Schedule of Heritage Global Inc. 2016 Stock Option Plan (Details) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options outstanding, beginning of year	5,040,450	5,169,200
Options granted	526,500	50,000
Options exercised	(173,130)	(10,000)
Options expired	(1,016,870)	0
Options forfeited	(73,050)	(168,750)
Options outstanding, end of year	4,303,900	5,040,450	5,169,200
2016 Stock Option Plan [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options outstanding, beginning of year	2,370,450	2,539,200
Options granted	441,500	0	2,539,200
Options exercised	(173,130)	0
Options expired	(126,870)	0
Options forfeited	(58,050)	(168,750)
Options outstanding, end of year	2,453,900	2,370,450	2,539,200