Inventories - Inventory due to contract changes, negotiated settlements and claims for unanticipated contract costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Contract changes, negotiated settlements and claims for unanticipated contract costs	$ 4,077	$ 7,137

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