State Auto Financial (STFC) 10-Q 5 Aug 14 2014 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jul. 25, 2014
Document Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Jun-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q2	'
Entity Registrant Name	'State Auto Financial CORP	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000874977	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (shares)	'	40,943,214

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Assets	'	'
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost $1,789.2 and $1,804.0, respectively)	$1,849.30	$1,830.10
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (cost $230.0 and $196.6, respectively)	300.4	265.3
Other invested assets, available-for-sale, at fair value (cost $49.7 and $49.5, respectively)	87.3	80.9
Other invested assets	5.3	5
Notes receivable from affiliate	70	70
Total investments	2,312.30	2,251.30
Cash and cash equivalents	71.5	80.3
Accrued investment income and other assets	33.4	33.6
Deferred policy acquisition costs	107	96.8
Reinsurance recoverable on losses and loss expenses payable	8.6	9.1
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	5.4	4.7
Due from affiliate	27	0
Current federal income taxes	0.5	0.3
Net deferred federal income taxes	4.2	11.9
Property and equipment, at cost	8.2	8.4
Total assets	2,578.10	2,496.40
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	'	'
Losses and loss expenses payable (affiliates $437.8 and $438.0, respectively)	962.8	959.9
Unearned premiums (affiliates $103.1 and $78.4, respectively)	521.5	491
Notes payable (affiliates $15.5 and $15.5, respectively)	100.8	100.8
Postretirement and pension benefits	69.5	71.6
Due to affiliate	0	1.3
Other liabilities	79.8	86.8
Total liabilities	1,734.40	1,711.40
Stockholders’ equity:	'	'
Common stock, without par value. Authorized 100.0 shares; 47.7 and 47.5 shares issued, respectively, at stated value of $2.50 per share	119.2	118.8
Treasury stock, 6.8 and 6.8 shares, respectively, at cost	-116	-115.9
Additional paid-in capital	140.5	137.5
Accumulated other comprehensive income	114.4	80.8
Retained earnings	585.6	563.8
Total stockholders’ equity	843.7	785
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	2,578.10	2,496.40
Class A Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Stockholders’ equity:	'	'
Preferred stock value	0	0
Class B Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Stockholders’ equity:	'	'
Preferred stock value	$0	$0

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, amortized cost	$1,789.20	$1,804
Equity securities, available-for-sale, cost	230	196.6
Other invested assets, available-for-sale, cost	49.7	49.5
Losses and loss expenses payable, affiliates	437.8	438
Unearned premiums, affiliates	103.1	78.4
Notes payable, affiliates	$15.50	$15.50
Common stock, shares authorized (shares)	100	100
Common stock, shares issued (shares)	47.7	47.5
Common stock, stated value per share (usd per share)	$2.50	$2.50
Treasury stock (shares)	6.8	6.8
Class A Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Preferred stock, no par value (usd per share)	$0	$0
Preferred stock, shares authorized (shares)	2.5	2.5
Preferred stock, shares issued (shares)	0	0
Class B Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Preferred stock, no par value (usd per share)	$0	$0
Preferred stock, shares authorized (shares)	2.5	2.5
Preferred stock, shares issued (shares)	0	0
Common Stock [Member]	'	'
Common stock, no par value (usd per share)	$0	$0

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Earned premiums (ceded to affiliates $216.8 and $213.1 for the three months ended, respectively, and $432.2 and $423.8 for the six months ended, respectively)	$268.30	$263.50	$530.80	$524.80
Net investment income (affiliate $1.2 and $1.2 for the three months ended, respectively, and $2.4 and $2.4 for the six months ended, respectively)	20.5	19.7	38.1	36.6
Net realized gains on investments:	'	'	'	'
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses	-0.3	-2	-1.2	-2.3
Portion of loss recognized in other comprehensive income	0	0	0	0
Other net realized investment gains	5.6	3.5	17.2	10.5
Total net realized gains on investments	5.3	1.5	16	8.2
Other income from affiliates	0.3	0.6	0.8	1
Total revenues	294.4	285.3	585.7	570.6
Losses and loss expenses (ceded to affiliates $143.5 and $164.4 for the three months ended, respectively, and $285.7 and $296.2 for the six months ended, respectively)	190.4	186.1	362.2	359.1
Acquisition and operating expenses	97.3	87	185.8	175.8
Interest expense (affiliates $0.1 and $0.2 for the three months ended, respectively, and $0.3 and $0.4 for the six months ended, respectively)	1.3	3.8	2.6	5.5
Other expenses	2.3	2.1	4.3	3.9
Total expenses	291.3	279	554.9	544.3
Income before federal income taxes	3.1	6.3	30.8	26.3
Federal income tax expense	0.1	0.1	0.7	0.4
Net income	$3	$6.20	$30.10	$25.90
Earnings per common share:	'	'	'	'
Basic (usd per share)	$0.07	$0.15	$0.74	$0.64
Diluted (usd per share)	$0.07	$0.15	$0.73	$0.64
Dividends paid per common share (usd per share)	$0.10	$0.10	$0.20	$0.20

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Earned premiums, ceded to affiliates	$216.80	$213.10	$432.20	$423.80
Net investment income, from affiliate	1.2	1.2	2.4	2.4
Losses and loss expenses, ceded to affiliates	143.5	164.4	285.7	296.2
Interest expense, affiliates	$0.10	$0.20	$0.30	$0.40

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Amounts Reclassified Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income	$3	$6.20	$30.10	$25.90
Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on investments:	'	'	'	'
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period ended	34.9	-67.1	57.9	-47.7
Reclassification adjustments for gains realized in net income	-5.3	-1.5	-16	-8.2
Income tax (expense) benefit	-3.5	7.3	-7.7	7.6
Total net unrealized holding gains (losses) on investments	26.1	-61.3	34.2	-48.3
Amortization of gain on derivative used in cash flow hedge	0	-0.1	0	-0.1
Net actuarial loss arising during period	-1.6	0	-1.6	0
Reclassification adjustments for amortization to statements of income:	'	'	'	'
Prior service benefits	-1.4	-1.4	-2.8	-2.8
Net actuarial loss	2.2	2.3	3.8	4.6
Total net unrecognized benefit plan obligations	-0.8	0.9	-0.6	1.8
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	25.3	-60.5	33.6	-46.6
Comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	$28.30	($54.30)	$63.70	($20.70)

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income	$30.10	$25.90
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization, net	4.4	6.4
Share-based compensation	2.4	2.5
Net realized gains on investments	-16	-8.2
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Deferred policy acquisition costs	-10.2	-8.7
Accrued investment income and other assets	0.4	-2
Postretirement and pension benefits	-2.7	-3.3
Other liabilities and due to/from affiliates, net	-36.6	-39.8
Reinsurance recoverable on losses and loss expenses payable and prepaid reinsurance premiums	-0.2	-0.2
Losses and loss expenses payable	2.9	13.5
Unearned premiums	30.5	25.7
Federal income taxes	-0.2	-0.2
Net cash provided by operating activities	4.8	11.6
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Purchases of fixed maturities, available-for-sale	-226.7	-144.2
Purchases of equity securities, available-for-sale	-84.9	-39.5
Purchases of other invested assets	-0.9	-0.5
Maturities, calls and pay downs of fixed maturities, available-for-sale	138.3	86.7
Sales of fixed maturities, available-for-sale	101.8	58.2
Sales of equity securities, available-for-sale	64.8	43.2
Sales of other invested assets	0.3	0.4
Net additions of property and equipment	0	0.2
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	-7.3	4.5
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	2.1	1.6
Payments to acquire treasury stock	-0.1	-0.1
Payment of dividends	-8.3	-8.1
Net cash used in financing activities	-6.3	-6.6
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-8.8	9.5
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	80.3	59
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	71.5	68.5
Supplemental disclosures:	'	'
Interest paid (affiliates $0.3 and $0.3, respectively)	2.6	3.5
Income Taxes Paid	$1	$0.60

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Parenthetical) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]	'	'
Interest paid, affiliates	$0.30	$0.30

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of State Auto Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries (“State Auto Financial” or the “Company”) have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for complete financial statements. In the opinion of the Company, all adjustments (consisting of normal, recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2014. The balance sheet at December 31, 2013 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date, but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements.
	For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 (the “2013 Form 10-K”). Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meaning ascribed to them in the 2013 Form 10-K.

Investments

Investments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]	'
Investments	'
	Investments
	The following tables set forth the cost or amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale securities by lot at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
	($ millions)	Cost or amortized cost			Gross unrealized holding gains			Gross unrealized holding losses				Fair value
	30-Jun-14
	Fixed maturities:
	U.S. treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies	$	297.9		$	19.5		$	(3.2	)		$	314.2
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions	708.7			26			(3.1		)		731.6
	Corporate securities	318.7			12.8			(3.2		)		328.3
	U.S. government agencies residential mortgage-backed securities	463.9			13.9			(2.6		)		475.2
	Total fixed maturities	1,789.20			72.2			(12.1		)		1,849.30
	Equity securities:
	Large-cap securities	182.4			53			—				235.4
	Small-cap securities	47.6			17.4			—				65
	Total equity securities	230			70.4			—				300.4
	Other invested assets	49.7			37.6			—				87.3
	Total available-for-sale securities	$	2,068.90		$	180.2		$	(12.1	)		$	2,237.00
	($ millions)	Cost or amortized cost			Gross unrealized holding gains			Gross unrealized holding losses				Fair value
	31-Dec-13
	Fixed maturities:
	U.S. treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies	$	345.5		$	13.4		$	(6.5	)		$	352.4
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions	765.3			25.8			(16.9		)		774.2
	Corporate securities	345			11.4			(6.7		)		349.7
	U.S. government agencies residential mortgage-backed securities	348.2			9.7			(4.1		)		353.8
	Total fixed maturities	1,804.00			60.3			(34.2		)		1,830.10
	Equity securities:
	Large-cap securities	148.2			46.5			(0.3		)		194.4
	Small-cap securities	48.4			22.5			—				70.9
	Total equity securities	196.6			69			(0.3		)		265.3
	Other invested assets	49.5			31.4			—				80.9
	Total available-for-sale securities	$	2,050.10		$	160.7		$	(34.5	)		$	2,176.30
	The following tables set forth the Company’s gross unrealized losses and fair value on its investments by lot, aggregated by investment category and length of time for individual securities that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
		Less than 12 months								12 months or more								Total
	($ millions, except # of positions)	Fair value			Unrealized losses			Number of positions		Fair value				Unrealized losses			Number of positions	Fair value		Unrealized losses			Number of positions
	30-Jun-14
	Fixed maturities:
	U.S. treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies	$	19.9		$	(0.8	)	4		$	45.1			$	(2.4	)	16	$	65	$	(3.2	)	20
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions	33			(0.2		)	12		158.4				(2.9		)	53	191.4		(3.1		)	65
	Corporate securities	5			(0.1		)	1		70.6				(3.1		)	14	75.6		(3.2		)	15
	U.S. government agencies residential mortgage-backed securities	65.6			(0.7		)	13		41				(1.9		)	14	106.6		(2.6		)	27
	Total fixed maturities	123.5			(1.8		)	30		315.1				(10.3		)	97	438.6		(12.1		)	127
	Total temporarily impaired securities	$	123.5		$	(1.8	)	30		$	315.1			$	(10.3	)	97	$	438.6	$	(12.1	)	127
		Less than 12 months								12 months or more								Total
	($ millions, except # of positions)	Fair value			Unrealized losses			Number of positions		Fair value				Unrealized losses			Number of positions	Fair value		Unrealized losses			Number of positions
	31-Dec-13
	Fixed maturities:
	U.S. treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies	$	109.6		$	(6.5	)	29		$	—			$	—		—	$	109.6	$	(6.5	)	29
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions	206.4			(14.7		)	76		25.6				(2.2		)	7	232		(16.9		)	83
	Corporate securities	105.6			(3.2		)	22		40.9				(3.5		)	8	146.5		(6.7		)	30
	U.S. government agencies residential mortgage-backed securities	103.6			(3.3		)	25		19.3				(0.8		)	10	122.9		(4.1		)	35
	Total fixed maturities	525.2			(27.7		)	152		85.8				(6.5		)	25	611		(34.2		)	177
	Large-cap equity securities	5.3			(0.3		)	2		—				—			—	5.3		(0.3		)	2
	Total temporarily impaired securities	$	530.5		$	(28.0	)	154		$	85.8			$	(6.5	)	25	$	616.3	$	(34.5	)	179
	The Company reviewed its investments at June 30, 2014, and determined that no additional other-than-temporary impairment existed in the gross unrealized holding losses other than those listed in the table below. The following table sets forth the realized losses related to other-than-temporary impairments on the Company’s investment portfolio recognized for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:
		Three months ended June 30						Six months ended June 30
	($ millions)	2014			2013			2014				2013
	Equity securities:
	Large-cap securities	$	—		$	(1.3	)	$	(0.3	)		$	(1.3	)
	Small-cap securities	(0.3		)	(0.7		)	(0.9		)		(1.0		)
	Total other-than-temporary impairments	$	(0.3	)	$	(2.0	)	$	(1.2	)		$	(2.3	)
	The Company regularly monitors its investments that have fair values less than cost or amortized cost for signs of other-than-temporary impairment, an assessment that requires significant management judgment regarding the evidence known. Such judgments could change in the future as more information becomes known, which could negatively impact the amounts reported. Among the factors that management considers for fixed maturity securities are the financial condition of the issuer including receipt of scheduled principal and interest cash flows, and intent to sell including if it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the investments before recovery. When a fixed maturity has been determined to have an other-than-temporary impairment, the impairment charge is separated into an amount representing the credit loss, which is recognized in earnings as a realized loss, and the amount related to non-credit factors, which is recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income. Future increases or decreases in fair value, if not other-than-temporary, are included in accumulated other comprehensive income.
	Among the factors that management considers for equity securities and other invested assets are the length of time and/or the significance of decline below cost, the Company’s ability and intent to hold these securities through their recovery periods, the current financial condition of the issuer and its future business prospects, and the ability of the market value to recover to cost in the near term. When an equity security or other invested asset has been determined to have a decline in fair value that is other-than-temporary, the cost basis of the security is adjusted to fair value. This results in a charge to earnings as a realized loss, which is not reversed for subsequent recoveries in fair value. Future increases or decreases in fair value, if not other-than-temporary, are included in accumulated other comprehensive income.
	The following table sets forth the amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale fixed maturities by contractual maturity at June 30, 2014:
	($ millions)	Amortized cost			Fair
value
Due in 1 year or less	$	39.5		$	40
Due after 1 year through 5 years	355.2			372.9
Due after 5 years through 10 years	326.5			345
Due after 10 years	604.1			616.2
U.S. government agencies residential mortgage-backed securities	463.9			475.2
Total	$	1,789.20		$	1,849.30
Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay the obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
At June 30, 2014, State Auto P&C had fixed maturity securities, with a carrying value of $85.0 million, that were pledged as collateral for the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati ("FHLB") Loan. In accordance with the terms of the FHLB Loan, State Auto P&C retains all rights regarding these securities, which are are included in the "U.S. government agencies residential mortgage-backed securities" classification of the Company's fixed maturity securities portfolio.
Fixed maturities with fair values of $8.8 million and $8.7 million, respectively, were on deposit with insurance regulators as required by law at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013. The Company retains all rights regarding these securities.
The following table sets forth the components of net investment income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:
	Three months ended June 30						Six months ended June 30
($ millions)	2014			2013			2014				2013
Fixed maturities	$	17.9		$	17.2		$	33.3			$	32
Equity securities	1.7			1.6			3.1				2.8
Cash and cash equivalents, and other	1.4			1.4			2.7				2.8
Investment income	21			20.2			39.1				37.6
Investment expenses	0.5			0.5			1				1
Net investment income	$	20.5		$	19.7		$	38.1			$	36.6
The Company’s current investment strategy does not rely on the use of derivative financial instruments.
The following table sets forth the realized and unrealized holding gains (losses) on the Company’s investment portfolio for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:
	Three months ended June 30						Six months ended June 30
($ millions)	2014			2013			2014				2013
Realized gains:
Fixed maturities	$	0.4		$	0.7		$	2.5			$	1.2
Equity securities	5.2			3.4			14.7				10
Other invested assets	—			—			0.1				—
Total realized gains	5.6			4.1			17.3				11.2
Realized losses:
Equity securities:
Sales	—			(0.6		)	(0.1		)		(0.7		)
OTTI	(0.3		)	(2.0		)	(1.2		)		(2.3		)
Total realized losses	(0.3		)	(2.6		)	(1.3		)		(3.0		)
Net realized gains on investments	$	5.3		$	1.5		$	16			$	8.2
Change in unrealized holding gains (losses), net of tax:
Fixed maturities	$	19.6		$	(69.3	)	$	34			$	(78.5	)
Equity securities	6.2			(0.3		)	1.7				18
Other invested assets	3.8			1			6.2				4.6
Deferred federal income tax liability	(10.3		)	24			(14.6		)		19.6
Valuation allowance	6.8			(16.7		)	6.9				(12.0		)
Change in net unrealized holding gains (losses), net of tax	$	26.1		$	(61.3	)	$	34.2			$	(48.3	)
There was a deferred federal income tax liability, net of a valuation allowance, on the net unrealized holding gains at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 of $49.3 million and $41.6 million, respectively.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	Below is the fair value hierarchy that categorizes into three levels the inputs to valuation techniques that are used to measure fair value:
	•	Level 1 includes observable inputs which reflect quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets at the measurement date.
	•	Level 2 includes observable inputs for assets or liabilities other than quoted prices included in Level 1, and it includes valuation techniques which use prices for similar assets and liabilities.
	•	Level 3 includes unobservable inputs which reflect the reporting entity’s estimates of the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability (including assumptions about risk).
	The Company utilizes one nationally recognized pricing service to estimate the majority of its available-for-sale investment portfolio’s fair value. The Company obtains one price per security and the processes and control procedures employed by the Company are designed to ensure the value is accurately recorded on an unadjusted basis. Through discussions with the pricing service, the Company gains an understanding of the methodologies used to price the different types of securities, that the data and the valuation methods utilized are appropriate and consistently applied, and that the assumptions are reasonable and representative of fair value. To validate the reasonableness of the valuations obtained from the pricing service, the Company compares to other fair value pricing information gathered from other independent pricing sources. At June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company did not adjust any of the prices received from the pricing service.
	Transfers between level categorizations may occur due to changes in the availability of market observable inputs. Transfers in and out of level categorizations are reported as having occurred at the beginning of the quarter in which the transfer occurred. There were no transfers between level categorizations during the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013.
	The following sections describe the valuation methods used by the Company for each type of financial instrument it holds that are carried at fair value:
	Fixed Maturities
	The Company utilizes a third party pricing service to estimate fair value measurements for the majority of its fixed maturities. The fair value estimate of the Company’s fixed maturity investments are determined by evaluations that are based on observable market information rather than market quotes. Inputs to the evaluations include, but are not limited to, market prices from recently completed transactions and transactions of comparable securities, interest rate yield curves, credit spreads, and other market-observable information. The fixed maturity portfolio pricing obtained from the pricing service is reviewed for reasonableness. Regularly, a sample of security prices’ are referred back to the pricing service for more detailed explanation as to how the pricing service arrived at that particular price. The explanations are reviewed for reasonableness by the portfolio manager and investment officer. Additionally, the prices and assumptions are verified against an alternative pricing source for reasonableness and accuracy. Any discrepancies with the pricing are returned to the pricing service for further explanation and if necessary, adjustments are made. To date, the Company has not identified any significant discrepancies in the pricing provided by its third party pricing service. Investments valued using these inputs include U.S. treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies, obligations of states and political subdivisions, corporate securities (except for two securities discussed below), and U.S. government agencies residential mortgage-backed securities. All unadjusted estimates of fair value for fixed maturities priced by the pricing service are included in the amounts disclosed in Level 2 of the hierarchy. If market inputs are unavailable, then no fair value is provided by the pricing service. For these securities, fair value is determined either by requesting brokers who are knowledgeable about these securities to provide a quote; or the Company internally determines the fair values by employing widely accepted pricing valuation models, and depending on the level of observable market inputs, renders the fair value estimate as Level 2 or Level 3. The Company holds two fixed maturity corporate securities included in Level 3. The Company estimates the fair value of one security using the present value of the future cash flows and the Company obtains a broker quote of the other security’s fair value. Due to the limited amount of observable market information for both of these securities, the Company includes the fair value estimates in Level 3.
	Equities
	The fair value of each equity security is based on an observable market price for an identical asset in an active market and is priced by the same pricing service discussed above. All equity securities are recorded using unadjusted market prices and have been disclosed in Level 1.
	Other Invested Assets
	Included in other invested assets are two international funds (“the funds”) that invest in equity securities of foreign issuers and are managed by third party investment managers. The funds had a fair value of $80.1 million and $74.2 million at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, which was determined using each fund’s net asset value. The Company employs procedures to assess the reasonableness of the fair value of the funds including obtaining and reviewing each fund’s audited financial statements. There are no unfunded commitments related to the funds. The Company may not sell its investment in the funds; however, the Company may redeem all or a portion of its investment in the funds at net asset value per share with the appropriate prior written notice. Due to the Company’s ability to redeem its investment in the funds at net asset value per share at the measurement date, the funds have been disclosed in Level 2.
	The remainder of the Company’s other invested assets consist primarily of holdings in publicly-traded mutual funds. The Company believes that its prices for these publicly-traded mutual funds based on an observable market price for an identical asset in an active market reflect their fair values and consequently these securities have been disclosed in Level 1.
	The following tables set forth the Company’s available-for-sale investments within the fair value hierarchy at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
	($ millions)	Total		Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets		Significant other observable inputs			Significant unobservable inputs
	30-Jun-14			(Level 1)		(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	Fixed maturities:
	U.S. treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies	$	314.2	$	—	$	314.2		$	—
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions	731.6		—		731.6			—
	Corporate securities	328.3		—		319.1			9.2
	U.S. government agencies residential mortgage-backed securities	475.2		—		475.2			—
	Total fixed maturities	1,849.30		—		1,840.10			9.2
	Equity securities:
	Large-cap securities	235.4		235.4		—			—
	Small-cap securities	65		65		—			—
	Total equity securities	300.4		300.4		—			—
	Other invested assets	87.3		7.2		80.1			—
	Total available-for-sale investments	$	2,237.00	$	307.6	$	1,920.20		$	9.2
	($ millions)	Total		Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)		Significant other observable inputs			Significant unobservable inputs
	31-Dec-13					(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	Fixed maturities:
	U.S. treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies	$	352.4	$	—	$	352.4		$	—
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions	774.2		—		774.2			—
	Corporate securities	349.7		—		340.8			8.9
	U.S. government agencies residential mortgage-backed securities	353.8		—		353.8			—
	Total fixed maturities	1,830.10		—		1,821.20			8.9
	Equity securities:
	Large-cap securities	194.4		194.4		—			—
	Small-cap securities	70.9		70.9		—			—
	Total equity securities	265.3		265.3		—			—
	Other invested assets	80.9		6.7		74.2			—
	Total available-for-sale investments	$	2,176.30	$	272	$	1,895.40		$	8.9
	For assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), the following tables set forth a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and the year ended December 31, 2013, separately for each major category of assets:
	($ millions)	Fixed maturities
	Balance at January 1, 2014	$	8.9
	Total realized gains (losses) – included in earnings	—
	Total unrealized gains – included in other comprehensive income	0.1
	Purchases	0.1
	Sales	—
	Transfers into Level 3	—
	Transfers out of Level 3	—
	Balance at March 31, 2014	$	9.1
	Total realized gains (losses) – included in earnings	—
	Total unrealized gains (losses) – included in other comprehensive income	—
	Purchases	0.1
	Sales	—
	Transfers into Level 3	—
	Transfers out of Level 3	—
	Balance at June 30, 2014	$	9.2
	($ millions)	Fixed maturities
	Balance at January 1, 2013	$	8.5
Total realized (losses) gains – included in earnings	—
Total unrealized gains – included in other comprehensive income	0.2
Purchases	0.2
Sales	—
Transfers into Level 3	—
Transfers out of Level 3	—
Balance at December 31, 2013	$	8.9
The following sections describe the valuation methods used by the Company for each type of financial instrument it holds that is not measured at fair value but for which fair value is disclosed:
Financial Instruments Disclosed, But Not Carried, At Fair Value
Other Invested Assets
Included in other invested assets are common stock of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati (“FHLB”) and the Trust Securities. The Trust Securities and FHLB common stock are carried at cost, which approximates fair value. The fair value of the FHLB common stock at June 30, 2014 was $4.8 million and the fair value of the Trust Securities was $0.5 million. Both investments have been placed in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
Notes Receivable from Affiliate
In May 2009, the Company entered into two separate credit agreements with State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company (“State Auto Mutual") pursuant to which it loaned State Auto Mutual a total of $70.0 million. The Company estimates the fair value of the notes receivable from affiliate using market quotations for U.S. treasury securities with similar maturity dates and applies an appropriate credit spread. Consequently this has been placed in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
($ millions, except interest rates)	June 30, 2014						December 31, 2013
	Carrying value		Fair value		Interest rate		Carrying value			Fair		Interest rate
										value
Notes receivable from affiliate	$	70	$	74.9	7	%	$	70		$	74.6	7	%
Notes Payable
Included in notes payable are the FHLB Loan and Subordinated Debentures. The Company estimates the fair value of the FHLB Loan by discounting cash flows using a borrowing rate currently available to the company for a loan with similar terms. This has been placed in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. The carrying amount of the Subordinated Debentures approximates its fair value as the interest rate adjusts quarterly and has been disclosed in Level 3.
($ millions, except interest rates)	30-Jun-14						31-Dec-13
	Carrying value		Fair Value		Interest rate		Carrying value			Fair value		Interest rate
FHLB Loan due 2033: issued $85.0, July 2013 with fixed interest	$	85.3	$	86.6	5.03	%	$	85.3		$	85.7	5.03	%
Affiliate Subordinated Debentures due 2033: issued $15.5, May 2003 with variable interest	15.5		15.5		4.43	%	15.5			15.5		4.44	%
Total notes payable	$	100.8	$	102.1			$	100.8		$	101.2

