Schedule of Results of Operations Attributable to the Company from the Joint Ventures in Which it is Invested (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Gross revenues			$ 46	$ 5,056
Gross profit (loss)			(53)	907
Income (loss) from continuing operations			(53)	1,265
Net income (loss)	$ (41)	$ 456	$ (53)	$ 1,265

The amount of income (loss) from continuing operations, before extraordinary items, reported by an Asset Liquidation Investment of the Company, and attributable to the Company as its share.

No definition available.

Name:	hgbl_AssetLiquidationInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationIncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeExtraordinaryItems
Namespace Prefix:	hgbl_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration