|
Document and Entity Information
|
9 Months Ended |
|---|---|
|
Sep. 30, 2012
|
|
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 10-Q |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Sep. 30, 2012 |
| Document Fiscal Year Focus | 2012 |
| Document Fiscal Period Focus | Q3 |
| Trading Symbol | KCLI |
| Entity Registrant Name | KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE CO |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000054473 |
| Current Fiscal Year End Date | --12-31 |
| Entity Filer Category | Accelerated Filer |
| Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding | 11,057,052 |