FBL Financial (FFG) 10-K 26 Feb 20 2019 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and entity information

Document and entity information Document - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Feb. 24, 2020
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-K
Document Annual Report	true
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2019
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	1-11917
Entity Registrant Name	FBL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	IA
Entity Tax Identification Number	42-1411715
Entity Address, Address Line One	5400 University Avenue,
Entity Address, City or Town	West Des Moines,
Entity Address, State or Province	IA
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	50266-5997
City Area Code	(515)
Local Phone Number	225-5400
Title of 12(b) Security	Class A common stock, without par value
Trading Symbol	FFG
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Public Float	$ 614,892,725
Entity Central Index Key	0001012771
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false
Common Class A
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		24,655,302
Common Class B
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		11,413

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Investments:
Fixed maturities - available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost: 2019 - $7,015,269; 2018 - $6,856,277)	$ 7,702,628	$ 7,033,045
Equity securities at fair value (cost: 2019 - $95,269; 2018 - $93,564)	100,228	92,857
Mortgage loans	1,011,678	1,039,829
Real estate	955	1,543
Policy loans	201,589	197,366
Short-term investments	11,865	15,713
Other investments	62,680	33,765
Total investments	9,091,623	8,414,118
Cash and cash equivalents	17,277	19,035
Securities and indebtedness of related parties	74,791	60,962
Accrued investment income	72,332	74,524
Amounts receivable from affiliates	4,357	3,812
Reinsurance recoverable	107,498	102,386
Deferred acquisition costs	289,456	418,802
Value of insurance in force acquired	2,624	10,385
Current income taxes recoverable	6,427	4,807
Other assets	167,940	163,518
Assets held in separate accounts	645,881	561,281
Total assets	10,480,206	9,833,630
Future policy benefits:
Interest sensitive products	5,548,212	5,403,125
Traditional life insurance and accident and health products	1,845,337	1,802,346
Other policy claims and benefits	46,883	51,298
Supplementary contracts without life contingencies	296,915	303,627
Amounts payable to affiliates	253,458	260,252
Amounts payable to affiliates	1,218	1,461
Long-term debt payable to non-affiliates	97,000	97,000
Deferred income taxes	152,373	75,449
Other liabilities	107,013	93,532
Liabilities related to separate accounts	645,881	561,281
Total liabilities	8,994,290	8,649,371
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	354,764	91,318
Retained earnings	975,260	937,097
Total FBL Financial Group, Inc. stockholders’ equity	1,485,757	1,184,139
Noncontrolling interest	159	120
Total stockholders’ equity	1,485,916	1,184,259
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	10,480,206	9,833,630
Common Class A
FBL Financial Group, Inc. stockholders' equity:
Common stock, without par value	152,661	152,652
Common Class B
FBL Financial Group, Inc. stockholders' equity:
Common stock, without par value	$ 72	$ 72

Consolidated Balance Sheets Par

Consolidated Balance Sheets Parenthetical disclosures - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis		$ 7,015,269	$ 6,856,277
Equity Securities, Cost		$ 95,269	$ 93,564
Preferred stock, shares authorized		10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued		5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding		5,000,000	5,000,000
Common stock, shares outstanding		24,664,215	24,718,815
Common Class A
Common stock, shares authorized		88,500,000	88,500,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued		24,652,802	24,707,402
Common stock, shares outstanding		24,652,802	24,707,402
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	[1]	11,413	11,413
Parent Company
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis		$ 18,420	$ 21,420
Equity Securities, Cost		$ 6,587	$ 5,304
[1]	There is no established market for our Class B common stock, although it is convertible upon demand of the holder into Class A common stock on a share-for-share basis.

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Revenues:
Interest sensitive product charges	$ 127,113	$ 122,789	$ 112,936
Traditional life insurance premiums	197,863	198,312	195,330
Net investment income	424,998	394,618	415,199
Net realized capital gains on sales of investments	8,523	(7,276)	599
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses	(919)	(5,072)	(1,553)
Non-credit portion in other comprehensive income/loss	0	74	0
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings	(919)	(4,998)	(1,553)
Other income	17,103	16,181	15,400
Total revenues	774,681	719,626	737,911
Benefits and expenses:
Interest sensitive product benefits	276,473	253,753	251,878
Traditional life insurance benefits	174,654	175,209	173,023
Policyholder dividends	10,053	10,130	10,140
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses	140,624	152,055	134,878
Interest expense	4,850	4,851	4,850
Other expenses	25,246	22,595	18,382
Total benefits and expenses	631,900	618,593	593,151
Income from continuing operations before equity income, income taxes and noncontrolling interest	142,781	101,033	144,760
Income taxes	(19,929)	(11,650)	39,983
Equity income, net of related income taxes	3,456	4,439	2,590
Net income from continuing operations	126,308	93,822	187,333
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest	(99)	(29)	(28)
Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc.	$ 126,209	$ 93,793	$ 187,305
Earnings per common share:
Earnings per common share	$ 5.09	$ 3.76	$ 7.47
Earnings per common share - assuming dilution:
Earnings per common share - assuming dilution	$ 5.09	$ 3.75	$ 7.47

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Net income		$ 126,308	$ 93,822	$ 187,333
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Change in net unrealized investment gains/losses		264,940	(190,114)	88,685	[1]
Non-credit impairment losses		0	(58)	0	[1]
Change in funded status of the other postretirement benefit plans		(1,494)	1,987	(1,483)	[1]
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax	[1]	263,446	(188,185)	87,202
Total comprehensive income, net of tax		389,754	(94,363)	274,535
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest		(99)	(29)	(28)
Comprehensive income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc.		$ 389,655	$ (94,392)	$ 274,507
[1]	Other comprehensive income (loss) is recorded net of deferred income taxes and other adjustments for assumed changes in deferred acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserve and policyholder liabilities.

Consolidated Statements of Shar

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total		Preferred Stock	Common stocks	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		Retained Earnings	Noncontrolling Interest
Balance at beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 1,183,555		$ 3,000	$ 152,975	$ 149,555		$ 877,969	$ 56
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	187,333						187,305	28
Other comprehensive income	87,202	[1]			87,202
Reclassification related to the Tax Act	0				48,226	[2]	(48,226)
Stock-based compensation	708			708
Purchase of common stock	(246)			(22)			(224)
Dividends on preferred stock	(150)						(150)
Dividends on common stock	(81,251)						(81,251)
Noncontrolling Interest, Period Increase (Decrease)	(26)							(26)
Balance at end of period at Dec. 31, 2017	1,377,125		3,000	153,661	284,983		935,423	58
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Cumulative Effect on Retained Earnings, Net of Tax | Accounting Standards Update 2016-01	0				(5,480)		5,480
Net income	93,822						93,793	29
Other comprehensive income	(188,185)	[1]			(188,185)
Stock-based compensation	499			499
Purchase of common stock	(15,907)			(1,436)			(14,471)
Dividends on preferred stock	(150)						(150)
Dividends on common stock	(82,978)						(82,978)
Noncontrolling Interest, Period Increase (Decrease)	33							33
Balance at end of period at Dec. 31, 2018	1,184,259		3,000	152,724	91,318		937,097	120
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Cumulative Effect on Retained Earnings, Net of Tax | Accounting Standards Update 2016-02	595				0		595
Net income	126,308						126,209	99
Other comprehensive income	263,446	[1]			263,446
Stock-based compensation	419			419
Purchase of common stock	(4,577)			(410)			(4,167)
Dividends on preferred stock	(150)						(150)
Dividends on common stock	(84,324)						(84,324)
Noncontrolling Interest, Period Increase (Decrease)	(60)							(60)
Balance at end of period at Dec. 31, 2019	$ 1,485,916		$ 3,000	$ 152,733	$ 354,764		$ 975,260	$ 159
[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]	Reclassification of the initial impact of the remeasurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities upon enactment of the Tax Act. See discussion of this accounting change as discussed in Note 1.

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Operating activities
Net income	$ 126,308	$ 93,822	$ 187,333
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Interest credited to account balances	161,893	164,623	163,111
Charges for mortality, surrenders and administration	(126,165)	(120,944)	(112,682)
Net realized losses on investments	(7,604)	12,274	3,387
Change in fair value of derivatives	(2,232)	7,162	(8,007)
Increase in liabilities for life insurance and other future policy benefits	66,503	77,786	87,489
Deferral of acquisition costs	(45,578)	(47,771)	(44,409)
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs and value of insurance in force	25,875	36,371	25,016
Change in reinsurance recoverable	(2,415)	4,081	(5,097)
Provision for deferred income taxes	6,876	(4,952)	(73,094)
Other	9,593	16,725	16,587
Net cash provided by operating activities	213,054	239,177	239,634
Sales, maturities or repayments:
Fixed maturities - available for sale	665,276	590,106	619,627
Equity securities	15,397	7,039	9,880
Mortgage loans	102,132	69,208	62,285
Derivative instruments	15,659	16,754	13,220
Policy loans	36,441	36,720	36,330
Securities and indebtedness of related parties	8,814	8,359	8,999
Other investments	6,147	6,831	164
Real estate	641	0	717
Acquisitions:
Fixed maturities - available for sale	(815,762)	(705,250)	(690,013)
Equity securities	(16,729)	(4,447)	(2,692)
Mortgage loans	(71,202)	(139,836)	(217,409)
Derivative instruments	(19,886)	(14,425)	(9,311)
Policy loans	(40,664)	(42,688)	(39,474)
Securities and indebtedness of related parties	(21,084)	(21,146)	(13,555)
Other Investments	(7,649)	(7,891)	0
Short-term investments, net change	3,848	1,294	(659)
Purchases and disposals of property and equipment, net	(15,990)	(12,520)	(11,427)
Net cash used in investing activities	(154,611)	(211,892)	(233,318)
Financing activities
Contract holder account deposits	606,917	668,482	534,449
Contract holder account withdrawals	(577,238)	(631,181)	(440,581)
Dividends paid	(84,474)	(83,128)	(81,401)
Proceeds from the issuance of short-term debt	55,000	27,000	0
Repayments of short-term debt	(55,000)	(27,000)	0
Issuance (repurchase) of common stock, net	(5,346)	(15,152)	356
Other financing activities	(60)	33	(26)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(60,201)	(60,946)	12,797
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(1,758)	(33,661)	19,113
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	19,035	52,696	33,583
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	17,277	19,035	52,696
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
Cash paid during the period for interest	(4,860)	(4,868)	(4,850)
Cash paid during the period for income taxes	$ (2,736)	$ (3,005)	$ (16,347)

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	Significant Accounting Policies Nature of Business FBL Financial Group, Inc. (we or the Company), majority owned by the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF), operates predominantly in the life insurance industry through its principal subsidiary, Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company (Farm Bureau Life). Farm Bureau Life markets individual life insurance policies and annuity contracts to Farm Bureau members and other individuals and businesses in the Midwestern and Western sections of the United States through an exclusive agency force. Greenfields Life Insurance Company (Greenfields), a subsidiary of Farm Bureau Life, offers life and annuity products in the state of Colorado. Other subsidiaries provide external wealth management services as well as investment management and other support services to our affiliated insurance companies. In addition, we manage two Farm Bureau affiliated property-casualty companies. Consolidation Our consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company and its direct and indirect subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated. Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements Description Date of adoption Effect on our consolidated financial statements or other significant matters Standards adopted: Stockholders’ Equity In February 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued guidance allowing a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from changes in the federal income tax rate due to enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (Tax Act) on December 22, 2017. Accounting guidance requires that deferred tax assets and liabilities, including those associated with components of AOCI, be remeasured during the period new tax laws are enacted, with any changes reflected as a component of income tax expense (benefit). Under the previous guidance, retained earnings would reflect the full amount of the change and AOCI would not be adjusted for the portion of the change related to its components, leaving the unadjusted change “stranded” in AOCI. The new guidance allows AOCI to be adjusted to reclassify these stranded tax effects to retained earnings. October 1, 2017 The new guidance was effective for 2018 with early adoption permitted for public companies during periods for which financial statements have not been issued. We adopted the new guidance in 2017 and have reported the reclassification in our Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity. The adjustment does not impact earnings, but rather is a reclassification of amounts between stockholders’ equity accounts. 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 under the prior guidance. 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. January 1, 2018 Upon adoption using the modified retrospective approach, 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. Application of this guidance resulted in a decrease to net income of $6.2 million ($0.25 per basic and diluted share) for the year ended December 31, 2018 and an increase to net income of $4.3 million ($0.17 per basic and diluted share) for the year ended December 31, 2019. Prior periods were not restated. Description Date of adoption Effect on our consolidated financial statements or other significant matters Standards adopted continued: Leases In February 2016, the FASB issued a new lease accounting standard, which, for most lessees, resulted in a gross-up of the balance sheet. Under the new standard, lessees recognize the leased assets on the balance sheet and a corresponding liability for the present value of lease payments over the lease term. The new standard requires the application of judgment and estimates. The standard allowed accounting policy elections to be made both at transition and for the accounting post-transition, including whether to adopt a short-term lease recognition exemption. January 1, 2019 Upon adoption using the modified retrospective approach, a cumulative effect adjustment of $0.6 million was recorded to retained earnings, representing the elimination of a deferred gain on a sale-leaseback transaction, and both other assets and other liabilities increased by $7.2 million. We elected the practical expedients provided for under the guidance but did not use hindsight in determining lease term. We have no finance leases and have elected to treat leases with terms of twelve months or less as short-term leases. The impact to earnings per share due to adopting this guidance was ($0.01) per basic and diluted share for the year ended December 31, 2019. See Note 10 for additional discussion. Standards not yet adopted: 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 estimated 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, commercial mortgage loans and reinsurance recoverables. Our available-for-sale fixed maturities will continue to apply the incurred loss model; however, 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, rather than taken into earnings over the remaining life of the security. January 1, 2020 We will apply this guidance using a modified retrospective approach by recording a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the year of adoption. This adjustment will be immaterial, primarily consisting of valuation allowances on commercial mortgage loans and, to a lesser extent, reinsurance recoverables, net of tax and other offsets. 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 nonparticipating 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, 2022 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.
Significant Accounting Policies Investments [Text Block]	Investments Fixed Maturities and Equity Securities Fixed maturities are comprised of bonds and redeemable preferred stock and are designated as “available for sale.” Available-for-sale securities, with the exception of interest-only bonds, are reported at fair value and unrealized gains and losses on these securities are included directly in stockholders’ equity as a component of AOCI. The unrealized gains and losses, included in AOCI, are reduced by a provision for deferred income taxes and adjustments to deferred acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserves and policyholder liabilities that would have been required as a charge or credit to income had such amounts been realized. Interest-only bonds are considered to have an embedded derivative feature; accordingly, unrealized gains and losses relating to these securities are recorded as a component of net investment income in the consolidated statements of operations. Premiums and discounts for all fixed maturity securities are amortized/accreted into investment income over the life of the security using the effective interest method. Amortization/accrual of premiums and discounts on mortgage- and asset-backed securities incorporates prepayment assumptions to estimate the securities’ expected lives. Subsequent revisions in assumptions are recorded using the retrospective or prospective method. Under the retrospective method used for mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities of high credit quality (ratings equal to or greater than “AA” or an equivalent rating by a nationally recognized rating agency at the time of acquisition or that are backed by a U.S. agency), amortized cost of the security is adjusted to the amount that would have existed had the revised assumptions been in place at the date of acquisition. The adjustments to amortized cost are recorded as a charge or credit to net investment income. Under the prospective method, which is used for all other mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, future cash flows are estimated and interest income is recognized going forward using the new internal rate of return. Beginning in 2018, equity securities, comprised of mutual funds and common and non-redeemable preferred stocks are reported at fair value with changes in fair value included in net investment gains (losses) in the consolidated statement of operations. Prior to 2018, these securities were designated as “available for sale” and reported at fair value with the change in unrealized gains and losses included in AOCI. Mortgage Loans Mortgage loans are reported at cost adjusted for amortization of premiums, accrual of discounts and net of allowance for loan losses. If we determine that the value of any mortgage loan is impaired (i.e., when it is probable we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement), the carrying value of the mortgage loan is reduced to its estimated value, which is based upon the present value of expected future cash flows from the loan, the estimated market price of the loan, or the fair value of the underlying collateral less estimated costs to sell. Mortgage loans are placed on non-accrual status if we have concerns regarding the collectability of future payments. Interest income on non-performing loans is generally recognized on a cash basis. Once mortgage loans are classified as nonaccrual loans, the resumption of the interest accrual would commence only after all past due interest has been collected or the mortgage loan has been restructured such that the collection of interest is considered likely. Real Estate Our real estate is held for investment and consists of land reported at cost, net of allowance for losses. The carrying value of these assets is subject to regular review. For properties held for investment, if indicators of impairment are present and a property’s expected undiscounted cash flows are not sufficient to recover the property’s carrying value, an impairment loss is recognized and the property’s cost basis is reduced to fair value. No properties were held for investment with impairment charges as of December 31, 2019 or 2018 . Other Investments Policy loans are reported at unpaid principal balance. Short-term investments, which include investments with remaining maturities of one year or less, but greater than three months at the time of acquisition, are reported at cost adjusted for amortization of premiums and accrual of discounts. Other investments include common stock issued by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB) carried at the current redemption value; call options carried at fair value; a promissory note acquired in a sale of a partnership interest carried at the remaining basis of the partnership; and ownership interest in aircraft carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. We have embedded derivatives associated with modified coinsurance contracts, which are included within reinsurance recoverable. These instruments are carried at fair value with changes reflected in net investment income. See Note 2 for more information regarding our derivative instruments. Securities and indebtedness of related parties include investments in corporations and partnerships over which we may exercise significant influence and those investments for which we use the equity method of accounting. These corporations and partnerships operate predominately in the investment company, real estate and insurance industries. In applying the equity method, we record our share of income or loss reported by the equity investees. In accounting for these investments, we consistently use the most recent financial information available, which is generally for periods not more than three months prior to the ending date of the period for which we are reporting. For partnerships operating in the investment company industry, this income or loss includes changes in unrealized gains and losses in the partnerships’ investment portfolios. Accrued Investment Income We discontinue the accrual of investment income on invested assets when it is determined that it is probable that we will not collect the income. Realized Gains and Losses on Investments Realized gains and losses on sales of investments are determined on the basis of specific identification. The carrying values of all our investments are reviewed on an ongoing basis for credit deterioration. When our review indicates a decline in fair value for a fixed maturity security is an other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) and we do not intend to sell or believe we will be required to sell the security before recovery of our amortized cost, a specific write down is charged to earnings for the credit loss and a specific charge is recognized in AOCI for the non-credit loss component. If we intend to sell or believe we will be required to sell a fixed maturity security before its recovery, the full amount of the impairment write down to fair value is charged to earnings. We monitor the financial condition and operations of the issuers of fixed maturities that could potentially have a credit impairment that is OTTI. In determining whether or not an unrealized loss is OTTI, we review factors such as: • historical operating trends; • business prospects; • status of the industry in which the issuer operates; • analyst ratings on the issuer and sector; • quality of management; • size of the unrealized loss; and • level of current market interest rates compared to market interest rates when the security was purchased. In order to determine the credit and non-credit impairment loss for fixed maturities, we estimate the future cash flows we expect to receive over the remaining life of the instrument as well as review our plans to hold or sell the instrument. Significant assumptions regarding the present value of expected cash flows for each security are used when an OTTI occurs and there is a non-credit portion of the unrealized loss that will not be recognized in earnings. Our assumptions for residential mortgage-backed securities, commercial mortgage-backed securities and other asset-backed securities include collateral pledged, guarantees, vintage, anticipated principal and interest payments, prepayments, default levels, severity assumptions, delinquency rates and the level of nonperforming assets for the remainder of the investments’ expected term. We use a single best estimate of cash flows approach and use the effective yield prior to the date of impairment to calculate the present value of cash flows. Our assumptions for corporate and other fixed maturities include anticipated principal and interest payments and an estimated recovery value, generally based on a percentage return of the current fair value. After an OTTI write down of fixed maturities with a credit-only impairment, the cost basis is not adjusted for subsequent recoveries in fair value. For fixed maturities for which we can reasonably estimate future cash flows after a write down, the discount or reduced premium recorded, based on the new cost basis, is amortized over the remaining life of the security. Amortization in this instance is computed using the prospective method and the current estimate of the amount and timing of future cash flows . Fair Values Fair values of fixed maturities are based on quoted market prices in active markets when available. Fair values of fixed maturities that are not actively traded are estimated using valuation methods that vary by asset class. Fair values of redeemable preferred stocks, equity securities and derivative investments are based on the latest quoted market prices, or for those items not readily marketable, generally at values that are representative of the fair values of comparable issues. Fair values for all securities are reviewed for reasonableness by considering overall market conditions and values for similar securities. See Note 3 for more information on our fair value policies, including assumptions and the amount of securities priced using the valuation models. Cash and Cash Equivalents
Organization, Consolidation, Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Accounting Policies [Text Block]	Reinsurance Recoverable We use reinsurance to manage certain risks associated with our insurance operations. These reinsurance arrangements provide for greater diversification of business, allow management to control exposure to potential risks arising from large claims and provide additional capacity for growth. For business ceded to other companies, reinsurance recoverable includes the reinsurers’ share of policyholder liabilities, claims and expenses, net of amounts due the reinsurers for premiums. We monitor the financial condition of these reinsurers, establishing an allowance for uncollectible reinsurance recoverables as necessary. We have concluded that no such allowance was required at December 31, 2019 or 2018 . See Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements above regarding a change in the accounting for valuation allowances that will be adopted in 2020. For business assumed from other companies, reinsurance recoverable includes premium receivable net of our share of benefits and expenses we owe to the ceding company. Fair values for the embedded derivatives in our modified coinsurance contracts are based on the difference between the fair value and the cost basis of the underlying investments. See Note 2 for more information regarding derivatives and Note 4 for additional details on our reinsurance agreements. Deferred Acquisition Costs and Value of Insurance in Force Acquired Deferred acquisition costs include certain costs of successfully acquiring new insurance business, including commissions and other expenses related to the production of new business, to the extent recoverable from future policy revenues and gross profits. Also included are premium bonuses and bonus interest credited to contracts during the first contract year only. The value of insurance in force acquired represents the cost assigned to insurance contracts when an insurance company is acquired. The initial value was determined by an actuarial study using expected future gross profits as a measurement of the net present value of the insurance acquired. Value of insurance in force acquired is being amortized on a fixed amortization schedule. For participating traditional life insurance and interest sensitive products, these costs are generally amortized in proportion to expected gross profits from surrender charges and investment, mortality and expense margins. This amortization is periodically adjusted or unlocked when we revise key assumptions used in the calculation of these costs. For nonparticipating traditional life products, these costs are amortized over the premium paying period of the related policies, in proportion to the ratio of annual premium revenues to total anticipated premium revenues. Such anticipated premium revenues are estimated using the same assumptions used for computing liabilities for future policy benefits. All insurance and investment contract modifications and replacements are reviewed to determine if the internal replacement results in a substantially changed contract. If so, the acquisition costs, sales inducements and unearned revenue associated with the new contract are deferred and amortized over the lifetime of the new contract. In addition, the existing deferred policy acquisition costs, sales inducement costs and unearned revenue balances associated with the replaced contract are written off. If an internal replacement results in a substantially unchanged contract, the acquisition costs, sales inducements and unearned revenue associated with the new contract are immediately recognized in the period incurred. In addition, the existing deferred policy acquisition costs, sales inducement costs or unearned revenue balance associated with the replaced contract is not written off, but instead is carried over to the new contract. Other Assets Other assets include non-guaranteed federal low income housing tax credit (LIHTC) investments. LIHTC investments take the form of limited partnerships or limited liability companies, 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 benefit as a component of federal income tax expense on our consolidated statements of operations. LIHTC investments had a carrying value of $42.9 million at December 31, 2019 and $54.0 million at December 31, 2018. See discussion on variable interest entities in Note 2 for further information. Other assets also include property and equipment, primarily comprised of capitalized software costs and furniture and equipment, which are reported at cost less allowances for depreciation and amortization. We expense costs incurred in the preliminary stages of developing internal-use software as well as costs incurred post-implementation for maintenance. Capitalization of internal-use software costs occurs after management has authorized the project and it is probable that the software will be used as intended. Amortization of software costs begins after the software has been placed in production. Depreciation and amortization expense is computed primarily using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from three to twenty years. Property and equipment had a carrying value of $42.2 million at December 31, 2019 and $38.5 million at December 31, 2018 , and accumulated depreciation and amortization of $91.0 million at December 31, 2019 and $79.2 million at December 31, 2018 . Depreciation and amortization expense for property and equipment was $12.1 million in 2019 , $9.9 million in 2018 and $8.7 million in 2017 . Other assets at December 31, 2019 and 2018 , also includes goodwill of $9.9 million related to the excess of the amounts paid to acquire companies over the fair value of the net assets acquired. Goodwill is not amortized but is subject to annual impairment testing. We evaluate our goodwill balance by comparing the fair value of our reporting units to the carrying value of the goodwill. We conduct a qualitative impairment review at least annually as well as when indicators suggest an impairment may have occurred to determine if indicators of deterioration in the business would suggest its value has declined below the carrying value of goodwill. Such circumstances include changes in the competitive or overall economic environment or other business condition changes that may negatively impact the value of the underlying business. On a periodic basis, as well as in the event circumstances indicate the value of the business may have declined significantly, we will estimate the value of the business using discounted cash flow techniques. We believe this approach better approximates the fair value of our goodwill than a market capitalization approach. A number of significant assumptions and estimates are involved in the application of the discounted cash flow model to forecast operating cash flows, including future premiums, product lapses, investment yields and discount rate. Underlying assumptions are based on historical experience and our best estimates given information available at the time of testing. As a result of this analysis, we have determined our goodwill was not impaired as of December 31, 2019 or 2018 . Future Policy Benefits Future policy benefit reserves for interest sensitive products are computed under a retrospective deposit method and represent policy account balances before applicable surrender charges. We also have additional benefit reserves that are established for annuity or universal life-type contracts that provide benefit guarantees, or for contracts that are expected to produce profits followed by losses. The liabilities are accrued in relation to estimated contract assessments. Policy benefits and claims that are charged to expense include benefit claims incurred in the period in excess of related policy account balances. Interest crediting rates for our interest sensitive products ranged from 1.00% to 5.50% in 2019 , 2018 and 2017 . The liability for future policy benefits for direct participating traditional life insurance is based on net level premium reserves, including assumptions as to interest, mortality and other factors underlying the guaranteed policy cash values. Reserve interest assumptions are level and range from 2.00% to 6.00% . The average rate of assumed gross investment yields used in estimating gross margins was 5.23% in 2019 , 5.48% in 2018 and 5.47% in 2017 . The liability for future policy benefits for nonparticipating traditional life insurance is computed using a net level method, including assumptions as to mortality, persistency and interest and includes provisions for possible unfavorable deviations. The liabilities for future policy benefits for accident and health insurance are computed using a net level (or an equivalent) method, including assumptions as to morbidity, mortality and interest and include provisions for possible unfavorable deviations. Policy benefit claims are charged to expense in the period that the claims are incurred. Other Policy Claims and Benefits We have unearned revenue reserves that reflect the unamortized balance of charges assessed to interest sensitive contract holders to compensate us for services to be performed over future periods (policy initiation fees). These charges have been deferred and are being recognized in income over the period benefited using the same assumptions and factors used to amortize deferred acquisition costs. We have accrued dividends for participating business that are established for anticipated amounts earned to date that have not been paid. The declaration of future dividends for participating business is at the discretion of the Board of Directors of Farm Bureau Life. Participating business accounted for 25% of traditional, universal and variable life insurance premiums collected from policyholders during 2019 ( 2018 - 28% and 2017 - 29% ) and represented 9% of life insurance in force at December 31, 2019 and 10% at December 31, 2018 and 2017 . Deferred Income Taxes Deferred income tax assets or liabilities are computed based on the difference between the financial statement and income tax bases of assets and liabilities using the enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when the assets or liabilities are recovered or settled. Deferred income tax expenses or credits are based on the changes in the asset or liability from period to period. A valuation allowance against deferred income tax assets is established if it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred income tax assets will not be realized. Separate Accounts The separate account assets and liabilities reported in our accompanying consolidated balance sheets represent funds that are separately administered for the benefit of certain policyholders that bear the underlying investment risk. The separate account assets are carried at fair value and separate account liabilities represent policy account balances before applicable surrender charges. Revenues and expenses related to the separate account assets and liabilities, to the extent of benefits paid or provided to the separate account policyholders, are excluded from the amounts reported in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Recognition of Premium Revenues and Costs Revenues for interest sensitive and variable products consist of policy charges for the cost of insurance and product guarantees, asset charges, administration charges, amortization of policy initiation fees and surrender charges assessed against policyholder account balances. The timing of revenue recognition as it relates to these charges and fees is determined based on the nature of such charges and fees. Policy charges for the cost of insurance, asset charges and policy administration charges are assessed on a daily or monthly basis and are recognized as revenue when assessed and earned. Certain policy initiation fees that represent compensation for services to be provided in the future are reported as unearned revenue and recognized in income over the periods benefited. Surrender charges are determined based upon contractual terms and are recognized upon surrender of a contract. Policy benefits and claims charged to expense include interest amounts credited to policyholder account balances and benefit claims incurred in excess of policyholder account balances during the period. Amortization of deferred acquisition costs is recognized as expense over the estimated life of the policy. Traditional life insurance premiums are recognized as revenues over the premium-paying period. Future policy benefits and policy acquisition costs are recognized as expenses over the life of the policy by means of the provision for future policy benefits and amortization of deferred acquisition costs. All insurance-related revenues, benefits and expenses are reported net of reinsurance ceded. The cost of reinsurance ceded is recognized over the contract periods of the reinsurance agreements. Policies and contracts assumed are accounted for in a manner similar to that followed for direct business. Underwriting, Acquisition and Insurance Expenses Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Components of our underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses: Commission expense, net of deferrals $ 24,419 $ 23,801 $ 24,356 Amortization of deferred acquisition costs 22,887 33,137 22,507 Amortization of value of insurance in force acquired 2,141 2,167 2,178 Other underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses, net of deferrals 91,177 92,950 85,837 Total $ 140,624 $ 152,055 $ 134,878 Other Income and Other Expenses Other income and other expenses primarily consist of revenue and expenses generated by our various non-insurance subsidiaries for our wealth management business, investment advisory, marketing and distribution, and leasing services. They also include revenues and expenses generated by our parent company for management services. Certain of these activities are performed on behalf of our affiliates. Revenues are recognized for the performance of these services to our customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which we expect to be entitled in exchange for those services. Lease income from leases with affiliates totaled $5.3 million in 2019 , $4.9 million in 2018 and $4.6 million in 2017 . Investment advisory fee income from affiliates totaled $3.1 million in 2019 , $2.9 million in 2018 and $2.7 million in 2017 . In addition, Farm Bureau Life has certain items, including fees earned from brokered products, reported as other income and other expense, which netted to $1.7 million in 2019 , $2.7 million in 2018 and $2.5 million in 2017 . We expense legal costs associated with a loss contingency as incurred. Retirement and Compensation Plans We participate with affiliates and an unaffiliated organization in defined benefit pension plans, including a multiemployer plan. The multiemployer plan records an asset or liability based on the difference between contributions made to the plan to date and expense recognized for the plan to date. The obligations for the single employer plans are based on an actuarial valuation of future benefits. For the multiemployer plan, our contributions are commingled with those of the other employers to fund the plan benefit obligations. Should a participating employer be unable to provide funding, the remaining employers would be required to continue funding all future obligations. The multiemployer plan employs a long-term investment strategy of maintaining diversified assets. The expected return on plan assets is set at the long-term rate expected to be earned based on the long-term investment strategy of the plans for assets at the end of the reporting period. We participate in qualified and nonqualified defined contribution plans which include employer matching and discretionary contributions according to certain guidelines, which are charged to expense throughout the year. Share-based compensation programs are also offered to certain employees, subject to specific requirements including vesting. See Note 8 for additional details regarding these plans. Comprehensive Income Comprehensive income includes net income, as well as other comprehensive income items not recognized through net income. Other comprehensive income includes unrealized gains and losses on our available-for-sale securities as well as the underfunded obligation for certain retirement and postretirement benefit plans. These items are included in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax and other offsets, in stockholders’ equity. The changes in unrealized gains and losses reported in our Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss), excludes net investment gains and losses included in net income that represent transfers from unrealized to realized gains and losses. These transfers are further discussed in Note 7. The components of the underfunded obligation for certain retirement and postretirement benefit plans are provided in Note 8. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. For example, significant estimates and assumptions are utilized in the valuation of investments, determination of other-than-temporary impairments of investments, amortization of deferred acquisition costs, calculation of policyholder liabilities and accruals and determination of pension expense. It is reasonably possible that actual experience could differ from the estimates and assumptions utilized, which could have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

Investment Operations

Investment Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Investment Operations [Abstract]
Investment [Text Block]	Investment Operations Fixed Maturity Securities Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturity Securities by Investment Category December 31, 2019 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 $ 3,376,432 $ 418,049 $ (15,531 ) $ 3,778,950 $ — Residential mortgage-backed 626,663 47,654 (1,929 ) 672,388 1,997 Commercial mortgage-backed 969,453 77,433 (1,413 ) 1,045,473 — Other asset-backed 697,390 19,745 (2,614 ) 714,521 502 United States Government and agencies 12,417 1,711 (5 ) 14,123 — States and political subdivisions 1,332,914 145,125 (866 ) 1,477,173 — Total fixed maturities $ 7,015,269 $ 709,717 $ (22,358 ) $ 7,702,628 $ 2,499 December 31, 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 $ 3,231,846 $ 138,972 $ (90,933 ) $ 3,279,885 $ — Residential mortgage-backed 584,133 29,969 (7,242 ) 606,860 2,823 Commercial mortgage-backed 873,672 24,284 (19,390 ) 878,566 — Other asset-backed 697,332 15,567 (5,329 ) 707,570 1,143 United States Government and agencies 19,673 996 (134 ) 20,535 — States and political subdivisions 1,449,621 95,921 (5,913 ) 1,539,629 — Total fixed maturities $ 6,856,277 $ 305,709 $ (128,941 ) $ 7,033,045 $ 3,966 (1) Non-credit losses subsequent to the initial impairment measurement date on OTTI losses are included in the gross unrealized gains and gross unrealized losses columns above. The non-credit loss component of OTTI losses for residential mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 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 December 31, 2019 Amortized Cost Fair Value (Dollars in thousands) Due in one year or less $ 66,353 $ 67,542 Due after one year through five years 546,639 575,142 Due after five years through ten years 731,902 805,484 Due after ten years 3,376,869 3,822,078 4,721,763 5,270,246 Mortgage-backed and other asset-backed 2,293,506 2,432,382 Total fixed maturities $ 7,015,269 $ 7,702,628 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 December 31, 2019 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Net unrealized appreciation on: Fixed maturities - available for sale $ 687,359 $ 176,768 Adjustments for assumed changes in amortization pattern of: Deferred acquisition costs (200,227 ) (46,732 ) Value of insurance in force acquired (12,498 ) (6,878 ) Unearned revenue reserve 18,025 5,134 Adjustments for assumed changes in policyholder liabilities (30,642 ) (1,642 ) Provision for deferred income taxes (see Note 5) (97,023 ) (26,596 ) Net unrealized investment gains $ 364,994 $ 100,054 Change in Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation of Investments - Recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Fixed maturities - available for sale $ 510,591 $ (357,950 ) $ 187,639 Equity securities — — 4,941 Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments $ 510,591 $ (357,950 ) $ 192,580 The changes in net unrealized investment gains and losses are recorded net of deferred income taxes and other adjustments for assumed changes in deferred acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserve and policyholder liabilities. Subsequent changes in the fair value of securities for which a previous non-credit OTTI loss was recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income are reported along with changes in fair value for which no OTTI losses were previously recognized. Fixed Maturity Securities with Unrealized Losses by Length of Time December 31, 2019 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 $ 114,520 $ (2,476 ) $ 84,719 $ (13,055 ) $ 199,239 $ (15,531 ) 69.5 % Residential mortgage-backed 68,743 (1,435 ) 6,941 (494 ) 75,684 (1,929 ) 8.6 % Commercial mortgage-backed 46,537 (1,266 ) 2,610 (147 ) 49,147 (1,413 ) 6.3 % Other asset-backed 112,462 (519 ) 102,439 (2,095 ) 214,901 (2,614 ) 11.7 % United States Government and agencies — — 2,494 (5 ) 2,494 (5 ) — % States and political subdivisions 19,367 (379 ) 5,936 (487 ) 25,303 (866 ) 3.9 % Total fixed maturities $ 361,629 $ (6,075 ) $ 205,139 $ (16,283 ) $ 566,768 $ (22,358 ) 100.0 % Fixed Maturity Securities with Unrealized Losses by Length of Time December 31, 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 $ 1,035,176 $ (60,299 ) $ 207,381 $ (30,634 ) $ 1,242,557 $ (90,933 ) 70.5 % Residential mortgage-backed 191,365 (4,482 ) 74,113 (2,760 ) 265,478 (7,242 ) 5.6 % Commercial mortgage-backed 302,159 (9,947 ) 148,855 (9,443 ) 451,014 (19,390 ) 15.0 % Other asset-backed 250,119 (3,397 ) 149,997 (1,932 ) 400,116 (5,329 ) 4.1 % United States Government and agencies — — 6,474 (134 ) 6,474 (134 ) 0.1 % States and political subdivisions 144,681 (3,885 ) 16,943 (2,028 ) 161,624 (5,913 ) 4.7 % Total fixed maturities $ 1,923,500 $ (82,010 ) $ 603,763 $ (46,931 ) $ 2,527,263 $ (128,941 ) 100.0 % Fixed maturities in the above tables include 189 securities from 145 issuers at December 31, 2019 and 709 securities from 465 issuers at December 31, 2018 . Unrealized losses decreased during 2019 primarily due to lower 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 December 31, 2019 . 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 December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 , there were no non-performing loans over 90 days past due on contractual payments. At December 31, 2019 , we had not committed to provide additional funding for any mortgage loans. Mortgage Loans by Collateral Type December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Collateral Type Carrying Value Percent of Total Carrying Value Percent of Total (Dollars in thousands) Office $ 417,746 41.3 % $ 454,694 43.7 % Retail 345,870 34.2 332,579 32.0 Industrial 235,274 23.2 234,453 22.6 Other 12,788 1.3 18,103 1.7 Total $ 1,011,678 100.0 % $ 1,039,829 100.0 % Mortgage Loans by Geographic Location within the United States December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Region of the United States Carrying Value Percent of Total Carrying Value Percent of Total (Dollars in thousands) South Atlantic $ 288,299 28.5 % $ 301,206 29.0 % Pacific 164,996 16.3 162,824 15.7 East North Central 117,053 11.6 117,768 11.3 West North Central 108,942 10.8 126,320 12.1 Mountain 96,857 9.6 101,335 9.7 East South Central 81,275 8.0 76,098 7.3 West South Central 76,650 7.6 85,919 8.3 Middle Atlantic 45,687 4.5 34,843 3.4 New England 31,919 3.1 33,516 3.2 Total $ 1,011,678 100.0 % $ 1,039,829 100.0 % Mortgage Loans by Loan-to-Value Ratio December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Loan-to-Value Ratio Carrying Value Percent of Total Carrying Value Percent of Total (Dollars in thousands) 0% - 50% $ 412,973 40.8 % $ 409,089 39.3 % 51% - 60% 310,869 30.7 314,038 30.2 61% - 70% 256,280 25.4 264,973 25.5 71% - 80% 31,556 3.1 37,418 3.6 81% - 90% — — 14,311 1.4 Total $ 1,011,678 100.0 % $ 1,039,829 100.0 % The loan-to-value ratio is determined using the most recent appraised value. Appraisals are updated periodically when there is indication of a possible significant collateral decline or there are loan modifications or refinance requests. Mortgage Loans by Year of Origination December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Carrying Value Percent of Total Carrying Value Percent of Total (Dollars in thousands) 2019 $ 69,319 6.8 % $ — — % 2018 128,334 12.7 137,519 13.2 2017 200,283 19.8 207,540 20.0 2016 144,311 14.3 149,437 14.4 2015 119,724 11.8 128,877 12.4 2014 and prior 349,707 34.6 416,456 40.0 Total $ 1,011,678 100.0 % $ 1,039,829 100.0 % Impaired Mortgage Loans December 31, 2019 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Unpaid principal balance $ 4,632 $ 18,622 Less: Related allowance (329 ) (3,107 ) Carrying value of impaired mortgage loans $ 4,303 $ 15,515 Allowance on Mortgage Loans Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Balance at beginning of period $ 3,107 $ 497 Allowances established — 2,778 Recoveries (2,778 ) (168 ) Balance at end of period $ 329 $ 3,107 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 2019 or 2018 . Components of Net Investment Income Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Fixed maturities - available for sale $ 334,557 $ 340,498 $ 344,302 Equity securities 8,718 8,488 6,502 Mortgage loans 46,182 45,294 42,185 Policy loans 9,416 9,210 9,014 Short-term investments, cash and cash equivalents 1,043 772 506 Derivative income (loss) 25,282 (10,405 ) 7,687 Prepayment fee income and other 7,332 9,208 12,470 432,530 403,065 422,666 Less investment expenses (7,532 ) (8,447 ) (7,467 ) Net investment income $ 424,998 $ 394,618 $ 415,199 Realized Gains (Losses) - Recorded in Income Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Realized gains (losses) on investments Fixed maturities: Gross gains $ 3,779 $ 2,195 $ 1,426 Gross losses (3,777 ) (363 ) (1,081 ) Equity securities — — (90 ) Mortgage loans 2,778 — — Real estate 54 — 304 Other (4 ) (19 ) 40 2,830 1,813 599 Net gains and (losses) recognized during the period on equity securities held at the end of the period (1) 5,666 (8,137 ) — Net gains and (losses) recognized during the period on equity securities sold during the period 27 (952 ) — Net gains (losses) recognized during the period on equity securities 5,693 (9,089 ) — Net realized gains (losses) 8,523 (7,276 ) 599 Impairment losses recognized in earnings: Credit-related portion of fixed maturity losses (2) — (32 ) — Other credit-related (3) (919 ) (4,966 ) (1,553 ) Net realized gains (losses) on investments recorded in income $ 7,604 $ (12,274 ) $ (954 ) (1) See Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements for discussion of change in accounting policy for equity securities during 2018. (2) Amount represents the credit-related losses recognized for fixed maturities that were impaired through income but not written down to fair value. As discussed above, the non-credit portion of the losses have been recognized in other comprehensive income (loss). (3) Amount represents credit-related losses for fixed maturities, mortgage loans, and other investments written down to fair value through income. Proceeds from sales of fixed maturities were $34.6 million in 2019 , $82.9 million in 2018 and $58.7 million in 2017 . Realized losses on sales were on securities that we did not intend to sell at the prior balance sheet date or on securities that were impaired in a prior period, but decreased in value and were sold during the current reporting period. Credit Loss Component of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments on Fixed Maturities Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Balance at beginning of period $ (5,963 ) $ (12,392 ) Increases to previously impaired investments — (32 ) Reductions due to investments sold 1,147 3,932 Reduction for credit loss that no longer has a portion of the OTTI loss recognized in other comprehensive income — 2,529 Balance at end of period $ (4,816 ) $ (5,963 ) This table sets forth the amount of credit loss impairments on fixed maturities held by the Company for which the non-credit portion of the OTTI was recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) 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 were measured at fair value, are excluded from the table. 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. 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 were not previously contractually required (financial or otherwise) to any of the VIEs as of December 31, 2019 or December 31, 2018. Based on this analysis, none of our VIEs were required to be consolidated at December 31, 2019 or December 31, 2018. LIHTC investments take the form of limited partnerships or limited liability companies, 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 benefit as a component of federal income tax expense on our consolidated statements of operations. VIE Investments by Category December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Carrying Value Maximum Exposure to Loss Carrying Value Maximum Exposure to Loss (Dollars in thousands) LIHTC investments $ 42,907 $ 43,834 $ 54,037 $ 55,597 Investment companies 53,388 103,125 40,236 79,578 Real estate limited partnerships 9,565 15,527 8,945 15,673 Other 492 492 483 493 Total $ 106,352 $ 162,978 $ 103,701 $ 151,341 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 maturity securities. 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 products. We also have embedded derivatives within our modified coinsurance agreements as well as an interest-only fixed maturity investment. We do not apply hedge accounting to any of our derivative positions, and they are held at fair value. Derivatives Instruments by Type December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Assets Freestanding derivatives: Call options (reported in other investments) $ 31,469 $ 4,745 Embedded derivatives: Modified coinsurance (reported in reinsurance recoverable) 2,327 157 Interest-only security (reported in fixed maturities) 385 855 Total assets $ 34,181 $ 5,757 Liabilities Embedded derivatives: Indexed products (reported in liability for future policy benefits) $ 76,346 $ 40,028 Modified coinsurance (reported in other liabilities) 254 780 Total liabilities $ 76,600 $ 40,808 Derivative Income (Loss) Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Freestanding derivatives: Call options $ 22,497 $ (7,749 ) $ 9,372 Embedded derivatives: Modified coinsurance 2,695 (2,480 ) (1,440 ) Interest-only security 90 (176 ) (246 ) Indexed products (23,050 ) 3,243 321 Total income (loss) from derivatives $ 2,232 $ (7,162 ) $ 8,007 Derivative income (loss) is reported in net investment income except for the change in fair value of the embedded derivatives on our indexed 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 $25.6 million at December 31, 2019 , which is held in a separate custodial account. Subject to certain constraints, we are permitted to sell or re-pledge this collateral, but do not have legal rights to the collateral; accordingly, it has not been recorded on our balance sheet. At December 31, 2019 , none of the collateral had been sold or re-pledged. As of December 31, 2019 , our net derivative exposure was $7.0 million . Other At December 31, 2019 , affidavits of deposits covering investments with a carrying value totaling $8,452.0 million were on deposit with state agencies to meet regulatory requirements. Fixed maturities with a carrying value of $535.7 million were on deposit with the FHLB as collateral for funding agreements. The carrying value of investments which have been non-income producing for the twelve months preceding December 31, 2019 includes real estate totaling $3.0 million . No investment in any entity or its affiliates (other than bonds issued by agencies of the United States Government) exceeded 10.0% of stockholders’ equity at December 31, 2019

