Kadant (KAI) 10-K 27 Feb 24 2023 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2023	Feb. 16, 2024	Jul. 01, 2023
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Document Annual Report	true
Document Period End Date	Dec. 30, 2023
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-30
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	001-11406
Entity Registrant Name	KADANT INC.
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	52-1762325
Entity Address, Address Line One	One Technology Park Drive
Entity Address, City or Town	Westford
Entity Address, State or Province	MA
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	01886
City Area Code	978
Local Phone Number	776-2000
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, $.01 par value
Trading Symbol	KAI
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag	true
Document Financial Statement Error Correction [Flag]	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Public Float			$ 2,567,677
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		11,718,808
Documents Incorporated by Reference	Portions of the Registrant's definitive Proxy Statement pursuant to Regulation 14A promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, to be used in connection with the Registrant's 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.
Entity Central Index Key	0000886346
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2023
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false

Audit Information

Audit Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2023
Audit Information [Abstract]
Auditor Name	KPMG LLP
Auditor Location	Boston, Massachusetts
Auditor Firm ID	185

Consolidated Balance Sheet

Consolidated Balance Sheet - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 103,832	$ 76,371
Restricted cash	2,621	3,354
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $4,090 and $3,595	133,929	130,297
Inventories	152,677	163,672
Contract assets	8,366	14,898
Other current assets	38,757	26,818
Total Current Assets	440,182	415,410
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net	140,504	118,855
Other Assets	43,609	54,516
Intangible Assets, Net (Notes 1 and 2)	159,286	175,645
Goodwill (Notes 1 and 2)	392,084	385,455
Total Assets	1,175,665	1,149,881
Current Liabilities:
Short-term obligations and current maturities of long-term obligations (Note 6)	3,209	3,821
Accounts payable	42,104	58,060
Accrued payroll and employee benefits	41,855	35,672
Customer deposits	62,641	64,361
Advanced billings	12,194	7,966
Other current liabilities	52,406	43,581
Total Current Liabilities	214,409	213,461
Long-Term Obligations (Note 6)	107,666	197,340
Long-Term Deferred Income Taxes (Note 5)	36,398	38,745
Other Long-Term Liabilities	40,952	44,764
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 7)
Stockholders' Equity (Notes 3 and 4):
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized; none issued	0	0
Common stock, $.01 par value, 150,000,000 shares authorized; 14,624,159 shares issued	146	146
Capital in excess of par value	124,940	119,924
Retained earnings	763,131	660,644
Treasury stock at cost, 2,915,978 and 2,949,997 shares	(71,453)	(72,287)
Accumulated other comprehensive items (Note 14)	(43,062)	(54,578)
Total Kadant Stockholders' Equity	773,702	653,849
Noncontrolling interest	2,538	1,722
Total Stockholders' Equity	776,240	655,571
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	$ 1,175,665	$ 1,149,881

Consolidated Balance Sheet (Par

Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, allowances	$ 4,090	$ 3,595
Preferred stock, par value (in usd per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, authorized (in shares)	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock, issued (in shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value (in usd per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, authorized (in shares)	150,000,000	150,000,000
Common stock, issued (in shares)	14,624,159	14,624,159
Treasury stock (in shares)	2,915,978	2,949,997

Consolidated Statement of Incom

Consolidated Statement of Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Jan. 01, 2022
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenue (Notes 1 and 12)	$ 957,672	$ 904,739	$ 786,579
Costs and Operating Expenses:
Cost of revenue	541,366	515,184	449,214
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	236,264	224,405	208,787
Research and development expenses	13,562	12,724	11,403
Gain on sale and other items, net (Note 8)	723	(18,856)	465
Total Costs and Operating Expenses	791,915	733,457	669,869
Operating Income	165,757	171,282	116,710
Interest Income	1,758	904	267
Interest Expense	(8,398)	(6,478)	(4,821)
Other Expense, Net	(101)	(72)	(104)
Income Before Provision for Income Taxes	159,016	165,636	112,052
Provision for Income Taxes (Note 5)	42,210	43,906	27,171
Net Income	116,806	121,730	84,881
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	(737)	(802)	(838)
Net income attributable to Kadant	$ 116,069	$ 120,928	$ 84,043
Earnings per Share Attributable to Kadant (Note 13)
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 9.92	$ 10.38	$ 7.26
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 9.90	$ 10.35	$ 7.21
Weighted Average Shares (Note 13)
Basic (in shares)	11,700	11,654	11,579
Diluted (in shares)	11,729	11,688	11,655

Consolidated Statement of Compr

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Jan. 01, 2022
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 116,806	$ 121,730	$ 84,881
Other Comprehensive Items:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	11,554	(25,522)	(11,324)
Pension and other post-retirement liability adjustments, net (net of tax of $45, $225, and $(1))	137	644	(22)
Deferred (loss) gain on cash flow hedges (net of tax of $(32), $147, and $118)	(96)	520	366
Other Comprehensive Items	11,595	(24,358)	(10,980)
Comprehensive Income	128,401	97,372	73,901
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	(816)	(672)	(716)
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Kadant	$ 127,585	$ 96,700	$ 73,185

Consolidated Statement of Com_2

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Jan. 01, 2022
Other Comprehensive Items:
Pension and other post-retirement liability adjustments, net, tax	$ 45	$ 225	$ (1)
Deferred (loss) gain on cash flow hedges, tax	$ (32)	$ 147	$ 118

Consolidated Statement of Cash

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Jan. 01, 2022
Operating Activities
Net income attributable to Kadant	$ 116,069	$ 120,928	$ 84,043
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	737	802	838
Net income	116,806	121,730	84,881
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	33,297	34,936	34,302
Stock-based compensation expense	9,765	8,576	8,527
Provision for losses on accounts receivable	531	1,165	5
Gain on sale of assets and other income (Note 8)	(841)	(20,190)	(515)
Non-cash impairment costs (Note 8)	36	731	804
Deferred income tax (benefit) provision	(1,949)	7,159	(1,384)
Other items, net	4,612	6,658	6,473
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable	(1,694)	(18,515)	(16,737)
Contract assets	6,450	(6,715)	(1,222)
Inventories	14,085	(36,116)	(11,173)
Other assets	4,165	(1,558)	(5,519)
Accounts payable	(19,896)	1,362	26,346
Customer deposits	(9,011)	14,358	27,693
Other liabilities	9,189	(10,956)	9,939
Net cash provided by operating activities	165,545	102,625	162,420
Investing Activities
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired (Note 2)	(905)	(3,474)	(143,981)
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment	(31,850)	(28,199)	(12,771)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment	1,637	2,111	1,740
Other investing activities	328	42	537
Net cash used in investing activities	(30,790)	(29,520)	(154,475)
Financing Activities
Proceeds from issuance of short-and long-term obligations	0	22,057	151,944
Repayment of short- and long-term obligations	(93,965)	(85,510)	(115,576)
Dividends paid	(13,223)	(12,001)	(11,460)
Proceeds from issuance of Company common stock	0	1,376	1,892
Tax withholding payments related to stock-based compensation	(3,915)	(4,607)	(3,432)
Dividend paid to noncontrolling interest	0	(630)	(560)
Other financing activities	(8)	(1,254)	0
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(111,111)	(80,569)	22,808
Exchange Rate Effect on Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash	3,084	(6,972)	(3,232)
Increase (Decrease) in Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash	26,728	(14,436)	27,521
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Year	79,725	94,161	66,640
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash at End of Year	$ 106,453	$ 79,725	$ 94,161

Consolidated Statement of Stock

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Capital in Excess of Par Value	Retained Earnings	Treasury Stock	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Items	Noncontrolling Interest
Beginning balance, common (in shares) at Jan. 02, 2021		14,624,159
Beginning balance, treasury (in shares) at Jan. 02, 2021					3,081,919
Beginning balance at Jan. 02, 2021	$ 496,905	$ 146	$ 110,824	$ 479,400	$ (75,519)	$ (19,492)	$ 1,546
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	84,881			84,043			838
Dividends declared - Common Stock	(11,595)			(11,595)
Dividend paid to noncontrolling interest	(560)						(560)
Noncontrolling interest acquired (Note 2)	367						367
Purchase of shares of noncontrolling interest (Note 2)	(389)						(389)
Activity under stock plans (in shares)					(78,500)
Activity under stock plans	6,987		5,064		$ 1,923
Other comprehensive items	(10,980)					(10,858)	(122)
Ending balance, common (in shares) at Jan. 01, 2022		14,624,159
Ending balance, treasury (in shares) at Jan. 01, 2022					3,003,419
Ending balance at Jan. 01, 2022	565,616	$ 146	115,888	551,848	$ (73,596)	(30,350)	1,680
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	121,730			120,928			802
Dividends declared - Common Stock	(12,132)			(12,132)
Dividend paid to noncontrolling interest	(630)						(630)
Activity under stock plans (in shares)					(53,422)
Activity under stock plans	5,345		4,036		$ 1,309
Other comprehensive items	$ (24,358)					(24,228)	(130)
Ending balance, common (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2022		14,624,159
Ending balance, treasury (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2022	2,949,997				2,949,997
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2022	$ 655,571	$ 146	119,924	660,644	$ (72,287)	(54,578)	1,722
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	116,806			116,069			737
Dividends declared - Common Stock	(13,582)			(13,582)
Activity under stock plans (in shares)					(34,019)
Activity under stock plans	5,850		5,016		$ 834
Other comprehensive items	$ 11,595					11,516	79
Ending balance, common (in shares) at Dec. 30, 2023		14,624,159
Ending balance, treasury (in shares) at Dec. 30, 2023	2,915,978				2,915,978
Ending balance at Dec. 30, 2023	$ 776,240	$ 146	$ 124,940	$ 763,131	$ (71,453)	$ (43,062)	$ 2,538

Consolidated Statement of Sto_2

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Jan. 01, 2022
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Dividends declared - Common Stock (in dollars per share)	$ 1.16	$ 1.04	$ 1

Nature of Operations and Summar

Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2023
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Nature of Operations Kadant Inc. was incorporated in Delaware in November 1991 and trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "KAI." Kadant Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, the Company) is a global supplier of technologies and engineered systems that drive Sustainable Industrial Processing. Its products and services play an integral role in enhancing efficiency, optimizing energy utilization, and maximizing productivity in process industries while helping customers advance their sustainability initiatives with products that reduce waste or generate more yield with fewer inputs, particularly fiber, energy, and water. Producing more while consuming less is a core aspect of Sustainable Industrial Processing and a major element of the strategic focus of the Company's three reportable operating segments: Flow Control, Industrial Processing, and Material Handling. Noncontrolling Interest One of the Company's foreign subsidiaries that manufactures fluid-handling products is part of a joint venture agreement with an Italian company in which each holds a 50% ownership interest. The agreement provides the Company's subsidiary with the option to purchase the remaining 50% interest in the joint venture. 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 The Company has adopted a fiscal year ending on the Saturday nearest to December 31. References to 2023, 2022, and 2021 are for the Company's fiscal years ended December 30, 2023 (fiscal 2023), December 31, 2022 (fiscal 2022) and January 1, 2022 (fiscal 2021). Financial Statement Presentation Certain reclassifications have been made to prior periods to conform with the current period presentation. Within operating activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows, the Company previously included certain non-cash movements between right-of-use assets and operating lease liabilities as a decrease in other assets and an increase in other liabilities, respectively. The Company recast the prior periods to exclude this non-cash movement, which did not result in a change to net cash provided by operating activities within the consolidated statement of cash flows in these periods. Use of Estimates and Critical Accounting Policies The preparation of consolidated 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 consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. 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. 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 income taxes, revenue recognition, the valuation of goodwill and intangible assets, and inventories. A discussion of the application of these and other accounting policies is included within this note. Revenue Recognition The Company recognizes revenue in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASC 606). Most of the Company’s revenue is recognized at a point in time for each performance obligation under the contract when the customer obtains control of the goods or service. Most of the Company’s parts and consumables products and its capital products with minimal customization are accounted for at a point in time. The Company has made a policy election to not treat the obligation to ship as a separate performance obligation under the contract and, as a result, the associated shipping costs are reflected in the cost of revenue when revenue is recognized. The remaining portion of the Company's revenue is recognized over time based on an input method that compares the costs incurred to date to the total expected costs required to satisfy the performance obligation. Contracts are accounted for on an over time basis when they include products which have no alternative use and an enforceable right to payment over time. Most of the contracts recognized on an over time basis are for large capital projects. These projects are highly customized for the customer and, as a result, would include a significant cost to rework in the event of cancellation. The following table presents revenue by revenue recognition method: (In thousands) December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 January 1, 2022 Point in Time $ 849,507 $ 807,966 $ 705,709 Over Time 108,165 96,773 80,870 $ 957,672 $ 904,739 $ 786,579 The transaction price includes estimated variable consideration where applicable. Such variable consideration relates to certain performance guarantees and rights to return the product. The Company estimates variable consideration as the most likely amount to which it expects to be entitled based on the terms of the contracts with customers and historical experience, where relevant. For contracts with multiple performance obligations, the transaction price is allocated to each performance obligation based on the relative stand-alone selling price. The Company disaggregates its revenue from contracts with customers by reportable operating segment, product type and geography as this best depicts how its revenue is affected by economic factors. The following table presents the disaggregation of revenue by product type and geography: (In thousands) December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 January 1, 2022 Revenue by Product Type: Parts and Consumables $ 598,343 $ 572,988 $ 511,766 Capital 359,329 331,751 274,813 $ 957,672 $ 904,739 $ 786,579 Revenue by Geography (based on customer location): North America $ 538,658 $ 508,899 $ 420,382 Europe 245,154 233,790 220,578 Asia 113,511 113,932 103,810 Rest of World 60,349 48,118 41,809 $ 957,672 $ 904,739 $ 786,579 See Note 12 , Business Segment and Geographical Information, for information on the disaggregation of revenue by reportable operating segment. The following table presents contract balances from contracts with customers: (In thousands) December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 Contract Assets $ 8,366 $ 14,898 Contract Liabilities $ 79,397 $ 82,413 Contract assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet represent unbilled revenue associated with revenue recognized on contracts accounted for on an over time basis, which will be billed in future periods based on the contract terms. Contract liabilities consist of short- and long-term customer deposits, advanced billings, and deferred revenue. Deferred revenue is included in other current liabilities and long-term customer deposits are included in other long-term liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. Contract liabilities will be recognized as revenue in future periods once the revenue recognition criteria are met. The majority of the contract liabilities relate to advance payments on contracts accounted for at a point in time. These advance payments will be recognized as revenue when the Company's performance obligations have been satisfied, which typically occurs when the product has shipped and control of the asset has transferred to the customer. The Company recognized revenue of $65,562,000 in 2023 and $61,804,000 in 2022 that was included in the contract liabilities balance at the beginning of 2023 and 2022, respectively. The majority of the Company's contracts for capital equipment have an original expected duration of one year or less. Certain capital contracts require longer lead times and could take up to 24 months to complete. For contracts with an original expected duration of over one year, the aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to the remaining unsatisfied or partially unsatisfied performance obligations as of year-end 2023 was $38,458,000. The Company will recognize revenue for these performance obligations as they are satisfied, approximately 88% of which is expected to occur within the next twelve months and the remaining 12% after December 28, 2024. Customers in China will often settle their accounts receivable with banker's acceptance drafts, in which case cash settlement will be delayed until the drafts mature or are settled prior to maturity. For customers outside of China, final payment for the majority of the Company's products is received in the quarter following the product shipment. Certain of the Company's contracts include a longer period before final payment is due, which is typically within one year of final shipment or transfer of control to the customer. The Company includes in revenue amounts invoiced for shipping and handling with the corresponding costs reflected in cost of revenue. Provisions for discounts, warranties, returns and other adjustments are provided for in the period in which the related sale was 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. Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Credit Losses Accounts receivable arise from sales on credit to customers, are recorded at the invoiced amount, and do not bear interest. The Company establishes an allowance for credit losses to reduce accounts receivable to the net amount expected to be collected. The Company exercises judgment in determining its allowance for credit losses, which is based on its historical collection and write-off experience, adjusted for current macroeconomic trends and conditions, credit policies, specific customer collection issues, and accounts receivable aging. 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 changes in the allowance for credit losses are as follows: (In thousands) December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 January 1, 2022 Balance at Beginning of Year $ 3,595 $ 2,735 $ 2,977 Provision charged to expense 531 1,165 5 Accounts written off (89) (129) (178) Currency translation 53 (176) (69) Balance at End of Year $ 4,090 $ 3,595 $ 2,735 Banker's Acceptance Drafts Included in Accounts Receivable The Company's Chinese subsidiaries may receive banker's acceptance drafts from customers as payment for their trade accounts receivable. The drafts are non-interest bearing obligations of the issuing bank and generally mature within six months of the origination date. The Company's Chinese subsidiaries may 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 $10,826,000 at year-end 2023 and $5,729,000 at year-end 2022, 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 The Company's contracts covering the sale of its products include warranty provisions that provide assurance to its customers that the products will comply with agreed-upon specifications during a defined period of time. The Company provides for the estimated cost of product warranties at the time of sale based on the historical occurrence rates and repair costs, as well as knowledge of any specific warranty problems that indicate projected warranty costs may vary from historical patterns. The Company 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 these factors or actual results differ from the Company's estimates, revisions to the estimated warranty liability would be required. The Company's liability for warranties is included in other current liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. The changes in the carrying amount of product warranty obligations are as follows: (In thousands) December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 Balance at Beginning of Year $ 7,283 $ 7,298 Provision charged to expense 5,255 4,955 Usage (4,606) (4,587) Currency translation 222 (383) Balance at End of Year $ 8,154 $ 7,283 Leases In accordance with ASC 842, Leases (ASC 842), the Company determines whether an arrangement is, or contains, a lease at inception. Operating lease liabilities are included in other current liabilities and other long-term liabilities and the corresponding right-of-use (ROU) assets are included in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. Classification of operating lease liabilities as either current or noncurrent is based on the expected timing of payments due under the Company’s lease obligations. ROU assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities with original contract terms greater than 12 months are recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at the commencement date. Operating leases with an original term of 12 months or less are not recorded in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. In determining the present value of future lease payments, the Company utilizes either the rate implicit in the lease if that rate is readily determinable or its incremental secured borrowing rate commensurate with the term of the underlying lease. Lease terms may include the effect of options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option. The Company recognizes operating lease expense for lease payments on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Variable lease costs are not included in fixed lease payments and, as a result, are excluded from the measurement of the ROU assets and lease liabilities. The Company expenses all variable lease costs as incurred. As a lessee, the Company accounts for the lease and non-lease components of its real estate and equipment leases as a single lease component. For vehicle leases, the Company does not combine lease and non-lease components. See Note 9 , Leases, for additional information about the Company's lease obligations. 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 30, 2023, 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 December 2021, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) released model rules introducing a new 15% global minimum tax for large multinational enterprises with an annual global revenue exceeding 750,000,000 euros (Pillar Two Rules). Since the release of the Pillar Two Rules, the OECD has issued three tranches of administrative guidance, as well as guidance on transitional safe harbor relief. Various countries, including the member states of the European Union, have adopted the Pillar Two Rules into their domestic laws, with certain rules coming into effect for fiscal years beginning in 2024. Some countries are in the process of drafting legislation for adoption in future years. While the Pillar Two Rules serve as a framework for implementing the minimum tax, countries may enact domestic laws that vary slightly from the Pillar Two Rules and may also adjust domestic tax incentives to align with the Pillar Two Rules on different timelines. The Company is monitoring developments of the Pillar Two Rules and is evaluating the potential impact they may have on the jurisdictions in which it operates. Earnings per Share Basic earnings per share (EPS) is computed by dividing net income attributable to Kadant by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the year. Diluted EPS is computed using the treasury stock method assuming the effect of all potentially dilutive securities, including stock options (in 2021), restricted stock units (RSUs) and employee stock purchase plan shares. Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash At year-end 2023 and 2022, cash equivalents included investments in money market funds and highly liquid short-term investments, 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. The Company's restricted cash generally serves as collateral for bank guarantees associated with providing assurance to customers that the Company will fulfill certain customer obligations entered into in the normal course of business and for certain banker's acceptance drafts issued to vendors. The majority of these restrictions will expire over the next twelve months. The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash reported within the accompanying consolidated balance sheet that are shown in aggregate in the consolidated statement of cash flows: (In thousands) December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 January 1, 2022 Cash and cash equivalents $ 103,832 $ 76,371 $ 91,186 Restricted cash 2,621 3,354 2,975 Total Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash $ 106,453 $ 79,725 $ 94,161 Supplemental Cash Flow Information (In thousands) December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 January 1, 2022 Cash Paid for Interest $ 8,071 $ 6,053 $ 4,441 Cash Paid for Income Taxes, Net of Refunds $ 47,519 $ 36,971 $ 24,174 Non-Cash Investing Activities: Fair value of assets acquired $ 1,338 $ 2,785 $ 190,977 Cash paid for acquired businesses, net (1,074) (3,597) (152,661) Increase (decrease) in liabilities assumed $ 264 $ (812) $ 38,316 Purchase of property with outstanding loan receivable $ — $ 1,397 $ — Purchases of property, plant and equipment in accounts payable $ 4,453 $ 1,040 $ 363 Non-Cash Financing Activities: Issuance of Company common stock upon vesting of RSUs $ 5,163 $ 5,555 $ 4,108 Dividends declared but unpaid $ 3,395 $ 3,036 $ 2,905 Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (on a first-in, first-out; or weighted average basis) or net realizable 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 revenue for excess and obsolete inventory to reduce the carrying value of inventories to net realizable value. The components of inventories are as follows: (In thousands) December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 Raw Materials $ 66,738 $ 71,040 Work in Process 32,147 38,612 Finished Goods (includes $5,182 and $658 at customer locations) 53,792 54,020 $ 152,677 $ 163,672 Property, Plant, and Equipment Property, plant, and equipment are stated at cost. Assets acquired as part of a business combination are initially recorded at fair value. 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. For construction in progress, no provision for depreciation is made until the assets are available and ready for use. Property, plant, and equipment consist of the following: (In thousands) December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 Land $ 10,769 $ 10,729 Buildings 92,631 68,915 Machinery, Equipment, and Leasehold Improvements 161,041 143,642 Construction in Progress 8,909 17,011 273,350 240,297 Less: Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization 132,846 121,442 $ 140,504 $ 118,855 Depreciation and amortization expense was $14,849,000 in 2023, $14,429,000 in 2022, and $13,433,000 in 2021. See Note 9 , Leases, for further details relating to assets under financing leases included in property, plant and equipment in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. Intangible Assets, Net Acquired intangible assets by major asset class are as follows: (In thousands) Gross Accumulated Currency Net December 30, 2023 Definite-Lived Customer relationships $ 218,959 $ (108,519) $ (5,562) $ 104,878 Product technology 67,576 (43,786) (2,367) 21,423 Tradenames 7,039 (4,262) (388) 2,389 Other 20,320 (17,715) (604) 2,001 313,894 (174,282) (8,921) 130,691 Indefinite-Lived Tradenames 29,059 — (464) 28,595 Acquired Intangible Assets $ 342,953 $ (174,282) $ (9,385) $ 159,286 (In thousands) Gross Accumulated Currency Net December 31, 2022 Definite-Lived Customer relationships $ 218,782 $ (94,653) $ (7,045) $ 117,084 Product technology 67,548 (39,940) (2,754) 24,854 Tradenames 7,427 (3,903) (420) 3,104 Other 20,314 (17,338) (623) 2,353 314,071 (155,834) (10,842) 147,395 Indefinite-Lived Tradenames 29,059 — (809) 28,250 Acquired Intangible Assets $ 343,130 $ (155,834) $ (11,651) $ 175,645 Intangible assets are recorded at fair value at the date of acquisition. Subsequent impairment charges are reflected as a reduction in the gross balance, as applicable. Definite-lived intangible assets are stated net of accumulated amortization and currency translation in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. The Company amortizes definite-lived intangible assets over lives that have been determined based on the anticipated cash flow benefits of the intangible asset. Intangible assets acquired related to the Company's acquisition in 2023 were $211,000, which primarily consisted of customer relationships (see Note 2 , Acquisitions). Definite-lived intangible assets at year-end 2023 have a weighted average amortization period of 13 years. Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets was $18,448,000 in 2023, $20,507,000 in 2022, and $20,869,000 in 2021 and was included in selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses in the accompanying consolidated statement of income. The estimated future amortization expense of definite-lived intangible assets is $17,634,000 in 2024; $15,671,000 in 2025; $15,170,000 in 2026; $14,262,000 in 2027; $13,069,000 in 2028; and $54,885,000 in the aggregate thereafter. 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. The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment are as follows: (In thousands) Flow Control Industrial Processing Material Handling Total Balance as of January 1, 2022 Gross balance $ 123,589 $ 214,982 $ 143,825 $ 482,396 Accumulated impairment losses — (85,509) — (85,509) Net balance 123,589 129,473 143,825 396,887 2022 Activity Acquisitions (Note 2) (a) (33) — 1,231 1,198 Impairment loss — (29) — (29) Currency translation (5,247) (5,063) (2,291) (12,601) Total 2022 activity (5,280) (5,092) (1,060) (11,432) Balance at December 31, 2022 Gross balance 118,309 209,919 142,765 470,993 Accumulated impairment losses — (85,538) — (85,538) Net balance 118,309 124,381 142,765 385,455 (In thousands) Flow Control Industrial Processing Material Handling Total 2023 Activity Acquisition (Note 2) $ — $ 793 $ 4 $ 797 Currency translation 2,473 2,020 1,339 5,832 Total 2023 activity 2,473 2,813 1,343 6,629 Balance at December 30, 2023 Gross balance 120,782 212,732 144,108 477,622 Accumulated impairment losses — (85,538) — (85,538) Net balance $ 120,782 $ 127,194 $ 144,108 $ 392,084 (a) Includes $1,733,000 for an acquisition completed in 2022 and adjustments to the purchase price allocations for acquisitions completed in 2021, principally related to inventory, machinery and equipment, and deferred taxes. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Beginning in 2023, the Company evaluates the recoverability of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets as of the first day of the fourth quarter of each fiscal year, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the carrying value of an asset might be impaired. Prior to 2023, this evaluation was performed as of the end of each fiscal year, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the carrying value of an asset might be impaired. Potential impairment indicators include a significant decline in sales, earnings, or cash flows, material adverse changes in the business climate, and a significant decline in the market capitalization due to a sustained decrease in the Company's stock price. The Company is permitted to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the quantitative impairment test is necessary. If the qualitative assessment (Step 0) results in a determination that the fair value of a reporting unit or indefinite-lived intangible asset is more likely than not less than its carrying amount, the Company performs a quantitative impairment analysis (Step 1). The Company may bypass the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to the quantitative assessment. The Company assesses its definite-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 of the assets and their fair values calculated using projected discounted cash flows. Goodwill At October 1, 2023 (the first day of the fourth quarter of 2023), the Company performed a quantitative goodwill impairment analysis (Step 1) for all of its reporting units, which indicated that the fair value of each reporting unit exceeded its carrying value, and determined that the assets were not impaired. At year-end 2023, no factors were identified that would alter the conclusions of the October 1, 2023 goodwill impairment analysis. At year-end 2022, the Company performed a qualitative goodwill impairment assessment (Step 0) for each of its reporting units, which indicated that the fair value of each reporting unit exceeded its carrying value, and determined that the asset was not impaired. The 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 units' and the Company's 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 respective reporting unit's assets 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. Goodwill by reporting unit is as follows: (In thousands) December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 Fluid-Handling $ 63,180 $ 62,426 Doctoring, Cleaning, & Filtration 57,602 55,883 Stock-Preparation 21,150 20,311 Wood Processing 106,044 104,070 Material Handling 144,108 142,765 $ 392,084 $ 385,455 Intangible Assets At October 1, 2023, the Company performed a quantitative impairment analysis (Step 1) on its indefinite-lived intangible assets and determined that the assets were not impaired. At year-end 2023, no factors were identified that would alter the conclusions of the October 1, 2023 indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment analysis. At year-end 2022, the Company performed a qualitative impairment analysis (Step 0) on its indefinite-lived intangible assets and determined that the assets were not impaired. No triggering events or indicators of impairment were identified in 2023 or 2022 related to the Company's definite-lived intangible assets. Business Combinations The Company's acquisitions have been accounted for using the purchase method of accounting under ASC 805, Business Combinations (ASC 805), and the results of the acquired businesses have been included in its consolidated financial statements from their respective dates of acquisition. The Company accounts for all transactions and events in which it obtains control over a business under ASC 805 by establishing the acquisition date and recognizing the fair value of all assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The Company’s acquisitions have historically been made at prices above the fair value of identifiable net assets, resulting in goodwill, due to synergies expected to be realized by combining the businesses. While the Company uses its best estimates and assumptions as part of the purchase price allocation process to accurately value assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the business acquisition date, the estimates and assumptions are inherently uncertain and subject to refinement. As a result, during the purchase price allocation period, which is generally one year from the acquisition date, the Company records adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, with the corresponding offset to goodwill. For changes in the valuation of intangible assets between the preliminary and final purchase price allocation, the rela

