Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Jan. 01, 2011
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Income	$ 31,821	$ 33,849	$ 18,748
Other Comprehensive Items:
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)	4,324	(1,808)	(3,367)
Pension and other post-retirement liability adjustments, net (net of tax of $28, $1,331, and $80 in 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively)	(35)	(2,374)	(408)
Deferred gain (loss) on hedging instruments (net of tax of $206, $89, and $44 in 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively)	387	(193)	(166)
Other Comprehensive Items	4,676	(4,375)	(3,941)
Comprehensive Income	36,497	29,474	14,807
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	(234)	(268)	(138)
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Kadant	$ 36,263	$ 29,206	$ 14,669