Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020 shares
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2020
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Entity Registrant Name	HUTTIG BUILDING PRODUCTS INC
Entity Central Index Key	0001093082
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Smaller reporting company	true
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	26,894,681
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity File Number	1-14982
Entity Tax Identification Number	43-0334550
Entity Address, Address Line One	555 Maryville University Drive Suite 400
Entity Address, City or Town	St. Louis
Entity Address, State or Province	MO
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	63141
City Area Code	314
Local Phone Number	216-2600
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Transition Report	false
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Title of 12(b) Security	Common, par value $0.01 per share
Trading Symbol	HBP
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