XML 62 R59.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.1.9
Employee Benefits, Defined Benefit Plans (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2012
Postretirement Medical Obligations      
Accrued annual VEBA contribution $ 13.7kalu_AccruedAnnualVebaContribution $ 16.0kalu_AccruedAnnualVebaContribution  
Benefit Obligations and Funded Status Additional Disclosure      
Net asset In respect of VEBAs 340.1kalu_NetAssetInRespectOfVebas 406.0kalu_NetAssetInRespectOfVebas  
Net liability of VEBA 17.2kalu_NetLiabilityInRespectOfVeba 0kalu_NetLiabilityInRespectOfVeba  
Estimated future benefit payments      
Expected future benefit payments, 2015 30.6us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsNextTwelveMonths    
Expected future benefit payments, 2016 30.4us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearTwo    
Expected future benefit payments, 2017 30.2us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearThree    
Expected future benefit payments, 2018 29.8us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearFour    
Expected future benefit payments, 2019 29.5us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearFive    
Expected future benefit payments, 2020-2023 139.5us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsFiveFiscalYearsThereafter    
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Income)      
Net periodic benefit cost (income) (23.5)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost (22.0)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost (11.5)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost
Canadian pension plan      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation 6.2us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
5.8us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations      
Discount rate 4.00%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationDiscountRate
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
4.90%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationDiscountRate
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Rate of compensation increase 3.00%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationRateOfCompensationIncrease
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
3.00%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationRateOfCompensationIncrease
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost (income)      
Discount rate 4.90%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostDiscountRate
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
4.40%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostDiscountRate
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
5.60%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostDiscountRate
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Expected long-term return on plan assets 4.75%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
4.50%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
4.60%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Rate of compensation increase 3.00%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostRateOfCompensationIncrease
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
3.00%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostRateOfCompensationIncrease
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
3.00%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostRateOfCompensationIncrease
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Change in benefit obligation:      
Obligation at beginning of year 6.6us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
7.0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment (0.5)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanForeignCurrencyExchangeRateChangesBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(0.5)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanForeignCurrencyExchangeRateChangesBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Service cost 0.2us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
0.3us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
0.2us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Interest cost 0.3us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
0.3us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
0.3us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Actuarial (gain) loss 0.7us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLoss
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(0.2)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLoss
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Plan participant contributions 0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByPlanParticipants
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByPlanParticipants
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Benefits paid by Company (0.3)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaid
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(0.3)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaid
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Obligation at end of year 7.0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
6.6us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
7.0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Change in plan assets:      
Fair market value of plan assets at beginning of year 6.2us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
5.7us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment (0.5)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanForeignCurrencyExchangeRateChangesPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(0.4)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanForeignCurrencyExchangeRateChangesPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Actual return on assets 0.6us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
0.7us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Plan participant contributions 0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByPlanParticipants
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByPlanParticipants
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Employer/Company contributions 0.3us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
0.5us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Benefits paid by Company (0.3)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaid
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(0.3)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaid
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Fair market value of plan assets at end of year 6.3us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
6.2us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
5.7us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Net funded status (0.7)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(0.4)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Net Funded Status      
Accumulated plan benefit obligation (7.0)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(6.6)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(7.0)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Plan assets 6.3us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
6.2us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
5.7us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Net funded status (0.7)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(0.4)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Net benefits expected to be contributed in 2014 0.3us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansEstimatedFutureEmployerContributionsInNextFiscalYear
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
   
Estimated future benefit payments      
Expected future benefit payments, 2015 0.3us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsNextTwelveMonths
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
   
Expected future benefit payments, 2016 0.3us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearTwo
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
   
Expected future benefit payments, 2017 0.3us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearThree
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
   
Expected future benefit payments, 2018 0.3us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearFour
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
   
Expected future benefit payments, 2019 0.3us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearFive
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
   
Expected future benefit payments, 2020-2023 1.6us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsFiveFiscalYearsThereafter
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
   
