Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Income	$ 23,648	$ 31,821	$ 33,849
Other Comprehensive Items:
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)	838	4,324	(1,808)
Pension and other post-retirement liability adjustments, net (net of tax of $1,564, $28, and $1,331 in 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively)	2,817	(35)	(2,374)
Deferred gain (loss) on hedging instruments (net of tax of $1, $206, and $89 in 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively)	413	387	(193)
Other Comprehensive Items	4,068	4,676	(4,375)
Comprehensive Income	27,716	36,497	29,474
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	(272)	(234)	(268)
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Kadant	$ 27,444	$ 36,263	$ 29,206

The change in equity [net assets] of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources which are attributable to the reporting entity. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, but excludes any and all transactions which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent.

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