FBL Financial (FFG) 10-Q 4 May 17 2017 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and entity information

Document and entity information Document - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	May 01, 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-Q
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float	$ 595,276,142
Common Class A
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		24,907,076
Common Class B
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		11,413

Consolidated Balance Sheet

Consolidated Balance Sheet - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Investments:
Fixed maturities - available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost: 2017 - $6,689,779; 2016 - $6,661,711)	$ 7,071,998	$ 7,008,790
Equity securities - available for sale, at fair value (cost: 2017 - $130,931; 2016 - $130,479)	137,316	132,968
Mortgage loans	855,497	816,471
Real estate	1,955	1,955
Policy loans	187,981	188,254
Short-term investments	14,264	16,348
Other investments	11,495	9,874
Total investments	8,280,506	8,174,660
Cash and cash equivalents	16,773	33,583
Securities and indebtedness of related parties	133,018	137,422
Accrued investment income	85,736	78,437
Amounts receivable from affiliates	3,361	3,790
Reinsurance recoverable	106,131	105,290
Deferred acquisition costs	322,138	330,324
Value of insurance in force acquired	8,552	9,226
Current income taxes recoverable	0	4,309
Other assets	90,831	92,021
Assets held in separate accounts	615,892	597,072
Total assets	9,662,938	9,566,134
Future policy benefits:
Interest sensitive products	5,150,113	5,100,625
Traditional life insurance and accident and health products	1,710,763	1,698,792
Other policy claims and benefits	44,539	43,395
Supplementary contracts without life contingencies	330,869	330,232
Advance premiums and other deposits	267,032	265,221
Amounts payable to affiliates	1,481	862
Long-term debt payable to non-affiliates	97,000	97,000
Current income taxes payable	1,913	0
Deferred income taxes	172,675	163,495
Other liabilities	87,965	81,182
Liabilities related to separate accounts	615,892	597,072
Total liabilities	8,480,242	8,377,876
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	165,598	149,555
Retained earnings	860,726	882,672
Total FBL Financial Group, Inc. stockholders' equity	1,182,638	1,188,202
Noncontrolling interest	58	56
Total stockholders' equity	1,182,696	1,188,258
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	9,662,938	9,566,134
Class A common stock, without par value - authorized 88,500,000 shares, issued and outstanding 24,906,547 shares in 2017 and 24,882,542 shares in 2016
FBL Financial Group, Inc. stockholders' equity:
Common stock, without par value	153,242	152,903
Class B common stock, without par value - authorized 1,500,000 shares, issued and outstanding 11,413 shares in 2017 and 2016
FBL Financial Group, Inc. stockholders' equity:
Common stock, without par value	$ 72	$ 72

Consolidated Balance Sheet Pare

Consolidated Balance Sheet Parenthetical disclosure - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis	$ 6,689,779	$ 6,661,711
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	$ 130,931	$ 130,479
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	24,917,960	24,893,955
Preferred Stock
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	5,000,000	5,000,000
Common Class A
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	88,500,000	88,500,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	24,906,547	24,882,542
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	24,906,547	24,882,542
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	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Revenues:
Interest sensitive product charges	$ 29,201	$ 28,111
Traditional life insurance premiums	48,434	50,138
Net investment income	100,994	98,385
Net realized capital gains on sales of investments	(403)	1,590
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses	(66)	(3,719)
Non-credit portion in other comprehensive income	0	1,522
Net impairment loss recognized in earnings	(66)	(2,197)
Other income	3,760	3,639
Total revenues	181,920	179,666
Benefits and expenses:
Interest sensitive product benefits	62,760	54,419
Traditional life insurance benefits	42,954	44,569
Policyholder dividends	2,553	3,040
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses	34,353	37,714
Interest expense	1,212	1,212
Other expenses	4,151	4,358
Total benefits and expenses	147,983	145,312
Income before equity method investments, income taxes and noncontrolling interest	33,937	34,354
Income taxes	(10,733)	(11,069)
Equity income, net of related income taxes	3,231	2,652
Net income	26,435	25,937
Net loss (gain) attributable to noncontrolling interest	(2)	9
Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc.	$ 26,433	$ 25,946
Earnings per common share	$ 1.05	$ 1.04
Earnings per common share - assuming dilution	1.05	1.04
Cash dividends per common share	1.94	2.42
Regular quarterly cash dividend [Member]
Benefits and expenses:
Cash dividends per common share	0.44	0.42
Special cash dividend [Member]
Benefits and expenses:
Cash dividends per common share	$ 1.50	$ 2

Consolidated Statement of Compr

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income Statement - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Net income		$ 26,435	$ 25,937
Change in net unrealized investment gains/losses	[1]	15,861	72,203
Non-credit impairment losses	[1]	0	(952)
Change in underfunded status of other postretirement benefit plans	[1]	182	135
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax	[1]	16,043	71,386
Comprehensive income		42,478	97,323
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		(2)	9
Comprehensive income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc.		$ 42,476	$ 97,332
[1]	Other comprehensive income is recorded net of deferred income taxes and other adjustments for assumed changes in deferred acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserve and policyholder liabilities.

Consolidated Statements of Chan

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholder's Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total		Preferred Stock	Common Stock	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Retained Earnings	Noncontrolling Interest
Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 1,134,474		$ 3,000	$ 149,320	$ 114,532	$ 867,574	$ 48
Net income	25,937					25,946	(9)
Other comprehensive income	71,386	[1]			71,386
Issurance of common stock under compensation plans	1,535			1,535
Purchase of common stock	(40)			(4)		(36)
Dividends on preferred stock	(38)					(38)
Dividends on common stock	(60,105)					(60,105)
Receipts related to noncontrolling interest	3						3
Balance at Mar. 31, 2016	1,173,152		3,000	150,851	185,918	833,341	42
Balance at Dec. 31, 2016	1,188,258		3,000	152,975	149,555	882,672	56
Net income	26,435					26,433	2
Other comprehensive income	16,043	[1]			16,043
Issurance of common stock under compensation plans	339			339
Dividends on preferred stock	(38)					(38)
Dividends on common stock	(48,341)					(48,341)
Balance at Mar. 31, 2017	$ 1,182,696		$ 3,000	$ 153,314	$ 165,598	$ 860,726	$ 58
[1]	Other comprehensive income is recorded net of deferred income taxes and other adjustments for assumed changes in deferred acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserve and policyholder liabilities.

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Operating activities
Net income	$ 26,435	$ 25,937
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Interest credited to account balances	40,256	37,317
Charges for mortality, surrenders and administration	(28,887)	(27,603)
Net realized losses on investments	469	607
Change in fair value of derivatives	(2,753)	1,582
Increase in liabilities for life insurance and other future policy benefits	17,993	20,715
Deferral of policy acquisition costs	(10,604)	(9,941)
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs and value of insurance in force	7,598	10,224
Change in reinsurance recoverable	(841)	(1,049)
Provision for deferred income taxes	542	1,213
Other	4,590	(11,603)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	54,798	47,399
Sales, maturities or repayments:
Fixed maturities - available for sale	106,257	102,822
Equity securities - available for sale	744	600
Mortgage loans	11,024	9,007
Derivative instruments	3,052	65
Policy loans	10,266	9,185
Securities and indebtedness of related parties	2,391	5,866
Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Other Investments	7	0
Acquisitions:
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale	(118,948)	(103,354)
Equity securities - available for sale	(1,102)	(1,326)
Mortgage loans	(50,000)	(34,057)
Derivative instruments	(1,988)	(1,715)
Policy loans	(9,993)	(10,360)
Securities and indebtedness of related parties	(3,712)	(2,219)
Short-term investments, net change	2,084	14,928
Purchases and disposals of property and equipment, net	(2,270)	(1,427)
Net cash used in investing activities	(52,188)	(11,985)
Financing activities
Contract holder account deposits	116,760	127,190
Contract holder account withdrawals	(87,929)	(94,709)
Repayments of debt	0	(15,000)
Receipts related to noncontrolling interests, net	0	3
Excess tax deductions on stock-based compensation	0	244
Proceeds from (Repurchase of) Equity	128	958
Dividends paid	(48,379)	(60,143)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(19,420)	(41,457)
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(16,810)	(6,043)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	33,583	29,490
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	16,773	23,447
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
Cash paid during the period for interest	1,213	1,216
Cash paid during the period for income taxes	$ 2	$ (1)

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies	Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of FBL Financial Group, Inc. (we or the Company) have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. Our financial statements include all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) necessary for a fair presentation of our financial position and results of operations. Operating results for the quarter ended March 31, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2017 . We encourage you to refer to the notes to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 for a complete description of our material accounting policies. Also included in the Form 10-K is a description of areas of judgments and estimates and other information necessary to understand our financial position and results of operations. Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements In March 2016, the FASB issued guidance that impacts the accounting for share-based compensation, 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 new guidance, which we adopted prospectively on January 1, 2017, resulted in a $0.4 million ($0.02 per basic and diluted common share) federal income tax benefit during the first quarter of 2017. Prior periods were not restated. Other impacts of this guidance were immaterial. Recent Accounting Pronouncements 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 the fair value of 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 an 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 will 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 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.

