Subsequent Events (Details Textual) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross		217,902
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Percentage of Lost Value Adjusted By Increasing Share Price of Parent Company	80.00%
Percentage of Lost Value Adjusted By Issuing Stock Option To Purchase Common Stock	20.00%
Proceeds from Contributions from Parent	$ 15
Spin off Transactions Conversion Ratio	Harvard Bioscience distributed to its stockholders one share of HART common stock for every four shares of Harvard Bioscience common stock outstanding as of the close of business on October 21, 2013, the record date for the Distribution.
Common Stock, Shares Authorized		30,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued		7,700,000
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding		7,700,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized		2,000,000
Acquisition Of Common Stock By Third Party, Description		A third party that acquires 20% or more of the Companys common stock could suffer substantial dilution of its ownership interest through the issuance of common stock to all stockholders other than the acquiring person.
Minimum Percentage of Common Stock to be Acquired by Acquiring Person Under Shareholder Rights Plan	20.00%
Subsequent Event [Member] | Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross		2,000,000
Subsequent Event [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Equity Instruments Issued Part of Spin off Transactions	20,000
Subsequent Event [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] | Parent Company [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Equity Instruments Issued Part of Spin off Transactions	100,000
Subsequent Event [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Equity Instruments Issued Part of Spin off Transactions	300,000
Subsequent Event [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member] | Parent Company [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Equity Instruments Issued Part of Spin off Transactions	1,700,000