FBL Financial (FFG) 10-Q 1 Nov 18 2018 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and entity information

Document and entity information Document - USD ($)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Oct. 30, 2018
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	Sep. 30, 2018
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float	$ 609,145,446
Common Class A
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		24,786,498
Common Class B
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		11,413

Consolidated Balance Sheet

Consolidated Balance Sheet - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Investments:
Fixed maturities - available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost: 2018 - $6,925,616; 2017 - $6,757,250)	$ 7,099,025	$ 7,291,967
Equity securities at fair value (cost: 2018 - $99,882; 2017 - $96,715)	103,896	104,145
Mortgage loans	1,015,618	971,812
Real estate	1,543	1,543
Policy loans	195,723	191,398
Short-term investments	25,569	17,007
Other investments	48,636	42,371
Total investments	8,490,010	8,620,243
Cash and cash equivalents	14,425	52,696
Securities and indebtedness of related parties	59,546	47,823
Accrued investment income	81,199	76,468
Amounts receivable from affiliates	7,617	3,561
Reinsurance recoverable	104,550	108,948
Deferred acquisition costs	412,046	302,611
Value of insurance in force acquired	10,821	4,560
Current income taxes recoverable	1,454	6,764
Other assets	171,754	177,764
Assets held in separate accounts	651,797	651,963
Total assets	10,005,219	10,053,401
Future policy benefits:
Interest sensitive products	5,451,535	5,299,961
Traditional life insurance and accident and health products	1,789,650	1,750,504
Other policy claims and benefits	51,820	44,475
Supplementary contracts without life contingencies	310,152	322,630
Supplemental contracts without life contingencies		322,630
Advance premiums and other deposits	268,935	267,023
Amounts payable to affiliates	1,379	1,164
Long-term debt payable to non-affiliates	97,000	97,000
Deferred income taxes	77,958	130,425
Other liabilities	111,195	111,131
Liabilities related to separate accounts	651,797	651,963
Total liabilities	8,811,421	8,676,276
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	88,961	284,983
Retained earnings	948,530	935,423
Total FBL Financial Group, Inc. stockholders’ equity	1,193,723	1,377,067
Noncontrolling interest	75	58
Total stockholders’ equity	1,193,798	1,377,125
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	10,005,219	10,053,401
Class A common stock, without par value - authorized 88,500,000 shares, issued and outstanding 24,806,796 shares in 2018 and 24,919,113 shares in 2017
FBL Financial Group, Inc. stockholders' equity:
Common stock, without par value	153,160	153,589
Class B common stock, without par value - authorized 1,500,000 shares, issued and outstanding 11,413 shares in 2018 and 2017
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	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis	$ 6,925,616	$ 6,757,250
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	$ 99,882	$ 96,715
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	24,818,209	24,930,526
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	24,806,796	24,919,113
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	24,806,796	24,919,113
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		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Revenues:
Interest sensitive product charges		$ 31,161	$ 28,004	$ 92,165	$ 86,661
Traditional life insurance premiums		48,124	47,087	148,712	145,783
Net investment income		105,757	102,950	310,753	307,852
Net realized capital gains (losses)		(709)	81	(1,615)	599
Net other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in earnings		(50)	(67)	(1,090)	(133)
Other income		3,828	3,501	12,065	11,711
Total revenues		188,111	181,556	560,990	552,473
Benefits and expenses:
Interest sensitive product benefits		70,145	67,206	194,127	188,217
Traditional life insurance benefits		44,168	42,633	133,349	128,197
Policyholder dividends		2,480	2,487	7,591	7,597
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses		30,834	27,535	107,621	98,229
Interest expense		1,212	1,213	3,638	3,638
Other expenses		5,061	4,971	16,281	13,862
Total benefits and expenses		153,900	146,045	462,607	439,740
Income before equity method investments, income taxes and noncontrolling interest		34,211	35,511	98,383	112,733
Income taxes		(4,818)	(9,880)	(14,462)	(32,017)
Equity income, net of related income taxes		1,642	487	3,441	2,629
Net income		31,035	26,118	87,362	83,345
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest		(25)	9	16	(20)
Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc.	[1]	$ 31,010	$ 26,127	$ 87,378	$ 83,325
Earnings per common share		$ 1.24	$ 1.04	$ 3.50	$ 3.32
Earnings per common share - assuming dilution		$ 1.24	$ 1.04	$ 3.50	$ 3.32
[1]	Prior period amounts have been adjusted to reflect the accounting change for LIHTC investments. See Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements for additional information.

Consolidated Statement of Compr

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income Statement - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Net income		$ 31,035	$ 26,118	$ 87,362	$ 83,345
Change in net unrealized investment gains/losses	[1]	(42,388)	11,320	(191,339)	73,751
Change in underfunded status of postretirement benefit plans	[1]	268	192	797	563
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	[1]	(42,120)	11,512	(190,542)	74,314
Total comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		(11,085)	37,630	(103,180)	157,659
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		(25)	9	16	(20)
Total comprehensive income (loss) applicable to FBL Financial Group, Inc.		$ (11,110)	$ 37,639	$ (103,164)	$ 157,639
[1]	Other comprehensive income (loss) is recorded net of deferred income taxes and other adjustments for assumed changes in deferred acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserve and policyholder liabilities.

Consolidated Statements of Chan

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholder's Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Total		Series B Preferred Stock	Class A and Class B Common Stock	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Retained Earnings	Non- controlling Interest
Balance at Dec. 31, 2016		$ 1,188,258		$ 3,000	$ 152,975	$ 149,555	$ 882,672	$ 56
Net income		83,345					83,325	20
Other comprehensive income		74,314	[1]			74,314
Stock-based compensation		644			644
Dividends on preferred stock		(112)					(112)
Dividends on common stock		(70,280)					(70,280)
Receipts related in noncontrolling interest		(34)						(34)
Balance at Sep. 30, 2017		1,271,432		3,000	153,619	223,869	890,902	42
Balance at Dec. 31, 2017		1,377,125		3,000	153,661	284,983	935,423	58
Net income		87,362					87,378	(16)
Other comprehensive income		(190,542)	[1]			(190,542)
Stock-based compensation		366			366
Purchase of common stock		(8,849)			(795)		(8,054)
Dividends on preferred stock		(112)					(112)
Dividends on common stock		(71,585)					(71,585)
Receipts related in noncontrolling interest		33						33
Balance at Sep. 30, 2018		$ 1,193,798		$ 3,000	$ 153,232	88,961	$ 948,530	$ 75
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Cumulative Effect of Change on Equity or Net Assets | Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 [Member]	[2]					$ (5,480)
[1]	Other comprehensive income (loss) is recorded net of deferred income taxes and other adjustments for assumed changes in deferred acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserve and policyholder liabilities.
[2]	See Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements for further discussion on this one-time adjustment related to an accounting change.

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Operating activities
Net income	$ 87,362	$ 83,345
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Interest credited to account balances	123,425	121,028
Charges for mortality, surrenders and administration	(89,958)	(86,975)
Net realized (gains) losses on investments	2,705	(466)
Change in fair value of derivatives	(2,370)	(5,450)
Increase in liabilities for life insurance and other future policy benefits	61,112	67,802
Deferral of acquisition costs	(31,276)	(31,819)
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs and value of insurance in force	24,199	15,984
Change in reinsurance recoverable	2,370	(488)
Provision for deferred income taxes	(1,816)	3,005
Other	1,050	7,055
Net cash provided by operating activities	176,803	173,021
Sales, maturities or repayments:
Fixed maturities - available for sale	455,104	444,130
Equity securities - available for sale	0	9,168
Mortgage loans	51,680	39,880
Derivative instruments	13,203	9,054
Policy loans	28,416	27,092
Securities and indebtedness of related parties	4,945	6,245
Real Estate	0	717
Other long-term investments	4,948	14
Acquisitions:
Fixed maturities - available for sale	(613,278)	(457,988)
Equity securities - available for sale	(2,799)	(1,102)
Mortgage loans	(95,336)	(147,200)
Derivative instruments	(10,480)	(6,556)
Policy loans	(32,741)	(29,090)
Securities and indebtedness of related parties	(15,922)	(10,178)
Other long-term investments	(6,611)	0
Short-term investments, net change	(8,562)	(9,051)
Purchases and disposals of property and equipment, net	(8,483)	(7,889)
Net cash used in investing activities	(235,916)	(132,754)
Financing activities
Contract holder account deposits	525,245	358,211
Contract holder account withdrawals	(423,714)	(333,261)
Dividends paid	(71,697)	(70,392)
Proceeds from Issuance of Debt	27,000	0
Repayments of Debt	27,000	0
Issuance or repurchase of common stock, net	(9,025)	305
Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities	33	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	20,842	(45,137)
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(38,271)	(4,870)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	52,696	33,583
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	14,425	28,713
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
Cash paid during the period for interest	(3,656)	(3,638)
Cash (paid) received during the period for income taxes	$ (2,027)	$ (10,302)

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies	Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of FBL Financial Group, Inc. (we or the Company) have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. Our financial statements include all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) necessary for a fair presentation of our financial position and results of operations. Operating results for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2018 . 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, 2017 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. Accounting Policy Change During the third quarter of 2018, we voluntarily changed our accounting policy for low income housing tax credit (LIHTC) investments from the equity method to the proportional amortization method. We believe the proportional amortization method is preferable because it better reflects the economics of an investment that is made for the primary purpose of receiving tax credits and other tax benefits and is consistent with the accounting method used by most life insurance companies that have disclosed their accounting policies for LIHTC investments. In addition to a change in the timing of the recognition of income or loss on LIHTC investments, there are also differences in how these investments are reported within our consolidated financial statements, as the unamortized cost of the LIHTC investments is now reflected in the "Other asset" line instead of the "Securities and indebtedness of related parties" line on the consolidated balance sheets and income/expense from LIHTC investments is now reflected in the "Income taxes" line instead of the "Equity income" line on the consolidated statements of operations. Changes to the consolidated statements of cash flows were immaterial and included moving additional funding and return of capital from LIHTC investments from the “Securities and indebtedness of related parties” lines under investing to the “Other” line under operating cash flows. As a result of this accounting policy change, the opening balance as of January 1, 2017 of retained earnings was reduced by $4.7 million , as shown on the consolidated statements of changes in stockholders’ equity. In addition, the following presents the effect of the change on financial statement line items for prior periods that were retrospectively adjusted: Consolidated Balance Sheet Impact December 31, 2017 As Originally Reported As Adjusted Effect of Change (Dollars in thousands) Assets Securities and indebtedness of related parties $ 130,240 $ 47,823 $ (82,417 ) Current income taxes recoverable 3,269 6,764 3,495 Other assets 112,054 177,764 65,710 Total assets $ (13,212 ) Liabilities and stockholders’ equity Deferred income taxes $ 131,912 $ 130,425 $ (1,487 ) Retained earnings 947,148 935,423 (11,725 ) Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ (13,212 ) Consolidated Statements of Operations Impact Three months ended September 30, 2017 Nine months ended September 30, 2017 As Originally Reported As Adjusted Effect of Change As Originally Reported As Adjusted Effect of Change (Dollars in thousands) Income taxes $ (11,220 ) $ (9,880 ) $ 1,340 $ (35,844 ) $ (32,017 ) $ 3,827 Equity income (loss), net of related income taxes 2,804 487 (2,317 ) 8,959 2,629 (6,330 ) Net income (loss) attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc. $ (977 ) $ (2,503 ) Earnings (loss) per common share - basic and assuming dilution $ (0.04 ) $ (0.10 ) Net income would have been $0.1 million higher ($0.01 per basic and diluted share) for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and $0.2 million lower ($0.1 per basic and diluted share) for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 if the Company had continued to record LIHTC investments using the equity method. New Accounting Pronouncements Description Date of adoption Effect on our consolidated financial statements or other significant matters Standards adopted: Stockholders' equity October 1, 2017 The new guidance was effective for 2018, with early adoption permitted. We adopted the new guidance in 2017 by reporting the reclassification in our Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity. We consider the remeasurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities a provisional estimate, so any adjustments to this estimate associated with components of AOCI during 2018 would result in additional reclassification. There have been no such adjustments during the nine months ended September 30, 2018. Financial instruments - recognition and measurement In January 2016, the FASB issued guidance that amended certain aspects of the recognition and measurement of financial instruments. The new guidance primarily affected the accounting for equity securities, which are now carried at fair value with valuation changes recognized in the statement of operations rather than as other comprehensive income. 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 were also revised under the new guidance. The new standard required the use of a modified retrospective method at adoption. January 1, 2018 Upon adoption, we reclassified $5.5 million of net unrealized investment gains, net of adjustments to deferred acquisition costs, interest sensitive policy reserves and income taxes, on our equity securities from AOCI to retained earnings as a cumulative effect adjustment. Adoption resulted in a decrease to net income of $2.4 million ($0.10 per basic and diluted earnings per share) during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and $0.5 million ($0.02 per basic and diluted earnings per share) during the third quarter of 2018. Revenue recognition In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance that outlined a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers. Insurance contract and investment related revenue, which make up the majority of our earnings, were specifically excluded from the scope of this guidance. The new guidance was 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 required 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. We had the option of using either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective approach for the adoption of the new standard. January 1, 2018 Our revenues that fall under the scope of the new guidance primarily consist of the net commissions on insurance and investment products we broker for others. We have evaluated those contracts and concluded that there was no change in timing or measurement of revenues, as the historical accounting is consistent with the new guidance. Accordingly, there was no impact from adoption. Standards not yet adopted: Leases 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. January 1, 2019 We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements, but do not believe it will be material. Our most significant lease is for our home office building. See Note 10 of Item 8 of our 2017 Form 10-K for a further description of this lease, including future commitments. Our other leases are primarily shorter term in nature, relating to equipment. This standard may be applied using the modified retrospective approach or prospectively, recognizing a cumulative effect adjustment. Financial instruments - credit impairment In June 2016, the FASB issued guidance amending the accounting for the credit impairment of financial instruments. Under the new guidance, impairment losses are required to be estimated using an expected loss model under which a valuation allowance is established and adjusted over time. The valuation allowance will be based on the probability of loss over the life of the instrument, considering historical, current and forecasted information. The new guidance differs significantly from the incurred loss model used today, and will result in the earlier recognition of impairment losses. The new guidance may also increase the volatility of earnings to the extent actual results differ from the assumptions used in the establishment of the valuation allowance. The financial instruments for which we will be required to use the new model include but are not limited to, mortgage loans, lease receivables and reinsurance recoverables. Our available-for-sale fixed maturities will continue to apply the incurred loss model. However, rather than impairment losses resulting in a permanent reduction of carrying value as they do today, such losses will be in the form of a valuation allowance, which can be increased in the case of future credit losses or decreased should conditions improve. January 1, 2020 We are currently evaluating the impact of this new guidance on our consolidated financial statements. We believe the most significant impact upon adoption will be the establishment of an additional valuation allowance for our mortgage loan investments. This guidance will be applied using a modified retrospective approach by recording a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the year of adoption. Targeted improvements: long-duration contracts In August 2018, the FASB issued guidance that will change the accounting for long-duration insurance contracts. The new guidance impacts several facets of the accounting for such contracts including the accounting for future policy benefits associated with traditional non-participating and limited payment insurance contracts as well as for guaranteed minimum benefits and the amortization model used for deferred acquisition costs. Disclosures as well as presentation of financial results will also change under the new guidance. January 1, 2021 We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements, but expect the impact to the timing of profit emergence for the impacted insurance contracts to be significant. Adoption of certain portions of the guidance may be applied on a modified retrospective basis and others on a full retrospective basis. Early adoption is allowed. Reclassifications In addition to the LIHTC reclassifications discussed above, in 2018 we began reporting our holdings of Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB) common stock, which we are required to hold as a member of the FHLB system, as other investments rather than equity securities as the stock is restricted in nature. The 2017 consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current financial statement presentation.

