Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Organization—Huttig Building Products, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiary (the “Company” or “Huttig”) is a distributor of building materials used principally in new residential construction and in home improvement, remodeling and repair work. Huttig’s products are distributed through 27 distribution centers serving 41 states and are sold primarily to building materials dealers, national buying groups, home centers and industrial users including makers of manufactured homes. Principles of Consolidation—The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Huttig Building Products, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiary. All inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Revenue Recognition—Revenues are recorded when title passes to the customer, which occurs upon delivery of product, less an allowance for returns, customer rebates and discounts for early payments. Returned products for which the Company assumes responsibility are estimated based on historical returns and are accrued as a reduction of sales at the time of the original sale. Use of Estimates—The preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Management makes estimates including but not limited to the following financial statement items: allowance for doubtful accounts, slow-moving and obsolete inventory, lower of cost or market provisions for inventory, long-lived asset and goodwill impairments, contingencies, including environmental liabilities, accrued expenses and self-insurance accruals, income tax expense and deferred taxes. Actual results may differ from these estimates. Cash and Equivalents—The Company considers all highly liquid interest-earning investments with an original maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. The carrying value of cash and equivalents approximates their fair value. Accounts Receivable—Trade accounts receivable consist of amounts owed for orders shipped to customers and are stated net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. Huttig’s corporate management establishes an overall credit policy for sales to customers. The allowance for doubtful accounts is determined based on a number of factors including when customer accounts exceed 90 days past due and specific customer account reviews. Inventory— Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. The Company’s entire inventory is comprised of finished goods. The Company reviews inventories on hand and records a provision for slow-moving and obsolete inventory. The provision for slow-moving and obsolete inventory is based on historical and expected sales. Approximately 87% and 91% of inventories were determined by using last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method of inventory valuation as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. The balance of all other inventories is determined by the average cost method. The first-in, first-out cost would be higher than the LIFO valuation by $15.1 million at December 31, 2017 and $13.4 million at December 31, 2016. Vendor Rebates—The Company enters into agreements with certain vendors providing for inventory purchase based rebates upon purchasing volumes. The Company accrues the receipt of rebates based on purchases and records vendor rebates as a reduction of the cost of inventory purchased. Property, Plant and Equipment—Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets and is charged to operating expenses. Buildings and improvements lives range from 3 to 25 years. Machinery and equipment lives range from 3 to 10 years. The Company recorded depreciation expense of $3.7 million, $3.0 million and $2.9 million in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Goodwill—Goodwill for each reporting unit is reviewed for impairment annually or more frequently if certain indicators arise. The Company first assesses the qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. The Company does not calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless it determines, based on a qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying amount. If the two-step quantitative test is deemed necessary, the Company calculates the fair value using multiple assumptions of its future operations to determine future discounted cash flows including but not limited to such factors as sales levels, gross margin rates, capital requirements and discount rates. The carrying value of goodwill is considered impaired when a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying value. In that event, goodwill impairment is recognized to the extent recorded goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill. Our assumptions may change significantly in the future resulting in goodwill impairments in future periods. See Note 2, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” for additional information. Valuation of Long-Lived Assets—The Company periodically evaluates the carrying value of its long-lived assets, including intangible and other tangible assets, when events and circumstances warrant such a review. The Company also reassesses useful lives of previously recognized intangible assets. The carrying value of long-lived assets is considered impaired when the anticipated undiscounted cash flows from such assets are less than the carrying value. In that event, a loss is recognized based on the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair market value of the long-lived asset. Fair market value is determined primarily using the anticipated cash flows discounted at a rate commensurate with the risk involved. Shipping and Handling—Costs associated with shipping and handling products to the Company’s customers are charged to operating expense. Shipping and handling costs were $34.0 million, $30.2 million and $28.8 million in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Stock-Based Compensation— The Company has stock-based compensation plans covering the majority of its employee groups and a plan covering the Company’s Board of Directors. The Company accounts for share-based compensation utilizing the fair value recognition provisions. The Company recognizes compensation cost for equity awards on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award. See Note 9, “Stock Based Compensation” for additional information. Income Taxes—Deferred income taxes reflect the impact of temporary differences between assets and liabilities recognized for financial reporting purposes and when such amounts are recognized for tax purposes using currently enacted tax rates. A valuation allowance would be established to reduce deferred income tax assets if it is more likely than not that a deferred tax asset will not be realized. See Note 10, “Income Taxes” for additional information. Net (Loss) Income Per Share—Basic net (loss) income per share is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted average shares outstanding. Diluted net income per share reflects the effect of all other potentially dilutive common shares using the treasury stock method. See Note 11, “Basic and Diluted Net (Loss) Income Per Share” for additional information. Concentration of Credit Risk—The Company grants credit to customers, substantially all of whom are dependent upon the construction sector. The Company periodically evaluates its customers’ financial condition but does not generally require collateral. Customers with high credit risk may be required to pay up front. A significant portion of our sales are concentrated with a relatively small number of our customers. Our top ten customers represented 42% of our sales in 2017. The Company had a single customer representing 14% of total sales in 2017, 14% of total sales in 2016 and 13% of total sales in 2015. This customer is a buying group for multiple building material dealers. Collective Bargaining Agreements—As of December 31, 2017, 12% of our employees were represented by eight collective bargaining agreements with one of the agreements currently in negotiations. With regard to the expiring agreement, 1% of our employees were covered thereunder. Segments— Segment Reporting, defines operating segments as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, under the definition of a segment, each of our distribution centers is considered an operating segment of our business. Operating segments may be aggregated if the operating segments have similar economic characteristics and if the nature of the products, distribution methods, customers and regulatory environments are similar. The Company has aggregated its distribution centers into one reporting segment.

