| Document and Entity Information Document | Jul. 27, 2020 | Jul. 24, 2020 | Feb. 05, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |||
| Document Type | 8-K/A | ||
| Document Period End Date | Jul. 27, 2020 | ||
| Entity Registrant Name | TrueBlue, Inc. | ||
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | WA | ||
| Entity File Number | 001-14543 | ||
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 91-1287341 | ||
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 1015 A Street | ||
| Entity Address, City or Town | Tacoma | ||
| Entity Address, State or Province | WA | ||
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 98402 | ||
| City Area Code | 253 | ||
| Local Phone Number | 383-9101 | ||
| Written Communications | false | ||
| Soliciting Material | false | ||
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false | ||
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false | ||
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common stock, no par value | ||
| Trading Symbol | TBI | ||
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE | ||
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false | ||
| Amendment Flag | false | ||
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000768899 |
