FBL Financial (FFG) 10-K 1 Mar 17 2016 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and entity information

Document and entity information Document - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Feb. 27, 2017
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	FBL FINANCIAL GROUP INC
Entity Central Index Key	1,012,771
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float	$ 595,276,142
Common Class A
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		24,904,888
Common Class B
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		11,413

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Investments:
Fixed maturities - available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost: 2016 - $6,661,711; 2015 - $6,379,919)	$ 7,008,790	$ 6,637,776
Equity securities - available for sale, at fair value (cost: 2016 - $130,479; 2015 - $116,336)	132,968	121,667
Mortgage loans	816,471	744,303
Real estate	1,955	1,955
Policy loans	188,254	185,784
Short-term investments	16,348	28,251
Other investments	9,874	3,017
Total investments	8,174,660	7,722,753
Cash and cash equivalents	33,583	29,490
Securities and indebtedness of related parties	137,422	134,570
Accrued investment income	78,437	78,274
Amounts receivable from affiliates	3,790	2,834
Reinsurance recoverable	105,290	103,898
Deferred acquisition costs	330,324	335,783
Value of insurance in force acquired	9,226	20,913
Current income taxes recoverable	4,309	2,421
Other assets	92,021	75,811
Assets held in separate accounts	597,072	625,257
Total Assets	9,566,134	9,132,004
Future policy benefits:
Interest sensitive products	5,100,625	4,764,159
Traditional life insurance and accident and health products	1,698,792	1,637,322
Other policy claims and benefits	43,395	44,157
Supplementary contracts without life contingencies	330,232	339,929
Advance premiums and other deposits	265,221	254,276
Amounts payable to affiliates	862	575
Short-term debt payable to non-affiliates	0	15,000
Long-term debt payable non-affiliates	97,000	97,000
Deferred income taxes	163,495	135,063
Other liabilities	81,182	84,792
Liabilities related to separate accounts	597,072	625,257
Total liabilities	8,377,876	7,997,530
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	149,555	114,532
Retained earnings	882,672	867,574
Total FBL Financial Group, Inc. stockholders' equity	1,188,202	1,134,426
Noncontrolling interest	56	48
Total stockholders' equity	1,188,258	1,134,474
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	9,566,134	9,132,004
Common Class A
FBL Financial Group, Inc. stockholders' equity:
Common stock, without par value	152,903	149,248
Common Class B
FBL Financial Group, Inc. stockholders' equity:
Common stock, without par value	$ 72	$ 72

Consolidated Balance Sheets Par

Consolidated Balance Sheets Parenthetical disclosures - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis	$ 6,661,711	$ 6,379,919
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	$ 130,479	$ 116,336
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 stock, shares outstanding	24,893,955	24,808,176
Common Class A
Common stock, shares authorized	88,500,000	88,500,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	24,882,542	24,796,763
Common stock, shares outstanding	24,882,542	24,796,763
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 Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Revenues:
Interest sensitive product charges	$ 111,928	$ 114,584	$ 109,770
Traditional life insurance premiums	196,914	190,956	183,300
Net investment income	404,170	391,149	382,082
Net realized capital gains on sales of investments	3,106	11,062	3,760
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses	(7,320)	(719)	(822)
Non-credit portion in other comprehensive income/loss	2,451	146	0
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings	(4,869)	(573)	(822)
Other income	15,165	15,631	14,849
Total revenues	726,414	722,809	692,939
Benefits and expenses:
Interest sensitive product benefits	238,586	217,443	211,540
Traditional life insurance benefits	177,682	176,145	162,876
Policyholder dividends	10,574	11,828	12,012
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses	135,967	143,668	138,258
Interest expense	4,850	4,850	4,707
Other expenses	16,966	17,507	16,445
Total benefits and expenses	584,625	571,441	545,838
Income from continuing operations before equity income, income taxes and noncontrolling interest	141,789	151,368	147,101
Income taxes	(46,010)	(47,418)	(47,335)
Equity income, net of related income taxes	11,440	9,523	10,103
Net income from continuing operations	107,219	113,473	109,869
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest	4	54	72
Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc.	$ 107,223	$ 113,527	$ 109,941
Earnings per common share:
Earnings per common share	$ 4.29	$ 4.55	$ 4.42
Earnings per common share - assuming dilution:
Earnings per common share - assuming dilution	4.28	4.53	4.39
Regular quarterly cash dividend [Member]
Earnings per common share - assuming dilution:
Cash dividends per common share	1.68	1.60	1.40
Special cash dividend [Member]
Earnings per common share - assuming dilution:
Cash dividends per common share	$ 2	$ 2	$ 0

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Net income		$ 107,219	$ 113,473	$ 109,869
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Change in net unrealized investment gains/losses		38,077	(146,579)	142,121	[1]
Non-credit impairment losses		(1,476)	(90)	0	[1]
Change in funded status of the other postretirement benefit plans		(1,578)	2,791	(2,778)	[1]
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax	[1]	35,023	(143,878)	139,343
Total comprehensive income, net of tax		142,242	(30,405)	249,212
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest		(4)	(54)	(72)
Comprehensive income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc.		$ 142,246	$ (30,351)	$ 249,284
[1]	Other comprehensive income (loss) 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 Shar

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total		Preferred Stock [Member]	Common stocks	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Balance at beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2013	$ 1,044,791		$ 3,000	$ 135,065	$ 119,067	$ 787,609	$ 50
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	109,869					109,941	(72)
Other comprehensive income	139,343	[1]			139,343	0	0
Issuance of common stock under compensation plans	12,028			12,028
Purchase of common stock	(18,460)			(2,396)		(16,064)
Dividends on preferred stock	(150)					(150)
Dividends on common stock	(34,599)					(34,599)
Receipts related to noncontrolling interest	60						60
Balance at end of period at Dec. 31, 2014	1,252,882		3,000	144,697	258,410	846,737	38
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	113,473					113,527	(54)
Other comprehensive income	(143,878)	[1]			(143,878)	0	0
Issuance of common stock under compensation plans	5,022			5,022
Purchase of common stock	(3,742)			(399)		(3,343)
Dividends on preferred stock	(150)					(150)
Dividends on common stock	(89,197)					(89,197)
Receipts related to noncontrolling interest	64						64
Balance at end of period at Dec. 31, 2015	1,134,474		3,000	149,320	114,532	867,574	48
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	107,219					107,223	(4)
Other comprehensive income	35,023	[1]			35,023	0	0
Issuance of common stock under compensation plans	3,718			3,718
Purchase of common stock	(586)			(63)		(523)
Dividends on preferred stock	(150)					(150)
Dividends on common stock	(91,452)					(91,452)
Receipts related to noncontrolling interest	12						12
Balance at end of period at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 1,188,258		$ 3,000	$ 152,975	$ 149,555	$ 882,672	$ 56
[1]	Other comprehensive income (loss) 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 Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Operating activities
Net income	$ 107,219	$ 113,473	$ 109,869
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Interest credited to account balances	153,856	152,467	149,528
Charges for mortality, surrenders and administration	(111,792)	(108,250)	(105,100)
Net realized (gains) losses on investments	1,763	(10,489)	(2,938)
Change in the fair value of derivatives	(828)	(1,098)	(1,353)
Increase in traditional life and accident and health benefit liabilities	91,080	76,474	65,999
Deferral of acquisition costs	(42,553)	(43,215)	(41,409)
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs and value of insurnace in force	30,898	38,306	37,171
Change in reinsurance recoverable	(1,392)	(2,651)	(1,246)
Provision for deferred income taxes	9,550	6,840	7,774
Other	1,993	3,053	(9,537)
Net cash provided by operating activities	239,794	224,910	208,758
Sales, maturities or repayments:
Fixed maturities - available for sale	539,657	615,811	511,246
Equity securities - available for sale	5,532	14,921	1,840
Mortgage loans	81,425	42,429	43,634
Derivative instruments	2,987	3,899	1,760
Policy loans	35,458	35,406	33,704
Securities and indebtedness of related parties	10,086	27,789	2,997
Other investments	171	0	0
Acquisitions:
Fixed maturities - available for sale	(829,184)	(871,406)	(777,547)
Equity securities - available for sale	(11,057)	(23,833)	(19,178)
Mortgage loans	(160,005)	(155,815)	(96,623)
Derivative instruments	(6,847)	(4,122)	(2,399)
Policy loans	(37,928)	(38,688)	(39,213)
Securities and indebtedness of related parties	(17,927)	(26,213)	(20,317)
Short-term investments, net change	11,903	20,334	60,092
Purchases and disposals of property and equipment, net	(11,787)	(9,869)	(8,639)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(387,516)	(369,357)	(308,643)
Financing activities
Contract holder account deposits	600,383	586,072	608,435
Contract holder account withdrawals	(344,664)	(415,262)	(396,795)
Proceeds from the issuance of short-term debt	0	15,000	0
Repayments of debt	(15,000)	0	0
Receipts related to noncontrolling interests, net	12	64	60
Excess tax deductions on stock-based compensation	846	1,362	1,199
Issuance (repurchase) of common stock, net	1,840	(584)	(8,003)
Dividends paid	(91,602)	(89,347)	(34,749)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	151,815	97,305	170,147
Increase in cash and cash equivalents	4,093	(47,142)	70,262
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	29,490	76,632	6,370
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	33,583	29,490	76,632
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
Cash paid during the period for interest	(4,854)	(4,850)	(4,850)
Cash paid during the period for income taxes	$ (20,894)	$ (27,701)	$ (22,802)

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	Significant Accounting Policies Nature of Business FBL Financial Group, Inc. (we or the Company) operates predominantly in the life insurance industry through its principal subsidiary, Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company (Farm Bureau Life). Farm Bureau Life markets individual life insurance policies and annuity contracts to Farm Bureau members and other individuals and businesses in the Midwestern and Western sections of the United States through an exclusive agency force. Greenfields Life Insurance Company (Greenfields), a subsidiary of Farm Bureau Life, was launched in 2013 and offers life and annuity products in the state of Colorado. Several subsidiaries support various functional areas of Farm Bureau Life and other affiliates by providing investment advisory, marketing and distribution, and leasing services. In addition, we manage two Farm Bureau affiliated property-casualty companies. Consolidation Our consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company and its direct and indirect subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated. Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements In February 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued guidance that amends existing consolidation guidance. The decision to consolidate an entity that a company has an ownership stake in is based on one of two consolidation models: the voting interest entity model and the variable interest entity model. The new guidance revises certain criteria used to determine which consolidation model to use, as well as the criteria considered in each model to determine whether consolidation is required. We adopted the new guidance on January 1, 2016. Adoption of the guidance had no impact on our financial statements as it did not alter any of our prior consolidation decisions. Adoption did result in certain entities that were previously evaluated under the voting interest entity model to be evaluated under the variable interest entity model. See Note 2 for details regarding our variable interest entities. Accounting Pronouncements Pending Adoption In March 2016, the FASB issued guidance that will impact the accounting for share-based compensation. The guidance will impact several areas including the accounting for excess tax benefits and deficiencies, classification of excess tax benefits within the consolidated statement of cash flows and the accounting for forfeitures. The guidance becomes effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. Certain requirements must be adopted prospectively, while others are required to be adopted on a modified prospective basis, or retroactively. We expect the impact of this new guidance on our consolidated financial statements to be immaterial given our limited use of share-based compensation impacted by the new guidance. In January 2016, the FASB issued guidance that amends certain aspects of the recognition and measurement of financial instruments. The new guidance primarily affects the accounting for equity investments, the presentation and disclosure requirements for financial instruments and the methodology for assessing the need for a valuation allowance on deferred tax assets resulting from unrealized losses on available-for-sale fixed maturity securities. The guidance becomes effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements. We currently anticipate that the primary impact will be in the recognition of gains or losses from changes in our equity security investments through the statement of operations rather than as unrealized gains or losses reflected in other comprehensive income. Note 2 provides further information as to our current level of unrealized gains or losses on these securities. 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, 2017; early adoption is not permitted. We currently expect the impact of this new guidance to be related to non-insurance contract revenues, primarily net commissions on products we broker, which are insignificant to the consolidated financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued a new lease accounting standard, which, for most lessees, will result in a gross-up of the balance sheet. Under the new standard, lessees will recognize the leased assets on the balance sheet and will recognize a corresponding liability for the present value of lease payments over the lease term. The new standard requires the application of judgment and estimates. Also, there are accounting policy elections that may be taken both at transition and for the accounting post-transition, including whether to adopt a short-term lease recognition exemption. The guidance becomes effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The new standard will be applied as of the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements (date of initial application). We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements. In June 2016, the FASB issued guidance amending the accounting for the credit impairment of financial instruments. Under the new guidance, impairment losses are required to be estimated using an expected loss model under which a valuation allowance is established and adjusted over time. The valuation allowance will be based on the probability of loss over the life of the instrument, considering historical, current and forecasted information. The new guidance differs significantly from the incurred loss model used today, and will result in the earlier recognition of impairment losses. The new guidance may also increase the volatility of earnings to the extent actual results differ from the assumptions used in the establishment of the valuation allowance. The financial instruments for which we will be required to use the new model include but are not limited to, mortgage loans, lease receivables and reinsurance recoverables. Our available-for-sale fixed maturities will continue to apply the incurred loss model. However, rather than impairment losses resulting in a permanent reduction of carrying value as they do today, such losses will be in the form of a valuation allowance, which can be increased in the case of future credit losses or decreased should conditions improve. The guidance becomes effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted on January 1, 2019. We are currently evaluating the impact of this new guidance on our consolidated financial statements, but expect that it will be material.
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	Investments Fixed Maturities and Equity Securities Fixed maturities are comprised of bonds and redeemable preferred stock and are designated as "available for sale." Available-for-sale securities, with the exception of interest-only bonds, are reported at fair value and unrealized gains and losses on these securities are included directly in stockholders' equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. The unrealized gains and losses are reduced by a provision for deferred income taxes and adjustments to deferred acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserves and policyholder liabilities that would have been required as a charge or credit to income had such amounts been realized. Interest-only bonds are considered to have an embedded derivative feature. Accordingly, unrealized gains and losses relating to these securities are recorded as a component of net investment income in the consolidated statements of operations. Premiums and discounts for all fixed maturity securities are amortized/accreted into investment income over the life of the security using the effective interest method. Amortization/accrual of premiums and discounts on mortgage- and asset-backed securities incorporates prepayment assumptions to estimate the securities' expected lives. Subsequent revisions in assumptions are recorded using the retrospective or prospective method. Under the retrospective method used for mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities of high credit quality (ratings equal to or greater than "AA" or an equivalent rating by a nationally recognized rating agency at the time of acquisition or that are backed by a U.S. agency), amortized cost of the security is adjusted to the amount that would have existed had the revised assumptions been in place at the date of acquisition. The adjustments to amortized cost are recorded as a charge or credit to net investment income. Under the prospective method, which is used for all other mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, future cash flows are estimated and interest income is recognized going forward using the new internal rate of return. Equity securities, comprised of mutual funds and common and non-redeemable preferred stocks, are designated as "available for sale" and are reported at fair value. The change in unrealized gains and losses of equity securities is included directly in stockholders' equity, net of any related deferred income taxes, as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. Mortgage Loans Mortgage loans are reported at cost adjusted for amortization of premiums and accrual of discounts. If we determine that the value of any mortgage loan is impaired (i.e., when it is probable we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement), the carrying value of the mortgage loan is reduced to its fair value, which may be based upon the present value of expected future cash flows from the loan, or the fair value of the underlying collateral. We evaluate each of our mortgage loans individually and establish an estimated loss, if needed, for each impaired loan identified. The carrying value of each specific loan is reduced by the estimated loss. Mortgage loans are placed on non-accrual status if we have concerns regarding the collectability of future payments. 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. Real Estate Our real estate is held for investment and reported at cost less allowances for depreciation, as applicable. The carrying value of these assets is subject to regular review. For properties held for investment, if indicators of impairment are present and a property's expected undiscounted cash flows are not sufficient to recover the property's carrying value, an impairment loss is recognized and the property's cost basis is reduced to fair value. No properties were held for investment with impairment charges as of December 31, 2016 , and one property was held for investment with an impairment charge of $0.2 million as of December 31, 2015 . Other Investments Policy loans are reported at unpaid principal balance. Short-term investments, which include investments with remaining maturities of one year or less, but greater than three months at the time of acquisition, are reported at cost adjusted for amortization of premiums and accrual of discounts. Other investments include call options, which are carried at fair value, a promissory note acquired in a sale of a partnership interest, which is carried at the remaining basis of the partnership, and our ownership interest in aircraft acquired in a troubled debt restructuring with a bond issuer that filed for bankruptcy. The ownership interest in the aircraft is reported at cost, less accumulated depreciation. We have embedded derivatives associated with modified coinsurance contracts, which are included within reinsurance recoverable. These instruments are carried at fair value with changes reflected in net investment income. See Note 2 for more information regarding our derivative instruments. Securities and indebtedness of related parties include investments in corporations and partnerships over which we may exercise significant influence and those investments for which we are required or choose to use the equity method of accounting. These corporations and partnerships operate predominately in the investment company, real estate, broker/dealer and insurance industries and include non-guaranteed low income housing tax credit entities (LIHTC). Such investments are accounted for using the equity method. In applying the equity method, we record our share of income or loss reported by the equity investees. For partnerships operating in the investment company industry, this income or loss includes changes in unrealized gains and losses in the partnerships' investment portfolios. Accrued Investment Income We discontinue the accrual of investment income on invested assets when it is determined that it is probable that we will not collect the income. Realized Gains and Losses on Investments Realized gains and losses on sales of investments are determined on the basis of specific identification. 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 other-than-temporary impairment (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 OTTI. In determining whether or not an unrealized loss is 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 . Fair Values Fair values of fixed maturities are based on quoted market prices in active markets when available. Fair values of fixed maturities that are not actively traded are estimated using valuation methods that vary by asset class. Fair values of redeemable preferred stocks, equity securities and derivative investments are based on the latest quoted market prices, or for those items not readily marketable, generally at values that are representative of the fair values of comparable issues. Fair values for all securities are reviewed for reasonableness by considering overall market conditions and values for similar securities. See Note 3 for more information on our fair value policies, including assumptions and the amount of securities priced using the valuation models. Cash and Cash Equivalents For purposes of our consolidated statements of cash flows, we consider all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with a maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Organization, Consolidation, Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Accounting Policies [Text Block]	Reinsurance Recoverable We use reinsurance to manage certain risks associated with our insurance operations. These reinsurance arrangements provide for greater diversification of business, allow management to control exposure to potential risks arising from large claims and provide additional capacity for growth. For business ceded to other companies, reinsurance recoverable includes the reinsurers' share of policyholder liabilities, claims and expenses, net of amounts due the reinsurers for premiums. For business assumed from other companies, reinsurance recoverable includes premium receivable net of our share of benefits and expenses we owe to the ceding company. Fair values for the embedded derivatives in our modified coinsurance contracts are based on the difference between the fair value and the cost basis of the underlying investments. See Note 2 for more information regarding derivatives and Note 4 for additional details on our reinsurance agreements. Deferred Acquisition Costs and Value of Insurance In Force Acquired Deferred acquisition costs include certain costs of successfully acquiring new insurance business, including commissions and other expenses related to the production of new business, to the extent recoverable from future policy revenues and gross profits. Also included are premium bonuses and bonus interest credited to contracts during the first contract year only. The value of insurance in force acquired represents the cost assigned to insurance contracts when an insurance company is acquired. The initial value was determined by an actuarial study using expected future gross profits as a measurement of the net present value of the insurance acquired. Value of insurance in force acquired is being amortized on a fixed amortization schedule. For participating traditional life insurance and interest sensitive products, these costs are being amortized generally in proportion to expected gross margins or gross profits. That amortization is adjusted retrospectively through an unlocking process when estimates of current or future gross profits/margins (including the impact of investment gains and losses) to be realized from a group of products are revised. For nonparticipating traditional life products, these costs are amortized over the premium paying period of the related policies, in proportion to the ratio of annual premium revenues to total anticipated premium revenues. Such anticipated premium revenues are estimated using the same assumptions used for computing liabilities for future policy benefits. All insurance and investment contract modifications and replacements are reviewed to determine if the internal replacement results in a substantially changed contract. If so, the acquisition costs, sales inducements and unearned revenue associated with the new contract are deferred and amortized over the lifetime of the new contract. In addition, the existing deferred policy acquisition costs, sales inducement costs and unearned revenue balances associated with the replaced contract are written off. If an internal replacement results in a substantially unchanged contract, the acquisition costs, sales inducements and unearned revenue associated with the new contract are immediately recognized in the period incurred. In addition, the existing deferred policy acquisition costs, sales inducement costs or unearned revenue balance associated with the replaced contract is not written off, but instead is carried over to the new contract. Other Assets Other assets include property and equipment, primarily comprised of capitalized software costs and furniture and equipment, which are reported at cost less allowances for depreciation and amortization. We expense costs incurred in the preliminary stages of developing internal-use software as well as costs incurred post-implementation for maintenance. Capitalization of internal-use software costs occurs after management has authorized the project and it is probable that the software will be used as intended. Amortization of software costs begins after the software has been placed in production. Depreciation and amortization expense is computed primarily using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from three to twenty years. Property and equipment had a carrying value of $33.5 million at December 31, 2016 and $30.2 million at December 31, 2015 , and accumulated depreciation and amortization of $70.1 million at December 31, 2016 and $61.4 million at December 31, 2015 . Depreciation and amortization expense for property and equipment was $8.7 million in 2016 , $8.2 million in 2015 and $6.3 million in 2014 . Other assets at December 31, 2016 and 2015 , also includes goodwill of $9.9 million related to the excess of the amounts paid to acquire companies over the fair value of the net assets acquired. Goodwill is not amortized but is subject to annual impairment testing. We evaluate our goodwill balance by comparing the fair value of our reporting units to the carrying value of the goodwill. We conduct a qualitative impairment review at least annually as well as when indicators suggest an impairment may have occurred to determine if indicators of deterioration in the business would suggest its value has declined below the carrying value of goodwill. Such circumstances include changes in the competitive or overall economic environment or other business condition changes that may negatively impact the value of the underlying business. On a periodic basis, as well as in the event circumstances indicate the value of the business may have declined significantly, we will estimate the value of the business using discounted cash flow techniques. We believe this approach better approximates the fair value of our goodwill than a market capitalization approach. A number of significant assumptions and estimates are involved in the application of the discounted cash flow model to forecast operating cash flows, including future premiums, product lapses, investment yields and discount rate. Underlying assumptions are based on historical experience and our best estimates given information available at the time of testing. As a result of this analysis, we have determined our goodwill was not impaired as of December 31, 2016 or 2015 . Future Policy Benefits Future policy benefit reserves for interest sensitive products are computed under a retrospective deposit method and represent policy account balances before applicable surrender charges. We also have additional benefit reserves that are established for annuity or universal life-type contracts that provide benefit guarantees, or for contracts that are expected to produce profits followed by losses. The liabilities are accrued in relation to estimated contract assessments. Policy benefits and claims that are charged to expense include benefit claims incurred in the period in excess of related policy account balances. Interest crediting rates for our interest sensitive products ranged from 1.00% to 5.50% in 2016 , 2015 and 2014 . The liability for future policy benefits for direct participating traditional life insurance is based on net level premium reserves, including assumptions as to interest, mortality and other factors underlying the guaranteed policy cash values. Reserve interest assumptions are level and range from 2.00% to 6.00% . The average rate of assumed investment yields used in estimating gross margins was 5.51% in 2016 , 5.66% in 2015 and 5.75% in 2014 . The liability for future policy benefits for non-participating traditional life insurance is computed using a net level method, including assumptions as to mortality, persistency and interest and includes provisions for possible unfavorable deviations. The liabilities for future policy benefits for accident and health insurance are computed using a net level (or an equivalent) method, including assumptions as to morbidity, mortality and interest and include provisions for possible unfavorable deviations. Policy benefit claims are charged to expense in the period that the claims are incurred. Other Policy Claims and Benefits We have unearned revenue reserves that reflect the unamortized balance of charges assessed to interest sensitive contract holders to compensate us for services to be performed over future periods (policy initiation fees). These charges have been deferred and are being recognized in income over the period benefited using the same assumptions and factors used to amortize deferred acquisition costs. We have accrued dividends for participating business that are established for anticipated amounts earned to date that have not been paid. The declaration of future dividends for participating business is at the discretion of the Board of Directors of Farm Bureau Life. Participating business accounted for 32% of receipts from policyholders during 2016 ( 2015 - 31% and 2014 - 30% ) and represented 11% of life insurance in force at December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 . Deferred Income Taxes Deferred income tax assets or liabilities are computed based on the difference between the financial statement and income tax bases of assets and liabilities using the enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when the assets or liabilities are recovered or settled. Deferred income tax expenses or credits are based on the changes in the asset or liability from period to period. A valuation allowance against deferred income tax assets is established if it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred income tax assets will not be realized. Separate Accounts The separate account assets and liabilities reported in our accompanying consolidated balance sheets represent funds that are separately administered for the benefit of certain policyholders that bear the underlying investment risk. The separate account assets are carried at fair value and separate account liabilities represent policy account balances before applicable surrender charges. Revenues and expenses related to the separate account assets and liabilities, to the extent of benefits paid or provided to the separate account policyholders, are excluded from the amounts reported in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Recognition of Premium Revenues and Costs Revenues for interest sensitive and variable products consist of policy charges for the cost of insurance and product guarantees, asset charges, administration charges, amortization of policy initiation fees and surrender charges assessed against policyholder account balances. The timing of revenue recognition as it relates to these charges and fees is determined based on the nature of such charges and fees. Policy charges for the cost of insurance, asset charges and policy administration charges are assessed on a daily or monthly basis and are recognized as revenue when assessed and earned. Certain policy initiation fees that represent compensation for services to be provided in the future are reported as unearned revenue and recognized in income over the periods benefited. Surrender charges are determined based upon contractual terms and are recognized upon surrender of a contract. Policy benefits and claims charged to expense include interest amounts credited to policyholder account balances and benefit claims incurred in excess of policyholder account balances during the period. Amortization of deferred acquisition costs is recognized as expense over the life of the policy. Traditional life insurance premiums are recognized as revenues over the premium-paying period. Future policy benefits and policy acquisition costs are recognized as expenses over the life of the policy by means of the provision for future policy benefits and amortization of deferred acquisition costs. All insurance-related revenues, benefits and expenses are reported net of reinsurance ceded. The cost of reinsurance ceded is recognized over the contract periods of the reinsurance agreements. Policies and contracts assumed are accounted for in a manner similar to that followed for direct business. Underwriting, Acquisition and Insurance Expenses Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Dollars in thousands) Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses: Commission expense, net of deferrals $ 22,735 $ 22,260 $ 22,856 Amortization of deferred acquisition costs 28,225 35,220 33,303 Amortization of value of insurance in force acquired 2,392 2,436 3,500 Other underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses, net of deferrals 82,615 83,752 78,599 Total $ 135,967 $ 143,668 $ 138,258 Other Income and Other Expenses Other income and other expenses primarily consist of revenue and expenses generated by our various non-insurance subsidiaries for investment advisory, marketing and distribution, and leasing services. They also include revenues and expenses generated by our parent company for management services. Certain of these activities are performed on behalf of our affiliates. Lease income from leases with affiliates totaled $4.8 million in 2016 , $4.9 million in 2015 and $3.1 million in 2014 . Investment advisory fee income from affiliates totaled $2.5 million in 2016 , $2.3 million in 2015 and $1.9 million in 2014 . In addition, Farm Bureau Life has certain items, including fees earned from brokered products, reported as other income and other expense, which netted to $3.4 million in 2016 and $3.2 million in 2015 and 2014 . We expense legal costs associated with a loss contingency as incurred. Retirement and Compensation Plans We participate with affiliates and an unaffiliated organization in defined benefit pension plans, including a multiemployer plan. The multiemployer plan records an asset or liability based on the difference between contributions made to the plan to date and expense recognized for the plan to date. The obligations for the single employer plans are based on an actuarial valuation of future benefits. For the multiemployer plan, our contributions are commingled with those of the other employers to fund the plan benefit obligations. Should a participating employer be unable to provide funding, the remaining employers would be required to continue funding all future obligations. We employ a long-term investment strategy of maintaining diversified plan assets. The expected return on plan assets is set at the long-term rate expected to be earned based on the long-term investment strategy of the plans for assets at the end of the reporting period. We have a Cash-Based Restricted Stock Unit Plan. Performance and non-performance units are awarded under this plan. In addition to meeting the performance goals, the performance units are subject to a five-year vesting schedule. The non-performance units awarded under this plan vest over five years. The amount payable per unit awarded is equal to the price per share of the Company's common stock at settlement of the award, and as such, we measure the value of the award each reporting period based on the current stock price. The expense related to the performance units is based on the number of units expected to vest and is recognized over the required service period. The expense related to the non-performance units is recognized over the five-year vesting schedule. The impact of forfeitures is estimated and compensation expense is recognized only for those units expected to vest. We also have share-based payment arrangements under our Class A Common Stock Compensation Plan, although no new awards have been made since 2011. We recognize compensation expense for all share-based payments granted, modified or settled. The stock option expense was being recognized over the shorter of our five-year vesting schedule or the period ending when the employee becomes eligible for retirement using the straight-line method. However, during 2014 we accelerated the vesting of all unvested stock options and recognized the remaining compensation expense. The impact of forfeitures is estimated and compensation expense is recognized only for those stock-based instruments expected to vest. We report tax deductions related to stock-based instruments in excess of recognized compensation expense as a financing cash flow. See Note 8 for additional details on these plans. Comprehensive Income Comprehensive income includes net income, as well as other comprehensive income items not recognized through net income. Other comprehensive income includes unrealized gains and losses on our available-for-sale securities as well as the underfunded obligation for certain retirement and postretirement benefit plans. These items are included in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax and other offsets, in stockholders' equity. The changes in unrealized gains and losses reported in our Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss), excludes net investment gains and losses included in net income that represent transfers from unrealized to realized gains and losses. These transfers are further discussed in Note 7. The components of the underfunded obligation for certain retirement and postretirement benefit plans are provided in Note 8. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. For example, significant estimates and assumptions are utilized in the valuation of investments, determination of other-than-temporary impairments of investments, amortization of deferred acquisition costs, calculation of policyholder liabilities and accruals and determination of pension expense. It is reasonably possible that actual experience could differ from the estimates and assumptions utilized, which could have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

Investment Operations

Investment Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Investment Operations [Abstract]
Investment [Text Block]	Investment Operations Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities by Investment Category December 31, 2016 Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Non-credit losses on other-than-temporary impairments (1) (Dollars in thousands) Fixed maturities: Corporate (2) $ 3,529,997 $ 228,601 $ (49,943 ) $ 3,708,655 $ (1,082 ) Residential mortgage-backed 396,110 29,121 (2,931 ) 422,300 (983 ) Commercial mortgage-backed 546,446 33,645 (4,137 ) 575,954 — Other asset-backed 771,570 8,846 (9,766 ) 770,650 2,544 United States Government and agencies 30,575 1,629 (132 ) 32,072 — State, municipal and other governments 1,387,013 119,298 (7,152 ) 1,499,159 — Total fixed maturities $ 6,661,711 $ 421,140 $ (74,061 ) $ 7,008,790 $ 479 Equity securities: Non-redeemable preferred stocks $ 100,042 $ 4,050 $ (1,675 ) $ 102,417 Common stocks 30,437 114 — 30,551 Total equity securities $ 130,479 $ 4,164 $ (1,675 ) $ 132,968 December 31, 2015 Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Non-credit losses on other-than-temporary impairments (1) (Dollars in thousands) Fixed maturities: Corporate (2) $ 3,464,402 $ 192,149 $ (137,844 ) $ 3,518,707 $ 351 Residential mortgage-backed 436,969 33,880 (5,343 ) 465,506 (3,584 ) Commercial mortgage-backed 514,195 42,284 (2,487 ) 553,992 — Other asset-backed 578,692 11,554 (7,124 ) 583,122 3,058 United States Government and agencies 41,050 3,129 (81 ) 44,098 — State, municipal and other governments 1,344,611 129,923 (2,183 ) 1,472,351 — Total fixed maturities $ 6,379,919 $ 412,919 $ (155,062 ) $ 6,637,776 $ (175 ) Equity securities: Non-redeemable preferred stocks $ 87,029 $ 6,095 $ (1,173 ) $ 91,951 Common stocks 29,307 450 (41 ) 29,716 Total equity securities $ 116,336 $ 6,545 $ (1,214 ) $ 121,667 (1) Non-credit losses subsequent to the initial impairment measurement date on OTTI losses are included in the gross unrealized gains and gross unrealized losses columns above. The non-credit loss component of OTTI losses for other asset-backed securities were in an unrealized gain position at December 31, 2016 and corporate and other asset-backed securities at December 31, 2015 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 fair value of $23.3 million at December 31, 2016 and $43.5 million at December 31, 2015 . Corporate securities also include redeemable preferred stock with a fair value of $24.5 million at December 31, 2016 and $24.8 million at December 31, 2015 . Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturities by Maturity Date December 31, 2016 Amortized Cost Fair Value (Dollars in thousands) Due in one year or less $ 87,893 $ 89,546 Due after one year through five years 788,543 847,046 Due after five years through ten years 716,499 742,640 Due after ten years 3,354,650 3,560,654 4,947,585 5,239,886 Mortgage-backed and other asset-backed 1,714,126 1,768,904 Total fixed maturities $ 6,661,711 $ 7,008,790 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 December 31, 2016 2015 (Dollars in thousands) Net unrealized appreciation on: Fixed maturities - available for sale $ 347,079 $ 257,857 Equity securities - available for sale 2,489 5,331 349,568 263,188 Adjustments for assumed changes in amortization pattern of: Deferred acquisition costs (95,647 ) (73,735 ) Value of insurance in force acquired (12,382 ) (3,087 ) Unearned revenue reserve 4,215 3,352 Adjustments for assumed changes in policyholder liabilities (3,795 ) (4,090 ) Provision for deferred income taxes (84,684 ) (64,955 ) Net unrealized investment gains $ 157,275 $ 120,673 Change in Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation of Investments - Recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Dollars in thousands) Fixed maturities - available for sale $ 89,222 $ (331,408 ) $ 336,051 Equity securities - available for sale (2,842 ) 118 3,729 Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments $ 86,380 $ (331,290 ) $ 339,780 The changes in 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 December 31, 2016 Less than one year One year or more Total Description of Securities Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses Percent of Total (Dollars in thousands) Fixed maturities: Corporate $ 742,626 $ (23,142 ) $ 220,939 $ (26,801 ) $ 963,565 $ (49,943 ) 67.3 % Residential mortgage-backed 51,873 (1,014 ) 22,744 (1,917 ) 74,617 (2,931 ) 4.0 Commercial mortgage-backed 95,690 (3,590 ) 6,610 (547 ) 102,300 (4,137 ) 5.6 Other asset-backed 371,829 (5,810 ) 95,740 (3,956 ) 467,569 (9,766 ) 13.2 United States Government and agencies 6,438 (132 ) — — 6,438 (132 ) 0.2 State, municipal and other governments 150,052 (7,152 ) — — 150,052 (7,152 ) 9.7 Total fixed maturities $ 1,418,508 $ (40,840 ) $ 346,033 $ (33,221 ) $ 1,764,541 $ (74,061 ) 100.0 % Equity securities: Non-redeemable preferred stocks $ 12,774 $ (150 ) $ 13,438 $ (1,525 ) $ 26,212 $ (1,675 ) Total equity securities $ 12,774 $ (150 ) $ 13,438 $ (1,525 ) $ 26,212 $ (1,675 ) December 31, 2015 Less than one year One year or more Total Description of Securities Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses Percent of Total (Dollars in thousands) Fixed maturities: Corporate $ 1,115,324 $ (96,062 ) $ 115,730 $ (41,782 ) $ 1,231,054 $ (137,844 ) 88.9 % Residential mortgage-backed 21,646 (725 ) 26,537 (4,618 ) 48,183 (5,343 ) 3.4 Commercial mortgage-backed 48,424 (1,947 ) 7,657 (540 ) 56,081 (2,487 ) 1.6 Other asset-backed 285,395 (3,323 ) 65,298 (3,801 ) 350,693 (7,124 ) 4.6 United States Government and agencies 4,807 (81 ) — — 4,807 (81 ) 0.1 State, municipal and other governments 77,980 (2,183 ) — — 77,980 (2,183 ) 1.4 Total fixed maturities $ 1,553,576 $ (104,321 ) $ 215,222 $ (50,741 ) $ 1,768,798 $ (155,062 ) 100.0 % Equity securities: Non-redeemable preferred stocks $ 21,280 $ (573 ) $ 4,400 $ (600 ) $ 25,680 $ (1,173 ) Common stocks 1,428 (41 ) — — $ 1,428 $ (41 ) Total equity securities $ 22,708 $ (614 ) $ 4,400 $ (600 ) $ 27,108 $ (1,214 ) Fixed maturities in the above tables include 516 securities from 404 issuers at December 31, 2016 and 542 securities from 435 issuers at December 31, 2015 . Unrealized losses decreased during 2016 primarily due to a decrease in overall spreads, offset slightly by an increase in treasury yields over the same period. We do not consider securities to be OTTI when the market decline is attributable to factors such as interest rate movements, market volatility, liquidity, spread widening and credit quality when recovery of all amounts due under the contractual terms of the security is anticipated. Based on our intent not to sell or our belief that we will not be required to sell these securities before recovery of their amortized cost basis, we do not consider these investments to be OTTI at December 31, 2016 . We will continue to monitor the investment portfolio for future changes in issuer facts and circumstances that could result in future impairments beyond those currently identified. Excluding mortgage- and asset-backed securities, our largest unrealized loss was from an oil field service provider and totaled $2.1 million at December 31, 2016 . 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 December 31, 2016 was $1.2 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 $0.7 million . Mortgage Loans Our mortgage loan portfolio consists 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 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 December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , there were no non-performing loans over 90 days past due on contractual payments. At December 31, 2016 , we had committed to provide additional funding for mortgage loans totaling $50.0 million . These commitments arose in the normal course of business at terms that are comparable to similar investments. Mortgage Loans by Collateral Type December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Collateral Type Carrying Value Percent of Total Carrying Value Percent of Total (Dollars in thousands) Office $ 361,088 44.2 % $ 333,400 44.8 % Retail 240,602 29.5 227,039 30.5 Industrial 154,005 18.9 133,085 17.9 Other 60,776 7.4 50,779 6.8 Total $ 816,471 100.0 % $ 744,303 100.0 % Mortgage Loans by Geographic Location within the United States December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Region of the United States Carrying Value Percent of Total Carrying Value Percent of Total (Dollars in thousands) South Atlantic $ 266,019 32.6 % $ 233,522 31.4 % West North Central 105,753 12.9 102,555 13.8 Pacific 104,337 12.8 100,188 13.4 East North Central 91,550 11.2 86,019 11.5 Mountain 79,707 9.8 78,750 10.6 West South Central 74,258 9.1 66,677 9.0 Other 94,847 11.6 76,592 10.3 Total $ 816,471 100.0 % $ 744,303 100.0 % Mortgage Loans by Loan-to-Value Ratio December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Loan-to-Value Ratio Carrying Value Percent of Total Carrying Value Percent of Total (Dollars in thousands) 0% - 50% $ 274,953 33.7 % $ 264,605 35.6 % 50% - 60% 210,555 25.8 169,045 22.7 60% - 70% 233,216 28.5 234,544 31.5 70% - 80% 67,607 8.3 67,072 9.0 80% - 90% 30,140 3.7 9,037 1.2 Total $ 816,471 100.0 % $ 744,303 100.0 % The loan-to-value ratio is determined using the most recent appraised value. Appraisals are updated periodically when there is indication of a possible significant collateral decline or there are loan modifications or refinance requests. Mortgage Loans by Year of Origination December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Carrying Value Percent of Total Carrying Value Percent of Total (Dollars in thousands) 2016 $ 158,817 19.4 % $ — — % 2015 149,302 18.3 154,582 20.9 2014 80,771 9.9 83,546 11.2 2013 69,887 8.6 79,879 10.7 2012 59,983 7.3 65,817 8.8 2011 and prior 297,711 36.5 360,479 48.4 Total $ 816,471 100.0 % $ 744,303 100.0 % Impaired Mortgage Loans December 31, 2016 2015 (Dollars in thousands) Unpaid principal balance $ 21,459 $ 21,766 Less: Related allowance (713 ) (851 ) Discount — (87 ) Carrying value of impaired mortgage loans $ 20,746 $ 20,828 Allowance on Mortgage Loans Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 (Dollars in thousands) Balance at beginning of period $ 851 $ 857 Charge offs (138 ) (6 ) Balance at end of period $ 713 $ 851 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 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 2016 or 2015 . Components of Net Investment Income Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Dollars in thousands) Fixed maturities - available for sale $ 342,657 $ 338,952 $ 333,759 Equity securities - available for sale 6,558 6,091 5,388 Mortgage loans 38,098 35,923 32,759 Real estate — 169 140 Policy loans 8,956 8,871 8,620 Short-term investments, cash and cash equivalents 365 141 — Derivative income (loss) 3,935 (2,266 ) 2,496 Prepayment fee income and other 10,992 11,555 6,959 411,561 399,436 390,121 Less investment expenses (7,391 ) (8,287 ) (8,039 ) Net investment income $ 404,170 $ 391,149 $ 382,082 Realized Gains (Losses) - Recorded in Income Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Dollars in thousands) Realized gains (losses) on sales of investments Fixed maturities: Gross gains $ 9,793 $ 4,781 $ 4,593 Gross losses (8,523 ) (1,952 ) (833 ) Equity securities 529 — — Mortgage loans 817 — — Short-term investments, cash and cash equivalents (1 ) — — Other 491 8,233 — 3,106 11,062 3,760 Impairment losses recognized in earnings: Credit-related portion of fixed maturity losses (1) (4,767 ) (363 ) — Other credit-related (2) (102 ) (210 ) (822 ) Realized gains (losses) on investments recorded in income $ (1,763 ) $ 10,489 $ 2,938 (1) Amount represents the credit-related losses recognized for fixed maturities that were impaired through income but not written down to fair value. As discussed above, the non-credit portion of the losses have been recognized in other comprehensive income (loss). (2) Amount represents credit-related losses for other investments, real estate and fixed maturities written down to fair value through income. Proceeds from sales of fixed maturities were $109.5 million in 2016 , $108.5 million in 2015 and $67.2 million in 2014 . Realized losses on sales were on securities that we did not intend to sell at the prior balance sheet date or on securities that were impaired in a prior period, but decreased in value and were sold during the current reporting period. Credit Loss Component of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments on Fixed Maturities The following table sets forth the amount of credit loss impairments on fixed maturities held by the Company as of the dates indicated for which the non-credit portion of the OTTI was recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) and corresponding changes in such amounts. Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 (Dollars in thousands) Balance at beginning of period $ (11,498 ) $ (16,772 ) Increases for newly impaired investments (2,595 ) — Increases to previously impaired investments (2,172 ) (363 ) Reductions due to investments sold 1,765 5,637 Balance at end of period $ (14,500 ) $ (11,498 ) 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. After determining that VIE status exists, we review our involvement in the VIE to determine whether we have both the power to direct activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE, and the obligation to absorb losses or the rights to receive benefits that could be potentially significant to the VIE. This analysis includes a review of the purpose and design of the VIE, as well as the role that we played in the formation of the entity and how that role could impact our ability to control the VIE. We also review the activities and decisions considered significant to the economic performance of the VIE and assess what power we have in directing those activities and decisions. Finally, we review the agreements in place to determine if there are any guarantees that would affect our maximum exposure to loss. We have reviewed the circumstances surrounding our investments in VIEs, which are classified as securities and indebtedness of related parties, and consist of LIHTC, limited partnerships or limited liability companies accounted for under the equity method. In addition, we have reviewed the ownership interests in our VIEs and determined that we do not hold direct majority ownership or have other contractual rights (such as kick out rights) that give us effective control over these entities resulting in us having both the power to direct activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could be potentially significant to the VIE. The maximum loss exposure relative to our VIEs is limited to the carrying value and any unfunded commitments that exist for each particular VIE. Based on this analysis, none of our VIEs were required to be consolidated at December 31, 2016 or December 31, 2015. There were no circumstances that occurred during 2016 or 2015 that resulted in any changes in our decision not to consolidate any of our VIEs. We also have not provided additional support or other guarantees that was not previously contractually required (financial or otherwise) to any of the VIEs as of December 31, 2016 or December 31, 2015. VIE Investments by Category December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Carrying Value Maximum Exposure to Loss Carrying Value (1) Maximum Exposure to Loss (1) (Dollars in thousands) LIHTC $ 91,255 $ 95,058 $ 94,170 $ 102,626 Investment companies 23,379 45,569 20,004 35,604 Real estate limited partnerships 10,790 14,558 9,554 15,610 Other 429 2,034 637 2,448 Total $ 125,853 $ 157,219 $ 124,365 $ 156,288 (1) Prior year values have been updated for comparability with the amounts as presented under the new accounting guidance discussed in Note 1. In addition, we make passive investments in the normal course of business in structured securities issued by VIEs for which we are not the investment manager. These structured securities include all of the residential mortgage-backed securities, commercial mortgage-backed securities and other asset-backed securities included in our fixed maturities. Our maximum exposure to loss on these securities is limited to our carrying value in the investment. We have determined that we are not the primary beneficiary of these structured securities because we do not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entities' economic performance. Derivative Instruments Our primary derivative exposure relates to purchased call options, which provide an economic hedge to the embedded derivatives in our indexed annuity and universal life insurance products. We also have embedded derivatives within our modified coinsurance agreements as well as an interest-only fixed maturity investment. We do not apply hedge accounting to any of our derivative positions, and they are held at fair value. Derivatives Instruments by Type December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 (Dollars in thousands) Assets Freestanding derivatives: Call options (reported in other investments) $ 9,360 $ 2,331 Embedded derivatives: Modified coinsurance (reported in reinsurance recoverable) 3,411 2,636 Interest-only security (reported in fixed maturities) 3,374 4,551 Total assets $ 16,145 $ 9,518 Liabilities Embedded derivatives: Indexed annuity and universal life products (reported in liability for future policy benefits) $ 15,778 $ 9,374 Modified coinsurance agreements (reported in other liabilities) 114 56 Total liabilities $ 15,892 $ 9,430 Derivative Income (Loss) Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Dollars in thousands) Change in fair value of free standing derivatives: Call options $ 5,603 $ (1,904 ) $ 1,559 Change in fair value of embedded derivatives: Modified coinsurance agreements 716 (809 ) 711 Interest-only security 229 23 — Indexed annuity and universal life products (2,390 ) 2,577 (432 ) Call option amortization (5,601 ) (3,122 ) (1,535 ) Call option proceeds 2,988 3,546 1,761 Total income from derivatives $ 1,545 $ 311 $ 2,064 Derivative income (loss) is reported in net investment income except for the change in fair value of the embedded derivatives on our indexed annuity and universal life products, which is reported in interest sensitive product benefits. The call options are supported by securities collateral received of $6.3 million at December 31, 2016 , which is held in a separate custodial account. Subject to certain constraints, we are permitted to sell or re-pledge this collateral, but do not have legal rights to the collateral; accordingly, it has not been recorded on our balance sheet. At December 31, 2016 , none of the collateral had been sold or re-pledged. All of our counterparties are rated A- or better by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization. Low Income Housing Tax Credit Investments We invest in non-guaranteed federal LIHTC, which are included in securities and indebtedness of related parties in the balance sheet. The carrying value of these investments totaled $91.3 million at December 31, 2016 and $94.2 million at December 31, 2015 . There were no impairment losses recorded on these investments during 2016 , 2015 or 2014 . We use the equity method of accounting for these investments and recorded the following in our consolidated statement of operations. LIHTC Equity Income (Loss), Net of Related Income Taxes Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Dollars in thousands) Equity losses from LIHTC $ (7,547 ) $ (7,022 ) $ (6,411 ) Income tax benefits: Tax benefits from equity losses 2,641 2,458 2,244 Investment tax credits 14,077 13,542 12,209 Equity income from LIHTC, net of related income benefits $ 9,171 $ 8,978 $ 8,042 At December 31, 2016 , we had committed to provide additional funds for limited partnerships and limited liability companies in which we invest. The amounts of these unfunded commitments totaled $31.4 million , including $3.8 million for commitments to LIHTC, which are summarized by year in the following table. Commitments to LIHTC by Year December 31, 2016 (Dollars in thousands) 2017 $ 2,898 2018 590 2019 - 2024 315 Total $ 3,803 Other At December 31, 2016 , affidavits of deposits covering investments with a carrying value totaling $7,561.9 million were on deposit with state agencies to meet regulatory requirements. Fixed maturities with a carrying value of $496.8 million were on deposit with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB) as collateral for funding agreements. The carrying value of investments which have been non-income producing for the twelve months preceding December 31, 2016 includes real estate totaling $2.0 million . No investment in any entity or its affiliates (other than bonds issued by agencies of the United States Government) exceeded 10.0% of stockholders' equity at December 31, 2016 .

Fair Value

Fair Value	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value [Abstract]
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]	Fair Values The carrying and estimated fair values of our financial instruments are as follows: Fair Values and Carrying Values December 31, 2016 2015 Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value (Dollars in thousands) Assets Fixed maturities - available for sale $ 7,008,790 $ 7,008,790 $ 6,637,776 $ 6,637,776 Equity securities - available for sale 132,968 132,968 121,667 121,667 Mortgage loans 816,471 840,337 744,303 780,624 Policy loans 188,254 230,656 185,784 230,153 Other investments 9,809 11,272 2,331 2,331 Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments 49,931 49,931 57,741 57,741 Reinsurance recoverable 3,411 3,411 2,636 2,636 Assets held in separate accounts 597,072 597,072 625,257 625,257 Liabilities Future policy benefits $ 4,044,148 $ 3,903,177 $ 3,750,186 $ 3,618,145 Supplementary contracts without life contingencies 330,232 330,633 339,929 339,717 Advance premiums and other deposits 257,171 257,171 245,269 245,269 Short-term debt — — 15,000 15,000 Long-term debt 97,000 67,599 97,000 68,133 Other liabilities 114 114 56 56 Liabilities related to separate accounts 597,072 593,760 625,257 620,676 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 in or out of any level are measured as of the beginning of the period. The following methods and assumptions were used in estimating the fair value of our financial instruments: Fixed maturities: Level 1 fixed maturities consist of U.S. Treasury issues that are actively traded, allowing us to use current market prices as an estimate of their fair value. Level 2 fixed maturities consist of corporate, mortgage- and asset-backed, United States Government agencies, state and municipal and private placement corporate 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 private placement corporate bonds for which 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 corporate, mortgage- and asset-backed, United States Governments sponsored agencies and private placement corporate 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 corporate 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 corporate bonds 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 that 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 period to period 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 for the non-redeemable preferred stock 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 that 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 measured at fair value on a recurring basis include call options with fair values based on counterparty market prices adjusted for a credit component of the counterparty, net of collateral received. Level 3 other investments, which are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis, include a promissory note that is priced internally using a discounted cash flow based on our assessment of the credit risk of the borrower. 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, supplementary 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 that 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 that require management judgment include the risk margin as well as the credit risk of our company. Should the risk margin increase or the credit risk decrease the discounted cash flows and the estimated fair value of the obligation will increase. Short-term debt: Short-term debt is not measured at fair value on a recurring basis and is a Level 3 measurement. Short-term debt at December 31, 2015 consisted of advances with interest set at the debt issuer’s then-current lending rate. Since this short-term debt was repayable less than one month from the valuation date, its carrying value approximated fair value. 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 December 31, 2016 Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Total (Dollars in thousands) Assets Fixed maturities: Corporate securities $ — $ 3,649,536 $ 59,119 $ 3,708,655 Residential mortgage-backed securities — 422,300 — 422,300 Commercial mortgage-backed securities — 494,520 81,434 575,954 Other asset-backed securities — 716,282 54,368 770,650 United States Government and agencies 11,943 20,129 — 32,072 State, municipal and other governments — 1,499,159 — 1,499,159 Non-redeemable preferred stocks — 95,006 7,411 102,417 Common stocks 3,056 27,495 — 30,551 Other investments — 9,360 — 9,360 Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments 49,931 — — 49,931 Reinsurance recoverable — 3,411 — 3,411 Assets held in separate accounts 597,072 — — 597,072 Total assets $ 662,002 $ 6,937,198 $ 202,332 $ 7,801,532 Liabilities Future policy benefits - indexed annuity embedded derivatives $ — $ — $ 15,778 $ 15,778 Other liabilities — 114 — 114 Total liabilities $ — $ 114 $ 15,778 $ 15,892 Valuation of our Financial Instruments Measured on a Recurring Basis by Hierarchy Levels December 31, 2015 Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Total (Dollars in thousands) Assets Fixed maturities: Corporate securities $ — $ 3,469,631 $ 49,076 $ 3,518,707 Residential mortgage-backed securities — 461,777 3,729 465,506 Commercial mortgage-backed securities — 465,812 88,180 553,992 Other asset-backed securities — 527,565 55,557 583,122 United States Government and agencies 14,760 20,612 8,726 44,098 State, municipal and other governments — 1,472,351 — 1,472,351 Non-redeemable preferred stocks — 84,480 7,471 91,951 Common stocks 4,728 24,988 — 29,716 Other investments — 2,331 — 2,331 Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments 57,741 — — 57,741 Reinsurance recoverable — 2,636 — 2,636 Assets held in separate accounts 625,257 — — 625,257 Total assets $ 702,486 $ 6,532,183 $ 212,739 $ 7,447,408 Liabilities Future policy benefits - indexed annuity embedded derivatives $ — $ — $ 9,374 $ 9,374 Other liabilities — 56 — 56 Total liabilities $ — $ 56 $ 9,374 $ 9,430 Level 3 Fixed Maturities by Valuation Source - Recurring Basis December 31, 2016 Third-party vendors Priced Total (Dollars in thousands) Corporate securities $ 17,684 $ 41,435 $ 59,119 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 81,434 — 81,434 Other asset-backed securities 39,308 15,060 54,368 Total $ 138,426 $ 56,495 $ 194,921 Percent of total 71.0 % 29.0 % 100.0 % December 31, 2015 Third-party vendors Priced Total (Dollars in thousands) Corporate securities $ 17,208 $ 31,868 $ 49,076 Residential mortgage-backed securities — 3,729 3,729 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 88,180 — 88,180 Other asset-backed securities 35,420 20,137 55,557 United States Government and agencies — 8,726 8,726 Total $ 140,808 $ 64,460 $ 205,268 Percent of total 68.6 % 31.4 % 100.0 % Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements - Recurring Basis December 31, 2016 Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range (Weighted Average) (Dollars in thousands) Assets Corporate securities $ 47,398 Discounted cash flow Credit spread 0.58% - 4.25% (2.81%) Commercial mortgage-backed 81,434 Discounted cash flow Credit spread 1.10% - 4.15% (2.95%) Other asset-backed securities 6,461 Discounted cash flow Credit spread 1.08% - 4.87% (3.45%) Non-redeemable preferred stocks 7,411 Discounted cash flow Credit spread 4.05% (4.05%) Total assets $ 142,704 Liabilities Future policy benefits - indexed annuity embedded derivatives $ 15,778 Discounted cash flow Credit risk Risk margin 0.80% - 2.00% (1.25%) 0.15% - 0.40% (0.25%) December 31, 2015 Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range (Weighted Average) (Dollars in thousands) Assets Corporate securities $ 33,508 Discounted cash flow Credit spread 1.16% - 17.50% (11.26%) Commercial mortgage-backed 71,100 Discounted cash flow Credit spread 1.10% - 4.15% (3.12%) Other asset-backed securities 13,737 Discounted cash flow Credit spread 1.25% - 7.90% (5.61%) United States Government and agencies 8,726 Discounted cash flow Credit spread 2.59% (2.59%) Non-redeemable preferred stocks 7,471 Discounted cash flow Credit spread 4.55% (4.55%) Total assets $ 134,542 Liabilities Future policy benefits - indexed annuity embedded derivatives $ 9,374 Discounted cash flow Credit risk 0.80% - 2.25% (1.45%) 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 December 31, 2016 Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net Balance, December 31, 2015 Purchases Disposals Included in net income Included in other compre-hensive income Transfers into Level 3 (1) Transfers out of Level 3 (1) Amort-ization included in net income Balance, December 31, 2016 (Dollars in thousands) Assets Corporate securities $ 49,076 $ 2,000 $ (13,751 ) $ (27 ) $ (490 ) $ 35,956 $ (13,572 ) $ (73 ) $ 59,119 Residential mortgage-backed securities 3,729 — (3,722 ) — (137 ) — — 130 — Commercial mortgage-backed securities 88,180 18,826 (1,656 ) — (141 ) — (23,852 ) 77 81,434 Other asset-backed securities 55,557 64,146 (11,621 ) — 212 30,098 (84,045 ) 21 54,368 United States Government and agencies 8,726 — — — 486 — (9,218 ) 6 — State, municipal and other governments — — — — 108 2,393 (2,501 ) — — Non-redeemable preferred stocks 7,471 — — — (60 ) — — — 7,411 Total assets $ 212,739 $ 84,972 $ (30,750 ) $ (27 ) $ (22 ) $ 68,447 $ (133,188 ) $ 161 $ 202,332 Liabilities Future policy benefits - indexed annuity embedded derivatives $ 9,374 $ 5,913 $ (115 ) $ 606 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 15,778 December 31, 2015 Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net Balance, December 31, 2014 Purchases Disposals Included in net income Included in other compre-hensive income Transfers into Level 3 (1) Transfers out of Level 3 (1) Amort-ization included in net income Balance, December 31, 2015 (Dollars in thousands) Assets Corporate securities $ 64,239 $ 15,993 $ (20,499 ) $ — $ 55 $ 21,363 $ (32,649 ) $ 574 $ 49,076 Residential mortgage-backed securities — 19,353 (2,340 ) — 284 5,984 (19,631 ) 79 3,729 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 77,891 17,287 (885 ) — (3,905 ) — (2,334 ) 126 88,180 Other asset-backed securities 116,141 53,215 (10,085 ) — (662 ) 30,287 (133,351 ) 12 55,557 United States Government and agencies 9,065 — — — (346 ) — — 7 8,726 Non-redeemable preferred stocks 8,054 — — — (583 ) — — — 7,471 Total Assets $ 275,390 $ 105,848 $ (33,809 ) $ — $ (5,157 ) $ 57,634 $ (187,965 ) $ 798 $ 212,739 Liabilities Future policy benefits - indexed annuity embedded derivatives $ 8,681 $ 4,567 $ (1,064 ) $ (2,810 ) $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 9,374 (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. The fair values of newly issued securities often require additional estimation until a market is created, which is generally within a few months after issuance. Once a market is created, as was the case for the majority of the security transfers out of the Level 3 category above, Level 2 valuation sources become available. 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 December 31, 2016 Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Total (Dollars in thousands) Assets Mortgage loans $ — $ — $ 840,337 $ 840,337 Policy loans — — 230,656 230,656 Other investments 1,912 1,912 Total assets $ — $ — $ 1,072,905 $ 1,072,905 Liabilities Future policy benefits $ — $ — $ 3,887,399 $ 3,887,399 Supplementary contracts without life contingencies — — 330,633 330,633 Advance premiums and other deposits — — 257,171 257,171 Long-term debt — — 67,599 67,599 Liabilities related to separate accounts — — 593,760 593,760 Total liabilities $ — $ — $ 5,136,562 $ 5,136,562 December 31, 2015 Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Total (Dollars in thousands) Assets Mortgage loans $ — $ — $ 780,624 $ 780,624 Policy loans — — 230,153 230,153 Total assets $ — $ — $ 1,010,777 $ 1,010,777 Liabilities Future policy benefits $ — $ — $ 3,608,771 $ 3,608,771 Supplementary contracts without life contingencies — — 339,717 339,717 Advance premiums and other deposits — — 245,269 245,269 Short-term debt — — 15,000 15,000 Long-term debt — — 68,133 68,133 Liabilities related to separate accounts — — 620,676 620,676 Total liabilities $ — $ — $ 4,897,566 $ 4,897,566 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 that have been deemed to be impaired during the reporting period. There were no mortgage loans or real estate impaired to fair value during 2016. On May 22, 2015, one real estate property was impaired to a fair value totaling $1.0 million , which resulted in an impairment charge of $0.2 million .

Reinsurance and Policy Provisio

Reinsurance and Policy Provisions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Reinsurance and Policy Provisions [Abstract]
Reinsurance and Policy Provisions [Text Block]	Reinsurance and Policy Provisions Reinsurance In the normal course of business, we seek to limit our exposure to loss on any single insured or event and to recover a portion of benefits paid by ceding a portion of our exposure to other insurance companies. Our reinsurance coverage for life insurance varies according to the age and risk classification of the insured with current retention limits ranging up to $1.0 million of coverage per individual life. Certain term life products are reinsured on a first dollar quota share basis. We do not use financial or surplus relief reinsurance. We have assumed closed blocks of certain life and annuity business through coinsurance and modified coinsurance agreements. Farm Bureau Life may cede certain losses under an annual 100% quota share accidental death reinsurance agreement. Coverage includes all acts of terrorism including those of a nuclear, chemical or biological origin. Coverage is subject to an annual aggregate retention of $14.6 million . A maximum occurrence limit of $50.0 million per aircraft applies to policies written on agents of the Company who are participating in company-sponsored incentive trips. Additionally, a $200.0 million occurrence limit applies to employees in the home office building, net of reinsurance on group life policies. All other occurrence catastrophes are unlimited in amount. Reinsurance contracts do not relieve us of our obligations to policyholders. To the extent that reinsuring companies are later unable to meet obligations under reinsurance agreements, our insurance subsidiaries would be liable for these obligations, and payment of these obligations could result in losses. To limit the possibility of such losses, we evaluate the financial condition of our reinsurers and monitor concentrations of credit risk. No allowance for uncollectible amounts has been established against our asset for reinsurance recoverable since none of our receivables are deemed to be uncollectible. Ceded reinsurance reduces our revenues by the amount that we pay for premium or forego in product charges and reduces our benefits and expenses by reimbursements of claims by our reinsurers. Assumed reinsurance adds to our premiums or product charges and to benefits and expenses related to the business we assume. These impacts are shown in the table below. Impact of Reinsurance on our Financial Statements Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Dollars in thousands) Ceded (reductions to financial statement items): Premiums and product charges $ 33,058 $ 33,462 $ 32,513 Insurance benefits 22,515 26,183 16,972 Assumed (additions to financial statement items): Premiums and product charges 2,670 2,751 783 Insurance benefits 2,302 1,231 1,667 Reinsurance In Force and Percentage of Direct Life Insurance In Force Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 (Dollars in millions) Ceded reinsurance $ 14,258 23.5 % $ 14,263 24.1 % Assumed reinsurance 524 0.9 % 552 0.9 % Policy Provisions Analysis of the Value of Insurance In Force Acquired Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Dollars in thousands) Balance at beginning of year $ 24,000 $ 26,436 $ 29,935 Amortization per fixed schedule (2,198 ) (2,384 ) (2,090 ) Impact of unlocking actuarial assumptions (194 ) (52 ) (1,409 ) Balance at end of year 21,608 24,000 26,436 Impact of net unrealized investment gains and losses (12,382 ) (3,087 ) (3,939 ) Value of insurance in force acquired $ 9,226 $ 20,913 $ 22,497 We amortize the value of insurance in force based on a fixed amortization schedule. Net amortization, based on our fixed amortization schedules, for the next five years is expected to be as follows: 2017 - $2.2 million ; 2018 - $2.2 million ; 2019 - $2.1 million ; 2020 - $2.2 million ; and 2021 - $2.0 million . Certain variable annuity and variable universal life contracts in our separate accounts and in variable business we have assumed through reinsurance partners have minimum interest guarantees on funds deposited in our general account. In addition, we have certain variable annuity contracts that include a) guaranteed minimum death benefits (GMDB), b) an incremental death benefit (IDB) rider that pays a percentage of the gain on the contract upon the death of the contract holder, and/or c) a guaranteed minimum income benefit (GMIB) that provides monthly income to the contract holder after the eighth policy year. GMDB, IDB and GMIB Net Amount at Risk by Type of Guarantee December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Separate Account Balance Net Amount at Risk Separate Account Balance Net Amount at Risk (Dollars in thousands) Guaranteed minimum death benefit: Return of net deposits $ 159,617 $ 543 $ 175,286 $ 623 Return the greater of highest anniversary 270,539 2,920 279,981 14,858 Incremental death benefit 241,142 53,933 256,929 50,159 Guaranteed minimum income benefit 32,733 — 37,334 — Total $ 57,396 $ 65,640 The separate account assets are primarily comprised of stock and bond mutual funds. The net amount at risk for these contracts is based on the amount by which GMDB, IDB or GMIB exceeds account value. The reserve for GMDBs, IDBs or GMIBs, determined using modeling techniques and industry mortality assumptions, that is included in future policy benefits, totaled $5.8 million at December 31, 2016 and $5.4 million at December 31, 2015 . The weighted average age of the contract holders with GMDB, IDB or GMIB rider exposure was 62 years at December 31, 2016 and 57 years at December 31, 2015 . Benefits paid for GMDBs, IDBs and GMIBs totaled $0.5 million for 2016 , $0.4 million for 2015 and $0.2 million for 2014 .

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	Income Taxes We file a consolidated federal income tax return with Farm Bureau Life and FBL Financial Services, Inc. and certain of their subsidiaries. The companies included in the consolidated federal income tax return each report current income tax expense as allocated under a consolidated tax allocation agreement. This allocation typically results in profitable companies recognizing a tax provision as if the individual company filed a separate return and loss companies recognizing a benefit to the extent their losses contribute to reduce consolidated taxes. Deferred income taxes have been established based upon the temporary differences between the financial statement and income tax bases of assets and liabilities. The reversal of the temporary differences will result in taxable or deductible amounts in future years when the related asset or liability is recovered or settled. A valuation allowance is required if it is more likely than not that a deferred tax asset will not be realized. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance we considered the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, taxable income from prior years available for recovery and tax planning strategies. Based on the available positive and negative evidence regarding future sources of taxable income, we have determined that the establishment of a valuation allowance was not necessary at December 31, 2016 and 2015 . Income Tax Expenses (Credits) Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Dollars in thousands) Taxes provided in consolidated statements of operations on: Income before equity loss: Current $ 36,461 $ 40,578 $ 39,562 Deferred 9,549 6,840 7,773 46,010 47,418 47,335 Equity loss, including low income housing tax credits (15,498 ) (15,706 ) (13,372 ) Taxes provided in consolidated statements of changes in stockholders' equity: Accumulated other comprehensive income 18,882 (77,473 ) 75,032 Class A and Class B common stock (846 ) (1,363 ) (1,148 ) 18,036 (78,836 ) 73,884 $ 48,548 $ (47,124 ) $ 107,847 Effective Tax Rate Reconciliation to Federal Income Tax Rate Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Dollars in thousands) Income before income taxes and equity loss $ 141,789 $ 151,368 $ 147,101 Income tax at federal statutory rate (35%) $ 49,626 $ 52,979 $ 51,485 Tax effect (decrease) of: Tax-exempt dividend and interest income (2,950 ) (3,233 ) (3,400 ) Other items (666 ) (2,328 ) (750 ) Income tax expense $ 46,010 $ 47,418 $ 47,335 In 2015, the other items affecting the effective tax rate include a $1.8 million tax benefit resulting from the disposition of an equity method investment, for which the carrying value consisted solely of nondeductible goodwill. Tax Effect of Temporary Differences Giving Rise to Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities December 31, 2016 2015 (Dollars in thousands) Deferred income tax assets: Future policy benefits $ 30,340 $ 25,918 Accrued benefit and compensation costs 10,001 15,138 Loss carryforwards 5,709 8,212 Other 2,393 4,030 48,443 53,298 Deferred income tax liabilities: Fixed maturity and equity securities 131,655 94,919 Deferred acquisition costs 62,599 65,310 Value of insurance in force acquired 3,229 7,320 Property and equipment 7,777 7,078 Other 6,678 13,734 211,938 188,361 Net deferred income tax liability $ 163,495 $ 135,063 We recognize the benefits of uncertain tax positions in accordance with the provisions of the FASB interpretation on accounting for uncertainty in income taxes. We had no reserve for uncertain tax positions at December 31, 2016 , and less than $0.1 million at December 31, 2015 . Unrecognized tax benefits included in our reserve, if recognized, would impact our effective tax rate, although we do not expect these impacts to be material. We recognize interest related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and related penalties in other expenses. We paid no such interest and penalties related to federal income taxes during 2016 or 2015 . We do not expect any significant increases or decreases in the amount of our reserve for uncertain tax positions within the next twelve months. We are no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local income tax examinations by tax authorities for tax years prior to 2013. At December 31, 2016 , we had non-life net operating loss carryforwards for federal income tax purposes totaling $15.7 million , which expire beginning in 2033. We also had non-life net operating loss carryforwards in several state jurisdictions, with varying expiration dates. State deferred taxes are not generally provided on any temporary differences or carryforwards, as state taxes have historically been insignificant. We invest in LIHTC, which generate pre-tax losses but after-tax gains as the related tax credits are realized. The timing of the realization of tax credits is subject to fluctuation from period to period due to the timing of housing project completions and the approval of tax credits. These tax credits, which are reported in equity income, totaled $14.1 million in 2016 , $13.5 million in 2015 and $12.2 million in 2014 .

Credit Arrangements

Credit Arrangements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	Credit Arrangements Long-term debt includes $97.0 million of our subordinated debt obligation to FBL Financial Group Capital Trust (the Trust). We issued 5% Subordinated Deferrable Interest Notes due June 30, 2047 (the Notes) with a principal amount of $100.0 million to support $97.0 million of 5% Preferred Securities issued by the Trust. We also have a $3.0 million equity investment in the Trust, which is netted against the Notes on the consolidated balance sheets due to a contractual right of offset. The sole assets of the Trust are and will be the Notes and any interest accrued thereon. The interest payment dates on the Notes correspond to the distribution dates on the 5% Preferred Securities. The 5% Preferred Securities, which have a liquidation value of $1,000.00 per share plus accrued and unpaid distributions, mature simultaneously with the Notes. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , 97,000 shares of 5% Preferred Securities were outstanding, all of which we unconditionally guarantee. Short-term debt as of December 31, 2015 consisted of two short-term advances, collateralized by fixed maturity securities, payable to FHLB totaling $15.0 million . The advances included a $10.0 million advance on December 21, 2015, due January 11, 2016, with an interest rate of 0.55% and a $5.0 million advance on December 30, 2015, due January 6, 2016, with an interest rate of 0.46% .

Stockholders' Equity

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]	Stockholders' Equity The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) owns our Series B preferred stock. Each share of Series B preferred stock has a liquidation preference of $0.60 and voting rights identical to that of Class A common stock with the exception that each Series B share is entitled to two votes while each Class A share is entitled to one vote. The Series B preferred stock pays cumulative annual cash dividends of $0.03 per share, payable quarterly, and is redeemable by us, at our option, at $0.60 per share plus unpaid dividends if the stock ceases to be beneficially owned by a Farm Bureau organization. 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 390,707 12,028 — — 390,707 12,028 Purchase of common stock (429,746 ) (2,396 ) — — (429,746 ) (2,396 ) Outstanding at December 31, 2014 24,703,903 144,625 11,413 72 24,715,316 144,697 Issuance of common stock under compensation plans 159,764 5,022 — — 159,764 5,022 Purchase of common stock (66,904 ) (399 ) — — (66,904 ) (399 ) Outstanding at December 31, 2015 24,796,763 149,248 11,413 72 24,808,176 149,320 Issuance of common stock under compensation plans 96,101 3,718 — — 96,101 3,718 Purchase of common stock (10,322 ) (63 ) — — (10,322 ) (63 ) Outstanding at December 31, 2016 24,882,542 $ 152,903 11,413 $ 72 24,893,955 $ 152,975 (1) There is no established market for our Class B common stock, although it is convertible upon demand of the holder into Class A common stock on a share-for-share basis. Holders of the Class A common stock and Series B preferred stock vote together as a group in the election of Class A Directors ( four to ten ). The Class B common stock votes as a separate class to elect the Class B Directors ( five to seven ). Voting for the Directors is noncumulative. Ownership aspects of our Class B common stock are governed by a Class B Shareholder Agreement. The IFBF's ownership in the three classes of stock results in IFBF owning 71% of our voting stock as of December 31, 2016 , and having the ability to control the Company. Holders of Class A common stock and Class B common stock receive equal per-share common stock dividends. Share Repurchases We periodically repurchase our Class A common stock under programs approved by our Board of Directors. These repurchase programs authorize us to make repurchases in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions, with the timing and terms of the purchases to be determined by management based on market conditions. Under these programs, we repurchased 10,322 shares of stock for $0.6 million in 2016 , 66,904 shares of stock for $3.7 million in 2015 and 429,746 shares of stock for $18.5 million in 2014 . Completion of this 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, if any, that we will repurchase. The share repurchase program may be modified or terminated at any time without prior notice. There was $49.5 million remaining available for repurchases at December 31, 2016 under the active repurchase program. Dividend Restrictions We have agreed that we will not pay dividends on the Class A or Class B Common Stock, nor on the Series B Preferred Stock, if we are in default of the Subordinated Deferrable Interest Note Agreement dated May 30, 1997 with FBL Financial Group Capital Trust. We are compliant with all terms of this agreement at December 31, 2016 . See Note 6 for additional information regarding this agreement. The amount of dividends we have available to pay our common shareholders is limited to a certain extent by the amount of dividends our primary operating subsidiary, Farm Bureau Life, is able to pay to its parent, FBL Financial Group, Inc. See Note 12 for discussion on our statutory dividend restrictions. Special Dividends In March 2016, we declared a special $2.00 per share cash dividend payable to Class A and Class B common shareholders totaling $49.7 million . In March 2015, we declared a special $2.00 per share cash dividend payable to Class A and Class B common shareholders totaling $49.5 million . Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax and Other Offsets Unrealized Net Investment Gains (Losses) (1) Accumulated Non-Credit Impairment Gains (Losses) Underfunded Portion of Certain Benefit Total (Dollars in thousands) Balance at January 1, 2014 $ 126,587 $ (1,366 ) $ (6,154 ) $ 119,067 Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 141,947 2,497 — 144,444 Reclassification adjustments (2,323 ) — (2,778 ) (5,101 ) Balance at December 31, 2014 266,211 1,131 (8,932 ) 258,410 Other comprehensive income before reclassifications (143,731 ) (1,155 ) — (144,886 ) Reclassification adjustments (1,693 ) (90 ) 2,791 1,008 Balance at December 31, 2015 120,787 (114 ) (6,141 ) 114,532 Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 37,895 1,901 — 39,796 Reclassification adjustments (1,719 ) (1,476 ) (1,578 ) (4,773 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 156,963 $ 311 $ (7,719 ) $ 149,555 (1) Unrealized net investment gains (losses) relate to available-for-sale securities and include 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) For descriptions of the underfunded portion of our postretirement benefit plans, see Note 8 - Other Retirement Plans, and for certain other defined benefit plans, see Note 8 - Defined Benefit Pension Plans. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassification Adjustments Year ended December 31, 2016 Unrealized Net Investment Gains (Losses) (1) Accumulated Non-Credit Impairment Losses (1) Underfunded Portion of Certain Benefit Total (Dollars in thousands) Realized capital gains on sales of investments $ (1,799 ) $ — $ — $ (1,799 ) Adjustments for assumed changes in deferred policy acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserve and policyholder liabilities (845 ) 180 — (665 ) Other than temporary impairment losses — (2,451 ) — (2,451 ) Other expenses - change in unrecognized postretirement items: Prior service costs — — (1 ) (1 ) Net actuarial gain — — (2,425 ) (2,425 ) Reclassifications before income taxes (2,644 ) (2,271 ) (2,426 ) (7,341 ) Income taxes 925 795 848 2,568 Reclassification adjustments $ (1,719 ) $ (1,476 ) $ (1,578 ) $ (4,773 ) Year ended December 31, 2015 Unrealized Net Investment Gains (Losses) (1) Accumulated Non-Credit Impairment Losses (1) Underfunded Portion of Certain Benefit Total (Dollars in thousands) Realized capital gains on sales of investments $ (2,829 ) $ — $ — $ (2,829 ) Adjustments for assumed changes in deferred policy acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserve and policyholder liabilities 224 7 — 231 Other than temporary impairment losses — (146 ) — (146 ) Other expenses - change in unrecognized postretirement items: Prior service costs — — (12 ) (12 ) Net actuarial loss — — 4,306 4,306 Reclassifications before income taxes (2,605 ) (139 ) 4,294 1,550 Income taxes 912 49 (1,503 ) (542 ) Reclassification adjustments $ (1,693 ) $ (90 ) $ 2,791 $ 1,008 Year ended December 31, 2014 Unrealized Net Investment Gains (Losses) (1) Accumulated Non-Credit Impairment Losses (1) Underfunded Portion of Certain Benefit Total (Dollars in thousands) Realized capital gains on sales of investments $ (3,760 ) $ — $ — $ (3,760 ) Adjustments for assumed changes in deferred policy acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserve and policyholder liabilities 186 — — 186 Other expenses - change in unrecognized postretirement items: Prior service costs — — (11 ) (11 ) Net actuarial gain — — (4,263 ) (4,263 ) Reclassifications before income taxes (3,574 ) — (4,274 ) (7,848 ) Income taxes 1,251 — 1,496 2,747 Reclassification adjustments $ (2,323 ) $ — $ (2,778 ) $ (5,101 ) (1) See Note 2 for further information. (2) For descriptions of the underfunded portion of our postretirement benefit plans, see Note 8 - Other Retirement Plans, and for certain other defined benefit plans, see Note 8 - Defined Benefit Plans.

Retirement and Compensation Pla

Retirement and Compensation Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans [Text Block]	Defined Benefit Pension Plans We participate in various defined benefit pension plans (the Plans), including a multiemployer plan. The multiemployer plan is considered qualified under Internal Revenue Service regulations, and covers our employees and the employees of the other participating companies who had attained age 21, had one year of service, and were employed prior to January 1, 2013. We also have a plan that provides supplemental pension benefits to certain highly compensated employees who have salaries and/or pension benefits in excess of the qualified limits imposed by federal law and were employed prior to January 1, 2013. Benefits under these plans are based on years of service and the employee's compensation. The plans are discussed below. Multiemployer Defined Benefit Plan The FBL Financial Group Retirement Plan (the Multiemployer Plan) is considered a multiemployer plan, with the participation of unaffiliated and affiliated organizations along with FBL Financial Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries. Under the multiemployer plan structure, our contributions are commingled with those of the other employers to fund the plan benefit obligations. Should a participating employer be unable to provide funding, the remaining employers would be required to continue funding all future obligations. If an employer elects to discontinue participation, prior to departure they will be required to contribute their portion of the underfunded pension obligation associated with their employees. This required contribution will be based on an actuarial estimate of future benefit obligations, which as an estimate may not ultimately be sufficient to fund future actual benefits. None of the participating employers have provided notice that they would be discontinuing participation in the Multiemployer Plan or would otherwise be unable to continue providing their share of required funding as of December 31, 2016. Contributions are made each year, resulting in the Multiemployer Plan being partially funded for payment of projected future benefit obligations. Effective in 2013, the Multiemployer Plan was closed to new participants and those participants who had not attained age 40 and 10 years of service as of December 31, 2012 no longer accrued additional years of service in the Multiemployer Plan. Multiemployer Plan name FBL Financial Group Retirement Plan Employer identification number 42-1411715 Plan number 001 FBL's contributions (in thousands) 2016 $30,000 2015 $30,000 2014 $16,800 Net periodic pension cost of the Multiemployer Plan is allocated between participating employers on a basis of time incurred by the respective employees for each employer. Such allocations are reviewed annually. This Multiemployer Plan is not subject to collective bargaining agreements, a financial improvement plan or a rehabilitation plan. No surcharges were required to be paid to the Multiemployer Plan during 2016 , 2015 or 2014 . We are the primary employer in the Multiemployer Plan, providing more than 5 percent of the total contributions during 2016 , 2015 and 2014 . Other Defined Benefit Plans The other defined benefit plans (the Other Plans) provide benefits in addition to those offered under the Multiemployer Plan to certain of our employees or those of our affiliates. These non-qualified benefit plans are not funded, contributions are provided as current benefit obligations become due. Net periodic pension cost of the Other Plans is allocated between the subsidiaries of FBL Financial Group, Inc. and the Farm Bureau affiliated property-casualty companies on a basis of time incurred by the respective employees for each company. Funding Status and Net Periodic Pension Costs Multiemployer Plan Other Plans As of and for the year ended December 31, As of and for the year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2016 2015 (Dollars in thousands) Change in projected benefit obligation: Net benefit obligation at beginning of the year $ 319,420 $ 339,139 $ 22,275 $ 26,729 Service cost 5,795 5,892 335 435 Interest cost 14,447 13,472 966 1,000 Actuarial loss (gain) 15,767 (13,281 ) 3,317 (2,812 ) Benefits paid (18,975 ) (2,501 ) (2,308 ) (3,077 ) Settlements — (23,301 ) — — Projected benefit obligation 336,454 319,420 24,585 22,275 Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of the year 262,276 257,010 — — Actual return on plan assets 17,770 1,068 — — Employer contributions 30,000 30,000 2,308 3,077 Benefits paid (18,975 ) (2,501 ) (2,308 ) (3,077 ) Settlements — (23,301 ) — — Fair value of plan assets at end of the year 291,071 262,276 — — Underfunded status at end of the year $ (45,383 ) $ (57,144 ) $ (24,585 ) $ (22,275 ) Accumulated benefit obligation $ 297,753 $ 279,858 $ 21,407 $ 20,980 For all the Plans we participate in, the accumulated benefit obligation exceeds the fair value of plan assets. The projected benefit obligations, accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets are included above. Net Periodic Pension Costs Incurred by the Plans Multiemployer Plan Other Plans As of and for the year ended December 31, As of and for the year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 2016 2015 2014 (Dollars in thousands) Service cost $ 5,795 $ 5,892 $ 5,295 $ 335 $ 435 $ 269 Interest cost 14,447 13,472 13,919 966 1,000 1,077 Expected return on assets (17,865 ) (17,563 ) (17,504 ) — — — Amortization of prior service cost 144 144 144 (1 ) (11 ) (11 ) Amortization of actuarial loss 9,432 10,464 6,087 918 1,528 1,131 Effect of settlement — 7,998 6,306 — — — Net periodic pension cost $ 11,953 $ 20,407 $ 14,247 $ 2,218 $ 2,952 $ 2,466 FBL Financial Group, Inc. share of net periodic pension cost $ 3,807 $ 6,614 $ 4,569 $ 1,260 $ 1,671 $ 1,372 Pension settlement charges were recognized after determining the total cash payments exceeded the sum of the service and interest cost for 2015 and 2014. The Plans' prior service costs are amortized using a straight-line amortization method over the average remaining service period of the employees. For actuarial gains and losses, we use a corridor (10% of the greater of the projected benefit obligation or the market value of plan assets) to determine the amounts to amortize. For the Multiemployer Plan it is expected that net periodic pension cost in 2017 will include $10.1 million for amortization of the actuarial loss and $0.1 million of prior service cost amortization. For the Other Plans it is expected that net periodic pension cost in 2017 , included in accumulated other comprehensive income, will include $1.2 million for amortization of the actuarial loss. We expect contributions to be paid to the Multiemployer Plan by us and affiliates for 2017 to be approximately $15.0 million , of which $4.8 million is expected to be contributed by us. We expect contributions to be paid to the Other Plans by us and affiliates for 2017 to be approximately $1.9 million , of which $0.9 million is expected to be contributed by us. Expected benefits to be paid under the Multiemployer Plan are as follows: 2017 - $14.4 million , 2018 - $16.8 million , 2019 - $17.3 million , 2020 - $19.6 million , 2021 - $19.4 million and 2022 through 2026 - $115.4 million . Expected benefits to be paid under the Other Plans are as follows: 2017 - $2.4 million , 2018 - $2.5 million , 2019 - $3.2 million , 2020 - $2.6 million , 2021 - $2.3 million and 2022 through 2026 - $9.4 million . FBL's Proportionate Share of Prepaid or Accrued Pension Cost Multiemployer Plan Other Plans As of and for the year ended December 31, As of and for the year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2016 2015 (Dollars in thousands) Amount recognized in FBL's statement of financial position Prepaid benefit cost $ 26,006 $ 20,258 $ 876 $ 969 Accrued benefit cost — — (19,159 ) (16,746 ) Net amount recognized $ 26,006 $ 20,258 $ (18,283 ) $ (15,777 ) Amount recognized in FBL's accumulated other comprehensive income, before taxes (1) Net actuarial loss $ 12,094 $ 9,695 Prior service cost — (1 ) Net amount recognized $ 12,094 $ 9,694 (1) For our Multiemployer Plan, the underfunded portion of the pension benefit obligation is not required to be recognized as a liability in our consolidated balance sheets. The unrecognized liability for the underfunded status of our Multiemployer Plan totaled $45.4 million at December 31, 2016 and $57.1 million at December 31, 2015 . Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Obligation December 31 2016 2015 Discount rate 4.29 % 4.65 % Annual salary increases 3.31 % 3.31 % We estimate the discount rate by projecting and discounting future benefit payments inherent in the projected benefit obligation using a commercially available "spot" yield curve constructed using techniques and a bond universe specifically selected to meet the accounting standard requirements. Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Determine Net Periodic Pension Cost Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Discount rate 4.65 % 4.52% / 4.05% 4.42% / 4.99% Expected long-term return on plan assets 6.75 % 6.75% / 7.00% 7.00 % Annual salary increases 3.31 % 3.31% / 3.00% 3.00 % The discount rate was 4.05% for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 4.52% for the three months ended December 31, 2015 due to remeasurement at September 30, 2015 for settlement accounting. The discount rate was 4.99% for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 4.42% for the three months ended December 31, 2014 due to remeasurement at September 30, 2014 for settlement accounting. Our expected long-term return on plan assets represents the rate of earnings expected in the funds invested to provide for anticipated benefit payments. We have analyzed the expected rates of return on assets and determined that the long-term return assumption is reasonable based on the current and expected asset allocations and on the Multiemployer Plan's historical investment performance. We also completed an actuarial study of our assumptions during 2015. At the remeasurement, this resulted in reducing the expected long-term return on plan assets from 7.00% to 6.75% and increasing assumed annual salary increases from 3.00% to 3.31%. Multiemployer Plan Assets The Multiemployer Plan assets are primarily invested in annuity products and insurance company pooled separate accounts that invest predominately in equity securities and real estate. We have certain pension obligations that are fully funded through annuity contracts with Farm Bureau Life, which are presented as funded annuity contracts below. For 2016 , excluding the funded annuity contracts, we employed a long-term investment strategy of diversifying the Multiemployer Plan assets with 55% in fixed income investments, 40% in equities and 5% in alternative investments. At December 31, 2016 , the Multiemployer Plan assets were invested approximately 56% in fixed income investments, 41% in diversified equities and 3% in alternative investments. The fixed income investments consist primarily of the group annuity contract and fixed income securities held in pooled separate accounts. The equity securities are in pooled separate accounts and mutual funds. The alternative investments consist of interests in limited partnerships that own various liquid and illiquid assets. Our investment strategy is to (1) achieve a long-term return sufficient to satisfy all Multiemployer Plan obligations, (2) assume a prudent level of risk and (3) maintain adequate liquidity. The expected return on Multiemployer Plan assets is set at the long-term rate expected to be earned based on the long-term investment strategy of the Multiemployer Plan. In estimating the expected rate of return for each asset class, we take into account factors such as historical rates of return, expected future risk-free rates of return and anticipated returns expected given the risk profile of each asset class. The valuation methodologies used for assets measured at fair value are: • Group and funded annuity contracts: contract value is equivalent to fair value, as the interest-crediting rates are periodically reset to market at the discretion of the issuer. • Pooled separate accounts: the net asset value of our separate account shares is based on the latest quoted market price of the underlying investments or in the case of a real estate separate account, estimates of the current market value of the underlying property held. • Mutual funds: the net asset value of our mutual funds is based on quoted market prices available in active markets. • Alternative investments: the carrying value of the limited partnership interests reflects the Plan’s proportionate share of the net asset value of those partnerships, which is derived from the fair value of the underlying holdings. The pension financial instruments measured and reported at fair value are classified and disclosed in one of the following categories: Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets that are accessible to us at the measurement date. Level 2 - Inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets that are either directly or indirectly observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability. Level 3 - Inputs are unobservable and require management's judgment about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the assets. Fair Values of the Multiemployer Plan Assets by Asset Category and Hierarchy Levels December 31, 2016 Quoted prices in Significant other Significant Total (Dollars in thousands) Mutual funds: (1) U.S. equity funds $ 35,888 $ — $ — $ 35,888 International funds 35,709 — — 35,709 Pooled separate accounts: (1) Short-term fixed income funds — 606 — 606 Fixed income funds — 14,271 — 14,271 U.S. equity funds — 28,640 — 28,640 Real estate fund — 14,346 — 14,346 Annuities: (2) Group annuity contract — — 141,782 141,782 Funded annuity contracts — — 11,382 11,382 Alternative investments: (3) Limited partnerships — — 8,447 8,447 Total $ 71,597 $ 57,863 $ 161,611 $ 291,071 December 31, 2015 Quoted prices in Significant other Significant Total (Dollars in thousands) Mutual funds: (1) U.S. equity funds $ 30,326 $ — $ — $ 30,326 International funds 29,140 — — 29,140 Pooled separate accounts: (1) Short-term fixed income funds — 1,584 — 1,584 Fixed income funds — 11,468 — 11,468 U.S. equity funds — 24,091 — 24,091 Real estate fund — 12,660 — 12,660 Annuities: (2) Group annuity contract — — 134,749 134,749 Funded annuity contracts — — 11,996 11,996 Alternative investments: (3) Limited partnerships — — 6,262 6,262 Total $ 59,466 $ 49,803 $ 153,007 $ 262,276 (1) Represents mutual funds and pooled separate account investments with Principal Life Insurance Company. (2) Represents group annuity contracts with Farm Bureau Life. (3) Represents interests in several limited partnerships. Level 3 Multiemployer Plan Asset Changes in Fair Value December 31, 2016 Return on assets December 31, Purchases Held at year end Sold during year Transfers into (out) of level 3 December 31, 2016 (Dollars in thousands) Group annuity contract $ 134,749 $ 1,334 $ 5,699 $ — $ — $ 141,782 Funded annuity contracts 11,996 (1,287 ) 673 — — 11,382 Limited partnerships 6,262 1,536 649 — — 8,447 Total $ 153,007 $ 1,583 $ 7,021 $ — $ — $ 161,611 December 31, 2015 Return on assets December 31, Purchases Held at year end Sold during year Transfers into (out) of level 3 December 31, 2015 (Dollars in thousands) Group annuity contract $ 128,244 $ 1,156 $ 5,349 $ — $ — $ 134,749 Funded annuity contracts 12,298 (1,012 ) 710 — — 11,996 Limited partnerships 4,520 1,680 62 — — 6,262 Total $ 145,062 $ 1,824 $ 6,121 $ — $ — $ 153,007
Postemployment Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]	Other Retirement Plans We participate with several affiliates in a 401(k) defined contribution plan, which covers substantially all employees. We match employee contributions up to 2% or 4% of the eligible compensation contributed by the employee and at an amount equal to 50% of an employee's contributions on the next 2% of the eligible compensation contributed by the employee. As shown in the table below, certain employees will also receive an annual discretionary employer contribution based on age plus years of service ranging from 2.75% to 5.75% as a percent of pay. Costs are allocated among the affiliates on a basis of time incurred by the respective employees for each company. Our expense related to this plan totaled $2.4 million in 2016 , $2.2 million in 2015 and $2.0 million in 2014 . Attained age 40 and 10 years of service at December 31, 2012 Accruing years of service in the Multiemployer Plan 100% Employer Match 50% Employer Match Discretionary Employer Contribution Yes Yes first 2% of employee's contributions employee contributions between 2% and 4% No No No first 4% of employee's contributions employee contributions between 4% and 6% 2.75% to 5.75% We have established deferred compensation plans for certain key current and former employees and have certain other benefit plans that provide for retirement and other benefits. Liabilities for these plans are accrued as the related benefits are earned. Certain of the assets related to these plans are on deposit with us and amounts relating to these plans are included in our financial statements. In addition, certain amounts included in the policy liabilities for interest sensitive products relate to deposit administration funds maintained by us on behalf of affiliates. In addition to benefits offered under the aforementioned benefit plans, we and several other affiliates participate in a plan that provides group term life insurance benefits to retirees who have worked full-time for ten years and attained age 55 while in service. Postretirement benefit expense for this plan is allocated in a manner consistent with pension expense discussed above. We also have two single-employer plans that provide health and medical benefits to a small group of retirees. Postretirement benefit (income)/expense totaled ($0.1) million in 2016 and $0.1 million in 2015 and 2014 . Changes in the underfunded portion of these plans, reported in other comprehensive income, aggregated less than ($0.1) million in 2016 and 2015 and $0.1 million in 2014 . In addition to the health and medical postretirement plans being frozen to new participants, the group term life plan will no longer be offered to employees retiring after December 31, 2016. Due to this change, we recognized $0.2 million in curtailment gain in the fourth quarter of 2016.
Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans [Text Block]	Share-based Compensation Plans The share-based payment arrangements under our Class A Common Stock Compensation Plan are described below. We allocate a portion of the expense for these arrangements to affiliates; expense amounts below represent our share of these expenses. Expenses have been fully recognized under this plan as of December 31, 2014. Compensation expense for these arrangements totaled $0.2 million for 2014 . The income tax benefit recognized in the statements of operations for these arrangements totaled less than $0.1 million for 2014 . We also have a Cash-Based Restricted Stock Unit Plan. Compensation expense for arrangements under this plan totaled $2.3 million for 2016 , $1.7 million for 2015 and $1.0 million for 2014 . The income tax benefit recognized in the statements of operations for this arrangement totaled $1.2 million in 2016 , $0.9 million in 2015 and $0.6 million in 2014 . Stock Option Awards Prior to 2012, we granted stock options for Class A common stock to officers and employees, which have a contractual term of 10 years and vest over a period up to five years, contingent upon continued employment with us. Prior to 2009, we also granted stock options for Class A common stock to directors, which were fully vested upon grant and had a contractual term that varied with the length of time the director remained on the Board, up to 10 years. The exercise price for all options is equal to the fair value of the common stock on the grant date. The fair value of each option award was estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes-Merton option valuation model. The risk-free interest rate was based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. We used the historical realized volatility of our stock for the expected volatility assumption within the valuation model. The weighted average expected term for the majority of our options was calculated using average historical behavior. In 2014, we accelerated the vesting of all unvested options. Accordingly, the expense related to nonvested share-based compensation granted under the stock option arrangement has been fully recognized at December 31, 2014. Stock Option Activity Number of Shares Weighted-Average Weighted-Average Aggregate (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) Shares under option at January 1, 2016 134,848 $ 28.07 Exercised (89,453 ) 28.44 Forfeited or expired — — Shares under option at December 31, 2016 45,395 27.35 2.01 $ 2,306 Vested at December 31, 2016 45,395 $ 27.35 2.01 $ 2,306 Exercisable options at December 31, 2016 45,395 $ 27.35 2.01 $ 2,306 (1) Represents the difference between the share price and exercise price for each option, excluding options where the exercise price is above the share price, at December 31, 2016. The intrinsic value of options exercised during the year totaled $3.2 million for 2016 , $4.5 million for 2015 and $6.5 million for 2014 . We issue new shares to satisfy stock option exercises. Cash received from stock options exercised totaled $2.5 million for 2016 , $3.7 million for 2015 and $10.5 million for 2014 . The actual tax benefit realized from stock options exercised totaled $1.0 million for 2016 , $1.4 million for 2015 and $2.2 million for 2014 . Cash-Based Restricted Stock Units We annually grant performance and non-performance cash-based restricted stock units to certain executives. The restricted stock units will vest and be paid out in cash over 5 years, contingent on continued employment with us. The performance units have the same vesting requirements, but are also contingent upon meeting a financial goal. Non-performance based units were also granted to certain executives in 2012 that were vested and paid out in cash after a two-year required service period. The amount payable per unit awarded is equal to the price per share of the Company's common stock at settlement of the award, and as such, we measure the value of the award each reporting period based on the current stock price. The effects of changes in the stock price during the service period are recognized as compensation cost over the service period. Restricted Stock Unit Activity Number of Units Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value Restricted stock units at January 1, 2016 145,415 $ 42.36 Granted 25,075 60.34 Vested (40,155 ) 40.58 Forfeited or canceled (8,818 ) 50.00 Restricted stock units at December 31, 2016 121,517 46.10 The weighted average grant-date fair value per common share of restricted stock units granted was $60.34 in 2016 , $52.19 in 2015 and $38.63 in 2014 . Unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested restricted stock units based on the stock price at December 31, 2016 totaled $4.1 million . This expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.83 years. Dividends are paid on restricted stock units upon vesting. Cash payments including dividends for restricted stock units totaled $2.7 million in 2016 and $1.8 million in 2015 and 2014 . Other We have a Director Compensation Plan under which non-employee directors on our Board may elect to receive a portion of their compensation in the form of cash or deferred cash-based stock units. Cash-based stock units outstanding under this plan totaled 24,923 at December 31, 2016 and 22,874 at December 31, 2015 . Prior to 2012, deferred stock units were used instead of deferred cash-based stock units. Under this plan, we have deferred stock units outstanding totaling 57,876 at December 31, 2016 and 56,868 at December 31, 2015 . At December 31, 2016 , there were 110,864 shares of Class A common stock available for future issuance under the Director Compensation Plan. We also have an Executive Salary and Bonus Deferred Compensation Plan under which certain officers of the Company were allowed to use their base salary and annual cash bonus to purchase deferred cash-based stock units. Cash-based stock units outstanding under this plan totaled 16,323 at December 31, 2016 and 16,679 at December 31, 2015 . Prior to 2012, deferred stock units were used instead of deferred cash-based stock units. Under this plan, we have deferred stock units outstanding totaling 63,909 at December 31, 2016 and 66,621 at December 31, 2015 . At December 31, 2016 , shares of Class A common stock available for future issuance under this plan totaled 99,933 . This plan was frozen to future deferrals on December 31, 2013. We also have an Executive Excess 401(k) Plan under which officers of the Company who met salary guidelines and 401(k) contribution guidelines were allowed to purchase unregistered deferred cash-based stock units. Cash-based stock units outstanding under this plan totaled 89 at December 31, 2016 and 84 at December 31, 2015 . Prior to 2012, deferred stock units were used instead of deferred cash-based stock units. Under this plan, we have deferred stock units outstanding totaling 3,168 at December 31, 2016 and 2,991 at December 31, 2015 . This plan was frozen to future deferrals on December 31, 2013.

Managment and Other Agreements

Managment and Other Agreements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Management and Other Agreements [Abstract]
Management and other agreements [Text Block]	Management and Other Agreements We have management agreements under which we provide general business, administrative and management services to Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company and other affiliates. Fee income for these services totaled $2.2 million in 2016 , $2.3 million in 2015 and $1.9 million in 2014 . In addition, as discussed in Note 1, we provide investment advisory services and lease property and equipment under agreements with Farm Bureau Property & Casualty, other affiliates and non-affiliates. We share certain office facilities and services with the IFBF and its affiliated companies. These expenses are allocated on the basis of cost and time studies that are updated annually and primarily consist of rent, salaries and related expenses, travel and other operating costs. In addition, Farm Bureau Management Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the IFBF, provides certain services to us under a separate arrangement. We incurred related expenses totaling $1.0 million in 2016 , 2015 and 2014 . We also have an expense allocation agreement with Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company for the use of property and equipment. Expense relating to this agreement totaled $0.3 million in 2016 , $0.7 million in 2015 and $0.9 million in 2014 . We have service agreements with the Farm Bureau-affiliated property-casualty companies operating within our marketing territory, including Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company and another affiliate. Under the service agreements, the property-casualty companies are responsible for development and management of our agency force for a fee. We incurred expenses totaling $8.6 million in 2016 , $9.9 million in 2015 and $9.3 million in 2014 relating to these arrangements. We are licensed by the IFBF to use the "Farm Bureau" and "FB" designations in Iowa. In connection with this license, we incurred royalty expense totaling $0.6 million in 2016 and 2015 and $0.5 million in 2014 . We have similar arrangements with other state Farm Bureau organizations in our market territory. Total royalty expense to Farm Bureau organizations other than the IFBF totaled $1.8 million in 2016 and $1.7 million in 2015 and 2014 . The royalty agreement with the IFBF provides them an option to terminate the agreement if our quarterly common stock dividend is below $0.10 per share.

Committments and Contingencies

Committments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	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 claims threatened or pending against FBL Financial Group, Inc. or any of its subsidiaries for which a material loss is reasonably possible. Other We self-insure our employee health and dental claims. However, claims in excess of our self-insurance limits are fully insured. We fund insurance claims through a self-insurance trust. Deposits to the trust are made at an amount equal to our best estimate of claims to be paid during the period and a liability is established at each balance sheet date for any unpaid claims. Adjustments, if any, resulting in changes in the estimate of claims incurred are reflected in operations in the periods in which such adjustments are known. We lease our home office properties under a 10-year operating lease, which expires in 2021, from a wholly-owned subsidiary of the IFBF. Future remaining minimum lease payments under this lease, as of December 31, 2016 , are as follows: 2017 - $2.1 million , 2018 - $2.1 million , 2019 - $2.1 million , 2020 - $2.1 million and 2021 - $2.1 million . Rent expense for the lease totaled $4.1 million in 2016 , $4.0 million in 2015 and $4.3 million in 2014 . These amounts are net of $0.2 million in 2016 , 2015 and 2014 in amortization of a deferred gain on the exchange of our home office properties for common stock in 1998. The remaining unamortized deferred gain totaled $0.9 million at December 31, 2016 and $1.0 million at December 31, 2015 . From time to time, assessments are levied on our insurance subsidiaries by guaranty associations in most states in which the subsidiaries are licensed. These assessments, which are accrued for, are to cover losses of policyholders of insolvent or rehabilitated companies. In some states, these assessments can be partially recovered through a reduction in future premium taxes. Expenses for guaranty fund assessments, net of related premium tax offsets, totaled less than $0.1 million in 2016 , 2015 and 2014 .

Earnings per Share

Earnings per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	Earnings per Share Computation of Earnings per Common Share Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) Numerator: Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc. $ 107,223 $ 113,527 $ 109,941 Less: Dividends on Series B preferred stock 150 150 150 Income available to common stockholders $ 107,073 $ 113,377 $ 109,791 Denominator: Weighted-average shares - basic 24,985,400 24,927,209 24,866,284 Effect of dilutive securities - stock-based compensation 43,683 89,274 149,960 Weighted-average shares - diluted 25,029,083 25,016,483 25,016,244 Earnings per common share $ 4.29 $ 4.55 $ 4.42 Earnings per common share - assuming dilution $ 4.28 $ 4.53 $ 4.39 There were no antidilutive stock options outstanding in any period presented.

Statutory Insurance Information

Statutory Insurance Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Statutory Insurance Information [Abstract]
Statutory insurance information [Text Block]	Statutory Insurance Information The statutory financial statements of Farm Bureau Life and Greenfields are prepared in accordance with the accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the Insurance Division of the state of Iowa and the Colorado Division of Insurance, respectively. Those insurance divisions have adopted the accounting guidance contained in the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Accounting Practices and Procedures Manual (the Manual) as the prescribed accounting practice for insurance companies domiciled in their state. The insurance divisions may permit accounting practices that differ from those prescribed by the Manual. None of our statutory accounting practices differed materially from those prescribed by the Manual. Several differences exist between GAAP and statutory accounting practices. Principally, under statutory accounting, deferred acquisition costs are not capitalized, fixed maturity securities are generally carried at amortized cost, insurance liabilities are presented net of reinsurance, contract holder liabilities are generally valued using more conservative assumptions and certain assets are non-admitted. Statutory Information of our Insurance Subsidiaries Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Dollars in thousands) Farm Bureau Life: Net gain from operations (excludes impact of realized gains and losses on investments) $ 106,143 $ 100,013 $ 97,799 Net income 100,657 106,009 97,393 Greenfields: Net gain (loss) from operations (excludes impact of realized gains and losses on investments) (540 ) (362 ) (433 ) Net income (loss) (540 ) (362 ) (433 ) FB Life Greenfields December 31, December 31, 2016 2015 2016 2015 (Dollars in thousands) Total capital and surplus $ 617,321 $ 603,062 $ 9,175 $ 4,763 Unassigned surplus (deficit) 483,838 469,579 (1,625 ) (1,037 ) Risk-Based Capital measurements: Total adjusted capital 685,721 668,278 9,191 4,772 Company action level capital 125,994 117,284 173 110 RBC Ratio 544 % 570 % 5,322 % 4,338 % State laws specify regulatory actions if an insurer's risk-based capital (RBC) ratio, a measure of solvency, falls below certain levels. The NAIC has a standard formula for annually assessing RBC based on the various risk factors related to an insurance company's capital and surplus, including insurance, business, asset and interest rate risks. The insurance regulators monitor the level of RBC against a statutory "authorized control level" RBC at which point regulators have the option to assume control of the insurance company. The company action level RBC is 200% of the authorized control level and is the first point at which any action would be triggered. Farm Bureau Life's ability to pay dividends to the parent company is restricted by the Iowa Insurance Holding Company Act to earned surplus arising from its business as of the date the dividend is paid. In addition, prior approval of the Iowa Insurance Commissioner is required for a dividend distribution of cash or other property whose fair value, together with that of other dividends made within the preceding 12 months, exceeds the greater of (i) 10% of policyholders' surplus as of the preceding year end, or (ii) the statutory net gain from operations of the insurer for the preceding calendar year. As shown in the tables above, at December 31, 2016 , Farm Bureau Life’s net gain from operations of $106.1 million , exceeded 10% of statutory surplus; accordingly, that amount is the maximum available for distribution to FBL Financial Group, Inc. without regulatory approval during 2017 . Timing of such dividends during the year is limited based on the timing of dividends paid within the preceding 12 months.