Fair Value

Fair Value	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Fair Value [Abstract]
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]	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. 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 fluctuations 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 listed common stocks and mutual funds that are actively traded, allowing us to use current market prices as an estimate of their fair value. Level 2 equity securities consist of 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 cash 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: Indexed 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 our credit risk. 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 December 31, 2019 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 $ — $ 3,772,362 $ 6,588 $ 3,778,950 Residential mortgage-backed securities — 672,388 — 672,388 Commercial mortgage-backed securities — 1,032,693 12,780 1,045,473 Other asset-backed securities — 704,766 9,755 714,521 United States Government and agencies 4,821 9,302 — 14,123 States and political subdivisions — 1,477,173 — 1,477,173 Total fixed maturities 4,821 7,668,684 29,123 7,702,628 Non-redeemable preferred stocks — 67,873 6,927 74,800 Common stocks (1) 17,027 — — 17,027 Other investments — 31,469 — 31,469 Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments 29,142 — — 29,142 Reinsurance recoverable — 2,327 — 2,327 Assets held in separate accounts 645,881 — — 645,881 Total assets $ 696,871 $ 7,770,353 $ 36,050 $ 8,503,274 Liabilities Future policy benefits - indexed product embedded derivatives $ — $ — $ 76,346 $ 76,346 Other liabilities — 254 — 254 Total liabilities $ — $ 254 $ 76,346 $ 76,600 Valuation of our Financial Instruments Measured on a Recurring Basis by Hierarchy Levels December 31, 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 $ — $ 3,257,874 $ 22,011 $ 3,279,885 Residential mortgage-backed securities — 606,860 — 606,860 Commercial mortgage-backed securities — 810,626 67,940 878,566 Other asset-backed securities — 703,969 3,601 707,570 United States Government and agencies 7,917 12,618 — 20,535 States and political subdivisions — 1,539,629 — 1,539,629 Total fixed maturities 7,917 6,931,576 93,552 7,033,045 Non-redeemable preferred stocks — 77,433 6,862 84,295 Common stocks (1) 5,261 — — 5,261 Other investments — 4,745 — 4,745 Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments 34,748 — — 34,748 Reinsurance recoverable — 157 — 157 Assets held in separate accounts 561,281 — — 561,281 Total assets $ 609,207 $ 7,013,911 $ 100,414 $ 7,723,532 Liabilities Future policy benefits - indexed product embedded derivatives $ — $ — $ 40,028 $ 40,028 Other liabilities — 780 — 780 Total liabilities $ — $ 780 $ 40,028 $ 40,808 (1) A private equity fund with a fair value estimate of $8.4 million at December 31, 2019 and $3.3 million at December 31, 2018 using net asset value per share as a practical expedient, has not been classified in the fair value hierarchy above in accordance with fair value reporting guidance. This fund invests in senior secured middle market loans and had unfunded commitments totaling $1.7 million at December 31, 2019 and $6.8 million at December 31, 2018. The investment is not currently eligible for redemption. Level 3 Assets by Valuation Source - Recurring Basis December 31, 2019 Third-party vendors Priced Fair Value (Dollars in thousands) Corporate securities $ — $ 6,588 $ 6,588 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 12,780 — 12,780 Other asset-backed securities 8,000 1,755 9,755 Non-redeemable preferred stocks — 6,927 6,927 Total level 3 assets $ 20,780 $ 15,270 $ 36,050 Percent of total 57.6 % 42.4 % 100.0 % Level 3 Assets by Valuation Source - Recurring Basis December 31, 2018 Third-party vendors Priced Fair Value (Dollars in thousands) Corporate securities $ 1,940 $ 20,071 $ 22,011 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 67,940 — 67,940 Other asset-backed securities — 3,601 3,601 Non-redeemable preferred stocks — 6,862 6,862 Total level 3 assets $ 69,880 $ 30,534 $ 100,414 Percent of total 69.6 % 30.4 % 100.0 % Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements - Recurring Basis December 31, 2019 Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range (Weighted Average) (Dollars in thousands) Assets Corporate securities $ 6,588 Discounted cash flow Credit spread 2.11% - 5.85% (4.33%) Commercial mortgage-backed securities 12,780 Discounted cash flow Credit spread 1.18% - 2.22% (1.92%) Other asset-backed securities 6,000 Discounted cash flow Credit spread 2.15% - 2.30% (2.23%) Non-redeemable preferred stocks 6,927 Discounted cash flow Credit spread 2.72% (2.72%) Total assets $ 32,295 Liabilities Future policy benefits - indexed product embedded derivatives $ 76,346 Discounted cash flow Credit risk Risk margin 0.40% - 1.35% (0.80%) 0.15% - 0.40% (0.25%) December 31, 2018 Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range (Weighted Average) (Dollars in thousands) Assets Corporate securities $ 19,178 Discounted cash flow Credit spread 1.23% - 7.00% (4.01%) Commercial mortgage-backed securities 55,866 Discounted cash flow Credit spread 1.45% - 3.55% (2.58%) Non-redeemable preferred stocks 6,862 Discounted cash flow Credit spread 4.36% (4.36%) Total assets $ 81,906 Liabilities Future policy benefits - indexed product embedded derivatives $ 40,028 Discounted cash flow Credit risk Risk margin 0.55% - 1.80% (1.25%) 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 December 31, 2019 Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net Balance, December 31, 2018 Purchases Disposals Included in net income Included in other compre-hensive income Transfers into Level 3 (1) Transfers out of Level 3 (1) Amort-ization included in net income Balance, December 31, 2019 (Dollars in thousands) Assets Corporate securities $ 22,011 $ 6,000 $ (3,344 ) $ — $ 443 $ 3,643 $ (22,137 ) $ (28 ) $ 6,588 Residential mortgage-backed securities — 18,378 — — — — (18,378 ) — — Commercial mortgage-backed securities 67,940 7,540 (376 ) — 578 — (62,902 ) — 12,780 Other asset-backed securities 3,601 28,710 (977 ) — (869 ) — (20,710 ) — 9,755 Non-redeemable preferred stocks 6,862 — — — 65 — — — 6,927 Total assets $ 100,414 $ 60,628 $ (4,697 ) $ — $ 217 $ 3,643 $ (124,127 ) $ (28 ) $ 36,050 Liabilities Future policy benefits - indexed product embedded derivatives $ 40,028 $ 15,325 $ (7,014 ) $ 28,007 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 76,346 December 31, 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, December 31, 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Assets Corporate securities $ 33,600 $ — $ (9,432 ) $ — $ (974 ) $ 7,082 $ (8,530 ) $ 265 $ 22,011 Residential mortgage-backed securities 9,124 27,818 — — — — (36,942 ) — — Commercial mortgage-backed securities 85,701 36,008 (1,337 ) — (3,599 ) — (48,787 ) (46 ) 67,940 Other asset-backed securities 53,480 28,855 (2,799 ) — (12 ) — (75,923 ) — 3,601 Non-redeemable preferred stocks 7,407 — — (545 ) — — — — 6,862 Total assets $ 189,312 $ 92,681 $ (13,568 ) $ (545 ) $ (4,585 ) $ 7,082 $ (170,182 ) $ 219 $ 100,414 Liabilities Future policy benefits - indexed product embedded derivatives $ 27,774 $ 11,514 $ (4,447 ) $ 5,187 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 40,028 (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. 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 December 31, 2019 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 $ — $ — $ 1,059,073 $ 1,059,073 $ 1,011,678 Policy loans — — 256,787 256,787 201,589 Other investments — 29,534 2,215 31,749 31,211 Total assets $ — $ 29,534 $ 1,318,075 $ 1,347,609 $ 1,244,478 Liabilities Future policy benefits $ — $ — $ 4,381,863 $ 4,381,863 $ 4,270,073 Supplementary contracts without life contingencies — — 309,601 309,601 296,915 Advance premiums and other deposits — — 245,480 245,480 245,480 Long-term debt — — 84,438 84,438 97,000 Liabilities related to separate accounts — — 644,691 644,691 645,881 Total liabilities $ — $ — $ 5,666,073 $ 5,666,073 $ 5,555,349 December 31, 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 $ — $ — $ 1,045,497 $ 1,045,497 $ 1,039,829 Policy loans — — 237,496 237,496 197,366 Other investments — — 30,087 30,087 29,020 Total assets $ — $ — $ 1,313,080 $ 1,313,080 $ 1,266,215 Liabilities Future policy benefits $ — $ — $ 3,981,947 $ 3,981,947 $ 4,217,904 Supplementary contracts without life contingencies — — 298,869 298,869 303,627 Advance premiums and other deposits — — 252,318 252,318 252,318 Long-term debt — — 65,999 65,999 97,000 Liabilities related to separate accounts — — 559,799 559,799 561,281 Total liabilities $ — $ — $ 5,158,932 $ 5,158,932 $ 5,432,130 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 2019. During 2018, one mortgage loan was impaired to a fair value totaling $11.1 million which resulted in an impairment charge of $2.8 million

Reinsurance and Policy Provisio

Reinsurance and Policy Provisions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Reinsurance and Policy Provisions [Abstract]
Reinsurance and Policy Provisions [Text Block]	Reinsurance and Policy Provisions Reinsurance In the normal course of business, we seek to limit our exposure to loss on any single insured or event and to recover a portion of benefits paid by ceding a portion of our exposure to other insurance companies. Our reinsurance coverage for life insurance varies according to the age and risk classification of the insured with current retention limits ranging up to $1.0 million of coverage per individual life. Certain term life products are reinsured on a first dollar quota share basis. We do not use financial or surplus relief reinsurance. We have assumed closed blocks of certain life and annuity business through coinsurance and modified coinsurance agreements. Farm Bureau Life may cede certain losses under an annual 100% quota share accidental death reinsurance agreement. Coverage includes all acts of terrorism including those of a nuclear, chemical or biological origin. Coverage is subject to an annual aggregate retention of $17.0 million . A maximum occurrence limit of $50.0 million per aircraft applies to policies written on agents of the Company who are participating in company-sponsored incentive trips. Additionally, a $200.0 million occurrence limit applies to employees in the home office building, net of reinsurance on group life policies. All other occurrence catastrophes are unlimited in amount. Reinsurance contracts do not relieve us of our obligations to policyholders. To the extent that reinsuring companies are later unable to meet their obligations under reinsurance agreements, our insurance subsidiaries would be liable for these obligations, and payment of these obligations could result in losses. To limit the possibility of such losses, we evaluate the financial condition of our reinsurers and monitor concentrations of credit risk. No allowance for uncollectible amounts has been established against our asset for reinsurance recoverable since none of our receivables are deemed to be uncollectible. Ceded reinsurance reduces our revenues by the amount that we pay for premium or forego in product charges and reduces our benefits and expenses by reimbursements of claims by our reinsurers. Assumed reinsurance adds to our premiums or product charges and to benefits and expenses related to the business we assume. These impacts are shown in the table below. Impact of Reinsurance on our Financial Statements Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Ceded (reductions to financial statement items): Premiums and product charges $ 31,363 $ 32,450 $ 32,922 Insurance benefits 20,759 21,358 24,159 Allowances for expenses and commissions 2,899 4,231 4,548 Assumed (additions to financial statement items): Premiums and product charges 2,546 2,508 2,637 Insurance benefits 7,437 2,752 6,356 Allowances for expenses and commissions 1,340 1,410 1,543 Reinsurance in Force and Percentage of Direct Life Insurance in Force Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 (Dollars in millions) Ceded reinsurance $ 13,771 21.0 % $ 14,030 21.8 % Assumed reinsurance 431 0.7 % 455 0.7 % Policy Provisions Analysis of the Value of Insurance in Force Acquired Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Balance at beginning of year $ 17,263 $ 19,430 $ 21,608 Amortization per fixed schedule (2,141 ) (2,167 ) (2,178 ) Balance at end of year 15,122 17,263 19,430 Impact of net unrealized investment gains and losses (12,498 ) (6,878 ) (14,870 ) Value of insurance in force acquired $ 2,624 $ 10,385 $ 4,560 We amortize the value of insurance in force based on a fixed amortization schedule. Net amortization for the next five years is expected to be as follows: 2020 - $2.2 million ; 2021 - $2.0 million ; 2022 - $2.0 million ; 2023 - $2.0 million ; and 2024 - $1.0 million . Certain variable annuity and variable universal life contracts in our separate accounts and in variable business we have assumed through reinsurance partners have minimum interest guarantees on funds deposited in our general account. In addition, we have certain variable annuity contracts that include a) guaranteed minimum death benefits (GMDB), b) an incremental death benefit (IDB) rider that pays a percentage of the gain on the contract upon the death of the contract holder, and/or c) a guaranteed minimum income benefit (GMIB) that provides monthly income to the contract holder after the eighth policy year. GMDB, IDB and GMIB Net Amount at Risk by Type of Guarantee December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Separate Account Balance Net Amount at Risk Separate Account Balance Net Amount at Risk (Dollars in thousands) Guaranteed minimum death benefit: Return of net deposits $ 166,055 $ 362 $ 147,567 $ 430 Return the greater of highest anniversary 287,518 9,936 252,361 29,146 Incremental death benefit 259,735 62,411 228,863 53,727 Guaranteed minimum income benefit 25,137 1 24,357 37 Total $ 72,710 $ 83,340 The separate account assets are primarily comprised of stock and bond mutual funds. The net amount at risk for these contracts is based on the amount by which GMDB, IDB or GMIB exceeds account value. The reserve for GMDBs, IDBs or GMIBs, determined using modeling techniques and industry mortality assumptions, that is included in future policy benefits, totaled $8.3 million at December 31, 2019 and $7.7 million at December 31, 2018 . The weighted average age of the contract holders with GMDB, IDB or GMIB rider exposure was 68 years at December 31, 2019 and 58 years at December 31, 2018 . This average age fluctuates due to the small pool of participants that move in and out of exposure dependent upon market performance and terminations. Benefits paid for GMDBs, IDBs and GMIBs totaled $0.2 million for 2019 , $0.2 million for 2018 and $0.8 million for 2017

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	Income Taxes Deferred income taxes have been established based upon the temporary differences between the financial statement and income tax bases of assets and liabilities. The reversal of the temporary differences will result in taxable or deductible amounts in future years when the related asset or liability is recovered or settled. A valuation allowance is required if it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, we considered the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies. Based on the available positive and negative evidence regarding future sources of taxable income, we have determined that the establishment of a valuation allowance was not necessary at December 31, 2019 and 2018 . 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. At December 31, 2017, we recorded a provisional estimate of the impact of the Tax Act, which resulted in a reduction of net deferred tax liabilities of $84.8 million , which includes $48.2 million related to deferred taxes previously recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income. At December 31, 2018, the accounting for the Tax Act was completed, as the provisional estimates used were finalized by filing the 2017 income tax return. This resulted in no significant impact to earnings. Additional estimates were also adjusted, resulting only in reclassification between deferred tax items, such as the deferred tax asset on future policy benefits. In these cases, the overall impact of the Tax Act did not change from 2017. Income Tax Expenses (Credits) Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Taxes provided in consolidated statement of operations on: Income before equity income: Current $ 16,557 $ 20,429 $ 34,301 Deferred 6,876 (4,953 ) (73,094 ) LIHTC (3,504 ) (3,826 ) (1,190 ) 19,929 11,650 (39,983 ) Equity income 919 1,179 1,394 Taxes provided in consolidated statements of changes in stockholders’ equity: Accumulated other comprehensive income 70,048 (50,025 ) 43,448 $ 90,896 $ (37,196 ) $ 4,859 Effective Tax Rate Reconciliation to Federal Income Tax Rate Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Income before income taxes and equity income $ 142,781 $ 101,033 $ 144,760 Income tax at federal statutory rate $ 29,984 $ 21,217 $ 50,666 Tax effect (decrease) of: Tax-exempt dividend and interest income (3,949 ) (3,762 ) (3,384 ) Net impact of LIHTC (3,504 ) (3,826 ) (1,190 ) Remeasurement of deferred taxes under the Tax Act — — (84,806 ) Adjustments to tax-basis policy reserves (2,460 ) — — Other items (142 ) (1,979 ) (1,269 ) Income tax expense (benefit) $ 19,929 $ 11,650 $ (39,983 ) Tax Effect of Temporary Differences Giving Rise to Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities December 31, 2019 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Deferred income tax assets: Future policy benefits $ 33,719 $ 25,137 Accrued benefit and compensation costs 3,736 3,854 Loss carryforwards 2,698 2,870 Derivative instruments — 617 Other 1,060 1,938 41,213 34,416 Deferred income tax liabilities: Fixed maturity and equity securities 151,212 42,961 Deferred acquisition costs 26,813 55,810 Value of insurance in force acquired 551 2,181 Property and equipment 7,961 7,021 Derivative instruments 4,386 — Other 2,663 1,892 193,586 109,865 Net deferred income tax liability $ 152,373 $ 75,449 We recognize the benefits of uncertain tax positions when the benefits are more-likely-than-not to be sustained. Our reserve for uncertain tax positions was $0.6 million at December 31, 2019 . We had no reserve for uncertain tax positions at December 31, 2018 . We recognize interest related to uncertain tax positions in interest expense and related penalties in other expenses. We paid no such interest or penalties during 2019 , 2018 or 2017 . We do not expect any significant changes in the amount of our reserve for uncertain tax positions within the next twelve months. We are generally no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local income tax examinations by tax authorities for tax years prior to 2016. At December 31, 2019 , we had non-life net operating loss carryforwards for federal income tax purposes totaling $11.9 million , which begin to expire after 2032. We also had non-life net operating loss carryforwards in several state jurisdictions, with varying expiration dates. State deferred taxes are not generally provided on any temporary differences or carryforwards, as state taxes have historically been insignificant.

Credit Arrangements

Credit Arrangements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	Credit Arrangements Long-term debt includes $97.0 million of our subordinated debt obligation to FBL Financial Group Capital Trust (the Trust). We issued 5% Subordinated Deferrable Interest Notes due June 30, 2047 (the Notes) with a principal amount of $100.0 million to support $97.0 million of 5% Preferred Securities issued by the Trust. We also have a $3.0 million equity investment in the Trust, which is netted against the Notes on the consolidated balance sheets due to a contractual right of offset. The sole assets of the Trust are and will be the Notes and any interest accrued thereon. The interest payment dates on the Notes correspond to the distribution dates on the 5% Preferred Securities. The 5% Preferred Securities, which have a liquidation value of $1,000.00 per share plus accrued and unpaid distributions, mature simultaneously with the Notes. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018 , 97,000 shares of 5% Preferred Securities were outstanding, all of which we unconditionally guarantee.

Stockholders' Equity

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]	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 66,475 shares of stock for $4.6 million in 2019 , 232,837 shares of stock for $15.9 million in 2018 and 3,511 shares of stock for $0.2 million in 2017 . Completion of this program is dependent on market conditions and other factors. There is no guarantee as to the exact timing of any repurchases or the number of shares, if any, that we will repurchase. The share repurchase program may be modified or terminated at any time without prior notice. There was $36.3 million remaining available for repurchases at December 31, 2019 under the active repurchase program. Dividends Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Class A and B common stock: Cash dividends per common share $ 1.92 $ 1.84 $ 1.76 Special cash dividend per common share 1.50 1.50 1.50 Total common stock dividends per share $ 3.42 $ 3.34 $ 3.26 Series B preferred stock cash dividends per share $ 0.03 $ 0.03 $ 0.03 Special cash dividends paid to our Class A and Class B common shareholders totaled $37.0 million in 2019 , $37.3 million in 2018 and $37.4 million in 2017 . Dividend Restrictions We have agreed that we will not pay dividends on the Class A or Class B Common Stock, nor on the Series B Preferred Stock, if we are in default of the Subordinated Deferrable Interest Note Agreement dated May 30, 1997 with FBL Financial Group Capital Trust. We are compliant with all terms of this agreement at December 31, 2019 . See Note 6 for additional information regarding this agreement. The amount of dividends we have available to pay our common shareholders is limited to a certain extent by the amount of dividends our primary operating subsidiary, Farm Bureau Life, is able to pay to its parent, FBL Financial Group, Inc. See Note 12 for discussion on our statutory dividend restrictions. Reconciliation of Outstanding Common Stock Class A Class B (1) 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 40,082 708 — — 40,082 708 Purchase of common stock (3,511 ) (22 ) — — (3,511 ) (22 ) Outstanding at December 31, 2017 24,919,113 153,589 11,413 72 24,930,526 153,661 Issuance of common stock under compensation plans 21,126 499 — — 21,126 499 Purchase of common stock (232,837 ) (1,436 ) — — (232,837 ) (1,436 ) Outstanding at December 31, 2018 24,707,402 152,652 11,413 72 24,718,815 152,724 Stock-based compensation 11,875 419 — — 11,875 419 Purchase of common stock (66,475 ) (410 ) — — (66,475 ) (410 ) Outstanding at December 31, 2019 24,652,802 $ 152,661 11,413 $ 72 24,664,215 $ 152,733 (1) There is no established market for our Class B common stock, although it is convertible upon demand of the holder into Class A common stock on a share-for-share basis. Holders of the Class A common stock and Series B preferred stock vote together to elect Class A Directors ( four to ten ). Holders of the Class B common stock elect the Class B Directors ( five to seven ). Voting for the Directors is noncumulative. All of the holders of our Class B common stock are parties to a Stockholders’ Agreement. The IFBF’s ownership in the three classes of stock results in IFBF owning 71.5% of our voting stock as of December 31, 2019 and having the ability to control the Company. Holders of Class A common stock and Class B common stock receive equal per-share cash dividends. The IFBF owns all of our outstanding Series B preferred stock. Each share of Series B preferred stock has a liquidation preference of $0.60 and voting rights identical to that of Class A common stock with the exception that each Series B share is entitled to two votes while each Class A share is entitled to one vote. The Series B preferred stock pays cumulative cash dividends and is redeemable by us, at our option, at $0.60 per share plus unpaid dividends if the stock ceases to be beneficially owned by a Farm Bureau organization. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax and Other Offsets Unrealized Net Investment Gains (Losses) (1) Accumulated Non-Credit Impairment Gains (Losses) Underfunded Portion of Certain Benefit Total (Dollars in thousands) Balance at January 1, 2017 $ 156,963 $ 311 $ (7,719 ) $ 149,555 Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 88,534 136 — 88,670 Reclassification related to the Tax Act (3) 49,657 90 (1,521 ) 48,226 Reclassification adjustments 15 — (1,483 ) (1,468 ) Balance at December 31, 2017 295,169 537 (10,723 ) 284,983 Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle related to net unrealized gains on equity securities (4) (5,480 ) — — (5,480 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications (191,158 ) 2,654 — (188,504 ) Reclassification adjustments (1,610 ) (58 ) 1,987 319 Balance at December 31, 2018 96,921 3,133 (8,736 ) 91,318 Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 265,910 (1,159 ) — 264,751 Reclassification adjustments 189 — (1,494 ) (1,305 ) Balance at December 31, 2019 $ 363,020 $ 1,974 $ (10,230 ) $ 354,764 (1) Unrealized net investment gains (losses) relate to available-for-sale securities and include the impact of taxes, deferred acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserves and policyholder liabilities. See Note 2 for further information. (2) For descriptions of the underfunded portion of our postretirement benefit plans, see Note 8 - Other Retirement Plans, and for certain other defined benefit plans, see Note 8 - Defined Benefit Pension Plans. (3) Reclassification of the initial impact of the remeasurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities upon enactment of the Tax Act. See discussion of this accounting change as discussed in Note 1. (4) 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 Year ended December 31, 2019 Unrealized Net Investment Gains (Losses) (1) Accumulated Non-Credit Impairment Losses (1) Underfunded Portion of Certain Benefit Total (Dollars in thousands) Realized capital gains on sales of fixed maturities $ (2 ) $ — $ — $ (2 ) Adjustments for assumed changes in deferred policy acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserve and policyholder liabilities 241 — — 241 Other expenses - change in unrecognized postretirement items: Net actuarial gain — — (1,892 ) (1,892 ) Reclassifications before income taxes 239 — (1,892 ) (1,653 ) Income taxes (50 ) — 398 348 Reclassification adjustments $ 189 $ — $ (1,494 ) $ (1,305 ) Year ended December 31, 2018 Unrealized Net Investment Gains (Losses) (1) Accumulated Non-Credit Impairment Losses (1) Underfunded Portion of Certain Benefit Total (Dollars in thousands) Realized capital gains on sales of investments $ (1,832 ) $ — $ — $ (1,832 ) Adjustments for assumed changes in deferred policy acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserve and policyholder liabilities (206 ) 1 — (205 ) Other than temporary impairment losses — (74 ) — (74 ) Other expenses - change in unrecognized postretirement items: Net actuarial loss — — 2,515 2,515 Reclassifications before income taxes (2,038 ) (73 ) 2,515 404 Income taxes 428 15 (528 ) (85 ) Reclassification adjustments $ (1,610 ) $ (58 ) $ 1,987 $ 319 Year ended December 31, 2017 Unrealized Net Investment Gains (Losses) (1) Accumulated Non-Credit Impairment Losses (1) Underfunded Portion of Certain Benefit Total (Dollars in thousands) Realized capital gains on sales of investments $ (255 ) $ — $ — $ (255 ) Adjustments for assumed changes in deferred policy acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserve and policyholder liabilities 274 — — 274 Other expenses - change in unrecognized postretirement items: Net actuarial loss — — (1,702 ) (1,702 ) Reclassifications before income taxes 19 — (1,702 ) (1,683 ) Income taxes (4 ) — 219 215 Reclassification adjustments $ 15 $ — $ (1,483 ) $ (1,468 ) (1) See Note 2 for further information. (2) For descriptions of the underfunded portion of our postretirement benefit plans, see Note 8 - Other Retirement Plans, and for certain other defined benefit plans, see Note 8 - Defined Benefit Plans.

Retirement and Compensation Pla

Retirement and Compensation Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans [Text Block]	Defined Benefit Pension Plans We participate in various defined benefit pension plans (the Plans), including a multiemployer plan. The multiemployer plan is considered qualified under Internal Revenue Service regulations and covers our employees and the employees of the other participating companies who had attained age 21, had one year of service and were employed prior to January 1, 2013. We also have a plan that provides supplemental pension benefits to certain highly compensated employees who have salaries and/or pension benefits in excess of the qualified limits imposed by federal law and were employed prior to January 1, 2013. Benefits under these plans are based on years of service and the employee’s compensation. The plans are discussed below. Multiemployer Defined Benefit Plan The FBL Financial Group Retirement Plan (the Multiemployer Plan) is considered a multiemployer plan, with the participation of affiliated and unaffiliated employers along with FBL Financial Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries. Under the multiemployer plan structure, contributions are made each year and our contributions are commingled with those of the other employers to fund the payment of future plan benefit obligations. Should a participating employer be unable to provide funding, the remaining employers would be required to continue funding all future obligations. If an employer elects to discontinue participation, prior to departure they will be required to contribute their portion of the underfunded pension obligation associated with their employees. This required contribution will be based on an actuarial estimate of future benefit obligations, which as an estimate may not ultimately be sufficient to fund future actual benefits. None of the participating employers have provided notice that they would be discontinuing participation in the Multiemployer Plan or would otherwise be unable to continue providing their share of required funding as of December 31, 2019. Multiemployer Plan name FBL Financial Group Retirement Plan Employer identification number 42-1411715 Plan number 001 FBL’s contributions (in thousands) 2019 $15,000 2018 $30,000 2017 $45,000 Net periodic pension cost of the Multiemployer Plan is allocated between participating employers on a basis of time incurred by the respective employees for each employer. Such allocations are reviewed annually. The Multiemployer Plan is not subject to collective bargaining agreements, a financial improvement plan or a rehabilitation plan. No surcharges were required to be paid to the Multiemployer Plan during 2019 , 2018 or 2017 . We are the primary employer in the Multiemployer Plan, providing more than 5 percent of the total contributions during 2019 , 2018 and 2017 . Other Defined Benefit Plans The other defined benefit plans (the Other Plans) provide benefits in addition to those offered under the Multiemployer Plan to certain of our employees or affiliated employers. These non-qualified benefit plans are not funded, whereby contributions are made as current benefit obligations become due. Net periodic pension cost of the Other Plans is allocated between the subsidiaries of FBL Financial Group, Inc. and the Farm Bureau affiliated property-casualty companies on a basis of time incurred by the respective employees for each company. Funding Status and Net Periodic Pension Costs Multiemployer Plan Other Plans As of and for the year ended December 31, As of and for the year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2019 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Change in projected benefit obligation: Net benefit obligation at beginning of the year $ 319,931 $ 375,999 $ 25,363 $ 26,914 Service cost 4,549 5,973 467 539 Interest cost 13,273 13,642 992 958 Actuarial loss (gain) 51,338 (20,594 ) 2,930 (1,170 ) Benefits paid (7,971 ) (4,001 ) (1,829 ) (1,878 ) Settlements — (56,256 ) — — Special termination benefit — 5,168 — — Projected benefit obligation 381,120 319,931 27,923 25,363 Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of the year 316,008 345,396 — — Actual return on plan assets 39,827 869 — — Employer contributions 15,000 30,000 1,829 1,878 Benefits paid (7,971 ) (4,001 ) (1,829 ) (1,878 ) Settlements — (56,256 ) — — Fair value of plan assets at end of the year 362,864 316,008 — — Underfunded status at end of the year $ (18,256 ) $ (3,923 ) $ (27,923 ) $ (25,363 ) Accumulated benefit obligation $ 343,029 $ 287,052 $ 25,471 $ 22,753 The fair value of plan assets of the Multiemployer Plan exceeded the accumulated benefit obligation at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 . Net Periodic Pension Costs Incurred by the Plans Multiemployer Plan Other Plans As of and for the year ended December 31, As of and for the year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 2019 2018 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Service cost $ 4,549 $ 5,973 $ 5,552 $ 467 $ 539 $ 436 Interest cost 13,273 13,642 14,124 992 958 1,003 Expected return on plan assets (18,827 ) (22,247 ) (19,184 ) — — — Amortization of prior service cost — 46 131 — — — Amortization of actuarial loss 8,913 12,507 10,121 1,066 1,353 1,172 Effect of settlement — 17,406 — — — — Effect of special termination benefit — 5,168 — — — — Net periodic pension cost $ 7,908 $ 32,495 $ 10,744 $ 2,525 $ 2,850 $ 2,611 FBL Financial Group, Inc. share of net periodic pension cost $ 2,533 $ 9,956 $ 3,404 $ 1,449 $ 1,671 $ 1,551 Pension settlement charges were recognized after determining the total cash payments exceeded the sum of the service and interest cost for 2018. For years in which settlement charges occur, benefits paid as lump sum distributions are included with settlements. The special termination benefit represents a voluntary early retirement program offered in the Multiemployer Plan during 2018 that provided an additional two years of service and two years of age benefit enhancement. The Plans’ prior service costs are amortized using a straight-line amortization method over the average remaining service period or life expectancy of the employees, depending upon who is covered under each plan. For actuarial gains and losses, a corridor (10% of the greater of the projected benefit obligation or the market value of plan assets) is used to determine the amounts to amortize. For the Multiemployer Plan it is expected that net periodic pension cost in 2020 will include $11.2 million for amortization of the actuarial loss. For the Other Plans it is expected that net periodic pension cost in 2020 , included in accumulated other comprehensive income, will include $1.3 million for amortization of the actuarial loss. We expect contributions to be paid to the Multiemployer Plan by us and our affiliated and unaffiliated employers for 2020 to be approximately $15.0 million , of which $4.8 million is expected to be contributed by us. Expected benefits to be paid under the Multiemployer Plan are as follows: 2020 - $16.5 million , 2021 - $18.7 million , 2022 - $19.1 million , 2023 - $20.9 million , 2024 - $20.7 million and 2025 through 2029 - $121.2 million . Since the Other Plans are not funded, contributions are made as benefit obligations become due. Expected benefits to be paid under the Other Plans are as follows: 2020 - $3.6 million , 2021 - $4.3 million , 2022 - $3.4 million , 2023 - $4.1 million , 2024 - $3.0 million and 2025 through 2029 - $10.0 million . FBL’s Proportionate Share of Prepaid or Accrued Pension Cost Multiemployer Plan Other Plans As of and for the year ended December 31, As of and for the year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2019 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Amount recognized in FBL’s consolidated balance sheets Prepaid benefit cost $ 38,365 $ 36,105 $ 749 $ 726 Accrued benefit cost — (12 ) (21,922 ) (19,480 ) Net amount recognized $ 38,365 $ 36,093 $ (21,173 ) $ (18,754 ) Amount recognized in FBL’s accumulated other comprehensive income, before taxes (1) Net actuarial loss $ 12,990 $ 11,126 Net amount recognized $ 12,990 $ 11,126 (1) For our Multiemployer Plan, the underfunded portion of the pension benefit obligation is not required to be recognized as a liability in our consolidated balance sheets. The unrecognized liability for the underfunded status of our Multiemployer Plan totaled $18.3 million at December 31, 2019 and $3.9 million at December 31, 2018 . Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Obligation December 31, 2019 2018 Discount rate 3.37 % 4.24 % Annual salary increases 3.27 % 3.21 % The discount rate is estimated by projecting and discounting future benefit payments inherent in the projected benefit obligation using a commercially available “spot” yield curve constructed using techniques and a bond universe specifically selected to meet the accounting standard requirements. Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Determine Net Periodic Pension Cost Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Discount rate 4.24 % 3.72 % 4.29 % Expected long-term return on plan assets 6.00 % 6.50 % 6.60 % Annual salary increases 3.21 % 3.27 % 3.31 % The Multiemployer Plan’s expected long-term return on assets represents the rate of earnings expected in the funds invested to provide for anticipated benefit payments, which is analyzed annually and revised as needed. Multiemployer Plan Assets The Multiemployer Plan assets are primarily invested in annuity products and diversified investments including insurance company pooled separate accounts, mutual funds, fixed maturity securities and alternative investments. Certain pension obligations that are fully funded through annuity contracts with Farm Bureau Life, are presented as funded annuity contracts below. For 2019 , excluding the funded annuity contracts, the Multiemployer Plan’s long-term investment allocation targets were as follows: 47% in fixed income investments, 30% in equities, 15% in long duration fixed income investments and 8% in alternative investments. At December 31, 2019 , the Multiemployer Plan assets were invested approximately 49% in fixed income investments, 29% in equities, 17% in long duration fixed income investments and 5% in alternative investments. The fixed income investments consist primarily of the group annuity contract and fixed income securities held in pooled separate accounts. The equity securities are in pooled separate accounts and mutual funds. The long duration fixed income investments consist of holdings of corporate bonds, United States government treasuries and cash. The alternative investments consist of interests in limited partnerships that own various liquid and illiquid assets. The investment strategy for the Multiemployer Plan is to (1) achieve a long-term return sufficient to satisfy all Multiemployer Plan obligations, (2) assume a prudent level of risk and (3) maintain adequate liquidity. The expected return on Multiemployer Plan assets is set at the long-term rate expected to be earned based on the long-term investment strategy of the Multiemployer Plan. In estimating the expected rate of return for each asset class, factors such as historical rates of return, expected future risk-free rates of return and anticipated returns given the risk profile of each asset class are analyzed. The valuation methodologies used for assets measured at fair value are: • Group and funded annuity contracts: contract value approximates fair value, as the interest-crediting rate is declared annually and subject to change when the rate no longer approximates the market rate. • Pooled separate accounts: valued at net asset value practical expedient, which is based on the latest quoted market price of the investments held within the fund. • Mutual funds: the net asset value of mutual funds is based on quoted market prices available in active markets. • Fixed maturities: the fair value of U.S. Treasuries is estimated using quoted market prices available in active markets. The fair value of corporate securities is obtained from third-party pricing vendors. We have regular interaction with these vendors to ensure we understand their pricing methodologies and confirm they are utilizing observable market information. The pricing methodologies include observable inputs such as estimated cash flows, benchmark yields, reported trades, credit quality, industry events and economic events. • Cash and cash equivalents: due to the short-term nature, the carrying amounts approximate fair value. • Alternative investments: the carrying value of the limited partnership interests reflects the Plan’s proportionate share of the net asset value of those partnerships, which is derived from the fair value of the underlying holdings, and as of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, excludes the net asset value of one limited partnership because that partnership’s fair value is measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient. There are no redemption frequency or redemption notice period restrictions on the alternative investments. The pension financial instruments measured and reported at fair value are classified and disclosed in one of the following categories: Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets that are accessible to us at the measurement date. Level 2 - Inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets that are either directly or indirectly observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability. Level 3 - Inputs are unobservable and require management’s judgment about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the assets. Fair Values of the Multiemployer Plan Assets by Asset Category and Hierarchy Levels December 31, 2019 Quoted prices in Significant other Significant Total (Dollars in thousands) Mutual funds: (1) U.S. equity funds $ 26,294 $ — $ — $ 26,294 International funds 44,730 — — 44,730 Pooled separate accounts: (1) Short-term fixed income funds — 1,502 — 1,502 Fixed income funds — 13,538 — 13,538 U.S. equity funds — 17,941 — 17,941 Real estate fund — 14,380 — 14,380 Annuities: (2) Group annuity contract — — 157,248 157,248 Funded annuity contracts — — 10,378 10,378 Fixed maturities: (3) Corporate — 28,509 — 28,509 United States government and agencies 30,648 — — 30,648 Alternative investments: (4) Limited partnerships — — 16,147 16,147 Cash and cash equivalents (5) 21 — — 21 Total $ 101,693 $ 75,870 $ 183,773 $ 361,336 December 31, 2018 Quoted prices in Significant other Significant Total (Dollars in thousands) Mutual funds: (1) U.S. equity funds $ 20,138 $ — $ — $ 20,138 International funds 35,854 — — 35,854 Pooled separate accounts: (1) Short-term fixed income funds — 510 — 510 Fixed income funds — 12,117 — 12,117 U.S. equity funds — 13,788 — 13,788 Real estate fund — 12,455 — 12,455 Annuities: (2) Group annuity contract — — 148,106 148,106 Funded annuity contracts — — 10,500 10,500 Fixed maturities: (3) Corporate — 24,002 — 24,002 United States government and agencies 25,039 — — 25,039 Alternative investments: (4) Limited partnerships — — 12,410 12,410 Cash and cash equivalents (5) 538 — — 538 Total $ 81,569 $ 62,872 $ 171,016 $ 315,457 (1) Represents mutual funds and pooled separate account investments with Principal Life Insurance Company. (2) Represents annuity contracts with Farm Bureau Life. (3) Represents bonds to support the long duration fixed income investments. (4) Represents interests in several limited partnerships. A limited partnership with a fair value estimate of $1.5 million as of December 31, 2019 and $0.6 million as of December 31, 2018, using net asset value per share as a practical expedient, has not been classified in the fair value hierarchy above in accordance with fair value reporting guidance. (5) Represents approximate fair value of cash held. Level 3 Multiemployer Plan Asset Changes in Fair Value December 31, 2019 Return on assets December 31, Purchases Held at year end Sold during year Transfers into (out) of level 3 December 31, 2019 (Dollars in thousands) Group annuity contract $ 148,106 $ (1,066 ) $ 5,382 $ — $ 4,826 $ 157,248 Funded annuity contracts 10,500 (730 ) 608 — — 10,378 Limited partnerships 12,410 2,587 1,150 — — 16,147 Total $ 171,016 $ 791 $ 7,140 $ — $ 4,826 $ 183,773 December 31, 2018 Return on assets December 31, Purchases Held at year end Sold during year Transfers into (out) of level 3 December 31, 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Group annuity contract $ 181,403 $ (21,353 ) $ 7,056 $ — $ (19,000 ) $ 148,106 Funded annuity contracts 10,776 (896 ) 620 — — 10,500 Limited partnerships 9,571 1,789 1,050 — — 12,410 Total $ 201,750 $ (20,460 ) $ 8,726 $ — $ (19,000 ) $ 171,016
Postemployment Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]	Other Retirement Plans We participate with affiliated and unaffiliated employers in a 401(k) defined contribution plan, which covers substantially all employees. We match employee contributions and provide an additional discretionary contribution as summarized in the table below. Costs are allocated among the affiliates on a basis of time incurred by the respective employees for each company. Our expense related to this plan totaled $3.1 million in 2019 , $2.9 million in 2018 and $2.6 million in 2017 . Attained age 40 and 10 years of service at December 31, 2012 Accruing years of service in the Multiemployer Plan 100% Employer Match 50% Employer Match Discretionary Employer Contribution Yes Yes first 2% of employee’s contributions employee contributions between 2% and 4% No No No first 4% of employee’s contributions employee contributions between 4% and 6% 2.75% to 5.75% We have established deferred compensation plans for certain key current and former employees and have certain other benefit plans that provide for retirement and other benefits. Liabilities for these plans are accrued as the related benefits are earned. Certain of the assets related to these plans are on deposit with us and amounts relating to these plans are included in our financial statements. In addition, certain amounts included in the policy liabilities for interest sensitive products relate to deposit administration funds maintained by us on behalf of affiliates. In addition to benefits offered under the aforementioned benefit plans, we participate with affiliated and unaffiliated employers in a plan that provides group term life insurance benefits to retirees. We froze our portion of the plan on December 31, 2016 such that no new participants will enter the plan. We also have two single-employer plans, frozen to new participants, that provide health and medical benefits to a small group of retirees. Postretirement benefit expenses for these plans are immaterial. The immaterial change in the underfunded portion of these plans is reported in other comprehensive income. During 2018, our allocated expense totaled $0.4 million related to 18 months of medical benefits to be provided to employees who accepted the voluntary early retirement program offered during 2018.
Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans [Text Block]	Share-based Compensation Plans Stock Option Awards Prior to 2012, we granted stock options for Class A common stock to officers and employees, which have a contractual term of 10 years. Prior to 2009, we also granted stock options for Class A common stock to directors, which were fully vested upon grant and had a contractual term that varied with the length of time the director remained on the Board, up to 10 years. The exercise price for all options is equal to the fair value of the common stock on the grant date. Expenses have been fully recognized under this plan. Stock Option Activity Number of Shares Weighted-Average Weighted-Average Aggregate (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) Shares under option at January 1, 2019 11,176 $ 25.11 Exercised (4,480 ) 25.70 Forfeited or expired — — Shares under option at December 31, 2019 6,696 24.71 0.61 $ 229 Vested at December 31, 2019 6,696 $ 24.71 0.61 $ 229 Exercisable options at December 31, 2019 6,696 $ 24.71 0.61 $ 229 (1) Represents the difference between the share price and exercise price for each option, excluding options for which the exercise price is above the share price, at December 31, 2019. The intrinsic value of options exercised during the year totaled $0.1 million for 2019 , $0.7 million for 2018 and $0.8 million for 2017 . We issue new shares to satisfy stock option exercises. Cash received from stock options exercised totaled $0.1 million for 2019 , $0.3 million for 2018 and $0.7 million for 2017 . The actual tax benefit realized from stock options exercised totaled less than $0.1 million for 2019 , $0.1 million for 2018 and $0.2 million for 2017 . Cash-Based Restricted Stock Units We annually grant cash-based restricted stock units to certain executives. The restricted stock units will vest and be paid out in cash over 5 years, contingent on continued employment with us. The amount payable per unit awarded is equal to the price per share of the Company’s common stock at settlement of the award, and as such, we measure the value of the award each reporting period based on the current stock price. The effects of changes in the stock price during the service period are recognized as compensation expense over the service period. We allocate a portion of the expense for these arrangements to affiliates; expense amounts below represent our share of these expenses. Compensation expense for arrangements under this plan totaled $1.2 million for 2019 , $1.7 million for 2018 and $1.9 million for 2017 . The income tax benefit recognized in the statements of operations for this arrangement totaled $0.4 million in 2019 , $0.6 million in 2018 and $1.0 million in 2017 . Restricted Stock Unit Activity Number of Units Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value Restricted stock units at January 1, 2019 77,191 $ 60.76 Granted 23,982 70.88 Vested (30,806 ) 53.85 Forfeited or canceled (6,350 ) 66.56 Restricted stock units at December 31, 2019 64,017 67.30 The weighted average grant-date fair value per common share of restricted stock units granted was $70.88 in 2019 , $71.20 in 2018 and $69.10 in 2017 . Unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested restricted stock units based on the stock price at December 31, 2019 totaled $1.4 million . This expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.03 years. Dividends are paid on restricted stock units upon vesting. Cash payments including dividends for restricted stock units totaled $2.5 million in 2019 and $3.3 million in 2018 and 2017 . Other We have a Director Compensation Plan under which non-employee directors on our Board may elect to receive a portion of their compensation in the form of cash or deferred cash-based stock units. Cash-based stock units outstanding under this plan totaled 26,042 at December 31, 2019 and 25,016 at December 31, 2018 . Prior to 2012, deferred stock units were used instead of deferred cash-based stock units. Under this plan, we have deferred stock units outstanding totaling 47,092 at December 31, 2019 and 50,194 at December 31, 2018 . At December 31, 2019 , there were 103,003 shares of Class A common stock available for future issuance under the Director Compensation Plan. We also have an Executive Salary and Bonus Deferred Compensation Plan under which certain officers of the Company were allowed to use their base salary and annual cash bonus to purchase deferred cash-based stock units. Cash-based stock units outstanding under this plan totaled 8,478 at December 31, 2019 and 10,743 at December 31, 2018 . Prior to 2012, deferred stock units were used instead of deferred cash-based stock units. Under this plan, we have deferred stock units outstanding totaling 48,740 at December 31, 2019 and 48,312 at December 31, 2018 . At December 31, 2019 , shares of Class A common stock available for future issuance under this plan totaled 92,641 . This plan was frozen to future deferrals on December 31, 2013. We also have an Executive Excess 401(k) Plan under which officers of the Company who met salary guidelines and 401(k) contribution guidelines were allowed to purchase unregistered deferred stock units. Under this plan, we have deferred stock units outstanding totaling 3,514 at December 31, 2019 and 3,327 at December 31, 2018

