FBL Financial (FFG) 10-Q 31 Oct 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Oct. 29, 2013	Oct. 29, 2013
			Common Class A	Common Class B
Entity Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'FBL FINANCIAL GROUP INC	'	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001012771	'	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'	'	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13	'	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	'	24,714,045	11,413
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'No	'	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'	'
Entity Public Float (only reported at year end)	'	$296,608,898	'	'

Consolidated_Balance_Sheet

Consolidated Balance Sheet (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Investments:	'	'
Fixed maturities - available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost: 2013 - $5,853,234 ; 2012 - $5,637,608)	$6,145,472	$6,265,745
Equity securities - available for sale, at fair value (cost: 2013 - $85,800; 2012 - $82,140)	87,394	86,253
Mortgage loans	573,383	554,843
Real estate	4,093	4,668
Policy loans	175,535	174,254
Short-term investments	55,066	74,516
Other investments	726	371
Total investments	7,041,669	7,160,650
Cash and cash equivalents	6,055	78,074
Securities and indebtedness of related parties	121,163	100,606
Accrued investment income	80,409	69,965
Amounts receivable from affiliates	12,582	3,931
Reinsurance recoverable	96,469	98,238
Deferred acquisition costs	318,566	204,326
Value of insurance in force acquired	22,860	17,154
Current income taxes recoverable	0	6,735
Other assets	67,415	59,238
Assets held in separate accounts	665,252	618,809
Total assets	8,432,440	8,417,726
Future policy benefits:	'	'
Interest sensitive products	4,256,635	4,050,846
Traditional life insurance and accident and health products	1,501,018	1,457,075
Other policy claims and benefits	41,767	39,072
Supplementary contracts without life contingencies	352,420	361,273
Advance premiums and other deposits	234,292	226,485
Amounts payable to affiliates	0	1,658
Short-term debt payable to non-affiliates	25,000	0
Long-term debt payable to affiliates	0	50,000
Long-term debt payable to non-affiliates	97,000	97,000
Deferred income taxes	123,644	208,433
Current income taxes	12,908	0
Other liabilities	85,906	94,828
Liabilities related to separate accounts	665,252	618,809
Total liabilities	7,395,842	7,205,479
FBL Financial Group, Inc. stockholders' equity:	'	'
Preferred stock, without par value, at liquidation value - authorized 10,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 5,000,000 Series B shares	3,000	3,000
Accumulated other comprehensive income	135,316	289,853
Retained earnings	764,393	796,110
Total FBL Financial Group, Inc. stockholders' equity	1,036,572	1,212,191
Noncontrolling interest	26	56
Total stockholders' equity	1,036,598	1,212,247
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	8,432,440	8,417,726
Class A common stock, without par value - authorized 88,500,000 shares, issued and outstanding 24,705,799 shares in 2013 and 24,282,184 shares in 2012	'	'
FBL Financial Group, Inc. stockholders' equity:	'	'
Common stock, without par value	133,791	115,706
Class B common stock, without par value - authorized 1,500,000 shares, issued and outstanding 11,413 in 2013 and 1,192,890 shares in 2012	'	'
FBL Financial Group, Inc. stockholders' equity:	'	'
Common stock, without par value	$72	$7,522

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Revenues:	'		'		'	'
Interest sensitive product charges	$32,270		$25,638		$84,369	$75,060
Traditional life insurance premiums	43,883		41,886		134,875	130,917
Net investment income	93,382		93,482		277,090	269,793
Net realized capital gains on sales of investments	1,458		5,379		12,825	10,669
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses	-5,015		-6,208		-5,860	-21,188
Non-credit portion in other comprehensive income	4,250		2,291		4,250	12,070
Net impairment loss recognized in earnings	-765		-3,917		-1,610	-9,118
Other income	3,288		2,891		10,698	13,625
Total revenues	173,516		165,359		518,247	490,946
Benefits and expenses:	'		'		'	'
Interest sensitive product benefits	53,488		48,640		150,411	147,050
Traditional life insurance benefits	39,726		37,473		119,795	116,925
Policyholder dividends	3,244		3,279		9,997	10,893
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses	33,070		39,939		105,429	107,040
Interest expense	1,833		2,007		5,646	5,972
Other expenses	5,037		3,986		14,239	16,492
Total benefits and expenses	136,398		135,324		405,517	404,372
Income before equity method investments, income taxes and noncontrolling interest	37,118		30,035		112,730	86,574
Income taxes	11,962		10,606		36,923	29,620
Equity income, net of related income taxes	1,829		1,058		5,669	3,309
Net income from continuing operations	26,985		20,487		81,476	60,263
Discontinued operations:	'		'		'	'
Loss on sale of subsidiary	0		0		0	-2,252
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	0		55		0	-709
Total income (loss) from discontinued operations	0	[1]	55	[1]	0	-2,961
Net income	26,985		20,542		81,476	57,302
Net loss (gain) attributable to noncontrolling interest	68		-66		130	52
Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc.	$27,053		$20,476		$81,606	$57,354
Earnings per common share:	'		'		'	'
Income from continuing operations	$1.05		$0.77		$3.17	$2.14
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	$0		$0		$0	($0.10)
Earnings per common share	$1.05		$0.77		$3.17	$2.04
Earnings per common share - assuming dilution:	'		'		'	'
Income from continuing operations	$1.04		$0.76		$3.14	$2.11
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	$0		$0		$0	($0.10)
Earnings per common share - assuming dilution	$1.04		$0.76		$3.14	$2.01
Cash dividends per common share	$2.15		$0.10		$2.37	$0.30
Regular quarterly cash dividend [Member]	'		'		'	'
Earnings per common share - assuming dilution:	'		'		'	'
Cash dividends per common share	$0.15		$0.10		$0.37	$0.30
Special cash dividend [Member]	'		'		'	'
Earnings per common share - assuming dilution:	'		'		'	'
Cash dividends per common share	$2		$0		$2	$0
[1]	Amounts are net of adjustments, as applicable, to amortization of unearned revenue reserves, deferred acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired and income taxes attributable to these items.

Consolidated_Statement_of_Comp

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income Statement (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Net income	$26,985	$20,542	$81,476	$57,302
Change in net unrealized investment gains/losses	-27,023	56,681	-152,521	118,398
Non-credit impairment losses	-2,652	-1,359	-2,687	-7,715
Change in underfunded status of other postretirement benefit plans	203	0	671	-96
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax	-29,472	55,322	-154,537	110,587
Comprehensive income	-2,487	75,864	-73,061	167,889
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	-68	66	-130	-52
Comprehensive income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc.	($2,419)	$75,798	($72,931)	$167,941

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cha

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholder's Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock		Preferred Stock	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Noncontrolling Interest
In Thousands
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$1,202,429	$137,206	[1]	$3,000	$884,263	$177,845	$115
Net income	57,302	'		'	57,354	'	-52
Other comprehensive income	110,587	'		'	'	'	'
Issurance of common stock under compensation plans	8,714	8,714	[1]	'	'	'	'
Purchase of common stock	-164,170	-22,355		'	-141,815	'	'
Dividends on preferred stock	-112	'		'	-112	'	'
Dividends on common stock	-8,338	'		'	-8,338	'	'
Balance at Sep. 30, 2012	1,206,412	123,565	[1]	3,000	791,352	288,432	63
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	1,212,247	123,228	[1]	3,000	796,110	289,853	56
Net income	81,476	'		'	81,606	'	-130
Other comprehensive income	-154,537	'		'	'	-154,537	'
Issurance of common stock under compensation plans	18,954	18,954		'	'	'	'
Purchase of common stock	-60,603	-8,319		'	-52,284	'	'
Dividends on preferred stock	-112	'		'	-112	'	'
Dividends on common stock	-60,927	'		'	-60,927	'	'
Receipts related to noncontrolling interest	100	'		'	'	'	100
Balance at Sep. 30, 2013	$1,036,598	$133,863	[1]	$3,000	$764,393	$135,316	$26
[1]

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Operating activities	'	'
Net income	$81,476	$57,302
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Interest credited to account balances	107,888	105,822
Charges for mortality, surrenders and administration	-75,113	-70,647
Net realized losses on investments	-11,215	-1,551
Change in fair value of derivatives	-646	267
Increase in traditional life and accident and health benefit accruals	43,943	39,645
Deferral of policy acquisition costs	-31,804	-34,978
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs and value of insurance in force	25,482	33,399
Change in reinsurance recoverable	1,769	262
Provision for deferred income taxes	-1,862	36,435
Loss on sale of subsidiary	0	-2,252
Other	-11,639	-75,634
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	128,279	92,574
Sales, maturities or repayments:	'	'
Fixed maturities - available for sale	568,600	478,972
Equity securities - available for sale	10,970	7,524
Mortgage loans	47,613	57,525
Derivative instruments	319	0
Policy loans	26,617	28,512
Securities and indebtedness of related parties	2,290	0
Other long-term investments	30	0
Real estate	1,957	0
Acquisitions:	'	'
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale	-762,920	-848,330
Equity securities - available for sale	-20,630	-33,329
Mortgage loans	-68,243	-48,880
Derivative instruments	-344	-151
Policy loans	-27,898	-28,930
Securities and indebtedness of related parties	-25,612	-30,529
Short-term investments, net change	19,450	22,867
Purchases and disposals of property and equipment, net	9,319	2,695
Net cash used in investing activities	-237,120	-397,444
Financing activities	'	'
Contract holder account deposits	453,750	538,096
Contract holder account withdrawals	-288,109	-274,175
Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities	0	211,627
Proceeds from Short-term Debt	25,000	0
Repayments of debt	50,000	174,258
Receipts related to noncontrolling interests, net	100	0
Excess tax deductions on stock-based compensation	1,904	2,359
Proceeds from (Repurchase of) Equity	-44,784	-157,409
Dividends paid	-61,039	-8,450
Net cash provided by financing activities	36,822	137,790
Increase in cash and cash equivalents	-72,019	-167,080
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	78,074	296,339
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	6,055	129,259
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information	'	'
Cash paid during the period for interest	5,891	9,408
Cash paid during the period for income taxes	$8,501	($1,626)

Significant_Accounting_Policie

Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Significant Accounting Policies	'
	Significant Accounting Policies
	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of FBL Financial Group, Inc. (we or the Company) have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. Our financial statements include all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) necessary for a fair presentation of our financial position and results of operations.
	Operating results for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2013. We encourage you to refer to our consolidated financial statements and notes for the year ended December 31, 2012 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for a complete description of our material accounting policies. Also included in the Form 10-K is a description of areas of judgments and estimates and other information necessary to understand our financial position and results of operations.