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2023
Business Combination and Asset Acquisition [Abstract]
Acquisitions	Acquisitions 2023 On December 19, 2023, the Company acquired a business in Sweden, which is included in the Company's Industrial Processing segment, for approximately $895,000, net of cash acquired. 2022 On November 14, 2022, the Company acquired a business in Canada, which is included in the Company's Material Handling segment, for approximately $3,622,000, net of cash acquired. 2021 In the third quarter of 2021, the Company acquired all partnership interests and shares in Clouth, for $92,864,000, net of cash acquired plus debt assumed. The majority of the Clouth companies were acquired on July 19, 2021 and the acquisition of the last legal entity occurred on August 10, 2021, which the Company accounted for as a noncontrolling interest during the period from July 19, 2021 to August 10, 2021. The Company funded the purchase price with euro-denominated borrowings under its revolving credit facility and existing cash. Clouth, which is included in the Company's Flow Control segment, is a leading manufacturer of doctor blades and related equipment used in the production of paper, packaging, and tissue. Clouth has three manufacturing facilities in Germany and one in Poland. Goodwill from the Clouth acquisition was $25,773,000, of which $7,116,000 is expected to be deductible for tax purposes over 15 years. In addition, intangible assets acquired were $34,467,000, of which $6,444,000 is expected to be deductible for tax purposes over the respective useful lives. For 2021, the Company recorded revenue of $23,221,000 and an operating loss of $4,068,000 for Clouth from the date of acquisition, including amortization expense of $3,481,000 associated with acquired profit in inventory and backlog and $2,710,000 of acquisition transaction costs. On August 23, 2021, the Company acquired all the outstanding equity securities in East Chicago Machine Tool Corporation (Balemaster) and certain assets of affiliated companies for $53,547,000, net of cash acquired. Balemaster, which is included in the Company's Material Handling segment, is a leading U.S. manufacturer of horizontal balers and related equipment used primarily for recycling packaging waste at corrugated box plants and large retail and distribution centers. The Company funded the purchase price with borrowings under its revolving credit facility. Goodwill from the Balemaster acquisition was $26,334,000, none of which is deductible for tax purposes. In addition, intangible assets acquired were $28,060,000, none of which is deductible for tax purposes. For 2021, the Company recorded revenue of $9,038,000 and operating loss of $641,000 for Balemaster from the date of acquisition, including amortization expense of $2,042,000 associated with acquired profit in inventory and backlog and $782,000 of acquisition transaction costs. In the fourth quarter of 2021, the Company acquired the assets of a business in India, which is included in its Industrial Processing segment, for approximately $2,882,000. The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed and the purchase price for Clouth and the Company's other acquisitions in 2021. Measurement period adjustments in 2022 were not material to the Company's results of operations. (In thousands) Clouth Other Total Net Assets Acquired: Cash and Cash Equivalents $ 4,923 $ 3,757 $ 8,680 Accounts Receivable 6,808 1,641 8,449 Inventories 14,255 5,000 19,255 Property, Plant, and Equipment 24,045 5,143 29,188 Other Assets 6,056 2,922 8,978 Definite-Lived Intangible Assets Customer relationships 20,192 23,100 43,292 Product technology 8,915 2,700 11,615 Tradenames — 1,400 1,400 Other 401 1,560 1,961 Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Tradenames 4,959 — 4,959 Goodwill 25,773 27,449 53,222 Total assets acquired 116,327 74,672 190,999 Short-term Obligations and Current Maturities of Long-term Obligations 1,393 — 1,393 Accounts Payable 1,287 797 2,084 Long-Term Deferred Income Taxes 9,013 6,760 15,773 Long-Term Obligations 4,244 — 4,244 Other Liabilities 8,240 6,929 15,169 Total liabilities assumed 24,177 14,486 38,663 Net assets acquired $ 92,150 $ 60,186 $ 152,336 Purchase Price: Cash Paid $ 92,150 $ 60,186 $ 152,336 The weighted-average amortization period for Clouth's definite-lived intangible assets is 19 years, including weighted-average amortization periods of 24 years for customer relationships and 10 years for product technology. The weighted-average amortization period for the Company's other 2021 acquisitions' definite-lived intangible assets is 16 years, including weighted-average amortization periods of 17 years for customer relationships, 13 years for product technology, and 16 years for tradenames. Unaudited Supplemental Pro Forma Information The following unaudited pro forma information provides the effect of the Company's 2021 acquisition of Clouth as if it had occurred at the beginning of 2020: (In thousands, except per share amounts) January 1, Revenue $ 812,016 Net Income Attributable to Kadant $ 90,184 Earnings per Share Attributable to Kadant Basic $ 7.79 Diluted $ 7.74 The historical consolidated financial information of the Company and Clouth has been adjusted in the pro forma information above to give effect to pro forma events that are (i) directly attributable to the acquisition and related financing arrangements, (ii) expected to have a continuing impact on the Company, and (iii) factually supportable. Pro forma results include the following non-recurring pro forma adjustments: • Pre-tax reversal to cost of revenue of $3,082,000 in 2021, for the sale of inventory revalued at the date of acquisition. • Pre-tax reversal to SG&A expenses of $2,710,000 in 2021 and $399,000 in 2021, for acquisition costs and intangible asset amortization related to acquired backlog, respectively. • Estimated tax effects related to the pro forma adjustments. These pro forma results of operations have been prepared for comparative purposes only, and they do not purport to be indicative of the results of operations that would have resulted had the acquisition of Clouth occurred as of the beginning of 2020, or that may result in the future. The Company's pro forma results exclude the Company's other acquisitions in 2021 as the inclusion of those results would not have been materially different from the pro forma results presented above had the acquisitions occurred at the beginning of 2020.

Employee Benefit Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2023
Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plans	Employee Benefit Plans Stock-Based Compensation Plans The Company maintains stock-based compensation plans primarily for its key employees and directors, although the plans permit awards to others expected to make significant contributions to the future of the Company. The plans authorize the compensation committee of the Company's board of directors (the board committee) to award a variety of stock and stock-based incentives, such as restricted stock, RSUs, nonqualified and incentive stock options, stock bonus shares, or performance-based shares. The award recipients and the terms of awards granted under these plans are determined by the board committee. Upon a change of control, as defined in the plans, all options or other awards become fully vested and all restrictions lapse. The Company had 281,708 shares available for grant under these stock-based compensation plans at year-end 2023. The Company generally issues its common stock out of treasury stock, to the extent available, for share issuances related to its stock-based compensation plans. 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 price of the Company's common stock, reduced by the present value of estimated dividends foregone during the requisite service period. The components of pre-tax stock-based compensation expense included in SG&A expenses in the accompanying consolidated statement of income are as follows: (In thousands) December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 January 1, 2022 RSU Awards $ 9,376 $ 8,222 $ 8,224 Employee Stock Purchase Plan Awards 389 354 303 Total $ 9,765 $ 8,576 $ 8,527 The Company grants RSUs to non-employee directors and certain employees. Holders of RSUs have no voting rights and are not entitled to receive cash dividends. Non-Employee Director Restricted Stock Units The Company granted RSU awards consisting of 868 RSUs in 2023, 941 RSUs in 2022 and 1,009 RSUs in 2021 to each of its incumbent non-employee directors. Half of the RSUs vested on June 1 of each year and the remaining RSUs vested ratably on the last day of the third and fourth fiscal quarters of each year. In addition, the Company granted RSU awards consisting of 470 RSUs in May 2022, which vested ratably on the last day of the third and fourth fiscal quarters of 2022, to its then new non-employee director. Each RSU issued to the directors represents the right to receive one share of the Company's common stock upon vesting. Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units The Company grants performance-based RSUs to certain officers of the Company. Each performance-based RSU represents the right to receive one share of the Company's common stock upon vesting. The RSUs are subject to adjustment based on the achievement of a performance measure selected for the fiscal year, which historically has been a specified target for adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (adjusted EBITDA) generated from operations. Following the adjustment, the RSUs are subject to additional time-based vesting, and vest in three The Company recognizes compensation expense associated with performance-based RSUs ratably over the requisite service period for each separately vesting portion of the award based on the grant date fair value, net of actual forfeitures recorded when they occur, and remeasured each reporting period until the total number of RSUs to be issued is known. Unrecognized compensation expense related to the unvested performance-based RSUs totaled $3,693,000 at year-end 2023, and will be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.4 years. The performance-based RSU agreements provide for forfeiture in certain events, such as voluntary or involuntary termination of employment, and for acceleration of vesting in certain events, such as death, disability or a change in control of the Company. If death, disability, or a change in control occurs prior to the end of the performance period, the officer will receive the target RSU amount; otherwise, the officer will receive the number of deliverable RSUs based on the achievement of the performance goal, as stated in the RSU agreements. Time-Based Restricted Stock Units The Company grants time-based RSUs to its officers and other employees of the Company. Each time-based RSU represents the right to receive one share of the Company's common stock upon vesting. The Company recognizes compensation expense associated with these time-based RSUs ratably over the requisite service period for the entire award based on the grant date fair value, and net of actual forfeitures recorded when they occur. The time-based RSU agreement provides for forfeiture in certain events, such as voluntary or involuntary termination of employment, and for acceleration of vesting in certain events, such as death, disability, or a change in control of the Company. Unrecognized compensation expense related to the time-based RSUs totaled $3,954,000 at year-end 2023, and will be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.8 years. Vesting of Restricted Stock Units A summary of the activity of the Company's unvested RSUs in 2023 is as follows: (In thousands, except per share amounts) Units Weighted Unvested RSUs at December 31, 2022 85 $ 153.98 Granted 51 $ 212.92 Vested (52) $ 149.62 Forfeited (1) $ 183.85 Unvested RSUs at December 30, 2023 83 $ 192.42 The weighted average grant date fair value of RSUs granted was $212.92 in 2023, $170.76 in 2022, and $174.52 in 2021. The total fair value of shares vested was $7,834,000 in 2023, $8,337,000 in 2022, and $5,892,000 in 2021. Stock Options The Company has not granted stock options since 2013. Prior to 2014, the Company granted nonqualified stock options to its executive officers that vested over three years and were not exercisable until vested. Options awarded were granted at an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the Company's common stock on the date of grant. There were no stock options outstanding at year-end 2023, 2022 and 2021 as all remaining stock options were exercised prior to the end of 2021. The total intrinsic value of options exercised and total cash received from options exercised during the year ended January 1, 2022 were $4,986,000 and $665,000, respectively. Employee Stock Purchase Plan The Company's eligible U.S. employees may elect to participate in its employee stock purchase plan. Under the plan, shares of the Company's common stock may be purchased at a 15% discount from the fair market value at the beginning or end of the purchase period, whichever is lower. Shares purchased under the plan are subject to a one-year resale restriction and are purchased through payroll deductions of up to 10% of each participating employee's gross wages. The Company issued 10,627 shares for 2023 (issued in fiscal 2024), 9,111 shares in 2022, and 10,230 shares in 2021 of its common stock under this plan. The Company had 82,532 shares available for grant under the employee stock purchase plan at year-end 2023. 401(k) Savings and Other Defined Contribution Plans The Company's U.S. subsidiaries participate in the Kadant Inc. 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan sponsored by the Company. Contributions to the plan are made by both the employee and the Company and are immediately vested. Company contributions are based upon the level of employee contributions. Certain of the Company's subsidiaries offer other retirement plans, the majority of which are defined contribution plans. Company contributions to these plans are based on formulas determined by the Company. For these plans, the Company contributed and charged to expense $5,607,000 in 2023, $5,151,000 in 2022, and $4,706,000 in 2021. Pension and Other Post-Retirement Defined Benefits Plans The Company sponsors pension and other post-retirement defined benefit plans covering employees at certain U.S. and foreign subsidiaries. In accordance with ASC 715, Compensation-Retirement Benefits , the Company recognizes the funded status of its plans as an asset or liability and changes in the funded status through AOCI, net of tax, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. The amounts in AOCI are recognized as net periodic benefit cost pursuant to the Company's accounting policy for amortizing such amounts. Actuarial gains and losses that arise in subsequent periods and are not recognized as net periodic benefit cost will be recognized as a component of AOCI, net of tax. The Company records the non-service component of net periodic pension cost in other expense, net in the accompanying consolidated statement of income. The disclosure requirements related to the Company’s defined benefit plans are not material for the fiscal years presented.

