Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Use of estimates [Policy Text Block]	*Use of estimates* The preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Management bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates include the assessment of collectability of revenue recognized, and the valuation of accounts receivable, inventory, investments, goodwill, intangible assets, deferred income tax assets, liabilities, contingent consideration and stock-based compensation. These estimates have the potential to significantly impact our consolidated financial statements, either because of the significance of the financial statement item to which they relate, or because they require judgment and estimation due to the uncertainty involved in measuring, at a specific point in time, events that are continuous in nature.
Asset liquidation accounting [Policy Text Block]	*Asset liquidation accounting* The Company earns asset liquidation revenue both from commission or fee-based services, and from the sale of distressed or surplus assets. With respect to the former, revenue is recognized as the services are provided. With respect to the latter, the majority of the asset sale transactions are conducted directly by the Company. Revenue is reported as Asset Liquidation revenue, and the associated direct costs are reported as Asset Liquidation costs. At the balance sheet date, any unsold assets are reported as Inventory, any outstanding accounts receivable are included in the Company’s Accounts Receivable, and any associated liabilities are included in the Company’s Accrued Liabilities. Most inventory is expected to be sold within a year and is therefore classified as a current asset; however, real estate inventory is classified as non-current. The remaining asset sale transactions involve the Company acting jointly with one or more additional purchasers, pursuant to a partnership, joint venture or limited liability company (“LLC”) agreement (collectively, “Joint Ventures”). These transactions are accounted for as equity-method investments, and, accordingly, the Company’s proportionate share of the net income (loss) is reported as Earnings (Loss) of Asset Liquidation Investments. At each balance sheet date, the Company’s investments in these Joint Ventures are reported in the consolidated balance sheet as Asset Liquidation Investments. Although the Company generally expects to exit each of its investments in Joint Ventures in less than one year, they are classified on the balance sheet as non-current assets. The Company monitors the value of the Joint Ventures’ underlying assets and liabilities, and records a write down of its investments if the Company concludes that there has been a decline in the value of the net assets. As the activity of the Joint Ventures involves asset purchase/resale transactions, which is similar in nature to the Company’s other Asset Liquidation activities, the earnings (losses) of the Joint Ventures are recorded as operating activity in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Cash and cash equivalents [Policy Text Block]	*Cash and cash equivalents* The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The Company maintains its cash and cash equivalents with financial institutions in Toronto, Canada; San Diego, CA; Staunton, IL; and New York, NY. These accounts may from time to time exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses on such accounts.
Accounts receivable [Policy Text Block]	*Accounts receivable* The Company’s accounts receivable primarily relate to the operations of its asset liquidation business. They consist of three major categories: fees, commissions and retainers relating to appraisals and auctions, receivables from asset sales, and receivables from Joint Venture partners. The initial value of an account receivable corresponds to the fair value of the underlying goods or services. To date all receivables have been classified as current and, due to their short-term nature, any decline in fair value would be due to issues involving collectability. At each financial statement date the collectability of each outstanding account receivable is evaluated, and an allowance is recorded if the book value exceeds the amount that is deemed collectable. See Note 7 for more detail regarding the Company’s accounts receivable.
Inventory [Policy Text Block]	*Inventory* The Company’s inventory consists of assets acquired for resale, which are normally expected to be sold within a one-year operating cycle. They are recorded at the lower of cost and net realizable value.
Other equity-method investments [Policy Text Block]	*Other equity-method investments* At December 31, 2014, the Company held an investment in one private company, which was accounted for under the equity method. Under this method, the investments are carried at cost, plus or minus the Company’s share of increases and decreases, respectively, in the investee’s net assets and certain other adjustments. Impairments, equity pick-ups, and realized gains and losses on equity securities are reported separately in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss. The Company monitors its investments for impairment by considering factors such as the economic environment and market conditions, as well as the operational performance of, and other specific factors relating to, the businesses underlying the investments. See Note 5 for further discussion of the Company’s other equity-method investments.
Fair value of financial instruments [Policy Text Block]	*Fair value of financial instruments* The fair value of financial instruments is the amount at which the instruments could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties, other than in a forced sale or liquidation. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the carrying values of the Company’s cash, accounts receivable, deposits, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, and debt payable approximate fair value. There are three levels within the fair value hierarchy: Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; Level 2 – significant other observable inputs; and Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs. The Company does not employ fair value accounting for any of its assets or liabilities, with the exception of the contingent consideration. The fair value of the Company’s contingent consideration was determined using a discounted cash flow analysis, which is based on significant inputs that are not observable in the market and therefore fall within Level 3. Please see Note 3 for more discussion of this contingent consideration.
Business combinations [Policy Text Block]	*Business combinations* Acquisitions are accounted for under FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 805, Business Combinations (“ASC 805”), which requires that assets acquired that are deemed to be a business are recorded based on their respective acquisition date fair values. ASC 805 further requires that separately identifiable intangible assets be recorded at their acquisition date fair values and that the excess of consideration paid over the fair value of assets acquired (including identifiable intangible assets) should be recorded as goodwill. See Note 3 for discussion of the acquisition of NLEX in the second quarter of 2014.
Identifiable intangible assets [Policy Text Block]	*Identifiable intangible assets* Identifiable intangible assets are recorded at fair value upon acquisition. Those with an estimated useful life are amortized, and those with an indefinite useful life are unamortized. Subsequent to acquisition, the Company monitors events and changes in circumstances that require an assessment of intangible asset recoverability. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are assessed annually to determine both whether they remain indefinite and whether they are impaired, whether or not there have been any events or changes in circumstances that suggest the value of the asset may not be recoverable. Amortized intangible assets are not tested annually, but are assessed when events and changes in circumstances suggest the assets may be impaired. If an assessment determines that the carrying amount of any intangible asset is not recoverable, an impairment loss is recognized in the statement of operations, determined by comparing the carrying amount of the asset to its fair value. At December 31, 2014 the Company’s identifiable intangible assets relate to its acquisitions of HGP in 2012 and NLEX in 2014. See Note 3 and Note 6 for more detail regarding the Company’s identifiable intangible assets.
