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
	Jan. 02, 2021	Dec. 28, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Purchase of HNI Corporation common stock	$ 6,764	$ 83,887	$ 30,452
Common Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchased during period (shares)	214,200	2,286,200	755,221
Average price of shares repurchased during period (in dollars per share)	$ 29.83	$ 36.70	$ 38.96
Cash purchase price	$ (6,390)	$ (83,907)	$ (29,424)
Purchases unsettled as of quarter end	0	374	354
Prior year purchases settled in current year	(374)	(354)	(1,382)
Purchase of HNI Corporation common stock	$ 6,764	$ 83,887	$ 30,452