Catatrophe Reinsurance - Catatrophe Reinsurance Premiums (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]
Ceded Catastrphoe Reinsurance Premiums	$ 33.9	$ 42.5	$ 40.7
Catastrophe [Member]
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]
Ceded Catastrphoe Reinsurance Premiums	23.6	27.1	23.2
Kemper Preferred [Member] | Catastrophe [Member]
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]
Ceded Catastrphoe Reinsurance Premiums	23.2	24.6	20.0
Kemper Specialty [Member] | Catastrophe [Member]
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]
Ceded Catastrphoe Reinsurance Premiums	0.1	0.1	0.1
Kemper Direct [Member] | Catastrophe [Member]
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]
Ceded Catastrphoe Reinsurance Premiums	0.3	0.4	0.8
Life and Health Insurance [Member] | Catastrophe [Member]
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]
Ceded Catastrphoe Reinsurance Premiums	$ 0	$ 2.0	$ 2.3