Nature of Operations

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Nature of Operations

Nature of Operations

HNI Corporation with its subsidiaries (the “Corporation”) is a provider of office furniture and hearth products.  Both industries are reportable segments; however, the Corporation’s office furniture business is its principal line of business.  Refer to Reportable Segment Information for further information.  Office furniture products include panel-based and freestanding furniture systems seating, storage and tables. These products are sold primarily through a national system of dealers, wholesalers and office product distributors but also directly to end-user customers and federal, state and local governments.  Hearth products include a full array of gas, wood and pellet burning fireplaces, inserts, stoves, facings and accessories.  These products are sold through a national system of dealers and distributors, as well as Corporation-owned distribution and retail outlets.  The Corporation’s products are marketed predominantly in the United States and Canada.  The Corporation exports select products through its export subsidiary to a limited number of markets outside North America, principally the Middle East, Mexico, Latin America and the Caribbean. The Corporation also manufactures and markets office furniture in Asia and India. Activities outside the United States and Canada, as a percent of sales, are insignificant.

Fiscal year-end – The Corporation follows a 52/53-week fiscal year which ends on the Saturday nearest December 31.  Fiscal year 2016 ended on December 31, 2016; 2015 ended on January 2, 2016; and 2014 ended on January 3, 2015. The financial statements for fiscal years 2016 and 2015 are on a 52-week basis. The financial statements for fiscal year 2014 are on a 53-week basis. A 53-week year occurs approximately every sixth year.