| Document and Entity Information | Oct. 15, 2019 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Co |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001580156 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 15, 2019 |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-36166 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 27-1566372 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 125 High Street |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Boston |
| Entity Address, State or Province | MA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 02110 |
| City Area Code | (617) |
| Local Phone Number | 351-5000 |
| Security 12b Title | Common Stock, $0.01 par value |
| Trading Symbol | HMHC |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
