Basis of Presentation (Policies)	9 Months Ended
Basis of Presentation (Policies)	Oct. 01, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Business and Basis of Presentation, Policy	We prepared the condensed consolidated financial statements as of and for the three and nine months ended October 1, 2016 of Select Comfort Corporation and 100%-owned subsidiaries (Select Comfort or the Company), without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and they reflect, in the opinion of management, all normal recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly our financial position as of October 1, 2016, and January 2, 2016, and the consolidated results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. Our historical and quarterly consolidated results of operations may not be indicative of the results that may be achieved for the full year or any future period. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our most recent audited consolidated financial statements and related notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2016 and other recent filings with the SEC.
Use of Estimates, Policy	The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of sales, expenses and income taxes during the reporting period. Predicting future events is inherently an imprecise activity and, as such, requires the use of judgment. As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ significantly from these estimates. Changes in these estimates will be reflected in the financial statements in future periods. Our critical accounting policies consist of stock-based compensation, goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, warranty liabilities and revenue recognition.
Consolidation, Policy	The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Select Comfort Corporation and our 100%-owned subsidiaries. All significant intra-entity balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy	New Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued a comprehensive new revenue recognition model that requires a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. This new guidance was originally effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 and early adoption was not permitted. In July 2015, the FASB deferred the effective date from fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 to fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 (including interim reporting periods within those fiscal years). Early adoption is permitted to the original effective date of fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 (including interim reporting periods within those fiscal years). Companies may use either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective approach to adopt this new guidance. We are evaluating the effect of the new standard on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures, and have not yet selected a transition method. In November 2015, the FASB issued new guidance related to classification of deferred taxes. The new guidance requires that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as non-current on the balance sheet. It is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, but early adoption is permitted. The adoption is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated results of operations, cash flows or financial position. In February 2016, the FASB issued new guidance on accounting for leases and generally requires most leases to be recognized on the balance sheet. This new guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The provisions of this new guidance are to be applied using a modified retrospective approach, with elective reliefs, which requires application of the new guidance for all periods presented. We are evaluating the effect of the new standard on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In March 2016, the FASB issued new guidance on the accounting for, and disclosure of, stock-based compensation which will be effective for us beginning in 2017. The new guidance is intended to simplify several aspects of the accounting for stock-based compensation arrangements, including the income tax impact, forfeitures and classification on the statement of cash flows. Under the current guidance, excess tax benefits and deficiencies have been recognized in additional paid-in capital in the consolidated balance sheets. Upon adoption of the new guidance, these excess tax benefits or deficiencies are required to be recognized as discrete adjustments to income tax expense in the consolidated statements of operations. We will adopt the new guidance on a prospective basis and these discrete adjustments could have a material impact on income tax expense and net income.
Stockholders' Equity, Policy	There is no expiration date governing the period over which we can repurchase shares. Any repurchased shares are constructively retired and returned to an unissued status. The cost of share repurchases is first charged to additional paid-in capital. Once additional paid-in capital is reduced to zero, any additional amounts are charged to retained earnings.
Profit Sharing and 401(k) Plan Policy	Under our profit sharing and 401(k) plan, eligible employees may defer up to 50% of their compensation on a pre-tax basis, subject to Internal Revenue Service limitations. Each calendar quarter, we may make a discretionary contribution equal to a percentage of the employee’s contribution.