Blyth (BTH) 10-Q 5 May 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Apr. 30, 2015
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-15
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Entity Registrant Name	BLYTH INC
Entity Central Index Key	921503
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		16,136,163

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$64,658	$94,329
Short-term investments	0	18,961
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful receivables of $5,407 and $5,481, respectively	12,545	11,133
Inventories	44,948	45,784
Prepaid assets	13,428	15,168
Deferred income taxes	763
Other current assets	8,035	7,515
Total current assets	144,377	192,890
Property, plant and equipment, at cost:
Less accumulated depreciation of $136,340 and $153,509, respectively	64,087	68,266
Other assets:
Investments	7,951	7,951
Goodwill	5,881	2,298
Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $15,400 and $15,372, respectively	7,950	6,593
Deferred income taxes	279	624
Other assets	11,031	8,731
Total other assets	33,092	26,197
Total assets	241,556	287,353
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current maturities of long-term debt	1,352	50,907
Accounts payable	18,075	23,358
Accrued expenses	37,542	41,327
Income taxes payable	1,618	1,193
Deferred income taxes	3,585	4,086
Other current liabilities	3,643	8,387
Total current liabilities	65,815	129,258
Long-term debt, less current maturities	38,901	4,556
Deferred income taxes	13,621	7,309
Other liabilities	11,681	12,087
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock - authorized 50,000,000 shares of $0.02 par value; issued 26,727,166 shares and 26,642,250 shares, respectively	535	533
Additional contributed capital	170,247	169,897
Retained earnings	390,995	403,463
Accumulated other comprehensive income	1,460	11,849
Treasury stock, at cost, 10,591,003 shares and 10,572,020 shares, respectively	-452,316	-452,171
Total stockholders' equity	110,921	133,571
Noncontrolling interest	617	572
Total equity	111,538	134,143
Total liabilities and equity	$241,556	$287,353

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful receivables	$5,407	$5,481
Other intangible assets, accumulated amortization	15,400	15,372
Accumulated depreciation	$136,340	$152,287
Common stock, shares authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Common stock, par value	$0.02	$0.02
Common stock, shares issued	26,727,166	26,642,250
Treasury stock, shares	10,591,003	10,572,020

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Ear

Consolidated Statements Of Earnings (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Net sales	$103,726	$118,239
Cost of goods sold	45,190	43,857
Gross profit	58,536	74,382
Selling	50,012	54,654
Administrative and other expense	17,661	19,860
Total operating expense	67,673	74,514
Operating loss	-9,137	-132
Other expense (income):
Interest expense	2,200	977
Interest income	-188	-52
Foreign exchange and other, net	1,399	221
Total other expense	3,411	1,146
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes and noncontrolling interest	-12,548	-1,278
Income tax benefit	-170	-642
Loss from continuing operations	-12,378	-636
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income tax expense	0	-2,038
Net loss	-12,378	-2,674
Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	90	88
Net loss attributable to Blyth, Inc.	($12,468)	($2,762)
Basic and Diluted loss per share:
Net loss from continuing operations	($0.77)	($0.04)
Net loss from discontinued operations	$0	($0.13)
Net loss attributable per share of Blyth, Inc.	($0.77)	($0.17)
Weighted average number of shares outstanding	16,142	16,080
Cash dividend declared per share	$0	$0.05

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Com

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Net loss	($12,378)	($2,674)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-10,589	810
Net unrealized gain (loss) on certain investments	44	-12
Net unrealized gain on cash flow hedging instruments	233	20
Less: Reclassification adjustments for (gain) loss included in net income	-77	39
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-10,389	857
Total comprehensive loss, net of tax	-22,767	-1,817
Less: net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	90	88
Comprehensive loss attributable to Blyth, Inc.	($22,857)	($1,905)

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Sto

Consolidated Statements Of Stockholders' Equity (USD $)		Total	Common Stock	Additional Contributed Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Treasury Stock	Noncontrolling Interest
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Beginning balance (as adjusted for stock split) at Dec. 31, 2013		$46,028	$532	$168,732	$312,036	$16,362	($452,040)	$406
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Blyth, Inc. common stockholders		-2,762
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net earnings		-2,674						88
Distribution to noncontrolling interest		-45						-45
Accretion to redemption value for ViSalus redeemable preferred stock		511			511
Other comprehensive income		857				857
Stock-based compensation		419		419
Dividends declared		-805			-805
Treasury stock purchases	[1]	-83					-83
Ending Balance (as adjusted for stock split) at Mar. 31, 2014		43,186	532	169,151	307,958	17,219	-452,123	449
Beginning balance (as adjusted for stock split) at Dec. 31, 2014		134,143	533	169,897	403,463	11,849	-452,171	572
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Blyth, Inc. common stockholders		-12,468
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net earnings		-12,378						90
Distribution to noncontrolling interest		-45						-45
Other comprehensive income		-10,389				-10,389
Stock-based compensation		352		350
Treasury stock purchases	[1]	-145					-145
Ending Balance (as adjusted for stock split) at Mar. 31, 2015		$111,538	$535	$170,247	$390,995	$1,460	($452,316)	$617
[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
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Dividends declared	$0	$0.05

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Cas

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Loss from continuing operations	($12,378)	($636)
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	1,907	2,148
Loss on sale of assets	244	19
Stock-based compensation expense of Blyth, Inc.	352	419
Deferred income taxes	-297	-1,255
Loss on impairment of assets	385	0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	-1,730	-1,435
Inventories	-209	1,438
Prepaid and other	642	-3,051
Other long-term assets	-2,250	381
Accounts payable	-5,465	-8,862
Accrued expenses	-2,312	2,897
Income taxes payable	-635	-129
Other liabilities and other	-2,042	-5,935
Net cash used in operating activities of continuing operations	-23,788	-14,001
Net cash used in operating activities of discontinued operations	0	-7,561
Net cash used in operating activities	-23,788	-21,562
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment, net of disposals	-522	-739
Purchases of long-term investments	0	-32
Proceeds from sale of short-term investments	19,002	0
Proceeds from sales of assets	11	0
Payment for purchase of business	-4,951	0
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations	13,540	-771
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities of continuing operations	13,540	-844
Net cash used in investing activities of discontinued operations	0	-73
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings on long-term debt	35,000	0
Repayments on long-term debt	-50,178	-164
Payments on capital lease obligations	-48	-96
Distributions to noncontrolling interest	-45	-45
Net cash used in financing activities of continuing operations	-15,271	-305
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	-4,152	71
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-29,671	-22,640
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	94,329	106,933
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$64,658	$84,293

Basis_of_Presentation_narrativ

Basis of Presentation narrative (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Text Block [Abstract]
Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	The following table discloses the tax effects allocated to each component of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”) in the financial statements:
	(In thousands)		31-Mar-15										31-Mar-14
			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		$	(3,914	)	$	(6,675	)	$	(10,589	)		$	537		$	273		$	810
	Net unrealized gain (loss) on certain investments		68			(24		)	44				(18		)	6			(12		)
	Net unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedging instruments		358			(125		)	233				30			(10		)	20
	Less: Reclassification adjustments for (gain) loss included in net income		(118		)	41			(77		)		61			(22		)	39
	Other comprehensive income (loss)		$	(3,606	)	$	(6,783	)	$	(10,389	)		$	610		$	247		$	857
	The components of AOCI, net of tax, for the three months ended March 31, 2015 are 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			Total
	Beginning balance at January 1, 2015	$	6,565		$	194		$	244		$	4,846		$	11,849
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(10,589		)	44			233			—			(10,312		)
	Less: amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (1) (2)	—			(57		)	134			—			77
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	(10,589		)	101			99			—			(10,389		)
	Ending balance at March 31, 2015	$	(4,024	)	$	295		$	343		$	4,846		$	1,460

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Discontinued Operations	ote 3. Discontinued Operations
	The Company has early adopted 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").
	On September 4, 2014, the Company, ViSalus and certain of ViSalus’s preferred stockholders entered into a recapitalization agreement pursuant to which ViSalus was recapitalized by exchanging each share of ViSalus preferred stock for 38.2 shares of ViSalus common stock, thereby (i) reducing the Company’s ownership interest in ViSalus from approximately 80.9% to 10.0% and (ii) eliminating the obligation of ViSalus to redeem the preferred stock in 2017 (for approximately $143.2 million) and the related guaranty by the Company of ViSalus’s performance of such obligation. In addition, the Company agreed to make available to ViSalus a revolving credit facility.
	On October 17, 2014, the Company and ViSalus entered into a revolving loan agreement (the "Blyth Revolving Loan Agreement") pursuant to which the Company agreed to lend ViSalus up to $6.0 million. Loans under the Blyth Revolving Loan Agreement bear interest at a rate of 10% per annum. Interest will be paid monthly and there will be no higher default rate of interest. The revolving loan involves related parties. Robert B. Goergen, Robert B. Goergen, Jr. and Todd A. Goergen own 8.29%, 0.34% and 2.81%, respectively, of the outstanding capital stock of ViSalus. On October 17, 2014, the founders of ViSalus and Robert B. Goergen (the “Founder Lenders”) entered into a substantially similar loan agreement with ViSalus (the “Founder Revolving Loan Agreement”) pursuant to which they made a revolving credit facility available to ViSalus in an amount up to $6.0 million on terms that are substantially identical to the terms of the Blyth Revolving Loan Agreement. Loans made under the Blyth Revolving Loan Agreement and loans made under the Founder Revolving Loan Agreement will be made at the same time in equal amounts and will rank equally with each other. As of March 31, 2015, ViSalus owed the Company $3.8 million under the Blyth Revolving Loan Agreement.
	As a result of its reduced ownership in ViSalus, the Company does not consolidate ViSalus's results in the Company's financial statements; rather, the ViSalus investment is recorded on a cost basis subject to annual impairment reviews to ensure the investment is properly stated. As of March 31, 2015 the fair value of the ViSalus investment was $6.9 million. ViSalus operating results are presented as discontinued operations in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014.
	The following table details the net loss of discontinued operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014:
	(In thousands)	2014
	Net sales	$	57,431
	Cost of goods sold	18,333
	Selling, administrative and other expenses	41,607
	Other income and expenses	(185		)
	Loss before income taxes and noncontrolling interest	(2,324		)
	Income tax expense	192
	Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(478		)
	Net loss attributable to discontinued operations	$	(2,038	)

Investments

Investments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investments	Investments
	The Company considers all money market funds and debt instruments, including certificates of deposit and commercial paper, purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents, unless the assets are restricted. The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents approximates its fair value.
	The Company’s investments as of March 31, 2015 consisted of a number of financial securities, including certificates of deposit, and a 10% ownership interest in a former subsidiary now treated as a cost investment. The Company accounts for its cost investments 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:
		March 31, 2015							December 31, 2014
	(In thousands)	Cost Basis(1)			Fair Value		Net unrealized loss in AOCI		Cost Basis(1)		Fair Value		Net unrealized
													loss in AOCI
	Investment in ViSalus	$	6,850		$	6,850	$	—	$	6,850	$	6,850	$	—
	Certificates of deposit	1,101			1,101		—		1,101		1,101		—
	Short-term bond mutual funds	—			—		—		19,092		18,961		(131		)
	Total investments	$	7,951		$	7,951	$	—	$	27,043	$	26,912	$	(131	)
	(1) The cost basis represents the actual amount paid less any permanent impairment of that asset.
	Included in long-term investments are certificates of deposit of $1.1 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. Prior to March 9, 2015, these certificates of deposit were held as collateral for the Company’s outstanding standby letters of credit. These investments are recorded at fair value which approximates cost; interest earned on these is recorded in Interest income in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Loss.
	The Company accounts for its noncontrolling interest in ViSalus on a cost basis under ASC 325. This transactions involves related parties as discussed in Note 13 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
	As of December 31, 2014, the Company held $19.0 million of short-term bond mutual funds, which were classified as short-term available for sale investments. Unrealized 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 December 31, 2014, the Company recorded $0.1 million in unrealized losses, net of tax.
	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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the fair value of these securities was $1.0 million. 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 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	The following table summarizes the proceeds and realized gains and losses on the sale of available for sale investments recorded in Foreign exchange and other within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Loss for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. Gains and losses reclassified from AOCI, net to foreign exchange, in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Loss are calculated using the specific identification method.
	(In thousands)	March 31, 2015			March 31, 2014
	Net proceeds	$	19,002		$	—
	Realized losses	$	(90	)	$	—

Inventories

Inventories	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Inventory, Net [Abstract]
Inventories	Inventories
	The major components of Inventories are as follows:
	(In thousands)	March 31, 2015		December 31, 2014
	Raw materials	$	3,435	$	3,259
	Finished goods	41,513		42,525
	Total	$	44,948	$	45,784
	As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the inventory valuation reserves totaled $5.4 million and $5.0 million, respectively.

Derivatives_and_Other_Financia

Derivatives and Other Financial Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 its foreign operations, intercompany payables and loans. The Company 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 March 31, 2015, there were no outstanding net investment hedges. The cumulative net after-tax gain related to net investment hedges in AOCI as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 was $4.1 million, respectively.
	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; 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 no longer probable of occurring, the resultant gain or loss on the terminated hedge is recognized into earnings immediately.  The net after-tax unrealized gain included in AOCI at March 31, 2015 for cash flow hedges was $0.3 million and is expected to be transferred into earnings within the next twelve months upon settlement of the underlying commitment. The net after-tax unrealized gain included in AOCI at December 31, 2014 for cash flow hedges was $0.2 million.
	For financial statement presentation, net cash flows from such hedges are classified in the categories of the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows with the items being hedged. Forward contracts held with each bank are presented within the Condensed 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 October 2015.
	The table below details the fair value and location of the Company’s hedges in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets:
	(In thousands)	31-Mar-15						31-Dec-14
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments	Accrued Expenses			Prepaid Assets			Prepaid Assets
	Foreign exchange forward contracts in an asset position	$	1		$	527		$	405
	Foreign exchange forward contracts in a liability position	(14		)	—			(8		)
	Net derivatives at fair value	$	(13	)	$	527		$	397
	For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company recorded gains of $0.2 million and losses of $0.1 million, respectively, 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 to the Company’s cash flow hedges for three months ended March 31, are as follows:
		Amount of Gain (Loss)						Amount of Gain (Loss)
	Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	Recognized in AOCI on Derivative						Reclassified from AOCI into Income
		(Effective Portion)						(Effective Portion)
	(In thousands)	2015			2014			2015			2014
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	440		$	(4	)	$	288		$	(79	)

Goodwill_And_Other_Intangibles

Goodwill And Other Intangibles	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 March 31, 2015, there were no indications
	that a review was necessary.
	As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the carrying amount of the Company’s goodwill within the Candles & Home Décor segment was $2.3 million.
	On February 9, 2015, Silver Star Brands acquired certain of the assets and assumed certain liabilities of Native Remedies LLC (“Native Remedies”) for approximately $5.0 million. Native Remedies® is a direct-to-consumer eCommerce marketer of natural herbal dietary supplements and homeopathic products. The asset purchase agreement includes a provision requiring Silver Star Brands to pay contingent consideration on sales of Native Remedies products to the extent such sales exceed a threshold during the 12-month period from March 1, 2015 and there is no cap on the amount of the contingent consideration. As of March 31, 2015, no amounts have been accrued under this provision since sales of Native Remedies products are not expected to exceed the threshold. The agreement also requires the payment of $0.5 million to the former owners of Native Remedies for consulting services. This amount has been considered compensation and will be expensed over the service period. The Native Remedies brand is part of Silver Star Brands. Financial results from the date of the acquisition are included in the Company's Catalog & Internet segment for reporting purposes. As of March 31, 2015, the carrying amount of the Company’s goodwill within the Catalog & Internet segment was $3.6 million.
	Other intangible assets include indefinite-lived trade names, trademarks, formulations and customer relationships related to the Company’s acquisition of Native Remedies, Miles Kimball and Walter Drake, which are reported in the Catalog & Internet segment. The Company does not amortize the indefinite-lived trade names, trademarks and formulations, but rather tests for impairment annually and upon the occurrence of a triggering event.
	For the quarter ended March 31, 2015, the acquisition of Native Remedies included $1.0 million of formulation intangibles as well as $0.6 million of trade names. These assets are accounted for as indefinite-lived intangibles.
	During the quarter ended March 31, 2015, the Exposures brand under the Silver Star Brands business experienced substantial declines in revenues when compared to its forecasts and prior years. The Company believes this shortfall in revenue was primarily attributable to decreased consumer spending due to changes in the business environment and adverse economic conditions. As a result of the impairment analysis performed, the indefinite-lived trade name was determined to be partly impaired, as the fair value of this brand was less than its carrying value. Accordingly, the Company recorded a non-cash pre-tax impairment charge of $0.2 million to Administrative and other expenses in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Loss reducing the carrying value to $0.4 million.
	Other intangible assets within the Catalog & Internet segment include the following:
	(In thousands)	Indefinite-lived trade names, formulations and trademarks			Customer relationships
	Other intangibles at gross value	$	28,100		$	15,400
	Accumulated amortization	—			(15,373		)
	Impairments	(21,534		)	—
	Other intangibles at December 31, 2014	$	6,566		$	27
	Additions	1,556			—
	Impairments	(172		)	—
	Amortization	—			(27		)
	Other intangibles at March 31, 2015	$	7,950		$	—
	Amortization expense is recorded on an accelerated basis over the estimated lives of the customer lists ranging from 5 to 12 years.  For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, amortization expense was insignificant and $0.1 million, respectively.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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  March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, and the basis for that measurement, by level within the fair value hierarchy:
	(In thousands)	Balance as of March 31, 2015			Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)		Significant			Significant
							other observable inputs			unobservable inputs
	Financial assets						(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	Certificates of deposit	$	1,101		$	—	$	1,101		$	—
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	528			—		528			—
	Deferred compensation plan assets (1)	992			992		—			—
	Total	$	2,621		$	992	$	1,629		$	—
	Financial liabilities
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	(14	)	$	—	$	(14	)	$	—
	(1) Recorded as an Other asset with an offsetting liability for the obligation to employees in Other liabilities.
	(In thousands)	Balance as of March 31, 2014			Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)		Significant			Significant
							other observable inputs			unobservable inputs
	Financial assets						(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	Short-term bond mutual funds	$	18,961		$	18,961	$	—		$	—
	Certificates of deposit	1,101			—		1,101			—
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	405					405
	Deferred compensation plan assets (1)	962			962		—			—
	Total	$	21,429		$	19,923	$	1,506		$	—
	Financial liabilities
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	(8	)	$	—	$	(8	)	$	—
	(1) Recorded as an Other asset with an offsetting liability for the obligation to 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, its ViSalus investment 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. The Company used a discounted cash flow model to estimate the fair value of its ViSalus investment.  This model incorporated the most recent long term strategic forecast of the business to determine the estimated cash flows, which were then discounted to arrive at its net present value. The discount rate used to determine its present value considers the time value of money, certain growth rate assumptions, other investment risk factors and the terminal value of the business.
	Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles are subject to impairment testing on an annual basis, or sooner if circumstances indicate a condition of impairment may exist. The valuation uses assumptions such as interest and discount rates, growth projections and other assumptions of future business conditions. These valuation methods require a significant degree of management judgment concerning the use of internal and external data. In the event these methods indicate that fair value is less than the carrying value, the asset is recorded at fair value as determined by the valuation models. As such, the Company classifies goodwill and other intangibles subjected to nonrecurring fair value adjustments as level 3.
	The fair value of the Company’s long-lived assets, primarily property, plant and equipment, is reviewed whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that carrying amounts of a long-lived assets may not be recoverable. Management determines whether there has been an impairment of long-lived assets held for use in the business by comparing anticipated undiscounted future cash flows from the use and eventual disposition of the asset or asset group to the carrying value of the asset.  The amount of any resulting impairment is calculated by comparing the carrying value to the fair value. For the three months ended March 31, 2015, loss within the Candles & Home Décor segment included asset impairment charges of $0.4 million on certain machinery and equipment held and used at the Cumbria, United Kingdom facility (see Note 2 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements). Long-lived assets that meet the definition of held for sale are valued at the lower of carrying amount or net realizable value.  Assets or asset groups are determined at the lowest level possible for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. For assets whose aggregate undiscounted cash flows are less than carrying value, the assets are considered potentially impaired and actual impairments, if any, would be determined to the extent the assets' carrying values exceed its aggregate fair values.
	The valuation of these assets uses a significant amount of management’s judgment and uses information provided by third parties. The local real estate market, regional comparatives, estimated concessions and transaction costs are all considered when determining the fair value of these assets. Due to the nature of this information and the assumptions made by management, the Company has classified the inputs used in valuing these assets as level 3.

Accrued_Expenses

Accrued Expenses	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accrued Expenses	Accrued Expenses
	Accrued expenses consist of the following:
	(In thousands)	March 31, 2015		December 31, 2014
	Compensation and benefits	$	9,609	$	9,707
	Deferred revenue	8,914		9,928
	Promotional	8,681		6,109
	Interest payable	125		2,341
	Postage & Freight	942		2,476
	Professional fees	1,220		2,734
	Taxes, other than income	1,780		1,516
	Self insurance reserves	586		717
	Inventory	307		502
	Other	5,378		5,297
	Total	$	37,542	$	41,327

LongTerm_Debt

Long-Term Debt	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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. In connection with the ViSalus recapitalization, the Company amended the indenture governing the Senior Notes to provide for notice of the mandatory redemption of the Senior Notes on the earlier of March 4, 2015 or the date, if any, that the Company consummated a new financing in the amount of at least $50.0 million. In early March 2015, the Company provided the notice of the mandatory redemption of the Senior Notes, which became due and were repaid on March 10, 2015. This amendment was accounted for as a modification in accordance with ASC section 470-50 “Debt -Modifications and Extinguishments.” As a result, the Company was required to a pay a $3.0 million redemption premium in addition to accrued interest on the redemption date. The redemption premium was expensed on a pro rata basis from September 4, 2014 through the redemption date. For the quarter ended March 31, 2015, the Company recorded $1.0 million of additional interest expense associated with the redemption premium. To secure the obligations under the indenture, the Company granted a security interest to the lender in substantially all of its personal property and certain of its real property.
	On March 9, 2015, the Company, together with all of its domestic subsidiaries, except the subsidiary through which it holds its interest in ViSalus (collectively, the “domestic subsidiaries”), entered into a Term Loan and Security Agreement with GFIE, LLC, as term lender. The agreement provides for a five-year term loan in an original principal amount equal to $35.0 million. The obligations under the agreement are secured by, among other assets, (i) a first priority lien on and security interest in PartyLite’s manufacturing facility in Batavia, IL and the intellectual property and various stock and other equity interests owned by the Company and the domestic subsidiaries and (ii) a second priority lien on and security interest in the Company's and the domestic subsidiaries' accounts receivable, inventory, chattel paper and deposit and securities accounts, as well as PartyLite’s office building in Plymouth, MA. The term loan bears interest at a non-default rate of the greater of 1.00% or LIBOR, in each case plus 5%, payable quarterly in arrears. The principal amount of the term loan will be paid in installments as follows: beginning on March 31, 2016, and continuing on the last day of each calendar quarter thereafter, up to and including December 31, 2019, the Company will pay equal quarterly installments of $437.5 thousand. The entire remaining balance of principal and accrued interest on the term loan, and all other charges and/or amounts then due in connection with the term loan, will be due and payable in full on March 9, 2020. The term loan may be prepaid, in whole or in part, from time to time, without penalty or premium. In addition, commencing in 2017 (based on our 2016 results), the Company is required to prepay the term loan annually in an amount up to 25% of “excess cash flow,” if any. For these purposes, excess cash flow is the Company's consolidated EBITDA for the most recently completed fiscal year, determined as set forth in the term loan, less certain capital expenditures, certain repayments of debt, certain interest expenses, and certain cash and other expenditures.
	The term loan contains covenants that restrict, subject to certain exceptions, the Company's and all of its subsidiaries' ability to, among other things: (i) incur indebtedness; (ii) create liens on assets; (iii) engage in mergers or consolidations; (iv) engage in certain dispositions or acquisitions of assets; (v) make investments, loans, guarantees or advances; (vi) pay dividends and distributions or repurchase its common stock; (vii) repay or prepay certain indebtedness; (viii) enter into sale and leaseback transactions; (ix) engage in certain transactions with affiliates; and (x) change the nature of its or any of its subsidiaries’ business. In addition, the term loan (a) requires the Company to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio (“FCCR”) of 1.0 to 1.0 upon the occurrence of certain events or conditions, (b) with certain exceptions, prohibits the Company from making acquisitions if the FCCR is less than 1.0 to 1.0, and (c) among other conditions, generally prohibits the Company from paying dividends or repurchasing its common stock:
	• for amounts in excess of $2.5 million in any twelve-month period;
	• at times when there are no loans outstanding under the revolving loan agreement, if availability (on a pro forma basis) is less than $3.0 million; and
	• at times when there are loans outstanding under the revolving loan agreement, if (a) availability (on a pro forma basis) is less than the greater of 30.0% of the revolving loan commitment or $2.25 million, (b) immediately after such dividend or repurchase, availability (on a pro forma basis) would be less than the greater of 30.0% of the revolving loan commitment or $2.25 million or (c) the FCCR is less than 1.1 to 1.0.
	The FCCR was less than 1.0 to 1.0 at March 31, 2015. The term loan agreement also contains additional affirmative, negative and financial covenants and events of default.
	The proceeds of the term loan, together with available cash, were used to fund the mandatory redemption of the 6.00% Senior Notes.
	On March 9, 2015, the Company and the domestic subsidiaries also entered into a Loan and Security Agreement, which it refers to as the revolving loan agreement, with Bank of America, N.A., as revolver lender. The revolving loan agreement provides for an asset-based five-year revolving line of credit facility in an aggregate principal amount up to the lesser of $15.0 million or an amount determined by reference to a “borrowing base,” which deducts such reserves as the revolver lender may require in its reasonable discretion. The Company's borrowing base under the revolving loan agreement will be comprised principally of specified percentages of eligible inventory, accounts receivables and PartyLite’s office building in Plymouth, MA. The obligations under the revolving loan agreement are secured by, among other assets, (i) a first priority lien on and security interest in the Company's and the domestic subsidiaries' accounts receivable, inventory, chattel paper and deposit and securities accounts, as well as PartyLite’s office building in Plymouth, MA, and (ii) a second priority lien on and security interest in various other assets of the Company and the domestic subsidiaries, including PartyLite’s manufacturing facility in Batavia, IL, and its and the domestic subsidiaries' intellectual property and various stock and other equity interests.
	Based on the value of eligible inventory, accounts receivable and PartyLite’s office building in Plymouth, MA, as of March 31, 2015, the Company's borrowing base was $13.9 million. As of March 31, 2015, the Company has not made any borrowings under the revolving loan agreement and has outstanding thereunder only an existing letter of credit for approximately $0.9 million.
	Loans under the revolving loan agreement will bear non-default interest at a rate equal to either (i) LIBOR plus an applicable margin ranging from 1.75% to 2.25% or (ii) a base rate equal, at the time of determination, to the greater of (a) the revolver lender’s prime rate; (b) the Federal Funds Rate (as defined) plus 0.50%; or (c) LIBOR for a 30 day interest period plus 1.00%, in each case plus an applicable margin ranging from 0.75% to 1.25%. All loans under the revolving loan agreement will be due and payable in full on March 9, 2020, and may be prepaid, in whole or in part, from time to time, without penalty or premium (except as may be necessary to cover certain funding losses in connection with LIBOR loans). If an overadvance, as determined pursuant to the revolving loan agreement, exists at any time, or accounts receivable are disposed of, the Company will be required to repay a portion of the loans under the revolving loan agreement determined as set forth in the revolving loan agreement.
	The revolving loan agreement contains affirmative, negative and financial covenants that are substantially similar to those contained in the term loan agreement and that restrict and impose obligations on the Company and the domestic subsidiaries in the same manner. The revolving loan agreement also contains events of default that are substantially similar to those contained in the term loan agreement.
	Loans under the revolving loan agreement will be used primarily for working capital and other general corporate purposes.
	The relative rights of the term lender and the revolver lender with respect to their respective liens and remedies are governed by an intercreditor agreement.
	The term loan agreement and the intercreditor agreement involve related parties since the term lender is owned by Robert B. Goergen, our executive Chairman of the Board, and Pamela Goergen, Mr. Goergen’s wife and a former member of the Company's board of directors. The term loan was approved by a special committee of the Company's Board of Directors comprised solely of independent directors.  The special committee received legal advice from Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz and a fairness opinion from Duff & Phelps.
	As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, Silver Star Brands had approximately $4.7 million and $4.9 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 March 31, 2015, the Company had $0.9 million in standby letters of credit outstanding that are collateralized by the revolving loan agreement and have an expiration date of March 1, 2016.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	The Company's effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was 1.4% which resulted in an income tax benefit of $0.2 million on a loss from operations of $12.5 million. This compares to 50.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2014, which resulted in a tax benefit of $0.6 million on a loss from operations of $1.3 million. The low tax rate benefit this year, as compared to the U.S. statutory tax rate, is primarily a result of no tax benefit being realized on certain foreign and U.S. 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 other significant changes in the amount of unrecognized tax benefits in 2015, but the amount cannot be estimated.