Investment Operations

Investment Operations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Investment Operations [Abstract]
Investment Operations	Investment Operations Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturity Securities by Investment Category September 30, 2018 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 $ 3,226,039 $ 148,003 $ (60,509 ) $ 3,313,533 $ — Residential mortgage-backed 592,376 28,761 (13,668 ) 607,469 3,026 Commercial mortgage-backed 883,023 14,063 (32,412 ) 864,674 — Other asset-backed 748,415 16,410 (4,700 ) 760,125 1,364 United States Government and agencies 19,712 816 (295 ) 20,233 — States and political subdivisions 1,456,051 87,208 (10,268 ) 1,532,991 — Total fixed maturities $ 6,925,616 $ 295,261 $ (121,852 ) $ 7,099,025 $ 4,390 Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities by Investment Category December 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 $ 3,374,927 $ 329,299 $ (15,955 ) $ 3,688,271 $ (504 ) Residential mortgage-backed 483,671 35,890 (3,280 ) 516,281 339 Commercial mortgage-backed 674,076 34,464 (3,233 ) 705,307 — Other asset-backed 818,071 18,645 (3,214 ) 833,502 845 United States Government and agencies 23,378 1,606 (79 ) 24,905 — States and political subdivisions 1,383,127 141,813 (1,239 ) 1,523,701 — Total fixed maturities $ 6,757,250 $ 561,717 $ (27,000 ) $ 7,291,967 $ 680 Equity securities: Non-redeemable preferred stocks $ 92,951 $ 7,146 $ (265 ) $ 99,832 Common stocks 3,764 549 — 4,313 Total equity securities $ 96,715 $ 7,695 $ (265 ) $ 104,145 (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 at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 were in an unrealized gain position due to increases in estimated fair value subsequent to initial recognition of non-credit losses on such securities. Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturities by Maturity Date September 30, 2018 Amortized Cost Fair Value (Dollars in thousands) Due in one year or less $ 116,178 $ 118,398 Due after one year through five years 545,151 562,662 Due after five years through ten years 699,717 708,989 Due after ten years 3,340,756 3,476,708 4,701,802 4,866,757 Mortgage-backed and other asset-backed 2,223,814 2,232,268 Total fixed maturities $ 6,925,616 $ 7,099,025 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 on Investments in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income September 30, December 31, (Dollars in thousands) Net unrealized appreciation on: Fixed maturities - available for sale $ 173,409 $ 534,718 Equity securities - available for sale — 7,430 173,409 542,148 Adjustments for assumed changes in amortization pattern of: Deferred acquisition costs (46,865 ) (147,173 ) Value of insurance in force acquired (6,980 ) (14,870 ) Unearned revenue reserve 5,673 12,705 Adjustments for assumed changes in policyholder liabilities (64 ) (18,499 ) Provision for deferred income taxes (26,286 ) (78,605 ) Net unrealized investment gains $ 98,887 $ 295,706 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 Securities with Unrealized Losses by Length of Time September 30, 2018 Less than one year One year or more Total Description of Securities Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses Percent of Total (Dollars in thousands) Fixed maturities: Corporate $ 1,008,619 $ (41,103 ) $ 179,151 $ (19,406 ) $ 1,187,770 $ (60,509 ) 49.7 % Residential mortgage-backed 321,318 (11,240 ) 44,511 (2,428 ) 365,829 (13,668 ) 11.2 Commercial mortgage-backed 492,258 (22,110 ) 97,859 (10,302 ) 590,117 (32,412 ) 26.6 Other asset-backed 301,551 (2,819 ) 93,174 (1,881 ) 394,725 (4,700 ) 3.9 United States Government and agencies 3,889 (221 ) 2,423 (74 ) 6,312 (295 ) 0.2 States and political subdivisions 218,383 (7,995 ) 16,697 (2,273 ) 235,080 (10,268 ) 8.4 Total fixed maturities $ 2,346,018 $ (85,488 ) $ 433,815 $ (36,364 ) $ 2,779,833 $ (121,852 ) 100.0 % Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities with Unrealized Losses by Length of Time December 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 $ 85,019 $ (1,261 ) $ 183,820 $ (14,694 ) $ 268,839 $ (15,955 ) 59.1 % Residential mortgage-backed 76,393 (1,757 ) 31,779 (1,523 ) 108,172 (3,280 ) 12.1 Commercial mortgage-backed 151,158 (2,078 ) 16,398 (1,155 ) 167,556 (3,233 ) 12.0 Other asset-backed 159,111 (2,006 ) 71,064 (1,208 ) 230,175 (3,214 ) 11.9 United States Government and agencies 5,698 (47 ) 1,864 (32 ) 7,562 (79 ) 0.3 States and political subdivisions 5,904 (96 ) 20,505 (1,143 ) 26,409 (1,239 ) 4.6 Total fixed maturities $ 483,283 $ (7,245 ) $ 325,430 $ (19,755 ) $ 808,713 $ (27,000 ) 100.0 % Equity securities: Non-redeemable preferred stocks $ 2,819 $ (71 ) $ 4,807 $ (194 ) $ 7,626 $ (265 ) Total equity securities $ 2,819 $ (71 ) $ 4,807 $ (194 ) $ 7,626 $ (265 ) Fixed maturities in the above tables include 763 securities from 473 issuers at September 30, 2018 and 247 securities from 154 issuers at December 31, 2017 . Unrealized losses increased during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 due to higher market interest rates. 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 September 30, 2018 . 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. 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, 2017, we perform a regular evaluation of all investment classes for impairment in order to evaluate whether such investments are OTTI. Credit Loss Component of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments on Fixed Maturities Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Balance at beginning of period $ (12,392 ) $ (14,500 ) Reductions due to investments sold or paid down 3,648 1,154 Reduction for credit loss that no longer has a portion of the OTTI loss recognized in other comprehensive income 2,529 587 Balance at end of period $ (6,215 ) $ (12,759 ) 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 the non-credit 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 September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Realized gains (losses) on sales of investments Fixed maturities: Gross gains $ 25 $ 221 $ 1,821 $ 1,426 Gross losses (1 ) (140 ) (2 ) (1,082 ) Equity securities — — — (90 ) Other long-term investments (1 ) — (19 ) 40 Real estate — — — 305 23 81 1,800 599 Net unrealized losses recognized during the period on equity securities held at the end of the period (1) (732 ) — (3,415 ) — Net realized gains (losses) (709 ) 81 (1,615 ) 599 Impairment losses recognized in earnings: Other credit-related (2) (50 ) (67 ) (1,090 ) (133 ) Net realized gains (losses) on investments recorded in income $ (759 ) $ 14 $ (2,705 ) $ 466 (1) See Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements for discussion of change in accounting policy for equity securities during 2018. (2) Amount represents credit-related losses for fixed maturities written down to fair value through income and impairment losses related to investments accounted for under the equity method of accounting, which are included in securities and indebtedness of related parties within our consolidated balance sheets. Proceeds from sales of fixed maturities totaled $59.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and $57.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 . 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. 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 non-accrual 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 September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , there were no non-performing loans over 90 days past due on contractual payments. At September 30, 2018 , we had committed to provide additional funding for mortgage loans totaling $21.1 million . These commitments arose in the normal course of business at terms that are comparable to similar investments. Mortgage Loans by Collateral Type September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Collateral Type Carrying Value Percent of Total Carrying Value Percent of Total (Dollars in thousands) Office $ 425,459 41.9 % $ 410,090 42.2 % Retail 306,614 30.2 292,257 30.1 Industrial 211,585 20.8 207,180 21.3 Other 71,960 7.1 62,285 6.4 Total $ 1,015,618 100.0 % $ 971,812 100.0 % Mortgage Loans by Geographic Location within the United States September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Region of the United States Carrying Value Percent of Total Carrying Value Percent of Total (Dollars in thousands) South Atlantic $ 294,262 29.0 % $ 296,947 30.5 % Pacific 164,405 16.2 146,320 15.0 West North Central 122,743 12.1 127,096 13.1 East North Central 105,982 10.4 91,971 9.5 Mountain 102,339 10.1 105,627 10.9 West South Central 91,402 9.0 85,566 8.8 East South Central 65,459 6.4 67,228 6.9 Middle Atlantic 35,123 3.5 16,052 1.7 New England 33,903 3.3 35,005 3.6 Total $ 1,015,618 100.0 % $ 971,812 100.0 % Mortgage Loans by Loan-to-Value Ratio September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Loan-to-Value Ratio Carrying Value Percent of Total Carrying Value Percent of Total (Dollars in thousands) 0% - 50% $ 404,171 39.8 % $ 334,037 34.4 % 51% - 60% 283,036 27.9 258,359 26.6 61% - 70% 288,808 28.4 297,404 30.6 71% - 80% 21,076 2.1 63,116 6.5 81% - 90% 18,527 1.8 18,896 1.9 Total $ 1,015,618 100.0 % $ 971,812 100.0 % 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 September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Year of Origination Carrying Value Percent of Total Carrying Value Percent of Total (Dollars in thousands) 2018 $ 93,611 9.2 % $ — — % 2017 209,307 20.6 214,365 22.1 2016 150,686 14.8 154,359 15.9 2015 134,529 13.3 144,890 14.9 2014 75,598 7.4 77,866 8.0 2013 and prior 351,887 34.7 380,332 39.1 Total $ 1,015,618 100.0 % $ 971,812 100.0 % Impaired Mortgage Loans September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Unpaid principal balance $ 18,724 $ 19,027 Less: Related allowance (346 ) (497 ) Carrying value of impaired mortgage loans $ 18,378 $ 18,530 Allowance on Mortgage Loans Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Balance at beginning of period $ 497 $ 713 Recoveries (151 ) (147 ) Balance at end of period $ 346 $ 566 Mortgage Loan Modifications Our commercial mortgage loan portfolio can include 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 nine months ended September 30, 2018 or September 30, 2017 . 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 we have a variable interest, 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 consist of (i) limited partnerships or limited liability companies accounted for under the equity method included in securities and indebtedness of related parties and (ii) non-guaranteed federal LIHTC investments included in other assets. LIHTC investments take the form of limited partnerships, which in turn invest in a number of low income housing projects. We use the proportional amortization method of accounting for these investments. The proportional amortization method amortizes the cost of the investment over the period in which the investor expects to receive tax credits and other tax benefits, and the resulting amortization is recognized along with the tax benefits as a component of federal income tax expense on our consolidated statements of operations. The net benefits reflected in federal income tax expense related to LIHTC investments were $0.9 million for the third quarter of 2018 and $2.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 , compared to $1.3 million for the third quarter of 2017 and $3.8 million at for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 . The carrying value of our LIHTC investments totaled $56.7 million at September 30, 2018 and $65.7 million at December 31, 2017 . See Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements for discussion of a change in accounting method applied to these investments. At September 30, 2018 , 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 $56.4 million , including $1.6 million for LIHTC investment commitments, which are summarized by year in the following table. LIHTC Investment Commitments by Year September 30, 2018 (Dollars in thousands) 2018 $ 341 2019 248 2020-2025 996 Total $ 1,585 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 September 30, 2018 or December 31, 2017. 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 September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Carrying Value Maximum Exposure to Loss Carrying Value Maximum Exposure to Loss (Dollars in thousands) LIHTC investments $ 56,715 $ 58,300 $ 65,710 $ 67,396 Investment companies 37,388 82,167 25,335 62,372 Real estate limited partnerships 9,694 19,522 8,589 20,590 Other 455 649 1,182 1,488 Total $ 104,252 $ 160,638 $ 100,816 $ 151,846 In addition, we make passive investments in the normal course of business in structured securities issued by VIEs for which we are not the investment manager. These structured securities include all of the residential mortgage-backed securities, commercial mortgage-backed securities and other asset-backed securities included in our fixed maturities. Our maximum exposure to loss on these securities is limited to our carrying value of 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 against 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 September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Assets Freestanding derivatives: Call options (reported in other investments) $ 19,140 $ 14,824 Embedded derivatives: Modified coinsurance assumed (reported in reinsurance recoverable) 98 2,125 Modified coinsurance ceded (reported in reinsurance recoverable) 20 — Interest-only security (reported in fixed maturities) 1,422 2,096 Total assets $ 20,680 $ 19,045 Liabilities Embedded derivatives: Indexed annuity and universal life products (reported in liability for future policy benefits) $ 42,017 $ 27,774 Modified coinsurance agreements (reported in other liabilities) 288 268 Total liabilities $ 42,305 $ 28,042 Derivative Income (Loss) Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Change in fair value of free standing derivatives: Call options $ 5,999 $ 2,482 $ 7,039 $ 6,247 Change in fair value of embedded derivatives: Modified coinsurance agreements (1,209 ) (86 ) (2,027 ) (1,508 ) Interest-only security (1 ) 28 (79 ) (167 ) Indexed annuity and universal life products (5,509 ) 560 (2,563 ) 878 Total income (loss) from derivatives $ (720 ) $ 2,984 $ 2,370 $ 5,450 Derivative income 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 $14.3 million at September 30, 2018 , 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 September 30, 2018 , none of the collateral had been sold or re-pledged. As of September 30, 2018 , our net derivative exposure was $5.1 million .