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income      
Accumulated net actuarial (losses) gains (1.9)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetGainsLossesBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(1.8)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetGainsLossesBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Transition assets 0.2us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetTransitionAssetsObligationsBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
0.2us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetTransitionAssetsObligationsBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Loss recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (1.7)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(1.6)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Amounts in Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income expected to be recognized in 2014      
Future amortization of prior service cost 0.1us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFutureAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
   
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Income)      
Service cost 0.2us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
0.3us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
0.2us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Interest cost 0.3us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
0.3us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
0.3us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Expected return on plan assets (0.3)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(0.3)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(0.2)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Amortization of prior service cost 0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Amortization of net actuarial loss (gain) 0.1us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
0.2us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
0.1us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Canadian pension plan | London, Ontario Facility | Equity Securities      
Defined Benefit Plan at the London, Ontario Facility, Information About Plan Assets      
Actual plan asset allocations 66.00%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssetAllocations
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ kalu_ProductionFacilitiesAxis
= kalu_LondonOntarioFacilityMember
   
Asset mix target allocation on long-term investments 66.00%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanTargetPlanAssetAllocations
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ kalu_ProductionFacilitiesAxis
= kalu_LondonOntarioFacilityMember
   
Canadian pension plan | London, Ontario Facility | Fixed Income Securities      
Defined Benefit Plan at the London, Ontario Facility, Information About Plan Assets      
Actual plan asset allocations 31.00%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssetAllocations
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ kalu_ProductionFacilitiesAxis
= kalu_LondonOntarioFacilityMember
   
Asset mix target allocation on long-term investments 30.00%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanTargetPlanAssetAllocations
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ kalu_ProductionFacilitiesAxis
= kalu_LondonOntarioFacilityMember
   
VEBAs      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Amendments 90.4us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAmendments
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
84.6us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAmendments
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
[1]  
Postretirement Medical Obligations      
Cash flow in determining VEBA obligation 20.0kalu_CashFlowInDetermingVebaObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
   
Change in benefit obligation:      
Obligation at beginning of year 374.7us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
[1] 384.1us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
[1]  
Foreign currency translation adjustment 0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanForeignCurrencyExchangeRateChangesBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanForeignCurrencyExchangeRateChangesBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
[1]  
Service cost 2.2us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
2.5us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
[1] 3.4us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
Interest cost 16.7us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
14.6us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
[1] 17.9us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
Actuarial (gain) loss 10.2us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLoss
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
[2] (91.9)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLoss
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
[1],[2]  
Plan participant contributions 0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByPlanParticipants
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByPlanParticipants
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
[1]  
Benefits paid by VEBAs (24.7)kalu_BenefitsPaidByVeba
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
(21.5)kalu_BenefitsPaidByVeba
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
[1]  
Reimbursement from Retiree Drug Subsidy 1.4us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanGrossPrescriptionDrugSubsidyReceiptsReceived
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
[3] 2.3us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanGrossPrescriptionDrugSubsidyReceiptsReceived
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
[1],[3]  
Obligation at end of year 470.9us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
374.7us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
[1] 384.1us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
[1]
Change in plan assets:      
Fair market value of plan assets at beginning of year 780.7us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
[1] 744.7us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
[1]  
Foreign currency translation adjustment 0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanForeignCurrencyExchangeRateChangesPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanForeignCurrencyExchangeRateChangesPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
[1]  
Actual return on assets 22.7us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
39.2us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
[1]  
Plan participant contributions 0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByPlanParticipants
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByPlanParticipants
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
[1]  
Employer/Company contributions 13.7us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
[4] 16.0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
[1],[4]  
Benefits paid by VEBAs (24.7)kalu_BenefitsPaidByVeba
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
(21.5)kalu_BenefitsPaidByVeba
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
[1]  
Reimbursement from Retiree Drug Subsidy 1.4us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanGrossPrescriptionDrugSubsidyReceiptsReceived
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
[3] 2.3us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanGrossPrescriptionDrugSubsidyReceiptsReceived
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
[1],[3]  
Fair market value of plan assets at end of year 793.8us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
780.7us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
[1] 744.7us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
[1]
Net funded status 322.9us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
[5] 406.0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
[1],[5]  
Benefit Obligations and Funded Status Additional Disclosure      
Actuarial gain due to a decrease in discount rate (45.0)kalu_ActuarialGainLossDueToChangeInDiscountRate
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
(30.5)kalu_ActuarialGainLossDueToChangeInDiscountRate
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
 