Goodwill [Policy Text Block]	*Goodwill* Goodwill, which results from the difference between the purchase price and the fair value of net identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired, is not amortized but, in accordance with GAAP, is tested annually at December 31 for impairment. Testing is a two-step process, in which the carrying amount of the reporting unit associated with the goodwill is first compared to the reporting unit’s estimated fair value. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, the fair values of the reporting unit’s assets and liabilities are analyzed to determine whether the goodwill of the reporting unit has been impaired. An impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the Company’s recorded goodwill exceeds its implied fair value as determined by this two-step process. FASB Accounting Standards Update 2011-08, Testing Goodwill for Impairment , provides the option to perform a qualitative assessment prior to performing the two-step process, which may eliminate the need for further testing. Goodwill, in addition to being tested for impairment annually, is tested for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change such that it is more likely than not that the carrying amount of goodwill may be impaired. At December 31, 2014 the Company’s goodwill relates to its acquisitions of Equity Partners in 2011, HGP in 2012 and NLEX in 2014. See Note 3 and Note 6 for more detail regarding the Company’s goodwill.
Deferred income tax assets [Policy Text Block]	*Deferred income tax assets* The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and the amounts at which they are carried in the financial statements, based upon the enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The Company establishes a valuation allowance when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. At December 31, 2014, as a result of incurring losses in 2012, 2013 and 2014, the Company has recorded a valuation allowance against all of its net deferred tax assets.
Contingent consideration [Policy Text Block]	*Contingent consideration* At December 31, 2014 the Company’s contingent consideration consists of the estimated fair value of an earnout provision that was part of the consideration for the acquisition of NLEX in the second quarter of 2014. The amount assigned to the contingent consideration at the acquisition date was determined using a discounted cash flow analysis. Its present value is assessed quarterly, and any adjustments, together with the amortization of the fair value discount, are reported as Interest Expense on the Company’s consolidated statement of operations. See Note 3 for more discussion of the Company’s contingent consideration.
Liabilities and contingencies [Policy Text Block]	*Liabilities and contingencies* The Company is involved from time to time in various legal matters arising out of its operations in the normal course of business. On a case by case basis, the Company evaluates the likelihood of possible outcomes for this litigation. Based on this evaluation, the Company determines whether a liability accrual is appropriate. If the likelihood of a negative outcome is probable, and the amount can be estimated, the Company accounts for the estimated liability in the current period.
Asset liquidation revenue [Policy Text Block]	*Asset liquidation revenue* Asset liquidation revenue generally consists of commissions and fees from acting as the agent for asset sales by third parties, and gross proceeds from auctions and negotiated sales of asset inventory. Revenue is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the amount of the proceeds is fixed, delivery terms are arranged and collectability is reasonably assured.
Stock-based compensation [Policy Text Block]	*Stock-based compensation* The Company’s stock-based compensation is primarily in the form of options to purchase common shares. The fair value is calculated using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model, and subsequently expensed over the vesting period. The provisions of the Company’s stock-based compensation plans do not require the Company to settle any options by transferring cash or other assets, and therefore the Company classifies the option awards as equity. See Note 15 for further discussion of the Company’s stock-based compensation.
Segment reporting [Policy Text Block]	*Segment reporting* From the second quarter of 2009 through 2013, the Company operated in two business segments, Asset Liquidation and Intellectual Property Licensing. The asset liquidation segment included the operations of HGP, HG LLC and Equity Partners. The intellectual property licensing segment included all operations relating to licensing of the Company’s intellectual property. During 2014, the Company determined that due to the limited intellectual property licensing activity, separate segment reporting of this activity was no longer appropriate. Accordingly, for 2014, the Company determined that reporting as only one operating segment, Asset Liquidation, was appropriate. For the year ended December 31, 2013 only the Asset Liquidation segment had revenues and assets sufficiently significant to require separate reporting, as the operations of the Intellectual Property Licensing segment were considered to be quantitatively immaterial. As the 2013 activity of the Intellectual Property Licensing segment was not significant enough to warrant separate reporting, the Company has retroactively applied its determination of having only one operating segment to include the year ended December 31, 2013. To date the Company’s business has been conducted principally in North America. During 2012 the Company established a European subsidiary, Heritage Global Partners Europe (“HGP Europe”), which began generating revenues in the third quarter of 2013. For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, revenues generated through HGP Europe were approximately $2,985 and $236, respectively.
Recent accounting pronouncements [Policy Text Block]	*Recent accounting pronouncements* In March 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2013-05, Parent’s Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment Upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets Within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity (“ASU 2013-05”). ASU 2013-05 specifies that a cumulative translation adjustment (CTA) is attached to a parent company’s investment in a foreign entity and should be released in a manner consistent with derecognition guidance on investments in entities. Therefore, the entire amount of the CTA associated with a foreign entity would be released upon 1) sale of a subsidiary or group of net assets within a foreign entity, which represents the substantially complete liquidation of the investment in the entity, 2) loss of a controlling financial interest in an investment in a foreign entity, or 3) step acquisition of a foreign entity. ASU 2013-05 does not change the requirement to release a pro rata portion of the CTA of the foreign entity into earnings for a partial sale of an equity method investment in a foreign entity. ASU 2013-05 is effective for interim periods and fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2013, with early adoption permitted. The Company therefore adopted ASU 2013-05 in the first quarter of 2014. The adoption had no impact on its consolidated financial statements. In July 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or Tax Credit Carryforward Exists (“ASU 2013-11”). ASU 2013-11 requires that an unrecognized tax benefit must be presented as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward. An exception to this presentation can be made when the carryforward or tax loss is not available at the reporting date under applicable tax law to settle taxes that would result from the disallowance of the tax position, or when the reporting entity does not intend to use the deferred tax asset for this purpose. In those circumstances, the unrecognized tax benefit would be presented as a liability. ASU 2013-11 does not require any additional disclosures. The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2013, and interim periods within those years, with early adoption permitted. The Company therefore adopted ASU 2013-11 in the first quarter of 2014. The adoption had no impact on its consolidated financial statements.
Future Accounting Pronouncements [Policy Text Block]	*Future accounting pronouncements* In June 2014 the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-12, Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period (“ASU 2014-12”). ASU 2014-12 requires entities to treat performance targets that can be met after the requisite service period as performance conditions that affect vesting. Therefore, an entity would not record compensation expense related to an award for which transfer to the employee is contingent on achieving a performance target until it becomes probable that the performance target will be met. No new disclosures will be required. ASU 2014-12 will be effective for all entities for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. At this time the Company has not granted any share-based payment awards that include performance targets, but will be required to adopt ASU 2014-12 should it issue any such awards when ASU 2014-12 becomes effective. In April 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity (“ASU 2014-08”). ASU 2014-08 requires discontinued operations treatment for disposals of a component or group of components that represents a strategic shift that has or will have a major impact on an entity’s operations or financial results. It also expands the scope of ASC 205-20 to disposals of equity method investments and acquired businesses held for sale. With respect to disclosures, ASU 2014-08 both 1) expands disclosure requirements for transactions that meet the definition of a discontinued operation, and 2) requires entities to disclose information about individually significant components that are disposed of or held for sale and do not qualify as discontinued operations. ASU 2014-08 also requires specific presentation of various items on the face of the financial statements. ASU 2014-08 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014, with early adoption permitted. At the date of these consolidated financial statements the Company does not have either discontinued operations or any planned disposals that would require the expanded reporting required by ASU 2014-08, and therefore does not anticipate that its adoption will impact its consolidated financial statements. In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards update 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”). ASU 2014-09 specifies a comprehensive model to be used in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers, and supersedes most of the current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. It applies to all contracts with customers except those that are specifically within the scope of other FASB topics, and certain of its provisions also apply to transfers of nonfinancial assets, including in-substance nonfinancial assets that are not an output of an entity’s ordinary activities. The core principal of the model is that revenue is recognized to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the transferring entity expects to be entitled in exchange. To apply the revenue model, an entity will: 1) identify the contract(s) with a customer, 2) identify the performance obligations in the contract, 3) determine the transaction price, 4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, and 5) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. For public companies, ASU 2014-09 is effective for annual reporting periods (including interim reporting periods within those periods) beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is not permitted. Upon adoption, entities can choose to use either a full retrospective or modified approach, as outlined in ASU 2014-09. As compared with current GAAP, ASU 2014-09 requires significantly more disclosures about revenue recognition. The Company has not yet assessed the potential impact of ASU 2014-09 on its consolidated financial statements. In August 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards update 2014-15, Disclosure of Uncertainties About an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern (“ASU 2014-15”). ASU 2014-15 requires management to determine whether substantial doubt exists regarding the entity’s going concern presumption, which generally refers to an entity’s ability to meet its obligations as they become due, and provides guidance on determining when and how to disclose going-concern uncertainties in an entity’s financial statements. It requires management to perform both interim and annual assessments of an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year of the date the financial statements are issued. The ASU contains guidance on 1) how to perform a going-concern assessment, and 2) when to provide going-concern disclosures. An entity must provide specified disclosures if conditions or events raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. ASU 2014-15 applies to all entities and is effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016, and interim periods thereafter, with early adoption permitted. The Company has not yet adopted ASU 2014-15 nor assessed its potential impact on its disclosures. In November 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards update 2014-16, Determining Whether the Host Contract in a Hybrid Financial Instrument Issued in the Form of a Share Is More Akin to Debt or to Equity (“ASU 2014-16”). ASU 2014-16 requires an entity to apply the “whole instrument” approach to determine whether the host contract in a hybrid instrument in the form of a share is more like debt or equity, as part of a larger analysis to determine if an embedded derivative should be bifurcated. If so, the embedded derivative, such as a conversion feature in convertible preferred stock, should be accounted for as a liability and carried at fair value through earnings each period. ASU 2014-16 applies to issuers of and investors in hybrid financial instruments issued in the form of shares such as redeemable convertible preferred stock, and is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. The Company has not yet adopted ASU 2014-16, but based on a preliminary analysis of its outstanding convertible preferred shares, it does not expect the adoption of ASU 2014-16 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Use of estimates
The preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Management bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Significant estimates include the assessment of collectability of revenue recognized, and the valuation of accounts receivable, inventory, investments, goodwill, intangible assets, deferred income tax assets, liabilities, contingent consideration and stock-based compensation. These estimates have the potential to significantly impact our consolidated financial statements, either because of the significance of the financial statement item to which they relate, or because they require judgment and estimation due to the uncertainty involved in measuring, at a specific point in time, events that are continuous in nature.

Asset liquidation accounting [Policy Text Block]

Asset liquidation accounting
The Company earns asset liquidation revenue both from commission or fee-based services, and from the sale of distressed or surplus assets. With respect to the former, revenue is recognized as the services are provided. With respect to the latter, the majority of the asset sale transactions are conducted directly by the Company. Revenue is reported as Asset Liquidation revenue, and the associated direct costs are reported as Asset Liquidation costs. At the balance sheet date, any unsold assets are reported as Inventory, any outstanding accounts receivable are included in the Company’s Accounts Receivable, and any associated liabilities are included in the Company’s Accrued Liabilities. Most inventory is expected to be sold within a year and is therefore classified as a current asset; however, real estate inventory is classified as non-current.

The remaining asset sale transactions involve the Company acting jointly with one or more additional purchasers, pursuant to a partnership, joint venture or limited liability company (“LLC”) agreement (collectively, “Joint Ventures”). These transactions are accounted for as equity-method investments, and, accordingly, the Company’s proportionate share of the net income (loss) is reported as Earnings (Loss) of Asset Liquidation Investments. At each balance sheet date, the Company’s investments in these Joint Ventures are reported in the consolidated balance sheet as Asset Liquidation Investments. Although the Company generally expects to exit each of its investments in Joint Ventures in less than one year, they are classified on the balance sheet as non-current assets. The Company monitors the value of the Joint Ventures’ underlying assets and liabilities, and records a write down of its investments if the Company concludes that there has been a decline in the value of the net assets. As the activity of the Joint Ventures involves asset purchase/resale transactions, which is similar in nature to the Company’s other Asset Liquidation activities, the earnings (losses) of the Joint Ventures are recorded as operating activity in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

Cash and cash equivalents [Policy Text Block]

Cash and cash equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The Company maintains its cash and cash equivalents with financial institutions in Toronto, Canada; San Diego, CA; Staunton, IL; and New York, NY. These accounts may from time to time exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses on such accounts.

Accounts receivable [Policy Text Block]

Accounts receivable
The Company’s accounts receivable primarily relate to the operations of its asset liquidation business. They consist of three major categories: fees, commissions and retainers relating to appraisals and auctions, receivables from asset sales, and receivables from Joint Venture partners. The initial value of an account receivable corresponds to the fair value of the underlying goods or services. To date all receivables have been classified as current and, due to their short-term nature, any decline in fair value would be due to issues involving collectability. At each financial statement date the collectability of each outstanding account receivable is evaluated, and an allowance is recorded if the book value exceeds the amount that is deemed collectable. See Note 7 for more detail regarding the Company’s accounts receivable.

Inventory [Policy Text Block]

Inventory
The Company’s inventory consists of assets acquired for resale, which are normally expected to be sold within a one-year operating cycle. They are recorded at the lower of cost and net realizable value.

Other equity-method investments [Policy Text Block]

Other equity-method investments
At December 31, 2014, the Company held an investment in one private company, which was accounted for under the equity method. Under this method, the investments are carried at cost, plus or minus the Company’s share of increases and decreases, respectively, in the investee’s net assets and certain other adjustments. Impairments, equity pick-ups, and realized gains and losses on equity securities are reported separately in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss. The Company monitors its investments for impairment by considering factors such as the economic environment and market conditions, as well as the operational performance of, and other specific factors relating to, the businesses underlying the investments. See Note 5 for further discussion of the Company’s other equity-method investments.