Investment Operations

Investment Operations	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Investment Operations [Abstract]
Investment Operations	Investment Operations Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities by Investment Category March 31, 2017 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) $ 3,525,273 $ 243,375 $ (37,057 ) $ 3,731,591 $ (845 ) Residential mortgage-backed 402,572 30,983 (2,135 ) 431,420 86 Commercial mortgage-backed 575,533 31,364 (3,788 ) 603,109 — Other asset-backed 758,251 11,169 (7,384 ) 762,036 2,253 United States Government and agencies 29,914 1,535 (87 ) 31,362 — State and political subdivisions 1,398,236 119,743 (5,499 ) 1,512,480 — Total fixed maturities $ 6,689,779 $ 438,169 $ (55,950 ) $ 7,071,998 $ 1,494 Equity securities: Non-redeemable preferred stocks $ 100,042 $ 7,074 $ (867 ) $ 106,249 Common stocks 30,889 178 — 31,067 Total equity securities $ 130,931 $ 7,252 $ (867 ) $ 137,316 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 and political subdivisions 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 (1) Non-credit losses, subsequent to the initial impairment measurement date, on other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) losses are included in the gross unrealized gains and gross unrealized losses columns above. The non-credit loss component of OTTI losses for residential mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities were in an unrealized gain position at March 31, 2017 and other asset-backed securities at December 31, 2016 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 $23.5 million at March 31, 2017 and $23.3 million at December 31, 2016 . Corporate securities also include redeemable preferred stock with a fair value of $25.4 million at March 31, 2017 and $24.5 million at December 31, 2016 . Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturities by Maturity Date March 31, 2017 Amortized Cost Fair Value (Dollars in thousands) Due in one year or less $ 119,546 $ 121,968 Due after one year through five years 767,921 824,933 Due after five years through ten years 735,058 770,322 Due after ten years 3,330,898 3,558,210 4,953,423 5,275,433 Mortgage-backed and other asset-backed 1,736,356 1,796,565 Total fixed maturities $ 6,689,779 $ 7,071,998 Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Fixed maturities not due at a single maturity date have been included in the above table in the year of final contractual maturity. Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income March 31, December 31, (Dollars in thousands) Net unrealized appreciation on: Fixed maturities - available for sale $ 382,219 $ 347,079 Equity securities - available for sale 6,385 2,489 388,604 349,568 Adjustments for assumed changes in amortization pattern of: Deferred acquisition costs (108,091 ) (95,647 ) Value of insurance in force acquired (12,511 ) (12,382 ) Unearned revenue reserve 7,132 4,215 Adjustments for assumed changes in policyholder liabilities (8,772 ) (3,795 ) Provision for deferred income taxes (93,226 ) (84,684 ) Net unrealized investment gains $ 173,136 $ 157,275 Net unrealized investment gains and losses are recorded net of deferred income taxes and other adjustments for assumed changes in deferred acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserve and policyholder liabilities. Subsequent changes in the fair value of securities for which a previous non-credit OTTI loss was recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income, are reported along with changes in fair value for which no OTTI losses were previously recognized. Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities with Unrealized Losses by Length of Time March 31, 2017 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 $ 552,242 $ (15,632 ) $ 191,346 $ (21,425 ) $ 743,588 $ (37,057 ) 66.2 % Residential mortgage-backed 64,007 (991 ) 19,958 (1,144 ) 83,965 (2,135 ) 3.8 Commercial mortgage-backed 106,739 (3,165 ) 6,512 (623 ) 113,251 (3,788 ) 6.8 Other asset-backed 287,708 (3,930 ) 75,498 (3,454 ) 363,206 (7,384 ) 13.2 United States Government and agencies 7,377 (87 ) — — 7,377 (87 ) 0.2 State and political subdivisions 112,750 (5,499 ) — — 112,750 (5,499 ) 9.8 Total fixed maturities $ 1,130,823 $ (29,304 ) $ 293,314 $ (26,646 ) $ 1,424,137 $ (55,950 ) 100.0 % Equity securities: Non-redeemable preferred stocks $ 7,869 $ (111 ) $ 9,244 $ (756 ) $ 17,113 $ (867 ) Total equity securities $ 7,869 $ (111 ) $ 9,244 $ (756 ) $ 17,113 $ (867 ) 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 and political subdivisions 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 ) Fixed maturities in the above tables include 428 securities from 332 issuers at March 31, 2017 and 516 securities from 404 issuers at December 31, 2016 . Unrealized losses decreased during the three months ended March 31, 2017 primarily due to a decrease in treasury rates as well as a decrease in credit spreads. 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 March 31, 2017 . 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 $2.0 million at March 31, 2017 . With respect to mortgage- and asset-backed securities not backed by the United States Government, our largest aggregate unrealized loss from the same issuer at March 31, 2017 was $0.7 million , consisting of a non-investment grade security that is backed by trust preferred securities. As described more fully in Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, we perform a regular evaluation of all investment classes for impairment, including fixed maturity securities and equity securities, in order to evaluate whether such investments are OTTI. Credit Loss Component of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments on Fixed Maturities Three months ended March 31, 2017 2016 (Dollars in thousands) Balance at beginning of period $ (14,500 ) $ (11,498 ) Increases to previously impaired investments — (2,172 ) Reductions due to investments sold 349 310 Reduction for credit loss that no longer has a portion of the OTTI loss recognized in other comprehensive income 587 — Balance at end of period $ (13,564 ) $ (13,360 ) The table above sets forth the amount of credit loss impairments on fixed maturities held by the Company as of the dates indicated for which a portion of the OTTI was recognized in other comprehensive income and corresponding changes in such amounts. Credit loss impairments with no portion of the loss recognized in other comprehensive income, such as securities for which OTTI was measured at fair value, are excluded from the table. Realized Gains (Losses) - Recorded in Income Three months ended March 31, 2017 2016 (Dollars in thousands) Realized gains (losses) on sales of investments Fixed maturities: Gross gains $ 124 $ 1,590 Gross losses (527 ) — (403 ) 1,590 Impairment losses recognized in earnings: Credit-related portion of fixed maturity losses (1) — (2,172 ) Other credit-related (2) (66 ) (25 ) Net realized losses on investments recorded in income $ (469 ) $ (607 ) (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 and fixed maturities written down to fair value through income. Proceeds from sales of fixed maturities totaled $9.4 million during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and $8.9 million during the three months ended March 31, 2016 . Realized gains and losses on sales of investments are determined on the basis of specific identification. 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 March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , there were no non-performing loans over 90 days past due on contractual payments. 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. At March 31, 2017, we had committed to provide additional funding for mortgage loans totaling $30.5 million . These commitments arose in the normal course of business at terms that are comparable to similar investments. Mortgage Loans by Collateral Type March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Collateral Type Carrying Value Percent of Total Carrying Value Percent of Total (Dollars in thousands) Office $ 373,360 43.6 % $ 361,088 44.2 % Retail 271,440 31.7 240,602 29.5 Industrial 151,983 17.8 154,005 18.9 Other 58,714 6.9 60,776 7.4 Total $ 855,497 100.0 % $ 816,471 100.0 % Mortgage Loans by Geographic Location within the United States March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Region of the United States Carrying Value Percent of Total Carrying Value Percent of Total (Dollars in thousands) South Atlantic $ 270,544 31.6 % $ 266,019 32.6 % West North Central 129,020 15.1 105,753 12.9 Pacific 111,255 13.0 104,337 12.8 East North Central 88,264 10.3 91,550 11.2 West South Central 83,628 9.8 74,258 9.1 Mountain 78,577 9.2 79,707 9.8 Other 94,209 11.0 94,847 11.6 Total $ 855,497 100.0 % $ 816,471 100.0 % Mortgage Loans by Loan-to-Value Ratio March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Loan-to-Value Ratio Carrying Value Percent of Total Carrying Value Percent of Total (Dollars in thousands) 0% - 50% $ 309,244 36.1 % $ 274,953 33.7 % 51% - 60% 204,068 23.9 210,555 25.8 61% - 70% 239,884 28.0 233,216 28.5 71% - 80% 72,247 8.5 67,607 8.3 81% - 90% 30,054 3.5 30,140 3.7 Total $ 855,497 100.0 % $ 816,471 100.0 % 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 March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Year of Origination Carrying Value Percent of Total Carrying Value Percent of Total (Dollars in thousands) 2017 $ 49,914 5.8 % $ — — % 2016 157,862 18.5 158,817 19.4 2015 148,316 17.3 149,302 18.3 2014 80,057 9.4 80,771 9.9 2013 69,212 8.1 69,887 8.6 2012 and prior 350,136 40.9 357,694 43.8 Total $ 855,497 100.0 % $ 816,471 100.0 % Impaired Mortgage Loans March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 (Dollars in thousands) Unpaid principal balance $ 19,271 $ 21,459 Less: Related allowance (663 ) (713 ) Carrying value of impaired mortgage loans $ 18,608 $ 20,746 Allowance on Mortgage Loans Three months ended March 31, 2017 2016 (Dollars in thousands) Balance at beginning of period $ 713 $ 851 Charge offs (50 ) — Balance at end of period $ 663 $ 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 the three months ended March 31, 2017 or 2016. Low Income Housing Tax Credit Investments (LIHTC) We invest in non-guaranteed federal LIHTC, which are included in securities and indebtedness of related parties on the balance sheet. The carrying value of these investments totaled $90.2 million at March 31, 2017 and $91.3 million at December 31, 2016. There were no impairment losses recorded on these investments during the first quarter of 2017 or 2016. 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 Three months ended March 31, 2017 2016 (Dollars in thousands) Equity losses from LIHTC $ (1,805 ) $ (1,539 ) Income tax benefits: Tax benefits from equity losses 632 539 Investment tax credits 3,529 3,450 Equity income from LIHTC, net of related income tax benefits $ 2,356 $ 2,450 At March 31, 2017 , 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 $35.9 million , including $3.1 million for LIHTC commitments, which are summarized by year in the following table. LIHTC Commitments by Year March 31, 2017 (Dollars in thousands) 2017 $ 2,164 2018 590 2019-2024 315 Total $ 3,069 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. 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 March 31, 2017 or December 31, 2016. Based on this analysis, none of our VIEs were required to be consolidated for any reporting periods presented in this Form 10-Q. VIE Investments by Category March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Carrying Value Maximum Exposure to Loss Carrying Value Maximum Exposure to Loss (Dollars in thousands) LIHTC $ 90,171 $ 93,240 $ 91,255 $ 95,058 Investment companies 19,576 47,474 23,379 45,569 Real estate limited partnerships 10,908 14,214 10,790 14,558 Other 584 2,189 429 2,034 Total $ 121,239 $ 157,117 $ 125,853 $ 157,219 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 amortized cost 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 March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 (Dollars in thousands) Assets Freestanding derivatives: Call options (reported in other investments) $ 10,660 $ 9,360 Embedded derivatives: Modified coinsurance (reported in reinsurance recoverable) 2,088 3,411 Interest-only security (reported in fixed maturities) 3,058 3,374 Total assets $ 15,806 $ 16,145 Liabilities Embedded derivatives: Indexed annuity and universal life products (reported in liability for future policy benefits) $ 18,587 $ 15,778 Modified coinsurance agreements (reported in other liabilities) 201 114 Total liabilities $ 18,788 $ 15,892 Derivative Income (Loss) Three months ended March 31, 2017 2016 (Dollars in thousands) Change in fair value of free standing derivatives: Call options $ 973 $ 660 Change in fair value of embedded derivatives: Modified coinsurance agreements (1,410 ) 161 Interest-only security (21 ) 245 Indexed annuity and universal life products 409 (1,168 ) Call option amortization (1,660 ) (1,139 ) Call option proceeds 3,052 65 Total income (loss) from derivatives $ 1,343 $ (1,176 ) 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. We are exposed to credit losses in the event of nonperformance of the derivative counterparties. This credit risk is minimized by purchasing such agreements from financial institutions with high credit ratings (currently rated A- or better by nationally recognized statistical rating organizations). We have also entered into credit support agreements with the counterparties requiring them to post collateral when net exposures exceed pre-determined thresholds that vary by counterparty. The net amount of such exposure is essentially the market value less collateral held for such agreements with each counterparty. The call options are supported by securities collateral received of $6.8 million at March 31, 2017 , 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 March 31, 2017 , none of the collateral had been sold or re-pledged. As of March 31, 2017, our net derivative exposure was $3.9 million .

Fair Values

Fair Values	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Fair Values [Abstract]
Fair Value	Fair Values The carrying and estimated fair values of our financial instruments are as follows: Fair Values and Carrying Values March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value (Dollars in thousands) Assets Fixed maturities - available for sale $ 7,071,998 $ 7,071,998 $ 7,008,790 $ 7,008,790 Equity securities - available for sale 137,316 137,316 132,968 132,968 Mortgage loans 855,497 877,631 816,471 840,337 Policy loans 187,981 230,685 188,254 230,656 Other investments 11,438 12,622 9,809 11,272 Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments 31,037 31,037 49,931 49,931 Reinsurance recoverable 2,088 2,088 3,411 3,411 Assets held in separate accounts 615,892 615,892 597,072 597,072 Fair Values and Carrying Values (continued) March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value (Dollars in thousands) Liabilities Future policy benefits $ 4,084,977 $ 3,975,825 $ 4,044,148 $ 3,903,177 Supplementary contracts without life contingencies 330,869 334,089 330,232 330,633 Advance premiums and other deposits 258,220 258,220 257,171 257,171 Long-term debt 97,000 69,840 97,000 67,599 Other liabilities 201 201 114 114 Liabilities related to separate accounts 615,892 612,854 597,072 593,760 Fair value is based on an exit price, which is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. As not all financial instruments are actively traded, various valuation methods may be used to estimate fair value. These methods rely on observable market data and where observable market data is not available, the best information available. Significant judgment may be required to interpret the data and select the assumptions used in the valuation estimates, particularly when observable market data is not available. In the discussion that follows, we have ranked our financial instruments by the level of judgment used in the determination of the fair values presented above. The levels are defined as follows: • Level 1 - Fair values are based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. • Level 2 - Fair values are based on inputs, other than quoted prices from active markets, that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. • Level 3 - Fair values are based on significant unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, a financial instrument's level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the financial instrument. From time to time there may be movements between levels as inputs become more or less observable, which may depend on several factors including the activity of the market for the specific security, the activity of the market for similar securities, the level of risk spreads and the source from which we obtain the information. Transfers into or out of any level are measured as of the beginning of the period. The following methods and assumptions were used in estimating the fair value of our financial instruments: Fixed maturities: Level 1 fixed maturities consist of U.S. Treasury issues that are actively traded, allowing us to use current market prices as an estimate of their fair value. Level 2 fixed maturities consist of corporate, mortgage- and asset-backed, United States Government agencies, state and political subdivisions 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 Government sponsored agencies, state and political subdivisions 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 fluctuations 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. Indexed 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. Long-term debt: Long-term debt is not measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Long-term debt is a Level 3 measurement. The fair value of our outstanding debt is estimated using a discounted cash flow method based on the market's assessment or our current incremental borrowing rate for similar types of borrowing arrangements adjusted, as needed, to reflect our credit risk. Our selection of the credit spread requires significant judgment. A decrease in the spread will increase the estimated fair value of the outstanding debt. Other liabilities: Level 2 other liabilities include the embedded derivatives in our modified coinsurance contracts under which we cede business. Fair values for the embedded derivatives are based on the difference between the fair value and the cost basis of the underlying fixed maturities. Liabilities related to separate accounts: Separate account liabilities are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Level 3 separate account liabilities' fair value is based on the cash surrender value of the underlying contract, which is the cost we would incur to extinguish the liability. Valuation of our Financial Instruments Measured on a Recurring Basis by Hierarchy Levels March 31, 2017 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 $ — $ 3,688,638 $ 42,953 $ 3,731,591 Residential mortgage-backed securities — 416,113 15,307 431,420 Commercial mortgage-backed securities — 535,533 67,576 603,109 Other asset-backed securities — 702,783 59,253 762,036 United States Government and agencies 11,594 19,768 — 31,362 State and political subdivisions — 1,512,480 — 1,512,480 Non-redeemable preferred stocks — 98,608 7,641 106,249 Common stocks 3,916 27,151 — 31,067 Other investments — 10,661 — 10,661 Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments 31,037 — — 31,037 Reinsurance recoverable — 2,088 — 2,088 Assets held in separate accounts 615,892 — — 615,892 Total assets $ 662,439 $ 7,013,823 $ 192,730 $ 7,868,992 Liabilities Future policy benefits - indexed product embedded derivatives $ — $ — $ 18,587 $ 18,587 Other liabilities — 201 — 201 Total liabilities $ — $ 201 $ 18,587 $ 18,788 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 and political subdivisions — 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 product embedded derivatives $ — $ — $ 15,778 $ 15,778 Other liabilities — 114 — 114 Total liabilities $ — $ 114 $ 15,778 $ 15,892 Level 3 Fixed Maturities by Valuation Source - Recurring Basis March 31, 2017 Third-party vendors Priced Total (Dollars in thousands) Corporate securities $ 11,999 $ 30,954 $ 42,953 Residential mortgage-backed securities 15,307 — 15,307 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 67,576 — 67,576 Other asset-backed securities 48,575 10,678 59,253 Total $ 143,457 $ 41,632 $ 185,089 Percent of total 77.5 % 22.5 % 100.0 % December 31, 2016 Third-party vendors Priced internally 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 % Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements - Recurring Basis March 31, 2017 Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range (Weighted Average) (Dollars in thousands) Assets Corporate securities $ 29,581 Discounted cash flow Credit spread 0.52% - 4.75% (3.08%) Commercial mortgage-backed 67,576 Discounted cash flow Credit spread 1.80% - 4.10% (2.93%) Other asset-backed securities 7,933 Discounted cash flow Credit spread 1.55% - 4.78% (3.41%) Non-redeemable preferred stocks 7,641 Discounted cash flow Credit spread 3.74% (3.74%) Total assets $ 112,731 Liabilities Future policy benefits - indexed product embedded derivatives $ 18,587 Discounted cash flow Credit risk Risk margin 0.65% - 1.90% (1.20%) 0.15% - 0.40% (0.25%) 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 product embedded derivatives $ 15,778 Discounted cash flow Credit risk 0.80% - 2.00% (1.25%) 0.15% - 0.40% (0.25%) The tables above exclude certain securities for which the fair value was based on non-binding broker quotes where we could not reasonably obtain the quantitative unobservable inputs. Level 3 Financial Instruments Changes in Fair Value - Recurring Basis March 31, 2017 Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net Balance, December 31, 2016 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, March 31, 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Assets Corporate securities $ 59,119 $ — $ (1,298 ) $ — $ (705 ) $ 4,408 $ (18,561 ) $ (10 ) $ 42,953 Residential mortgage-backed securities — 15,307 — — (1 ) — — 1 15,307 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 81,434 — (211 ) — 919 — (14,544 ) (22 ) 67,576 Other asset-backed securities 54,368 12,944 (3,022 ) — 193 7,964 (13,184 ) (10 ) 59,253 Non-redeemable preferred stocks 7,411 — — — 230 — — — 7,641 Total assets $ 202,332 $ 28,251 $ (4,531 ) $ — $ 636 $ 12,372 $ (46,289 ) $ (41 ) $ 192,730 Liabilities Future policy benefits - indexed product embedded derivatives $ 15,778 $ 911 $ (318 ) $ 2,216 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 18,587 Level 3 Financial Instruments Changes in Fair Value - Recurring Basis March 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, March 31, 2016 (Dollars in thousands) Assets Corporate securities $ 49,076 $ 2,000 $ (2,180 ) $ — $ (1,584 ) $ 9,354 $ (7,125 ) $ (9 ) $ 49,532 Residential mortgage-backed securities 3,729 — (3,722 ) — (137 ) — — 130 — Commercial mortgage-backed securities 88,180 — (219 ) — 2,487 — (1,335 ) 45 89,158 Other asset-backed securities 55,557 12,999 (807 ) — 147 920 (10,762 ) 2 58,056 United States Government and agencies 8,726 — — — 186 — — 2 8,914 State and political subdivisions — — — — 108 2,393 — — 2,501 Non-redeemable preferred stocks 7,471 — — — 115 — — — 7,586 Total assets $ 212,739 $ 14,999 $ (6,928 ) $ — $ 1,322 $ 12,667 $ (19,222 ) $ 170 $ 215,747 Liabilities Future policy benefits - indexed product embedded derivatives $ 9,374 $ 1,208 $ (314 ) $ 382 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 10,650 (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 Level 2 valuation sources become available. During the first quarter of 2017 pricing from level 2 sources became available for $33.1 million of seasoned securities previously valued by brokers, accordingly in following our pricing decision waterfall we moved to a level 2 source. There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the periods presented above. Valuation of our Financial Instruments Not Reported at Fair Value by Hierarchy Levels March 31, 2017 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 $ — $ — $ 877,631 $ 877,631 Policy loans — — 230,685 230,685 Other investments — — 1,961 1,961 Total assets $ — $ — $ 1,110,277 $ 1,110,277 Liabilities Future policy benefits $ — $ — $ 3,957,238 $ 3,957,238 Supplementary contracts without life contingencies — — 334,089 334,089 Advance premiums and other deposits — — 258,220 258,220 Long-term debt — — 69,840 69,840 Liabilities related to separate accounts — — 612,854 612,854 Total liabilities $ — $ — $ 5,232,241 $ 5,232,241 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 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 the quarters ended March 31, 2017 or March 31, 2016.

Defined Benefit Plan

Defined Benefit Plan	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Defined Benefit Plan [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan	Defined Benefit Plan We participate with several affiliates and an unaffiliated organization in various defined benefit plans, including a multiemployer plan. Our share of net periodic pension cost for the plans is recorded as expense in our consolidated statements of operations. Components of Net Periodic Pension Cost for FBL and Affiliates Combined - Multiemployer Plan Three months ended March 31, 2017 2016 (Dollars in thousands) Service cost $ 1,388 $ 1,448 Interest cost 3,531 3,612 Expected return on assets (4,796 ) (4,466 ) Amortization of prior service cost 33 36 Amortization of actuarial loss 2,530 2,358 Net periodic pension cost $ 2,686 $ 2,988 FBL Financial Group, Inc. share of net periodic pension costs $ 851 $ 952 Components of Net Periodic Pension Cost for FBL and Affiliates Combined - Other Plans Three months ended March 31, 2017 2016 (Dollars in thousands) Service cost $ 109 $ 84 Interest cost 251 241 Amortization of actuarial loss 293 230 Net periodic pension cost $ 653 $ 555 FBL Financial Group, Inc. share of net periodic pension costs $ 388 $ 315

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies Legal Proceedings In the normal course of business, we may be involved in litigation in which damages are alleged that are substantially in excess of contractual policy benefits or certain other agreements. In recent years, companies in the life insurance and annuity business have faced litigation, including class action lawsuits, alleging improper product design, improper sales practices and similar claims. We are not aware of any claims threatened or pending against FBL Financial Group, Inc. or any of its subsidiaries for which a material loss is reasonably possible.

Stockholders Equity

Stockholders Equity	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity Note	Stockholders' Equity Share Repurchases Our Board of Directors approved a program to repurchase our Class A common stock. The repurchase program authorizes 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. In connection with the Class A repurchase program, we made no repurchases during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and repurchased 720 shares for less than $0.1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2016 . At March 31, 2017 , $49.5 million remains available for repurchase under the repurchase program. 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 that we will repurchase. The share repurchase program may be modified or terminated at any time without prior notice. Special Dividends In March 2017, the Board of Directors approved a special $1.50 per share cash dividend payable to Class A and Class B common shareholders totaling $37.4 million . In March 2016, the Board of Directors approved a special $2.00 per share cash dividend payable to Class A and Class B common shareholders totaling $49.7 million . Reconciliation of Outstanding Common Stock Class A Class B Total Shares Dollars Shares Dollars Shares Dollars (Dollars in thousands) Outstanding at January 1, 2016 24,796,763 $ 149,248 11,413 $ 72 24,808,176 $ 149,320 Issuance of common stock under compensation plans 44,850 1,535 — — 44,850 1,535 Purchase of common stock (720 ) (4 ) — — (720 ) (4 ) Outstanding at March 31, 2016 24,840,893 $ 150,779 11,413 $ 72 24,852,306 $ 150,851 Outstanding at January 1, 2017 24,882,542 $ 152,903 11,413 $ 72 24,893,955 $ 152,975 Issuance of common stock under compensation plans 24,005 339 — — 24,005 339 Outstanding at March 31, 2017 24,906,547 $ 153,242 11,413 $ 72 24,917,960 $ 153,314 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax and Other Offsets Unrealized Net Investment Gains (Losses) on Available For Sale Securities (1) Accumulated Non-Credit Impairment Losses Underfunded Status of Postretirement Benefit Plans Total (Dollars in thousands) Balance at January 1, 2016 $ 120,787 $ (114 ) $ (6,141 ) $ 114,532 Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications 71,283 1,991 — 73,274 Reclassification adjustments (1,071 ) (952 ) 135 (1,888 ) Balance at March 31, 2016 $ 190,999 $ 925 $ (6,006 ) $ 185,918 Balance at January 1, 2017 $ 156,963 $ 311 $ (7,719 ) $ 149,555 Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 14,834 660 — 15,494 Reclassification adjustments 368 — 181 549 Balance at March 31, 2017 $ 172,165 $ 971 $ (7,538 ) $ 165,598 (1) Includes the impact of taxes, deferred acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserves and policyholder liabilities. See Note 2 for further information. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassification Adjustments Three months ended March 31, 2017 Unrealized Net Investment Gains (Losses) on Available For Sale Securities (1) Accumulated Non-Credit Impairment Losses (1) Underfunded Status of Postretirement Benefit Plans Total (Dollars in thousands) Realized capital losses on sales of investments $ 403 $ — $ — $ 403 Adjustments for assumed changes in deferred policy acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserve and policyholder liabilities 163 — — 163 Other expenses - change in unrecognized postretirement items: Net actuarial loss — — 279 279 Reclassifications before income taxes 566 — 279 845 Income taxes (198 ) — (98 ) (296 ) Reclassification adjustments $ 368 $ — $ 181 $ 549 Three months ended March 31, 2016 Unrealized Net Investment Gains (Losses) on Available For Sale Securities (1) Accumulated Non-Credit Impairment Losses (1) Underfunded Status of Postretirement Benefit Plans Total (Dollars in thousands) Realized capital gains on sales of investments $ (1,590 ) $ — $ — $ (1,590 ) Adjustments for assumed changes in deferred policy acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserve and policyholder liabilities (58 ) 58 — — Other than temporary impairment losses — (1,522 ) — (1,522 ) Other expenses - change in unrecognized postretirement items: Net actuarial loss — — 208 208 Reclassifications before income taxes (1,648 ) (1,464 ) 208 (2,904 ) Income taxes 577 512 (73 ) 1,016 Reclassification adjustments $ (1,071 ) $ (952 ) $ 135 $ (1,888 ) (1) See Note 2 for further information.

Earnings per Share

Earnings per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	Earnings per Share Computation of Earnings per Common Share Three months ended March 31, 2017 2016 (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) Numerator: Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc. $ 26,433 $ 25,946 Less: Dividends on Series B preferred stock 38 38 Income available to common stockholders $ 26,395 $ 25,908 Denominator: Weighted average shares - basic 25,030,462 24,949,840 Effect of dilutive securities - stock-based compensation 21,914 57,957 Weighted average shares - diluted 25,052,376 25,007,797 Earnings per common share $ 1.05 $ 1.04 Earnings per common share - assuming dilution: $ 1.05 $ 1.04 There were no antidilutive stock options outstanding in either period presented.

Segment Information

Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Segment Information [Abstract]
Segment Information	Segment Information We analyze operations by reviewing financial information regarding our primary products that are aggregated into the Annuity and Life Insurance product segments. In addition, our Corporate and Other segment includes various support operations, corporate capital and other product lines that are not currently underwritten by the Company. We 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 derivatives 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. In the fourth quarter of 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 related to changes in interest sensitive product reserves. These offsets, net of tax, increased operating income $0.4 million in the first quarter of 2017. These offsets, net of tax, not taken into account in the computation of operating income for the first quarter of 2016 would have increased operating income by an amount less than $0.1 million . Reconciliation Between Net Income and Operating Income Three months ended March 31, 2017 2016 (Dollars in thousands) Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc. $ 26,433 $ 25,946 Operating income adjustments: Realized gains/losses on investments (1) 554 397 Change in net unrealized gains/losses on derivatives (1) 1 (25 ) Operating income $ 26,988 $ 26,318 Financial Information Concerning our Operating Segments Three months ended March 31, 2017 2016 (Dollars in thousands) Pre-tax operating income: Annuity $ 16,421 $ 17,148 Life Insurance 13,749 14,071 Corporate and Other 4,162 2,489 Total pre-tax on operating income 34,332 33,708 Income taxes on operating income (7,344 ) (7,390 ) Operating income $ 26,988 $ 26,318 Operating revenues: Annuity $ 55,051 $ 52,179 Life Insurance 104,143 103,603 Corporate and Other 23,666 23,424 182,860 179,206 Net realized losses on investments (1) (481 ) (607 ) Change in net unrealized gains/losses on derivatives (1) (459 ) 1,067 Consolidated revenues $ 181,920 $ 179,666 (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. Interest expense is attributable to the Corporate and Other segment. Expenditures for long-lived assets were not significant during the periods presented above. Goodwill at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 was allocated among the segments as follows: Annuity ( $3.9 million ) and Life Insurance ( $6.1 million ). Prior to 2017, securities and indebtedness of related parties were attributable to the Corporate and Other segment. During the first quarter of 2017, we assigned a portion of our investments held in securities and indebtedness of related parties to the Life Insurance segment. The following chart provides the related equity income (loss) by segment. Equity Income (Loss) by Operating Segment Three months ended March 31, 2017 2016 (Dollars in thousands) Pre-tax equity income (loss): Life Insurance $ 1,166 $ — Corporate and Other (1,624 ) (1,228 ) Total pre-tax equity loss (458 ) (1,228 ) Income taxes 3,689 3,880 Equity income, net of related income taxes $ 3,231 $ 2,652 Premiums collected, which is not a measure used in financial statements prepared according to GAAP, includes premiums received on life insurance policies and deposits on annuities and universal life-type products. Premiums collected is a common life insurance industry measure of agent productivity. Net premiums collected totaled $169.9 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2017 and $173.2 million for the same period in 2016 . Under GAAP, premiums on whole life and term life policies are recognized as revenues over the premium-paying period and reported in the Life Insurance segment. The following chart provides a reconciliation of life insurance premiums collected to those reported in the GAAP financial statements. Reconciliation of Traditional Life Insurance Premiums, Net of Reinsurance Three months ended March 31, 2017 2016 (Dollars in thousands) Traditional and universal life insurance premiums collected $ 73,573 $ 71,713 Premiums collected on interest sensitive products (24,715 ) (21,036 ) Traditional life insurance premiums collected 48,858 50,677 Change in due premiums and other (424 ) (539 ) Traditional life insurance premiums as included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations $ 48,434 $ 50,138 There is no comparable GAAP financial measure for premiums collected on annuities and universal life-type products. GAAP revenues for those interest sensitive and variable products consist of various policy charges and fees assessed on those contracts, as summarized in the chart below. Interest Sensitive Product Charges by Segment Three months ended March 31, 2017 2016 (Dollars in thousands) Annuity Surrender charges and other $ 1,135 $ 942 Life Insurance Administration charges $ 3,864 $ 3,504 Cost of insurance charges 12,035 11,825 Surrender charges 525 216 Amortization of policy initiation fees 664 228 Total $ 17,088 $ 15,773 Corporate and Other Administration charges $ 1,425 $ 1,441 Cost of insurance charges 7,325 7,516 Surrender charges 52 26 Separate account charges 2,003 1,978 Amortization of policy initiation fees 173 435 Total $ 10,978 $ 11,396 Interest sensitive product charges as included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations $ 29,201 $ 28,111

Investment Operations (Tables)

Investment Operations (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Investment Operations [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities [Table Text Block]	Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities by Investment Category March 31, 2017 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) $ 3,525,273 $ 243,375 $ (37,057 ) $ 3,731,591 $ (845 ) Residential mortgage-backed 402,572 30,983 (2,135 ) 431,420 86 Commercial mortgage-backed 575,533 31,364 (3,788 ) 603,109 — Other asset-backed 758,251 11,169 (7,384 ) 762,036 2,253 United States Government and agencies 29,914 1,535 (87 ) 31,362 — State and political subdivisions 1,398,236 119,743 (5,499 ) 1,512,480 — Total fixed maturities $ 6,689,779 $ 438,169 $ (55,950 ) $ 7,071,998 $ 1,494 Equity securities: Non-redeemable preferred stocks $ 100,042 $ 7,074 $ (867 ) $ 106,249 Common stocks 30,889 178 — 31,067 Total equity securities $ 130,931 $ 7,252 $ (867 ) $ 137,316 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 and political subdivisions 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 (1) Non-credit losses, subsequent to the initial impairment measurement date, on other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) losses are included in the gross unrealized gains and gross unrealized losses columns above. The non-credit loss component of OTTI losses for residential mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities were in an unrealized gain position at March 31, 2017 and other asset-backed securities at December 31, 2016 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 $23.5 million at March 31, 2017 and $23.3 million at December 31, 2016 . Corporate securities also include redeemable preferred stock with a fair value of $25.4 million at March 31, 2017 and $24.5 million at December 31, 2016 .
Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block]	Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturities by Maturity Date March 31, 2017 Amortized Cost Fair Value (Dollars in thousands) Due in one year or less $ 119,546 $ 121,968 Due after one year through five years 767,921 824,933 Due after five years through ten years 735,058 770,322 Due after ten years 3,330,898 3,558,210 4,953,423 5,275,433 Mortgage-backed and other asset-backed 1,736,356 1,796,565 Total fixed maturities $ 6,689,779 $ 7,071,998 Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Fixed maturities not due at a single maturity date have been included in the above table in the year of final contractual maturity.
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table Text Block]	Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income March 31, December 31, (Dollars in thousands) Net unrealized appreciation on: Fixed maturities - available for sale $ 382,219 $ 347,079 Equity securities - available for sale 6,385 2,489 388,604 349,568 Adjustments for assumed changes in amortization pattern of: Deferred acquisition costs (108,091 ) (95,647 ) Value of insurance in force acquired (12,511 ) (12,382 ) Unearned revenue reserve 7,132 4,215 Adjustments for assumed changes in policyholder liabilities (8,772 ) (3,795 ) Provision for deferred income taxes (93,226 ) (84,684 ) Net unrealized investment gains $ 173,136 $ 157,275 Net unrealized investment gains and losses are recorded net of deferred income taxes and other adjustments for assumed changes in deferred acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserve and policyholder liabilities. Subsequent changes in the fair value of securities for which a previous non-credit OTTI loss was recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income, are reported along with changes in fair value for which no OTTI losses were previously recognized.
Schedule of Unrealized Loss on Investments [Table Text Block]	Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities with Unrealized Losses by Length of Time March 31, 2017 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 $ 552,242 $ (15,632 ) $ 191,346 $ (21,425 ) $ 743,588 $ (37,057 ) 66.2 % Residential mortgage-backed 64,007 (991 ) 19,958 (1,144 ) 83,965 (2,135 ) 3.8 Commercial mortgage-backed 106,739 (3,165 ) 6,512 (623 ) 113,251 (3,788 ) 6.8 Other asset-backed 287,708 (3,930 ) 75,498 (3,454 ) 363,206 (7,384 ) 13.2 United States Government and agencies 7,377 (87 ) — — 7,377 (87 ) 0.2 State and political subdivisions 112,750 (5,499 ) — — 112,750 (5,499 ) 9.8 Total fixed maturities $ 1,130,823 $ (29,304 ) $ 293,314 $ (26,646 ) $ 1,424,137 $ (55,950 ) 100.0 % Equity securities: Non-redeemable preferred stocks $ 7,869 $ (111 ) $ 9,244 $ (756 ) $ 17,113 $ (867 ) Total equity securities $ 7,869 $ (111 ) $ 9,244 $ (756 ) $ 17,113 $ (867 ) 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 and political subdivisions 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 ) Fixed maturities in the above tables include 428 securities from 332 issuers at March 31, 2017 and 516 securities from 404 issuers at December 31, 2016 . Unrealized losses decreased during the three months ended March 31, 2017 primarily due to a decrease in treasury rates as well as a decrease in credit spreads. 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 March 31, 2017 . 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 $2.0 million at March 31, 2017 . With respect to mortgage- and asset-backed securities not backed by the United States Government, our largest aggregate unrealized loss from the same issuer at March 31, 2017 was $0.7 million , consisting of a non-investment grade security that is backed by trust preferred securities.
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Table Text Block]	Credit Loss Component of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments on Fixed Maturities Three months ended March 31, 2017 2016 (Dollars in thousands) Balance at beginning of period $ (14,500 ) $ (11,498 ) Increases to previously impaired investments — (2,172 ) Reductions due to investments sold 349 310 Reduction for credit loss that no longer has a portion of the OTTI loss recognized in other comprehensive income 587 — Balance at end of period $ (13,564 ) $ (13,360 ) The table above sets forth the amount of credit loss impairments on fixed maturities held by the Company as of the dates indicated for which a portion of the OTTI was recognized in other comprehensive income and corresponding changes in such amounts.
Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table Text Block]	Realized Gains (Losses) - Recorded in Income Three months ended March 31, 2017 2016 (Dollars in thousands) Realized gains (losses) on sales of investments Fixed maturities: Gross gains $ 124 $ 1,590 Gross losses (527 ) — (403 ) 1,590 Impairment losses recognized in earnings: Credit-related portion of fixed maturity losses (1) — (2,172 ) Other credit-related (2) (66 ) (25 ) Net realized losses on investments recorded in income $ (469 ) $ (607 ) (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 and fixed maturities written down to fair value through income. Proceeds from sales of fixed maturities totaled $9.4 million during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and $8.9 million during the three months ended March 31, 2016 . Realized gains and losses on sales of investments are determined on the basis of specific identification.
Mortgage Loans by Colateral Type [Table Text Block]	Mortgage Loans by Collateral Type March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Collateral Type Carrying Value Percent of Total Carrying Value Percent of Total (Dollars in thousands) Office $ 373,360 43.6 % $ 361,088 44.2 % Retail 271,440 31.7 240,602 29.5 Industrial 151,983 17.8 154,005 18.9 Other 58,714 6.9 60,776 7.4 Total $ 855,497 100.0 % $ 816,471 100.0 %
Mortgage Loans by Geograpic Location [Table Text Block]	Mortgage Loans by Geographic Location within the United States March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Region of the United States Carrying Value Percent of Total Carrying Value Percent of Total (Dollars in thousands) South Atlantic $ 270,544 31.6 % $ 266,019 32.6 % West North Central 129,020 15.1 105,753 12.9 Pacific 111,255 13.0 104,337 12.8 East North Central 88,264 10.3 91,550 11.2 West South Central 83,628 9.8 74,258 9.1 Mountain 78,577 9.2 79,707 9.8 Other 94,209 11.0 94,847 11.6 Total $ 855,497 100.0 % $ 816,471 100.0 %
Mortgage Loans by loan to value ratio [Table Text Block]	Mortgage Loans by Loan-to-Value Ratio March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Loan-to-Value Ratio Carrying Value Percent of Total Carrying Value Percent of Total (Dollars in thousands) 0% - 50% $ 309,244 36.1 % $ 274,953 33.7 % 51% - 60% 204,068 23.9 210,555 25.8 61% - 70% 239,884 28.0 233,216 28.5 71% - 80% 72,247 8.5 67,607 8.3 81% - 90% 30,054 3.5 30,140 3.7 Total $ 855,497 100.0 % $ 816,471 100.0 % 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 [Table Text Block]	Mortgage Loans by Year of Origination March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Year of Origination Carrying Value Percent of Total Carrying Value Percent of Total (Dollars in thousands) 2017 $ 49,914 5.8 % $ — — % 2016 157,862 18.5 158,817 19.4 2015 148,316 17.3 149,302 18.3 2014 80,057 9.4 80,771 9.9 2013 69,212 8.1 69,887 8.6 2012 and prior 350,136 40.9 357,694 43.8 Total $ 855,497 100.0 % $ 816,471 100.0 %
Impaired Financing Receivables [Table Text Block]	Impaired Mortgage Loans March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 (Dollars in thousands) Unpaid principal balance $ 19,271 $ 21,459 Less: Related allowance (663 ) (713 ) Carrying value of impaired mortgage loans $ 18,608 $ 20,746
Allowance for Credit Losses on Financing Receivables [Table Text Block]	Allowance on Mortgage Loans Three months ended March 31, 2017 2016 (Dollars in thousands) Balance at beginning of period $ 713 $ 851 Charge offs (50 ) — Balance at end of period $ 663 $ 851
Affordable Housing Program [Text Block]	We invest in non-guaranteed federal LIHTC, which are included in securities and indebtedness of related parties on the balance sheet. The carrying value of these investments totaled $90.2 million at March 31, 2017 and $91.3 million at December 31, 2016. There were no impairment losses recorded on these investments during the first quarter of 2017 or 2016. 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 Three months ended March 31, 2017 2016 (Dollars in thousands) Equity losses from LIHTC $ (1,805 ) $ (1,539 ) Income tax benefits: Tax benefits from equity losses 632 539 Investment tax credits 3,529 3,450 Equity income from LIHTC, net of related income tax benefits $ 2,356 $ 2,450 At March 31, 2017 , 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 $35.9 million , including $3.1 million for LIHTC commitments, which are summarized by year in the following table. LIHTC Commitments by Year March 31, 2017 (Dollars in thousands) 2017 $ 2,164 2018 590 2019-2024 315 Total $ 3,069
Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block]	VIE Investments by Category March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Carrying Value Maximum Exposure to Loss Carrying Value Maximum Exposure to Loss (Dollars in thousands) LIHTC $ 90,171 $ 93,240 $ 91,255 $ 95,058 Investment companies 19,576 47,474 23,379 45,569 Real estate limited partnerships 10,908 14,214 10,790 14,558 Other 584 2,189 429 2,034 Total $ 121,239 $ 157,117 $ 125,853 $ 157,219
Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block]	Derivatives Instruments by Type March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 (Dollars in thousands) Assets Freestanding derivatives: Call options (reported in other investments) $ 10,660 $ 9,360 Embedded derivatives: Modified coinsurance (reported in reinsurance recoverable) 2,088 3,411 Interest-only security (reported in fixed maturities) 3,058 3,374 Total assets $ 15,806 $ 16,145 Liabilities Embedded derivatives: Indexed annuity and universal life products (reported in liability for future policy benefits) $ 18,587 $ 15,778 Modified coinsurance agreements (reported in other liabilities) 201 114 Total liabilities $ 18,788 $ 15,892 Derivative Income (Loss) Three months ended March 31, 2017 2016 (Dollars in thousands) Change in fair value of free standing derivatives: Call options $ 973 $ 660 Change in fair value of embedded derivatives: Modified coinsurance agreements (1,410 ) 161 Interest-only security (21 ) 245 Indexed annuity and universal life products 409 (1,168 ) Call option amortization (1,660 ) (1,139 ) Call option proceeds 3,052 65 Total income (loss) from derivatives $ 1,343 $ (1,176 ) 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. We are exposed to credit losses in the event of nonperformance of the derivative counterparties. This credit risk is minimized by purchasing such agreements from financial institutions with high credit ratings (currently rated A- or better by nationally recognized statistical rating organizations). We have also entered into credit support agreements with the counterparties requiring them to post collateral when net exposures exceed pre-determined thresholds that vary by counterparty. The net amount of such exposure is essentially the market value less collateral held for such agreements with each counterparty. The call options are supported by securities collateral received of $6.8 million at March 31, 2017 , 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 March 31, 2017 , none of the collateral had been sold or re-pledged. As of March 31, 2017, our net derivative exposure was $3.9 million .

