million and $1.0 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 six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013. 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					Six months ended
	(In thousands)	30-Jun-14		30-Jun-13			30-Jun-14			30-Jun-13
	Net proceeds	$	4,000	$	20,707		$	4,000		$	28,277
	Realized gains	$	—	$	(95	)	$	—		$	(57	)

Inventories

Inventories	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Inventory, Net [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
	Inventories
	The major components of Inventories are as follows:
	(In thousands)	June 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
	Raw materials	$	6,794	$	4,628
	Finished goods	68,417		71,167
	Total	$	75,211	$	75,795
	As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the inventory valuation adjustments totaled $10.3 million and $8.6 million, respectively and have been netted against the above amounts.

Goodwill_And_Other_Intangibles

Goodwill And Other Intangibles	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
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 June 30, 2014, there were no indications that a review was necessary.
	As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the carrying amount of the Company’s goodwill within the Candles & Home Décor segment was $2.3 million, respectively. As of June 30, 2014, the carrying amount of goodwill within the Health & Wellness segment was $0.6 million.
	On April 1, 2014, ViSalus entered into an agreement to acquire the remaining 50% interest of a healthy snack manufacturer it did not already own for $250,000, bringing the total acquisition cost to $0.5 million. The purchase agreement also provides for a payment of contingent consideration to the former owner based on gross profit from product sales over the next 26 months. The estimated purchase price, inclusive of the expected payments to be made for product sales, will be approximately $0.7 million. The difference between the estimated purchase price and the net assets acquired of $0.6 million was recorded as goodwill within the Health & Wellness segment.
	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 June 30, 2014, 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	—			—			(15,186		)	—			(15,186		)
	Additions	928			—			—			928			—
	Impairments	(3,100		)	(21,534		)	—			(24,634		)	—
	Other intangibles at December 31, 2013	$	2,028		$	6,566		$	214		$	8,594		$	214
	Additions	—			—			—			—			—
	Amortization	—			—			(131		)	—			(131		)
	Other intangibles at June 30, 2014	$	2,028		$	6,566		$	83		$	8,594		$	83
	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 $0.1 million and $0.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The estimated annual amortization expense for 2014 is $0.2 million and an insignificant amount to be amortized in 2015.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
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  June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, and the basis for that measurement, by level within the fair value hierarchy:
	(In thousands)	Balance as of June 30, 2014			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	$	1,663		$	—	$	1,663		$	—
	Short-term bond mutual funds	24,034			24,034		—			—
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	10					10
	Deferred compensation plan assets (1)	910			910		—			—
	Total	$	26,617		$	24,944	$	1,673		$	—
	Financial liabilities
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	(282	)	$	—	$	(282	)	$	—
	(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, 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	$	1,634		$	—	$	1,634		$	—
	Short-term bond mutual funds	7,985			7,985		—			—
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	44			—		44			—
	Deferred compensation plan assets (1)	1,007			1,007		—			—
	Total	$	10,670		$	8,992	$	1,678		$	—
	Financial liabilities
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	(225	)	$	—	$	(225	)	$	—
	(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 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 June 30, 2014, there were no indications or circumstances indicating that an impairment might exist.

Derivatives_and_Other_Financia

Derivatives and Other Financial Instruments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
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 June 30, 2014, there were two outstanding net investment hedges. The cumulative net after-tax gain related to net investment hedges in AOCI as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was $2.1 million and $2.3 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 June 30, 2014 for cash flow hedges was immaterial and is expected to be transferred into earnings within the next twelve months upon settlement of the underlying commitment. The net after-tax unrealized loss included in AOCI at December 31, 2013 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 March 2015.
	The table below details the fair value and location of the Company’s hedges in the Consolidated Balance Sheets:
	(In thousands)	30-Jun-14			31-Dec-13
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments	Accrued Expenses			Accrued Expenses
	Foreign exchange forward contracts in an asset position	$	10		$	44
	Foreign exchange forward contracts in a liability position	(282		)	(225		)
	Net derivatives at fair value	$	(272	)	$	(181	)
	For the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, the Company recorded a loss of $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively, compared to a gain of $0.4 million and an insignificant loss 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 six months ended June 30, are as follows:
		Amount of Gain Recognized in AOCI on Derivative						Amount of Loss
	Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	(Effective Portion)						Reclassified from AOCI into Income
								(Effective Portion)
	(In thousands)							Three months ended						Six months ended
		2014			2013			2014			2013			2014			2013
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	16		$	74		$	(39	)	$	(11	)	$	(118	)	$	(94	)

Accrued_Expenses

Accrued Expenses	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]	'
Accrued Expenses	'
	Accrued Expenses
	Accrued expenses consist of the following:
	(In thousands)	June 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
	Compensation and benefits	$	19,982	$	20,162
	Deferred revenue	11,993		10,382
	Promotional	6,388		7,649
	Inventory	794		3,864
	Professional fees	1,697		2,651
	Taxes, other than income	2,177		2,344
	Other	10,625		11,865
	Total	$	53,656	$	58,917

LongTerm_Debt

Long-Term Debt	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Long-Term Debt	'
	Long-Term Debt
	On May 10, 2013, the Company issued $50.0 million principal amount of 6.00% Senior Notes due June 2017. The notes bear interest payable semi-annually in arrears on May 15 and November 15. The indenture governing the 6.00% Senior Notes due 2017 contains affirmative and negative covenants that, among other things, limit or restrict the Company's and its 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 the Company's
	assets, in each case, subject to certain qualifications and exceptions set forth in the indenture.
	As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, Silver Star Brands had approximately $5.2 million and $5.5 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 June 30, 2014, the Company had a total of $2.4 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, 2015.  As of June 30, 2014, no amount was outstanding under this facility.
	As of June 30, 2014, 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, 2015.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	The Company's effective tax rate for the three months ended June 30, 2014 was a negative 26% which resulted in an income tax expense of $1.0 million on a net loss before taxes of $3.8 million. This compares to a negative 3% for the three months ended June 30, 2013, which resulted in a tax expense of $21.0 thousand on a net loss before taxes of $0.6 million. The tax expense on the pre-tax loss this year, as compared to the U.S. statutory tax rate, is primarily a result of no tax benefit being realized on certain foreign net operating losses and no tax benefit recorded on state net operating losses.
	The Company's effective tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2014 was a negative 7% which resulted in an income tax expense of $0.5 million on a net loss before taxes of $7.4 million. This compares to 44% for the six months ended June 30, 2013, which resulted in a tax expense of $2.2 million on a net profit before taxes of $5.0 million. The tax expense on the pre-tax loss this year, as compared to the U.S. statutory tax rate, is primarily a result of no tax benefit being realized on certain foreign net operating losses and no tax benefit recorded on state 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 2014 but the amount cannot be estimated. There has been no material change in the Company's contingency reserve for the six months ended June 30, 2014.

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Related Party Transaction, Due from (to) Related Party [Abstract]	'
Related Party Transactions	'
	Related Party Transactions
	In August 2008, the Company signed a membership interest purchase agreement to acquire ViSalus, a network marketing
	company that sells weight management products, nutritional supplements, functional foods and energy drink mixes, through a series of investments as discussed in further detail in Note 2. Through December 2012, the Company made investments that
	increased its ownership in ViSalus to approximately 80.9%. In connection with the December 2012 closing, ViSalus issued
	shares of its redeemable convertible preferred stock to the holders of the 19.1% of ViSalus that was not owned by the
	Company. The Company and ViSalus have agreed to redeem all of the shares of preferred stock on December 31, 2017 for $143.2 million, which date can be extended with the consent of holders of a majority of the voting power of the preferred stock, unless prior to such date ViSalus has made an initial public offering of its common stock at a price that indicates a valuation of
	ViSalus of $800 million or more, in which event the preferred stock will automatically convert into common stock of ViSalus
	on a one-to-one basis. The threshold valuation in the preceding sentence is an aspirational goal and should not be considered
	the valuation of ViSalus at the date hereof or to predict ViSalus’s valuation at any time in the future. The Company has
	guaranteed the performance by ViSalus of its redemption obligation. In the event that ViSalus does not redeem the preferred
	shares, each of the preferred shares will become convertible, in the holder's sole discretion, into 100 shares of common stock of ViSalus.
	At the time of the first closing in October 2008, ViSalus was owned in part by Ropart Asset Management Fund, LLC and
	related entities (collectively, “RAM”), which owned a significant non-controlling interest in ViSalus. In September 2012,
	RAM distributed its interest in ViSalus to its members, including Robert B. Goergen, Robert B. Goergen, Jr. and Todd A.
	Goergen. Robert B. Goergen beneficially owns approximately 36.0% of the Company’s outstanding common stock, and together with members of his family, owns substantially all of RAM.
	As of June 30, 2014, Robert B. Goergen, Robert B. Goergen, Jr. and Todd A. Goergen (the son of Robert B. Goergen and the brother of Robert B. Goergen, Jr.) own 1.8%, 0.1% and 0.6%, respectively, of the outstanding capital stock of ViSalus. In addition, Ryan J. Blair owns 4.6% of the outstanding capital stock of ViSalus. Of the $143.2 million aggregate redemption amount that will be paid upon redemption of the preferred stock in December 2017, $13.2 million will paid to Robert B. Goergen, $0.5 million will be paid to Robert B. Goergen, Jr., $4.5 million will be paid to Todd A. Goergen (and trusts affiliated with him) and $34.3 million will be paid to Ryan J. Blair.
	ViSalus Salary Deferral Program.  In February 2014, ViSalus offered its senior executives, founders and independent board member the right to participate in a long-term incentive program, which we refer to as the 2014 ViSalus LTIP, in exchange for their agreement to defer the receipt of a portion of their salary or commissions until no later than March 15, 2015. The award under the 2014 ViSalus LTIP is a performance award payable in cash and the amount of the award will be determined by the amount deferred.  For those participants who elected to defer less than 50% of their base salary or commissions, the award will equal the amount deferred, and for those participants who elected to defer 50% or more of their base salary or commissions, the award will equal two times the amount deferred.  The award will only be paid if ViSalus achieves trailing twelve month earnings before interest and taxes of $20.0 million or more, inclusive of the entire compensation award associated with the 2014 ViSalus LTIP (the “performance goal”), and the participant is associated with ViSalus through the payment date.  Ryan J. Blair elected to defer 50% of his 2014 salary (after giving effect to insurance premiums for health and welfare programs), representing $368,159, which amount will be paid to him by March 15, 2015.  Todd A. Goergen elected to defer 50% of his 2014 salary (after giving effect to insurance premiums for health and welfare programs), representing $243,521, which amount will be paid to him by March 15, 2015.  In addition, because Mr. Blair and Mr. Goergen elected to defer 50% of their respective salaries (after giving effect to insurance premiums for health and welfare programs), they are eligible for LTIP awards of $736,317 and $487,042, respectively, if ViSalus achieves the performance goal and if they are employed by ViSalus on the LTIP payment date. As of June 30, 2014, no amounts for the LTIP award have been accrued for under this program as the probability of whether these targets will be achieved remains uncertain.
	FragMob. ViSalus entered into an agreement with FragMob LLC in October 2011 under which FragMob agreed to provide
	ViSalus with software development and hosting services for a mobile phone application that allows ViSalus's promoters to
	access their Vi-Net promoter 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. In September 2012,
	ViSalus and FragMob entered into a new revised agreement that extended the terms to December 31, 2014 and revised certain
	terms of the agreement. Ryan Blair directly and indirectly owns a total of 11.8% of FragMob, RAM directly and indirectly
	owns a total of 7.1% of FragMob and Todd A. Goergen indirectly owns 5.3% of FragMob. Fees paid to FragMob for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 for both services were $0.5 million and $0.9 million, respectively.
	Software Services. ViSalus’s promoters may use a direct-selling software, which provides the promoters with an array of
	promoter and corporate web modules. ViSalus licenses this software pursuant to a software and hosting services agreement that
	expires in June 2016 and has annual renewal terms. ViSalus currently owns approximately 2.7% of this software provider. In
	addition, Ryan J. Blair owns directly and indirectly a total of 2.2%, RAM directly and indirectly owns a total of 4.8% and Todd
	A. Goergen indirectly owns 0.8% of the software provider. Fees paid to the company for software licensing and other services
	for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 were $0.2 million and $0.5 million, respectively. Fees paid to the company for software licensing and other services for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 were $0.3 million and $0.7 million, respectively.
	Employment Agreement with Todd A. Goergen. In February 2014, Todd A. Goergen became the Chief Operating 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 restricted stock units and 620,125 nonqualified stock options under the ViSalus Plan. Todd A. Goergen is also a member of the Board of Directors of ViSalus.
	Management Services with 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 2014 is $1.1 million.
	RAM Sublease. For the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, RAM paid the Company $0.1 million, respectively, to sublet office space, which the Company believes approximates the fair market rental for the rental period.

