Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of its wholly and majority-owned subsidiaries. All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Fiscal Year	Fiscal Year Typically, the Company's fiscal quarters and fiscal year consist of 13 and 52 weeks, respectively, ending on the Saturday closest to the end of the corresponding calendar quarter for the Company's fiscal quarters and on the Saturday closest to December 31 for the Company's fourth fiscal quarter and fiscal year. As a result of the difference between the fiscal and calendar periods, a 53rd week is added to the Company's fiscal year every five or six years. In a 53-week fiscal year, the Company's fourth fiscal quarter contains 14 weeks. The Company's fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 (fiscal 2016) and January 2, 2016 (fiscal 2015) both contained 52 weeks and the Company's fiscal year ended January 3, 2015 (fiscal 2014) contained 53 weeks. Each quarter of fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014 contained 13 weeks, except the fourth quarter of 2014, which contained 14 weeks.
Use of Estimates and Critical Accounting Policies	Use of Estimates and Critical Accounting Policies The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Critical accounting policies are defined as those that entail significant judgments and estimates, and could potentially result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions. The Company believes that the most critical accounting policies upon which its financial position depends, and which involve the most complex or subjective decisions or assessments, concern revenue recognition and accounts receivable, warranty obligations, income taxes, the valuation of goodwill and intangible assets, inventories, and pension obligations. A discussion on the application of these and other accounting policies is included in Notes 1 and 3. Although the Company makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements or in the application of accounting policies, if business conditions were different, or if the Company were to use different estimates and assumptions, it is possible that materially different amounts could be reported in the Company's consolidated financial statements.
Revenue Recognition and Accounts Receivable	Revenue Recognition and Accounts Receivable The Company recognizes revenue under Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 605, "Revenue Recognition," (ASC 605) when the following criteria have been met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or service has been rendered, the sales price is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. When the terms of the sale include customer acceptance provisions, and compliance with those provisions cannot be demonstrated until customer acceptance, revenues are recognized upon such acceptance. The Company includes in revenue amounts invoiced for shipping and handling with the corresponding costs reflected in cost of revenues. Provisions for discounts, warranties, returns and other adjustments are provided for in the period in which the related sales are recorded. Sales taxes, value-added taxes and certain excise taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are accounted for on a net basis and therefore are excluded from revenue. Most of the Company's revenue is recognized in accordance with the accounting policies in the preceding paragraph. However, when a sale arrangement involves multiple elements, such as equipment and installation, the Company considers the guidance in ASC 605. Such transactions are evaluated to determine whether the deliverables in the arrangement represent separate units of accounting based on the following criteria: the delivered item has value to the customer on a stand-alone basis, and if the contract includes a general right of return relative to the delivered item, delivery or performance of the undelivered item is considered probable and substantially under the control of the Company. Revenue is allocated to each unit of accounting or element based on relative selling prices and is recognized as each element is delivered or completed. The Company determines relative selling prices by using either vendor-specific objective evidence (VSOE) if that exists, or third-party evidence of selling price. When neither VSOE nor third-party evidence of selling price exists for a deliverable, the Company uses its best estimate of the selling price for that deliverable. In cases in which elements cannot be treated as separate units of accounting, the elements are combined into a single unit of accounting for revenue recognition purposes. In addition, revenues and profits on certain long-term contracts are recognized using the percentage-of-completion method or the completed-contract method of accounting pursuant to ASC 605. Revenues recorded under the percentage-of-completion method were $23,300,000, $32,078,000, and $19,078,000 in 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively. The percentage of completion is determined by comparing the actual costs incurred to date to an estimate of total costs to be incurred on each contract. If a loss is indicated on any contract in process, a provision is made currently for the entire estimated loss. The Company's contracts generally provide for billing of customers upon the attainment of certain milestones specified in each contract. Revenues earned on contracts in process in excess of billings are classified as unbilled contract costs and fees, and amounts billed in excess of revenues earned are classified as billings in excess of contract costs and fees, which are included in other current liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. There are no significant amounts included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet that are not expected to be recovered from existing contracts at current contract values, or that are not expected to be collected within one year, including amounts that are billed but not paid under retainage provisions. For long-term contracts that do not meet the criteria under ASC 605-35 to be accounted for under the percentage-of-completion method, the Company recognizes revenue, primarily in China, using the completed-contract method. When using the completed-contract method, the Company recognizes revenue when the contract has been substantially completed, the product has been delivered, and, if applicable, the customer acceptance criteria have been met. Inventory included $274,000 at year-end 2015 associated with long-term contracts accounted for under the completed-contract method. Customer deposits included $5,158,000 and $2,374,000 of advance payments on long-term contracts accounted for under the completed-contract method at year-end 2016 and year-end 2015, respectively. Accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. The Company exercises judgment in determining its allowance for doubtful accounts, which is based on its historical collection experience, current trends, credit policies, specific customer collection issues, and accounts receivable aging categories. In determining this allowance, the Company looks at historical write-offs of its receivables. The Company also looks at current trends in the credit quality of its customer base as well as changes in its credit policies. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and adjusts credit limits based upon payment history and each customer's current creditworthiness. The Company continuously monitors collections and payments from its customers. Account balances are charged off against the allowance when the Company believes it is probable the receivable will not be recovered. In some instances, the Company utilizes letters of credit to mitigate its credit exposure. The Company's Chinese subsidiaries may receive banker's acceptance drafts from customers as payment for their trade accounts receivable. The banker's acceptance drafts are non-interest bearing obligations of the issuing bank and mature within six months of the origination date. The Company can sell the drafts at a discount to a third-party financial institution or transfer the drafts to vendors in settlement of current accounts payable prior to the scheduled maturity date. These drafts, which totaled $7,852,000 and $8,314,000 at year-end 2016 and year-end 2015, respectively, are included in accounts receivable in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet until the subsidiary sells the drafts to a bank and receives a discounted amount, transfers the banker's acceptance drafts in settlement of current accounts payable prior to maturity, or obtains cash payment on the scheduled maturity date.
Warranty Obligations	Warranty Obligations The Company provides for the estimated cost of product warranties at the time of sale based on the actual historical occurrence rates and repair costs, as well as knowledge of any specific warranty problems that indicate that projected warranty costs may vary from historical patterns. The Company typically negotiates the terms regarding warranty coverage and length of warranty depending on the products and applications. While the Company engages in extensive product quality programs and processes, the Company's warranty obligation is affected by product failure rates, repair costs, service delivery costs incurred in correcting a product failure, and supplier warranties on parts delivered to the Company. Should actual product failure rates, repair costs, service delivery costs, or supplier warranties on parts differ from the Company's estimates, revisions to the estimated warranty liability would be required.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes In accordance with ASC 740, "Income Taxes," (ASC 740), the Company recognizes deferred income taxes based on the expected future tax consequences of differences between the financial statement basis and the tax basis of assets and liabilities, calculated using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which these differences are expected to reverse. A tax valuation allowance is established, as needed, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. In the period in which it becomes more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized, the valuation allowance will be adjusted. It is the Company's policy to provide for uncertain tax positions and the related interest and penalties based upon management's assessment of whether a tax benefit is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in the provision for income taxes. At December 31, 2016, the Company believes that it has appropriately accounted for any liability for unrecognized tax benefits. To the extent the Company prevails in matters for which a liability for an unrecognized tax benefit is established, the statute of limitations expires for a tax jurisdiction year, or the Company is required to pay amounts in excess of the liability, its effective tax rate in a given financial statement period may be affected. In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, "Income Taxes (Topic 740), Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes," which simplifies the presentation of deferred income taxes, as it requires that deferred tax assets and liabilities be classified as non-current in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. The Company early adopted this ASU prospectively for the year ended January 2, 2016, which resulted in all deferred taxes being reported as non-current in its accompanying consolidated balance sheet. See Note 5, Income Taxes, for additional information.
Earnings per Share	Earnings per Share Basic earnings per share (EPS) has been computed by dividing net income attributable to Kadant by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the year. Diluted EPS was computed using the treasury stock method assuming the effect of all potentially dilutive securities, including stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs) and employee stock purchase plan shares.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents At year-end 2016 and 2015, the Company's cash equivalents included investments in money market funds and other marketable securities, which had maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase. The carrying amounts of cash equivalents approximate their fair values due to the short-term nature of these instruments.
Restricted Cash	Restricted Cash At year-end 2016 and 2015, the Company had approximately $2,082,000 and $1,406,000 of restricted cash, respectively. This cash serves as collateral for bank guarantees primarily associated with providing assurance to customers that the Company will fulfill certain customer obligations entered into in the normal course of business. The majority of the bank guarantees expire by the end of 2017.
Inventories	Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (on a first-in, first-out; or weighted average basis) or market value and include materials, labor, and manufacturing overhead. The Company regularly reviews its quantities of inventories on hand and compares these amounts to the historical and forecasted usage of and demand for each particular product or product line. The Company records a charge to cost of revenues for excess and obsolete inventory to reduce the carrying value of inventories to net realizable value.
Property, Plant, and Equipment	Property, Plant, and Equipment Property, plant, and equipment are stated at cost. The costs of additions and improvements are capitalized, while maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. The Company provides for depreciation and amortization primarily using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the property as follows: buildings, 10 to 40 years; machinery and equipment, 2 to 10 years; and leasehold improvements, the shorter of the term of the lease or the life of the asset.
Intangible Assets	Intangible Assets Intangible assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet include the costs of acquired intellectual property, tradenames, patents, customer relationships, non-compete agreements and other specifically identifiable intangible assets. An intangible asset of $8,100,000 associated with the acquisition of the Johnson tradename as part of the Company's acquisition of The Johnson Corporation in 2005 has an indefinite life and is not being amortized. The remaining intangible assets have been amortized as the underlying economic benefits are realized with a weighted-average amortization period of 12 years. The intangible asset lives have been determined based on the anticipated period over which the Company will derive future cash flow benefits from the intangible assets. The Company has considered the effects of legal, regulatory, contractual, competitive, and other economic factors in determining these useful lives.
Goodwill	Goodwill Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquisition over the fair value of the identifiable net assets of the acquired business at the date of acquisition. The Company’s acquisitions have historically been made at prices above the fair value of the acquired net assets, resulting in goodwill, due to the expectation of synergies from combining the businesses.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets	The Company assesses its long-lived assets, other than goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, for impairment whenever facts and circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be fully recoverable. To analyze recoverability, the Company projects undiscounted net future cash flows over the remaining lives of such assets or asset groups. If these projected cash flows were to be less than the carrying amounts, an impairment loss would be recognized, resulting in a write-down of the assets with a corresponding charge to earnings. The impairment loss would be measured based upon the difference between the carrying amounts and the fair values of the assets. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets The Company evaluates the recoverability of goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives as of the end of each fiscal year, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances, such as a significant decline in sales, earnings, or cash flows, or material adverse changes in the business climate, indicate that the carrying value of an asset might be impaired. Testing goodwill for impairment involves a two-step quantitative process. However, prior to performing the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test, the Company has the option to first perform an assessment of qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. At December 31, 2016 and January 2, 2016, the Company performed a qualitative goodwill impairment analysis. This impairment analysis included an assessment of certain qualitative factors including, but not limited to, the results of prior fair value calculations, the movement of the Company's share price and market capitalization, the reporting unit and overall financial performance, and macroeconomic and industry conditions. The Company considered the qualitative factors and weighed the evidence obtained, and determined that it was not more likely than not that the fair value of any of the reporting units was less than its carrying amount. Although the Company believes the factors considered in the impairment analysis are reasonable, significant changes in any one of the assumptions used could have produced a different result.
Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions	Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions All assets and liabilities of the Company's foreign subsidiaries are translated at year-end exchange rates, and revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates for each quarter in accordance with ASC 830, "Foreign Currency Matters." Resulting translation adjustments are reflected in the "accumulated other comprehensive items (AOCI)" component of stockholders' equity (see Note 13). Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in the accompanying consolidated statement of income and are not material for the three years presented.
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation The Company recognizes compensation cost for all stock-based awards granted to employees and directors based on the grant date estimate of fair value for those awards. The fair value of RSUs is based on the grant date trading price of the Company's common stock, reduced by the present value of estimated dividends foregone during the requisite service period. The fair value of stock options is based on the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. For stock options and time-based RSUs, compensation expense is recognized ratably over the requisite service period for the entire award net of forfeitures. For performance-based RSUs, compensation expense is recognized ratably over the requisite service period for each separately-vesting portion of the award net of forfeitures and remeasured at each reporting period until the total number of RSUs to be issued is known. Compensation expense related to any modified stock-based awards is based on the fair value for those awards as of the modification date with any remaining incremental compensation expense recognized ratably over the remaining requisite service period.
