| Document and Entity Information | Nov. 07, 2019 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Nov. 7, 2019 |
| Entity Registrant Name | PGT Innovations, Inc. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-37971 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 20-0634715 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 1070 TECHNOLOGY DRIVE |
| Entity Address, City or Town | NORTH VENICE |
| Entity Address, State or Province | FL |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 34275 |
| City Area Code | 941 |
| Local Phone Number | 480-1600 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001354327 |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, Par Value $0.01 Per Share |
| Trading Symbol | PGTI |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