Investment_Operations

Investment Operations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Investment Operations [Abstract]	'
Investment Operations	'
	Investment Operations
	Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities
	Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities by Investment Category
		September 30, 2013
		Amortized			Gross				Gross				Fair				Non-credit losses on other-than-temporary impairments (1)
		Cost			Unrealized				Unrealized				Value
					Gains				Losses
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Fixed maturities:
	Corporate (2)	$	3,146,971		$	248,479			$	(62,016	)		$	3,333,434			$	(735	)
	Residential mortgage-backed	510,112			35,671				(6,641		)		539,142				(4,897		)
	Commercial mortgage-backed	407,662			24,261				(5,553		)		426,370				—
	Other asset-backed	460,224			18,436				(11,278		)		467,382				(1,368		)
	United States Government and agencies	38,962			4,813				(65		)		43,710				—
	State, municipal and other governments	1,289,303			71,696				(25,565		)		1,335,434				—
	Total fixed maturities	$	5,853,234		$	403,356			$	(111,118	)		$	6,145,472			$	(7,000	)
	Equity securities:
	Non-redeemable preferred stocks	$	59,692		$	2,846			$	(1,845	)		$	60,693			$	—
	Common stocks	26,108			593				—				26,701				—
	Total equity securities	$	85,800		$	3,439			$	(1,845	)		$	87,394			$	—
	Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities by Investment Category
		December 31, 2012
		Amortized			Gross				Gross				Fair				Non-credit losses on other-than-temporary impairments (1)
		Cost			Unrealized				Unrealized				Value
					Gains				Losses
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Fixed maturities:
	Corporate (2)	$	2,906,622		$	399,144			$	(10,183	)		$	3,295,583			$	(2,913	)
	Residential mortgage-backed	632,955			47,459				(6,232		)		674,182				(5,164		)
	Commercial mortgage-backed	463,504			49,173				(1,858		)		510,819				—
	Other asset-backed	485,796			16,981				(13,064		)		489,713				(4,788		)
	United States Government and agencies	42,079			6,930				—				49,009				—
	State, municipal and other governments	1,106,652			142,704				(2,917		)		1,246,439				—
	Total fixed maturities	$	5,637,608		$	662,391			$	(34,254	)		$	6,265,745			$	(12,865	)
	Equity securities:
	Non-redeemable preferred stocks	$	56,909		$	4,251			$	(668	)		$	60,492			$	—
	Common stocks	25,231			530				—				25,761				—
	Total equity securities	$	82,140		$	4,781			$	(668	)		$	86,253			$	—
	-1	Non-credit losses, subsequent to the initial impairment measurement date, on other-than-temporary impairments are included in the gross unrealized gains and losses columns above.
	-2	Corporate securities include hybrid preferred securities with a carrying value of $75.2 million at September 30, 2013 and $99.6 million at December 31, 2012. Corporate securities also include redeemable preferred stock with a carrying value of $17.5 million at September 30, 2013 and $5.6 million at December 31, 2012.
	Short-term investments have been excluded from the above schedules as amortized cost approximates fair value for these securities.
	Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturities by Maturity Date
		September 30, 2013
		Amortized			Estimated
		Cost			Fair Value
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Due in one year or less	$	95,370		$	99,719
	Due after one year through five years	693,221			764,249
	Due after five years through ten years	1,028,992			1,110,192
	Due after ten years	2,657,653			2,738,418
		4,475,236			4,712,578
	Mortgage-backed and other asset-backed	1,377,998			1,432,894
	Total fixed maturities	$	5,853,234		$	6,145,472
	Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Fixed maturities not due at a single maturity date have been included in the above table in the year of final contractual maturity.
	Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Net unrealized appreciation on:
	Fixed maturities - available for sale	$	292,238		$	628,137
	Equity securities - available for sale	1,594			4,113
		293,832			632,250
	Adjustments for assumed changes in amortization pattern of:
Deferred acquisition costs	(67,211		)	(172,320		)
Value of insurance in force acquired	(7,628		)	(15,346		)
Unearned revenue reserve	3,945			13,554
Adjustments for assumed changes in policyholder liabilities	(3,581		)	—
Provision for deferred income taxes	(76,760		)	(160,333		)
Net unrealized investment gains	$	142,597		$	297,805
Net unrealized investment gains and losses are recorded net of deferred income taxes and other adjustments for assumed changes in deferred acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserve and policyholder liabilities. Subsequent changes in fair value of securities for which a previous non-credit other-than-temporary impairment loss was recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income, are reported along with changes in fair value for which no other-than-temporary impairment losses were previously recognized.
Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities with Unrealized Losses by Length of Time
		September 30, 2013
		Less than one year							One year or more								Total
Description of Securities		Estimated			Unrealized Losses				Estimated				Unrealized Losses				Estimated Fair Value		Unrealized Losses			Percent of Total
		Fair Value							Fair Value
		(Dollars in thousands)
Fixed maturities:
Corporate		$	801,299		$	(56,820	)		$	39,503			$	(5,196	)		$	840,802	$	(62,016	)	55.8	%
Residential mortgage-backed		65,049			(1,941		)		20,855				(4,700		)		85,904		(6,641		)	6
Commercial mortgage-backed		36,513			(2,763		)		28,089				(2,790		)		64,602		(5,553		)	5
Other asset-backed		112,173			(1,819		)		29,683				(9,459		)		141,856		(11,278		)	10.1
United States Government and agencies		4,089			(65		)		—				—				4,089		(65		)	0.1
State, municipal and other governments		304,993			(24,013		)		14,941				(1,552		)		319,934		(25,565		)	23
Total fixed maturities		$	1,324,116		$	(87,421	)		$	133,071			$	(23,697	)		$	1,457,187	$	(111,118	)	100	%
Equity securities:
Non-redeemable preferred stocks		$	35,049		$	(1,345	)		$	4,500			$	(500	)		$	39,549	$	(1,845	)
Total equity securities		$	35,049		$	(1,345	)		$	4,500			$	(500	)		$	39,549	$	(1,845	)
Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities with Unrealized Losses by Length of Time
		December 31, 2012
		Less than one year							One year or more								Total
Description of Securities		Estimated			Unrealized Losses				Estimated				Unrealized Losses				Estimated Fair Value		Unrealized Losses			Percent of Total
		Fair Value							Fair Value
		(Dollars in thousands)
Fixed maturities:
Corporate		$	123,610		$	(2,120	)		$	87,176			$	(8,063	)		$	210,786	$	(10,183	)	29.7	%
Residential mortgage-backed		10,560			(85		)		32,884				(6,147		)		43,444		(6,232		)	18.2
Commercial mortgage-backed		27,073			(380		)		32,697				(1,478		)		59,770		(1,858		)	5.4
Other asset-backed		31,749			(512		)		50,468				(12,552		)		82,217		(13,064		)	38.1
State, municipal and other governments		33,228			(542		)		15,932				(2,375		)		49,160		(2,917		)	8.6
Total fixed maturities		$	226,220		$	(3,639	)		$	219,157			$	(30,615	)		$	445,377	$	(34,254	)	100	%
Equity securities:
Non-redeemable preferred stocks		$	3,858		$	(32	)		$	7,364			$	(636	)		$	11,222	$	(668	)
Total equity securities		$	3,858		$	(32	)		$	7,364			$	(636	)		$	11,222	$	(668	)
Included in fixed maturities in the above tables are 418 securities from 353 issuers at September 30, 2013 and 140 securities from 116 issuers at December 31, 2012. The unrealized losses in fixed maturities are generally due to an increase in risk free rates relative to the risk free rates when the securities were purchased. We do not intend to sell or believe we will be required to sell any of our impaired fixed maturities before recovery of their amortized cost basis. The following summarizes the more significant unrealized losses of fixed maturities and equity securities by investment category as of September 30, 2013.
Corporate securities: The largest unrealized losses are in the utilities sector ($200.8 million carrying value and $18.1 million unrealized loss). The largest unrealized losses in the utilities sector were in the electric ($144.8 million carrying value and $12.6 million unrealized loss) and the gas-pipeline ($41.6 million carrying value and $4.5 million unrealized loss) sub-sectors. The majority of losses in the sector are primarily attributable to general changes in market interest rates for corporate securities.
Residential mortgage-backed securities: The unrealized losses on residential mortgage-backed securities were primarily due to continued uncertainty regarding mortgage defaults on Alt-A loans. We purchased most of these investments at a discount to their face amount and the contractual cash flows of these investments are based on mortgages and other assets backing the securities.
Commercial mortgage-backed securities: The unrealized losses on commercial mortgage-backed securities were primarily due to spread widening and concerns regarding the potential for future defaults. The contractual cash flows of these investments are based on mortgages backing the securities. Unrealized losses on military housing bonds were mainly attributable to spread widening relative to spreads at which we acquired the bonds. Insured military housing bonds have also been impacted by the removal of their ratings following downgrades of the insurance providers.
Other asset-backed securities: The unrealized losses on other asset-backed securities were primarily due to concerns regarding defaults on subprime mortgages and home equity loans. We purchased most of these investments at a discount to their face amount and the contractual cash flows of these investments are based on mortgages and other assets backing the securities.
State, municipal and other governments: The unrealized losses on state, municipal and other governments were primarily due to general spread widening relative to spreads at which we acquired the bonds.
Equity securities: Our gross unrealized losses were on investment grade non-redeemable perpetual preferred securities within the finance sector. These securities provide periodic cash flows, contain call features and are similarly rated and priced like other long-term callable bonds and are evaluated for other-than-temporary impairment similar to fixed maturities. The decline in fair value is primarily due to market concerns regarding the sector. We have evaluated the near-term prospects of our equity securities in relation to the severity and duration of their impairment and based on that evaluation have the intent and ability to hold these investments until recovery of fair value.
Excluding mortgage and asset-backed securities, no securities from the same issuer had an aggregate unrealized loss in excess of $1.8 million at September 30, 2013, with the largest unrealized loss from an insurance carrier in the financial sector. With respect to mortgage and asset-backed securities not backed by the United States Government, no securities from the same issuer had an aggregate unrealized loss in excess of $5.1 million at September 30, 2013, with the largest unrealized loss from a collateralized bond obligation of bank and thrift holding companies, which is rated non-investment grade.
The carrying values of all our investments are reviewed on an ongoing basis for credit deterioration. When our review indicates a decline in fair value for a fixed maturity security is other-than-temporary and we do not intend to sell or believe we will be required to sell the security before recovery of our amortized cost, a specific write down is charged to earnings for the credit loss and a specific charge is recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income for the non-credit loss component. If we intend to sell or believe we will be required to sell a fixed maturity security before its recovery, the full amount of the impairment write down to fair value is charged to earnings. For all equity securities, the full amount of an other-than-temporary impairment write down is recognized as a realized loss on investments in the consolidated statements of operations and the new cost basis for the security is equal to its fair value.
We monitor the financial condition and operations of the issuers of fixed maturities and equity securities that could potentially have a credit impairment that is other-than-temporary. In determining whether or not an unrealized loss is other-than-temporary, we review factors such as:
•	historical operating trends;
•	business prospects;
•	status of the industry in which the company operates;
•	analyst ratings on the issuer and sector;
•	quality of management;
•	size of unrealized loss;
•	level of current market interest rates compared to market interest rates when the security was purchased; and
•	length of time the security has been in an unrealized loss position.
In order to determine the credit and non-credit impairment loss for fixed maturities, every quarter we estimate the future cash flows we expect to receive over the remaining life of the instrument as well as review our plans to hold or sell the instrument. Significant assumptions regarding the present value of expected cash flows for each security are used when an other-than-temporary impairment occurs and there is a non-credit portion of the unrealized loss that won't be recognized in earnings. Our assumptions for residential mortgage-backed securities, commercial mortgage-backed securities and other asset-backed securities include collateral pledged, guarantees, vintage, anticipated principal and interest payments, prepayments, default levels, severity assumptions, delinquency rates and the level of nonperforming assets for the remainder of the investments' expected term. We use a single best estimate of cash flows approach and use the effective yield prior to the date of impairment to calculate the present value of cash flows. Our assumptions for corporate and other fixed maturities include anticipated principal and interest payments and an estimated recovery value, generally based on a percentage return of the current fair value.
After an other-than-temporary write down of all equity securities and any fixed maturities with a credit-only impairment, the cost basis is generally not adjusted for subsequent recoveries in fair value. However, for fixed maturities for which we can reasonably estimate future cash flows after a write down, the discount or reduced premium recorded, based on the new cost basis, is amortized over the remaining life of the security. Amortization in this instance is computed using the prospective method and the current estimate of the amount and timing of future cash flows.
Credit Loss Component of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments on Fixed Maturities
	Nine months ended September 30,
	2013			2012
	(Dollars in thousands)
Balance at beginning of period	$	(27,712	)	$	(22,746	)
Increases for which an impairment was not previously recognized	—			(847		)
Increases to previously impaired investments	(618		)	(1,179		)
Reductions due to investments sold	5,840			146
Reductions due to change of intent to not hold investments	—			40
Balance at end of period	$	(22,490	)	$	(24,586	)
The table above sets forth the amount of credit loss impairments on fixed maturities held by the Company as of the dates indicated for which a portion of the other-than-temporary impairment was recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) and corresponding changes in such amounts.
Realized Gains (Losses) - Recorded in Income
	Three months ended September 30,							Nine months ended September 30,
	2013			2012				2013				2012
	(Dollars in thousands)
Realized gains (losses) on sales of investments
Fixed maturities:
Gross gains	$	1,467		$	5,429			$	15,193			$	10,077
Gross losses	(9		)	(11		)		(2,374		)		(446		)
Equity securities	—			—				—				310
Mortgage loans	—			—				—				767
Real estate	—			(26		)		12				(26		)
Other	—			(13		)		(6		)		(13		)
	1,458			5,379				12,825				10,669
Impairment losses recognized in earnings:
Credit-related portion of fixed maturity losses (1)	(618		)	(1,179		)		(618		)		(2,026		)
Other credit-related (2)	(147		)	(2,738		)		(992		)		(7,092		)
Net realized gains on investments recorded in income	$	693		$	1,462			$	11,215			$	1,551
-1	Amount represents the credit-related losses recognized for fixed maturities which were not written down to fair value. As discussed above the non-credit portion of the losses have been recognized in other comprehensive income (loss).
-2	Amount represents credit-related losses for mortgage loans, real estate and fixed maturities written down to fair value.
Proceeds from sales of fixed maturities totaled $123.2 million at September 30, 2013 and $129.9 million at September 30, 2012.
Realized gains and losses on sales of investments are determined on the basis of specific identification.
Mortgage Loans
Our mortgage loan portfolio consists principally of commercial mortgage loans that we have originated. Our lending policies require that the loans be collateralized by the value of the related property, establish limits on the amount that can be loaned to one borrower and require diversification by geographic location and collateral type. We originate loans with an initial loan-to-value ratio that provides sufficient excess collateral to absorb losses should we be required to foreclose and take possession of the collateral. In order to identify impairment losses timely, management maintains and reviews a watch list of mortgage loans that have heightened risk. These loans may include those with borrowers delinquent on contractual payments, borrowers experiencing financial difficulty, increases in rental real estate vacancies and significant declines in collateral value. We evaluate each of our mortgage loans individually and establish an allowance as needed for possible losses against our mortgage loan portfolio. An allowance is needed for loans in which we do not believe we will collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the respective loan agreements or a modification which has been classified as a troubled debt restructuring (TDR).
Any loan delinquent on contractual payments is considered non-performing. At September 30, 2013, there were no non-performing loans over 90 days past due on contractual payments. At December 31, 2012, there were two non-performing loans over 90 days past due on contractual payments with a carrying value of $16.4 million. Interest income is accrued on impaired loans to the extent it is deemed collectible (delinquent less than 90 days) and the loan continues to perform under its original or restructured contractual terms. Interest income on non-performing loans is generally recognized on a cash basis. Once mortgage loans are classified as nonaccrual loans, the resumption of the interest accrual would commence only after all past due interest has been collected or the mortgage loan has been restructured to where the collection of interest is considered likely. We did not accrue interest on the two loans at December 31, 2012.
Mortgage Loans by Collateral Type
		September 30, 2013						December 31, 2012
Collateral Type		Carrying Value			Percent of Total			Carrying Value				Percent of Total
		(Dollars in thousands)
Office		$	228,943		39.9	%		$	218,837			39.4	%
Retail		184,584			32.2			184,135				33.2
Industrial		123,415			21.5			133,149				24
Other		36,441			6.4			18,722				3.4
Total		$	573,383		100	%		$	554,843			100	%
Mortgage Loans by Geographic Location within the United States
		September 30, 2013						December 31, 2012
Region of the United States		Carrying Value			Percent of Total			Carrying Value				Percent of Total
		(Dollars in thousands)
South Atlantic		$	165,612		28.9	%		$	164,294			29.6	%
Pacific		92,242			16.1			81,333				14.7
West North Central		86,459			15.1			77,798				14
East North Central		80,485			14			81,015				14.6
Mountain		54,226			9.4			48,881				8.8
West South Central		38,962			6.8			42,141				7.6
Other		55,397			9.7			59,381				10.7
Total		$	573,383		100	%		$	554,843			100	%
Mortgage Loans by Loan-to-Value Ratio
	September 30, 2013						December 31, 2012
	Carrying Value			Percent of Total			Carrying Value				Percent of Total
	(Dollars in thousands)
0% - 50%	$	142,298		24.8	%		$	173,040			31.2	%
51% - 60%	200,050			34.9			156,633				28.2
61% - 70%	200,436			35			186,738				33.7
71% - 80%	26,462			4.6			36,857				6.6
81% - 90%	4,137			0.7			1,575				0.3
Total	$	573,383		100	%		$	554,843			100	%
The loan-to-value ratio is determined using the most recent appraised value. Appraisals are updated periodically including when there is indication of a possible significant collateral decline or loan modification and refinance requests.
Mortgage Loans by Year of Origination
	September 30, 2013						December 31, 2012
	Carrying Value			Percent of Total			Carrying Value				Percent of Total
	(Dollars in thousands)
2013	$	65,615		11.4	%		$	—			—	%
2012	73,405			12.8			75,173				13.6
2011	48,523			8.5			47,405				8.5
2010	26,505			4.6			27,422				4.9
2008	68,840			12			70,346				12.7
2007 and prior	290,495			50.7			334,497				60.3
Total	$	573,383		100	%		$	554,843			100	%
Impaired Mortgage Loans
	September 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
	(Dollars in thousands)
Unpaid principal balance	$	22,229		$	10,046
Less:
Related allowance	559			1,694
Discount	526			—
Carrying value of impaired mortgage loans	$	21,144		$	8,352
Allowance on Mortgage Loans
	Nine months ended September 30,
	2013			2012
	(Dollars in thousands)
Balance at beginning of period	$	1,694		$	1,759
Allowances established	475			335
Charge offs	(1,610		)	(400		)
Balance at end of period	$	559		$	1,694
Mortgage Loan Modifications
Our commercial mortgage loan portfolio includes loans that have been modified. We assess loan modifications on a loan-by-loan basis to evaluate whether a TDR has occurred. Generally, the types of concessions include: reduction of the contractual interest rate to a below market rate, extension of the maturity date, and/or a reduction of accrued interest. The amount, timing and extent of the concession granted is considered in determining if an impairment loss is needed for the restructuring.
During the first quarter of 2013 we modified one commercial mortgage loan that met the criteria of a TDR with a carrying value after the restructuring of $14.4 million and recognized an impairment loss of $0.5 million. TDR modifications during the first three quarters of 2012 resulted in losses of less than $0.1 million.
Variable Interest Entities
We evaluate our variable interest entity (VIE) investees to determine whether the level of our direct ownership interest, our rights to manage operations or our obligation to provide ongoing financial support are such that we are the primary beneficiary of the entity, and are then required to consolidate it for financial reporting purposes. None of our VIE investees were required to be consolidated through September 30, 2013 or 2012. Our VIE investments are as follows:
	September 30, 2013							31-Dec-12
	Carrying Value			Maximum Exposure to Loss				Carrying Value				Maximum Exposure to Loss
	(Dollars in thousands)
Real estate limited partnerships	$	17,493		$	17,493			$	16,914			$	16,914
We make commitments to fund partnership investments in the normal course of business. We did not have any other commitments to investees designated as VIEs as of September 30, 2013 or December 31, 2012.
Derivative Instruments
We are not significantly involved in hedging activities and have limited exposure to derivatives. We do not apply hedge accounting to any of our derivative positions. Derivative assets, which are primarily reported in reinsurance recoverable and other investments, totaled $3.2 million at September 30, 2013 and $5.6 million at December 31, 2012. Our derivative assets consist of derivatives embedded within our modified coinsurance agreements and call options which provide an economic hedge for a small block of index annuity contracts. Derivative liabilities totaled $0.3 million at September 30, 2013 and $0.5 million December 31, 2012 and include derivatives embedded within our index annuity contracts and derivatives embedded within our modified coinsurance agreements. The net gain (loss) recognized on these derivatives is included in net investment income and interest sensitive benefits and, for the three-month period ended September 30, totaled ($1.1) million for 2013 and $0.8 million for 2012 and for the nine-month period ended September 30, totaled ($2.0) million for 2013 and $1.1 million for 2012.
Other
At September 30, 2013, we had committed to provide $42.3 million of additional funds for our investments in low income housing tax credit limited partnerships.