Fair Values

Fair Values	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Fair Values [Abstract]
Fair Value	Fair Values 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, or, if 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 measured at fair value on a recurring basis: 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 with no quoted market prices 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 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 for which an exit price based on relevant observable inputs is not obtained, the fair value is determined using a matrix calculation. Fair values estimated through the use of matrix pricing methods rely on an estimate of credit spreads to a risk-free U.S. Treasury yield. Selecting the credit spread requires judgment based on an understanding of the security and may include a market liquidity premium. Our selection of comparable companies as well as the level of spread requires significant judgment. Increases in spreads used in our matrix models, or those used to value comparable companies, will result in a decrease in discounted cash flows used, and accordingly in the estimated fair value of the security. We obtain fixed maturity fair values from a variety of external independent pricing services, including brokers, with access to observable data including recent trade information, if available. In certain circumstances in which an external price is not available for a Level 3 security, we will internally estimate its fair value. Our process for evaluation and selection of the fair values includes: • We follow a “pricing waterfall” policy, which establishes the pricing source preference for a particular security or security type. The order of preference is based on our evaluation of the valuation methods used, the source’s knowledge of the instrument and the reliability of the prices we have received from the source in the past. Our valuation policy dictates that fair values are initially sought from third party pricing services. If our review of the prices received from our preferred source indicates an inaccurate price, we will use an alternative source within the waterfall and document the decision. In the event that fair values are not available from one of our external pricing services or upon review of the fair values provided it is determined that they may not be reflective of market conditions, those securities are submitted to brokers familiar with the security to obtain non-binding price quotes. Broker quotes tend to be used in limited circumstances such as for newly issued, private placement corporate bonds and other instruments that are not widely traded. For those securities for which an externally provided fair value is not available, we use cash flow modeling techniques to estimate fair value. • We evaluate third party pricing source estimation methodologies to assess whether they will provide a fair value that approximates a market exit price. • We perform an overall analysis of portfolio fair value movement against general movements in interest rates and spreads. • We compare period-to-period price trends to detect unexpected price fluctuation based on our knowledge of the market and the particular instrument. As fluctuations are noted, we will perform further research that 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 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 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 fair value estimates are based on the value of comparable securities that are actively traded. Increases in spreads 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 that 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. Other investments: Level 2 other investments measured at fair value include call options with fair values based on counterparty market prices adjusted for a credit component of the counterparty, net of collateral received. 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-indexed product embedded derivatives : Certain index product 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. 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. Valuation of our Financial Instruments Measured on a Recurring Basis by Hierarchy Levels September 30, 2018 Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Fair Value (Dollars in thousands) Assets Fixed maturities: Corporate securities $ — $ 3,290,359 $ 23,174 $ 3,313,533 Residential mortgage-backed securities — 603,591 3,878 607,469 Commercial mortgage-backed securities — 788,162 76,512 864,674 Other asset-backed securities — 747,771 12,354 760,125 United States Government and agencies 7,927 12,306 — 20,233 States and political subdivisions — 1,532,991 — 1,532,991 Total fixed maturities 7,927 6,975,180 115,918 7,099,025 Non-redeemable preferred stocks — 89,328 7,210 96,538 Common stocks (1) 5,622 — — 5,622 Other investments — 19,140 — 19,140 Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments 39,994 — — 39,994 Reinsurance recoverable — 118 — 118 Assets held in separate accounts 651,797 — — 651,797 Total assets $ 705,340 $ 7,083,766 $ 123,128 $ 7,912,234 Liabilities Future policy benefits - indexed product embedded derivatives $ — $ — $ 42,017 $ 42,017 Other liabilities — 288 — 288 Total liabilities $ — $ 288 $ 42,017 $ 42,305 (1) A private equity fund with a fair value estimate of $1.7 million using net asset value per share as a practical expedient, has not been classified in the fair value hierarchy above per fair value reporting guidance. This fund invests in senior secured middle market loans and has unfunded commitments totaling $8.3 million at September 30, 2018 . The investment is not currently eligible for redemption. Valuation of our Financial Instruments Measured on a Recurring Basis by Hierarchy Levels December 31, 2017 Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Fair Value (Dollars in thousands) Assets Fixed maturities: Corporate securities $ — $ 3,654,671 $ 33,600 $ 3,688,271 Residential mortgage-backed securities — 507,157 9,124 516,281 Commercial mortgage-backed securities — 619,606 85,701 705,307 Other asset-backed securities — 780,022 53,480 833,502 United States Government and agencies 9,078 15,827 — 24,905 States and political subdivisions — 1,523,701 — 1,523,701 Total fixed maturities 9,078 7,100,984 181,905 7,291,967 Non-redeemable preferred stocks — 92,425 7,407 99,832 Common stocks 4,313 — — 4,313 Other investments — 14,824 — 14,824 Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments 69,703 — — 69,703 Reinsurance recoverable — 2,125 — 2,125 Assets held in separate accounts 651,963 — — 651,963 Total assets $ 735,057 $ 7,210,358 $ 189,312 $ 8,134,727 Liabilities Future policy benefits - indexed product embedded derivatives $ — $ — $ 27,774 $ 27,774 Other liabilities — 268 — 268 Total liabilities $ — $ 268 $ 27,774 $ 28,042 Level 3 Assets by Valuation Source - Recurring Basis September 30, 2018 Third-party vendors Priced Fair Value (Dollars in thousands) Corporate securities $ 2,128 $ 21,046 $ 23,174 Residential mortgage-backed securities 3,878 — 3,878 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 67,243 9,269 76,512 Other asset-backed securities 12,354 — 12,354 Non-redeemable preferred stocks — 7,210 7,210 Total assets $ 85,603 $ 37,525 $ 123,128 Percent of total 69.5 % 30.5 % 100.0 % December 31, 2017 Third-party vendors Priced internally Fair Value (Dollars in thousands) Corporate securities $ 4,555 $ 29,045 $ 33,600 Residential mortgage-backed securities 9,124 — 9,124 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 85,701 — 85,701 Other asset-backed securities 47,080 6,400 53,480 Non-redeemable preferred stocks — 7,407 7,407 Total assets $ 146,460 $ 42,852 $ 189,312 Percent of total 77.4 % 22.6 % 100.0 % Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements - Recurring Basis September 30, 2018 Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range (Weighted Average) (Dollars in thousands) Assets Corporate securities $ 19,848 Discounted cash flow Credit spread 0.92% - 5.75% (3.22%) Commercial mortgage-backed 70,052 Discounted cash flow Credit spread 1.08% - 3.51% (2.18%) Non-redeemable preferred stocks 7,210 Discounted cash flow Credit spread 3.05% (3.05%) Total assets $ 97,110 Liabilities Future policy benefits - indexed product embedded derivatives $ 42,017 Discounted cash flow Credit risk Risk margin 0.45% - 1.60% (1.05%) 0.15% - 0.40% (0.25%) December 31, 2017 Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range (Weighted Average) (Dollars in thousands) Assets Corporate securities $ 27,682 Discounted cash flow Credit spread 0.91% - 6.20% (4.17%) Commercial mortgage-backed 72,224 Discounted cash flow Credit spread 1.40% - 4.10% (2.50%) Non-redeemable preferred stocks 7,407 Discounted cash flow Credit spread 2.94% (2.94%) Total assets $ 107,313 Liabilities Future policy benefits - indexed product embedded derivatives $ 27,774 Discounted cash flow Credit risk Risk margin 0.40% - 1.60% (0.90%) 0.15% - 0.40% (0.25%) The tables above exclude certain securities with the fair value based on non-binding broker quotes for which we could not reasonably obtain the quantitative unobservable inputs. Level 3 Financial Instruments Changes in Fair Value - Recurring Basis September 30, 2018 Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net Balance, December 31, 2017 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, September 30, 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Assets Corporate securities $ 33,600 $ — $ (8,373 ) $ — $ (878 ) $ 7,082 $ (8,530 ) $ 273 $ 23,174 Residential mortgage-backed securities 9,124 27,818 — — — — (33,064 ) — 3,878 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 85,701 36,008 (659 ) — (4,522 ) — (39,990 ) (26 ) 76,512 Other asset-backed securities 53,480 28,855 (2,622 ) — (12 ) — (67,347 ) — 12,354 Non-redeemable preferred stocks 7,407 — — — (197 ) — — — 7,210 Total assets $ 189,312 $ 92,681 $ (11,654 ) $ — $ (5,609 ) $ 7,082 $ (148,931 ) $ 247 $ 123,128 Liabilities Future policy benefits - indexed product embedded derivatives $ 27,774 $ 7,920 $ (3,919 ) $ 10,242 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 42,017 September 30, 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, September 30, 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Assets Corporate securities $ 59,119 $ 3,000 $ (11,251 ) $ 84 $ (1,015 ) $ 13,440 $ (22,877 ) $ (30 ) $ 40,470 Residential mortgage-backed securities — 23,331 — — (1 ) — (21,326 ) 1 2,005 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 81,434 12,114 (613 ) — 6,850 — (20,267 ) (63 ) 79,455 Other asset-backed securities 54,368 81,867 (8,286 ) — 614 13,353 (48,392 ) (21 ) 93,503 Non-redeemable preferred stocks 7,411 — — — 243 — — — 7,654 Total assets $ 202,332 $ 120,312 $ (20,150 ) $ 84 $ 6,691 $ 26,793 $ (112,862 ) $ (113 ) $ 223,087 Liabilities Future policy benefits - indexed product embedded derivatives $ 15,778 $ 4,893 $ (1,405 ) $ 4,808 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 24,074 (1) Transfers into Level 3 represent assets previously priced using an external pricing service with access to observable inputs no longer available and therefore, were priced using non-binding broker quotes. Transfers out of Level 3 include those assets that we are now able to obtain pricing from a third party pricing vendor that uses observable inputs. The fair values of newly issued securities often require additional estimation until a market is created, which is generally within a few months after issuance. Once a market is created, as was the case for the majority of the security transfers out of the Level 3 category above, Level 2 valuation sources become available. There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the periods presented above. The Company has other financial assets and financial liabilities that are not carried at fair value but for which fair value disclosure is required. The following table presents the carrying value, fair value and fair value hierarchy level of these financial assets and financial liabilities. Valuation of our Financial Instruments Not Reported at Fair Value by Hierarchy Levels September 30, 2018 Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Fair Value Carrying Value (Dollars in thousands) Assets Mortgage loans $ — $ — $ 1,005,598 $ 1,005,598 $ 1,015,618 Policy loans — — 229,408 229,408 195,723 Other investments — — 30,468 30,468 29,496 Total assets $ — $ — $ 1,265,474 $ 1,265,474 $ 1,240,837 Liabilities Future policy benefits $ — $ — $ 4,005,338 $ 4,005,338 $ 4,276,325 Supplementary contracts without life contingencies — — 303,856 303,856 310,152 Advance premiums and other deposits — — 260,888 260,888 260,888 Long-term debt — — 71,761 71,761 97,000 Liabilities related to separate accounts — — 650,063 650,063 651,797 Total liabilities $ — $ — $ 5,291,906 $ 5,291,906 $ 5,596,162 December 31, 2017 Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Fair Value Carrying Value (Dollars in thousands) Assets Mortgage loans $ — $ — $ 989,503 $ 989,503 $ 971,812 Policy loans — — 236,223 236,223 191,398 Other investments — — 28,619 28,619 27,547 Total assets $ — $ — $ 1,254,345 $ 1,254,345 $ 1,190,757 Liabilities Future policy benefits $ — $ — $ 4,119,880 $ 4,119,880 $ 4,164,593 Supplementary contracts without life contingencies — — 327,151 327,151 322,630 Advance premiums and other deposits — — 259,099 259,099 259,099 Long-term debt — — 78,628 78,628 97,000 Liabilities related to separate accounts — — 649,610 649,610 651,963 Total liabilities $ — $ — $ 5,434,368 $ 5,434,368 $ 5,495,285 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 nine months ended September 30, 2018 or September 30, 2017 .

Defined Benefit Plan

Defined Benefit Plan	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Defined Benefit Plan [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan	Defined Benefit Plan We participate with affiliates and an unaffiliated organization in defined benefit pension plans, including a multiemployer plan. Our share of net periodic pension cost for the plans is recorded as expense in our consolidated statements of operations. Components of Net Periodic Pension Cost for FBL and Affiliates Combined - Multiemployer Plan Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Service cost $ 1,494 $ 1,388 $ 4,480 $ 4,164 Interest cost 3,411 3,531 10,232 10,593 Expected return on assets (5,562 ) (4,796 ) (16,686 ) (14,388 ) Amortization of prior service cost 11 32 34 98 Amortization of actuarial loss 3,126 2,531 9,380 7,591 Net periodic pension cost $ 2,480 $ 2,686 $ 7,440 $ 8,058 FBL Financial Group, Inc. share of net periodic pension costs $ 760 $ 851 $ 2,280 $ 2,553 Components of Net Periodic Pension Cost for FBL and Affiliates Combined - Other Plans Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Service cost $ 135 $ 109 $ 404 $ 327 Interest cost 240 250 719 752 Amortization of actuarial loss 338 293 1,015 879 Net periodic pension cost $ 713 $ 652 $ 2,138 $ 1,958 FBL Financial Group, Inc. share of net periodic pension costs $ 418 $ 388 $ 1,253 $ 1,164

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Tax	Income Taxes The Tax Act made broad changes to the U.S. tax code impacting our companies, including reducing the federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% and numerous base-broadening provisions. We recorded a provisional estimate of the impact of the Tax Act on our income tax provisions and deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2017. As of September 30, 2018, some guidance regarding the Tax Act has been issued, though a number of the Tax Act’s provisions still contain some level of uncertainty. Our income tax provisions and deferred income taxes at September 30, 2018 reflect the lower corporate tax rate and the other provisions of the Tax Act, based on our current understanding of the legislation. Provisional estimates used in the determination of income tax provisions and deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2017 have been updated as of September 30, 2018 to reflect amounts reported in our 2017 income tax return. The impact of the change in the corporate tax rate on these updated estimates resulted in an increase to net income of approximately $0.6 million for the first nine months of 2018. See Note 1 for discussion of the accounting policy change from the equity method to the proportional method for our LIHTC investments, the effects of which are now reported on the income tax line in the consolidated statements of operations.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity Note	Stockholders’ Equity Share Repurchases We periodically repurchase our Class A common stock under programs approved by our Board of Directors. These repurchase programs authorize us to make repurchases in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions, with the timing and terms of the purchases to be determined by management based on market conditions. Under these programs, we repurchased 129,011 shares for $8.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 . No repurchases were made during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 . Completion of the current 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. At September 30, 2018 , $48.0 million remains available for repurchase under the active repurchase program. Dividends Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Class A and B common stock: Cash dividends per common share $ 0.46 $ 0.44 $ 1.38 $ 1.32 Special cash dividend per common share — — 1.50 1.50 Total common stock dividends per share $ 0.46 $ 0.44 $ 2.88 $ 2.82 Series B preferred stock dividends per share $ 0.0075 $ 0.0075 $ 0.0225 $ 0.0225 In March 2018, the Board of Directors approved a special $1.50 per share cash dividend payable to Class A and Class B common shareholders totaling $37.3 million . 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 . Reconciliation of Outstanding Common Stock Class A Class B Total Shares Dollars Shares Dollars Shares Dollars (Dollars in thousands) Outstanding at January 1, 2017 24,882,542 $ 152,903 11,413 $ 72 24,893,955 $ 152,975 Stock-based compensation 39,555 644 — — 39,555 644 Outstanding at September 30, 2017 24,922,097 $ 153,547 11,413 $ 72 24,933,510 $ 153,619 Outstanding at January 1, 2018 24,919,113 $ 153,589 11,413 $ 72 24,930,526 $ 153,661 Stock-based compensation 16,694 366 — — 16,694 366 Purchase of common stock (129,011 ) (795 ) — — (129,011 ) (795 ) Outstanding at September 30, 2018 24,806,796 $ 153,160 11,413 $ 72 24,818,209 $ 153,232 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 (1) Underfunded Status of Postretirement Benefit Plans Total (Dollars in thousands) Balance at January 1, 2017 $ 156,963 $ 311 $ (7,719 ) $ 149,555 Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 72,293 1,520 — 73,813 Reclassification adjustments (61 ) — 562 501 Balance at September 30, 2017 $ 229,195 $ 1,831 $ (7,157 ) $ 223,869 Balance at January 1, 2018 $ 295,169 $ 537 $ (10,723 ) $ 284,983 Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle related to net unrealized gains on equity securities (2) (5,480 ) — — (5,480 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (192,832 ) 2,932 — (189,900 ) Reclassification adjustments (1,439 ) — 797 (642 ) Balance at September 30, 2018 $ 95,418 $ 3,469 $ (9,926 ) $ 88,961 (1) Includes the impact of taxes, deferred acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserves and policyholder liabilities. See Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements for further information. (2) See Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements for further discussion on this one-time adjustment related to an accounting change. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassification Adjustments Nine months ended September 30, 2018 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 $ (1,819 ) $ — $ — $ (1,819 ) Adjustments for assumed changes in deferred acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserve and policyholder liabilities (3 ) — — (3 ) Other expenses - change in unrecognized postretirement items: Net actuarial loss — — 1,009 1,009 Reclassifications before income taxes (1,822 ) — 1,009 (813 ) Income taxes 383 — (212 ) 171 Reclassification adjustments $ (1,439 ) $ — $ 797 $ (642 ) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassification Adjustments Nine months ended September 30, 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 $ (254 ) $ — $ — $ (254 ) Adjustments for assumed changes in deferred acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserve and policyholder liabilities 160 — — 160 Other expenses - change in unrecognized postretirement items: Net actuarial loss — — 865 865 Reclassifications before income taxes (94 ) — 865 771 Income taxes 33 — (303 ) (270 ) Reclassification adjustments $ (61 ) $ — $ 562 $ 501 (1) See Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements for further information.

Earnings per Share

Earnings per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	Earnings per Share Computation of Earnings per Common Share Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) Numerator: Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc. $ 31,010 $ 26,127 $ 87,378 $ 83,325 Less: Dividends on Series B preferred stock 37 37 112 112 Income available to common stockholders $ 30,973 $ 26,090 $ 87,266 $ 83,213 Denominator: Weighted average shares - basic 24,918,725 25,037,020 24,946,752 25,036,258 Effect of dilutive securities - stock-based compensation 11,076 17,530 13,317 19,703 Weighted average shares - diluted 24,929,801 25,054,550 24,960,069 25,055,961 Earnings per common share $ 1.24 $ 1.04 $ 3.50 $ 3.32 Earnings per common share - assuming dilution: $ 1.24 $ 1.04 $ 3.50 $ 3.32 There were no antidilutive stock options outstanding in any of the periods presented.