Reinsurance

Reinsurance	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Insurance [Abstract]	'
Reinsurance	'
	Reinsurance
	The insurance subsidiaries of State Auto Financial, including State Auto Property & Casualty Insurance Company (“State Auto P&C”), Milbank Insurance Company and State Auto Insurance Company of Ohio (collectively referred to as the “STFC Pooled Companies”) participate in a quota share reinsurance pooling arrangement (“the Pooling Arrangement”) with State Auto Mutual which includes Meridian Citizens Mutual Insurance Company (merged with State Auto Mutual at the close of business on July 2, 2014), and its subsidiaries and affiliates, State Auto Insurance Company of Wisconsin, Meridian Security Insurance Company, Patrons Mutual Insurance Company of Connecticut, Rockhill Insurance Company, Plaza Insurance Company, American Compensation Insurance Company and Bloomington Compensation Insurance Company, (collectively referred to as the “Mutual Pooled Companies”).
	The following table sets forth a summary of the Company’s external reinsurance transactions, as well as reinsurance transactions with State Auto Mutual under the Pooling Arrangement, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:
			Three months ended June 30						Six months ended June 30
		($ millions)	2014			2013			2014			2013
		Premiums earned:
		Assumed from external insurers and reinsurers	$	1.1		$	1.1		$	2.1		$	1.5
		Assumed under Pooling Arrangement	268.3			263.5			530.8			524.8
		Ceded to external insurers and reinsurers	(6.0		)	(6.7		)	(12.0		)	(12.2		)
		Ceded under Pooling Arrangement	(216.8		)	(213.1		)	(432.2		)	(423.8		)
		Net assumed premiums earned	$	46.6		$	44.8		$	88.7		$	90.3
		Losses and loss expenses incurred:
		Assumed from external insurers and reinsurers	$	0.8		$	0.6		$	1.5		$	0.4
		Assumed under Pooling Arrangement (a)	190.4			186.1			362.2			359.1
		Ceded to external insurers and reinsurers	(1.2		)	(3.1		)	(3.7		)	(4.1		)
		Ceded under Pooling Arrangement (a)	(143.5		)	(164.4		)	(285.7		)	(296.2		)
		Net assumed losses and loss expenses incurred	$	46.5		$	19.2		$	74.3		$	59.2
	(a)	Includes adjustments for accounting differences between SAP and GAAP of $0.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $1.6 million and $1.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	The following table sets forth the reconciliation between actual federal income tax expense and the amount computed at the indicated statutory rate for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:
		Three months ended June 30												Six months ended June 30
	($ millions)	2014					2013							2014					2013
	Amount at statutory rate	$	1.1		35	%	$	2.2			35	%		$	10.8		35	%	$	9.2		35	%
	Tax-exempt interest and dividends received deduction	(2.1		)	(68	)	(2.4		)		(38	)		(4.2		)	(14	)	(4.7		)	(18	)
	Other, net	0.7			24		0.1				1			0.9			3		0.3			1
	Valuation allowance	0.4			12		0.2				3			(6.8		)	(22	)	(4.4		)	(17	)
	Federal income tax expense and effective rate	$	0.1		3	%	$	0.1			1	%		$	0.7		2	%	$	0.4		1	%
	The following table sets forth the tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
	($ millions)	June 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Unearned premiums not currently deductible	$	35.9		$	33.8
	Losses and loss expenses payable discounting	21.7			21.6
	Postretirement and pension benefits	24.3			24.9
	Realized loss on other-than-temporary impairment	7.9			7.5
	Other liabilities	18.4			17.3
	Net operating loss carryforward	50.4			56.5
	Tax credit carryforward	2.4			1.7
	Other	8.5			9.2
	Total deferred tax assets	169.5			172.5
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Deferral of policy acquisition costs	37.5			33.9
	Net unrealized holding gains on investments	58.8			44.1
	Total deferred tax liabilities	96.3			78
	Total net deferred tax assets before valuation allowance	73.2			94.5
	Less valuation allowance	69			82.6
	Net deferred federal income taxes	$	4.2		$	11.9
	Deferred income tax assets and liabilities represent the tax effect of the differences between the financial statement carrying value of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. In accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s Accounting Standards Codification 740, Income Taxes (ASC 740), the Company periodically evaluates its deferred tax assets, which requires significant judgment, to determine if they are realizable based upon weighing all available evidence, both positive and negative, including loss carryback potential, past operating results, existence of cumulative losses in the most recent years, projected performance of the business, future taxable income, including the ability to generate capital gains, and prudent and feasible tax planning strategies. In making such judgments, significant weight is given to evidence that can be objectively verified. At June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company recorded a valuation allowance of $69.0 million and $82.6 million, respectively. The deferred income tax asset remaining after recognition of the valuation allowance represents deferred tax benefits on gross unrealized fixed maturity losses where management determined these benefits to be realizable due to management’s assertion it has both the ability and intent to hold these securities through recovery or maturity.
	Based on ASC 740 intraperiod tax allocation guidelines, the following sets forth the change in valuation allowance attributable to continuing operations and other comprehensive income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:
		Three months ended June 30						Six months ended June 30
	($ millions)	2014			2013			2014				2013
	Continuing operations	$	0.4		$	0.2		$	(6.8	)		$	(4.4	)
	Other comprehensive income	(6.6		)	16.5			(6.8		)		11.4
	Change in valuation allowance	$	(6.2	)	$	16.7		$	(13.6	)		$	7
	In future periods the Company will re-assess its judgments and assumptions regarding the realization of its net deferred tax assets, but until such time the positive evidence exceeds the negative evidence, the Company will maintain a valuation allowance against its net deferred tax assets.

Pension_and_Postretirement_Ben

Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans	'
	Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans
	The following table sets forth the components of net periodic cost for the Company’s pension and postretirement benefit plans for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:
	($ millions)	Pension						Postretirement						Pension						Postretirement
		Three months ended June 30												Six months ended June 30
		2014			2013			2014			2013			2014			2013			2014			2013
	Service cost	$	1.3		$	1.5		$	—		$	—		$	2.6		$	3		$	—		$	0.1
	Interest cost	2.8			2.4			0.2			0.3			5.6			4.8			0.5			0.6
	Expected return on plan assets	(3.1		)	(3.0		)	—			—			(6.3		)	(6.0		)	—			—
	Amortization of:
	Prior service benefits	—			—			(1.4		)	(1.4		)	—			—			(2.8		)	(2.8		)
	Net actuarial loss	2.1			2			0.1			0.3			3.5			4			0.3			0.6
	Net periodic cost (benefit)	$	3.1		$	2.9		$	(1.1	)	$	(0.8	)	$	5.4		$	5.8		$	(2.0	)	$	(1.5	)
	The Company contributed $6.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and expects to contribute an additional $6.5 million to the pension plan during 2014.

Reorganization_of_Information_

Reorganization of Information Technology Department (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Strategic Sourcing Initiative [Abstract]	'
Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Reorganization of Information Technology Department
	In May 2014, the Company initiated a plan to reorganize its information technology ("IT") department in support of its long-term IT strategy. This strategic initiative is designed to advance the Company’s application maintenance and support capabilities while delivering an improved customer experience. This reorganization is expected to be completed during the second half of 2014. The Company recognized severance expenses expected to be incurred in connection with this reorganization of $4.4 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014. These expenses are included within acquisition and operating expenses on the condensed consolidated statements of income.

Other_Comprehensive_Income_and

Other Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Other Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'
	Other Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	The following table sets forth the changes in the Company’s accumulated other comprehensive income component (AOCI), net of tax, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:
	($ millions)		Unrealized Gains and Losses on Available-for-Sale Securities				Benefit Plan Items				Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges			Total
	Beginning balance at April 1, 2014		$	92.7			$	(3.6	)		$	—		$	89.1
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications		31.4				(1.6		)		—			29.8
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI (a)		(5.3		)		0.8				—			(4.5		)
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)		26.1				(0.8		)		—			25.3
	Ending balance at June 30, 2014		$	118.8			$	(4.4	)		$	—		$	114.4
	Beginning balance at April 1, 2013		$	137			$	(39.0	)		$	0.1		$	98.1
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications		(59.8		)		—				—			(59.8		)
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI (a)		(1.5		)		0.9				(0.1		)	(0.7		)
	Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income		(61.3		)		0.9				(0.1		)	(60.5		)
	Ending balance at June 30, 2013		$	75.7			$	(38.1	)		$	—		$	37.6
	(a)	See separate table below for details about these reclassifications
	($ millions)		Unrealized Gains and Losses on Available-for-Sale Securities				Benefit Plan Items				Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges			Total
	Beginning balance at January 1, 2014		$	84.6			$	(3.8	)		$	—		$	80.8
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications		50.2				(1.6		)		—			48.6
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI (a)		(16.0		)		1				—			(15.0		)
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)		34.2				(0.6		)		—			33.6
	Ending balance at June 30, 2014		$	118.8			$	(4.4	)		$	—		$	114.4
	Beginning balance at January 1, 2013		$	124			$	(39.9	)		$	0.1		$	84.2
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications		(40.1		)		—				—			(40.1		)
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI (a)		(8.2		)		1.8				(0.1		)	(6.5		)
	Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income		(48.3		)		1.8				(0.1		)	(46.6		)
	Ending balance at June 30, 2013		$	75.7			$	(38.1	)		$	—		$	37.6
	(a)	See separate table below for details about these reclassifications
	The following table sets forth the reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income, by component, to the Company’s consolidated statement of income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:
	($ millions)
	Details about Accumulated Other			Three months ended								Affected line item in the Condensed
	Comprehensive Income Components			30-Jun								Consolidated Statements of Income
				2014				2013
	Unrealized gains on available for sale securities			$	5.3			$	1.5			Realized gain on sale of securities
				5.3				1.5				Total before tax
				—				—				Tax benefit (expense)
				5.3				1.5				Net of tax
	Amortization of gain on derivative used in cash flow hedge			—				0.1				Realized gain on sale of securities
				—				0.1				Total before tax
				—				—				Tax benefit (expense)
				—				0.1				Net of tax
	Amortization of benefit plan items
	Prior service benefits			1.4				1.4				(a)
	Net actuarial loss			(2.2		)		(2.3		)		(a)
				(0.8		)		(0.9		)		Total before tax
				—				—				Tax benefit (expense)
				(0.8		)		(0.9		)		Net of tax
	Total reclassifications for the period			$	4.5			$	0.7
	(a)	These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost (see pension and postretirement benefit plans footnote for additional details).
	($ millions)
	Details about Accumulated Other			Six months ended								Affected line item in the Condensed
	Comprehensive Income Components			30-Jun								Consolidated Statements of Income
				2014				2013
	Unrealized gains on available for sale securities			$	16			$	8.2			Realized gain on sale of securities
				16				8.2				Total before tax
				—				—				Tax benefit (expense)
				16				8.2				Net of tax
	Amortization of gain on derivative used in cash flow hedge			—				0.1				Realized gain on sale of securities
				—				0.1				Total before tax
				—				—				Tax benefit (expense)
				—				0.1				Net of tax
	Amortization of benefit plan items
	Prior service benefits			2.8				2.8				(a)
	Net actuarial loss			(3.8		)		(4.6		)		(a)
				(1.0		)		(1.8		)		Total before tax
			—				—				Tax benefit (expense)
			(1.0		)		(1.8		)		Net of tax
Total reclassifications for the period			$	15			$	6.5
(a)	These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost (see pension and postretirement benefit plans footnote for additional details).