Fair_Values

Fair Values	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Values [Abstract]	'
Fair Value	'
	Fair Values
	The carrying and estimated fair values of our financial instruments are as follows:
	Fair Values and Carrying Values
		September 30, 2013						December 31, 2012
		Carrying Value			Fair Value			Carrying Value			Fair Value
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Assets
	Fixed maturities - available for sale	$	6,145,472		$	6,145,472		$	6,265,745		$	6,265,745
	Equity securities - available for sale	87,394			87,394			86,253			86,253
	Mortgage loans	573,383			602,276			554,843			600,448
	Policy loans	175,535			214,685			174,254			227,161
	Other investments	640			640			247			247
	Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments	61,121			61,121			152,590			152,590
	Reinsurance recoverable	2,560			2,560			5,326			5,326
	Assets held in separate accounts	665,252			665,252			618,809			618,809
	Liabilities
	Future policy benefits	$	3,351,764		$	3,402,397		$	3,226,765		$	3,352,252
	Supplemental contracts without life contingencies	352,420			337,779			361,273			350,187
	Advance premiums and other deposits	224,637			224,637			216,857			216,857
	Short-term debt	25,000			25,000			—			—
	Long-term debt	97,000			63,292			147,000			116,359
	Other liabilities	—			—			131			131
	Liabilities related to separate accounts	665,252			657,398			618,809			609,704
	Fair value is based on an exit price, which is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. As not all financial instruments are actively traded, various valuation methods may be used to estimate fair value. These methods rely on observable data and where observable data is not available, the best information available. Significant judgment may be required to interpret the data and select the assumptions used in the valuation estimates, particularly when observable market data is not available.
	In the discussion that follows, we have ranked our financial instruments by the level of judgment used in the determination of the fair values presented above. The levels are defined as follows:
	•	Level 1 - Fair values are based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
	•	Level 2 - Fair values are based on inputs, other than quoted prices from active markets, that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.
	•	Level 3 - Fair values are based on significant unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.
	In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, a financial instrument's level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the financial instrument. From time to time there may be movements between levels as inputs become more or less observable, which may depend on several factors including the activity of the market for the specific security, the activity of the market for similar securities, the level of risk spreads and the source of the information from which we obtain the information. Transfers in or out of any level are measured as of the beginning of the period.
	The following methods and assumptions were used in estimating the fair value of our financial instruments:
	Fixed maturities:
	Level 1 fixed maturities consist of U.S. Treasury issues that are actively traded, allowing us to use current market prices as an estimate of their fair value.
	Level 2 fixed maturities consist of corporate, mortgage and other asset-backed, United States Government agencies and private placement securities with observable market data, and in some circumstances recent trade activity. When quoted prices of identical assets in active markets are not available, our first priority is to obtain prices from third party pricing vendors. We have regular interaction with these vendors to ensure we understand their pricing methodologies and to confirm they are utilizing observable market information. Their methodologies vary by asset class and include inputs such as estimated cash flows, benchmark yields, reported trades, credit quality, industry events and economic events. Fixed maturities with validated prices from pricing services, which includes the majority of our public fixed maturities in all asset classes, are generally reflected in Level 2.
	Also included in Level 2 are corporate bonds where quoted market prices are not available, for which an internal model using substantially all observable inputs or a matrix pricing valuation approach is used. In the matrix approach, securities are grouped into pricing categories that vary by sector, rating and average life. Each pricing category is assigned a risk spread based on studies of observable public market data. The expected cash flows of the security are then discounted back at the current Treasury curve plus the appropriate risk spread.
	Level 3 fixed maturities include private placements as well as corporate, mortgage and other asset-backed and state and municipal securities for which there is little or no current market data available. We use external pricing sources, or if prices are not available will estimate fair value internally. Fair values of private investments in Level 3 are determined by reference to public market, private transactions or valuations for comparable companies or assets in the relevant asset class when such amounts are available. For other securities where an exit price based on relevant observable inputs is not obtained, the fair value is determined using a matrix calculation. Fair values estimated through use of matrix pricing methods rely on an estimate of credit spreads to a risk free U.S. Treasury yield. Selecting the credit spread requires judgment based on an understanding of the security and may include a market liquidity premium. Our selection of comparable companies as well as the level of spread requires significant judgment. Increases in spreads used in our matrix models, or those used to value comparable companies, will result in a decrease in discounted cash flows used, and accordingly in the estimated fair value of the security.
	We obtain fixed maturity fair values from a variety of external independent pricing services, including brokers, with access to observable data including recent trade information, if available. In certain circumstances in which an external price is not available for a Level 3 security, we will internally estimate its fair value. Our process for evaluation and selection of the fair values includes:
	•	Follow a “pricing waterfall” policy, which establishes the pricing source preference for a particular security or security type. The order of preference is based on our evaluation of the valuation methods used, the source's knowledge of the instrument and the reliability of the prices we have received from the source in the past. Our valuation policy dictates that fair values are initially sought from third party pricing services. If our review of the prices received from our preferred source indicates an inaccurate price, we will use an alternative source within the waterfall and document the decision. In the event that fair values are not available from one of our external pricing services or upon review of the fair values provided it is determined that they may not be reflective of market conditions, those securities are submitted to brokers familiar with the security to obtain non-binding price quotes. Broker quotes tend to be used in limited circumstances such as for newly issued, private placement and other instruments that are not widely traded. For those securities for which an externally provided fair value is not available we use cash flow modeling techniques to estimate fair value.
	•	Evaluate third party pricing source estimation methodologies to assess whether they will provide a fair value which approximates a market exit price.
	•	Perform an overall analysis of portfolio fair value movement against general movements in interest rates and spreads.
	•	Compare month-to-month price trends to detect unexpected price fluctuation based on our knowledge of the market and the particular instrument. As fluctuations are noted, we will perform further research which may include discussions with the original pricing source or other external sources to ensure we are in agreement with the valuation.
	•	Compare prices between different pricing sources for unusual disparity.
	•	Meet monthly with our Investment Committee, the group that oversees our valuation process, to discuss valuation practices and observations during the pricing process.
	Equity securities:
	Level 1 equity securities consist of listed common stocks and mutual funds that are actively traded, allowing us to use current market prices as an estimate of their fair value.
	Level 2 equity securities consist of common stock issued by the Federal Home Loan Bank, with estimated fair value based on the current redemption value of the shares and non-redeemable preferred stock with estimated fair value obtained from external pricing sources using a matrix pricing approach.
	Level 3 equity securities consist of a non-redeemable preferred stock for which no active market exists, and fair value estimates for these securities is based on the values of comparable securities which are actively traded. Increases in spreads used in our matrix models, or those used to value comparable companies, will result in a decrease in discounted cash flows used, and accordingly in the estimated fair value of the security.
	In the case where external pricing services are used for certain Level 1 and Level 2 equity securities, our review process is consistent with the process used to determine the fair value of fixed maturities discussed above.
	Mortgage loans:
	Mortgage loans are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Mortgage loans are a Level 3 measurement as there is no current market for the loans. The fair value of our mortgage loans is estimated internally using a matrix pricing approach. Along with specific loan terms, two key management assumptions are required including the risk rating of the loan (our current rating system A-highest quality, B-moderate quality, C-low quality and W-watch or F-foreclosure) and estimated spreads for new loans over the U.S. Treasury yield curve. Spreads are updated quarterly and loans are reviewed and rated annually with quarterly adjustments should significant changes occur. Our determination of each loan's risk rating as well as selection of the credit spread requires significant judgment. A higher risk rating, as well as an increase in spreads, would result in a decrease in discounted cash flows used, and accordingly the fair value of the loan.
	Policy loans:
	Policy loans are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Policy loans are a Level 3 measurement as there is no current market since they are specifically tied to the underlying insurance policy. The loans are relatively risk free as they cannot exceed the cash surrender value of the insurance policy. Fair values are estimated by discounting expected cash flows using a risk-free interest rate based on the U.S. Treasury curve. An increase in the risk-free interest rate would result in a decrease in discounted cash flows used, and accordingly the fair value of the loan.
	Other investments:
	Level 2 other investments include call options with fair values based on counterparty market prices adjusted for a credit component of the counterparty.
	Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments:
	Level 1 cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments are highly liquid instruments for which historical cost approximates fair value.
	Reinsurance recoverable:
	Level 2 reinsurance recoverable includes embedded derivatives in our modified coinsurance contracts under which we cede or assume business. Fair values of these embedded derivatives are based on the difference between the fair value and the cost basis of the underlying fixed maturities, which are valued consistent with the discussion of fixed maturities above.
	Assets held in separate accounts:
	Level 1 assets held in separate accounts consist of mutual funds that are actively traded, allowing us to use current market prices as an estimate of their fair value.
	Future policy benefits, supplemental contracts without life contingencies and advance premiums and other deposits:
	Level 3 policy related financial instruments of investment-type contracts are those not involving significant mortality or morbidity risks. No active market exists for these contracts and they are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair values for our insurance contracts, other than investment-type contracts, are not required to be disclosed. Fair values for our investment-type contracts with expected maturities, including deferred annuities, funding agreements and supplementary contracts, are determined using discounted cash flow valuation techniques based on current interest rates adjusted to reflect our credit risk and an additional provision for adverse deviation. For certain deposit liabilities with no defined maturities and no surrender charges, including pension related deposit administration funds, advance premiums and other deposits, fair value is the account value or amount payable on demand. Significant judgment is required in selecting the assumptions used to estimate the fair values of these financial instruments. For contracts with known maturities, increases in current rates will result in a decrease in discounted cash flows and a decrease in the estimated fair value of the policy obligation.
	Certain annuity contracts include embedded derivatives and are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. These embedded derivatives are a Level 3 measurement. The fair value of the embedded derivatives is based on the discounted excess of projected account values (including a risk margin) over projected guaranteed account values. The key unobservable inputs required in the projection of future values which require management judgment include the risk margin as well as the credit risk of our company. Should the risk margin increase or the credit risk decrease the discounted cash flows and the estimated fair value of the obligation will increase.
	Short-term debt:
Short-term debt is not measured at fair value on a recurring basis and is a Level 3 measurement. Our short-term debt is a weekly renewable instrument, last renewed on September 30, 2013 at which time its interest rate was reset to the issuer’s current lending rate. Given the recent renewal of this short-term debt, its carrying value approximates fair value.
Long-term debt:
Long-term debt is not measured at fair value on a recurring basis and is a Level 3 measurement. The fair value of our outstanding debt is estimated using a discounted cash flow method based on the market's assessment or our current incremental borrowing rate for similar types of borrowing arrangements adjusted, as needed, to reflect our credit risk. Our selection of the credit spread requires significant judgment. A decrease in the spread will increase the estimated fair value of the outstanding debt.
Other liabilities:
Level 2 other liabilities include the embedded derivatives in our modified coinsurance contracts under which we cede business. Fair values for the embedded derivatives are based on the difference between the fair value and the cost basis of the underlying fixed maturities.
Liabilities related to separate accounts:
Separate account liabilities are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Level 3 separate account liabilities' fair value is based on the cash surrender value of the underlying contract, which is the cost we would incur to extinguish the liability.
Valuation of our Financial Instruments Measured on a Recurring Basis by Hierarchy Levels
	September 30, 2013
	Quoted prices in active markets			Significant other observable inputs			Significant unobservable inputs			Total
	for identical assets (Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	(Dollars in thousands)
Assets
Corporate securities	$	—		$	3,248,851		$	84,583		$	3,333,434
Residential mortgage-backed securities	—			539,142			—			539,142
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	—			354,513			71,857			426,370
Other asset-backed securities	—			379,362			88,020			467,382
United States Government and agencies	15,134			20,484			8,092			43,710
State, municipal and other governments	—			1,335,434			—			1,335,434
Non-redeemable preferred stocks	—			48,023			12,670			60,693
Common stocks	3,051			23,650			—			26,701
Other investments	—			640			—			640
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments	61,121			—			—			61,121
Reinsurance recoverable	—			2,560			—			2,560
Assets held in separate accounts	665,252			—			—			665,252
Total assets	$	744,558		$	5,952,659		$	265,222		$	6,962,439
Liabilities
Future policy benefits - index annuity embedded derivatives	$	—		$	—		$	287		$	287
Total liabilities	$	—		$	—		$	287		$	287
Valuation of our Financial Instruments Measured on a Recurring Basis by Hierarchy Levels
	December 31, 2012
	Quoted prices in active markets			Significant other observable inputs			Significant unobservable inputs			Total
	for identical assets (Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	(Dollars in thousands)
Assets
Corporate securities	$	—		$	3,195,120		$	100,463		$	3,295,583
Residential mortgage-backed securities	—			674,182			—			674,182
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	—			434,538			76,281			510,819
Other asset-backed securities	—			393,957			95,756			489,713
United States Government and agencies	14,884			25,570			8,555			49,009
State, municipal and other governments	—			1,246,216			223			1,246,439
Non-redeemable preferred stocks	—			53,101			7,391			60,492
Common stocks	2,773			22,988			—			25,761
Other investments	—			247			—			247
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments	152,590			—			—			152,590
Reinsurance recoverable	—			5,326			—			5,326
Assets held in separate accounts	618,809			—			—			618,809
Total assets	$	789,056		$	6,051,245		$	288,669		$	7,128,970
Liabilities
Future policy benefits - index annuity embedded derivatives	$	—		$	—		$	307		$	307
Other liabilities	—			131			—			131
Total liabilities	$	—		$	131		$	307		$	438
Level 3 Fixed Maturities on a Recurring Basis by Valuation Source
	September 30, 2013
	Third-party vendors			Priced			Total
				internally
	(Dollars in thousands)
Corporate securities	$	43,134		$	41,449		$	84,583
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	71,857			—			71,857
Other asset-backed securities	67,311			20,709			88,020
United States Government and agencies	8,092			—			8,092
Total	$	190,394		$	62,158		$	252,552
Percent of total	75.4		%	24.6		%	100		%
	December 31, 2012
	Third-party vendors			Priced			Total
				internally
	(Dollars in thousands)
Corporate securities	$	70,975		$	29,488		$	100,463
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	76,281			—			76,281
Other asset-backed securities	79,320			16,436			95,756
United States Government and agencies	8,555			—			8,555
State, municipal and other governments	223			—			223
Total	$	235,354		$	45,924		$	281,278
Percent of total	83.7		%	16.3		%	100		%
Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements - Recurring Basis
	September 30, 2013
	Fair Value			Valuation Technique		Unobservable Input	Range (Weighted Average)
	(Dollars in thousands)
Assets
Corporate securities	$	49,987		Discounted cash flow		Credit spread	0.93% - 17.65% (7.90%)
Commercial mortgage-backed	71,857			Discounted cash flow		Credit spread	1.90% - 4.40% (3.14%)
Other asset-backed securities	37,554			Discounted cash flow		Credit spread	1.03% - 5.77% (4.05%)
Non-redeemable preferred stocks	7,795			Discounted cash flow		Credit spread	4.70% (4.70%)
Total Assets	$	167,193
Liabilities
Future policy benefits - index annuity embedded derivatives	$	287		Discounted cash flow		Credit risk	0.40% - 1.85% (1.20%)
						Risk margin	0.15% - 0.40% (0.25%)
	31-Dec-12
	Fair Value			Valuation Technique		Unobservable Input	Range (Weighted Average)
	(Dollars in thousands)
Assets
Corporate securities	$	54,538		Discounted cash flow		Credit spread	0.78% - 9.21% (5.72%)
Commercial mortgage-backed	76,264			Discounted cash flow		Credit spread	1.95% - 4.80% (3.35%)
Other asset-backed securities	43,119			Discounted cash flow		Credit spread	1.24% - 6.07% (4.28%)
State, municipal and other governments	223			Discounted cash flow		Credit spread	1.75% (1.75%)
Non-redeemable preferred stocks	7,391			Discounted cash flow		Credit spread	6.00% (6.00%)
Total Assets	$	181,535
Liabilities
Future policy benefits - index annuity embedded derivatives	$	307		Discounted cash flow		Credit risk	1.00% - 2.50% (1.80%)
						Risk margin	0.15% - 0.40% (0.25%)
The tables above exclude certain securities for which the fair values were based on non-binding broker quotes where we could not reasonably obtain the quantitative unobservable inputs.
Level 3 Financial Instruments Changes in Fair Value Recurring Basis
	September 30, 2013
										Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net
	Balance, December 31, 2012			Purchases			Disposals			Included in net income			Included in other compre-hensive income			Transfers into		Transfers			Amort-ization included in net income			Balance,
																Level 3 (1)		out of						September 30,
																		Level 3 (1)						2013
	(Dollars in thousands)
Assets
Corporate securities	$	100,463		$	2,129		$	(5,387	)	$	—		$	(1,810	)	$	—	$	(10,798	)	$	(14	)	$	84,583
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	76,281			—			(491		)	—			(3,996		)	—		—			63			71,857
Other asset-backed securities	95,756			37,411			(10,408		)	—			(1,439		)	4,062		(38,405		)	1,043			88,020
United States Government and agencies	8,555			—			—			—			(468		)	—		—			5			8,092
State, municipal and other governments	223			—			(218		)	—			(5		)	—		—			—			—
Non-redeemable preferred stocks	7,391			—			—			—			71			5,208		—			—			12,670
Total Assets	$	288,669		$	39,540		$	(16,504	)	$	—		$	(7,647	)	$	9,270	$	(49,203	)	$	1,097		$	265,222
Liabilities
Future policy benefits - index annuity embedded derivatives	$	307		$	—		$	(26	)	$	—		$	6		$	—	$	—		$	—		$	287
Total Liabilities	$	307		$	—		$	(26	)	$	—		$	6		$	—	$	—		$	—		$	287
Level 3 Financial Instruments Changes in Fair Value Recurring Basis
	September 30, 2012
										Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net
	Balance, December 31, 2011			Purchases			Disposals			Included in net income			Included in other compre-hensive income			Net transfers into		Net transfers			Amort-ization included in net income			Balance,
																Level 3 (2)		out of						September 30,
																		Level 3 (2)						2012
	(Dollars in thousands)
Assets
Corporate securities	$	106,412		$	—		$	(14,108	)	$	(9	)	$	3,201		$	28,109	$	(15,295	)	$	94		$	108,404
Residential mortgage-backed securities	7,711			—			—			—			—			—		(7,711		)	—			—
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	27,899			5,105			(2,181		)	—			264			63,313		(14,055		)	61			80,406
Other asset-backed securities	113,458			56,382			(5,637		)	(44		)	1,523			12,440		(99,553		)	722			79,291
Collateralized debt obligation	270			—			—			(252		)	—			—		—			—			18
United States Government and agencies	12,588			—			—			—			111			—		(4,010		)	4			8,693
State, municipal and other governments	12,044			—			(4,195		)	—			(315		)	—		(7,845		)	561			250
Non-redeemable preferred stocks	14,447			—			(5,105		)	105			646			—		(2,805		)	—			7,288
Common stocks	—			4,370			—			—			—			—		—			—			4,370
Total Assets	$	294,829		$	65,857		$	(31,226	)	$	(200	)	$	5,430		$	103,862	$	(151,274	)	$	1,442		$	288,720
Liabilities
Future policy benefits - index annuity embedded derivatives	$	302		$	—		$	(24	)	$	—		$	53		$	—	$	—		$	—		$	331
Other liabilities-Senior Notes make-whole redemption embedded derivative	33,144			—			(33,144		)	—			—			—		—			—			—
Total Liabilities	$	33,446		$	—		$	(33,168	)	$	—		$	53		$	—	$	—		$	—		$	331
-1	Transfers into Level 3 represent assets previously priced using an external pricing service with access to observable inputs no longer available and therefore, were priced using non-binding broker quotes. Transfers out of Level 3 include those assets that we are now able to obtain pricing from a third party pricing vendor that uses observable inputs. There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during 2013.
-2	Transfers into Level 3 represent assets previously priced using an external pricing service with access to observable inputs no longer available and therefore, were priced using non-binding broker quotes. During 2012, we began using an external pricing service with access to observable inputs for a portion of our Level 3 investments for which non-binding broker quotes were previously used to estimate fair value. We believe the change in pricing sources is appropriate, and consistent with our pricing waterfall policy to use higher level valuation methods when available. There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during 2012.
Valuation of our Financial Instruments Not Reported at Fair Value by Hierarchy Levels
	September 30, 2013
	Quoted prices in active markets			Significant other observable inputs			Significant unobservable inputs			Total
	for identical assets (Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	(Dollars in thousands)
Assets
Mortgage loans	$	—		$	—		$	602,276		$	602,276
Policy loans	—			—			214,685			214,685
Total assets	$	—		$	—		$	816,961		$	816,961
Liabilities
Future policy benefits	$	—		$	—		$	3,402,110		$	3,402,110
Supplemental contracts without life contingencies	—			—			337,779			337,779
Advance premiums and other deposits	—			—			224,637			224,637
Short-term debt	—			—			25,000			25,000
Long-term debt	—			—			63,292			63,292
Liabilities related to separate accounts	—			—			657,398			657,398
Total liabilities	$	—		$	—		$	4,710,216		$	4,710,216
	31-Dec-12
	Quoted prices in active markets			Significant other observable inputs			Significant unobservable inputs			Total
	for identical assets (Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	(Dollars in thousands)
Assets
Mortgage loans	$	—		$	—		$	600,448		$	600,448
Policy loans	—			—			227,161			227,161
Total assets	$	—		$	—		$	827,609		$	827,609
Liabilities
Future policy benefits	$	—		$	—		$	3,351,945		$	3,351,945
Supplemental contracts without life contingencies	—			—			350,187			350,187
Advance premiums and other deposits	—			—			216,857			216,857
Long-term debt	—			—			116,359			116,359
Liabilities related to separate accounts	—			—			609,704			609,704
Total liabilities	$	—		$	—		$	4,645,052		$	4,645,052
Level 3 Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
Certain assets are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, generally mortgage loans or real estate which have been deemed to be impaired during the reporting period. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, one real estate property was impaired to a fair value totaling $1.9 million which resulted in an impairment charge of $0.2 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, one mortgage loan was impaired to a fair value totaling $1.6 million which resulted in an impairment charge of $0.3 million.

Defined_Benefit_Plan

Defined Benefit Plan	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan [Abstract]	'
Defined Benefit Plan	'
	Defined Benefit Plan
	We participate with several affiliates and an unaffiliated organization in various defined benefit plans, including a multiemployer plan. Our share of net periodic pension cost for the plans is recorded as expense in our consolidated statements of operations.
	Components of Net Periodic Pension Cost for FBL and Affiliates Combined - Multiemployer Plan
		Three months ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Service cost	$	1,618		$	2,029		$	4,854		$	6,087
	Interest cost	3,346			3,176			10,038			9,528
	Expected return on assets	(3,916		)	(3,520		)	(11,748		)	(10,560		)
	Amortization of prior service cost	36			106			108			318
	Amortization of actuarial loss	3,117			2,367			9,351			7,101
	Net periodic pension cost	$	4,201		$	4,158		$	12,603		$	12,474
	FBL Financial Group, Inc. share of net periodic pension cost	$	1,341		$	1,343		$	4,023		$	4,071

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Commitments and Contingencies
	Legal Proceedings
	In the normal course of business, we may be involved in litigation where damages are alleged that are substantially in excess of contractual policy benefits or certain other agreements. In recent years, companies in the life insurance and annuity business have faced litigation, including class action lawsuits, alleging improper product design, improper sales practices and similar claims. We are not aware of any such matters threatened or pending against FBL Financial Group, Inc. or any of its subsidiaries.

Credit_Arrangements

Credit Arrangements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Discontinued Operations	'
	On September 26, 2013, we redeemed the Senior Notes payable to affiliates that had a balance of $50.0 million at December 31, 2012. These 6.10% Senior Notes were due May 3, 2015 and prepayable anytime at par. These notes were issued to Farm Bureau Property & Casualty and an investment affiliate of the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, our majority stockholder.
	Short-term debt consists of a $25.0 million floating rate (0.21% at September 30, 2013) advance from the Federal Home Loan Bank, collateralized by fixed maturity securities with a carrying value of $28.9 million.
	During the first quarter of 2012, we completed the required redemption of $175.0 million of our long-term debt in accordance with the mandatory redemption provisions of the underlying notes. The make-whole redemption price of $210.9 million, which included repayment of principal, accrued interest and a make-whole premium, was funded from assets held in two irrevocable debt defeasance trusts. The make-whole redemption premium was based on U.S. Treasury yields and considered an embedded derivative with a fair value of $33.1 million at December 31, 2011. The change in fair value during 2012 was offset by the write off of deferred debt issuance costs and reported with other expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	During 2011 and 2012, the Board of Directors approved plans to repurchase up to $230.0 million of Class A common stock. These repurchase plans authorize us to make repurchases in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions, with the timing and terms of the purchases to be determined by management based on market conditions. At September 30, 2013, $20.3 million remains available for repurchase under these plans. Completion of the program is dependent on market conditions and other factors. There is no guarantee as to the exact timing of any repurchases or the number of shares that we will repurchase. The share repurchase program may be modified or terminated at any time without prior notice.
	In addition to the Class B activity described above, during the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we repurchased 363,430 shares of Class A common stock for $14.2 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, we conducted a modified “Dutch Auction” tender offer, entered into a separate stock repurchase agreement with our majority stockholder and purchased shares in the open market totaling 4,991,012 shares for $164.2 million.
	Reconciliation of Outstanding Common Stock
		Class A							Class B							Total
		Shares			Dollars				Shares			Dollars				Shares		Dollars
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Outstanding at January 1, 2012	29,457,644			$	129,684			1,192,990			$	7,522			30,650,634		$	137,206
	Issuance of common stock under compensation plans	273,649			8,714				—			—				273,649		8,714
	Purchase of common stock	(4,991,012	)		(22,355		)		—			—				(4,991,012	)	(22,355		)
	Outstanding at September 30, 2012	24,740,281			$	116,043			1,192,990			$	7,522			25,933,271		$	123,565
	Outstanding at January 1, 2013	24,282,184			$	115,706			1,192,890			$	7,522			25,475,074		$	123,228
	Issuance of common stock under compensation plans	629,516			18,954				—			—				629,516		18,954
	Purchase of common stock	(363,430	)		(1,862		)		(1,023,948	)		(6,457		)		(1,387,378	)	(8,319		)
	Conversion of Class B to Class A common stock (1)	157,529			993				(157,529	)		(993		)		—		—
	Outstanding at September 30, 2013	24,705,799			$	133,791			11,413			$	72			24,717,212		$	133,863
	-1	There is no established market for our Class B common stock, although it is convertible upon demand into Class A common stock on a share for share basis. See discussion of tender offer above.
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax and Other Offsets
		Unrealized Net Investment Gains (Losses) on Available For Sale Securities (1)				Accumulated Non-Credit Impairment Losses				Underfunded Status of Postretirement Benefit Plans				Total
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Balance at January 1, 2012	$	190,449			$	(12,703	)		$	99			$	177,845
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	118,326				6,955				—				125,281
	Reclassification adjustments	(6,883		)		(7,715		)		(96		)		(14,694		)
	Balance at September 30, 2012	$	301,892			$	(13,463	)		$	3			$	288,432
	Balance at January 1, 2013	$	306,167			$	(8,362	)		$	(7,952	)		$	289,853
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(151,182		)		6,499				—				(144,683		)
	Reclassification adjustments	(7,838		)		$	(2,687	)		671				(9,854		)
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	147,147			$	(4,550	)		$	(7,281	)		$	135,316
	-1	Includes the impact of taxes, deferred acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserves and policyholder liabilities. See Note 2 for further information.
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassification Adjustments
		Nine months ended September 30, 2013
		Unrealized Net Investment Gains (Losses) on Available For Sale Securities (1)				Accumulated Non-Credit Impairment Losses (1)				Underfunded Status of Postretirement Benefit				Total
										Plans (2)
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Realized capital gains on sales of investments	$	(12,819	)		$	—			$	—			$	(12,819	)
	Adjustments for assumed changes in deferred policy acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserve and policyholder liabilities	760				116				—				876
	Other than temporary impairment losses	—				(4,250		)		—				(4,250		)
	Other expenses: Amortization of unrecognized postretirement items:
	Prior service costs	—				—				(9		)		(9		)
	Net actuarial loss	—				—				1,041				1,041
	Reclassifications before income taxes	(12,059		)		(4,134		)		1,032				(15,161		)
	Income taxes	4,221				1,447				(361		)		5,307
	Reclassification adjustments	$	(7,838	)		$	(2,687	)		$	671			$	(9,854	)
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassification Adjustments
		Nine months ended September 30, 2012
		Unrealized Net Investment Gains (Losses) on Available For Sale Securities (1)				Accumulated Non-Credit Impairment Losses (1)				Unfunded Status of Postretirement Benefit				Total
										Plans (2)
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Realized capital gains on sales of investments	$	(9,941	)		$	—			$	—			$	(9,941	)
	Adjustments for assumed changes in deferred policy acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserve and policyholder liabilities	(648		)		201				—				(447		)
	Other than temporary impairment losses	—				(12,070		)		—				(12,070		)
	Other expenses: Amortization of unrecognized postretirement items:
	Net actuarial loss	—				—				(148		)		(148		)
	Reclassifications before income taxes	(10,589		)		(11,869		)		(148		)		(22,606		)
	Income taxes	3,706				4,154				52				7,912
	Reclassification adjustments	$	(6,883	)		$	(7,715	)		$	(96	)		$	(14,694	)
	-1	See Note 2 for further information.
	-2	See Note 4 for further information.

Earnings_per_Share

Earnings per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	Earnings Per Share
	Computation of Earnings Per Common Share
		Three months ended September 30,				Nine months ended September 30,
		2013		2012		2013		2012
		(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
	Numerator:
	Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc.	$	27,053	$	20,476	$	81,606	$	57,354
	Less: Net loss from discontinued operations	—		55		—		(2,961		)
	Less: Dividends on Series B preferred stock	37		37		112		112
	Income available to common stockholders from continuing operations	$	27,016	$	20,384	$	81,494	$	60,203
	Denominator:
	Weighted average shares - basic	25,770,499		26,562,068		25,721,995		28,072,997
	Effect of dilutive securities - stock-based compensation	259,059		304,593		258,127		350,150
	Weighted average shares - diluted	26,029,558		26,866,661		25,980,122		28,423,147
	Earnings per common share:
	Income from continuing operations	$	1.05	$	0.77	$	3.17	$	2.14
	Loss from discontinued operations	—		—		—		(0.10		)
	Total earnings per share	$	1.05	$	0.77	$	3.17	$	2.04
	Earnings per common share - assuming dilution:
	Income from continuing operations	$	1.04	$	0.76	$	3.14	$	2.11
	Loss from discontinued operations	—		—		—		(0.10		)
	Total earnings per share	$	1.04	$	0.76	$	3.14	$	2.01
	Antidilutive stock options excluded from diluted earnings per share	—		776,029		293		800,851

Segment_Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Information [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	Segment Information
	We analyze operations by reviewing financial information regarding our primary products that are aggregated into the Annuity and Life Insurance product segments. In addition, our Corporate and Other segment includes various support operations, corporate capital and other product lines that are not currently underwritten by the Company.
	We analyze our segment results based on pre-tax operating income. Accordingly, income taxes are not allocated to the segments. In addition, operating results are reported net of transactions between the segments. Operating income for the 2013 and 2012 periods represents net income excluding, as applicable, the impact of:
	•	realized gains and losses on investments,
	•	changes in net unrealized gains and losses on derivatives,
	•	discontinued operations and
	•	loss on debt redemption associated with disposed operations.
	We use operating income, in addition to net income, to measure our performance since realized gains and losses on investments and the change in net unrealized gains and losses on derivatives can fluctuate greatly from quarter to quarter. Also, the discontinued operations and related loss on debt redemption are nonrecurring items. A view of our operating performance without the impact of these items enhances the analysis of our results. We use operating income for goal setting, determining short-term incentive compensation and evaluating performance on a basis comparable to that used by many in the investment community.
	Financial Information Concerning our Operating Segments
		Three months ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Operating revenues:
	Annuity	$	50,435		$	49,467		$	147,775		$	143,466
	Life Insurance	99,851			90,745			288,742			274,847
	Corporate and Other	23,511			22,771			72,803			69,667
		173,797			162,983			509,320			487,980
	Realized gains on investments (1)	786			1,438			11,267			1,518
	Change in net unrealized gains/losses on derivatives (1)	(1,067		)	938			(2,340		)	1,448
	Consolidated revenues	$	173,516		$	165,359		$	518,247		$	490,946
	Pre-tax operating income:
	Annuity	$	16,427		$	12,113		$	48,181		$	40,649
	Life Insurance	14,263			12,870			35,198			31,343
	Corporate and Other	4,409			1,766			17,548			10,288
		35,099			26,749			100,927			82,280
	Income taxes on operating income	(8,540		)	(8,003		)	(25,597		)	(23,701		)
	Realized gains/losses on investments (2)	406			1,324			6,714			1,297
	Change in net unrealized gains/losses on derivatives (2)	88			351			(438		)	461
	Loss on debt redemption (2)	—			—			—			(22		)
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations (2)	—			55			—			(2,961		)
	Consolidated net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc.	$	27,053		$	20,476		$	81,606		$	57,354
	-1	Amounts are net of adjustments, as applicable, to amortization of unearned revenue reserves attributable to these items.
	-2	Amounts are net of adjustments, as applicable, to amortization of unearned revenue reserves, deferred acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired and income taxes attributable to these items.
	Our investment in equity method investees, the related equity income and interest expense are attributable to the Corporate and Other segment. Expenditures for long-lived assets were not significant during the periods presented above. Goodwill at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 was allocated among the segments as follows: Annuity ($3.9 million) and Life Insurance ($6.1 million).
	Premiums collected, which is not a measure used in financial statements prepared according to GAAP, includes premiums received on life insurance policies and deposits on annuities and universal life-type products. Net premiums collected totaled $150.2 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2013 and $139.1 million for the 2012 period. Net premiums collected totaled $491.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and $501.0 million for the 2012 period.
	Under GAAP, premiums on whole life and term life policies are recognized as revenues over the premium-paying period and reported in the Life Insurance segment. The following chart provides a reconciliation of life insurance premiums collected to those reported in the GAAP financial statements.
	Reconciliation of Traditional Life Insurance Premiums, Net of Reinsurance
		Three months ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Traditional and universal life insurance premiums collected	$	76,946		$	61,853		$	238,062		$	184,409
	Premiums collected on interest sensitive products	(32,718		)	(19,916		)	(103,538		)	(54,061		)
	Traditional life insurance premiums collected	44,228			41,937			134,524			130,348
	Change in due premiums and other	(345		)	(51		)	351			569
	Traditional life insurance premiums	$	43,883		$	41,886		$	134,875		$	130,917
	There is no comparable GAAP financial measure for premiums collected on annuities and universal life-type products. GAAP revenues for those interest sensitive and variable products consist of various policy charges and fees assessed on those contracts, as summarized in the chart below.
	Interest Sensitive Product Charges by Segment
		Three months ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Annuity
	Surrender charges and other	$	279		$	166		$	936		$	563
	Life Insurance
	Administration charges	$	9,865		$	2,697		$	15,800		$	8,089
	Cost of insurance charges	10,834			10,092			31,799			29,621
	Surrender charges	101			187			361			652
	Amortization of policy initiation fees	124			852			1,160			1,941
	Total	$	20,924		$	13,828		$	49,120		$	40,303
	Corporate and Other
	Administration charges	$	1,532		$	1,428		$	4,628		$	4,522
	Cost of insurance charges	7,416			7,410			22,179			22,215
	Surrender charges	144			192			413			587
	Separate account charges	2,158			2,081			6,376			6,276
Amortization of policy initiation fees	(183		)	533			717			594
Total	$	11,067		$	11,644		$	34,313		$	34,194
Consolidated interest sensitive product charges	$	32,270		$	25,638		$	84,369		$	75,060

Investment_Operations_Tables

Investment Operations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Investment Operations [Abstract]	'
Available-for-sale Securities [Table Text Block]	'
	Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities by Investment Category
		September 30, 2013
		Amortized			Gross				Gross				Fair				Non-credit losses on other-than-temporary impairments (1)
		Cost			Unrealized				Unrealized				Value
					Gains				Losses
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Fixed maturities:
	Corporate (2)	$	3,146,971		$	248,479			$	(62,016	)		$	3,333,434			$	(735	)
	Residential mortgage-backed	510,112			35,671				(6,641		)		539,142				(4,897		)
	Commercial mortgage-backed	407,662			24,261				(5,553		)		426,370				—
	Other asset-backed	460,224			18,436				(11,278		)		467,382				(1,368		)
	United States Government and agencies	38,962			4,813				(65		)		43,710				—
	State, municipal and other governments	1,289,303			71,696				(25,565		)		1,335,434				—
	Total fixed maturities	$	5,853,234		$	403,356			$	(111,118	)		$	6,145,472			$	(7,000	)
	Equity securities:
	Non-redeemable preferred stocks	$	59,692		$	2,846			$	(1,845	)		$	60,693			$	—
	Common stocks	26,108			593				—				26,701				—
	Total equity securities	$	85,800		$	3,439			$	(1,845	)		$	87,394			$	—
	Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities by Investment Category
		December 31, 2012
		Amortized			Gross				Gross				Fair				Non-credit losses on other-than-temporary impairments (1)
		Cost			Unrealized				Unrealized				Value
					Gains				Losses
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Fixed maturities:
	Corporate (2)	$	2,906,622		$	399,144			$	(10,183	)		$	3,295,583			$	(2,913	)
	Residential mortgage-backed	632,955			47,459				(6,232		)		674,182				(5,164		)
	Commercial mortgage-backed	463,504			49,173				(1,858		)		510,819				—
	Other asset-backed	485,796			16,981				(13,064		)		489,713				(4,788		)
	United States Government and agencies	42,079			6,930				—				49,009				—
	State, municipal and other governments	1,106,652			142,704				(2,917		)		1,246,439				—
	Total fixed maturities	$	5,637,608		$	662,391			$	(34,254	)		$	6,265,745			$	(12,865	)
	Equity securities:
	Non-redeemable preferred stocks	$	56,909		$	4,251			$	(668	)		$	60,492			$	—
	Common stocks	25,231			530				—				25,761				—
	Total equity securities	$	82,140		$	4,781			$	(668	)		$	86,253			$	—
	-1	Non-credit losses, subsequent to the initial impairment measurement date, on other-than-temporary impairments are included in the gross unrealized gains and losses columns above.
	-2	Corporate securities include hybrid preferred securities with a carrying value of $75.2 million at September 30, 2013 and $99.6 million at December 31, 2012. Corporate securities also include redeemable preferred stock with a carrying value of $17.5 million at September 30, 2013 and $5.6 million at December 31, 2012.
	Short-term investments have been excluded from the above schedules as amortized cost approximates fair value for these securities.
Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block]	'
	Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturities by Maturity Date
		September 30, 2013
		Amortized			Estimated
		Cost			Fair Value
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Due in one year or less	$	95,370		$	99,719
	Due after one year through five years	693,221			764,249
	Due after five years through ten years	1,028,992			1,110,192
	Due after ten years	2,657,653			2,738,418
		4,475,236			4,712,578
	Mortgage-backed and other asset-backed	1,377,998			1,432,894
	Total fixed maturities	$	5,853,234		$	6,145,472
	Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Fixed maturities not due at a single maturity date have been included in the above table in the year of final contractual maturity.
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table Text Block]	'
	Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Net unrealized appreciation on:
	Fixed maturities - available for sale	$	292,238		$	628,137
	Equity securities - available for sale	1,594			4,113
		293,832			632,250
	Adjustments for assumed changes in amortization pattern of:
	Deferred acquisition costs	(67,211		)	(172,320		)
	Value of insurance in force acquired	(7,628		)	(15,346		)
	Unearned revenue reserve	3,945			13,554
	Adjustments for assumed changes in policyholder liabilities	(3,581		)	—
	Provision for deferred income taxes	(76,760		)	(160,333		)
	Net unrealized investment gains	$	142,597		$	297,805
	Net unrealized investment gains and losses are recorded net of deferred income taxes and other adjustments for assumed changes in deferred acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserve and policyholder liabilities. Subsequent changes in fair value of securities for which a previous non-credit other-than-temporary impairment loss was recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income, are reported along with changes in fair value for which no other-than-temporary impairment losses were previously recognized.
Schedule of Unrealized Loss on Investments [Table Text Block]	'
	Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities with Unrealized Losses by Length of Time
			September 30, 2013
			Less than one year							One year or more								Total
	Description of Securities		Estimated			Unrealized Losses				Estimated				Unrealized Losses				Estimated Fair Value		Unrealized Losses			Percent of Total
			Fair Value							Fair Value
			(Dollars in thousands)
	Fixed maturities:
	Corporate		$	801,299		$	(56,820	)		$	39,503			$	(5,196	)		$	840,802	$	(62,016	)	55.8	%
	Residential mortgage-backed		65,049			(1,941		)		20,855				(4,700		)		85,904		(6,641		)	6
	Commercial mortgage-backed		36,513			(2,763		)		28,089				(2,790		)		64,602		(5,553		)	5
	Other asset-backed		112,173			(1,819		)		29,683				(9,459		)		141,856		(11,278		)	10.1
	United States Government and agencies		4,089			(65		)		—				—				4,089		(65		)	0.1
	State, municipal and other governments		304,993			(24,013		)		14,941				(1,552		)		319,934		(25,565		)	23
	Total fixed maturities		$	1,324,116		$	(87,421	)		$	133,071			$	(23,697	)		$	1,457,187	$	(111,118	)	100	%
	Equity securities:
	Non-redeemable preferred stocks		$	35,049		$	(1,345	)		$	4,500			$	(500	)		$	39,549	$	(1,845	)
	Total equity securities		$	35,049		$	(1,345	)		$	4,500			$	(500	)		$	39,549	$	(1,845	)
	Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities with Unrealized Losses by Length of Time
			December 31, 2012
			Less than one year							One year or more								Total
	Description of Securities		Estimated			Unrealized Losses				Estimated				Unrealized Losses				Estimated Fair Value		Unrealized Losses			Percent of Total
			Fair Value							Fair Value
			(Dollars in thousands)
	Fixed maturities:
	Corporate		$	123,610		$	(2,120	)		$	87,176			$	(8,063	)		$	210,786	$	(10,183	)	29.7	%
	Residential mortgage-backed		10,560			(85		)		32,884				(6,147		)		43,444		(6,232		)	18.2
	Commercial mortgage-backed		27,073			(380		)		32,697				(1,478		)		59,770		(1,858		)	5.4
	Other asset-backed		31,749			(512		)		50,468				(12,552		)		82,217		(13,064		)	38.1
	State, municipal and other governments		33,228			(542		)		15,932				(2,375		)		49,160		(2,917		)	8.6
	Total fixed maturities		$	226,220		$	(3,639	)		$	219,157			$	(30,615	)		$	445,377	$	(34,254	)	100	%
	Equity securities:
	Non-redeemable preferred stocks		$	3,858		$	(32	)		$	7,364			$	(636	)		$	11,222	$	(668	)
	Total equity securities		$	3,858		$	(32	)		$	7,364			$	(636	)		$	11,222	$	(668	)
	Included in fixed maturities in the above tables are 418 securities from 353 issuers at September 30, 2013 and 140 securities from 116 issuers at December 31, 2012. The unrealized losses in fixed maturities are generally due to an increase in risk free rates relative to the risk free rates when the securities were purchased. We do not intend to sell or believe we will be required to sell any of our impaired fixed maturities before recovery of their amortized cost basis. The following summarizes the more significant unrealized losses of fixed maturities and equity securities by investment category as of September 30, 2013.
	Corporate securities: The largest unrealized losses are in the utilities sector ($200.8 million carrying value and $18.1 million unrealized loss). The largest unrealized losses in the utilities sector were in the electric ($144.8 million carrying value and $12.6 million unrealized loss) and the gas-pipeline ($41.6 million carrying value and $4.5 million unrealized loss) sub-sectors. The majority of losses in the sector are primarily attributable to general changes in market interest rates for corporate securities.
	Residential mortgage-backed securities: The unrealized losses on residential mortgage-backed securities were primarily due to continued uncertainty regarding mortgage defaults on Alt-A loans. We purchased most of these investments at a discount to their face amount and the contractual cash flows of these investments are based on mortgages and other assets backing the securities.
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities: The unrealized losses on commercial mortgage-backed securities were primarily due to spread widening and concerns regarding the potential for future defaults. The contractual cash flows of these investments are based on mortgages backing the securities. Unrealized losses on military housing bonds were mainly attributable to spread widening relative to spreads at which we acquired the bonds. Insured military housing bonds have also been impacted by the removal of their ratings following downgrades of the insurance providers.
	Other asset-backed securities: The unrealized losses on other asset-backed securities were primarily due to concerns regarding defaults on subprime mortgages and home equity loans. We purchased most of these investments at a discount to their face amount and the contractual cash flows of these investments are based on mortgages and other assets backing the securities.
	State, municipal and other governments: The unrealized losses on state, municipal and other governments were primarily due to general spread widening relative to spreads at which we acquired the bonds.
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Table Text Block]	'
	Credit Loss Component of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments on Fixed Maturities
		Nine months ended September 30,
		2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Balance at beginning of period	$	(27,712	)	$	(22,746	)
	Increases for which an impairment was not previously recognized	—			(847		)
	Increases to previously impaired investments	(618		)	(1,179		)
	Reductions due to investments sold	5,840			146
	Reductions due to change of intent to not hold investments	—			40
	Balance at end of period	$	(22,490	)	$	(24,586	)
Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table Text Block]	'
	Realized Gains (Losses) - Recorded in Income
		Three months ended September 30,							Nine months ended September 30,
		2013			2012				2013				2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Realized gains (losses) on sales of investments
	Fixed maturities:
	Gross gains	$	1,467		$	5,429			$	15,193			$	10,077
	Gross losses	(9		)	(11		)		(2,374		)		(446		)
	Equity securities	—			—				—				310
	Mortgage loans	—			—				—				767
	Real estate	—			(26		)		12				(26		)
	Other	—			(13		)		(6		)		(13		)
		1,458			5,379				12,825				10,669
	Impairment losses recognized in earnings:
	Credit-related portion of fixed maturity losses (1)	(618		)	(1,179		)		(618		)		(2,026		)
	Other credit-related (2)	(147		)	(2,738		)		(992		)		(7,092		)
	Net realized gains on investments recorded in income	$	693		$	1,462			$	11,215			$	1,551
	-1	Amount represents the credit-related losses recognized for fixed maturities which were not written down to fair value. As discussed above the non-credit portion of the losses have been recognized in other comprehensive income (loss).
	-2	Amount represents credit-related losses for mortgage loans, real estate and fixed maturities written down to fair value.
	Proceeds from sales of fixed maturities totaled $123.2 million at September 30, 2013 and $129.9 million at September 30, 2012.
	Realized gains and losses on sales of investments are determined on the basis of specific identification.
Mortgage Loans by Colateral Type [Table Text Block]	'
	Mortgage Loans by Collateral Type
			September 30, 2013						December 31, 2012
	Collateral Type		Carrying Value			Percent of Total			Carrying Value				Percent of Total
			(Dollars in thousands)
	Office		$	228,943		39.9	%		$	218,837			39.4	%
	Retail		184,584			32.2			184,135				33.2
	Industrial		123,415			21.5			133,149				24
	Other		36,441			6.4			18,722				3.4
	Total		$	573,383		100	%		$	554,843			100	%
Mortgage Loans by Geograpic Location [Table Text Block]	'
	Mortgage Loans by Geographic Location within the United States
			September 30, 2013						December 31, 2012
	Region of the United States		Carrying Value			Percent of Total			Carrying Value				Percent of Total
			(Dollars in thousands)
	South Atlantic		$	165,612		28.9	%		$	164,294			29.6	%
	Pacific		92,242			16.1			81,333				14.7
	West North Central		86,459			15.1			77,798				14
	East North Central		80,485			14			81,015				14.6
	Mountain		54,226			9.4			48,881				8.8
	West South Central		38,962			6.8			42,141				7.6
	Other		55,397			9.7			59,381				10.7
	Total		$	573,383		100	%		$	554,843			100	%
Mortgage Loans by loan to value ratio [Table Text Block]	'
	Mortgage Loans by Loan-to-Value Ratio
		September 30, 2013						December 31, 2012
		Carrying Value			Percent of Total			Carrying Value				Percent of Total
		(Dollars in thousands)
	0% - 50%	$	142,298		24.8	%		$	173,040			31.2	%
	51% - 60%	200,050			34.9			156,633				28.2
	61% - 70%	200,436			35			186,738				33.7
	71% - 80%	26,462			4.6			36,857				6.6
	81% - 90%	4,137			0.7			1,575				0.3
	Total	$	573,383		100	%		$	554,843			100	%
Mortgage loans by year of origination [Table Text Block]	'
	Mortgage Loans by Year of Origination
		September 30, 2013						December 31, 2012
		Carrying Value			Percent of Total			Carrying Value				Percent of Total
		(Dollars in thousands)
	2013	$	65,615		11.4	%		$	—			—	%
	2012	73,405			12.8			75,173				13.6
	2011	48,523			8.5			47,405				8.5
	2010	26,505			4.6			27,422				4.9
	2008	68,840			12			70,346				12.7
	2007 and prior	290,495			50.7			334,497				60.3
	Total	$	573,383		100	%		$	554,843			100	%
Impaired Financing Receivables [Table Text Block]	'
	Impaired Mortgage Loans
		September 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Unpaid principal balance	$	22,229		$	10,046
	Less:
	Related allowance	559			1,694
	Discount	526			—
	Carrying value of impaired mortgage loans	$	21,144		$	8,352
Allowance for Credit Losses on Financing Receivables [Table Text Block]	'
	Allowance on Mortgage Loans
		Nine months ended September 30,
		2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Balance at beginning of period	$	1,694		$	1,759
	Allowances established	475			335
	Charge offs	(1,610		)	(400		)
	Balance at end of period	$	559		$	1,694
Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block]	'
		September 30, 2013							31-Dec-12
		Carrying Value			Maximum Exposure to Loss				Carrying Value				Maximum Exposure to Loss
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Real estate limited partnerships	$	17,493		$	17,493			$	16,914			$	16,914

Fair_Values_Tables

Fair Values (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Values [Abstract]	'
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block]	'
	Fair Values and Carrying Values
		September 30, 2013						December 31, 2012
		Carrying Value			Fair Value			Carrying Value			Fair Value
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Assets
	Fixed maturities - available for sale	$	6,145,472		$	6,145,472		$	6,265,745		$	6,265,745
	Equity securities - available for sale	87,394			87,394			86,253			86,253
	Mortgage loans	573,383			602,276			554,843			600,448
	Policy loans	175,535			214,685			174,254			227,161
	Other investments	640			640			247			247
	Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments	61,121			61,121			152,590			152,590
	Reinsurance recoverable	2,560			2,560			5,326			5,326
	Assets held in separate accounts	665,252			665,252			618,809			618,809
	Liabilities
	Future policy benefits	$	3,351,764		$	3,402,397		$	3,226,765		$	3,352,252
	Supplemental contracts without life contingencies	352,420			337,779			361,273			350,187
	Advance premiums and other deposits	224,637			224,637			216,857			216,857
	Short-term debt	25,000			25,000			—			—
	Long-term debt	97,000			63,292			147,000			116,359
	Other liabilities	—			—			131			131
	Liabilities related to separate accounts	665,252			657,398			618,809			609,704
Valuation of our Financial Instruments Measured on Recurring Basis by hierarchy levels [Table Text Block]	'
	Valuation of our Financial Instruments Measured on a Recurring Basis by Hierarchy Levels
		September 30, 2013
		Quoted prices in active markets			Significant other observable inputs			Significant unobservable inputs			Total
		for identical assets (Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Assets
	Corporate securities	$	—		$	3,248,851		$	84,583		$	3,333,434
	Residential mortgage-backed securities	—			539,142			—			539,142
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	—			354,513			71,857			426,370
	Other asset-backed securities	—			379,362			88,020			467,382
	United States Government and agencies	15,134			20,484			8,092			43,710
	State, municipal and other governments	—			1,335,434			—			1,335,434
	Non-redeemable preferred stocks	—			48,023			12,670			60,693
	Common stocks	3,051			23,650			—			26,701
	Other investments	—			640			—			640
	Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments	61,121			—			—			61,121
	Reinsurance recoverable	—			2,560			—			2,560
	Assets held in separate accounts	665,252			—			—			665,252
	Total assets	$	744,558		$	5,952,659		$	265,222		$	6,962,439
	Liabilities
	Future policy benefits - index annuity embedded derivatives	$	—		$	—		$	287		$	287
	Total liabilities	$	—		$	—		$	287		$	287
	Valuation of our Financial Instruments Measured on a Recurring Basis by Hierarchy Levels
		December 31, 2012
		Quoted prices in active markets			Significant other observable inputs			Significant unobservable inputs			Total
		for identical assets (Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Assets
	Corporate securities	$	—		$	3,195,120		$	100,463		$	3,295,583
	Residential mortgage-backed securities	—			674,182			—			674,182
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	—			434,538			76,281			510,819
	Other asset-backed securities	—			393,957			95,756			489,713
	United States Government and agencies	14,884			25,570			8,555			49,009
	State, municipal and other governments	—			1,246,216			223			1,246,439
	Non-redeemable preferred stocks	—			53,101			7,391			60,492
	Common stocks	2,773			22,988			—			25,761
	Other investments	—			247			—			247
	Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments	152,590			—			—			152,590
	Reinsurance recoverable	—			5,326			—			5,326
	Assets held in separate accounts	618,809			—			—			618,809
	Total assets	$	789,056		$	6,051,245		$	288,669		$	7,128,970
	Liabilities
	Future policy benefits - index annuity embedded derivatives	$	—		$	—		$	307		$	307
	Other liabilities	—			131			—			131
	Total liabilities	$	—		$	131		$	307		$	438
Level 3 fixed maturities on Measurement on Recurring Basis by Valuation Technique [Table Text Block]	'
	Level 3 Fixed Maturities on a Recurring Basis by Valuation Source
		September 30, 2013
		Third-party vendors			Priced			Total
					internally
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Corporate securities	$	43,134		$	41,449		$	84,583
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	71,857			—			71,857
	Other asset-backed securities	67,311			20,709			88,020
	United States Government and agencies	8,092			—			8,092
	Total	$	190,394		$	62,158		$	252,552
	Percent of total	75.4		%	24.6		%	100		%
		December 31, 2012
		Third-party vendors			Priced			Total
					internally
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Corporate securities	$	70,975		$	29,488		$	100,463
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	76,281			—			76,281
	Other asset-backed securities	79,320			16,436			95,756
	United States Government and agencies	8,555			—			8,555
	State, municipal and other governments	223			—			223
	Total	$	235,354		$	45,924		$	281,278
	Percent of total	83.7		%	16.3		%	100		%
Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurement Inputs [Text Block]	'
	Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements - Recurring Basis
		September 30, 2013
		Fair Value			Valuation Technique		Unobservable Input	Range (Weighted Average)
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Assets
	Corporate securities	$	49,987		Discounted cash flow		Credit spread	0.93% - 17.65% (7.90%)
	Commercial mortgage-backed	71,857			Discounted cash flow		Credit spread	1.90% - 4.40% (3.14%)
	Other asset-backed securities	37,554			Discounted cash flow		Credit spread	1.03% - 5.77% (4.05%)
	Non-redeemable preferred stocks	7,795			Discounted cash flow		Credit spread	4.70% (4.70%)
	Total Assets	$	167,193
	Liabilities
	Future policy benefits - index annuity embedded derivatives	$	287		Discounted cash flow		Credit risk	0.40% - 1.85% (1.20%)
							Risk margin	0.15% - 0.40% (0.25%)
		31-Dec-12
		Fair Value			Valuation Technique		Unobservable Input	Range (Weighted Average)
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Assets
	Corporate securities	$	54,538		Discounted cash flow		Credit spread	0.78% - 9.21% (5.72%)
	Commercial mortgage-backed	76,264			Discounted cash flow		Credit spread	1.95% - 4.80% (3.35%)
	Other asset-backed securities	43,119			Discounted cash flow		Credit spread	1.24% - 6.07% (4.28%)
	State, municipal and other governments	223			Discounted cash flow		Credit spread	1.75% (1.75%)
	Non-redeemable preferred stocks	7,391			Discounted cash flow		Credit spread	6.00% (6.00%)
	Total Assets	$	181,535
	Liabilities
	Future policy benefits - index annuity embedded derivatives	$	307		Discounted cash flow		Credit risk	1.00% - 2.50% (1.80%)
							Risk margin	0.15% - 0.40% (0.25%)
	The tables above exclude certain securities for which the fair values were based on non-binding broker quotes where we could not reasonably obtain the quantitative unobservable inputs.
Level 3 Financial Instruments Changes in Fair Value [Table Text Block]	'
	Level 3 Financial Instruments Changes in Fair Value Recurring Basis
		September 30, 2013
											Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net
		Balance, December 31, 2012			Purchases			Disposals			Included in net income			Included in other compre-hensive income			Transfers into		Transfers			Amort-ization included in net income			Balance,
																	Level 3 (1)		out of						September 30,
																			Level 3 (1)						2013
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Assets
	Corporate securities	$	100,463		$	2,129		$	(5,387	)	$	—		$	(1,810	)	$	—	$	(10,798	)	$	(14	)	$	84,583
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	76,281			—			(491		)	—			(3,996		)	—		—			63			71,857
	Other asset-backed securities	95,756			37,411			(10,408		)	—			(1,439		)	4,062		(38,405		)	1,043			88,020
	United States Government and agencies	8,555			—			—			—			(468		)	—		—			5			8,092
	State, municipal and other governments	223			—			(218		)	—			(5		)	—		—			—			—
	Non-redeemable preferred stocks	7,391			—			—			—			71			5,208		—			—			12,670
	Total Assets	$	288,669		$	39,540		$	(16,504	)	$	—		$	(7,647	)	$	9,270	$	(49,203	)	$	1,097		$	265,222
	Liabilities
	Future policy benefits - index annuity embedded derivatives	$	307		$	—		$	(26	)	$	—		$	6		$	—	$	—		$	—		$	287
	Total Liabilities	$	307		$	—		$	(26	)	$	—		$	6		$	—	$	—		$	—		$	287
	Level 3 Financial Instruments Changes in Fair Value Recurring Basis
		September 30, 2012
											Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net
		Balance, December 31, 2011			Purchases			Disposals			Included in net income			Included in other compre-hensive income			Net transfers into		Net transfers			Amort-ization included in net income			Balance,
																	Level 3 (2)		out of						September 30,
																			Level 3 (2)						2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Assets
	Corporate securities	$	106,412		$	—		$	(14,108	)	$	(9	)	$	3,201		$	28,109	$	(15,295	)	$	94		$	108,404
	Residential mortgage-backed securities	7,711			—			—			—			—			—		(7,711		)	—			—
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	27,899			5,105			(2,181		)	—			264			63,313		(14,055		)	61			80,406
	Other asset-backed securities	113,458			56,382			(5,637		)	(44		)	1,523			12,440		(99,553		)	722			79,291
	Collateralized debt obligation	270			—			—			(252		)	—			—		—			—			18
	United States Government and agencies	12,588			—			—			—			111			—		(4,010		)	4			8,693
	State, municipal and other governments	12,044			—			(4,195		)	—			(315		)	—		(7,845		)	561			250
	Non-redeemable preferred stocks	14,447			—			(5,105		)	105			646			—		(2,805		)	—			7,288
	Common stocks	—			4,370			—			—			—			—		—			—			4,370
	Total Assets	$	294,829		$	65,857		$	(31,226	)	$	(200	)	$	5,430		$	103,862	$	(151,274	)	$	1,442		$	288,720
	Liabilities
	Future policy benefits - index annuity embedded derivatives	$	302		$	—		$	(24	)	$	—		$	53		$	—	$	—		$	—		$	331
	Other liabilities-Senior Notes make-whole redemption embedded derivative	33,144			—			(33,144		)	—			—			—		—			—			—
	Total Liabilities	$	33,446		$	—		$	(33,168	)	$	—		$	53		$	—	$	—		$	—		$	331
	-1	Transfers into Level 3 represent assets previously priced using an external pricing service with access to observable inputs no longer available and therefore, were priced using non-binding broker quotes. Transfers out of Level 3 include those assets that we are now able to obtain pricing from a third party pricing vendor that uses observable inputs. There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during 2013.
	-2	Transfers into Level 3 represent assets previously priced using an external pricing service with access to observable inputs no longer available and therefore, were priced using non-binding broker quotes. During 2012, we began using an external pricing service with access to observable inputs for a portion of our Level 3 investments for which non-binding broker quotes were previously used to estimate fair value. We believe the change in pricing sources is appropriate, and consistent with our pricing waterfall policy to use higher level valuation methods when available. There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during 2012.
Financial Instruments Not Reported at Value [Table Text Block]	'
	Valuation of our Financial Instruments Not Reported at Fair Value by Hierarchy Levels
		September 30, 2013
		Quoted prices in active markets			Significant other observable inputs			Significant unobservable inputs			Total
		for identical assets (Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Assets
	Mortgage loans	$	—		$	—		$	602,276		$	602,276
	Policy loans	—			—			214,685			214,685
	Total assets	$	—		$	—		$	816,961		$	816,961
	Liabilities
	Future policy benefits	$	—		$	—		$	3,402,110		$	3,402,110
	Supplemental contracts without life contingencies	—			—			337,779			337,779
	Advance premiums and other deposits	—			—			224,637			224,637
	Short-term debt	—			—			25,000			25,000
	Long-term debt	—			—			63,292			63,292
	Liabilities related to separate accounts	—			—			657,398			657,398
	Total liabilities	$	—		$	—		$	4,710,216		$	4,710,216
		31-Dec-12
		Quoted prices in active markets			Significant other observable inputs			Significant unobservable inputs			Total
		for identical assets (Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Assets
	Mortgage loans	$	—		$	—		$	600,448		$	600,448
	Policy loans	—			—			227,161			227,161
	Total assets	$	—		$	—		$	827,609		$	827,609
	Liabilities
	Future policy benefits	$	—		$	—		$	3,351,945		$	3,351,945
	Supplemental contracts without life contingencies	—			—			350,187			350,187
	Advance premiums and other deposits	—			—			216,857			216,857
	Long-term debt	—			—			116,359			116,359
	Liabilities related to separate accounts	—			—			609,704			609,704
	Total liabilities	$	—		$	—		$	4,645,052		$	4,645,052

Defined_Benefit_Plan_Tables

Defined Benefit Plan (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]	'
	Components of Net Periodic Pension Cost for FBL and Affiliates Combined - Multiemployer Plan
		Three months ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Service cost	$	1,618		$	2,029		$	4,854		$	6,087
	Interest cost	3,346			3,176			10,038			9,528
	Expected return on assets	(3,916		)	(3,520		)	(11,748		)	(10,560		)
	Amortization of prior service cost	36			106			108			318
	Amortization of actuarial loss	3,117			2,367			9,351			7,101
	Net periodic pension cost	$	4,201		$	4,158		$	12,603		$	12,474
	FBL Financial Group, Inc. share of net periodic pension cost	$	1,341		$	1,343		$	4,023		$	4,071

Stockholders_Equity_Tables

Stockholders Equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Stock by Class [Table Text Block]	'
	Reconciliation of Outstanding Common Stock
		Class A							Class B							Total
		Shares			Dollars				Shares			Dollars				Shares		Dollars
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Outstanding at January 1, 2012	29,457,644			$	129,684			1,192,990			$	7,522			30,650,634		$	137,206
	Issuance of common stock under compensation plans	273,649			8,714				—			—				273,649		8,714
	Purchase of common stock	(4,991,012	)		(22,355		)		—			—				(4,991,012	)	(22,355		)
	Outstanding at September 30, 2012	24,740,281			$	116,043			1,192,990			$	7,522			25,933,271		$	123,565
	Outstanding at January 1, 2013	24,282,184			$	115,706			1,192,890			$	7,522			25,475,074		$	123,228
	Issuance of common stock under compensation plans	629,516			18,954				—			—				629,516		18,954
	Purchase of common stock	(363,430	)		(1,862		)		(1,023,948	)		(6,457		)		(1,387,378	)	(8,319		)
	Conversion of Class B to Class A common stock (1)	157,529			993				(157,529	)		(993		)		—		—
	Outstanding at September 30, 2013	24,705,799			$	133,791			11,413			$	72			24,717,212		$	133,863
	-1	There is no established market for our Class B common stock, although it is convertible upon demand into Class A common stock on a share for share basis.
Schedule of Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	'
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax and Other Offsets
		Unrealized Net Investment Gains (Losses) on Available For Sale Securities (1)				Accumulated Non-Credit Impairment Losses				Underfunded Status of Postretirement Benefit Plans				Total
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Balance at January 1, 2012	$	190,449			$	(12,703	)		$	99			$	177,845
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	118,326				6,955				—				125,281
	Reclassification adjustments	(6,883		)		(7,715		)		(96		)		(14,694		)
	Balance at September 30, 2012	$	301,892			$	(13,463	)		$	3			$	288,432
	Balance at January 1, 2013	$	306,167			$	(8,362	)		$	(7,952	)		$	289,853
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(151,182		)		6,499				—				(144,683		)
	Reclassification adjustments	(7,838		)		$	(2,687	)		671				(9,854		)
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	147,147			$	(4,550	)		$	(7,281	)		$	135,316
	-1	Includes the impact of taxes, deferred acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserves and policyholder liabilities. See Note 2 for further information.
Disclosure of Reclassification Amount [Text Block]	'
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassification Adjustments
		Nine months ended September 30, 2013
		Unrealized Net Investment Gains (Losses) on Available For Sale Securities (1)				Accumulated Non-Credit Impairment Losses (1)				Underfunded Status of Postretirement Benefit				Total
										Plans (2)
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Realized capital gains on sales of investments	$	(12,819	)		$	—			$	—			$	(12,819	)
	Adjustments for assumed changes in deferred policy acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserve and policyholder liabilities	760				116				—				876
	Other than temporary impairment losses	—				(4,250		)		—				(4,250		)
	Other expenses: Amortization of unrecognized postretirement items:
	Prior service costs	—				—				(9		)		(9		)
	Net actuarial loss	—				—				1,041				1,041
	Reclassifications before income taxes	(12,059		)		(4,134		)		1,032				(15,161		)
	Income taxes	4,221				1,447				(361		)		5,307
	Reclassification adjustments	$	(7,838	)		$	(2,687	)		$	671			$	(9,854	)
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassification Adjustments
		Nine months ended September 30, 2012
		Unrealized Net Investment Gains (Losses) on Available For Sale Securities (1)				Accumulated Non-Credit Impairment Losses (1)				Unfunded Status of Postretirement Benefit				Total
										Plans (2)
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Realized capital gains on sales of investments	$	(9,941	)		$	—			$	—			$	(9,941	)
	Adjustments for assumed changes in deferred policy acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserve and policyholder liabilities	(648		)		201				—				(447		)
	Other than temporary impairment losses	—				(12,070		)		—				(12,070		)
	Other expenses: Amortization of unrecognized postretirement items:
	Net actuarial loss	—				—				(148		)		(148		)
	Reclassifications before income taxes	(10,589		)		(11,869		)		(148		)		(22,606		)
	Income taxes	3,706				4,154				52				7,912
	Reclassification adjustments	$	(6,883	)		$	(7,715	)		$	(96	)		$	(14,694	)
	-1	See Note 2 for further information.
	-2	See Note 4 for further information.

Earnings_per_Share_Tables

Earnings per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	'
	Computation of Earnings Per Common Share
		Three months ended September 30,				Nine months ended September 30,
		2013		2012		2013		2012
		(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
	Numerator:
	Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc.	$	27,053	$	20,476	$	81,606	$	57,354
	Less: Net loss from discontinued operations	—		55		—		(2,961		)
	Less: Dividends on Series B preferred stock	37		37		112		112
	Income available to common stockholders from continuing operations	$	27,016	$	20,384	$	81,494	$	60,203
	Denominator:
	Weighted average shares - basic	25,770,499		26,562,068		25,721,995		28,072,997
	Effect of dilutive securities - stock-based compensation	259,059		304,593		258,127		350,150
	Weighted average shares - diluted	26,029,558		26,866,661		25,980,122		28,423,147
	Earnings per common share:
	Income from continuing operations	$	1.05	$	0.77	$	3.17	$	2.14
	Loss from discontinued operations	—		—		—		(0.10		)
	Total earnings per share	$	1.05	$	0.77	$	3.17	$	2.04
	Earnings per common share - assuming dilution:
	Income from continuing operations	$	1.04	$	0.76	$	3.14	$	2.11
	Loss from discontinued operations	—		—		—		(0.10		)
	Total earnings per share	$	1.04	$	0.76	$	3.14	$	2.01
	Antidilutive stock options excluded from diluted earnings per share	—		776,029		293		800,851

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Information [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	'
	Financial Information Concerning our Operating Segments
		Three months ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Operating revenues:
	Annuity	$	50,435		$	49,467		$	147,775		$	143,466
	Life Insurance	99,851			90,745			288,742			274,847
	Corporate and Other	23,511			22,771			72,803			69,667
		173,797			162,983			509,320			487,980
	Realized gains on investments (1)	786			1,438			11,267			1,518
	Change in net unrealized gains/losses on derivatives (1)	(1,067		)	938			(2,340		)	1,448
	Consolidated revenues	$	173,516		$	165,359		$	518,247		$	490,946
	Pre-tax operating income:
	Annuity	$	16,427		$	12,113		$	48,181		$	40,649
	Life Insurance	14,263			12,870			35,198			31,343
	Corporate and Other	4,409			1,766			17,548			10,288
		35,099			26,749			100,927			82,280
	Income taxes on operating income	(8,540		)	(8,003		)	(25,597		)	(23,701		)
	Realized gains/losses on investments (2)	406			1,324			6,714			1,297
	Change in net unrealized gains/losses on derivatives (2)	88			351			(438		)	461
	Loss on debt redemption (2)	—			—			—			(22		)
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations (2)	—			55			—			(2,961		)
	Consolidated net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc.	$	27,053		$	20,476		$	81,606		$	57,354
	-1	Amounts are net of adjustments, as applicable, to amortization of unearned revenue reserves attributable to these items.
	-2	Amounts are net of adjustments, as applicable, to amortization of unearned revenue reserves, deferred acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired and income taxes attributable to these items.
Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]	'
	Under GAAP, premiums on whole life and term life policies are recognized as revenues over the premium-paying period and reported in the Life Insurance segment. The following chart provides a reconciliation of life insurance premiums collected to those reported in the GAAP financial statements.
	Reconciliation of Traditional Life Insurance Premiums, Net of Reinsurance
		Three months ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Traditional and universal life insurance premiums collected	$	76,946		$	61,853		$	238,062		$	184,409
	Premiums collected on interest sensitive products	(32,718		)	(19,916		)	(103,538		)	(54,061		)
	Traditional life insurance premiums collected	44,228			41,937			134,524			130,348
	Change in due premiums and other	(345		)	(51		)	351			569
	Traditional life insurance premiums	$	43,883		$	41,886		$	134,875		$	130,917
	There is no comparable GAAP financial measure for premiums collected on annuities and universal life-type products. GAAP revenues for those interest sensitive and variable products consist of various policy charges and fees assessed on those contracts, as summarized in the chart below.
	Interest Sensitive Product Charges by Segment
		Three months ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Annuity
	Surrender charges and other	$	279		$	166		$	936		$	563
	Life Insurance
	Administration charges	$	9,865		$	2,697		$	15,800		$	8,089
	Cost of insurance charges	10,834			10,092			31,799			29,621
	Surrender charges	101			187			361			652
	Amortization of policy initiation fees	124			852			1,160			1,941
	Total	$	20,924		$	13,828		$	49,120		$	40,303
	Corporate and Other
	Administration charges	$	1,532		$	1,428		$	4,628		$	4,522
	Cost of insurance charges	7,416			7,410			22,179			22,215
	Surrender charges	144			192			413			587
	Separate account charges	2,158			2,081			6,376			6,276
	Amortization of policy initiation fees	(183		)	533			717			594
	Total	$	11,067		$	11,644		$	34,313		$	34,194
	Consolidated interest sensitive product charges	$	32,270		$	25,638		$	84,369		$	75,060

Investment_Operations_Availabl

Investment Operations Available-for-sale Securities (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	$85,800		$82,140
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis	5,853,234		5,637,608
Debt Securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Gross Unrealized Gain	403,356		662,391
Gross Unrealized Loss	111,118		-34,254
Available-for-sale securities	6,145,472		6,265,745
Non-credit losses on other-than-temporary impairments	-7,000	[1]	-12,865	[1]
Corporate	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Amortized Cost	3,146,971	[2]	2,906,622	[2]
Gross Unrealized Gain	248,479	[2]	399,144	[2]
Gross Unrealized Loss	-62,016	[2]	-10,183	[2]
Available-for-sale securities	3,333,434	[2]	3,295,583	[2]
Non-credit losses on other-than-temporary impairments	-735	[1],[2]	-2,913	[1],[2]
Hybrid preferred securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	75,200		99,600
Redeemable Preferred Stock [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	17,500		5,600
Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Amortized Cost	510,112		632,955
Gross Unrealized Gain	35,671		47,459
Gross Unrealized Loss	-6,641		-6,232
Available-for-sale securities	539,142		674,182
Non-credit losses on other-than-temporary impairments	-4,897	[1]	-5,164	[1]
Commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Amortized Cost	407,662		463,504
Gross Unrealized Gain	24,261		49,173
Gross Unrealized Loss	-5,553		-1,858
Available-for-sale securities	426,370		510,819
Non-credit losses on other-than-temporary impairments	0	[1]	0	[1]
Other asset backed securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Amortized Cost	460,224		485,796
Gross Unrealized Gain	18,436		16,981
Gross Unrealized Loss	-11,278		-13,064
Available-for-sale securities	467,382		489,713
Non-credit losses on other-than-temporary impairments	-1,368	[1]	-4,788	[1]
United States Government and agencies [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Amortized Cost	38,962		42,079
Gross Unrealized Gain	4,813		6,930
Gross Unrealized Loss	-65		0
Available-for-sale securities	43,710		49,009
Non-credit losses on other-than-temporary impairments	0	[1]	0	[1]
State, municipal and other government [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Amortized Cost	1,289,303		1,106,652
Gross Unrealized Gain	71,696		142,704
Gross Unrealized Loss	-25,565		-2,917
Available-for-sale securities	1,335,434		1,246,439
Non-credit losses on other-than-temporary impairments	0	[1]	0	[1]
Equity Securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Gross Unrealized Gain	3,439		4,781
Gross Unrealized Loss	1,845		-668
Available-for-sale securities	87,394		86,253
Non-credit losses on other-than-temporary impairments	0	[1]	0	[1]
Non-redeemable preferred stock [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Amortized Cost	59,692		56,909
Gross Unrealized Gain	2,846		4,251
Gross Unrealized Loss	-1,845		-668
Available-for-sale securities	60,693		60,492
Non-credit losses on other-than-temporary impairments	0	[1]	0	[1]
Common Stock	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Amortized Cost	26,108		25,231
Gross Unrealized Gain	593		530
Gross Unrealized Loss	0		0
Available-for-sale securities	26,701		25,761
Non-credit losses on other-than-temporary impairments	$0	[1]	$0	[1]
[1]	Non-credit losses, subsequent to the initial impairment measurement date, on other-than-temporary impairments are included in the gross unrealized gains and losses columns above.
[2]	Corporate securities include hybrid preferred securities with a carrying value of $75.2 million at SeptemberB 30, 2013 and $99.6 million at DecemberB 31, 2012. Corporate securities also include redeemable preferred stock with a carrying value of $17.5 million at SeptemberB 30, 2013 and $5.6 million at DecemberB 31, 2012.

Investment_Operations_Availabl1

Investment Operations Available-for-sale Fixed Maturities by Maturity Date (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	$85,800		$82,140
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'		'
Due in one year or less, amortized cost basis	95,370		'
Due after one year through five years, amortized cost basis	693,221		'
Due after five years through ten years, amortized cost basis	1,028,992		'
Due after ten years, amortized cost basis	2,657,653		'
Total fixed maturities with maturity date, amortized cost basis	4,475,236		'
Mortgage-backed and other asset-backed, amortized cost basis	1,377,998		'
Total fixed maturities, amortized cost basis	5,853,234		5,637,608
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'		'
Due in one year or less, fair value	99,719		'
Due after one year through five years, fair value	764,249		'
Due after five years through ten years, fair value	1,110,192		'
Due after ten years, fair value	2,738,418		'
Total fixed maturities with maturity date, fair value	4,712,578		'
Mortgage-backed and other asset-backed, fair value	1,432,894		'
Total fixed maturities, fair value	6,145,472		6,265,745
Corporate	'		'
Investment Operations [Abstract]	'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	-62,016		10,183
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Gross Unrealized Gain	248,479	[1]	399,144	[1]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss-temp	62,016	[1]	10,183	[1]
Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'		'
Investment Operations [Abstract]	'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	-6,641		6,232
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Gross Unrealized Gain	35,671		47,459
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss-temp	6,641		6,232
Commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'		'
Investment Operations [Abstract]	'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	-5,553		1,858
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Gross Unrealized Gain	24,261		49,173
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss-temp	5,553		1,858
Other asset backed securities [Member]	'		'
Investment Operations [Abstract]	'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	-11,278		13,064
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Gross Unrealized Gain	18,436		16,981
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss-temp	11,278		13,064
United States Government and agencies [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Gross Unrealized Gain	4,813		6,930
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss-temp	65		0
State, municipal and other government [Member]	'		'
Investment Operations [Abstract]	'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	-25,565		2,917
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Gross Unrealized Gain	71,696		142,704
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss-temp	25,565		2,917
Debt Securities [Member]	'		'
Investment Operations [Abstract]	'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	111,118		34,254
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Gross Unrealized Gain	403,356		662,391
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss-temp	-111,118		34,254
Non-redeemable preferred stock [Member]	'		'
Investment Operations [Abstract]	'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	1,845		668
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Gross Unrealized Gain	2,846		4,251
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss-temp	1,845		668
Common Stock	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Gross Unrealized Gain	593		530
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss-temp	0		0
Equity Securities [Member]	'		'
Investment Operations [Abstract]	'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	1,845		668
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Gross Unrealized Gain	3,439		4,781
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss-temp	($1,845)		$668
[1]	Corporate securities include hybrid preferred securities with a carrying value of $75.2 million at SeptemberB 30, 2013 and $99.6 million at DecemberB 31, 2012. Corporate securities also include redeemable preferred stock with a carrying value of $17.5 million at SeptemberB 30, 2013 and $5.6 million at DecemberB 31, 2012.

