| Document Entity Information Document | Nov. 04, 2019 |
| Document Entity Information [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Nov. 4, 2019 |
| Entity Registrant Name | KAMAN CORPORATION |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | CT |
| Entity File Number | 001-35419 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 06-0613548 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 1332 Blue Hills Avenue, |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Bloomfield, |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CT |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 06002 |
| City Area Code | (860) |
| Local Phone Number | 743-7100 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock ($1 par value) |
| Trading Symbol | KAMN |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000054381 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
