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Document and Entity Information (USD $)
 12 Months Ended
Jan. 03, 2015
Feb. 20, 2015
Jun. 28, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]      
Entity Registrant Name Kadant Inc.    
Entity Central Index Key 0000886346    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --01-03    
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer    
Document Type 10-K    
Document Period End Date Jan. 03, 2015    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2014    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Amendment Flag false    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   10,864,140dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding  
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer No    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Public Float     $ 409,324,000dei_EntityPublicFloat