Stockholders' Equity

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2023
Equity [Abstract]
Stockholder's Equity	Stockholders' Equity Preferred Stock The Company's Certificate of Incorporation authorizes up to 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $.01 par value per share, for issuance by the Company's board of directors without further shareholder approval. Common Stock At year-end 2023, the Company had reserved 447,094 unissued shares of its common stock for possible issuance under its stock-based compensation plans.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2023
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The components of income before provision for income taxes are as follows: (In thousands) December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 January 1, 2022 Domestic $ 57,810 $ 46,558 $ 26,599 Foreign 101,206 119,078 85,453 $ 159,016 $ 165,636 $ 112,052 The components of the provision for income taxes are as follows: (In thousands) December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 January 1, 2022 Current Provision: Federal $ 12,402 $ 8,738 $ 2,173 Foreign 28,587 26,032 25,512 State 3,170 1,977 870 44,159 36,747 28,555 Deferred Provision (Benefit): Federal 48 1,970 1,823 Foreign (2,594) 4,233 (3,430) State 597 956 223 (1,949) 7,159 (1,384) $ 42,210 $ 43,906 $ 27,171 The Company receives a tax deduction upon the exercise of nonqualified stock options and the vesting of RSUs. The Company recognizes excess income tax benefits and tax deficiencies related to stock-based compensation arrangements as discrete items within the provision for income taxes in the reporting period in which they occur. The Company recognized an income tax benefit of $354,000 in 2023, $501,000 in 2022 and $1,808,000 in 2021 in the accompanying consolidated statement of income. The provision for income taxes in the accompanying consolidated statement of income differs from the provision calculated by applying the statutory federal income tax rate of 21% to income before provision for income taxes due to the following: (In thousands) December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 January 1, 2022 Provision for Income Taxes at Statutory Rate $ 33,393 $ 34,784 $ 23,531 Increases (Decreases) Resulting From: Foreign tax rate differential 5,070 5,770 2,819 State income taxes, net of federal income tax 2,965 2,316 863 Nondeductible expenses 1,730 2,683 1,673 U.S. tax cost of foreign earnings 1,270 932 481 Provision for (reversal of) tax benefit reserves, net 386 (1,368) (444) Research and development tax credits (520) (425) (454) Excess tax benefit related to stock-based compensation (276) (377) (1,525) Change in valuation allowance (684) 318 (31) Other (1,124) (727) 258 $ 42,210 $ 43,906 $ 27,171 The Company's net deferred tax liability consists of the following: (In thousands) December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 Deferred Tax Asset: Net operating loss carryforwards $ 11,300 $ 13,057 Lease liabilities 6,820 6,031 Inventory basis difference 5,417 4,118 Employee compensation 4,690 3,697 Capitalized research expenses 4,159 3,398 Reserves and accruals 2,581 1,949 Allowance for credit losses 776 673 Foreign, state, and alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards 490 490 Other 214 122 Deferred tax asset, gross 36,447 33,535 Less: valuation allowance (7,829) (8,983) Deferred tax asset, net 28,618 24,552 Deferred Tax Liability: Goodwill and intangible assets (41,116) (41,129) Fixed asset basis difference (11,764) (11,438) ROU assets (5,969) (5,145) Provision for unremitted foreign earnings (1,153) (783) Other (2,361) (1,976) Deferred tax liability (62,363) (60,471) Net deferred tax liability $ (33,745) $ (35,919) Deferred tax assets and liabilities are presented in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet within other assets and long-term deferred income taxes on a net basis by tax jurisdiction. The Company has established valuation allowances related to certain domestic and foreign deferred tax assets on deductible temporary differences, tax losses, and tax credit carryforwards. The valuation allowance at year-end 2023 was $7,829,000, consisting of $68,000 in the United States and $7,761,000 in foreign jurisdictions. The decrease in the valuation allowance in 2023 of $1,154,000 is related primarily to utilization of net operating losses and a decrease in unbenefited deferred tax assets from a restructuring, partially offset by fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. Compliance with ASC 740 requires the Company to periodically evaluate the necessity of establishing or adjusting a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets depending on whether it is more likely than not that a related tax benefit will be realized in future periods. When assessing the need for a valuation allowance in a tax jurisdiction, the Company evaluates the weight of all available evidence to determine whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. As part of this evaluation, the Company considers its cumulative three-year history of earnings before income taxes, taxable income in prior carryback years, future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, prudent and feasible tax planning strategies, and expected future results of operations. As of year-end 2023, the Company maintained a valuation allowance in the United States against a portion of its state net operating loss carryforwards in the United States and a valuation allowance in certain foreign jurisdictions due to the uncertainty of future profitability in the state and those foreign jurisdictions. At year-end 2023, the Company had state net operating loss carryforwards of $13,683,000 and foreign net operating loss carryforwards of $46,852,000. The U.S. state net operating loss carryforwards begin to expire in 2024 and a portion does not expire. Of the foreign net operating loss carryforwards, $965,000 will expire in the years 2025 through 2043, and the remainder do not expire. As of year-end 2023, the Company also had state disallowed business interest expense carryforwards of $71,000 and foreign tax credits of $382,000, of which $120,000 came from the acquisition of Syntron Material Handling Group, LLC and certain of its affiliates in 2019. The disallowed business interest expense carryforward does not expire, and the foreign tax credit carryforward begins to expire in 2024. The utilization of these tax attributes is limited to the Company’s future taxable income. At year-end 2023, the Company had approximately $284,980,000 of unremitted foreign earnings. During 2023, the Company repatriated $27,957,000 of previously taxed foreign earnings to the United States and recognized a foreign exchange loss of $1,211,000 associated with these earnings. The Company intends to repatriate the distributable reserves of select foreign subsidiaries back to the United States and has recognized $653,000 of tax expense on the estimated repatriation amount during 2023. Except for these select foreign subsidiaries, the Company intends to indefinitely reinvest $253,469,000 of earnings of its foreign subsidiaries in order to support the current and future capital needs of their operations, including the repayment of the Company’s foreign debt. The related foreign withholding taxes, which would be required if the Company were to remit these foreign earnings to the United States, would be approximately $5,190,000. The Company operates within multiple tax jurisdictions and could be subject to audit in those jurisdictions. Such audits can involve complex income tax issues, which may require an extended period of time to resolve and may cover multiple years. In management's opinion, adequate provisions for income taxes have been made for all years subject to audit. As of year-end 2023, the Company had a liability of $11,212,000 for unrecognized tax benefits which, if recognized, would reduce the effective tax rate. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows: (In thousands) December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Beginning of Year $ 10,354 $ 9,731 Gross Increases—Tax Positions in Prior Periods 44 2,116 Gross Decreases—Tax Positions in Prior Periods (37) (138) Gross Increases—Current-Period Tax Positions 1,589 1,260 Settlements (130) — Lapses of Statutes of Limitations (749) (2,251) Currency Translation 141 (364) Unrecognized Tax Benefits, End of Year $ 11,212 $ 10,354 A portion of the unrecognized tax benefits generated in 2023 is offset by deferred tax assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in the provision for income taxes. The Company has accrued $2,017,000 at year-end 2023 and $1,806,000 at year-end 2022 for the potential payment of interest and penalties. The interest and penalties included in the accompanying consolidated statement of income was an expense of $120,000 in 2023 and a benefit of $333,000 in 2022. The Company is currently under audit in certain of its foreign tax jurisdictions. During 2021, the Company finalized its examination with the Internal Revenue Service for the tax years 2017 and 2018 with no material adjustments. It is reasonably possible that over the next fiscal year the amount of liability for unrecognized tax benefits may be reduced by up to $413,000 primarily from the expiration of tax statutes of limitations. The Company remains subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations for the tax years 2019 through 2023, and to non-U.S. income tax examinations for the tax years 2015 through 2023. In addition, the Company remains subject to state and local income tax examinations in the United States for the tax years 2003 through 2023.

Short- and Long-Term Obligation

Short- and Long-Term Obligations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2023
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Short- and Long-Term Obligations	Short- and Long-Term Obligations Short- and long-term obligations are as follows: (In thousands) December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 Revolving Credit Facility, due 2027 $ 98,761 $ 186,131 Senior Promissory Notes, due 2024 to 2028 8,330 10,000 Finance Leases, due 2024 to 2026 1,789 1,940 Other Borrowings, due 2024 to 2028 1,995 3,090 Total 110,875 201,161 Less: Short-Term Obligations and Current Maturities of Long-Term Obligations (3,209) (3,821) Long-Term Obligations $ 107,666 $ 197,340 See Note 11 , Fair Value Measurements and Fair Value of Financial Instruments, for the fair value information related to the Company's long-term obligations. Revolving Credit Facility On November 30, 2022, the Company entered into a sixth amendment to its unsecured multi-currency revolving credit facility, originally entered into on March 1, 2017 (as amended and restated to date, the Credit Agreement). Among other things, this amendment extended the maturity date to November 30, 2027, and increased the uncommitted, unsecured incremental borrowing facility from $150,000,000 to $200,000,000. Pursuant to the Credit Agreement, the Company has a borrowing capacity of $400,000,000 and interest on borrowings outstanding accrues and is payable in arrears calculated at one of the following rates selected by the Company: (i) the Base Rate, as defined, plus a margin of 0% to 1.25%, or (ii) Eurocurrency Rate, Term SOFR (plus a 10 basis point credit spread adjustment), CDOR Rate, and RFR, as applicable and defined, plus a margin of 1.0% to 2.25%. The margin is determined based upon the ratio of the Company's total debt, net of unrestricted cash up to $50,000,000, to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization as defined in the Credit Agreement. Additionally, the Credit Agreement requires the payment of a commitment fee payable in arrears on the available borrowing capacity under the Credit Agreement, which ranges from 0.125% to 0.350%. Obligations under the Credit Agreement may be accelerated upon the occurrence of an event of default, which includes customary events of default under such financing arrangements. In addition, the Credit Agreement contains negative covenants applicable to the Company and its subsidiaries, including financial covenants requiring the Company to maintain a maximum consolidated leverage ratio of 3.75 to 1.00, or, if the Company elects, for the quarter during which a material acquisition occurs and for the three fiscal quarters thereafter, 4.25 to 1.00, and limitations on making certain restricted payments (including dividends and stock repurchases). Loans under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by certain domestic subsidiaries of the Company. At year-end 2023, the outstanding balance under the Credit Agreement was $98,761,000, which included $75,761,000 of euro-denominated borrowin gs primarily used to fund the Company's acquisitions in 2021. Th e Company had $301,143,000 of borrowing capacity available at year-end 2023, which was calculated by translating its foreign-denominated borrowings using the administrative agent's borrowing date foreign exchange rates, in addition to the $200,000,000 uncommitted, unsecured incremental borrowing facility. The weighted average interest rate for the outstanding balance under the Credit Agreement was 5.24% as of year-end 2023 and 4.33% as of year-end 2022. See Note 10 , Derivatives, under the heading Interest Rate Swap Agreement , for information relating to the Company's swap agreement, which matured on June 30, 2023. Senior Promissory Notes In 2018, the Company entered into an uncommitted, unsecured Multi-Currency Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement (Note Purchase Agreement). Simultaneous with the execution of the Note Purchase Agreement, the Company issued senior promissory notes (Initial Notes) in an aggregate principal amount of $10,000,000, with a per annum interest rate of 4.90% payable semiannually, and a maturity date of December 14, 2028. The Company is required to prepay a portion of the principal of the Initial Notes beginning on December 14, 2023 and each year thereafter, and may optionally prepay the principal on the Initial Notes, together with any prepayment premium, at any time in accordance with the Note Purchase Agreement. The obligations of the Initial Notes may be accelerated upon an event of default as defined in the Note Purchase Agreement, which includes customary events of default under such financing arrangements. The Initial Notes are pari passu with the Company’s indebtedness under the Credit Agreement, and any other senior debt, subject to certain specified exceptions, and participate in a sharing agreement with respect to the obligations of the Company and its subsidiaries under the Credit Agreement. The Initial Notes are guaranteed by certain of the Company’s domestic subsidiaries. Debt Compliance At year-end 2023, the Company was in compliance with the covenants related to its debt obligations. Finance Leases The Company's finance leases primarily relate to contracts for vehicles. See Note 9 , Leases, for further information relating to the Company's finance leases. Other Borrowings At year-end 2023, other borrowings included $556,000 of short-term obligations and $1,439,000 of long-term debt obligations outstanding assumed in the acquisition of Clouth, which have maturity dates ranging from 2026 to 2028 and interest rates of up to 1.70%. Annual Repayment Requirements The following schedule presents the annual repayment requirements for the Company’s short-and long-term obligations, excluding finance leases, as of year-end 2023. (In thousands) Total 2024 $ 2,226 2025 2,229 2026 2,119 2027 100,770 2028 1,742 $ 109,086

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2023
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies Letters of Credit and Bank Guarantees Outstanding letters of credit and bank guarantees issued on behalf of the Company, principally relating to performance obligations and customer deposit guarantees, totaled $23,403,000 at year-end 2023. Certain of the Company's contracts require the Company to provide a standby letter of credit or bank guarantee to a customer as beneficiary, limited in amount to a negotiated percentage of the total contract value, in order to guarantee warranty and performance obligations of the Company under the contract. Typically, these standby letters of credit and bank guarantees expire without being drawn by the beneficiary. Right of Recourse In the ordinary course of business, the Company's Chinese subsidiaries may receive banker's acceptance drafts from customers as payment for their trade accounts receivable. The drafts are non-interest-bearing obligations of the issuing bank and generally mature within six months of the origination date. The Company's Chinese subsidiaries may use these banker's acceptance drafts prior to the scheduled maturity date to settle outstanding accounts payable with vendors. Banker's acceptance drafts transferred to vendors are subject to customary right of recourse provisions prior to their scheduled maturity dates. The Company had $9,090,000 at year-end 2023 and $11,238,000 at year-end 2022 of banker's acceptance drafts subject to recourse, which were transferred to vendors and had not reached their scheduled maturity dates. Historically, the banker's acceptance drafts have settled upon maturity without any claim of recourse against the Company. Contingencies In the ordinary course of business, the Company is, at times, required to issue limited performance guarantees, some of which do not require the issuance of letters of credit to customers in support of these guarantees, relating to its equipment and systems. The Company generally limits its liability under these guarantees to amounts typically capped at 10% or less of the value of the contract. The Company believes that it has adequate reserves for any potential liability in connection with such guarantees. Litigation From time to time, the Company is subject to various claims and legal proceedings covering a range of matters that arise in the ordinary course of business. Such litigation may include, but is not limited to, claims and counterclaims by and against the Company for breach of contract or warranty, canceled contracts, product liability, or bankruptcy-related claims. For legal proceedings in which a loss is probable and estimable, the Company accrues a loss based on the low end of the range of estimated loss when there is no better estimate within the range. If the Company were found to be liable for any of the claims or counterclaims against it, the Company would incur a charge against earnings for amounts in excess of legal accruals.

Gain on Sale and Other Items, N

Gain on Sale and Other Items, Net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2023
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Gain on Sale and Other Items, Net	Gain on Sale and Other Items, Net The components of gain on sale and other items, net are as follows: (In thousands) December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 January 1, 2022 Gain on Sale of Assets $ — $ (20,190) $ (515) Other Income (841) — — Relocation Costs 798 — — Restructuring Costs 730 603 176 Impairment Costs 36 731 804 $ 723 $ (18,856) $ 465 Gain on Sale of Assets The Company entered into several agreements with the local government in China to sell its then existing manufacturing building and land use rights at one of its subsidiaries in China for $25,159,000 and relocate to a new facility (China Transaction). The agreements became effective in the first quarter of 2022 after a 31% down payment was received, including 25% in 2021 and 6% in the first quarter of 2022, and a land use right in a new location was secured. As a result, the Company recognized a gain on the China Transaction of $20,190,000, or $15,143,000, net of deferred taxes of $5,047,000, in the first quarter of 2022. A receivable of $16,082,000 was recognized for the present value of the remaining amount of the sale proceeds, which is due the earlier of when the government sells the property or within two years from the effective date of the agreements. The subsidiary, which is part of the Industrial Processing segment, relocated to its new facility during the third quarter of 2023. A summary of the change in the outstanding receivable on the China Transaction is as follows: (In thousands) Total Balance at Inception $ 17,294 Present value discount (1,212) Receivable recorded, net 16,082 Accretion of interest income 422 Currency translation (1,323) Balance at December 31, 2022 (included in other assets) 15,181 Accretion of interest income 545 Currency translation (316) Balance at December 30, 2023 (included in other current assets) $ 15,410 In 2021, gain on sale of assets included $515,000 related to a gain on the sale of a building in Theodore, Alabama, within the Company's Industrial Processing segment for net cash proceeds of $1,634,000. The building was vacated as part of the Company's 2017 restructuring plan to consolidate three of its stock-preparation operations into a single new facility, which was completed in 2018. Other Items, Net Other Income and Relocation Costs In 2023, in connection with the China Transaction, the Company recognized income of $841,000 from outsourcing the demolition and cleanup of the then existing manufacturing building in China and sale of the remaining fixed assets. In addition, the Company incurred costs of $798,000 related to the relocation of machinery and equipment and administrative offices to the new manufacturing facility. Restructuring and Impairment Costs The Company's restructuring plans within its Flow Control Segment are as follows: 2023 Restructuring Plans • The Company incurred restructuring and impairment costs of $400,000 in 2023 related to consolidating a small manufacturing operation into a larger facility in Germany. These charges consisted of severance costs of $335,000 for the termination of 10 employees, facility and other closure costs of $29,000, and asset-write downs of $36,000. • The Company incurred restructuring costs of $366,000 related to the termination of a contract at one of its operations in Germany. The Company does not expect to incur additional costs related to its 2023 restructuring plans. 2021 Restructuring Plan • The Company incurred restructuring costs of $568,000 in 2022 and $176,000 in 2021 related to its plan to eliminate a redundant ceramic blade manufacturing operation in France. These charges consisted of severance costs for the termination of five employees and facility and other closure costs. During 2021, the Company also recorded asset impairment charges of $499,000 for the write-down of an intangible asset, $226,000 for the write-down of certain machinery and equipment, and $79,000 for the write-down of a ROU asset. The Company also recorded restructuring costs of $35,000 and impairment costs of $731,000 within its Industrial Processing segment during 2022. The impairment costs included $549,000 primarily related to the write-down of inventory from the Company's operations in Russia and $182,000 related to the write-down of certain fixed assets that were not moved to the new manufacturing facility in China as part of the China Transaction. A summary of the changes in accrued restructuring costs included in other current liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet, which are expected to be paid in the first half 2024, are as follows: (In thousands) Severance Costs Contract Termination Costs Facility and Other Closure Costs Total 2023 Restructuring Plans Provision $ 335 $ 366 $ 29 $ 730 Usage (138) (63) (29) (230) Currency translation 4 10 — 14 Balance at December 30, 2023 $ 201 $ 313 $ — $ 514 2021 Restructuring Plan Provision $ 176 $ — $ — $ 176 Usage (19) — — (19) Currency translation (1) — — (1) Balance at January 1, 2022 156 — — 156 Provision 205 — 398 603 Usage (159) — (231) (390) Currency translation (13) — 33 20 Balance at December 31, 2022 189 — 200 389 Usage (187) — (199) (386) Currency translation (2) — (1) (3) Balance at December 30, 2023 $ — $ — $ — $ —

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2023
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	Leases The Company enters into operating and finance lease commitments primarily for its manufacturing and office space, vehicles, and equipment that expire on various dates over the next 11 years, some of which include one or more options to extend the lease for up to five years. In addition, the Company leases land associated with certain of its buildings in Canada and China under long-term leases expiring in 2032 to 2071. The lease in Canada also includes an assumed option to extend the term for up to 10 years. The components of lease expense are as follows: (In thousands) December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 January 1, 2022 Operating Lease Cost (a) $ 6,355 $ 5,870 $ 5,895 Short-Term Lease Cost 698 697 674 Finance Lease Cost: ROU asset amortization 1,103 1,026 1,045 Interest on lease liabilities 74 52 46 Total Finance Lease Cost 1,177 1,078 1,091 Total Lease Costs $ 8,230 $ 7,645 $ 7,660 (a) Includes variable lease costs of $961,000 in 2023, $478,000 in 2022, and $670,000 in 2021. Supplemental cash flow information related to leases is as follows: (In thousands) December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 January 1, 2022 Cash Paid for Amounts Included in the Measurement of Lease Liabilities: Operating cash flows from operating leases $ 6,475 $ 6,159 $ 12,474 Operating cash flows from finance leases $ 74 $ 51 $ 46 Financing cash flows from finance leases $ 1,100 $ 1,002 $ 1,044 ROU Assets Obtained in Exchange for Lease Obligations: Operating leases $ 8,120 $ 4,002 $ 7,247 Finance leases $ 989 $ 1,468 $ 1,147 Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases is as follows: (In thousands) Balance Sheet Line Item December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 Operating Leases: ROU assets Other assets 25,129 22,642 Total operating lease assets $ 25,129 $ 22,642 Short-term liabilities Other current liabilities $ 5,389 $ 4,458 Long-term liabilities Other long-term liabilities 19,350 17,817 Total operating lease liabilities $ 24,739 $ 22,275 Finance Leases: ROU assets, at cost Property, plant, and equipment, at cost $ 4,037 $ 3,901 ROU assets accumulated amortization Accumulated depreciation and amortization (2,288) (1,994) ROU assets, net Property, plant, and equipment, net $ 1,749 $ 1,907 Short-term obligations Short-term obligations and current maturities of long-term obligations $ 983 $ 981 Long-term obligations Long-term obligations 806 959 Total finance lease liabilities $ 1,789 $ 1,940 December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term (in years): Operating leases 6.8 8.0 Finance leases 2.0 2.2 Weighted Average Discount Rate: Operating leases 4.08 % 3.88 % Finance leases 4.71 % 3.79 % As of December 30, 2023, future lease payments for lease liabilities are as follows: Operating Finance (In thousands) Leases Leases 2024 $ 6,282 $ 1,043 2025 4,982 646 2026 3,986 185 2027 3,309 — 2028 2,093 — 2029 and Thereafter 7,829 — Total Future Lease Payments 28,481 1,874 Less: Imputed Interest (3,742) (85) Present Value of Lease Payments $ 24,739 $ 1,789 As of December 30, 2023, the Company had no significant operating and finance leases that had not yet commenced.
Leases	Leases The Company enters into operating and finance lease commitments primarily for its manufacturing and office space, vehicles, and equipment that expire on various dates over the next 11 years, some of which include one or more options to extend the lease for up to five years. In addition, the Company leases land associated with certain of its buildings in Canada and China under long-term leases expiring in 2032 to 2071. The lease in Canada also includes an assumed option to extend the term for up to 10 years. The components of lease expense are as follows: (In thousands) December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 January 1, 2022 Operating Lease Cost (a) $ 6,355 $ 5,870 $ 5,895 Short-Term Lease Cost 698 697 674 Finance Lease Cost: ROU asset amortization 1,103 1,026 1,045 Interest on lease liabilities 74 52 46 Total Finance Lease Cost 1,177 1,078 1,091 Total Lease Costs $ 8,230 $ 7,645 $ 7,660 (a) Includes variable lease costs of $961,000 in 2023, $478,000 in 2022, and $670,000 in 2021. Supplemental cash flow information related to leases is as follows: (In thousands) December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 January 1, 2022 Cash Paid for Amounts Included in the Measurement of Lease Liabilities: Operating cash flows from operating leases $ 6,475 $ 6,159 $ 12,474 Operating cash flows from finance leases $ 74 $ 51 $ 46 Financing cash flows from finance leases $ 1,100 $ 1,002 $ 1,044 ROU Assets Obtained in Exchange for Lease Obligations: Operating leases $ 8,120 $ 4,002 $ 7,247 Finance leases $ 989 $ 1,468 $ 1,147 Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases is as follows: (In thousands) Balance Sheet Line Item December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 Operating Leases: ROU assets Other assets 25,129 22,642 Total operating lease assets $ 25,129 $ 22,642 Short-term liabilities Other current liabilities $ 5,389 $ 4,458 Long-term liabilities Other long-term liabilities 19,350 17,817 Total operating lease liabilities $ 24,739 $ 22,275 Finance Leases: ROU assets, at cost Property, plant, and equipment, at cost $ 4,037 $ 3,901 ROU assets accumulated amortization Accumulated depreciation and amortization (2,288) (1,994) ROU assets, net Property, plant, and equipment, net $ 1,749 $ 1,907 Short-term obligations Short-term obligations and current maturities of long-term obligations $ 983 $ 981 Long-term obligations Long-term obligations 806 959 Total finance lease liabilities $ 1,789 $ 1,940 December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term (in years): Operating leases 6.8 8.0 Finance leases 2.0 2.2 Weighted Average Discount Rate: Operating leases 4.08 % 3.88 % Finance leases 4.71 % 3.79 % As of December 30, 2023, future lease payments for lease liabilities are as follows: Operating Finance (In thousands) Leases Leases 2024 $ 6,282 $ 1,043 2025 4,982 646 2026 3,986 185 2027 3,309 — 2028 2,093 — 2029 and Thereafter 7,829 — Total Future Lease Payments 28,481 1,874 Less: Imputed Interest (3,742) (85) Present Value of Lease Payments $ 24,739 $ 1,789 As of December 30, 2023, the Company had no significant operating and finance leases that had not yet commenced.

Derivatives

Derivatives	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2023
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivatives	Derivatives Interest Rate Swap Agreement In 2018, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement (2018 Swap Agreement) with Citizens Bank to hedge its exposure to movements in USD LIBOR on its U.S. dollar-denominated debt. The 2018 Swap Agreement, which had a $15,000,000 notional value, matured on June 30, 2023. Prior to the maturity of the 2018 Swap Agreement, on a quarterly basis, the Company received three-month USD LIBOR, which was subject to a zero percent floor, and paid a fixed rate of interest of 3.15% plus an applicable margin as defined in the Credit Agreement. The Company had designated its 2018 Swap Agreement as a cash flow hedge and structured it to be 100% effective. Unrealized gains and losses related to the fair value of the 2018 Swap Agreement were recorded to AOCI, net of tax. Forward Currency-Exchange Contracts The Company uses forward currency-exchange contracts that generally have maturities of twelve months or less to hedge exposures resulting from fluctuations in currency exchange rates. Such exposures result from assets and liabilities that are denominated in currencies other than the functional currencies of the Company's subsidiaries. Forward currency-exchange contracts that hedge forecasted accounts receivable or accounts payable are designated as cash flow hedges and unrecognized gains and losses are recorded to AOCI, net of tax. Deferred gains and losses are recognized in the statement of income in the period in which the underlying transaction occurs. The fair values of forward currency-exchange contracts that are designated as fair value hedges and forward currency-exchange contracts that are not designated as hedges are recognized currently in earnings. Gains and losses reported within SG&A expenses in the accompanying consolidated statement of income associated with the Company's forward currency-exchange contracts that were not designated as hedges were not material in 2023, 2022, and 2021. The following table summarizes the fair value of derivative instruments in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet: December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 (In thousands) Balance Sheet Asset Notional Asset Notional Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments: Derivatives in an Asset Position: 2018 Swap Agreement Other Current Assets $ — $ — $ 131 $ 15,000 Derivatives in a Liability Position: Forward currency-exchange contract Other Current $ (51) $ 430 $ (54) $ 430 Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments: Derivatives in an Asset Position: Forward currency-exchange contracts Other Current Assets $ 8 $ 701 $ 15 $ 647 (a) See Note 11 , Fair Value Measurements and Fair Value of Financial Instruments, for the fair value measurements relating to these financial instruments. (b) The year-end 2023 notional amounts are indicative of the level of the Company's recurring derivative activity during the year. The following table summarizes the activity in AOCI associated with the Company's derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges as of and for the year ended December 30, 2023: (In thousands) Interest Rate Swap Forward Currency- Total Unrealized Gain (Loss), Net of Tax, at December 31, 2022 $ 99 $ (41) $ 58 Gain reclassified to earnings (a) (99) — (99) Gain recognized in AOCI — 3 3 Unrealized Loss, Net of Tax, at December 30, 2023 $ — $ (38) $ (38) (a) See Note 14 , Accumulated Other Comprehensive Items, for the income statement classification. At year-end 2023, the Company expects to reclassify losses of $38,000 from AOCI to earnings over the next twelve months based on the maturity date of the forward currency-exchange contract.

Fair Value Measurements and Fai

Fair Value Measurements and Fair Value of Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2023
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements and Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value Measurements and Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair value measurement is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. A fair value hierarchy is established, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value into three broad levels as follows: • Level 1—Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. • Level 2—Inputs, other than quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly. • Level 3—Unobservable inputs based on the Company's own assumptions. The following table presents the fair value hierarchy for those assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis: Fair Value as of December 30, 2023 (In thousands) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets: Money market funds and time deposits $ 14,795 $ — $ — $ 14,795 Banker's acceptance drafts (a) $ — $ 10,826 $ — $ 10,826 Forward currency-exchange contracts $ — $ 8 $ — $ 8 Liabilities: Forward currency-exchange contract $ — $ 51 $ — $ 51 Fair Value as of December 31, 2022 (In thousands) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets: Money market funds and time deposits $ 8,351 $ — $ — $ 8,351 Banker's acceptance drafts (a) $ — $ 5,729 $ — $ 5,729 2018 Swap Agreement (b) $ 131 $ 131 Forward currency-exchange contracts $ — $ 15 $ — $ 15 Liabilities: Forward currency-exchange contract $ — $ 54 $ — $ 54 (a) Included in accounts receivable in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. (b) The 2018 Swap Agreement matured on June 30, 2023. The Company uses the market approach technique to value its financial assets and liabilities, and there were no changes in valuation techniques during 2023. Banker's acceptance drafts are carried at face value which approximates their fair value due to the short-term nature of the negotiable instrument. The fair values of the forward currency-exchange contracts are based on quoted forward foreign exchange rates at the reporting date. The fair value of the 2018 Swap Agreement was based on USD LIBOR yield curves at the reporting date. The forward currency-exchange contracts and the 2018 Swap Agreement prior to its maturity were hedges of either recorded assets or liabilities or anticipated transactions and represent the estimated amount the Company would receive or pay upon liquidation of the contracts. Changes in values of the underlying hedged assets and liabilities or anticipated transactions are not reflected in the table above. The carrying value and fair value of the Company's debt obligations, excluding lease obligations, are as follows: December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 (In thousands) Carrying Fair Carrying Fair Debt Obligations: Revolving credit facility $ 98,761 $ 98,761 $ 186,131 $ 186,131 Senior promissory notes 8,330 8,182 10,000 9,773 Other 1,995 1,995 3,090 3,090 $ 109,086 $ 108,938 $ 199,221 $ 198,994 The carrying value of the revolving credit facility approximates the fair value as the obligation bears variable rates of interest, which adjust frequently, based on prevailing market rates. The fair values of the senior promissory notes are primarily calculated based on quoted market rates plus an applicable margin available to the Company at the respective period ends, which represent Level 2 measurements.

Business Segment and Geographic

Business Segment and Geographical Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2023
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Business Segment and Geographical Information	Business Segment and Geographical Information The Company has combined its operating entities into three reportable operating segments: Flow Control, Industrial Processing, and Material Handling. The Flow Control segment consists of the fluid-handling and doctoring, cleaning, & filtration product lines; the Industrial Processing segment consists of the wood processing and stock-preparation product lines; and the Material Handling segment consists of the conveying and vibratory, baling, and fiber-based product lines. A description of each segment follows. • Flow Control – Custom-engineered products, systems, and technologies that control the flow of fluids used in industrial and commercial applications to keep critical processes running efficiently in the packaging, tissue, food, metals, and other industrial sectors. The Company's primary products include rotary sealing devices, steam systems, expansion joints, doctor systems, roll and fabric cleaning devices, and filtration and fiber recovery systems. • Industrial Processing – Equipment, machinery, and technologies used to recycle paper and paperboard and process timber for use in the packaging, tissue, wood products and alternative fuel industries, among others. The Company's primary products include stock-preparation systems and recycling equipment, chemical pulping equipment, debarkers, stranders, and chippers. In addition, the Company provides industrial automation and digitization solutions to process industries. • Material Handling – Products and engineered systems used to handle bulk and discrete materials for secondary processing or transport in the aggregates, mining, food, and waste management industries, among others. The Company's primary products include conveying and vibratory equipment and balers. In addition, the Company manufactures and sells biodegradable, absorbent granules used as carriers in agricultural applications and for oil and grease absorption. The following table presents financial information for the Company's reportable operating segments: (In thousands) December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 January 1, 2022 Revenue Flow Control (a) $ 363,451 $ 349,107 $ 288,788 Industrial Processing 354,703 353,698 328,762 Material Handling (b) 239,518 201,934 169,029 $ 957,672 $ 904,739 $ 786,579 Income Before Provision for Income Taxes Flow Control (c) $ 95,249 $ 89,942 $ 65,509 Industrial Processing (d) 69,281 89,754 66,569 Material Handling (e) 40,692 27,644 17,543 Corporate (f) (39,465) (36,058) (32,911) Total operating income 165,757 171,282 116,710 Interest expense, net (g) (6,640) (5,574) (4,554) Other expense, net (g) (101) (72) (104) $ 159,016 $ 165,636 $ 112,052 Total Assets (h) Flow Control $ 391,719 $ 386,804 $ 382,379 Industrial Processing 443,189 419,095 405,575 Material Handling 326,226 336,492 334,785 Corporate (i) 14,531 7,490 9,473 $ 1,175,665 $ 1,149,881 $ 1,132,212 Depreciation and Amortization Flow Control $ 9,047 $ 9,179 $ 8,366 Industrial Processing 11,798 12,575 13,467 Material Handling 12,379 13,085 12,341 Corporate 73 97 128 $ 33,297 $ 34,936 $ 34,302 Capital Expenditures Flow Control $ 5,920 $ 4,425 $ 4,128 Industrial Processing (j) 22,068 20,137 6,412 Material Handling 3,834 3,575 2,211 Corporate 28 62 20 $ 31,850 $ 28,199 $ 12,771 (In thousands) December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 January 1, 2022 Geographical Information Revenue (k): United States $ 448,600 $ 404,835 $ 328,456 China 81,458 85,500 82,121 Canada 73,183 87,951 79,426 Germany 43,036 45,994 37,178 Other 311,395 280,459 259,398 $ 957,672 $ 904,739 $ 786,579 Long-lived Assets (l): United States $ 48,394 $ 47,483 $ 43,418 China (j) 24,380 15,834 6,613 Germany 20,953 22,437 25,188 Finland 19,958 8,942 7,347 Canada 9,136 8,344 8,460 Other 17,683 15,815 16,963 $ 140,504 $ 118,855 $ 107,989 (a) Includes results from Clouth, which was acquired between July 19, 2021 and August 10, 2021 (see Note 2 , Acquisitions). (b) Includes results from Balemaster, which was acquired on August 23, 2021 (see Note 2 , Acquisitions). (c) Includes restructuring and impairment costs of $766,000, $568,000 and $980,000 in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Includes acquisition-related expenses of $254,000 and $6,191,000 in 2022 and 2021, respectively. Acquisition-related expenses include acquisition costs and amortization expense associated with acquired profit in inventory and backlog. Includes non-cash charges for the write-off of indemnification assets of $741,000 in 2022. (d) Includes other income of $841,000, acquisition costs of $1,066,000, and relocation costs of $798,000 in 2023. Includes a gain on the sale of a facility of $20,190,000 (see Note 8 , Gain on Sale and Other Items, Net), non-cash charges for the write-off of an indemnification asset of $575,000 and restructuring and impairment costs of $766,000 in 2022. Includes a gain on the sale of a building of $515,000 and acquisition-related expenses of $223,000 in 2021. (e) Includes acquisition-related expenses of $376,000, $899,000 and $2,851,000 in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Includes a non-cash charge for the write-off of an indemnification asset of $126,000 in 2023. (f) Primarily consists of general and administrative expenses. (g) The Company does not allocate interest expense, net and other expense, net to its segments. (h) Excludes all intercompany receivables or payables and investment in subsidiary balances. (i) Primarily includes cash and cash equivalents, tax assets, ROU assets, and property, plant, and equipment, net. (j) Includes capital expenditures of $7,424,000 and $10,379,000 in 2023 and 2022, respectively, related to the construction of a new manufacturing facility in China (see Note 8 , Gain on Sale and Other Items, Net). (k) Revenue is attributed to countries based on customer location. (l) Represents property, plant, and equipment, net.

Earnings per Share

Earnings per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2023
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings per Share	Earnings per Share Basic and diluted EPS were calculated as follows: (In thousands, except per share amounts) December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 January 1, 2022 Net Income Attributable to Kadant $ 116,069 $ 120,928 $ 84,043 Basic Weighted Average Shares 11,700 11,654 11,579 Effect of Stock Options, Restricted Stock Units and Employee Stock Purchase Plan Shares 29 34 76 Diluted Weighted Average Shares 11,729 11,688 11,655 Basic Earnings per Share $ 9.92 $ 10.38 $ 7.26 Diluted Earnings per Share $ 9.90 $ 10.35 $ 7.21 The effect of outstanding and unvested RSUs of the Company's common stock totaling 17,100 shares in 2023, 7,500 shares in 2022, and 14,200 shares in 2021 was not included in the computation of diluted EPS for the respective periods as the effect would have been antidilutive or, for unvested performance-based RSUs, the performance conditions had not been met as of the end of the reporting periods.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Items	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2023
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Items	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Items Comprehensive income combines net income and other comprehensive items, which represent certain amounts that are reported as components of stockholders' equity in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. Changes in each component of AOCI, net of tax, are as follows: (In thousands) Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefit Liability Adjustments Deferred Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedges Total Balance at December 31, 2022 $ (54,488) $ (148) $ 58 $ (54,578) Other comprehensive items before reclassifications 11,475 124 3 11,602 Reclassifications from AOCI — 13 (99) (86) Net current period other comprehensive items 11,475 137 (96) 11,516 Balance at December 30, 2023 $ (43,013) $ (11) $ (38) $ (43,062) Amounts reclassified out of AOCI are as follows: (In thousands) December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 January 1, 2022 Statement of Income Line Item Retirement Benefit Plans Recognized net actuarial loss $ (9) $ (36) $ (50) Other expense, net Amortization of prior service cost (9) (10) (12) Other expense, net Total expense before income taxes (18) (46) (62) Income tax benefit 5 12 17 Provision for income taxes (13) (34) (45) Cash Flow Hedges (a) Interest rate swap agreements 136 (208) (451) Interest expense Forward currency-exchange contracts — — 157 SG&A expense Total income (expense) before income taxes 136 (208) (294) Income tax (provision) benefit (37) 50 70 Provision for income taxes 99 (158) (224) Total Reclassifications $ 86 $ (192) $ (269) (a) See Note 10 , Derivatives, for additional information.

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2023
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events Acquisitions On January 1, 2024, the Company acquired Key Knife, Inc. and certain of its affiliates (collectively, Key Knife) pursuant to a securities purchase agreement dated December 22, 2023, for approximately $156,000,000 in cash, subject to certain customary adjustments. Key Knife is a global supplier of engineered knife systems for custom chipping, planing, and flaking solutions for wood products industries, with revenue of approximately $65,000,000 for the twelve months ended September 30, 2023 and 141 employees in the United States and Canada. Key Knife is part of the Company's Industrial Processing segment. On January 24, 2024, the Company acquired all of the outstanding equity securities of KWS Manufacturing Company, Ltd. (KWS) for approximately $84,000,000 in cash, subject to certain customary adjustments. KWS is a leading manufacturer of conveying equipment for the bulk material handling industry, with revenue of approximately $45,000,000 for the twelve months ended September 30, 2023 and 165 employees in the United States. KWS is part of the Company's Material Handling segment. The Company expects several synergies in connection with these acquisitions, including expansion of product sales into new markets by leveraging Key Knife's and KWS' existing presence, strengthening of relationships and sourcing efficiencies. The excess of the purchase price for the acquisitions over the net assets acquired will be recorded as goodwill. The Company has not yet completed its preliminary assessment of the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in these acquisitions, including the valuation of intangible assets and goodwill, due to the proximity of the acquisitions to the issuance of these consolidated financial statements. Accordingly and as permitted by ASC 80 5, Business Combinations , the Company is unable to provide further disclosures, including the allocation of the purchase price and pro forma financial information, for these acquisitions at this time. Borrowings Under the Credit Agreement

Pay vs Performance Disclosure

Pay vs Performance Disclosure - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Jan. 01, 2022
Pay vs Performance Disclosure
Net Income Attributable to Kadant	$ 116,069	$ 120,928	$ 84,043

Insider Trading Arrangements

Insider Trading Arrangements	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2023
Trading Arrangements, by Individual
Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted	false
Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted	false
Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated	false
Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated	false

