Schedule of the components of assets and liabilities attributable to the Company from the Joint Ventures in which it is invested (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current assets	$ 1,415	$ 3,733
Non-current assets	87	222
Current liabilities	122	337
Non-current liabilities	$ 0	$ 0

Sum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of the company's share of all joint venture assets that are expected to be realized in cash, sold, or consumed within one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Assets are probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by an entity as a result of past transactions or events.

No definition available.

Name:	hgbl_AssetLiquidationAssetsCurrent
Namespace Prefix:	hgbl_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant