Other Events and Transactions (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands			3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2017	Sep. 28, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Cash dividends received from Hamilton Beach Brands Holdings Co.						$ 38,000	$ 10,000
Aggregate impairment charge			$ 0	$ 17,443		0	17,443
HBBHC
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Cash dividends received from Hamilton Beach Brands Holdings Co.		$ 35,000			$ 3,000
Net aggregate fees over term of TSA	$ 1,000
Non-deductible expenses			1,700			2,800
Centennial
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Fair value of assets held-for-sale				$ 5,000			5,000
Aggregate impairment charge							$ 17,400
Spin-off | HBBHC
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Expenses related to spin-off			$ 2,500			$ 2,500