Earnings_per_Common_Share

Earnings per Common Share	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings (Loss) per Common Share	'
	Net Earnings per Common Share
	The following table sets forth the compilation of basic and diluted earnings per common share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:
		Three months ended June 30						Six months ended June 30
	($ and shares in millions, except per share amounts)	2014			2013			2014		2013
	Numerator:
	Net income for basic earnings per common share	$	3		$	6.2		$	30.1	$	25.9
	Denominator:
	Weighted average shares for basic net earnings per common share	40.8			40.5			40.8		40.5
	Effect of dilutive share-based awards	0.4			0.3			0.4		0.2
	Adjusted weighted average shares for diluted net earnings per common share	41.2			40.8			41.2		40.7
	Basic net earnings per common share	$	0.07		$	0.15		$	0.74	$	0.64
	Diluted net earnings per common share	$	0.07		$	0.15		$	0.73	$	0.64
	The following table sets forth common stock options and restricted share units ("RSU award") provided to each outside director of the Company that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per common share because the exercise price of the options, or awards, was greater than the average market price or their inclusion would have been antidilutive for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013.
		Three months ended June 30					Six months ended June 30
	( millions)	2014		2013			2014		2013
	Total number of antidilutive options and awards	1.7		2.8			1.7		3.3

Segment_Information

Segment Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	Segment Information
	The Company has four reportable segments: personal insurance, business insurance, specialty insurance and investment operations. The reportable insurance segments are business units managed separately because of the differences in the type of customers they serve, the products they provide or services they offer. The insurance segments market a broad line of property and casualty insurance products throughout the United States through independent insurance agencies, which include retail agents and wholesale brokers. The personal insurance segment provides primarily personal automobile and homeowners to the personal insurance market. The business insurance segment provides primarily commercial automobile, commercial multi-peril, fire & allied and general liability insurance covering small-to-medium sized commercial exposures. The specialty insurance segment provides commercial coverages, including workers’ compensation for both the legacy State Auto Group and RTW's insurance subsidiaries, that require specialized product underwriting, claims handling or risk management services through a distribution channel of retail agents and wholesale brokers, which may include program administrators and other specialty sources. The investment operations segment, managed by Stateco, provides investment services.
	The Company evaluates the performance of its insurance segments using industry financial measurements based on Statutory Accounting Practices (“SAP”), which include loss and loss adjustment expense ratios, underwriting expense ratios, combined ratios, statutory underwriting gain (loss), net premiums earned and net written premiums. One of the most significant differences between SAP and GAAP is that SAP requires all underwriting expenses to be expensed immediately and not deferred and amortized over the same period the premium is earned.
	The accounting for pension benefits also contributes to the difference between our GAAP loss and expense ratios and our SAP loss and expense ratios.
	The investment operations segment is evaluated based on investment returns of assets managed by Stateco. Asset information by segment is not reported for the insurance segments because the Company does not produce such information internally.
	The following table sets forth financial information regarding the Company’s reportable segments for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:
	($ millions)	Three months ended June 30						Six months ended June 30
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Revenue from external sources:
	Insurance segments
	Personal insurance	$	113.7		$	117.2		$	228		$	231.9
	Business insurance	95.9			89.6			189.4			178.1
	Specialty insurance	58.7			56.7			113.4			114.8
	Total insurance segments	268.3			263.5			530.8			524.8
	Investment operations segment
	Net investment income	20.5			19.7			38.1			36.6
	Net realized capital gains	5.3			1.5			16			8.2
	Total investment operations segment	25.8			21.2			54.1			44.8
	All other	0.3			0.6			0.8			1
	Total revenue from external sources	294.4			285.3			585.7			570.6
	Intersegment revenue	1.3			1.3			2.6			2.6
	Total revenue	295.7			286.6			588.3			573.2
	Reconciling items:
	Eliminate intersegment revenues	(1.3		)	(1.3		)	(2.6		)	(2.6		)
	Total consolidated revenues	$	294.4		$	285.3		$	585.7		$	570.6
	Segment income before federal income tax:
	Insurance segments SAP underwriting loss
	Personal insurance	$	(10.7	)	$	(6.8	)	$	(4.6	)	$	(5.5	)
	Business insurance	(5.9		)	(4.5		)	(15.3		)	(9.8		)
	Specialty insurance	(12.1		)	(6.0		)	(12.7		)	(7.7		)
	Total insurance segments	(28.7		)	(17.3		)	(32.6		)	(23.0		)
	Investment operations segment
	Net investment income	20.5			19.7			38.1			36.6
	Net realized capital gains	5.3			1.5			16			8.2
	Total investment operations segment	25.8			21.2			54.1			44.8
	All other segments income	(0.1		)	0.5			—			0.8
	Total segment (loss) income before tax expense	(3.0		)	4.4			21.5			22.6
	Reconciling items:
	GAAP expense adjustments	8.9			7.2			14.2			11.8
	Interest expense on corporate debt	(1.3		)	(3.8		)	(2.6		)	(5.5		)
	Corporate expenses	(1.5		)	(1.5		)	(2.3		)	(2.6		)
	Total reconciling items	6.1			1.9			9.3			3.7
	Total consolidated income before federal income tax expense	$	3.1		$	6.3		$	30.8		$	26.3
	Investable assets attributable to the Company’s investment operations segment totaled $2,383.8 million and $2,331.6 million at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.

Contingencies_and_Litigation

Contingencies and Litigation	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Contingencies and Litigation	'
	Contingencies and Litigation
	In accordance with the Contingencies Topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board's Accounting Standards Codification, the Company accrues for a litigation-related liability when it is probable that such a liability has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. The Company reviews all litigation on an ongoing basis when making accrual and disclosure decisions. For certain legal proceedings, the Company cannot reasonably estimate losses or a range of loss, if any, particularly for proceedings that are in their early stages of development or where the plaintiffs seek indeterminate damages. Various factors, including, but not limited to, the outcome of potentially lengthy discovery and the resolution of important factual questions, may need to be determined before probability can be established or before a loss or range of loss can be reasonably estimated. If the loss contingency in question is not both probable and reasonably estimable, the Company does not establish an accrual and the matter will continue to be monitored for any developments that would make the loss contingency both probable and reasonably estimable. Based on currently available information known to the Company, it believes that its reserves for litigation-related liabilities are reasonable. However, in the event that a legal proceeding results in a substantial judgment against, or settlement by, the Company, there can be no assurance that any resulting liability or financial commitment would not have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations or cash flows of the consolidated financial statements of State Auto Financial Corporation.
	The following describes a pending legal proceeding, other than routine litigation incidental to our business, to which State Auto Financial or any of its subsidiaries is a party or to which any of its or their property is subject:
	In April 2013, a putative class action lawsuit (Schumacher vs. State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company, et al.) was filed against State Auto Mutual, State Auto Financial and State Auto P&C in Federal District Court in Ohio. Plaintiffs claim that in connection with the homeowners policies of various State Auto companies, the coverage limits and premiums were improperly increased as a result of an insurance to value (“ITV”) program and Plaintiffs allege that they purchased coverage in excess of that which was necessary to insure them in the event of loss. Plaintiffs’ claims include breach of good faith and fair dealing, negligent misrepresentation and fraud, violation of the Ohio Deceptive Trade Practices Act, and fraudulent inducement. Plaintiffs are seeking class certification and compensatory and punitive damages to be determined by the court. The Company intends to deny any and all liability to plaintiffs or the alleged class and to vigorously defend this lawsuit.
	The Company is involved in other lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of our business operations arising out of or otherwise related to our insurance policies. Additionally, from time to time the Company may be involved in lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business but not arising out of or otherwise related to its insurance policies. These lawsuits are in various stages of development. The Company generally will contest these matters vigorously but may pursue settlement if appropriate. Based on currently available information, the Company does not believe it is reasonably possible that any such lawsuit or related lawsuits will be material to its results of operations or have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position or cash flows.
	Additionally, the Company may be impacted by adverse regulatory actions and adverse court decisions where insurance coverages are expanded beyond the scope originally contemplated in its insurance policies. The Company believes that the effects, if any, of such regulatory actions and published court decisions are not likely to have a material adverse effect on its financial or cash flow position.

Investments_Tables

Investments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]	'
Cost or Amortized Cost and Fair Value of Available-for-Sale Securities	'
	The following tables set forth the cost or amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale securities by lot at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
	($ millions)	Cost or amortized cost			Gross unrealized holding gains			Gross unrealized holding losses				Fair value
	30-Jun-14
	Fixed maturities:
	U.S. treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies	$	297.9		$	19.5		$	(3.2	)		$	314.2
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions	708.7			26			(3.1		)		731.6
	Corporate securities	318.7			12.8			(3.2		)		328.3
	U.S. government agencies residential mortgage-backed securities	463.9			13.9			(2.6		)		475.2
	Total fixed maturities	1,789.20			72.2			(12.1		)		1,849.30
	Equity securities:
	Large-cap securities	182.4			53			—				235.4
	Small-cap securities	47.6			17.4			—				65
	Total equity securities	230			70.4			—				300.4
	Other invested assets	49.7			37.6			—				87.3
	Total available-for-sale securities	$	2,068.90		$	180.2		$	(12.1	)		$	2,237.00
	($ millions)	Cost or amortized cost			Gross unrealized holding gains			Gross unrealized holding losses				Fair value
	31-Dec-13
	Fixed maturities:
	U.S. treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies	$	345.5		$	13.4		$	(6.5	)		$	352.4
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions	765.3			25.8			(16.9		)		774.2
	Corporate securities	345			11.4			(6.7		)		349.7
	U.S. government agencies residential mortgage-backed securities	348.2			9.7			(4.1		)		353.8
	Total fixed maturities	1,804.00			60.3			(34.2		)		1,830.10
	Equity securities:
	Large-cap securities	148.2			46.5			(0.3		)		194.4
	Small-cap securities	48.4			22.5			—				70.9
	Total equity securities	196.6			69			(0.3		)		265.3
	Other invested assets	49.5			31.4			—				80.9
	Total available-for-sale securities	$	2,050.10		$	160.7		$	(34.5	)		$	2,176.30
Gross Unrealized Losses and Fair Value on its Investments	'
	The following tables set forth the Company’s gross unrealized losses and fair value on its investments by lot, aggregated by investment category and length of time for individual securities that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
		Less than 12 months								12 months or more								Total
	($ millions, except # of positions)	Fair value			Unrealized losses			Number of positions		Fair value				Unrealized losses			Number of positions	Fair value		Unrealized losses			Number of positions
	30-Jun-14
	Fixed maturities:
	U.S. treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies	$	19.9		$	(0.8	)	4		$	45.1			$	(2.4	)	16	$	65	$	(3.2	)	20
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions	33			(0.2		)	12		158.4				(2.9		)	53	191.4		(3.1		)	65
	Corporate securities	5			(0.1		)	1		70.6				(3.1		)	14	75.6		(3.2		)	15
	U.S. government agencies residential mortgage-backed securities	65.6			(0.7		)	13		41				(1.9		)	14	106.6		(2.6		)	27
	Total fixed maturities	123.5			(1.8		)	30		315.1				(10.3		)	97	438.6		(12.1		)	127
	Total temporarily impaired securities	$	123.5		$	(1.8	)	30		$	315.1			$	(10.3	)	97	$	438.6	$	(12.1	)	127
		Less than 12 months								12 months or more								Total
	($ millions, except # of positions)	Fair value			Unrealized losses			Number of positions		Fair value				Unrealized losses			Number of positions	Fair value		Unrealized losses			Number of positions
	31-Dec-13
	Fixed maturities:
	U.S. treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies	$	109.6		$	(6.5	)	29		$	—			$	—		—	$	109.6	$	(6.5	)	29
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions	206.4			(14.7		)	76		25.6				(2.2		)	7	232		(16.9		)	83
	Corporate securities	105.6			(3.2		)	22		40.9				(3.5		)	8	146.5		(6.7		)	30
	U.S. government agencies residential mortgage-backed securities	103.6			(3.3		)	25		19.3				(0.8		)	10	122.9		(4.1		)	35
	Total fixed maturities	525.2			(27.7		)	152		85.8				(6.5		)	25	611		(34.2		)	177
	Large-cap equity securities	5.3			(0.3		)	2		—				—			—	5.3		(0.3		)	2
	Total temporarily impaired securities	$	530.5		$	(28.0	)	154		$	85.8			$	(6.5	)	25	$	616.3	$	(34.5	)	179
Realized Losses Related to Other-than-Temporary Impairments	'
	The following table sets forth the realized losses related to other-than-temporary impairments on the Company’s investment portfolio recognized for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:
		Three months ended June 30						Six months ended June 30
	($ millions)	2014			2013			2014				2013
	Equity securities:
	Large-cap securities	$	—		$	(1.3	)	$	(0.3	)		$	(1.3	)
	Small-cap securities	(0.3		)	(0.7		)	(0.9		)		(1.0		)
	Total other-than-temporary impairments	$	(0.3	)	$	(2.0	)	$	(1.2	)		$	(2.3	)
Amortized Cost and Fair Value of Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities by Contractual Maturity	'
	The following table sets forth the amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale fixed maturities by contractual maturity at June 30, 2014:
	($ millions)	Amortized cost			Fair
					value
	Due in 1 year or less	$	39.5		$	40
	Due after 1 year through 5 years	355.2			372.9
	Due after 5 years through 10 years	326.5			345
	Due after 10 years	604.1			616.2
	U.S. government agencies residential mortgage-backed securities	463.9			475.2
	Total	$	1,789.20		$	1,849.30
Components of Net Investment Income	'
	The following table sets forth the components of net investment income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:
		Three months ended June 30						Six months ended June 30
	($ millions)	2014			2013			2014				2013
	Fixed maturities	$	17.9		$	17.2		$	33.3			$	32
	Equity securities	1.7			1.6			3.1				2.8
	Cash and cash equivalents, and other	1.4			1.4			2.7				2.8
	Investment income	21			20.2			39.1				37.6
	Investment expenses	0.5			0.5			1				1
	Net investment income	$	20.5		$	19.7		$	38.1			$	36.6
Realized and Unrealized Holding Gains (Losses)	'
	The following table sets forth the realized and unrealized holding gains (losses) on the Company’s investment portfolio for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:
		Three months ended June 30						Six months ended June 30
	($ millions)	2014			2013			2014				2013
	Realized gains:
	Fixed maturities	$	0.4		$	0.7		$	2.5			$	1.2
	Equity securities	5.2			3.4			14.7				10
	Other invested assets	—			—			0.1				—
	Total realized gains	5.6			4.1			17.3				11.2
	Realized losses:
	Equity securities:
	Sales	—			(0.6		)	(0.1		)		(0.7		)
	OTTI	(0.3		)	(2.0		)	(1.2		)		(2.3		)
	Total realized losses	(0.3		)	(2.6		)	(1.3		)		(3.0		)
	Net realized gains on investments	$	5.3		$	1.5		$	16			$	8.2
	Change in unrealized holding gains (losses), net of tax:
	Fixed maturities	$	19.6		$	(69.3	)	$	34			$	(78.5	)
	Equity securities	6.2			(0.3		)	1.7				18
	Other invested assets	3.8			1			6.2				4.6
	Deferred federal income tax liability	(10.3		)	24			(14.6		)		19.6
	Valuation allowance	6.8			(16.7		)	6.9				(12.0		)
	Change in net unrealized holding gains (losses), net of tax	$	26.1		$	(61.3	)	$	34.2			$	(48.3	)
	There was a deferred federal income tax liability, net of a valuation allowance, on the net unrealized holding gains at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 of $49.3 million and $41.6 million, respectively.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru1

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Company's Available-for-Sale Investments within Fair Value Hierarchy	'
	The following tables set forth the Company’s available-for-sale investments within the fair value hierarchy at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
	($ millions)	Total		Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets		Significant other observable inputs			Significant unobservable inputs
	30-Jun-14			(Level 1)		(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	Fixed maturities:
	U.S. treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies	$	314.2	$	—	$	314.2		$	—
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions	731.6		—		731.6			—
	Corporate securities	328.3		—		319.1			9.2
	U.S. government agencies residential mortgage-backed securities	475.2		—		475.2			—
	Total fixed maturities	1,849.30		—		1,840.10			9.2
	Equity securities:
	Large-cap securities	235.4		235.4		—			—
	Small-cap securities	65		65		—			—
	Total equity securities	300.4		300.4		—			—
	Other invested assets	87.3		7.2		80.1			—
	Total available-for-sale investments	$	2,237.00	$	307.6	$	1,920.20		$	9.2
	($ millions)	Total		Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)		Significant other observable inputs			Significant unobservable inputs
	31-Dec-13					(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	Fixed maturities:
	U.S. treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies	$	352.4	$	—	$	352.4		$	—
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions	774.2		—		774.2			—
	Corporate securities	349.7		—		340.8			8.9
	U.S. government agencies residential mortgage-backed securities	353.8		—		353.8			—
	Total fixed maturities	1,830.10		—		1,821.20			8.9
	Equity securities:
	Large-cap securities	194.4		194.4		—			—
	Small-cap securities	70.9		70.9		—			—
	Total equity securities	265.3		265.3		—			—
	Other invested assets	80.9		6.7		74.2			—
	Total available-for-sale investments	$	2,176.30	$	272	$	1,895.40		$	8.9
Assets Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)	'
	For assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), the following tables set forth a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and the year ended December 31, 2013, separately for each major category of assets:
	($ millions)	Fixed maturities
	Balance at January 1, 2014	$	8.9
	Total realized gains (losses) – included in earnings	—
	Total unrealized gains – included in other comprehensive income	0.1
	Purchases	0.1
	Sales	—
	Transfers into Level 3	—
	Transfers out of Level 3	—
	Balance at March 31, 2014	$	9.1
	Total realized gains (losses) – included in earnings	—
	Total unrealized gains (losses) – included in other comprehensive income	—
	Purchases	0.1
	Sales	—
	Transfers into Level 3	—
	Transfers out of Level 3	—
	Balance at June 30, 2014	$	9.2
	($ millions)	Fixed maturities
	Balance at January 1, 2013	$	8.5
	Total realized (losses) gains – included in earnings	—
	Total unrealized gains – included in other comprehensive income	0.2
	Purchases	0.2
	Sales	—
	Transfers into Level 3	—
	Transfers out of Level 3	—
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	8.9
Company Estimates Receivable from Affiliate using Market Quotations for U.S. Treasury Securities	'
	Consequently this has been placed in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
	($ millions, except interest rates)	June 30, 2014						December 31, 2013
		Carrying value		Fair value		Interest rate		Carrying value			Fair		Interest rate
											value
	Notes receivable from affiliate	$	70	$	74.9	7	%	$	70		$	74.6	7	%
Included in Notes Payable are Senior Notes and Subordinated Debentures	'
	The carrying amount of the Subordinated Debentures approximates its fair value as the interest rate adjusts quarterly and has been disclosed in Level 3.
	($ millions, except interest rates)	30-Jun-14						31-Dec-13
		Carrying value		Fair Value		Interest rate		Carrying value			Fair value		Interest rate
	FHLB Loan due 2033: issued $85.0, July 2013 with fixed interest	$	85.3	$	86.6	5.03	%	$	85.3		$	85.7	5.03	%
	Affiliate Subordinated Debentures due 2033: issued $15.5, May 2003 with variable interest	15.5		15.5		4.43	%	15.5			15.5		4.44	%
	Total notes payable	$	100.8	$	102.1			$	100.8		$	101.2

Reinsurance_Tables

Reinsurance (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Insurance [Abstract]	'
Summary of External Reinsurance Transactions with State Auto Mutual Under Pooling Arrangement	'
	The following table sets forth a summary of the Company’s external reinsurance transactions, as well as reinsurance transactions with State Auto Mutual under the Pooling Arrangement, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:
			Three months ended June 30						Six months ended June 30
		($ millions)	2014			2013			2014			2013
		Premiums earned:
		Assumed from external insurers and reinsurers	$	1.1		$	1.1		$	2.1		$	1.5
		Assumed under Pooling Arrangement	268.3			263.5			530.8			524.8
		Ceded to external insurers and reinsurers	(6.0		)	(6.7		)	(12.0		)	(12.2		)
		Ceded under Pooling Arrangement	(216.8		)	(213.1		)	(432.2		)	(423.8		)
		Net assumed premiums earned	$	46.6		$	44.8		$	88.7		$	90.3
		Losses and loss expenses incurred:
		Assumed from external insurers and reinsurers	$	0.8		$	0.6		$	1.5		$	0.4
		Assumed under Pooling Arrangement (a)	190.4			186.1			362.2			359.1
		Ceded to external insurers and reinsurers	(1.2		)	(3.1		)	(3.7		)	(4.1		)
		Ceded under Pooling Arrangement (a)	(143.5		)	(164.4		)	(285.7		)	(296.2		)
		Net assumed losses and loss expenses incurred	$	46.5		$	19.2		$	74.3		$	59.2
	(a)	Includes adjustments for accounting differences between SAP and GAAP of $0.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $1.6 million and $1.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation Between Actual Federal Income Tax Benefit and Amount Computed at Indicated Statutory Rate	'
	The following table sets forth the reconciliation between actual federal income tax expense and the amount computed at the indicated statutory rate for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:
		Three months ended June 30												Six months ended June 30
	($ millions)	2014					2013							2014					2013
	Amount at statutory rate	$	1.1		35	%	$	2.2			35	%		$	10.8		35	%	$	9.2		35	%
	Tax-exempt interest and dividends received deduction	(2.1		)	(68	)	(2.4		)		(38	)		(4.2		)	(14	)	(4.7		)	(18	)
	Other, net	0.7			24		0.1				1			0.9			3		0.3			1
	Valuation allowance	0.4			12		0.2				3			(6.8		)	(22	)	(4.4		)	(17	)
	Federal income tax expense and effective rate	$	0.1		3	%	$	0.1			1	%		$	0.7		2	%	$	0.4		1	%
Tax Effects of Temporary Differences of Deferred Tax Assets and Deferred Tax Liabilities	'
	The following table sets forth the tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
	($ millions)	June 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Unearned premiums not currently deductible	$	35.9		$	33.8
	Losses and loss expenses payable discounting	21.7			21.6
	Postretirement and pension benefits	24.3			24.9
	Realized loss on other-than-temporary impairment	7.9			7.5
	Other liabilities	18.4			17.3
	Net operating loss carryforward	50.4			56.5
	Tax credit carryforward	2.4			1.7
	Other	8.5			9.2
	Total deferred tax assets	169.5			172.5
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Deferral of policy acquisition costs	37.5			33.9
	Net unrealized holding gains on investments	58.8			44.1
	Total deferred tax liabilities	96.3			78
	Total net deferred tax assets before valuation allowance	73.2			94.5
	Less valuation allowance	69			82.6
	Net deferred federal income taxes	$	4.2		$	11.9
Change in Valuation Allowance Attributable to Continuing Operations and Other Comprehensive Income	'
	Based on ASC 740 intraperiod tax allocation guidelines, the following sets forth the change in valuation allowance attributable to continuing operations and other comprehensive income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:
		Three months ended June 30						Six months ended June 30
	($ millions)	2014			2013			2014				2013
	Continuing operations	$	0.4		$	0.2		$	(6.8	)		$	(4.4	)
	Other comprehensive income	(6.6		)	16.5			(6.8		)		11.4
	Change in valuation allowance	$	(6.2	)	$	16.7		$	(13.6	)		$	7