Segment Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
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 non-GAAP operating income (a measure of earnings not recognized under GAAP), in addition to net income, to measure our performance. Non-GAAP operating income, for the periods presented, consists of net income adjusted to exclude the initial impact of changes in federal statutory income tax rates and tax laws, realized gains and losses on investments, and the change in net unrealized gains and losses on derivatives and equity securities, 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 contracts represent the rights of the contract holder to receive index credits over the entire period the indexed products are expected to be in force. Non-GAAP 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 non-GAAP 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 non-GAAP operating income. Accordingly, income taxes are not allocated to the segments. In addition, non-GAAP operating results are reported net of transactions between the segments. Adjustments to net income 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 non-GAAP 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. Reconciliation Between Net Income and Non-GAAP Operating Income Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc. (1) $ 31,010 $ 26,127 $ 87,378 $ 83,325 Net income adjustments: Initial impact of the Tax Act (2) (617 ) — (617 ) — Net realized gains/losses on investments (3) (4) 603 38 2,132 (196 ) Change in net unrealized gains/losses on derivatives (3) 876 (1,389 ) 1,191 (2,074 ) Non-GAAP operating income (1) $ 31,872 $ 24,776 $ 90,084 $ 81,055 (1) Prior period amounts have been adjusted to reflect the accounting change for LIHTC investments. See Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements for additional information. (2) Amount represents a change in the provisional estimate of the impact of the Tax Act on our deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2017. See Note 5 to our consolidated financial statements for additional information. (3) Amounts are net of adjustments, as applicable, to amortization of unearned revenue reserves, deferred acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, interest sensitive policy reserves and income taxes attributable to these items. (4) Beginning in 2018, amounts include the change in net unrealized gains/losses on equity securities due to a change in accounting guidance. See Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements for additional information. Financial Information Concerning our Operating Segments Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Pre-tax non-GAAP operating income: Annuity $ 18,179 $ 17,015 $ 50,759 $ 51,610 Life Insurance 11,958 12,620 39,236 44,000 Corporate and Other (1) 7,999 4,556 16,966 17,656 Total pre-tax non-GAAP operating income (1) 38,136 34,191 106,961 113,266 Income taxes on non-GAAP operating income (1) (6,264 ) (9,415 ) (16,877 ) (32,211 ) Non-GAAP operating income (1) $ 31,872 $ 24,776 $ 90,084 $ 81,055 Non-GAAP operating revenues: Annuity $ 55,424 $ 54,993 $ 169,274 $ 166,877 Life Insurance 106,546 102,627 323,854 313,838 Corporate and Other 22,779 22,701 70,759 70,471 184,749 180,321 563,887 551,186 Net realized gains/losses on investments (2) (3) (758 ) (123 ) (2,885 ) 190 Change in net unrealized gains/losses on derivatives (2) 4,120 1,358 (12 ) 1,097 Consolidated revenues $ 188,111 $ 181,556 $ 560,990 $ 552,473 (1) Prior period amounts have been adjusted to reflect the accounting change for LIHTC investments. See Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements for additional information. (2) Amounts are net of adjustments, as applicable, to amortization of unearned revenue reserves, deferred acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, interest sensitive policy reserves and income taxes attributable to these items. (3) Beginning in 2018, amounts include the change in net unrealized gains/losses on equity securities due to a change in accounting guidance. See Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements for additional information. 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 September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 was allocated among the segments as follows: Annuity ( $3.9 million ) and Life Insurance ( $6.1 million ). Equity income or loss related to securities and indebtedness of related parties is attributable to the Life Insurance and Corporate and Other segments. LIHTC investments are no longer included in pre-tax non-GAAP operating income. See Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements for additional information. The following chart provides the related equity income by segment. Equity Income by Operating Segment Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Pre-tax equity income: Life Insurance $ 860 $ 548 $ 2,847 $ 3,003 Corporate and Other 1,217 201 1,508 1,041 2,077 749 4,355 4,044 Income taxes (435 ) (262 ) (914 ) (1,415 ) Equity income, net of related income taxes $ 1,642 $ 487 $ 3,441 $ 2,629 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 $141.7 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2018 and $141.6 million for the same period in 2017 . Net premiums collected totaled $482.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and $477.4 million for the same period in 2017 . Under GAAP, premiums on whole life and term life policies are recognized as revenues over the premium-paying period and reported in the Life Insurance segment. The following chart provides a reconciliation of life insurance premiums collected to those reported in the GAAP financial statements. Reconciliation of Traditional Life Insurance Premiums, Net of Reinsurance Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Traditional and universal life insurance premiums collected $ 73,867 $ 71,214 $ 228,030 $ 219,949 Premiums collected on interest sensitive products (25,507 ) (24,142 ) (79,938 ) (75,021 ) Traditional life insurance premiums collected 48,360 47,072 148,092 144,928 Change in due premiums and other (236 ) 15 620 855 Traditional life insurance premiums as included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations $ 48,124 $ 47,087 $ 148,712 $ 145,783 There is no comparable GAAP financial measure for premiums collected on annuities and universal life-type products. GAAP revenues for those interest sensitive and variable products consist of various policy charges and fees assessed on those contracts, as summarized in the chart below. Interest Sensitive Product Charges by Segment Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Annuity Surrender charges and other $ 1,280 $ 1,115 $ 3,699 $ 3,452 Life Insurance Administration charges $ 4,100 $ 3,740 $ 12,340 $ 11,504 Cost of insurance charges 13,160 12,638 38,378 37,042 Surrender charges 497 499 1,746 1,493 Amortization of policy initiation fees 1,629 (382 ) 3,384 902 Total $ 19,386 $ 16,495 $ 55,848 $ 50,941 Corporate and Other Administration charges $ 1,185 $ 1,272 $ 3,826 $ 4,074 Cost of insurance charges 7,698 7,431 22,033 22,025 Surrender charges 15 52 58 131 Separate account charges 2,155 2,071 6,465 6,100 Amortization of policy initiation fees (558 ) (432 ) 236 (62 ) Total $ 10,495 $ 10,394 $ 32,618 $ 32,268 Interest sensitive product charges as included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations $ 31,161 $ 28,004 $ 92,165 $ 86,661

Significant Accounting Polici_2

Significant Accounting Policies Level 2 (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Basis of Presentation The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of FBL Financial Group, Inc. (we or the Company) have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. Our financial statements include all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) necessary for a fair presentation of our financial position and results of operations. Operating results for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2018 . 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, 2017 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.
Voluntary Change of Accounting Policy [Policy Text Block]	Accounting Policy Change During the third quarter of 2018, we voluntarily changed our accounting policy for low income housing tax credit (LIHTC) investments from the equity method to the proportional amortization method. We believe the proportional amortization method is preferable because it better reflects the economics of an investment that is made for the primary purpose of receiving tax credits and other tax benefits and is consistent with the accounting method used by most life insurance companies that have disclosed their accounting policies for LIHTC investments. In addition to a change in the timing of the recognition of income or loss on LIHTC investments, there are also differences in how these investments are reported within our consolidated financial statements, as the unamortized cost of the LIHTC investments is now reflected in the "Other asset" line instead of the "Securities and indebtedness of related parties" line on the consolidated balance sheets and income/expense from LIHTC investments is now reflected in the "Income taxes" line instead of the "Equity income" line on the consolidated statements of operations. Changes to the consolidated statements of cash flows were immaterial and included moving additional funding and return of capital from LIHTC investments from the “Securities and indebtedness of related parties” lines under investing to the “Other” line under operating cash flows. As a result of this accounting policy change, the opening balance as of January 1, 2017 of retained earnings was reduced by $4.7 million , as shown on the consolidated statements of changes in stockholders’ equity. In addition, the following presents the effect of the change on financial statement line items for prior periods that were retrospectively adjusted:
Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Reclassifications In addition to the LIHTC reclassifications discussed above, in 2018 we began reporting our holdings of Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB) common stock, which we are required to hold as a member of the FHLB system, as other investments rather than equity securities as the stock is restricted in nature. The 2017 consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current financial statement presentation.

Significant Accounting Polici_3

Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments [Table Text Block]	Consolidated Balance Sheet Impact December 31, 2017 As Originally Reported As Adjusted Effect of Change (Dollars in thousands) Assets Securities and indebtedness of related parties $ 130,240 $ 47,823 $ (82,417 ) Current income taxes recoverable 3,269 6,764 3,495 Other assets 112,054 177,764 65,710 Total assets $ (13,212 ) Liabilities and stockholders’ equity Deferred income taxes $ 131,912 $ 130,425 $ (1,487 ) Retained earnings 947,148 935,423 (11,725 ) Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ (13,212 ) Consolidated Statements of Operations Impact Three months ended September 30, 2017 Nine months ended September 30, 2017 As Originally Reported As Adjusted Effect of Change As Originally Reported As Adjusted Effect of Change (Dollars in thousands) Income taxes $ (11,220 ) $ (9,880 ) $ 1,340 $ (35,844 ) $ (32,017 ) $ 3,827 Equity income (loss), net of related income taxes 2,804 487 (2,317 ) 8,959 2,629 (6,330 ) Net income (loss) attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc. $ (977 ) $ (2,503 ) Earnings (loss) per common share - basic and assuming dilution $ (0.04 ) $ (0.10 )

Investment Operations (Tables)

Investment Operations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Investment Operations [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities [Table Text Block]	Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturity Securities by Investment Category September 30, 2018 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 $ 3,226,039 $ 148,003 $ (60,509 ) $ 3,313,533 $ — Residential mortgage-backed 592,376 28,761 (13,668 ) 607,469 3,026 Commercial mortgage-backed 883,023 14,063 (32,412 ) 864,674 — Other asset-backed 748,415 16,410 (4,700 ) 760,125 1,364 United States Government and agencies 19,712 816 (295 ) 20,233 — States and political subdivisions 1,456,051 87,208 (10,268 ) 1,532,991 — Total fixed maturities $ 6,925,616 $ 295,261 $ (121,852 ) $ 7,099,025 $ 4,390 Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities by Investment Category December 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 $ 3,374,927 $ 329,299 $ (15,955 ) $ 3,688,271 $ (504 ) Residential mortgage-backed 483,671 35,890 (3,280 ) 516,281 339 Commercial mortgage-backed 674,076 34,464 (3,233 ) 705,307 — Other asset-backed 818,071 18,645 (3,214 ) 833,502 845 United States Government and agencies 23,378 1,606 (79 ) 24,905 — States and political subdivisions 1,383,127 141,813 (1,239 ) 1,523,701 — Total fixed maturities $ 6,757,250 $ 561,717 $ (27,000 ) $ 7,291,967 $ 680 Equity securities: Non-redeemable preferred stocks $ 92,951 $ 7,146 $ (265 ) $ 99,832 Common stocks 3,764 549 — 4,313 Total equity securities $ 96,715 $ 7,695 $ (265 ) $ 104,145 (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 at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 were in an unrealized gain position due to increases in estimated fair value subsequent to initial recognition of non-credit losses on such securities.
Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block]	Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturities by Maturity Date September 30, 2018 Amortized Cost Fair Value (Dollars in thousands) Due in one year or less $ 116,178 $ 118,398 Due after one year through five years 545,151 562,662 Due after five years through ten years 699,717 708,989 Due after ten years 3,340,756 3,476,708 4,701,802 4,866,757 Mortgage-backed and other asset-backed 2,223,814 2,232,268 Total fixed maturities $ 6,925,616 $ 7,099,025
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table Text Block]	Net Unrealized Gains on Investments in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income September 30, December 31, (Dollars in thousands) Net unrealized appreciation on: Fixed maturities - available for sale $ 173,409 $ 534,718 Equity securities - available for sale — 7,430 173,409 542,148 Adjustments for assumed changes in amortization pattern of: Deferred acquisition costs (46,865 ) (147,173 ) Value of insurance in force acquired (6,980 ) (14,870 ) Unearned revenue reserve 5,673 12,705 Adjustments for assumed changes in policyholder liabilities (64 ) (18,499 ) Provision for deferred income taxes (26,286 ) (78,605 ) Net unrealized investment gains $ 98,887 $ 295,706
Schedule of Unrealized Loss on Investments [Table Text Block]	Fixed Maturity Securities with Unrealized Losses by Length of Time September 30, 2018 Less than one year One year or more Total Description of Securities Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses Percent of Total (Dollars in thousands) Fixed maturities: Corporate $ 1,008,619 $ (41,103 ) $ 179,151 $ (19,406 ) $ 1,187,770 $ (60,509 ) 49.7 % Residential mortgage-backed 321,318 (11,240 ) 44,511 (2,428 ) 365,829 (13,668 ) 11.2 Commercial mortgage-backed 492,258 (22,110 ) 97,859 (10,302 ) 590,117 (32,412 ) 26.6 Other asset-backed 301,551 (2,819 ) 93,174 (1,881 ) 394,725 (4,700 ) 3.9 United States Government and agencies 3,889 (221 ) 2,423 (74 ) 6,312 (295 ) 0.2 States and political subdivisions 218,383 (7,995 ) 16,697 (2,273 ) 235,080 (10,268 ) 8.4 Total fixed maturities $ 2,346,018 $ (85,488 ) $ 433,815 $ (36,364 ) $ 2,779,833 $ (121,852 ) 100.0 % Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities with Unrealized Losses by Length of Time December 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 $ 85,019 $ (1,261 ) $ 183,820 $ (14,694 ) $ 268,839 $ (15,955 ) 59.1 % Residential mortgage-backed 76,393 (1,757 ) 31,779 (1,523 ) 108,172 (3,280 ) 12.1 Commercial mortgage-backed 151,158 (2,078 ) 16,398 (1,155 ) 167,556 (3,233 ) 12.0 Other asset-backed 159,111 (2,006 ) 71,064 (1,208 ) 230,175 (3,214 ) 11.9 United States Government and agencies 5,698 (47 ) 1,864 (32 ) 7,562 (79 ) 0.3 States and political subdivisions 5,904 (96 ) 20,505 (1,143 ) 26,409 (1,239 ) 4.6 Total fixed maturities $ 483,283 $ (7,245 ) $ 325,430 $ (19,755 ) $ 808,713 $ (27,000 ) 100.0 % Equity securities: Non-redeemable preferred stocks $ 2,819 $ (71 ) $ 4,807 $ (194 ) $ 7,626 $ (265 ) Total equity securities $ 2,819 $ (71 ) $ 4,807 $ (194 ) $ 7,626 $ (265 )
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Table Text Block]	Credit Loss Component of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments on Fixed Maturities Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Balance at beginning of period $ (12,392 ) $ (14,500 ) Reductions due to investments sold or paid down 3,648 1,154 Reduction for credit loss that no longer has a portion of the OTTI loss recognized in other comprehensive income 2,529 587 Balance at end of period $ (6,215 ) $ (12,759 )
Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table Text Block]	Realized Gains (Losses) - Recorded in Income Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Realized gains (losses) on sales of investments Fixed maturities: Gross gains $ 25 $ 221 $ 1,821 $ 1,426 Gross losses (1 ) (140 ) (2 ) (1,082 ) Equity securities — — — (90 ) Other long-term investments (1 ) — (19 ) 40 Real estate — — — 305 23 81 1,800 599 Net unrealized losses recognized during the period on equity securities held at the end of the period (1) (732 ) — (3,415 ) — Net realized gains (losses) (709 ) 81 (1,615 ) 599 Impairment losses recognized in earnings: Other credit-related (2) (50 ) (67 ) (1,090 ) (133 ) Net realized gains (losses) on investments recorded in income $ (759 ) $ 14 $ (2,705 ) $ 466 (1) See Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements for discussion of change in accounting policy for equity securities during 2018. (2) Amount represents credit-related losses for fixed maturities written down to fair value through income and impairment losses related to investments accounted for under the equity method of accounting, which are included in securities and indebtedness of related parties within our consolidated balance sheets.
Mortgage Loans by Colateral Type [Table Text Block]	Mortgage Loans by Collateral Type September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Collateral Type Carrying Value Percent of Total Carrying Value Percent of Total (Dollars in thousands) Office $ 425,459 41.9 % $ 410,090 42.2 % Retail 306,614 30.2 292,257 30.1 Industrial 211,585 20.8 207,180 21.3 Other 71,960 7.1 62,285 6.4 Total $ 1,015,618 100.0 % $ 971,812 100.0 %
Mortgage Loans by Geograpic Location [Table Text Block]	Mortgage Loans by Geographic Location within the United States September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Region of the United States Carrying Value Percent of Total Carrying Value Percent of Total (Dollars in thousands) South Atlantic $ 294,262 29.0 % $ 296,947 30.5 % Pacific 164,405 16.2 146,320 15.0 West North Central 122,743 12.1 127,096 13.1 East North Central 105,982 10.4 91,971 9.5 Mountain 102,339 10.1 105,627 10.9 West South Central 91,402 9.0 85,566 8.8 East South Central 65,459 6.4 67,228 6.9 Middle Atlantic 35,123 3.5 16,052 1.7 New England 33,903 3.3 35,005 3.6 Total $ 1,015,618 100.0 % $ 971,812 100.0 %
Mortgage Loans by loan to value ratio [Table Text Block]	Mortgage Loans by Loan-to-Value Ratio September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Loan-to-Value Ratio Carrying Value Percent of Total Carrying Value Percent of Total (Dollars in thousands) 0% - 50% $ 404,171 39.8 % $ 334,037 34.4 % 51% - 60% 283,036 27.9 258,359 26.6 61% - 70% 288,808 28.4 297,404 30.6 71% - 80% 21,076 2.1 63,116 6.5 81% - 90% 18,527 1.8 18,896 1.9 Total $ 1,015,618 100.0 % $ 971,812 100.0 %
Mortgage loans by year of origination [Table Text Block]	Mortgage Loans by Year of Origination September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Year of Origination Carrying Value Percent of Total Carrying Value Percent of Total (Dollars in thousands) 2018 $ 93,611 9.2 % $ — — % 2017 209,307 20.6 214,365 22.1 2016 150,686 14.8 154,359 15.9 2015 134,529 13.3 144,890 14.9 2014 75,598 7.4 77,866 8.0 2013 and prior 351,887 34.7 380,332 39.1 Total $ 1,015,618 100.0 % $ 971,812 100.0 %
Impaired Financing Receivables [Table Text Block]	Impaired Mortgage Loans September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Unpaid principal balance $ 18,724 $ 19,027 Less: Related allowance (346 ) (497 ) Carrying value of impaired mortgage loans $ 18,378 $ 18,530
Allowance for Credit Losses on Financing Receivables [Table Text Block]	Allowance on Mortgage Loans Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Balance at beginning of period $ 497 $ 713 Recoveries (151 ) (147 ) Balance at end of period $ 346 $ 566
Affordable Housing Program [Text Block]	LIHTC Investment Commitments by Year September 30, 2018 (Dollars in thousands) 2018 $ 341 2019 248 2020-2025 996 Total $ 1,585
Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block]	VIE Investments by Category September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Carrying Value Maximum Exposure to Loss Carrying Value Maximum Exposure to Loss (Dollars in thousands) LIHTC investments $ 56,715 $ 58,300 $ 65,710 $ 67,396 Investment companies 37,388 82,167 25,335 62,372 Real estate limited partnerships 9,694 19,522 8,589 20,590 Other 455 649 1,182 1,488 Total $ 104,252 $ 160,638 $ 100,816 $ 151,846
Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block]	Derivatives Instruments by Type September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Assets Freestanding derivatives: Call options (reported in other investments) $ 19,140 $ 14,824 Embedded derivatives: Modified coinsurance assumed (reported in reinsurance recoverable) 98 2,125 Modified coinsurance ceded (reported in reinsurance recoverable) 20 — Interest-only security (reported in fixed maturities) 1,422 2,096 Total assets $ 20,680 $ 19,045 Liabilities Embedded derivatives: Indexed annuity and universal life products (reported in liability for future policy benefits) $ 42,017 $ 27,774 Modified coinsurance agreements (reported in other liabilities) 288 268 Total liabilities $ 42,305 $ 28,042 Derivative Income (Loss) Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Change in fair value of free standing derivatives: Call options $ 5,999 $ 2,482 $ 7,039 $ 6,247 Change in fair value of embedded derivatives: Modified coinsurance agreements (1,209 ) (86 ) (2,027 ) (1,508 ) Interest-only security (1 ) 28 (79 ) (167 ) Indexed annuity and universal life products (5,509 ) 560 (2,563 ) 878 Total income (loss) from derivatives $ (720 ) $ 2,984 $ 2,370 $ 5,450

