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
Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Gross revenues	$ 34	$ 10
Gross profit (loss)	34	(30)
Net income (loss)	$ 34	$ (30)

Company's proportionate share of Joint Ventures' net income (loss) reported in the consolidated statement of operations as Earnings (Loss) of Equity Accounted Asset Liquidation Investments and attributable to the Company as its share.

No definition available.

Name:	hgbl_EarningsOfEquityAccountedAssetLiquidationInvestments
Namespace Prefix:	hgbl_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration