FBL Financial (FFG) 10-Q 1 May 14 2014 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_entity_informatio

Document and entity information Document (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Apr. 29, 2014	Apr. 29, 2014
			Common Class A	Common Class B
Document 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	31-Mar-14	'	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1	'	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	'	24,652,925	11,413
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'No	'	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'	'
Entity Public Float	'	$416,478,677	'	'

Consolidated_Balance_Sheet

Consolidated Balance Sheet (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Investments:	'	'
Fixed maturities - available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost: 2014 - $5,931,034; 2013 - $5,828,539)	$6,342,428	$6,081,753
Equity securities - available for sale, at fair value (cost: 2014 - $96,061; 2013 - $90,071)	100,384	91,555
Mortgage loans	586,021	575,861
Real estate	4,075	4,084
Policy loans	178,692	176,993
Short-term investments	67,593	108,677
Other investments	1,648	1,079
Total investments	7,280,841	7,040,002
Cash and cash equivalents	32,221	6,370
Securities and indebtedness of related parties	117,212	116,305
Accrued investment income	81,397	75,186
Amounts receivable from affiliates	3,708	3,145
Reinsurance recoverable	100,626	100,001
Deferred acquisition costs	287,758	335,514
Value of insurance in force acquired	18,691	23,579
Other assets	72,199	67,266
Assets held in separate accounts	694,570	693,955
Total assets	8,689,223	8,461,323
Future policy benefits:	'	'
Interest sensitive products	4,357,708	4,278,871
Traditional life insurance and accident and health products	1,529,062	1,515,139
Other policy claims and benefits	36,451	45,530
Supplementary contracts without life contingencies	346,070	349,761
Advance premiums and other deposits	249,954	240,441
Amounts payable to affiliates	0	408
Long-term debt payable to non-affiliates	97,000	97,000
Deferred income taxes	163,417	122,839
Current income taxes	2,657	1,499
Other liabilities	88,538	71,089
Liabilities related to separate accounts	694,570	693,955
Total liabilities	7,565,427	7,416,532
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	188,547	119,067
Retained earnings	792,172	787,609
Total FBL Financial Group, Inc. stockholders' equity	1,123,760	1,044,741
Noncontrolling interest	36	50
Total stockholders' equity	1,123,796	1,044,791
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	8,689,223	8,461,323
Class A common stock, without par value - authorized 88,500,000 shares, issued and outstanding 24,690,439 shares in 2014 and 24,742,942 shares in 2013	'	'
FBL Financial Group, Inc. stockholders' equity:	'	'
Common stock, without par value	139,969	134,993
Class B common stock, without par value - authorized 1,500,000 shares, issued and outstanding 11,413 shares in 2014 and 2013	'	'
FBL Financial Group, Inc. stockholders' equity:	'	'
Common stock, without par value	$72	$72

Consolidated_Balance_Sheet_Par

Consolidated Balance Sheet Parenthetical disclosure (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis	$5,931,034	$5,828,539
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	$96,061	$90,071
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	24,701,852	24,754,355
Preferred Stock	'	'
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	5,000,000	5,000,000
Common Class A	'	'
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	88,500,000	88,500,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	24,690,439	24,742,942
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	24,690,439	24,742,942
Common Class B	'	'
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	1,500,000	1,500,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	11,413	11,413
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	11,413	11,413

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Revenues:	'		'
Interest sensitive product charges	$27,091		$25,304
Traditional life insurance premiums	45,492		44,934
Net investment income	92,631		90,810
Net realized capital gains on sales of investments	-540		3,932
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses	0		-646
Non-credit portion in other comprehensive income	0		0
Net impairment loss recognized in earnings	0		-646
Other income	3,861		3,714
Total revenues	168,535		168,048
Benefits and expenses:	'		'
Interest sensitive product benefits	53,380		48,292
Traditional life insurance benefits	41,497		39,806
Policyholder dividends	3,345		3,358
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses	33,444		35,024
Interest expense	1,212		1,975
Other expenses	4,128		4,384
Total benefits and expenses	137,006		132,839
Income before equity method investments, income taxes and noncontrolling interest	31,529		35,209
Income taxes	10,228		11,583
Equity income, net of related income taxes	1,648		1,312
Net income	22,949	[1]	24,938	[1]
Net loss (gain) attributable to noncontrolling interest	-43		-28
Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc.	$22,992		$24,966
Earnings per common share	$0.92		$0.97
Earnings per common share - assuming dilution	$0.91		$0.96
Cash dividends per common share	$0.35		$0.11
Regular quarterly cash dividend [Member]	'		'
Benefits and expenses:	'		'
Cash dividends per common share	$0.35		$0.11
[1]	Other comprehensive income is 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.

Consolidated_Statement_of_Comp

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income Statement (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Net income	$22,949	[1]	$24,938	[1]
Change in net unrealized investment gains/losses	69,308		5,677
Non-credit impairment losses	0		-36
Change in underfunded status of other postretirement benefit plans	172		263
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax	69,480		5,904
Comprehensive income	92,429		30,842
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	-43		-28
Comprehensive income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc.	$92,472		$30,870
[1]	Other comprehensive income is 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.

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, 2012	$1,212,247		$123,228	$3,000	$796,110	$289,853	$56
Net income	24,938	[1]	'	'	24,966	'	-28
Other comprehensive income	5,904		'	'	'	5,904	'
Issurance of common stock under compensation plans	7,194		7,194	'	'	'	'
Purchase of common stock	-5,480		-839	'	-4,641	'	'
Dividends on preferred stock	-38		'	'	-38	'	'
Dividends on common stock	-2,806		'	'	-2,806	'	'
Receipts related to noncontrolling interest	23		'	'	'	'	23
Balance at Mar. 31, 2013	1,241,982		129,583	3,000	813,591	295,757	51
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	1,044,791		135,065	3,000	787,609	119,067	50
Net income	22,949	[1]	'	'	22,992	'	-43
Other comprehensive income	69,480		'	'	'	69,480	'
Issurance of common stock under compensation plans	6,411		6,411	'	'	'	'
Purchase of common stock	-11,162		-1,435	'	-9,727	'	'
Dividends on preferred stock	-38		'	'	-38	'	'
Dividends on common stock	-8,664		'	'	-8,664	'	'
Receipts related to noncontrolling interest	29		'	'	'	'	29
Balance at Mar. 31, 2014	$1,123,796		$140,041	$3,000	$792,172	$188,547	$36
[1]	Other comprehensive income is 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.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Operating activities	'		'
Net income	$22,949	[1]	$24,938	[1]
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'		'
Interest credited to account balances	37,014		35,509
Charges for mortality, surrenders and administration	-26,081		-24,849
Net realized losses on investments	540		-3,286
Change in fair value of derivatives	-326		-425
Increase in traditional life and accident and health benefit accruals	13,923		14,126
Deferral of policy acquisition costs	-10,044		-12,215
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs and value of insurance in force	8,493		6,830
Change in reinsurance recoverable	-625		150
Provision for deferred income taxes	3,125		-1,188
Other	-18,421		-12,537
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	30,547		27,053
Sales, maturities or repayments:	'		'
Fixed maturities - available for sale	81,293		226,857
Equity securities - available for sale	200		7,645
Mortgage loans	8,272		9,646
Derivative instruments	253		141
Policy loans	9,019		9,521
Securities and indebtedness of related parties	1,207		403
Acquisitions:	'		'
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale	-161,976		-235,009
Equity securities - available for sale	-6,189		-2,314
Mortgage loans	-18,100		-10,850
Derivative instruments	-617		-123
Policy loans	-10,718		-8,625
Securities and indebtedness of related parties	-3,725		-6,631
Short-term investments, net change	41,084		-14,590
Purchases and disposals of property and equipment, net	1,240		1,499
Net cash used in investing activities	-61,237		-25,428
Financing activities	'		'
Contract holder account deposits	180,472		119,533
Contract holder account withdrawals	-111,788		-96,673
Receipts related to noncontrolling interests, net	29		23
Excess tax deductions on stock-based compensation	507		1,100
Proceeds from (Repurchase of) Equity	-3,977		-359
Dividends paid	-8,702		-2,844
Net cash provided by financing activities	56,541		20,780
Increase in cash and cash equivalents	25,851		22,405
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	6,370		78,074
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	32,221		100,479
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information	'		'
Cash paid during the period for interest	1,213		1,975
Cash paid during the period for income taxes	$2,005		$2,001
[1]	Other comprehensive income is 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.

Significant_Accounting_Policie

Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
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-month period ended March 31, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2014. We encourage you to refer to our consolidated financial statements and notes for the year ended December 31, 2013 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.
	Future Adoption of Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In January 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued guidance related to accounting for investments in low income housing tax credit limited partnerships. Our low income housing tax credit investments totaled $76.7 million at March 31, 2014 and $76.2 million at December 31, 2013. Presently, we account for these investments under the equity method and include related tax benefits as a component of equity income. The new guidance allows us to account for these partnerships using the proportional amortization method, which amortizes the acquisition cost of the partnership in proportion to the recognition of the tax credits associated with these projects. The tax credits, net of the amortization of the partnership interest, would be recognized as a component of income taxes. This guidance will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2014 and must be applied retrospectively, if we elect to change our accounting practice. We are currently evaluating the impact of this new guidance.

Investment_Operations

Investment Operations	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Investment Operations [Abstract]	'
Investment Operations	'
	Investment Operations
	Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities
	Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities by Investment Category
		March 31, 2014
		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)	$	3,193,531		$	285,177			$	(30,226	)		$	3,448,482			$	1,100
	Residential mortgage-backed	496,228			41,259				(5,328		)		532,159				(3,189		)
	Commercial mortgage-backed	414,503			23,364				(4,347		)		433,520				—
	Other asset-backed	455,688			19,485				(6,396		)		468,777				3,340
	United States Government and agencies	38,894			4,242				(102		)		43,034				—
	State, municipal and other governments	1,332,190			94,640				(10,374		)		1,416,456				—
	Total fixed maturities	$	5,931,034		$	468,167			$	(56,773	)		$	6,342,428			$	1,251
	Equity securities:
	Non-redeemable preferred stocks	$	70,691		$	4,387			$	(831	)		$	74,247			$	—
	Common stocks	25,370			767				—				26,137				—
	Total equity securities	$	96,061		$	5,154			$	(831	)		$	100,384			$	—
	Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities by Investment Category
		December 31, 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)	$	3,142,476		$	229,151			$	(64,848	)		$	3,306,779			$	329
	Residential mortgage-backed	492,990			35,676				(7,938		)		520,728				(4,155		)
	Commercial mortgage-backed	391,845			20,014				(7,192		)		404,667				—
	Other asset-backed	444,047			19,169				(6,673		)		456,543				1,725
	United States Government and agencies	39,261			4,218				(198		)		43,281				—
	State, municipal and other governments	1,317,920			60,869				(29,034		)		1,349,755				—
	Total fixed maturities	$	5,828,539		$	369,097			$	(115,883	)		$	6,081,753			$	(2,101	)
	Equity securities:
	Non-redeemable preferred stocks	$	65,692		$	3,141			$	(2,383	)		$	66,450			$	—
	Common stocks	24,379			726				—				25,105				—
	Total equity securities	$	90,071		$	3,867			$	(2,383	)		$	91,555			$	—
	-1	Non-credit losses, subsequent to the initial impairment measurement date, on other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) losses are included in the gross unrealized gains and losses columns above. The non-credit loss component of OTTI losses for corporate and other asset-backed securities were in an unrealized gain position at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 due to increases in estimated fair value subsequent to initial recognition of non-credit losses on such securities.
	-2	Corporate securities include hybrid preferred securities with a carrying value of $77.2 million at March 31, 2014 and $76.3 million at December 31, 2013. Corporate securities also include redeemable preferred stock with a carrying value of $18.0 million at March 31, 2014 and $17.1 million at December 31, 2013.
	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
		March 31, 2014
		Amortized			Estimated
		Cost			Fair Value
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Due in one year or less	$	86,287		$	87,655
	Due after one year through five years	741,647			827,667
	Due after five years through ten years	964,418			1,044,090
	Due after ten years	2,772,263			2,948,560
		4,564,615			4,907,972
	Mortgage-backed and other asset-backed	1,366,419			1,434,456
	Total fixed maturities	$	5,931,034		$	6,342,428
	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
		March 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Net unrealized appreciation on:
	Fixed maturities - available for sale	$	411,394		$	253,214
	Equity securities - available for sale	4,323			1,484
		415,717			254,698
	Adjustments for assumed changes in amortization pattern of:
Deferred acquisition costs	(105,551		)	(55,550		)
Value of insurance in force acquired	(10,799		)	(6,356		)
Unearned revenue reserve	6,371			2,790
Adjustments for assumed changes in policyholder liabilities	(6,485		)	(2,957		)
Provision for deferred income taxes	(104,724		)	(67,404		)
Net unrealized investment gains	$	194,529		$	125,221
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 OTTI loss was recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income, are reported along with changes in fair value for which no OTTI losses were previously recognized.
Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities with Unrealized Losses by Length of Time
		March 31, 2014
		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		$	567,597		$	(26,039	)		$	60,878			$	(4,187	)		$	628,475	$	(30,226	)	53.2	%
Residential mortgage-backed		60,765			(1,458		)		21,883				(3,870		)		82,648		(5,328		)	9.3
Commercial mortgage-backed		53,432			(2,235		)		22,830				(2,112		)		76,262		(4,347		)	7.7
Other asset-backed		61,604			(1,597		)		31,913				(4,799		)		93,517		(6,396		)	11.3
United States Government and agencies		3,972			(102		)		—				—				3,972		(102		)	0.2
State, municipal and other governments		188,308			(7,869		)		24,995				(2,505		)		213,303		(10,374		)	18.3
Total fixed maturities		$	935,678		$	(39,300	)		$	162,499			$	(17,473	)		$	1,098,177	$	(56,773	)	100	%
Equity securities:
Non-redeemable preferred stocks		$	24,468		$	(426	)		$	4,595			$	(405	)		$	29,063	$	(831	)
Total equity securities		$	24,468		$	(426	)		$	4,595			$	(405	)		$	29,063	$	(831	)
Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities with Unrealized Losses by Length of Time
		December 31, 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		$	802,161		$	(60,138	)		$	43,500			$	(4,710	)		$	845,661	$	(64,848	)	56	%
Residential mortgage-backed		92,020			(3,548		)		20,948				(4,390		)		112,968		(7,938		)	6.8
Commercial mortgage-backed		53,647			(4,454		)		28,054				(2,738		)		81,701		(7,192		)	6.2
Other asset-backed		101,961			(1,109		)		33,170				(5,564		)		135,131		(6,673		)	5.8
United States Government and agencies		4,407			(198		)		—				—				4,407		(198		)	0.2
State, municipal and other governments		353,120			(25,700		)		19,165				(3,334		)		372,285		(29,034		)	25
Total fixed maturities		$	1,407,316		$	(95,147	)		$	144,837			$	(20,736	)		$	1,552,153	$	(115,883	)	100	%
Equity securities:
Non-redeemable preferred stocks		$	31,639		$	(1,756	)		$	4,373			$	(627	)		$	36,012	$	(2,383	)
Total equity securities		$	31,639		$	(1,756	)		$	4,373			$	(627	)		$	36,012	$	(2,383	)
Fixed maturities in the above tables include 321 securities from 264 issuers at March 31, 2014 and 440 securities from 366 issuers at December 31, 2013. The unrealized losses in fixed maturities were 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 March 31, 2014.
Corporate securities: The largest unrealized losses were in the utilities sector ($184.2 million carrying value and $9.2 million unrealized loss). The largest unrealized losses in the utilities sector were in the electric ($128.6 million carrying value and $6.4 million unrealized loss) and the gas-pipeline ($40.8 million carrying value and $2.1 million unrealized loss) sub-sectors. The majority of losses in the sector were 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 market 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 OTTIs 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 as well as our intent and ability to hold these investments until recovery of fair value, and have concluded they are not other than temporarily impaired.
Excluding mortgage and asset-backed securities, no securities from the same issuer had an aggregate unrealized loss in excess of $1.8 million at March 31, 2014, with the largest unrealized loss from a supermarket chain. 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 $3.4 million at March 31, 2014, which consists of two different securities from the same issuer that are backed by different pools of Alt-A residential mortgage loans. Both securities are rated non-investment grade and the largest unrealized loss totaled $1.7 million.
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 an OTTI 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 OTTI 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 an OTTI. In determining whether or not an unrealized loss is an OTTI, 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 OTTI 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 OTTI write down of all equity securities and any fixed maturities with a credit-only impairment, the cost basis is not adjusted for subsequent recoveries in fair value. 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
	Three months ended March 31,
	2014			2013
	(Dollars in thousands)
Balance at beginning of period	$	(21,592	)	$	(27,712	)
Reductions due to investments sold	68			131
Balance at end of period	$	(21,524	)	$	(27,581	)
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 OTTI was recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) and corresponding changes in such amounts.
Realized Gains (Losses) - Recorded in Income
	Three months ended March 31,
	2014			2013
	(Dollars in thousands)
Realized gains (losses) on sales of investments
Fixed maturities:
Gross gains	$	97		$	5,640
Gross losses	(637		)	(1,708		)
	(540		)	3,932
Impairment losses recognized in earnings:
Other credit-related (1)	—			(646		)
Net realized gains (losses) on investments recorded in income	$	(540	)	$	3,286
-1	Amount represents credit-related losses for mortgage loans and real estate written down to fair value through income.
Proceeds from sales of fixed maturities totaled $12.8 million during the three-months ended March 31, 2014 and $38.2 million during the three-months ended March 31, 2013.
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 estimated loss, if any, for each impaired loan identified. An estimated loss 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.
Any loan delinquent on contractual payments is considered non-performing. At March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, there were no non-performing loans over 90 days past due on contractual payments. 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.
Mortgage Loans by Collateral Type
		March 31, 2014						December 31, 2013
Collateral Type		Carrying Value			Percent of Total			Carrying Value				Percent of Total
		(Dollars in thousands)
Office		$	247,926		42.3	%		$	241,951			42	%
Retail		200,752			34.3			194,053				33.7
Industrial		123,727			21.1			126,151				21.9
Other		13,616			2.3			13,706				2.4
Total		$	586,021		100	%		$	575,861			100	%
Mortgage Loans by Geographic Location within the United States
		March 31, 2014						December 31, 2013
Region of the United States		Carrying Value			Percent of Total			Carrying Value				Percent of Total
		(Dollars in thousands)
South Atlantic		$	169,122		28.9	%		$	170,529			29.6	%
Pacific		99,074			16.9			92,538				16.1
West North Central		88,401			15.1			85,629				14.9
East North Central		77,750			13.2			79,128				13.7
Mountain		52,670			9			53,460				9.3
West South Central		38,815			6.6			39,780				6.9
Other		60,189			10.3			54,797				9.5
Total		$	586,021		100	%		$	575,861			100	%
Mortgage Loans by Loan-to-Value Ratio
	March 31, 2014						December 31, 2013
	Carrying Value			Percent of Total			Carrying Value				Percent of Total
	(Dollars in thousands)
0% - 50%	$	172,059		29.4	%		$	149,719			26	%
51% - 60%	206,190			35.2			202,025				35.1
61% - 70%	188,248			32.1			204,460				35.5
71% - 80%	15,452			2.6			15,559				2.7
81% - 90%	4,072			0.7			4,098				0.7
Total	$	586,021		100	%		$	575,861			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
	March 31, 2014						December 31, 2013
	Carrying Value			Percent of Total			Carrying Value				Percent of Total
	(Dollars in thousands)
2014	$	18,100		3.1	%		$	—			—	%
2013	86,056			14.7			84,478				14.7
2012	72,173			12.3			72,792				12.6
2011	47,853			8.1			48,190				8.4
2010	25,836			4.4			26,173				4.5
2009 and prior	336,003			57.4			344,228				59.8
Total	$	586,021		100	%		$	575,861			100	%
Impaired Mortgage Loans
	March 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
	(Dollars in thousands)
Unpaid principal balance	$	22,329		$	22,100
Less:
Related allowance	883			888
Discount	391			429
Carrying value of impaired mortgage loans	$	21,055		$	20,783
Allowance on Mortgage Loans
	Three months ended March 31,
	2014			2013
	(Dollars in thousands)
Balance at beginning of period	$	888		$	1,694
Allowances established	—			475
Charge offs	—			(1,610		)
Recoveries of amounts previously charged off	(5		)	—
Balance at end of period	$	883		$	559
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 troubled debt restructuring (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.
There were no loan modifications during the first quarter of 2014. 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.
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 for any reporting periods presented in this Form 10-Q. Our VIE investments are as follows:
	March 31, 2014							December 31, 2013
	Carrying Value			Maximum Exposure to Loss				Carrying Value				Maximum Exposure to Loss
	(Dollars in thousands)
Real estate limited partnerships	$	17,176		$	17,176			$	17,646			$	17,646
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 March 31, 2014 or December 31, 2013.
Other
At March 31, 2014, we had committed to provide $35.7 million of additional funds for our limited partnerships and our limited liability companies.
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 $4.4 million at March 31, 2014 and $3.7 million at December 31, 2013. 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 $0.4 million at March 31, 2014 and $0.3 million at December 31, 2013 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 March 31, totaled $0.5 million for 2014 and ($0.3) million for 2013.

Fair_Values

Fair Values	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
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
		March 31, 2014						December 31, 2013
		Carrying Value			Fair Value			Carrying Value			Fair Value
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Assets
	Fixed maturities - available for sale	$	6,342,428		$	6,342,428		$	6,081,753		$	6,081,753
	Equity securities - available for sale	100,384			100,384			91,555			91,555
	Mortgage loans	586,021			611,262			575,861			594,451
	Policy loans	178,692			215,416			176,993			210,401
	Other investments	1,562			1,562			993			993
	Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments	99,814			99,814			115,047			115,047
	Reinsurance recoverable	2,880			2,880			2,678			2,678
	Assets held in separate accounts	694,570			694,570			693,955			693,955
	Fair Values and Carrying Values (continued)
		March 31, 2014						December 31, 2013
		Carrying Value			Fair Value			Carrying Value			Fair Value
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Liabilities
	Future policy benefits	$	3,421,700		$	3,495,531		$	3,360,519		$	3,371,706
	Supplemental contracts without life contingencies	346,070			324,703			349,761			320,195
	Advance premiums and other deposits	239,562			239,562			230,819			230,819
	Long-term debt	97,000			65,305			97,000			63,343
	Other liabilities	67			67			—			—
	Liabilities related to separate accounts	694,570			687,496			693,955			686,387
	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 market data and where observable market 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 we 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:
	•	We 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.
	•	We evaluate third party pricing source estimation methodologies to assess whether they will provide a fair value which approximates a market exit price.
	•	We perform an overall analysis of portfolio fair value movement against general movements in interest rates and spreads.
	•	We 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.
	•	We compare prices between different pricing sources for unusual disparity.
	•	We meet at least quarterly 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 (FHLB), 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 is A-highest quality, B-moderate quality, C-low quality, 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.
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
	March 31, 2014
	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	$	—		$	3,355,610		$	92,872		$	3,448,482
Residential mortgage-backed securities	—			532,159			—			532,159
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	—			360,506			73,014			433,520
Other asset-backed securities	—			387,705			81,072			468,777
United States Government and agencies	15,650			19,190			8,194			43,034
State, municipal and other governments	—			1,416,456			—			1,416,456
Non-redeemable preferred stocks	—			66,218			8,029			74,247
Common stocks	3,469			22,668			—			26,137
Other investments	—			1,562			—			1,562
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments	99,814			—			—			99,814
Reinsurance recoverable	—			2,880			—			2,880
Assets held in separate accounts	694,570			—			—			694,570
Total assets	$	813,503		$	6,164,954		$	263,181		$	7,241,638
Liabilities
Future policy benefits - index annuity embedded derivatives	$	—		$	—		$	299		$	299
Other liabilities	—			67			—			67
Total liabilities	$	—		$	67		$	299		$	366
	December 31, 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	$	—		$	3,224,785		$	81,994		$	3,306,779
Residential mortgage-backed securities	—			520,728			—			520,728
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	—			332,955			71,712			404,667
Other asset-backed securities	—			370,708			85,835			456,543
United States Government and agencies	15,291			19,946			8,044			43,281
State, municipal and other governments	—			1,349,755			—			1,349,755
Non-redeemable preferred stocks	—			58,655			7,795			66,450
Common stocks	3,295			21,810			—			25,105
Other investments	—			993			—			993
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments	115,047			—			—			115,047
Reinsurance recoverable	—			2,678			—			2,678
Assets held in separate accounts	693,955			—			—			693,955
Total assets	$	827,588		$	5,903,013		$	255,380		$	6,985,981
Liabilities
Future policy benefits - index annuity embedded derivatives	$	—		$	—		$	286		$	286
Total liabilities	$	—		$	—		$	286		$	286
Level 3 Fixed Maturities on a Recurring Basis by Valuation Source
	March 31, 2014
	Third-party vendors			Priced			Total
				internally
	(Dollars in thousands)
Corporate securities	$	57,807		$	35,065		$	92,872
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	73,014			—			73,014
Other asset-backed securities	60,281			20,791			81,072
United States Government and agencies	8,194			—			8,194
Total	$	199,296		$	55,856		$	255,152
Percent of total	78.1		%	21.9		%	100		%
	December 31, 2013
	Third-party vendors			Priced			Total
				internally
	(Dollars in thousands)
Corporate securities	$	59,812		$	22,182		$	81,994
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	71,712			—			71,712
Other asset-backed securities	65,003			20,832			85,835
United States Government and agencies	8,044			—			8,044
Total	$	204,571		$	43,014		$	247,585
Percent of total	82.6		%	17.4		%	100		%
Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements - Recurring Basis
	March 31, 2014
	Fair Value			Valuation Technique		Unobservable Input	Range (Weighted Average)
	(Dollars in thousands)
Assets
Corporate securities	$	53,406		Discounted cash flow		Credit spread	0.88% - 17.01% (7.56%)
Commercial mortgage-backed	65,991			Discounted cash flow		Credit spread	1.75% - 4.50% (2.97%)
Other asset-backed securities	33,671			Discounted cash flow		Credit spread	0.88% - 5.82% (3.65%)
Non-redeemable preferred stocks	8,029			Discounted cash flow		Credit spread	3.69% (3.69%)
Total Assets	$	161,097
Liabilities
Future policy benefits - index annuity embedded derivatives	$	299		Discounted cash flow		Credit risk	0.30% - 1.50% (0.95%)
						Risk margin	0.15% - 0.40% (0.25%)
Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements - Recurring Basis
	31-Dec-13
	Fair Value			Valuation Technique		Unobservable Input	Range (Weighted Average)
	(Dollars in thousands)
Assets
Corporate securities	$	46,023		Discounted cash flow		Credit spread	0.91% - 17.08% (7.84%)
Commercial mortgage-backed	71,712			Discounted cash flow		Credit spread	1.75% - 4.50% (2.95%)
Other asset-backed securities	38,305			Discounted cash flow		Credit spread	0.74% - 5.06% (3.55%)
State, municipal and other governments	7,795			Discounted cash flow		Credit spread	3.81% (3.81%)
Total Assets	$	163,835
Liabilities
Future policy benefits - index annuity embedded derivatives	$	286		Discounted cash flow		Credit risk	0.30% - 1.70% (1.05%)
						Risk margin	0.15% - 0.40% (0.25%)
The tables above exclude certain securities for which the fair value was 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
	March 31, 2014
										Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net
	Balance, December 31, 2013			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						31-Mar-14
																	Level 3 (1)
	(Dollars in thousands)
Assets
Corporate securities	$	81,994		$	206		$	(2,835	)	$	—	$	(106	)	$	13,623	$	—		$	(10	)	$	92,872
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	71,712			—			(167		)	—		1,448			—		—			21			73,014
Other asset-backed securities	85,835			5,450			(3,129		)	—		(133		)	—		(7,194		)	243			81,072
United States Government and agencies	8,044			—			—			—		149			—		—			1			8,194
Non-redeemable preferred stocks	7,795			—			—			—		234			—		—			—			8,029
Total Assets	$	255,380		$	5,656		$	(6,131	)	$	—	$	1,592		$	13,623	$	(7,194	)	$	255		$	263,181
Liabilities
Future policy benefits - index annuity embedded derivatives	$	286		$	—		$	5		$	8	$	—		$	—	$	—		$	—		$	299
Total Liabilities	$	286		$	—		$	5		$	8	$	—		$	—	$	—		$	—		$	299
Level 3 Financial Instruments Changes in Fair Value Recurring Basis
	March 31, 2013
										Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net
	Balance, December 31, 2012			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 (1)		out of						31-Mar-13
																	Level 3 (1)
	(Dollars in thousands)
Assets
Corporate securities	$	100,463		$	5,028		$	(2,032	)	$	—	$	1,026		$	—	$	—		$	(3	)	$	104,482
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	76,281			—			(190		)	—		(713		)	—		—			20			75,398
Other asset-backed securities	95,756			15,724			(2,352		)	—		826			4,063		(18,011		)	220			96,226
United States Government and agencies	8,555			—			—			—		(14		)	—		—			1			8,542
State, municipal and other governments	223			—			(26		)	—		(1		)	—		—			—			196
Non-redeemable preferred stocks	7,391			—			—			—		360			—		—			—			7,751
Total Assets	$	288,669		$	20,752		$	(4,600	)	$	—	$	1,484		$	4,063	$	(18,011	)	$	238		$	292,595
Liabilities
Future policy benefits - index annuity embedded derivatives	$	307		$	—		$	(5	)	$	13	$	—		$	—	$	—		$	—		$	315
Total Liabilities	$	307		$	—		$	(5	)	$	13	$	—		$	—	$	—		$	—		$	315
-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 2014 or 2013.
Valuation of our Financial Instruments Not Reported at Fair Value by Hierarchy Levels
	March 31, 2014
	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	$	—		$	—		$	611,262		$	611,262
Policy loans	—			—			215,416			215,416
Total assets	$	—		$	—		$	826,678		$	826,678
Liabilities
Future policy benefits	$	—		$	—		$	3,495,232		$	3,495,232
Supplemental contracts without life contingencies	—			—			324,703			324,703
Advance premiums and other deposits	—			—			239,562			239,562
Long-term debt	—			—			65,305			65,305
Liabilities related to separate accounts	—			—			687,496			687,496
Total liabilities	$	—		$	—		$	4,812,298		$	4,812,298
Valuation of our Financial Instruments Not Reported at Fair Value by Hierarchy Levels
	December 31, 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	$	—		$	—		$	594,451		$	594,451
Policy loans	—			—			210,401			210,401
Total assets	$	—		$	—		$	804,852		$	804,852
Liabilities
Future policy benefits	$	—		$	—		$	3,371,420		$	3,371,420
Supplemental contracts without life contingencies	—			—			320,195			320,195
Advance premiums and other deposits	—			—			230,819			230,819
Long-term debt	—			—			63,343			63,343
Liabilities related to separate accounts	—			—			686,387			686,387
Total liabilities	$	—		$	—		$	4,672,164		$	4,672,164
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. There were no mortgage loans or real estate impaired to fair value during the three months ended March 31, 2014. During the three months ended March 31, 2013, one mortgage loan was impaired to a fair value totaling $1.9 million which resulted in an impairment charge of $0.2 million.

Defined_Benefit_Plan

Defined Benefit Plan	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
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						Other Plans
		Three months ended March 31,						Three months ended March 31,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Service cost	$	1,320		$	1,618		$	67		$	63
	Interest cost	3,505			3,346			269			258
	Expected return on assets	(4,385		)	(3,916		)	—			—
	Amortization of prior service cost	36			36			(3		)	(3		)
	Amortization of actuarial loss	1,361			3,117			283			317
	Net periodic pension cost	$	1,837		$	4,201		$	616		$	635
	FBL Financial Group, Inc. share of net periodic pension costs	$	589		$	1,341		$	343		$	359

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
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. We are not aware of any significant threatened or pending litigation or claims against FBL Financial Group, Inc. or any of its subsidiaries.

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders Equity	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Stockholders' Equity
	Share Repurchases
	During 2012 and 2014, the Board of Directors approved plans to repurchase 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. Under these programs, we repurchased 262,945 shares for $11.2 million during the first quarter of 2014 and 158,927 shares for $5.5 million during the first quarter of 2013. At March 31, 2014, $50.0 million remains available for repurchase under the 2014 plan. 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.
	Reconciliation of Outstanding Common Stock
		Class A							Class B							Total
		Shares			Dollars				Shares			Dollars				Shares		Dollars
		(Dollars in thousands)
	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	247,023			7,194				—			—				247,023		7,194
	Purchase of common stock	(158,927	)		(839		)		—			—				(158,927	)	(839		)
	Conversion of Class B to Class A common stock (1)	51,599			325				(51,599	)		(325		)		—		$	—
	Outstanding at March 31, 2013	24,421,879			$	122,386			1,141,291			$	7,197			25,563,170		$	129,583
	Outstanding at January 1, 2014	24,742,942			$	134,993			11,413			$	72			24,754,355		$	135,065
	Issuance of common stock under compensation plans	210,442			6,411				—			—				210,442		6,411
	Purchase of common stock	(262,945	)		(1,435		)		—			—				(262,945	)	(1,435		)
	Outstanding at March 31, 2014	24,690,439			$	139,969			11,413			$	72			24,701,852		$	140,041
	-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.
	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, 2013	$	306,167			$	(8,362	)		$	(7,952	)		$	289,853
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	5,168				2,793				—				7,961
	Reclassification adjustments	(2,320		)		—				263				(2,057		)
	Balance at March 31, 2013	$	309,015			$	(5,569	)		$	(7,689	)		$	295,757
	Balance at January 1, 2014	$	126,587			$	(1,366	)		$	(6,154	)		$	119,067
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	66,801				2,179				—				68,980
	Reclassification adjustments	328				$	—			172				500
	Balance at March 31, 2014	$	193,716			$	813			$	(5,982	)		$	188,547
	-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
		Three months ended March 31, 2014
		Unrealized Net Investment Gains (Losses) on Available For Sale Securities (1)				Accumulated Non-Credit Impairment Losses (1)				Underfunded Status of Postretirement Benefit				Total
										Plans
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Realized capital losses on sales of investments	$	540			$	—			$	—			$	540
	Adjustments for assumed changes in deferred policy acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserve and policyholder liabilities	(36		)		—				—				(36		)
	Other than temporary impairment losses	—				—				—				—
	Other expenses: Amortization of unrecognized postretirement items:
	Prior service costs	—				—				(3		)		(3		)
	Net actuarial loss	—				—				268				268
	Reclassifications before income taxes	504				—				265				769
	Income taxes	(176		)		—				(93		)		(269		)
	Reclassification adjustments	$	328			$	—			$	172			$	500
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassification Adjustments
		Three months ended March 31, 2013
		Unrealized Net Investment Gains (Losses) on Available For Sale Securities (1)				Accumulated Non-Credit Impairment Losses (1)				Unfunded Status of Postretirement Benefit				Total
										Plans
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Realized capital gains on sales of investments	$	(3,932	)		$	—			$	—			$	(3,932	)
	Adjustments for assumed changes in deferred policy acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserve and policyholder liabilities	362								—				362
	Other than temporary impairment losses	—				—				—				—
	Other expenses: Amortization of unrecognized postretirement items:
	Prior service costs	—				—				(3		)		(3		)
	Net actuarial loss	—				—				407				407
	Reclassifications before income taxes	(3,570		)		—				404				(3,166		)
	Income taxes	1,250				—				(141		)		1,109
	Reclassification adjustments	$	(2,320	)		$	—			$	263			$	(2,057	)
	-1	See Note 2 for further information.

Earnings_per_Share

Earnings per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	Earnings Per Share
	Computation of Earnings Per Common Share
		Three months ended March 31,
		2014		2013
		(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
	Numerator:
	Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc.	$	22,992	$	24,966
	Less: Dividends on Series B preferred stock	38		38
	Income available to common stockholders from continuing operations	$	22,954	$	24,928
	Denominator:
	Weighted average shares - basic	24,937,307		25,597,562
	Effect of dilutive securities - stock-based compensation	179,531		271,938
	Weighted average shares - diluted	25,116,838		25,869,500
	Earnings per common share	$	0.92	$	0.97
	Earnings per common share - assuming dilution:	$	0.91	$	0.96
	Antidilutive stock options excluded from diluted earnings per share	—		274,409

Segment_Information

Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
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 represents net income excluding the impact of realized gains and losses on investments and changes in net unrealized gains and losses on derivatives.
	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. 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 March 31,
		2014			2013
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Operating revenues:
	Annuity	$	49,579		$	48,107
	Life Insurance	95,817			93,338
	Corporate and Other	23,369			23,897
		168,765			165,342
	Realized gains (losses) on investments (1)	(540		)	3,298
	Change in net unrealized gains/losses on derivatives (1)	310			(592		)
	Consolidated revenues	$	168,535		$	168,048
	Pre-tax operating income:
	Annuity	$	15,447		$	14,681
	Life Insurance	10,092			9,932
	Corporate and Other	4,593			7,098
		30,132			31,711
	Income taxes on operating income	(7,048		)	(8,577		)
	Realized gains/losses on investments (1)	(328		)	1,895
	Change in net unrealized gains/losses on derivatives (1)	236			(63		)
	Consolidated net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc.	$	22,992		$	24,966
	-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.
	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 March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 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 $178.7 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2014 and $175.5 million for the 2013 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 March 31,
		2014			2013
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Traditional and universal life insurance premiums collected	$	72,838		$	76,653
	Premiums collected on interest sensitive products	(26,388		)	(31,883		)
	Traditional life insurance premiums collected	46,450			44,770
	Change in due premiums and other	(958		)	164
	Traditional life insurance premiums	$	45,492		$	44,934
	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 March 31,
		2014			2013
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Annuity
	Surrender charges and other	$	554		$	313
	Life Insurance
	Administration charges	$	3,495		$	2,872
	Cost of insurance charges	11,017			10,297
	Surrender charges	216			188
	Amortization of policy initiation fees	32			392
	Total	$	14,760		$	13,749
	Corporate and Other
	Administration charges	$	1,599		$	1,511
	Cost of insurance charges	7,415			7,361
	Surrender charges	138			164
	Separate account charges	2,280			2,031
	Amortization of policy initiation fees	345			175
	Total	$	11,777		$	11,242
	Consolidated interest sensitive product charges	$	27,091		$	25,304

Investment_Operations_Tables

Investment Operations (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Investment Operations [Abstract]	'
Available-for-sale Securities [Table Text Block]	'
	Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities by Investment Category
		March 31, 2014
		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)	$	3,193,531		$	285,177			$	(30,226	)		$	3,448,482			$	1,100
	Residential mortgage-backed	496,228			41,259				(5,328		)		532,159				(3,189		)
	Commercial mortgage-backed	414,503			23,364				(4,347		)		433,520				—
	Other asset-backed	455,688			19,485				(6,396		)		468,777				3,340
	United States Government and agencies	38,894			4,242				(102		)		43,034				—
	State, municipal and other governments	1,332,190			94,640				(10,374		)		1,416,456				—
	Total fixed maturities	$	5,931,034		$	468,167			$	(56,773	)		$	6,342,428			$	1,251
	Equity securities:
	Non-redeemable preferred stocks	$	70,691		$	4,387			$	(831	)		$	74,247			$	—
	Common stocks	25,370			767				—				26,137				—
	Total equity securities	$	96,061		$	5,154			$	(831	)		$	100,384			$	—
	Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities by Investment Category
		December 31, 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)	$	3,142,476		$	229,151			$	(64,848	)		$	3,306,779			$	329
	Residential mortgage-backed	492,990			35,676				(7,938		)		520,728				(4,155		)
	Commercial mortgage-backed	391,845			20,014				(7,192		)		404,667				—
	Other asset-backed	444,047			19,169				(6,673		)		456,543				1,725
	United States Government and agencies	39,261			4,218				(198		)		43,281				—
	State, municipal and other governments	1,317,920			60,869				(29,034		)		1,349,755				—
	Total fixed maturities	$	5,828,539		$	369,097			$	(115,883	)		$	6,081,753			$	(2,101	)
	Equity securities:
	Non-redeemable preferred stocks	$	65,692		$	3,141			$	(2,383	)		$	66,450			$	—
	Common stocks	24,379			726				—				25,105				—
	Total equity securities	$	90,071		$	3,867			$	(2,383	)		$	91,555			$	—
	-1	Non-credit losses, subsequent to the initial impairment measurement date, on other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) losses are included in the gross unrealized gains and losses columns above. The non-credit loss component of OTTI losses for corporate and other asset-backed securities were in an unrealized gain position at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 due to increases in estimated fair value subsequent to initial recognition of non-credit losses on such securities.
	-2	Corporate securities include hybrid preferred securities with a carrying value of $77.2 million at March 31, 2014 and $76.3 million at December 31, 2013. Corporate securities also include redeemable preferred stock with a carrying value of $18.0 million at March 31, 2014 and $17.1 million at December 31, 2013.
	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
		March 31, 2014
		Amortized			Estimated
		Cost			Fair Value
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Due in one year or less	$	86,287		$	87,655
	Due after one year through five years	741,647			827,667
	Due after five years through ten years	964,418			1,044,090
	Due after ten years	2,772,263			2,948,560
		4,564,615			4,907,972
	Mortgage-backed and other asset-backed	1,366,419			1,434,456
	Total fixed maturities	$	5,931,034		$	6,342,428
	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
		March 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Net unrealized appreciation on:
	Fixed maturities - available for sale	$	411,394		$	253,214
	Equity securities - available for sale	4,323			1,484
		415,717			254,698
	Adjustments for assumed changes in amortization pattern of:
	Deferred acquisition costs	(105,551		)	(55,550		)
	Value of insurance in force acquired	(10,799		)	(6,356		)
	Unearned revenue reserve	6,371			2,790
	Adjustments for assumed changes in policyholder liabilities	(6,485		)	(2,957		)
	Provision for deferred income taxes	(104,724		)	(67,404		)
	Net unrealized investment gains	$	194,529		$	125,221
	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 OTTI loss was recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income, are reported along with changes in fair value for which no OTTI 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
			March 31, 2014
			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		$	567,597		$	(26,039	)		$	60,878			$	(4,187	)		$	628,475	$	(30,226	)	53.2	%
	Residential mortgage-backed		60,765			(1,458		)		21,883				(3,870		)		82,648		(5,328		)	9.3
	Commercial mortgage-backed		53,432			(2,235		)		22,830				(2,112		)		76,262		(4,347		)	7.7
	Other asset-backed		61,604			(1,597		)		31,913				(4,799		)		93,517		(6,396		)	11.3
	United States Government and agencies		3,972			(102		)		—				—				3,972		(102		)	0.2
	State, municipal and other governments		188,308			(7,869		)		24,995				(2,505		)		213,303		(10,374		)	18.3
	Total fixed maturities		$	935,678		$	(39,300	)		$	162,499			$	(17,473	)		$	1,098,177	$	(56,773	)	100	%
	Equity securities:
	Non-redeemable preferred stocks		$	24,468		$	(426	)		$	4,595			$	(405	)		$	29,063	$	(831	)
	Total equity securities		$	24,468		$	(426	)		$	4,595			$	(405	)		$	29,063	$	(831	)
	Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities with Unrealized Losses by Length of Time
			December 31, 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		$	802,161		$	(60,138	)		$	43,500			$	(4,710	)		$	845,661	$	(64,848	)	56	%
	Residential mortgage-backed		92,020			(3,548		)		20,948				(4,390		)		112,968		(7,938		)	6.8
	Commercial mortgage-backed		53,647			(4,454		)		28,054				(2,738		)		81,701		(7,192		)	6.2
	Other asset-backed		101,961			(1,109		)		33,170				(5,564		)		135,131		(6,673		)	5.8
	United States Government and agencies		4,407			(198		)		—				—				4,407		(198		)	0.2
	State, municipal and other governments		353,120			(25,700		)		19,165				(3,334		)		372,285		(29,034		)	25
	Total fixed maturities		$	1,407,316		$	(95,147	)		$	144,837			$	(20,736	)		$	1,552,153	$	(115,883	)	100	%
	Equity securities:
	Non-redeemable preferred stocks		$	31,639		$	(1,756	)		$	4,373			$	(627	)		$	36,012	$	(2,383	)
	Total equity securities		$	31,639		$	(1,756	)		$	4,373			$	(627	)		$	36,012	$	(2,383	)
	Fixed maturities in the above tables include 321 securities from 264 issuers at March 31, 2014 and 440 securities from 366 issuers at December 31, 2013. The unrealized losses in fixed maturities were 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 March 31, 2014.
	Corporate securities: The largest unrealized losses were in the utilities sector ($184.2 million carrying value and $9.2 million unrealized loss). The largest unrealized losses in the utilities sector were in the electric ($128.6 million carrying value and $6.4 million unrealized loss) and the gas-pipeline ($40.8 million carrying value and $2.1 million unrealized loss) sub-sectors. The majority of losses in the sector were 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 market 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
		Three months ended March 31,
		2014			2013
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Balance at beginning of period	$	(21,592	)	$	(27,712	)
	Reductions due to investments sold	68			131
	Balance at end of period	$	(21,524	)	$	(27,581	)
	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 OTTI was recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) and corresponding changes in such amounts.
Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table Text Block]	'
	Realized Gains (Losses) - Recorded in Income
		Three months ended March 31,
		2014			2013
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Realized gains (losses) on sales of investments
	Fixed maturities:
	Gross gains	$	97		$	5,640
	Gross losses	(637		)	(1,708		)
		(540		)	3,932
	Impairment losses recognized in earnings:
	Other credit-related (1)	—			(646		)
	Net realized gains (losses) on investments recorded in income	$	(540	)	$	3,286
	-1	Amount represents credit-related losses for mortgage loans and real estate written down to fair value through income.
	Proceeds from sales of fixed maturities totaled $12.8 million during the three-months ended March 31, 2014 and $38.2 million during the three-months ended March 31, 2013.
	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
			March 31, 2014						December 31, 2013
	Collateral Type		Carrying Value			Percent of Total			Carrying Value				Percent of Total
			(Dollars in thousands)
	Office		$	247,926		42.3	%		$	241,951			42	%
	Retail		200,752			34.3			194,053				33.7
	Industrial		123,727			21.1			126,151				21.9
	Other		13,616			2.3			13,706				2.4
	Total		$	586,021		100	%		$	575,861			100	%
Mortgage Loans by Geograpic Location [Table Text Block]	'
	Mortgage Loans by Geographic Location within the United States
			March 31, 2014						December 31, 2013
	Region of the United States		Carrying Value			Percent of Total			Carrying Value				Percent of Total
			(Dollars in thousands)
	South Atlantic		$	169,122		28.9	%		$	170,529			29.6	%
	Pacific		99,074			16.9			92,538				16.1
	West North Central		88,401			15.1			85,629				14.9
	East North Central		77,750			13.2			79,128				13.7
	Mountain		52,670			9			53,460				9.3
	West South Central		38,815			6.6			39,780				6.9
	Other		60,189			10.3			54,797				9.5
	Total		$	586,021		100	%		$	575,861			100	%
Mortgage Loans by loan to value ratio [Table Text Block]	'
	Mortgage Loans by Loan-to-Value Ratio
		March 31, 2014						December 31, 2013
		Carrying Value			Percent of Total			Carrying Value				Percent of Total
		(Dollars in thousands)
	0% - 50%	$	172,059		29.4	%		$	149,719			26	%
	51% - 60%	206,190			35.2			202,025				35.1
	61% - 70%	188,248			32.1			204,460				35.5
	71% - 80%	15,452			2.6			15,559				2.7
	81% - 90%	4,072			0.7			4,098				0.7
	Total	$	586,021		100	%		$	575,861			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 [Table Text Block]	'
	Mortgage Loans by Year of Origination
		March 31, 2014						December 31, 2013
		Carrying Value			Percent of Total			Carrying Value				Percent of Total
		(Dollars in thousands)
	2014	$	18,100		3.1	%		$	—			—	%
	2013	86,056			14.7			84,478				14.7
	2012	72,173			12.3			72,792				12.6
	2011	47,853			8.1			48,190				8.4
	2010	25,836			4.4			26,173				4.5
	2009 and prior	336,003			57.4			344,228				59.8
	Total	$	586,021		100	%		$	575,861			100	%
Impaired Financing Receivables [Table Text Block]	'
	Impaired Mortgage Loans
		March 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Unpaid principal balance	$	22,329		$	22,100
	Less:
	Related allowance	883			888
	Discount	391			429
	Carrying value of impaired mortgage loans	$	21,055		$	20,783
Allowance for Credit Losses on Financing Receivables [Table Text Block]	'
	Allowance on Mortgage Loans
		Three months ended March 31,
		2014			2013
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Balance at beginning of period	$	888		$	1,694
	Allowances established	—			475
	Charge offs	—			(1,610		)
	Recoveries of amounts previously charged off	(5		)	—
	Balance at end of period	$	883		$	559
Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block]	'
		March 31, 2014							December 31, 2013
		Carrying Value			Maximum Exposure to Loss				Carrying Value				Maximum Exposure to Loss
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Real estate limited partnerships	$	17,176		$	17,176			$	17,646			$	17,646