Nature of Operations and Summ_2

Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2023
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 The Company has adopted a fiscal year ending on the Saturday nearest to December 31. References to 2023, 2022, and 2021 are for the Company's fiscal years ended December 30, 2023 (fiscal 2023), December 31, 2022 (fiscal 2022) and January 1, 2022 (fiscal 2021).
Financial Statement Presentation	Financial Statement Presentation Certain reclassifications have been made to prior periods to conform with the current period presentation. Within operating activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows, the Company previously included certain non-cash movements between right-of-use assets and operating lease liabilities as a decrease in other assets and an increase in other liabilities, respectively. The Company recast the prior periods to exclude this non-cash movement, which did not result in a change to net cash provided by operating activities within the consolidated statement of cash flows in these periods.
Use of Estimates and Critical Accounting Policies	Use of Estimates and Critical Accounting Policies The preparation of consolidated 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 consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. 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	Revenue Recognition The Company recognizes revenue in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASC 606). Most of the Company’s revenue is recognized at a point in time for each performance obligation under the contract when the customer obtains control of the goods or service. Most of the Company’s parts and consumables products and its capital products with minimal customization are accounted for at a point in time. The Company has made a policy election to not treat the obligation to ship as a separate performance obligation under the contract and, as a result, the associated shipping costs are reflected in the cost of revenue when revenue is recognized. The remaining portion of the Company's revenue is recognized over time based on an input method that compares the costs incurred to date to the total expected costs required to satisfy the performance obligation. Contracts are accounted for on an over time basis when they include products which have no alternative use and an enforceable right to payment over time. Most of the contracts recognized on an over time basis are for large capital projects. These projects are highly customized for the customer and, as a result, would include a significant cost to rework in the event of cancellation. The transaction price includes estimated variable consideration where applicable. Such variable consideration relates to certain performance guarantees and rights to return the product. The Company estimates variable consideration as the most likely amount to which it expects to be entitled based on the terms of the contracts with customers and historical experience, where relevant. For contracts with multiple performance obligations, the transaction price is allocated to each performance obligation based on the relative stand-alone selling price. Contract assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet represent unbilled revenue associated with revenue recognized on contracts accounted for on an over time basis, which will be billed in future periods based on the contract terms. Contract liabilities consist of short- and long-term customer deposits, advanced billings, and deferred revenue. Deferred revenue is included in other current liabilities and long-term customer deposits are included in other long-term liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. Contract liabilities will be recognized as revenue in future periods once the revenue recognition criteria are met. The majority of the contract liabilities relate to advance payments on contracts accounted for at a point in time. These advance payments will be recognized as revenue when the Company's performance obligations have been satisfied, which typically occurs when the product has shipped and control of the asset has transferred to the customer. Customers in China will often settle their accounts receivable with banker's acceptance drafts, in which case cash settlement will be delayed until the drafts mature or are settled prior to maturity. For customers outside of China, final payment for the majority of the Company's products is received in the quarter following the product shipment. Certain of the Company's contracts include a longer period before final payment is due, which is typically within one year of final shipment or transfer of control to the customer. The Company includes in revenue amounts invoiced for shipping and handling with the corresponding costs reflected in cost of revenue. Provisions for discounts, warranties, returns and other adjustments are provided for in the period in which the related sale was 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.
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Credit Losses	Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Credit Losses Accounts receivable arise from sales on credit to customers, are recorded at the invoiced amount, and do not bear interest. The Company establishes an allowance for credit losses to reduce accounts receivable to the net amount expected to be collected. The Company exercises judgment in determining its allowance for credit losses, which is based on its historical collection and write-off experience, adjusted for current macroeconomic trends and conditions, credit policies, specific customer collection issues, and accounts receivable aging. 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.
Banker's Acceptance Drafts Included in Accounts Receivable	Banker's Acceptance Drafts Included in Accounts Receivable
Warranty Obligations	Warranty Obligations The Company's contracts covering the sale of its products include warranty provisions that provide assurance to its customers that the products will comply with agreed-upon specifications during a defined period of time. The Company provides for the estimated cost of product warranties at the time of sale based on the historical occurrence rates and repair costs, as well as knowledge of any specific warranty problems that indicate projected warranty costs may vary from historical patterns. The Company 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 these factors or actual results differ from the Company's estimates, revisions to the estimated warranty liability would be required.
Leases	Leases In accordance with ASC 842, Leases (ASC 842), the Company determines whether an arrangement is, or contains, a lease at inception. Operating lease liabilities are included in other current liabilities and other long-term liabilities and the corresponding right-of-use (ROU) assets are included in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. Classification of operating lease liabilities as either current or noncurrent is based on the expected timing of payments due under the Company’s lease obligations. ROU assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities with original contract terms greater than 12 months are recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at the commencement date. Operating leases with an original term of 12 months or less are not recorded in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. In determining the present value of future lease payments, the Company utilizes either the rate implicit in the lease if that rate is readily determinable or its incremental secured borrowing rate commensurate with the term of the underlying lease. Lease terms may include the effect of options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option. The Company recognizes operating lease expense for lease payments on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Variable lease costs are not included in fixed lease payments and, as a result, are excluded from the measurement of the ROU assets and lease liabilities. The Company expenses all variable lease costs as incurred. As a lessee, the Company accounts for the lease and non-lease components of its real estate and equipment leases as a single lease component. For vehicle leases, the Company does not combine lease and non-lease components.
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 30, 2023, 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.
Earnings per Share	Earnings per Share Basic earnings per share (EPS) is computed by dividing net income attributable to Kadant by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the year. Diluted EPS is computed using the treasury stock method assuming the effect of all potentially dilutive securities, including stock options (in 2021), restricted stock units (RSUs) and employee stock purchase plan shares.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash At year-end 2023 and 2022, cash equivalents included investments in money market funds and highly liquid short-term investments, 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	The Company's restricted cash generally serves as collateral for bank guarantees associated with providing assurance to customers that the Company will fulfill certain customer obligations entered into in the normal course of business and for certain banker's acceptance drafts issued to vendors. The majority of these restrictions will expire over the next twelve months.
Inventories	Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (on a first-in, first-out; or weighted average basis) or net realizable 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 revenue 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. Assets acquired as part of a business combination are initially recorded at fair value. 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. For construction in progress, no provision for depreciation is made until the assets are available and ready for use.
Intangible Assets, Net	Intangible assets are recorded at fair value at the date of acquisition. Subsequent impairment charges are reflected as a reduction in the gross balance, as applicable. Definite-lived intangible assets are stated net of accumulated amortization and currency translation in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. The Company amortizes definite-lived intangible assets over lives that have been determined based on the anticipated cash flow benefits of the intangible asset.
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	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Beginning in 2023, the Company evaluates the recoverability of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets as of the first day of the fourth quarter of each fiscal year, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the carrying value of an asset might be impaired. Prior to 2023, this evaluation was performed as of the end of each fiscal year, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the carrying value of an asset might be impaired. Potential impairment indicators include a significant decline in sales, earnings, or cash flows, material adverse changes in the business climate, and a significant decline in the market capitalization due to a sustained decrease in the Company's stock price. The Company is permitted to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the quantitative impairment test is necessary. If the qualitative assessment (Step 0) results in a determination that the fair value of a reporting unit or indefinite-lived intangible asset is more likely than not less than its carrying amount, the Company performs a quantitative impairment analysis (Step 1). The Company may bypass the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to the quantitative assessment. The Company assesses its definite-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 of the assets and their fair values calculated using projected discounted cash flows.
Business Combinations	Business Combinations The Company's acquisitions have been accounted for using the purchase method of accounting under ASC 805, Business Combinations (ASC 805), and the results of the acquired businesses have been included in its consolidated financial statements from their respective dates of acquisition. The Company accounts for all transactions and events in which it obtains control over a business under ASC 805 by establishing the acquisition date and recognizing the fair value of all assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The Company’s acquisitions have historically been made at prices above the fair value of identifiable net assets, resulting in goodwill, due to synergies expected to be realized by combining the businesses. While the Company uses its best estimates and assumptions as part of the purchase price allocation process to accurately value assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the business acquisition date, the estimates and assumptions are inherently uncertain and subject to refinement. As a result, during the purchase price allocation period, which is generally one year from the acquisition date, the Company records adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, with the corresponding offset to goodwill. For changes in the valuation of intangible assets between the preliminary and final purchase price allocation, the related amortization is adjusted in the period it occurs. Subsequent to the purchase price allocation period, any adjustment to assets acquired or liabilities assumed is included in operating results in the period in which the adjustment is determ
Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions	Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions All assets and liabilities of the Company's foreign subsidiaries are translated at fiscal year-end exchange rates, and revenue 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 14 , Accumulated Other Comprehensive Items). Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in the accompanying consolidated statement of income and are not material in the three years presented.
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation The Company recognizes compensation expense 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 price of the Company's common stock, reduced by the present value of estimated dividends foregone during the requisite service period. For time-based RSUs, compensation expense is recognized ratably over the requisite service period for the entire award based on the grant date fair value, and net of actual forfeitures recorded when they occur. For performance-based RSUs, compensation expense is recognized ratably over the requisite service period for each separately vesting portion of the award based on the grant date fair value, net of actual forfeitures recorded when they occur, and remeasured 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. Stock-Based Compensation Plans 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 price of the Company's common stock, reduced by the present value of estimated dividends foregone during the requisite service period. The Company grants RSUs to non-employee directors and certain employees. Holders of RSUs have no voting rights and are not entitled to receive cash dividends. Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units The Company grants performance-based RSUs to certain officers of the Company. Each performance-based RSU represents the right to receive one share of the Company's common stock upon vesting. The RSUs are subject to adjustment based on the achievement of a performance measure selected for the fiscal year, which historically has been a specified target for adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (adjusted EBITDA) generated from operations. Following the adjustment, the RSUs are subject to additional time-based vesting, and vest in three The performance-based RSU agreements provide for forfeiture in certain events, such as voluntary or involuntary termination of employment, and for acceleration of vesting in certain events, such as death, disability or a change in control of the Company. If death, disability, or a change in control occurs prior to the end of the performance period, the officer will receive the target RSU amount; otherwise, the officer will receive the number of deliverable RSUs based on the achievement of the performance goal, as stated in the RSU agreements. Time-Based Restricted Stock Units
Derivatives and Forward Currency-Exchange Contracts	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. If a contract is deemed 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 change in the fair value of a derivative not deemed to be a hedge is 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 consolidated 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 consolidated statement of income 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 accompanying consolidated statement of income. Forward Currency-Exchange Contracts The Company uses forward currency-exchange contracts that generally have maturities of twelve months or less to hedge exposures resulting from fluctuations in currency exchange rates. Such exposures result from assets and liabilities that are denominated in currencies other than the functional currencies of the Company's subsidiaries. Forward currency-exchange contracts that hedge forecasted accounts receivable or accounts payable are designated as cash flow hedges and unrecognized gains and losses are recorded to AOCI, net of tax. Deferred gains and losses are recognized in the statement of income in the period in which the underlying transaction occurs. The fair values of forward currency-exchange contracts that are designated as fair value hedges and forward currency-exchange contracts that are not designated as hedges are recognized currently in earnings.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted	Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted Business Combinations - Joint Venture Formations (Topic 805), Recognition and Initiation Measurement. In August 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2023-05, to address the diversity in practice on the accounting treatment of joint venture formations. Under this ASU, a joint venture is required to apply a new basis of accounting at its formation date by valuing the net assets contributed at fair value for both business and asset transactions. The value of the net assets in total is then allocated to individual assets and liabilities by applying Topic 805 with certain exceptions. This new guidance is effective for joint ventures with a formation date on or after January 1, 2025 and is required to be applied prospectively. Additionally, joint ventures with a formation date prior to January 1, 2025 have an option to elect to apply the guidance retrospectively, provided adequate information is available. The impact of the adoption of this ASU on the Company's consolidated financial statements will be dependent upon joint ventures formed in future periods. Segment Reporting - Improving Reportable Segment Disclosures (Topic 280). In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-07, to improve reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant expenses. Under this ASU, a company is required to enhance its segment disclosures to include significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker (CODM), a description of other segment items by reportable segment, and any additional measures of a segment's profit or loss used by the CODM when deciding how to allocate resources. This ASU also requires all annual disclosures currently required by Topic 280 to be included in interim periods. This ASU is effective for the Company's fiscal year ending December 28, 2024, and interim periods beginning in fiscal 2025, with early adoption permitted and requires retrospective application to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. The Company is currently evaluating the effects that the adoption of this ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements. Income Taxes - Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (Topic 740) . In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, to improve income tax disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures related to the income tax rate reconciliation and income taxes paid. This ASU is effective for fiscal 2025, with early adoption permitted and may be applied retrospectively. The Company is currently evaluating the effects that the adoption of this ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan	Employee Stock Purchase Plan
401(k) Savings and Other Defined Contribution Plans	401(k) Savings and Other Defined Contribution Plans The Company's U.S. subsidiaries participate in the Kadant Inc. 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan sponsored by the Company. Contributions to the plan are made by both the employee and the Company and are immediately vested. Company contributions are based upon the level of employee contributions.
Pension and Other Post-Retirement Defined Benefits Plans	Pension and Other Post-Retirement Defined Benefits Plans The Company sponsors pension and other post-retirement defined benefit plans covering employees at certain U.S. and foreign subsidiaries. In accordance with ASC 715, Compensation-Retirement Benefits , the Company recognizes the funded status of its plans as an asset or liability and changes in the funded status through AOCI, net of tax, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. The amounts in AOCI are recognized as net periodic benefit cost pursuant to the Company's accounting policy for amortizing such amounts. Actuarial gains and losses that arise in subsequent periods and are not recognized as net periodic benefit cost will be recognized as a component of AOCI, net of tax.
Commitments and Contingencies	Certain of the Company's contracts require the Company to provide a standby letter of credit or bank guarantee to a customer as beneficiary, limited in amount to a negotiated percentage of the total contract value, in order to guarantee warranty and performance obligations of the Company under the contract. Typically, these standby letters of credit and bank guarantees expire without being drawn by the beneficiary. Right of Recourse Contingencies In the ordinary course of business, the Company is, at times, required to issue limited performance guarantees, some of which do not require the issuance of letters of credit to customers in support of these guarantees, relating to its equipment and systems. The Company generally limits its liability under these guarantees to amounts typically capped at 10% or less of the value of the contract. The Company believes that it has adequate reserves for any potential liability in connection with such guarantees. Litigation From time to time, the Company is subject to various claims and legal proceedings covering a range of matters that arise in the ordinary course of business. Such litigation may include, but is not limited to, claims and counterclaims by and against the Company for breach of contract or warranty, canceled contracts, product liability, or bankruptcy-related claims. For legal proceedings in which a loss is probable and estimable, the Company accrues a loss based on the low end of the range of estimated loss when there is no better estimate within the range. If the Company were found to be liable for any of the claims or counterclaims against it, the Company would incur a charge against earnings for amounts in excess of legal accruals.
Fair Value Measurement	Fair value measurement is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. A fair value hierarchy is established, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value into three broad levels as follows: • Level 1—Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. • Level 2—Inputs, other than quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly. • Level 3—Unobservable inputs based on the Company's own assumptions. The Company uses the market approach technique to value its financial assets and liabilities, and there were no changes in valuation techniques during 2023. Banker's acceptance drafts are carried at face value which approximates their fair value due to the short-term nature of the negotiable instrument. The fair values of the forward currency-exchange contracts are based on quoted forward foreign exchange rates at the reporting date. The fair value of the 2018 Swap Agreement was based on USD LIBOR yield curves at the reporting date. The forward currency-exchange contracts and the 2018 Swap Agreement prior to its maturity were hedges of either recorded assets or liabilities or anticipated transactions and represent the estimated amount the Company would receive or pay upon liquidation of the contracts. Changes in values of the underlying hedged assets and liabilities or anticipated transactions are not reflected in the table above. The carrying value of the revolving credit facility approximates the fair value as the obligation bears variable rates of interest, which adjust frequently, based on prevailing market rates. The fair values of the senior promissory notes are primarily calculated based on quoted market rates plus an applicable margin available to the Company at the respective period ends, which represent Level 2 measurements.

Nature of Operations and Summ_3

Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2023
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Revenue recognition method and disaggregation of revenue by product type and geography	The following table presents revenue by revenue recognition method: (In thousands) December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 January 1, 2022 Point in Time $ 849,507 $ 807,966 $ 705,709 Over Time 108,165 96,773 80,870 $ 957,672 $ 904,739 $ 786,579 The following table presents the disaggregation of revenue by product type and geography: (In thousands) December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 January 1, 2022 Revenue by Product Type: Parts and Consumables $ 598,343 $ 572,988 $ 511,766 Capital 359,329 331,751 274,813 $ 957,672 $ 904,739 $ 786,579 Revenue by Geography (based on customer location): North America $ 538,658 $ 508,899 $ 420,382 Europe 245,154 233,790 220,578 Asia 113,511 113,932 103,810 Rest of World 60,349 48,118 41,809 $ 957,672 $ 904,739 $ 786,579
Contract balances from contracts with customers	The following table presents contract balances from contracts with customers: (In thousands) December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 Contract Assets $ 8,366 $ 14,898 Contract Liabilities $ 79,397 $ 82,413
Changes in allowance for credit losses	The changes in the allowance for credit losses are as follows: (In thousands) December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 January 1, 2022 Balance at Beginning of Year $ 3,595 $ 2,735 $ 2,977 Provision charged to expense 531 1,165 5 Accounts written off (89) (129) (178) Currency translation 53 (176) (69) Balance at End of Year $ 4,090 $ 3,595 $ 2,735
Changes in carrying amount of product warranty obligations	The changes in the carrying amount of product warranty obligations are as follows: (In thousands) December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 Balance at Beginning of Year $ 7,283 $ 7,298 Provision charged to expense 5,255 4,955 Usage (4,606) (4,587) Currency translation 222 (383) Balance at End of Year $ 8,154 $ 7,283
Reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents	The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash reported within the accompanying consolidated balance sheet that are shown in aggregate in the consolidated statement of cash flows: (In thousands) December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 January 1, 2022 Cash and cash equivalents $ 103,832 $ 76,371 $ 91,186 Restricted cash 2,621 3,354 2,975 Total Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash $ 106,453 $ 79,725 $ 94,161
Reconciliation of restricted cash	The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash reported within the accompanying consolidated balance sheet that are shown in aggregate in the consolidated statement of cash flows: (In thousands) December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 January 1, 2022 Cash and cash equivalents $ 103,832 $ 76,371 $ 91,186 Restricted cash 2,621 3,354 2,975 Total Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash $ 106,453 $ 79,725 $ 94,161
Supplemental cash flow information	Supplemental Cash Flow Information (In thousands) December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 January 1, 2022 Cash Paid for Interest $ 8,071 $ 6,053 $ 4,441 Cash Paid for Income Taxes, Net of Refunds $ 47,519 $ 36,971 $ 24,174 Non-Cash Investing Activities: Fair value of assets acquired $ 1,338 $ 2,785 $ 190,977 Cash paid for acquired businesses, net (1,074) (3,597) (152,661) Increase (decrease) in liabilities assumed $ 264 $ (812) $ 38,316 Purchase of property with outstanding loan receivable $ — $ 1,397 $ — Purchases of property, plant and equipment in accounts payable $ 4,453 $ 1,040 $ 363 Non-Cash Financing Activities: Issuance of Company common stock upon vesting of RSUs $ 5,163 $ 5,555 $ 4,108 Dividends declared but unpaid $ 3,395 $ 3,036 $ 2,905
Components of inventory	The components of inventories are as follows: (In thousands) December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 Raw Materials $ 66,738 $ 71,040 Work in Process 32,147 38,612 Finished Goods (includes $5,182 and $658 at customer locations) 53,792 54,020 $ 152,677 $ 163,672
Property, plant and equipment	Property, plant, and equipment consist of the following: (In thousands) December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 Land $ 10,769 $ 10,729 Buildings 92,631 68,915 Machinery, Equipment, and Leasehold Improvements 161,041 143,642 Construction in Progress 8,909 17,011 273,350 240,297 Less: Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization 132,846 121,442 $ 140,504 $ 118,855
Acquired intangible assets by major asset class	Acquired intangible assets by major asset class are as follows: (In thousands) Gross Accumulated Currency Net December 30, 2023 Definite-Lived Customer relationships $ 218,959 $ (108,519) $ (5,562) $ 104,878 Product technology 67,576 (43,786) (2,367) 21,423 Tradenames 7,039 (4,262) (388) 2,389 Other 20,320 (17,715) (604) 2,001 313,894 (174,282) (8,921) 130,691 Indefinite-Lived Tradenames 29,059 — (464) 28,595 Acquired Intangible Assets $ 342,953 $ (174,282) $ (9,385) $ 159,286 (In thousands) Gross Accumulated Currency Net December 31, 2022 Definite-Lived Customer relationships $ 218,782 $ (94,653) $ (7,045) $ 117,084 Product technology 67,548 (39,940) (2,754) 24,854 Tradenames 7,427 (3,903) (420) 3,104 Other 20,314 (17,338) (623) 2,353 314,071 (155,834) (10,842) 147,395 Indefinite-Lived Tradenames 29,059 — (809) 28,250 Acquired Intangible Assets $ 343,130 $ (155,834) $ (11,651) $ 175,645
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment are as follows: (In thousands) Flow Control Industrial Processing Material Handling Total Balance as of January 1, 2022 Gross balance $ 123,589 $ 214,982 $ 143,825 $ 482,396 Accumulated impairment losses — (85,509) — (85,509) Net balance 123,589 129,473 143,825 396,887 2022 Activity Acquisitions (Note 2) (a) (33) — 1,231 1,198 Impairment loss — (29) — (29) Currency translation (5,247) (5,063) (2,291) (12,601) Total 2022 activity (5,280) (5,092) (1,060) (11,432) Balance at December 31, 2022 Gross balance 118,309 209,919 142,765 470,993 Accumulated impairment losses — (85,538) — (85,538) Net balance 118,309 124,381 142,765 385,455 (In thousands) Flow Control Industrial Processing Material Handling Total 2023 Activity Acquisition (Note 2) $ — $ 793 $ 4 $ 797 Currency translation 2,473 2,020 1,339 5,832 Total 2023 activity 2,473 2,813 1,343 6,629 Balance at December 30, 2023 Gross balance 120,782 212,732 144,108 477,622 Accumulated impairment losses — (85,538) — (85,538) Net balance $ 120,782 $ 127,194 $ 144,108 $ 392,084
Goodwill by reporting unit	Goodwill by reporting unit is as follows: (In thousands) December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 Fluid-Handling $ 63,180 $ 62,426 Doctoring, Cleaning, & Filtration 57,602 55,883 Stock-Preparation 21,150 20,311 Wood Processing 106,044 104,070 Material Handling 144,108 142,765 $ 392,084 $ 385,455

Acquisitions (Tables)

Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2023
Business Combination and Asset Acquisition [Abstract]
Summary of assets acquired and liabilities assumed	The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed and the purchase price for Clouth and the Company's other acquisitions in 2021. Measurement period adjustments in 2022 were not material to the Company's results of operations. (In thousands) Clouth Other Total Net Assets Acquired: Cash and Cash Equivalents $ 4,923 $ 3,757 $ 8,680 Accounts Receivable 6,808 1,641 8,449 Inventories 14,255 5,000 19,255 Property, Plant, and Equipment 24,045 5,143 29,188 Other Assets 6,056 2,922 8,978 Definite-Lived Intangible Assets Customer relationships 20,192 23,100 43,292 Product technology 8,915 2,700 11,615 Tradenames — 1,400 1,400 Other 401 1,560 1,961 Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Tradenames 4,959 — 4,959 Goodwill 25,773 27,449 53,222 Total assets acquired 116,327 74,672 190,999 Short-term Obligations and Current Maturities of Long-term Obligations 1,393 — 1,393 Accounts Payable 1,287 797 2,084 Long-Term Deferred Income Taxes 9,013 6,760 15,773 Long-Term Obligations 4,244 — 4,244 Other Liabilities 8,240 6,929 15,169 Total liabilities assumed 24,177 14,486 38,663 Net assets acquired $ 92,150 $ 60,186 $ 152,336 Purchase Price: Cash Paid $ 92,150 $ 60,186 $ 152,336
Unaudited supplemental pro forma information	The following unaudited pro forma information provides the effect of the Company's 2021 acquisition of Clouth as if it had occurred at the beginning of 2020: (In thousands, except per share amounts) January 1, Revenue $ 812,016 Net Income Attributable to Kadant $ 90,184 Earnings per Share Attributable to Kadant Basic $ 7.79 Diluted $ 7.74

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2023
Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Components of pre-tax stock-based compensation expense	The components of pre-tax stock-based compensation expense included in SG&A expenses in the accompanying consolidated statement of income are as follows: (In thousands) December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 January 1, 2022 RSU Awards $ 9,376 $ 8,222 $ 8,224 Employee Stock Purchase Plan Awards 389 354 303 Total $ 9,765 $ 8,576 $ 8,527
Summary of activity of the unvested restricted stock units	A summary of the activity of the Company's unvested RSUs in 2023 is as follows: (In thousands, except per share amounts) Units Weighted Unvested RSUs at December 31, 2022 85 $ 153.98 Granted 51 $ 212.92 Vested (52) $ 149.62 Forfeited (1) $ 183.85 Unvested RSUs at December 30, 2023 83 $ 192.42