Segment Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Segment Information [Abstract]
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	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. The Annuity segment primarily consists of fixed rate annuities and supplementary contracts (some of which involve life contingencies). Fixed rate annuities provide for tax-deferred savings and supplementary contracts provide for the systematic repayment of funds that accumulate interest. Fixed rate annuities primarily consist of flexible premium deferred annuities, but also include single premium deferred and immediate contracts. With fixed rate annuities, we bear the underlying investment risk and credit interest to the contracts at rates we determine, subject to interest rate guarantees. The Annuity segment also includes indexed annuities. With indexed annuities, we bear the underlying investment risk and credit interest in an amount equal to a percentage of the gain in a specified market index, subject to minimum guarantees. The Life Insurance segment consists of whole life, term life and universal life policies. These policies provide benefits upon the death of the insured and may also allow the customer to build cash value on a tax-deferred basis. The Corporate and Other segment consists of the following corporate items and products/services that do not meet the quantitative threshold for separate segment reporting: • investments and related investment income not specifically allocated to our product segments, • interest expense, • closed blocks of variable annuity, variable universal life insurance and accident and health insurance products, • advisory services for the management of investments and other companies, • marketing and distribution services for the sale of mutual funds and insurance products not issued by us, and • leasing services with affiliates. We use operating income (a non-GAAP measure), in addition to net income, to measure our performance. Operating income, for the periods presented, consists of net income adjusted to exclude the impact of realized gains and losses on investments and the change in net unrealized gains and losses on derivatives, which can fluctuate greatly from period to period. These fluctuations make it difficult to analyze core operating trends. In addition, for derivatives not designated as hedges, there is a mismatch between the valuation of the asset and liability when deriving net income (loss). Specifically, call options relating to our indexed business are one-year assets while the embedded derivative in the indexed contacts represent the rights of the contract holder to receive index credits over the entire period the indexed annuities are expected to be in force. Operating income is not a measure used in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP, but is a common life insurance industry measure of performance. 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. 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 adjustments are net of amortization of unearned revenue reserves, deferred acquisition costs and value of insurance in force acquired, as well as changes in interest sensitive product reserves and income taxes attributable to these items. While not applicable for the periods reported herein, our operating income policy also calls for adjustments to net income relating to the following: • settlements or judgments arising from lawsuits, net of any recoveries from third parties, • the cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles and • discontinued operations. Operating income adjustments are net of amortization of unearned revenue reserves, deferred acquisition costs and value of insurance in force acquired, as well as changes in interest sensitive product reserves and income taxes attributable to these items. In 2016, due to changes in product offerings since the last amendment to our policy for calculating operating income, we refined our calculation of operating income to include offsets relating to changes in interest sensitive product reserves. These offsets, net of tax, increased operating income $0.9 million in 2016. These offsets, net of tax, not taken into account in the computation of operating income for 2015 would have increased operating income $0.1 million and for 2014 would have decreased operating income $0.1 million . Reconciliation Between Net Income and Operating Income Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Dollars in thousands) Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc. $ 107,223 $ 113,527 $ 109,941 Operating income adjustments: Realized gains/losses on investments (1) 713 (8,498 ) (1,786 ) Change in net unrealized gains/losses on derivatives (1) (1,485 ) (141 ) (1,114 ) Operating income $ 106,451 $ 104,888 $ 107,041 Financial Information Concerning our Operating Segments Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Dollars in thousands) Pre-tax operating income: Annuity $ 66,025 $ 69,950 $ 65,056 Life Insurance 55,977 53,146 51,521 Corporate and Other 14,548 11,668 22,865 Total pre-tax operating income 136,550 134,764 139,442 Income taxes on operating income (30,099 ) (29,876 ) (32,401 ) Operating income $ 106,451 $ 104,888 $ 107,041 Operating revenues: Annuity $ 214,486 $ 212,420 $ 203,477 Life Insurance 414,446 408,966 390,609 Corporate and Other 92,703 93,632 93,646 721,635 715,018 687,732 Net realized gains (losses) on investments (1) (1,771 ) 10,482 2,937 Change in net unrealized gains/losses on derivatives (1) 6,550 (2,691 ) 2,270 Consolidated revenues $ 726,414 $ 722,809 $ 692,939 Net investment income: Annuity $ 210,679 $ 209,896 $ 201,550 Life Insurance 154,427 152,730 146,349 Corporate and Other 32,514 31,214 31,913 397,620 393,840 379,812 Change in net unrealized gains/losses on derivatives (1) 6,550 (2,691 ) 2,270 Consolidated net investment income $ 404,170 $ 391,149 $ 382,082 Depreciation and amortization: Annuity $ 8,253 $ 4,548 $ 5,709 Life Insurance 15,117 18,831 20,027 Corporate and Other 5,178 8,546 2,895 28,548 31,925 28,631 Net realized gains (losses) on investments (1) (673 ) 225 189 Change in net unrealized gains/losses on derivatives (1) 562 (332 ) 125 Consolidated depreciation and amortization $ 28,437 $ 31,818 $ 28,945 Operating Segment Assets December 31, 2016 2015 (Dollars in thousands) Assets: Annuity $ 4,452,878 $ 4,209,627 Life Insurance 3,256,306 3,112,756 Corporate and Other 1,615,411 1,623,874 9,324,595 8,946,257 Unrealized gains in accumulated other comprehensive income (2) 241,539 185,747 Consolidated assets $ 9,566,134 $ 9,132,004 (1) Amounts are net of adjustments, as applicable, to amortization of unearned revenue reserves, deferred sales inducements, deferred acquisition costs and value of insurance in force acquired, as well as changes in interest sensitive product reserves and income taxes attributable to these items. (2) Amounts are net adjustments for assumed changes in deferred acquisition costs and value of insurance in force acquired and deferred income taxes attributable to these items. Depreciation and amortization related to property and equipment are allocated to the product segments while the related property, equipment and capitalized software are allocated to the Corporate and Other segment. Depreciation and amortization for the Corporate and Other segment include $4.4 million for 2016 , $4.1 million for 2015 and $3.1 million for 2014 relating to leases with affiliates. In the consolidated statements of operations, we record these depreciation amounts net of related lease income from affiliates. 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 December 31, 2016 and 2015 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, include premiums received on life insurance policies and deposits on annuities and universal life-type products. Premiums collected is a common life insurance industry measure of agent productivity. Net premiums collected totaled $689.7 million in 2016 , $683.1 million in 2015 and $646.6 million in 2014 . 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 Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Dollars in thousands) Traditional and universal life insurance premiums collected $ 281,551 $ 281,003 $ 282,098 Premiums collected on interest sensitive products (85,622 ) (90,895 ) (98,796 ) Traditional life insurance premiums collected 195,929 190,108 183,302 Change in due premiums and other 985 848 (2 ) Traditional life insurance premiums as included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. $ 196,914 $ 190,956 $ 183,300 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 Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Dollars in thousands) Annuity Surrender charges and other $ 3,803 $ 2,524 $ 1,927 Life Insurance Administration charges $ 14,170 $ 14,342 $ 13,783 Cost of insurance charges 48,111 46,911 45,273 Surrender charges 1,181 919 737 Amortization of policy initiation fees (24 ) 3,371 1,504 Total $ 63,438 $ 65,543 $ 61,297 Corporate and Other Administration charges $ 5,547 $ 5,809 $ 6,212 Cost of insurance charges 29,805 29,760 29,569 Surrender charges 213 346 479 Separate account charges 7,957 8,854 9,157 Amortization of policy initiation fees 1,165 1,748 1,129 Total $ 44,687 $ 46,517 $ 46,546 Consolidated interest sensitive product charges as included in the Statements of Operations $ 111,928 $ 114,584 $ 109,770 Amortization of policy initiation fees decreased in 2016, compared to the prior year period, primarily due to the impact of unlocking assumptions used in the calculation of unearned revenue reserves. Premium Concentration by State Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Life and annuity collected premiums: Iowa 25.1 % 26.2 % 25.7 % Kansas 19.1 18.6 20.8 Oklahoma 8.0 8.9 8.2

Quarterly Financial Information

Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block]	Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) Unaudited Quarterly Results of Operations 2016 Quarter ended March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31, (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) Premiums and product charges $ 78,249 $ 78,632 $ 73,533 $ 78,428 Net investment income 98,385 100,722 103,514 101,549 Realized gains (losses) on investments (607 ) (2,294 ) 621 517 Total revenues 179,666 181,285 181,284 184,179 Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc. 25,946 24,380 30,017 26,880 Earnings per common share $ 1.04 $ 0.97 $ 1.20 $ 1.07 Earnings per common share - assuming dilution $ 1.04 $ 0.97 $ 1.20 $ 1.07 2015 Quarter ended March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31, (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) Premiums and product charges $ 75,269 $ 77,164 $ 76,575 $ 76,532 Net investment income 98,773 97,489 95,882 99,005 Realized gains (losses) on investments (366 ) 7,808 (506 ) 3,553 Total revenues 177,946 186,745 175,494 182,624 Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc. 23,591 32,372 26,659 30,905 Earnings per common share $ 0.95 $ 1.30 $ 1.07 $ 1.24 Earnings per common share - assuming dilution $ 0.94 $ 1.29 $ 1.06 $ 1.23

Sch I. Schedule of Investments

Sch I. Schedule of Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Summary of Investments [Abstract]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Text Block]	Schedule I - Summary of Investments - Other Than Investments in Related Parties FBL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. December 31, 2016 Column A Column B Column C Column D Type of Investment Cost (1) Value Amount at which (Dollars in thousands) Fixed maturities, available for sale: Bonds: Corporate $ 3,529,997 $ 3,708,655 $ 3,708,655 Mortgage- and asset-backed 1,714,126 1,768,904 1,768,904 United States Government and agencies 30,575 32,072 32,072 State, municipal and other governments 1,387,013 1,499,159 1,499,159 Total 6,661,711 $ 7,008,790 7,008,790 Equity securities, available for sale: Common stocks: Banks, trusts and insurance companies 27,495 $ 27,495 27,495 Industrial, miscellaneous and all other 2,942 3,056 3,056 Non-redeemable preferred stocks 100,042 102,417 102,417 Total 130,479 $ 132,968 132,968 Mortgage loans 817,184 816,471 Investment real estate (2) 2,115 1,955 Policy loans 188,254 188,254 Short-term investments 16,348 16,348 Other investments 7,030 9,874 Total investments $ 7,823,121 $ 8,174,660 (1) On the basis of cost adjusted for repayments and amortization of premiums and accrual of discounts for fixed maturities and short-term investments; original cost for equity securities, real estate and other investments; and unpaid principal balance for mortgage loans and policy loans. (2) Amount shown on balance sheet differs from cost due to depreciation and allowance for possible losses deducted from cost.

Sch II - Condensed Financial In

Sch II - Condensed Financial Information on Registrant	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule II. Condensed Financial Information of Registrant [Abstract]
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Text Block]	Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant FBL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. (PARENT COMPANY) Condensed Balance Sheets (Dollars in thousands) December 31, 2016 2015 Assets Investments in subsidiaries (eliminated in consolidation) $ 1,205,356 $ 1,145,988 Fixed maturities - available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost: 2016 - $29,210; 2015 - $33,389) 31,182 35,212 Equity securities - available for sale, at fair value (cost: 2016 - $2,942; 2015 - $1,470) 3,056 1,428 Short-term investments 5,988 13,066 Cash and cash equivalents 30,803 26,839 Amounts receivable from affiliates 1,758 1,264 Amounts receivable from subsidiaries (eliminated in consolidation) 10,487 1,758 Accrued investment income 13 12 Current income taxes recoverable 153 651 Deferred income tax assets 12,622 13,682 Other assets 12,585 10,106 Total assets $ 1,314,003 $ 1,250,006 Liabilities and stockholders' equity Liabilities: Accrued expenses and other liabilities $ 28,758 $ 18,470 Amounts payable from subsidiaries (eliminated in consolidation) 43 110 Long-term debt payable to non-affiliates 97,000 97,000 Total liabilities 125,801 115,580 Stockholders' equity: Preferred stock 3,000 3,000 Class A common stock 152,903 149,248 Class B common stock 72 72 Accumulated other comprehensive income 149,555 114,532 Retained earnings 882,672 867,574 Total stockholders' equity 1,188,202 1,134,426 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 1,314,003 $ 1,250,006 See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements. Schedule II -Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Continued) FBL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. (PARENT COMPANY) Condensed Statements of Operations (Dollars in thousands) Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Revenues: Net investment income $ 2,013 $ 2,033 $ 2,689 Realized gains (losses) on investments — (583 ) 1,047 Dividends from subsidiaries (eliminated in consolidation) 85,900 50,000 45,700 Management fee income from affiliates 2,179 2,277 1,925 Management fee income from subsidiaries (eliminated in consolidation) 5,652 5,654 8,836 Other income 2 (8 ) 7 Total revenues 95,746 59,373 60,204 Expenses: Interest expense 4,850 4,850 4,723 General and administrative expenses 9,002 8,795 8,471 Total expenses 13,852 13,645 13,194 81,894 45,728 47,010 Income tax benefit 2,349 2,507 1,011 Income before equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries 84,243 48,235 48,021 Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries (eliminated in consolidation) 22,980 65,292 61,920 Net income $ 107,223 $ 113,527 $ 109,941 See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements. Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Continued) FBL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. (PARENT COMPANY) Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (Dollars in thousands) Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ (4,342 ) $ 1,841 $ 4,200 Investing activities Sales of fixed maturities - available for sale 5,641 18,618 21,347 Acquisitions of equity securities - available for sale (1,397 ) (1,188 ) (269 ) Short-term investments, net change 7,078 395 17,617 Dividends from subsidiaries (eliminated in consolidation) 85,900 50,000 45,700 Net cash provided by investing activities 97,222 67,825 84,395 Financing activities Excess tax deductions on stock-based compensation 846 1,362 1,199 Repurchase of common stock, net 1,840 (584 ) (8,003 ) Capital contribution to subsidiary — (300 ) (1,000 ) Dividends paid (91,602 ) (89,347 ) (34,749 ) Net cash used in financing activities (88,916 ) (88,869 ) (42,553 ) Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 3,964 (19,203 ) 46,042 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 26,839 46,042 — Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 30,803 $ 26,839 $ 46,042 Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information Cash received (paid) during the year for: Income taxes $ 5,486 $ 6,344 $ 6,927 Interest (4,850 ) (4,850 ) (4,850 ) See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements. Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Continued) FBL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. (PARENT COMPANY) Notes to Condensed Financial Statements December 31, 2016 1. Basis of Presentation The accompanying condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto of FBL Financial Group, Inc. In the parent company only financial statements, our investments in subsidiaries are stated at cost plus equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries since the date of acquisition. In addition, the carrying value includes net unrealized gains/losses on the subsidiaries' investments classified as "available for sale." 2. Dividends from Subsidiaries The parent company received dividends in the form of cash totaling $85.9 million in 2016 , $50.0 million in 2015 and $45.7 million in 2014 . 3 . Debt See Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 for a description of the parent company's debt, including items paid off. The company's debt matures in 2047.

Sch III Supplementary Insurance

Sch III Supplementary Insurance Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule III. Supplementary Insurance Information [Abstract]
Supplementary Insurance Information, for Insurance Companies Disclosure [Text Block]	Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance Information FBL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. Column A Column B Column C Column D Column E Deferred acquisition costs Future policy Unearned Other (Dollars in thousands) December 31, 2016: Annuity $ 88,762 $ 3,827,295 $ — $ 364,966 Life Insurance 267,545 2,573,276 13,526 199,944 Corporate and Other 69,664 417,524 11,611 30,543 Impact of unrealized gains/losses (95,647 ) 3,795 (4,215 ) — Total $ 330,324 $ 6,821,890 $ 20,922 $ 595,453 December 31, 2015: Annuity $ 85,819 $ 3,550,364 $ — $ 370,326 Life Insurance 248,333 2,473,357 9,719 194,751 Corporate and Other 75,366 399,203 12,257 29,128 Impact of unrealized gains/losses (73,735 ) 4,090 (3,352 ) — Total $ 335,783 $ 6,427,014 $ 18,624 $ 594,205 December 31, 2014: Annuity $ 82,778 $ 3,370,109 $ — $ 372,244 Life Insurance 232,020 2,372,108 10,111 193,567 Corporate and Other 85,506 394,536 13,428 24,823 Impact of unrealized gains/losses (179,544 ) 11,182 (11,461 ) — Total $ 220,760 $ 6,147,935 $ 12,078 $ 590,634 Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance Information (Continued) FBL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. Column A Column F Column G Column H Column I Column J Premium Net Benefits, Amortization Other (Dollars in thousands) December 31, 2016: Annuity $ 3,803 $ 210,679 $ 113,543 $ 11,185 $ 23,733 Life Insurance 260,331 154,427 261,757 11,038 75,100 Corporate and Other 44,716 32,514 37,296 6,078 8,912 Change in net unrealized gains/losses on derivatives — 6,550 3,704 562 — Impact of realized gains/losses (8 ) — (32 ) (638 ) (3 ) Total $ 308,842 $ 404,170 $ 416,268 $ 28,225 $ 107,742 December 31, 2015: Annuity $ 2,524 $ 209,896 $ 110,356 $ 9,658 $ 22,456 Life Insurance 256,504 152,730 253,461 14,364 76,167 Corporate and Other 46,519 31,214 32,346 11,316 9,816 Change in net unrealized gains/losses on derivatives — (2,691 ) (2,577 ) (332 ) — Impact of realized gains/losses (7 ) — 2 214 9 Total $ 305,540 $ 391,149 $ 393,588 $ 35,220 $ 108,448 December 31, 2014: Annuity $ 1,927 $ 201,550 $ 105,669 $ 10,477 $ 22,275 Life Insurance 244,597 146,349 238,841 15,594 72,641 Corporate and Other 46,547 31,913 29,470 6,929 10,032 Change in net unrealized gains/losses on derivatives — 2,270 432 125 — Impact of realized gains/losses (1 ) — 4 178 7 Total $ 293,070 $ 382,082 $ 374,416 $ 33,303 $ 104,955

Sch IV Reinsurance

Sch IV Reinsurance	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule IV. Reinsurance [Abstract]
Supplemental Schedule of Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies [Text Block]	Schedule IV - Reinsurance FBL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. Column A Column B Column C Column D Column E Column F Gross Ceded to Assumed Net amount Percent of (Dollars in thousands) Year ended December 31, 2016: Life insurance in force, at end of year $ 60,753,614 $ 14,258,457 $ 523,538 $ 47,018,695 1.1 % Insurance premiums and other considerations: Interest sensitive product charges $ 110,608 $ 1,003 $ 2,323 $ 111,928 2.1 % Traditional life insurance premiums 222,037 25,470 347 196,914 0.2 Accident and health premiums 6,956 6,585 — 371 — $ 339,601 $ 33,058 $ 2,670 $ 309,213 0.9 Year ended December 31, 2015: Life insurance in force, at end of year $ 59,136,803 $ 14,263,420 $ 551,563 $ 45,424,946 1.2 % Insurance premiums and other considerations: Interest sensitive product charges $ 113,221 $ 1,024 $ 2,387 $ 114,584 2.1 % Traditional life insurance premiums 215,936 25,344 364 190,956 0.2 Accident and health premiums 7,561 7,094 — 467 — $ 336,718 $ 33,462 $ 2,751 $ 306,007 0.9 Year ended December 31, 2014: Life insurance in force, at end of year $ 57,010,809 $ 13,837,869 $ 592,022 $ 43,764,962 1.4 % Insurance premiums and other considerations: Interest sensitive product charges $ 110,431 $ 1,026 $ 365 $ 109,770 0.3 % Traditional life insurance premiums 206,701 23,819 418 183,300 0.2 Accident and health premiums 8,050 7,668 — 382 — $ 325,182 $ 32,513 $ 783 $ 293,452 0.3

Significant Accounting Polici26

Significant Accounting Policies Level 2 (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Consolidation, Policy	Consolidation Our consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company and its direct and indirect subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated.
Marketable Securities, Policy	Fixed Maturities and Equity Securities Fixed maturities are comprised of bonds and redeemable preferred stock and are designated as "available for sale." Available-for-sale securities, with the exception of interest-only bonds, are reported at fair value and unrealized gains and losses on these securities are included directly in stockholders' equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. The unrealized gains and losses are reduced by a provision for deferred income taxes and adjustments to deferred acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserves and policyholder liabilities that would have been required as a charge or credit to income had such amounts been realized. Interest-only bonds are considered to have an embedded derivative feature. Accordingly, unrealized gains and losses relating to these securities are recorded as a component of net investment income in the consolidated statements of operations. Premiums and discounts for all fixed maturity securities are amortized/accreted into investment income over the life of the security using the effective interest method. Amortization/accrual of premiums and discounts on mortgage- and asset-backed securities incorporates prepayment assumptions to estimate the securities' expected lives. Subsequent revisions in assumptions are recorded using the retrospective or prospective method. Under the retrospective method used for mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities of high credit quality (ratings equal to or greater than "AA" or an equivalent rating by a nationally recognized rating agency at the time of acquisition or that are backed by a U.S. agency), amortized cost of the security is adjusted to the amount that would have existed had the revised assumptions been in place at the date of acquisition. The adjustments to amortized cost are recorded as a charge or credit to net investment income. Under the prospective method, which is used for all other mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, future cash flows are estimated and interest income is recognized going forward using the new internal rate of return. Equity securities, comprised of mutual funds and common and non-redeemable preferred stocks, are designated as "available for sale" and are reported at fair value. The change in unrealized gains and losses of equity securities is included directly in stockholders' equity, net of any related deferred income taxes, as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income.
Investment, Policy	Mortgage Loans Mortgage loans are reported at cost adjusted for amortization of premiums and accrual of discounts. If we determine that the value of any mortgage loan is impaired (i.e., when it is probable we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement), the carrying value of the mortgage loan is reduced to its fair value, which may be based upon the present value of expected future cash flows from the loan, or the fair value of the underlying collateral. We evaluate each of our mortgage loans individually and establish an estimated loss, if needed, for each impaired loan identified. The carrying value of each specific loan is reduced by the estimated loss. Mortgage loans are placed on non-accrual status if we have concerns regarding the collectability of future payments. 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. Real Estate Our real estate is held for investment and reported at cost less allowances for depreciation, as applicable. The carrying value of these assets is subject to regular review. For properties held for investment, if indicators of impairment are present and a property's expected undiscounted cash flows are not sufficient to recover the property's carrying value, an impairment loss is recognized and the property's cost basis is reduced to fair value. No properties were held for investment with impairment charges as of December 31, 2016 , and one property was held for investment with an impairment charge of $0.2 million as of December 31, 2015 . Other Investments Policy loans are reported at unpaid principal balance. Short-term investments, which include investments with remaining maturities of one year or less, but greater than three months at the time of acquisition, are reported at cost adjusted for amortization of premiums and accrual of discounts. Other investments include call options, which are carried at fair value, a promissory note acquired in a sale of a partnership interest, which is carried at the remaining basis of the partnership, and our ownership interest in aircraft acquired in a troubled debt restructuring with a bond issuer that filed for bankruptcy. The ownership interest in the aircraft is reported at cost, less accumulated depreciation. We have embedded derivatives associated with modified coinsurance contracts, which are included within reinsurance recoverable. These instruments are carried at fair value with changes reflected in net investment income. See Note 2 for more information regarding our derivative instruments. Securities and indebtedness of related parties include investments in corporations and partnerships over which we may exercise significant influence and those investments for which we are required or choose to use the equity method of accounting. These corporations and partnerships operate predominately in the investment company, real estate, broker/dealer and insurance industries and include non-guaranteed low income housing tax credit entities (LIHTC). Such investments are accounted for using the equity method. In applying the equity method, we record our share of income or loss reported by the equity investees. For partnerships operating in the investment company industry, this income or loss includes changes in unrealized gains and losses in the partnerships' investment portfolios. Accrued Investment Income We discontinue the accrual of investment income on invested assets when it is determined that it is probable that we will not collect the income. Realized Gains and Losses on Investments Realized gains and losses on sales of investments are determined on the basis of specific identification. 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 other-than-temporary impairment (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 OTTI. In determining whether or not an unrealized loss is 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 .
Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy	Fair Values Fair values of fixed maturities are based on quoted market prices in active markets when available. Fair values of fixed maturities that are not actively traded are estimated using valuation methods that vary by asset class. Fair values of redeemable preferred stocks, equity securities and derivative investments are based on the latest quoted market prices, or for those items not readily marketable, generally at values that are representative of the fair values of comparable issues. Fair values for all securities are reviewed for reasonableness by considering overall market conditions and values for similar securities. See Note 3 for more information on our fair value policies, including assumptions and the amount of securities priced using the valuation models.
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy	Cash and Cash Equivalents For purposes of our consolidated statements of cash flows, we consider all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with a maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Reinsurance Accounting Policy	Reinsurance Recoverable We use reinsurance to manage certain risks associated with our insurance operations. These reinsurance arrangements provide for greater diversification of business, allow management to control exposure to potential risks arising from large claims and provide additional capacity for growth. For business ceded to other companies, reinsurance recoverable includes the reinsurers' share of policyholder liabilities, claims and expenses, net of amounts due the reinsurers for premiums. For business assumed from other companies, reinsurance recoverable includes premium receivable net of our share of benefits and expenses we owe to the ceding company. Fair values for the embedded derivatives in our modified coinsurance contracts are based on the difference between the fair value and the cost basis of the underlying investments. See Note 2 for more information regarding derivatives and Note 4 for additional details on our reinsurance agreements.
Capitalization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Policy	Deferred Acquisition Costs and Value of Insurance In Force Acquired Deferred acquisition costs include certain costs of successfully acquiring new insurance business, including commissions and other expenses related to the production of new business, to the extent recoverable from future policy revenues and gross profits. Also included are premium bonuses and bonus interest credited to contracts during the first contract year only. The value of insurance in force acquired represents the cost assigned to insurance contracts when an insurance company is acquired. The initial value was determined by an actuarial study using expected future gross profits as a measurement of the net present value of the insurance acquired. Value of insurance in force acquired is being amortized on a fixed amortization schedule. For participating traditional life insurance and interest sensitive products, these costs are being amortized generally in proportion to expected gross margins or gross profits. That amortization is adjusted retrospectively through an unlocking process when estimates of current or future gross profits/margins (including the impact of investment gains and losses) to be realized from a group of products are revised. For nonparticipating traditional life products, these costs are amortized over the premium paying period of the related policies, in proportion to the ratio of annual premium revenues to total anticipated premium revenues. Such anticipated premium revenues are estimated using the same assumptions used for computing liabilities for future policy benefits. All insurance and investment contract modifications and replacements are reviewed to determine if the internal replacement results in a substantially changed contract. If so, the acquisition costs, sales inducements and unearned revenue associated with the new contract are deferred and amortized over the lifetime of the new contract. In addition, the existing deferred policy acquisition costs, sales inducement costs and unearned revenue balances associated with the replaced contract are written off. If an internal replacement results in a substantially unchanged contract, the acquisition costs, sales inducements and unearned revenue associated with the new contract are immediately recognized in the period incurred. In addition, the existing deferred policy acquisition costs, sales inducement costs or unearned revenue balance associated with the replaced contract is not written off, but instead is carried over to the new contract.
Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization, Policy	Other Assets Other assets include property and equipment, primarily comprised of capitalized software costs and furniture and equipment, which are reported at cost less allowances for depreciation and amortization. We expense costs incurred in the preliminary stages of developing internal-use software as well as costs incurred post-implementation for maintenance. Capitalization of internal-use software costs occurs after management has authorized the project and it is probable that the software will be used as intended. Amortization of software costs begins after the software has been placed in production. Depreciation and amortization expense is computed primarily using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from three to twenty years. Property and equipment had a carrying value of $33.5 million at December 31, 2016 and $30.2 million at December 31, 2015 , and accumulated depreciation and amortization of $70.1 million at December 31, 2016 and $61.4 million at December 31, 2015 . Depreciation and amortization expense for property and equipment was $8.7 million in 2016 , $8.2 million in 2015 and $6.3 million in 2014 .
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy	Other assets at December 31, 2016 and 2015 , also includes goodwill of $9.9 million related to the excess of the amounts paid to acquire companies over the fair value of the net assets acquired. Goodwill is not amortized but is subject to annual impairment testing. We evaluate our goodwill balance by comparing the fair value of our reporting units to the carrying value of the goodwill. We conduct a qualitative impairment review at least annually as well as when indicators suggest an impairment may have occurred to determine if indicators of deterioration in the business would suggest its value has declined below the carrying value of goodwill. Such circumstances include changes in the competitive or overall economic environment or other business condition changes that may negatively impact the value of the underlying business. On a periodic basis, as well as in the event circumstances indicate the value of the business may have declined significantly, we will estimate the value of the business using discounted cash flow techniques. We believe this approach better approximates the fair value of our goodwill than a market capitalization approach. A number of significant assumptions and estimates are involved in the application of the discounted cash flow model to forecast operating cash flows, including future premiums, product lapses, investment yields and discount rate. Underlying assumptions are based on historical experience and our best estimates given information available at the time of testing. As a result of this analysis, we have determined our goodwill was not impaired as of December 31, 2016 or 2015 .
Future Policy Benefits Liability, Policy	Future Policy Benefits Future policy benefit reserves for interest sensitive products are computed under a retrospective deposit method and represent policy account balances before applicable surrender charges. We also have additional benefit reserves that are established for annuity or universal life-type contracts that provide benefit guarantees, or for contracts that are expected to produce profits followed by losses. The liabilities are accrued in relation to estimated contract assessments. Policy benefits and claims that are charged to expense include benefit claims incurred in the period in excess of related policy account balances. Interest crediting rates for our interest sensitive products ranged from 1.00% to 5.50% in 2016 , 2015 and 2014 . The liability for future policy benefits for direct participating traditional life insurance is based on net level premium reserves, including assumptions as to interest, mortality and other factors underlying the guaranteed policy cash values. Reserve interest assumptions are level and range from 2.00% to 6.00% . The average rate of assumed investment yields used in estimating gross margins was 5.51% in 2016 , 5.66% in 2015 and 5.75% in 2014 . The liability for future policy benefits for non-participating traditional life insurance is computed using a net level method, including assumptions as to mortality, persistency and interest and includes provisions for possible unfavorable deviations. The liabilities for future policy benefits for accident and health insurance are computed using a net level (or an equivalent) method, including assumptions as to morbidity, mortality and interest and include provisions for possible unfavorable deviations. Policy benefit claims are charged to expense in the period that the claims are incurred.
Revenue Recognition, Deferred Revenue, Policy	Other Policy Claims and Benefits We have unearned revenue reserves that reflect the unamortized balance of charges assessed to interest sensitive contract holders to compensate us for services to be performed over future periods (policy initiation fees). These charges have been deferred and are being recognized in income over the period benefited using the same assumptions and factors used to amortize deferred acquisition costs.
Policyholders' Dividend, Policy	We have accrued dividends for participating business that are established for anticipated amounts earned to date that have not been paid. The declaration of future dividends for participating business is at the discretion of the Board of Directors of Farm Bureau Life. Participating business accounted for 32% of receipts from policyholders during 2016 ( 2015 - 31% and 2014 - 30% ) and represented 11% of life insurance in force at December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 .
Income Tax, Policy	Deferred Income Taxes Deferred income tax assets or liabilities are computed based on the difference between the financial statement and income tax bases of assets and liabilities using the enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when the assets or liabilities are recovered or settled. Deferred income tax expenses or credits are based on the changes in the asset or liability from period to period. A valuation allowance against deferred income tax assets is established if it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred income tax assets will not be realized.
Policyholder Accounts, Policy	Separate Accounts The separate account assets and liabilities reported in our accompanying consolidated balance sheets represent funds that are separately administered for the benefit of certain policyholders that bear the underlying investment risk. The separate account assets are carried at fair value and separate account liabilities represent policy account balances before applicable surrender charges. Revenues and expenses related to the separate account assets and liabilities, to the extent of benefits paid or provided to the separate account policyholders, are excluded from the amounts reported in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
Revenue Recognition, Premiums Earned, Policy	Recognition of Premium Revenues and Costs Revenues for interest sensitive and variable products consist of policy charges for the cost of insurance and product guarantees, asset charges, administration charges, amortization of policy initiation fees and surrender charges assessed against policyholder account balances. The timing of revenue recognition as it relates to these charges and fees is determined based on the nature of such charges and fees. Policy charges for the cost of insurance, asset charges and policy administration charges are assessed on a daily or monthly basis and are recognized as revenue when assessed and earned. Certain policy initiation fees that represent compensation for services to be provided in the future are reported as unearned revenue and recognized in income over the periods benefited. Surrender charges are determined based upon contractual terms and are recognized upon surrender of a contract. Policy benefits and claims charged to expense include interest amounts credited to policyholder account balances and benefit claims incurred in excess of policyholder account balances during the period. Amortization of deferred acquisition costs is recognized as expense over the life of the policy. Traditional life insurance premiums are recognized as revenues over the premium-paying period. Future policy benefits and policy acquisition costs are recognized as expenses over the life of the policy by means of the provision for future policy benefits and amortization of deferred acquisition costs. All insurance-related revenues, benefits and expenses are reported net of reinsurance ceded. The cost of reinsurance ceded is recognized over the contract periods of the reinsurance agreements. Policies and contracts assumed are accounted for in a manner similar to that followed for direct business. Underwriting, Acquisition and Insurance Expenses Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Dollars in thousands) Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses: Commission expense, net of deferrals $ 22,735 $ 22,260 $ 22,856 Amortization of deferred acquisition costs 28,225 35,220 33,303 Amortization of value of insurance in force acquired 2,392 2,436 3,500 Other underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses, net of deferrals 82,615 83,752 78,599 Total $ 135,967 $ 143,668 $ 138,258
Other Income and Other Expenses, Policy	Other Income and Other Expenses Other income and other expenses primarily consist of revenue and expenses generated by our various non-insurance subsidiaries for investment advisory, marketing and distribution, and leasing services. They also include revenues and expenses generated by our parent company for management services. Certain of these activities are performed on behalf of our affiliates. Lease income from leases with affiliates totaled $4.8 million in 2016 , $4.9 million in 2015 and $3.1 million in 2014 . Investment advisory fee income from affiliates totaled $2.5 million in 2016 , $2.3 million in 2015 and $1.9 million in 2014 . In addition, Farm Bureau Life has certain items, including fees earned from brokered products, reported as other income and other expense, which netted to $3.4 million in 2016 and $3.2 million in 2015 and 2014 . We expense legal costs associated with a loss contingency as incurred.
Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Policy	Retirement and Compensation Plans We participate with affiliates and an unaffiliated organization in defined benefit pension plans, including a multiemployer plan. The multiemployer plan records an asset or liability based on the difference between contributions made to the plan to date and expense recognized for the plan to date. The obligations for the single employer plans are based on an actuarial valuation of future benefits. For the multiemployer plan, our contributions are commingled with those of the other employers to fund the plan benefit obligations. Should a participating employer be unable to provide funding, the remaining employers would be required to continue funding all future obligations. We employ a long-term investment strategy of maintaining diversified plan assets. The expected return on plan assets is set at the long-term rate expected to be earned based on the long-term investment strategy of the plans for assets at the end of the reporting period.
Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy	We have a Cash-Based Restricted Stock Unit Plan. Performance and non-performance units are awarded under this plan. In addition to meeting the performance goals, the performance units are subject to a five-year vesting schedule. The non-performance units awarded under this plan vest over five years. The amount payable per unit awarded is equal to the price per share of the Company's common stock at settlement of the award, and as such, we measure the value of the award each reporting period based on the current stock price. The expense related to the performance units is based on the number of units expected to vest and is recognized over the required service period. The expense related to the non-performance units is recognized over the five-year vesting schedule. The impact of forfeitures is estimated and compensation expense is recognized only for those units expected to vest. We also have share-based payment arrangements under our Class A Common Stock Compensation Plan, although no new awards have been made since 2011. We recognize compensation expense for all share-based payments granted, modified or settled. The stock option expense was being recognized over the shorter of our five-year vesting schedule or the period ending when the employee becomes eligible for retirement using the straight-line method. However, during 2014 we accelerated the vesting of all unvested stock options and recognized the remaining compensation expense. The impact of forfeitures is estimated and compensation expense is recognized only for those stock-based instruments expected to vest. We report tax deductions related to stock-based instruments in excess of recognized compensation expense as a financing cash flow. See Note 8 for additional details on these plans.
Comprehensive Income, Policy	Comprehensive Income Comprehensive income includes net income, as well as other comprehensive income items not recognized through net income. Other comprehensive income includes unrealized gains and losses on our available-for-sale securities as well as the underfunded obligation for certain retirement and postretirement benefit plans. These items are included in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax and other offsets, in stockholders' equity. The changes in unrealized gains and losses reported in our Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss), excludes net investment gains and losses included in net income that represent transfers from unrealized to realized gains and losses. These transfers are further discussed in Note 7. The components of the underfunded obligation for certain retirement and postretirement benefit plans are provided in Note 8.
Use of Estimates, Policy	Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. For example, significant estimates and assumptions are utilized in the valuation of investments, determination of other-than-temporary impairments of investments, amortization of deferred acquisition costs, calculation of policyholder liabilities and accruals and determination of pension expense. It is reasonably possible that actual experience could differ from the estimates and assumptions utilized, which could have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

