| Document and Entity Information Document Document and Entity Information Document | Feb. 24, 2020 |
| Cover page. | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Feb. 24, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | BOISE CASCADE COMPANY |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 1-35805 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 20-1496201 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 1111 West Jefferson Street, Suite 300 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Boise |
| Entity Address, State or Province | ID |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 83702-5389 |
| City Area Code | 208 |
| Local Phone Number | 384-6161 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share |
| Trading Symbol | BCC |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001328581 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
