Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Shareholders' Equity Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Shareholders' Equity (Share Repurchase) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2018	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Purchase of HNI Corporation common stock	$ (30,452)	$ (57,505)	$ (55,825)
Common Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchased during period (shares)	755,221	1,462,936	1,082,938
Average price per share of shares repurchased during period (in dollars per share)	$ 38.96	$ 40.25	$ 51.55
Stock repurchased during period	$ (29,424)	$ (58,887)	$ (55,825)
Accrued shares repurchased, not yet settled	354	1,382	0
Prior year purchases settled in current year	(1,382)	0	0
Purchase of HNI Corporation common stock	$ (30,452)	$ (57,505)	$ (55,825)