Significant Accounting Polici27

Significant Accounting Policies Insurance costs (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Recognition of underwriting, acquisition and insurance costs	Underwriting, Acquisition and Insurance Expenses Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Dollars in thousands) Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses: Commission expense, net of deferrals $ 22,735 $ 22,260 $ 22,856 Amortization of deferred acquisition costs 28,225 35,220 33,303 Amortization of value of insurance in force acquired 2,392 2,436 3,500 Other underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses, net of deferrals 82,615 83,752 78,599 Total $ 135,967 $ 143,668 $ 138,258

Investment Operations (Tables)

Investment Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Investment Operations [Abstract]
Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities by Investment Category	Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities by Investment Category December 31, 2016 Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Non-credit losses on other-than-temporary impairments (1) (Dollars in thousands) Fixed maturities: Corporate (2) $ 3,529,997 $ 228,601 $ (49,943 ) $ 3,708,655 $ (1,082 ) Residential mortgage-backed 396,110 29,121 (2,931 ) 422,300 (983 ) Commercial mortgage-backed 546,446 33,645 (4,137 ) 575,954 — Other asset-backed 771,570 8,846 (9,766 ) 770,650 2,544 United States Government and agencies 30,575 1,629 (132 ) 32,072 — State, municipal and other governments 1,387,013 119,298 (7,152 ) 1,499,159 — Total fixed maturities $ 6,661,711 $ 421,140 $ (74,061 ) $ 7,008,790 $ 479 Equity securities: Non-redeemable preferred stocks $ 100,042 $ 4,050 $ (1,675 ) $ 102,417 Common stocks 30,437 114 — 30,551 Total equity securities $ 130,479 $ 4,164 $ (1,675 ) $ 132,968 December 31, 2015 Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Non-credit losses on other-than-temporary impairments (1) (Dollars in thousands) Fixed maturities: Corporate (2) $ 3,464,402 $ 192,149 $ (137,844 ) $ 3,518,707 $ 351 Residential mortgage-backed 436,969 33,880 (5,343 ) 465,506 (3,584 ) Commercial mortgage-backed 514,195 42,284 (2,487 ) 553,992 — Other asset-backed 578,692 11,554 (7,124 ) 583,122 3,058 United States Government and agencies 41,050 3,129 (81 ) 44,098 — State, municipal and other governments 1,344,611 129,923 (2,183 ) 1,472,351 — Total fixed maturities $ 6,379,919 $ 412,919 $ (155,062 ) $ 6,637,776 $ (175 ) Equity securities: Non-redeemable preferred stocks $ 87,029 $ 6,095 $ (1,173 ) $ 91,951 Common stocks 29,307 450 (41 ) 29,716 Total equity securities $ 116,336 $ 6,545 $ (1,214 ) $ 121,667 (1) Non-credit losses subsequent to the initial impairment measurement date on OTTI losses are included in the gross unrealized gains and gross unrealized losses columns above. The non-credit loss component of OTTI losses for other asset-backed securities were in an unrealized gain position at December 31, 2016 and corporate and other asset-backed securities at December 31, 2015 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 fair value of $23.3 million at December 31, 2016 and $43.5 million at December 31, 2015 . Corporate securities also include redeemable preferred stock with a fair value of $24.5 million at December 31, 2016 and $24.8 million at December 31, 2015 .
Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturities by Maturity Date	Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturities by Maturity Date December 31, 2016 Amortized Cost Fair Value (Dollars in thousands) Due in one year or less $ 87,893 $ 89,546 Due after one year through five years 788,543 847,046 Due after five years through ten years 716,499 742,640 Due after ten years 3,354,650 3,560,654 4,947,585 5,239,886 Mortgage-backed and other asset-backed 1,714,126 1,768,904 Total fixed maturities $ 6,661,711 $ 7,008,790 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	Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income December 31, 2016 2015 (Dollars in thousands) Net unrealized appreciation on: Fixed maturities - available for sale $ 347,079 $ 257,857 Equity securities - available for sale 2,489 5,331 349,568 263,188 Adjustments for assumed changes in amortization pattern of: Deferred acquisition costs (95,647 ) (73,735 ) Value of insurance in force acquired (12,382 ) (3,087 ) Unearned revenue reserve 4,215 3,352 Adjustments for assumed changes in policyholder liabilities (3,795 ) (4,090 ) Provision for deferred income taxes (84,684 ) (64,955 ) Net unrealized investment gains $ 157,275 $ 120,673 Change in Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation of Investments - Recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Dollars in thousands) Fixed maturities - available for sale $ 89,222 $ (331,408 ) $ 336,051 Equity securities - available for sale (2,842 ) 118 3,729 Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments $ 86,380 $ (331,290 ) $ 339,780 The changes in 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	Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities with Unrealized Losses by Length of Time December 31, 2016 Less than one year One year or more Total Description of Securities Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses Percent of Total (Dollars in thousands) Fixed maturities: Corporate $ 742,626 $ (23,142 ) $ 220,939 $ (26,801 ) $ 963,565 $ (49,943 ) 67.3 % Residential mortgage-backed 51,873 (1,014 ) 22,744 (1,917 ) 74,617 (2,931 ) 4.0 Commercial mortgage-backed 95,690 (3,590 ) 6,610 (547 ) 102,300 (4,137 ) 5.6 Other asset-backed 371,829 (5,810 ) 95,740 (3,956 ) 467,569 (9,766 ) 13.2 United States Government and agencies 6,438 (132 ) — — 6,438 (132 ) 0.2 State, municipal and other governments 150,052 (7,152 ) — — 150,052 (7,152 ) 9.7 Total fixed maturities $ 1,418,508 $ (40,840 ) $ 346,033 $ (33,221 ) $ 1,764,541 $ (74,061 ) 100.0 % Equity securities: Non-redeemable preferred stocks $ 12,774 $ (150 ) $ 13,438 $ (1,525 ) $ 26,212 $ (1,675 ) Total equity securities $ 12,774 $ (150 ) $ 13,438 $ (1,525 ) $ 26,212 $ (1,675 ) December 31, 2015 Less than one year One year or more Total Description of Securities Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses Percent of Total (Dollars in thousands) Fixed maturities: Corporate $ 1,115,324 $ (96,062 ) $ 115,730 $ (41,782 ) $ 1,231,054 $ (137,844 ) 88.9 % Residential mortgage-backed 21,646 (725 ) 26,537 (4,618 ) 48,183 (5,343 ) 3.4 Commercial mortgage-backed 48,424 (1,947 ) 7,657 (540 ) 56,081 (2,487 ) 1.6 Other asset-backed 285,395 (3,323 ) 65,298 (3,801 ) 350,693 (7,124 ) 4.6 United States Government and agencies 4,807 (81 ) — — 4,807 (81 ) 0.1 State, municipal and other governments 77,980 (2,183 ) — — 77,980 (2,183 ) 1.4 Total fixed maturities $ 1,553,576 $ (104,321 ) $ 215,222 $ (50,741 ) $ 1,768,798 $ (155,062 ) 100.0 % Equity securities: Non-redeemable preferred stocks $ 21,280 $ (573 ) $ 4,400 $ (600 ) $ 25,680 $ (1,173 ) Common stocks 1,428 (41 ) — — $ 1,428 $ (41 ) Total equity securities $ 22,708 $ (614 ) $ 4,400 $ (600 ) $ 27,108 $ (1,214 ) Fixed maturities in the above tables include 516 securities from 404 issuers at December 31, 2016 and 542 securities from 435 issuers at December 31, 2015 . Unrealized losses decreased during 2016 primarily due to a decrease in overall spreads, offset slightly by an increase in treasury yields over the same period. We do not consider securities to be OTTI when the market decline is attributable to factors such as interest rate movements, market volatility, liquidity, spread widening and credit quality when recovery of all amounts due under the contractual terms of the security is anticipated. Based on our intent not to sell or our belief that we will not be required to sell these securities before recovery of their amortized cost basis, we do not consider these investments to be OTTI at December 31, 2016 . We will continue to monitor the investment portfolio for future changes in issuer facts and circumstances that could result in future impairments beyond those currently identified. Excluding mortgage- and asset-backed securities, our largest unrealized loss was from an oil field service provider and totaled $2.1 million at December 31, 2016 . 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 December 31, 2016 was $1.2 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 $0.7 million .
Mortgage Loans by Collateral Type	Mortgage Loans by Collateral Type December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Collateral Type Carrying Value Percent of Total Carrying Value Percent of Total (Dollars in thousands) Office $ 361,088 44.2 % $ 333,400 44.8 % Retail 240,602 29.5 227,039 30.5 Industrial 154,005 18.9 133,085 17.9 Other 60,776 7.4 50,779 6.8 Total $ 816,471 100.0 % $ 744,303 100.0 % Mortgage Loans by Geographic Location within the United States December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Region of the United States Carrying Value Percent of Total Carrying Value Percent of Total (Dollars in thousands) South Atlantic $ 266,019 32.6 % $ 233,522 31.4 % West North Central 105,753 12.9 102,555 13.8 Pacific 104,337 12.8 100,188 13.4 East North Central 91,550 11.2 86,019 11.5 Mountain 79,707 9.8 78,750 10.6 West South Central 74,258 9.1 66,677 9.0 Other 94,847 11.6 76,592 10.3 Total $ 816,471 100.0 % $ 744,303 100.0 %
Mortgage Loans by Geographic Location within the United States	Mortgage Loans by Geographic Location within the United States December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Region of the United States Carrying Value Percent of Total Carrying Value Percent of Total (Dollars in thousands) South Atlantic $ 266,019 32.6 % $ 233,522 31.4 % West North Central 105,753 12.9 102,555 13.8 Pacific 104,337 12.8 100,188 13.4 East North Central 91,550 11.2 86,019 11.5 Mountain 79,707 9.8 78,750 10.6 West South Central 74,258 9.1 66,677 9.0 Other 94,847 11.6 76,592 10.3 Total $ 816,471 100.0 % $ 744,303 100.0 %
Mortgage Loans by Loan-to-Value Ratio	Mortgage Loans by Loan-to-Value Ratio December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Loan-to-Value Ratio Carrying Value Percent of Total Carrying Value Percent of Total (Dollars in thousands) 0% - 50% $ 274,953 33.7 % $ 264,605 35.6 % 50% - 60% 210,555 25.8 169,045 22.7 60% - 70% 233,216 28.5 234,544 31.5 70% - 80% 67,607 8.3 67,072 9.0 80% - 90% 30,140 3.7 9,037 1.2 Total $ 816,471 100.0 % $ 744,303 100.0 % The loan-to-value ratio is determined using the most recent appraised value. Appraisals are updated periodically when there is indication of a possible significant collateral decline or there are loan modifications or refinance requests. Mortgage Loans by Year of Origination December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Carrying Value Percent of Total Carrying Value Percent of Total (Dollars in thousands) 2016 $ 158,817 19.4 % $ — — % 2015 149,302 18.3 154,582 20.9 2014 80,771 9.9 83,546 11.2 2013 69,887 8.6 79,879 10.7 2012 59,983 7.3 65,817 8.8 2011 and prior 297,711 36.5 360,479 48.4 Total $ 816,471 100.0 % $ 744,303 100.0 %
Mortgage Loans by Year of Origination	Mortgage Loans by Year of Origination December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Carrying Value Percent of Total Carrying Value Percent of Total (Dollars in thousands) 2016 $ 158,817 19.4 % $ — — % 2015 149,302 18.3 154,582 20.9 2014 80,771 9.9 83,546 11.2 2013 69,887 8.6 79,879 10.7 2012 59,983 7.3 65,817 8.8 2011 and prior 297,711 36.5 360,479 48.4 Total $ 816,471 100.0 % $ 744,303 100.0 %
Impaired Mortgage Loans	Impaired Mortgage Loans December 31, 2016 2015 (Dollars in thousands) Unpaid principal balance $ 21,459 $ 21,766 Less: Related allowance (713 ) (851 ) Discount — (87 ) Carrying value of impaired mortgage loans $ 20,746 $ 20,828
Allowance on Mortgage Loans	Allowance on Mortgage Loans Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 (Dollars in thousands) Balance at beginning of period $ 851 $ 857 Charge offs (138 ) (6 ) Balance at end of period $ 713 $ 851
Components of Net Investment Income	Components of Net Investment Income Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Dollars in thousands) Fixed maturities - available for sale $ 342,657 $ 338,952 $ 333,759 Equity securities - available for sale 6,558 6,091 5,388 Mortgage loans 38,098 35,923 32,759 Real estate — 169 140 Policy loans 8,956 8,871 8,620 Short-term investments, cash and cash equivalents 365 141 — Derivative income (loss) 3,935 (2,266 ) 2,496 Prepayment fee income and other 10,992 11,555 6,959 411,561 399,436 390,121 Less investment expenses (7,391 ) (8,287 ) (8,039 ) Net investment income $ 404,170 $ 391,149 $ 382,082
Realized Gains (Losses) - Recorded in Income	Realized Gains (Losses) - Recorded in Income Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Dollars in thousands) Realized gains (losses) on sales of investments Fixed maturities: Gross gains $ 9,793 $ 4,781 $ 4,593 Gross losses (8,523 ) (1,952 ) (833 ) Equity securities 529 — — Mortgage loans 817 — — Short-term investments, cash and cash equivalents (1 ) — — Other 491 8,233 — 3,106 11,062 3,760 Impairment losses recognized in earnings: Credit-related portion of fixed maturity losses (1) (4,767 ) (363 ) — Other credit-related (2) (102 ) (210 ) (822 ) Realized gains (losses) on investments recorded in income $ (1,763 ) $ 10,489 $ 2,938 (1) Amount represents the credit-related losses recognized for fixed maturities that were impaired through income but not written down to fair value. As discussed above, the non-credit portion of the losses have been recognized in other comprehensive income (loss). (2) Amount represents credit-related losses for other investments, real estate and fixed maturities written down to fair value through income. Proceeds from sales of fixed maturities were $109.5 million in 2016 , $108.5 million in 2015 and $67.2 million in 2014 . Realized losses on sales were on securities that we did not intend to sell at the prior balance sheet date or on securities that were impaired in a prior period, but decreased in value and were sold during the current reporting period.
Credit Loss Component of Other-than-temporary Impairments on Fixed Maturities	Credit Loss Component of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments on Fixed Maturities The following table sets forth the amount of credit loss impairments on fixed maturities held by the Company as of the dates indicated for which the non-credit portion of the OTTI was recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) and corresponding changes in such amounts. Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 (Dollars in thousands) Balance at beginning of period $ (11,498 ) $ (16,772 ) Increases for newly impaired investments (2,595 ) — Increases to previously impaired investments (2,172 ) (363 ) Reductions due to investments sold 1,765 5,637 Balance at end of period $ (14,500 ) $ (11,498 )
Variable Interest Entities	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. After determining that VIE status exists, we review our involvement in the VIE to determine whether we have both the power to direct activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE, and the obligation to absorb losses or the rights to receive benefits that could be potentially significant to the VIE. This analysis includes a review of the purpose and design of the VIE, as well as the role that we played in the formation of the entity and how that role could impact our ability to control the VIE. We also review the activities and decisions considered significant to the economic performance of the VIE and assess what power we have in directing those activities and decisions. Finally, we review the agreements in place to determine if there are any guarantees that would affect our maximum exposure to loss. We have reviewed the circumstances surrounding our investments in VIEs, which are classified as securities and indebtedness of related parties, and consist of LIHTC, limited partnerships or limited liability companies accounted for under the equity method. In addition, we have reviewed the ownership interests in our VIEs and determined that we do not hold direct majority ownership or have other contractual rights (such as kick out rights) that give us effective control over these entities resulting in us having both the power to direct activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could be potentially significant to the VIE. The maximum loss exposure relative to our VIEs is limited to the carrying value and any unfunded commitments that exist for each particular VIE. Based on this analysis, none of our VIEs were required to be consolidated at December 31, 2016 or December 31, 2015. There were no circumstances that occurred during 2016 or 2015 that resulted in any changes in our decision not to consolidate any of our VIEs. We also have not provided additional support or other guarantees that was not previously contractually required (financial or otherwise) to any of the VIEs as of December 31, 2016 or December 31, 2015. VIE Investments by Category December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Carrying Value Maximum Exposure to Loss Carrying Value (1) Maximum Exposure to Loss (1) (Dollars in thousands) LIHTC $ 91,255 $ 95,058 $ 94,170 $ 102,626 Investment companies 23,379 45,569 20,004 35,604 Real estate limited partnerships 10,790 14,558 9,554 15,610 Other 429 2,034 637 2,448 Total $ 125,853 $ 157,219 $ 124,365 $ 156,288 (1) Prior year values have been updated for comparability with the amounts as presented under the new accounting guidance discussed in Note 1. In addition, we make passive investments in the normal course of business in structured securities issued by VIEs for which we are not the investment manager. These structured securities include all of the residential mortgage-backed securities, commercial mortgage-backed securities and other asset-backed securities included in our fixed maturities. Our maximum exposure to loss on these securities is limited to our carrying value in the investment. We have determined that we are not the primary beneficiary of these structured securities because we do not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entities' economic performance.
Schedule of Derivative Instruments	Derivative Instruments Our primary derivative exposure relates to purchased call options, which provide an economic hedge to the embedded derivatives in our indexed annuity and universal life insurance products. We also have embedded derivatives within our modified coinsurance agreements as well as an interest-only fixed maturity investment. We do not apply hedge accounting to any of our derivative positions, and they are held at fair value. Derivatives Instruments by Type December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 (Dollars in thousands) Assets Freestanding derivatives: Call options (reported in other investments) $ 9,360 $ 2,331 Embedded derivatives: Modified coinsurance (reported in reinsurance recoverable) 3,411 2,636 Interest-only security (reported in fixed maturities) 3,374 4,551 Total assets $ 16,145 $ 9,518 Liabilities Embedded derivatives: Indexed annuity and universal life products (reported in liability for future policy benefits) $ 15,778 $ 9,374 Modified coinsurance agreements (reported in other liabilities) 114 56 Total liabilities $ 15,892 $ 9,430 Derivative Income (Loss) Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Dollars in thousands) Change in fair value of free standing derivatives: Call options $ 5,603 $ (1,904 ) $ 1,559 Change in fair value of embedded derivatives: Modified coinsurance agreements 716 (809 ) 711 Interest-only security 229 23 — Indexed annuity and universal life products (2,390 ) 2,577 (432 ) Call option amortization (5,601 ) (3,122 ) (1,535 ) Call option proceeds 2,988 3,546 1,761 Total income from derivatives $ 1,545 $ 311 $ 2,064 Derivative income (loss) is reported in net investment income except for the change in fair value of the embedded derivatives on our indexed annuity and universal life products, which is reported in interest sensitive product benefits. The call options are supported by securities collateral received of $6.3 million at December 31, 2016 , which is held in a separate custodial account. Subject to certain constraints, we are permitted to sell or re-pledge this collateral, but do not have legal rights to the collateral; accordingly, it has not been recorded on our balance sheet. At December 31, 2016 , none of the collateral had been sold or re-pledged. All of our counterparties are rated A- or better by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization.
Affordable Housing Program	Low Income Housing Tax Credit Investments We invest in non-guaranteed federal LIHTC, which are included in securities and indebtedness of related parties in the balance sheet. The carrying value of these investments totaled $91.3 million at December 31, 2016 and $94.2 million at December 31, 2015 . There were no impairment losses recorded on these investments during 2016 , 2015 or 2014 . We use the equity method of accounting for these investments and recorded the following in our consolidated statement of operations. LIHTC Equity Income (Loss), Net of Related Income Taxes Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Dollars in thousands) Equity losses from LIHTC $ (7,547 ) $ (7,022 ) $ (6,411 ) Income tax benefits: Tax benefits from equity losses 2,641 2,458 2,244 Investment tax credits 14,077 13,542 12,209 Equity income from LIHTC, net of related income benefits $ 9,171 $ 8,978 $ 8,042 At December 31, 2016 , we had committed to provide additional funds for limited partnerships and limited liability companies in which we invest. The amounts of these unfunded commitments totaled $31.4 million , including $3.8 million for commitments to LIHTC, which are summarized by year in the following table. Commitments to LIHTC by Year December 31, 2016 (Dollars in thousands) 2017 $ 2,898 2018 590 2019 - 2024 315 Total $ 3,803 Other At December 31, 2016 , affidavits of deposits covering investments with a carrying value totaling $7,561.9 million were on deposit with state agencies to meet regulatory requirements. Fixed maturities with a carrying value of $496.8 million were on deposit with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB) as collateral for funding agreements. The carrying value of investments which have been non-income producing for the twelve months preceding December 31, 2016 includes real estate totaling $2.0 million . No investment in any entity or its affiliates (other than bonds issued by agencies of the United States Government) exceeded 10.0% of stockholders' equity at December 31, 2016 .

Fair Value (Tables)

Fair Value (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value [Abstract]
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block]	Fair Values and Carrying Values December 31, 2016 2015 Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value (Dollars in thousands) Assets Fixed maturities - available for sale $ 7,008,790 $ 7,008,790 $ 6,637,776 $ 6,637,776 Equity securities - available for sale 132,968 132,968 121,667 121,667 Mortgage loans 816,471 840,337 744,303 780,624 Policy loans 188,254 230,656 185,784 230,153 Other investments 9,809 11,272 2,331 2,331 Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments 49,931 49,931 57,741 57,741 Reinsurance recoverable 3,411 3,411 2,636 2,636 Assets held in separate accounts 597,072 597,072 625,257 625,257 Liabilities Future policy benefits $ 4,044,148 $ 3,903,177 $ 3,750,186 $ 3,618,145 Supplementary contracts without life contingencies 330,232 330,633 339,929 339,717 Advance premiums and other deposits 257,171 257,171 245,269 245,269 Short-term debt — — 15,000 15,000 Long-term debt 97,000 67,599 97,000 68,133 Other liabilities 114 114 56 56 Liabilities related to separate accounts 597,072 593,760 625,257 620,676
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]	Valuation of our Financial Instruments Measured on a Recurring Basis by Hierarchy Levels December 31, 2016 Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Total (Dollars in thousands) Assets Fixed maturities: Corporate securities $ — $ 3,649,536 $ 59,119 $ 3,708,655 Residential mortgage-backed securities — 422,300 — 422,300 Commercial mortgage-backed securities — 494,520 81,434 575,954 Other asset-backed securities — 716,282 54,368 770,650 United States Government and agencies 11,943 20,129 — 32,072 State, municipal and other governments — 1,499,159 — 1,499,159 Non-redeemable preferred stocks — 95,006 7,411 102,417 Common stocks 3,056 27,495 — 30,551 Other investments — 9,360 — 9,360 Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments 49,931 — — 49,931 Reinsurance recoverable — 3,411 — 3,411 Assets held in separate accounts 597,072 — — 597,072 Total assets $ 662,002 $ 6,937,198 $ 202,332 $ 7,801,532 Liabilities Future policy benefits - indexed annuity embedded derivatives $ — $ — $ 15,778 $ 15,778 Other liabilities — 114 — 114 Total liabilities $ — $ 114 $ 15,778 $ 15,892 Valuation of our Financial Instruments Measured on a Recurring Basis by Hierarchy Levels December 31, 2015 Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Total (Dollars in thousands) Assets Fixed maturities: Corporate securities $ — $ 3,469,631 $ 49,076 $ 3,518,707 Residential mortgage-backed securities — 461,777 3,729 465,506 Commercial mortgage-backed securities — 465,812 88,180 553,992 Other asset-backed securities — 527,565 55,557 583,122 United States Government and agencies 14,760 20,612 8,726 44,098 State, municipal and other governments — 1,472,351 — 1,472,351 Non-redeemable preferred stocks — 84,480 7,471 91,951 Common stocks 4,728 24,988 — 29,716 Other investments — 2,331 — 2,331 Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments 57,741 — — 57,741 Reinsurance recoverable — 2,636 — 2,636 Assets held in separate accounts 625,257 — — 625,257 Total assets $ 702,486 $ 6,532,183 $ 212,739 $ 7,447,408 Liabilities Future policy benefits - indexed annuity embedded derivatives $ — $ — $ 9,374 $ 9,374 Other liabilities — 56 — 56 Total liabilities $ — $ 56 $ 9,374 $ 9,430
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Table Text Block]	Level 3 Fixed Maturities by Valuation Source - Recurring Basis December 31, 2016 Third-party vendors Priced Total (Dollars in thousands) Corporate securities $ 17,684 $ 41,435 $ 59,119 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 81,434 — 81,434 Other asset-backed securities 39,308 15,060 54,368 Total $ 138,426 $ 56,495 $ 194,921 Percent of total 71.0 % 29.0 % 100.0 % December 31, 2015 Third-party vendors Priced Total (Dollars in thousands) Corporate securities $ 17,208 $ 31,868 $ 49,076 Residential mortgage-backed securities — 3,729 3,729 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 88,180 — 88,180 Other asset-backed securities 35,420 20,137 55,557 United States Government and agencies — 8,726 8,726 Total $ 140,808 $ 64,460 $ 205,268 Percent of total 68.6 % 31.4 % 100.0 %
Fair Value, Measurement Inputs, Disclosure [Text Block]	Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements - Recurring Basis December 31, 2016 Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range (Weighted Average) (Dollars in thousands) Assets Corporate securities $ 47,398 Discounted cash flow Credit spread 0.58% - 4.25% (2.81%) Commercial mortgage-backed 81,434 Discounted cash flow Credit spread 1.10% - 4.15% (2.95%) Other asset-backed securities 6,461 Discounted cash flow Credit spread 1.08% - 4.87% (3.45%) Non-redeemable preferred stocks 7,411 Discounted cash flow Credit spread 4.05% (4.05%) Total assets $ 142,704 Liabilities Future policy benefits - indexed annuity embedded derivatives $ 15,778 Discounted cash flow Credit risk Risk margin 0.80% - 2.00% (1.25%) 0.15% - 0.40% (0.25%) December 31, 2015 Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range (Weighted Average) (Dollars in thousands) Assets Corporate securities $ 33,508 Discounted cash flow Credit spread 1.16% - 17.50% (11.26%) Commercial mortgage-backed 71,100 Discounted cash flow Credit spread 1.10% - 4.15% (3.12%) Other asset-backed securities 13,737 Discounted cash flow Credit spread 1.25% - 7.90% (5.61%) United States Government and agencies 8,726 Discounted cash flow Credit spread 2.59% (2.59%) Non-redeemable preferred stocks 7,471 Discounted cash flow Credit spread 4.55% (4.55%) Total assets $ 134,542 Liabilities Future policy benefits - indexed annuity embedded derivatives $ 9,374 Discounted cash flow Credit risk 0.80% - 2.25% (1.45%) 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 December 31, 2016 Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net Balance, December 31, 2015 Purchases Disposals Included in net income Included in other compre-hensive income Transfers into Level 3 (1) Transfers out of Level 3 (1) Amort-ization included in net income Balance, December 31, 2016 (Dollars in thousands) Assets Corporate securities $ 49,076 $ 2,000 $ (13,751 ) $ (27 ) $ (490 ) $ 35,956 $ (13,572 ) $ (73 ) $ 59,119 Residential mortgage-backed securities 3,729 — (3,722 ) — (137 ) — — 130 — Commercial mortgage-backed securities 88,180 18,826 (1,656 ) — (141 ) — (23,852 ) 77 81,434 Other asset-backed securities 55,557 64,146 (11,621 ) — 212 30,098 (84,045 ) 21 54,368 United States Government and agencies 8,726 — — — 486 — (9,218 ) 6 — State, municipal and other governments — — — — 108 2,393 (2,501 ) — — Non-redeemable preferred stocks 7,471 — — — (60 ) — — — 7,411 Total assets $ 212,739 $ 84,972 $ (30,750 ) $ (27 ) $ (22 ) $ 68,447 $ (133,188 ) $ 161 $ 202,332 Liabilities Future policy benefits - indexed annuity embedded derivatives $ 9,374 $ 5,913 $ (115 ) $ 606 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 15,778 December 31, 2015 Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net Balance, December 31, 2014 Purchases Disposals Included in net income Included in other compre-hensive income Transfers into Level 3 (1) Transfers out of Level 3 (1) Amort-ization included in net income Balance, December 31, 2015 (Dollars in thousands) Assets Corporate securities $ 64,239 $ 15,993 $ (20,499 ) $ — $ 55 $ 21,363 $ (32,649 ) $ 574 $ 49,076 Residential mortgage-backed securities — 19,353 (2,340 ) — 284 5,984 (19,631 ) 79 3,729 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 77,891 17,287 (885 ) — (3,905 ) — (2,334 ) 126 88,180 Other asset-backed securities 116,141 53,215 (10,085 ) — (662 ) 30,287 (133,351 ) 12 55,557 United States Government and agencies 9,065 — — — (346 ) — — 7 8,726 Non-redeemable preferred stocks 8,054 — — — (583 ) — — — 7,471 Total Assets $ 275,390 $ 105,848 $ (33,809 ) $ — $ (5,157 ) $ 57,634 $ (187,965 ) $ 798 $ 212,739 Liabilities Future policy benefits - indexed annuity embedded derivatives $ 8,681 $ 4,567 $ (1,064 ) $ (2,810 ) $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 9,374 (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. The fair values of newly issued securities often require additional estimation until a market is created, which is generally within a few months after issuance. Once a market is created, as was the case for the majority of the security transfers out of the Level 3 category above, Level 2 valuation sources become available. 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 December 31, 2016 Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Total (Dollars in thousands) Assets Mortgage loans $ — $ — $ 840,337 $ 840,337 Policy loans — — 230,656 230,656 Other investments 1,912 1,912 Total assets $ — $ — $ 1,072,905 $ 1,072,905 Liabilities Future policy benefits $ — $ — $ 3,887,399 $ 3,887,399 Supplementary contracts without life contingencies — — 330,633 330,633 Advance premiums and other deposits — — 257,171 257,171 Long-term debt — — 67,599 67,599 Liabilities related to separate accounts — — 593,760 593,760 Total liabilities $ — $ — $ 5,136,562 $ 5,136,562 December 31, 2015 Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Total (Dollars in thousands) Assets Mortgage loans $ — $ — $ 780,624 $ 780,624 Policy loans — — 230,153 230,153 Total assets $ — $ — $ 1,010,777 $ 1,010,777 Liabilities Future policy benefits $ — $ — $ 3,608,771 $ 3,608,771 Supplementary contracts without life contingencies — — 339,717 339,717 Advance premiums and other deposits — — 245,269 245,269 Short-term debt — — 15,000 15,000 Long-term debt — — 68,133 68,133 Liabilities related to separate accounts — — 620,676 620,676 Total liabilities $ — $ — $ 4,897,566 $ 4,897,566

Reinsurance and Policy Provis30

Reinsurance and Policy Provisions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Reinsurance and Policy Provisions [Abstract]
Reinsurance [Text Block]	Impact of Reinsurance on our Financial Statements Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Dollars in thousands) Ceded (reductions to financial statement items): Premiums and product charges $ 33,058 $ 33,462 $ 32,513 Insurance benefits 22,515 26,183 16,972 Assumed (additions to financial statement items): Premiums and product charges 2,670 2,751 783 Insurance benefits 2,302 1,231 1,667 Reinsurance In Force and Percentage of Direct Life Insurance In Force Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 (Dollars in millions) Ceded reinsurance $ 14,258 23.5 % $ 14,263 24.1 % Assumed reinsurance 524 0.9 % 552 0.9 %
Intangible Assets Arising from Insurance Contracts Acquired in Business Combination, Disclosures [Text Block]	Analysis of the Value of Insurance In Force Acquired Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Dollars in thousands) Balance at beginning of year $ 24,000 $ 26,436 $ 29,935 Amortization per fixed schedule (2,198 ) (2,384 ) (2,090 ) Impact of unlocking actuarial assumptions (194 ) (52 ) (1,409 ) Balance at end of year 21,608 24,000 26,436 Impact of net unrealized investment gains and losses (12,382 ) (3,087 ) (3,939 ) Value of insurance in force acquired $ 9,226 $ 20,913 $ 22,497 We amortize the value of insurance in force based on a fixed amortization schedule. Net amortization, based on our fixed amortization schedules, for the next five years is expected to be as follows: 2017 - $2.2 million ; 2018 - $2.2 million ; 2019 - $2.1 million ; 2020 - $2.2 million ; and 2021 - $2.0 million .
Schedule of Minimum Guaranteed Benefit Liabilities [Table Text Block]	Certain variable annuity and variable universal life contracts in our separate accounts and in variable business we have assumed through reinsurance partners have minimum interest guarantees on funds deposited in our general account. In addition, we have certain variable annuity contracts that include a) guaranteed minimum death benefits (GMDB), b) an incremental death benefit (IDB) rider that pays a percentage of the gain on the contract upon the death of the contract holder, and/or c) a guaranteed minimum income benefit (GMIB) that provides monthly income to the contract holder after the eighth policy year. GMDB, IDB and GMIB Net Amount at Risk by Type of Guarantee December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Separate Account Balance Net Amount at Risk Separate Account Balance Net Amount at Risk (Dollars in thousands) Guaranteed minimum death benefit: Return of net deposits $ 159,617 $ 543 $ 175,286 $ 623 Return the greater of highest anniversary 270,539 2,920 279,981 14,858 Incremental death benefit 241,142 53,933 256,929 50,159 Guaranteed minimum income benefit 32,733 — 37,334 — Total $ 57,396 $ 65,640 The separate account assets are primarily comprised of stock and bond mutual funds. The net amount at risk for these contracts is based on the amount by which GMDB, IDB or GMIB exceeds account value. The reserve for GMDBs, IDBs or GMIBs, determined using modeling techniques and industry mortality assumptions, that is included in future policy benefits, totaled $5.8 million at December 31, 2016 and $5.4 million at December 31, 2015 . The weighted average age of the contract holders with GMDB, IDB or GMIB rider exposure was 62 years at December 31, 2016 and 57 years at December 31, 2015 . Benefits paid for GMDBs, IDBs and GMIBs totaled $0.5 million for 2016 , $0.4 million for 2015 and $0.2 million for 2014 .

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]	Income Tax Expenses (Credits) Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Dollars in thousands) Taxes provided in consolidated statements of operations on: Income before equity loss: Current $ 36,461 $ 40,578 $ 39,562 Deferred 9,549 6,840 7,773 46,010 47,418 47,335 Equity loss, including low income housing tax credits (15,498 ) (15,706 ) (13,372 ) Taxes provided in consolidated statements of changes in stockholders' equity: Accumulated other comprehensive income 18,882 (77,473 ) 75,032 Class A and Class B common stock (846 ) (1,363 ) (1,148 ) 18,036 (78,836 ) 73,884 $ 48,548 $ (47,124 ) $ 107,847
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	Effective Tax Rate Reconciliation to Federal Income Tax Rate Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Dollars in thousands) Income before income taxes and equity loss $ 141,789 $ 151,368 $ 147,101 Income tax at federal statutory rate (35%) $ 49,626 $ 52,979 $ 51,485 Tax effect (decrease) of: Tax-exempt dividend and interest income (2,950 ) (3,233 ) (3,400 ) Other items (666 ) (2,328 ) (750 ) Income tax expense $ 46,010 $ 47,418 $ 47,335
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]	Tax Effect of Temporary Differences Giving Rise to Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities December 31, 2016 2015 (Dollars in thousands) Deferred income tax assets: Future policy benefits $ 30,340 $ 25,918 Accrued benefit and compensation costs 10,001 15,138 Loss carryforwards 5,709 8,212 Other 2,393 4,030 48,443 53,298 Deferred income tax liabilities: Fixed maturity and equity securities 131,655 94,919 Deferred acquisition costs 62,599 65,310 Value of insurance in force acquired 3,229 7,320 Property and equipment 7,777 7,078 Other 6,678 13,734 211,938 188,361 Net deferred income tax liability $ 163,495 $ 135,063

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
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 390,707 12,028 — — 390,707 12,028 Purchase of common stock (429,746 ) (2,396 ) — — (429,746 ) (2,396 ) Outstanding at December 31, 2014 24,703,903 144,625 11,413 72 24,715,316 144,697 Issuance of common stock under compensation plans 159,764 5,022 — — 159,764 5,022 Purchase of common stock (66,904 ) (399 ) — — (66,904 ) (399 ) Outstanding at December 31, 2015 24,796,763 149,248 11,413 72 24,808,176 149,320 Issuance of common stock under compensation plans 96,101 3,718 — — 96,101 3,718 Purchase of common stock (10,322 ) (63 ) — — (10,322 ) (63 ) Outstanding at December 31, 2016 24,882,542 $ 152,903 11,413 $ 72 24,893,955 $ 152,975
Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax and Other Offsets Unrealized Net Investment Gains (Losses) (1) Accumulated Non-Credit Impairment Gains (Losses) Underfunded Portion of Certain Benefit Total (Dollars in thousands) Balance at January 1, 2014 $ 126,587 $ (1,366 ) $ (6,154 ) $ 119,067 Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 141,947 2,497 — 144,444 Reclassification adjustments (2,323 ) — (2,778 ) (5,101 ) Balance at December 31, 2014 266,211 1,131 (8,932 ) 258,410 Other comprehensive income before reclassifications (143,731 ) (1,155 ) — (144,886 ) Reclassification adjustments (1,693 ) (90 ) 2,791 1,008 Balance at December 31, 2015 120,787 (114 ) (6,141 ) 114,532 Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 37,895 1,901 — 39,796 Reclassification adjustments (1,719 ) (1,476 ) (1,578 ) (4,773 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 156,963 $ 311 $ (7,719 ) $ 149,555
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassification Adjustments Year ended December 31, 2016 Unrealized Net Investment Gains (Losses) (1) Accumulated Non-Credit Impairment Losses (1) Underfunded Portion of Certain Benefit Total (Dollars in thousands) Realized capital gains on sales of investments $ (1,799 ) $ — $ — $ (1,799 ) Adjustments for assumed changes in deferred policy acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserve and policyholder liabilities (845 ) 180 — (665 ) Other than temporary impairment losses — (2,451 ) — (2,451 ) Other expenses - change in unrecognized postretirement items: Prior service costs — — (1 ) (1 ) Net actuarial gain — — (2,425 ) (2,425 ) Reclassifications before income taxes (2,644 ) (2,271 ) (2,426 ) (7,341 ) Income taxes 925 795 848 2,568 Reclassification adjustments $ (1,719 ) $ (1,476 ) $ (1,578 ) $ (4,773 ) Year ended December 31, 2015 Unrealized Net Investment Gains (Losses) (1) Accumulated Non-Credit Impairment Losses (1) Underfunded Portion of Certain Benefit Total (Dollars in thousands) Realized capital gains on sales of investments $ (2,829 ) $ — $ — $ (2,829 ) Adjustments for assumed changes in deferred policy acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserve and policyholder liabilities 224 7 — 231 Other than temporary impairment losses — (146 ) — (146 ) Other expenses - change in unrecognized postretirement items: Prior service costs — — (12 ) (12 ) Net actuarial loss — — 4,306 4,306 Reclassifications before income taxes (2,605 ) (139 ) 4,294 1,550 Income taxes 912 49 (1,503 ) (542 ) Reclassification adjustments $ (1,693 ) $ (90 ) $ 2,791 $ 1,008 Year ended December 31, 2014 Unrealized Net Investment Gains (Losses) (1) Accumulated Non-Credit Impairment Losses (1) Underfunded Portion of Certain Benefit Total (Dollars in thousands) Realized capital gains on sales of investments $ (3,760 ) $ — $ — $ (3,760 ) Adjustments for assumed changes in deferred policy acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserve and policyholder liabilities 186 — — 186 Other expenses - change in unrecognized postretirement items: Prior service costs — — (11 ) (11 ) Net actuarial gain — — (4,263 ) (4,263 ) Reclassifications before income taxes (3,574 ) — (4,274 ) (7,848 ) Income taxes 1,251 — 1,496 2,747 Reclassification adjustments $ (2,323 ) $ — $ (2,778 ) $ (5,101 ) (1) See Note 2 for further information. (2) For descriptions of the underfunded portion of our postretirement benefit plans, see Note 8 - Other Retirement Plans, and for certain other defined benefit plans, see Note 8 - Defined Benefit Plans.

Retirement and Compensation P33

Retirement and Compensation Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Multiemployer Plans [Table Text Block]	FBL's Proportionate Share of Prepaid or Accrued Pension Cost Multiemployer Plan Other Plans As of and for the year ended December 31, As of and for the year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2016 2015 (Dollars in thousands) Amount recognized in FBL's statement of financial position Prepaid benefit cost $ 26,006 $ 20,258 $ 876 $ 969 Accrued benefit cost — — (19,159 ) (16,746 ) Net amount recognized $ 26,006 $ 20,258 $ (18,283 ) $ (15,777 ) Amount recognized in FBL's accumulated other comprehensive income, before taxes (1) Net actuarial loss $ 12,094 $ 9,695 Prior service cost — (1 ) Net amount recognized $ 12,094 $ 9,694 (1) For our Multiemployer Plan, the underfunded portion of the pension benefit obligation is not required to be recognized as a liability in our consolidated balance sheets. The unrecognized liability for the underfunded status of our Multiemployer Plan totaled $45.4 million at December 31, 2016 and $57.1 million at December 31, 2015 . Multiemployer Plan name FBL Financial Group Retirement Plan Employer identification number 42-1411715 Plan number 001 FBL's contributions (in thousands) 2016 $30,000 2015 $30,000 2014 $16,800
Schedule of Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Fair Value of Plan Assets [Table Text Block]	Funding Status and Net Periodic Pension Costs Multiemployer Plan Other Plans As of and for the year ended December 31, As of and for the year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2016 2015 (Dollars in thousands) Change in projected benefit obligation: Net benefit obligation at beginning of the year $ 319,420 $ 339,139 $ 22,275 $ 26,729 Service cost 5,795 5,892 335 435 Interest cost 14,447 13,472 966 1,000 Actuarial loss (gain) 15,767 (13,281 ) 3,317 (2,812 ) Benefits paid (18,975 ) (2,501 ) (2,308 ) (3,077 ) Settlements — (23,301 ) — — Projected benefit obligation 336,454 319,420 24,585 22,275 Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of the year 262,276 257,010 — — Actual return on plan assets 17,770 1,068 — — Employer contributions 30,000 30,000 2,308 3,077 Benefits paid (18,975 ) (2,501 ) (2,308 ) (3,077 ) Settlements — (23,301 ) — — Fair value of plan assets at end of the year 291,071 262,276 — — Underfunded status at end of the year $ (45,383 ) $ (57,144 ) $ (24,585 ) $ (22,275 ) Accumulated benefit obligation $ 297,753 $ 279,858 $ 21,407 $ 20,980 For all the Plans we participate in, the accumulated benefit obligation exceeds the fair value of plan assets. The projected benefit obligations, accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets are included above.
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]	Net Periodic Pension Costs Incurred by the Plans Multiemployer Plan Other Plans As of and for the year ended December 31, As of and for the year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 2016 2015 2014 (Dollars in thousands) Service cost $ 5,795 $ 5,892 $ 5,295 $ 335 $ 435 $ 269 Interest cost 14,447 13,472 13,919 966 1,000 1,077 Expected return on assets (17,865 ) (17,563 ) (17,504 ) — — — Amortization of prior service cost 144 144 144 (1 ) (11 ) (11 ) Amortization of actuarial loss 9,432 10,464 6,087 918 1,528 1,131 Effect of settlement — 7,998 6,306 — — — Net periodic pension cost $ 11,953 $ 20,407 $ 14,247 $ 2,218 $ 2,952 $ 2,466 FBL Financial Group, Inc. share of net periodic pension cost $ 3,807 $ 6,614 $ 4,569 $ 1,260 $ 1,671 $ 1,372 Pension settlement charges were recognized after determining the total cash payments exceeded the sum of the service and interest cost for 2015 and 2014. The Plans' prior service costs are amortized using a straight-line amortization method over the average remaining service period of the employees. For actuarial gains and losses, we use a corridor (10% of the greater of the projected benefit obligation or the market value of plan assets) to determine the amounts to amortize. For the Multiemployer Plan it is expected that net periodic pension cost in 2017 will include $10.1 million for amortization of the actuarial loss and $0.1 million of prior service cost amortization. For the Other Plans it is expected that net periodic pension cost in 2017 , included in accumulated other comprehensive income, will include $1.2 million for amortization of the actuarial loss. We expect contributions to be paid to the Multiemployer Plan by us and affiliates for 2017 to be approximately $15.0 million , of which $4.8 million is expected to be contributed by us. We expect contributions to be paid to the Other Plans by us and affiliates for 2017 to be approximately $1.9 million , of which $0.9 million is expected to be contributed by us. Expected benefits to be paid under the Multiemployer Plan are as follows: 2017 - $14.4 million , 2018 - $16.8 million , 2019 - $17.3 million , 2020 - $19.6 million , 2021 - $19.4 million and 2022 through 2026 - $115.4 million . Expected benefits to be paid under the Other Plans are as follows: 2017 - $2.4 million , 2018 - $2.5 million , 2019 - $3.2 million , 2020 - $2.6 million , 2021 - $2.3 million and 2022 through 2026 - $9.4 million .
Schedule of Assumptions Used [Table Text Block]	Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Obligation December 31 2016 2015 Discount rate 4.29 % 4.65 % Annual salary increases 3.31 % 3.31 % We estimate the discount rate by projecting and discounting future benefit payments inherent in the projected benefit obligation using a commercially available "spot" yield curve constructed using techniques and a bond universe specifically selected to meet the accounting standard requirements. Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Determine Net Periodic Pension Cost Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Discount rate 4.65 % 4.52% / 4.05% 4.42% / 4.99% Expected long-term return on plan assets 6.75 % 6.75% / 7.00% 7.00 % Annual salary increases 3.31 % 3.31% / 3.00% 3.00 % The discount rate was 4.05% for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 4.52% for the three months ended December 31, 2015 due to remeasurement at September 30, 2015 for settlement accounting. The discount rate was 4.99% for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 4.42% for the three months ended December 31, 2014 due to remeasurement at September 30, 2014 for settlement accounting. Our expected long-term return on plan assets represents the rate of earnings expected in the funds invested to provide for anticipated benefit payments. We have analyzed the expected rates of return on assets and determined that the long-term return assumption is reasonable based on the current and expected asset allocations and on the Multiemployer Plan's historical investment performance. We also completed an actuarial study of our assumptions during 2015. At the remeasurement, this resulted in reducing the expected long-term return on plan assets from 7.00% to 6.75% and increasing assumed annual salary increases from 3.00% to 3.31%.
Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block]	Fair Values of the Multiemployer Plan Assets by Asset Category and Hierarchy Levels December 31, 2016 Quoted prices in Significant other Significant Total (Dollars in thousands) Mutual funds: (1) U.S. equity funds $ 35,888 $ — $ — $ 35,888 International funds 35,709 — — 35,709 Pooled separate accounts: (1) Short-term fixed income funds — 606 — 606 Fixed income funds — 14,271 — 14,271 U.S. equity funds — 28,640 — 28,640 Real estate fund — 14,346 — 14,346 Annuities: (2) Group annuity contract — — 141,782 141,782 Funded annuity contracts — — 11,382 11,382 Alternative investments: (3) Limited partnerships — — 8,447 8,447 Total $ 71,597 $ 57,863 $ 161,611 $ 291,071 December 31, 2015 Quoted prices in Significant other Significant Total (Dollars in thousands) Mutual funds: (1) U.S. equity funds $ 30,326 $ — $ — $ 30,326 International funds 29,140 — — 29,140 Pooled separate accounts: (1) Short-term fixed income funds — 1,584 — 1,584 Fixed income funds — 11,468 — 11,468 U.S. equity funds — 24,091 — 24,091 Real estate fund — 12,660 — 12,660 Annuities: (2) Group annuity contract — — 134,749 134,749 Funded annuity contracts — — 11,996 11,996 Alternative investments: (3) Limited partnerships — — 6,262 6,262 Total $ 59,466 $ 49,803 $ 153,007 $ 262,276 (1) Represents mutual funds and pooled separate account investments with Principal Life Insurance Company. (2) Represents group annuity contracts with Farm Bureau Life. (3) Represents interests in several limited partnerships. Level 3 Multiemployer Plan Asset Changes in Fair Value December 31, 2016 Return on assets December 31, Purchases Held at year end Sold during year Transfers into (out) of level 3 December 31, 2016 (Dollars in thousands) Group annuity contract $ 134,749 $ 1,334 $ 5,699 $ — $ — $ 141,782 Funded annuity contracts 11,996 (1,287 ) 673 — — 11,382 Limited partnerships 6,262 1,536 649 — — 8,447 Total $ 153,007 $ 1,583 $ 7,021 $ — $ — $ 161,611
Schedule of Level Three Defined Benefit Plan Assets Roll Forward [Table Text Block]	Level 3 Multiemployer Plan Asset Changes in Fair Value December 31, 2016 Return on assets December 31, Purchases Held at year end Sold during year Transfers into (out) of level 3 December 31, 2016 (Dollars in thousands) Group annuity contract $ 134,749 $ 1,334 $ 5,699 $ — $ — $ 141,782 Funded annuity contracts 11,996 (1,287 ) 673 — — 11,382 Limited partnerships 6,262 1,536 649 — — 8,447 Total $ 153,007 $ 1,583 $ 7,021 $ — $ — $ 161,611 December 31, 2015 Return on assets December 31, Purchases Held at year end Sold during year Transfers into (out) of level 3 December 31, 2015 (Dollars in thousands) Group annuity contract $ 128,244 $ 1,156 $ 5,349 $ — $ — $ 134,749 Funded annuity contracts 12,298 (1,012 ) 710 — — 11,996 Limited partnerships 4,520 1,680 62 — — 6,262 Total $ 145,062 $ 1,824 $ 6,121 $ — $ — $ 153,007

Retirement and Compensation P34

Retirement and Compensation Plans Stock based compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]	Stock Option Activity Number of Shares Weighted-Average Weighted-Average Aggregate (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) Shares under option at January 1, 2016 134,848 $ 28.07 Exercised (89,453 ) 28.44 Forfeited or expired — — Shares under option at December 31, 2016 45,395 27.35 2.01 $ 2,306 Vested at December 31, 2016 45,395 $ 27.35 2.01 $ 2,306 Exercisable options at December 31, 2016 45,395 $ 27.35 2.01 $ 2,306 (1) Represents the difference between the share price and exercise price for each option, excluding options where the exercise price is above the share price, at December 31, 2016. The intrinsic value of options exercised during the year totaled $3.2 million for 2016 , $4.5 million for 2015 and $6.5 million for 2014 . We issue new shares to satisfy stock option exercises. Cash received from stock options exercised totaled $2.5 million for 2016 , $3.7 million for 2015 and $10.5 million for 2014 . The actual tax benefit realized from stock options exercised totaled $1.0 million for 2016 , $1.4 million for 2015 and $2.2 million for 2014 .
Schedule of Nonvested Share Activity [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock Units Award Activity [Table Text Block]	Restricted Stock Unit Activity Number of Units Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value Restricted stock units at January 1, 2016 145,415 $ 42.36 Granted 25,075 60.34 Vested (40,155 ) 40.58 Forfeited or canceled (8,818 ) 50.00 Restricted stock units at December 31, 2016 121,517 46.10 The weighted average grant-date fair value per common share of restricted stock units granted was $60.34 in 2016 , $52.19 in 2015 and $38.63 in 2014 . Unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested restricted stock units based on the stock price at December 31, 2016 totaled $4.1 million . This expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.83 years. Dividends are paid on restricted stock units upon vesting. Cash payments including dividends for restricted stock units totaled $2.7 million in 2016 and $1.8 million in 2015 and 2014 .

Earnings per Share (Tables)

Earnings per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	Computation of Earnings per Common Share Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) Numerator: Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc. $ 107,223 $ 113,527 $ 109,941 Less: Dividends on Series B preferred stock 150 150 150 Income available to common stockholders $ 107,073 $ 113,377 $ 109,791 Denominator: Weighted-average shares - basic 24,985,400 24,927,209 24,866,284 Effect of dilutive securities - stock-based compensation 43,683 89,274 149,960 Weighted-average shares - diluted 25,029,083 25,016,483 25,016,244 Earnings per common share $ 4.29 $ 4.55 $ 4.42 Earnings per common share - assuming dilution $ 4.28 $ 4.53 $ 4.39

Statutory Insurance Informati36

Statutory Insurance Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Statutory Insurance Information [Abstract]
Statutory Accounting Practices Disclosure [Table Text Block]	Statutory Information of our Insurance Subsidiaries Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Dollars in thousands) Farm Bureau Life: Net gain from operations (excludes impact of realized gains and losses on investments) $ 106,143 $ 100,013 $ 97,799 Net income 100,657 106,009 97,393 Greenfields: Net gain (loss) from operations (excludes impact of realized gains and losses on investments) (540 ) (362 ) (433 ) Net income (loss) (540 ) (362 ) (433 ) FB Life Greenfields December 31, December 31, 2016 2015 2016 2015 (Dollars in thousands) Total capital and surplus $ 617,321 $ 603,062 $ 9,175 $ 4,763 Unassigned surplus (deficit) 483,838 469,579 (1,625 ) (1,037 ) Risk-Based Capital measurements: Total adjusted capital 685,721 668,278 9,191 4,772 Company action level capital 125,994 117,284 173 110 RBC Ratio 544 % 570 % 5,322 % 4,338 %

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Segment Information [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	Reconciliation Between Net Income and Operating Income Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Dollars in thousands) Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc. $ 107,223 $ 113,527 $ 109,941 Operating income adjustments: Realized gains/losses on investments (1) 713 (8,498 ) (1,786 ) Change in net unrealized gains/losses on derivatives (1) (1,485 ) (141 ) (1,114 ) Operating income $ 106,451 $ 104,888 $ 107,041 Financial Information Concerning our Operating Segments Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Dollars in thousands) Pre-tax operating income: Annuity $ 66,025 $ 69,950 $ 65,056 Life Insurance 55,977 53,146 51,521 Corporate and Other 14,548 11,668 22,865 Total pre-tax operating income 136,550 134,764 139,442 Income taxes on operating income (30,099 ) (29,876 ) (32,401 ) Operating income $ 106,451 $ 104,888 $ 107,041 Operating revenues: Annuity $ 214,486 $ 212,420 $ 203,477 Life Insurance 414,446 408,966 390,609 Corporate and Other 92,703 93,632 93,646 721,635 715,018 687,732 Net realized gains (losses) on investments (1) (1,771 ) 10,482 2,937 Change in net unrealized gains/losses on derivatives (1) 6,550 (2,691 ) 2,270 Consolidated revenues $ 726,414 $ 722,809 $ 692,939 Net investment income: Annuity $ 210,679 $ 209,896 $ 201,550 Life Insurance 154,427 152,730 146,349 Corporate and Other 32,514 31,214 31,913 397,620 393,840 379,812 Change in net unrealized gains/losses on derivatives (1) 6,550 (2,691 ) 2,270 Consolidated net investment income $ 404,170 $ 391,149 $ 382,082 Depreciation and amortization: Annuity $ 8,253 $ 4,548 $ 5,709 Life Insurance 15,117 18,831 20,027 Corporate and Other 5,178 8,546 2,895 28,548 31,925 28,631 Net realized gains (losses) on investments (1) (673 ) 225 189 Change in net unrealized gains/losses on derivatives (1) 562 (332 ) 125 Consolidated depreciation and amortization $ 28,437 $ 31,818 $ 28,945 Operating Segment Assets December 31, 2016 2015 (Dollars in thousands) Assets: Annuity $ 4,452,878 $ 4,209,627 Life Insurance 3,256,306 3,112,756 Corporate and Other 1,615,411 1,623,874 9,324,595 8,946,257 Unrealized gains in accumulated other comprehensive income (2) 241,539 185,747 Consolidated assets $ 9,566,134 $ 9,132,004 (1) Amounts are net of adjustments, as applicable, to amortization of unearned revenue reserves, deferred sales inducements, deferred acquisition costs and value of insurance in force acquired, as well as changes in interest sensitive product reserves and income taxes attributable to these items. (2) Amounts are net adjustments for assumed changes in deferred acquisition costs and value of insurance in force acquired and deferred income taxes attributable to these items. Depreciation and amortization related to property and equipment are allocated to the product segments while the related property, equipment and capitalized software are allocated to the Corporate and Other segment. Depreciation and amortization for the Corporate and Other segment include $4.4 million for 2016 , $4.1 million for 2015 and $3.1 million for 2014 relating to leases with affiliates. In the consolidated statements of operations, we record these depreciation amounts net of related lease income from affiliates. 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 December 31, 2016 and 2015 was allocated among the segments as follows: Annuity ( $3.9 million ) and Life Insurance ( $6.1 million ).
Reconciliation of non-GAAP measures [table text block] [Table Text Block]	Premiums collected, which is not a measure used in financial statements prepared according to GAAP, include premiums received on life insurance policies and deposits on annuities and universal life-type products. Premiums collected is a common life insurance industry measure of agent productivity. Net premiums collected totaled $689.7 million in 2016 , $683.1 million in 2015 and $646.6 million in 2014 . 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 Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Dollars in thousands) Traditional and universal life insurance premiums collected $ 281,551 $ 281,003 $ 282,098 Premiums collected on interest sensitive products (85,622 ) (90,895 ) (98,796 ) Traditional life insurance premiums collected 195,929 190,108 183,302 Change in due premiums and other 985 848 (2 ) Traditional life insurance premiums as included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. $ 196,914 $ 190,956 $ 183,300 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 Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Dollars in thousands) Annuity Surrender charges and other $ 3,803 $ 2,524 $ 1,927 Life Insurance Administration charges $ 14,170 $ 14,342 $ 13,783 Cost of insurance charges 48,111 46,911 45,273 Surrender charges 1,181 919 737 Amortization of policy initiation fees (24 ) 3,371 1,504 Total $ 63,438 $ 65,543 $ 61,297 Corporate and Other Administration charges $ 5,547 $ 5,809 $ 6,212 Cost of insurance charges 29,805 29,760 29,569 Surrender charges 213 346 479 Separate account charges 7,957 8,854 9,157 Amortization of policy initiation fees 1,165 1,748 1,129 Total $ 44,687 $ 46,517 $ 46,546 Consolidated interest sensitive product charges as included in the Statements of Operations $ 111,928 $ 114,584 $ 109,770
Concentration Risk Disclosure [Text Block]	Premium Concentration by State Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Life and annuity collected premiums: Iowa 25.1 % 26.2 % 25.7 % Kansas 19.1 18.6 20.8 Oklahoma 8.0 8.9 8.2

Quarterly Financial Informati38

Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]	Unaudited Quarterly Results of Operations 2016 Quarter ended March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31, (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) Premiums and product charges $ 78,249 $ 78,632 $ 73,533 $ 78,428 Net investment income 98,385 100,722 103,514 101,549 Realized gains (losses) on investments (607 ) (2,294 ) 621 517 Total revenues 179,666 181,285 181,284 184,179 Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc. 25,946 24,380 30,017 26,880 Earnings per common share $ 1.04 $ 0.97 $ 1.20 $ 1.07 Earnings per common share - assuming dilution $ 1.04 $ 0.97 $ 1.20 $ 1.07 2015 Quarter ended March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31, (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) Premiums and product charges $ 75,269 $ 77,164 $ 76,575 $ 76,532 Net investment income 98,773 97,489 95,882 99,005 Realized gains (losses) on investments (366 ) 7,808 (506 ) 3,553 Total revenues 177,946 186,745 175,494 182,624 Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc. 23,591 32,372 26,659 30,905 Earnings per common share $ 0.95 $ 1.30 $ 1.07 $ 1.24 Earnings per common share - assuming dilution $ 0.94 $ 1.29 $ 1.06 $ 1.23

Significant Accounting Polici39

Significant Accounting Policies Accounting principles (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Securities and indebtedness of related parties	$ 137,422	$ 134,570

Significant Accounting Polici40

Significant Accounting Policies Other Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and Equipment, Net	$ 33.5	$ 30.2
Accumulated Depreciation	70.1	61.4
Depreciation expense	8.7	8.2	$ 6.3
Goodwill	$ 9.9	$ 9.9

Significant Accounting Polici41

Significant Accounting Policies Recognition of costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Recognition of underwriting, acquisition and insurance costs [Line Items]
Commission expense, net of deferrals	$ 22,735	$ 22,260	$ 22,856
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs	28,225	35,220	33,303
Amortization of value of insurance in force acquired	2,392	2,436	3,500
Other underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses, net of deferrals	82,615	83,752	78,599
Total	$ 135,967	$ 143,668	$ 138,258

Significant Accounting Polici42

Significant Accounting Policies Other income other expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Other income and other expense [Line Items]
Real Estate Owned, Valuation Allowance	$ 0	$ 0.2
Future policy benefits:
Future policy benefits, assumptions, average rate in investment yields in gross margin estimation	5.51%	5.66%	5.75%
Other Policyholder Claims and Benefits
Premiums from policies subject to participation in dividends	32.00%	31.00%	30.00%
Contracts in force subject to participation in dividends	11.00%	11.00%	11.00%
Farm Bureau Property & Casualty insurance company [Member]
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Lease income	$ 4.8	$ 4.9	$ 3.1
Investment Advisory Fees	2.5	2.3	1.9
Subsidiaries [Member]
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Nonoperating Income (Expense)	$ 3.4	$ 3.2	$ 3.2
Interest Sensitive Life [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Future policy benefits:
Future Policy Benefits, Interest Rate Assumptions	1.00%	1.00%	1.00%
Interest Sensitive Life [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Future policy benefits:
Future Policy Benefits, Interest Rate Assumptions	5.50%	5.50%	5.50%
Participating Life Insurance Policy [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Future policy benefits:
Future Policy Benefits, Interest Rate Assumptions	2.00%
Participating Life Insurance Policy [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Future policy benefits:
Future Policy Benefits, Interest Rate Assumptions	6.00%

Investment Operations Available

Investment Operations Available for Sale Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2016		Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments Portion in Other Comprehensive Income, Before Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Available-for-sale Securities			[1]
Debt Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis		6,661,711		6,379,919
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax		421,140		412,919
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax		74,061		155,062
Available-for-sale Securities		7,008,790		6,637,776
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments Portion in Other Comprehensive Income, Before Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Available-for-sale Securities	[1]	479		(175)
Corporate
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis		3,529,997		3,464,402
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax		228,601		192,149
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax		49,943		137,844
Available-for-sale Securities		3,708,655		3,518,707
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments Portion in Other Comprehensive Income, Before Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Available-for-sale Securities		(1,082)		351
Other Debt Obligations [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities		23,300		43,500
Redeemable Preferred Stock [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities		24,500		24,800
Residential mortgage-backed
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis		396,110		436,969
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax		29,121		33,880
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax		2,931		5,343
Available-for-sale Securities		422,300		465,506
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments Portion in Other Comprehensive Income, Before Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Available-for-sale Securities		(983)		(3,584)
Commercial mortgage-backed
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis		546,446		514,195
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax		33,645		42,284
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax		4,137		2,487
Available-for-sale Securities		575,954		553,992
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments Portion in Other Comprehensive Income, Before Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Available-for-sale Securities		0		0
Other asset-backed
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis		771,570		578,692
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax		8,846		11,554
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax		9,766		7,124
Available-for-sale Securities		770,650		583,122
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments Portion in Other Comprehensive Income, Before Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Available-for-sale Securities		2,544		3,058
United States Government and agencies
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis		30,575		41,050
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax		1,629		3,129
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax		132		81
Available-for-sale Securities		32,072		44,098
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments Portion in Other Comprehensive Income, Before Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Available-for-sale Securities		0		0
State, municipal and other governments
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis		1,387,013		1,344,611
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax		119,298		129,923
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax		7,152		2,183
Available-for-sale Securities		1,499,159		1,472,351
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments Portion in Other Comprehensive Income, Before Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Available-for-sale Securities		0		0
Equity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis		130,479		116,336
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax		4,164		6,545
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax		1,675		1,214
Available-for-sale Securities		132,968		121,667
Non-redeemable preferred stocks
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis		100,042		87,029
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax		4,050		6,095
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax		1,675		1,173
Available-for-sale Securities		102,417		91,951
Common stocks
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis		30,437		29,307
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax		114		450
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax		0		41
Available-for-sale Securities		$ 30,551		$ 29,716
[1]	Non-credit losses subsequent to the initial impairment measurement date on OTTI losses are included in the gross unrealized gains and gross unrealized losses columns above. The non-credit loss component of OTTI losses for other asset-backed securities were in an unrealized gain position at December 31, 2016 and corporate and other asset-backed securities at December 31, 2015 due to increases in estimated fair value subsequent to initial recognition of non-credit losses on such securities.

Investment Operations Availab44

Investment Operations Available-for-sale Fixed Maturities by Maturity Date (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Twelve Months, Amortized Cost Basis	$ 87,893
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Two Through Five, Amortized Cost Basis	788,543
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Six Through Ten, Amortized Cost Basis	716,499
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Ten Years, Amortized Cost Basis	3,354,650
Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities with Maturity Date, Amortized Cost	4,947,585
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, without Single Maturity Date, Amortized Cost Basis	1,714,126
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis	6,661,711	$ 6,379,919
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Twelve Months, Fair Value	89,546
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Two Through Five, Fair Value	847,046
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Six Through Ten, Fair Value	742,640
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Ten Years, Fair Value	3,560,654
Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities with Maturity Date, Fair Value	5,239,886
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, without Single Maturity Date, Fair Value	1,768,904
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	$ 7,008,790	$ 6,637,776

Investment Operations Net Unrea

Investment Operations Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Net Unrealized Gains Losses [Line Items]
Assumed changes in amortization of DAC	$ 95,647	$ 73,735
Impact of net unrealized investment gains and losses	12,382	3,087	$ 3,939
Assumed changes in amortization patter of URR	4,215	3,352
Assumed changes in policyholder liability	(3,795)	(4,090)
Provision for deferred income taxes	84,684	64,955
Debt Securities [Member]
Net Unrealized Gains Losses [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain (Loss), before Tax	347,079	257,857
Equity Securities [Member]
Net Unrealized Gains Losses [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain (Loss), before Tax	2,489	5,331
Accumulated net unrealized investment gain (loss) [Member]
Net Unrealized Gains Losses [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain (Loss), before Tax	349,568	263,188
Net Unrealized gains losses on investments in Accumulated other comprehensive Income	$ 157,275	$ 120,673

Investment Operations Change in

Investment Operations Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments in AOCI (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments	$ 86,380	$ (331,290)	$ 339,780
Debt Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments	89,222	(331,408)	336,051
Equity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments	$ (2,842)	$ 118	$ 3,729

Investment Operations Fixed Mat

Investment Operations Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities with Unrealized Losses by Length of Time (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)issuerssecurities	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)issuerssecurities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions | securities	516	542
Available For Sale Securities In Unrealized Loss Positions Qualitative Disclosure Number Of Issuers | issuers	404	435
Debt Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	$ 1,418,508	$ 1,553,576
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	(40,840)	(104,321)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	346,033	215,222
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	(33,221)	(50,741)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	1,764,541	1,768,798
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	$ (74,061)	$ (155,062)
percent of total	100.00%	100.00%
Corporate
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	$ 742,626	$ 1,115,324
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	(23,142)	(96,062)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	220,939	115,730
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	(26,801)	(41,782)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	963,565	1,231,054
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	$ (49,943)	$ (137,844)
percent of total	67.30%	88.90%
Available for sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Maximum Loss by issuer	$ 2,100
Residential mortgage-backed
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	51,873	$ 21,646
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	(1,014)	(725)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	22,744	26,537
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	(1,917)	(4,618)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	74,617	48,183
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	$ (2,931)	$ (5,343)
percent of total	4.00%	3.40%
Mortgage-backed Securities, Issued by Private Enterprises [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available for sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Maximum Loss by issuer	$ 1,200
Available for sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Maximum Loss by security	700
Commercial mortgage-backed
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	95,690	$ 48,424
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	(3,590)	(1,947)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	6,610	7,657
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	(547)	(540)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	102,300	56,081
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	$ (4,137)	$ (2,487)
percent of total	5.60%	1.60%
Other asset-backed
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	$ 371,829	$ 285,395
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	(5,810)	(3,323)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	95,740	65,298
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	(3,956)	(3,801)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	467,569	350,693
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	$ (9,766)	$ (7,124)
percent of total	13.20%	4.60%
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	$ 6,438	$ 4,807
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	(132)	(81)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	6,438	4,807
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	$ (132)	$ (81)
percent of total	0.20%	0.10%
State, municipal and other governments
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	$ 150,052	$ 77,980
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	(7,152)	(2,183)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	150,052	77,980
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	$ (7,152)	$ (2,183)
percent of total	9.70%	1.40%
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	$ 12,774	$ 22,708
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	(150)	(614)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	13,438	4,400
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	(1,525)	(600)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	26,212	27,108
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	(1,675)	(1,214)
Non-redeemable preferred stocks
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	12,774	21,280
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	(150)	(573)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	13,438	4,400
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	(1,525)	(600)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	26,212	25,680
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	$ (1,675)	(1,173)
Common stocks
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value		1,428
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss		(41)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value		0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss		0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value		1,428
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss		$ (41)

Investment Operations Mortgage

Investment Operations Mortgage Loans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Other Commitment	$ 50,000
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	$ 816,471	$ 744,303
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	100.00%	100.00%
Year of origination 2016 [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	$ 158,817	$ 0
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	19.40%	0.00%
Year of origination 2015 [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	$ 149,302	$ 154,582
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	18.30%	20.90%
Year of origination 2014 [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	$ 80,771	$ 83,546
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	9.90%	11.20%
Year of origination 2013 [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	$ 69,887	$ 79,879
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	8.60%	10.70%
Year of origination 2012 [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	$ 59,983	$ 65,817
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	7.30%	8.80%
Year of origination prior [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	$ 297,711	$ 360,479
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	36.50%	48.40%
0% to 50% loan to value [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	$ 274,953	$ 264,605
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	33.70%	35.60%
51% to 60% loan-to-value [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	$ 210,555	$ 169,045
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	25.80%	22.70%
61% to 70% loan-to-value [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	$ 233,216	$ 234,544
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	28.50%	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	$ 67,607	$ 67,072
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	8.30%	9.00%
81% to 90% loan to value [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	$ 30,140	$ 9,037
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	3.70%	1.20%
South Atlantic [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	$ 266,019	$ 233,522
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	32.60%	31.40%
West North Central [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	$ 105,753	$ 102,555
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	12.90%	13.80%
Pacific [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	$ 104,337	$ 100,188
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	12.80%	13.40%
East North Central [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	$ 91,550	$ 86,019
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	11.20%	11.50%
Mountain [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	$ 79,707	$ 78,750
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	9.80%	10.60%
West South Central [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	$ 74,258	$ 66,677
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	9.10%	9.00%
Other geographical locations [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	$ 94,847	$ 76,592
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	11.60%	10.30%
Office Building [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	$ 361,088	$ 333,400
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	44.20%	44.80%
Retail Site [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	$ 240,602	$ 227,039
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	29.50%	30.50%
Industrial Property [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	$ 154,005	$ 133,085
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	18.90%	17.90%
Other Property [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	$ 60,776	$ 50,779
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	7.40%	6.80%

Investment Operations Impaired

Investment Operations Impaired Mortgage Loans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired mortgage loans, Unpaid Principal Balance	$ 21,459	$ 21,766
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	713	851	$ 857
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount	0	87
Impaired mortgage loans, Related Allowance	$ 20,746	$ 20,828

Investment Operations Allowance

Investment Operations Allowance on Mortgage Loans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Allowance on mortgage loans	$ 851	$ 857
Charge offs	138	6
Allowance on mortgage loans	$ 713	$ 851

Investment Operations Component

Investment Operations Components of Net Investment Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Gross Investment Income, Operating									$ 411,561	$ 399,436	$ 390,121
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax									3,935	(2,266)	2,496
Prepayment fee income and other									10,992	11,555	6,959
Less investment expenses									(7,391)	(8,287)	(8,039)
Net investment income	$ 101,549	$ 103,514	$ 100,722	$ 98,385	$ 99,005	$ 95,882	$ 97,489	$ 98,773	404,170	391,149	382,082
Fixed Maturities [Member]
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Gross Investment Income, Operating									342,657	338,952	333,759
Equity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Gross Investment Income, Operating									6,558	6,091	5,388
Mortgages Loans [Member]
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Gross Investment Income, Operating									38,098	35,923	32,759
Real Estate [Member]
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Gross Investment Income, Operating									0	169	140
Policy Loans [Member]
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Gross Investment Income, Operating									8,956	8,871	8,620
Short-term Investments [Member]
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Gross Investment Income, Operating									$ 365	$ 141	$ 0

Investment Operations Realized

Investment Operations Realized gains losses on investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities, Debt	$ 109,500	$ 108,500	$ 67,200
Gain (Loss) on Short-term Investments, Cash and Cash Equivalents	(1)	0	0
Gain (Loss) on Investments, Excluding Other than Temporary Impairments	3,106	11,062	3,760
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net	(4,869)	(573)	(822)
Gain (Loss) on Investments	(1,763)	10,489	2,938
Categories of Investments, Cost-method Investments [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Sales of Loans, Net	817	0	0
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Other Assets	491	8,233	0
Debt Securities [Member] | Categories of Investments, Marketable Securities, Available-for-sale Securities [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Gross gains - Available-for-sale Securities	9,793	4,781	4,593
Gross losses - Available-for-sale Securities	(8,523)	(1,952)	(833)
Equity Securities [Member] | Categories of Investments, Marketable Securities, Available-for-sale Securities [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gain (Loss), Excluding Other than Temporary Impairments	529	0	0
Credit related portion of fixed maturity losses [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net	(4,767)	(363)	0
Other credit related impairments [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net	$ (102)	$ (210)	$ (822)

Investment Operations Credit lo

Investment Operations Credit loss component of other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ (11,498)	$ (16,772)
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings, Additions, No Previous Impairment	2,595	0
Increases to previously impaired investments	2,172	363
Reduction due to investment sold	1,765	5,637
Balance at end of period	$ (14,500)	$ (11,498)

Investment Operations Variable

Investment Operations Variable interest entities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets	$ 125,853	$ 124,365
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	157,219	156,288
Low income housing tax credits [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets	91,255	94,170
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	95,058	102,626
Investment companies [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets	23,379	20,004
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	45,569	35,604
Real estate limited partnerships [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets	10,790	9,554
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	14,558	15,610
Other VIE investments [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets	429	637
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	$ 2,034	$ 2,448

Investment Operations Derivativ

Investment Operations Derivative instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Assets	$ 16,145	$ 9,518
Derivative Liability	(15,892)	(9,430)
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	1,545	311	$ 2,064
Fair Value Disclosure, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Amount, Asset	6,300
Other Investments [Member] | Equity Option [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Assets	9,360	2,331
Reinsurance Recoverable [Member] | Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Assets	3,411	2,636
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Assets	3,374	4,551
Contract Holder Funds [Member] | Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Liability	(15,778)	(9,374)
Other Liabilities [Member] | Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Liability	(114)	(56)
Investment Income [Member] | Equity Option [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	5,603	(1,904)	1,559
Investment Income [Member] | Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments - MODCO [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	716	(809)	711
Investment Income [Member] | Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments - Interest only Security [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	229	23	0
Investment Income [Member] | Amortization on Equity Options [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	(5,601)	(3,122)	(1,535)
Investment Income [Member] | Proceeds on Equity Options [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	2,988	3,546	1,761
Interest sensitive product charges | Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	$ (2,390)	$ 2,577	$ (432)

Investment Operations LIHTC Inv

Investment Operations LIHTC Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Tax impact of Income from Equity Method Investments	$ (15,498)	$ (15,706)	$ (13,372)
Investment Tax Credit	14,077	13,542	12,209
Equity Method Investments	137,422	134,570
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments	11,440	9,523	10,103
Qualified Affordable Housing Project Investments, Commitment	3,803
Other Commitment	50,000
Affordable Housing Tax Credit Investments [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Other Commitment, Due in Next Twelve Months	2,898
Income (Loss) from Affordable Housing Projects, Equity Method Investments	(7,547)	(7,022)	(6,411)
Tax impact of Income from Equity Method Investments	2,641	2,458	2,244
Equity Method Investments	91,300	94,200
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments	9,171	$ 8,978	$ 8,042
Other Commitment, Due in Second Year	590
Other Commitment, Due in Third Year	315
Limited Partnerships and Limited Liability Companies [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Other Commitment	$ 31,400

Investment Operations Other (De

Investment Operations Other (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Qualified Affordable Housing Project Investments, Commitment	$ 3,803
Deposit Assets	7,561,900
Available-for-sale Securities Pledged as Collateral	496,800
Other Commitment	50,000
Investment, Non-Income Producing Flag	2,000
Affordable Housing Tax Credit Investments [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Other Commitment, Due in Next Twelve Months	2,898
Other Commitment, Due in Second Year	590
Other Commitment, Due in Third Year	$ 315

Fair Value (Details)

Fair Value (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fixed maturities - available for sale	$ 7,008,790	$ 6,637,776
Equity securities - available for sale	132,968	121,667
Mortgage loans	816,471	744,303
Policy loans	188,254	185,784
Other investments	16,145	9,518
Assets held in separate accounts	597,072	625,257
Liabilities related to separate accounts	597,072	625,257
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Mortgage loans	816,471	744,303
Policy loans	188,254	185,784
Other investments	9,809	2,331
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments	49,931	57,741
Reinsurance recoverable	3,411	2,636
Assets held in separate accounts	597,072	625,257
Future policy benefits	4,044,148	3,750,186
Supplementary contracts without life contingencies	330,232	339,929
Advance premiums and other deposits	257,171	245,269
Short-term debt	0	15,000
Long-term debt	97,000	97,000
Other liabilities	114	56
Liabilities related to separate accounts	597,072	625,257
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fixed maturities - available for sale	7,008,790	6,637,776
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Equity securities - available for sale	132,968	121,667
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Mortgage loans	840,337	780,624
Policy loans	230,656	230,153
Other investments	11,272	2,331
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments	49,931	57,741
Reinsurance recoverable	3,411	2,636
Assets held in separate accounts	597,072	625,257
Future policy benefits	3,903,177	3,618,145
Supplementary contracts without life contingencies	330,633	339,717
Advance premiums and other deposits	257,171	245,269
Short-term debt	0	15,000
Long-term debt	67,599	68,133
Other liabilities	114	56
Liabilities related to separate accounts	593,760	620,676
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fixed maturities - available for sale	7,008,790	6,637,776
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Equity securities - available for sale	$ 132,968	$ 121,667

Fair Value Valuation of our Fin

Fair Value Valuation of our Financial Instruments Measured on a Recurring Basis by Hierarchy Levels (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other investments	$ 16,145	$ 9,518
Assets held in separate accounts	597,072	625,257
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other investments	11,272	2,331
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments	49,931	57,741
Reinsurance recoverable	3,411	2,636
Assets held in separate accounts	597,072	625,257
Future policy benefits-index annuity embedded derivatives	3,903,177	3,618,145
Other liabilities	114	56
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other liabilities		56
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other investments	9,360	2,331
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments	49,931	57,741
Reinsurance recoverable	3,411	2,636
Assets held in separate accounts	597,072	625,257
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	7,801,532	7,447,408
Future policy benefits-index annuity embedded derivatives	15,778	9,374
Other liabilities	114
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	15,892	9,430
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other investments	0	0
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments	49,931	57,741
Reinsurance recoverable	0	0
Assets held in separate accounts	597,072	625,257
Future policy benefits-index annuity embedded derivatives	0	0
Other liabilities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	662,002	702,486
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other investments	9,360	2,331
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments	0	0
Reinsurance recoverable	3,411	2,636
Assets held in separate accounts	0	0
Future policy benefits-index annuity embedded derivatives	0	0
Other liabilities	114	56
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	6,937,198	6,532,183
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	114	56
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other investments	0	0
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments	0	0
Reinsurance recoverable	0	0
Assets held in separate accounts	0	0
Future policy benefits-index annuity embedded derivatives		9,374
Other liabilities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	194,921	205,268
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	202,332	212,739
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	15,778	9,374
Corporate
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	3,708,655	3,518,707
Corporate | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	3,708,655	3,518,707
Corporate | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Corporate | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	3,649,536	3,469,631
Corporate | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	59,119	49,076
Corporate | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	59,119	49,076
Residential mortgage-backed
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	422,300	465,506
Residential mortgage-backed | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [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, Fair Value Disclosure	422,300	465,506
Residential mortgage-backed | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage-backed Securities Available-for-sale, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Residential mortgage-backed | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage-backed Securities Available-for-sale, Fair Value Disclosure	422,300	461,777
Residential mortgage-backed | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage-backed Securities Available-for-sale, Fair Value Disclosure	0	3,729
Residential mortgage-backed | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities		3,729
Commercial mortgage-backed
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	575,954	553,992
Commercial mortgage-backed | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [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, Fair Value Disclosure	575,954	553,992
Commercial mortgage-backed | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage-backed Securities Available-for-sale, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Commercial mortgage-backed | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage-backed Securities Available-for-sale, Fair Value Disclosure	494,520	465,812
Commercial mortgage-backed | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage-backed Securities Available-for-sale, Fair Value Disclosure	81,434	88,180
Commercial mortgage-backed | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	81,434	88,180
Other asset-backed
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	770,650	583,122
Other asset-backed | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [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, Fair Value Disclosure	770,650	583,122
Other asset-backed | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage-backed Securities Available-for-sale, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Other asset-backed | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage-backed Securities Available-for-sale, Fair Value Disclosure	716,282	527,565
Other asset-backed | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage-backed Securities Available-for-sale, Fair Value Disclosure	54,368	55,557
Other asset-backed | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	54,368	55,557
United States Government and agencies
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	32,072	44,098
United States Government and agencies | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	32,072	44,098
United States Government and agencies | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	11,943	14,760
United States Government and agencies | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	20,129	20,612
United States Government and agencies | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	0	8,726
United States Government and agencies | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities		8,726
State, municipal and other governments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	1,499,159	1,472,351
State, municipal and other governments | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	1,499,159	1,472,351
State, municipal and other governments | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
State, municipal and other governments | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	1,499,159	1,472,351
State, municipal and other governments | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Non-redeemable preferred stocks
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	102,417	91,951
Non-redeemable preferred stocks | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	102,417	91,951
Non-redeemable preferred stocks | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Non-redeemable preferred stocks | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	95,006	84,480
Non-redeemable preferred stocks | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	7,411	7,471
Common stocks
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	30,551	29,716
Common stocks | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	30,551	29,716
Common stocks | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	3,056	4,728
Common stocks | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	27,495	24,988
Common stocks | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Value Level 3 Fixed Maturi

Fair Value Level 3 Fixed Maturity Securities on a recurring basis by valuation source (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Corporate
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	$ 3,708,655	$ 3,518,707
percent of total	67.30%	88.90%
Commercial mortgage-backed
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	$ 575,954	$ 553,992
percent of total	5.60%	1.60%
Residential mortgage-backed
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	$ 422,300	$ 465,506
percent of total	4.00%	3.40%
Other asset-backed
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	$ 770,650	$ 583,122
percent of total	13.20%	4.60%
United States Government and agencies
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	$ 32,072	$ 44,098
percent of total	0.20%	0.10%
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Corporate | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	$ 59,119	$ 49,076
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | United States Government and agencies | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	0	8,726
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	$ 194,921	$ 205,268
percent of total	100.00%	100.00%
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Corporate
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	$ 3,708,655	$ 3,518,707
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Corporate | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	59,119	49,076
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Commercial mortgage-backed | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	81,434	88,180
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Residential mortgage-backed | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities		3,729
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Other asset-backed | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	54,368	55,557
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | United States Government and agencies
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	32,072	44,098
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | United States Government and agencies | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities		8,726
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Third-party Vendor [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	$ 138,426	$ 140,808
percent of total	71.00%	68.60%
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Third-party Vendor [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Corporate | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	$ 17,684	$ 17,208
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Third-party Vendor [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Commercial mortgage-backed | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	81,434	88,180
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Third-party Vendor [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Residential mortgage-backed | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities		0
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Third-party Vendor [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Other asset-backed | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	39,308	35,420
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Third-party Vendor [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | United States Government and agencies | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities		0
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Internally priced [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	$ 56,495	$ 64,460
percent of total	29.00%	31.40%
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Internally priced [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Corporate | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	$ 41,435	$ 31,868
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Internally priced [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Commercial mortgage-backed | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Internally priced [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Residential mortgage-backed | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities		3,729
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Internally priced [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Other asset-backed | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	$ 15,060	20,137
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Internally priced [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | United States Government and agencies | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities		$ 8,726

Fair Value Quantitative Informa

Fair Value Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] - Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Future policy benefits-index annuity embedded derivatives		$ 9,374
Corporate
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 47,398	$ 33,508
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	0.58% - 4.25% (2.81%)	1.16% - 17.50% (11.26%)
Mortgage-backed Securities, Issued by Private Enterprises [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 81,434	$ 71,100
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	1.10% - 4.15% (2.95%)	1.10% - 4.15% (3.12%)
Other asset-backed
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 6,461	$ 13,737
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	1.08% - 4.87% (3.45%)	1.25% - 7.90% (5.61%)
United States Government and agencies
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure		$ 8,726
Fair Value Measurements, Valuation Techniques		Discounted cash flow
Fair Value Measurements, Significant Assumptions		Credit spread
Input range and weighted average		2.59% (2.59%)
Non-redeemable preferred stocks
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 7,411	$ 7,471
Fair Value Measurements, Valuation Techniques	Discounted cash flow	Discounted cash flow
Fair Value Measurements, Significant Assumptions	Credit spread	Credit spread
Input range and weighted average	4.05% (4.05%)	4.55% (4.55%)
Asset fair value by technique [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 142,704	$ 134,542
Index Annuity Embedded Derivatives [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Future policy benefits-index annuity embedded derivatives	$ 15,778	$ 9,374
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	0.80% - 2.00% (1.25%) 0.15% - 0.40% (0.25%)	0.80% - 2.25% (1.45%) 0.15% - 0.40% (0.25%)

Fair Value Level 3 Financial In

Fair Value Level 3 Financial Instruments changes in Fair Value recurring basis (Details) - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] - Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Asset Balance at beginning of period	$ 212,739	$ 275,390
Asset Purchases	84,972	105,848
Asset Sales	(30,750)	(33,809)
Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	(27)	0
Gain/Loss in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	(22)	(5,157)
Asset Transfers Into Level 3	68,447	57,634
Asset, Transfers out of Level 3	(133,188)	(187,965)
Asset, Amortization	161	798
Asset Balance at end of period	202,332	212,739
Corporate
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Asset Balance at beginning of period	49,076	64,239
Asset Purchases	2,000	15,993
Asset Sales	(13,751)	(20,499)
Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	(27)	0
Gain/Loss in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	(490)	(55)
Asset Transfers Into Level 3	35,956	21,363
Asset, Transfers out of Level 3	(13,572)	(32,649)
Asset, Amortization	(73)	574
Asset Balance at end of period	59,119	49,076
Residential mortgage-backed
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Asset Balance at beginning of period	3,729	0
Asset Purchases	0	19,353
Asset Sales	(3,722)	(2,340)
Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	0	0
Gain/Loss in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	(137)	284
Asset Transfers Into Level 3	0	5,984
Asset, Transfers out of Level 3	0	(19,631)
Asset, Amortization	130	79
Asset Balance at end of period	0	3,729
Commercial mortgage-backed
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Asset Balance at beginning of period	88,180	77,891
Asset Purchases	18,826	17,287
Asset Sales	(1,656)	(885)
Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	0	0
Gain/Loss in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	(141)	3,905
Asset Transfers Into Level 3	0	0
Asset, Transfers out of Level 3	(23,852)	(2,334)
Asset, Amortization	77	126
Asset Balance at end of period	81,434	88,180
Other asset-backed
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Asset Balance at beginning of period	55,557	116,141
Asset Purchases	64,146	53,215
Asset Sales	(11,621)	(10,085)
Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	0	0
Gain/Loss in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	212	662
Asset Transfers Into Level 3	30,098	30,287
Asset, Transfers out of Level 3	(84,045)	(133,351)
Asset, Amortization	21	12
Asset Balance at end of period	54,368	55,557
United States Government and agencies
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Asset Balance at beginning of period	8,726	9,065
Asset Purchases	0	0
Asset Sales	0	0
Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	0	0
Gain/Loss in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	486	346
Asset Transfers Into Level 3	0	0
Asset, Transfers out of Level 3	(9,218)	0
Asset, Amortization	6	7
Asset Balance at end of period	0	8,726
State, municipal and other governments
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Asset Balance at beginning of period	0
Asset Purchases	0
Asset Sales	0
Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	0
Gain/Loss in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	108
Asset Transfers Into Level 3	2,393
Asset, Transfers out of Level 3	(2,501)
Asset, Amortization	0
Asset Balance at end of period	0	0
Non-redeemable preferred stocks
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Asset Balance at beginning of period	7,471	8,054
Asset Purchases	0	0
Asset Sales	0	0
Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	0	0
Gain/Loss in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	(60)	(583)
Asset Transfers Into Level 3	0	0
Asset, Transfers out of Level 3	0	0
Asset, Amortization	0	0
Asset Balance at end of period	7,411	7,471
Index Annuity Embedded Derivatives [Member]
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Liability Value beginning of period	9,374	8,681
Liability, Purchases	5,913	4,567
Liability, Settlements	(115)	(1,064)
Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	606	2,810
Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	0	0
Liability, Transfers Into Level 3	0	0
Liability, Transfers out of Level 3	0	0
Liability Value end of period	$ 15,778	$ 9,374

Fair Value Valuation of Financi

Fair Value Valuation of Financial Instruments Not Reported at Fair Value by Hierarchy Level (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage loans	$ 816,471	$ 744,303
Policy loans	188,254	185,784
Other investments	16,145	9,518
Liabilities related to separate accounts	597,072	625,257
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other investments	0	0
Future policy benefits	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other investments	9,360	2,331
Future policy benefits	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other investments	0	0
Future policy benefits		9,374
Portion at Other than Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage loans	840,337	780,624
Policy loans	230,656	230,153
Other investments	1,912
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	1,072,905	1,010,777
Future policy benefits	3,887,399	3,608,771
Supplementary contracts without life contingencies	330,633	339,717
Advance premiums and other deposits	257,171	245,269
Short-term debt		15,000
Long-term debt	67,599	68,133
Liabilities related to separate accounts	593,760	620,676
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	5,136,562	4,897,566
Portion at Other than Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage loans	0	0
Policy loans	0	0
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Future policy benefits	0	0
Supplementary contracts without life contingencies	0	0
Advance premiums and other deposits	0	0
Short-term debt		0
Long-term debt	0	0
Liabilities related to separate accounts	0	0
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Portion at Other than Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage loans	0	0
Policy loans	0	0
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Future policy benefits	0	0
Supplementary contracts without life contingencies	0	0
Advance premiums and other deposits	0	0
Short-term debt		0
Long-term debt	0	0
Liabilities related to separate accounts	0	0
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Portion at Other than Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage loans	840,337	780,624
Policy loans	230,656	230,153
Other investments	1,912
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	1,072,905	1,010,777
Future policy benefits	3,887,399	3,608,771
Supplementary contracts without life contingencies	330,633	339,717
Advance premiums and other deposits	257,171	245,269
Short-term debt		15,000
Long-term debt	67,599	68,133
Liabilities related to separate accounts	593,760	620,676
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 5,136,562	$ 4,897,566

Fair Value Level 3 Financial 64

Fair Value Level 3 Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Non-recurring Basis (Details) - Portion at Other than Fair Value Measurement [Member] - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] - Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, current year impairment	$ 1
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Period Increase (Decrease)	$ (0.2)

Reinsurance and Policy Provis65

Reinsurance and Policy Provisions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Reinsurance retention limit	$ 1,000
Ceded Premiums Earned	33,058	$ 33,462	$ 32,513
Reinsurance Effect on Claims and Benefits Incurred, Amount Ceded	22,515	26,183	16,972
Assumed Premiums Earned	2,670	2,751	783
Policyholder Benefits and Claims Incurred, Assumed	2,302	1,231	1,667
Ceded Premiums, Life Insurance in Force	$ 14,258,000	$ 14,263,000	13,837,869
Reinsurance effect on in force ceded, percentage	23.50%	24.10%
Assumed Premiums, Life Insurance in Force	$ 524,000	$ 552,000	$ 592,022
Contracts in Force Subject to Participation Through Reinsurance, Percentage	0.90%	0.90%
100% Quota Share Accidental Death [Member]
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Reinsurance retention limit	$ 14,600
Maximum [Member] | Company sponsored agent trip [Member] | 100% Quota Share Accidental Death [Member]
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss	50,000
Maximum [Member] | Home office [Member] | 100% Quota Share Accidental Death [Member]
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss	$ 200,000

Reinsurance and Policy Provis66

Reinsurance and Policy Provisions Value of insurance in force acquired (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Movement in Intangible Assets Arising from Insurance Contracts Acquired in Business Combination [Roll Forward]
Value of insurance in force acquired	$ 20,913	$ 22,497
Amortization per fixed schedule	(2,198)	(2,384)	$ (2,090)
Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Amortization Expense	194	52	1,409
Impact of net unrealized investment gains and losses	(12,382)	(3,087)	(3,939)
Value of insurance in force acquired	9,226	20,913	22,497
Intangible Assets Arising from Insurance Contracts Acquired in Business Combination, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months	2,200
Intangible Assets Arising from Insurance Contracts Acquired in Business Combination, Amortization Expense, Year Two	2,200
Intangible Assets Arising from Insurance Contracts Acquired in Business Combination, Amortization Expense, Year Three	2,100
Intangible Assets Arising from Insurance Contracts Acquired in Business Combination, Amortization Expense, Year Four	2,200
Intangible Assets Arising from Insurance Contracts Acquired in Business Combination, Amortization Expense, Year Five	2,000
Scenario, Actual [Member]
Movement in Intangible Assets Arising from Insurance Contracts Acquired in Business Combination [Roll Forward]
Value of insurance in force acquired	24,000	26,436	29,935
Value of insurance in force acquired	$ 21,608	$ 24,000	$ 26,436

Reinsurance and Policy Provis67

Reinsurance and Policy Provisions GMDB, IDB, GMIB (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee, Net Amount at Risk	$ 57,396	$ 65,640
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee, General Account Value	5,800	5,400
Net amount at risk by product and guarantee, benefits paid	$ 500	$ 400	$ 200
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee, Weighted Average Attained Age	57 years	62 years
GMDB return of net deposits [Member]
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee, Separate Account Value	$ 159,617	$ 175,286
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee, Net Amount at Risk	543	623
Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit [Member]
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee, Separate Account Value	270,539	279,981
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee, Net Amount at Risk	2,920	14,858
Incremental Death Benefit [Member]
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee, Separate Account Value	241,142	256,929
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee, Net Amount at Risk	53,933	50,159
Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit [Member]
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee, Separate Account Value	32,733	37,334
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee, Net Amount at Risk	$ 0	$ 0

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit)	$ 36,461	$ 40,578	$ 39,562
Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	9,549	6,840	7,773
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	46,010	47,418	47,335
Tax impact of Income from Equity Method Investments	(15,498)	(15,706)	(13,372)
Income Tax Effects Allocated Directly to Equity [Abstract]
Change in net unrealized investment gains/losses - deferred, Tax	18,882	(77,473)	75,032
Issuance of shares under stock option plan, current	(846)	(1,363)	(1,148)
Income Tax Effects Allocated Directly to Equity	18,036	(78,836)	73,884
Total tax from all sources provided in our financial statements	$ 48,548	$ (47,124)	$ 107,847

Income Taxes Effective tax rate

Income Taxes Effective tax rate reconciliation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	$ 141,789	$ 151,368	$ 147,101
Income Tax Reconciliation, Income Tax Expense (Benefit), at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate	49,626	52,979	51,485
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Exempt Income	(2,950)	(3,233)	(3,400)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments	(666)	(2,328)	(750)
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	$ 46,010	$ 47,418	$ 47,335

Income Taxes Components of defe

Income Taxes Components of deferred tax assets and liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross [Abstract]
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Policyholder Liabilities	$ 30,340	$ 25,918
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits	10,001	15,138
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards	5,709	8,212
Deferred Tax Assets, Other	2,393	4,030
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross	48,443	53,298
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross [Abstract]
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other Comprehensive Income	131,655	94,919
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Deferred Expense, Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost	62,599	65,310
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Value of Insurance in Force Acquired	3,229	7,320
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment	7,777	7,078
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other	6,678	13,734
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross	211,938	188,361
Deferred income taxes	163,495	$ 135,063
Operating Loss Carryforwards	$ 15,700

Income Taxes Other tax disclosu

Income Taxes Other tax disclosures (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Disposition of Asset, Amount		$ 1,800
Investment Tax Credit	$ 14,077	13,542	$ 12,209
Liability for Uncertain Tax Positions, Noncurrent	$ 0	$ 100

Credit Arrangements (Details)

Credit Arrangements (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt payable non-affiliates	$ 97,000	$ 97,000
Trust Preferred Securities Subject to Mandatory Redemption [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference Per Share	$ 1,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	97,000
Senior Notes, unaffiliated [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt payable non-affiliates	$ 97,000
Capital trust equity [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt payable non-affiliates	3,000
5% Subordinated Deferrable Interest Notes, due June 30, 2047 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt payable non-affiliates	100,000
Trust Preferred Securities Subject to Mandatory Redemption [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt payable non-affiliates	$ 97,000

Credit Arrangements Short Term

Credit Arrangements Short Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Short-term debt payable to non-affiliates	$ 15,000	$ 0
Short-Term Debt December 21st [Member]
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Short-term debt payable to non-affiliates	$ 10,000
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate During Period	0.55%
Short-Term Debt December 30th [Member]
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Short-term debt payable to non-affiliates	$ 5,000
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate During Period	0.46%

Stockholders' Equity (Details)

Stockholders' Equity (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference Per Share	$ 0.60
Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage	0.03
Preferred Stock, Redemption Price Per Share	$ 0.60
Common stock, shares outstanding	24,893,955	24,808,176	24,715,316	24,754,355
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures	96,101	159,764	390,707
Issuance of common stock under compensation plans	$ 3,718	$ 5,022	$ 12,028
Shares of common stock repurchased	(10,322)	(66,904)	(429,746)
Purchase of common stock	$ (586)	$ (3,742)	$ (18,460)
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount	$ 49,500
Common Class A
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, shares outstanding	24,882,542	24,796,763	24,703,903	24,742,942
Common stock, without par value	$ 152,903	$ 149,248
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures	96,101	159,764	390,707
Shares of common stock repurchased	(10,322)	(66,904)	(429,746)
Board of directors members	four to ten
Purchase of shares of common stock	$ 600	$ 3,700	$ 18,500
Common Class B
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, shares outstanding	11,413	11,413	11,413	11,413
Common stock, without par value	$ 72	$ 72
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures	0	0	0
Shares of common stock repurchased	0	0	0
Board of directors members	five to seven
Parent Company [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Sale of Stock, Percentage of Ownership after Transaction	71.00%
Common stocks
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, without par value	$ 152,975	$ 149,320	$ 144,697	$ 135,065
Issuance of common stock under compensation plans	3,718	5,022	12,028
Purchase of common stock	(63)	(399)	(2,396)
Common stocks | Common Class A
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, without par value	152,903	149,248	144,625	134,993
Issuance of common stock under compensation plans	3,718	5,022	12,028
Purchase of common stock	(63)	(399)	(2,396)
Common stocks | Common Class B
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, without par value	72	72	72	$ 72
Issuance of common stock under compensation plans	0	0	0
Purchase of common stock	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Stockholders' Equity AOCI table

Stockholders' Equity AOCI table (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income	$ 149,555	$ 114,532	$ 258,410		$ 119,067
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, before Reclassification Adjustments, Net of Tax	39,796	(144,886)	144,444
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, Net of Tax	(4,773)	1,008	(5,101)
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax	1,578	(2,791)	2,778	[1]
Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income	156,963	120,787	266,211		126,587
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, before Reclassification Adjustments, Net of Tax	37,895	(143,731)	141,947
Accumulated Other-than-Temporary Impairment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income	311	(114)	1,131		(1,366)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, before Reclassification Adjustments, Net of Tax	1,901	(1,155)	2,497
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income	(7,719)	(6,141)	(8,932)		$ (6,154)
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Reclassification Adjustments, Net of Tax	0	0	0
reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income [Member] | Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, Net of Tax	(1,719)	(1,693)	(2,323)
reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income [Member] | Accumulated Other-than-Temporary Impairment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Write-down of Securities, Net of Tax	(1,476)	(90)	0
reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income [Member] | Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax	$ (1,578)	$ 2,791	$ (2,778)
[1]	Other comprehensive income (loss) 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.

Stockholders' Equity AOCI Recla

Stockholders' Equity AOCI Reclassifications (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Net realized capital gains on sales of investments	$ 3,106	$ 11,062	$ 3,760
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net	(4,869)	(573)	(822)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, Net of Tax	(4,773)	1,008	(5,101)
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax	1,578	(2,791)	2,778	[1]
reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Net realized capital gains on sales of investments	(1,799)	(2,829)	(3,760)
Change in offsets to unrealized on investments	665	(231)	186
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net	(2,451)	(146)
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Prior Service Cost (Credit) Arising During Period, before Tax	1	12	(11)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Gain (Loss), before Tax	2,425	(4,306)	(4,263)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, before Tax	(7,341)	1,550	(7,848)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities, Tax	2,568	(542)	2,747
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax	4,773	(1,008)	(5,101)
reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income [Member] | Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Net realized capital gains on sales of investments	(1,799)	(2,829)	(3,760)
Change in offsets to unrealized on investments	845	(224)	186
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Prior Service Cost (Credit) Arising During Period, before Tax	0	0	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Gain (Loss), before Tax	0	0	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, before Tax	2,644	2,605	(3,574)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, Tax	925	912	1,251
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, Net of Tax	(1,719)	(1,693)	(2,323)
reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income [Member] | Accumulated Other-than-Temporary Impairment [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Net realized capital gains on sales of investments	0	0	0
Change in offsets to unrealized on investments	(180)	(7)	0
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net	(2,451)	(146)
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Prior Service Cost (Credit) Arising During Period, before Tax	0	0	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Gain (Loss), before Tax	0	0	0
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Write-down of Securities, before Tax	(2,271)	(139)	0
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Write-down of Securities, Tax	795	49	0
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Write-down of Securities, Net of Tax	1,476	90	0
reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income [Member] | Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Net realized capital gains on sales of investments	0	0	0
Change in offsets to unrealized on investments	0	0	0
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Prior Service Cost (Credit) Arising During Period, before Tax	1	12	(11)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Gain (Loss), before Tax	2,425	(4,306)	(4,263)
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Tax	2,426	(4,294)	(4,274)
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Tax	848	(1,503)	1,496
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax	$ (1,578)	$ 2,791	$ (2,778)
[1]	Other comprehensive income (loss) 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.