Fair_Values_Tables

Fair Values (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Values [Abstract]	'
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block]	'
	Fair Values and Carrying Values
		March 31, 2014						December 31, 2013
		Carrying Value			Fair Value			Carrying Value			Fair Value
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Assets
	Fixed maturities - available for sale	$	6,342,428		$	6,342,428		$	6,081,753		$	6,081,753
	Equity securities - available for sale	100,384			100,384			91,555			91,555
	Mortgage loans	586,021			611,262			575,861			594,451
	Policy loans	178,692			215,416			176,993			210,401
	Other investments	1,562			1,562			993			993
	Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments	99,814			99,814			115,047			115,047
	Reinsurance recoverable	2,880			2,880			2,678			2,678
	Assets held in separate accounts	694,570			694,570			693,955			693,955
	Fair Values and Carrying Values (continued)
		March 31, 2014						December 31, 2013
		Carrying Value			Fair Value			Carrying Value			Fair Value
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Liabilities
	Future policy benefits	$	3,421,700		$	3,495,531		$	3,360,519		$	3,371,706
	Supplemental contracts without life contingencies	346,070			324,703			349,761			320,195
	Advance premiums and other deposits	239,562			239,562			230,819			230,819
	Long-term debt	97,000			65,305			97,000			63,343
	Other liabilities	67			67			—			—
	Liabilities related to separate accounts	694,570			687,496			693,955			686,387
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
		March 31, 2014
		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	$	—		$	3,355,610		$	92,872		$	3,448,482
	Residential mortgage-backed securities	—			532,159			—			532,159
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	—			360,506			73,014			433,520
	Other asset-backed securities	—			387,705			81,072			468,777
	United States Government and agencies	15,650			19,190			8,194			43,034
	State, municipal and other governments	—			1,416,456			—			1,416,456
	Non-redeemable preferred stocks	—			66,218			8,029			74,247
	Common stocks	3,469			22,668			—			26,137
	Other investments	—			1,562			—			1,562
	Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments	99,814			—			—			99,814
	Reinsurance recoverable	—			2,880			—			2,880
	Assets held in separate accounts	694,570			—			—			694,570
	Total assets	$	813,503		$	6,164,954		$	263,181		$	7,241,638
	Liabilities
	Future policy benefits - index annuity embedded derivatives	$	—		$	—		$	299		$	299
	Other liabilities	—			67			—			67
	Total liabilities	$	—		$	67		$	299		$	366
		December 31, 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	$	—		$	3,224,785		$	81,994		$	3,306,779
	Residential mortgage-backed securities	—			520,728			—			520,728
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	—			332,955			71,712			404,667
	Other asset-backed securities	—			370,708			85,835			456,543
	United States Government and agencies	15,291			19,946			8,044			43,281
	State, municipal and other governments	—			1,349,755			—			1,349,755
	Non-redeemable preferred stocks	—			58,655			7,795			66,450
	Common stocks	3,295			21,810			—			25,105
	Other investments	—			993			—			993
	Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments	115,047			—			—			115,047
	Reinsurance recoverable	—			2,678			—			2,678
	Assets held in separate accounts	693,955			—			—			693,955
	Total assets	$	827,588		$	5,903,013		$	255,380		$	6,985,981
	Liabilities
	Future policy benefits - index annuity embedded derivatives	$	—		$	—		$	286		$	286
	Total liabilities	$	—		$	—		$	286		$	286
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
		March 31, 2014
		Third-party vendors			Priced			Total
					internally
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Corporate securities	$	57,807		$	35,065		$	92,872
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	73,014			—			73,014
	Other asset-backed securities	60,281			20,791			81,072
	United States Government and agencies	8,194			—			8,194
	Total	$	199,296		$	55,856		$	255,152
	Percent of total	78.1		%	21.9		%	100		%
		December 31, 2013
		Third-party vendors			Priced			Total
					internally
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Corporate securities	$	59,812		$	22,182		$	81,994
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	71,712			—			71,712
	Other asset-backed securities	65,003			20,832			85,835
	United States Government and agencies	8,044			—			8,044
	Total	$	204,571		$	43,014		$	247,585
	Percent of total	82.6		%	17.4		%	100		%
Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurement Inputs [Text Block]	'
	Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements - Recurring Basis
		March 31, 2014
		Fair Value			Valuation Technique		Unobservable Input	Range (Weighted Average)
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Assets
	Corporate securities	$	53,406		Discounted cash flow		Credit spread	0.88% - 17.01% (7.56%)
	Commercial mortgage-backed	65,991			Discounted cash flow		Credit spread	1.75% - 4.50% (2.97%)
	Other asset-backed securities	33,671			Discounted cash flow		Credit spread	0.88% - 5.82% (3.65%)
	Non-redeemable preferred stocks	8,029			Discounted cash flow		Credit spread	3.69% (3.69%)
	Total Assets	$	161,097
	Liabilities
	Future policy benefits - index annuity embedded derivatives	$	299		Discounted cash flow		Credit risk	0.30% - 1.50% (0.95%)
							Risk margin	0.15% - 0.40% (0.25%)
	Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements - Recurring Basis
		31-Dec-13
		Fair Value			Valuation Technique		Unobservable Input	Range (Weighted Average)
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Assets
	Corporate securities	$	46,023		Discounted cash flow		Credit spread	0.91% - 17.08% (7.84%)
	Commercial mortgage-backed	71,712			Discounted cash flow		Credit spread	1.75% - 4.50% (2.95%)
	Other asset-backed securities	38,305			Discounted cash flow		Credit spread	0.74% - 5.06% (3.55%)
	State, municipal and other governments	7,795			Discounted cash flow		Credit spread	3.81% (3.81%)
	Total Assets	$	163,835
	Liabilities
	Future policy benefits - index annuity embedded derivatives	$	286		Discounted cash flow		Credit risk	0.30% - 1.70% (1.05%)
							Risk margin	0.15% - 0.40% (0.25%)
	The tables above exclude certain securities for which the fair value was 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
		March 31, 2014
											Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net
		Balance, December 31, 2013			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						31-Mar-14
																		Level 3 (1)
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Assets
	Corporate securities	$	81,994		$	206		$	(2,835	)	$	—	$	(106	)	$	13,623	$	—		$	(10	)	$	92,872
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	71,712			—			(167		)	—		1,448			—		—			21			73,014
	Other asset-backed securities	85,835			5,450			(3,129		)	—		(133		)	—		(7,194		)	243			81,072
	United States Government and agencies	8,044			—			—			—		149			—		—			1			8,194
	Non-redeemable preferred stocks	7,795			—			—			—		234			—		—			—			8,029
	Total Assets	$	255,380		$	5,656		$	(6,131	)	$	—	$	1,592		$	13,623	$	(7,194	)	$	255		$	263,181
	Liabilities
	Future policy benefits - index annuity embedded derivatives	$	286		$	—		$	5		$	8	$	—		$	—	$	—		$	—		$	299
	Total Liabilities	$	286		$	—		$	5		$	8	$	—		$	—	$	—		$	—		$	299
	Level 3 Financial Instruments Changes in Fair Value Recurring Basis
		March 31, 2013
											Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net
		Balance, December 31, 2012			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 (1)		out of						31-Mar-13
																		Level 3 (1)
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Assets
	Corporate securities	$	100,463		$	5,028		$	(2,032	)	$	—	$	1,026		$	—	$	—		$	(3	)	$	104,482
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	76,281			—			(190		)	—		(713		)	—		—			20			75,398
	Other asset-backed securities	95,756			15,724			(2,352		)	—		826			4,063		(18,011		)	220			96,226
	United States Government and agencies	8,555			—			—			—		(14		)	—		—			1			8,542
	State, municipal and other governments	223			—			(26		)	—		(1		)	—		—			—			196
	Non-redeemable preferred stocks	7,391			—			—			—		360			—		—			—			7,751
	Total Assets	$	288,669		$	20,752		$	(4,600	)	$	—	$	1,484		$	4,063	$	(18,011	)	$	238		$	292,595
	Liabilities
	Future policy benefits - index annuity embedded derivatives	$	307		$	—		$	(5	)	$	13	$	—		$	—	$	—		$	—		$	315
	Total Liabilities	$	307		$	—		$	(5	)	$	13	$	—		$	—	$	—		$	—		$	315
	-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 2014 or 2013.
Financial Instruments Not Reported at Value [Table Text Block]	'
	Valuation of our Financial Instruments Not Reported at Fair Value by Hierarchy Levels
		March 31, 2014
		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	$	—		$	—		$	611,262		$	611,262
	Policy loans	—			—			215,416			215,416
	Total assets	$	—		$	—		$	826,678		$	826,678
	Liabilities
	Future policy benefits	$	—		$	—		$	3,495,232		$	3,495,232
	Supplemental contracts without life contingencies	—			—			324,703			324,703
	Advance premiums and other deposits	—			—			239,562			239,562
	Long-term debt	—			—			65,305			65,305
	Liabilities related to separate accounts	—			—			687,496			687,496
	Total liabilities	$	—		$	—		$	4,812,298		$	4,812,298
	Valuation of our Financial Instruments Not Reported at Fair Value by Hierarchy Levels
		December 31, 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	$	—		$	—		$	594,451		$	594,451
	Policy loans	—			—			210,401			210,401
	Total assets	$	—		$	—		$	804,852		$	804,852
	Liabilities
	Future policy benefits	$	—		$	—		$	3,371,420		$	3,371,420
	Supplemental contracts without life contingencies	—			—			320,195			320,195
	Advance premiums and other deposits	—			—			230,819			230,819
	Long-term debt	—			—			63,343			63,343
	Liabilities related to separate accounts	—			—			686,387			686,387
	Total liabilities	$	—		$	—		$	4,672,164		$	4,672,164

Defined_Benefit_Plan_Tables

Defined Benefit Plan (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
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						Other Plans
		Three months ended March 31,						Three months ended March 31,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Service cost	$	1,320		$	1,618		$	67		$	63
	Interest cost	3,505			3,346			269			258
	Expected return on assets	(4,385		)	(3,916		)	—			—
	Amortization of prior service cost	36			36			(3		)	(3		)
	Amortization of actuarial loss	1,361			3,117			283			317
	Net periodic pension cost	$	1,837		$	4,201		$	616		$	635
	FBL Financial Group, Inc. share of net periodic pension costs	$	589		$	1,341		$	343		$	359

Stockholders_Equity_Tables

Stockholders Equity (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
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, 2013	24,282,184			$	115,706			1,192,890			$	7,522			25,475,074		$	123,228
	Issuance of common stock under compensation plans	247,023			7,194				—			—				247,023		7,194
	Purchase of common stock	(158,927	)		(839		)		—			—				(158,927	)	(839		)
	Conversion of Class B to Class A common stock (1)	51,599			325				(51,599	)		(325		)		—		$	—
	Outstanding at March 31, 2013	24,421,879			$	122,386			1,141,291			$	7,197			25,563,170		$	129,583
	Outstanding at January 1, 2014	24,742,942			$	134,993			11,413			$	72			24,754,355		$	135,065
	Issuance of common stock under compensation plans	210,442			6,411				—			—				210,442		6,411
	Purchase of common stock	(262,945	)		(1,435		)		—			—				(262,945	)	(1,435		)
	Outstanding at March 31, 2014	24,690,439			$	139,969			11,413			$	72			24,701,852		$	140,041
	-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, 2013	$	306,167			$	(8,362	)		$	(7,952	)		$	289,853
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	5,168				2,793				—				7,961
	Reclassification adjustments	(2,320		)		—				263				(2,057		)
	Balance at March 31, 2013	$	309,015			$	(5,569	)		$	(7,689	)		$	295,757
	Balance at January 1, 2014	$	126,587			$	(1,366	)		$	(6,154	)		$	119,067
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	66,801				2,179				—				68,980
	Reclassification adjustments	328				$	—			172				500
	Balance at March 31, 2014	$	193,716			$	813			$	(5,982	)		$	188,547
	-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
		Three months ended March 31, 2014
		Unrealized Net Investment Gains (Losses) on Available For Sale Securities (1)				Accumulated Non-Credit Impairment Losses (1)				Underfunded Status of Postretirement Benefit				Total
										Plans
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Realized capital losses on sales of investments	$	540			$	—			$	—			$	540
	Adjustments for assumed changes in deferred policy acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserve and policyholder liabilities	(36		)		—				—				(36		)
	Other than temporary impairment losses	—				—				—				—
	Other expenses: Amortization of unrecognized postretirement items:
	Prior service costs	—				—				(3		)		(3		)
	Net actuarial loss	—				—				268				268
	Reclassifications before income taxes	504				—				265				769
	Income taxes	(176		)		—				(93		)		(269		)
	Reclassification adjustments	$	328			$	—			$	172			$	500
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassification Adjustments
		Three months ended March 31, 2013
		Unrealized Net Investment Gains (Losses) on Available For Sale Securities (1)				Accumulated Non-Credit Impairment Losses (1)				Unfunded Status of Postretirement Benefit				Total
										Plans
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Realized capital gains on sales of investments	$	(3,932	)		$	—			$	—			$	(3,932	)
	Adjustments for assumed changes in deferred policy acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserve and policyholder liabilities	362								—				362
	Other than temporary impairment losses	—				—				—				—
	Other expenses: Amortization of unrecognized postretirement items:
	Prior service costs	—				—				(3		)		(3		)
	Net actuarial loss	—				—				407				407
	Reclassifications before income taxes	(3,570		)		—				404				(3,166		)
	Income taxes	1,250				—				(141		)		1,109
	Reclassification adjustments	$	(2,320	)		$	—			$	263			$	(2,057	)
	-1	See Note 2 for further information.

Earnings_per_Share_Tables

Earnings per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	'
	Computation of Earnings Per Common Share
		Three months ended March 31,
		2014		2013
		(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
	Numerator:
	Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc.	$	22,992	$	24,966
	Less: Dividends on Series B preferred stock	38		38
	Income available to common stockholders from continuing operations	$	22,954	$	24,928
	Denominator:
	Weighted average shares - basic	24,937,307		25,597,562
	Effect of dilutive securities - stock-based compensation	179,531		271,938
	Weighted average shares - diluted	25,116,838		25,869,500
	Earnings per common share	$	0.92	$	0.97
	Earnings per common share - assuming dilution:	$	0.91	$	0.96
	Antidilutive stock options excluded from diluted earnings per share	—		274,409

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Information [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	'
	Financial Information Concerning our Operating Segments
		Three months ended March 31,
		2014			2013
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Operating revenues:
	Annuity	$	49,579		$	48,107
	Life Insurance	95,817			93,338
	Corporate and Other	23,369			23,897
		168,765			165,342
	Realized gains (losses) on investments (1)	(540		)	3,298
	Change in net unrealized gains/losses on derivatives (1)	310			(592		)
	Consolidated revenues	$	168,535		$	168,048
	Pre-tax operating income:
	Annuity	$	15,447		$	14,681
	Life Insurance	10,092			9,932
	Corporate and Other	4,593			7,098
		30,132			31,711
	Income taxes on operating income	(7,048		)	(8,577		)
	Realized gains/losses on investments (1)	(328		)	1,895
	Change in net unrealized gains/losses on derivatives (1)	236			(63		)
	Consolidated net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc.	$	22,992		$	24,966
	-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.
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 March 31,
		2014			2013
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Traditional and universal life insurance premiums collected	$	72,838		$	76,653
	Premiums collected on interest sensitive products	(26,388		)	(31,883		)
	Traditional life insurance premiums collected	46,450			44,770
	Change in due premiums and other	(958		)	164
	Traditional life insurance premiums	$	45,492		$	44,934
	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 March 31,
		2014			2013
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Annuity
	Surrender charges and other	$	554		$	313
	Life Insurance
	Administration charges	$	3,495		$	2,872
	Cost of insurance charges	11,017			10,297
	Surrender charges	216			188
	Amortization of policy initiation fees	32			392
	Total	$	14,760		$	13,749
	Corporate and Other
	Administration charges	$	1,599		$	1,511
	Cost of insurance charges	7,415			7,361
	Surrender charges	138			164
	Separate account charges	2,280			2,031
	Amortization of policy initiation fees	345			175
	Total	$	11,777		$	11,242
	Consolidated interest sensitive product charges	$	27,091		$	25,304

Significant_Accounting_Policie1

Significant Accounting Policies Recent accounting pronouncements (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]	'	'
Securities and indebtedness of related parties	$117,212	$116,305
Low income housing tax credits [Member]	'	'
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]	'	'
Securities and indebtedness of related parties	$76,700	$76,200

Investment_Operations_Availabl

Investment Operations Available-for-sale Securities (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	$96,061		$90,071
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis	5,931,034		5,828,539
Debt Securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Gross Unrealized Gain	468,167		369,097
Gross Unrealized Loss	56,773		-115,883
Available-for-sale securities	6,342,428		6,081,753
Non-credit losses on other-than-temporary impairments	1,251	[1]	-2,101	[1]
Corporate	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Amortized Cost	3,193,531	[2]	3,142,476	[2]
Gross Unrealized Gain	285,177	[2]	229,151	[2]
Gross Unrealized Loss	-30,226	[2]	-64,848	[2]
Available-for-sale securities	3,448,482	[2]	3,306,779	[2]
Non-credit losses on other-than-temporary impairments	1,100	[1],[2]	329	[1],[2]
Hybrid preferred securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	77,200		76,300
Redeemable Preferred Stock [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	18,000		17,100
Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Amortized Cost	496,228		492,990
Gross Unrealized Gain	41,259		35,676
Gross Unrealized Loss	-5,328		-7,938
Available-for-sale securities	532,159		520,728
Non-credit losses on other-than-temporary impairments	-3,189	[1]	-4,155	[1]
Commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Amortized Cost	414,503		391,845
Gross Unrealized Gain	23,364		20,014
Gross Unrealized Loss	-4,347		-7,192
Available-for-sale securities	433,520		404,667
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	455,688		444,047
Gross Unrealized Gain	19,485		19,169
Gross Unrealized Loss	-6,396		-6,673
Available-for-sale securities	468,777		456,543
Non-credit losses on other-than-temporary impairments	3,340	[1]	1,725	[1]
United States Government and agencies	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Amortized Cost	38,894		39,261
Gross Unrealized Gain	4,242		4,218
Gross Unrealized Loss	-102		-198
Available-for-sale securities	43,034		43,281
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	1,332,190		1,317,920
Gross Unrealized Gain	94,640		60,869
Gross Unrealized Loss	-10,374		-29,034
Available-for-sale securities	1,416,456		1,349,755
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	5,154		3,867
Gross Unrealized Loss	-831		-2,383
Available-for-sale securities	100,384		91,555
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	70,691		65,692
Gross Unrealized Gain	4,387		3,141
Gross Unrealized Loss	-831		-2,383
Available-for-sale securities	74,247		66,450
Non-credit losses on other-than-temporary impairments	0	[1]	0	[1]
Common Stock	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Amortized Cost	25,370		24,379
Gross Unrealized Gain	767		726
Gross Unrealized Loss	0		0
Available-for-sale securities	26,137		25,105
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 impairment (OTTI) losses are included in the gross unrealized gains and losses columns above. The non-credit loss component of OTTI losses for corporate and other asset-backed securities were in an unrealized gain position at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 due to increases in estimated fair value subsequent to initial recognition of non-credit losses on such securities.
[2]	Corporate securities include hybrid preferred securities with a carrying value of $77.2 million at MarchB 31, 2014 and $76.3 million at DecemberB 31, 2013. Corporate securities also include redeemable preferred stock with a carrying value of $18.0 million at MarchB 31, 2014 and $17.1 million at DecemberB 31, 2013.

Investment_Operations_Availabl1

Investment Operations Available-for-sale Fixed Maturities by Maturity Date (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	$96,061		$90,071
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'		'
Due in one year or less, amortized cost basis	86,287		'
Due after one year through five years, amortized cost basis	741,647		'
Due after five years through ten years, amortized cost basis	964,418		'
Due after ten years, amortized cost basis	2,772,263		'
Total fixed maturities with maturity date, amortized cost basis	4,564,615		'
Mortgage-backed and other asset-backed, amortized cost basis	1,366,419		'
Total fixed maturities, amortized cost basis	5,931,034		5,828,539
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'		'
Due in one year or less, fair value	87,655		'
Due after one year through five years, fair value	827,667		'
Due after five years through ten years, fair value	1,044,090		'
Due after ten years, fair value	2,948,560		'
Total fixed maturities with maturity date, fair value	4,907,972		'
Mortgage-backed and other asset-backed, fair value	1,434,456		'
Total fixed maturities, fair value	6,342,428		6,081,753
Corporate	'		'
Investment Operations [Abstract]	'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	-30,226		64,848
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Gross Unrealized Gain	285,177	[1]	229,151	[1]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss-temp	30,226	[1]	64,848	[1]
Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'		'
Investment Operations [Abstract]	'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	-5,328		7,938
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Gross Unrealized Gain	41,259		35,676
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss-temp	5,328		7,938
Commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'		'
Investment Operations [Abstract]	'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	-4,347		7,192
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Gross Unrealized Gain	23,364		20,014
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss-temp	4,347		7,192
Other asset backed securities [Member]	'		'
Investment Operations [Abstract]	'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	-6,396		6,673
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Gross Unrealized Gain	19,485		19,169
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss-temp	6,396		6,673
United States Government and agencies	'		'
Investment Operations [Abstract]	'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	102		198
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Gross Unrealized Gain	4,242		4,218
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss-temp	102		198
State, municipal and other government [Member]	'		'
Investment Operations [Abstract]	'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	-10,374		29,034
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Gross Unrealized Gain	94,640		60,869
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss-temp	10,374		29,034
Debt Securities [Member]	'		'
Investment Operations [Abstract]	'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	56,773		115,883
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Gross Unrealized Gain	468,167		369,097
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss-temp	-56,773		115,883
Non-redeemable preferred stock [Member]	'		'
Investment Operations [Abstract]	'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	831		2,383
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Gross Unrealized Gain	4,387		3,141
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss-temp	831		2,383
Common Stock	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Gross Unrealized Gain	767		726
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	831		2,383
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Gross Unrealized Gain	5,154		3,867
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss-temp	$831		$2,383
[1]	Corporate securities include hybrid preferred securities with a carrying value of $77.2 million at MarchB 31, 2014 and $76.3 million at DecemberB 31, 2013. Corporate securities also include redeemable preferred stock with a carrying value of $18.0 million at MarchB 31, 2014 and $17.1 million at DecemberB 31, 2013.

Investment_Operations_Net_Unre

Investment Operations Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments in AOCI (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Net Unrealized Gains Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Net Unrealized Gains Losses on Investments	$415,717	$254,698
Unrealized appreciation on fixed maturities available for sale	411,394	253,214
Unrealized appreciation on equity securities avaialble for sale	4,323	1,484
Assumed changes in amortization of DAC	-105,551	-55,550
Assumed changes in amortization pattern of VIIF	-10,799	-6,356
Assumed changes in amortization pattern of URR	6,371	2,790
Assumed change in policyholder liability	-6,485	-2,957
Provision for deferred income taxes	-104,724	-67,404
Net unrealized gains losses on investments in Accumulated other comprehensive Income	$194,529	$125,221

Investment_Operations_Unrealiz

Investment Operations Unrealized Losses by Length of Time (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	securities	issuers
	issuers	securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions	321	440
Available For Sale Securities In Unrealized Loss Positions Qualitative Disclosure Number Of Issuers	264	366
Corporate	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	567,597,000	802,161,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	-26,039,000	-60,138,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	60,878,000	43,500,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	-4,187,000	-4,710,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	628,475,000	845,661,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	30,226,000	-64,848,000
percent of total	53.20%	56.00%
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	60,765,000	92,020,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	-1,458,000	-3,548,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	21,883,000	20,948,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	-3,870,000	-4,390,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	82,648,000	112,968,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	5,328,000	-7,938,000
percent of total	9.30%	6.80%
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	53,432,000	53,647,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	-2,235,000	-4,454,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	22,830,000	28,054,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	-2,112,000	-2,738,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	76,262,000	81,701,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	4,347,000	-7,192,000
percent of total	7.70%	6.20%
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	61,604,000	101,961,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	-1,597,000	-1,109,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	31,913,000	33,170,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	-4,799,000	-5,564,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	93,517,000	135,131,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	6,396,000	-6,673,000
percent of total	11.30%	5.80%
United States Government and agencies	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	3,972,000	4,407,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	-102,000	-198,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	3,972,000	4,407,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	-102,000	-198,000
percent of total	0.20%	0.20%
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	188,308,000	353,120,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	-7,869,000	-25,700,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	24,995,000	19,165,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	-2,505,000	-3,334,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	213,303,000	372,285,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	10,374,000	-29,034,000
percent of total	18.30%	25.00%
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	935,678,000	1,407,316,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	-39,300,000	-95,147,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	162,499,000	144,837,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	-17,473,000	-20,736,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	1,098,177,000	1,552,153,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	-56,773,000	-115,883,000
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	24,468,000	31,639,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	-426,000	-1,756,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	4,595,000	4,373,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	-405,000	-627,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	29,063,000	36,012,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	-831,000	-2,383,000
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	24,468,000	31,639,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	-426,000	-1,756,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	4,595,000	4,373,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	-405,000	-627,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	29,063,000	36,012,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	-831,000	-2,383,000
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	3,400,000	'
Available for sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Maximum Loss by security	1,700,000	'
Finance sector [Member] | Corporate	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	184,200,000	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	-9,200,000	'
Banking [Member] | Corporate	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	128,600,000	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	-6,400,000	'
Real Estaet Investment Trust [Member] | Corporate	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	40,800,000	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss-TEMP	-2,100,000	'

Investment_Operations_Credit_l

Investment Operations Credit loss component of Other-than-temporary Impairments on Fixed Maturities (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Roll Forward]	'	'
Balance at beginning of period	($21,592)	($27,712)
Reductions due to securities sold	-68	-131
Balance at end of period	($21,524)	($27,581)

Investment_Operations_Realized

Investment Operations Realized Gains (Losses) - Recorded in Income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]	'		'
Net impairment loss recognized in earnings	$0		($646,000)
Realized gains (losses) on investments recorded in income	-540,000		3,286,000
Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities	12,800,000		38,200,000
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	97,000		5,640,000
Gross losses - fixed maturities - available for sale	-637,000		-1,708,000
Other credit-related [Member]	'		'
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]	'		'
Net impairment loss recognized in earnings	$0	[1]	($646,000)	[1]
[1]	Amount represents credit-related losses for mortgage loans and real estate written down to fair value through income.

Investment_Operations_Mortgage

Investment Operations Mortgage Loans (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	$586,021	$575,861
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	100.00%	100.00%
Year of origination 2014 [Member]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	18,100	0
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	3.10%	0.00%
Year of origination 2013 [Member]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	86,056	84,478
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	14.70%	14.70%
Year of origination 2012 [Member]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	72,173	72,792
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	12.30%	12.60%
Year of Origination 2011 [Member]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	47,853	48,190
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	8.10%	8.40%
Year of origination 2010 [Member]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	25,836	26,173
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	4.40%	4.50%
Year of origination prior [Member]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	336,003	344,228
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	57.40%	59.80%
0% to 50% loan to value [Member]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	172,059	149,719
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	29.40%	26.00%
51% to 60% loan-to-value [Member]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	206,190	202,025
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	35.20%	35.10%
61% to 70% loan-to-value [Member]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	188,248	204,460
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	32.10%	35.50%
71% to 80% loan-to-value [Member]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	15,452	15,559
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	2.60%	2.70%
81% to 90% loan to value [Member]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	4,072	4,098
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	0.70%	0.70%
South Atlantic [Member]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	169,122	170,529
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	99,074	92,538
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	16.90%	16.10%
East North Central [Member]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	77,750	79,128
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	13.20%	13.70%
West North Central [Member]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	88,401	85,629
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	15.10%	14.90%
West South Central [Member]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	38,815	39,780
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	6.60%	6.90%
Mountain [Member]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	52,670	53,460
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	9.00%	9.30%
Other geographical locations [Member]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	60,189	54,797
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	10.30%	9.50%
Office [Member]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	247,926	241,951
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	42.30%	42.00%
Retail [Member]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	200,752	194,053
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	34.30%	33.70%
Industrial [Member]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	123,727	126,151
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	21.10%	21.90%
Other property type [Member]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	$13,616	$13,706
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	2.30%	2.40%

Investment_Operations_Allowanc

Investment Operations Allowance on Mortgage Loans (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Balance at beginning of period	$888	$1,694
Allowances established	0	475
Charge offs	0	-1,610
Balance at end of period	883	559
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Recovery	($5)	$0

Investment_Operations_Impaired

Investment Operations Impaired mortgage loans (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]	'	'
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	$22,329	$22,100
Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance	883	888
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount	391	429
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	$21,055	$20,783

Investment_Operations_Delinque

Investment Operations Delinquent Mortgage Loans (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]	'
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Recorded Investment	$14.40
Financing Receivables, Impaired, Troubled Debt Restructuring, Write-down	$0.50

Investment_Operations_Variable

Investment Operations Variable Interest Entities (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'	'
Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets	$17,176	$17,646
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	$17,176	$17,646

Investment_Operations_Commitme

Investment Operations Commitments (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]	'
Other Commitment	$35.70

Investment_Operations_Derivati

Investment Operations Derivative instruments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'
Other investments	$4.40	'	$3.70
Derivative Liabilities	0.4	'	0.3
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Net	$0.50	($0.30)	'

Investment_Operations_Mortgage1

Investment Operations Mortgage loan modification TDR (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Write-down or Reserve [Line Items]	'
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Recorded Investment	$14.40
Financing Receivables, Impaired, Troubled Debt Restructuring, Write-down	$0.50

Fair_Values_Fair_Value_by_Bala

Fair Values Fair Value by Balance Sheet Grouping (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Policy loans	$178,692	$176,993
Other investments	4,400	3,700
Assets held in separate accounts	694,570	693,955
Liabilities related to separate accounts	694,570	693,955
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage loans	586,021	575,861
Policy loans	178,692	176,993
Other investments	1,562	993
Cash and short-term investments	99,814	115,047
Reinsurance recoverable	2,880	2,678
Assets held in separate accounts	694,570	693,955
Future policy benefits	3,421,700	3,360,519
Supplemental contracts without life contingencies	346,070	349,761
Advance premiums and other deposits	239,562	230,819
Long-term debt	97,000	97,000
Liabilities related to separate accounts	694,570	693,955
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage loans	611,262	594,451
Policy loans	215,416	210,401
Other investments	1,562	993
Cash and short-term investments	99,814	115,047
Reinsurance recoverable	2,880	2,678
Assets held in separate accounts	694,570	693,955
Future policy benefits	3,495,531	3,371,706
Supplemental contracts without life contingencies	324,703	320,195
Advance premiums and other deposits	239,562	230,819
Long-term debt	65,305	63,343
Liabilities related to separate accounts	687,496	686,387
Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities	6,342,428	6,081,753
Debt Securities [Member] | Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities	6,342,428	6,081,753
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	6,342,428	6,081,753
Equity Securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities	100,384	91,555
Equity Securities [Member] | Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities	100,384	91,555
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	$100,384	$91,555

Fair_Values_Valuation_of_Finan

Fair Values Valuation of Financial Instruments by Hierarchy Levels (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Other investments	$4,400		$3,700
Assets held in separate accounts	694,570		693,955
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	813,503		827,588
Mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale	0		0
Other investments	0		0
Cash and short-term investments	99,814		115,047
Reinsurance recoverable	0		0
Assets held in separate accounts	694,570		693,955
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	6,164,954		5,903,013
Mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale	387,705		370,708
Other investments	1,562		993
Cash and short-term investments	0		0
Reinsurance recoverable	2,880		2,678
Assets held in separate accounts	0		0
Total liabilities	67		0
Future policy benefits - index annuity embedded derivatives	0		0
Other liabilities	67		'
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	263,181		255,380
Available-for-sale securities	255,152		247,585
Mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale	81,072		85,835
Other investments	0		0
Cash and short-term investments	0		0
Reinsurance recoverable	0		0
Assets held in separate accounts	0		0
Total liabilities	299		286
Future policy benefits - index annuity embedded derivatives	'		286
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	7,241,638		6,985,981
Available-for-sale securities	74,247		66,450
Mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale	468,777		456,543
Other investments	1,562		993
Cash and short-term investments	99,814		115,047
Reinsurance recoverable	2,880		2,678
Assets held in separate accounts	694,570		693,955
Total liabilities	366		286
Future policy benefits - index annuity embedded derivatives	299		286
Other liabilities	67		'
Corporate securities	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	3,448,482	[1]	3,306,779	[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	3,355,610		3,224,785
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	92,872		81,994
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	3,448,482		3,306,779
Non-redeemable preferred stock [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	74,247		66,450
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	66,218		58,655
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	8,029		7,795
Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	532,159		520,728
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	532,159		520,728
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	532,159		520,728
Commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	433,520		404,667
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	360,506		332,955
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	73,014		71,712
Mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale	73,014		71,712
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	433,520		404,667
United States Government and agencies	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	43,034		43,281
United States Government and agencies | 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	15,650		15,291
United States Government and agencies | 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	19,190		19,946
United States Government and agencies | 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	8,194		8,044
United States Government and agencies | 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	43,034		43,281
State, municipal and other government [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	1,416,456		1,349,755
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	1,416,456		1,349,755
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		0
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	1,416,456		1,349,755
Common Stock	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	26,137		25,105
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	3,469		3,295
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	22,668		21,810
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	$26,137		$25,105
[1]	Corporate securities include hybrid preferred securities with a carrying value of $77.2 million at MarchB 31, 2014 and $76.3 million at DecemberB 31, 2013. Corporate securities also include redeemable preferred stock with a carrying value of $18.0 million at MarchB 31, 2014 and $17.1 million at DecemberB 31, 2013.

Fair_Values_Level_3_Fixed_Matu

Fair Values Level 3 Fixed Maturitiies on a Recurring Basis by Valuation Source (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
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	$255,152		$247,585
percent of total	100.00%		100.00%
Corporate securities	'		'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	3,448,482	[1]	3,306,779	[1]
percent of total	53.20%		56.00%
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	92,872		81,994
Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'		'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	532,159		520,728
percent of total	9.30%		6.80%
Commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'		'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	433,520		404,667
percent of total	7.70%		6.20%
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	73,014		71,712
Other asset backed securities [Member]	'		'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	468,777		456,543
percent of total	11.30%		5.80%
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	81,072		85,835
United States Government and agencies	'		'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	43,034		43,281
percent of total	0.20%		0.20%
United States Government and agencies | 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	8,194		8,044
State, municipal and other government [Member]	'		'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	1,416,456		1,349,755
percent of total	18.30%		25.00%
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		0
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	199,296		204,571
percent of total	78.10%		82.60%
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	57,807		59,812
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	73,014		71,712
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	60,281		65,003
Third-party vendors [Member] | United States Government and agencies | 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	8,194		8,044
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	55,856		43,014
percent of total	21.90%		17.40%
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	35,065		22,182
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	20,791		20,832
Priced internally [Member] | United States Government and agencies | 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
[1]	Corporate securities include hybrid preferred securities with a carrying value of $77.2 million at MarchB 31, 2014 and $76.3 million at DecemberB 31, 2013. Corporate securities also include redeemable preferred stock with a carrying value of $18.0 million at MarchB 31, 2014 and $17.1 million at DecemberB 31, 2013.

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 $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total assets	$263,181	'	$255,380
Total liabilities	299	'	286
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	299	'	286
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	'0.30% - 1.50% (0.95%) 0.15% - 0.40% (0.25%)	'0.30% - 1.70% (1.05%) 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	161,097	'	163,835
Portion at Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Corporate securities	'	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total assets	53,406	'	46,023
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	'0.88% - 17.01% (7.56%)	'0.91% - 17.08% (7.84%)	'
Portion at Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Commercial mortgage-backed	'	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total assets	65,991	'	71,712
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	'1.75% - 4.50% (2.97%)	'1.75% - 4.50% (2.95%)	'
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	33,671	'	38,305
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	'0.88% - 5.82% (3.65%)	'0.74% - 5.06% (3.55%)	'
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	'	'	7,795
Fair Value Measurements, Valuation Techniques	'	'Discounted cash flow	'
Fair Value Measurements, Significant Assumptions	'	'Credit spread	'
Input range and weighted average	'	'3.81% (3.81%)	'
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	$8,029	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Valuation Techniques	'Discounted cash flow	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Significant Assumptions	'Credit spread	'	'
Input range and weighted average	'3.69% (3.69%)	'	'

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 $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'
Asset Balance, beginning of period	$255,380		$288,669
Purchases	5,656		20,752
Disposals	-6,131		-4,600
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in net income	0		0
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in other comprehensive income	1,592		-1,484
Transfers Into Level 3	13,623	[1]	4,063	[1]
Transfers out of Level 3	-7,194	[1]	-18,011	[1]
Amortization included in net income	255		238
Asset Balance, beginning of period	263,181		292,595
Liability balance, beginning of period	286		307
Purchases	0		0
Settlements	5		-5
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in net income	8		-13
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in other comprehensive income	0		0
Transfers Into Level 3	0	[1]	0	[1]
Transfers out of Level 3	0	[1]	0	[1]
Liability balance, end of period	299		315
Corporate securities	'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'
Asset Balance, beginning of period	81,994		100,463
Purchases	206		5,028
Disposals	-2,835		-2,032
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in net income	0		0
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in other comprehensive income	-106		-1,026
Transfers Into Level 3	13,623	[1]	0	[1]
Transfers out of Level 3	0	[1]	0	[1]
Amortization included in net income	-10		-3
Asset Balance, beginning of period	92,872		104,482
Commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'
Asset Balance, beginning of period	71,712		76,281
Purchases	0		0
Disposals	-167		-190
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in net income	0		0
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in other comprehensive income	1,448		713
Transfers Into Level 3	0	[1]	0	[1]
Transfers out of Level 3	0	[1]	0	[1]
Amortization included in net income	21		20
Asset Balance, beginning of period	73,014		75,398
Other asset backed securities [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'
Asset Balance, beginning of period	85,835		95,756
Purchases	5,450		15,724
Disposals	-3,129		-2,352
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in net income	0		0
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in other comprehensive income	-133		-826
Transfers Into Level 3	0	[1]	4,063	[1]
Transfers out of Level 3	-7,194	[1]	-18,011	[1]
Amortization included in net income	243		220
Asset Balance, beginning of period	81,072		96,226
United States Government and agencies	'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'
Asset Balance, beginning of period	8,044		8,555
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	149		14
Transfers Into Level 3	0	[1]	0	[1]
Transfers out of Level 3	0	[1]	0	[1]
Amortization included in net income	1		1
Asset Balance, beginning of period	8,194		8,542
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
Purchases	'		0
Disposals	'		-26
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in net income	'		0
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in other comprehensive income	'		1
Transfers Into Level 3	'		0	[1]
Transfers out of Level 3	'		0	[1]
Amortization included in net income	'		0
Asset Balance, beginning of period	'		196
Non-redeemable preferred stock [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'
Asset Balance, beginning of period	7,795		7,391
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	234		360
Transfers Into Level 3	0	[1]	0	[1]
Transfers out of Level 3	0	[1]	0	[1]
Amortization included in net income	0		0
Asset Balance, beginning of period	8,029		7,751
Index Annuity Embedded Derivatives [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'
Liability balance, beginning of period	286		307
Purchases	0		0
Settlements	5		-5
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in other comprehensive income	8		13
Transfers Into Level 3	0	[1]	0	[1]
Transfers out of Level 3	0	[1]	0	[1]
Liability balance, end of period	$299		$315
[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 2014 or 2013.

Fair_Values_Valuation_of_Finan1

Fair Values Valuation of Financial Instruments not reported at fair value (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financial Instruments Not Reported at Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage loans	$586,021	$575,861
Policy loans	178,692	176,993
Liabilities related to separate accounts	694,570	693,955
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	67	'
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	611,262	594,451
Policy loans	215,416	210,401
Total assets	826,678	804,852
Supplemental contracts without life contingencies	324,703	320,195
Future policy benefits	3,495,232	3,371,420
Long-term debt	65,305	63,343
Advance premiums and other deposits	239,562	230,819
Liabilities related to separate accounts	687,496	686,387
Total liabilities	4,812,298	4,672,164
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	611,262	594,451
Policy loans	215,416	210,401
Total assets	826,678	804,852
Supplemental contracts without life contingencies	324,703	320,195
Future policy benefits	3,495,232	3,371,420
Long-term debt	65,305	63,343
Advance premiums and other deposits	239,562	230,819
Liabilities related to separate accounts	687,496	686,387
Total liabilities	$4,812,298	$4,672,164

Fair_Values_Level_3_Financial_1

Fair Values Level 3 Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a nonrecurring basis (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
			Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]	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	$586,021,000	$575,861,000	'	'	$611,262,000	$594,451,000	$0	$0	$0	$0	$611,262,000	$594,451,000
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Write-down or Reserve, Amount	'	'	'	1,900,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Policy loans	178,692,000	176,993,000	'	'	215,416,000	210,401,000	0	0	0	0	215,416,000	210,401,000
Total assets	'	'	'	'	826,678,000	804,852,000	0	0	0	0	826,678,000	804,852,000
Future policy benefits	'	'	'	'	3,495,232,000	3,371,420,000	0	0	0	0	3,495,232,000	3,371,420,000
Supplemental contracts without life contingencies	'	'	'	'	324,703,000	320,195,000	0	0	0	0	324,703,000	320,195,000
Advance premiums and other deposits	'	'	'	'	239,562,000	230,819,000	0	0	0	0	239,562,000	230,819,000
Long-term debt	'	'	'	'	65,305,000	63,343,000	0	0	0	0	65,305,000	63,343,000
Liabilities related to separate accounts	694,570,000	693,955,000	'	'	687,496,000	686,387,000	0	0	0	0	687,496,000	686,387,000
Total liabilities	'	'	'	'	4,812,298,000	4,672,164,000	0	0	0	0	4,812,298,000	4,672,164,000
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Period Increase (Decrease)	'	'	($200,000)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Defined_Benefit_Plan_Details

Defined Benefit Plan (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
FBL Financial Group Other plans [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Service cost	$67	$63
Interest cost	269	258
Expected return on assets	0	0
Amortization of prior service cost	-3	-3
Amortization of actuarial loss	283	317
Net periodic pension cost	616	635
FBL Financial Group Retirement Plan [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Service cost	1,320	1,618
Interest cost	3,505	3,346
Expected return on assets	-4,385	-3,916
Amortization of prior service cost	36	36
Amortization of actuarial loss	1,361	3,117
Net periodic pension cost	1,837	4,201
FBL Financial Group, Inc., participant [Member] | FBL Financial Group Other plans [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Net periodic pension cost	343	359
FBL Financial Group, Inc., participant [Member] | FBL Financial Group Retirement Plan [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Net periodic pension cost	$589	$1,341

Stockholders_Equity_Details

Stockholders Equity (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'		'	'
Stock Redeemed or Called During Period, Shares	'	0	[1]	'	'
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures	210,442	247,023		'	'
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	24,701,852	25,563,170		24,754,355	25,475,074
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value	($11,162,000)	($5,480,000)		'	'
Issurance of common stock under compensation plans	6,411,000	7,194,000		'	'
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount	50,000,000	'		'	'
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares	-262,945	-158,927		'	'
Common Class B	'	'		'	'
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'		'	'
Stock Redeemed or Called During Period, Shares	'	-51,599	[1]	'	'
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures	0	0		'	'
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	11,413	1,141,291		11,413	1,192,890
Common stock, without par value	72,000	'		72,000	'
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares	0	0		'	'
Common Class A	'	'		'	'
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'		'	'
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Conversion of Convertible Securities	'	51,599	[1]	'	'
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures	210,442	247,023		'	'
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	24,690,439	24,421,879		24,742,942	24,282,184
Common stock, without par value	139,969,000	'		134,993,000	'
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares	-262,945	-158,927		'	'
Common Stock	'	'		'	'
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'		'	'
Common stock, without par value	140,041,000	129,583,000		135,065,000	123,228,000
Stock Redeemed or Called During Period, Value	'	0	[1]	'	'
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value	-1,435,000	-839,000		'	'
Issurance of common stock under compensation plans	6,411,000	7,194,000		'	'
Common Stock | Common Class B	'	'		'	'
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'		'	'
Common stock, without par value	72,000	7,197,000		72,000	7,522,000
Stock Redeemed or Called During Period, Value	'	-325,000	[1]	'	'
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value	0	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	139,969,000	122,386,000		134,993,000	115,706,000
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Conversion of Convertible Securities	'	325,000	[1]	'	'
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value	-1,435,000	-839,000		'	'
Issurance of common stock under compensation plans	$6,411,000	$7,194,000		'	'
[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.

Stockholders_Equity_Accumulate

Stockholders Equity Accumulated other comprehensive income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Accumulated other comprehensive income	$188,547		$295,757		$119,067		$289,853
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, before Reclassification Adjustments, Net of Tax	68,980		7,961		'		'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment for Sale of Securities Included in Net Income, Net of Tax	500		-2,057		'		'
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]	'		'		'		'
Accumulated other comprehensive income	-5,982		-7,689		-6,154		-7,952
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	193,716	[1]	309,015	[1]	126,587	[1]	306,167	[1]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, before Reclassification Adjustments, Net of Tax	66,801	[1]	5,168	[1]	'		'
Accumulated Other-than-Temporary Impairment [Member]	'		'		'		'
Accumulated other comprehensive income	813		-5,569		-1,366		-8,362
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, before Reclassification Adjustments, Net of Tax	$2,179		$2,793		'		'
[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
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Net realized capital gains on sales of investments	($540)		$3,932
Net impairment loss recognized in earnings	0		-646
Income available to common stockholders from continuing operations	22,954		24,928
Income taxes	10,228		11,583
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment for Sale of Securities Included in Net Income, Net of Tax	500		-2,057
reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income [Member]	'		'
Net realized capital gains on sales of investments	540		-3,932
Change in offsets to unrealized on investments	-36		362
Net impairment loss recognized in earnings	0		0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Prior Service Costs Arising During Period, Net of Tax	-3		-3
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax	268		407
Income available to common stockholders from continuing operations	769		-3,166
Income taxes	-269		1,109
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment for Sale of Securities Included in Net Income, Net of Tax	500		-2,057
reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income [Member] | Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member]	'		'
Net realized capital gains on sales of investments	540	[1]	-3,932
Change in offsets to unrealized on investments	-36	[1]	362
Net impairment loss recognized in earnings	'		0	[2]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Prior Service Costs Arising During Period, Net of Tax	0	[1]	0	[2]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax	0	[1]	0	[2]
Income available to common stockholders from continuing operations	504	[1]	-3,570	[2]
Income taxes	-176	[1]	1,250	[2]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment for Sale of Securities Included in Net Income, Net of Tax	328	[1]	-2,320	[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	[2]
Change in offsets to unrealized on investments	0		'
Net impairment loss recognized in earnings	0		0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Prior Service Costs Arising During Period, Net of Tax	0		0	[2]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax	0		0	[2]
Income available to common stockholders from continuing operations	0		0	[2]
Income taxes	0		0	[2]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment for Sale of Securities Included in Net Income, Net of Tax	0		0
reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income [Member] | Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]	'		'
Net realized capital gains on sales of investments	0		0
Change in offsets to unrealized on investments	0		0
Net impairment loss recognized in earnings	'		0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Prior Service Costs Arising During Period, Net of Tax	-3		-3
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax	268		407
Income available to common stockholders from continuing operations	265		404
Income taxes	-93		-141
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Gain (Loss) Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Net of Tax	$172		$263
[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.
[2]	See Note 2 for further information.

Earnings_per_Share_Details

Earnings per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Numerator [Abstract]	'	'
Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc.	$22,992	$24,966
Less: Dividends Series B preferred stock	-38	-38
Income available to common stockholders from continuing operations	$22,954	$24,928
Denominator [Abstract]	'	'
Weighted average shares - diluted	25,116,838	25,869,500
Weighted average shares - basic	24,937,307	25,597,562
Effect of dilutive securities - stock-based compensation	179,531	271,938
Earnings per common share	$0.92	$0.97
Earnings per common share - assuming dilution	$0.91	$0.96
Antidilutive stock options excluded from diluted earnings per share	0	274,409

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'
Realized gains (losses) on investments (1)	($540)	[1]	$3,298	[1]
Change in net unrealized gains/losses on derivatives (1)	310	[1]	-592	[1]
Operating revenues	168,535		168,048
Operating income pre-tax	30,132		31,711
Income tax on operating income	-7,048		-8,577
Realized gains/losses on investments (1)	-328	[1]	1,895	[1]
Change in net unrealized gains/losses on derivatives	236	[1]	-63	[1]
Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc.	22,992		24,966
Annuity Segment [Member]	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'
Operating revenues	49,579		48,107
Operating income pre-tax	15,447		14,681
Corporate and Other [Member]	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'
Operating revenues	23,369		23,897
Operating income pre-tax	4,593		7,098
Life Insurance Segment [Member]	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'
Operating revenues	95,817		93,338
Operating income pre-tax	$10,092		$9,932
[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_Reconcilia

Segment Information Reconciliation of non-GAAP measures Revenues (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'
Premiums collected	$178,700	$175,500
Change in due premiums and other	958	-164
Traditional life insurance premiums	45,492	44,934
Interest sensitive product charges	27,091	25,304
Corporate and Other [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'
Interest sensitive product charges	11,777	11,242
Corporate and Other [Member] | Admiin charges [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'
Interest sensitive product charges	1,599	1,511
Corporate and Other [Member] | Cost of insurance charges [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'
Interest sensitive product charges	7,415	7,361
Corporate and Other [Member] | Surrender charges [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'
Interest sensitive product charges	138	164
Corporate and Other [Member] | Separate account charges [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'
Interest sensitive product charges	2,280	2,031
Corporate and Other [Member] | Amortization of policy initiation fees [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'
Interest sensitive product charges	345	175
Life Insurance Segment [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'
Premiums collected	-72,838	-76,653
Interest sensitive product charges	14,760	13,749
Life Insurance Segment [Member] | Admiin charges [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'
Interest sensitive product charges	3,495	2,872
Life Insurance Segment [Member] | Cost of insurance charges [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'
Interest sensitive product charges	11,017	10,297
Life Insurance Segment [Member] | Surrender charges [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'
Interest sensitive product charges	216	188
Life Insurance Segment [Member] | Amortization of policy initiation fees [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'
Interest sensitive product charges	32	392
Annuity Segment [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'
Interest sensitive product charges	554	313
Life insurance - interest sensitive [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'
Premiums collected	-26,388	-31,883
Life insurance - traditional [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'
Premiums collected	($46,450)	($44,770)

Segment_Information_Goodwill_b

Segment Information Goodwill by segment (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
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