Business Segments - Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquistions Costs By Segment (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	$ 253.9	$ 257.0	$ 260.7
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	253.9	257.0	260.7
Kemper Preferred [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	148.3	147.8	144.4
Kemper Specialty [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	54.3	58.7	62.6
Kemper Direct [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	4.6	6.1	8.8
Life and Health Insurance [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	$ 46.7	$ 44.4	$ 44.9