FBL Financial (FFG) 10-Q 7 May 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_entity_informatio

Document and entity information Document (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	5-May-15
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	FBL FINANCIAL GROUP INC
Entity Central Index Key	1012771
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-15
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float	$443,655,280
Common Class A
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		24,787,694
Common Class B
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		11,413

Consolidated_Balance_Sheet

Consolidated Balance Sheet (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Investments:
Fixed maturities - available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost: 2015 - $6,180,490; 2014 - $6,111,433)	$6,833,252	$6,700,698
Equity securities - available for sale, at fair value (cost: 2015 - $115,127; 2014 - $107,410)	122,355	112,623
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Commercial and Consumer, Net	673,311	629,296
Real estate	3,613	3,622
Policy loans	182,432	182,502
Short-term investments	23,262	48,585
Other investments	3,400	3,644
Total investments	7,841,625	7,680,970
Cash and cash equivalents	44,276	76,632
Securities and indebtedness of related parties	130,375	129,872
Accrued investment income	83,187	76,445
Amounts receivable from affiliates	3,542	2,666
Reinsurance recoverable	106,916	101,247
Deferred acquisition costs	204,699	220,760
Value of insurance in force acquired	22,015	22,497
Other assets	75,950	70,286
Assets held in separate accounts	688,194	683,033
Total assets	9,200,779	9,064,408
Future policy benefits:
Interest sensitive products	4,621,780	4,543,980
Traditional life insurance and accident and health products	1,597,322	1,581,138
Other policy claims and benefits	41,069	34,895
Supplementary contracts without life contingencies	337,733	341,955
Advance premiums and other deposits	258,963	248,679
Amounts payable to affiliates	274	188
Long-term debt payable to non-affiliates	97,000	97,000
Deferred income taxes	223,573	205,698
Current income taxes	4,309	2,764
Other liabilities	81,474	72,196
Liabilities related to separate accounts	688,194	683,033
Total liabilities	7,951,691	7,811,526
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	287,828	258,410
Retained earnings	810,850	846,737
Total FBL Financial Group, Inc. stockholders' equity	1,249,057	1,252,844
Noncontrolling interest	31	38
Total stockholders' equity	1,249,088	1,252,882
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	9,200,779	9,064,408
Class A common stock, without par value - authorized 88,500,000 shares, issued and outstanding 24,785,471 shares in 2015 and 24,703,903 shares in 2014
FBL Financial Group, Inc. stockholders' equity:
Common stock, without par value	147,307	144,625
Class B common stock, without par value - authorized 1,500,000 shares, issued and outstanding 11,413 shares in 2015 and 2014
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, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis	$6,180,490	$6,111,433
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	$115,127	$107,410
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	24,796,884	24,715,316
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	24,785,471	24,703,903
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	24,785,471	24,703,903
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, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Revenues:
Interest sensitive product charges	$28,121	$27,091
Traditional life insurance premiums	47,148	45,492
Net investment income	98,773	92,631
Net realized capital gains on sales of investments	-366	-540
Other income	4,270	3,861
Total revenues	177,946	168,535
Benefits and expenses:
Interest sensitive product benefits	55,808	53,380
Traditional life insurance benefits	45,709	41,497
Policyholder dividends	2,961	3,345
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses	35,541	33,444
Interest expense	1,212	1,212
Other expenses	4,530	4,128
Total benefits and expenses	145,761	137,006
Income before equity method investments, income taxes and noncontrolling interest	32,185	31,529
Income taxes	10,384	10,228
Equity income, net of related income taxes	1,769	1,648
Net income	23,570	22,949
Net loss (gain) attributable to noncontrolling interest	-21	-43
Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc.	$23,591	$22,992
Earnings per common share	$0.95	$0.92
Earnings per common share - assuming dilution	$0.94	$0.91
Cash dividends per common share	$2.40	$0.35
Regular quarterly cash dividend [Member]
Benefits and expenses:
Cash dividends per common share	$0.40	$0.35
Special cash dividend [Member]
Benefits and expenses:
Cash dividends per common share	$2	$0

Consolidated_Statement_of_Comp

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income Statement (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Net income	$23,570		$22,949
Change in net unrealized investment gains/losses	29,187	[1]	69,308	[1]
Change in underfunded status of other postretirement benefit plans	231	[1]	172	[1]
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax	29,418	[1]	69,480	[1]
Comprehensive income	52,988		92,429
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	-21		-43
Comprehensive income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc.	$53,009		$92,472
[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 Class A	Common Stock	Common Stock	Common Stock	Preferred Stock	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Noncontrolling Interest
In Thousands					Common Class A	Common Class B
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$1,044,791			$135,065			$3,000	$787,609	$119,067	$50
Net income	22,949							22,992		-43
Other comprehensive income	69,480	[1]							69,480
Issurance of common stock under compensation plans	6,411			6,411	6,411	0
Purchase of common stock	-11,162		-11,200	-1,435	-1,435	0		-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
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	1,252,882			144,697			3,000	846,737	258,410	38
Net income	23,570							23,591		-21
Other comprehensive income	29,418	[1]							29,418
Issurance of common stock under compensation plans	2,682			2,682	2,682	0
Purchase of common stock				0	0	0
Dividends on preferred stock	-38							-38
Dividends on common stock	-59,440							-59,440
Receipts related to noncontrolling interest	14									14
Balance at Mar. 31, 2015	$1,249,088			$147,379			$3,000	$810,850	$287,828	$31
[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, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Operating activities
Net income	$23,570	$22,949
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Interest credited to account balances	37,964	37,014
Charges for mortality, surrenders and administration	-26,977	-26,081
Net realized losses on investments	366	540
Change in fair value of derivatives	-97	-326
Increase in traditional life and accident and health benefit accruals	16,184	13,923
Deferral of policy acquisition costs	-10,354	-10,044
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs and value of insurance in force	9,054	8,493
Change in reinsurance recoverable	-5,669	-625
Provision for deferred income taxes	2,036	3,125
Other	-281	-18,421
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	45,796	30,547
Sales, maturities or repayments:
Fixed maturities - available for sale	123,134	81,293
Equity securities - available for sale	420	200
Mortgage loans	14,257	8,272
Derivative instruments	1,078	253
Policy loans	9,222	9,019
Securities and indebtedness of related parties	4,892	1,207
Acquisitions:
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale	-179,351	-161,976
Equity securities - available for sale	-8,130	-6,189
Mortgage loans	-58,235	-18,100
Derivative instruments	-896	-617
Policy loans	-9,152	-10,718
Securities and indebtedness of related parties	-7,956	-3,725
Short-term investments, net change	25,323	41,084
Purchases and disposals of property and equipment, net	3,443	1,240
Net cash used in investing activities	-88,837	-61,237
Financing activities
Contract holder account deposits	196,491	180,472
Contract holder account withdrawals	-128,679	-111,788
Receipts related to noncontrolling interests, net	14	29
Excess tax deductions on stock-based compensation	620	507
Proceeds from (Repurchase of) Equity	1,717	-3,977
Dividends paid	-59,478	-8,702
Net cash provided by financing activities	10,685	56,541
Increase in cash and cash equivalents	-32,356	25,851
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	76,632	6,370
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	44,276	32,221
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
Cash paid during the period for interest	1,213	1,213
Cash paid during the period for income taxes	$2,001	$2,005

Significant_Accounting_Policie

Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2015. We encourage you to refer to our consolidated financial statements and notes for the year ended December 31, 2014 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.
	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 $88.1 million at March 31, 2015 and $84.8 million at December 31, 2014. 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 the option 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 benefits 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, which became effective during the first quarter of 2015, did not impact us as we elected not to adopt the optional accounting for our low income housing tax credit limited partnerships.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance that outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers, which supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. Although insurance contracts are specifically excluded from the scope of this guidance, almost all entities will be affected to some extent by the significant increase in required disclosures. The new guidance is based on the principle that an entity should recognize revenue to reflect the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to fulfill a contract. Entities have the option of using either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective approach for the adoption of the new standard, which becomes effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016; early adoption is not permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of this new guidance on our consolidated financial statements.
	In February 2015, the FASB issued guidance that amends existing consolidation guidance. The new guidance modifies the consolidation framework for certain investment entities and all limited partnerships. It also eliminates certain criteria used to determine whether fees paid to a decision maker are a variable interest. The amendment allows for either a full retrospective or modified approach at adoption, and is effective during the first quarter of 2016. We are currently evaluating the impact of this new guidance on our consolidated financial statements.

Investment_Operations

Investment Operations	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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, 2015
		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)	$	3,369,116		$	392,286			$	(20,377	)	$	3,741,025			$	467
	Residential mortgage-backed	446,682			44,863				(4,125		)	487,420				(3,254		)
	Commercial mortgage-backed	487,521			56,906				(339		)	544,088				—
	Other asset-backed	540,624			18,660				(3,928		)	555,356				5,180
	United States Government and agencies	37,439			4,674				—			42,113				—
	State, municipal and other governments	1,299,108			164,244				(102		)	1,463,250				—
	Total fixed maturities	$	6,180,490		$	681,633			$	(28,871	)	$	6,833,252			$	2,393
	Equity securities:
	Non-redeemable preferred stocks	$	85,566		$	7,034			$	(550	)	$	92,050
	Common stocks	29,561			744				—			30,305
	Total equity securities	$	115,127		$	7,778			$	(550	)	$	122,355
		December 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)	$	3,335,535		$	348,937			$	(17,566	)	$	3,666,906			$	211
	Residential mortgage-backed	453,607			42,510				(4,583		)	491,534				(3,694		)
	Commercial mortgage-backed	485,934			45,573				(812		)	530,695				—
	Other asset-backed	508,090			17,188				(4,017		)	521,261				5,223
	United States Government and agencies	38,227			4,581				(4		)	42,804				—
	State, municipal and other governments	1,290,040			157,571				(113		)	1,447,498				—
	Total fixed maturities	$	6,111,433		$	616,360			$	(27,095	)	$	6,700,698			$	1,740
	Equity securities:
	Non-redeemable preferred stocks	$	80,566		$	5,135			$	(660	)	$	85,041
	Common stocks	26,844			738				—			27,582
	Total equity securities	$	107,410		$	5,873			$	(660	)	$	112,623
	-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 gross unrealized 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, 2015 and December 31, 2014 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 $62.5 million at March 31, 2015 and $80.9 million at December 31, 2014. Corporate securities also include redeemable preferred stock with a carrying value of $30.6 million at March 31, 2015 and $29.9 million at December 31, 2014.
	Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturities by Maturity Date
		March 31, 2015
		Amortized			Estimated
		Cost			Fair Value
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Due in one year or less	$	106,819		$	108,578
	Due after one year through five years	760,042			843,244
	Due after five years through ten years	884,759			966,225
	Due after ten years	2,954,043			3,328,341
		4,705,663			5,246,388
	Mortgage-backed and other asset-backed	1,474,827			1,586,864
	Total fixed maturities	$	6,180,490		$	6,833,252
	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,
		2015			2014
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Net unrealized appreciation on:
	Fixed maturities - available for sale	$	652,762		$	589,265
	Equity securities - available for sale	7,228			5,213
		659,990			594,478
	Adjustments for assumed changes in amortization pattern of:
	Deferred acquisition costs	(197,928		)	(179,544		)
	Value of insurance in force acquired	(3,839		)	(3,939		)
	Unearned revenue reserve	10,765			11,461
Adjustments for assumed changes in policyholder liabilities	(12,811		)	(11,182		)
Provision for deferred income taxes	(159,648		)	(143,932		)
Net unrealized investment gains	$	296,529		$	267,342
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 the 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, 2015
		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		$	189,123		$	(13,547	)		$	86,753		$	(6,830	)		$	275,876	$	(20,377	)	70.5	%
Residential mortgage-backed		19,352			(155		)		28,414			(3,970		)		47,766		(4,125		)	14.3
Commercial mortgage-backed		8,507			(65		)		8,025			(274		)		16,532		(339		)	1.2
Other asset-backed		100,580			(2,131		)		46,118			(1,797		)		146,698		(3,928		)	13.6
State, municipal and other governments		23,066			(102		)		—			—				23,066		(102		)	0.4
Total fixed maturities		$	340,628		$	(16,000	)		$	169,310		$	(12,871	)		$	509,938	$	(28,871	)	100	%
Equity securities:
Non-redeemable preferred stocks		$	—		$	—			$	4,450		$	(550	)		$	4,450	$	(550	)
Total equity securities		$	—		$	—			$	4,450		$	(550	)		$	4,450	$	(550	)
		December 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		$	203,764		$	(9,756	)		$	142,600		$	(7,810	)		$	346,364	$	(17,566	)	64.8	%
Residential mortgage-backed		27,889			(315		)		19,084			(4,268		)		46,973		(4,583		)	16.9
Commercial mortgage-backed		—			—				20,900			(812		)		20,900		(812		)	3
Other asset-backed		128,516			(2,349		)		55,526			(1,668		)		184,042		(4,017		)	14.8
United States Government and agencies		500			—				470			(4		)		970		(4		)	—
State, municipal and other governments		—			—				12,472			(113		)		12,472		(113		)	0.5
Total fixed maturities		$	360,669		$	(12,420	)		$	251,052		$	(14,675	)		$	611,721	$	(27,095	)	100	%
Equity securities:
Non-redeemable preferred stocks		$	14,838		$	(110	)		$	4,450		$	(550	)		$	19,288	$	(660	)
Total equity securities		$	14,838		$	(110	)		$	4,450		$	(550	)		$	19,288	$	(660	)
Fixed maturities in the above tables include 160 securities from 127 issuers at March 31, 2015 and 185 securities from 160 issuers at December 31, 2014. 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, 2015.
Corporate securities: The largest unrealized losses were in the energy sector ($96.4 million carrying value and $11.2 million unrealized loss). The largest unrealized losses in the energy sector were in the oil field service ($37.2 million carrying value and $5.7 million unrealized loss) and the energy independent ($43.7 million carrying value and $4.5 million unrealized loss) sub-sectors. The majority of losses were primarily attributable to general credit spread widening across the energy sector.
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.
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.
Excluding mortgage- and asset-backed securities, no securities from the same issuer had an aggregate unrealized loss in excess of $2.8 million at March 31, 2015, with the largest unrealized loss from an energy service provider. With respect to mortgage- and asset-backed securities not backed by the United States Government, our largest aggregate unrealized loss from the same issuer at March 31, 2015 was $3.2 million, consisting of two different securities 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 $1.9 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,
	2015			2014
	(Dollars in thousands)
Balance at beginning of period	$	(16,772	)	$	(21,592	)
Reductions due to investments sold	159			68
Balance at end of period	$	(16,613	)	$	(21,524	)
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. We had no OTTIs for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2015 or 2014.
Realized Gains (Losses) - Recorded in Income
	Three months ended March 31,
	2015			2014
	(Dollars in thousands)
Realized gains (losses) on sales of investments
Fixed maturities:
Gross gains	$	220		$	97
Gross losses	(586		)	(637		)
Net realized gains (losses) on investments recorded in income	$	(366	)	$	(540	)
Proceeds from sales of fixed maturities totaled $17.3 million during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and $12.8 million during the three months ended March 31, 2014.
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, management maintains and regularly 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 needed, for each impaired loan identified. An estimated loss is needed for loans for 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, 2015 and December 31, 2014, 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 such that the collection of interest is considered likely.
Mortgage Loans by Collateral Type
		March 31, 2015						December 31, 2014
Collateral Type		Carrying Value			Percent of Total			Carrying Value			Percent of Total
		(Dollars in thousands)
Office		$	307,998		45.7	%		$	269,308		42.8	%
Retail		211,082			31.4			214,710			34.1
Industrial		128,478			19.1			125,425			19.9
Other		25,753			3.8			19,853			3.2
Total		$	673,311		100	%		$	629,296		100	%
Mortgage Loans by Geographic Location within the United States
		March 31, 2015						December 31, 2014
Region of the United States		Carrying Value			Percent of Total			Carrying Value			Percent of Total
		(Dollars in thousands)
South Atlantic		$	216,884		32.2	%		$	191,835		30.5	%
Pacific		93,405			13.9			94,770			15.1
West North Central		94,943			14.1			85,664			13.6
East North Central		79,601			11.8			80,999			12.9
Mountain		65,720			9.8			62,473			9.9
West South Central		59,819			8.9			50,010			7.9
Other		62,939			9.3			63,545			10.1
Total		$	673,311		100	%		$	629,296		100	%
Mortgage Loans by Loan-to-Value Ratio
		March 31, 2015						December 31, 2014
Loan-to-Value Ratio		Carrying Value			Percent of Total			Carrying Value			Percent of Total
		(Dollars in thousands)
0% - 50%		$	206,255		30.6	%		$	180,884		28.7	%
51% - 60%		180,263			26.8			189,210			30.1
61% - 70%		219,676			32.6			198,336			31.5
71% - 80%		62,609			9.3			53,480			8.5
81% - 90%		4,508			0.7			7,386			1.2
Total		$	673,311		100	%		$	629,296		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 there are loan modifications or refinance requests.
Mortgage Loans by Year of Origination
		March 31, 2015						December 31, 2014
Year of Origination		Carrying Value			Percent of Total			Carrying Value			Percent of Total
		(Dollars in thousands)
2015		$	58,204		8.7	%		$	—		—	%
2014		85,546			12.7			86,174			13.7
2013		81,116			12			81,802			13
2012		69,626			10.4			70,274			11.2
2011		46,456			6.9			46,813			7.4
2010 and prior		332,363			49.3			344,233			54.7
Total		$	673,311		100	%		$	629,296		100	%
Impaired Mortgage Loans
	March 31, 2015			December 31, 2014
	(Dollars in thousands)
Unpaid principal balance	$	22,026		$	22,103
Less:
Related allowance	851			857
Discount	223			267
Carrying value of impaired mortgage loans	$	20,952		$	20,979
Allowance on Mortgage Loans
	Three months ended March 31,
	2015			2014
	(Dollars in thousands)
Balance at beginning of period	$	857		$	888
Charge offs	(6		)	(5		)
Balance at end of period	$	851		$	883
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 2015 or 2014.
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 would therefore be 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, 2015							December 31, 2014
	Carrying Value			Maximum Exposure to Loss				Carrying Value			Maximum Exposure to Loss
	(Dollars in thousands)
Real estate limited partnerships	$	17,288		$	17,288			$	17,046		$	17,046
We make commitments to fund partnership investments in the normal course of business. We did not have any commitments to investees designated as VIEs as of March 31, 2015 or December 31, 2014.
Other
At March 31, 2015, we had committed to provide $45.4 million of additional funds for limited partnerships and limited liability companies in which we invest.
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 $7.1 million at March 31, 2015 and at December 31, 2014. Securities collateral received of $2.1 million is held in a separate custodial account and not recorded on the balance sheet. Our derivative assets consist of derivatives embedded within our modified coinsurance agreements and call options which provide an economic hedge for our index annuity contracts. Derivative liabilities totaled $9.8 million at March 31, 2015 and $8.7 million at December 31, 2014 and include derivatives embedded within our index annuity contracts and derivatives embedded within our modified coinsurance agreements. The net gain recognized on these derivatives is included in net investment income and interest sensitive benefits and, for the three-month period ended March 31, totaled $0.3 million for 2015 and $0.5 million for 2014.

Fair_Values

Fair Values	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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, 2015						December 31, 2014
		Carrying Value			Fair Value			Carrying Value			Fair Value
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Assets
	Fixed maturities - available for sale	$	6,833,252		$	6,833,252		$	6,700,698		$	6,700,698
	Equity securities - available for sale	122,355			122,355			112,623			112,623
	Mortgage loans	673,311			722,016			629,296			667,913
	Policy loans	182,432			233,804			182,502			230,070
	Other investments	3,313			3,313			3,558			3,558
	Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments	67,538			67,538			125,217			125,217
	Reinsurance recoverable	3,820			3,820			3,562			3,562
	Assets held in separate accounts	688,194			688,194			683,033			683,033
	Liabilities
	Future policy benefits	$	3,629,682		$	3,783,109		$	3,563,558		$	3,666,960
	Supplemental contracts without life contingencies	337,733			329,566			341,955			329,651
	Advance premiums and other deposits	249,319			249,319			239,700			239,700
	Long-term debt	97,000			73,720			97,000			69,772
	Other liabilities	221			221			173			173
	Liabilities related to separate accounts	688,194			682,492			683,033			677,040
	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 from which we obtain the information. Transfers into 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 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 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 the 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 the 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 of Des Moines (FHLB), with estimated fair value based on the current redemption value of the shares and non-redeemable preferred stock. Estimated fair value is obtained from external pricing sources using a matrix pricing approach.
	Level 3 equity securities consist of 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. Long-term debt 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, 2015
	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	$	—		$	3,667,326		$	73,699		$	3,741,025
Residential mortgage-backed securities	—			482,374			5,046			487,420
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	—			465,586			78,502			544,088
Other asset-backed securities	—			462,468			92,888			555,356
United States Government and agencies	16,083			16,874			9,156			42,113
State, municipal and other governments	—			1,463,250			—			1,463,250
Non-redeemable preferred stocks	—			83,698			8,352			92,050
Common stocks	4,537			25,768			—			30,305
Other investments	—			3,313			—			3,313
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments	67,538			—			—			67,538
Reinsurance recoverable	—			3,820			—			3,820
Assets held in separate accounts	688,194			—			—			688,194
Total assets	$	776,352		$	6,674,477		$	267,643		$	7,718,472
Liabilities
Future policy benefits - index annuity embedded derivatives	$	—		$	—		$	9,591		$	9,591
Other liabilities	—			221			—			221
Total liabilities	$	—		$	221		$	9,591		$	9,812
	December 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	$	—		$	3,602,667		$	64,239		$	3,666,906
Residential mortgage-backed securities	—			491,534			—			491,534
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	—			452,804			77,891			530,695
Other asset-backed securities	—			405,120			116,141			521,261
United States Government and agencies	15,170			18,569			9,065			42,804
State, municipal and other governments	—			1,447,498			—			1,447,498
Non-redeemable preferred stocks	—			76,987			8,054			85,041
Common stocks	3,501			24,081			—			27,582
Other investments	—			3,558			—			3,558
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments	125,217			—			—			125,217
Reinsurance recoverable	—			3,562			—			3,562
Assets held in separate accounts	683,033			—			—			683,033
Total assets	$	826,921		$	6,526,380		$	275,390		$	7,628,691
Liabilities
Future policy benefits - index annuity embedded derivatives	$	—		$	—		$	8,681		$	8,681
Other liabilities	—			173			—			173
Total liabilities	$	—		$	173		$	8,681		$	8,854
Level 3 Fixed Maturities by Valuation Source - Recurring Basis
	March 31, 2015
	Third-party vendors			Priced			Total
				internally
	(Dollars in thousands)
Corporate securities	$	39,799		$	33,900		$	73,699
Residential mortgage-backed securities	4,056			990			5,046
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	78,502			—			78,502
Other asset-backed securities	72,043			20,845			92,888
United States Government and agencies	—			9,156			9,156
Total	$	194,400		$	64,891		$	259,291
Percent of total	75		%	25		%	100		%
	December 31, 2014
	Third-party vendors			Priced			Total
				internally
	(Dollars in thousands)
Corporate securities	$	40,095		$	24,144		$	64,239
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	77,891			—			77,891
Other asset-backed securities	95,271			20,870			116,141
United States Government and agencies	—			9,065			9,065
Total	$	213,257		$	54,079		$	267,336
Percent of total	79.8		%	20.2		%	100		%
Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements - Recurring Basis
	March 31, 2015
	Fair Value			Valuation Technique		Unobservable Input	Range (Weighted Average)
	(Dollars in thousands)
Assets
Corporate securities	$	50,482		Discounted cash flow		Credit spread	0.85% - 12.00% (6.97%)
Commercial mortgage-backed	78,502			Discounted cash flow		Credit spread	1.75% - 4.00% (2.94%)
Other asset-backed securities	19,184			Discounted cash flow		Credit spread	0.94% - 6.21% (4.30%)
United States Government and agencies	9,156			Discounted cash flow		Credit spread	1.85% (1.85%)
Non-redeemable preferred stocks	8,352			Discounted cash flow		Credit spread	3.00% (3.00%)
Total Assets	$	165,676
Liabilities
Future policy benefits - index annuity embedded derivatives	$	9,591		Discounted cash flow		Credit risk	0.70% - 1.85% (1.15%)
						Risk margin	0.15% - 0.40% (0.25%)
Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements - Recurring Basis
	31-Dec-14
	Fair Value			Valuation Technique		Unobservable Input	Range (Weighted Average)
	(Dollars in thousands)
Assets
Corporate securities	$	41,491		Discounted cash flow		Credit spread	0.95% - 6.80% (4.92%)
Commercial mortgage-backed	77,891			Discounted cash flow		Credit spread	1.75% - 4.00% (2.89%)
Other asset-backed securities	26,937			Discounted cash flow		Credit spread	0.96% - 6.17% (4.31%)
United States Government and agencies	9,065			Discounted cash flow		Credit spread	1.80% (1.80%)
Non-redeemable preferred stocks	8,054			Discounted cash flow		Credit spread	3.34% (3.34%)
Total Assets	$	163,438
Liabilities
Future policy benefits - index annuity embedded derivatives	$	8,681		Discounted cash flow		Credit risk	0.70% - 1.70% (1.10%)
						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, 2015
										Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net
	Balance, December 31, 2014			Purchases			Disposals			Included in net income		Included in other compre-hensive income			Net		Net transfers			Amort-ization included in net income			Balance,
															transfers into		out of						31-Mar-15
															Level 3 (1)		Level 3 (1)
	(Dollars in thousands)
Assets
Corporate securities	$	64,239		$	2,993		$	(3,613	)	$	—	$	(4,190	)	$	14,165	$	—		$	105		$	73,699
Residential mortgage-backed securities	—			5,052			—			—		(6		)	—		—			—			5,046
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	77,891			—			(193		)	—		780			—		—			24			78,502
Other asset-backed securities	116,141			19,742			(3,876		)	—		(77		)	—		(39,095		)	53			92,888
United States Government and agencies	9,065			—			—			—		89			—		—			2			9,156
Non-redeemable preferred stocks	8,054			—			—			—		298			—		—			—			8,352
Total Assets	$	275,390		$	27,787		$	(7,682	)	$	—	$	(3,106	)	$	14,165	$	(39,095	)	$	184		$	267,643
Liabilities
Future policy benefits - index annuity embedded derivatives	$	8,681		$	1,067		$	(183	)	$	26	$	—		$	—	$	—		$	—		$	9,591
Total Liabilities	$	8,681		$	1,067		$	(183	)	$	26	$	—		$	—	$	—		$	—		$	9,591
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			Net transfers into		Net 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
-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 the periods presented above.
Valuation of our Financial Instruments Not Reported at Fair Value by Hierarchy Levels
	March 31, 2015
	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	$	—		$	—		$	722,016		$	722,016
Policy loans	—			—			233,804			233,804
Total assets	$	—		$	—		$	955,820		$	955,820
Liabilities
Future policy benefits	$	—		$	—		$	3,773,518		$	3,773,518
Supplemental contracts without life contingencies	—			—			329,566			329,566
Advance premiums and other deposits	—			—			249,319			249,319
Long-term debt	—			—			73,720			73,720
Liabilities related to separate accounts	—			—			682,492			682,492
Total liabilities	$	—		$	—		$	5,108,615		$	5,108,615
Valuation of our Financial Instruments Not Reported at Fair Value by Hierarchy Levels
	December 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	$	—		$	—		$	667,913		$	667,913
Policy loans	—			—			230,070			230,070
Total assets	$	—		$	—		$	897,983		$	897,983
Liabilities
Future policy benefits	$	—		$	—		$	3,658,279		$	3,658,279
Supplemental contracts without life contingencies	—			—			329,651			329,651
Advance premiums and other deposits	—			—			239,700			239,700
Long-term debt	—			—			69,772			69,772
Liabilities related to separate accounts	—			—			677,040			677,040
Total liabilities	$	—		$	—		$	4,974,442		$	4,974,442
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, 2015 or March 31, 2014.

Defined_Benefit_Plan

Defined Benefit Plan	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan	Defined Benefit Plan
	We participate with several affiliates and an unaffiliated organization in various defined benefit plans, including a multiemployer plan. Our share of net periodic pension cost for the plans is recorded as expense in our consolidated statements of operations.
	Components of Net Periodic Pension Cost for FBL and Affiliates Combined - Multiemployer Plan
		Three months ended March 31,
		2015			2014
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Service cost	$	1,488		$	1,320
	Interest cost	3,300			3,505
	Expected return on assets	(4,463		)	(4,385		)
	Amortization of prior service cost	36			36
	Amortization of actuarial loss	2,598			1,361
	Net periodic pension cost	$	2,959		$	1,837
	FBL Financial Group, Inc. share of net periodic pension costs	$	959		$	589
	Components of Net Periodic Pension Cost for FBL and Affiliates Combined - Other Plans
		Three months ended March 31,
		2015			2014
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Service cost	$	109		$	67
	Interest cost	250			269
	Amortization of prior service cost	(3		)	(3		)
	Amortization of actuarial loss	382			283
	Net periodic pension cost	$	738		$	616
	FBL Financial Group, Inc. share of net periodic pension costs	$	418		$	343

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies
	Legal Proceedings
	In the normal course of business, we may be involved in litigation in which damages are alleged that are substantially in excess of contractual policy benefits or certain other agreements. In recent years, companies in the life insurance and annuity business have faced litigation, including class action lawsuits, alleging improper product design, improper sales practices and similar claims. We are not aware of any such matters threatened or pending against FBL Financial Group, Inc. or any of its subsidiaries.

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders Equity	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity Note	Stockholders' Equity
	Share Repurchases
	During 2012 and 2014, our Board of Directors approved plans to repurchase our 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 made no repurchases during the three months ended March 31, 2015. We repurchased 262,945 shares for $11.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2014. At March 31, 2015, $42.7 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.
	Special Dividend
	On March 6, 2015, the Board of Directors approved a special $2.00 per share cash dividend to Class A and Class B common shareholders of record as of March 16, 2015. The aggregate dividend totaling $49.5 million was paid on March 26, 2015.
	Reconciliation of Outstanding Common Stock
		Class A							Class B							Total
		Shares			Dollars				Shares			Dollars				Shares		Dollars
		(Dollars in thousands)
	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
	Outstanding at January 1, 2015	24,703,903			$	144,625			11,413			$	72			24,715,316		$	144,697
	Issuance of common stock under compensation plans	81,568			2,682				—			—				81,568		2,682
	Purchase of common stock	—			—				—			—				—		—
	Outstanding at March 31, 2015	24,785,471			$	147,307			11,413			$	72			24,796,884		$	147,379
	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, 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
	Balance at January 1, 2015	$	266,211			$	1,131			$	(8,932	)		$	258,410
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	28,515				425				—				28,940
	Reclassification adjustments	247				$	—			231				478
	Balance at March 31, 2015	$	294,973			$	1,556			$	(8,701	)		$	287,828
	-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, 2015
		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	$	366			$	—			$	—			$	366
	Adjustments for assumed changes in deferred policy acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserve and policyholder liabilities	14				—				—				14
	Other expenses: Change in unrecognized postretirement items:
	Prior service costs	—				—				(3		)		(3		)
	Net actuarial loss	—				—				358				358
	Reclassifications before income taxes	380				—				355				735
	Income taxes	(133		)		—				(124		)		(257		)
	Reclassification adjustments	$	247			$	—			$	231			$	478
		Three months ended March 31, 2014
		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 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 expenses: Change in 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
	-1	See Note 2 for further information.

Earnings_per_Share

Earnings per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share
	Computation of Earnings Per Common Share
		Three months ended March 31,
		2015		2014
		(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
	Numerator:
	Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc.	$	23,591	$	22,992
	Less: Dividends on Series B preferred stock	38		38
	Income available to common stockholders	$	23,553	$	22,954
	Denominator:
	Weighted average shares - basic	24,899,278		24,937,307
	Effect of dilutive securities - stock-based compensation	109,300		179,531
	Weighted average shares - diluted	25,008,578		25,116,838
	Earnings per common share	$	0.95	$	0.92
	Earnings per common share - assuming dilution:	$	0.94	$	0.91
	No antidilutive stock options were excluded from diluted earnings per share in either period presented.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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,
		2015			2014
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Operating revenues:
	Annuity	$	52,759		$	49,579
	Life Insurance	102,010			95,817
	Corporate and Other	23,705			23,369
		178,474			168,765
	Net realized losses on investments (1)	(366		)	(540		)
	Change in net unrealized gains/losses on derivatives (1)	(162		)	310
	Consolidated revenues	$	177,946		$	168,535
	Pre-tax operating income:
	Annuity	$	17,088		$	15,447
	Life Insurance	9,785			10,092
	Corporate and Other	3,496			4,593
		30,369			30,132
	Income taxes on operating income	(6,554		)	(7,048		)
	Net realized gains/losses on investments (1)	(247		)	(328		)
	Change in net unrealized gains/losses on derivatives (1)	23			236
	Consolidated net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc.	$	23,591		$	22,992
	-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, 2015 and December 31, 2014 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 $166.2 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 and $178.7 million for the 2014 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,
		2015			2014
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Traditional and universal life insurance premiums collected	$	71,215		$	72,838
	Premiums collected on interest sensitive products	(23,691		)	(26,388		)
	Traditional life insurance premiums collected	47,524			46,450
	Change in due premiums and other	(376		)	(958		)
	Traditional life insurance premiums	$	47,148		$	45,492
	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,
		2015			2014
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Annuity
	Surrender charges and other	$	613		$	554
	Life Insurance
	Administration charges	$	3,697		$	3,495
	Cost of insurance charges	11,492			11,017
	Surrender charges	217			216
	Amortization of policy initiation fees	499			32
	Total	$	15,905		$	14,760
	Corporate and Other
	Administration charges	$	1,517		$	1,599
	Cost of insurance charges	7,424			7,415
	Surrender charges	108			138
	Separate account charges	2,239			2,280
	Amortization of policy initiation fees	315			345
	Total	$	11,603		$	11,777
	Consolidated interest sensitive product charges	$	28,121		$	27,091

Investment_Operations_Tables

Investment Operations (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Investment Operations [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities [Table Text Block]
	Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities by Investment Category
		March 31, 2015
		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)	$	3,369,116		$	392,286			$	(20,377	)	$	3,741,025			$	467
	Residential mortgage-backed	446,682			44,863				(4,125		)	487,420				(3,254		)
	Commercial mortgage-backed	487,521			56,906				(339		)	544,088				—
	Other asset-backed	540,624			18,660				(3,928		)	555,356				5,180
	United States Government and agencies	37,439			4,674				—			42,113				—
	State, municipal and other governments	1,299,108			164,244				(102		)	1,463,250				—
	Total fixed maturities	$	6,180,490		$	681,633			$	(28,871	)	$	6,833,252			$	2,393
	Equity securities:
	Non-redeemable preferred stocks	$	85,566		$	7,034			$	(550	)	$	92,050
	Common stocks	29,561			744				—			30,305
	Total equity securities	$	115,127		$	7,778			$	(550	)	$	122,355
		December 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)	$	3,335,535		$	348,937			$	(17,566	)	$	3,666,906			$	211
	Residential mortgage-backed	453,607			42,510				(4,583		)	491,534				(3,694		)
	Commercial mortgage-backed	485,934			45,573				(812		)	530,695				—
	Other asset-backed	508,090			17,188				(4,017		)	521,261				5,223
	United States Government and agencies	38,227			4,581				(4		)	42,804				—
	State, municipal and other governments	1,290,040			157,571				(113		)	1,447,498				—
	Total fixed maturities	$	6,111,433		$	616,360			$	(27,095	)	$	6,700,698			$	1,740
	Equity securities:
	Non-redeemable preferred stocks	$	80,566		$	5,135			$	(660	)	$	85,041
	Common stocks	26,844			738				—			27,582
	Total equity securities	$	107,410		$	5,873			$	(660	)	$	112,623
	-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 gross unrealized 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, 2015 and December 31, 2014 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 $62.5 million at March 31, 2015 and $80.9 million at December 31, 2014. Corporate securities also include redeemable preferred stock with a carrying value of $30.6 million at March 31, 2015 and $29.9 million at December 31, 2014.
	Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturities by Maturity Date
		March 31, 2015
		Amortized			Estimated
		Cost			Fair Value
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Due in one year or less	$	106,819		$	108,578
	Due after one year through five years	760,042			843,244
	Due after five years through ten years	884,759			966,225
	Due after ten years	2,954,043			3,328,341
		4,705,663			5,246,388
	Mortgage-backed and other asset-backed	1,474,827			1,586,864
	Total fixed maturities	$	6,180,490		$	6,833,252
Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block]
	Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturities by Maturity Date
		March 31, 2015
		Amortized			Estimated
		Cost			Fair Value
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Due in one year or less	$	106,819		$	108,578
	Due after one year through five years	760,042			843,244
	Due after five years through ten years	884,759			966,225
	Due after ten years	2,954,043			3,328,341
		4,705,663			5,246,388
	Mortgage-backed and other asset-backed	1,474,827			1,586,864
	Total fixed maturities	$	6,180,490		$	6,833,252
	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,
		2015			2014
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Net unrealized appreciation on:
	Fixed maturities - available for sale	$	652,762		$	589,265
	Equity securities - available for sale	7,228			5,213
		659,990			594,478
	Adjustments for assumed changes in amortization pattern of:
	Deferred acquisition costs	(197,928		)	(179,544		)
	Value of insurance in force acquired	(3,839		)	(3,939		)
	Unearned revenue reserve	10,765			11,461
	Adjustments for assumed changes in policyholder liabilities	(12,811		)	(11,182		)
	Provision for deferred income taxes	(159,648		)	(143,932		)
	Net unrealized investment gains	$	296,529		$	267,342
	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 the 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, 2015
			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		$	189,123		$	(13,547	)		$	86,753		$	(6,830	)		$	275,876	$	(20,377	)	70.5	%
	Residential mortgage-backed		19,352			(155		)		28,414			(3,970		)		47,766		(4,125		)	14.3
	Commercial mortgage-backed		8,507			(65		)		8,025			(274		)		16,532		(339		)	1.2
	Other asset-backed		100,580			(2,131		)		46,118			(1,797		)		146,698		(3,928		)	13.6
	State, municipal and other governments		23,066			(102		)		—			—				23,066		(102		)	0.4
	Total fixed maturities		$	340,628		$	(16,000	)		$	169,310		$	(12,871	)		$	509,938	$	(28,871	)	100	%
	Equity securities:
	Non-redeemable preferred stocks		$	—		$	—			$	4,450		$	(550	)		$	4,450	$	(550	)
	Total equity securities		$	—		$	—			$	4,450		$	(550	)		$	4,450	$	(550	)
			December 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		$	203,764		$	(9,756	)		$	142,600		$	(7,810	)		$	346,364	$	(17,566	)	64.8	%
	Residential mortgage-backed		27,889			(315		)		19,084			(4,268		)		46,973		(4,583		)	16.9
	Commercial mortgage-backed		—			—				20,900			(812		)		20,900		(812		)	3
	Other asset-backed		128,516			(2,349		)		55,526			(1,668		)		184,042		(4,017		)	14.8
	United States Government and agencies		500			—				470			(4		)		970		(4		)	—
	State, municipal and other governments		—			—				12,472			(113		)		12,472		(113		)	0.5
	Total fixed maturities		$	360,669		$	(12,420	)		$	251,052		$	(14,675	)		$	611,721	$	(27,095	)	100	%
	Equity securities:
	Non-redeemable preferred stocks		$	14,838		$	(110	)		$	4,450		$	(550	)		$	19,288	$	(660	)
	Total equity securities		$	14,838		$	(110	)		$	4,450		$	(550	)		$	19,288	$	(660	)
	Fixed maturities in the above tables include 160 securities from 127 issuers at March 31, 2015 and 185 securities from 160 issuers at December 31, 2014. 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, 2015.
	Corporate securities: The largest unrealized losses were in the energy sector ($96.4 million carrying value and $11.2 million unrealized loss). The largest unrealized losses in the energy sector were in the oil field service ($37.2 million carrying value and $5.7 million unrealized loss) and the energy independent ($43.7 million carrying value and $4.5 million unrealized loss) sub-sectors. The majority of losses were primarily attributable to general credit spread widening across the energy sector.
	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.
	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.
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,
		2015			2014
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Balance at beginning of period	$	(16,772	)	$	(21,592	)
	Reductions due to investments sold	159			68
	Balance at end of period	$	(16,613	)	$	(21,524	)
	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,
		2015			2014
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Realized gains (losses) on sales of investments
	Fixed maturities:
	Gross gains	$	220		$	97
	Gross losses	(586		)	(637		)
	Net realized gains (losses) on investments recorded in income	$	(366	)	$	(540	)
	Proceeds from sales of fixed maturities totaled $17.3 million during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and $12.8 million during the three months ended March 31, 2014.
	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, 2015						December 31, 2014
	Collateral Type		Carrying Value			Percent of Total			Carrying Value			Percent of Total
			(Dollars in thousands)
	Office		$	307,998		45.7	%		$	269,308		42.8	%
	Retail		211,082			31.4			214,710			34.1
	Industrial		128,478			19.1			125,425			19.9
	Other		25,753			3.8			19,853			3.2
	Total		$	673,311		100	%		$	629,296		100	%
Mortgage Loans by Geograpic Location [Table Text Block]
	Mortgage Loans by Geographic Location within the United States
			March 31, 2015						December 31, 2014
	Region of the United States		Carrying Value			Percent of Total			Carrying Value			Percent of Total
			(Dollars in thousands)
	South Atlantic		$	216,884		32.2	%		$	191,835		30.5	%
	Pacific		93,405			13.9			94,770			15.1
	West North Central		94,943			14.1			85,664			13.6
	East North Central		79,601			11.8			80,999			12.9
	Mountain		65,720			9.8			62,473			9.9
	West South Central		59,819			8.9			50,010			7.9
	Other		62,939			9.3			63,545			10.1
	Total		$	673,311		100	%		$	629,296		100	%
Mortgage Loans by loan to value ratio [Table Text Block]
	Mortgage Loans by Loan-to-Value Ratio
			March 31, 2015						December 31, 2014
	Loan-to-Value Ratio		Carrying Value			Percent of Total			Carrying Value			Percent of Total
			(Dollars in thousands)
	0% - 50%		$	206,255		30.6	%		$	180,884		28.7	%
	51% - 60%		180,263			26.8			189,210			30.1
	61% - 70%		219,676			32.6			198,336			31.5
	71% - 80%		62,609			9.3			53,480			8.5
	81% - 90%		4,508			0.7			7,386			1.2
	Total		$	673,311		100	%		$	629,296		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 there are loan modifications or refinance requests.
Mortgage loans by year of origination [Table Text Block]
	Mortgage Loans by Year of Origination
			March 31, 2015						December 31, 2014
	Year of Origination		Carrying Value			Percent of Total			Carrying Value			Percent of Total
			(Dollars in thousands)
	2015		$	58,204		8.7	%		$	—		—	%
	2014		85,546			12.7			86,174			13.7
	2013		81,116			12			81,802			13
	2012		69,626			10.4			70,274			11.2
	2011		46,456			6.9			46,813			7.4
	2010 and prior		332,363			49.3			344,233			54.7
	Total		$	673,311		100	%		$	629,296		100	%
Impaired Financing Receivables [Table Text Block]
	Impaired Mortgage Loans
		March 31, 2015			December 31, 2014
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Unpaid principal balance	$	22,026		$	22,103
	Less:
	Related allowance	851			857
	Discount	223			267
	Carrying value of impaired mortgage loans	$	20,952		$	20,979
Allowance for Credit Losses on Financing Receivables [Table Text Block]
	Allowance on Mortgage Loans
		Three months ended March 31,
		2015			2014
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Balance at beginning of period	$	857		$	888
	Charge offs	(6		)	(5		)
	Balance at end of period	$	851		$	883
Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block]
		March 31, 2015							December 31, 2014
		Carrying Value			Maximum Exposure to Loss				Carrying Value			Maximum Exposure to Loss
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Real estate limited partnerships	$	17,288		$	17,288			$	17,046		$	17,046