Fair value of financial instruments [Policy Text Block]

Fair value of financial instruments
The fair value of financial instruments is the amount at which the instruments could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties, other than in a forced sale or liquidation. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the carrying values of the Company’s cash, accounts receivable, deposits, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, and debt payable approximate fair value. There are three levels within the fair value hierarchy: Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; Level 2 – significant other observable inputs; and Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs. The Company does not employ fair value accounting for any of its assets or liabilities, with the exception of the contingent consideration. The fair value of the Company’s contingent consideration was determined using a discounted cash flow analysis, which is based on significant inputs that are not observable in the market and therefore fall within Level 3. Please see Note 3 for more discussion of this contingent consideration.

Business combinations [Policy Text Block]

Business combinations
Acquisitions are accounted for under FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 805, Business Combinations (“ASC 805”), which requires that assets acquired that are deemed to be a business are recorded based on their respective acquisition date fair values. ASC 805 further requires that separately identifiable intangible assets be recorded at their acquisition date fair values and that the excess of consideration paid over the fair value of assets acquired (including identifiable intangible assets) should be recorded as goodwill. See Note 3 for discussion of the acquisition of NLEX in the second quarter of 2014.

Identifiable intangible assets [Policy Text Block]

Identifiable intangible assets
Identifiable intangible assets are recorded at fair value upon acquisition. Those with an estimated useful life are amortized, and those with an indefinite useful life are unamortized. Subsequent to acquisition, the Company monitors events and changes in circumstances that require an assessment of intangible asset recoverability. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are assessed annually to determine both whether they remain indefinite and whether they are impaired, whether or not there have been any events or changes in circumstances that suggest the value of the asset may not be recoverable. Amortized intangible assets are not tested annually, but are assessed when events and changes in circumstances suggest the assets may be impaired. If an assessment determines that the carrying amount of any intangible asset is not recoverable, an impairment loss is recognized in the statement of operations, determined by comparing the carrying amount of the asset to its fair value.

At December 31, 2014 the Company’s identifiable intangible assets relate to its acquisitions of HGP in 2012 and NLEX in 2014. See Note 3 and Note 6 for more detail regarding the Company’s identifiable intangible assets.

Goodwill [Policy Text Block]

Goodwill
Goodwill, which results from the difference between the purchase price and the fair value of net identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired, is not amortized but, in accordance with GAAP, is tested annually at December 31 for impairment. Testing is a two-step process, in which the carrying amount of the reporting unit associated with the goodwill is first compared to the reporting unit’s estimated fair value. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, the fair values of the reporting unit’s assets and liabilities are analyzed to determine whether the goodwill of the reporting unit has been impaired. An impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the Company’s recorded goodwill exceeds its implied fair value as determined by this two-step process. FASB Accounting Standards Update 2011-08, Testing Goodwill for Impairment , provides the option to perform a qualitative assessment prior to performing the two-step process, which may eliminate the need for further testing. Goodwill, in addition to being tested for impairment annually, is tested for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change such that it is more likely than not that the carrying amount of goodwill may be impaired.

At December 31, 2014 the Company’s goodwill relates to its acquisitions of Equity Partners in 2011, HGP in 2012 and NLEX in 2014. See Note 3 and Note 6 for more detail regarding the Company’s goodwill.

Deferred income tax assets [Policy Text Block]

Deferred income tax assets
The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and the amounts at which they are carried in the financial statements, based upon the enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The Company establishes a valuation allowance when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. At December 31, 2014, as a result of incurring losses in 2012, 2013 and 2014, the Company has recorded a valuation allowance against all of its net deferred tax assets.

Contingent consideration [Policy Text Block]

Contingent consideration
At December 31, 2014 the Company’s contingent consideration consists of the estimated fair value of an earnout provision that was part of the consideration for the acquisition of NLEX in the second quarter of 2014. The amount assigned to the contingent consideration at the acquisition date was determined using a discounted cash flow analysis. Its present value is assessed quarterly, and any adjustments, together with the amortization of the fair value discount, are reported as Interest Expense on the Company’s consolidated statement of operations. See Note 3 for more discussion of the Company’s contingent consideration.