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Organization—Huttig Building Products, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiary (the “Company” or “Huttig”) is a distributor of building materials used principally in new residential construction and in home improvement, remodeling and repair work. Huttig’s products are distributed through 27 distribution centers serving 41 states and are sold primarily to building materials dealers, national buying groups, home centers and industrial users including makers of manufactured homes.

Principles of Consolidation—The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Huttig Building Products, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiary. All inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Revenue Recognition—Revenues are recorded when title passes to the customer, which occurs upon delivery of product, less an allowance for returns, customer rebates and discounts for early payments. Returned products for which the Company assumes responsibility are estimated based on historical returns and are accrued as a reduction of sales at the time of the original sale.

Use of Estimates—The preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Management makes estimates including but not limited to the following financial statement items: allowance for doubtful accounts, slow-moving and obsolete inventory, lower of cost or market provisions for inventory, long-lived asset and goodwill impairments, contingencies, including environmental liabilities, accrued expenses and self-insurance accruals, income tax expense and deferred taxes. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

Cash and Equivalents—The Company considers all highly liquid interest-earning investments with an original maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. The carrying value of cash and equivalents approximates their fair value.

Accounts Receivable—Trade accounts receivable consist of amounts owed for orders shipped to customers and are stated net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. Huttig’s corporate management establishes an overall credit policy for sales to customers. The allowance for doubtful accounts is determined based on a number of factors including when customer accounts exceed 90 days past due and specific customer account reviews.

Inventory— Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. The Company’s entire inventory is comprised of finished goods. The Company reviews inventories on hand and records a provision for slow-moving and obsolete inventory. The provision for slow-moving and obsolete inventory is based on historical and expected sales. Approximately 87% and 91% of inventories were determined by using last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method of inventory valuation as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. The balance of all other inventories is determined by the average cost method. The first-in, first-out cost would be higher than the LIFO valuation by $15.1 million at December 31, 2017 and $13.4 million at December 31, 2016.

Vendor Rebates—The Company enters into agreements with certain vendors providing for inventory purchase based rebates upon purchasing volumes. The Company accrues the receipt of rebates based on purchases and records vendor rebates as a reduction of the cost of inventory purchased.

Property, Plant and Equipment—Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets and is charged to operating expenses. Buildings and improvements lives range from 3 to 25 years. Machinery and equipment lives range from 3 to 10 years. The Company recorded depreciation expense of $3.7 million, $3.0 million and $2.9 million in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Goodwill—Goodwill for each reporting unit is reviewed for impairment annually or more frequently if certain indicators arise. The Company first assesses the qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. The Company does not calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless it determines, based on a qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying amount. If the two-step quantitative test is deemed necessary, the Company calculates the fair value using multiple assumptions of its future operations to determine future discounted cash flows including but not limited to such factors as sales levels, gross margin rates, capital requirements and discount rates. The carrying value of goodwill is considered impaired when a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying value. In that event, goodwill impairment is recognized to the extent recorded goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill. Our assumptions may change significantly in the future resulting in goodwill impairments in future periods. See Note 2, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” for additional information.

Valuation of Long-Lived Assets—The Company periodically evaluates the carrying value of its long-lived assets, including intangible and other tangible assets, when events and circumstances warrant such a review. The Company also reassesses useful lives of previously recognized intangible assets. The carrying value of long-lived assets is considered impaired when the anticipated undiscounted cash flows from such assets are less than the carrying value. In that event, a loss is recognized based on the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair market value of the long-lived asset. Fair market value is determined primarily using the anticipated cash flows discounted at a rate commensurate with the risk involved.

Shipping and Handling—Costs associated with shipping and handling products to the Company’s customers are charged to operating expense. Shipping and handling costs were $34.0 million, $30.2 million and $28.8 million in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Stock-Based Compensation— The Company has stock-based compensation plans covering the majority of its employee groups and a plan covering the Company’s Board of Directors. The Company accounts for share-based compensation utilizing the fair value recognition provisions. The Company recognizes compensation cost for equity awards on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award. See Note 9, “Stock Based Compensation” for additional information.

Income Taxes—Deferred income taxes reflect the impact of temporary differences between assets and liabilities recognized for financial reporting purposes and when such amounts are recognized for tax purposes using currently enacted tax rates. A valuation allowance would be established to reduce deferred income tax assets if it is more likely than not that a deferred tax asset will not be realized. See Note 10, “Income Taxes” for additional information.

Net (Loss) Income Per Share—Basic net (loss) income per share is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted average shares outstanding. Diluted net income per share reflects the effect of all other potentially dilutive common shares using the treasury stock method. See Note 11, “Basic and Diluted Net (Loss) Income Per Share” for additional information.

Concentration of Credit Risk—The Company grants credit to customers, substantially all of whom are dependent upon the construction sector. The Company periodically evaluates its customers’ financial condition but does not generally require collateral. Customers with high credit risk may be required to pay up front. A significant portion of our sales are concentrated with a relatively small number of our customers. Our top ten customers represented 42% of our sales in 2017. The Company had a single customer representing 14% of total sales in 2017, 14% of total sales in 2016 and 13% of total sales in 2015. This customer is a buying group for multiple building material dealers.

Collective Bargaining Agreements—As of December 31, 2017, 12% of our employees were represented by eight collective bargaining agreements with one of the agreements currently in negotiations. With regard to the expiring agreement, 1% of our employees were covered thereunder.

Segments— Segment Reporting, defines operating segments as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, under the definition of a segment, each of our distribution centers is considered an operating segment of our business. Operating segments may be aggregated if the operating segments have similar economic characteristics and if the nature of the products, distribution methods, customers and regulatory environments are similar. The Company has aggregated its distribution centers into one reporting segment.