Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Shareholders' Equity (Reclassification) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017	Apr. 02, 2016
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Interest (expense) or income	$ (1,046)	$ (1,874)
Tax (expense) or benefit	(2,178)	(5,881)
Net income attributable to HNI Corporation	4,837	11,843
Interest rate swap | Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | Derivative Financial Instruments
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Interest (expense) or income	(192)	(93)
Tax (expense) or benefit	71	34
Net income attributable to HNI Corporation	$ (121)	$ (59)