Liabilities and contingencies [Policy Text Block]

Liabilities and contingencies
The Company is involved from time to time in various legal matters arising out of its operations in the normal course of business. On a case by case basis, the Company evaluates the likelihood of possible outcomes for this litigation. Based on this evaluation, the Company determines whether a liability accrual is appropriate. If the likelihood of a negative outcome is probable, and the amount can be estimated, the Company accounts for the estimated liability in the current period.

Asset liquidation revenue [Policy Text Block]

Asset liquidation revenue
Asset liquidation revenue generally consists of commissions and fees from acting as the agent for asset sales by third parties, and gross proceeds from auctions and negotiated sales of asset inventory. Revenue is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the amount of the proceeds is fixed, delivery terms are arranged and collectability is reasonably assured.

Stock-based compensation [Policy Text Block]

Stock-based compensation
The Company’s stock-based compensation is primarily in the form of options to purchase common shares. The fair value is calculated using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model, and subsequently expensed over the vesting period. The provisions of the Company’s stock-based compensation plans do not require the Company to settle any options by transferring cash or other assets, and therefore the Company classifies the option awards as equity. See Note 15 for further discussion of the Company’s stock-based compensation.

Segment reporting [Policy Text Block]

Segment reporting
From the second quarter of 2009 through 2013, the Company operated in two business segments, Asset Liquidation and Intellectual Property Licensing. The asset liquidation segment included the operations of HGP, HG LLC and Equity Partners. The intellectual property licensing segment included all operations relating to licensing of the Company’s intellectual property. During 2014, the Company determined that due to the limited intellectual property licensing activity, separate segment reporting of this activity was no longer appropriate. Accordingly, for 2014, the Company determined that reporting as only one operating segment, Asset Liquidation, was appropriate.

For the year ended December 31, 2013 only the Asset Liquidation segment had revenues and assets sufficiently significant to require separate reporting, as the operations of the Intellectual Property Licensing segment were considered to be quantitatively immaterial. As the 2013 activity of the Intellectual Property Licensing segment was not significant enough to warrant separate reporting, the Company has retroactively applied its determination of having only one operating segment to include the year ended December 31, 2013.

To date the Company’s business has been conducted principally in North America. During 2012 the Company established a European subsidiary, Heritage Global Partners Europe (“HGP Europe”), which began generating revenues in the third quarter of 2013. For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, revenues generated through HGP Europe were approximately $2,985 and $236, respectively.

Recent accounting pronouncements [Policy Text Block]

Recent accounting pronouncements
In March 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2013-05, Parent’s Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment Upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets Within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity (“ASU 2013-05”). ASU 2013-05 specifies that a cumulative translation adjustment (CTA) is attached to a parent company’s investment in a foreign entity and should be released in a manner consistent with derecognition guidance on investments in entities. Therefore, the entire amount of the CTA associated with a foreign entity would be released upon 1) sale of a subsidiary or group of net assets within a foreign entity, which represents the substantially complete liquidation of the investment in the entity, 2) loss of a controlling financial interest in an investment in a foreign entity, or 3) step acquisition of a foreign entity. ASU 2013-05 does not change the requirement to release a pro rata portion of the CTA of the foreign entity into earnings for a partial sale of an equity method investment in a foreign entity. ASU 2013-05 is effective for interim periods and fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2013, with early adoption permitted. The Company therefore adopted ASU 2013-05 in the first quarter of 2014. The adoption had no impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In July 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or Tax Credit Carryforward Exists (“ASU 2013-11”). ASU 2013-11 requires that an unrecognized tax benefit must be presented as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward. An exception to this presentation can be made when the carryforward or tax loss is not available at the reporting date under applicable tax law to settle taxes that would result from the disallowance of the tax position, or when the reporting entity does not intend to use the deferred tax asset for this purpose. In those circumstances, the unrecognized tax benefit would be presented as a liability. ASU 2013-11 does not require any additional disclosures. The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2013, and interim periods within those years, with early adoption permitted. The Company therefore adopted ASU 2013-11 in the first quarter of 2014. The adoption had no impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Future Accounting Pronouncements [Policy Text Block]

Future accounting pronouncements
In June 2014 the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-12, Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period (“ASU 2014-12”). ASU 2014-12 requires entities to treat performance targets that can be met after the requisite service period as performance conditions that affect vesting. Therefore, an entity would not record compensation expense related to an award for which transfer to the employee is contingent on achieving a performance target until it becomes probable that the performance target will be met. No new disclosures will be required. ASU 2014-12 will be effective for all entities for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. At this time the Company has not granted any share-based payment awards that include performance targets, but will be required to adopt ASU 2014-12 should it issue any such awards when ASU 2014-12 becomes effective.

