| Cover | Aug. 13, 2020 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Aug. 13, 2020 |
| Entity File Number | 001-14982 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Huttig Building Products, Inc. |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001093082 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 43-0334550 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 555 Maryville University Drive, Suite 400 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | St. Louis |
| Entity Address, State or Province | MO |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 63141 |
| City Area Code | 314 |
| Local Phone Number | 216-2600 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common, par value $0.01 per share |
| Trading Symbol | HBP |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