Stock_Based_Compensation

Stock Based Compensation	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Stock Based Compensation	'
	Stock-Based Compensation
	Blyth, Inc. Amended and Restated 2003 Omnibus Incentive Plan
	As of June 30, 2014, the Company had one active stock-based compensation plan, the Second Amended and Restated Omnibus Incentive Plan (“2003 Plan”), available to grant future awards. There were 2,040,897 shares authorized for grant as of June 30, 2014, and approximately 1,574,085 shares available for grant under the 2003 Plan. 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.
	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 six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 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, 2013	100,740		$	24.25	$	1,096
	Granted	133,949		9.56
	Vested	(61,777	)	27.2
	Forfeited	(721	)	33.11
	Nonvested restricted stock and RSUs at June 30, 2014	172,191		$	11.73	$	1,405
	Total restricted stock and RSUs at June 30, 2014	240,313		$	18.23	$	1,961
	Compensation expense related to restricted stock and RSUs for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 was approximately $0.3 million and $0.4 million, respectively. The total recognized tax benefit for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 was approximately $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively. Compensation expense related to restricted stock and RSUs for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 was approximately $0.7 million and $1.1 million, respectively. The total recognized tax benefit for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 was approximately 0.3 million and 0.4 million, respectively.
	As of June 30, 2014, there was $1.0 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 2.1 years. The total unrecognized stock-based compensation cost to be recognized in future periods as of June 30, 2014 does not consider the effect of stock-based awards that may be issued in subsequent periods.
	Transactions involving stock options are summarized as follows:
	For the six months ended June 30, 2014, 2,500 stock options were outstanding with a weighted average exercise price of $63.37. The weighted average remaining contractual life is 0.19 years.
	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.
	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 of common stock of ViSalus were authorized for grant under this plan by the Board of Directors of ViSalus and 36,249 shares of common stock of ViSalus were available for grant as of June 30, 2014.
	Transactions related to restricted stock and RSUs are summarized as follows:
		Shares
	Outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2013	3,185,863
	Forfeited	(32,000	)
	Outstanding and exercisable at June 30, 2014	3,153,863
	Compensation expense related to RSUs for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 was a benefit of $0.2 million and and expense of $0.6 million, respectively. The total recognized tax expense for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 was $0.1 million and a benefit of $0.2 million, respectively. Compensation expense related to RSUs for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 was $29 thousand and $0.6 million, respectively. The total recognized tax benefit for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 was $10 thousand and $0.2 million, respectively. As of June 30, 2014, there was $1.3 million of unearned compensation expense related to non-vested RSUs.  This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 4.8 years. RSUs vest beginning October 1, 2014 through October 1, 2020.
	Transactions involving stock options are summarized as follows:
		Shares
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2013	3,515,988
	Granted	358,000
	Forfeited	(14,100	)
	Options outstanding at June 30, 2014	3,859,888
	Compensation expense related to nonqualified stock options for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 was a benefit of $25 thousand and and expense of $0.5 million, respectively. The total recognized tax expense for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 was $9 thousand and a benefit of $0.2 million, respectively. Compensation expense related to nonqualified stock options for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 was $6 thousand and $0.5 million, respectively. The total recognized tax benefit for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 was $2 thousand and $0.2 million, respectively. As of June 30, 2014, there was $0.1 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 4.8 years. Nonqualified stock options vest 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.
	ViSalus Salary Deferral Program
	In February 2014, ViSalus offered its senior executives, founders and independent board member the right to participate in a long-term incentive program, which we refer to as the 2014 ViSalus LTIP, in exchange for their agreement to defer the receipt of a portion of their 2014 salary or commissions until no later than March 15, 2015. The award under the 2014 ViSalus LTIP is a performance award payable in cash and the amount of the LTIP award depends on the amount deferred. For those participants who elected to defer under 50% of their base salary or commissions, the LTIP award will equal the amount deferred, and for those participants who elected to defer 50% or more of their base salary or commissions, the LTIP award will equal two times the amount deferred. The LTIP award will only be paid if ViSalus achieves trailing twelve month earnings before interest and taxes of $20.0 million or more, inclusive of the entire compensation award associated with the program, and the participant is associated with ViSalus through the LTIP payment date. As of June 30, 2014 there were 18 participants in the 2014 ViSalus LTIP who have deferred salaries and commissions totaling approximately $2.2 million until no later than March 15, 2015. The maximum amount payable by ViSalus under the 2014 ViSalus LTIP is $4.2 million if ViSalus achieves the performance goal and all participants are associated with ViSalus at the LTIP payment date. As of June 30, 2014, no amounts for the LTIP award have been accrued for under this program as the probability of whether these targets will be achieved remains uncertain.

Redeemable_Preferred_Stock

Redeemable Preferred Stock	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
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 is convertible 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, if any. 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. The balance as of June 30, 2014 represents the fair value plus an accretion
	adjustment to arrive at its redemption value at December 31, 2017. For the six months ended June 30, 2014, the Company recorded an earnings per share charge of $1.0 million or $0.06 per share representing the accretion adjustment to its redemption value after allocating attributable losses to preferred stockholders in excess of earnings.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
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 stockholders 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						Six months ended
	(In thousands)	June 30, 2014			June 30, 2013			June 30, 2014			June 30, 2013
	Net loss attributable to Blyth, Inc. common stockholders	$	(4,887	)	$	(3,192	)	$	(8,159	)	$	(596	)
	Weighted average number outstanding:
	Common shares	16,047			16,002			16,034			16,269
	Vested restricted stock units	64			54			62			52
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
	Basic common shares outstanding	16,111			16,056			16,096			16,321
	Dilutive effect of non-vested restricted shares units	—			—			—			—
	Diluted common shares outstanding	16,111			16,056			16,096			16,321
	Basic earnings per share attributable to common stockholders
	Net loss attributable per share of Blyth, Inc. common stock	$	(0.30	)	$	(0.20	)	$	(0.51	)	$	(0.04	)
	Diluted earnings per share attributable to common stockholders
	Net loss attributable per share of Blyth, Inc. common stock	$	(0.30	)	$	(0.20	)	$	(0.51	)	$	(0.04	)
	As of June 30, 2014 and 2013, options to purchase 2,500 and 8,750 shares of common stock, respectively, are not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect would be antidilutive.

