v3.26.1
Earnings per Share - Schedule of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands
 3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Jul. 04, 2026
Jun. 28, 2025
Jul. 04, 2026
Jun. 28, 2025
Income Amounts Attributable to Parent, Disclosures [Abstract]        
Net Income Attributable to Kadant $ 32,468 $ 26,159 $ 57,977 $ 50,222
Basic Weighted Average Shares 11,808 11,776 11,801 11,768
Effect of Restricted Stock Units and Employee Stock Purchase Plan Shares 11 17 10 16
Diluted Weighted Average Shares 11,819 11,793 11,811 11,784
Basic Earnings per Share (in dollars per share) $ 2.75 $ 2.22 $ 4.91 $ 4.27
Diluted Earnings per Share (in dollars per share) $ 2.75 $ 2.22 $ 4.91 $ 4.26