Fair Values (Tables)

Fair Values (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Fair Values [Abstract]
Valuation of our Financial Instruments Measured on Recurring Basis by hierarchy levels [Table Text Block]	Valuation of our Financial Instruments Measured on a Recurring Basis by Hierarchy Levels September 30, 2018 Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Fair Value (Dollars in thousands) Assets Fixed maturities: Corporate securities $ — $ 3,290,359 $ 23,174 $ 3,313,533 Residential mortgage-backed securities — 603,591 3,878 607,469 Commercial mortgage-backed securities — 788,162 76,512 864,674 Other asset-backed securities — 747,771 12,354 760,125 United States Government and agencies 7,927 12,306 — 20,233 States and political subdivisions — 1,532,991 — 1,532,991 Total fixed maturities 7,927 6,975,180 115,918 7,099,025 Non-redeemable preferred stocks — 89,328 7,210 96,538 Common stocks (1) 5,622 — — 5,622 Other investments — 19,140 — 19,140 Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments 39,994 — — 39,994 Reinsurance recoverable — 118 — 118 Assets held in separate accounts 651,797 — — 651,797 Total assets $ 705,340 $ 7,083,766 $ 123,128 $ 7,912,234 Liabilities Future policy benefits - indexed product embedded derivatives $ — $ — $ 42,017 $ 42,017 Other liabilities — 288 — 288 Total liabilities $ — $ 288 $ 42,017 $ 42,305 (1) A private equity fund with a fair value estimate of $1.7 million using net asset value per share as a practical expedient, has not been classified in the fair value hierarchy above per fair value reporting guidance. This fund invests in senior secured middle market loans and has unfunded commitments totaling $8.3 million at September 30, 2018 . The investment is not currently eligible for redemption. Valuation of our Financial Instruments Measured on a Recurring Basis by Hierarchy Levels December 31, 2017 Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Fair Value (Dollars in thousands) Assets Fixed maturities: Corporate securities $ — $ 3,654,671 $ 33,600 $ 3,688,271 Residential mortgage-backed securities — 507,157 9,124 516,281 Commercial mortgage-backed securities — 619,606 85,701 705,307 Other asset-backed securities — 780,022 53,480 833,502 United States Government and agencies 9,078 15,827 — 24,905 States and political subdivisions — 1,523,701 — 1,523,701 Total fixed maturities 9,078 7,100,984 181,905 7,291,967 Non-redeemable preferred stocks — 92,425 7,407 99,832 Common stocks 4,313 — — 4,313 Other investments — 14,824 — 14,824 Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments 69,703 — — 69,703 Reinsurance recoverable — 2,125 — 2,125 Assets held in separate accounts 651,963 — — 651,963 Total assets $ 735,057 $ 7,210,358 $ 189,312 $ 8,134,727 Liabilities Future policy benefits - indexed product embedded derivatives $ — $ — $ 27,774 $ 27,774 Other liabilities — 268 — 268 Total liabilities $ — $ 268 $ 27,774 $ 28,042
Level 3 fixed maturities on Measurement on Recurring Basis by Valuation Technique [Table Text Block]	Level 3 Assets by Valuation Source - Recurring Basis September 30, 2018 Third-party vendors Priced Fair Value (Dollars in thousands) Corporate securities $ 2,128 $ 21,046 $ 23,174 Residential mortgage-backed securities 3,878 — 3,878 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 67,243 9,269 76,512 Other asset-backed securities 12,354 — 12,354 Non-redeemable preferred stocks — 7,210 7,210 Total assets $ 85,603 $ 37,525 $ 123,128 Percent of total 69.5 % 30.5 % 100.0 % December 31, 2017 Third-party vendors Priced internally Fair Value (Dollars in thousands) Corporate securities $ 4,555 $ 29,045 $ 33,600 Residential mortgage-backed securities 9,124 — 9,124 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 85,701 — 85,701 Other asset-backed securities 47,080 6,400 53,480 Non-redeemable preferred stocks — 7,407 7,407 Total assets $ 146,460 $ 42,852 $ 189,312 Percent of total 77.4 % 22.6 % 100.0 %
Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurement Inputs [Text Block]	Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements - Recurring Basis September 30, 2018 Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range (Weighted Average) (Dollars in thousands) Assets Corporate securities $ 19,848 Discounted cash flow Credit spread 0.92% - 5.75% (3.22%) Commercial mortgage-backed 70,052 Discounted cash flow Credit spread 1.08% - 3.51% (2.18%) Non-redeemable preferred stocks 7,210 Discounted cash flow Credit spread 3.05% (3.05%) Total assets $ 97,110 Liabilities Future policy benefits - indexed product embedded derivatives $ 42,017 Discounted cash flow Credit risk Risk margin 0.45% - 1.60% (1.05%) 0.15% - 0.40% (0.25%) December 31, 2017 Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range (Weighted Average) (Dollars in thousands) Assets Corporate securities $ 27,682 Discounted cash flow Credit spread 0.91% - 6.20% (4.17%) Commercial mortgage-backed 72,224 Discounted cash flow Credit spread 1.40% - 4.10% (2.50%) Non-redeemable preferred stocks 7,407 Discounted cash flow Credit spread 2.94% (2.94%) Total assets $ 107,313 Liabilities Future policy benefits - indexed product embedded derivatives $ 27,774 Discounted cash flow Credit risk Risk margin 0.40% - 1.60% (0.90%) 0.15% - 0.40% (0.25%)
Level 3 Financial Instruments Changes in Fair Value [Table Text Block]	Level 3 Financial Instruments Changes in Fair Value - Recurring Basis September 30, 2018 Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net Balance, December 31, 2017 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, September 30, 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Assets Corporate securities $ 33,600 $ — $ (8,373 ) $ — $ (878 ) $ 7,082 $ (8,530 ) $ 273 $ 23,174 Residential mortgage-backed securities 9,124 27,818 — — — — (33,064 ) — 3,878 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 85,701 36,008 (659 ) — (4,522 ) — (39,990 ) (26 ) 76,512 Other asset-backed securities 53,480 28,855 (2,622 ) — (12 ) — (67,347 ) — 12,354 Non-redeemable preferred stocks 7,407 — — — (197 ) — — — 7,210 Total assets $ 189,312 $ 92,681 $ (11,654 ) $ — $ (5,609 ) $ 7,082 $ (148,931 ) $ 247 $ 123,128 Liabilities Future policy benefits - indexed product embedded derivatives $ 27,774 $ 7,920 $ (3,919 ) $ 10,242 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 42,017 September 30, 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, September 30, 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Assets Corporate securities $ 59,119 $ 3,000 $ (11,251 ) $ 84 $ (1,015 ) $ 13,440 $ (22,877 ) $ (30 ) $ 40,470 Residential mortgage-backed securities — 23,331 — — (1 ) — (21,326 ) 1 2,005 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 81,434 12,114 (613 ) — 6,850 — (20,267 ) (63 ) 79,455 Other asset-backed securities 54,368 81,867 (8,286 ) — 614 13,353 (48,392 ) (21 ) 93,503 Non-redeemable preferred stocks 7,411 — — — 243 — — — 7,654 Total assets $ 202,332 $ 120,312 $ (20,150 ) $ 84 $ 6,691 $ 26,793 $ (112,862 ) $ (113 ) $ 223,087 Liabilities Future policy benefits - indexed product embedded derivatives $ 15,778 $ 4,893 $ (1,405 ) $ 4,808 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 24,074 (1) Transfers into Level 3 represent assets previously priced using an external pricing service with access to observable inputs no longer available and therefore, were priced using non-binding broker quotes. Transfers out of Level 3 include those assets that we are now able to obtain pricing from a third party pricing vendor that uses observable inputs. The fair values of newly issued securities often require additional estimation until a market is created, which is generally within a few months after issuance. Once a market is created, as was the case for the majority of the security transfers out of the Level 3 category above, Level 2 valuation sources become available. There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the periods presented above.
Financial Instruments Not Reported at Value [Table Text Block]	Valuation of our Financial Instruments Not Reported at Fair Value by Hierarchy Levels September 30, 2018 Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Fair Value Carrying Value (Dollars in thousands) Assets Mortgage loans $ — $ — $ 1,005,598 $ 1,005,598 $ 1,015,618 Policy loans — — 229,408 229,408 195,723 Other investments — — 30,468 30,468 29,496 Total assets $ — $ — $ 1,265,474 $ 1,265,474 $ 1,240,837 Liabilities Future policy benefits $ — $ — $ 4,005,338 $ 4,005,338 $ 4,276,325 Supplementary contracts without life contingencies — — 303,856 303,856 310,152 Advance premiums and other deposits — — 260,888 260,888 260,888 Long-term debt — — 71,761 71,761 97,000 Liabilities related to separate accounts — — 650,063 650,063 651,797 Total liabilities $ — $ — $ 5,291,906 $ 5,291,906 $ 5,596,162 December 31, 2017 Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Fair Value Carrying Value (Dollars in thousands) Assets Mortgage loans $ — $ — $ 989,503 $ 989,503 $ 971,812 Policy loans — — 236,223 236,223 191,398 Other investments — — 28,619 28,619 27,547 Total assets $ — $ — $ 1,254,345 $ 1,254,345 $ 1,190,757 Liabilities Future policy benefits $ — $ — $ 4,119,880 $ 4,119,880 $ 4,164,593 Supplementary contracts without life contingencies — — 327,151 327,151 322,630 Advance premiums and other deposits — — 259,099 259,099 259,099 Long-term debt — — 78,628 78,628 97,000 Liabilities related to separate accounts — — 649,610 649,610 651,963 Total liabilities $ — $ — $ 5,434,368 $ 5,434,368 $ 5,495,285

Defined Benefit Plan (Tables)

Defined Benefit Plan (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Defined Benefit Plan [Abstract]
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]	Components of Net Periodic Pension Cost for FBL and Affiliates Combined - Multiemployer Plan Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Service cost $ 1,494 $ 1,388 $ 4,480 $ 4,164 Interest cost 3,411 3,531 10,232 10,593 Expected return on assets (5,562 ) (4,796 ) (16,686 ) (14,388 ) Amortization of prior service cost 11 32 34 98 Amortization of actuarial loss 3,126 2,531 9,380 7,591 Net periodic pension cost $ 2,480 $ 2,686 $ 7,440 $ 8,058 FBL Financial Group, Inc. share of net periodic pension costs $ 760 $ 851 $ 2,280 $ 2,553 Components of Net Periodic Pension Cost for FBL and Affiliates Combined - Other Plans Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Service cost $ 135 $ 109 $ 404 $ 327 Interest cost 240 250 719 752 Amortization of actuarial loss 338 293 1,015 879 Net periodic pension cost $ 713 $ 652 $ 2,138 $ 1,958 FBL Financial Group, Inc. share of net periodic pension costs $ 418 $ 388 $ 1,253 $ 1,164

Stockholders Equity (Tables)

Stockholders Equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Schedule of Stock by Class [Table Text Block]	Dividends Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Class A and B common stock: Cash dividends per common share $ 0.46 $ 0.44 $ 1.38 $ 1.32 Special cash dividend per common share — — 1.50 1.50 Total common stock dividends per share $ 0.46 $ 0.44 $ 2.88 $ 2.82 Series B preferred stock dividends per share $ 0.0075 $ 0.0075 $ 0.0225 $ 0.0225 In March 2018, the Board of Directors approved a special $1.50 per share cash dividend payable to Class A and Class B common shareholders totaling $37.3 million . 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 . Reconciliation of Outstanding Common Stock Class A Class B Total Shares Dollars Shares Dollars Shares Dollars (Dollars in thousands) Outstanding at January 1, 2017 24,882,542 $ 152,903 11,413 $ 72 24,893,955 $ 152,975 Stock-based compensation 39,555 644 — — 39,555 644 Outstanding at September 30, 2017 24,922,097 $ 153,547 11,413 $ 72 24,933,510 $ 153,619 Outstanding at January 1, 2018 24,919,113 $ 153,589 11,413 $ 72 24,930,526 $ 153,661 Stock-based compensation 16,694 366 — — 16,694 366 Purchase of common stock (129,011 ) (795 ) — — (129,011 ) (795 ) Outstanding at September 30, 2018 24,806,796 $ 153,160 11,413 $ 72 24,818,209 $ 153,232
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 (1) Underfunded Status of Postretirement Benefit Plans Total (Dollars in thousands) Balance at January 1, 2017 $ 156,963 $ 311 $ (7,719 ) $ 149,555 Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 72,293 1,520 — 73,813 Reclassification adjustments (61 ) — 562 501 Balance at September 30, 2017 $ 229,195 $ 1,831 $ (7,157 ) $ 223,869 Balance at January 1, 2018 $ 295,169 $ 537 $ (10,723 ) $ 284,983 Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle related to net unrealized gains on equity securities (2) (5,480 ) — — (5,480 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (192,832 ) 2,932 — (189,900 ) Reclassification adjustments (1,439 ) — 797 (642 ) Balance at September 30, 2018 $ 95,418 $ 3,469 $ (9,926 ) $ 88,961 (1) Includes the impact of taxes, deferred acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserves and policyholder liabilities. See Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements for further information. (2) See Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements for further discussion on this one-time adjustment related to an accounting change.
Disclosure of Reclassification Amount [Text Block]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassification Adjustments Nine months ended September 30, 2018 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 $ (1,819 ) $ — $ — $ (1,819 ) Adjustments for assumed changes in deferred acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserve and policyholder liabilities (3 ) — — (3 ) Other expenses - change in unrecognized postretirement items: Net actuarial loss — — 1,009 1,009 Reclassifications before income taxes (1,822 ) — 1,009 (813 ) Income taxes 383 — (212 ) 171 Reclassification adjustments $ (1,439 ) $ — $ 797 $ (642 ) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassification Adjustments Nine months ended September 30, 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 $ (254 ) $ — $ — $ (254 ) Adjustments for assumed changes in deferred acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserve and policyholder liabilities 160 — — 160 Other expenses - change in unrecognized postretirement items: Net actuarial loss — — 865 865 Reclassifications before income taxes (94 ) — 865 771 Income taxes 33 — (303 ) (270 ) Reclassification adjustments $ (61 ) $ — $ 562 $ 501 (1) See Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements for further information.