Fair Values (Tables)

Fair Values (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Fair Values [Abstract]
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block]	Fair Values and Carrying Values March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value (Dollars in thousands) Assets Fixed maturities - available for sale $ 7,071,998 $ 7,071,998 $ 7,008,790 $ 7,008,790 Equity securities - available for sale 137,316 137,316 132,968 132,968 Mortgage loans 855,497 877,631 816,471 840,337 Policy loans 187,981 230,685 188,254 230,656 Other investments 11,438 12,622 9,809 11,272 Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments 31,037 31,037 49,931 49,931 Reinsurance recoverable 2,088 2,088 3,411 3,411 Assets held in separate accounts 615,892 615,892 597,072 597,072 Fair Values and Carrying Values (continued) March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value (Dollars in thousands) Liabilities Future policy benefits $ 4,084,977 $ 3,975,825 $ 4,044,148 $ 3,903,177 Supplementary contracts without life contingencies 330,869 334,089 330,232 330,633 Advance premiums and other deposits 258,220 258,220 257,171 257,171 Long-term debt 97,000 69,840 97,000 67,599 Other liabilities 201 201 114 114 Liabilities related to separate accounts 615,892 612,854 597,072 593,760
Valuation of our Financial Instruments Measured on Recurring Basis by hierarchy levels [Table Text Block]	Valuation of our Financial Instruments Measured on a Recurring Basis by Hierarchy Levels March 31, 2017 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 $ — $ 3,688,638 $ 42,953 $ 3,731,591 Residential mortgage-backed securities — 416,113 15,307 431,420 Commercial mortgage-backed securities — 535,533 67,576 603,109 Other asset-backed securities — 702,783 59,253 762,036 United States Government and agencies 11,594 19,768 — 31,362 State and political subdivisions — 1,512,480 — 1,512,480 Non-redeemable preferred stocks — 98,608 7,641 106,249 Common stocks 3,916 27,151 — 31,067 Other investments — 10,661 — 10,661 Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments 31,037 — — 31,037 Reinsurance recoverable — 2,088 — 2,088 Assets held in separate accounts 615,892 — — 615,892 Total assets $ 662,439 $ 7,013,823 $ 192,730 $ 7,868,992 Liabilities Future policy benefits - indexed product embedded derivatives $ — $ — $ 18,587 $ 18,587 Other liabilities — 201 — 201 Total liabilities $ — $ 201 $ 18,587 $ 18,788 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 and political subdivisions — 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 product embedded derivatives $ — $ — $ 15,778 $ 15,778 Other liabilities — 114 — 114 Total liabilities $ — $ 114 $ 15,778 $ 15,892
Level 3 fixed maturities on Measurement on Recurring Basis by Valuation Technique [Table Text Block]	Level 3 Fixed Maturities by Valuation Source - Recurring Basis March 31, 2017 Third-party vendors Priced Total (Dollars in thousands) Corporate securities $ 11,999 $ 30,954 $ 42,953 Residential mortgage-backed securities 15,307 — 15,307 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 67,576 — 67,576 Other asset-backed securities 48,575 10,678 59,253 Total $ 143,457 $ 41,632 $ 185,089 Percent of total 77.5 % 22.5 % 100.0 % December 31, 2016 Third-party vendors Priced internally 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 %
Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurement Inputs [Text Block]	Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements - Recurring Basis March 31, 2017 Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range (Weighted Average) (Dollars in thousands) Assets Corporate securities $ 29,581 Discounted cash flow Credit spread 0.52% - 4.75% (3.08%) Commercial mortgage-backed 67,576 Discounted cash flow Credit spread 1.80% - 4.10% (2.93%) Other asset-backed securities 7,933 Discounted cash flow Credit spread 1.55% - 4.78% (3.41%) Non-redeemable preferred stocks 7,641 Discounted cash flow Credit spread 3.74% (3.74%) Total assets $ 112,731 Liabilities Future policy benefits - indexed product embedded derivatives $ 18,587 Discounted cash flow Credit risk Risk margin 0.65% - 1.90% (1.20%) 0.15% - 0.40% (0.25%) 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 product embedded derivatives $ 15,778 Discounted cash flow Credit risk 0.80% - 2.00% (1.25%) 0.15% - 0.40% (0.25%) The tables above exclude certain securities for which the fair value was based on non-binding broker quotes where we could not reasonably obtain the quantitative unobservable inputs.
Level 3 Financial Instruments Changes in Fair Value [Table Text Block]	Level 3 Financial Instruments Changes in Fair Value - Recurring Basis March 31, 2017 Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net Balance, December 31, 2016 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, March 31, 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Assets Corporate securities $ 59,119 $ — $ (1,298 ) $ — $ (705 ) $ 4,408 $ (18,561 ) $ (10 ) $ 42,953 Residential mortgage-backed securities — 15,307 — — (1 ) — — 1 15,307 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 81,434 — (211 ) — 919 — (14,544 ) (22 ) 67,576 Other asset-backed securities 54,368 12,944 (3,022 ) — 193 7,964 (13,184 ) (10 ) 59,253 Non-redeemable preferred stocks 7,411 — — — 230 — — — 7,641 Total assets $ 202,332 $ 28,251 $ (4,531 ) $ — $ 636 $ 12,372 $ (46,289 ) $ (41 ) $ 192,730 Liabilities Future policy benefits - indexed product embedded derivatives $ 15,778 $ 911 $ (318 ) $ 2,216 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 18,587 Level 3 Financial Instruments Changes in Fair Value - Recurring Basis March 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, March 31, 2016 (Dollars in thousands) Assets Corporate securities $ 49,076 $ 2,000 $ (2,180 ) $ — $ (1,584 ) $ 9,354 $ (7,125 ) $ (9 ) $ 49,532 Residential mortgage-backed securities 3,729 — (3,722 ) — (137 ) — — 130 — Commercial mortgage-backed securities 88,180 — (219 ) — 2,487 — (1,335 ) 45 89,158 Other asset-backed securities 55,557 12,999 (807 ) — 147 920 (10,762 ) 2 58,056 United States Government and agencies 8,726 — — — 186 — — 2 8,914 State and political subdivisions — — — — 108 2,393 — — 2,501 Non-redeemable preferred stocks 7,471 — — — 115 — — — 7,586 Total assets $ 212,739 $ 14,999 $ (6,928 ) $ — $ 1,322 $ 12,667 $ (19,222 ) $ 170 $ 215,747 Liabilities Future policy benefits - indexed product embedded derivatives $ 9,374 $ 1,208 $ (314 ) $ 382 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 10,650 (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 Level 2 valuation sources become available. During the first quarter of 2017 pricing from level 2 sources became available for $33.1 million of seasoned securities previously valued by brokers, accordingly in following our pricing decision waterfall we moved to a level 2 source. There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the periods presented above.
Financial Instruments Not Reported at Value [Table Text Block]	Valuation of our Financial Instruments Not Reported at Fair Value by Hierarchy Levels March 31, 2017 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 $ — $ — $ 877,631 $ 877,631 Policy loans — — 230,685 230,685 Other investments — — 1,961 1,961 Total assets $ — $ — $ 1,110,277 $ 1,110,277 Liabilities Future policy benefits $ — $ — $ 3,957,238 $ 3,957,238 Supplementary contracts without life contingencies — — 334,089 334,089 Advance premiums and other deposits — — 258,220 258,220 Long-term debt — — 69,840 69,840 Liabilities related to separate accounts — — 612,854 612,854 Total liabilities $ — $ — $ 5,232,241 $ 5,232,241 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

Defined Benefit Plan (Tables)

Defined Benefit Plan (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Defined Benefit Plan [Abstract]
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]	Components of Net Periodic Pension Cost for FBL and Affiliates Combined - Multiemployer Plan Three months ended March 31, 2017 2016 (Dollars in thousands) Service cost $ 1,388 $ 1,448 Interest cost 3,531 3,612 Expected return on assets (4,796 ) (4,466 ) Amortization of prior service cost 33 36 Amortization of actuarial loss 2,530 2,358 Net periodic pension cost $ 2,686 $ 2,988 FBL Financial Group, Inc. share of net periodic pension costs $ 851 $ 952 Components of Net Periodic Pension Cost for FBL and Affiliates Combined - Other Plans Three months ended March 31, 2017 2016 (Dollars in thousands) Service cost $ 109 $ 84 Interest cost 251 241 Amortization of actuarial loss 293 230 Net periodic pension cost $ 653 $ 555 FBL Financial Group, Inc. share of net periodic pension costs $ 388 $ 315

Stockholders Equity (Tables)

Stockholders Equity (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
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, 2016 24,796,763 $ 149,248 11,413 $ 72 24,808,176 $ 149,320 Issuance of common stock under compensation plans 44,850 1,535 — — 44,850 1,535 Purchase of common stock (720 ) (4 ) — — (720 ) (4 ) Outstanding at March 31, 2016 24,840,893 $ 150,779 11,413 $ 72 24,852,306 $ 150,851 Outstanding at January 1, 2017 24,882,542 $ 152,903 11,413 $ 72 24,893,955 $ 152,975 Issuance of common stock under compensation plans 24,005 339 — — 24,005 339 Outstanding at March 31, 2017 24,906,547 $ 153,242 11,413 $ 72 24,917,960 $ 153,314
Schedule of Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax and Other Offsets Unrealized Net Investment Gains (Losses) on Available For Sale Securities (1) Accumulated Non-Credit Impairment Losses Underfunded Status of Postretirement Benefit Plans Total (Dollars in thousands) Balance at January 1, 2016 $ 120,787 $ (114 ) $ (6,141 ) $ 114,532 Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications 71,283 1,991 — 73,274 Reclassification adjustments (1,071 ) (952 ) 135 (1,888 ) Balance at March 31, 2016 $ 190,999 $ 925 $ (6,006 ) $ 185,918 Balance at January 1, 2017 $ 156,963 $ 311 $ (7,719 ) $ 149,555 Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 14,834 660 — 15,494 Reclassification adjustments 368 — 181 549 Balance at March 31, 2017 $ 172,165 $ 971 $ (7,538 ) $ 165,598 (1) Includes the impact of taxes, deferred acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserves and policyholder liabilities. See Note 2 for further information.
Disclosure of Reclassification Amount [Text Block]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassification Adjustments Three months ended March 31, 2017 Unrealized Net Investment Gains (Losses) on Available For Sale Securities (1) Accumulated Non-Credit Impairment Losses (1) Underfunded Status of Postretirement Benefit Plans Total (Dollars in thousands) Realized capital losses on sales of investments $ 403 $ — $ — $ 403 Adjustments for assumed changes in deferred policy acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserve and policyholder liabilities 163 — — 163 Other expenses - change in unrecognized postretirement items: Net actuarial loss — — 279 279 Reclassifications before income taxes 566 — 279 845 Income taxes (198 ) — (98 ) (296 ) Reclassification adjustments $ 368 $ — $ 181 $ 549 Three months ended March 31, 2016 Unrealized Net Investment Gains (Losses) on Available For Sale Securities (1) Accumulated Non-Credit Impairment Losses (1) Underfunded Status of Postretirement Benefit Plans Total (Dollars in thousands) Realized capital gains on sales of investments $ (1,590 ) $ — $ — $ (1,590 ) Adjustments for assumed changes in deferred policy acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserve and policyholder liabilities (58 ) 58 — — Other than temporary impairment losses — (1,522 ) — (1,522 ) Other expenses - change in unrecognized postretirement items: Net actuarial loss — — 208 208 Reclassifications before income taxes (1,648 ) (1,464 ) 208 (2,904 ) Income taxes 577 512 (73 ) 1,016 Reclassification adjustments $ (1,071 ) $ (952 ) $ 135 $ (1,888 ) (1) See Note 2 for further information.

Earnings per Share (Tables)

Earnings per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	Computation of Earnings per Common Share Three months ended March 31, 2017 2016 (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) Numerator: Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc. $ 26,433 $ 25,946 Less: Dividends on Series B preferred stock 38 38 Income available to common stockholders $ 26,395 $ 25,908 Denominator: Weighted average shares - basic 25,030,462 24,949,840 Effect of dilutive securities - stock-based compensation 21,914 57,957 Weighted average shares - diluted 25,052,376 25,007,797 Earnings per common share $ 1.05 $ 1.04 Earnings per common share - assuming dilution: $ 1.05 $ 1.04 There were no antidilutive stock options outstanding in either period presented.

