v2.4.0.6
Document and Entity Information
9 Months Ended
Jul. 01, 2012
Aug. 06, 2012
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]    
Entity Registrant Name HARBINGER GROUP INC.  
Entity Central Index Key 0000109177  
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Period End Date Jul. 01, 2012  
Amendment Flag false  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2012  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --09-30  
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   140,166,935