CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Net sales revenue, rebate portion of volume incentives	$ 43,121	$ 44,628	$ 44,099

This element represents the rebate portion of volume incentives that are deducted from net sales revenue, during the period by the entity.

No definition available.

Name:	natr_RebatePortionOfVolumeIncentives
Namespace Prefix:	natr_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration