Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Shareholders' Equity (Reclassification) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2016	Apr. 04, 2015
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Selling and administrative expenses	$ (165,106)	$ (168,704)
Tax (expense) or benefit	(5,881)	(5,068)
Net income attributable to HNI Corporation	11,843	8,478
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Derivative Financial Instruments [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net income attributable to HNI Corporation	(59)	(462)
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Derivative Financial Instruments [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Selling and administrative expenses	(93)	0
Tax (expense) or benefit	34	0
Net income attributable to HNI Corporation	(59)	0
Energy Related Derivative [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Derivative Financial Instruments [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Selling and administrative expenses	0	(694)
Tax (expense) or benefit	0	232
Net income attributable to HNI Corporation	$ 0	$ (462)