Earnings per Share (Tables)

Earnings per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) Numerator: Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc. $ 31,010 $ 26,127 $ 87,378 $ 83,325 Less: Dividends on Series B preferred stock 37 37 112 112 Income available to common stockholders $ 30,973 $ 26,090 $ 87,266 $ 83,213 Denominator: Weighted average shares - basic 24,918,725 25,037,020 24,946,752 25,036,258 Effect of dilutive securities - stock-based compensation 11,076 17,530 13,317 19,703 Weighted average shares - diluted 24,929,801 25,054,550 24,960,069 25,055,961 Earnings per common share $ 1.24 $ 1.04 $ 3.50 $ 3.32 Earnings per common share - assuming dilution: $ 1.24 $ 1.04 $ 3.50 $ 3.32

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Segment Information [Abstract]
Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]	Reconciliation Between Net Income and Non-GAAP Operating Income Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc. (1) $ 31,010 $ 26,127 $ 87,378 $ 83,325 Net income adjustments: Initial impact of the Tax Act (2) (617 ) — (617 ) — Net realized gains/losses on investments (3) (4) 603 38 2,132 (196 ) Change in net unrealized gains/losses on derivatives (3) 876 (1,389 ) 1,191 (2,074 ) Non-GAAP operating income (1) $ 31,872 $ 24,776 $ 90,084 $ 81,055 (1) Prior period amounts have been adjusted to reflect the accounting change for LIHTC investments. See Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements for additional information. (2) Amount represents a change in the provisional estimate of the impact of the Tax Act on our deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2017. See Note 5 to our consolidated financial statements for additional information. (3) Amounts are net of adjustments, as applicable, to amortization of unearned revenue reserves, deferred acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, interest sensitive policy reserves and income taxes attributable to these items. (4) Beginning in 2018, amounts include the change in net unrealized gains/losses on equity securities due to a change in accounting guidance. See Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements for additional information.
Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]	Financial Information Concerning our Operating Segments Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Pre-tax non-GAAP operating income: Annuity $ 18,179 $ 17,015 $ 50,759 $ 51,610 Life Insurance 11,958 12,620 39,236 44,000 Corporate and Other (1) 7,999 4,556 16,966 17,656 Total pre-tax non-GAAP operating income (1) 38,136 34,191 106,961 113,266 Income taxes on non-GAAP operating income (1) (6,264 ) (9,415 ) (16,877 ) (32,211 ) Non-GAAP operating income (1) $ 31,872 $ 24,776 $ 90,084 $ 81,055 Non-GAAP operating revenues: Annuity $ 55,424 $ 54,993 $ 169,274 $ 166,877 Life Insurance 106,546 102,627 323,854 313,838 Corporate and Other 22,779 22,701 70,759 70,471 184,749 180,321 563,887 551,186 Net realized gains/losses on investments (2) (3) (758 ) (123 ) (2,885 ) 190 Change in net unrealized gains/losses on derivatives (2) 4,120 1,358 (12 ) 1,097 Consolidated revenues $ 188,111 $ 181,556 $ 560,990 $ 552,473 (1) Prior period amounts have been adjusted to reflect the accounting change for LIHTC investments. See Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements for additional information. (2) Amounts are net of adjustments, as applicable, to amortization of unearned revenue reserves, deferred acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, interest sensitive policy reserves and income taxes attributable to these items. (3) Beginning in 2018, amounts include the change in net unrealized gains/losses on equity securities due to a change in accounting guidance. See Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements for additional information.
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	Equity Income by Operating Segment Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Pre-tax equity income: Life Insurance $ 860 $ 548 $ 2,847 $ 3,003 Corporate and Other 1,217 201 1,508 1,041 2,077 749 4,355 4,044 Income taxes (435 ) (262 ) (914 ) (1,415 ) Equity income, net of related income taxes $ 1,642 $ 487 $ 3,441 $ 2,629
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP measures [Table Text Block]	Reconciliation of Traditional Life Insurance Premiums, Net of Reinsurance Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Traditional and universal life insurance premiums collected $ 73,867 $ 71,214 $ 228,030 $ 219,949 Premiums collected on interest sensitive products (25,507 ) (24,142 ) (79,938 ) (75,021 ) Traditional life insurance premiums collected 48,360 47,072 148,092 144,928 Change in due premiums and other (236 ) 15 620 855 Traditional life insurance premiums as included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations $ 48,124 $ 47,087 $ 148,712 $ 145,783 There is no comparable GAAP financial measure for premiums collected on annuities and universal life-type products. GAAP revenues for those interest sensitive and variable products consist of various policy charges and fees assessed on those contracts, as summarized in the chart below. Interest Sensitive Product Charges by Segment Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Annuity Surrender charges and other $ 1,280 $ 1,115 $ 3,699 $ 3,452 Life Insurance Administration charges $ 4,100 $ 3,740 $ 12,340 $ 11,504 Cost of insurance charges 13,160 12,638 38,378 37,042 Surrender charges 497 499 1,746 1,493 Amortization of policy initiation fees 1,629 (382 ) 3,384 902 Total $ 19,386 $ 16,495 $ 55,848 $ 50,941 Corporate and Other Administration charges $ 1,185 $ 1,272 $ 3,826 $ 4,074 Cost of insurance charges 7,698 7,431 22,033 22,025 Surrender charges 15 52 58 131 Separate account charges 2,155 2,071 6,465 6,100 Amortization of policy initiation fees (558 ) (432 ) 236 (62 ) Total $ 10,495 $ 10,394 $ 32,618 $ 32,268 Interest sensitive product charges as included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations $ 31,161 $ 28,004 $ 92,165 $ 86,661

Significant Accounting Polici_4

Significant Accounting Policies Recent accounting pronouncements (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Jan. 01, 2018	Jan. 01, 2017
Accounting Standards Update 2014-01 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Cumulative Effect of Change on Equity or Net Assets							$ (4,703)
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Change on Net Income		$ 977		$ 2,503
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Change on Basic Earnings Per Share		$ (0.04)		$ (0.10)
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Change on Diluted Earnings Per Share		$ (0.04)		$ (0.10)
Accounting Standards Update 2014-01 [Member] | Previously Reported [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Change on Basic Earnings Per Share	$ 0.01		$ 0.01
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Change on Diluted Earnings Per Share	$ 0.01		$ (0.01)
Accounting Standards Update 2014-01 [Member] | Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Member] | Previously Reported [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Change on Net Income	$ (100)		$ (200)
Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Cumulative Effect of Change on Equity or Net Assets						$ 0
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Change on Net Income	$ 500		$ 2,400
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Change on Basic Earnings Per Share	$ 0.02		$ 0.10
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Change on Diluted Earnings Per Share	$ 0.02		$ 0.10
Retained Earnings | Accounting Standards Update 2014-01 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Cumulative Effect of Change on Equity or Net Assets							$ (4,703)
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent					$ 11,725
Retained Earnings | Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Cumulative Effect of Change on Equity or Net Assets						$ 5,480

Significant Accounting Polici_5

Significant Accounting Policies Consolidated Balance Sheet Impact (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Jan. 01, 2017
Equity Method Investments	$ 47,823	$ 59,546
Current income taxes recoverable	6,764	1,454
Other assets	177,764	171,754
Deferred income taxes	130,425	77,958
Retained earnings	935,423	$ 948,530
Accounting Standards Update 2014-01 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Cumulative Effect of Change on Equity or Net Assets			$ 4,703
Retained Earnings | Accounting Standards Update 2014-01 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Cumulative Effect of Change on Equity or Net Assets			$ 4,703
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification	(11,725)
Equity Method Investments | Accounting Standards Update 2014-01 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification	(82,417)
Income Taxes Receivable, Current | Accounting Standards Update 2014-01 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification	3,495
Other Assets | Accounting Standards Update 2014-01 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification	65,710
Total Assets | Accounting Standards Update 2014-01 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification	(13,212)
Deferred income Taxes | Accounting Standards Update 2014-01 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification	(1,487)
Total liabilities and stockholders equity | Accounting Standards Update 2014-01 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification	(13,212)
Previously Reported [Member] | Accounting Standards Update 2014-01 [Member]
Equity Method Investments	130,240
Current income taxes recoverable	3,269
Other assets	112,054
Deferred income taxes	131,912
Retained earnings	947,148
Restatement Adjustment [Member] | Accounting Standards Update 2014-01 [Member]
Equity Method Investments	47,823
Current income taxes recoverable	6,764
Other assets	177,764
Deferred income taxes	130,425
Retained earnings	$ 935,423

Significant Accounting Polici_6

Significant Accounting Policies Consolidated Statements of Operations Impact (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	$ (4,818)	$ (9,880)	$ (14,462)	$ (32,017)
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments	$ 1,642	$ 487	$ 3,441	$ 2,629
Earnings per common share	$ 1.24	$ 1.04	$ 3.50	$ 3.32
Accounting Standards Update 2014-01 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Change on Basic Earnings Per Share		0.04		0.10
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Change on Diluted Earnings Per Share		$ 0.04		$ 0.10
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Change on Net Income		$ (977)		$ (2,503)
Earnings per common share		$ (0.04)		$ (0.10)
Accounting Standards Update 2014-01 [Member] | Previously Reported [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Change on Basic Earnings Per Share	(0.01)		(0.01)
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Change on Diluted Earnings Per Share	$ (0.01)		$ 0.01
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)		$ (11,220)		$ (35,844)
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments		2,804		8,959
Accounting Standards Update 2014-01 [Member] | Restatement Adjustment [Member]
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)		9,880		(32,017)
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments		487		2,629
Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Member] | Accounting Standards Update 2014-01 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification		1,340		3,827
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments [Member] | Accounting Standards Update 2014-01 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification		$ (2,317)		$ (6,330)
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Member] | Accounting Standards Update 2014-01 [Member] | Previously Reported [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Change on Net Income	$ 100		$ 200

Investment Operations Available

Investment Operations Available-for-sale Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis		$ 6,925,616	$ 6,757,250
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Amortized Cost Basis		99,882	96,715
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax		295,261	561,717
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax			7,695
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax		(121,852)	(27,000)
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax			(265)
Available-for-sale Securities		7,099,025	7,291,967
Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities		103,896	104,145
Non-credit losses on other-than-temporary impairments	[1]	4,390	680
Corporate
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost		3,226,039	3,374,927
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax		148,003	329,299
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax		(60,509)	(15,955)
Available-for-sale Securities		3,313,533	3,688,271
Non-credit losses on other-than-temporary impairments		0	(504)
Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost		592,376	483,671
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax		28,761	35,890
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax		(13,668)	(3,280)
Available-for-sale Securities		607,469	516,281
Non-credit losses on other-than-temporary impairments		3,026	339
Commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost		883,023	674,076
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax		14,063	34,464
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax		(32,412)	(3,233)
Available-for-sale Securities		864,674	705,307
Non-credit losses on other-than-temporary impairments		0	0
Other asset backed securities [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost		748,415	818,071
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax		16,410	18,645
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax		(4,700)	(3,214)
Available-for-sale Securities		760,125	833,502
Non-credit losses on other-than-temporary impairments		1,364	845
United States Government and agencies
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost		19,712	23,378
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax		816	1,606
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax		(295)	(79)
Available-for-sale Securities		20,233	24,905
Non-credit losses on other-than-temporary impairments		0	0
State, municipal and other government [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost		1,456,051	1,383,127
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax		87,208	141,813
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax		(10,268)	(1,239)
Available-for-sale Securities		1,532,991	1,523,701
Non-credit losses on other-than-temporary impairments		$ 0	0
Non-redeemable preferred stock [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Amortized Cost Basis			92,951
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax			7,146
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax			(265)
Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities			99,832
Common Stock
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Amortized Cost Basis			3,764
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax			549
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax			0
Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities			$ 4,313
[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 at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 were in an unrealized gain position due to increases in estimated fair value subsequent to initial recognition of non-credit losses on such securities.

Investment Operations Availab_2

Investment Operations Available-for-sale Fixed Maturities by Maturity Date (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Due in one year or less, amortized cost basis	$ 116,178
Due after one year through five years, amortized cost basis	545,151
Due after five years through ten years, amortized cost basis	699,717
Due after ten years, amortized cost basis	3,340,756
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, Amortized Cost	4,701,802
Mortgage-backed and other asset-backed, amortized cost basis	2,223,814
Total fixed maturities, amortized cost basis	6,925,616	$ 6,757,250
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Fair Value, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Due in one year or less, fair value	118,398
Due after one year through five years, fair value	562,662
Due after five years through ten years, fair value	708,989
Due after ten years, fair value	3,476,708
Total fixed maturities with maturity date, fair value	4,866,757
Mortgage-backed and other asset-backed, fair value	2,232,268
Total fixed maturities, fair value	$ 7,099,025	$ 7,291,967

Investment Operations Net Unrea

Investment Operations Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments in AOCI (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Net Unrealized Gains Losses [Line Items]
Assumed changes in amortization of DAC	$ (46,865)	$ (147,173)
Assumed changes in amortization pattern of VIIF	(6,980)	(14,870)
Assumed changes in amortization pattern of URR	5,673	12,705
Assumed change in policyholder liability	(64)	(18,499)
Provision for deferred income taxes	(26,286)	(78,605)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	88,961	284,983
Debt Securities [Member]
Net Unrealized Gains Losses [Line Items]
Unrealized appreciation on fixed maturities available for sale	173,409	534,718
Equity Securities [Member]
Net Unrealized Gains Losses [Line Items]
Unrealized appreciation on fixed maturities available for sale	0	7,430
Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member]
Net Unrealized Gains Losses [Line Items]
Unrealized appreciation on fixed maturities available for sale	173,409	542,148
Accumulated other comprehensive income	$ 98,887	$ 295,706

Investment Operations Unrealize

Investment Operations Unrealized Losses by Length of Time (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)issuerssecurities	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)issuerssecurities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions | securities	763	247
Available For Sale Securities In Unrealized Loss Positions Qualitative Disclosure Number Of Issuers | issuers	473	154
Corporate Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	$ 1,008,619	$ 85,019
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	(41,103)	(1,261)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	179,151	183,820
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	(19,406)	(14,694)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	1,187,770	268,839
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	$ (60,509)	$ (15,955)
percent of total	49.70%	59.10%
Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	$ 321,318	$ 76,393
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	(11,240)	(1,757)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	44,511	31,779
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	(2,428)	(1,523)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	365,829	108,172
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	$ (13,668)	$ (3,280)
percent of total	11.20%	12.10%
Commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	$ 492,258	$ 151,158
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	(22,110)	(2,078)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	97,859	16,398
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	(10,302)	(1,155)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	590,117	167,556
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	$ (32,412)	$ (3,233)
percent of total	26.60%	12.00%
Other asset backed securities [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	$ 301,551	$ 159,111
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	(2,819)	(2,006)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	93,174	71,064
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	(1,881)	(1,208)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	394,725	230,175
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	$ (4,700)	$ (3,214)
percent of total	3.90%	11.90%
United States Government and agencies
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	$ 3,889	$ 5,698
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	(221)	(47)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	2,423	1,864
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	(74)	(32)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	6,312	7,562
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	$ (295)	$ (79)
percent of total	0.20%	0.30%
State, municipal and other government [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	$ 218,383	$ 5,904
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	(7,995)	(96)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	16,697	20,505
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	(2,273)	(1,143)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	235,080	26,409
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	$ (10,268)	$ (1,239)
percent of total	8.40%	4.60%
Debt Securities [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	$ 2,346,018	$ 483,283
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	(85,488)	(7,245)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	433,815	325,430
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	(36,364)	(19,755)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	2,779,833	808,713
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	$ (121,852)	$ (27,000)
percent of total	100.00%	100.00%
Non-redeemable preferred stock [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value		$ 2,819
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss		(71)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value		4,807
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss		(194)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value		7,626
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss		(265)
Equity Securities [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value		2,819
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss		(71)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value		4,807
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss		(194)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value		7,626
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss		$ (265)

Investment Operations Credit lo

Investment Operations Credit loss component of Other-than-temporary Impairments on Fixed Maturities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ (12,392)	$ (14,500)
Reductions due to securities sold	3,648	1,154
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings, Reductions, Change in Status	2,529	587
Balance at end of period	$ (6,215)	$ (12,759)

Investment Operations Realized

Investment Operations Realized Gains (Losses) - Recorded in Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2018		Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018		Sep. 30, 2017
Gain (Loss) on Securities [Line Items]
Realized Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Other Financial Assets		$ (1)		$ 0	$ (19)		$ 40
Realized Gains (Loss) on sales of investments		23		81	1,800		599
Net realized capital gains on sales of investments		(709)		81	(1,615)		599
Net impairment loss recognized in earnings		(50)		(67)	(1,090)		(133)
Realized gains (losses) on investments recorded in income		(759)		14	(2,705)		466
Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities					59,300		57,700
Cost-method Investments [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Securities [Line Items]
Realized Gain (Loss) on Sales of Other Real Estate		0		0	0		305
Debt Securities [Member] | Categories of Investments, Marketable Securities, Available-for-sale Securities [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Securities [Line Items]
Gross gains - fixed maturities - available for sale		25		221	1,821		1,426
Gross losses - fixed maturities - available for sale		(1)		(140)	(2)		(1,082)
Equity Securities [Member] | Categories of Investments, Marketable Securities, Available-for-sale Securities [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Securities [Line Items]
Realized Gain (Loss) on sales of Equity Securities		0		0	0		(90)
Other credit-related [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Securities [Line Items]
Net impairment loss recognized in earnings	[1]	(50)		(67)	(1,090)		(133)
Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Securities [Line Items]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Change on Net Income		$ (732)	[2]	$ 0	$ (3,415)	[2]	$ 0
[1]	Amount represents credit-related losses for fixed maturities written down to fair value through income and impairment losses related to investments accounted for under the equity method of accounting, which are included in securities and indebtedness of related parties within our consolidated balance sheets.
[2]	See Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements for discussion of change in accounting policy for equity securities during 2018.