Derivatives	Derivatives The Company uses derivative instruments primarily to reduce its exposure to changes in currency exchange rates and interest rates. When the Company enters into a derivative contract, the Company makes a determination as to whether the transaction is deemed to be a hedge for accounting purposes. For a contract deemed to be a hedge, the Company formally documents the relationship between the derivative instrument and the risk being hedged. In this documentation, the Company specifically identifies the asset, liability, forecasted transaction, cash flow, or net investment that has been designated as the hedged item, and evaluates whether the derivative instrument is expected to reduce the risks associated with the hedged item. To the extent these criteria are not met, the Company does not use hedge accounting for the derivative. The changes in the fair value of a derivative not deemed to be a hedge are recorded currently in earnings. The Company does not hold or engage in transactions involving derivative instruments for purposes other than risk management. ASC 815, "Derivatives and Hedging," requires that all derivatives be recognized on the balance sheet at fair value. For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, the related gains or losses on these contracts are deferred as a component of AOCI. These deferred gains and losses are recognized in the period in which the underlying anticipated transaction occurs. For derivatives designated as fair value hedges, the unrealized gains and losses resulting from the impact of currency exchange rate movements are recognized in earnings in the period in which the exchange rates change and offset the currency gains and losses on the underlying exposures being hedged. The Company performs an evaluation of the effectiveness of the hedge both at inception and on an ongoing basis. The ineffective portion of a hedge, if any, and changes in the fair value of a derivative not deemed to be a hedge, are recorded in the consolidated statement of income.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), Section A-Summary and Amendments That Create Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) and Other Assets and Deferred Costs-Contracts with Customers (Subtopic 340-40). In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The new guidance provides a five-step analysis of transactions to determine when and how revenue is recognized. The ASU will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in GAAP when it becomes effective. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-08, which further clarifies the guidance on the principal versus agent considerations within ASU No. 2014-09. In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-10 to expand the guidance on identifying performance obligations and licensing within ASU 2014-09. In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-11, which rescinds certain previously-issued guidance, including, among other items, guidance relating to accounting for shipping and handling fees and freight services effective upon adoption of ASU No. 2014-09. Also in May 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-12, which narrowly amended the revenue recognition guidance regarding collectability, noncash consideration, presentation of sales tax and transition. In December 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-20, which clarifies narrow aspects of Topic 606 and corrects unintended application of the guidance. These new ASUs are effective for the Company beginning in fiscal 2018. Early adoption is permitted in fiscal 2017. The Company is continuing to assess the potential effects of these ASUs on its consolidated financial statements, business processes, systems and controls. The Company is analyzing its current contracts and comparing its current accounting policies and practices pertaining to revenue recognition to those required under the new ASUs to identify potential differences. The Company’s preliminary assessment of its most commonly used customer terms and conditions and routine sales transactions did not identify material impacts to its consolidated financial statements from the application of the guidance; however, a broad assessment is ongoing that includes surveying its major businesses concerning any unique customer contract terms or transactions that could have implications for the timing of revenue recognition under the new guidance. While the assessment process is ongoing, the Company currently anticipates adopting these ASUs using the modified retrospective transition approach. Under this approach, this guidance would apply to all new contracts initiated in fiscal 2018. For existing contracts that have remaining obligations as of the beginning of fiscal 2018, any difference between the recognition criteria in these ASUs and the Company’s current revenue recognition practices would be recognized using a cumulative effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings. The Company is also in the process of developing and implementing appropriate changes to its business processes, systems and controls to support the recognition criteria and disclosure requirements of these ASUs. Interest-Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30), Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, which requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. In addition, in June 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-15, which allows an entity to defer the requirements of ASU No. 2015-03 on deferred issuance costs related to line-of-credit arrangements. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected by the amendments in these ASUs. These new disclosure items were effective for the Company beginning in fiscal 2016. The Company adopted these ASUs at the beginning of fiscal 2016. Adoption of these ASUs did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent). In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-07, which removes the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy all investments for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient. This ASU also removes the requirement to make certain disclosures for all investments that are eligible to be measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient. Rather, those disclosures are limited to investments for which the entity has elected to measure the fair value using that practical expedient. The Company adopted the disclosure requirements in this guidance at the beginning of fiscal 2016. As this ASU is disclosure-related only, its adoption did not have an effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Inventory (Topic 330), Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory. In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, which requires that an entity measure inventory within the scope of this ASU at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. Substantial and unusual losses that result from subsequent measurement of inventory should be disclosed in the financial statements. This new guidance is effective for the Company beginning in fiscal 2017. The Company does not expect that adoption of this ASU will have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements. Business Combinations (Topic 805), Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments. In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-16, which requires that an acquirer recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. The acquirer is required to record, in the same period’s financial statements, the effect on earnings of changes in depreciation, amortization, or other income effects, if any, as a result of the change to the provisional amounts, calculated as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. In addition, an entity is required to present, separately on the face of the statement of income or through disclosure in the notes, the portion of the amount recorded in current-period earnings by line item that would have been recorded in previous reporting periods if the adjustment to the provisional amounts had been recognized as of the acquisition date. The Company adopted this guidance at the beginning of fiscal 2016. Adoption of this ASU did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Leases (Topic 842). In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, which requires a lessee to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for operating leases, initially measured at the present value of the future lease payments, in its balance sheet. This ASU also requires a lessee to recognize a single lease cost, calculated so that the cost of the lease is allocated over the lease term, generally on a straight-line basis. This new guidance is effective for the Company in fiscal 2019. Early adoption is permitted. As part of the implementation of this new standard, the Company is in the process of reviewing current accounting policies and assessing the practical expedients allowed under this new guidance. The Company expects that most of its operating lease commitments will be subject to the new standard and recognized as operating lease liabilities and right-of-use assets upon adoption, which is required using the modified retrospective transition method. The Company is currently evaluating the other effects that the adoption of this ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements. Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718), Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, which simplifies several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification in the statement of cash flows. The Company early adopted this ASU at the beginning of fiscal 2016. This ASU requires that excess income tax benefits and tax deficiencies related to stock-based compensation arrangements be recognized as discrete items within the provision for income taxes instead of capital in excess of par value in the reporting period in which they occur. As a result of the adoption of this ASU, the Company recognized an income tax benefit of $582,000, or $0.05 per diluted share, in the Company’s consolidated statement of income in 2016. The Company prospectively adopted the requirement to classify the excess tax benefits from stock-compensation awards within operating activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows in 2016. Prior period amounts were not restated. The Company also adopted the guidance in this ASU that requires that taxes paid related to the withholding of common stock upon the vesting of employee stock awards be presented separately within financing activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows. The Company has retrospectively restated fiscal 2015 and 2014 to reclassify the comparable amount, which was previously presented in other current liabilities within operating activities. There were no other material effects from adoption of this ASU on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326), Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, which significantly changes the way entities recognize impairment of many financial assets by requiring immediate recognition of estimated credit losses expected to occur over their remaining lives. This new guidance is effective for the Company in fiscal 2020. Early adoption is permitted beginning in fiscal 2019. The Company is currently evaluating the effects that the adoption of this ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements. Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230), Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, which simplifies the diversity in practice related to the presentation and classification of certain cash receipts and cash payments in the statement of cash flows under Topic 230. This ASU addresses the following eight specific cash flow issues: debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs; settlement of zero-coupon debt instruments or other debt instruments with coupon interest rates that are insignificant in relation to the effective interest rate of the borrowing; contingent consideration payments made after a business combination; proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims; proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance; distributions received from equity method investees; beneficial interests in securitization transactions; and separately identifiable cash flows and application of the predominance principle. This new guidance is effective for the Company in fiscal 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not believe that adoption of this ASU will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. Income Taxes (Topic 740), Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory. In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, which requires an entity to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs and eliminates the exception for an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory. This new guidance is effective for the Company in fiscal 2018 with adoption required on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment directly to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that the adoption of this ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements. Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230), Restricted Cash. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, which requires inclusion of restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents within cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. This new guidance is effective for the Company in fiscal 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that the adoption of this ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements. Business Combinations (Topic 805), Clarifying the Definition of a Business. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, which clarifies the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The revised definition of a business under ASU 2017-01 will reduce the number of transactions that are accounted for as business combinations. This new guidance is effective on a prospective basis for the Company in fiscal 2018. Early adoption is allowed for certain transactions. The Company is currently evaluating the effects that the adoption of this ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements. Accounting Changes and Error Corrections (Topic 250) and Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323), Amendments to Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Paragraphs Pursuant to Staff Announcements at the September 22, 2016 and November 17, 2016 EITF Meetings. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-03 that provides amendments that add paragraph 250-10-S99-6 which includes the text of "SEC Staff Announcement: Disclosure of the Impact That Recently Issued Accounting Standards Will Have on the Financial Statements of a Registrant When Such Standards Are Adopted in a Future Period (in accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) Topic 11.M). This announcement applies to ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606); ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842); and ASU 2016-03, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326), Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments; and subsequent amendments. Therefore, the Company has enhanced its disclosures regarding the impact that these recently issued accounting standards to be adopted in future periods will have on its accounting and disclosures in this footnote. Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350), Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, which eliminates Step 2 in goodwill impairment testing, which requires that goodwill impairment losses be measured as the difference between the implied value of a reporting unit’s goodwill and its carrying amount. This ASU will reduce the cost and complexity of impairment testing by requiring goodwill impairment losses to be measured as the excess of the reporting unit’s carrying amount, including goodwill and related goodwill tax effects, over its fair value. This new guidance is effective on a prospective basis for the Company in fiscal 2020. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not believe that adoption of this ASU will have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.
