Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Mar. 01, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2019
Entity Registrant Name	HERITAGE GLOBAL INC.
Entity Central Index Key	0000849145
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	true
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		29,352,837
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Well Known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Public Float			$ 13.6
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Entity File Number	0-17973
Entity Tax Identification Number	59-2291344
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	92130
City Area Code	858
Local Phone Number	847-0656
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	FL
Entity Address, Address Line One	12625 High Bluff Drive
Entity Address, Address Line Two	Suite 305
Entity Address, City or Town	San Diego
Entity Address, State or Province	CA
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Title of 12(g) Security	Common Stock, $0.01 par value
Document Annual Report	true
No Trading Symbol Flag	true