Actuarial gain due to higher than expected mortality rate (37.2)kalu_ActuarialGainLossDueToChangesInCensusData
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
   
Actuarial loss resulting from an increase in existing benefits reimbursement rates   20.8kalu_PriorServiceCostresultingfromachangeinbenefitcostforplanparticipants
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
 
Actuarial (gain) loss due to projected lower benefit utilization 53.6kalu_Actuarialgainlossduetoprojectedlowerbenefitutilization
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
   
Net Funded Status      
Accumulated plan benefit obligation (470.9)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
(374.7)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
[1] (384.1)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
[1]
Plan assets 793.8us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
780.7us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
[1] 744.7us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
[1]
Net funded status 322.9us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
[5] 406.0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
[1],[5]  
Estimated future benefit payments      
Expected future benefit payments, 2015 30.3us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsNextTwelveMonths
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
[6]    
Expected future benefit payments, 2016 30.1us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearTwo
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
[6]    
Expected future benefit payments, 2017 29.9us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearThree
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
[6]    
Expected future benefit payments, 2018 29.5us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearFour
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
[6]    
Expected future benefit payments, 2019 29.2us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearFive
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
[6]    
Expected future benefit payments, 2020-2023 137.9us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsFiveFiscalYearsThereafter
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
[6]    
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income      
Accumulated net actuarial (losses) gains 43.6us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetGainsLossesBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
84.3us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetGainsLossesBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
 
Prior service cost (197.4)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
(117.5)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
 
Loss recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (153.8)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
(33.2)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
 
Amounts in Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income expected to be recognized in 2014      
Amounts in Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income expected to be recognized in 2014 18.3us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountToBeAmortizedFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNextFiscalYear
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
   
Future amortization of prior service cost 17.3us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFutureAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
   
Future amortization of actuarial gain (loss) 1.0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFutureAmortizationOfGainLoss
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
   
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Income)      
Service cost 2.2us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
2.5us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
[1] 3.4us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
Interest cost 16.7us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
14.6us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
[1] 17.9us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
Expected return on plan assets (51.4)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
(45.1)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
(40.4)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
Amortization of prior service cost 10.6us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
[7] 4.2us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
[7] 4.2us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
[7]
Amortization of net actuarial loss (gain) (1.8)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
1.3us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
3.0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
VEBAs | Maximum      
Postretirement Medical Obligations      
Variable cash contribution obligation to VEBAs 20.0kalu_PostretirementMedicalPlanContributionObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember
   
VEBAs | Annual Cash Flows up to $20 Million      
Postretirement Medical Obligations      
Postretirement medical plan contribution obligation percentage 10.00%kalu_PostretirementMedicalPlanContributionObligationPercentage
/ kalu_ContributionPercentageDeterminationAxis
= kalu_AnnualCashFlowsUpToTwentyMillionDollarsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
   
VEBAs | Annual Cash Flows in Excess of $20 Million      
Postretirement Medical Obligations      
Postretirement medical plan contribution obligation percentage 20.00%kalu_PostretirementMedicalPlanContributionObligationPercentage
/ kalu_ContributionPercentageDeterminationAxis
= kalu_AnnualCashFlowsInExcessOfTwentyMillionDollarsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
   
Union VEBA      
Postretirement Medical Obligations      
Number of trustees 4kalu_NumberOfTrustees
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_UnionVebaMember
   
Percent allocation of total contribution between VEBAs 85.50%kalu_PercentAllocationOfTotalContributionBetweenVebas
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_UnionVebaMember
   
Accrued annual VEBA contribution 11.7kalu_AccruedAnnualVebaContribution
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_UnionVebaMember
   
Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations      
Discount rate 3.80%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationDiscountRate
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_UnionVebaMember
4.70%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationDiscountRate
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_UnionVebaMember
 
