| Cover | Feb. 24, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Feb. 24, 2020 |
| Entity File Number | 001-34728 |
| Entity Registrant Name | DOUGLAS DYNAMICS, INC. |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001287213 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 13-4275891 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 7777 North 73rd Street |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Milwaukee |
| Entity Address, State or Province | WI |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 53223 |
| City Area Code | 414 |
| Local Phone Number | 354-2310 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, par value $.01 per share |
| Trading Symbol | PLOW |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