Pension_and_Postretirement_Ben1

Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Company's Share of Net Periodic Cost Components	'
	The following table sets forth the components of net periodic cost for the Company’s pension and postretirement benefit plans for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:
	($ millions)	Pension						Postretirement						Pension						Postretirement
		Three months ended June 30												Six months ended June 30
		2014			2013			2014			2013			2014			2013			2014			2013
	Service cost	$	1.3		$	1.5		$	—		$	—		$	2.6		$	3		$	—		$	0.1
	Interest cost	2.8			2.4			0.2			0.3			5.6			4.8			0.5			0.6
	Expected return on plan assets	(3.1		)	(3.0		)	—			—			(6.3		)	(6.0		)	—			—
	Amortization of:
	Prior service benefits	—			—			(1.4		)	(1.4		)	—			—			(2.8		)	(2.8		)
	Net actuarial loss	2.1			2			0.1			0.3			3.5			4			0.3			0.6
	Net periodic cost (benefit)	$	3.1		$	2.9		$	(1.1	)	$	(0.8	)	$	5.4		$	5.8		$	(2.0	)	$	(1.5	)

Other_Comprehensive_Income_and1

Other Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income by Component, Net of Tax	'
	The following table sets forth the changes in the Company’s accumulated other comprehensive income component (AOCI), net of tax, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:
	($ millions)		Unrealized Gains and Losses on Available-for-Sale Securities				Benefit Plan Items				Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges			Total
	Beginning balance at April 1, 2014		$	92.7			$	(3.6	)		$	—		$	89.1
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications		31.4				(1.6		)		—			29.8
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI (a)		(5.3		)		0.8				—			(4.5		)
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)		26.1				(0.8		)		—			25.3
	Ending balance at June 30, 2014		$	118.8			$	(4.4	)		$	—		$	114.4
	Beginning balance at April 1, 2013		$	137			$	(39.0	)		$	0.1		$	98.1
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications		(59.8		)		—				—			(59.8		)
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI (a)		(1.5		)		0.9				(0.1		)	(0.7		)
	Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income		(61.3		)		0.9				(0.1		)	(60.5		)
	Ending balance at June 30, 2013		$	75.7			$	(38.1	)		$	—		$	37.6
	(a)	See separate table below for details about these reclassifications
	($ millions)		Unrealized Gains and Losses on Available-for-Sale Securities				Benefit Plan Items				Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges			Total
	Beginning balance at January 1, 2014		$	84.6			$	(3.8	)		$	—		$	80.8
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications		50.2				(1.6		)		—			48.6
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI (a)		(16.0		)		1				—			(15.0		)
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)		34.2				(0.6		)		—			33.6
	Ending balance at June 30, 2014		$	118.8			$	(4.4	)		$	—		$	114.4
	Beginning balance at January 1, 2013		$	124			$	(39.9	)		$	0.1		$	84.2
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications		(40.1		)		—				—			(40.1		)
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI (a)		(8.2		)		1.8				(0.1		)	(6.5		)
	Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income		(48.3		)		1.8				(0.1		)	(46.6		)
	Ending balance at June 30, 2013		$	75.7			$	(38.1	)		$	—		$	37.6
	(a)	See separate table below for details about these reclassifications
Schedule of Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income by Component	'
	The following table sets forth the reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income, by component, to the Company’s consolidated statement of income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:
	($ millions)
	Details about Accumulated Other			Three months ended								Affected line item in the Condensed
	Comprehensive Income Components			30-Jun								Consolidated Statements of Income
				2014				2013
	Unrealized gains on available for sale securities			$	5.3			$	1.5			Realized gain on sale of securities
				5.3				1.5				Total before tax
				—				—				Tax benefit (expense)
				5.3				1.5				Net of tax
	Amortization of gain on derivative used in cash flow hedge			—				0.1				Realized gain on sale of securities
				—				0.1				Total before tax
				—				—				Tax benefit (expense)
				—				0.1				Net of tax
	Amortization of benefit plan items
	Prior service benefits			1.4				1.4				(a)
	Net actuarial loss			(2.2		)		(2.3		)		(a)
				(0.8		)		(0.9		)		Total before tax
				—				—				Tax benefit (expense)
				(0.8		)		(0.9		)		Net of tax
	Total reclassifications for the period			$	4.5			$	0.7
	(a)	These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost (see pension and postretirement benefit plans footnote for additional details).
	($ millions)
	Details about Accumulated Other			Six months ended								Affected line item in the Condensed
	Comprehensive Income Components			30-Jun								Consolidated Statements of Income
				2014				2013
	Unrealized gains on available for sale securities			$	16			$	8.2			Realized gain on sale of securities
				16				8.2				Total before tax
				—				—				Tax benefit (expense)
				16				8.2				Net of tax
	Amortization of gain on derivative used in cash flow hedge			—				0.1				Realized gain on sale of securities
				—				0.1				Total before tax
				—				—				Tax benefit (expense)
				—				0.1				Net of tax
	Amortization of benefit plan items
	Prior service benefits			2.8				2.8				(a)
	Net actuarial loss			(3.8		)		(4.6		)		(a)
				(1.0		)		(1.8		)		Total before tax
				—				—				Tax benefit (expense)
				(1.0		)		(1.8		)		Net of tax
	Total reclassifications for the period			$	15			$	6.5
	(a)	These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost (see pension and postretirement benefit plans footnote for additional details).

Earnings_per_Common_Share_Tabl

Earnings per Common Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Compilation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share	'
	The following table sets forth the compilation of basic and diluted earnings per common share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:
		Three months ended June 30						Six months ended June 30
	($ and shares in millions, except per share amounts)	2014			2013			2014		2013
	Numerator:
	Net income for basic earnings per common share	$	3		$	6.2		$	30.1	$	25.9
	Denominator:
	Weighted average shares for basic net earnings per common share	40.8			40.5			40.8		40.5
	Effect of dilutive share-based awards	0.4			0.3			0.4		0.2
	Adjusted weighted average shares for diluted net earnings per common share	41.2			40.8			41.2		40.7
	Basic net earnings per common share	$	0.07		$	0.15		$	0.74	$	0.64
	Diluted net earnings per common share	$	0.07		$	0.15		$	0.73	$	0.64
Options to Purchase Shares of Common Stock	'
	The following table sets forth common stock options and restricted share units ("RSU award") provided to each outside director of the Company that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per common share because the exercise price of the options, or awards, was greater than the average market price or their inclusion would have been antidilutive for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013.
		Three months ended June 30					Six months ended June 30
	( millions)	2014		2013			2014		2013
	Total number of antidilutive options and awards	1.7		2.8			1.7		3.3

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Financial Information Regarding Company's Reportable Segments	'
	The following table sets forth financial information regarding the Company’s reportable segments for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:
	($ millions)	Three months ended June 30						Six months ended June 30
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Revenue from external sources:
	Insurance segments
	Personal insurance	$	113.7		$	117.2		$	228		$	231.9
	Business insurance	95.9			89.6			189.4			178.1
	Specialty insurance	58.7			56.7			113.4			114.8
	Total insurance segments	268.3			263.5			530.8			524.8
	Investment operations segment
	Net investment income	20.5			19.7			38.1			36.6
	Net realized capital gains	5.3			1.5			16			8.2
	Total investment operations segment	25.8			21.2			54.1			44.8
	All other	0.3			0.6			0.8			1
	Total revenue from external sources	294.4			285.3			585.7			570.6
	Intersegment revenue	1.3			1.3			2.6			2.6
	Total revenue	295.7			286.6			588.3			573.2
	Reconciling items:
	Eliminate intersegment revenues	(1.3		)	(1.3		)	(2.6		)	(2.6		)
	Total consolidated revenues	$	294.4		$	285.3		$	585.7		$	570.6
	Segment income before federal income tax:
	Insurance segments SAP underwriting loss
	Personal insurance	$	(10.7	)	$	(6.8	)	$	(4.6	)	$	(5.5	)
	Business insurance	(5.9		)	(4.5		)	(15.3		)	(9.8		)
	Specialty insurance	(12.1		)	(6.0		)	(12.7		)	(7.7		)
	Total insurance segments	(28.7		)	(17.3		)	(32.6		)	(23.0		)
	Investment operations segment
	Net investment income	20.5			19.7			38.1			36.6
	Net realized capital gains	5.3			1.5			16			8.2
	Total investment operations segment	25.8			21.2			54.1			44.8
	All other segments income	(0.1		)	0.5			—			0.8
	Total segment (loss) income before tax expense	(3.0		)	4.4			21.5			22.6
	Reconciling items:
	GAAP expense adjustments	8.9			7.2			14.2			11.8
	Interest expense on corporate debt	(1.3		)	(3.8		)	(2.6		)	(5.5		)
	Corporate expenses	(1.5		)	(1.5		)	(2.3		)	(2.6		)
	Total reconciling items	6.1			1.9			9.3			3.7
	Total consolidated income before federal income tax expense	$	3.1		$	6.3		$	30.8		$	26.3

Investments_Cost_or_Amortized_

Investments - Cost or Amortized Cost and Fair Value of Available-for-Sale Securities (Detail) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Cost or amortized cost	$2,068.90	$2,050.10
Gross unrealized holding gains	180.2	160.7
Gross unrealized holding losses	-12.1	-34.5
Fair value	2,237	2,176.30
Fixed Maturities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Cost or amortized cost	1,789.20	1,804
Gross unrealized holding gains	72.2	60.3
Gross unrealized holding losses	-12.1	-34.2
Fair value	1,849.30	1,830.10
Fixed Maturities [Member] | U.S. Treasury Securities and Obligations of U.S. Government Agencies [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Cost or amortized cost	297.9	345.5
Gross unrealized holding gains	19.5	13.4
Gross unrealized holding losses	-3.2	-6.5
Fair value	314.2	352.4
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Cost or amortized cost	708.7	765.3
Gross unrealized holding gains	26	25.8
Gross unrealized holding losses	-3.1	-16.9
Fair value	731.6	774.2
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Corporate Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Cost or amortized cost	318.7	345
Gross unrealized holding gains	12.8	11.4
Gross unrealized holding losses	-3.2	-6.7
Fair value	328.3	349.7
Fixed Maturities [Member] | U.S. Government Agencies Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Cost or amortized cost	463.9	348.2
Gross unrealized holding gains	13.9	9.7
Gross unrealized holding losses	-2.6	-4.1
Fair value	475.2	353.8
Equity Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Cost or amortized cost	230	196.6
Gross unrealized holding gains	70.4	69
Gross unrealized holding losses	0	-0.3
Fair value	300.4	265.3
Equity Securities [Member] | Large-Cap Equity Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Cost or amortized cost	182.4	148.2
Gross unrealized holding gains	53	46.5
Gross unrealized holding losses	0	-0.3
Fair value	235.4	194.4
Equity Securities [Member] | Small-Cap Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Cost or amortized cost	47.6	48.4
Gross unrealized holding gains	17.4	22.5
Gross unrealized holding losses	0	0
Fair value	65	70.9
Other Invested Assets [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Cost or amortized cost	49.7	49.5
Gross unrealized holding gains	37.6	31.4
Gross unrealized holding losses	0	0
Fair value	$87.30	$80.90