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Related Party Transaction, Due from (to) Related Party [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	Related Party Transactions
	The acquisition and recapitalization of ViSalus involved related parties. 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 at the time of acquisition and through September 2012. In September 2012, RAM distributed its interest in ViSalus to
	its members, including Robert B. Goergen (executive Chairman of the Board of Directors), Robert B. Goergen, Jr. (President and Chief Executive Officer) and Todd A. Goergen (son of Robert B. Goergen and brother of Robert B. Goergen, Jr.). 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. Todd A. Goergen is currently a member of the Board of Directors and an executive officer of ViSalus and was such at the time of the acquisition and recapitalization.
	Revolving Loan Agreement with ViSalus. In connection with the ViSalus recapitalization, the Company agreed to make
	available to ViSalus a $6.0 million revolving credit facility. On October 17, 2014, the founders of ViSalus and Robert B.
	Goergen (the “Founder Lenders”) entered into a substantially similar loan agreement with ViSalus (the “Founder Revolving
	Loan Agreement”) pursuant to which they made a revolving credit facility available to ViSalus in an amount up to $6.0 million
	on terms that are substantially identical to the terms of the Blyth Revolving Loan Agreement. Loans made under the Blyth
	Revolving Loan Agreement and loans made under the Founder Revolving Loan Agreement will be made at the same time in
	equal amounts and will rank equally with each other. The revolving loan involves related parties. Robert B. Goergen, Robert B.
	Goergen, Jr. and Todd A. Goergen own 8.29%, 0.34% and 2.81%, respectively, of the outstanding capital stock of ViSalus as of March 31, 2015. As of March 31, 2015, ViSalus owed the Company $3.8 million under the Blyth Revolving Loan Agreement.
	Management and Transition Services with ViSalus. In July 2012, ViSalus and the Company entered into a management services
	agreement under which the Company provided certain administrative support services to ViSalus for what was believed to be
	an arm's length price for such services. The basis for determining the price for the services under the management services
	agreement was on a cost recovery basis and required ViSalus to pay for such services within 30 days of receipt of the invoice.
	In connection with the recapitalization of ViSalus in September 2014, the Company and ViSalus entered into a new transition services agreement pursuant to which the Company agreed to provide certain transition services to ViSalus, including, general administrative services, certain business support services, payroll services and maintenance of certain insurance policies and employee benefit programs. Transition services will be provided for terms that vary by service and are generally considered sufficient to allow ViSalus to arrange for such services on its own behalf following the recapitalization. The transition services will be provided at a fee that is 6% greater than the Company’s actual, out-of-pocket expenses in providing the applicable transition service. The estimated management fee for administrative services for 2015 is $0.2 million.
	RAM Sublease. For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, RAM paid the Company $49.4 thousand and $43.6 thousand, respectively, to sublet office space, which the Company believes approximates the fair market rental for the rental period.
	Term Loan and the Intercreditor Agreement. The term loan and the intercreditor agreement involve related parties since the term lender is owned by Robert B. Goergen, the executive Chairman of the Board, and Pamela Goergen, Mr. Goergen’s wife and a former member of the Company’s board of directors.

Stock_Based_Compensation

Stock Based Compensation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Stock Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation
	As of March 31, 2015, 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 March 31, 2015, and approximately 1,521,703 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 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Loss for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 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, 2014	165,885		$	10.95	$	1,518
	Granted	49,073		7.7
	Vested	(76,075	)	12.42
	Nonvested restricted stock and RSUs at March 31, 2015	138,883		$	9	$	1,054
	Total restricted stock and RSUs at March 31, 2015	191,414		$	15.65	$	1,453
	Compensation expense related to restricted stock and RSUs for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 was approximately $0.4 million and total recognized tax benefit was $0.1 million, respectively.
	As of March 31, 2015, there was $0.6 million of unearned compensation expense related to non-vested restricted stock and RSU awards.  This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.8 years. The total unrecognized stock-based compensation cost to be recognized in future periods as of March 31, 2015 does not consider the effect of stock-based awards that may be issued in subsequent periods.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	s Per Share
	Vested restricted stock units issued under the Company’s stock-based compensation plans participate in a cash equivalent of the dividends paid to common shareholders and are not considered contingently issuable shares. Accordingly, these RSUs are included in the calculation of basic and diluted loss 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 loss per share.
	The components of basic and diluted loss per share are as follows:
		Three months ended
	(In thousands)	March 31, 2015			March 31, 2014
	Net loss attributable to Blyth, Inc.	$	(12,468	)	$	(2,762	)
	Weighted average number outstanding:
	Common shares	16,087			16,022
	Vested restricted stock units	55			58
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
	Basic and diluted	16,142			16,080
	Basic and diluted loss per share:
	Net loss from continuing operations	$	(0.77	)	$	(0.04	)
	Net loss from discontinued operations	—			(0.13		)
	Net loss attributable per share of Blyth, Inc.	$	(0.77	)	$	(0.17	)

Treasury_And_Common_Stock

Treasury And Common Stock	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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, 2014	10,557,342	$	(452,040	)
	Treasury stock withheld in connection with long-term incentive plan	14,678	(131		)
	31-Dec-14	10,572,020	$	(452,171	)
	Treasury stock withheld in connection with long-term incentive plan	18,983	(145		)
	Balance at March 31, 2015	10,591,003	$	(452,316	)
	Common Stock (In thousands, except shares)	Shares	Amount
	Balance at January 1, 2014	26,574,031	$	532
	Common stock issued in connection with long-term incentive plan	68,219	1
	31-Dec-14	26,642,250	$	533
	Common stock issued in connection with long-term incentive plan	84,916	2
	Balance at March 31, 2015	26,727,166	$	535

Segment_Information

Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 and personalized gifts, as well as health, wellness and beauty related products. The Company's products can be found primarily throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe and Australia. The Company's financial results are reported in two segments: the Candles & Home Décor 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 primarily sold through networks of independent sales consultants. PartyLite brand products are sold primarily in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe and Australia.
	Within the Catalog & Internet segment, 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®, Exposures® and Native Remedies® brands. These products are sold in the United States and Canada.
	Operating loss in all segments represents net sales less operating expenses directly related to the business segments and corporate expenses allocated to the business segments.  Other expense includes Interest expense, Interest income, and Foreign exchange and other which are not allocated to the business segments.  Identifiable assets for each segment consist of assets used directly in its operations and intangible assets, if any, resulting from purchase business combinations.  Unallocated Corporate within the identifiable assets include cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, discontinued operations, prepaid income tax, corporate fixed assets, deferred debt costs and other long-term investments, which are not allocated to the business segments. Corporate expenses are allocated to each segment based on budgeted sales.
	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
	(In thousands)	Three months ended
	Financial Information	March 31, 2015			March 31, 2014
	Net Sales
	Candles & Home Décor	$	65,691		$	80,859
	Catalog & Internet	38,035			37,380
	Total	$	103,726		$	118,239
	Earnings
	Candles & Home Décor	$	(6,348	)	$	1,230
	Catalog & Internet	(2,789		)	(1,362		)
	Operating profit	(9,137		)	(132		)
	Other Expense/(Income)	(3,411		)	(1,146		)
	Loss before income taxes and non-controlling interest	$	(12,548	)	$	(1,278	)
	Identifiable Assets	31-Mar-15			31-Dec-14
	Candles & Home Décor	140,255			148,658
	Catalog & Internet	51,663			51,393
	Unallocated  Corporate	49,638			87,302
	Total	$	241,556		$	287,353

Subsequent_Events_Notes

Subsequent Events (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	In late April 2015, PartyLite’s manufacturing facility in Batavia, IL suffered a fire in a portion of the facility. The Company's preliminary assessment is that the fire will not materially disrupt PartyLite’s manufacturing operations, but in light of the recentness of the fire, that preliminary assessment is subject to change as the Company continues to evaluate the impact of the fire.