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2023
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of income from continuing operations before income taxes	The components of income before provision for income taxes are as follows: (In thousands) December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 January 1, 2022 Domestic $ 57,810 $ 46,558 $ 26,599 Foreign 101,206 119,078 85,453 $ 159,016 $ 165,636 $ 112,052
Components of the provision for income taxes from continuing operations	The components of the provision for income taxes are as follows: (In thousands) December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 January 1, 2022 Current Provision: Federal $ 12,402 $ 8,738 $ 2,173 Foreign 28,587 26,032 25,512 State 3,170 1,977 870 44,159 36,747 28,555 Deferred Provision (Benefit): Federal 48 1,970 1,823 Foreign (2,594) 4,233 (3,430) State 597 956 223 (1,949) 7,159 (1,384) $ 42,210 $ 43,906 $ 27,171
Income tax reconciliation	The provision for income taxes in the accompanying consolidated statement of income differs from the provision calculated by applying the statutory federal income tax rate of 21% to income before provision for income taxes due to the following: (In thousands) December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 January 1, 2022 Provision for Income Taxes at Statutory Rate $ 33,393 $ 34,784 $ 23,531 Increases (Decreases) Resulting From: Foreign tax rate differential 5,070 5,770 2,819 State income taxes, net of federal income tax 2,965 2,316 863 Nondeductible expenses 1,730 2,683 1,673 U.S. tax cost of foreign earnings 1,270 932 481 Provision for (reversal of) tax benefit reserves, net 386 (1,368) (444) Research and development tax credits (520) (425) (454) Excess tax benefit related to stock-based compensation (276) (377) (1,525) Change in valuation allowance (684) 318 (31) Other (1,124) (727) 258 $ 42,210 $ 43,906 $ 27,171
Net deferred tax (liability) asset	The Company's net deferred tax liability consists of the following: (In thousands) December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 Deferred Tax Asset: Net operating loss carryforwards $ 11,300 $ 13,057 Lease liabilities 6,820 6,031 Inventory basis difference 5,417 4,118 Employee compensation 4,690 3,697 Capitalized research expenses 4,159 3,398 Reserves and accruals 2,581 1,949 Allowance for credit losses 776 673 Foreign, state, and alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards 490 490 Other 214 122 Deferred tax asset, gross 36,447 33,535 Less: valuation allowance (7,829) (8,983) Deferred tax asset, net 28,618 24,552 Deferred Tax Liability: Goodwill and intangible assets (41,116) (41,129) Fixed asset basis difference (11,764) (11,438) ROU assets (5,969) (5,145) Provision for unremitted foreign earnings (1,153) (783) Other (2,361) (1,976) Deferred tax liability (62,363) (60,471) Net deferred tax liability $ (33,745) $ (35,919)
Unrecognized tax benefits	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows: (In thousands) December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Beginning of Year $ 10,354 $ 9,731 Gross Increases—Tax Positions in Prior Periods 44 2,116 Gross Decreases—Tax Positions in Prior Periods (37) (138) Gross Increases—Current-Period Tax Positions 1,589 1,260 Settlements (130) — Lapses of Statutes of Limitations (749) (2,251) Currency Translation 141 (364) Unrecognized Tax Benefits, End of Year $ 11,212 $ 10,354

Short- and Long-Term Obligati_2

Short- and Long-Term Obligations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2023
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Short- and long-term obligations	Short- and long-term obligations are as follows: (In thousands) December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 Revolving Credit Facility, due 2027 $ 98,761 $ 186,131 Senior Promissory Notes, due 2024 to 2028 8,330 10,000 Finance Leases, due 2024 to 2026 1,789 1,940 Other Borrowings, due 2024 to 2028 1,995 3,090 Total 110,875 201,161 Less: Short-Term Obligations and Current Maturities of Long-Term Obligations (3,209) (3,821) Long-Term Obligations $ 107,666 $ 197,340
Schedule of repayments of short-and long-term debt	The following schedule presents the annual repayment requirements for the Company’s short-and long-term obligations, excluding finance leases, as of year-end 2023. (In thousands) Total 2024 $ 2,226 2025 2,229 2026 2,119 2027 100,770 2028 1,742 $ 109,086

Gain on Sale and Other Items,_2

Gain on Sale and Other Items, Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2023
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Summary of items included in gain on sale and other items, net	The components of gain on sale and other items, net are as follows: (In thousands) December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 January 1, 2022 Gain on Sale of Assets $ — $ (20,190) $ (515) Other Income (841) — — Relocation Costs 798 — — Restructuring Costs 730 603 176 Impairment Costs 36 731 804 $ 723 $ (18,856) $ 465
Summary of changes in nontrade receivables	A summary of the change in the outstanding receivable on the China Transaction is as follows: (In thousands) Total Balance at Inception $ 17,294 Present value discount (1,212) Receivable recorded, net 16,082 Accretion of interest income 422 Currency translation (1,323) Balance at December 31, 2022 (included in other assets) 15,181 Accretion of interest income 545 Currency translation (316) Balance at December 30, 2023 (included in other current assets) $ 15,410
Summary of changes in accrued restructuring costs	A summary of the changes in accrued restructuring costs included in other current liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet, which are expected to be paid in the first half 2024, are as follows: (In thousands) Severance Costs Contract Termination Costs Facility and Other Closure Costs Total 2023 Restructuring Plans Provision $ 335 $ 366 $ 29 $ 730 Usage (138) (63) (29) (230) Currency translation 4 10 — 14 Balance at December 30, 2023 $ 201 $ 313 $ — $ 514 2021 Restructuring Plan Provision $ 176 $ — $ — $ 176 Usage (19) — — (19) Currency translation (1) — — (1) Balance at January 1, 2022 156 — — 156 Provision 205 — 398 603 Usage (159) — (231) (390) Currency translation (13) — 33 20 Balance at December 31, 2022 189 — 200 389 Usage (187) — (199) (386) Currency translation (2) — (1) (3) Balance at December 30, 2023 $ — $ — $ — $ —

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2023
Leases [Abstract]
Components of lease expense	The components of lease expense are as follows: (In thousands) December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 January 1, 2022 Operating Lease Cost (a) $ 6,355 $ 5,870 $ 5,895 Short-Term Lease Cost 698 697 674 Finance Lease Cost: ROU asset amortization 1,103 1,026 1,045 Interest on lease liabilities 74 52 46 Total Finance Lease Cost 1,177 1,078 1,091 Total Lease Costs $ 8,230 $ 7,645 $ 7,660 (a) Includes variable lease costs of $961,000 in 2023, $478,000 in 2022, and $670,000 in 2021. Supplemental cash flow information related to leases is as follows: (In thousands) December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 January 1, 2022 Cash Paid for Amounts Included in the Measurement of Lease Liabilities: Operating cash flows from operating leases $ 6,475 $ 6,159 $ 12,474 Operating cash flows from finance leases $ 74 $ 51 $ 46 Financing cash flows from finance leases $ 1,100 $ 1,002 $ 1,044 ROU Assets Obtained in Exchange for Lease Obligations: Operating leases $ 8,120 $ 4,002 $ 7,247 Finance leases $ 989 $ 1,468 $ 1,147
Supplemental balance sheet information	Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases is as follows: (In thousands) Balance Sheet Line Item December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 Operating Leases: ROU assets Other assets 25,129 22,642 Total operating lease assets $ 25,129 $ 22,642 Short-term liabilities Other current liabilities $ 5,389 $ 4,458 Long-term liabilities Other long-term liabilities 19,350 17,817 Total operating lease liabilities $ 24,739 $ 22,275 Finance Leases: ROU assets, at cost Property, plant, and equipment, at cost $ 4,037 $ 3,901 ROU assets accumulated amortization Accumulated depreciation and amortization (2,288) (1,994) ROU assets, net Property, plant, and equipment, net $ 1,749 $ 1,907 Short-term obligations Short-term obligations and current maturities of long-term obligations $ 983 $ 981 Long-term obligations Long-term obligations 806 959 Total finance lease liabilities $ 1,789 $ 1,940 December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term (in years): Operating leases 6.8 8.0 Finance leases 2.0 2.2 Weighted Average Discount Rate: Operating leases 4.08 % 3.88 % Finance leases 4.71 % 3.79 %
Future lease payments for operating lease liabilities	As of December 30, 2023, future lease payments for lease liabilities are as follows: Operating Finance (In thousands) Leases Leases 2024 $ 6,282 $ 1,043 2025 4,982 646 2026 3,986 185 2027 3,309 — 2028 2,093 — 2029 and Thereafter 7,829 — Total Future Lease Payments 28,481 1,874 Less: Imputed Interest (3,742) (85) Present Value of Lease Payments $ 24,739 $ 1,789
Future lease payments for finance lease liabilities	As of December 30, 2023, future lease payments for lease liabilities are as follows: Operating Finance (In thousands) Leases Leases 2024 $ 6,282 $ 1,043 2025 4,982 646 2026 3,986 185 2027 3,309 — 2028 2,093 — 2029 and Thereafter 7,829 — Total Future Lease Payments 28,481 1,874 Less: Imputed Interest (3,742) (85) Present Value of Lease Payments $ 24,739 $ 1,789

Derivatives (Tables)

Derivatives (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2023
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Fair value of derivative instruments	The following table summarizes the fair value of derivative instruments in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet: December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 (In thousands) Balance Sheet Asset Notional Asset Notional Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments: Derivatives in an Asset Position: 2018 Swap Agreement Other Current Assets $ — $ — $ 131 $ 15,000 Derivatives in a Liability Position: Forward currency-exchange contract Other Current $ (51) $ 430 $ (54) $ 430 Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments: Derivatives in an Asset Position: Forward currency-exchange contracts Other Current Assets $ 8 $ 701 $ 15 $ 647 (a) See Note 11 , Fair Value Measurements and Fair Value of Financial Instruments, for the fair value measurements relating to these financial instruments. (b) The year-end 2023 notional amounts are indicative of the level of the Company's recurring derivative activity during the year.
Activity in accumulated other comprehensive items (AOCI)	The following table summarizes the activity in AOCI associated with the Company's derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges as of and for the year ended December 30, 2023: (In thousands) Interest Rate Swap Forward Currency- Total Unrealized Gain (Loss), Net of Tax, at December 31, 2022 $ 99 $ (41) $ 58 Gain reclassified to earnings (a) (99) — (99) Gain recognized in AOCI — 3 3 Unrealized Loss, Net of Tax, at December 30, 2023 $ — $ (38) $ (38) (a) See Note 14 , Accumulated Other Comprehensive Items, for the income statement classification.

Fair Value Measurements and F_2

Fair Value Measurements and Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2023
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair value hierarchy of assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis	The following table presents the fair value hierarchy for those assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis: Fair Value as of December 30, 2023 (In thousands) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets: Money market funds and time deposits $ 14,795 $ — $ — $ 14,795 Banker's acceptance drafts (a) $ — $ 10,826 $ — $ 10,826 Forward currency-exchange contracts $ — $ 8 $ — $ 8 Liabilities: Forward currency-exchange contract $ — $ 51 $ — $ 51 Fair Value as of December 31, 2022 (In thousands) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets: Money market funds and time deposits $ 8,351 $ — $ — $ 8,351 Banker's acceptance drafts (a) $ — $ 5,729 $ — $ 5,729 2018 Swap Agreement (b) $ 131 $ 131 Forward currency-exchange contracts $ — $ 15 $ — $ 15 Liabilities: Forward currency-exchange contract $ — $ 54 $ — $ 54 (a) Included in accounts receivable in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. (b) The 2018 Swap Agreement matured on June 30, 2023.
Carrying value and fair value of debt obligations, excluding lease obligations	The carrying value and fair value of the Company's debt obligations, excluding lease obligations, are as follows: December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 (In thousands) Carrying Fair Carrying Fair Debt Obligations: Revolving credit facility $ 98,761 $ 98,761 $ 186,131 $ 186,131 Senior promissory notes 8,330 8,182 10,000 9,773 Other 1,995 1,995 3,090 3,090 $ 109,086 $ 108,938 $ 199,221 $ 198,994

Business Segment and Geograph_2

Business Segment and Geographical Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2023
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Business segment information	The following table presents financial information for the Company's reportable operating segments: (In thousands) December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 January 1, 2022 Revenue Flow Control (a) $ 363,451 $ 349,107 $ 288,788 Industrial Processing 354,703 353,698 328,762 Material Handling (b) 239,518 201,934 169,029 $ 957,672 $ 904,739 $ 786,579 Income Before Provision for Income Taxes Flow Control (c) $ 95,249 $ 89,942 $ 65,509 Industrial Processing (d) 69,281 89,754 66,569 Material Handling (e) 40,692 27,644 17,543 Corporate (f) (39,465) (36,058) (32,911) Total operating income 165,757 171,282 116,710 Interest expense, net (g) (6,640) (5,574) (4,554) Other expense, net (g) (101) (72) (104) $ 159,016 $ 165,636 $ 112,052 Total Assets (h) Flow Control $ 391,719 $ 386,804 $ 382,379 Industrial Processing 443,189 419,095 405,575 Material Handling 326,226 336,492 334,785 Corporate (i) 14,531 7,490 9,473 $ 1,175,665 $ 1,149,881 $ 1,132,212 Depreciation and Amortization Flow Control $ 9,047 $ 9,179 $ 8,366 Industrial Processing 11,798 12,575 13,467 Material Handling 12,379 13,085 12,341 Corporate 73 97 128 $ 33,297 $ 34,936 $ 34,302 Capital Expenditures Flow Control $ 5,920 $ 4,425 $ 4,128 Industrial Processing (j) 22,068 20,137 6,412 Material Handling 3,834 3,575 2,211 Corporate 28 62 20 $ 31,850 $ 28,199 $ 12,771 (In thousands) December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 January 1, 2022 Geographical Information Revenue (k): United States $ 448,600 $ 404,835 $ 328,456 China 81,458 85,500 82,121 Canada 73,183 87,951 79,426 Germany 43,036 45,994 37,178 Other 311,395 280,459 259,398 $ 957,672 $ 904,739 $ 786,579 Long-lived Assets (l): United States $ 48,394 $ 47,483 $ 43,418 China (j) 24,380 15,834 6,613 Germany 20,953 22,437 25,188 Finland 19,958 8,942 7,347 Canada 9,136 8,344 8,460 Other 17,683 15,815 16,963 $ 140,504 $ 118,855 $ 107,989 (a) Includes results from Clouth, which was acquired between July 19, 2021 and August 10, 2021 (see Note 2 , Acquisitions). (b) Includes results from Balemaster, which was acquired on August 23, 2021 (see Note 2 , Acquisitions). (c) Includes restructuring and impairment costs of $766,000, $568,000 and $980,000 in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Includes acquisition-related expenses of $254,000 and $6,191,000 in 2022 and 2021, respectively. Acquisition-related expenses include acquisition costs and amortization expense associated with acquired profit in inventory and backlog. Includes non-cash charges for the write-off of indemnification assets of $741,000 in 2022. (d) Includes other income of $841,000, acquisition costs of $1,066,000, and relocation costs of $798,000 in 2023. Includes a gain on the sale of a facility of $20,190,000 (see Note 8 , Gain on Sale and Other Items, Net), non-cash charges for the write-off of an indemnification asset of $575,000 and restructuring and impairment costs of $766,000 in 2022. Includes a gain on the sale of a building of $515,000 and acquisition-related expenses of $223,000 in 2021. (e) Includes acquisition-related expenses of $376,000, $899,000 and $2,851,000 in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Includes a non-cash charge for the write-off of an indemnification asset of $126,000 in 2023. (f) Primarily consists of general and administrative expenses. (g) The Company does not allocate interest expense, net and other expense, net to its segments. (h) Excludes all intercompany receivables or payables and investment in subsidiary balances. (i) Primarily includes cash and cash equivalents, tax assets, ROU assets, and property, plant, and equipment, net. (j) Includes capital expenditures of $7,424,000 and $10,379,000 in 2023 and 2022, respectively, related to the construction of a new manufacturing facility in China (see Note 8 , Gain on Sale and Other Items, Net). (k) Revenue is attributed to countries based on customer location. (l) Represents property, plant, and equipment, net.

Earnings per Share (Tables)

Earnings per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2023
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basic and diluted earnings per share	Basic and diluted EPS were calculated as follows: (In thousands, except per share amounts) December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 January 1, 2022 Net Income Attributable to Kadant $ 116,069 $ 120,928 $ 84,043 Basic Weighted Average Shares 11,700 11,654 11,579 Effect of Stock Options, Restricted Stock Units and Employee Stock Purchase Plan Shares 29 34 76 Diluted Weighted Average Shares 11,729 11,688 11,655 Basic Earnings per Share $ 9.92 $ 10.38 $ 7.26 Diluted Earnings per Share $ 9.90 $ 10.35 $ 7.21

Accumulated Other Comprehensi_2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Items (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2023
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Components of accumulated other comprehensive items in the balance sheet	Changes in each component of AOCI, net of tax, are as follows: (In thousands) Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefit Liability Adjustments Deferred Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedges Total Balance at December 31, 2022 $ (54,488) $ (148) $ 58 $ (54,578) Other comprehensive items before reclassifications 11,475 124 3 11,602 Reclassifications from AOCI — 13 (99) (86) Net current period other comprehensive items 11,475 137 (96) 11,516 Balance at December 30, 2023 $ (43,013) $ (11) $ (38) $ (43,062)
Reclassification out of accumulated other comprehensive items	Amounts reclassified out of AOCI are as follows: (In thousands) December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 January 1, 2022 Statement of Income Line Item Retirement Benefit Plans Recognized net actuarial loss $ (9) $ (36) $ (50) Other expense, net Amortization of prior service cost (9) (10) (12) Other expense, net Total expense before income taxes (18) (46) (62) Income tax benefit 5 12 17 Provision for income taxes (13) (34) (45) Cash Flow Hedges (a) Interest rate swap agreements 136 (208) (451) Interest expense Forward currency-exchange contracts — — 157 SG&A expense Total income (expense) before income taxes 136 (208) (294) Income tax (provision) benefit (37) 50 70 Provision for income taxes 99 (158) (224) Total Reclassifications $ 86 $ (192) $ (269) (a) See Note 10 , Derivatives, for additional information.

Nature of Operations and Summ_4

Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2023 USD ($) segment	Dec. 31, 2022 USD ($)	Jan. 01, 2022 USD ($)
Nature of Operations [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments | segment	3
Revenue recognized from contract liabilities	$ 65,562	$ 61,804
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, amount	$ 38,458
Maturity period for bank acceptance	6 months
Due from bankers acceptances drafts	$ 10,826	5,729
Impairment of intangible assets, finite-and definite lived	36	731	$ 804
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired	$ 211
Weighted average useful life of acquired intangible assets	13 years
Amortization expense of acquired intangible assets	$ 18,448	20,507	20,869
Estimated Future Amortization Expense [Abstract]
2024	17,634
2025	15,671
2026	15,170
2027	14,262
2028	13,069
Thereafter	54,885
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Estimated Future Amortization Expense [Abstract]
Acquisition related costs	$ 1,442	$ 668	$ 3,655
Joint Venture with an Italian Company
Nature of Operations [Line Items]
Remaining ownership interest with an option to purchase	50%
Italian Company | Joint Venture with an Italian Company
Nature of Operations [Line Items]
Ownership interest	50%

Nature of Operations and Summ_5

Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Revenue Recognition by Product Type, Geography and Revenue Recognition Method (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Jan. 01, 2022
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 957,672	$ 904,739	$ 786,579
North America
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	538,658	508,899	420,382
Europe
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	245,154	233,790	220,578
Asia
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	113,511	113,932	103,810
Rest of World
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	60,349	48,118	41,809
Parts and Consumables
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	598,343	572,988	511,766
Capital
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	359,329	331,751	274,813
Point in Time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	849,507	807,966	705,709
Over Time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 108,165	$ 96,773	$ 80,870

Nature of Operations and Summ_6

Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Revenue from Contract with Customers (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Contract Assets	$ 8,366	$ 14,898
Contract Liabilities	$ 79,397	$ 82,413

Nature of Operations and Summ_7

Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Performance Obligations Narrative (Details)	Dec. 30, 2023
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2023-12-31
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, percent	88%
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction after the twelve month period	12 months
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2024-12-29
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, percent	12%
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction after the twelve month period

Nature of Operations and Summ_8

Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Changes in the Allowance for Credit Losses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Jan. 01, 2022
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Year	$ 3,595	$ 2,735	$ 2,977
Provision charged to expense	531	1,165	5
Accounts written off	(89)	(129)	(178)
Currency translation	53	(176)	(69)
Balance at End of Year	$ 4,090	$ 3,595	$ 2,735

Nature of Operations and Summ_9

Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Product Warranty (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Changes in the carrying amount of accrued warranty costs [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Year	$ 7,283	$ 7,298
Provision charged to expense	5,255	4,955
Usage	(4,606)	(4,587)
Currency translation	222	(383)
Balance at End of Year	$ 8,154	$ 7,283

Nature of Operations and Sum_10

Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Jan. 01, 2022	Jan. 02, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 103,832	$ 76,371	$ 91,186
Restricted cash	2,621	3,354	2,975
Total Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash	$ 106,453	$ 79,725	$ 94,161	$ 66,640

Nature of Operations and Sum_11

Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Jan. 01, 2022
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Cash Paid for Interest	$ 8,071	$ 6,053	$ 4,441
Cash Paid for Income Taxes, Net of Refunds	47,519	36,971	24,174
Non-Cash Investing Activities:
Fair value of assets acquired	1,338	2,785	190,977
Cash paid for acquired businesses, net	(1,074)	(3,597)	(152,661)
Increase (decrease) in liabilities assumed	264	(812)	38,316
Purchase of property with outstanding loan receivable	0	1,397	0
Purchases of property, plant and equipment in accounts payable	4,453	1,040	363
Non-Cash Financing Activities:
Issuance of Company common stock upon vesting of RSUs	5,163	5,555	4,108
Dividends declared but unpaid	$ 3,395	$ 3,036	$ 2,905