Acquisitions	Acquisitions The Company’s acquisitions have been accounted for using the purchase method of accounting and the acquired companies’ results have been included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements from the dates of the acquisitions. The Company incurred acquisition transaction costs of approximately $1,832,000 and $326,000 in 2016 and 2014, respectively, which are included in selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses in the accompanying consolidated statement of income. The Company's acquisitions have historically been made at prices above the fair value of the acquired net assets, resulting in goodwill, due to expectations of synergies from combining the businesses. The Company realizes synergies in connection with these acquisitions, including the use of the Company's existing distribution channels to expand sales of the products of the acquired businesses.
Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefits Plans	The Company has developed an investment policy for its U.S. noncontributory defined benefit retirement plan. The investment strategy is to emphasize total return, that is, the aggregate return from capital appreciation and dividend and interest income. The primary objective of the investment management for the plan's assets is the emphasis on consistent growth; specifically, growth in a manner that protects the plan's assets from excessive volatility in market value from year to year. The investment policy takes into consideration the benefit obligations, including timing of distributions. Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefits Plans The Company sponsors a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan for eligible employees at one of its U.S. divisions and its corporate office. Effective December 31, 2005, this plan was closed to new participants. Three of the Company’s non-U.S. subsidiaries also sponsor defined benefit pension plans covering certain employees at those subsidiaries. Funds for the U.S. pension plan and one of the non-U.S. pension plans are contributed to a trustee as necessary to provide for current service and for any unfunded projected benefit obligation over a reasonable period. The remaining two non-U.S. pension plans are unfunded as permitted under their plans and applicable laws. Benefits under the Company’s pension plans are based on years of service and employee compensation. The Company also provides other post-retirement benefits under two plans in the United States, which are both closed to new retirees, and at one of its non-U.S. subsidiaries. In addition, the Company provides for a restoration plan for certain executive officers which fully supplements benefits lost under the noncontributory defined benefit retirement plan as a consequence of applicable Internal Revenue Service limits. In accordance with ASC 715, "Compensation-Retirement Benefits," (ASC 715), an employer is required to recognize the funded status of defined benefit pension and other post-retirement benefit plans as an asset or liability and changes in that funded status through comprehensive income. These amounts will be subsequently recognized as net periodic pension cost pursuant to the Company's historical accounting policy for amortizing such amounts. Further, actuarial gains and losses that arise in subsequent periods and are not recognized as net periodic pension cost in the same periods will be recognized as a component of AOCI. The discount rates for pension and other post-retirement plans are based on market yields on high-quality corporate bonds currently available and expected to be available during the period to maturity of the benefits. For pension and post-retirement plans, which have been closed to new participants thereby shortening the duration, the discount rate is determined based on discounting the projected benefit streams against the Citigroup Pension discount curve. In developing the overall expected long-term return on plan assets assumption, a building block approach was used in which rates of return in excess of inflation were considered separately for equity securities, debt securities, and other assets. The excess returns were weighted by the representative target allocation and added along with an appropriate rate of inflation to develop the overall expected long-term return on plan assets assumption. The Company believes this determination is consistent with ASC 715.