Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Shareholders' Equity (Reclassification) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jul. 01, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jul. 01, 2017
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Interest (expense) or income	$ (2,718)	$ (1,347)	$ (5,055)	$ (2,393)
Tax (expense) or benefit	(5,835)	(6,771)	(4,836)	(8,949)
Net income attributable to HNI Corporation	18,597	13,848	21,107	18,685
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	241	(108)	355	(301)
Tax (expense) or benefit	(59)	40	(87)	111
Net income attributable to HNI Corporation	$ 182	$ (68)	$ 268	$ (190)