In April 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity (“ASU 2014-08”). ASU 2014-08 requires discontinued operations treatment for disposals of a component or group of components that represents a strategic shift that has or will have a major impact on an entity’s operations or financial results. It also expands the scope of ASC 205-20 to disposals of equity method investments and acquired businesses held for sale. With respect to disclosures, ASU 2014-08 both 1) expands disclosure requirements for transactions that meet the definition of a discontinued operation, and 2) requires entities to disclose information about individually significant components that are disposed of or held for sale and do not qualify as discontinued operations. ASU 2014-08 also requires specific presentation of various items on the face of the financial statements. ASU 2014-08 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014, with early adoption permitted. At the date of these consolidated financial statements the Company does not have either discontinued operations or any planned disposals that would require the expanded reporting required by ASU 2014-08, and therefore does not anticipate that its adoption will impact its consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards update 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”). ASU 2014-09 specifies a comprehensive model to be used in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers, and supersedes most of the current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. It applies to all contracts with customers except those that are specifically within the scope of other FASB topics, and certain of its provisions also apply to transfers of nonfinancial assets, including in-substance nonfinancial assets that are not an output of an entity’s ordinary activities. The core principal of the model is that revenue is recognized to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the transferring entity expects to be entitled in exchange. To apply the revenue model, an entity will: 1) identify the contract(s) with a customer, 2) identify the performance obligations in the contract, 3) determine the transaction price, 4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, and 5) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. For public companies, ASU 2014-09 is effective for annual reporting periods (including interim reporting periods within those periods) beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is not permitted. Upon adoption, entities can choose to use either a full retrospective or modified approach, as outlined in ASU 2014-09. As compared with current GAAP, ASU 2014-09 requires significantly more disclosures about revenue recognition. The Company has not yet assessed the potential impact of ASU 2014-09 on its consolidated financial statements.

In August 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards update 2014-15, Disclosure of Uncertainties About an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern (“ASU 2014-15”). ASU 2014-15 requires management to determine whether substantial doubt exists regarding the entity’s going concern presumption, which generally refers to an entity’s ability to meet its obligations as they become due, and provides guidance on determining when and how to disclose going-concern uncertainties in an entity’s financial statements. It requires management to perform both interim and annual assessments of an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year of the date the financial statements are issued. The ASU contains guidance on 1) how to perform a going-concern assessment, and 2) when to provide going-concern disclosures. An entity must provide specified disclosures if conditions or events raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. ASU 2014-15 applies to all entities and is effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016, and interim periods thereafter, with early adoption permitted. The Company has not yet adopted ASU 2014-15 nor assessed its potential impact on its disclosures.

In November 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards update 2014-16, Determining Whether the Host Contract in a Hybrid Financial Instrument Issued in the Form of a Share Is More Akin to Debt or to Equity (“ASU 2014-16”). ASU 2014-16 requires an entity to apply the “whole instrument” approach to determine whether the host contract in a hybrid instrument in the form of a share is more like debt or equity, as part of a larger analysis to determine if an embedded derivative should be bifurcated. If so, the embedded derivative, such as a conversion feature in convertible preferred stock, should be accounted for as a liability and carried at fair value through earnings each period. ASU 2014-16 applies to issuers of and investors in hybrid financial instruments issued in the form of shares such as redeemable convertible preferred stock, and is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. The Company has not yet adopted ASU 2014-16, but based on a preliminary analysis of its outstanding convertible preferred shares, it does not expect the adoption of ASU 2014-16 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.