Investment Operations Mortgage

Investment Operations Mortgage Loans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Contractual Obligation	$ 21,100
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate	$ 1,015,618	$ 971,812
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	100.00%	100.00%
Year of origination 2018 [Member]
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate	$ 93,611
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	9.20%
Year of origination 2017 [Member]
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate	$ 209,307	$ 214,365
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	20.60%	22.10%
Year of origination 2016 [Member]
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate	$ 150,686	$ 154,359
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	14.80%	15.90%
Year of origination 2015 [Member]
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate	$ 134,529	$ 144,890
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	13.30%	14.90%
Year of origination 2014 [Member]
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate	$ 75,598	$ 77,866
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	7.40%	8.00%
Year of origination prior [Member]
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate	$ 351,887	$ 380,332
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	34.70%	39.10%
0% to 50% loan to value [Member]
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate	$ 404,171	$ 334,037
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	39.80%	34.40%
51% to 60% loan-to-value [Member]
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate	$ 283,036	$ 258,359
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	27.90%	26.60%
61% to 70% loan-to-value [Member]
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate	$ 288,808	$ 297,404
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	28.40%	30.60%
71% to 80% loan-to-value [Member]
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate	$ 21,076	$ 63,116
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	2.10%	6.50%
81% to 90% loan to value [Member]
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate	$ 18,527	$ 18,896
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	1.80%	1.90%
South Atlantic [Member]
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate	$ 294,262	$ 296,947
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	29.00%	30.50%
Pacific [Member]
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate	$ 164,405	$ 146,320
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	16.20%	15.00%
West North Central [Member]
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate	$ 122,743	$ 127,096
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	12.10%	13.10%
Mountain [Member]
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate	$ 102,339	$ 105,627
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	10.10%	10.90%
East North Central [Member]
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate	$ 105,982	$ 91,971
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	10.40%	9.50%
West South Central [Member]
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate	$ 91,402	$ 85,566
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	9.00%	8.80%
East South Central [Member]
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate	$ 65,459	$ 67,228
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	6.40%	6.90%
New England [Member]
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate	$ 33,903	$ 35,005
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	3.30%	3.60%
Middle Atlantic [Member]
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate	$ 35,123	$ 16,052
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	3.50%	1.70%
Office [Member]
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate	$ 425,459	$ 410,090
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	41.90%	42.20%
Retail [Member]
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate	$ 306,614	$ 292,257
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	30.20%	30.10%
Industrial [Member]
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate	$ 211,585	$ 207,180
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	20.80%	21.30%
Other property type [Member]
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate	$ 71,960	$ 62,285
Percentage of Mortgage Loans	7.10%	6.40%

Investment Operations Impaired

Investment Operations Impaired mortgage loans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	$ 18,724	$ 19,027
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	(346)	(497)	$ (566)	$ (713)
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	$ 18,378	$ 18,530

Investment Operations Allowance

Investment Operations Allowance on Mortgage Loans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 497	$ 713
Charge offs (Recoveries)	(151)	(147)
Balance at end of period	$ 346	$ 566

Investment Operations Affordabl

Investment Operations Affordable Housing Program (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	$ 4,818	$ 9,880	$ 14,462	$ 32,017
Equity Method Investments	59,546		59,546		$ 47,823
Other Commitment	56,400		56,400
Qualified Affordable Housing Project Investments, Commitment	1,585		1,585
Affordable Housing Tax Credit Investments
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	(900)	$ (1,300)	(2,700)	$ (3,800)
Equity Method Investments	56,700		56,700		$ 65,700
Other Commitment, Due in Next Twelve Months	341		341
Other Commitment, Due in Second Year	248		248
Other Commitment, Due in Third Year	$ 996		$ 996

Investment Operations Variable

Investment Operations Variable Interest Entities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets	$ 104,252	$ 100,816
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	160,638	151,846
Low income housing tax credits [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets	56,715	65,710
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	58,300	67,396
Investment companies [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets	37,388	25,335
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	82,167	62,372
Real estate limited partnerships [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets	9,694	8,589
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	19,522	20,590
Other VIE investments [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets	455	1,182
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	$ 649	$ 1,488

Investment Operations Derivativ

Investment Operations Derivative instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets	$ 20,680		$ 20,680		$ 19,045
Derivative Liabilities	42,305		42,305		28,042
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	(720)	$ 2,984	2,370	$ 5,450
Fair Value Disclosure, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Amount, Asset	14,300		14,300
Net Derivative Exposure	5,100		5,100
Investment Income [Member] | Equity Option [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	5,999	2,482	7,039	6,247
Investment Income [Member] | Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments - MODCO [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	(1,209)	(86)	(2,027)	(1,508)
Investment Income [Member] | Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments - Interest only Security [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	(1)	28	(79)	(167)
Insurance sensitive product charges [Member] | Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	(5,509)	$ 560	(2,563)	$ 878
Other Investments [Member] | Equity Option [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets	19,140		19,140		14,824
Reinsurance Recoverable Including Reinsurance Premium Paid [Member] | Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Assumed	98		98		2,125
Derivative Asset, Ceded	20		20		0
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets	1,422		1,422		2,096
Contract Holder Funds [Member] | Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities	42,017		42,017		27,774
Other Liabilities [Member] | Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities	$ 288		$ 288		$ 268

Fair Values Valuation of Financ

Fair Values Valuation of Financial Instruments by Hierarchy Levels (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage loans	$ 1,015,618		$ 971,812
Available-for-sale Securities	7,099,025		7,291,967
Other investments	20,680		19,045
Assets held in separate accounts	651,797		651,963
Policy loans	195,723		191,398
Supplemental contracts without life contingencies			322,630
Deposit Contracts, Liabilities	310,152		322,630
Long-term debt	97,000		97,000
Liabilities related to separate accounts	651,797		651,963
Reported Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Future policy benefits - index product embedded derivatives	4,276,325		4,164,593
Assets not measured at fair value	1,240,837		1,190,757
Advance premiums and other deposits	260,888		259,099
Liabilities not measured at fair value	5,596,162		5,495,285
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 loans	1,005,598
Other investments	19,140		14,824
Cash and short-term investments	39,994		69,703
Reinsurance recoverable	118		2,125
Assets held in separate accounts	651,797		651,963
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	7,912,234		8,134,727
Future policy benefits - index product embedded derivatives	4,005,338		27,774
Other liabilities	288		268
Total liabilities	42,305		28,042
Policy loans	229,408
Assets not measured at fair value	1,265,474
Supplemental contracts without life contingencies	303,856
Advance premiums and other deposits	260,888
Long-term debt	71,761
Liabilities related to separate accounts	650,063
Liabilities not measured at fair value	5,291,906
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	39,994		69,703
Reinsurance recoverable	0		0
Assets held in separate accounts	651,797		651,963
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	705,340		735,057
Future policy benefits - index product embedded derivatives	0		0
Other liabilities	0		0
Total 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]
Mortgage loans	0
Future policy benefits - index product embedded derivatives	0
Policy loans	0
Assets not measured at fair value	0
Supplemental contracts without life contingencies	0
Advance premiums and other deposits	0
Long-term debt	0
Liabilities related to separate accounts	0
Liabilities not measured at fair value	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	19,140		14,824
Cash and short-term investments	0		0
Reinsurance recoverable	118		2,125
Assets held in separate accounts	0		0
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	7,083,766		7,210,358
Future policy benefits - index product embedded derivatives	0		0
Other liabilities	288		268
Total liabilities	288		268
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage loans	0
Future policy benefits - index product embedded derivatives	0
Policy loans	0
Assets not measured at fair value	0
Supplemental contracts without life contingencies	0
Advance premiums and other deposits	0
Long-term debt	0
Liabilities related to separate accounts	0
Liabilities not measured at fair value	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
Cash and short-term investments	0		0
Reinsurance recoverable	0		0
Assets held in separate accounts	0		0
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	123,128		189,312
Future policy benefits - index product embedded derivatives			27,774
Other liabilities	0		0
Total liabilities	42,017		27,774
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage loans	1,005,598
Available-for-sale Securities	123,128		189,312
Future policy benefits - index product embedded derivatives	4,005,338
Policy loans	229,408
Assets not measured at fair value	1,265,474
Supplemental contracts without life contingencies	303,856
Advance premiums and other deposits	260,888
Long-term debt	71,761
Liabilities related to separate accounts	650,063
Liabilities not measured at fair value	5,291,906
Debt 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]
Available-for-sale Securities	7,099,025		7,291,967
Debt 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]
Available-for-sale Securities	7,927		9,078
Debt 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]
Available-for-sale Securities	6,975,180		7,100,984
Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	115,918		181,905
Corporate
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	3,313,533		3,688,271
Corporate | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	3,313,533		3,688,271
Corporate | 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 | 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	3,290,359		3,654,671
Corporate | 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	23,174		33,600
Corporate | 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	23,174		33,600
Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	607,469		516,281
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	607,469		516,281
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	603,591		507,157
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	3,878		9,124
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	3,878		9,124
Commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	864,674		705,307
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	864,674		705,307
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	788,162		619,606
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	76,512		85,701
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	76,512		85,701
Other asset backed securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	760,125		833,502
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	760,125		833,502
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	747,771		780,022
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	12,354		53,480
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	12,354		53,480
United States Government and agencies
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	20,233		24,905
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	20,233		24,905
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	7,927		9,078
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	12,306		15,827
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	1,532,991		1,523,701
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	1,532,991		1,523,701
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	1,532,991		1,523,701
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, 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	96,538		99,832
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	89,328		92,425
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	7,210		7,407
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	5,622	[1]	4,313
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	5,622		4,313
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	0		0
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
Private Equity Funds, US [Member] | Common Stock
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share, Unfunded Commitments	8,300
Private Equity Funds, US [Member] | Common Stock | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments Net Asset Value	1,700
Index Product Embedded Derivatives | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Future policy benefits - index product embedded derivatives	42,017
Index Product Embedded Derivatives | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Future policy benefits - index product embedded derivatives	$ 42,017		$ 27,774
[1]	A private equity fund with a fair value estimate of $1.7 million using net asset value per share as a practical expedient, has not been classified in the fair value hierarchy above per fair value reporting guidance. This fund invests in senior secured middle market loans and has unfunded commitments totaling $8.3 million at September 30, 2018. The investment is not currently eligible for redemption.

Fair Values Level 3 Fixed Matur

Fair Values Level 3 Fixed Maturitiies on a Recurring Basis by Valuation Source (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	$ 7,099,025	$ 7,291,967
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	123,128	189,312
Corporate Securities
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	$ 3,313,533	$ 3,688,271
percent of total	49.70%	59.10%
Corporate Securities | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	$ 23,174	$ 33,600
Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	$ 607,469	$ 516,281
percent of total	11.20%	12.10%
Commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	$ 864,674	$ 705,307
percent of total	26.60%	12.00%
Other asset backed securities [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	$ 760,125	$ 833,502
percent of total	3.90%	11.90%
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 7,912,234	$ 8,134,727
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	$ 123,128	$ 189,312
percent of total	100.00%	100.00%
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Corporate Securities | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	$ 3,313,533	$ 3,688,271
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Corporate Securities | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	23,174	33,600
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	3,878	9,124
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	76,512	85,701
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Other asset backed securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	12,354	53,480
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	7,210	7,407
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Third-party vendors [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	$ 85,603	$ 146,460
percent of total	69.50%	77.40%
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 Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	$ 2,128	$ 4,555
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 Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	3,878	9,124
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 Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	67,243	85,701
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 Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	12,354	47,080
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Third-party vendors [Member] | Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Priced internally [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	$ 37,525	$ 42,852
percent of total	30.50%	22.60%
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Priced internally [Member] | Corporate Securities | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	$ 21,046	$ 29,045
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 Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	0	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 Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	9,269	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 Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	0	6,400
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Priced internally [Member] | Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	$ 7,210	$ 7,407

Fair Values Quantitative Inform

Fair Values Quantitative Information about Unobservable Measurement Inputs (Details) - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 123,128	$ 189,312
Future policy benefits - index product embedded derivatives		27,774
Index Product Embedded Derivatives
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Future policy benefits - index product embedded derivatives	42,017
Index Product Embedded Derivatives | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Future policy benefits - index product embedded derivatives	$ 42,017	$ 27,774
Input range and weighted average	0.45% - 1.60% (1.05%) 0.15% - 0.40% (0.25%)	0.40% - 1.60% (0.90%) 0.15% - 0.40% (0.25%)
Corporate Securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 19,848	$ 27,682
Input range and weighted average	0.92% - 5.75% (3.22%)	0.91% - 6.20% (4.17%)
Commercial mortgage-backed | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 70,052	$ 72,224
Input range and weighted average	1.08% - 3.51% (2.18%)	1.40% - 4.10% (2.50%)
Non-redeemable preferred stock [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 7,210	$ 7,407
Input range and weighted average	3.05% (3.05%)	2.94% (2.94%)
Asset fair value by technique [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 97,110	$ 107,313
Measurement Input, Credit Spread [Member] | Corporate Securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Valuation Technique [Extensible List]	Credit spread	Credit spread
Measurement Input, Credit Spread [Member] | Commercial mortgage-backed | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Valuation Technique [Extensible List]	Credit spread	Credit spread
Measurement Input, Credit Spread [Member] | Non-redeemable preferred stock [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Valuation Technique [Extensible List]	Credit spread	Credit spread
Measurement Input, Entity Credit Risk [Member] | Index Product Embedded Derivatives | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Valuation Technique [Extensible List]	Credit risk Risk margin	Credit risk Risk margin
Valuation Technique, Discounted Cash Flow [Member] | Index Product Embedded Derivatives | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Measurements Valuation Technique	Discounted cash flow	Discounted cash flow
Valuation Technique, Discounted Cash Flow [Member] | Corporate Securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Measurements Valuation Technique	Discounted cash flow	Discounted cash flow
Valuation Technique, Discounted Cash Flow [Member] | Commercial mortgage-backed | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Measurements Valuation Technique	Discounted cash flow	Discounted cash flow
Valuation Technique, Discounted Cash Flow [Member] | Non-redeemable preferred stock [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Measurements Valuation Technique	Discounted cash flow	Discounted cash flow

Fair Values Level 3 Financial I

Fair Values Level 3 Financial Instruments Changes in Fair Value (Details) - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] - Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2018		Sep. 30, 2017
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Asset Balance, beginning of period		$ 189,312		$ 202,332
Purchases		92,681		120,312
Disposals		(11,654)		(20,150)
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in net income		0		(84)
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in other comprehensive income		(5,609)		(6,691)
Transfers Into Level 3	[1]	7,082		26,793
Transfers out of Level 3	[1]	(148,931)		(112,862)
Amortization included in net income		247		(113)
Asset Balance, end of period		123,128		223,087
Corporate Securities
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Asset Balance, beginning of period		33,600		59,119
Purchases		0		3,000
Disposals		(8,373)		(11,251)
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in net income		0		(84)
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in other comprehensive income		(878)		1,015
Transfers Into Level 3		7,082		13,440
Transfers out of Level 3		(8,530)		(22,877)
Amortization included in net income		273		(30)
Asset Balance, end of period		23,174		40,470
Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Asset Balance, beginning of period		9,124		0
Purchases		27,818		23,331
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		0		(1)
Transfers Into Level 3		0	[1]	0
Transfers out of Level 3		(33,064)		(21,326)
Amortization included in net income		0		1
Asset Balance, end of period		3,878		2,005
Commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Asset Balance, beginning of period		85,701		81,434
Purchases		36,008		12,114
Disposals		(659)		(613)
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in net income		0		0
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in other comprehensive income		(4,522)		(6,850)
Transfers Into Level 3		0		0
Transfers out of Level 3		(39,990)		(20,267)
Amortization included in net income		(26)		(63)
Asset Balance, end of period		76,512		79,455
Other asset backed securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Asset Balance, beginning of period		53,480		54,368
Purchases		28,855		81,867
Disposals		(2,622)		(8,286)
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in net income		0		0
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in other comprehensive income		(12)		(614)
Transfers Into Level 3		0		13,353
Transfers out of Level 3		(67,347)		(48,392)
Amortization included in net income		0		(21)
Asset Balance, end of period		12,354		93,503
Non-redeemable preferred stock [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Asset Balance, beginning of period		7,407		7,411
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		(197)		243
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		7,210		7,654
Index Product Embedded Derivatives
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Liability balance, beginning of period		27,774		15,778
Purchases		7,920		4,893
Settlements		(3,919)		(1,405)
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net, included in net income		10,242		(4,808)
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		$ 42,017		$ 24,074
[1]	Transfers into Level 3 represent assets previously priced using an external pricing service with access to observable inputs no longer available and therefore, were priced using non-binding broker quotes. Transfers out of Level 3 include those assets that we are now able to obtain pricing from a third party pricing vendor that uses observable inputs. The fair values of newly issued securities often require additional estimation until a market is created, which is generally within a few months after issuance. Once a market is created, as was the case for the majority of the security transfers out of the Level 3 category above, Level 2 valuation sources become available. There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the periods presented above.

Fair Values Valuation of Fina_2

Fair Values Valuation of Financial Instruments not reported at fair value (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Financial Instruments Not Reported at Fair Value [Line Items]
Mortgage loans	$ 1,015,618	$ 971,812
Policy loans	195,723	191,398
Other investments	48,636	42,371
Supplemental contracts without life contingencies, fair value disclosure		322,630
Deposit Contracts, Liabilities	310,152	322,630
Long-term debt	97,000	97,000
Liabilities related to separate accounts	651,797	651,963
Portion at Other than Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Financial Instruments Not Reported at Fair Value [Line Items]
Mortgage loans		989,503
Policy loans		236,223
Other investments		28,619
Total assets		1,254,345
Future policy benefits		4,119,880
Supplemental contracts without life contingencies, fair value disclosure		327,151
Advance premiums and other deposits		259,099
Long-term debt		78,628
Liabilities related to separate accounts		649,610
Total liabilities		5,434,368
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Financial Instruments Not Reported at Fair Value [Line Items]
Mortgage loans	1,005,598
Policy loans	229,408
Other investments	30,468
Total assets	1,265,474
Future policy benefits	4,005,338	27,774
Supplemental contracts without life contingencies, fair value disclosure	303,856
Advance premiums and other deposits	260,888
Long-term debt	71,761
Liabilities related to separate accounts	650,063
Total liabilities	5,291,906
Reported Value Measurement [Member]
Financial Instruments Not Reported at Fair Value [Line Items]
Other investments	29,496	27,547
Total assets	1,240,837	1,190,757
Future policy benefits	4,276,325	4,164,593
Advance premiums and other deposits	260,888	259,099
Total liabilities	5,596,162	5,495,285
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Financial Instruments Not Reported at Fair Value [Line Items]
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		0
Policy loans		0
Other investments		0
Total assets		0
Future policy benefits		0
Supplemental contracts without life contingencies, fair value disclosure		0
Advance premiums and other deposits		0
Long-term debt		0
Liabilities related to separate accounts		0
Total liabilities		0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Financial Instruments Not Reported at Fair Value [Line Items]
Mortgage loans	0
Policy loans	0
Other investments	0
Total assets	0
Future policy benefits	0
Supplemental contracts without life contingencies, fair value disclosure	0
Advance premiums and other deposits	0
Long-term debt	0
Liabilities related to separate accounts	0
Total liabilities	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Financial Instruments Not Reported at Fair Value [Line Items]
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		0
Policy loans		0
Other investments		0
Total assets		0
Future policy benefits		0
Supplemental contracts without life contingencies, fair value disclosure		0
Advance premiums and other deposits		0
Long-term debt		0
Liabilities related to separate accounts		0
Total liabilities		0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Financial Instruments Not Reported at Fair Value [Line Items]
Mortgage loans	0
Policy loans	0
Other investments	0
Total assets	0
Future policy benefits	0
Supplemental contracts without life contingencies, fair value disclosure	0
Advance premiums and other deposits	0
Long-term debt	0
Liabilities related to separate accounts	0
Total liabilities	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Financial Instruments Not Reported at Fair Value [Line Items]
Future policy benefits		27,774
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		989,503
Policy loans		236,223
Other investments		28,619
Total assets		1,254,345
Future policy benefits		4,119,880
Supplemental contracts without life contingencies, fair value disclosure		327,151
Advance premiums and other deposits		259,099
Long-term debt		78,628
Liabilities related to separate accounts		649,610
Total liabilities		$ 5,434,368
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Financial Instruments Not Reported at Fair Value [Line Items]
Mortgage loans	1,005,598
Policy loans	229,408
Other investments	30,468
Total assets	1,265,474
Future policy benefits	4,005,338
Supplemental contracts without life contingencies, fair value disclosure	303,856
Advance premiums and other deposits	260,888
Long-term debt	71,761
Liabilities related to separate accounts	650,063
Total liabilities	$ 5,291,906

Defined Benefit Plan (Details)

Defined Benefit Plan (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	$ 1,494	$ 1,388	$ 4,480	$ 4,164
Interest cost	3,411	3,531	10,232	10,593
Expected return on assets	(5,562)	(4,796)	(16,686)	(14,388)
Amortization of prior service cost	11	32	34	98
Amortization of actuarial loss	3,126	2,531	9,380	7,591
Net periodic pension cost	2,480	2,686	7,440	8,058
FBL Financial Group, Inc. share of net periodic pension costs	760	851	2,280	2,553
Other Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	135	109	404	327
Interest cost	240	250	719	752
Amortization of actuarial loss	338	293	1,015	879
Net periodic pension cost	713	652	2,138	1,958
FBL Financial Group, Inc. share of net periodic pension costs	$ 418	$ 388	$ 1,253	$ 1,164

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)
Impact of TAX ACT [Abstract]
Impact on Net Income due to change in corporate tax rate	$ 0.6

Stockholders Equity Dividends (

Stockholders Equity Dividends (Details) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Cash dividends per common share	$ 0.46	$ 0.44	$ 2.88	$ 2.82
Cash dividends per preferred share	0.0075	0.0075	0.0225	0.0225
Cash dividend per common share
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Cash dividends per common share	0.46	0.44	1.38	1.32
Special cash dividend per common share
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Cash dividends per common share	$ 0	$ 0	$ 1.50	$ 1.50

Stockholders Equity Reconciliat

Stockholders Equity Reconciliation of Outstanding Common Stock (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount	$ 48,000
Common Stock Special Dividends Per Share Cash Paid	$ 1.50	$ 1.50
Payment Of Special Cash Dividend	$ 37,300	$ 37,400
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	24,818,209	24,933,510	24,930,526	24,893,955
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures	16,694	39,555
Stock-based compensation	$ 366	$ 644
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares	(129,011)
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value	$ (8,849)
Common Class A
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	24,806,796	24,922,097	24,919,113	24,882,542
Common stock, without par value	$ 153,160		$ 153,589
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures	16,694	39,555
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares	(129,011)
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value	$ (8,800)
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	$ 153,232	$ 153,619	153,661	$ 152,975
Stock-based compensation	366	644
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value	(795)
Common Stock | Common Class A
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, without par value	153,160	153,547	153,589	152,903
Stock-based compensation	366	644
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value	(795)
Common Stock | Common Class B
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, without par value	72	72	$ 72	$ 72
Stock-based compensation	0	$ 0
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value	$ 0

Stockholders Equity Accumulated

Stockholders Equity Accumulated other comprehensive income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2018		Sep. 30, 2017	Jan. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Accumulated other comprehensive income		$ 88,961				$ 284,983
Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member]
Accumulated other comprehensive income	[1]	95,418		$ 229,195		295,169	$ 156,963
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Securities, Available-for-sale, Adjustment, before Reclassification Adjustments, after Tax	[1]	(192,832)		72,293
Accumulated Other-than-Temporary Impairment [Member]
Accumulated other comprehensive income	[1]	3,469		1,831		537	311
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Securities, Available-for-sale, Adjustment, before Reclassification Adjustments, after Tax	[1]	2,932		1,520
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated other comprehensive income		(9,926)		(7,157)		(10,723)	(7,719)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Reclassification Adjustments, Net of Tax		0		0
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Accumulated other comprehensive income		88,961		223,869		$ 284,983	$ 149,555
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Securities, Available-for-sale, Adjustment, before Reclassification Adjustments, after Tax		(189,900)		73,813
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		(642)		501
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	[2]	(1,439)		(61)
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		0
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		797		562
reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income [Member] | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment for Sale of Securities Included in Net Income, Net of Tax		(642)		$ 501
Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Cumulative Effect of Change on Equity or Net Assets					$ 0
Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 [Member] | Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Cumulative Effect of Change on Equity or Net Assets	[3]	(5,480)
Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 [Member] | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Cumulative Effect of Change on Equity or Net Assets		$ (5,480)	[3]		$ (5,480)
[1]	Includes the impact of taxes, deferred acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserves and policyholder liabilities. See Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements for further information.
[2]	See Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements for further information.
[3]	See Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements for further discussion on this one-time adjustment related to an accounting change.

Stockholders Equity AOC I Recla

Stockholders Equity AOC I Reclassification Adjustments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Net realized capital gains on sales of investments		$ (709)	$ 81	$ (1,615)	$ 599
Income available to common stockholders		30,973	26,090	87,266	83,213
Income taxes		$ 4,818	$ 9,880	14,462	32,017
reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income [Member]
Net realized capital gains on sales of investments				(1,819)	(254)
Change in offsets to unrealized on investments				(3)	160
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax				1,009	865
Income available to common stockholders				(813)	771
Income taxes				171	(270)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment for Sale of Securities Included in Net Income, Net of Tax				(642)	501
reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income [Member] | Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member]
Net realized capital gains on sales of investments	[1]			(1,819)	(254)
Change in offsets to unrealized on investments	[1]			(3)	160
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]			(1,822)	(94)
Income taxes	[1]			383	33
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment for Sale of Securities Included in Net Income, Net of Tax	[1]			(1,439)	(61)
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	[1]			0	0
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	0
Income taxes	[1]			0	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment for Sale of Securities Included in Net Income, Net of Tax	[1]			0	0
reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income [Member] | Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]
Net realized capital gains on sales of investments				0	0
Change in offsets to unrealized on investments				0	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax				1,009	865
Income available to common stockholders				1,009	865
Income taxes				(212)	(303)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Gain (Loss) Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Net of Tax				$ 797	$ 562
[1]	See Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements for further information.

Earnings per Share (Details)

Earnings per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Numerator [Abstract]
Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc.	[1]	$ 31,010	$ 26,127	$ 87,378	$ 83,325
Less: Dividends Series B preferred stock		(37)	(37)	(112)	(112)
Income available to common stockholders		$ 30,973	$ 26,090	$ 87,266	$ 83,213
Denominator [Abstract]
Weighted average shares - diluted		24,929,801	25,054,550	24,960,069	25,055,961
Weighted average shares - basic		24,918,725	25,037,020	24,946,752	25,036,258
Effect of dilutive securities - stock-based compensation		11,076	17,530	13,317	19,703
Earnings per common share		$ 1.24	$ 1.04	$ 3.50	$ 3.32
Earnings per common share - assuming dilution		$ 1.24	$ 1.04	$ 3.50	$ 3.32
[1]	Prior period amounts have been adjusted to reflect the accounting change for LIHTC investments. See Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements for additional information.

Segment Information Reconciliat

Segment Information Reconciliation Between Net Income and Non-GAAP Operating Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc.	[1]	$ 31,010	$ 26,127	$ 87,378	$ 83,325
Realized gains losses on investments net of offsets	[2],[3]	603	38	2,132	(196)
Derivatives unrealized gain net of offsets	[2]	876	(1,389)	1,191	(2,074)
Operating Income (Loss)	[1],[4]	31,872	24,776	90,084	81,055
Affordable Housing Tax Credit Investments
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
LIHTC equity losses related to the enactment of the Tax Act	[5]	$ (617)	$ 0	$ (617)	$ 0
[1]	Prior period amounts have been adjusted to reflect the accounting change for LIHTC investments. See Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements for additional information.
[2]	Amounts are net of adjustments, as applicable, to amortization of unearned revenue reserves, deferred acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, interest sensitive policy reserves and income taxes attributable to these items.
[3]	Beginning in 2018, amounts include the change in net unrealized gains/losses on equity securities due to a change in accounting guidance. See Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements for additional information.
[4]	Prior period amounts have been adjusted to reflect the accounting change for LIHTC investments. See Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements for additional information.
[5]	Amount represents a change in the provisional estimate of the impact of the Tax Act on our deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2017. See Note 5 to our consolidated financial statements for additional information.

Segment Information Reconcili_2

Segment Information Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Pre-Tax Operating Income (Loss)	[1]	$ 38,136	$ 34,191	$ 106,961	$ 113,266
Income tax on operating income	[1]	6,264	9,415	16,877	32,211
Operating Income (Loss)	[1],[2]	31,872	24,776	90,084	81,055
Operating revenues		184,749	180,321	563,887	551,186
Realized gains on investments related to revenue	[3],[4]	(758)	(123)	(2,885)	190
Derivative unrealized related to revenues	[3]	4,120	1,358	(12)	1,097
Revenues		188,111	181,556	560,990	552,473
Annuity Segment
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Pre-Tax Operating Income (Loss)		18,179	17,015	50,759	51,610
Operating revenues		55,424	54,993	169,274	166,877
Life Insurance Segment
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Pre-Tax Operating Income (Loss)		11,958	12,620	39,236	44,000
Operating revenues		106,546	102,627	323,854	313,838
Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Pre-Tax Operating Income (Loss)	[1]	7,999	4,556	16,966	17,656
Operating revenues		$ 22,779	$ 22,701	$ 70,759	$ 70,471
[1]	Prior period amounts have been adjusted to reflect the accounting change for LIHTC investments. See Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements for additional information.
[2]	Prior period amounts have been adjusted to reflect the accounting change for LIHTC investments. See Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements for additional information.
[3]	Amounts are net of adjustments, as applicable, to amortization of unearned revenue reserves, deferred acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, interest sensitive policy reserves and income taxes attributable to these items.
[4]	Beginning in 2018, amounts include the change in net unrealized gains/losses on equity securities due to a change in accounting guidance. See Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements for additional information.

Segment Information Goodwill by

Segment Information Goodwill by segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Annuity Segment
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 3.9	$ 3.9
Life Insurance Segment
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 6.1	$ 6.1

Segment Information Schedule of

Segment Information Schedule of Segment Reporting Information by Segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Pre-Tax on Equity Income (Loss)	$ 2,077	$ 749	$ 4,355	$ 4,044
Income Tax on Equity Income	(435)	(262)	(914)	(1,415)
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments	1,642	487	3,441	2,629
Life Insurance Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Pre-Tax on Equity Income (Loss)	860	548	2,847	3,003
Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Pre-Tax on Equity Income (Loss)	$ 1,217	$ 201	$ 1,508	$ 1,041

Segment Information Reconcili_3

Segment Information Reconciliation of non-GAAP measures Revenues (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Premiums collected	$ 141,700	$ 141,600	$ 482,700	$ 477,400
Change in due premiums and other	(236)	15	620	855
Traditional life insurance premiums	48,124	47,087	148,712	145,783
Interest sensitive product charges	31,161	28,004	92,165	86,661
Life Insurance Segment
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Premiums collected	73,867	71,214	228,030	219,949
Interest sensitive product charges	19,386	16,495	55,848	50,941
Life Insurance Segment | Admin charges
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Interest sensitive product charges	4,100	3,740	12,340	11,504
Life Insurance Segment | Cost of insurance charges
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Interest sensitive product charges	13,160	12,638	38,378	37,042
Life Insurance Segment | Surrender charges
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Interest sensitive product charges	497	499	1,746	1,493
Life Insurance Segment | Amortization of policy initiation fees
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Interest sensitive product charges	1,629	(382)	3,384	902
Life insurance - interest sensitive
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Premiums collected	25,507	24,142	79,938	75,021
Life insurance - traditional
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Premiums collected	48,360	47,072	148,092	144,928
Annuity Segment | Cost of insurance charges & Surrender charges
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Interest sensitive product charges	1,280	1,115	3,699	3,452
Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Interest sensitive product charges	10,495	10,394	32,618	32,268
Corporate and Other | Admin charges
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Interest sensitive product charges	1,185	1,272	3,826	4,074
Corporate and Other | Cost of insurance charges
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Interest sensitive product charges	7,698	7,431	22,033	22,025
Corporate and Other | Surrender charges
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Interest sensitive product charges	15	52	58	131
Corporate and Other | Separate account charges
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Interest sensitive product charges	2,155	2,071	6,465	6,100
Corporate and Other | Amortization of policy initiation fees
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Interest sensitive product charges	$ (558)	$ (432)	$ 236	$ (62)