Investment_Operations_Net_Unre

Investment Operations Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments in AOCI (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Net Unrealized Gains Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Net Unrealized Gains Losses on Investments	$293,832	$632,250
Unrealized appreciation on fixed maturities available for sale	292,238	628,137
Unrealized appreciation on equity securities avaialble for sale	1,594	4,113
Assumed changes in amortization of DAC	-67,211	-172,320
Assumed changes in amortization pattern of VIIF	-7,628	-15,346
Assumed changes in amortization pattern of URR	3,945	13,554
Assumed change in policyholder liability	-3,581	0
Provision for deferred income taxes	-76,760	-160,333
Net unrealized gains losses on investments in Accumulated other comprehensive Income	$142,597	$297,805

Investment_Operations_Unrealiz

Investment Operations Unrealized Losses by Length of Time (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	securities	securities
	issuers	issuers
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions	418	140
Available For Sale Securities In Unrealized Loss Positions Qualitative Disclosure Number Of Issuers	353	116
Corporate	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	801,299,000	123,610,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	-56,820,000	-2,120,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	39,503,000	87,176,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	-5,196,000	-8,063,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	840,802,000	210,786,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	62,016,000	-10,183,000
percent of total	55.80%	29.70%
Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	65,049,000	10,560,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	-1,941,000	-85,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	20,855,000	32,884,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	-4,700,000	-6,147,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	85,904,000	43,444,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	6,641,000	-6,232,000
percent of total	6.00%	18.20%
Commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	36,513,000	27,073,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	-2,763,000	-380,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	28,089,000	32,697,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	-2,790,000	-1,478,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	64,602,000	59,770,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	5,553,000	-1,858,000
percent of total	5.00%	5.40%
Other asset backed securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	112,173,000	31,749,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	-1,819,000	-512,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	29,683,000	50,468,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	-9,459,000	-12,552,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	141,856,000	82,217,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	11,278,000	-13,064,000
percent of total	10.10%	38.10%
US Government and Government Agencies and Authorities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	4,089,000	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	65,000	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	0	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	0	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	4,089,000	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	65,000	'
percent of total	0.10%	'
State, municipal and other government [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	304,993,000	33,228,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	-24,013,000	-542,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	14,941,000	15,932,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	-1,552,000	-2,375,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	319,934,000	49,160,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	25,565,000	-2,917,000
percent of total	23.00%	8.60%
Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	1,324,116,000	226,220,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	-87,421,000	-3,639,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	133,071,000	219,157,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	-23,697,000	-30,615,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	1,457,187,000	445,377,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	-111,118,000	-34,254,000
percent of total	100.00%	100.00%
Non-redeemable preferred stock [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	35,049,000	3,858,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	-1,345,000	-32,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	4,500,000	7,364,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	-500,000	-636,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	39,549,000	11,222,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	-1,845,000	-668,000
Equity Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	35,049,000	3,858,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	-1,345,000	-32,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	4,500,000	7,364,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	-500,000	-636,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	39,549,000	11,222,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	-1,845,000	-668,000
Maximum [Member] | Corporate	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available for sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Maximum Loss by issuer	1,800,000	'
Maximum [Member] | Commercial mortgage-backed	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available for sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Maximum Loss by issuer	5,100,000	'
Finance sector [Member] | Corporate	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	200,800,000	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	-18,100,000	'
Banking [Member] | Corporate	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	144,800,000	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	-12,600,000	'
Real Estaet Investment Trust [Member] | Corporate	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	41,600,000	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	-4,500,000	'

Investment_Operations_Credit_l

Investment Operations Credit loss component of Other-than-temporary Impairments on Fixed Maturities (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Roll Forward]	'	'
Balance at beginning of period	($27,712)	($22,746)
Increases for which no previous impairment was recognized.	0	-847
Increases to previously impaired assets	-618	-1,179
Reductions due to securities sold	-5,840	-146
Reductions due to change in status	0	-40
Balance at end of period	($22,490)	($24,586)

Investment_Operations_Realized

Investment Operations Realized Gains (Losses) - Recorded in Income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'		'
Gains (Losses) on Sales of Other Real Estate	$0	($26,000)	'		'
Gains (Losses) on Sales of Other Assets	0	-13,000	-6,000		'
Net impairment loss recognized in earnings	-765,000	-3,917,000	-1,610,000		-9,118,000
Realized gains (losses) on investments recorded in income	693,000	1,462,000	11,215,000		1,551,000
Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities	'	'	123,200,000		129,900,000
Categories of Investments, Cost-method Investments [Member]	'	'	'		'
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'		'
Mortgage loans	0	0	0		767,000
Gains (Losses) on Sales of Other Real Estate	'	'	12,000		-26,000
Securities and indebtedness of related parties	'	'	'		-13,000
Debt Securities [Member] | Categories of Investments, Marketable Securities, Available-for-sale Securities [Member]	'	'	'		'
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'		'
Gross gains - fixed maturities - available for sale	1,467,000	5,429,000	15,193,000		10,077,000
Gross losses - fixed maturities - available for sale	9,000	11,000	-2,374,000		-446,000
Equity Securities [Member] | Categories of Investments, Marketable Securities, Available-for-sale Securities [Member]	'	'	'		'
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'		'
Equity securities - available for sale	0	0	0		310,000
Credit related [Member]	'	'	'		'
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'		'
Net impairment loss recognized in earnings	618,000	1,179,000	-618,000	[1]	-2,026,000	[1]
Other credit-related [Member]	'	'	'		'
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'		'
Net impairment loss recognized in earnings	$147,000	$2,738,000	($992,000)	[2]	($7,092,000)	[2]
[1]	Amount represents the credit-related losses recognized for fixed maturities which were not written down to fair value. As discussed above the non-credit portion of the losses have been recognized in other comprehensive income (loss).
[2]	Amount represents credit-related losses for mortgage loans, real estate and fixed maturities written down to fair value.

Investment_Operations_Mortgage

Investment Operations Mortgage Loans (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	$573,383	$554,843
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	100.00%	100.00%
Year of origination 2012 [Member]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	73,405	75,173
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	12.80%	13.60%
Year of origination 2013 [Member]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	65,615	0
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	11.40%	0.00%
Year of Origination 2011 [Member]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	48,523	47,405
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	8.50%	8.50%
Year of origination 2010 [Member]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	26,505	27,422
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	4.60%	4.90%
Year of Origination 2008 [Member]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	68,840	70,346
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	12.00%	12.70%
Year of origination prior [Member]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	290,495	334,497
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	50.70%	60.30%
0% to 50% loan to value [Member]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	142,298	173,040
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	24.80%	31.20%
51% to 60% loan-to-value [Member]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	200,050	156,633
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	34.90%	28.20%
61% to 70% loan-to-value [Member]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	200,436	186,738
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	35.00%	33.70%
71% to 80% loan-to-value [Member]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	26,462	36,857
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	4.60%	6.60%
81% to 90% loan to value [Member]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	4,137	1,575
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	0.70%	0.30%
South Atlantic [Member]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	165,612	164,294
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	28.90%	29.60%
Pacific [Member]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	92,242	81,333
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	16.10%	14.70%
East North Central [Member]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	80,485	81,015
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	14.00%	14.60%
West North Central [Member]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	86,459	77,798
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	15.10%	14.00%
West South Central [Member]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	54,226	48,881
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	9.40%	8.80%
Mountain [Member]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	38,962	42,141
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	6.80%	7.60%
Other geographical locations [Member]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	55,397	59,381
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	9.70%	10.70%
Office [Member]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	228,943	218,837
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	39.90%	39.40%
Retail [Member]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	184,584	184,135
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	32.20%	33.20%
Industrial [Member]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	123,415	133,149
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	21.50%	24.00%
Other property type [Member]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	$36,441	$18,722
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	6.40%	3.40%

Investment_Operations_Allowanc

Investment Operations Allowance on Mortgage Loans (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Balance at beginning of period	$1,694	$1,759
Allowances established	475	335
Charge offs	-1,610	-400
Balance at end of period	$559	$1,694

Investment_Operations_Impaired

Investment Operations Impaired mortgage loans (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]	'	'
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	$22,229	$10,046
Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance	559	1,694
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount	526	0
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	$21,144	$8,352

Investment_Operations_Delinque

Investment Operations Delinquent Mortgage Loans (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
			loans
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]	'	'	'
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Recorded Investment	$14.40	'	'
Financing Receivables, Impaired, Troubled Debt Restructuring, Write-down	0.5	0.1	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due	'	'	$16.40
Financing receivable, nonperforming over 90 days, number of contracts	'	'	2

Investment_Operations_Variable

Investment Operations Variable Interest Entities (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'	'
Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets	$17,493	$16,914
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	$17,493	$16,914

Investment_Operations_Commitme

Investment Operations Commitments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Net	($1.10)	$0.80	($2)	$1.10
Other Commitment	$42.30	'	$42.30	'

Investment_Operations_Derivati

Investment Operations Derivative instruments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Other investments	$3.20	'	$3.20	'	$5.60
Derivative Liabilities	0.3	'	0.3	'	0.5
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Net	($1.10)	$0.80	($2)	$1.10	'

Fair_Values_Fair_Value_by_Bala

Fair Values Fair Value by Balance Sheet Grouping (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Other investments	$3,200	$5,600
Assets held in separate accounts	665,252	618,809
Liabilities related to separate accounts	665,252	618,809
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage loans	573,383	554,843
Policy loans	175,535	174,254
Other investments	640	247
Cash and short-term investments	61,121	152,590
Reinsurance recoverable	2,560	5,326
Assets held in separate accounts	665,252	618,809
Future policy benefits	3,351,764	3,226,765
Supplemental contracts without life contingencies	352,420	361,273
Advance premiums and other deposits	224,637	216,857
Short term debt, fair value disclosure	25,000	0
Long-term debt	97,000	147,000
Other liabilities	0	131
Liabilities related to separate accounts	665,252	618,809
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage loans	602,276	600,448
Policy loans	214,685	227,161
Other investments	640	247
Cash and short-term investments	61,121	152,590
Reinsurance recoverable	2,560	5,326
Assets held in separate accounts	665,252	618,809
Future policy benefits	3,402,397	3,352,252
Supplemental contracts without life contingencies	337,779	350,187
Advance premiums and other deposits	224,637	216,857
Short term debt, fair value disclosure	25,000	0
Long-term debt	63,292	116,359
Other liabilities	0	131
Liabilities related to separate accounts	657,398	609,704
Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities	6,145,472	6,265,745
Debt Securities [Member] | Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities	6,145,472	6,265,745
Debt Securities [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities	6,145,472	6,265,745
Equity Securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities	87,394	86,253
Equity Securities [Member] | Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities	87,394	86,253
Equity Securities [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities	$87,394	$86,253

Fair_Values_Valuation_of_Finan

Fair Values Valuation of Financial Instruments by Hierarchy Levels (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Other investments	$3,200		$5,600
Assets held in separate accounts	665,252		618,809
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Total assets	744,558		789,056
Mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale	0		0
Other investments	0		0
Cash and short-term investments	61,121		152,590
Reinsurance recoverable	0		0
Assets held in separate accounts	665,252		618,809
Total liabilities	0		0
Future policy benefits - index annuity embedded derivatives	0		0
Other liabilities	'		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Total assets	5,952,659		6,051,245
Mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale	379,362		393,957
Other investments	640		247
Cash and short-term investments	0		0
Reinsurance recoverable	2,560		5,326
Assets held in separate accounts	0		0
Total liabilities	0		131
Future policy benefits - index annuity embedded derivatives	0		0
Other liabilities	'		131
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Total assets	265,222		288,669
Available-for-sale securities	252,552		281,278
Mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale	88,020		95,756
Other investments	0		0
Cash and short-term investments	0		0
Reinsurance recoverable	0		0
Assets held in separate accounts	0		0
Total liabilities	287		307
Future policy benefits - index annuity embedded derivatives	'		307
Other liabilities	'		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Total assets	6,962,439		7,128,970
Available-for-sale securities	60,693		60,492
Mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale	467,382		489,713
Other investments	640		247
Cash and short-term investments	61,121		152,590
Reinsurance recoverable	2,560		5,326
Assets held in separate accounts	665,252		618,809
Total liabilities	287		438
Future policy benefits - index annuity embedded derivatives	287		307
Other liabilities	'		131
Corporate securities	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	3,333,434	[1]	3,295,583	[1]
Corporate securities | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	0		0
Corporate securities | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	3,248,851		3,195,120
Corporate securities | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	84,583		100,463
Corporate securities | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	3,333,434		3,295,583
Non-redeemable preferred stock [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	60,693		60,492
Non-redeemable preferred stock [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	0		0
Non-redeemable preferred stock [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	48,023		53,101
Non-redeemable preferred stock [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	12,670		7,391
Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	539,142		674,182
Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale	0		0
Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale	539,142		674,182
Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale	0		0
Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale	539,142		674,182
Commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	426,370		510,819
Commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale	0		0
Commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale	354,513		434,538
Commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	71,857		76,281
Mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale	71,857		76,281
Commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale	426,370		510,819
United States Government and agencies [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	43,710		49,009
United States Government and agencies [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	15,134		14,884
United States Government and agencies [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	20,484		25,570
United States Government and agencies [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	8,092		8,555
United States Government and agencies [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	43,710		49,009
State, municipal and other government [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	1,335,434		1,246,439
State, municipal and other government [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	0		0
State, municipal and other government [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	1,335,434		1,246,216
State, municipal and other government [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	0		223
State, municipal and other government [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	1,335,434		1,246,439
Common Stock	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	26,701		25,761
Common Stock | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	3,051		2,773
Common Stock | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	23,650		22,988
Common Stock | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	0		0
Common Stock | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	$26,701		$25,761
[1]	Corporate securities include hybrid preferred securities with a carrying value of $75.2 million at SeptemberB 30, 2013 and $99.6 million at DecemberB 31, 2012. Corporate securities also include redeemable preferred stock with a carrying value of $17.5 million at SeptemberB 30, 2013 and $5.6 million at DecemberB 31, 2012.

Fair_Values_Level_3_Fixed_Matu

Fair Values Level 3 Fixed Maturitiies on a Recurring Basis by Valuation Source (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	$252,552		$281,278
percent of total	100.00%		100.00%
Corporate securities	'		'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	3,333,434	[1]	3,295,583	[1]
percent of total	55.80%		29.70%
Corporate securities | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	84,583		100,463
Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'		'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	539,142		674,182
percent of total	6.00%		18.20%
Commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'		'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	426,370		510,819
percent of total	5.00%		5.40%
Commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	71,857		76,281
Other asset backed securities [Member]	'		'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	467,382		489,713
percent of total	10.10%		38.10%
Other asset backed securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	88,020		95,756
United States Government and agencies [Member]	'		'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	43,710		49,009
United States Government and agencies [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	8,092		8,555
State, municipal and other government [Member]	'		'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	1,335,434		1,246,439
percent of total	23.00%		8.60%
State, municipal and other government [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	0		223
Third-party vendors [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	190,394		235,354
percent of total	75.40%		83.70%
Third-party vendors [Member] | Corporate securities | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	43,134		70,975
Third-party vendors [Member] | Commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	71,857		76,281
Third-party vendors [Member] | Other asset backed securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	67,311		79,320
Third-party vendors [Member] | United States Government and agencies [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	8,092		8,555
Third-party vendors [Member] | State, municipal and other government [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	'		223
Priced internally [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	62,158		45,924
percent of total	24.60%		16.30%
Priced internally [Member] | Corporate securities | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	41,449		29,488
Priced internally [Member] | Commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	0		0
Priced internally [Member] | Other asset backed securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	20,709		16,436
Priced internally [Member] | United States Government and agencies [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	0		0
Priced internally [Member] | State, municipal and other government [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	'		$0
[1]	Corporate securities include hybrid preferred securities with a carrying value of $75.2 million at SeptemberB 30, 2013 and $99.6 million at DecemberB 31, 2012. Corporate securities also include redeemable preferred stock with a carrying value of $17.5 million at SeptemberB 30, 2013 and $5.6 million at DecemberB 31, 2012.

Fair_Values_Quantitative_Infor

Fair Values Quantitative Information about Unobservable Measurement Inputs (Details) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member], Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets	$265,222	$288,669
Total liabilities	287	307
Portion at Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Index Annuity Embedded Derivatives [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Total liabilities	287	307
Fair Value Measurements, Valuation Techniques	'Discounted cash flow	'Discounted cash flow
Fair Value Measurements, Significant Assumptions	'Credit risk Risk margin	'Credit risk Risk margin
Input range and weighted average	'0.40% - 1.85% (1.20%) 0.15% - 0.40% (0.25%)	'1.00% - 2.50% (1.80%) 0.15% - 0.40% (0.25%)
Portion at Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Asset fair value by technique [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets	167,193	181,535
Portion at Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Corporate securities	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets	49,987	54,538
Fair Value Measurements, Valuation Techniques	'Discounted cash flow	'Discounted cash flow
Fair Value Measurements, Significant Assumptions	'Credit spread	'Credit spread
Input range and weighted average	'0.93% - 17.65% (7.90%)	'0.78% - 9.21% (5.72%)
Portion at Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Commercial mortgage-backed	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets	71,857	76,264
Fair Value Measurements, Valuation Techniques	'Discounted cash flow	'Discounted cash flow
Fair Value Measurements, Significant Assumptions	'Credit spread	'Credit spread
Input range and weighted average	'1.90% - 4.40% (3.14%)	'1.95% - 4.80% (3.35%)
Portion at Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Other asset backed securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets	37,554	43,119
Fair Value Measurements, Valuation Techniques	'Discounted cash flow	'Discounted cash flow
Fair Value Measurements, Significant Assumptions	'Credit spread	'Credit spread
Input range and weighted average	'1.03% - 5.77% (4.05%)	'1.24% - 6.07% (4.28%)
Portion at Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | State, municipal and other government [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets	'	223
Fair Value Measurements, Valuation Techniques	'	'Discounted cash flow
Fair Value Measurements, Significant Assumptions	'	'Credit spread
Input range and weighted average	'	'1.75% (1.75%)
Portion at Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Non-redeemable preferred stock [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets	$7,795	$7,391
Fair Value Measurements, Valuation Techniques	'Discounted cash flow	'Discounted cash flow
Fair Value Measurements, Significant Assumptions	'Credit spread	'Credit spread
Input range and weighted average	'4.70% (4.70%)	'6.00% (6.00%)

Fair_Values_Level_3_Financial_

Fair Values Level 3 Financial Instruments Changes in Fair Value (Details) (Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member], Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'
Asset Balance, beginning of period	$288,669		$294,829
Purchases	39,540		65,857
Disposals	-16,504		-31,226
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in net income	0		200
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in other comprehensive income	-7,647		-5,430
Transfers Into Level 3	9,270	[1]	103,862	[2]
Transfers out of Level 3	-49,203	[1]	-151,274	[2]
Amortization included in net income	1,097		1,442
Asset Balance, beginning of period	265,222		288,720
Liability balance, beginning of period	307		33,446
Purchases	0		0
Settlements	-26		-33,168
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in net income	0		0
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in other comprehensive income	6		-53
Transfers Into Level 3	0	[1]	0	[2]
Transfers out of Level 3	0	[1]	0	[2]
Liability balance, end of period	287		331
Corporate securities	'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'
Asset Balance, beginning of period	100,463		106,412
Purchases	2,129		0
Disposals	-5,387		-14,108
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in net income	0		9
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in other comprehensive income	-1,810		-3,201
Transfers Into Level 3	0		28,109
Transfers out of Level 3	-10,798		-15,295
Amortization included in net income	-14		94
Asset Balance, beginning of period	84,583		108,404
Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'
Asset Balance, beginning of period	'		7,711
Purchases	'		0
Disposals	'		0
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in net income	'		0
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in other comprehensive income	'		0
Transfers Into Level 3	'		0
Transfers out of Level 3	'		-7,711
Amortization included in net income	'		0
Asset Balance, beginning of period	'		0
Commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'
Asset Balance, beginning of period	76,281		27,899
Purchases	0		5,105
Disposals	-491		-2,181
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in net income	0		0
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in other comprehensive income	-3,996		-264
Transfers Into Level 3	0		63,313
Transfers out of Level 3	0		-14,055
Amortization included in net income	63		61
Asset Balance, beginning of period	71,857		80,406
Other asset backed securities [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'
Asset Balance, beginning of period	95,756		113,458
Purchases	37,411		56,382
Disposals	-10,408		-5,637
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in net income	0		44
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in other comprehensive income	-1,439		-1,523
Transfers Into Level 3	4,062		12,440
Transfers out of Level 3	-38,405		-99,553
Amortization included in net income	1,043		722
Asset Balance, beginning of period	88,020		79,291
Collateralized debt obligation [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'
Asset Balance, beginning of period	'		270
Purchases	'		0
Disposals	'		0
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in net income	'		252
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in other comprehensive income	'		0
Transfers Into Level 3	'		0
Transfers out of Level 3	'		0
Amortization included in net income	'		0
Asset Balance, beginning of period	'		18
United States Government and agencies [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'
Asset Balance, beginning of period	8,555		12,588
Purchases	0		0
Disposals	0		0
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in net income	0		0
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in other comprehensive income	-468		-111
Transfers Into Level 3	0		0
Transfers out of Level 3	0		-4,010
Amortization included in net income	5		4
Asset Balance, beginning of period	8,092		8,693
State, municipal and other government [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'
Asset Balance, beginning of period	223		12,044
Purchases	0		0
Disposals	-218		-4,195
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in net income	0		0
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in other comprehensive income	-5		315
Transfers Into Level 3	0		0
Transfers out of Level 3	0		-7,845
Amortization included in net income	0		561
Asset Balance, beginning of period	0		250
Non-redeemable preferred stock [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'
Asset Balance, beginning of period	7,391		14,447
Purchases	0		0
Disposals	0		-5,105
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in net income	0		105
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in other comprehensive income	71		646
Transfers Into Level 3	5,208		0
Transfers out of Level 3	0		-2,805
Amortization included in net income	0		0
Asset Balance, beginning of period	12,670		7,288
Common Stock	'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'
Asset Balance, beginning of period	'		0
Purchases	'		4,370
Disposals	'		0
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in net income	'		0
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in other comprehensive income	'		0
Transfers Into Level 3	'		0
Transfers out of Level 3	'		0
Amortization included in net income	'		0
Asset Balance, beginning of period	'		4,370
Index Annuity Embedded Derivatives [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'
Liability balance, beginning of period	307		302
Purchases	0		0
Settlements	-26		-24
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in net income	0		0
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in other comprehensive income	6		53
Transfers Into Level 3	0	[1]	0	[2]
Transfers out of Level 3	0	[1]	0	[2]
Liability balance, end of period	287		331
Debt embedded derivative [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'
Liability balance, beginning of period	'		33,144
Purchases	'		0
Settlements	'		-33,144
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in net income	'		0
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in other comprehensive income	'		0
Transfers Into Level 3	'		0	[2]
Transfers out of Level 3	'		0	[2]
Liability balance, end of period	'		$0
[1]	Transfers into Level 3 represent assets previously priced using an external pricing service with access to observable inputs no longer available and therefore, were priced using non-binding broker quotes. Transfers out of Level 3 include those assets that we are now able to obtain pricing from a third party pricing vendor that uses observable inputs. There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during 2013.
[2]	Transfers into Level 3 represent assets previously priced using an external pricing service with access to observable inputs no longer available and therefore, were priced using non-binding broker quotes. During 2012, we began using an external pricing service with access to observable inputs for a portion of our Level 3 investments for which non-binding broker quotes were previously used to estimate fair value. We believe the change in pricing sources is appropriate, and consistent with our pricing waterfall policy to use higher level valuation methods when available. There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during 2012.