Investments_Tables

Investments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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:
		March 31, 2015							December 31, 2014
	(In thousands)	Cost Basis(1)			Fair Value		Net unrealized loss in AOCI		Cost Basis(1)		Fair Value		Net unrealized
													loss in AOCI
	Investment in ViSalus	$	6,850		$	6,850	$	—	$	6,850	$	6,850	$	—
	Certificates of deposit	1,101			1,101		—		1,101		1,101		—
	Short-term bond mutual funds	—			—		—		19,092		18,961		(131		)
	Total investments	$	7,951		$	7,951	$	—	$	27,043	$	26,912	$	(131	)
	(1) The cost basis represents the actual amount paid less any permanent impairment of that asset.
Schedule Of Gains And Losses
	(In thousands)	March 31, 2015			March 31, 2014
	Net proceeds	$	19,002		$	—
	Realized losses	$	(90	)	$	—

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Inventory, Net [Abstract]
Schedule Of Components Of Inventory	The major components of Inventories are as follows:
	(In thousands)	March 31, 2015		December 31, 2014
	Raw materials	$	3,435	$	3,259
	Finished goods	41,513		42,525
	Total	$	44,948	$	45,784

Derivatives_and_Other_Financia1

Derivatives and Other Financial Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets:
	(In thousands)	31-Mar-15						31-Dec-14
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments	Accrued Expenses			Prepaid Assets			Prepaid Assets
	Foreign exchange forward contracts in an asset position	$	1		$	527		$	405
	Foreign exchange forward contracts in a liability position	(14		)	—			(8		)
	Net derivatives at fair value	$	(13	)	$	527		$	397
Schedule Of Cash Flow Hedges	Gain and loss activity recorded to Cost of goods sold and reclassified from AOCI to the Company’s cash flow hedges for three months ended March 31, are as follows:
		Amount of Gain (Loss)						Amount of Gain (Loss)
	Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	Recognized in AOCI on Derivative						Reclassified from AOCI into Income
		(Effective Portion)						(Effective Portion)
	(In thousands)	2015			2014			2015			2014
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	440		$	(4	)	$	288		$	(79	)

Goodwill_And_Other_Intangibles1

Goodwill And Other Intangibles (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule Of Other Intangible Assets By Segment	Other intangible assets within the Catalog & Internet segment include the following:
	(In thousands)	Indefinite-lived trade names, formulations and trademarks			Customer relationships
	Other intangibles at gross value	$	28,100		$	15,400
	Accumulated amortization	—			(15,373		)
	Impairments	(21,534		)	—
	Other intangibles at December 31, 2014	$	6,566		$	27
	Additions	1,556			—
	Impairments	(172		)	—
	Amortization	—			(27		)
	Other intangibles at March 31, 2015	$	7,950		$	—

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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  March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, and the basis for that measurement, by level within the fair value hierarchy:
	(In thousands)	Balance as of March 31, 2015			Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)		Significant			Significant
							other observable inputs			unobservable inputs
	Financial assets						(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	Certificates of deposit	$	1,101		$	—	$	1,101		$	—
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	528			—		528			—
	Deferred compensation plan assets (1)	992			992		—			—
	Total	$	2,621		$	992	$	1,629		$	—
	Financial liabilities
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	(14	)	$	—	$	(14	)	$	—
	(1) Recorded as an Other asset with an offsetting liability for the obligation to employees in Other liabilities.
	(In thousands)	Balance as of March 31, 2014			Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)		Significant			Significant
							other observable inputs			unobservable inputs
	Financial assets						(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	Short-term bond mutual funds	$	18,961		$	18,961	$	—		$	—
	Certificates of deposit	1,101			—		1,101			—
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	405					405
	Deferred compensation plan assets (1)	962			962		—			—
	Total	$	21,429		$	19,923	$	1,506		$	—
	Financial liabilities
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	(8	)	$	—	$	(8	)	$	—
	(1) Recorded as an Other asset with an offsetting liability for the obligation to employees in Other liabilities.

Accrued_Expenses_Tables

Accrued Expenses (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Schedule Of Accrued Expenses	Accrued expenses consist of the following:
	(In thousands)	March 31, 2015		December 31, 2014
	Compensation and benefits	$	9,609	$	9,707
	Deferred revenue	8,914		9,928
	Promotional	8,681		6,109
	Interest payable	125		2,341
	Postage & Freight	942		2,476
	Professional fees	1,220		2,734
	Taxes, other than income	1,780		1,516
	Self insurance reserves	586		717
	Inventory	307		502
	Other	5,378		5,297
	Total	$	37,542	$	41,327

Stock_Based_Compensation_Table

Stock Based Compensation (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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, 2014	165,885		$	10.95	$	1,518
	Granted	49,073		7.7
	Vested	(76,075	)	12.42
	Nonvested restricted stock and RSUs at March 31, 2015	138,883		$	9	$	1,054
	Total restricted stock and RSUs at March 31, 2015	191,414		$	15.65	$	1,453

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule Of Components Of Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Share	The components of basic and diluted loss per share are as follows:
		Three months ended
	(In thousands)	March 31, 2015			March 31, 2014
	Net loss attributable to Blyth, Inc.	$	(12,468	)	$	(2,762	)
	Weighted average number outstanding:
	Common shares	16,087			16,022
	Vested restricted stock units	55			58
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
	Basic and diluted	16,142			16,080
	Basic and diluted loss per share:
	Net loss from continuing operations	$	(0.77	)	$	(0.04	)
	Net loss from discontinued operations	—			(0.13		)
	Net loss attributable per share of Blyth, Inc.	$	(0.77	)	$	(0.17	)

Treasury_And_Common_Stock_Tabl

Treasury And Common Stock (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Treasury And Common Stock [Abstract]
Schedule Of Treasury Stock
	Treasury Stock (In thousands, except shares)	Shares	Amount
	Balance at January 1, 2014	10,557,342	$	(452,040	)
	Treasury stock withheld in connection with long-term incentive plan	14,678	(131		)
	31-Dec-14	10,572,020	$	(452,171	)
	Treasury stock withheld in connection with long-term incentive plan	18,983	(145		)
	Balance at March 31, 2015	10,591,003	$	(452,316	)
Schedule Of Common Stock
	Common Stock (In thousands, except shares)	Shares	Amount
	Balance at January 1, 2014	26,574,031	$	532
	Common stock issued in connection with long-term incentive plan	68,219	1
	31-Dec-14	26,642,250	$	533
	Common stock issued in connection with long-term incentive plan	84,916	2
	Balance at March 31, 2015	26,727,166	$	535

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule Of Net Sales And Operating Profit By Segment	Operating Segment Information
	(In thousands)	Three months ended
	Financial Information	March 31, 2015			March 31, 2014
	Net Sales
	Candles & Home Décor	$	65,691		$	80,859
	Catalog & Internet	38,035			37,380
	Total	$	103,726		$	118,239
	Earnings
	Candles & Home Décor	$	(6,348	)	$	1,230
	Catalog & Internet	(2,789		)	(1,362		)
	Operating profit	(9,137		)	(132		)
	Other Expense/(Income)	(3,411		)	(1,146		)
	Loss before income taxes and non-controlling interest	$	(12,548	)	$	(1,278	)
	Identifiable Assets	31-Mar-15			31-Dec-14
	Candles & Home Décor	140,255			148,658
	Catalog & Internet	51,663			51,393
	Unallocated  Corporate	49,638			87,302
	Total	$	241,556		$	287,353

Basis_of_Presentation_OCI_PL_R

Basis of Presentation OCI PL Reclassification (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, before Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	($3,914)	$537
Accumulated other comprehensive income	1,460		11,849
Other comprehensive income	-10,389	857
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Tax Benefit (Expense)	-6,675	273
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	-10,589	810
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, before Tax	68	-18
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Tax	24	-6
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax	44	-12
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, before Tax	358	30
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Tax	125	10
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax	233	20
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, before Tax	118	-61
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, Tax	41	-22
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Write-down of Securities, Net of Tax	-77	39
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax	-3,606	610
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax	6,783	-247
Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income	-4,024		6,565
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	-10,589
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	0
Other comprehensive income	-10,589
Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income	295		194
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	44
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	-57
Other comprehensive income	101
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income	343		244
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	233
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	134
Other comprehensive income	99
Net Investment Hedging [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income	4,846		4,846
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	0
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	0
Other comprehensive income	0
Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income	1,460		11,849
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	-10,312
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	77
Other comprehensive income	($10,389)