Treasury_And_Common_Stock

Treasury And Common Stock	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
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, 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 December 31, 2013	10,557,342	$	(452,040	)
	Treasury stock withheld in connection with long-term incentive plan	14,077	(126		)
	Balance at June 30, 2014	10,571,419	$	(452,166	)
	Common Stock (In thousands, except shares)	Shares	Amount
	Balance at January 1, 2013	26,505,210	$	530
	Common stock issued in connection with long-term incentive plan	68,821	2
	Balance at December 31, 2013	26,574,031	$	532
	Common stock issued in connection with long-term incentive plan	51,545	1
	Balance at June 30, 2014	26,625,576	$	533

Segment_Information

Segment Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	Segment Information
	The Company’s products include an extensive array of decorative and functional household products such as candles,
	accessories, seasonal decorations, household convenience items, personalized gifts, as well as meal replacement shakes,
	nutritional supplements, functional foods, energy drink mixes and health, wellness and beauty related products. The Company's products can be found throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe and Australia. The Company's financial results are
	reported in three segments: the Candles & Home Décor segment, the Health & Wellness segment and the Catalog & Internet
	segment.
	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. Products in this segment are sold through networks of independent sales consultants. PartyLite brand
	products are sold in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe and Australia.
	Within the Health & Wellness segment, the Company operates ViSalus, which is focused on selling meal replacement shakes,
	nutritional supplements, functional foods and energy drink mixes. Products in this segment are sold through networks of
	independent sales promoters. ViSalus® brand products are sold in the United States and Canada and Vi™ products are sold in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany and Austria.
	Within the Catalog & Internet segment, under the Silver Star Brands name, the Company designs, sources and markets a broad
	range of household convenience items, health, wellness and beauty 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 the United States and Canada.
	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 of business combinations. Unallocated
	Corporate within the identifiable assets include cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, prepaid income tax, corporate fixed assets, deferred debt 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						Six months ended
	(In thousands)	June 30, 2014			June 30, 2013			June 30, 2014			June 30, 2013
	Net Sales
	Candles & Home Décor	$	72,745		$	77,800		$	153,603		$	168,756
	Health & Wellness	53,560			101,522			110,991			205,831
	Catalog & Internet	31,488			32,409			68,868			70,238
	Total	$	157,793		$	211,731		$	333,462		$	444,825
	Earnings (loss) from operations before income taxes
	Candles & Home Décor	$	(653	)	$	(310	)	$	1,455		$	3,086
	Health & Wellness	(1,328		)	2,769			(5,058		)	6,955
	Catalog & Internet	(824		)	(1,309		)	(1,842		)	(2,913		)
	Operating profit (loss)	(2,805		)	1,150			(5,445		)	7,128
	Unallocated Corporate	(995		)	(1,784		)	(1,956		)	(2,091		)
	Total	$	(3,800	)	$	(634	)	$	(7,401	)	$	5,037
	Identifiable Assets	June 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Candles & Home Décor	$	167,927		$	176,062
	Health & Wellness	51,767			57,995
	Catalog & Internet	49,229			50,880
	Unallocated  Corporate	66,676			81,840
	Total	$	335,599		$	366,777

Contingencies

Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	The Company, certain of its officers, ViSalus, one of its founders and others were named as defendants in a putative class action filed in federal district court in Connecticut on behalf of purchasers of our common stock during the period March to November 2012. On March 31, 2014, the Court granted the defendants' motion to dismiss the plaintiffs’ complaint and entered judgment for the defendants. Plaintiffs did not appeal the judgment.
	In July 2014, three former ViSalus promoters filed a putative class action in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan against ViSalus, Robert B. Goergen (our Chairman of the Board), the three founders of ViSalus (Nick Sarnicola, Ryan Blair and Blake Mallen), Todd A. Goergen (ViSalus’s Chief Operating Officer), several of ViSalus’s promoters (along with certain of their affiliates), and FragMob and iCentris (two service vendors to ViSalus). For additional information, see Part II, Item 1 - Legal Proceedings.
	The Company is involved in other litigation arising in the ordinary course of business, which, in its opinion, will not have a
	material adverse effect on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Basis_of_Presentation_Policies

Basis of Presentation (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
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 June 30, 2014 and the consolidated results of its operations and cash flows for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013. These interim statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2013, as set forth in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K. Operating results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2014.

Basis_of_Presentation_Tables

Basis of Presentation (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
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:
		Six months ended
	(In thousands)	June 30, 2014										June 30, 2013
		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	$	551		$	(186	)	$	365			$	(288	)	$	(924	)	$	(1,212	)
	Net unrealized gain (loss) on certain investments	(37		)	13			(24		)		(315		)	110			(205		)
	Net unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedging instruments	16			(6		)	10				422			(148		)	274
	Less: Reclassification adjustments for (gain) loss included in net income	186			(65		)	121				139			(49		)	90
	Other comprehensive income (loss)	$	716		$	(244	)	$	472			$	(42	)	$	(1,011	)	$	(1,053	)
	The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, for the six months ended June 30, 2014 is as follows:
	(In thousands)	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment			Net unrealized gain (loss) on certain investments			Net unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedging instruments			Net Investment Hedge gain (loss)			Total
	Beginning balance at January 1, 2014	$	13,905		$	263		$	(110	)	$	2,304		$	16,362
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	521			(24		)	10			(156		)	351
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (1) (2)	—			(44		)	(77		)	—			(121		)
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	521			20			87			(156		)	472
	Balance at June 30, 2014	$	14,426		$	283		$	(23	)	$	2,148		$	16,834
	(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)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
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:
		June 30, 2014											December 31, 2013
	(In thousands)	Cost Basis(1)			Fair Value				Net unrealized loss in AOCI (2)				Cost Basis(1)		Fair Value		Net unrealized loss in AOCI (2)
	Short-term bond mutual funds	$	24,000		$	24,034			$	34			$	8,000	$	7,985	$	(15	)
	Certificates of deposit	1,663			1,663				—				1,634		1,634		—
	Other investment	362			362				—				612		612		—
	Total investments	$	26,025		$	26,059			$	34			$	10,246	$	10,231	$	(15	)
	(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					Six months ended
	(In thousands)	30-Jun-14		30-Jun-13			30-Jun-14			30-Jun-13
	Net proceeds	$	4,000	$	20,707		$	4,000		$	28,277
	Realized gains	$	—	$	(95	)	$	—		$	(57	)

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Inventory, Net [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Components Of Inventory	'
	The major components of Inventories are as follows:
	(In thousands)	June 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
	Raw materials	$	6,794	$	4,628
	Finished goods	68,417		71,167
	Total	$	75,211	$	75,795

Goodwill_And_Other_Intangibles1

Goodwill And Other Intangibles (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
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	—			—			(15,186		)	—			(15,186		)
	Additions	928			—			—			928			—
	Impairments	(3,100		)	(21,534		)	—			(24,634		)	—
	Other intangibles at December 31, 2013	$	2,028		$	6,566		$	214		$	8,594		$	214
	Additions	—			—			—			—			—
	Amortization	—			—			(131		)	—			(131		)
	Other intangibles at June 30, 2014	$	2,028		$	6,566		$	83		$	8,594		$	83

