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. 28, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018	Dec. 30, 2017
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Purchase of HNI Corporation common stock	$ 83,887	$ 30,452	$ 57,505
Common Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchased during period (shares)	2,286,200	755,221	1,462,936
Average price of shares repurchased during period (in dollars per share)	$ 36.70	$ 38.96	$ 40.25
Cash purchase price	$ (83,907)	$ (29,424)	$ (58,887)
Purchases unsettled as of quarter end	374	354	1,382
Prior year purchases settled in current year	(354)	(1,382)	0
Purchase of HNI Corporation common stock	$ 83,887	$ 30,452	$ 57,505