Restructuring_Details

Restructuring (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	$2,500,000
Severance Costs	1,500,000
Asset Impairment Charges	385,000	0
Other Restructuring Costs	$600,000

Discontinued_Operations_Narrat

Discontinued Operations - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
redeemable preferred stock shares	38.2
Loans and Leases Receivable, Gross, Consumer, Revolving, Other	$15,000,000
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners	8.29%
Revenues			57,431,000
Promissory note received as a consideration of sale	11,861,000
Loss on impairment of assets	385,000		0
Foreign exchange and other, net	1,399,000		221,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	7,951,000	[1]		27,043,000	[1]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent	10.00%					80.90%
discontinued operations Redeemable preferred stock	143,200,000
Investments [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Loans and Leases Receivable, Gross, Consumer, Revolving, Other	6,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End	10.00%
Notes Receivable, Related Parties, Current	3,800,000
President and Chief Executive Officer [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners	0.34%
Chief Operating Officer and interm Chief Financial Officer of ViSalus [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners	2.81%
Founders [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Loans and Leases Receivable, Gross, Consumer, Revolving, Other	6,000,000
Other Investment [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	$6,850,000	[1]		$6,850,000	[1]
[1]	The cost basis represents the actual amount paid less any permanent impairment of that asset.

Discontinued_Operations_Discon

Discontinued Operations Discontinued Operations table (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net sales		$57,431
Cost of goods sold		18,333
Selling, administrative and other expenses		41,607
Other income and expenses		-185
Loss before income taxes and noncontrolling interest		-2,324
Income tax expense		192
Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		-478
Net loss attributable to discontinued operations	$0	($2,038)

Financing_Receivables_Financin

Financing Receivables Financing Receivables (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Nonaccrual Status	$6,700,000		$6,500,000
Financing Receivable, Net	7,100,000		7,200,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	4,741,000		4,767,000
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment	0.028	0.018
Selling and Marketing Expense	1,400,000
Fees and Commissions, Credit Cards	$500,000

Financing_Receivables_Financin1

Financing Receivables Financing Receivables Credit Losses (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Financing Receivables	$3,226
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due	1,259
Financing Receivable, Gross	11,861
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Current	7,376
Provision for credit losses	1,925	7,279
Write-offs	-1,998	-5,639
Recoveries	47	139
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	$4,741		$4,767

Investments_Schedule_Of_Amorti

Investments - Schedule Of Amortized Costs And Fair Value (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Cost Basis	$7,951	[1]	$27,043	[1]
Fair Value	7,951		26,912
Available-for-sale Securities, Change in Net Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) before Taxes	0		-131
Short-Term Bond Mutual Funds [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Cost Basis	0	[1]	19,092	[1]
Fair Value	0		18,961
Available-for-sale Securities, Change in Net Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) before Taxes	0		-131
Certificates of Deposit [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Cost Basis	1,101	[1]	1,101	[1]
Fair Value	1,101		1,101
Net unrealized gain (loss) in AOCI	0		0
Other Investment [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Cost Basis	6,850	[1]	6,850	[1]
Fair Value	6,850		6,850
Net unrealized gain (loss) in AOCI	$0		$0
[1]	The cost basis represents the actual amount paid less any permanent impairment of that asset.

Investments_Schedule_Of_Gains_

Investments - Schedule Of Gains And Losses (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Net proceeds	$19,002	$0
Realized gains (losses)	($90)	$0

Investments_Narrative_Details

Investments - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value	$7,951,000		$26,912,000
Cost Basis	7,951,000	[1]	27,043,000	[1]
Accumulated unrealized gain (loss), net of tax			100,000
Short-Term Bond Mutual Funds [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value	0		18,961,000
Cost Basis	0	[1]	19,092,000	[1]
Certificates of Deposit [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value	1,101,000		1,101,000
Cost Basis	1,101,000	[1]	1,101,000	[1]
Other Investment [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value	6,850,000		6,850,000
Cost Basis	6,850,000	[1]	6,850,000	[1]
Mutual Funds [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value	$1,000,000
[1]	The cost basis represents the actual amount paid less any permanent impairment of that asset.

Inventories_Schedule_Of_Compon

Inventories - Schedule Of Components Of Inventory (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventory, Net [Abstract]
Raw materials	$3,435,000	$3,259,000
Finished goods	41,513,000	42,525,000
Total	44,948,000	45,784,000
Inventory reserves	$5,400,000	$5,000,000

Derivatives_and_Other_Financia2

Derivatives and Other Financial Instruments - Schedule Of Fair Value And Location Of Hedges In The Consolidated Balance Sheets (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Prepaid And Other [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Net derivatives at fair value	$527	$397
Prepaid And Other [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Foreign exchange forward contracts in asset positions	527	405
Foreign exchange forward contracts in liability positions	0	-8
Accrued Expenses [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Net derivatives at fair value	-13
Accrued Expenses [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Foreign exchange forward contracts in asset positions	1
Foreign exchange forward contracts in liability positions	($14)

Derivatives_and_Other_Financia3

Derivatives and Other Financial Instruments - Schedule Of Cash Flow Hedges (Details) (Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Amount of Loss Recognized in AOCI on Derivative (Effective Portion)	$440	($4)
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion)	$288	($79)

Derivatives_and_Other_Financia4

Derivatives and Other Financial Instruments - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative [Line Items]
Cumulative net after-tax gain related to net investment hedges	$4,100,000
Net after-tax unrealized gain included in accumulated AOCI expected to be transferred	300,000		200,000
Gain (loss) on fair value hedge derivatives	200,000	-100,000
Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Amount of Loss Recognized in AOCI on Derivative (Effective Portion)	$440,000	($4,000)

Goodwill_And_Other_Intangibles2

Goodwill And Other Intangibles - Schedule Of Other Intangible Assets By Segment (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Other intangibles, beginning balance	$6,593
Accumulated amortization	-15,400		-15,372
Additions	1,000
Other intangibles, ending balance	7,950
Indefinite-Lived Trade Names And Trademarks [Member] | Catalog & Internet Segment [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Other intangibles, beginning balance	6,566	28,100	28,100
Impairments	-172		-21,534
Additions	-1,556
Other intangibles, ending balance	7,950		6,566
Customer Relationships [Member] | Catalog & Internet Segment [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Other intangibles, beginning balance	27	15,400	15,400
Impairments			0
Amortization of Intangible Assets	27	100	15,373
Other intangibles, ending balance	$0		$27

Goodwill_And_Other_Intangibles3

Goodwill And Other Intangibles - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Goodwill	$5,881,000		$2,298,000
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	1,000,000
Acquisition Costs, Period Cost	5,000,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	15,400,000		15,372,000
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)	7,950,000		6,593,000
Direct Selling Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Goodwill	2,300,000
Catalog & Internet Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Goodwill	3,600,000
Maximum [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Estimated life of the customer lists,years	12 years
Minimum [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Estimated life of the customer lists,years	5 years
Trade Names [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	600,000
Indefinite-Lived Trade Names And Trademarks [Member] | Catalog & Internet Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	-1,556,000
Non-cash pre-tax impairment charge	172,000		21,534,000
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)	7,950,000		6,566,000	28,100,000
Indefinite-Lived Trade Names	400,000
Customer Relationships [Member] | Catalog & Internet Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Non-cash pre-tax impairment charge			0
Amortization expense for other intangible assets	27,000	100,000	15,373,000
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)	$0		$27,000	$15,400,000

Fair_Value_Measurements_Schedu

Fair Value Measurements - Schedule Of Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Total	$2,621		$21,429
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	1,101		1,101
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			18,961
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	528		405
Liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	-14		-8
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	992	[1]	962	[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	992		19,923
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			18,961
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
Liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	0		0
Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Deferred Compensation Plan Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	992		962	[1]
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Total	1,629		1,506
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	1,101		1,101
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
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	528		405
Liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	-14		-8
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
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
Liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	0		0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Deferred Compensation Plan Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	$0	[1]	$0	[1]
[1]	Recorded as an Other asset with an offsetting liability for the obligation to employees in Other liabilities.

