Acquisition of Pelican Therapeutics (Schedule of Pro Forma Financial Information for Acquisition) (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Grant and licensing revenue	$ 1,520	$ 342
Net loss	(12,800)	(13,679)
Net loss: Non-controlling interest	(646)	(542)
Net loss attributable to Heat Biologics, Inc.	$ (12,154)	$ (13,137)
Net loss per share attributable to Heat Biologics, Inc.-basic and diluted	$ (3.16)	$ (7.23)