Nature of Operations and Sum_12

Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Inventory (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Raw Materials	$ 66,738	$ 71,040
Work in Process	32,147	38,612
Finished Goods	53,792	54,020
Inventories	152,677	163,672
Finished goods, at customer locations	$ 5,182	$ 658

Nature of Operations and Sum_13

Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Jan. 01, 2022
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 273,350	$ 240,297
Less: Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization	132,846	121,442
Property, plant and equipment, at cost, net	140,504	118,855
Depreciation and amortization expense for property, plant and equipment and finance lease right-of-use asset	14,849	14,429	$ 13,433
Land
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	10,769	10,729
Buildings
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	92,631	68,915
Machinery, Equipment, and Leasehold Improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	161,041	143,642
Construction in Progress
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 8,909	$ 17,011
Minimum | Machinery and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life (years)	2 years
Minimum | Buildings
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life (years)	10 years
Maximum | Machinery and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life (years)	10 years
Maximum | Buildings
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life (years)	40 years

Nature of Operations and Sum_14

Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross	$ 313,894	$ 314,071
Accumulated Amortization	(174,282)	(155,834)
Currency Translation	(8,921)	(10,842)
Net	130,691	147,395
Acquired Intangible Assets
Gross	342,953	343,130
Accumulated Amortization	(174,282)	(155,834)
Currency Translation	(9,385)	(11,651)
Net	159,286	175,645
Tradenames
Indefinite-Lived
Gross	29,059	29,059
Currency Translation	(464)	(809)
Net	28,595	28,250
Customer relationships
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross	218,959	218,782
Accumulated Amortization	(108,519)	(94,653)
Currency Translation	(5,562)	(7,045)
Net	104,878	117,084
Acquired Intangible Assets
Accumulated Amortization	(108,519)	(94,653)
Product technology
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross	67,576	67,548
Accumulated Amortization	(43,786)	(39,940)
Currency Translation	(2,367)	(2,754)
Net	21,423	24,854
Acquired Intangible Assets
Accumulated Amortization	(43,786)	(39,940)
Tradenames
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross	7,039	7,427
Accumulated Amortization	(4,262)	(3,903)
Currency Translation	(388)	(420)
Net	2,389	3,104
Acquired Intangible Assets
Accumulated Amortization	(4,262)	(3,903)
Other
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross	20,320	20,314
Accumulated Amortization	(17,715)	(17,338)
Currency Translation	(604)	(623)
Net	2,001	2,353
Acquired Intangible Assets
Accumulated Amortization	$ (17,715)	$ (17,338)

Nature of Operations and Sum_15

Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill By Segment (Details) - USD ($)			12 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2023	Oct. 01, 2022	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Gross balance, beginning balance			$ 470,993,000	$ 482,396,000
Accumulated impairment losses			(85,538,000)	(85,509,000)
Net balance, beginning balance			385,455,000	396,887,000
Acquisitions (Note 2)			797,000	1,198,000
Impairment loss	$ 0	$ 0		(29,000)
Currency translation			5,832,000	(12,601,000)
Goodwill period activity			6,629,000	(11,432,000)
Gross balance, ending balance			477,622,000	470,993,000
Accumulated impairment losses			(85,538,000)	(85,538,000)
Net balance, ending balance			392,084,000	385,455,000
Gross balance			477,622,000	470,993,000
Accumulated impairment losses			(85,538,000)	(85,538,000)
Net balance			392,084,000	385,455,000
2022 Business Acquisitions
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Acquisitions (Note 2)				1,733,000
Operating Segments | Flow Control
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Gross balance, beginning balance			118,309,000	123,589,000
Accumulated impairment losses			0	0
Net balance, beginning balance			118,309,000	123,589,000
Acquisitions (Note 2)			0	(33,000)
Impairment loss				0
Currency translation			2,473,000	(5,247,000)
Goodwill period activity			2,473,000	(5,280,000)
Gross balance, ending balance			120,782,000	118,309,000
Accumulated impairment losses			0	0
Net balance, ending balance			120,782,000	118,309,000
Gross balance			120,782,000	118,309,000
Accumulated impairment losses			0	0
Net balance			120,782,000	118,309,000
Operating Segments | Industrial Processing
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Gross balance, beginning balance			209,919,000	214,982,000
Accumulated impairment losses			(85,538,000)	(85,509,000)
Net balance, beginning balance			124,381,000	129,473,000
Acquisitions (Note 2)			793,000	0
Impairment loss				(29,000)
Currency translation			2,020,000	(5,063,000)
Goodwill period activity			2,813,000	(5,092,000)
Gross balance, ending balance			212,732,000	209,919,000
Accumulated impairment losses			(85,538,000)	(85,538,000)
Net balance, ending balance			127,194,000	124,381,000
Gross balance			212,732,000	209,919,000
Accumulated impairment losses			(85,538,000)	(85,538,000)
Net balance			127,194,000	124,381,000
Operating Segments | Material Handling
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Gross balance, beginning balance			142,765,000	143,825,000
Accumulated impairment losses			0	0
Net balance, beginning balance			142,765,000	143,825,000
Acquisitions (Note 2)			4,000	1,231,000
Impairment loss				0
Currency translation			1,339,000	(2,291,000)
Goodwill period activity			1,343,000	(1,060,000)
Gross balance, ending balance			144,108,000	142,765,000
Accumulated impairment losses			0	0
Net balance, ending balance			144,108,000	142,765,000
Gross balance			144,108,000	142,765,000
Accumulated impairment losses			0	0
Net balance			$ 144,108,000	$ 142,765,000

Nature of Operations and Sum_16

Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Goodwill By Reporting Unit (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Jan. 01, 2022
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 392,084	$ 385,455	$ 396,887
Fluid-Handling
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	63,180	62,426
Doctoring, Cleaning, & Filtration
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	57,602	55,883
Stock-Preparation
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	21,150	20,311
Wood Processing
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	106,044	104,070
Material Handling
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 144,108	$ 142,765

Acquisitions - 2023 Acquisition

Acquisitions - 2023 Acquisition Additional Information (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 19, 2023 USD ($)
Sweden | 2023 Business Acquisitions | Industrial Processing
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Consideration transferred	$ 895

Acquisitions - 2022 Acquisition

Acquisitions - 2022 Acquisition Additional Information (Details) $ in Thousands	Nov. 14, 2022 USD ($)
Canada | 2022 Business Acquisitions | Material Handling
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Consideration transferred	$ 3,622

Acquisitions - 2021 Acquisition

Acquisitions - 2021 Acquisition Additional Information (Details)			3 Months Ended		4 Months Ended	5 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 02, 2021 USD ($) facility	Aug. 23, 2021 USD ($)	Jan. 01, 2022 USD ($)	Oct. 02, 2021 USD ($) facility	Jan. 01, 2022 USD ($)	Jan. 01, 2022 USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2023 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2022 USD ($)	Jan. 01, 2022 USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill			$ 396,887,000		$ 396,887,000	$ 396,887,000	$ 392,084,000	$ 385,455,000	$ 396,887,000
Payments to acquire businesses, net of cash acquired							905,000	$ 3,474,000	143,981,000
Industrial Processing
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition related costs							$ 1,066,000		223,000
Clouth
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Consideration transferred				$ 92,864,000
Goodwill	$ 25,773,000			25,773,000
Goodwill, expected tax deductible amount	$ 7,116,000			7,116,000
Goodwill, expected deductible term (in years)	15 years
Intangible assets other than goodwill acquired	$ 34,467,000			34,467,000
Intangible assets other than goodwill, expected tax deductible amount	$ 6,444,000			$ 6,444,000
Revenue from the date of acquisition						23,221,000
Operating loss from date of acquisition						4,068,000
Amortization expense						3,481,000
Acquisition related costs						2,710,000
Clouth | Germany
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of manufacturing facilities | facility	3			3
Clouth | Poland
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of manufacturing facilities | facility	1			1
Balemaster
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill		$ 26,334,000
Goodwill, expected tax deductible amount		0
Intangible assets other than goodwill acquired		28,060,000
Intangible assets other than goodwill, expected tax deductible amount		0
Revenue from the date of acquisition					9,038,000
Operating loss from date of acquisition					641,000
Amortization expense					2,042,000
Acquisition related costs					782,000
Payments to acquire businesses, net of cash acquired		$ 53,547,000
Other
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill			27,449,000		$ 27,449,000	$ 27,449,000			$ 27,449,000
Other | Industrial Processing | India
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Consideration transferred			$ 2,882,000

Acquisitions - 2021 Acquisiti_2

Acquisitions - 2021 Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 02, 2021	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Jan. 01, 2022	Aug. 23, 2021
Net Assets Acquired:
Goodwill		$ 392,084	$ 385,455	$ 396,887
Purchase Price:
Cash Paid		$ 1,074	$ 3,597	152,661
Weighted average useful life of acquired intangible assets		13 years
2021 Acquisitions
Net Assets Acquired:
Cash and Cash Equivalents				8,680
Accounts Receivable				8,449
Inventories				19,255
Property, Plant, and Equipment				29,188
Other Assets				8,978
Goodwill				53,222
Total assets acquired				190,999
Short-term Obligations and Current Maturities of Long-term Obligations				1,393
Accounts Payable				2,084
Long-Term Deferred Income Taxes				15,773
Long-Term Obligations				4,244
Other Liabilities				15,169
Total liabilities assumed				38,663
Net assets acquired				152,336
Purchase Price:
Cash Paid				152,336
2021 Acquisitions | Tradenames
Net Assets Acquired:
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets				4,959
2021 Acquisitions | Customer relationships
Net Assets Acquired:
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets				43,292
2021 Acquisitions | Product technology
Net Assets Acquired:
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets				11,615
2021 Acquisitions | Tradenames
Net Assets Acquired:
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets				1,400
2021 Acquisitions | Other
Net Assets Acquired:
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets				1,961
Clouth
Net Assets Acquired:
Cash and Cash Equivalents	$ 4,923
Accounts Receivable	6,808
Inventories	14,255
Property, Plant, and Equipment	24,045
Other Assets	6,056
Goodwill	25,773
Total assets acquired	116,327
Short-term Obligations and Current Maturities of Long-term Obligations	1,393
Accounts Payable	1,287
Long-Term Deferred Income Taxes	9,013
Long-Term Obligations	4,244
Other Liabilities	8,240
Total liabilities assumed	24,177
Net assets acquired	92,150
Purchase Price:
Cash Paid	$ 92,150
Weighted average useful life of acquired intangible assets	19 years
Clouth | Tradenames
Net Assets Acquired:
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets	$ 4,959
Clouth | Customer relationships
Net Assets Acquired:
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets	$ 20,192
Purchase Price:
Weighted average useful life of acquired intangible assets	24 years
Clouth | Product technology
Net Assets Acquired:
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets	$ 8,915
Purchase Price:
Weighted average useful life of acquired intangible assets	10 years
Clouth | Tradenames
Net Assets Acquired:
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets	$ 0
Clouth | Other
Net Assets Acquired:
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets	$ 401
Other
Net Assets Acquired:
Cash and Cash Equivalents				3,757
Accounts Receivable				1,641
Inventories				5,000
Property, Plant, and Equipment				5,143
Other Assets				2,922
Goodwill				27,449
Total assets acquired				74,672
Short-term Obligations and Current Maturities of Long-term Obligations				0
Accounts Payable				797
Long-Term Deferred Income Taxes				6,760
Long-Term Obligations				0
Other Liabilities				6,929
Total liabilities assumed				14,486
Net assets acquired				60,186
Purchase Price:
Cash Paid				$ 60,186
Weighted average useful life of acquired intangible assets				16 years
Other | Tradenames
Net Assets Acquired:
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets				$ 0
Other | Customer relationships
Net Assets Acquired:
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets				$ 23,100
Purchase Price:
Weighted average useful life of acquired intangible assets				17 years
Other | Product technology
Net Assets Acquired:
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets				$ 2,700
Purchase Price:
Weighted average useful life of acquired intangible assets				13 years
Other | Tradenames
Net Assets Acquired:
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets				$ 1,400
Purchase Price:
Weighted average useful life of acquired intangible assets				16 years
Other | Other
Net Assets Acquired:
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets				$ 1,560
Balemaster
Net Assets Acquired:
Goodwill					$ 26,334

Acquisitions - 2021 Acquisiti_3

Acquisitions - 2021 Acquisition Pro Forma Information (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Jan. 01, 2022
Earnings per Share Attributable to Kadant
Cost of revenue	$ 541,366	$ 515,184	$ 449,214
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	$ 236,264	$ 224,405	208,787
Clouth
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]
Revenue			812,016
Net Income Attributable to Kadant			$ 90,184
Earnings per Share Attributable to Kadant
Basic (in dollars per share)			$ 7.79
Diluted (in dollars per share)			$ 7.74
Clouth | Inventory revalued
Earnings per Share Attributable to Kadant
Cost of revenue			$ 3,082
Clouth | Acquisition-related Costs
Earnings per Share Attributable to Kadant
Selling, general, and administrative expenses			2,710
Amortization			$ 399

Employee Benefit Plans - Additi

Employee Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	May 31, 2022	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Jan. 01, 2022
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Number of shares available for grant (in shares)		281,708
Cost recognized, defined contribution plan		$ 5,607	$ 5,151	$ 4,706
Restricted stock units for non employee directors (RSUs)
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Granted (in shares)	470	868	941	1,009
Performance-based restricted stock units
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Shares received upon vesting (in shares)		1
Vesting period (years)		3 years
Compensation cost not yet recognized		$ 3,693
Compensation cost not yet recognized, recognition period		1 year 4 months 24 days
Time-based restricted stock units
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Shares received upon vesting (in shares)		1
Compensation cost not yet recognized		$ 3,954
Compensation cost not yet recognized, recognition period		1 year 9 months 18 days
Restricted stock unit awards
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Granted (in shares)		51,000
Weighted average grant date fair value, granted (in dollars per share)		$ 212.92	$ 170.76	$ 174.52
Fair value of awards vested in period		$ 7,834	$ 8,337	$ 5,892
Stock option awards
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Vesting period (years)		3 years
Options outstanding (in shares)		0	0	0
Intrinsic value of options exercised				$ 4,986
Cash received from options exercised				$ 665
Employee stock purchase plan awards
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Number of shares available for grant (in shares)		82,532
Discount to market under the ESOP		15%
Maximum period of restriction on resale under ESOP		1 year
Maximum participation based on compensation percentage under ESOP		10%
Stock issued during period under ESOP (in shares)		10,627	9,111	10,230
Director | Restricted stock units for non employee directors (RSUs)
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Shares received upon vesting (in shares)		1

Employee Benefit Plans - Compon

Employee Benefit Plans - Components Stock-Based Compensation Expense (Details) - Selling, general and administrative expenses - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Jan. 01, 2022
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 9,765	$ 8,576	$ 8,527
RSU Awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	9,376	8,222	8,224
Employee Stock Purchase Plan Awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 389	$ 354	$ 303

Employee Benefit Plans - Activi

Employee Benefit Plans - Activity of the Unvested RSUs (Details) - RSU Awards - $ / shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Jan. 01, 2022
Units
Unvested RSUs at beginning of year (in shares)	85
Granted (in shares)	51
Vested (in shares)	(52)
Forfeited (in shares)	(1)
Unvested RSU's at end of year (in shares)	83	85
Weighted Average Grant- Date Fair Value
Weighted average grant date fair value, balance at beginning of year (in dollars per share)	$ 153.98
Weighted average grant date fair value, granted (in dollars per share)	212.92	$ 170.76	$ 174.52
Weighted average grant date fair value, vested (in dollars per share)	149.62
Weighted average grant date fair value, forfeited (in dollars per share)	183.85
Weighted average grant date fair value, balance at end of year (in dollars per share)	$ 192.42	$ 153.98

Stockholders' Equity (Details)

Stockholders' Equity (Details) - $ / shares	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Preferred Stock [Abstract]
Preferred stock, authorized (in shares)	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock, par value (in usd per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common Stock [Abstract]
Common stock reserved and unissued (in shares)	447,094

Income Taxes - Components of In

Income Taxes - Components of Income Before Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Jan. 01, 2022
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Domestic	$ 57,810	$ 46,558	$ 26,599
Foreign	101,206	119,078	85,453
Income Before Provision for Income Taxes	$ 159,016	$ 165,636	$ 112,052

Income Taxes - Components of Pr

Income Taxes - Components of Provision for Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Jan. 01, 2022
Current Provision:
Federal	$ 12,402	$ 8,738	$ 2,173
Foreign	28,587	26,032	25,512
State	3,170	1,977	870
Current provision	44,159	36,747	28,555
Deferred Provision (Benefit):
Federal	48	1,970	1,823
Foreign	(2,594)	4,233	(3,430)
State	597	956	223
Deferred (benefit) provision	(1,949)	7,159	(1,384)
Total income tax provision	$ 42,210	$ 43,906	$ 27,171

Income Taxes - Additional Infor

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Jan. 01, 2022
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Excess tax benefit related to share-based compensation	$ 354	$ 501	$ 1,808
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets, valuation allowance	7,829	8,983
Decrease of deferred tax asset valuation allowance	1,154
Foreign tax credits	382
Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries	284,980
Foreign earnings repatriated	27,957
Foreign currency transaction loss	1,211
Provision for unremitted foreign earnings	653
Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries excluding those repatriated back domestically	253,469
Estimated withholding liability related to undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries	5,190
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate	11,212
Income tax penalties and accrued interest from unrecognized tax benefits	2,017	1,806
Income tax penalties and interest expense (benefit)	120	$ (333)
Estimated amount of liability for unrecognized tax benefit to be reduced next year	413
Internal revenue service (IRS)
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets, valuation allowance	68
State and local jurisdiction
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards	13,683
Foreign tax authority
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets, valuation allowance	7,761
Operating loss carryforwards	46,852
Operating loss carryforwards, subject to expiration	965
Domestic tax authority
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Interest carryforward	71
Syntron Material Handling Group, LLC
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Foreign tax credits	$ 120

Income Taxes - Reconciliation (

Income Taxes - Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Jan. 01, 2022
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Provision for Income Taxes at Statutory Rate	$ 33,393	$ 34,784	$ 23,531
Increases (Decreases) Resulting From:
Foreign tax rate differential	5,070	5,770	2,819
State income taxes, net of federal income tax	2,965	2,316	863
Nondeductible expenses	1,730	2,683	1,673
U.S. tax cost of foreign earnings	1,270	932	481
Provision for (reversal of) tax benefit reserves, net	386	(1,368)	(444)
Research and development tax credits	(520)	(425)	(454)
Excess tax benefit related to stock-based compensation	(276)	(377)	(1,525)
Change in valuation allowance	(684)	318	(31)
Other	(1,124)	(727)	258
Total income tax provision	$ 42,210	$ 43,906	$ 27,171

Income Taxes - Net Deferred Tax

Income Taxes - Net Deferred Tax Liability (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Deferred Tax Asset:
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 11,300	$ 13,057
Lease liabilities	6,820	6,031
Inventory basis difference	5,417	4,118
Employee compensation	4,690	3,697
Capitalized research expenses	4,159	3,398
Reserves and accruals	2,581	1,949
Allowance for credit losses	776	673
Foreign, state, and alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards	490	490
Other	214	122
Deferred tax asset, gross	36,447	33,535
Less: valuation allowance	(7,829)	(8,983)
Deferred tax asset, net	28,618	24,552
Deferred Tax Liability:
Goodwill and intangible assets	(41,116)	(41,129)
Fixed asset basis difference	(11,764)	(11,438)
ROU assets	(5,969)	(5,145)
Provision for unremitted foreign earnings	(1,153)	(783)
Other	(2,361)	(1,976)
Deferred tax liability	(62,363)	(60,471)
Net deferred tax liability	$ (33,745)	$ (35,919)

Income Taxes - Unrecognized Tax

Income Taxes - Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Roll Forward]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Beginning of Year	$ 10,354	$ 9,731
Gross Increases—Tax Positions in Prior Periods	44	2,116
Gross Decreases—Tax Positions in Prior Periods	(37)	(138)
Gross Increases—Current-Period Tax Positions	1,589	1,260
Settlements	(130)	0
Lapses of Statutes of Limitations	(749)	(2,251)
Currency Translation	141
Currency Translation		(364)
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, End of Year	$ 11,212	$ 10,354

Short- and Long-Term Obligati_3

Short- and Long-Term Obligations - Short- and Long-term Obligations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 109,086
Finance Leases, due 2024 to 2026	1,789	$ 1,940
Total	110,875	201,161
Less: Short-Term Obligations and Current Maturities of Long-Term Obligations	(3,209)	(3,821)
Long-Term Obligations	107,666	197,340
Revolving Credit Facility, due 2027
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	98,761	186,131
Senior Promissory Notes, due 2024 to 2028
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	8,330	10,000
Other Borrowings, due 2024 to 2028
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Other Borrowings, due 2024 to 2028	$ 1,995	$ 3,090

