Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Shareholders' Equity (Reclassification) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Oct. 01, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Oct. 01, 2016
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Interest (expense) or income	$ (1,835)	$ (1,091)	$ (4,228)	$ (4,096)
Tax (expense) or benefit	(18,624)	(16,837)	(27,573)	(38,652)
Net income attributable to HNI Corporation	37,271	33,813	55,956	74,685
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	(27)	(302)	(328)	(717)
Tax (expense) or benefit	10	111	121	264
Net income attributable to HNI Corporation	$ (17)	$ (191)	$ (207)	$ (453)