Initial medical trend rate 7.00%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanHealthCareCostTrendRateAssumedForNextFiscalYear
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_UnionVebaMember
[8] 7.50%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanHealthCareCostTrendRateAssumedForNextFiscalYear
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_UnionVebaMember
[8]  
Ultimate medical trend rate 5.00%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanUltimateHealthCareCostTrendRate
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_UnionVebaMember
[8],[9] 5.00%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanUltimateHealthCareCostTrendRate
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_UnionVebaMember
[8],[9] 5.00%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanUltimateHealthCareCostTrendRate
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_UnionVebaMember
[9]
Year that rate reaches ultimate trend rate 2019 2019 2019
Effect of one-percentage-point increase in medical trend rate on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation 37.7us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEffectOfOnePercentagePointIncreaseOnAccumulatedPostretirementBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_UnionVebaMember
27.8us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEffectOfOnePercentagePointIncreaseOnAccumulatedPostretirementBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_UnionVebaMember
 
Effect of one-percentage-point decrease in medical trend rate on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation 29.9us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEffectOfOnePercentagePointDecreaseOnAccumulatedPostretirementBenefitObligation1
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_UnionVebaMember
22.7us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEffectOfOnePercentagePointDecreaseOnAccumulatedPostretirementBenefitObligation1
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_UnionVebaMember
 
Assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost (income)      
Discount rate 4.70%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostDiscountRate
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_UnionVebaMember
4.00%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostDiscountRate
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_UnionVebaMember
4.20%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostDiscountRate
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_UnionVebaMember
Expected long-term return on plan assets 6.75%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_UnionVebaMember
[10] 6.25%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_UnionVebaMember
[10] 7.25%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_UnionVebaMember
[10]
Initial medical trend rate 7.50%kalu_InitialMedicalTrendRateUsedInCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_UnionVebaMember
[9] 8.00%kalu_InitialMedicalTrendRateUsedInCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_UnionVebaMember
[9] 8.50%kalu_InitialMedicalTrendRateUsedInCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_UnionVebaMember
[9]
Ultimate medical trend rate 5.00%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanUltimateHealthCareCostTrendRate
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_UnionVebaMember
[8],[9] 5.00%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanUltimateHealthCareCostTrendRate
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_UnionVebaMember
[8],[9] 5.00%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanUltimateHealthCareCostTrendRate
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_UnionVebaMember
[9]
Year that rate reaches ultimate trend rate 2019 2019 2019
Effect of one-percentage-point increase on service and interest cost components 2.6us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEffectOfOnePercentagePointIncreaseOnServiceAndInterestCostComponents
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_UnionVebaMember
2.0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEffectOfOnePercentagePointIncreaseOnServiceAndInterestCostComponents
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_UnionVebaMember
2.5us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEffectOfOnePercentagePointIncreaseOnServiceAndInterestCostComponents
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_UnionVebaMember
Effect of one-percentage-point decrease on service and interest cost components 2.0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEffectOfOnePercentagePointDecreaseOnServiceAndInterestCostComponents1
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_UnionVebaMember
1.5us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEffectOfOnePercentagePointDecreaseOnServiceAndInterestCostComponents1
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_UnionVebaMember
2.0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEffectOfOnePercentagePointDecreaseOnServiceAndInterestCostComponents1
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_UnionVebaMember
Change in benefit obligation:      
Obligation at beginning of year 312.7us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_UnionVebaMember
   
Obligation at end of year 391.5us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_UnionVebaMember
312.7us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_UnionVebaMember
 
Change in plan assets:      
Fair market value of plan assets at beginning of year 717.5us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_UnionVebaMember
   
Sale of Company's common stock by Union VEBA 0kalu_IncreaseInPostretirementMedicalPlanAsset
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_UnionVebaMember
0kalu_IncreaseInPostretirementMedicalPlanAsset
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_UnionVebaMember
[1]  
Fair market value of plan assets at end of year 731.6us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_UnionVebaMember
717.5us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_UnionVebaMember
 
Net funded status 340.1us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_UnionVebaMember
404.8us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_UnionVebaMember
 
Benefit Obligations and Funded Status Additional Disclosure      
Actuarial gain due to lower than expected drug claim costs 18.0kalu_ActuarialGainLossDueToChangesInPrescriptionDrugClaimCostsAndRetireeDrugSubsidyAssumptions
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_UnionVebaMember
54.9kalu_ActuarialGainLossDueToChangesInPrescriptionDrugClaimCostsAndRetireeDrugSubsidyAssumptions
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_UnionVebaMember
 
Actuarial gain due to higher than expected mortality rate   (8.0)kalu_ActuarialGainLossDueToChangesInCensusData
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_UnionVebaMember
 
Actuarial loss due to the addition of a new healthcare premium reimbursement benefit starting in 2014 60.5kalu_PriorServiceCostDueToHealthcarePremiumReimbursementBenefit
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_UnionVebaMember
   
Prior Service Cost Due to a New Death Benefit 15.9kalu_PriorServiceCostDuetoaNewDeathBenefit
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_UnionVebaMember
   
Prior Service Cost Due to Increase in the Annual Healthcare Reimbursement   63.8kalu_PriorServiceCostDuetoIncreaseintheAnnualHealthcareReimbursement
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_UnionVebaMember
 
Actuarial loss due to changes in administrative costs 0.4kalu_ActuarialGainLossDueToChangesInAdministrativeCosts
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_UnionVebaMember
2.7kalu_ActuarialGainLossDueToChangesInAdministrativeCosts
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_UnionVebaMember
 
Net Funded Status      
Accumulated plan benefit obligation (391.5)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_UnionVebaMember
(312.7)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_UnionVebaMember
 
Plan assets 731.6us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_UnionVebaMember
717.5us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_UnionVebaMember
 
Net funded status 340.1us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_UnionVebaMember
404.8us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_UnionVebaMember
 
Union VEBA | Company Appointed      
Postretirement Medical Obligations      
Number of trustees 2kalu_NumberOfTrustees
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_UnionVebaMember
/ kalu_TrusteesAxis
= kalu_CompanyAppointedMember
   
Union VEBA | USW Appointed      
Postretirement Medical Obligations      
Number of trustees 2kalu_NumberOfTrustees
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_UnionVebaMember
/ kalu_TrusteesAxis
= kalu_UswAppointedMember
   
Salaried VEBA      
Postretirement Medical Obligations      
Percent allocation of total contribution between VEBAs 14.50%kalu_PercentAllocationOfTotalContributionBetweenVebas
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_SalariedVebaMember
   
Accrued annual VEBA contribution 2.0kalu_AccruedAnnualVebaContribution
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_SalariedVebaMember
   
Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations      
Discount rate 3.60%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationDiscountRate
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_SalariedVebaMember
4.20%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationDiscountRate
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_SalariedVebaMember
 
Assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost (income)      
Discount rate 4.20%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostDiscountRate
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_SalariedVebaMember
3.40%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostDiscountRate
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_SalariedVebaMember
3.75%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostDiscountRate
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_SalariedVebaMember
Expected long-term return on plan assets 7.75%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_SalariedVebaMember
[10] 7.25%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_SalariedVebaMember
[10] 7.25%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_SalariedVebaMember
[10]
Change in benefit obligation:      
Obligation at beginning of year 62.0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_SalariedVebaMember
   
Obligation at end of year 79.4us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_SalariedVebaMember
62.0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_SalariedVebaMember
 
Change in plan assets:      
Fair market value of plan assets at beginning of year 63.2us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_SalariedVebaMember
   
Fair market value of plan assets at end of year 62.2us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_SalariedVebaMember
63.2us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_SalariedVebaMember
 
Net funded status (17.2)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_SalariedVebaMember
1.2us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_SalariedVebaMember
 
Benefit Obligations and Funded Status Additional Disclosure      
Prior Service Cost Due to Increase in the Annual Healthcare Reimbursement 14.0kalu_PriorServiceCostDuetoIncreaseintheAnnualHealthcareReimbursement
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_SalariedVebaMember
   
Net Funded Status      
Accumulated plan benefit obligation (79.4)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_SalariedVebaMember
(62.0)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_SalariedVebaMember
 
