| Document and Entity Information Document | Jul. 31, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Jul. 31, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | HARMONIC INC. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 000-25826 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 77-0201147 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 4300 North First Street |
| Entity Address, City or Town | San Jose |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 95134 |
| City Area Code | 408 |
| Local Phone Number | 542-2500 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share |
| Trading Symbol | HLIT |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000851310 |
