Stock-based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		6 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2003	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2010
Stockholders' Equity, Reverse Stock Split	1-for-20
Options, Outstanding (in shares)		2,165,000	2,130,000			3,898,198
Options, Exercisable (in shares)		1,330,000	930,000
Options, Exercised (in shares)		0	(30,000)
Options, Granted (in shares)		100,000	200,000
Options forfeited		(17,500)	(1,530,000)
Options expired		(47,500)	(408,198)
Stock-based compensation expense		$ 484	$ 532
Tax Benefit Realized from Exercise of Stock Options			3
Employee Service-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Stock Options		359
Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised		0	10
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition		20 months
Fair Value of Options Vested in Period		773	914
Aggregate intrinsic value of exercisable options		16	42
Intrinsic value of options exercised			3
Directors [Member]
Options, Granted (in shares)			50,000
Officer [Member]
Options, Granted (in shares)			150,000
Option Expense [Member]
Stock-based compensation expense		$ 484	$ 532
Equity Partners Stock Option Plan [Member]
Number of Shares Authorized for Stock-Based Compensation Plan				230,000
Options, Outstanding (in shares)		230,000	230,000			230,000
Options, Granted (in shares)		0	0	230,000
Options forfeited		0	0
Exercise price, options granted in period				$ 1.83
2010 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan [Member]
Number of Shares Authorized for Stock-Based Compensation Plan							1,250,000
Options, Outstanding (in shares)		100,000	0			1,250,000
Options, Granted (in shares)		100,000	0
Options forfeited		0	(1,250,000)
2010 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan [Member] | Directors [Member]
Options, Granted (in shares)		50,000
2010 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan [Member] | Officer [Member]
Options, Granted (in shares)		50,000
Other Options Issued [Member]
Options, Outstanding (in shares)		625,000	625,000			625,000
Options, Granted (in shares)		0	0
Options forfeited		0	0
Other Options Issued [Member] | Former Owners of Heritage Global Partners [Member]
Options, Granted (in shares)					625,000
Stock Option Award Vesting Period					4 years
Exercise price, options granted in period					$ 2.00
2003 Stock Option and Appreciation Rights Plan [Member]
Number of Shares Authorized for Stock-Based Compensation Plan	2,000,000
Options, Outstanding (in shares)		1,210,000	1,275,000			1,565,000
Options, Exercised (in shares)		0	30,000
Options, Granted (in shares)		0	200,000
Options forfeited		(17,500)	(280,000)
Options expired		(47,500)	(180,000)
Stock Option Award Vesting Period		4 years
Minimum [Member] | 2003 Stock Option and Appreciation Rights Plan [Member]
Exercise Price, Outstanding	0.08
Maximum [Member] | 2003 Stock Option and Appreciation Rights Plan [Member]
Exercise Price, Outstanding	2.00