Business acquisition fair value of contingent purchase price consideration reduction.

No definition available.

Name:	hrg_BusinessAcquisitionFairValueOfContingentPurchasePriceConsiderationReduction
Namespace Prefix:	hrg_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Details

Name:	hrg_CommitmentAndContingenciesLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	hrg_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Notional amount of unfunded, legally binding lending commitments.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	hrg_CommitmentsNotionalAmountOfUnfundedLegallyBindingLending
Namespace Prefix:	hrg_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Partially amount of notional amount of unfunded, legally binding lending commitments.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	hrg_CommitmentsPartiallyAmountOfNotionalAmountOfUnfundedLegallyBindingLending
Namespace Prefix:	hrg_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Contingent Liabilities Established Related To Administrative Costs And Potential Liabilities Due To Audits And Examinations

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	hrg_ContingentLiabilitiesEstablishedRelatedToAdministrativeCostsAndPotentialLiabilitiesDueToAuditsAndExaminations
Namespace Prefix:	hrg_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Expiry Dated Of Partial Amount Of Notional Amount

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	hrg_ExpiryDatedOfPartialAmountOfNotionalAmount
Namespace Prefix:	hrg_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Expiry date of remainder part of notional amount.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	hrg_ExpiryDateOfRemainderPartOfNotionalAmount
Namespace Prefix:	hrg_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Reserves for legal, environmental and regulatory matters.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	hrg_ReservesForLegalEnvironmentalAndRegulatoryMatters
Namespace Prefix:	hrg_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Revolving Loan Facility

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	hrg_RevolvingLoanFacility
Namespace Prefix:	hrg_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of costs recognized in the balance sheet for known or estimated future costs arising from requirements to perform activities to remediate one or more sites.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 410

-SubTopic 30

-Section 25

-Paragraph 18

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=39739230&loc=d3e11660-110855

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_EnvironmentalCostsRecognizedCapitalized
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The amount of expense provided in the period for legal costs incurred on or before the balance sheet date pertaining to resolved, pending or threatened litigation, including arbitration and mediation proceedings.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 225

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.3)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26872669&loc=d3e20235-122688

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LegalFees
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Aggregate carrying amount of the estimated litigation liability for known or estimated probable loss from litigation, which may include attorneys' fees and other litigation costs.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 450

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=25496072&loc=d3e14326-108349

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.25)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LitigationReserve
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of judgment or settlement awarded to (against) the entity in respect of litigation.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LitigationSettlementAmount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Carrying amount of long-term debt, net of unamortized discount or premium, including current and noncurrent amounts. Includes, but not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, debentures, mortgage loans and commercial paper. Excludes capital lease obligations.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 942

-SubTopic 210

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03.16)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 944

-SubTopic 210

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03.16)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 20, 22

-Article 5

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongTermDebt
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of payments made reducing loss contingency liability.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualCarryingValuePayments
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The amount of insurance-related assessment liability that is expected to be recovered through a premium tax offset based on current laws applied to in-force policies.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 405

-SubTopic 30

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6392405&loc=d3e24119-109301

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualInsuranceRelatedAssessmentPremiumTaxOffset
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount charged against operating income increasing loss contingency liability, after adjustments to reduce previously estimated charges.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualProvision
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of receivable related to a loss contingency accrual. For example, an insurance recovery receivable.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 460

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 3

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6851643&loc=d3e12053-110248

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LossContingencyReceivable
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The liability as of the balance sheet date representing required funding mandated by statute or regulatory authority that is related directly or indirectly to underwriting activities, including pools for self-insurance and excluding premium taxes and income taxes. The funds derived from the assessments generally enable a government guarantor to pay insurance claims in the event that the underwriting insurer is insolvent or otherwise unable to meet its payment obligations.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 405

-SubTopic 30

-Section 15

-Paragraph 2

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51828112&loc=d3e23169-109297

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 405

-SubTopic 30

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6392405&loc=d3e24119-109301

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LossContingencyUndiscountedAmountOfInsuranceRelatedAssessmentLiability
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The amount of cash paid for the settlement of litigation or for other legal issues during the period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 25

-Subparagraph (g)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56944662&loc=d3e3536-108585

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_PaymentsForLegalSettlements
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis=hrg_FidelityAndGuarantyLifeHoldingsMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis=hrg_SpectrumBrandsMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis=hrg_CressyPlaintiffMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis=hrg_DaleR.LudwickonbehalfofHerselfandAllOthersSimilarlySituatedv.HarbingerGroupInc.FidelityGuarantyLifeInsuranceCompanyRavenReinsuranceCompanyandFrontStreetReCaymanLtdMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis=hrg_EddieL.Cressyv.FidelityGuarantysicLifeInsuranceCompanyet.al.Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis=hrg_OMGUKCARVMfinancingfeeMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=hrg_RadioshackMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis=us-gaap_UnassertedClaimMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RangeAxis=us-gaap_MaximumMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RangeAxis=us-gaap_MinimumMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Apr. 06, 2011
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]
Reserves for legal, environmental and regulatory matters	22,400,000
Long-term Debt	5,658,300,000us-gaap_LongTermDebt	5,194,500,000us-gaap_LongTermDebt
Notional amount of unfunded, legally binding lending commitments	153,200,000
Expiration of partial amount of unfunded, legally binding lending commitments	60,600,000
Maximum [Member]
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]
Expiry date of partial amount of notional amount	1 year
Expiry date of remainder part of notional amount	5 years
Minimum [Member]
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]
Expiry date of remainder part of notional amount	1 year
FGLH [Member]
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]
Business Acquisition Fair Value Of Contingent Purchase Price Consideration Reduction			50,000,000
Accrued amount of guaranty fund assessments	3,800,000
Estimated future premium tax deductions	4,000,000
Spectrum Brands [Member]
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]
Environmental costs recognized, capitalized	4,600,000
OMGUK CARVM financing fee [Member]
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]
Reserves for legal, environmental and regulatory matters	5,900,000
Cressy Plaintiff [Member]
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Receivable	4,500,000
Litigation Settlement, Amount	5,300,000
Loss Contingency Accrual, Provision	9,200,000
Estimated Litigation Liability	3,400,000
Eddie L. Cressy v. Fidelity Guaranty [sic] Life Insurance Company, et. al. [Member]
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]
Legal Fees	3,800,000
Payments for Legal Settlements	2,000,000
Dale R. Ludwick, on behalf of Herself and All Others Similarly Situated v. Harbinger Group Inc., Fidelity & Guaranty Life Insurance Company, Raven Reinsurance Company, and Front Street Re (Cayman) Ltd [Member]
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]
Estimated Litigation Liability	900,000
Unasserted Claim [Member] \| FGLH [Member]
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]
Administrative costs and potential liabilities	1,700,000
Loss Contingency Accrual, Payments	1.6
Radioshack [Member] \| Salus Capital Partners L L C [Member]
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	250,000,000
Revolving Loan Facility	585,000,000