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]	Reconciliation Between Net Income and Operating Income Three months ended March 31, 2017 2016 (Dollars in thousands) Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc. $ 26,433 $ 25,946 Operating income adjustments: Realized gains/losses on investments (1) 554 397 Change in net unrealized gains/losses on derivatives (1) 1 (25 ) Operating income $ 26,988 $ 26,318
Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]	Financial Information Concerning our Operating Segments Three months ended March 31, 2017 2016 (Dollars in thousands) Pre-tax operating income: Annuity $ 16,421 $ 17,148 Life Insurance 13,749 14,071 Corporate and Other 4,162 2,489 Total pre-tax on operating income 34,332 33,708 Income taxes on operating income (7,344 ) (7,390 ) Operating income $ 26,988 $ 26,318 Operating revenues: Annuity $ 55,051 $ 52,179 Life Insurance 104,143 103,603 Corporate and Other 23,666 23,424 182,860 179,206 Net realized losses on investments (1) (481 ) (607 ) Change in net unrealized gains/losses on derivatives (1) (459 ) 1,067 Consolidated revenues $ 181,920 $ 179,666 (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.
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	Interest expense is attributable to the Corporate and Other segment. Expenditures for long-lived assets were not significant during the periods presented above. Goodwill at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 was allocated among the segments as follows: Annuity ( $3.9 million ) and Life Insurance ( $6.1 million ). Prior to 2017, securities and indebtedness of related parties were attributable to the Corporate and Other segment. During the first quarter of 2017, we assigned a portion of our investments held in securities and indebtedness of related parties to the Life Insurance segment. The following chart provides the related equity income (loss) by segment. Equity Income (Loss) by Operating Segment Three months ended March 31, 2017 2016 (Dollars in thousands) Pre-tax equity income (loss): Life Insurance $ 1,166 $ — Corporate and Other (1,624 ) (1,228 ) Total pre-tax equity loss (458 ) (1,228 ) Income taxes 3,689 3,880 Equity income, net of related income taxes $ 3,231 $ 2,652
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP measures [Table Text Block]	Premiums collected, which is not a measure used in financial statements prepared according to GAAP, includes premiums received on life insurance policies and deposits on annuities and universal life-type products. Premiums collected is a common life insurance industry measure of agent productivity. Net premiums collected totaled $169.9 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2017 and $173.2 million for the same period in 2016 . Under GAAP, premiums on whole life and term life policies are recognized as revenues over the premium-paying period and reported in the Life Insurance segment. The following chart provides a reconciliation of life insurance premiums collected to those reported in the GAAP financial statements. Reconciliation of Traditional Life Insurance Premiums, Net of Reinsurance Three months ended March 31, 2017 2016 (Dollars in thousands) Traditional and universal life insurance premiums collected $ 73,573 $ 71,713 Premiums collected on interest sensitive products (24,715 ) (21,036 ) Traditional life insurance premiums collected 48,858 50,677 Change in due premiums and other (424 ) (539 ) Traditional life insurance premiums as included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations $ 48,434 $ 50,138 There is no comparable GAAP financial measure for premiums collected on annuities and universal life-type products. GAAP revenues for those interest sensitive and variable products consist of various policy charges and fees assessed on those contracts, as summarized in the chart below. Interest Sensitive Product Charges by Segment Three months ended March 31, 2017 2016 (Dollars in thousands) Annuity Surrender charges and other $ 1,135 $ 942 Life Insurance Administration charges $ 3,864 $ 3,504 Cost of insurance charges 12,035 11,825 Surrender charges 525 216 Amortization of policy initiation fees 664 228 Total $ 17,088 $ 15,773 Corporate and Other Administration charges $ 1,425 $ 1,441 Cost of insurance charges 7,325 7,516 Surrender charges 52 26 Separate account charges 2,003 1,978 Amortization of policy initiation fees 173 435 Total $ 10,978 $ 11,396 Interest sensitive product charges as included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations $ 29,201 $ 28,111

Significant Accounting Polici22

Significant Accounting Policies Recent accounting pronouncements (Details) - Cash-based restricted stock unit plan [Member] $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)$ / shares
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense | $	$ 0.4
Earnings Per Share, Basic, Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense	$ 0.02
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense	$ 0.02

Investment Operations Available

Investment Operations Available-for-sale Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis		$ 6,689,779	$ 6,661,711
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Amortized Cost Basis		130,931	130,479
Debt Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value		1,424,137	1,764,541
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis		6,689,779	6,661,711
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax		438,169	421,140
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax		(55,950)	(74,061)
Available-for-sale securities		7,071,998	7,008,790
Non-credit losses on other-than-temporary impairments	[1]	1,494	479
Corporate
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value		743,588	963,565
Amortized Cost		3,525,273	3,529,997
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax		243,375	228,601
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax		(37,057)	(49,943)
Available-for-sale securities		3,731,591	3,708,655
Non-credit losses on other-than-temporary impairments		(845)	(1,082)
Hybrid preferred securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities		23,500	23,300
Redeemable Preferred Stock [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities		25,400	24,500
Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value		83,965	74,617
Amortized Cost		402,572	396,110
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax		30,983	29,121
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax		(2,135)	(2,931)
Available-for-sale securities		431,420	422,300
Non-credit losses on other-than-temporary impairments		86	(983)
Commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value		113,251	102,300
Amortized Cost		575,533	546,446
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax		31,364	33,645
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax		(3,788)	(4,137)
Available-for-sale securities		603,109	575,954
Non-credit losses on other-than-temporary impairments		0	0
Other asset backed securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value		363,206	467,569
Amortized Cost		758,251	771,570
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax		11,169	8,846
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax		(7,384)	(9,766)
Available-for-sale securities		762,036	770,650
Non-credit losses on other-than-temporary impairments		2,253	2,544
United States Government and agencies
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value		7,377	6,438
Amortized Cost		29,914	30,575
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax		1,535	1,629
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax		(87)	(132)
Available-for-sale securities		31,362	32,072
Non-credit losses on other-than-temporary impairments		0	0
State, municipal and other government [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value		112,750	150,052
Amortized Cost		1,398,236	1,387,013
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax		119,743	119,298
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax		(5,499)	(7,152)
Available-for-sale securities		1,512,480	1,499,159
Non-credit losses on other-than-temporary impairments		0	0
Equity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value		17,113	26,212
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Amortized Cost Basis		130,931	130,479
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax		7,252	4,164
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax		(867)	(1,675)
Available-for-sale securities		137,316	132,968
Non-redeemable preferred stock [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value		17,113	26,212
Amortized Cost		100,042	100,042
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax		7,074	4,050
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax		(867)	(1,675)
Available-for-sale securities		106,249	102,417
Common Stock
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost		30,889	30,437
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax		178	114
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax		0	0
Available-for-sale securities		$ 31,067	$ 30,551
[1]	Non-credit losses, subsequent to the initial impairment measurement date, on other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) losses are included in the gross unrealized gains and gross unrealized losses columns above. The non-credit loss component of OTTI losses for residential mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities were in an unrealized gain position at March 31, 2017 and other asset-backed securities at December 31, 2016 due to increases in estimated fair value subsequent to initial recognition of non-credit losses on such securities.

Investment Operations Availab24

Investment Operations Available-for-sale Fixed Maturities by Maturity Date (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Due in one year or less, amortized cost basis	$ 119,546
Due after one year through five years, amortized cost basis	767,921
Due after five years through ten years, amortized cost basis	735,058
Due after ten years, amortized cost basis	3,330,898
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Single Maturity Date, Amortized Cost Basis	4,953,423
Mortgage-backed and other asset-backed, amortized cost basis	1,736,356
Total fixed maturities, amortized cost basis	6,689,779	$ 6,661,711
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Due in one year or less, fair value	121,968
Due after one year through five years, fair value	824,933
Due after five years through ten years, fair value	770,322
Due after ten years, fair value	3,558,210
Total fixed maturities with maturity date, fair value	5,275,433
Mortgage-backed and other asset-backed, fair value	1,796,565
Total fixed maturities, fair value	$ 7,071,998	$ 7,008,790

Investment Operations Net Unrea

Investment Operations Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments in AOCI (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Net Unrealized Gains Losses [Line Items]
Assumed changes in amortization of DAC		$ (108,091)	$ (95,647)
Assumed changes in amortization pattern of VIIF		(12,511)	(12,382)
Assumed changes in amortization pattern of URR		7,132	4,215
Assumed change in policyholder liability		(8,772)	(3,795)
Provision for deferred income taxes		(93,226)	(84,684)
Accumulated other comprehensive income		165,598	149,555	$ 185,918	$ 114,532
Debt Securities [Member]
Net Unrealized Gains Losses [Line Items]
Unrealized appreciation on fixed maturities available for sale		382,219	347,079
Equity Securities [Member]
Net Unrealized Gains Losses [Line Items]
Unrealized appreciation on fixed maturities available for sale		6,385	2,489
Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member]
Net Unrealized Gains Losses [Line Items]
Unrealized appreciation on fixed maturities available for sale		388,604	349,568
Accumulated other comprehensive income	[1]	$ 173,136	$ 157,275
[1]	Includes the impact of taxes, deferred acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserves and policyholder liabilities. See Note 2 for further information.

Investment Operations Unrealize

Investment Operations Unrealized Losses by Length of Time (Details) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)issuerssecurities	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)issuerssecurities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions | securities	428	516
Available For Sale Securities In Unrealized Loss Positions Qualitative Disclosure Number Of Issuers | issuers	332	404
Corporate
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	$ 552,242	$ 742,626
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	(15,632)	(23,142)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	191,346	220,939
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	(21,425)	(26,801)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	743,588	963,565
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	$ (37,057)	$ (49,943)
percent of total	66.20%	67.30%
Available for sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Maximum Loss by issuer	$ 2,000
Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	64,007	$ 51,873
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	(991)	(1,014)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	19,958	22,744
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	(1,144)	(1,917)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	83,965	74,617
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	$ (2,135)	$ (2,931)
percent of total	3.80%	4.00%
Commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	$ 106,739	$ 95,690
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	(3,165)	(3,590)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	6,512	6,610
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	(623)	(547)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	113,251	102,300
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	$ (3,788)	$ (4,137)
percent of total	6.80%	5.60%
Other asset backed securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	$ 287,708	$ 371,829
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	(3,930)	(5,810)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	75,498	95,740
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	(3,454)	(3,956)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	363,206	467,569
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	$ (7,384)	$ (9,766)
percent of total	13.20%	13.20%
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	$ 7,377	$ 6,438
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	(87)	(132)
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	7,377	6,438
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	$ (87)	$ (132)
percent of total	0.20%	0.20%
State, municipal and other government [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	$ 112,750	$ 150,052
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	(5,499)	(7,152)
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	112,750	150,052
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	$ (5,499)	$ (7,152)
percent of total	9.80%	9.70%
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	$ 1,130,823	$ 1,418,508
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	(29,304)	(40,840)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	293,314	346,033
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	(26,646)	(33,221)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	1,424,137	1,764,541
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	$ (55,950)	$ (74,061)
percent of total	100.00%	100.00%
Non-redeemable preferred stock [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	$ 7,869	$ 12,774
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	(111)	(150)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	9,244	13,438
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	(756)	(1,525)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	17,113	26,212
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	(867)	(1,675)
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	7,869	12,774
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	(111)	(150)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	9,244	13,438
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	(756)	(1,525)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	17,113	26,212
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	(867)	$ (1,675)
Commercial mortgage-backed
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available for sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Maximum Loss by issuer	$ 700

Investment Operations Credit lo

Investment Operations Credit loss component of Other-than-temporary Impairments on Fixed Maturities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ (14,500)	$ (11,498)
Increases to previously impaired assets	0	(2,172)
Reductions due to securities sold	349	310
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings, Reductions, Change in Status	587	0
Balance at end of period	$ (13,564)	$ (13,360)

Investment Operations Realized

Investment Operations Realized Gains (Losses) - Recorded in Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Net realized capital gains on sales of investments	$ (403)	$ 1,590
Net impairment loss recognized in earnings	(66)	(2,197)
Realized gains (losses) on investments recorded in income	(469)	(607)
Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities	9,400	8,900
Debt Securities [Member] | Categories of Investments, Marketable Securities, Available-for-sale Securities [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Gross gains - fixed maturities - available for sale	124	1,590
Gross losses - fixed maturities - available for sale	(527)	0
Credit related [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Net impairment loss recognized in earnings	0	(2,172)
Other credit-related [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Net impairment loss recognized in earnings	$ (66)	$ (25)

Investment Operations Mortgage

Investment Operations Mortgage Loans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Contractual Obligation	$ 30,500
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	$ 855,497	$ 816,471
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	100.00%	100.00%
Year of origination 2017 [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	$ 49,914
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	5.80%
Year of origination 2016 [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	$ 157,862	$ 158,817
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	18.50%	19.40%
Year of origination 2015 [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	$ 148,316	$ 149,302
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	17.30%	18.30%
Year of origination 2014 [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	$ 80,057	$ 80,771
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	9.40%	9.90%
Year of origination 2013 [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	$ 69,212	$ 69,887
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	8.10%	8.60%
Year of origination prior [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	$ 350,136	$ 357,694
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	40.90%	43.80%
0% to 50% loan to value [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	$ 309,244	$ 274,953
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	36.10%	33.70%
51% to 60% loan-to-value [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	$ 204,068	$ 210,555
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	23.90%	25.80%
61% to 70% loan-to-value [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	$ 239,884	$ 233,216
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	28.00%	28.50%
71% to 80% loan-to-value [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	$ 72,247	$ 67,607
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	8.50%	8.30%
81% to 90% loan to value [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	$ 30,054	$ 30,140
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	3.50%	3.70%
South Atlantic [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	$ 270,544	$ 266,019
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	31.60%	32.60%
West North Central [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	$ 129,020	$ 105,753
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	15.10%	12.90%
Pacific [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	$ 111,255	$ 104,337
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	13.00%	12.80%
East North Central [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	$ 88,264	$ 91,550
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	10.30%	11.20%
West South Central [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	$ 83,628	$ 74,258
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	9.80%	9.10%
Mountain [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	$ 78,577	$ 79,707
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	9.20%	9.80%
Other geographical locations [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	$ 94,209	$ 94,847
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	11.00%	11.60%
Office [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	$ 373,360	$ 361,088
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	43.60%	44.20%
Retail [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	$ 271,440	$ 240,602
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	31.70%	29.50%
Industrial [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	$ 151,983	$ 154,005
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	17.80%	18.90%
Other property type [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	$ 58,714	$ 60,776
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	6.90%	7.40%

Investment Operations Impaired

Investment Operations Impaired mortgage loans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	$ 19,271	$ 21,459
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	(663)	(713)	$ (851)	$ (851)
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	$ 18,608	$ 20,746

Investment Operations Allowance

Investment Operations Allowance on Mortgage Loans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 713	$ 851
Charge offs	(50)	0
Balance at end of period	$ 663	$ 851

Investment Operations LIHTC Inv

Investment Operations LIHTC Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments	$ 133,018		$ 137,422
Investment Tax Credit	3,529	$ 3,450
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments	3,231	2,652
Affordable Housing Tax Credit Investments [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments	90,200		$ 91,300
Income (Loss) from Affordable Housing Projects, Equity Method Investments	(1,805)	(1,539)
Tax impact of Income from Equity Method Investments	632	539
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments	$ 2,356	$ 2,450