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
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  June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, and the basis for that measurement, by level within the fair value hierarchy:
	(In thousands)	Balance as of June 30, 2014			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	$	1,663		$	—	$	1,663		$	—
	Short-term bond mutual funds	24,034			24,034		—			—
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	10					10
	Deferred compensation plan assets (1)	910			910		—			—
	Total	$	26,617		$	24,944	$	1,673		$	—
	Financial liabilities
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	(282	)	$	—	$	(282	)	$	—
	(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, 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	$	1,634		$	—	$	1,634		$	—
	Short-term bond mutual funds	7,985			7,985		—			—
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	44			—		44			—
	Deferred compensation plan assets (1)	1,007			1,007		—			—
	Total	$	10,670		$	8,992	$	1,678		$	—
	Financial liabilities
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	(225	)	$	—	$	(225	)	$	—
	(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)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
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-Jun-14			31-Dec-13
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments	Accrued Expenses			Accrued Expenses
	Foreign exchange forward contracts in an asset position	$	10		$	44
	Foreign exchange forward contracts in a liability position	(282		)	(225		)
	Net derivatives at fair value	$	(272	)	$	(181	)
Schedule Of Cash Flow Hedges	'
		Amount of Gain Recognized in AOCI on Derivative						Amount of Loss
	Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	(Effective Portion)						Reclassified from AOCI into Income
								(Effective Portion)
	(In thousands)							Three months ended						Six months ended
		2014			2013			2014			2013			2014			2013
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	16		$	74		$	(39	)	$	(11	)	$	(118	)	$	(94	)

Accrued_Expenses_Tables

Accrued Expenses (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Accrued Expenses	'
	Accrued expenses consist of the following:
	(In thousands)	June 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
	Compensation and benefits	$	19,982	$	20,162
	Deferred revenue	11,993		10,382
	Promotional	6,388		7,649
	Inventory	794		3,864
	Professional fees	1,697		2,651
	Taxes, other than income	2,177		2,344
	Other	10,625		11,865
	Total	$	53,656	$	58,917

Stock_Based_Compensation_Table

Stock Based Compensation (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
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, 2013	100,740		$	24.25	$	1,096
	Granted	133,949		9.56
	Vested	(61,777	)	27.2
	Forfeited	(721	)	33.11
	Nonvested restricted stock and RSUs at June 30, 2014	172,191		$	11.73	$	1,405
	Total restricted stock and RSUs at June 30, 2014	240,313		$	18.23	$	1,961
Schedule Of Stock Options	'
	Transactions involving stock options are summarized as follows:
	For the six months ended June 30, 2014, 2,500 stock options were outstanding with a weighted average exercise price of $63.37. The weighted average remaining contractual life is 0.19 years.

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
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						Six months ended
	(In thousands)	June 30, 2014			June 30, 2013			June 30, 2014			June 30, 2013
	Net loss attributable to Blyth, Inc. common stockholders	$	(4,887	)	$	(3,192	)	$	(8,159	)	$	(596	)
	Weighted average number outstanding:
	Common shares	16,047			16,002			16,034			16,269
	Vested restricted stock units	64			54			62			52
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
	Basic common shares outstanding	16,111			16,056			16,096			16,321
	Dilutive effect of non-vested restricted shares units	—			—			—			—
	Diluted common shares outstanding	16,111			16,056			16,096			16,321
	Basic earnings per share attributable to common stockholders
	Net loss attributable per share of Blyth, Inc. common stock	$	(0.30	)	$	(0.20	)	$	(0.51	)	$	(0.04	)
	Diluted earnings per share attributable to common stockholders
	Net loss attributable per share of Blyth, Inc. common stock	$	(0.30	)	$	(0.20	)	$	(0.51	)	$	(0.04	)

Treasury_And_Common_Stock_Tabl

Treasury And Common Stock (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Treasury And Common Stock [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Treasury Stock	'
	Treasury Stock (In thousands, except shares)	Shares	Amount
	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 December 31, 2013	10,557,342	$	(452,040	)
	Treasury stock withheld in connection with long-term incentive plan	14,077	(126		)
	Balance at June 30, 2014	10,571,419	$	(452,166	)
Schedule Of Common Stock	'
	Common Stock (In thousands, except shares)	Shares	Amount
	Balance at January 1, 2013	26,505,210	$	530
	Common stock issued in connection with long-term incentive plan	68,821	2
	Balance at December 31, 2013	26,574,031	$	532
	Common stock issued in connection with long-term incentive plan	51,545	1
	Balance at June 30, 2014	26,625,576	$	533

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Net Sales And Operating Profit By Segment	'
		Three months ended						Six months ended
	(In thousands)	June 30, 2014			June 30, 2013			June 30, 2014			June 30, 2013
	Net Sales
	Candles & Home Décor	$	72,745		$	77,800		$	153,603		$	168,756
	Health & Wellness	53,560			101,522			110,991			205,831
	Catalog & Internet	31,488			32,409			68,868			70,238
	Total	$	157,793		$	211,731		$	333,462		$	444,825
	Earnings (loss) from operations before income taxes
	Candles & Home Décor	$	(653	)	$	(310	)	$	1,455		$	3,086
	Health & Wellness	(1,328		)	2,769			(5,058		)	6,955
	Catalog & Internet	(824		)	(1,309		)	(1,842		)	(2,913		)
	Operating profit (loss)	(2,805		)	1,150			(5,445		)	7,128
	Unallocated Corporate	(995		)	(1,784		)	(1,956		)	(2,091		)
	Total	$	(3,800	)	$	(634	)	$	(7,401	)	$	5,037
	Identifiable Assets	June 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Candles & Home Décor	$	167,927		$	176,062
	Health & Wellness	51,767			57,995
	Catalog & Internet	49,229			50,880
	Unallocated  Corporate	66,676			81,840
	Total	$	335,599		$	366,777

Basis_of_Presentation_Summary_

Basis of Presentation - Summary of Accumulated Other Income (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments, Before Tax Amount	$551	($288)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Tax	-186	-924
Foreign currency translation adjustments, Net of Tax	365	-1,212
Unrealized holding gain arising during period, Before-Tax Amount	-37	-315
Unrealized holding gain arising during period, Tax (Expense) or Benefit	13	110
Unrealized holding gain arising during period, Net-of-tax Amount	-24	-205
Less: Reclassification adjustments for (gain) loss included in net income, Before-Tax Amount	186	139
Less: Reclassification adjustments for (gain) loss included in net income, Tax (Expense) or Benefit	-65	-49
Less: Reclassification adjustments for (gain) loss included in net income, Net-of-Tax Amount	121	90
Net unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedging instruments, Before-Tax Amount	16	422
Net unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedging instruments, Tax (Expense) or Benefit	-6	-148
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax	10	274
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax	716	-42
Other comprehensive income (loss), Tax (Expense) or Benefit	-244	-1,011
Other comprehensive income (loss), Net-of-tax Amount	$472	($1,053)

