| Cover | Dec. 31, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K/A |
| Amendment Flag | true |
| Amendment Description | On January 6, 2021, Houston Wire & Cable Company (“HWCC”) filed a Current Report on Form 8-K (the “Original Report”) reporting the completion of the sale of substantially all of the assets of its Southern Wire division (“Southern Wire”) to Southern Rigging Companies, LLC. This amendment is being filed for the sole purpose of amending Item 9.01 of the Original Report. |
| Document Period End Date | Dec. 31, 2020 |
| Entity File Number | 000-52046 |
| Entity Registrant Name | HOUSTON WIRE & CABLE COMPANY |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001356949 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 36-4151663 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 10201 North Loop East |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Houston |
| Entity Address, State or Province | TX |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 77029 |
| City Area Code | (713) |
| Local Phone Number | 609-2100 |
| 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 $0.001 per share |
| Trading Symbol | HWCC |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Information, Former Legal or Registered Name | Not Applicable |
