| Document and Entity Information | Aug. 05, 2021 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | HOUGHTON MIFFLIN HARCOURT CO |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001580156 |
| Document Period End Date | Aug. 5, 2021 |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity File Number | 001-36166 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| 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 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of each class | Common Stock, $0.01 par value |
| Trading Symbol | HMHC |
| Name of each exchange on which registered | NASDAQ |