Investments_Gross_Unrealized_L

Investments - Gross Unrealized Losses and Fair Value on its Investments (Detail) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Positions	Positions
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Less than 12 months, Fair value	$123.50	$530.50
Less than 12 months, Unrealized losses	-1.8	-28
Less than 12 months, Number of positions (positions)	30	154
12 months or more, Fair value	315.1	85.8
12 months or more, Unrealized losses	-10.3	-6.5
12 months or more, Number of positions (positions)	97	25
Total, Fair value	438.6	616.3
Total, Unrealized losses	-12.1	-34.5
Total, Number of positions	127	179
Fixed Maturities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Less than 12 months, Fair value	123.5	525.2
Less than 12 months, Unrealized losses	-1.8	-27.7
Less than 12 months, Number of positions (positions)	30	152
12 months or more, Fair value	315.1	85.8
12 months or more, Unrealized losses	-10.3	-6.5
12 months or more, Number of positions (positions)	97	25
Total, Fair value	438.6	611
Total, Unrealized losses	-12.1	-34.2
Total, Number of positions	127	177
U.S. Treasury Securities and Obligations of U.S. Government Agencies [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Less than 12 months, Fair value	19.9	109.6
Less than 12 months, Unrealized losses	-0.8	-6.5
Less than 12 months, Number of positions (positions)	4	29
12 months or more, Fair value	45.1	0
12 months or more, Unrealized losses	-2.4	0
12 months or more, Number of positions (positions)	16	0
Total, Fair value	65	109.6
Total, Unrealized losses	-3.2	-6.5
Total, Number of positions	20	29
Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Less than 12 months, Fair value	33	206.4
Less than 12 months, Unrealized losses	-0.2	-14.7
Less than 12 months, Number of positions (positions)	12	76
12 months or more, Fair value	158.4	25.6
12 months or more, Unrealized losses	-2.9	-2.2
12 months or more, Number of positions (positions)	53	7
Total, Fair value	191.4	232
Total, Unrealized losses	-3.1	-16.9
Total, Number of positions	65	83
Corporate Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Less than 12 months, Fair value	5	105.6
Less than 12 months, Unrealized losses	-0.1	-3.2
Less than 12 months, Number of positions (positions)	1	22
12 months or more, Fair value	70.6	40.9
12 months or more, Unrealized losses	-3.1	-3.5
12 months or more, Number of positions (positions)	14	8
Total, Fair value	75.6	146.5
Total, Unrealized losses	-3.2	-6.7
Total, Number of positions	15	30
U.S. Government Agencies Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Less than 12 months, Fair value	65.6	103.6
Less than 12 months, Unrealized losses	-0.7	-3.3
Less than 12 months, Number of positions (positions)	13	25
12 months or more, Fair value	41	19.3
12 months or more, Unrealized losses	-1.9	-0.8
12 months or more, Number of positions (positions)	14	10
Total, Fair value	106.6	122.9
Total, Unrealized losses	-2.6	-4.1
Total, Number of positions	27	35
Large-Cap Equity Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Less than 12 months, Fair value	'	5.3
Less than 12 months, Unrealized losses	'	-0.3
Less than 12 months, Number of positions (positions)	'	2
12 months or more, Fair value	'	0
12 months or more, Unrealized losses	'	0
12 months or more, Number of positions (positions)	'	0
Total, Fair value	'	5.3
Total, Unrealized losses	'	($0.30)
Total, Number of positions	'	2

Investments_Realized_Losses_Re

Investments - Realized Losses Related to Other-than-Temporary Impairments (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Other-than-temporary impairments	($0.30)	($2)	($1.20)	($2.30)
Large-Cap Equity Securities [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Other-than-temporary impairments	0	-1.3	-0.3	-1.3
Small-Cap Securities [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Other-than-temporary impairments	($0.30)	($0.70)	($0.90)	($1)

Investments_Amortized_Cost_and

Investments - Amortized Cost and Fair Value of Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities by Contractual Maturity (Detail) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Amortized cost	'	'
Due in 1 year or less, Amortized cost	$39.50	'
Due after 1 year through 5 years, Amortized cost	355.2	'
Due after 5 years through 10 years, Amortized cost	326.5	'
Due after 10 years, Amortized cost	604.1	'
U.S. government agencies residential mortgage-backed securities, Amortized cost	463.9	'
Total, Amortized cost	1,789.20	1,804
Fair value	'	'
Due in 1 year or less, Fair value	40	'
Due after 1 year through 5 years, Fair value	372.9	'
Due after 5 years through 10 years, Fair value	345	'
Due after 10 years, Fair value	616.2	'
U.S. government agencies residential mortgage-backed securities, Fair value	475.2	'
Total, Fair value	$1,849.30	$1,830.10

Investments_Additional_Informa

Investments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturities fair value of deposit with insurance regulators	$8.80	$8.70
Deferred federal income tax liability on the net unrealized holding gains	49.3	41.6
Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Federal Home Loan Bank, Advances, General Debt Obligations, Disclosures, Collateral Pledged	$85	'

Investments_Components_of_Net_

Investments - Components of Net Investment Income (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Net Investment Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Investment income	$21	$20.20	$39.10	$37.60
Investment expenses	0.5	0.5	1	1
Net investment income	20.5	19.7	38.1	36.6
Fixed Maturities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Net Investment Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Investment income	17.9	17.2	33.3	32
Equity Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Net Investment Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Investment income	1.7	1.6	3.1	2.8
Cash and Cash Equivalents, and Other [Member]	'	'	'	'
Net Investment Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Investment income	$1.40	$1.40	$2.70	$2.80

Investments_Realized_and_Unrea

Investments - Realized and Unrealized Holding Gains (Losses) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Realized gains:	'	'	'	'
Total realized gains	$5.60	$4.10	$17.30	$11.20
Realized losses:	'	'	'	'
Total realized losses	-0.3	-2.6	-1.3	-3
Net realized gain on investments	5.3	1.5	16	8.2
Change in unrealized holding gains (losses), net of tax:	'	'	'	'
Deferred federal income tax liability	-10.3	24	-14.6	19.6
Valuation allowance	6.8	-16.7	6.9	-12
Change in net unrealized holding gains, net of tax	26.1	-61.3	34.2	-48.3
Fixed Maturities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Realized gains:	'	'	'	'
Total realized gains	0.4	0.7	2.5	1.2
Change in unrealized holding gains (losses), net of tax:	'	'	'	'
Change in net unrealized holding gains, net of tax	19.6	-69.3	34	-78.5
Equity Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Realized gains:	'	'	'	'
Total realized gains	5.2	3.4	14.7	10
Change in unrealized holding gains (losses), net of tax:	'	'	'	'
Change in net unrealized holding gains, net of tax	6.2	-0.3	1.7	18
Equity Securities [Member] | Sales [Member]	'	'	'	'
Realized losses:	'	'	'	'
Total realized losses	0	-0.6	-0.1	-0.7
Equity Securities [Member] | OTTI [Member]	'	'	'	'
Realized losses:	'	'	'	'
Total realized losses	-0.3	-2	-1.2	-2.3
Other Invested Assets [Member]	'	'	'	'
Realized gains:	'	'	'	'
Total realized gains	0	0	0.1	0
Change in unrealized holding gains (losses), net of tax:	'	'	'	'
Change in net unrealized holding gains, net of tax	$3.80	$1	$6.20	$4.60

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru2

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	31-May-09	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Measurements Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total available-for-sale investments	'	$2,237	$2,176.30
Other invested assets	'	5.3	5
Number of Credit Agreements	2	'	'
Notes receivable from affiliate	'	70	70
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value Measurements Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total available-for-sale investments	'	9.2	8.9
Federal Home Loan Bank Stock	'	4.8	'
Other invested assets	'	0.5	'
Corporate Securities [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value Measurements Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of fixed maturity corporate securities included in Level 3 (securities)	'	2	'
Number of Available for Sale Securities, Fair Value Estimated by Present Value of Future Cash Flows	'	1	'
Total available-for-sale investments	'	9.2	8.9
International funds [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value Measurements Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of fixed maturity corporate securities included in Level 3 (securities)	'	2	'
Total available-for-sale investments	'	80.1	74.2
Affiliated Entity [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value Measurements Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Notes receivable from affiliate	'	$70	'

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru3

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Company's Available-for-Sale Investments within Fair Value Hierarchy (Detail) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Total available-for-sale investments	$2,237	$2,176.30
Fair Value [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Total available-for-sale investments	2,237	2,176.30
Fair Value [Member] | U.S. Treasury Securities and Obligations of U.S. Government Agencies [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Total available-for-sale investments	314.2	352.4
Fair Value [Member] | Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Total available-for-sale investments	731.6	774.2
Fair Value [Member] | Corporate Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Total available-for-sale investments	328.3	349.7
Fair Value [Member] | U.S. Government Agencies Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Total available-for-sale investments	475.2	353.8
Fair Value [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Total available-for-sale investments	1,849.30	1,830.10
Fair Value [Member] | Large-Cap Equity Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Total available-for-sale investments	235.4	194.4
Fair Value [Member] | Small-Cap Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Total available-for-sale investments	65	70.9
Fair Value [Member] | Other Invested Assets [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Total available-for-sale investments	87.3	80.9
Fair Value [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Total available-for-sale investments	300.4	265.3
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Total available-for-sale investments	307.6	272
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | U.S. Treasury Securities and Obligations of U.S. Government Agencies [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Total available-for-sale investments	0	0
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Total available-for-sale investments	0	0
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Corporate Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Total available-for-sale investments	0	0
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | U.S. Government Agencies Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Total available-for-sale investments	0	0
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Total available-for-sale investments	0	0
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Large-Cap Equity Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Total available-for-sale investments	235.4	194.4
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Small-Cap Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Total available-for-sale investments	65	70.9
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Other Invested Assets [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Total available-for-sale investments	7.2	6.7
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Total available-for-sale investments	300.4	265.3
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Total available-for-sale investments	1,920.20	1,895.40
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | U.S. Treasury Securities and Obligations of U.S. Government Agencies [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Total available-for-sale investments	314.2	352.4
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Total available-for-sale investments	731.6	774.2
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Corporate Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Total available-for-sale investments	319.1	340.8
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | U.S. Government Agencies Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Total available-for-sale investments	475.2	353.8
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Total available-for-sale investments	1,840.10	1,821.20
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Large-Cap Equity Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Total available-for-sale investments	0	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Small-Cap Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Total available-for-sale investments	0	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Other Invested Assets [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Total available-for-sale investments	80.1	74.2
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Total available-for-sale investments	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Total available-for-sale investments	9.2	8.9
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | U.S. Treasury Securities and Obligations of U.S. Government Agencies [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Total available-for-sale investments	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Total available-for-sale investments	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Corporate Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Total available-for-sale investments	9.2	8.9
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | U.S. Government Agencies Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Total available-for-sale investments	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Total available-for-sale investments	9.2	8.9
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Large-Cap Equity Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Total available-for-sale investments	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Small-Cap Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Total available-for-sale investments	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Other Invested Assets [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Total available-for-sale investments	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Total available-for-sale investments	$0	$0

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru4

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Assets Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) (Detail) (Available-for-Sale Securities [Member], Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Available-for-Sale Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	$9.10	$8.90	$8.50
Total realized gains (losses) - included in earnings	0	0	0
Total unrealized gains (losses) - included in other comprehensive income	0	0.1	0.2
Purchases	0.1	0.1	0.2
Sales	0	0	0
Transfers into Level 3	0	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0	0	0
Ending Balance	$9.20	$9.10	$8.90

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru5

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Company Estimates Receivable from Affiliate using Market Quotations for U.S. Treasury Securities (Detail) (Affiliated Entity [Member], Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member], USD $)	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Notes receivable interest rate (percent)	7.00%	7.00%
Carrying Value [Member]	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Notes receivable from affiliate	70	70
Fair Value [Member]	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Notes receivable from affiliate	74.9	74.6

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru6

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Included in Notes Payable are the FHLB loan and Subordinated Debentures (Detail) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Carrying Value [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total notes payable	$100.80	$100.80
Fair Value [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total notes payable	102.1	101.2
Federal Home Loan Bank Advances [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Interest rate (percent)	5.03%	5.03%
Federal Home Loan Bank Advances [Member] | Carrying Value [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total notes payable	85.3	85.3
Federal Home Loan Bank Advances [Member] | Fair Value [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total notes payable	86.6	85.7
Affiliate Subordinated Debentures Due 2033 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Interest rate (percent)	4.43%	4.44%
Affiliate Subordinated Debentures Due 2033 [Member] | Carrying Value [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total notes payable	15.5	15.5
Affiliate Subordinated Debentures Due 2033 [Member] | Fair Value [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total notes payable	$15.50	$15.50

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru7

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Included in Notes Payable are the FHLB loan and Subordinated Debentures (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Federal Home Loan Bank Advances [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
FHLB loan due and issued with fixed interest, Senior notes due and issued with fixed interest and Affiliate subordinated debentures due with variable interest	$85
Affiliate Subordinated Debentures Due 2033 [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
FHLB loan due and issued with fixed interest, Senior notes due and issued with fixed interest and Affiliate subordinated debentures due with variable interest	$15.50

Reinsurance_Summary_of_Externa

Reinsurance - Summary of External Reinsurance Transactions, as well as reinsurance transactions with State Auto Mutual Under the Pooling Arrangement (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Premiums earned:	'	'	'	'
Assumed from external insurers and reinsurers	$1.10	$1.10	$2.10	$1.50
Assumed under Pooling Arrangement	268.3	263.5	530.8	524.8
Ceded to external insurers and reinsurers	-6	-6.7	-12	-12.2
Ceded under Pooling Arrangement	-216.8	-213.1	-432.2	-423.8
Net assumed premiums earned	46.6	44.8	88.7	90.3
Losses and loss expenses incurred:	'	'	'	'
Assumed from external insurers and reinsurers	0.8	0.6	1.5	0.4
Assumed under Pooling Arrangement (a)	190.4	186.1	362.2	359.1
Ceded to external insurers and reinsurers	-1.2	-3.1	-3.7	-4.1
Ceded under Pooling Arrangement (a)	-143.5	-164.4	-285.7	-296.2
Net assumed losses and loss expenses incurred	46.5	19.2	74.3	59.2
Gaap Expense Adjustments	$0.80	$0.80	$1.60	$1.50