Basis_of_Presentation_Details_

Basis of Presentation (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	$969	$21	$520	$2,239
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 $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	$16,834	'	$16,362
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	472	-1,053	'
Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]	'	'	'
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	14,426	'	13,905
othercomprehensiveincomelossbeforereclassificationsnetoftax	521	'	'
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	0	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	521	'	'
Investments [Member]	'	'	'
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	283	'	263
othercomprehensiveincomelossbeforereclassificationsnetoftax	-24	'	'
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	-44	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	20	'	'
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	-23	'	-110
othercomprehensiveincomelossbeforereclassificationsnetoftax	10	'	'
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	-77	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	87	'	'
Net Investment Hedging [Member]	'	'	'
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	2,148	'	2,304
othercomprehensiveincomelossbeforereclassificationsnetoftax	-156	'	'
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	0	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	-156	'	'
Comprehensive Income [Member]	'	'	'
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	16,834	'	16,362
othercomprehensiveincomelossbeforereclassificationsnetoftax	351	'	'
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	-121	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	$472	'	'

Business_Acquisitions_Details

Business Acquisitions (Details) (USD $)

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

Jan. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jan. 31, 2012

Jun. 30, 2014

Apr. 01, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 18, 2012

Oct. 31, 2008

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

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

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

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]

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]

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

'

'

'

'

50.00%

'

80.90%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

43.60%

'

'

'

57.50%

'

'

'

72.70%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cost of acquired entity, cash paid

$25,300,000

'

$28,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$13,000,000

'

$2,500,000

$3,000,000

$2,500,000

'

$300,000

$1,000,000

$600,000

$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

'

'

'

'

500,000

'

'

14,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unregistered shares of common stock

'

'

681,324

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unregistered shares of common stock, value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

14,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Acquisition, Increase In Voting Interest

'

8.20%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

ViSalus redeemable preferred stock

'

'

'

146,667,000

'

146,603,000

143,200,000

'

'

'

'

500,000

13,200,000

4,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Preferred stock, shares issued

'

'

'

0

'

0

8,955,730

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Preferred Stock, Redemption Price Per Share

'

'

'

'

'

'

$15.99

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Minority interest percentage

'

'

'

0.00%

'

'

'

'

4.60%

13.70%

2.90%

1.80%

0.10%

0.60%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common stock outstanding, ownership percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

36.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Significant Acquisitions and Disposals, Acquisition Costs or Sale Proceeds

'

'

'

'

250,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Value of Business Acquired

'

'

'

'

$700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Financing_Receivables_Details

Financing Receivables (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	$4,291	$2,988	$712
Provision for Other Credit Losses	3,582	4,540	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs	-2,360	-2,277	'
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Recoveries	$81	$13	'

Financing_Receivables_aging_of

Financing Receivables aging of receivables (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Current	$6,777
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	2,733
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due	1,209
Financing Receivable, Gross	$10,719

Financing_Receivables_narrativ

Financing Receivables narrative (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
narrative [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Nonaccrual Status	$12,300,000	$7,900,000	'	'
Financing Receivable, Net	6,400,000	'	5,600,000	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	4,291,000	'	2,988,000	712,000
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment	$0.04	$0.19	'	'

Investments_Schedule_Of_Amorti

Investments - Schedule Of Amortized Costs And Fair Value (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Cost Basis	$26,025	[1]	$10,246	[1]
Fair Value	26,059		10,231
Accumulated Unrealized Gains Losses On Available For Sale Securities Before Tax	34		-15
Short-Term Bond Mutual Funds [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Cost Basis	24,000	[1]	8,000
Fair Value	24,034		7,985
Accumulated Unrealized Gains Losses On Available For Sale Securities Before Tax	34		-15
Certificates of Deposit [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Cost Basis	1,663	[1]	1,634	[1]
Fair Value	1,663		1,634
Other Investment [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Cost Basis	362	[1]	612	[1]
Fair Value	$362		$612
[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		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net proceeds	$4,000	$20,707	$4,000	$28,277
Realized gains (losses)	'	($95)	'	($57)

Investments_Narrative_Details

Investments - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Fair Value	$26,059,000		$10,231,000
Other Investments	400,000		'
Cost Basis	26,025,000	[1]	10,246,000	[1]
Short Term Bond Mutual Funds [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Fair Value	24,034,000		7,985,000
Cost Basis	24,000,000	[1]	8,000,000
Certificates of Deposit [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Fair Value	1,663,000		1,634,000
Cost Basis	1,663,000	[1]	1,634,000	[1]
Other Investment [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Fair Value	362,000		612,000
Cost Basis	362,000	[1]	612,000	[1]
Mutual Funds [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Fair Value	$900,000		$1,007,000
[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 $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Inventory, Net [Abstract]	'	'
Raw materials	$6,794,000	$4,628,000
Finished goods	68,417,000	71,167,000
Total	75,211,000	75,795,000
Inventory reserves	$10,300,000	$8,600,000

Goodwill_And_Other_Intangibles2

Goodwill And Other Intangibles - Schedule Of Other Intangible Assets By Segment (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	($15,317)	'	($15,186)
Other intangibles, ending balance	8,677	'	8,808
Indefinite-Lived Trade Names And Trademarks [Member]	'	'	'
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'	'
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)	'	'	32,300
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Other intangibles, beginning balance	8,594	'	'
Impairments	'	0	-24,634
Additions	0	'	928
Other intangibles, ending balance	8,594	'	8,594
Indefinite-Lived Trade Names And Trademarks [Member] | Direct Selling Segment [Member]	'	'	'
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'	'
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)	'	'	4,200
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Other intangibles, beginning balance	2,028	'	'
Impairments	'	0	-3,100
Additions	0	'	928
Other intangibles, ending balance	2,028	'	2,028
Indefinite-Lived Trade Names And Trademarks [Member] | Catalog & Internet Segment [Member]	'	'	'
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'	'
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)	'	'	28,100
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Impairments	'	0	-21,534
Additions	'	'	0
Other intangibles, ending balance	6,566	'	6,566
Customer Relationships [Member]	'	'	'
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'	'
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)	'	'	15,400
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	-131	'	-15,186
Impairments	'	'	0
Other intangibles, ending balance	83	'	214
Customer Relationships [Member] | Catalog & Internet Segment [Member]	'	'	'
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'	'
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)	'	'	15,400
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Other intangibles, beginning balance	214	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	'	'	-15,186
Impairments	'	'	0
Amortization of Intangible Assets	131	307	'
Other intangibles, ending balance	$83	'	$214

Goodwill_And_Other_Intangibles3

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

Jun. 30, 2014

Apr. 01, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 18, 2012

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 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]

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]

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill

$2,924,000

'

$2,298,000

'

$2,300,000

$2,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Acquisition, Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible Amount

600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired

'

50.00%

'

80.90%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Significant Acquisitions and Disposals, Acquisition Costs or Sale Proceeds

'

250,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Indefinite-lived intangibles

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

928,000

0

'

928,000

'

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

200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)

8,677,000

'

8,808,000

'

'

'

'

'

8,594,000

'

8,594,000

2,028,000

'

2,028,000

'

6,566,000

6,566,000

214,000

83,000

83,000

'

214,000

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

131,000

307,000

'

Acquisition Costs, Cumulative

'

500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Value of Business Acquired

'

$700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair_Value_Measurements_Schedu

Fair Value Measurements - Schedule Of Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'		'
Total	$26,617		$10,670
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	1,663		1,634
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	24,034		7,985
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	'		44
Liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	-282		-225
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	910	[1]	1,007	[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	24,944		8,992
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] | 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	24,034		7,985
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
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	910		1,007	[1]
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'		'
Total	1,673		1,678
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	1,663		1,634
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	'		44
Liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	-282		-225
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] | 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
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 $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Prepaid And Other [Member]	Prepaid And Other [Member]	Accrued Expenses [Member]	Accrued Expenses [Member]	Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
		Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member]		Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member]	Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Foreign exchange forward contracts in asset positions	'	$10	'	$44	'
Derivative Liability, Current	'	-282	'	'	-225
Net derivatives at fair value	($272)	'	($181)	'	'

Derivatives_and_Other_Financia3

Derivatives and Other Financial Instruments - Schedule Of Cash Flow Hedges (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
			Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts [Member]	Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts [Member]	Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Amount of Loss Recognized in AOCI on Derivative (Effective Portion)	'	'	'	$16	$74
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion)	($39)	($118)	($11)	'	($94)

Derivatives_and_Other_Financia4

Derivatives and Other Financial Instruments - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
					Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts [Member]	Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts [Member]	Net Investment Hedging [Member]	Net Investment Hedging [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	$16,834,000	'	$16,834,000	$16,362,000	'	'	$2,148,000	$2,304,000
Cumulative net after-tax gain related to net investment hedges	'	'	'	2,300,000	'	'	'	'
Net after-tax unrealized gain included in accumulated AOCI expected to be transferred	'	'	'	-100,000	'	'	'	'
Amount of Loss Recognized in AOCI on Derivative (Effective Portion)	'	'	'	'	16,000	74,000	'	'
Gain (loss) on fair value hedge derivatives	($100,000)	$400,000	($200,000)	'	'	'	'	'

Accrued_Expenses_Details

Accrued Expenses (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]	'	'
Compensation and benefits	$19,982	$20,162
Deferred revenue	11,993	10,382
Promotional	6,388	7,649
accrued Inventory	794	3,864
Accrued Professional Fees, Current	1,697	2,651
Taxes, other than income	2,177	2,344
Other	10,625	11,865
Total	$53,656	$58,917

LongTerm_Debt_Narrative_Detail

Long-Term Debt - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	8-May-13	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
			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]	Short Term Bond Mutual Funds [Member]	Short Term Bond Mutual Funds [Member]	Certificates of Deposit [Member]	Certificates of Deposit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	$26,059,000	$10,231,000	'	'	'	'	$24,034,000	$7,985,000	$1,663,000	$1,634,000
Note issuance date	'	'	10-May-13	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Senior notes issued	'	'	'	50,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Interest rate of Senior Notes	'	'	'	6.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'
Maturity date of long-term debt outstanding	'	'	30-Jun-17	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Long-term debt outstanding	'	'	'	'	5,200,000	5,500,000	'	'	'	'
Long-term debt fixed interest rate	'	'	'	'	7.89%	'	'	'	'	'
Amount available under uncommitted bank facility to be used for letters of credit	2,400,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Letters of credit outstanding, amount	$1,100,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Income Taxes - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations	-25.50%	-3.30%	-7.00%	44.50%
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	$969	$21	$520	$2,239
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	($3,800)	($634)	($7,401)	$5,037

Related_Party_Transactions_Det

Related Party Transactions (Details) (USD $)

6 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2014

Apr. 01, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 18, 2012

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Chief Executive Officer [Member]

FragMob LLC [Member]

FragMob LLC [Member]

Chief Strategy Officer [Member]

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

Chief Operating Officer [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]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired

'

50.00%

'

80.90%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners

0.00%

'

'

'

1.80%

'

'

0.60%

'

0.10%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Preferred Stock, Redemption Amount

$146,667,000

'

$146,603,000

$143,200,000

$500,000

'

'

$4,500,000

$34,300,000

$13,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Recorded Liability

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

243,521

368,159

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Cash Award Granted, Amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

487,042

736,317

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common stock outstanding, ownership percentage

'

'

'

'

36.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Officers' Compensation

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

500,000

'

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

358,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

620,125

'

Percent Of Annual Target Bonus Opportunity Equal To Base Salary

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

200.00%

Granted, Shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

507,375

'

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

1,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividend Percent of Share

0.06

'

'

'

0.018

'

'

'

0.046

'

0.001

'

'

'

'

0.006

'

Acquisition investment percentage

0.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.00%

0.00%

'

'

'

2.70%

'

'

'

Amount paid for service

'

'

'

'

'

500,000

900,000

'

'

'

'

200,000

300,000

500,000

700,000

'

'

Operating Leases, Income Statement, Sublease Revenue

$100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock_Based_Compensation_Sched

Stock Based Compensation - Schedule Of Restricted Stock And RSUs (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
		Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	Non-Vested Restricted Stock And Restricted Stock Unit Awards(RSUs) [Member]	Non-Vested Restricted Stock And Restricted Stock Unit Awards(RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense	'	$100,000	$200,000	$300,000	$400,000	'	'
Restricted Stock or Unit Expense	'	300,000	400,000	700,000	1,100,000	'	'
Nonvested restricted stock and RSUs beginning balance, Shares	3,185,863	'	'	'	'	100,740	'
Nonvested restricted stock and RSUs beginning balance, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	'	'	'	'	'	$24.25	'
Granted, Shares	'	'	'	'	'	133,949	'
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted	'	'	'	'	'	$9.56	'
Vested, Shares	'	'	'	'	'	-61,777	'
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Vested	'	'	'	'	'	$27.20	'
Forfeited, Shares	32,000	'	'	'	'	-721	'
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Forfeited	'	'	'	'	'	$33.11	'
Nonvested restricted stock and RSUs ending balance, Shares	3,153,863	'	'	'	'	172,191	'
Nonvested restricted stock and RSUs ending balance, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	'	'	'	'	'	$11.73	'
Nonvested restricted stock and RSUs ending balance, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	'	'	'	'	'	1,405,000	1,096,000
Total restricted stock and RSU's ending balance, Shares	'	'	'	'	'	240,313	'
Total restricted stock and RSUs ending balance, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	'	'	'	'	'	$18.23	'
Total restricted stock and RSUs at September 30, 2012, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	'	'	'	'	'	$1,961,000	'