Fair_Values_Valuation_of_Finan1

Fair Values Valuation of Financial Instruments not reported at fair value (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financial Instruments Not Reported at Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage loans	$573,383	$554,843
Policy loans	175,535	174,254
Liabilities related to separate accounts	665,252	618,809
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Financial Instruments Not Reported at Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Other liabilities	'	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Financial Instruments Not Reported at Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Other liabilities	'	131
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Financial Instruments Not Reported at Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Other liabilities	'	0
Portion at Other than Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'	'
Financial Instruments Not Reported at Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage loans	602,276	600,448
Policy loans	214,685	227,161
Total assets	816,961	827,609
Supplemental contracts without life contingencies	337,779	350,187
Future policy benefits	3,402,110	3,351,945
Long-term debt	63,292	116,359
Advance premiums and other deposits	224,637	216,857
Liabilities related to separate accounts	657,398	609,704
Total liabilities	4,710,216	4,645,052
Portion at Other than Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Financial Instruments Not Reported at Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage loans	0	0
Policy loans	0	0
Total assets	0	0
Supplemental contracts without life contingencies	0	0
Future policy benefits	0	0
Long-term debt	0	0
Advance premiums and other deposits	0	0
Liabilities related to separate accounts	0	0
Total liabilities	0	0
Portion at Other than Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Financial Instruments Not Reported at Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage loans	0	0
Policy loans	0	0
Total assets	0	0
Supplemental contracts without life contingencies	0	0
Future policy benefits	0	0
Long-term debt	0	0
Advance premiums and other deposits	0	0
Liabilities related to separate accounts	0	0
Total liabilities	0	0
Portion at Other than Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Financial Instruments Not Reported at Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage loans	602,276	600,448
Policy loans	214,685	227,161
Total assets	816,961	827,609
Supplemental contracts without life contingencies	337,779	350,187
Future policy benefits	3,402,110	3,351,945
Long-term debt	63,292	116,359
Advance premiums and other deposits	224,637	216,857
Liabilities related to separate accounts	657,398	609,704
Total liabilities	$4,710,216	$4,645,052

Fair_Values_Level_3_Financial_1

Fair Values Level 3 Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a nonrecurring basis (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
			Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]	Portion at Other than Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	Portion at Other than Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	Portion at Other than Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	Portion at Other than Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	Portion at Other than Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	Portion at Other than Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	Portion at Other than Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	Portion at Other than Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
				Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
						Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Mortgage loans	$573,383,000	$554,843,000	'	$602,276,000	$600,448,000	$0	$0	$0	$0	$602,276,000	$600,448,000
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Write-down or Reserve, Amount	'	'	1,900,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Policy loans	175,535,000	174,254,000	'	214,685,000	227,161,000	0	0	0	0	214,685,000	227,161,000
Total assets	'	'	'	816,961,000	827,609,000	0	0	0	0	816,961,000	827,609,000
Future policy benefits	'	'	'	3,402,110,000	3,351,945,000	0	0	0	0	3,402,110,000	3,351,945,000
Supplemental contracts without life contingencies	'	'	'	337,779,000	350,187,000	0	0	0	0	337,779,000	350,187,000
Advance premiums and other deposits	'	'	'	224,637,000	216,857,000	0	0	0	0	224,637,000	216,857,000
Long-term debt	'	'	'	63,292,000	116,359,000	0	0	0	0	63,292,000	116,359,000
Liabilities related to separate accounts	665,252,000	618,809,000	'	657,398,000	609,704,000	0	0	0	0	657,398,000	609,704,000
Total liabilities	'	'	'	4,710,216,000	4,645,052,000	0	0	0	0	4,710,216,000	4,645,052,000
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Period Increase (Decrease)	'	'	($200,000)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Defined_Benefit_Plan_Details

Defined Benefit Plan (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
FBL Financial Group Other plans [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	$63	$110	$189	$332
Interest cost	258	290	774	870
Amortization of prior service cost	-3	-2	-9	-8
Amortization of actuarial loss	317	277	951	831
Net periodic pension cost	635	675	1,905	2,025
FBL Financial Group Retirement Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	1,618	2,029	4,854	6,087
Interest cost	3,346	3,176	10,038	9,528
Expected return on assets	-3,916	-3,520	-11,748	-10,560
Amortization of prior service cost	36	106	108	318
Amortization of actuarial loss	3,117	2,367	9,351	7,101
Net periodic pension cost	4,201	4,158	12,603	12,474
FBL Financial Group, Inc., participant [Member] | FBL Financial Group Other plans [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net periodic pension cost	359	378	1,077	1,150
FBL Financial Group, Inc., participant [Member] | FBL Financial Group Retirement Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net periodic pension cost	$1,341	$1,343	$4,023	$4,071

Credit_Arrangements_Notes_rede

Credit Arrangements Notes redemption (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012
				Senior Notes [Member]
Extinguishment of Debt [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Long-term debt payable to affiliates	$0	$50,000,000	'	'
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	'	50,000,000	'	'
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount	'	'	'	175,000,000
Redemption amount	'	'	'	210,900,000
Make-whole provision on long-term debt, embedded derivative	'	'	$33,100,000	'

Credit_Arrangements_Debt_detai

Credit Arrangements Debt details (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Credit Arrangements [Abstract]	'	'
Short-term debt	$25,000,000	$0
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	0.21%	'
Debt Instrument, Collateral Amount	$28,900,000	'

Stockholders_Equity_Details

Stockholders Equity (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012		Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'		'	'
Common Stock Special Dividends Per Share Cash Paid	$2	'		'	'
Payment Of Special Cash Dividend	$51,400,000	'		'	'
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value	-60,603,000	-164,170,000		'	'
Issurance of common stock under compensation plans	18,954,000	8,714,000		'	'
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount	20,300,000	'		'	'
Common Class B	'	'		'	'
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'		'	'
Purchase of stock, percent purchased	99.00%	'		'	'
Stock Redeemed or Called During Period, Shares	-157,529	'		'	'
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures	0	0		'	'
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	11,413	1,192,990		1,192,890	1,192,990
Common stock, without par value	72,000	'		7,522,000	'
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares	-1,023,948	0		'	'
Common Stock	'	'		'	'
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'		'	'
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures	629,516	273,649		'	'
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	24,717,212	25,933,271		25,475,074	30,650,634
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares	-1,387,378	-4,991,012		'	'
Common Class A	'	'		'	'
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'		'	'
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Conversion of Convertible Securities	157,529	'		'	'
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures	629,516	273,649		'	'
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	24,705,799	24,740,281		24,282,184	29,457,644
Common stock, without par value	133,791,000	'		115,706,000	'
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value	-14,200,000	'		'	'
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount	230,000,000	'		'	'
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares	-363,430	-4,991,012		'	'
Class B tender offer [Member] | Common Class B	'	'		'	'
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'		'	'
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value	-46,400,000	'		'	'
Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share	$45.33	'		'	'
Class B tender offer [Member] | Common Class A	'	'		'	'
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'		'	'
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Conversion of Convertible Securities	105,930	'		'	'
Common Stock	'	'		'	'
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'		'	'
Common stock, without par value	133,863,000	123,565,000		123,228,000	137,206,000
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value	-8,319,000	-22,355,000		'	'
Issurance of common stock under compensation plans	18,954,000	8,714,000	[1]	'	'
Common Stock | Common Class B	'	'		'	'
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'		'	'
Common stock, without par value	72,000	7,522,000		7,522,000	7,522,000
Stock Redeemed or Called During Period, Value	-993,000	'		'	'
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value	-6,457,000	0		'	'
Issurance of common stock under compensation plans	0	0		'	'
Common Stock | Common Class A	'	'		'	'
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'		'	'
Common stock, without par value	133,791,000	116,043,000		115,706,000	129,684,000
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Conversion of Convertible Securities	993,000	'		'	'
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value	-1,862,000	-22,355,000		'	'
Issurance of common stock under compensation plans	$18,954,000	8,714,000		'	'
[1]

Stockholders_Equity_Accumulate

Stockholders Equity Accumulated other comprehensive income (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Accumulated other comprehensive income	$135,316		$288,432		$289,853		$177,845
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, before Reclassification Adjustments, Net of Tax	-144,683		125,281		'		'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment for Sale of Securities Included in Net Income, Net of Tax	-9,854		-14,694		'		'
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]	'		'		'		'
Accumulated other comprehensive income	-7,281		3		-7,952		99
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Reclassification Adjustments, Net of Tax	0		0		'		'
Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member]	'		'		'		'
Accumulated other comprehensive income	147,147		301,892		306,167	[1]	190,449	[1]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, before Reclassification Adjustments, Net of Tax	-151,182	[1]	118,326	[1]	'		'
Accumulated Other-than-Temporary Impairment [Member]	'		'		'		'
Accumulated other comprehensive income	-4,550		-13,463		-8,362		-12,703
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, before Reclassification Adjustments, Net of Tax	$6,499		$6,955		'		'
[1]	Includes the impact of taxes, deferred acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserves and policyholder liabilities. See Note 2 for further information.

Stockholders_Equity_AOC_I_Recl

Stockholders Equity AOC I Reclassification Adjustments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Net realized capital gains on sales of investments	$1,458	$5,379	$12,825		$10,669
Net impairment loss recognized in earnings	-765	-3,917	-1,610		-9,118
Income available to common stockholders from continuing operations	27,016	20,384	81,494		60,203
Income taxes	11,962	10,606	36,923		29,620
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment for Sale of Securities Included in Net Income, Net of Tax	'	'	-9,854		-14,694
reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income [Member]	'	'	'		'
Net realized capital gains on sales of investments	'	'	-12,819		-9,941
Change in offsets to unrealized on investments	'	'	876		-447
Net impairment loss recognized in earnings	'	'	'		-12,070
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Prior Service Costs Arising During Period, Net of Tax	'	'	-9		'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax	'	'	1,041		-148
Income available to common stockholders from continuing operations	'	'	-15,161		-22,606
Income taxes	'	'	5,307		7,912
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment for Sale of Securities Included in Net Income, Net of Tax	'	'	-9,854		-14,694
reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income [Member] | Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member]	'	'	'		'
Net realized capital gains on sales of investments	'	'	-12,819		-9,941
Change in offsets to unrealized on investments	'	'	760		-648
Net impairment loss recognized in earnings	'	'	'		0	[1]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Prior Service Costs Arising During Period, Net of Tax	'	'	0		'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax	'	'	0		0	[1]
Income available to common stockholders from continuing operations	'	'	-12,059		-10,589	[1]
Income taxes	'	'	4,221		3,706	[1]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment for Sale of Securities Included in Net Income, Net of Tax	'	'	-7,838	[2]	-6,883	[1],[2]
reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income [Member] | Accumulated Other-than-Temporary Impairment [Member]	'	'	'		'
Net realized capital gains on sales of investments	'	'	0		0	[1]
Net impairment loss recognized in earnings	'	'	'		12,070
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Prior Service Costs Arising During Period, Net of Tax	'	'	0		'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax	'	'	0		0	[1]
Income available to common stockholders from continuing operations	'	'	-4,134		-11,869	[1]
Income taxes	'	'	1,447		4,154	[1]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment for Sale of Securities Included in Net Income, Net of Tax	'	'	-2,687		-7,715	[1]
reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income [Member] | Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]	'	'	'		'
Net realized capital gains on sales of investments	'	'	0		0	[3]
Change in offsets to unrealized on investments	'	'	0		0	[3]
Net impairment loss recognized in earnings	'	'	'		0	[3]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Prior Service Costs Arising During Period, Net of Tax	'	'	-9		'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax	'	'	1,041		-148
Income available to common stockholders from continuing operations	'	'	1,032		-148	[3]
Income taxes	'	'	-361		52	[3]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Gain (Loss) Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Net of Tax	'	'	$671		($96)	[3]
[1]	See Note 2 for further information.
[2]	Includes the impact of taxes, deferred acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserves and policyholder liabilities. See Note 2 for further information.
[3]	See Note 4 for further information.

Earnings_per_Share_Details

Earnings per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Numerator [Abstract]	'		'		'	'
Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc.	$27,053		$20,476		$81,606	$57,354
Less: Net income (loss) from discontinued operations	0	[1]	55	[1]	0	-2,961
Less: Dividends Series B preferred stock	-37		-37		-112	-112
Income available to common stockholders from continuing operations	$27,016		$20,384		$81,494	$60,203
Denominator [Abstract]	'		'		'	'
Weighted average shares - diluted	26,029,558		26,866,661		25,980,122	28,423,147
Weighted average shares - basic	25,770,499		26,562,068		25,721,995	28,072,997
Effect of dilutive securities - stock-based compensation	259,059		304,593		258,127	350,150
Earnings Per Share, Basic	$1.05		$0.77		$3.17	$2.04
Income from continuing operations	$1.05		$0.77		$3.17	$2.14
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	$0		$0		$0	($0.10)
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	$1.04		$0.76		$3.14	$2.01
Income from continuing operations	$1.04		$0.76		$3.14	$2.11
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	$0		$0		$0	($0.10)
Antidilutive stock options excluded from diluted earnings per share	0		776,029		293	800,851
[1]	Amounts are net of adjustments, as applicable, to amortization of unearned revenue reserves, deferred acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired and income taxes attributable to these items.

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Realized gains (losses) on investments (1)	$786	[1]	$1,438	[1]	$11,267	$1,518
Change in net unrealized gains/losses on derivatives (1)	-1,067	[1]	938	[1]	-2,340	1,448
Operating revenues	173,516		165,359		518,247	490,946
Operating income pre-tax	35,099		26,749		100,927	82,280
Income tax on operating income	-8,540		-8,003		-25,597	-23,701
Realized gains/losses on investments (1)	406	[2]	1,324	[2]	6,714	1,297
Change in net unrealized gains/losses on derivatives	88	[2]	351	[2]	-438	461
Loss on debt redemption	0	[2]	0	[2]	0	-22
Income (loss) from discontinued operations (1)	0	[2]	55	[2]	0	-2,961
Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc.	27,053		20,476		81,606	57,354
Annuity Segment [Member]	'		'		'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Operating revenues	50,435		49,467		147,775	143,466
Operating income pre-tax	16,427		12,113		48,181	40,649
Corporate and Other [Member]	'		'		'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Operating revenues	23,511		22,771		72,803	69,667
Operating income pre-tax	4,409		1,766		17,548	10,288
Life Insurance Segment [Member]	'		'		'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Operating revenues	99,851		90,745		288,742	274,847
Operating income pre-tax	$14,263		$12,870		$35,198	$31,343
[1]	Amounts are net of adjustments, as applicable, to amortization of unearned revenue reserves attributable to these items.
[2]	Amounts are net of adjustments, as applicable, to amortization of unearned revenue reserves, deferred acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired and income taxes attributable to these items.

Segment_Information_Reconcilia

Segment Information Reconciliation of non-GAAP measures Revenues (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Premiums collected	($150,200)	($139,100)	($491,200)	($501,000)
Change in due premiums and other	-345	-51	351	569
Traditional life insurance premiums	43,883	41,886	134,875	130,917
Interest sensitive product charges	32,270	25,638	84,369	75,060
Corporate and Other [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Interest sensitive product charges	11,067	11,644	34,313	34,194
Corporate and Other [Member] | Admiin charges [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Interest sensitive product charges	1,532	1,428	4,628	4,522
Corporate and Other [Member] | Cost of insurance charges [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Interest sensitive product charges	7,416	7,410	22,179	22,215
Corporate and Other [Member] | Surrender charges [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Interest sensitive product charges	144	192	413	587
Corporate and Other [Member] | Separate account charges [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Interest sensitive product charges	2,158	2,081	6,376	6,276
Corporate and Other [Member] | Amortization of policy initiation fees [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Interest sensitive product charges	-183	533	717	594
Life Insurance Segment [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Premiums collected	-76,946	-61,853	-238,062	-184,409
Interest sensitive product charges	20,924	13,828	49,120	40,303
Life Insurance Segment [Member] | Admiin charges [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Interest sensitive product charges	9,865	2,697	15,800	8,089
Life Insurance Segment [Member] | Cost of insurance charges [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Interest sensitive product charges	10,834	10,092	31,799	29,621
Life Insurance Segment [Member] | Surrender charges [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Interest sensitive product charges	101	187	361	652
Life Insurance Segment [Member] | Amortization of policy initiation fees [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Interest sensitive product charges	124	852	1,160	1,941
Annuity Segment [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Interest sensitive product charges	279	166	936	563
Life insurance - interest sensitive [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Premiums collected	-32,718	-19,916	-103,538	-54,061
Life insurance - traditional [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Premiums collected	($44,228)	($41,937)	($134,524)	($130,348)

Segment_Information_Goodwill_b

Segment Information Goodwill by segment (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Annuity Segment [Member]	'	'
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill	$3.90	$3.90
Life Insurance Segment [Member]	'	'
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill	$6.10	$6.10