Income_Taxes_Reconciliation_Be

Income Taxes - Reconciliation Between Actual Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) and Amount Computed at Indicated Statutory Rate (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Amount [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Amount at statutory rate	$1.10	$2.20	$10.80	$9.20
Tax-exempt interest and dividends received deduction	-2.1	-2.4	-4.2	-4.7
Other, net	0.7	0.1	0.9	0.3
Valuation allowance	0.4	0.2	-6.8	-4.4
Federal income tax expense and effective rate	$0.10	$0.10	$0.70	$0.40
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Amount at statutory rate (percent)	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Tax-exempt interest and dividends received deduction (percent)	-68.00%	-38.00%	-14.00%	-18.00%
Other, net (percent)	24.00%	1.00%	3.00%	1.00%
Valuation allowance (percent)	12.00%	3.00%	-22.00%	-17.00%
Federal income tax expense (benefit) and effective rate (percent)	3.00%	1.00%	2.00%	1.00%

Income_Taxes_Tax_Effects_of_Te

Income Taxes - Tax Effects of Temporary Differences of Deferred Tax Assets and Deferred Tax Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Deferred tax assets:	'	'
Unearned premiums not currently deductible	$35.90	$33.80
Losses and loss expenses payable discounting	21.7	21.6
Postretirement and pension benefits	24.3	24.9
Realized loss on other-than-temporary impairment	7.9	7.5
Other liabilities	18.4	17.3
Net operating loss carryforward	50.4	56.5
Tax credit carryforward	2.4	1.7
Other	8.5	9.2
Total deferred tax assets	169.5	172.5
Deferred tax liabilities:	'	'
Deferral of policy acquisition costs	37.5	33.9
Net unrealized holding gains on investments	58.8	44.1
Total deferred tax liabilities	96.3	78
Total net deferred tax assets before valuation allowance	73.2	94.5
Less valuation allowance	69	82.6
Net deferred federal income taxes	$4.20	$11.90

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Net deferred tax asset valuation allowance	$69	$82.60

Income_Taxes_Changes_in_Valuat

Income Taxes - Changes in Valuation Allowance Attributable to Continuing Operations and Other Comprehensive Income (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Continuing operations	$0.40	$0.20	($6.80)	($4.40)
Other comprehensive income	-6.6	16.5	-6.8	11.4
Change in valuation allowance	($6.20)	$16.70	($13.60)	$7

Pension_and_Postretirement_Ben2

Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans - Company's Share of Net Periodic Cost Components (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Pension [Member]	'	'	'	'
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	$1.30	$1.50	$2.60	$3
Interest cost	2.8	2.4	5.6	4.8
Expected return on plan assets	-3.1	-3	-6.3	-6
Amortization of:	'	'	'	'
Prior service benefits	0	0	0	0
Net actuarial loss	2.1	2	3.5	4
Net periodic cost (benefit)	3.1	2.9	5.4	5.8
Postretirement [Member]	'	'	'	'
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	0	0	0	0.1
Interest cost	0.2	0.3	0.5	0.6
Expected return on plan assets	0	0	0	0
Amortization of:	'	'	'	'
Prior service benefits	-1.4	-1.4	-2.8	-2.8
Net actuarial loss	0.1	0.3	0.3	0.6
Net periodic cost (benefit)	($1.10)	($0.80)	($2)	($1.50)

Pension_and_Postretirement_Ben3

Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer	$6.50	'
Defined Benefit Plans, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Current Fiscal Year	'	$6.50

Reorganization_of_Information_1

Reorganization of Information Technology Department (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014
Strategic Sourcing Initiative [Abstract]	'
Restructuring Charges	$4.40

Other_Comprehensive_Income_and2

Other Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income - Schedule of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income by Component, Net of Tax (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	$89,100,000	$98,100,000	$80,800,000	$84,200,000
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	29,800,000	-59,800,000	48,600,000	-40,100,000
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	-4,500,000	-700,000	-15,000,000	-6,500,000
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	25,300,000	-60,500,000	33,600,000	-46,600,000
Ending balance	114,400,000	37,600,000	114,400,000	37,600,000
Unrealized Gains and Losses on Available-for-Sale Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	92,700,000	137,000,000	84,600,000	124,000,000
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	31,400,000	-59,800,000	50,200,000	-40,100,000
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	-5,300,000	-1,500,000	-16,000,000	-8,200,000
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	26,100,000	-61,300,000	34,200,000	-48,300,000
Ending balance	118,800,000	75,700,000	118,800,000	75,700,000
Benefit Plan Items [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	-3,600,000	-39,000,000	-3,800,000	-39,900,000
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	-1,600,000	0	-1,600,000	0
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	800,000	900,000	1,000,000	1,800,000
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-800,000	900,000	-600,000	1,800,000
Ending balance	-4,400,000	-38,100,000	-4,400,000	-38,100,000
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	'	100,000	0	100,000
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	'	0	0	0
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	'	-100,000	0	-100,000
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	'	-100,000	0	-100,000
Ending balance	$0	$0	$0	$0

Other_Comprehensive_Income_and3

Other Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income - Schedule of Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income by Component (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Realized gain/(loss) on sale of securities	$5,300,000	$1,500,000	$16,000,000	$8,200,000
Tax (expense) benefit	-100,000	-100,000	-700,000	-400,000
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Write-down of Securities, Tax	4,500,000	700,000	15,000,000	6,500,000
Unrealized Gains and Losses on Available-for-Sale Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Write-down of Securities, Tax	5,300,000	1,500,000	16,000,000	8,200,000
Benefit Plan Items [Member]	'	'	'	'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Write-down of Securities, Tax	-800,000	-900,000	-1,000,000	-1,800,000
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member]	'	'	'	'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Write-down of Securities, Tax	'	100,000	0	100,000
Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	'	'	'	'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax	4,500,000	700,000	15,000,000	6,500,000
Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Unrealized Gains and Losses on Available-for-Sale Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Realized gain/(loss) on sale of securities	5,300,000	1,500,000	16,000,000	8,200,000
Total before tax	5,300,000	1,500,000	16,000,000	8,200,000
Tax (expense) benefit	0	0	0	0
Net of tax	5,300,000	1,500,000	16,000,000	8,200,000
Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Benefit Plan Items [Member]	'	'	'	'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income components/Negative prior-service costs	1,400,000	1,400,000	2,800,000	2,800,000
Accumulated other comprehensive income components/Net actuarial loss	-2,200,000	-2,300,000	-3,800,000	-4,600,000
Total before tax	-800,000	-900,000	-1,000,000	-1,800,000
Tax (expense) benefit	0	0	0	0
Net of tax	-800,000	-900,000	-1,000,000	-1,800,000
Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member]	'	'	'	'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Realized gain/(loss) on sale of securities	0	100,000	0	100,000
Total before tax	0	100,000	0	100,000
Tax (expense) benefit	0	0	0	0
Net of tax	$0	$100,000	$0	$100,000

Earnings_Per_Common_Share_Comp

Earnings Per Common Share - Compilation of Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Numerator:	'	'	'	'
Net income	$3	$6.20	$30.10	$25.90
Denominator:	'	'	'	'
Weighted average shares for basic net earnings per common share (shares)	40.8	40.5	40.8	40.5
Effect of dilutive share-based awards (shares)	0.4	0.3	0.4	0.2
Adjusted weighted average shares for diluted net earnings per common share (shares)	41.2	40.8	41.2	40.7
Basic net earnings per common share (usd per share)	$0.07	$0.15	$0.74	$0.64
Diluted net earnings per common share (usd per share)	$0.07	$0.15	$0.73	$0.64

Earnings_Per_Common_Share_Opti

Earnings Per Common Share - Options to Purchase Shares of Common Stock (Detail)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Number of antidilutive options and awards	1.7	2.8	1.7	3.3

Segment_Information_Financial_

Segment Information - Financial Information Regarding Company's Reportable Segments (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Revenues from external sources:	'	'	'	'
Revenue	$294.40	$285.30	$585.70	$570.60
Net Investment Income	20.5	19.7	38.1	36.6
Segment income before federal income tax:	'	'	'	'
Gaap Expense Adjustments	0.8	0.8	1.6	1.5
Interest expense on corporate debt	-1.3	-3.8	-2.6	-5.5
Income before federal income taxes	3.1	6.3	30.8	26.3
Operating Segments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues from external sources:	'	'	'	'
Revenue	294.4	285.3	585.7	570.6
Segment income before federal income tax:	'	'	'	'
Income before federal income taxes	-3	4.4	21.5	22.6
Operating Segments [Member] | Personal Insurance Segments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues from external sources:	'	'	'	'
Revenue	113.7	117.2	228	231.9
Operating Segments [Member] | Business Insurance Segments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues from external sources:	'	'	'	'
Revenue	95.9	89.6	189.4	178.1
Operating Segments [Member] | Specialty Insurance Segment [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues from external sources:	'	'	'	'
Revenue	58.7	56.7	113.4	114.8
Operating Segments [Member] | Total Insurance Segments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues from external sources:	'	'	'	'
Revenue	268.3	263.5	530.8	524.8
Segment income before federal income tax:	'	'	'	'
Income before federal income taxes	-28.7	-17.3	-32.6	-23
Operating Segments [Member] | Net Investment Income [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues from external sources:	'	'	'	'
Net Investment Income	20.5	19.7	38.1	36.6
Operating Segments [Member] | Total Investment Operations [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues from external sources:	'	'	'	'
Revenue	25.8	21.2	54.1	44.8
Segment income before federal income tax:	'	'	'	'
Income before federal income taxes	25.8	21.2	54.1	44.8
Operating Segments [Member] | Total Investment Operations [Member] | Net Realized Capital Gains [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues from external sources:	'	'	'	'
Revenue	5.3	1.5	16	8.2
Segment income before federal income tax:	'	'	'	'
Income before federal income taxes	5.3	1.5	16	8.2
Operating Segments [Member] | All Other Segments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment income before federal income tax:	'	'	'	'
Income before federal income taxes	-0.1	0.5	0	0.8
Operating Segments [Member] | Personal Insurance [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment income before federal income tax:	'	'	'	'
Income before federal income taxes	-10.7	-6.8	-4.6	-5.5
Operating Segments [Member] | Business Insurance [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment income before federal income tax:	'	'	'	'
Income before federal income taxes	-5.9	-4.5	-15.3	-9.8
Operating Segments [Member] | Specialty Insurance [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment income before federal income tax:	'	'	'	'
Income before federal income taxes	-12.1	-6	-12.7	-7.7
Corporate and Other [Member] | All Other Segments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues from external sources:	'	'	'	'
Revenue	0.3	0.6	0.8	1
Corporate and Other [Member] | Gaap Adjustments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment income before federal income tax:	'	'	'	'
Gaap Expense Adjustments	8.9	7.2	14.2	11.8
Corporate and Other [Member] | Corporate Segment [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment income before federal income tax:	'	'	'	'
Corporate Expenses	-1.5	-1.5	-2.3	-2.6
Corporate and Other [Member] | Segment Reconciling Items [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment income before federal income tax:	'	'	'	'
Interest expense on corporate debt	1.3	3.8	2.6	5.5
Eliminate Intersegment Revenues [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues from external sources:	'	'	'	'
Revenue	-1.3	-1.3	-2.6	-2.6
Eliminate Intersegment Revenues [Member] | Intersegment [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues from external sources:	'	'	'	'
Revenue	1.3	1.3	2.6	2.6
External and Intersegment Sources [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues from external sources:	'	'	'	'
Revenue	295.7	286.6	588.3	573.2
Total Consolidated [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues from external sources:	'	'	'	'
Revenue	294.4	285.3	585.7	570.6
Segment Reconciling Items [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment income before federal income tax:	'	'	'	'
Income before federal income taxes	$6.10	$1.90	$9.30	$3.70

Segment_Information_Additional

Segment Information - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	Segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'	'
Number of reportable segments (segments)	4	'
Investable assets	$2,383.80	$2,331.60