Fair_Value_Measurements_narrat

Fair Value Measurements narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges	$385	$0

Accrued_Expenses_Details

Accrued Expenses (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Compensation and benefits	$9,609	$9,707
Deferred revenue	8,914	9,928
Promotional	8,681	6,109
Interest Payable, Current	125	2,341
accrued postage	942	2,476
accrued Inventory	307	502
Accrued Professional Fees, Current	1,220	2,734
Taxes, other than income	1,780	1,516
Accrued Insurance	586	717
Other	5,378	5,297
Total	$37,542	$41,327

LongTerm_Debt_Summary_of_LongT

Long-Term Debt - Summary of Long-Term Debt (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Current maturities of long-term debt	($1,352)	($50,907)
Long-term debt, less current maturities	$38,901	$4,556

LongTerm_Debt_Narrative_Detail

Long-Term Debt - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest Expense, Other Long-term Debt	$437,500
Loans and Leases Receivable, Gross, Consumer, Revolving, Other	15,000,000
Increase (Decrease) in Unproved Oil and Gas Property	13,900,000
Letters of credit outstanding, amount	900,000
Equity Restrictions	2,500,000
Dividend Payments Restrictions Schedule, Statutory Capital and Surplus	3,000,000
Other Restrictions on Payment of Dividends	2.25
Redemption Premium	3,000,000
Interest Costs Incurred	1,000,000
Other Loans Payable, Long-term, Noncurrent	35,000,000
Six Point Zero Percent Senior Notes Due On June Fifteen Two Thousand And Seventeen [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Note issuance date	10-May-13
Senior notes issued	50,000,000
Miles Kimball [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt outstanding	$4,700,000	$4,900,000
Long-term debt fixed interest rate	7.89%

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Income Taxes - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent	1.40%	50.20%
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	($170)	($642)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	($12,548)	($1,278)

Related_Party_Transactions_Det

Related Party Transactions (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Loans and Leases Receivable, Gross, Consumer, Revolving, Other	$15
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners	8.29%
Related Party Transaction, Estimated Cost Of Services To Be Provided For Rlelated Party	0.2
Operating Leases, Income Statement, Sublease Revenue	0	0
Chief Executive Officer [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Common stock outstanding, ownership percentage	36.00%
President and Chief Executive Officer [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners	0.34%
Chief Operating Officer and interm Chief Financial Officer of ViSalus [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners	2.81%
Investments [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Loans and Leases Receivable, Gross, Consumer, Revolving, Other	6
Notes Receivable, Related Parties, Current	3.8
Founders [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Loans and Leases Receivable, Gross, Consumer, Revolving, Other	$6

Stock_Based_Compensation_Sched

Stock Based Compensation - Schedule Of Restricted Stock And RSUs (Details) (Non-Vested Restricted Stock And Restricted Stock Unit Awards(RSUs) [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Non-Vested Restricted Stock And Restricted Stock Unit Awards(RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Nonvested	$1,054	$1,518
Nonvested restricted stock and RSUs beginning balance, Shares	165,885
Nonvested restricted stock and RSUs beginning balance, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$10.95
Granted, Shares	49,073
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted	$7.70
Vested, Shares	-76,075
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Vested	$12.42
Nonvested restricted stock and RSUs ending balance, Shares	138,883
Nonvested restricted stock and RSUs ending balance, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$9
Total restricted stock and RSU's ending balance, Shares	191,414
Total restricted stock and RSUs ending balance, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$15.65
Total restricted stock and RSUs at September 30, 2012, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$1,453

Stock_Based_Compensation_Narra

Stock Based Compensation - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Minimum number of months nonemployment required for grants on nonqualified stock options to directors	12 months
2003 Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares authorized	2,040,897
Shares available for grant	1,521,703
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation expense	$0.40	$0.10
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Requisite service period of the award	3 years
Non-Vested Restricted Stock And Restricted Stock Unit Awards(RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of RSUs granted	49,073
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$7.70
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$12.42
Unearned compensation expense	$0.60
Weighted average period of unearned compensation expense related to non-vested restricted stock and RSU awards cost is expected to be recognized	21 months 25 days
Maximum [Member] | Employee Restricted Stock Units(RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Requisite service period of the award	5 years
Maximum [Member] | Non-Employee Restricted Stock Units(RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Requisite service period of the award	2 years
Minimum [Member] | Employee Restricted Stock Units(RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Requisite service period of the award	2 years
Minimum [Member] | Non-Employee Restricted Stock Units(RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Requisite service period of the award	1 year

Earnings_Per_Share_Schedule_Of

Earnings Per Share - Schedule Of Components Of Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Blyth, Inc. common stockholders	($12,468)	($2,762)
Weighted average number outstanding, common shares	16,087	16,022
Vested restricted stock units	55	58
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding, basic	16,142	16,080
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding, diluted	16,142	16,080
Basic and Diluted loss per share:
Net loss attributable per share of Blyth, Inc.	($0.77)	($0.04)
Weighted average number of shares outstanding	$0	($0.13)
Diluted loss per share:	($0.77)	($0.17)

Treasury_And_Common_Stock_Sche

Treasury And Common Stock - Schedule Of Treasury Stock (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2014
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Treasury Stock, Beginning Balance, Amount	($452,171)		($452,040)		($452,040)
Treasury stock purchases	-145	[1]	-83	[1]
Treasury Stock, Ending Balance, Amount	-452,316
Treasury Stock, Shares, Beginning Balance	10,572,020		10,557,342		10,557,342
Treasury Stock, Shares, Ending Balance	10,591,003
Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Treasury stock purchases	($145)				($131)
Treasury stock purchased in connection with long-term incentive plan, Shares	18,983				14,678
[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 $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Beginning balance, Shares	26,642,250	26,574,031
Beginning balance, Amount	$533	$532
Common stock issued in connection with long-term incentive plan, Shares	84,916	68,219
Ending balance, Shares	26,727,166	26,642,250
Ending balance, Amount	535	533
Common Stock [Member]
Common stock issued in connection with long-term incentive plan, Amount	$2	$1

Segment_Information_Schedule_O

Segment Information - Schedule Of Net Sales And Operating Profit By Segment (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$103,726	$118,239
Operating profit	-9,137	-132
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	-12,548	-1,278
Identifiable Assets	241,556		287,353
Foreign exchange and other, net	1,399	221
Catalog & Internet Segment [Member] | Indefinite-Lived Trade Names And Trademarks [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Non-cash pre-tax impairment charge	172		21,534
Candles & Home Decor [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	65,691	80,859
Operating profit	-6,348	1,230
Identifiable Assets	140,255		148,658
Catalog & Internet [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	38,035	37,380
Operating profit	-2,789	-1,362
Identifiable Assets	51,663		51,393
Unallocated Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating profit	-3,411	-1,146
Identifiable Assets	$49,638		$87,302