| Document and Entity Information | Oct. 07, 2020 |
| Entity Listings [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 7, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | HAVERTY FURNITURE COMPANIES INC |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | MD |
| Entity File Number | 001-14445 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 58-0281900 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 780 Johnson Ferry Road |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 800 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Atlanta |
| Entity Address, State or Province | GA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 30342 |
| City Area Code | 404 |
| Local Phone Number | 443-2900 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000216085 |
| Common Stock [Member] | |
| Entity Listings [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock |
| Trading Symbol | HVT |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Common Class A [Member] | |
| Entity Listings [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Class A Common Stock |
| Trading Symbol | HVTA |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