Plan assets 62.2us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_SalariedVebaMember
63.2us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_SalariedVebaMember
 
Net funded status (17.2)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_SalariedVebaMember
1.2us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_SalariedVebaMember
 
Variable cash contribution | VEBAs      
Postretirement Medical Obligations      
Annual VEBA contribution paid 16.0kalu_AnnualVebaContributionPaid
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
/ kalu_TypesOfContributionsAxis
= kalu_VariableCashContributionMember
   
As Reported | VEBAs      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Amendments   0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAmendments
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= us-gaap_ScenarioPreviouslyReportedMember
[1]  
Change in benefit obligation:      
Obligation at beginning of year   384.1us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= us-gaap_ScenarioPreviouslyReportedMember
[1]  
Foreign currency translation adjustment   0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanForeignCurrencyExchangeRateChangesBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= us-gaap_ScenarioPreviouslyReportedMember
[1]  
Service cost   2.5us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= us-gaap_ScenarioPreviouslyReportedMember
[1]  
Interest cost   14.6us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= us-gaap_ScenarioPreviouslyReportedMember
[1]  
Actuarial (gain) loss   (7.3)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLoss
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= us-gaap_ScenarioPreviouslyReportedMember
[1],[2]  
Plan participant contributions   0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByPlanParticipants
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= us-gaap_ScenarioPreviouslyReportedMember
[1]  
Benefits paid by VEBAs   (21.5)kalu_BenefitsPaidByVeba
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= us-gaap_ScenarioPreviouslyReportedMember
[1]  
Reimbursement from Retiree Drug Subsidy   2.3us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanGrossPrescriptionDrugSubsidyReceiptsReceived
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= us-gaap_ScenarioPreviouslyReportedMember
[1],[3]  
Obligation at end of year   374.7us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= us-gaap_ScenarioPreviouslyReportedMember
[1]  
Change in plan assets:      
Fair market value of plan assets at beginning of year   744.7us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= us-gaap_ScenarioPreviouslyReportedMember
[1]  
Foreign currency translation adjustment   0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanForeignCurrencyExchangeRateChangesPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= us-gaap_ScenarioPreviouslyReportedMember
[1]  
Actual return on assets   39.2us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= us-gaap_ScenarioPreviouslyReportedMember
[1]  
Plan participant contributions   0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByPlanParticipants
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= us-gaap_ScenarioPreviouslyReportedMember
[1]  
Employer/Company contributions   16.0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= us-gaap_ScenarioPreviouslyReportedMember
[1],[4]  
Benefits paid by VEBAs   (21.5)kalu_BenefitsPaidByVeba
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= us-gaap_ScenarioPreviouslyReportedMember
[1]  
Reimbursement from Retiree Drug Subsidy   2.3us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanGrossPrescriptionDrugSubsidyReceiptsReceived
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= us-gaap_ScenarioPreviouslyReportedMember
[1],[3]  
Fair market value of plan assets at end of year   780.7us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= us-gaap_ScenarioPreviouslyReportedMember
[1]  
Net funded status   406.0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= us-gaap_ScenarioPreviouslyReportedMember
[1],[5]  
Net Funded Status      
Accumulated plan benefit obligation   (374.7)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= us-gaap_ScenarioPreviouslyReportedMember
[1]  
Plan assets   780.7us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= us-gaap_ScenarioPreviouslyReportedMember
[1]  
Net funded status   406.0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= us-gaap_ScenarioPreviouslyReportedMember
[1],[5]  
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income      
Accumulated net actuarial (losses) gains   (0.5)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetGainsLossesBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= us-gaap_ScenarioPreviouslyReportedMember
 
Prior service cost   (32.7)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= us-gaap_ScenarioPreviouslyReportedMember
 
Loss recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)   (33.2)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= us-gaap_ScenarioPreviouslyReportedMember
 
