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, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Gross revenues			$ 5,056	$ 5,976
Gross profit			907	1,445
Income from continuing operations			1,265	1,449
Net income	$ 456	$ 222	$ 1,265	$ 1,449

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