Stock_Based_Compensation_Sched1

Stock Based Compensation - Schedule Of Stock Options (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$63.37	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]	'	'
Options Outstanding, Beginning of Period	3,515,988	8,750
Options Outstanding, End of Period	2,500	8,750
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	'2 months 8 days	'

Stock_Based_Compensation_Narra

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

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

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]

Stock Options [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Stock Options [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]

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

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivatives used in Net Investment Hedge, Net of Tax

'

$2.30

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Shares authorized

'

'

'

2,040,897

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,050,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Shares available for grant

'

'

'

1,574,085

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

36,249

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'12 months

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of RSUs granted

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

133,949

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock or Unit Option Plan Expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0.5

0

0.5

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Requisite service period of the award

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'3 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'5 years

'2 years

'2 years

'1 year

Compensation expense

'

'

'

'

0.3

0.4

0.7

1.1

'

'

'

'

'

'

-0.2

0.6

0

0.6

'

'

'

'

Total recognized tax benefit

'

'

'

'

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0

0.2

0

0.2

'

'

-0.1

0.2

0

0.2

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$9.56

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$27.20

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unearned compensation expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.1

'

0.1

'

1

'

1.3

'

1.3

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'4 years 10 months

'

'2 years 1 month 5 days

'

'

'

'4 years 10 months

'

'

'

'

'

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

358,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Options outstanding

2,500

3,515,988

8,750

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Compensation Expense

2.2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost

$4.20

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock_Based_Compensation_ViSal

Stock Based Compensation ViSalus Options (Details) (USD $)

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

visalus [Member]

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

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

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

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

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Stock or Unit Option Plan Expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0

$0.50

$0

$0.50

Restricted Stock or Unit Expense

'

'

'

'

-0.2

0.6

0

0.6

'

'

'

'

Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense

'

'

'

'

($0.10)

$0.20

$0

$0.20

$0

$0.20

$0

$0.20

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number

2,500

3,515,988

8,750

3,859,888

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

358,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

-14,100

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock_Based_Compensation_ViSal1

Stock Based Compensation ViSalus RSU (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
			Non Vested Restricted Stock And Restricted Stock Unit Awards 2013 [Member]	Non Vested Restricted Stock And Restricted Stock Unit Awards 2013 [Member]	Non Vested Restricted Stock And Restricted Stock Unit Awards 2013 [Member]	Non Vested Restricted Stock And Restricted Stock Unit Awards 2013 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restricted Stock or Unit Expense	'	'	($0.20)	$0.60	$0	$0.60
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense	'	'	-0.1	0.2	0	0.2
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	'	'	$1.30	'	$1.30	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	'	'	'	'	'4 years 10 months	'
31-Dec-13	3,153,863	3,185,863	'	'	'	'
Forfeited	-32,000	'	'	'	'	'

Redeemable_Preferred_Stock_Det

Redeemable Preferred Stock (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 18, 2012
Equity [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Dividend Percent of Share	'	'	$0.06	'	'	'
Preferred stock, redemption amount	146,667,000	'	146,667,000	'	146,603,000	143,200,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	'	0	'	0	8,955,730
Preferred stock, redemption price per share	'	'	'	'	'	$15.99
Dividend Paid To Noncotrolling Interest Holders in excess of income earned	$447,000	$1,834,000	$957,000	$1,834,000	'	'

Earnings_Per_Share_Schedule_Of

Earnings Per Share - Schedule Of Components Of Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	($0.30)	($0.20)	($0.51)	($0.04)
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic	($4,887)	($3,192)	($8,159)	($596)
Weighted average number outstanding, common shares	16,047	16,002	16,034	16,269
Vested restricted stock units	64	54	62	52
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding, basic	16,111	16,056	16,096	16,321
Dilutive effect of stock options and non-vested restricted share units	0	0	0	0
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding, diluted	16,111	16,056	16,096	16,321
Basic earnings per share:	'	'	'	'
Net earnings (loss) attributable per share of Blyth, Inc. common stock	($0.30)	($0.20)	($0.51)	($0.04)

Earnings_Per_Share_Narrative_D

Earnings Per Share - Narrative (Details)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'
Options outstanding	2,500	3,515,988	8,750

Treasury_And_Common_Stock_Sche

Treasury And Common Stock - Schedule Of Treasury Stock (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended				12 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
					Excluding Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member]	Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member]	Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'		'		'	'	'
Treasury Stock, Beginning Balance, Amount	($452,040)		($441,774)		'	$452,040	'
Treasury stock purchases	-126	[1]	-10,266	[1]	-9,961	-126	-305
Treasury Stock, Ending Balance, Amount	($452,166)		'		'	'	$452,040
Treasury Stock, Shares, Beginning Balance	10,557,342		9,944,239		'	10,557,342	'
Treasury stock purchased in connection with long-term incentive plan, Shares	'		'		594,582	14,077	18,521
Treasury Stock, Shares, Ending Balance	10,571,419		'		'	'	10,557,342
[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 $)	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Beginning balance, Shares	26,574,031	26,505,210
Beginning balance, Amount	$532	$530
Common stock issued in connection with long-term incentive plan, Shares	51,545	68,821
Common stock issued in connection with long-term incentive plan, Amount	'	2
Ending balance, Shares	26,625,576	26,574,031
Ending balance, Amount	533	532
Common Stock	'	'
Common stock issued in connection with long-term incentive plan, Amount	$1	'

Segment_Information_Schedule_O

Segment Information - Schedule Of Net Sales And Operating Profit By Segment (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	$157,793	$211,731	$333,462	$444,825	'
Operating profit (loss)	-2,805	1,150	-5,445	7,128	'
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	-3,800	-634	-7,401	5,037	'
Identifiable Assets	335,599	'	335,599	'	366,777
Candles & Home Decor [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	72,745	77,800	'	'	'
Operating profit (loss)	-653	-310	'	'	'
Identifiable Assets	167,927	'	167,927	'	176,062
Health and Wellness [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	53,560	101,522	'	'	'
Operating profit (loss)	-1,328	2,769	'	'	'
Identifiable Assets	51,767	'	51,767	'	57,995
Catalog & Internet [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	31,488	32,409	'	'	'
Operating profit (loss)	-824	-1,309	'	'	'
Identifiable Assets	49,229	'	49,229	'	50,880
Unallocated Corporate [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Operating profit (loss)	-995	-1,784	'	'	'
Identifiable Assets	$66,676	'	$66,676	'	$81,840

Segment_Information_identifiab

Segment Information identifiable assets (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Identifiable Assets	$335,599	$366,777
Candles & Home Decor [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Identifiable Assets	167,927	176,062
Health and Wellness [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Identifiable Assets	51,767	57,995
Catalog & Internet [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Identifiable Assets	49,229	50,880
Unallocated Corporate [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Identifiable Assets	$66,676	$81,840