Short- and Long-Term Obligati_4

Short- and Long-Term Obligations - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	Nov. 30, 2022	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 29, 2018	Mar. 01, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		$ 109,086,000
Clouth
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		1,439,000
Short-term debt		$ 556,000
Maximum | Clouth
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Effective interest rate, up to		1.70%
Revolving credit facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		$ 98,761,000	$ 186,131,000
Weighted average interest rate for long-term obligations		5.24%	4.33%
Revolving credit facility | 2017 Credit Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Uncommitted unsecured additional borrowing capacity					$ 150,000,000
Revolving credit facility | Credit Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Uncommitted unsecured additional borrowing capacity	$ 200,000,000
Borrowing capacity available under committed portion	400,000,000
Maximum amount of unrestricted U.S. cash	$ 50,000,000
Maximum consolidated leverage ratio	3.75
Maximum consolidated leverage ratio upon material acquisition	4.25
Long-term debt		$ 98,761,000
Remaining borrowing capacity		301,143,000
Revolving credit facility | Euro-Denominated Borrowing
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		75,761,000
Revolving credit facility | Minimum | Credit Agreement | Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commitment fee percentage	0.125%
Revolving credit facility | Maximum | Credit Agreement | Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commitment fee percentage	0.35%
Revolving credit facility | Base Rate | Minimum | Credit Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percentage)	0%
Revolving credit facility | Base Rate | Maximum | Credit Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percentage)	1.25%
Revolving credit facility | Eurocurrency Rate, Term SOFR, CDOR Rate, and RFR | Credit Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percentage)	0.10%
Revolving credit facility | Eurocurrency Rate, Term SOFR, CDOR Rate, and RFR | Minimum | Credit Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percentage)	1%
Revolving credit facility | Eurocurrency Rate, Term SOFR, CDOR Rate, and RFR | Maximum | Credit Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percentage)	2.25%
Senior promissory notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		$ 8,330,000	$ 10,000,000
Senior promissory notes | Note Purchase Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount				$ 10,000,000
Fixed interest rate				4.90%

Short- and Long-Term Obligati_5

Short- and Long-Term Obligations - Future Repayments of Debt (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 30, 2023 USD ($)
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
2024	$ 2,226
2025	2,229
2026	2,119
2027	100,770
2028	1,742
Short-and long-term obligations, excluding finance leases	$ 109,086

Commitments and Contingencies -

Commitments and Contingencies - Letters of Credit and Bank Guarantees (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 30, 2023 USD ($)
Performance Obligations and Customer Deposit Guarantees
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Outstanding letters of credit and bank guarantees	$ 23,403

Commitments and Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies - Right of Recourse (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Maturity period for bank acceptance (in months)	6 months
Banker's acceptances drafts	$ 9,090	$ 11,238

Gain on Sale and Other Items,_3

Gain on Sale and Other Items, Net - Summary of Items Included In Gain On Sale And Other Items, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Jan. 01, 2022
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Gain on Sale of Assets	$ 0	$ (20,190)	$ (515)
Other Income	(841)	0	0
Relocation Costs	798	0	0
Restructuring Costs	730	603	176
Impairment Costs	36	731	804
Total gain on sale and other costs, net	$ 723	$ (18,856)	$ 465

Gain on Sale and Other Items,_4

Gain on Sale and Other Items, Net - Additional Information (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			15 Months Ended	24 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2022 USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2023 USD ($) employee	Dec. 31, 2022 USD ($)	Jan. 01, 2022 USD ($)	Apr. 02, 2022 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2022 employee
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment		$ 1,637	$ 2,111	$ 1,740
Gain on sale of building		0	20,190	515
Deferred income tax (benefit) provision		(1,949)	7,159	(1,384)
Other income		841	0	0
Relocation costs		798	0	0
Restructuring costs		730	603	176
Impairment charges		36	731	804
Impairment of intangible asset		36	731	804
2023 Restructuring Plans
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs		730
2023 Restructuring Plans | Employee severance
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs		335
2023 Restructuring Plans | Facility and Other Closure Costs
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs		29
2021 Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs			603	176
2021 Restructuring Plan | Employee severance
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs			205	176
2021 Restructuring Plan | Facility and Other Closure Costs
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs			398	0
Industrial Processing
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Gain on sale of building			20,190
Pre-tax gain on sale of real estate				515
Cash proceeds from sale of real estate				1,634
Other income		841
Relocation costs		798
Restructuring costs			35
Impairment charges			731
Write down of assets			549
Flow Control | 2023 Restructuring Plans
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and impairment costs		400
Restructuring costs		$ 366
Number of positions eliminated related to restructuring | employee		10
Impairment charges		$ 36
Flow Control | 2023 Restructuring Plans | Employee severance
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs		335
Flow Control | 2023 Restructuring Plans | Facility and Other Closure Costs
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs		$ 29
Flow Control | 2021 Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Number of positions eliminated related to restructuring | employee						5
Impairment of intangible asset				499
Write down of assets				79
Flow Control | 2021 Restructuring Plan | Employee severance
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs			568	176
Machinery and Equipment | Flow Control | 2021 Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Impairment charges				$ 226
Fixed Assets | Industrial Processing
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Impairment charges			$ 182
China | Land and Building
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment	$ 25,159
Down payment (percentage)	6%			25%	31%
Gain on sale of building	$ 20,190
Net gain on sale of assets	15,143
Deferred income tax (benefit) provision	5,047
Receivable recorded, net	$ 16,082				$ 16,082
Period of recognition of gain on sale and a receivable for remaining amount of sales proceeds (in years)	2 years

Gain on Sale and Other Items,_5

Gain on Sale and Other Items, Net - Changes In Nontrade Receivables (Details) - CHINA - Land and Building - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 30, 2023	Apr. 02, 2022
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Balance at Inception			$ 17,294
Present value discount			(1,212)
Receivable recorded, net			$ 16,082
Accretion of interest income	$ 422	$ 545
Currency translation	(1,323)	(316)
Balance at End of Period	$ 15,181	$ 15,410

Gain on Sale and Other Items,_6

Gain on Sale and Other Items, Net - Changes in Accrued Restructuring (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Jan. 01, 2022
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Provision	$ 730	$ 603	$ 176
2023 Restructuring Plans
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Provision	730
Usage	(230)
Currency translation	14
Balance at end of period	514
2021 Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	389	156
Provision		603	176
Usage	(386)	(390)	(19)
Currency translation	(3)	20	(1)
Balance at end of period	0	389	156
Severance Costs | 2023 Restructuring Plans
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Provision	335
Usage	(138)
Currency translation	4
Balance at end of period	201
Severance Costs | 2021 Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	189	156
Provision		205	176
Usage	(187)	(159)	(19)
Currency translation	(2)	(13)	(1)
Balance at end of period	0	189	156
Contract Termination Costs | 2023 Restructuring Plans
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Provision	366
Usage	(63)
Currency translation	10
Balance at end of period	313
Contract Termination Costs | 2021 Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	0	0
Provision		0	0
Usage	0	0	0
Currency translation	0	0	0
Balance at end of period	0	0	0
Facility and Other Closure Costs | 2023 Restructuring Plans
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Provision	29
Usage	(29)
Currency translation	0
Balance at end of period	0
Facility and Other Closure Costs | 2021 Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	200	0
Provision		398	0
Usage	(199)	(231)	0
Currency translation	(1)	33	0
Balance at end of period	$ 0	$ 200	$ 0

Leases - Additional Information

Leases - Additional Information (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2023
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Lease, remaining term	11 years
Lease, option to extend, term	5 years
Canada
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Lease, option to extend, term	10 years

Leases - Components of Lease Ex

Leases - Components of Lease Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Jan. 01, 2022
Leases [Abstract]
Operating Lease Cost	$ 6,355	$ 5,870	$ 5,895
Short-Term Lease Cost	698	697	674
Finance Lease Cost:
ROU asset amortization	1,103	1,026	1,045
Interest on lease liabilities	74	52	46
Total Finance Lease Cost	1,177	1,078	1,091
Total Lease Costs	8,230	7,645	7,660
Variable lease cost	$ 961	$ 478	$ 670

Leases - Supplemental Cash Flow

Leases - Supplemental Cash Flow Information Related to Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Jan. 01, 2022
Cash Paid for Amounts Included in the Measurement of Lease Liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases	$ 6,475	$ 6,159	$ 12,474
Operating cash flows from finance leases	74	51	46
Financing cash flows from finance leases	1,100	1,002	1,044
ROU Assets Obtained in Exchange for Lease Obligations:
Operating leases	8,120	4,002	7,247
Finance leases	$ 989	$ 1,468	$ 1,147

Leases - Supplemental Balance S

Leases - Supplemental Balance Sheet Information Related to Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Operating Leases:
ROU assets, non-current	$ 25,129	$ 22,642
Total operating lease assets	25,129	22,642
Short-term liabilities	5,389	4,458
Long-term liabilities	19,350	17,817
Total operating lease liabilities	24,739	22,275
Finance Leases:
ROU assets, at cost	4,037	3,901
ROU assets accumulated amortization	(2,288)	(1,994)
ROU assets, net	1,749	1,907
Short-term obligations	983	981
Long-term obligations	806	959
Total finance lease liabilities	$ 1,789	$ 1,940
Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term (in years):
Operating lease, weighted average remaining lease term (years)	6 years 9 months 18 days	8 years
Finance lease, weighted average remaining lease term (years)	2 years	2 years 2 months 12 days
Weighted Average Discount Rate:
Operating lease, weighted average discount rate (percent)	4.08%	3.88%
Finance lease, weighted average discount rate (percent)	4.71%	3.79%
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration]	Other Assets, Noncurrent	Other Assets, Noncurrent
Operating Lease, Liability, Current, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration]	Other current liabilities	Other current liabilities
Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration]	Other Long-Term Liabilities	Other Long-Term Liabilities
Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List]	Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net	Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net
Finance Lease, Liability, Current, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List]	Short-term obligations and current maturities of long-term obligations (Note 6)	Short-term obligations and current maturities of long-term obligations (Note 6)
Finance Lease, Liability, Noncurrent, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration]	Long-Term Obligations (Note 6)	Long-Term Obligations (Note 6)

Leases - Maturities of Lease Li

Leases - Maturities of Lease Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Operating
2024	$ 6,282
2025	4,982
2026	3,986
2027	3,309
2028	2,093
2029 and Thereafter	7,829
Total Future Lease Payments	28,481
Less: Imputed Interest	(3,742)
Present Value of Lease Payments	24,739	$ 22,275
Finance
2024	1,043
2025	646
2026	185
2027	0
2028	0
2029 and Thereafter	0
Total Future Lease Payments	1,874
Less: Imputed Interest	(85)
Total finance lease liabilities	$ 1,789	$ 1,940

Derivatives - Additional Inform

Derivatives - Additional Information (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2023 USD ($)	Dec. 29, 2018 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2022 USD ($)	Jan. 01, 2022 USD ($)	Jan. 02, 2021 USD ($)
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gain from AOCI to earnings	$ 776,240,000		$ 655,571,000	$ 565,616,000	$ 496,905,000
Cash flow hedge loss to be reclassified within twelve months	38,000
Deferred Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedges
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gain from AOCI to earnings	(38,000)		58,000
Forward Currency- Exchange Contract | Deferred Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedges
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gain from AOCI to earnings	$ (38,000)		$ (41,000)
Cash Flow Hedging | Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Rate of effectiveness of derivative agreement		100%
Cash Flow Hedging | 2018 Swap Agreement | Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional amount		$ 15,000,000
Derivative, floor rate		0
Derivative, fixed interest rate		3.15%
Cash Flow Hedging | Forward Currency- Exchange Contract | Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Period over which entity manages its level of exposure of risk	12 months

Derivatives - Fair Value (Detai

Derivatives - Fair Value (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration]	Other current assets	Other current assets
Derivative Liability, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration]	Other current liabilities	Other current liabilities
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments | 2018 Swap Agreement | Other Current Assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative asset, fair value, gross asset	$ 0	$ 131
Derivative asset, notional amount	0	15,000
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments | Forward currency-exchange contract | Other Current Liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liability, fair value, gross liability	(51)	(54)
Derivative liability, notional amount	430	430
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments | Forward currency-exchange contract | Other Current Assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative asset, fair value, gross asset	8	15
Derivative asset, notional amount	$ 701	$ 647

Derivatives - AOCI Activity (De

Derivatives - AOCI Activity (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2023 USD ($)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 655,571
Ending balance	776,240
Deferred Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedges
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	58
Gain reclassified to earnings	(99)
Gain recognized in AOCI	3
Ending balance	(38)
Deferred Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedges | Interest Rate Swap Agreement
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	99
Gain reclassified to earnings	(99)
Gain recognized in AOCI	0
Ending balance	0
Deferred Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedges | Forward Currency- Exchange Contract
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(41)
Gain reclassified to earnings	0
Gain recognized in AOCI	3
Ending balance	$ (38)

Fair Value Measurements and F_3

Fair Value Measurements and Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Assets and Liabilities, Recurring Basis (Details) - Recurring - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Assets:
Money market funds and time deposits	$ 14,795	$ 8,351
Banker's acceptance drafts	10,826	5,729
2018 Swap Agreement		131
Forward currency-exchange contracts	8	15
Liabilities:
Forward currency-exchange contract	51	54
Level 1
Assets:
Money market funds and time deposits	14,795	8,351
Banker's acceptance drafts	0	0
2018 Swap Agreement
Forward currency-exchange contracts	0	0
Liabilities:
Forward currency-exchange contract	0	0
Level 2
Assets:
Money market funds and time deposits	0	0
Banker's acceptance drafts	10,826	5,729
2018 Swap Agreement		131
Forward currency-exchange contracts	8	15
Liabilities:
Forward currency-exchange contract	51	54
Level 3
Assets:
Money market funds and time deposits	0	0
Banker's acceptance drafts	0	0
2018 Swap Agreement
Forward currency-exchange contracts	0	0
Liabilities:
Forward currency-exchange contract	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Value Measurements and F_4

Fair Value Measurements and Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Debt Obligations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Carrying Value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt obligations	$ 109,086	$ 199,221
Carrying Value | Revolving credit facility
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt obligations	98,761	186,131
Carrying Value | Senior promissory notes
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt obligations	8,330	10,000
Carrying Value | Other
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt obligations	1,995	3,090
Fair Value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt obligations	108,938	198,994
Fair Value | Revolving credit facility
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt obligations	98,761	186,131
Fair Value | Senior promissory notes
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt obligations	8,182	9,773
Fair Value | Other
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt obligations	$ 1,995	$ 3,090

Business Segment and Geograph_3

Business Segment and Geographical Information - Additional Information (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2022 USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2023 USD ($) segment	Dec. 31, 2022 USD ($)	Jan. 01, 2022 USD ($)
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments | segment		3
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Other income		$ 841	$ 0	$ 0
Relocation costs		798	0	0
Gain on sale of building		0	20,190	515
Capital expenditures		31,850	28,199	12,771
CHINA | Land and Building
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gain on sale of building	$ 20,190
Flow Control
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Impairment and restructuring charges		766	568	980
Acquisition related costs			254	6,191
Write off of indemnification asset			741
Industrial Processing
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Impairment and restructuring charges			766
Acquisition related costs		1,066		223
Write off of indemnification asset			575
Other income		841
Relocation costs		798
Gain on sale of building			20,190
Pre-tax gain on sale of real estate				515
Industrial Processing | CHINA | Land and Building
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Capital expenditures		7,424	10,379
Material Handling
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Acquisition related costs		376	$ 899	$ 2,851
Write off of indemnification asset		$ 126

Business Segment and Geograph_4

Business Segment and Geographical Information - Revenues and Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Jan. 01, 2022
Revenue
Revenue	$ 957,672	$ 904,739	$ 786,579
Income Before Provision for Income Taxes
Total operating income	165,757	171,282	116,710
Interest expense, net	(6,640)	(5,574)	(4,554)
Other expense, net	(101)	(72)	(104)
Income Before Provision for Income Taxes	159,016	165,636	112,052
Total Assets
Total assets	1,175,665	1,149,881	1,132,212
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization	33,297	34,936	34,302
Capital Expenditures
Capital expenditures	31,850	28,199	12,771
Geographical Information
Long-lived assets	140,504	118,855	107,989
Other income	841	0	0
United States
Revenue
Revenue	448,600	404,835	328,456
Geographical Information
Long-lived assets	48,394	47,483	43,418
China
Revenue
Revenue	81,458	85,500	82,121
Geographical Information
Long-lived assets	24,380	15,834	6,613
Canada
Revenue
Revenue	73,183	87,951	79,426
Geographical Information
Long-lived assets	9,136	8,344	8,460
Germany
Revenue
Revenue	43,036	45,994	37,178
Geographical Information
Long-lived assets	20,953	22,437	25,188
Finland
Geographical Information
Long-lived assets	19,958	8,942	7,347
Other
Revenue
Revenue	311,395	280,459	259,398
Geographical Information
Long-lived assets	17,683	15,815	16,963
Industrial Processing
Geographical Information
Other income	841
Operating Segments | Flow Control
Revenue
Revenue	363,451	349,107	288,788
Income Before Provision for Income Taxes
Total operating income	95,249	89,942	65,509
Total Assets
Total assets	391,719	386,804	382,379
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization	9,047	9,179	8,366
Capital Expenditures
Capital expenditures	5,920	4,425	4,128
Operating Segments | Industrial Processing
Revenue
Revenue	354,703	353,698	328,762
Income Before Provision for Income Taxes
Total operating income	69,281	89,754	66,569
Total Assets
Total assets	443,189	419,095	405,575
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization	11,798	12,575	13,467
Capital Expenditures
Capital expenditures	22,068	20,137	6,412
Operating Segments | Material Handling
Revenue
Revenue	239,518	201,934	169,029
Income Before Provision for Income Taxes
Total operating income	40,692	27,644	17,543
Total Assets
Total assets	326,226	336,492	334,785
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization	12,379	13,085	12,341
Capital Expenditures
Capital expenditures	3,834	3,575	2,211
Corporate
Income Before Provision for Income Taxes
Total operating income	(39,465)	(36,058)	(32,911)
Total Assets
Total assets	14,531	7,490	9,473
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization	73	97	128
Capital Expenditures
Capital expenditures	$ 28	$ 62	$ 20

Earnings per Share - Computatio

Earnings per Share - Computation (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Jan. 01, 2022
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net Income Attributable to Kadant	$ 116,069	$ 120,928	$ 84,043
Basic Weighted Average Shares	11,700	11,654	11,579
Effect of Stock Options, Restricted Stock Units and Employee Stock Purchase Plan Shares	29	34	76
Diluted Weighted Average Shares	11,729	11,688	11,655
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 9.92	$ 10.38	$ 7.26
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 9.90	$ 10.35	$ 7.21

Earnings per Share - Additional

Earnings per Share - Additional Information (Details) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Jan. 01, 2022
Restricted stock unit awards
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Amount of antidilutive securities excluded from computation of EPS	17,100	7,500	14,200

Accumulated Other Comprehensi_3

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Items - Components of AOCI on the Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Jan. 01, 2022
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 655,571	$ 565,616	$ 496,905
Other Comprehensive Items	11,595	(24,358)	(10,980)
Ending balance	776,240	655,571	565,616
Total
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(54,578)	(30,350)	(19,492)
Other comprehensive items before reclassifications	11,602
Reclassifications from AOCI	(86)
Other Comprehensive Items	11,516	(24,228)	(10,858)
Ending balance	(43,062)	(54,578)	$ (30,350)
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(54,488)
Other comprehensive items before reclassifications	11,475
Reclassifications from AOCI	0
Other Comprehensive Items	11,475
Ending balance	(43,013)	(54,488)
Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefit Liability Adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(148)
Other comprehensive items before reclassifications	124
Reclassifications from AOCI	13
Other Comprehensive Items	137
Ending balance	(11)	(148)
Deferred Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedges
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	58
Other comprehensive items before reclassifications	3
Reclassifications from AOCI	(99)
Other Comprehensive Items	(96)
Ending balance	$ (38)	$ 58

Accumulated Other Comprehensi_4

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Items - Reclassification Out of AOCI (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Jan. 01, 2022
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Items [Line Items]
Other expense, net	$ (101)	$ (72)	$ (104)
Total income (expense) before income taxes	159,016	165,636	112,052
Income tax (provision) benefit	(42,210)	(43,906)	(27,171)
Interest expense	(8,398)	(6,478)	(4,821)
SG&A expense	(236,264)	(224,405)	(208,787)
Net Income	116,806	121,730	84,881
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Items [Line Items]
Net Income	86	(192)	(269)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Retirement Benefit Plans
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Items [Line Items]
Total income (expense) before income taxes	(18)	(46)	(62)
Income tax (provision) benefit	5	12	17
Net Income	(13)	(34)	(45)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Recognized net actuarial loss
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Items [Line Items]
Other expense, net	(9)	(36)	(50)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Amortization of prior service cost
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Items [Line Items]
Other expense, net	(9)	(10)	(12)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Cash Flow Hedges
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Items [Line Items]
Total income (expense) before income taxes	136	(208)	(294)
Income tax (provision) benefit	(37)	50	70
Net Income	99	(158)	(224)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Cash Flow Hedges | Interest Rate Swap Agreement
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Items [Line Items]
Interest expense	136	(208)	(451)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Cash Flow Hedges | Forward Currency- Exchange Contract
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Items [Line Items]
SG&A expense	$ 0	$ 0	$ 157

Subsequent Events (Details)

Subsequent Events (Details) $ in Thousands			1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 24, 2024 USD ($) employee	Jan. 01, 2024 USD ($) employee	Jan. 31, 2024 USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2023 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2023 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2022 USD ($)	Jan. 01, 2022 USD ($)
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Cash paid for acquisition				$ 1,074		$ 3,597	$ 152,661
Revenue				$ 957,672		$ 904,739	$ 786,579
Key Knife, Inc.
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Revenue					$ 65,000
KWS
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Revenue					$ 45,000
Subsequent event | Revolving credit facility | Revolving Credit Facility | Credit Agreement
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Proceeds from borrowings			$ 230,000
Subsequent event | Key Knife, Inc.
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Cash paid for acquisition		$ 156,000
Number of employees | employee		141
Subsequent event | KWS
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Cash paid for acquisition	$ 84,000
Number of employees | employee	165