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Income)      
Service cost   2.5us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= us-gaap_ScenarioPreviouslyReportedMember
[1]  
Interest cost   14.6us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_VebasMember
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= us-gaap_ScenarioPreviouslyReportedMember
[1]  
As Reported | Union VEBA      
Change in plan assets:      
Sale of Company's common stock by Union VEBA   $ 0kalu_IncreaseInPostretirementMedicalPlanAsset
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= kalu_UnionVebaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= us-gaap_ScenarioPreviouslyReportedMember
[1]  
[1] The presentation of Change in benefit obligation in the table above has been revised from the prior year presentation to reflect separate amounts for actuarial gains and losses and prior service costs related to plan amendments. This information was presented in a footnote to the table in the prior year. The 2013 balances shown above were adjusted to reflect this reclassification. The impacts to the prospective amortization of Prior service cost and Actuarial loss (gain) were not material.
[2] The actuarial gain relating to the VEBAs in 2014 was primarily comprised of (i) a gain of $53.6 due to projected lower benefit utilization; (ii) a gain of $18.0 due to projected lower drug claim cost in the future because of lower than expected drug claim costs in 2014 in the Union VEBA; (iii) a gain of $0.4 due primarily to a reduction in administrative cost in the Union VEBA; partially offset by (iv) a loss of $45.0 due primarily to reductions in the discount rates; and (v) a loss of $37.2 due primarily to updated actuarial mortality rates in both VEBAs.The actuarial gain relating to the VEBAs in 2013 was primarily comprised of (i) a gain of $54.9 due to projected lower drug claim cost in the future because of lower than expected drug claim costs in 2013 in the Union VEBA; (ii) a gain of $30.5 due to a decrease in discount rates used to determine benefit obligations for both VEBAs; (iii) a gain of $8.0 due primarily to a higher than expected mortality rate in the Union VEBA; partially offset by (iv) a loss of $2.7 due primarily to an increase in administrative cost in the Union VEBA.
[3] The Union VEBA is eligible for the retiree drug subsidy of the Medicare Modernization Act that went into effect January 1, 2006. As a result, the Company has measured the Union VEBA’s obligations and costs to take into account this subsidy.
[4] The Company accrued a liability for a variable cash contribution of $13.7 to the VEBAs with respect to calendar year 2014, which will be paid in the first quarter of 2015. The Company accrued a liability for a variable cash contribution of $16.0 to the VEBAs with respect to calendar year 2013, which was paid in the first quarter of 2014.
[5] Prepaid benefits of $322.9 at December 31, 2014 was comprised of $340.1 presented as Net asset of VEBAs on the Consolidated Balance Sheet related to the Union VEBA, offset by $17.2 presented as Net liability in respect of VEBA related to the Salaried VEBA. Prepaid benefits of $406.0 relating to both VEBAs at December 31, 2013 were presented as Net asset of VEBAs on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
[6] Such amounts were obtained from the VEBAs. The Company's only financial obligations to the VEBAs are to pay the variable contributions, which may not exceed $20.0 annually, and certain administrative fees.
[7] The Company amortizes prior service cost on a straight-line basis over the average remaining years of service to full eligibility for benefits of the active plan participants.
[8] The medical trend rate assumptions used for the Union VEBA were provided by the Union VEBA and certain industry data were provided by the Company's actuaries. The trend rate is assumed to decline to 5% by 2019 at each of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. A one-percentage-point increase in the assumed medical trend rates would increase the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation of the Union VEBA by $37.7 and $27.8 at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. A one-percentage-point decrease in the assumed medical trend rates would decrease the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation of the Union VEBA by $29.9 and $22.7 at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
[9] The medical trend rate assumptions used for the Union VEBA, which is currently paying certain prescription drug benefits, were provided by the Union VEBA and certain industry data were provided by the Company's actuaries. The trend rate is assumed to decline to 5% by 2019 for each of 2014, 2013 and 2012. A one-percentage-point increase in the assumed medical trend rates would increase the aggregate of the service and interest cost components of net periodic benefit costs by $2.6, $2.0 and $2.5 for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. A one-percentage-point decrease in the assumed medical trend rates would decrease the aggregate of the service and interest cost components of net periodic benefit costs by $2.0, $1.5 and $2.0 for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
[10] The expected long-term rate of return assumption is based on the targeted investment portfolios provided to the Company by the VEBAs’ trustees.