|
Document and Entity Information
|
6 Months Ended |
|---|---|
|
Jun. 30, 2012
|
|
| Document and Entity Information [Abstract] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE CO |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000054473 |
| Document Type | 10-Q |
| Document Period End Date | Jun. 30, 2012 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Fiscal Year Focus | 2012 |
| Document Fiscal Period Focus | Q2 |
| Current Fiscal Year End Date | --12-31 |
| Entity Filer Category | Accelerated Filer |
| Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding | 11,056,933 |