Investment Operations Other (De

Investment Operations Other (Details) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Other Commitment	$ 35,900
Qualified Affordable Housing Project Investments, Commitment	3,069
Affordable Housing Tax Credit Investments [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Other Commitment, Due in Next Twelve Months	2,164
Other Commitment, Due in Second Year	590
Other Commitment, Due in Third Year	$ 315

Investment Operations Commitmen

Investment Operations Commitments (Details) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Other Commitment	$ 35.9

Investment Operations Variable

Investment Operations Variable Interest Entities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets	$ 121,239	$ 125,853
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	157,117	157,219
Low income housing tax credits [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets	90,171	91,255
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	93,240	95,058
Investment companies [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets	19,576	23,379
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	47,474	45,569
Real estate limited partnerships [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets	10,908	10,790
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	14,214	14,558
Other VIE investments [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets	584	429
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	$ 2,189	$ 2,034

Investment Operations Derivativ

Investment Operations Derivative instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets	$ 15,806		$ 16,145
Derivative Liabilities	18,788		15,892
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	1,343	$ (1,176)
Fair Value Disclosure, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Amount, Asset	6,800
Net Derivative Exposure	3,900
Other Investments [Member] | Equity Option [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets	10,660		9,360
Reinsurance Recoverable [Member] | Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets	2,088		3,411
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets	3,058		3,374
Contract Holder Funds [Member] | Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities	18,587		15,778
Other Liabilities [Member] | Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities	201		$ 114
Investment Income [Member] | Equity Option [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	973	660
Investment Income [Member] | Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments - MODCO [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	(1,410)	161
Investment Income [Member] | Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments - Interest only Security [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	(21)	245
Investment Income [Member] | Amortization on Equity Options [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	(1,660)	(1,139)
Investment Income [Member] | Proceeds on Equity Options [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	3,052	65
Insurance sensitive product charges [Member] | Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	$ 409	$ (1,168)

Fair Values Fair Value by Balan

Fair Values Fair Value by Balance Sheet Grouping (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	$ 7,071,998	$ 7,008,790
Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities	137,316	132,968
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Commercial and Consumer, Net	855,497	816,471
Policy loans	187,981	188,254
Other investments	15,806	16,145
Assets held in separate accounts	615,892	597,072
Liabilities related to separate accounts	615,892	597,072
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Commercial and Consumer, Net	855,497	816,471
Policy loans	187,981	188,254
Other investments	11,438	9,809
Cash and short-term investments	31,037	49,931
Reinsurance recoverable	2,088	3,411
Assets held in separate accounts	615,892	597,072
Future policy benefits	4,084,977	4,044,148
Supplemental contracts without life contingencies	330,869	330,232
Advance premiums and other deposits	258,220	257,171
Long-term debt	97,000	97,000
Other liabilities	201	114
Liabilities related to separate accounts	615,892	597,072
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	7,071,998	7,008,790
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities	137,316	132,968
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Commercial and Consumer, Net	877,631	840,337
Policy loans	230,685	230,656
Other investments	12,622	11,272
Cash and short-term investments	31,037	49,931
Reinsurance recoverable	2,088	3,411
Assets held in separate accounts	615,892	597,072
Future policy benefits	3,975,825	3,903,177
Supplemental contracts without life contingencies	334,089	330,633
Advance premiums and other deposits	258,220	257,171
Long-term debt	69,840	67,599
Other liabilities	201	114
Liabilities related to separate accounts	612,854	593,760
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	7,071,998	7,008,790
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities	$ 137,316	$ 132,968

Fair Values Valuation of Financ

Fair Values Valuation of Financial Instruments by Hierarchy Levels (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other investments	$ 15,806	$ 16,145
Assets held in separate accounts	615,892	597,072
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other investments	12,622	11,272
Cash and short-term investments	31,037	49,931
Reinsurance recoverable	2,088	3,411
Assets held in separate accounts	615,892	597,072
Future policy benefits - index annuity embedded derivatives	3,975,825	3,903,177
Other liabilities	201	114
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	10,661	9,360
Cash and short-term investments	31,037	49,931
Reinsurance recoverable	2,088	3,411
Assets held in separate accounts	615,892	597,072
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	7,868,992	7,801,532
Future policy benefits - index annuity embedded derivatives	18,587	15,778
Other liabilities	201	114
Total liabilities	18,788	15,892
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other investments	0	0
Cash and short-term investments	31,037	49,931
Reinsurance recoverable	0	0
Assets held in separate accounts	615,892	597,072
Future policy benefits - index annuity embedded derivatives	0	0
Other liabilities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	662,439	662,002
Total liabilities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other investments	10,661	9,360
Cash and short-term investments	0	0
Reinsurance recoverable	2,088	3,411
Assets held in separate accounts	0	0
Future policy benefits - index annuity embedded derivatives	0	0
Other liabilities	201	114
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	7,013,823	6,937,198
Total liabilities	201	114
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other investments	0	0
Cash and short-term investments	0	0
Reinsurance recoverable	0	0
Assets held in separate accounts	0	0
Future policy benefits - index annuity embedded derivatives		15,778
Other liabilities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	185,089	194,921
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	192,730	202,332
Total liabilities	18,587	15,778
Corporate securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	3,731,591	3,708,655
Corporate securities | 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	3,731,591	3,708,655
Corporate securities | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	0	0
Corporate securities | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	3,688,638	3,649,536
Corporate securities | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	42,953	59,119
Corporate securities | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	42,953	59,119
Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	431,420	422,300
Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member] | 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	431,420	422,300
Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale	0	0
Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale	416,113	422,300
Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale	15,307	0
Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	15,307
Commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	603,109	575,954
Commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member] | 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	603,109	575,954
Commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale	0	0
Commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale	535,533	494,520
Commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale	67,576	81,434
Commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	67,576	81,434
Other asset backed securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	762,036	770,650
Other asset backed securities [Member] | 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	762,036	770,650
Other asset backed securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale	0	0
Other asset backed securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale	702,783	716,282
Other asset backed securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale	59,253	54,368
Other asset backed securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	59,253	54,368
United States Government and agencies
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	31,362	32,072
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	31,362	32,072
United States Government and agencies | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	11,594	11,943
United States Government and agencies | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	19,768	20,129
United States Government and agencies | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	0	0
State, municipal and other government [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	1,512,480	1,499,159
State, municipal and other government [Member] | 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	1,512,480	1,499,159
State, municipal and other government [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	0	0
State, municipal and other government [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	1,512,480	1,499,159
State, municipal and other government [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	0	0
Non-redeemable preferred stock [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	106,249	102,417
Non-redeemable preferred stock [Member] | 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	106,249	102,417
Non-redeemable preferred stock [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	0	0
Non-redeemable preferred stock [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	98,608	95,006
Non-redeemable preferred stock [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	7,641	7,411
Common Stock
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	31,067	30,551
Common Stock | 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	31,067	30,551
Common Stock | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	3,916	3,056
Common Stock | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	27,151	27,495
Common Stock | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Values Level 3 Fixed Matur

Fair Values Level 3 Fixed Maturitiies on a Recurring Basis by Valuation Source (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Corporate securities
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	$ 3,731,591	$ 3,708,655
percent of total	66.20%	67.30%
Corporate securities | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	$ 42,953	$ 59,119
Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	$ 431,420	$ 422,300
percent of total	3.80%	4.00%
Commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	$ 603,109	$ 575,954
percent of total	6.80%	5.60%
Other asset backed securities [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	$ 762,036	$ 770,650
percent of total	13.20%	13.20%
United States Government and agencies
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	$ 31,362	$ 32,072
percent of total	0.20%	0.20%
United States Government and agencies | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	$ 0	$ 0
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	7,868,992	7,801,532
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	192,730	202,332
Available-for-sale securities	$ 185,089	$ 194,921
percent of total	100.00%	100.00%
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Corporate securities | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	$ 3,731,591	$ 3,708,655
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Corporate securities | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	42,953	59,119
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	15,307
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	67,576	81,434
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Other asset backed securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	59,253	54,368
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | United States Government and agencies | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	31,362	32,072
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Third-party vendors [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	$ 143,457	$ 138,426
percent of total	77.50%	71.00%
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Third-party vendors [Member] | Corporate securities | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	$ 11,999	$ 17,684
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Third-party vendors [Member] | Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	15,307
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Third-party vendors [Member] | Commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	67,576	81,434
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Third-party vendors [Member] | Other asset backed securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	48,575	39,308
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Priced internally [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	$ 41,632	$ 56,495
percent of total	22.50%	29.00%
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Priced internally [Member] | Corporate securities | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	$ 30,954	$ 41,435
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Priced internally [Member] | Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	0
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Priced internally [Member] | Commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	0	0
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Priced internally [Member] | Other asset backed securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	$ 10,678	$ 15,060

Fair Values Quantitative Inform

Fair Values Quantitative Information about Unobservable Measurement Inputs (Details) - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] - Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Future policy benefits - index annuity embedded derivatives		$ 15,778
Index Annuity Embedded Derivatives [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Future policy benefits - index annuity embedded derivatives	$ 18,587	$ 15,778
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	0.65% - 1.90% (1.20%) 0.15% - 0.40% (0.25%)	0.80% - 2.00% (1.25%) 0.15% - 0.40% (0.25%)
Corporate securities
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 29,581	$ 47,398
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	0.52% - 4.75% (3.08%)	0.58% - 4.25% (2.81%)
Commercial mortgage-backed
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 67,576	$ 81,434
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	1.80% - 4.10% (2.93%)	1.10% - 4.15% (2.95%)
Other asset backed securities [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 7,933	$ 6,461
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	1.55% - 4.78% (3.41%)	1.08% - 4.87% (3.45%)
Non-redeemable preferred stock [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 7,641	$ 7,411
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	3.74% (3.74%)	4.05% (4.05%)
Asset fair value by technique [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 112,731	$ 142,704

Fair Values Level 3 Financial I

Fair Values Level 3 Financial Instruments Changes in Fair Value (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2017		Mar. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Seasoned Securities, Assets, Transferred out of Level 3 to Level 2		$ 33,100
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Asset Balance, beginning of period		202,332		$ 212,739
Purchases		28,251		14,999
Disposals		(4,531)		(6,928)
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in net income		0		0
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in other comprehensive income		636		(1,322)
Transfers Into Level 3	[1]	12,372		12,667
Transfers out of Level 3	[1]	(46,289)		(19,222)
Amortization included in net income		(41)		170
Asset Balance, end of period		192,730		215,747
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Corporate securities | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Asset Balance, beginning of period		59,119		49,076
Purchases		0		2,000
Disposals		(1,298)		(2,180)
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in net income		0		0
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in other comprehensive income		(705)		1,584
Transfers Into Level 3		4,408		9,354
Transfers out of Level 3		(18,561)		(7,125)
Amortization included in net income		(10)		(9)
Asset Balance, end of period		42,953		49,532
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Asset Balance, beginning of period		0		3,729
Purchases		15,307		0
Disposals		0		(3,722)
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in net income		0		0
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in other comprehensive income		(1)		(137)
Transfers Into Level 3		0	[1]	0
Transfers out of Level 3		0		0
Amortization included in net income		1		130
Asset Balance, end of period		15,307		0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Asset Balance, beginning of period		81,434		88,180
Purchases		0		0
Disposals		(211)		(219)
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in net income		0		0
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in other comprehensive income		919		(2,487)
Transfers Into Level 3		0		0
Transfers out of Level 3		(14,544)		(1,335)
Amortization included in net income		(22)		45
Asset Balance, end of period		67,576		89,158
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Other asset backed securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Asset Balance, beginning of period		54,368		55,557
Purchases		12,944		12,999
Disposals		(3,022)		(807)
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in net income		0		0
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in other comprehensive income		193		(147)
Transfers Into Level 3		7,964		920
Transfers out of Level 3		(13,184)		(10,762)
Amortization included in net income		(10)		2
Asset Balance, end of period		59,253		58,056
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | United States Government and agencies | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Asset Balance, beginning of period				8,726
Purchases				0
Disposals				0
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in net income				0
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in other comprehensive income				(186)
Transfers Into Level 3				0
Transfers out of Level 3				0
Amortization included in net income				2
Asset Balance, end of period				8,914
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | State, municipal and other government [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Asset Balance, beginning of period				0
Purchases				0
Disposals				0
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in net income				0
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in other comprehensive income				(108)
Transfers Into Level 3				2,393
Transfers out of Level 3				0
Amortization included in net income				0
Asset Balance, end of period				2,501
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Non-redeemable preferred stock [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Asset Balance, beginning of period		7,411		7,471
Purchases		0		0
Disposals		0		0
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in net income		0		0
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in other comprehensive income		230		115
Transfers Into Level 3		0		0
Transfers out of Level 3		0		0
Amortization included in net income		0		0
Asset Balance, end of period		7,641		7,586
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Index Annuity Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Liability balance, beginning of period		15,778		9,374
Purchases		911		1,208
Settlements		(318)		(314)
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in net income		2,216		(382)
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in other comprehensive income		0		0
Transfers Into Level 3	[1]	0		0
Transfers out of Level 3	[1]	0		0
Liability balance, end of period		$ 18,587		$ 10,650
[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 Level 2 valuation sources become available. During the first quarter of 2017 pricing from level 2 sources became available for $33.1 million of seasoned securities previously valued by brokers, accordingly in following our pricing decision waterfall we moved to a level 2 source. There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the periods presented above.

Fair Values Valuation of Fina42

Fair Values Valuation of Financial Instruments not reported at fair value (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Financial Instruments Not Reported at Fair Value [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Commercial and Consumer, Net	$ 855,497	$ 816,471
Policy loans	187,981	188,254
Other investments	15,806	16,145
Liabilities related to separate accounts	615,892	597,072
Portion at Other than Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Financial Instruments Not Reported at Fair Value [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Commercial and Consumer, Net	877,631	840,337
Policy loans	230,685	230,656
Other investments	1,961	1,912
Total assets	1,110,277	1,072,905
Future policy benefits	3,957,238	3,887,399
Supplemental contracts without life contingencies	334,089	330,633
Advance premiums and other deposits	258,220	257,171
Long-term debt	69,840	67,599
Liabilities related to separate accounts	612,854	593,760
Total liabilities	5,232,241	5,136,562
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Financial Instruments Not Reported at Fair Value [Line Items]
Other investments	0	0
Future policy benefits	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Portion at Other than Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Financial Instruments Not Reported at Fair Value [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Commercial and Consumer, Net	0	0
Policy loans	0	0
Other investments	0
Total assets	0	0
Future policy benefits	0	0
Supplemental contracts without life contingencies	0	0
Advance premiums and other deposits	0	0
Long-term debt	0	0
Liabilities related to separate accounts	0	0
Total liabilities	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Financial Instruments Not Reported at Fair Value [Line Items]
Other investments	10,661	9,360
Future policy benefits	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Portion at Other than Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Financial Instruments Not Reported at Fair Value [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Commercial and Consumer, Net	0	0
Policy loans	0	0
Other investments	0
Total assets	0	0
Future policy benefits	0	0
Supplemental contracts without life contingencies	0	0
Advance premiums and other deposits	0	0
Long-term debt	0	0
Liabilities related to separate accounts	0	0
Total liabilities	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Financial Instruments Not Reported at Fair Value [Line Items]
Other investments	0	0
Future policy benefits		15,778
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Portion at Other than Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Financial Instruments Not Reported at Fair Value [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Commercial and Consumer, Net	877,631	840,337
Policy loans	230,685	230,656
Other investments	1,961	1,912
Total assets	1,110,277	1,072,905
Future policy benefits	3,957,238	3,887,399
Supplemental contracts without life contingencies	334,089	330,633
Advance premiums and other deposits	258,220	257,171
Long-term debt	69,840	67,599
Liabilities related to separate accounts	612,854	593,760
Total liabilities	$ 5,232,241	$ 5,136,562

Fair Values Level 3 Financial43

Fair Values Level 3 Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a nonrecurring basis (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Commercial and Consumer, Net	$ 855,497	$ 816,471
Policy loans	187,981	188,254
Other investments	15,806	16,145
Liabilities related to separate accounts	615,892	597,072
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
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 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other investments	10,661	9,360
Future policy benefits	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other investments	0	0
Future policy benefits		15,778
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 on Real Estate, Commercial and Consumer, Net	877,631	840,337
Policy loans	230,685	230,656
Other investments	1,961	1,912
Total assets	1,110,277	1,072,905
Future policy benefits	3,957,238	3,887,399
Supplemental contracts without life contingencies	334,089	330,633
Advance premiums and other deposits	258,220	257,171
Long-term debt	69,840	67,599
Liabilities related to separate accounts	612,854	593,760
Total liabilities	5,232,241	5,136,562
Portion at Other than Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Commercial and Consumer, Net	0	0
Policy loans	0	0
Other investments	0
Total assets	0	0
Future policy benefits	0	0
Supplemental contracts without life contingencies	0	0
Advance premiums and other deposits	0	0
Long-term debt	0	0
Liabilities related to separate accounts	0	0
Total liabilities	0	0
Portion at Other than Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Commercial and Consumer, Net	0	0
Policy loans	0	0
Other investments	0
Total assets	0	0
Future policy benefits	0	0
Supplemental contracts without life contingencies	0	0
Advance premiums and other deposits	0	0
Long-term debt	0	0
Liabilities related to separate accounts	0	0
Total liabilities	0	0
Portion at Other than Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Commercial and Consumer, Net	877,631	840,337
Policy loans	230,685	230,656
Other investments	1,961	1,912
Total assets	1,110,277	1,072,905
Future policy benefits	3,957,238	3,887,399
Supplemental contracts without life contingencies	334,089	330,633
Advance premiums and other deposits	258,220	257,171
Long-term debt	69,840	67,599
Liabilities related to separate accounts	612,854	593,760
Total liabilities	$ 5,232,241	$ 5,136,562

Defined Benefit Plan (Details)

Defined Benefit Plan (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	$ 1,388	$ 1,448
Interest cost	3,531	3,612
Expected return on assets	(4,796)	(4,466)
Amortization of prior service cost	33	36
Amortization of actuarial loss	2,530	2,358
Net periodic pension cost	2,686	2,988
Net periodic pension cost individual entity share	851	952
Other Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	109	84
Interest cost	251	241
Amortization of actuarial loss	293	230
Net periodic pension cost	653	555
Net periodic pension cost individual entity share	$ 388	$ 315

Stockholders Equity (Details)

Stockholders Equity (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount	$ 49,500
Common Stock Special Dividends Per Share Cash Paid	$ 1.50	$ 2
Payment Of Special Cash Dividend	$ 37,400	$ 49,700
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	24,917,960	24,852,306	24,893,955	24,808,176
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures	24,005	44,850
Issurance of common stock under compensation plans	$ 339	$ 1,535
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares		(720)
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value		$ (40)
Common Class A
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	24,906,547	24,840,893	24,882,542	24,796,763
Common stock, without par value	$ 153,242		$ 152,903
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures	24,005	44,850
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares		(720)
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value		$ (100)
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
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares		0
Common Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, without par value	$ 153,314	$ 150,851	152,975	$ 149,320
Issurance of common stock under compensation plans	339	1,535
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value		(4)
Common Stock | Common Class A
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, without par value	153,242	150,779	152,903	149,248
Issurance of common stock under compensation plans	339	1,535
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value		(4)
Common Stock | Common Class B
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, without par value	72	72	$ 72	$ 72
Issurance of common stock under compensation plans	$ 0	0
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value		$ 0

Stockholders Equity Accumulated

Stockholders Equity Accumulated other comprehensive income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016		Dec. 31, 2016		Dec. 31, 2015
Accumulated other comprehensive income		$ 165,598	$ 185,918		$ 149,555		$ 114,532
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, before Reclassification Adjustments, Net of Tax		15,494	73,274
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment for Sale of Securities Included in Net Income, Net of Tax		549	(1,888)
Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member]
Accumulated other comprehensive income		172,165	190,999		156,963	[1]	120,787	[1]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, before Reclassification Adjustments, Net of Tax	[1]	14,834	71,283
Accumulated Other-than-Temporary Impairment [Member]
Accumulated other comprehensive income		971	925		311		(114)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, before Reclassification Adjustments, Net of Tax		660	1,991
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated other comprehensive income		(7,538)	(6,006)		$ (7,719)		$ (6,141)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Reclassification Adjustments, Net of Tax		0	0
reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income [Member]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment for Sale of Securities Included in Net Income, Net of Tax		549	(1,888)
reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income [Member] | Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment for Sale of Securities Included in Net Income, Net of Tax	[1]	368	(1,071)	[2]
reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income [Member] | Accumulated Other-than-Temporary Impairment [Member]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment for Sale of Securities Included in Net Income, Net of Tax	[2]	0	(952)
reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income [Member] | Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Gain (Loss) Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Net of Tax		$ 181	$ 135
[1]	Includes the impact of taxes, deferred acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserves and policyholder liabilities. See Note 2 for further information.
[2]	See Note 2 for further information.

Stockholders Equity AOC I Recla

Stockholders Equity AOC I Reclassification Adjustments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2017		Mar. 31, 2016
Net realized capital gains on sales of investments		$ (403)		$ 1,590
Net impairment loss recognized in earnings		(66)		(2,197)
Income available to common stockholders		26,395		25,908
Income taxes		10,733		11,069
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment for Sale of Securities Included in Net Income, Net of Tax		549		(1,888)
reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income [Member]
Net realized capital gains on sales of investments		403		(1,590)
Change in offsets to unrealized on investments		163		0
Net impairment loss recognized in earnings				(1,522)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax		279		208
Income available to common stockholders		845		(2,904)
Income taxes		(296)		1,016
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment for Sale of Securities Included in Net Income, Net of Tax		549		(1,888)
reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income [Member] | Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member]
Net realized capital gains on sales of investments		403		(1,590)
Change in offsets to unrealized on investments		163		(58)
Net impairment loss recognized in earnings	[1]			0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax		0	[2]	0	[1]
Income available to common stockholders		566	[2]	(1,648)	[1]
Income taxes		(198)	[2]	577	[1]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment for Sale of Securities Included in Net Income, Net of Tax	[2]	368		(1,071)	[1]
reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income [Member] | Accumulated Other-than-Temporary Impairment [Member]
Net realized capital gains on sales of investments	[1]	0		0
Change in offsets to unrealized on investments		0		58
Net impairment loss recognized in earnings				(1,522)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax	[1]	0		0
Income available to common stockholders	[1]	0		(1,464)
Income taxes	[1]	0		512
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment for Sale of Securities Included in Net Income, Net of Tax	[1]	0		(952)
reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income [Member] | Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]
Net realized capital gains on sales of investments		0		0
Change in offsets to unrealized on investments		0		0
Net impairment loss recognized in earnings				0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax		279		208
Income available to common stockholders		279		208
Income taxes		(98)		(73)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Gain (Loss) Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Net of Tax		$ 181		$ 135
[1]	See Note 2 for further information.
[2]	Includes the impact of taxes, deferred acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserves and policyholder liabilities. See Note 2 for further information.

Earnings per Share (Details)

Earnings per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Numerator [Abstract]
Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc.	$ 26,433	$ 25,946
Less: Dividends Series B preferred stock	(38)	(38)
Income available to common stockholders	$ 26,395	$ 25,908
Denominator [Abstract]
Weighted average shares - diluted	25,052,376	25,007,797
Weighted average shares - basic	25,030,462	24,949,840
Effect of dilutive securities - stock-based compensation	21,914	57,957
Earnings per common share	$ 1.05	$ 1.04
Earnings per common share - assuming dilution	$ 1.05	$ 1.04

Segment Information (Details)

Segment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Income offsets due to Interest Sensitive Product Reserves		$ 400	$ 100
Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc.		26,433	25,946
Realized gains/losses on investments (1)		554	397
Change in net unrealized gains/losses on derivatives		1	(25)
Operating Income (Loss)		26,988	26,318
Pre-Tax Operating Income (Loss)		34,332	33,708
Income tax on operating income		(7,344)	(7,390)
Operating revenues		182,860	179,206
Net realized gains (losses) on investments (1)	[1]	(481)	(607)
Change in net unrealized gains/losses on derivatives (1)	[1]	(459)	1,067
Consolidated revenues		181,920	179,666
Pre-Tax on Equity Income (Loss)		(458)	(1,228)
Income Tax on Equity Income		3,689	3,880
Equity income, net of related income taxes		3,231	2,652
Annuity Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Pre-Tax Operating Income (Loss)		16,421	17,148
Operating revenues		55,051	52,179
Life Insurance Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Pre-Tax Operating Income (Loss)		13,749	14,071
Operating revenues		104,143	103,603
Pre-Tax on Equity Income (Loss)		1,166	0
Corporate and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Pre-Tax Operating Income (Loss)		4,162	2,489
Operating revenues		23,666	23,424
Pre-Tax on Equity Income (Loss)		$ (1,624)	$ (1,228)
[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.

Segment Information Reconciliat

Segment Information Reconciliation of non-GAAP measures Revenues (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Premiums collected	$ 169,900	$ 173,200
Change in due premiums and other	(424)	(539)
Traditional life insurance premiums	48,434	50,138
Interest sensitive product charges	29,201	28,111
Annuity Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Interest sensitive product charges	1,135	942
Life Insurance Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Premiums collected	73,573	71,713
Interest sensitive product charges	17,088	15,773
Life Insurance Segment [Member] | Admiin charges [Member]
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Interest sensitive product charges	3,864	3,504
Life Insurance Segment [Member] | Cost of insurance charges [Member]
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Interest sensitive product charges	12,035	11,825
Life Insurance Segment [Member] | Surrender charges [Member]
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Interest sensitive product charges	525	216
Life Insurance Segment [Member] | Amortization of policy initiation fees [Member]
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Interest sensitive product charges	664	228
Corporate and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Interest sensitive product charges	10,978	11,396
Corporate and Other [Member] | Admiin charges [Member]
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Interest sensitive product charges	1,425	1,441
Corporate and Other [Member] | Cost of insurance charges [Member]
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Interest sensitive product charges	7,325	7,516
Corporate and Other [Member] | Surrender charges [Member]
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Interest sensitive product charges	52	26
Corporate and Other [Member] | Separate account charges [Member]
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Interest sensitive product charges	2,003	1,978
Corporate and Other [Member] | Amortization of policy initiation fees [Member]
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Interest sensitive product charges	173	435
Life insurance - interest sensitive [Member]
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Premiums collected	24,715	21,036
Life insurance - traditional [Member]
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Premiums collected	$ 48,858	$ 50,677

Segment Information Goodwill by

Segment Information Goodwill by segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Annuity Segment [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 3.9	$ 3.9
Life Insurance Segment [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 6.1	$ 6.1