Inventories - Inventory Due to Contract Changes, Negotiated Settlements and Claims for Unanticipated Contract Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Contract changes, negotiated settlements and claims for unanticipated contract costs	$ 64	$ 4,375

inventory due to contract changes, negotiated settlements and claims for unanticipated contract costs

No definition available.

Name:	kamn_InventoryDueToContractChangesNegotiatedSettlementsAndClaimsForUnanticipatedContractCosts
Namespace Prefix:	kamn_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant