CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 2,059,964	$ 2,004,003	$ 1,833,450
Cost of products sold	1,344,672	1,314,776	1,194,387
Gross profit	715,292	689,227	639,063
Selling and administrative expenses	608,972	599,656	554,315
Restructuring related and impairment charges	333	1,944	3,261
Operating income	105,987	87,627	81,487
Interest income	626	842	623
Interest expense	9,906	10,865	11,951
Income before income taxes	96,707	77,604	70,159
Income taxes	33,338	29,278	24,411
Net income	63,369	48,326	45,748
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest	(314)	(641)	(238)
Net income attributable to HNI Corporation	63,683	48,967	45,986
Net income attributable to HNI Corporation per common share - basic	$ 1.41	$ 1.08	$ 1.03
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic	45,250,665	45,211,385	44,803,248
Net income attributable to HNI Corporation per common share - diluted	$ 1.39	$ 1.07	$ 1.01
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted	45,956,280	45,819,979	45,694,278
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(2,562)	264	796
Change in unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities (net of tax)	(124)	62	191
Change in pension and postretirement liability, net of tax	2,151	(708)	(1,270)
Change in derivative financial instruments (net of tax)	187	(20)	339
Other comprehensive income (loss) net of tax	(348)	(402)	56
Comprehensive income	63,021	47,924	45,804
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	(314)	(641)	(238)
Comprehensive income attributable to HNI Corporation	$ 63,335	$ 48,565	$ 46,042