Stockholders' Equity Dividend d

Stockholders' Equity Dividend disclosures (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common Stock Special Dividends Per Share Cash Paid	$ 2	$ 2
Payment Of Special Cash Dividend	$ 49.7	$ 49.5

Retirement and Compensation P78

Retirement and Compensation Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]
Entity Tax Identification Number	421,411,715
Multiemployer Plan Number	1
Multiemployer Plan, Period Contributions	$ 30,000	$ 30,000	$ 16,800
Cash-based restricted stock unit plan [Member]
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]
Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense	$ 1,200	$ 900	600
Class A common stock compensation plans [Member]
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]
Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense			$ 100

Retirement and Compensation P79

Retirement and Compensation Plans Funding Status and Net Periodic Pension Costs (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets beginning of period	$ 262,276,000
Fair Value of Plan Assets, End of period	291,071,000	$ 262,276,000
United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]
Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets, Aggregate Projected Benefit Obligation	319,420,000	339,139,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost	5,795,000	5,892,000	$ 5,295,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost	14,447,000	13,472,000	13,919,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Gain (Loss)	(15,767,000)	13,281,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefits Paid	(18,975,000)	(2,501,000)
Defined Benefit Plan, Settlements, Benefit Obligation	0	(23,301,000)
Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets, Aggregate Projected Benefit Obligation	336,454,000	319,420,000	339,139,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets beginning of period	262,276,000	257,010,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Return on Plan Assets	17,770,000	1,068,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer	30,000,000	30,000,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefits Paid	(18,975,000)	(2,501,000)
Defined Benefit Plan, Settlements, Plan Assets	0	(23,301,000)
Fair Value of Plan Assets, End of period	291,071,000	262,276,000	257,010,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Funded Status of Plan	(45,383,000)	(57,144,000)
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation	297,753,000	279,858,000
Other Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]
Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets, Aggregate Projected Benefit Obligation	22,275,000	26,729,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost	335,000	435,000	269,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost	966,000	1,000,000	1,077,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Gain (Loss)	(3,317,000)	2,812,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefits Paid	(2,308,000)	(3,077,000)
Defined Benefit Plan, Settlements, Benefit Obligation	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets, Aggregate Projected Benefit Obligation	24,585,000	22,275,000	26,729,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets beginning of period	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Return on Plan Assets	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer	2,308,000	3,077,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefits Paid	(2,308,000)	(3,077,000)
Defined Benefit Plan, Settlements, Plan Assets	0	0
Fair Value of Plan Assets, End of period	0	0	$ 0
Defined Benefit Plan, Funded Status of Plan	(24,585,000)	(22,275,000)
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation	$ 21,407,000	$ 20,980,000

Retirement and Compensation P80

Retirement and Compensation Plans Net periodic pension costs incurred by the plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost	$ 5,795	$ 5,892	$ 5,295
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost	14,447	13,472	13,919
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets	(17,865)	(17,563)	(17,504)
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit)	144	144	144
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses)	9,432	10,464	6,087
Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Settlements	0	(7,998)	(6,306)
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost	11,953	20,407	14,247
Net periodic pension cost individual entity share	3,807	6,614	4,569
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Net Prior Service Cost (Credit)	100
Defined Benefit Plan, Future Amortization of Gain (Loss)	10,100
Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year	15,000
Multiemployer Plans, Minimum Contribution	4,800
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Next Twelve Months	14,400
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Two	16,800
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Three	17,300
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Four	19,600
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Five	19,400
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Five Fiscal Years Thereafter	115,400
Other Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost	335	435	269
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost	966	1,000	1,077
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets	0	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit)	(1)	(11)	(11)
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses)	918	1,528	1,131
Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Settlements	0	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost	2,218	2,952	2,466
Net periodic pension cost individual entity share	1,260	$ 1,671	$ 1,372
Defined Benefit Plan, Future Amortization of Gain (Loss)	$ 1,200
Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year, Description	1.9
Multiemployer Plans, Minimum Contribution	$ 900
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Next Twelve Months	2,400
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Two	2,500
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Three	3,200
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Four	2,600
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Five	2,300
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Five Fiscal Years Thereafter	$ 9,400

Retirement and Compensation P81

Retirement and Compensation Plans FBL's share of prepaid or accrued pension costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Multiemployer unrecognized liability for underfunded status	$ 45,400	$ 57,100
United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	26,006	20,258
Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet	26,006	20,258
Other Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	876	969
Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities	(19,159)	(16,746)
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet	(18,283)	(15,777)
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Gains (Losses), before Tax	12,094	9,695
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Net Prior Service Cost Credit, after Tax	0	(1)
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax	$ 12,094	$ 9,694

Retirement and Compensation P82

Retirement and Compensation Plans Weighted average assumptions (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate	4.65%				4.29%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Rate of Compensation Increase	3.31%				3.31%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate	4.52%	4.42%	4.05%	4.99%	4.65%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Return on Assets	6.75%		7.00%		6.75%	7.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Rate of Compensation Increase	3.31%		3.00%		3.31%	3.00%
Fixed Income Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Allocation Percentage					0.55
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations					56.00%
Equity Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Allocation Percentage					0.40
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations					41.00%
Alternative investments [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Allocation Percentage					0.05
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations					3.00%

Retirement and Compensation P83

Retirement and Compensation Plans Fair Values of plan assets by category and hierarchy (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	$ 291,071	$ 262,276
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	71,597	59,466
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	57,863	49,803
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	161,611	153,007	$ 145,062
Equity Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	35,888	30,326
Equity Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	35,888	30,326
Equity Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0
Equity Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0
Private Equity Funds, Foreign [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	35,709	29,140
Private Equity Funds, Foreign [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	35,709	29,140
Private Equity Funds, Foreign [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0
Private Equity Funds, Foreign [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0
Money Market Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	606	1,584
Money Market Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0
Money Market Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	606	1,584
Money Market Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0
Fixed Income Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	14,271	11,468
Fixed Income Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0
Fixed Income Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	14,271	11,468
Fixed Income Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0
U.S. Equity Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	28,640	24,091
U.S. Equity Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0
U.S. Equity Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	28,640	24,091
U.S. Equity Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0
Real Estate Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	14,346	12,660
Real Estate Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0
Real Estate Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	14,346	12,660
Real Estate Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0
Group annuity contract [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	141,782	134,749
Group annuity contract [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0
Group annuity contract [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0
Group annuity contract [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	141,782	134,749	128,244
Funded annuity contract [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	11,382	11,996
Funded annuity contract [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0
Funded annuity contract [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0
Funded annuity contract [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	11,382	11,996	12,298
Limited partnership [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	8,447	6,262
Limited partnership [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0
Limited partnership [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0
Limited partnership [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	$ 8,447	$ 6,262	$ 4,520

Retirement and Compensation P84

Retirement and Compensation Plans Level 3 plan assets changes in fair value (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets beginning of period	$ 262,276
Fair Value of Plan Assets, End of period	291,071	$ 262,276
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets beginning of period	153,007	145,062
Defined Benefit Plan, Purchases, Sales, and Settlements	1,583	1,824
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Return on Plan Assets Still Held	7,021	6,121
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Return on Plan Assets Sold During Period	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Transfers Between Measurement Levels	0	0
Fair Value of Plan Assets, End of period	161,611	153,007
Group annuity contract [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets beginning of period	134,749
Fair Value of Plan Assets, End of period	141,782	134,749
Group annuity contract [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets beginning of period	134,749	128,244
Defined Benefit Plan, Purchases, Sales, and Settlements	1,334	1,156
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Return on Plan Assets Still Held	5,699	5,349
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Return on Plan Assets Sold During Period	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Transfers Between Measurement Levels	0	0
Fair Value of Plan Assets, End of period	141,782	134,749
Funded annuity contract [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets beginning of period	11,996
Fair Value of Plan Assets, End of period	11,382	11,996
Funded annuity contract [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets beginning of period	11,996	12,298
Defined Benefit Plan, Purchases, Sales, and Settlements	(1,287)	(1,012)
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Return on Plan Assets Still Held	673	710
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Return on Plan Assets Sold During Period	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Transfers Between Measurement Levels	0	0
Fair Value of Plan Assets, End of period	11,382	11,996
Limited partnership [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets beginning of period	6,262
Fair Value of Plan Assets, End of period	8,447	6,262
Limited partnership [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets beginning of period	6,262	4,520
Defined Benefit Plan, Purchases, Sales, and Settlements	1,536	1,680
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Return on Plan Assets Still Held	649	62
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Return on Plan Assets Sold During Period	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Transfers Between Measurement Levels	0	0
Fair Value of Plan Assets, End of period	$ 8,447	$ 6,262

Retirement and Compensation P85

Retirement and Compensation Plans Other retirement plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized	$ 2,400	$ 2,200	$ 2,000
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax	$ 1,578	(2,791)	2,778	[1]
Minimum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined contribution plan, employer discretionary percentage	2.75%
Maximum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined contribution plan, employer discretionary percentage	5.75%
Defined Contribution Plan Grandfathered Choice Participant [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent	2.00%
Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent	2.00%
Pension Plan [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent	4.00%
Health and medical post retirement plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost	$ (100)	100	100
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax	(100)	$ (100)	$ 0
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of Curtailments on Accumulated Benefit Obligation	$ 200
[1]	Other comprehensive income (loss) 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.

Retirement and Compensation P86

Retirement and Compensation Plans Share based compensation (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Options, Outstanding, Number		134,848
Options, Exercises in Period		(89,453)
Options, Forfeitures in Period		0
Options, Outstanding, Number		45,395	134,848
Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number		45,395
Options, Exercisable, Number		45,395
Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]
Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price		$ 28.07
Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price		28.44
Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price		0
Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price		27.35	$ 28.07
Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price		27.35
Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price		$ 27.35
Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value	[1]	$ 2,306
Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	[1]	2,306
Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value	[1]	2,306
Options, Exercises in Period, Total Intrinsic Value		3,200	$ 4,500	$ 6,500
Cash Received from Exercise of Stock Options		2,500	3,700	10,500
Tax Benefit Realized from Exercise of Stock Options		$ 1,000	1,400	2,200
Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term		2 years 4 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term		2 years 4 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term		2 years 4 days
Class A common stock compensation plans [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense				200
Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense				100
Cash-based restricted stock unit plan [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense		$ 2,300	1,700	1,000
Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense		$ 1,200	$ 900	$ 600
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition		1 year 10 months 3 days
Nonvested & restricted Stock Units, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Number of shares or units beginning		145,415
Stock units, Grants in Period		25,075
Stock units, Vested in Period		(40,155)
Stock units, Forfeited in Period		(8,818)
Number of shares or units end of period		121,517	145,415
Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		$ 46.10	$ 42.36
Stock units, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		60.34	$ 52.19	$ 38.63
Stock units, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		40.58
Stock units, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		$ 50
Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized		$ 4,100
share based compensation restricted stock units cash paid expense		$ 2,700	$ 1,800	$ 1,800
Directors stock grants-cash based units [Member]
Nonvested & restricted Stock Units, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Number of shares or units beginning		22,874
Number of shares or units end of period		24,923	22,874
Directors nonrestricted Class A stock grants [Member]
Nonvested & restricted Stock Units, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Number of shares or units beginning		56,868
Number of shares or units end of period		57,876	56,868
Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Number of Shares Available for Grant		110,864
Executive Salary and Bonus Deferred Compensation Plan-cash based units [Member]
Nonvested & restricted Stock Units, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Number of shares or units beginning		16,679
Number of shares or units end of period		16,323	16,679
Executive Salary and Bonus Deferred Compensation Plan [Member]
Nonvested & restricted Stock Units, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Number of shares or units beginning		66,621
Number of shares or units end of period		63,909	66,621
Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Number of Shares Available for Grant		99,933
Executive excess 401(k) plan-cash based units [Member]
Nonvested & restricted Stock Units, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Number of shares or units beginning		84
Number of shares or units end of period		89	84
Executive excess 401(k) plan [Member]
Nonvested & restricted Stock Units, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Number of shares or units beginning		2,991
Number of shares or units end of period		3,168	2,991
[1]	Represents the difference between the share price and exercise price for each option, excluding options where the exercise price is above the share price, at December 31, 2016.

Managment and Other Agreements

Managment and Other Agreements (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Farm Bureau Property & Casualty insurance company [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Equipment Expense	$ 0.3	$ 0.7	$ 0.9
Management Fees Revenue	2.2	2.3	1.9
Professional and Contract Services Expense	8.6	9.9	9.3
Investment Advisory Fees	2.5	2.3	1.9
Subsidiary of Common Parent [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Professional and Contract Services Expense	1	1	1
Majority Shareholder [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Royalty Expense	$ 0.6	0.6	0.5
Royalty agreement restriction	$ 0.10
Other Farm Bureau organizations [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Royalty Expense	$ 1.8	1.7	1.7
Subsidiaries [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Nonoperating Income (Expense)	$ 3.4	$ 3.2	$ 3.2

Committments and Contingencies

Committments and Contingencies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Change in state insurance guaranty fund	$ (0.1)	$ (0.1)	$ (0.1)
Deferred Revenue, Noncurrent	0.9	1
Operating Leases, Rent Expense	4.1	4	4.3
Deferred Revenue, Revenue Recognized	(0.2)	$ (0.2)	$ (0.2)
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months	2.1
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years	2.1
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years	2.1
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years	2.1
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years	2.1
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter	$ 2.1

Earnings per Share (Details)

Earnings per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc.	$ 26,880	$ 30,017	$ 24,380	$ 25,946	$ 30,905	$ 26,659	$ 32,372	$ 23,591	$ 107,223	$ 113,527	$ 109,941
Dividends on preferred stock									150	150	150
Income available to common stockholders									$ 107,073	$ 113,377	$ 109,791
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic									24,985,400	24,927,209	24,866,284
Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment									43,683	89,274	149,960
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted									25,029,083	25,016,483	25,016,244
Earnings per common share	$ 1.07	$ 1.20	$ 0.97	$ 1.04	$ 1.24	$ 1.07	$ 1.30	$ 0.95	$ 4.29	$ 4.55	$ 4.42
Earnings per common share - assuming dilution	$ 1.07	$ 1.20	$ 0.97	$ 1.04	$ 1.23	$ 1.06	$ 1.29	$ 0.94	$ 4.28	$ 4.53	$ 4.39

Statutory Insurance Informati90

Statutory Insurance Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Amount Available for Dividend Payments	$ 106,100
Parent Company [Member]
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory accounting practices, net gain from operations	106,143	$ 100,013	$ 97,799
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Net Income Amount	100,657	106,009	97,393
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Capital and Surplus, Balance	617,321	603,062
Dividend Payments Restrictions Schedule, Statutory Capital and Surplus	483,838	469,579
Statutory RBC Total adjusted capital	685,721	668,278
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Capital and Surplus Required	$ 125,994	$ 117,284
Statutory RBC Ratio	544.00%	570.00%
Subsidiaries [Member]
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory accounting practices, net gain from operations	$ (540)	$ (362)	(433)
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Net Income Amount	(540)	(362)	$ (433)
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Capital and Surplus, Balance	9,175	4,763
Dividend Payments Restrictions Schedule, Statutory Capital and Surplus	(1,625)	(1,037)
Statutory RBC Total adjusted capital	9,191	4,772
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Capital and Surplus Required	$ 173	$ 110
Statutory RBC Ratio	5322.00%	4338.00%

Segment Information (Details)

Segment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 184,179	$ 181,284	$ 181,285	$ 179,666	$ 182,624	$ 175,494	$ 186,745	$ 177,946	$ 726,414	$ 722,809	$ 692,939
Operating revenues									721,635	715,018	687,732
Realized gains on investments related to revenue									(1,771)	10,482	2,937
Derivative unrealized related to revenues									6,550	(2,691)	2,270
Net investment income	101,549	103,514	100,722	98,385	99,005	95,882	97,489	98,773	404,170	391,149	382,082
Investment Income, Net									397,620	393,840	379,812
Investment Income, Nonoperating									6,550	(2,691)	2,270
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization									28,437	31,818	28,945
Other Depreciation and Amortization									28,548	31,925	28,631
Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost, Amortization Expense, Net Investment Gains (Losses)									(673)	225	189
Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost, Amortization Expense, Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)									(562)	332	(125)
Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc.	$ 26,880	$ 30,017	$ 24,380	$ 25,946	$ 30,905	$ 26,659	$ 32,372	$ 23,591	107,223	113,527	109,941
Operating Income (Loss)									106,451	104,888	107,041
Pre-Tax Operating Income (Loss)									136,550	134,764	139,442
Income tax on operating income									(30,099)	(29,876)	(32,401)
Realized gains losses on investments net of offsets									713	(8,498)	(1,786)
Derivatives unrealized gain net of offsets									(1,485)	(141)	(1,114)
Operating Income offsets due to Interest Sensitive Product Reserves									900	100	100
Annuity
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenues									214,486	212,420	203,477
Investment Income, Net									210,679	209,896	201,550
Other Depreciation and Amortization									8,253	4,548	5,709
Operating Income (Loss)									66,025	69,950	65,056
Life Insurance
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenues									414,446	408,966	390,609
Investment Income, Net									154,427	152,730	146,349
Other Depreciation and Amortization									15,117	18,831	20,027
Operating Income (Loss)									55,977	53,146	51,521
Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenues									92,703	93,632	93,646
Investment Income, Net									32,514	31,214	31,913
Other Depreciation and Amortization									5,178	8,546	2,895
Operating Income (Loss)									$ 14,548	$ 11,668	$ 22,865

Segment Information Segment ass

Segment Information Segment assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment assets	$ 9,324,595	$ 8,946,257
Unrealized Gains on assets in AOCI	241,539	185,747
Assets	9,566,134	9,132,004
Goodwill	9,900	9,900
Annuity
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment assets	4,452,878	4,209,627
Goodwill	3,900	3,900
Life Insurance
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment assets	3,256,306	3,112,756
Goodwill	6,100	6,100
Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment assets	1,615,411	1,623,874
Farm Bureau Property & Casualty insurance company [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Leases, Income Statement, Lease Revenue Depreciation and Amortization	$ 4,400	$ 4,100	$ 3,100

Segment Information Reconciliat

Segment Information Reconciliation of non-GAAP measures (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Proceeds from Insurance Premiums Collected	$ 689,700	$ 683,100	$ 646,600
Increase (Decrease) in Premiums Receivable	985	848	(2)
Traditional life insurance premiums	196,914	190,956	183,300
Interest sensitive product charges	111,928	114,584	109,770
Annuity
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Interest sensitive product charges	3,803	2,524	1,927
Traditional life insurance premiums
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Proceeds from Insurance Premiums Collected	195,929	190,108	183,302
Life Insurance
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Proceeds from Insurance Premiums Collected	281,551	281,003	282,098
Interest sensitive product charges	63,438	65,543	61,297
Life insurance - interest sensitive [Member]
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Proceeds from Insurance Premiums Collected	85,622	90,895	98,796
Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Interest sensitive product charges	44,687	46,517	46,546
Admiin charges [Member] | Life Insurance
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Interest sensitive product charges	14,170	14,342	13,783
Admiin charges [Member] | Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Interest sensitive product charges	5,547	5,809	6,212
Cost of insurance charges [Member] | Life Insurance
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Interest sensitive product charges	48,111	46,911	45,273
Cost of insurance charges [Member] | Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Interest sensitive product charges	29,805	29,760	29,569
Surrender charges [Member] | Life Insurance
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Interest sensitive product charges	1,181	919	737
Surrender charges [Member] | Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Interest sensitive product charges	213	346	479
Separate account charges [Member] | Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Interest sensitive product charges	7,957	8,854	9,157
Amortization of policy initiation fees [Member] | Life Insurance
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Interest sensitive product charges	(24)	3,371	1,504
Amortization of policy initiation fees [Member] | Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Interest sensitive product charges	$ 1,165	$ 1,748	$ 1,129

Segment Information Premium con

Segment Information Premium concentration (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
IOWA
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	25.10%	26.20%	25.70%
KANSAS
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	19.10%	18.60%	20.80%
OKLAHOMA
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	8.00%	8.90%	8.20%

Quarterly Financial Informati95

Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Premiums and product charges	$ 78,428	$ 73,533	$ 78,632	$ 78,249	$ 76,532	$ 76,575	$ 77,164	$ 75,269
Net investment income	101,549	103,514	100,722	98,385	99,005	95,882	97,489	98,773	$ 404,170	$ 391,149	$ 382,082
Realized gains (losses) on investments	517	621	(2,294)	(607)	3,553	(506)	7,808	(366)	(1,763)	10,489	2,938
Revenues	184,179	181,284	181,285	179,666	182,624	175,494	186,745	177,946	726,414	722,809	692,939
Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc.	$ 26,880	$ 30,017	$ 24,380	$ 25,946	$ 30,905	$ 26,659	$ 32,372	$ 23,591	$ 107,223	$ 113,527	$ 109,941
Earnings per common share	$ 1.07	$ 1.20	$ 0.97	$ 1.04	$ 1.24	$ 1.07	$ 1.30	$ 0.95	$ 4.29	$ 4.55	$ 4.42
Earnings per common share - assuming dilution	$ 1.07	$ 1.20	$ 0.97	$ 1.04	$ 1.23	$ 1.06	$ 1.29	$ 0.94	$ 4.28	$ 4.53	$ 4.39

Sch I. Schedule of Investments

Sch I. Schedule of Investments (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Cost	$ 7,823,121	[1]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Carrying Amount	8,174,660
Fixed Maturities [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Cost	6,661,711	[1]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Fair Value	7,008,790
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Carrying Amount	7,008,790
All Other Corporate Bonds [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Cost	3,529,997	[1]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Fair Value	3,708,655
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Carrying Amount	3,708,655
Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Cost	1,714,126	[1]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Fair Value	1,768,904
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Carrying Amount	1,768,904
United States Government and agencies
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Cost	30,575	[1]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Fair Value	32,072
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Carrying Amount	32,072
State, municipal and other governments
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Cost	1,387,013	[1]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Fair Value	1,499,159
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Carrying Amount	1,499,159
Equity Securities, Investment Summary [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Cost	130,479	[1]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Fair Value	132,968
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Carrying Amount	132,968
Banks, Trust and Insurance, Equities [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Cost	27,495	[1]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Fair Value	27,495
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Carrying Amount	27,495
Industrial, Miscellaneous, and All Others [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Cost	2,942	[1]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Fair Value	3,056
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Carrying Amount	3,056
Non-redeemable preferred stocks
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Cost	100,042	[1]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Fair Value	102,417
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Carrying Amount	102,417
Mortgages Loans [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Cost	817,184	[1]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Carrying Amount	816,471
Real Estate Investment [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Cost	2,115	[1]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Carrying Amount	1,955	[2]
Policy Loans [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Cost	188,254	[1]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Carrying Amount	188,254
Short-term Investments [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Cost	16,348	[1]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Carrying Amount	16,348
Other Long-term Investments [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Cost	7,030	[1]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Carrying Amount	$ 9,874
[1]	On the basis of cost adjusted for repayments and amortization of premiums and accrual of discounts for fixed maturities and short-term investments; original cost for equity securities, real estate and other investments; and unpaid principal balance for mortgage loans and policy loans.
[2]	Amount shown on balance sheet differs from cost due to depreciation and allowance for possible losses deducted from cost.

Sch II - Condensed Financial 97

Sch II - Condensed Financial Information on Registrant (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturities - available for sale	$ 7,008,790				$ 6,637,776				$ 7,008,790	$ 6,637,776
Equity securities - available for sale	132,968				121,667				132,968	121,667
Short-term investments	16,348				28,251				16,348	28,251
Cash and cash equivalents	33,583				29,490				33,583	29,490	$ 76,632	$ 6,370
Amounts receivable from affiliates	3,790				2,834				3,790	2,834
Accrued investment income	78,437				78,274				78,437	78,274
Current income taxes recoverable	4,309				2,421				4,309	2,421
Other assets	92,021				75,811				92,021	75,811
Assets	9,566,134				9,132,004				9,566,134	9,132,004
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
Amounts payable to affiliates	862				575				862	575
Long-term debt payable non-affiliates	97,000				97,000				97,000	97,000
Liabilities	8,377,876				7,997,530				8,377,876	7,997,530
Preferred stock	3,000				3,000				3,000	3,000
Accumulated other comprehensive income	149,555				114,532				149,555	114,532	258,410	119,067
Retained earnings	882,672				867,574				882,672	867,574
Total FBL Financial Group, Inc. stockholders' equity	1,188,202				1,134,426				1,188,202	1,134,426
Liabilities and Equity	9,566,134				9,132,004				9,566,134	9,132,004
Revenues:
Net investment income	101,549	$ 103,514	$ 100,722	$ 98,385	99,005	$ 95,882	$ 97,489	$ 98,773	404,170	391,149	382,082
Realized gains (losses) on investments	517	621	(2,294)	(607)	3,553	(506)	7,808	(366)	(1,763)	10,489	2,938
Other income									15,165	15,631	14,849
Revenues	184,179	181,284	181,285	179,666	182,624	175,494	186,745	177,946	726,414	722,809	692,939
Costs and Expenses [Abstract]
Interest expense									4,850	4,850	4,707
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest									141,789	151,368	147,101
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)									(46,010)	(47,418)	(47,335)
Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc.	26,880	$ 30,017	$ 24,380	$ 25,946	30,905	$ 26,659	$ 32,372	$ 23,591	107,223	113,527	109,941
Parent Company [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Investments in subsidiaries (eliminated in consolidation)	1,205,356				1,145,988				1,205,356	1,145,988
Fixed maturities - available for sale	31,182				35,212				31,182	35,212
Equity securities - available for sale	3,056				1,428				3,056	1,428
Short-term investments	5,988				13,066				5,988	13,066
Cash and cash equivalents	30,803				26,839				30,803	26,839	46,042	$ 0
Accrued investment income	13				12				13	12
Current income taxes recoverable	153				651				153	651
Deferred income tax assets	12,622				13,682				12,622	13,682
Other assets	12,585				10,106				12,585	10,106
Assets	1,314,003				1,250,006				1,314,003	1,250,006
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	28,758				18,470				28,758	18,470
Long-term debt payable non-affiliates	97,000				97,000				97,000	97,000
Liabilities	125,801				115,580				125,801	115,580
Preferred stock	3,000				3,000				3,000	3,000
Accumulated other comprehensive income	149,555				114,532				149,555	114,532
Retained earnings	882,672				867,574				882,672	867,574
Total FBL Financial Group, Inc. stockholders' equity	1,188,202				1,134,426				1,188,202	1,134,426
Liabilities and Equity	1,314,003				1,250,006				1,314,003	1,250,006
Revenues:
Net investment income									2,013	2,033	2,689
Realized gains (losses) on investments									0	(583)	1,047
Dividends from subsidiaries (eliminated in consolidation)									85,900	50,000	45,700
Other income									2	(8)	7
Revenues									95,746	59,373	60,204
Costs and Expenses [Abstract]
Interest expense									4,850	4,850	4,723
General and administrative expenses									9,002	8,795	8,471
Total expenses									13,852	13,645	13,194
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest									81,894	45,728	47,010
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)									2,349	2,507	1,011
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Parent									84,243	48,235	48,021
Equity in undistributed income of subsidiary									22,980	65,292	61,920
Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc.									107,223	113,527	109,941
Common Class A
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
Common stock, without par value	152,903				149,248				152,903	149,248
Common Class A | Parent Company [Member]
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
Common stock, without par value	152,903				149,248				152,903	149,248
Common Class B
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
Common stock, without par value	72				72				72	72
Common Class B | Parent Company [Member]
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
Common stock, without par value	72				72				72	72
Affiliated Entity [Member] | Parent Company [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Amounts receivable from affiliates	1,758				1,264				1,758	1,264
Revenues:
Management Fees Revenue									2,179	2,277	1,925
Subsidiaries [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Amounts receivable from affiliates	10,487				1,758				10,487	1,758
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
Amounts payable to affiliates	$ 43				$ 110				43	110
Subsidiaries [Member] | Parent Company [Member]
Revenues:
Management Fees Revenue									5,652	5,654	8,836
Dividends in form of cash [Member] | Parent Company [Member]
Revenues:
Dividends from subsidiaries (eliminated in consolidation)									$ 85,900	$ 50,000	$ 45,700

Sch II - Condensed Financial 98

Sch II - Condensed Financial Information on Registrant Cash Flow (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities	$ 239,794	$ 224,910	$ 208,758
Equity securities - available for sale	(11,057)	(23,833)	(19,178)
Short-term investments, net change	11,903	20,334	60,092
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities	(387,516)	(369,357)	(308,643)
Repayments of debt	(15,000)	0	0
Excess tax deductions on stock-based compensation	846	1,362	1,199
Repurchase of common stock, net	1,840	(584)	(8,003)
Dividends paid	(91,602)	(89,347)	(34,749)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities	151,815	97,305	170,147
Increase in cash and cash equivalents	4,093	(47,142)	70,262
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	33,583	29,490	76,632
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	29,490	76,632	6,370
Income Taxes Received, Net	20,894	27,701	22,802
Cash paid during the period for interest	4,854	4,850	4,850
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities	(4,342)	1,841	4,200
Proceeds from Maturities, Prepayments and Calls of Available-for-sale Securities	5,641	18,618	21,347
Equity securities - available for sale	(1,397)	(1,188)	(269)
Short-term investments, net change	7,078	395	17,617
Dividends from subsidiaries (eliminated in consolidation)	85,900	50,000	45,700
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities	97,222	67,825	84,395
Excess tax deductions on stock-based compensation	846	1,362	1,199
Repurchase of common stock, net	1,840	(584)	(8,003)
Capital contribution by parent to subsidiary	0	(300)	(1,000)
Dividends paid	(91,602)	(89,347)	(34,749)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities	(88,916)	(88,869)	(42,553)
Increase in cash and cash equivalents	3,964	(19,203)	46,042
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	30,803	26,839	46,042
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	26,839	46,042	0
Income Taxes Received, Net	(5,486)	(6,344)	6,927
Cash paid during the period for interest	4,850	4,850	4,850
Dividends in form of cash [Member] | Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Dividends from subsidiaries (eliminated in consolidation)	$ 85,900	$ 50,000	$ 45,700

Sch II - Condensed Financial 99

Sch II - Condensed Financial Information on Registrant Notes - Dividends and debt (Details) - Parent Company [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Dividends from subsidiaries (eliminated in consolidation)	$ 85,900	$ 50,000	$ 45,700
Dividends in form of cash [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Dividends from subsidiaries (eliminated in consolidation)	$ 85,900	$ 50,000	$ 45,700

Sch III Supplementary Insura100

Sch III Supplementary Insurance Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Supplementary Insurance Information, Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	$ 330,324	$ 335,783	$ 220,760
Supplementary Insurance Information, Liability for Future Policy Benefits, Losses, Claims and Loss Expense Reserves	6,821,890	6,427,014	6,147,935
Supplementary Insurance Information, Unearned Premiums	20,922	18,624	12,078
Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Policy Claims and Benefits Payable	595,453	594,205	590,634
Supplementary Insurance Information, Premium Revenue	308,842	305,540	293,070
Supplementary Insurance Information, Net Investment Income	404,170	391,149	382,082
Investment Income, Nonoperating	6,550	(2,691)	2,270
Supplementary Insurance Information, Benefits, Claims, Losses and Settlement Expense	416,268	393,588	374,416
Supplementary Insurance Information, Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	28,225	35,220	33,303
Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost, Amortization Expense, Net Investment Gains (Losses)	(673)	225	189
Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost, Amortization Expense, Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)	(562)	332	(125)
Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Operating Expense	107,742	108,448	104,955
Scenario, Actual [Member] | Annuity
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Supplementary Insurance Information, Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	88,762	85,819	82,778
Supplementary Insurance Information, Liability for Future Policy Benefits, Losses, Claims and Loss Expense Reserves	3,827,295	3,550,364	3,370,109
Supplementary Insurance Information, Unearned Premiums	0	0	0
Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Policy Claims and Benefits Payable	364,966	370,326	372,244
Supplementary Insurance Information, Premium Revenue	3,803	2,524	1,927
Supplementary Insurance Information, Net Investment Income	210,679	209,896	201,550
Supplementary Insurance Information, Benefits, Claims, Losses and Settlement Expense	113,543	110,356	105,669
Supplementary Insurance Information, Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	11,185	9,658	10,477
Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Operating Expense	23,733	22,456	22,275
Scenario, Actual [Member] | Life Insurance
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Supplementary Insurance Information, Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	267,545	248,333	232,020
Supplementary Insurance Information, Liability for Future Policy Benefits, Losses, Claims and Loss Expense Reserves	2,573,276	2,473,357	2,372,108
Supplementary Insurance Information, Unearned Premiums	13,526	9,719	10,111
Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Policy Claims and Benefits Payable	199,944	194,751	193,567
Supplementary Insurance Information, Premium Revenue	260,331	256,504	244,597
Supplementary Insurance Information, Net Investment Income	154,427	152,730	146,349
Supplementary Insurance Information, Benefits, Claims, Losses and Settlement Expense	261,757	253,461	238,841
Supplementary Insurance Information, Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	11,038	14,364	15,594
Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Operating Expense	75,100	76,167	72,641
Scenario, Actual [Member] | Corporate and Other
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Supplementary Insurance Information, Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	69,664	75,366	85,506
Supplementary Insurance Information, Liability for Future Policy Benefits, Losses, Claims and Loss Expense Reserves	417,524	399,203	394,536
Supplementary Insurance Information, Unearned Premiums	11,611	12,257	13,428
Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Policy Claims and Benefits Payable	30,543	29,128	24,823
Supplementary Insurance Information, Premium Revenue	44,716	46,519	46,547
Supplementary Insurance Information, Net Investment Income	32,514	31,214	31,913
Supplementary Insurance Information, Benefits, Claims, Losses and Settlement Expense	37,296	32,346	29,470
Supplementary Insurance Information, Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	6,078	11,316	6,929
Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Operating Expense	8,912	9,816	10,032
Scenario, Adjustment [Member]
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Supplementary Insurance Information, Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	(95,647)	(73,735)	(179,544)
Supplementary Insurance Information, Liability for Future Policy Benefits, Losses, Claims and Loss Expense Reserves	3,795	4,090	11,182
Supplementary Insurance Information, Unearned Premiums	(4,215)	(3,352)	(11,461)
Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Policy Claims and Benefits Payable	0	0	0
Supplementary Insurance Information, Premium Revenue	0	0	0
Unearned revenue reserve, amortization due to realized gains	(8)	(7)	(1)
Supplementary Insurance Information, Net Investment Income	0	0	0
Investment Income, Nonoperating	6,550	(2,691)	2,270
Deferred sales inducements, amortization due to realized gains losses	(32)	2	4
Deferred sales inducements, amortization due to unrealized gains losses	3,704	(2,577)	432
Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost, Amortization Expense, Net Investment Gains (Losses)	(638)	214	178
Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost, Amortization Expense, Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)	(562)	332	(125)
Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Operating Expense	0	0	0
Present Value of Future Profits, amortization due to realized gains losses	$ (3)	$ 9	$ 7

Sch IV Reinsurance (Details)

Sch IV Reinsurance (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Direct Premiums, Life Insurance in Force	$ 60,753,614	$ 59,136,803	$ 57,010,809
Ceded Premiums, Life Insurance in Force	14,258,000	14,263,000	13,837,869
Assumed Premiums, Life Insurance in Force	524,000	552,000	592,022
Premiums, Net, Life Insurance in Force	$ 47,018,695	$ 45,424,946	$ 43,764,962
Life Insurance in Force Premiums, Percentage Assumed to Net	1.10%	1.20%	1.40%
Direct Premiums Earned	$ 339,601	$ 336,718	$ 325,182
Ceded Premiums Earned	33,058	33,462	32,513
Assumed Premiums Earned	2,670	2,751	783
Premiums Earned, Net	$ 309,213	$ 306,007	$ 293,452
Premiums, Percentage Assumed to Net	0.90%	0.90%	0.30%
Interest sensitive product charges
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Direct Premiums Earned	$ 110,608	$ 113,221	$ 110,431
Ceded Premiums Earned	1,003	1,024	1,026
Assumed Premiums Earned	2,323	2,387	365
Premiums Earned, Net	$ 111,928	$ 114,584	$ 109,770
Premiums, Percentage Assumed to Net	2.10%	2.10%	0.30%
Traditional life insurance premiums
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Direct Premiums Earned	$ 222,037	$ 215,936	$ 206,701
Ceded Premiums Earned	25,470	25,344	23,819
Assumed Premiums Earned	347	364	418
Premiums Earned, Net	$ 196,914	$ 190,956	$ 183,300
Premiums, Percentage Assumed to Net	0.20%	0.20%	0.20%
Accident and health premiums
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Direct Premiums Earned	$ 6,956	$ 7,561	$ 8,050
Ceded Premiums Earned	6,585	7,094	7,668
Assumed Premiums Earned	0	0	0
Premiums Earned, Net	$ 371	$ 467	$ 382
Premiums, Percentage Assumed to Net	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%