Fair_Values_Tables

Fair Values (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Values [Abstract]
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block]
	Fair Values and Carrying Values
		March 31, 2015						December 31, 2014
		Carrying Value			Fair Value			Carrying Value			Fair Value
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Assets
	Fixed maturities - available for sale	$	6,833,252		$	6,833,252		$	6,700,698		$	6,700,698
	Equity securities - available for sale	122,355			122,355			112,623			112,623
	Mortgage loans	673,311			722,016			629,296			667,913
	Policy loans	182,432			233,804			182,502			230,070
	Other investments	3,313			3,313			3,558			3,558
	Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments	67,538			67,538			125,217			125,217
	Reinsurance recoverable	3,820			3,820			3,562			3,562
	Assets held in separate accounts	688,194			688,194			683,033			683,033
	Liabilities
	Future policy benefits	$	3,629,682		$	3,783,109		$	3,563,558		$	3,666,960
	Supplemental contracts without life contingencies	337,733			329,566			341,955			329,651
	Advance premiums and other deposits	249,319			249,319			239,700			239,700
	Long-term debt	97,000			73,720			97,000			69,772
	Other liabilities	221			221			173			173
	Liabilities related to separate accounts	688,194			682,492			683,033			677,040
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, 2015
		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	$	—		$	3,667,326		$	73,699		$	3,741,025
	Residential mortgage-backed securities	—			482,374			5,046			487,420
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	—			465,586			78,502			544,088
	Other asset-backed securities	—			462,468			92,888			555,356
	United States Government and agencies	16,083			16,874			9,156			42,113
	State, municipal and other governments	—			1,463,250			—			1,463,250
	Non-redeemable preferred stocks	—			83,698			8,352			92,050
	Common stocks	4,537			25,768			—			30,305
	Other investments	—			3,313			—			3,313
	Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments	67,538			—			—			67,538
	Reinsurance recoverable	—			3,820			—			3,820
	Assets held in separate accounts	688,194			—			—			688,194
	Total assets	$	776,352		$	6,674,477		$	267,643		$	7,718,472
	Liabilities
	Future policy benefits - index annuity embedded derivatives	$	—		$	—		$	9,591		$	9,591
	Other liabilities	—			221			—			221
	Total liabilities	$	—		$	221		$	9,591		$	9,812
		December 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	$	—		$	3,602,667		$	64,239		$	3,666,906
	Residential mortgage-backed securities	—			491,534			—			491,534
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	—			452,804			77,891			530,695
	Other asset-backed securities	—			405,120			116,141			521,261
	United States Government and agencies	15,170			18,569			9,065			42,804
	State, municipal and other governments	—			1,447,498			—			1,447,498
	Non-redeemable preferred stocks	—			76,987			8,054			85,041
	Common stocks	3,501			24,081			—			27,582
	Other investments	—			3,558			—			3,558
	Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments	125,217			—			—			125,217
	Reinsurance recoverable	—			3,562			—			3,562
	Assets held in separate accounts	683,033			—			—			683,033
	Total assets	$	826,921		$	6,526,380		$	275,390		$	7,628,691
	Liabilities
	Future policy benefits - index annuity embedded derivatives	$	—		$	—		$	8,681		$	8,681
	Other liabilities	—			173			—			173
	Total liabilities	$	—		$	173		$	8,681		$	8,854
Level 3 fixed maturities on Measurement on Recurring Basis by Valuation Technique [Table Text Block]
	Level 3 Fixed Maturities by Valuation Source - Recurring Basis
		March 31, 2015
		Third-party vendors			Priced			Total
					internally
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Corporate securities	$	39,799		$	33,900		$	73,699
	Residential mortgage-backed securities	4,056			990			5,046
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	78,502			—			78,502
	Other asset-backed securities	72,043			20,845			92,888
	United States Government and agencies	—			9,156			9,156
	Total	$	194,400		$	64,891		$	259,291
	Percent of total	75		%	25		%	100		%
		December 31, 2014
		Third-party vendors			Priced			Total
					internally
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Corporate securities	$	40,095		$	24,144		$	64,239
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	77,891			—			77,891
	Other asset-backed securities	95,271			20,870			116,141
	United States Government and agencies	—			9,065			9,065
	Total	$	213,257		$	54,079		$	267,336
	Percent of total	79.8		%	20.2		%	100		%
Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurement Inputs [Text Block]
	Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements - Recurring Basis
		March 31, 2015
		Fair Value			Valuation Technique		Unobservable Input	Range (Weighted Average)
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Assets
	Corporate securities	$	50,482		Discounted cash flow		Credit spread	0.85% - 12.00% (6.97%)
	Commercial mortgage-backed	78,502			Discounted cash flow		Credit spread	1.75% - 4.00% (2.94%)
	Other asset-backed securities	19,184			Discounted cash flow		Credit spread	0.94% - 6.21% (4.30%)
	United States Government and agencies	9,156			Discounted cash flow		Credit spread	1.85% (1.85%)
	Non-redeemable preferred stocks	8,352			Discounted cash flow		Credit spread	3.00% (3.00%)
	Total Assets	$	165,676
	Liabilities
	Future policy benefits - index annuity embedded derivatives	$	9,591		Discounted cash flow		Credit risk	0.70% - 1.85% (1.15%)
							Risk margin	0.15% - 0.40% (0.25%)
	Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements - Recurring Basis
		31-Dec-14
		Fair Value			Valuation Technique		Unobservable Input	Range (Weighted Average)
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Assets
	Corporate securities	$	41,491		Discounted cash flow		Credit spread	0.95% - 6.80% (4.92%)
	Commercial mortgage-backed	77,891			Discounted cash flow		Credit spread	1.75% - 4.00% (2.89%)
	Other asset-backed securities	26,937			Discounted cash flow		Credit spread	0.96% - 6.17% (4.31%)
	United States Government and agencies	9,065			Discounted cash flow		Credit spread	1.80% (1.80%)
	Non-redeemable preferred stocks	8,054			Discounted cash flow		Credit spread	3.34% (3.34%)
	Total Assets	$	163,438
	Liabilities
	Future policy benefits - index annuity embedded derivatives	$	8,681		Discounted cash flow		Credit risk	0.70% - 1.70% (1.10%)
							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, 2015
											Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net
		Balance, December 31, 2014			Purchases			Disposals			Included in net income		Included in other compre-hensive income			Net		Net transfers			Amort-ization included in net income			Balance,
																transfers into		out of						31-Mar-15
																Level 3 (1)		Level 3 (1)
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Assets
	Corporate securities	$	64,239		$	2,993		$	(3,613	)	$	—	$	(4,190	)	$	14,165	$	—		$	105		$	73,699
	Residential mortgage-backed securities	—			5,052			—			—		(6		)	—		—			—			5,046
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	77,891			—			(193		)	—		780			—		—			24			78,502
	Other asset-backed securities	116,141			19,742			(3,876		)	—		(77		)	—		(39,095		)	53			92,888
	United States Government and agencies	9,065			—			—			—		89			—		—			2			9,156
	Non-redeemable preferred stocks	8,054			—			—			—		298			—		—			—			8,352
	Total Assets	$	275,390		$	27,787		$	(7,682	)	$	—	$	(3,106	)	$	14,165	$	(39,095	)	$	184		$	267,643
	Liabilities
	Future policy benefits - index annuity embedded derivatives	$	8,681		$	1,067		$	(183	)	$	26	$	—		$	—	$	—		$	—		$	9,591
	Total Liabilities	$	8,681		$	1,067		$	(183	)	$	26	$	—		$	—	$	—		$	—		$	9,591
	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			Net transfers into		Net 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
	-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 the periods presented above.
Financial Instruments Not Reported at Value [Table Text Block]
	Valuation of our Financial Instruments Not Reported at Fair Value by Hierarchy Levels
		March 31, 2015
		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	$	—		$	—		$	722,016		$	722,016
	Policy loans	—			—			233,804			233,804
	Total assets	$	—		$	—		$	955,820		$	955,820
	Liabilities
	Future policy benefits	$	—		$	—		$	3,773,518		$	3,773,518
	Supplemental contracts without life contingencies	—			—			329,566			329,566
	Advance premiums and other deposits	—			—			249,319			249,319
	Long-term debt	—			—			73,720			73,720
	Liabilities related to separate accounts	—			—			682,492			682,492
	Total liabilities	$	—		$	—		$	5,108,615		$	5,108,615
	Valuation of our Financial Instruments Not Reported at Fair Value by Hierarchy Levels
		December 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	$	—		$	—		$	667,913		$	667,913
	Policy loans	—			—			230,070			230,070
	Total assets	$	—		$	—		$	897,983		$	897,983
	Liabilities
	Future policy benefits	$	—		$	—		$	3,658,279		$	3,658,279
	Supplemental contracts without life contingencies	—			—			329,651			329,651
	Advance premiums and other deposits	—			—			239,700			239,700
	Long-term debt	—			—			69,772			69,772
	Liabilities related to separate accounts	—			—			677,040			677,040
	Total liabilities	$	—		$	—		$	4,974,442		$	4,974,442

Defined_Benefit_Plan_Tables

Defined Benefit Plan (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan [Abstract]
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]
	Components of Net Periodic Pension Cost for FBL and Affiliates Combined - Multiemployer Plan
		Three months ended March 31,
		2015			2014
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Service cost	$	1,488		$	1,320
	Interest cost	3,300			3,505
	Expected return on assets	(4,463		)	(4,385		)
	Amortization of prior service cost	36			36
	Amortization of actuarial loss	2,598			1,361
	Net periodic pension cost	$	2,959		$	1,837
	FBL Financial Group, Inc. share of net periodic pension costs	$	959		$	589
	Components of Net Periodic Pension Cost for FBL and Affiliates Combined - Other Plans
		Three months ended March 31,
		2015			2014
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Service cost	$	109		$	67
	Interest cost	250			269
	Amortization of prior service cost	(3		)	(3		)
	Amortization of actuarial loss	382			283
	Net periodic pension cost	$	738		$	616
	FBL Financial Group, Inc. share of net periodic pension costs	$	418		$	343

Stockholders_Equity_Tables

Stockholders Equity (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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, 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
	Outstanding at January 1, 2015	24,703,903			$	144,625			11,413			$	72			24,715,316		$	144,697
	Issuance of common stock under compensation plans	81,568			2,682				—			—				81,568		2,682
	Purchase of common stock	—			—				—			—				—		—
	Outstanding at March 31, 2015	24,785,471			$	147,307			11,413			$	72			24,796,884		$	147,379
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, 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
	Balance at January 1, 2015	$	266,211			$	1,131			$	(8,932	)		$	258,410
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	28,515				425				—				28,940
	Reclassification adjustments	247				$	—			231				478
	Balance at March 31, 2015	$	294,973			$	1,556			$	(8,701	)		$	287,828
	-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, 2015
		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	$	366			$	—			$	—			$	366
	Adjustments for assumed changes in deferred policy acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserve and policyholder liabilities	14				—				—				14
	Other expenses: Change in unrecognized postretirement items:
	Prior service costs	—				—				(3		)		(3		)
	Net actuarial loss	—				—				358				358
	Reclassifications before income taxes	380				—				355				735
	Income taxes	(133		)		—				(124		)		(257		)
	Reclassification adjustments	$	247			$	—			$	231			$	478
		Three months ended March 31, 2014
		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 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 expenses: Change in 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
	-1	See Note 2 for further information.

Earnings_per_Share_Tables

Earnings per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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,
		2015		2014
		(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
	Numerator:
	Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc.	$	23,591	$	22,992
	Less: Dividends on Series B preferred stock	38		38
	Income available to common stockholders	$	23,553	$	22,954
	Denominator:
	Weighted average shares - basic	24,899,278		24,937,307
	Effect of dilutive securities - stock-based compensation	109,300		179,531
	Weighted average shares - diluted	25,008,578		25,116,838
	Earnings per common share	$	0.95	$	0.92
	Earnings per common share - assuming dilution:	$	0.94	$	0.91
	No antidilutive stock options were excluded from diluted earnings per share in either period presented.

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Information [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]
	Financial Information Concerning our Operating Segments
		Three months ended March 31,
		2015			2014
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Operating revenues:
	Annuity	$	52,759		$	49,579
	Life Insurance	102,010			95,817
	Corporate and Other	23,705			23,369
		178,474			168,765
	Net realized losses on investments (1)	(366		)	(540		)
	Change in net unrealized gains/losses on derivatives (1)	(162		)	310
	Consolidated revenues	$	177,946		$	168,535
	Pre-tax operating income:
	Annuity	$	17,088		$	15,447
	Life Insurance	9,785			10,092
	Corporate and Other	3,496			4,593
		30,369			30,132
	Income taxes on operating income	(6,554		)	(7,048		)
	Net realized gains/losses on investments (1)	(247		)	(328		)
	Change in net unrealized gains/losses on derivatives (1)	23			236
	Consolidated net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc.	$	23,591		$	22,992
	-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,
		2015			2014
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Traditional and universal life insurance premiums collected	$	71,215		$	72,838
	Premiums collected on interest sensitive products	(23,691		)	(26,388		)
	Traditional life insurance premiums collected	47,524			46,450
	Change in due premiums and other	(376		)	(958		)
	Traditional life insurance premiums	$	47,148		$	45,492
	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,
		2015			2014
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Annuity
	Surrender charges and other	$	613		$	554
	Life Insurance
	Administration charges	$	3,697		$	3,495
	Cost of insurance charges	11,492			11,017
	Surrender charges	217			216
	Amortization of policy initiation fees	499			32
	Total	$	15,905		$	14,760
	Corporate and Other
	Administration charges	$	1,517		$	1,599
	Cost of insurance charges	7,424			7,415
	Surrender charges	108			138
	Separate account charges	2,239			2,280
	Amortization of policy initiation fees	315			345
	Total	$	11,603		$	11,777
	Consolidated interest sensitive product charges	$	28,121		$	27,091

Significant_Accounting_Policie1

Significant Accounting Policies Recent accounting pronouncements (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Securities and indebtedness of related parties	$130,375	$129,872
Low income housing tax credits [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Securities and indebtedness of related parties	$88,100	$84,800

Investment_Operations_Availabl

Investment Operations Available-for-sale Securities (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	$115,127		$107,410
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis	6,180,490		6,111,433
Debt Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	509,938		611,721
Available-for-sale securities	6,833,252		6,700,698
Non-credit losses on other-than-temporary impairments	2,393	[1]	1,740	[1]
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	681,633		616,360
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	-28,871		-27,095
Corporate
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	275,876		346,364
Amortized Cost	3,369,116	[2]	3,335,535	[2]
Available-for-sale securities	3,741,025	[2]	3,666,906	[2]
Non-credit losses on other-than-temporary impairments	467	[1],[2]	211	[1],[2]
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	392,286	[2]	348,937	[2]
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	-20,377	[2]	-17,566	[2]
Hybrid preferred securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	62,500		80,900
Redeemable Preferred Stock [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	30,600		29,900
Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	47,766		46,973
Amortized Cost	446,682		453,607
Available-for-sale securities	487,420		491,534
Non-credit losses on other-than-temporary impairments	-3,254	[1]	-3,694	[1]
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	44,863		42,510
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	-4,125		-4,583
Commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	16,532		20,900
Amortized Cost	487,521		485,934
Available-for-sale securities	544,088		530,695
Non-credit losses on other-than-temporary impairments	0	[1]	0	[1]
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	56,906		45,573
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	-339		-812
Other asset backed securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	146,698		184,042
Amortized Cost	540,624		508,090
Available-for-sale securities	555,356		521,261
Non-credit losses on other-than-temporary impairments	5,180	[1]	5,223	[1]
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	18,660		17,188
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	-3,928		-4,017
United States Government and agencies
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value			970
Amortized Cost	37,439		38,227
Available-for-sale securities	42,113		42,804
Non-credit losses on other-than-temporary impairments	0	[1]	0	[1]
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	4,674		4,581
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	0		-4
State, municipal and other government [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	23,066		12,472
Amortized Cost	1,299,108		1,290,040
Available-for-sale securities	1,463,250		1,447,498
Non-credit losses on other-than-temporary impairments	0	[1]	0	[1]
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	164,244		157,571
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	-102		-113
Equity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	4,450		19,288
Available-for-sale securities	122,355		112,623
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	7,778		5,873
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	550		660
Non-redeemable preferred stock [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	4,450		19,288
Amortized Cost	85,566		80,566
Available-for-sale securities	92,050		85,041
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	7,034		5,135
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	550		660
Common Stock
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	29,561		26,844
Available-for-sale securities	30,305		27,582
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	744		738
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	$0		$0
[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 gross unrealized 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, 2015 and December 31, 2014 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 $62.5 million at MarchB 31, 2015 and $80.9 million at DecemberB 31, 2014. Corporate securities also include redeemable preferred stock with a carrying value of $30.6 million at MarchB 31, 2015 and $29.9 million at DecemberB 31, 2014.

Investment_Operations_Availabl1

Investment Operations Available-for-sale Fixed Maturities by Maturity Date (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	$115,127	$107,410
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Due in one year or less, amortized cost basis	106,819
Due after one year through five years, amortized cost basis	760,042
Due after five years through ten years, amortized cost basis	884,759
Due after ten years, amortized cost basis	2,954,043
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Single Maturity Date, Amortized Cost Basis	4,705,663
Mortgage-backed and other asset-backed, amortized cost basis	1,474,827
Total fixed maturities, amortized cost basis	6,180,490	6,111,433
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Due in one year or less, fair value	108,578
Due after one year through five years, fair value	843,244
Due after five years through ten years, fair value	966,225
Due after ten years, fair value	3,328,341
Total fixed maturities with maturity date, fair value	5,246,388
Mortgage-backed and other asset-backed, fair value	1,586,864
Total fixed maturities, fair value	6,833,252	6,700,698
Corporate
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	86,753	142,600
Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	28,414	19,084
Commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	8,025	20,900
Other asset backed securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	46,118	55,526
United States Government and agencies
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value		470
State, municipal and other government [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	0	12,472
Debt Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	169,310	251,052
Non-redeemable preferred stock [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	4,450	4,450
Equity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	$4,450	$4,450

Investment_Operations_Net_Unre

Investment Operations Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments in AOCI (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Net Unrealized Gains Losses [Line Items]
Assumed changes in amortization of DAC	($197,928)		($179,544)
Assumed changes in amortization pattern of VIIF	-3,839		-3,939
Assumed changes in amortization pattern of URR	10,765		11,461
Assumed change in policyholder liability	12,811		11,182
Provision for deferred income taxes	-159,648		-143,932
Accumulated other comprehensive income	287,828		258,410		188,547	119,067
Debt Securities [Member]
Net Unrealized Gains Losses [Line Items]
Unrealized appreciation on fixed maturities available for sale	652,762		589,265
Equity Securities [Member]
Net Unrealized Gains Losses [Line Items]
Unrealized appreciation on fixed maturities available for sale	7,228		5,213
Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member]
Net Unrealized Gains Losses [Line Items]
Unrealized appreciation on fixed maturities available for sale	659,990		594,478
Accumulated other comprehensive income	$296,529	[1]	$267,342	[1]
[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.

Investment_Operations_Unrealiz

Investment Operations Unrealized Losses by Length of Time (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
	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	160	185
Available For Sale Securities In Unrealized Loss Positions Qualitative Disclosure Number Of Issuers	127	160
Corporate
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	189,123,000	203,764,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	13,547,000	9,756,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	86,753,000	142,600,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	6,830,000	7,810,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	275,876,000	346,364,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	-20,377,000	-17,566,000
Available for sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Maximum Loss by issuer	2,800,000
percent of total	70.50%	64.80%
Commercial mortgage-backed
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available for sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Maximum Loss by issuer	3,200,000
Available for sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Maximum Loss by security	1,900,000
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	19,352,000	27,889,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	155,000	315,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	28,414,000	19,084,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	3,970,000	4,268,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	47,766,000	46,973,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	-4,125,000	-4,583,000
percent of total	14.30%	16.90%
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	8,507,000	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	65,000	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	8,025,000	20,900,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	274,000	812,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	16,532,000	20,900,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	-339,000	-812,000
percent of total	1.20%	3.00%
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	100,580,000	128,516,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	2,131,000	2,349,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	46,118,000	55,526,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	1,797,000	1,668,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	146,698,000	184,042,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	-3,928,000	-4,017,000
percent of total	13.60%	14.80%
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		500,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss		0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value		470,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss		4,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value		970,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss		-4,000
percent of total		0.00%
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	23,066,000	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	102,000	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	0	12,472,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	0	113,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	23,066,000	12,472,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	-102,000	-113,000
percent of total	0.40%	0.50%
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	340,628,000	360,669,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	16,000,000	12,420,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	169,310,000	251,052,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	12,871,000	14,675,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	509,938,000	611,721,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	-28,871,000	-27,095,000
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	0	14,838,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	0	110,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	4,450,000	4,450,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	550,000	550,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	4,450,000	19,288,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	-550,000	-660,000
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	0	14,838,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	0	110,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	4,450,000	4,450,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	550,000	550,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	4,450,000	19,288,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	-550,000	-660,000
Utilities sector [Member] | Corporate
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	96,400,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	-11,200,000
Electric sector [Member] | Corporate
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	37,200,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	-5,700,000
Gas pipeline sector [Member] | Corporate
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	43,700,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	-4,500,000

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, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	($16,772)	($21,592)
Reductions due to securities sold	159	68
Balance at end of period	($16,613)	($21,524)

Investment_Operations_Realized

Investment Operations Realized Gains (Losses) - Recorded in Income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Realized gains (losses) on investments recorded in income	($366,000)	($540,000)
Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities	17,300,000	12,800,000
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	220,000	97,000
Gross losses - fixed maturities - available for sale	($586,000)	($637,000)

Investment_Operations_Mortgage

Investment Operations Mortgage Loans (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	$673,311	$629,296
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	100.00%	100.00%
Year of origination 2015 [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	58,204	0
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	8.70%	0.00%
Year of origination 2014 [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	85,546	86,174
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	12.70%	13.70%
Year of origination 2013 [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	81,116	81,802
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	12.00%	13.00%
Year of origination 2012 [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	69,626	70,274
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	10.40%	11.20%
Year of Origination 2011 [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	46,456	46,813
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	6.90%	7.40%
Year of origination 2010 [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	332,363	344,233
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	49.30%	54.70%
0% to 50% loan to value [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	206,255	180,884
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	30.60%	28.70%
51% to 60% loan-to-value [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	180,263	189,210
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	26.80%	30.10%
61% to 70% loan-to-value [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	219,676	198,336
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	32.60%	31.50%
71% to 80% loan-to-value [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	62,609	53,480
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	9.30%	8.50%
81% to 90% loan to value [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	4,508	7,386
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	0.70%	1.20%
South Atlantic [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	216,884	191,835
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	32.20%	30.50%
Pacific [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	93,405	94,770
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	13.90%	15.10%
East North Central [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	79,601	80,999
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	11.80%	12.90%
West North Central [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	94,943	85,664
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	14.10%	13.60%
West South Central [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	59,819	50,010
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	8.90%	7.90%
Mountain [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	65,720	62,473
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	9.80%	9.90%
Other geographical locations [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	62,939	63,545
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	9.30%	10.10%
Office [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	307,998	269,308
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	45.70%	42.80%
Retail [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	211,082	214,710
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	31.40%	34.10%
Industrial [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	128,478	125,425
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	19.10%	19.90%
Other property type [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	$25,753	$19,853
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	3.80%	3.20%

Investment_Operations_Allowanc

Investment Operations Allowance on Mortgage Loans (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	$857	$888
Charge offs	-6	-5
Balance at end of period	$851	$883

Investment_Operations_Impaired

Investment Operations Impaired mortgage loans (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	$22,026	$22,103
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	851	857	883	888
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount	223	267
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	$20,952	$20,979

Investment_Operations_Variable

Investment Operations Variable Interest Entities (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets	$17,288	$17,046
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	$17,288	$17,046

Investment_Operations_Commitme

Investment Operations Commitments (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Other Commitment	$45.40

Investment_Operations_Derivati

Investment Operations Derivative instruments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets (incl in other investments)	$7.10		$7.10
Fair Value Disclosure, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Amount, Asset	2.1
Derivative Liabilities	9.8		8.7
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	$0.30	$0.50

Fair_Values_Fair_Value_by_Bala

Fair Values Fair Value by Balance Sheet Grouping (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Commercial and Consumer, Net	$673,311	$629,296
Policy loans	182,432	182,502
Other investments	7,100	7,100
Assets held in separate accounts	688,194	683,033
Liabilities related to separate accounts	688,194	683,033
State, municipal and other government [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	1,463,250	1,447,498
Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	6,833,252	6,700,698
Equity Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	122,355	112,623
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Commercial and Consumer, Net	673,311	629,296
Policy loans	182,432	182,502
Other investments	3,313	3,558
Cash and short-term investments	67,538	125,217
Reinsurance recoverable	3,820	3,562
Assets held in separate accounts	688,194	683,033
Future policy benefits	3,629,682	3,563,558
Supplemental contracts without life contingencies	337,733	341,955
Advance premiums and other deposits	249,319	239,700
Long-term debt	97,000	97,000
Other liabilities	221	173
Liabilities related to separate accounts	688,194	683,033
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	6,833,252	6,700,698
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	122,355	112,623
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Commercial and Consumer, Net	722,016	667,913
Policy loans	233,804	230,070
Other investments	3,313	3,558
Cash and short-term investments	67,538	125,217
Reinsurance recoverable	3,820	3,562
Assets held in separate accounts	688,194	683,033
Future policy benefits	3,783,109	3,666,960
Supplemental contracts without life contingencies	329,566	329,651
Advance premiums and other deposits	249,319	239,700
Long-term debt	73,720	69,772
Other liabilities	221	173
Liabilities related to separate accounts	682,492	677,040
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	6,833,252	6,700,698
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	122,355	112,623
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities		85,041
Other investments		3,558
Cash and short-term investments		125,217
Reinsurance recoverable		3,562
Assets held in separate accounts		683,033
Future policy benefits		8,681
Other liabilities		173
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | State, municipal and other government [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities		$1,447,498

Fair_Values_Valuation_of_Finan

Fair Values Valuation of Financial Instruments by Hierarchy Levels (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other investments	$7,100		$7,100
Assets held in separate accounts	688,194		683,033
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other investments	3,313		3,558
Cash and short-term investments	67,538		125,217
Reinsurance recoverable	3,820		3,562
Assets held in separate accounts	688,194		683,033
Future policy benefits - index annuity embedded derivatives	3,783,109		3,666,960
Other liabilities	221		173
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure			7,628,691
Available-for-sale securities			85,041
Mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale			521,261
Other investments			3,558
Cash and short-term investments			125,217
Reinsurance recoverable			3,562
Assets held in separate accounts			683,033
Future policy benefits - index annuity embedded derivatives			8,681
Other liabilities			173
Total liabilities			8,854
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale	0		0
Other investments	0		0
Cash and short-term investments	67,538		125,217
Reinsurance recoverable	0		0
Assets held in separate accounts	688,194		683,033
Future policy benefits - index annuity embedded derivatives	0		0
Other liabilities	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	776,352		826,921
Other liabilities			0
Total liabilities	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale	462,468		405,120
Other investments	3,313		3,558
Cash and short-term investments	0		0
Reinsurance recoverable	3,820		3,562
Assets held in separate accounts	0		0
Future policy benefits - index annuity embedded derivatives	0		0
Other liabilities	221
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	6,674,477		6,526,380
Other liabilities			173
Total liabilities	221		173
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale	92,888		116,141
Other investments	0		0
Cash and short-term investments	0		0
Reinsurance recoverable	0		0
Assets held in separate accounts	0		0
Future policy benefits - index annuity embedded derivatives	9,591		8,681
Other liabilities	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	267,643		275,390
Available-for-sale securities	259,291		267,336
Other liabilities			0
Total liabilities	9,591		8,681
Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	7,718,472
Available-for-sale securities	92,050
Mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale	555,356
Other investments	3,313
Cash and short-term investments	67,538
Reinsurance recoverable	3,820
Assets held in separate accounts	688,194
Future policy benefits - index annuity embedded derivatives	9,591
Other liabilities	221
Total liabilities	9,812
Corporate securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	3,741,025	[1]	3,666,906	[1]
Corporate securities | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities			3,666,906
Corporate securities | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [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] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	3,667,326		3,602,667
Corporate securities | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	73,699		64,239
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	73,699		64,239
Corporate securities | Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	3,741,025
Non-redeemable preferred stock [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	92,050		85,041
Non-redeemable preferred stock [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [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] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	83,698		76,987
Non-redeemable preferred stock [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	8,352		8,054
Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	487,420		491,534
Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale			491,534
Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [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] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale	482,374		491,534
Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale	5,046		0
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]
Available-for-sale securities	5,046
Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member] | Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale	487,420
Commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	544,088		530,695
Commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale			530,695
Commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [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] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale	465,586		452,804
Commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale	78,502		77,891
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	78,502		77,891
Commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member] | Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale	544,088
United States Government and agencies
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	42,113		42,804
United States Government and agencies | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities			42,804
United States Government and agencies | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	16,083		15,170
United States Government and agencies | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	16,874		18,569
United States Government and agencies | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	9,156		9,065
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	9,156		9,065
United States Government and agencies | Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	42,113
State, municipal and other government [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	1,463,250		1,447,498
State, municipal and other government [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities			1,447,498
State, municipal and other government [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [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] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	1,463,250		1,447,498
State, municipal and other government [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [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 Hierarchy [Domain] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	1,463,250
Common Stock
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	30,305		27,582
Common Stock | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities			27,582
Common Stock | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	4,537		3,501
Common Stock | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	25,768		24,081
Common Stock | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	0		0
Common Stock | Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	$30,305
[1]	Corporate securities include hybrid preferred securities with a carrying value of $62.5 million at MarchB 31, 2015 and $80.9 million at DecemberB 31, 2014. Corporate securities also include redeemable preferred stock with a carrying value of $30.6 million at MarchB 31, 2015 and $29.9 million at DecemberB 31, 2014.

Fair_Values_Level_3_Fixed_Matu

Fair Values Level 3 Fixed Maturitiies on a Recurring Basis by Valuation Source (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure			$7,628,691
Available-for-sale securities			85,041
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	267,643		275,390
Available-for-sale securities	259,291		267,336
percent of total	100.00%		100.00%
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	776,352		826,921
Corporate securities
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	3,741,025	[1]	3,666,906	[1]
percent of total	70.50%		64.80%
Corporate securities | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities			3,666,906
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	73,699		64,239
Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	487,420		491,534
percent of total	14.30%		16.90%
Residential 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	5,046
Commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	544,088		530,695
percent of total	1.20%		3.00%
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	78,502		77,891
Other asset backed securities [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	555,356		521,261
percent of total	13.60%		14.80%
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	92,888		116,141
United States Government and agencies
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	42,113		42,804
percent of total			0.00%
United States Government and agencies | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities			42,804
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	9,156		9,065
State, municipal and other government [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	1,463,250		1,447,498
percent of total	0.40%		0.50%
State, municipal and other government [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities			1,447,498
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	194,400		213,257
percent of total	75.00%		79.80%
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	64,891		54,079
percent of total	25.00%		20.20%
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [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	73,699		64,239
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Corporate securities | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	0		0
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [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	9,156		9,065
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | United States Government and agencies | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	16,083		15,170
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | State, municipal and other government [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	0		0
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | State, municipal and other government [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	0		0
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | 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	39,799		40,095
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Third-party vendors [Member] | Residential 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	4,056
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | 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	78,502		77,891
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | 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	72,043		95,271
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | 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	0		0
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | 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	33,900		24,144
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Priced internally [Member] | Residential 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	990
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | 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
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | 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	20,845		20,870
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | 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	$9,156		$9,065
[1]	Corporate securities include hybrid preferred securities with a carrying value of $62.5 million at MarchB 31, 2015 and $80.9 million at DecemberB 31, 2014. Corporate securities also include redeemable preferred stock with a carrying value of $30.6 million at MarchB 31, 2015 and $29.9 million at DecemberB 31, 2014.

Fair_Values_Quantitative_Infor

Fair Values Quantitative Information about Unobservable Measurement Inputs (Details) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure			$7,628,691
Future policy benefits - index annuity embedded derivatives			8,681
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	267,643		275,390
Index Annuity Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Future policy benefits - index annuity embedded derivatives	9,591		8,681
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	0.70% - 1.85% (1.15%) 0.15% - 0.40% (0.25%)	0.70% - 1.70% (1.10%) 0.15% - 0.40% (0.25%)
Asset fair value by technique [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	165,676		163,438
Corporate securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	50,482		41,491
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	0.85% - 12.00% (6.97%)	0.95% - 6.80% (4.92%)
Commercial mortgage-backed | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	78,502		77,891
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% - 4.00% (2.94%)	1.75% - 4.00% (2.89%)
Other asset backed securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	19,184		26,937
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	0.94% - 6.21% (4.30%)	0.96% - 6.17% (4.31%)
United States Government and agencies | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	9,156		9,065
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	1.85% (1.85%)	1.80% (1.80%)
State, municipal and other government [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure			8,054
Fair Value Measurements, Valuation Techniques		Discounted cash flow
Fair Value Measurements, Significant Assumptions		Credit spread
Input range and weighted average		3.34% (3.34%)
Non-redeemable preferred stock [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	$8,352
Fair Value Measurements, Valuation Techniques	Discounted cash flow
Fair Value Measurements, Significant Assumptions	Credit spread
Input range and weighted average	3.00% (3.00%)

Fair_Values_Level_3_Financial_

Fair Values Level 3 Financial Instruments Changes in Fair Value (Details) (Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member], Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Asset Balance, beginning of period	$275,390		$255,380
Purchases	27,787		5,656
Disposals	-7,682		-6,131
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in net income	0		0
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in other comprehensive income	-3,106		-1,592
Transfers Into Level 3	14,165	[1]	13,623	[1]
Transfers out of Level 3	-39,095	[1]	-7,194	[1]
Amortization included in net income	184		255
Asset Balance, beginning of period	267,643		263,181
Liability balance, beginning of period	8,681		286
Purchases	1,067		0
Settlements	-183		5
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in net income	26		-8
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	9,591		299
Corporate securities
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Asset Balance, beginning of period	64,239		81,994
Purchases	2,993		206
Disposals	-3,613		-2,835
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in net income	0		0
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in other comprehensive income	-4,190		106
Transfers Into Level 3	14,165	[1]	13,623	[1]
Transfers out of Level 3	0	[1]	0	[1]
Amortization included in net income	105		-10
Asset Balance, beginning of period	73,699		92,872
Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Asset Balance, beginning of period	0
Purchases	5,052
Disposals	0
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in net income	0
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in other comprehensive income	-6
Transfers Into Level 3	0	[1]
Transfers out of Level 3	0	[1]
Amortization included in net income	0
Asset Balance, beginning of period	5,046
Commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Asset Balance, beginning of period	77,891		71,712
Purchases	0		0
Disposals	-193		-167
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in net income	0		0
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in other comprehensive income	780		-1,448
Transfers Into Level 3	0	[1]	0	[1]
Transfers out of Level 3	0	[1]	0	[1]
Amortization included in net income	24		21
Asset Balance, beginning of period	78,502		73,014
Other asset backed securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Asset Balance, beginning of period	116,141		85,835
Purchases	19,742		5,450
Disposals	-3,876		-3,129
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in net income	0		0
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in other comprehensive income	-77		133
Transfers Into Level 3	0	[1]	0	[1]
Transfers out of Level 3	-39,095	[1]	-7,194	[1]
Amortization included in net income	53		243
Asset Balance, beginning of period	92,888		81,072
United States Government and agencies
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Asset Balance, beginning of period	9,065		8,044
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	89		-149
Transfers Into Level 3	0	[1]	0	[1]
Transfers out of Level 3	0	[1]	0	[1]
Amortization included in net income	2		1
Asset Balance, beginning of period	9,156		8,194
Non-redeemable preferred stock [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Asset Balance, beginning of period	8,054		7,795
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	298		234
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	8,352		8,029
Index Annuity Embedded Derivatives [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Liability balance, beginning of period	8,681		286
Purchases	1,067		0
Settlements	-183		5
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in net income	26
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	9,591		299
Index Annuity Embedded Derivatives [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in other comprehensive income			($8)
[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

Fair_Values_Valuation_of_Finan1

Fair Values Valuation of Financial Instruments not reported at fair value (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financial Instruments Not Reported at Fair Value [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Commercial and Consumer, Net	$673,311	$629,296
Policy loans	182,432	182,502
Liabilities related to separate accounts	688,194	683,033
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Financial Instruments Not Reported at Fair Value [Line Items]
Future policy benefits		8,681
Other liabilities		173
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Financial Instruments Not Reported at Fair Value [Line Items]
Other liabilities		0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Financial Instruments Not Reported at Fair Value [Line Items]
Other liabilities		173
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [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 on Real Estate, Commercial and Consumer, Net	722,016	667,913
Policy loans	233,804	230,070
Total assets	955,820	897,983
Future policy benefits	3,773,518	3,658,279
Supplemental contracts without life contingencies	329,566	329,651
Long-term debt	73,720	69,772
Advance premiums and other deposits	249,319	239,700
Liabilities related to separate accounts	682,492	677,040
Total liabilities	5,108,615	4,974,442
Portion at Other than Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Financial Instruments Not Reported at Fair Value [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Commercial and Consumer, Net	0	0
Policy loans	0	0
Total assets	0	0
Future policy benefits	0	0
Supplemental contracts without life contingencies	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, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Financial Instruments Not Reported at Fair Value [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Commercial and Consumer, Net	0	0
Policy loans	0	0
Total assets	0	0
Future policy benefits	0	0
Supplemental contracts without life contingencies	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, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Financial Instruments Not Reported at Fair Value [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Commercial and Consumer, Net	722,016	667,913
Policy loans	233,804	230,070
Total assets	955,820	897,983
Future policy benefits	3,773,518	3,658,279
Supplemental contracts without life contingencies	329,566	329,651
Long-term debt	73,720	69,772
Advance premiums and other deposits	249,319	239,700
Liabilities related to separate accounts	682,492	677,040
Total liabilities	$5,108,615	$4,974,442

Fair_Values_Level_3_Financial_1

Fair Values Level 3 Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a nonrecurring basis (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Commercial and Consumer, Net	$673,311	$629,296
Policy loans	182,432	182,502
Liabilities related to separate accounts	688,194	683,033
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Future policy benefits		$8,681

Defined_Benefit_Plan_Details

Defined Benefit Plan (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Other Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	$109	$67
Interest cost	250	269
Amortization of prior service cost	-3	-3
Amortization of actuarial loss	382	283
Net periodic pension cost	738	616
Net periodic pension cost individual entity share	418	343
United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	1,488	1,320
Interest cost	3,300	3,505
Expected return on assets	-4,463	-4,385
Amortization of prior service cost	36	36
Amortization of actuarial loss	2,598	1,361
Net periodic pension cost	2,959	1,837
Net periodic pension cost individual entity share	$959	$589

Stockholders_Equity_Details

Stockholders Equity (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common Stock Special Dividends Per Share Cash Paid	$2
Payment Of Special Cash Dividend	$49,500,000
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures	81,568	210,442
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	24,796,884	24,701,852	24,715,316	24,754,355
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value		-11,162,000
Issurance of common stock under compensation plans	2,682,000	6,411,000
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount	42,700,000
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares	0	-262,945
Common Class B
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures	0	0
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	11,413	11,413	11,413	11,413
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, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures	81,568	210,442
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	24,785,471	24,690,439	24,703,903	24,742,942
Common stock, without par value	147,307,000		144,625,000
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value		-11,200,000
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares	0	-262,945
Common Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, without par value	147,379,000	140,041,000	144,697,000	135,065,000
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value	0	-1,435,000
Issurance of common stock under compensation plans	2,682,000	6,411,000
Common Stock | Common Class B
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, without par value	72,000	72,000	72,000	72,000
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	147,307,000	139,969,000	144,625,000	134,993,000
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value	0	-1,435,000
Issurance of common stock under compensation plans	$2,682,000	$6,411,000

Stockholders_Equity_Accumulate

Stockholders Equity Accumulated other comprehensive income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Accumulated other comprehensive income	$287,828		$188,547		$258,410		$119,067
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, before Reclassification Adjustments, Net of Tax	28,940		68,980
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment for Sale of Securities Included in Net Income, Net of Tax	478		500
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated other comprehensive income	-8,701		-5,982		-8,932		-6,154
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	294,973	[1]	193,716	[1]	266,211	[1]	126,587	[1]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, before Reclassification Adjustments, Net of Tax	28,515	[1]	66,801	[1]
Accumulated Other-than-Temporary Impairment [Member]
Accumulated other comprehensive income	1,556		813		1,131		-1,366
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, before Reclassification Adjustments, Net of Tax	$425		$2,179
[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, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Net realized capital gains on sales of investments	($366)		($540)
Income available to common stockholders from continuing operations	23,553		22,954
Income taxes	10,384		10,228
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment for Sale of Securities Included in Net Income, Net of Tax	478		500
reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income [Member]
Net realized capital gains on sales of investments	366		540
Change in offsets to unrealized on investments	14		-36
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	358		268
Income available to common stockholders from continuing operations	735		769
Income taxes	-257		-269
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment for Sale of Securities Included in Net Income, Net of Tax	478		500
reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income [Member] | Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member]
Net realized capital gains on sales of investments	366	[1]	540	[2]
Change in offsets to unrealized on investments	14	[1]	-36	[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	380	[1]	504	[2]
Income taxes	-133	[1]	-176	[2]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment for Sale of Securities Included in Net Income, Net of Tax	247	[1]	328	[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	[2]	0	[2]
Change in offsets to unrealized on investments	0	[2]	0	[2]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Prior Service Costs Arising During Period, Net of Tax	0	[2]	0	[2]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax	0	[2]	0	[2]
Income available to common stockholders from continuing operations	0	[2]	0	[2]
Income taxes	0	[2]	0	[2]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment for Sale of Securities Included in Net Income, Net of Tax	0	[2]	0	[2]
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
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	358		268
Income available to common stockholders from continuing operations	355		265
Income taxes	-124		-93
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Gain (Loss) Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Net of Tax	$231		$172
[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, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Numerator [Abstract]
Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc.	$23,591	$22,992
Less: Dividends Series B preferred stock	-38	-38
Income available to common stockholders from continuing operations	$23,553	$22,954
Denominator [Abstract]
Weighted average shares - diluted	25,008,578	25,116,838
Weighted average shares - basic	24,899,278	24,937,307
Effect of dilutive securities - stock-based compensation	109,300	179,531
Earnings per common share	$0.95	$0.92
Earnings per common share - assuming dilution	$0.94	$0.91

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Realized gains (losses) on investments (1)	($366)	[1]	($540)	[1]
Change in net unrealized gains/losses on derivatives (1)	-162	[1]	310	[1]
Operating revenues	177,946		168,535
Operating Income (Loss)	30,369		30,132
Income tax on operating income	-6,554		-7,048
Realized gains/losses on investments (1)	-247	[1]	-328	[1]
Change in net unrealized gains/losses on derivatives	23	[1]	236	[1]
Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc.	23,591		22,992
Annuity Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenues	52,759		49,579
Operating Income (Loss)	17,088		15,447
Corporate and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenues	23,705		23,369
Operating Income (Loss)	3,496		4,593
Life Insurance Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenues	102,010		95,817
Operating Income (Loss)	$9,785		$10,092
[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, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Premiums collected	$166,200	$178,700
Change in due premiums and other	-376	-958
Traditional life insurance premiums	47,148	45,492
Interest sensitive product charges	28,121	27,091
Corporate and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Interest sensitive product charges	11,603	11,777
Corporate and Other [Member] | Admiin charges [Member]
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Interest sensitive product charges	1,517	1,599
Corporate and Other [Member] | Cost of insurance charges [Member]
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Interest sensitive product charges	7,424	7,415
Corporate and Other [Member] | Surrender charges [Member]
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Interest sensitive product charges	108	138
Corporate and Other [Member] | Separate account charges [Member]
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Interest sensitive product charges	2,239	2,280
Corporate and Other [Member] | Amortization of policy initiation fees [Member]
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Interest sensitive product charges	315	345
Life Insurance Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Premiums collected	71,215	72,838
Interest sensitive product charges	15,905	14,760
Life Insurance Segment [Member] | Admiin charges [Member]
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Interest sensitive product charges	3,697	3,495
Life Insurance Segment [Member] | Cost of insurance charges [Member]
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Interest sensitive product charges	11,492	11,017
Life Insurance Segment [Member] | Surrender charges [Member]
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Interest sensitive product charges	217	216
Life Insurance Segment [Member] | Amortization of policy initiation fees [Member]
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Interest sensitive product charges	499	32
Annuity Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Interest sensitive product charges	613	554
Life insurance - interest sensitive [Member]
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Premiums collected	23,691	26,388
Life insurance - traditional [Member]
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Premiums collected	$47,524	$46,450

Segment_Information_Goodwill_b

Segment Information Goodwill by segment (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Annuity Segment [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	$3.90
Life Insurance Segment [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	$6.10