Managment and Other Agreements

Managment and Other Agreements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Management and Other Agreements [Abstract]
Management and other agreements [Text Block]	Management and Other Agreements We have management agreements under which we provide general business, administrative and management services to Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company and other affiliates. Fee income for these services totaled $2.0 million in 2019 , 2018 and 2017 . In addition, as discussed in Note 1, we provide investment advisory services and lease property and equipment under agreements with Farm Bureau Property & Casualty, other affiliates and non-affiliates. We share certain office facilities and services with the IFBF and its affiliated companies. These expenses are allocated based on cost and time studies that are updated annually and consist primarily of rent, salaries and related expenses, travel and other operating costs. In addition, Farm Bureau Management Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the IFBF, provides certain services to us under a separate arrangement. Related expenses, net of reimbursements for certain services we provide, totaled $1.6 million in 2019 , $1.5 million in 2018 and $1.3 million in 2017 . We also have an expense allocation agreement with Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company for the use of property and equipment. Expense relating to this agreement totaled $0.3 million in 2019 , 2018 and 2017 . We have service agreements with the Farm Bureau-affiliated property-casualty companies operating within our marketing territory, including Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company and another affiliate. Under the service agreements, the property-casualty companies are responsible for development and management of our agency force for a fee. We incurred expenses totaling $8.0 million in 2019 , $9.2 million in 2018 and $9.1 million in 2017 relating to these arrangements. We are licensed by the IFBF to use the “Farm Bureau” and “FB” designations in Iowa. In connection with this license, we incurred royalty expense totaling $0.6 million in 2019 , 2018 and 2017 . The royalty agreement with the IFBF provides IFBF an option to terminate the agreement if our quarterly common stock dividend is less than $0.10 per share. We have similar royalty arrangements with other state Farm Bureau organizations in our market territory. Total royalty expense to Farm Bureau organizations other than the IFBF totaled $1.7 million in 2019 and $1.8 million in 2018 and 2017 . The loss of the right to use these designations in a state with a high premium concentration could have a material adverse effect on operating results. Premium Concentration by State Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Life and annuity collected premiums: Iowa 26.3 % 25.5 % 25.9 % Kansas 16.4 19.2 18.1 Oklahoma 7.6 7.9 8.2

Committments and Contingencies

Committments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	Commitments and Contingencies Legal Proceedings In the normal course of business, we may be involved in litigation in which damages are alleged that are substantially in excess of contractual policy benefits or certain other agreements. 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. Lease Commitments As discussed in Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements, we adopted new accounting guidance for leases during 2019. Upon adoption, we elected to follow the following practical expedients as allowed under the new guidance: • We did not reassess whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain leases. • We did not reassess the lease classification (operating vs. finance) for any expired or existing leases. • We did not reassess initial direct costs for any existing leases. We consider leases with original terms of one year or less to be short-term. We have elected not to carry short-term leases on our consolidated balance sheet. We have no agreements with lease and non-lease components. None of our leases are considered finance leases. On the date of adoption, January 1, 2019, we held four long-term leases; and at December 31, 2019 , we held eight long-term leases, all of which relate to real estate. The net present value of future cash flows for these leases is reported within our consolidated balance sheet in other assets and other liabilities. The carrying value of these leases total $14.0 million at December 31, 2019 and $7.2 million on the date of adoption. The most significant lease is for our home office facilities, which is owned by a subsidiary of the IFBF. The carrying value of this lease increased from $6.1 million on January 1, 2019 to $12.6 million on December 31, 2019 because we have reasonable assurance of exercising the five-year renewal of the lease term due to substantial leasehold improvements underway on this property. All of our leases are based on fixed terms which expire from 2021 through 2026 but allow renewal. Two of our leases, not including the home office property, contain provisions that allow the lease cost to increase based on a stated step-up schedule or changes in the consumer price index. Our estimated incremental borrowing rate of 4.5% was used in determining the net present value of the future lease commitments. Lease expense and the related cash flows totaled $5.4 million in 2019 . For our home office building, lease expense totaled $4.3 million in 2018 and $4.1 million in 2017 . These amounts are net of $0.2 million in 2018 and 2017 in amortization of a deferred gain on the exchange of our home office properties for common stock in 1998. Upon adoption of the new leasing standard, the remaining unamortized deferred gain totaling $0.5 million at December 31, 2018 was eliminated. Future remaining minimum lease payments for the long-term leases discussed above, as of December 31, 2019 , are as follows: Lease commitments by year December 31, 2019 (Dollars in thousands) 2020 $ 2,700 2021 2,702 2022 2,525 2023 2,337 2024 2,278 Thereafter 4,400 Total minimum lease payments 16,942 Less: Interest (2,899 ) Present value of lease liabilities $ 14,043 Commitments for Partnership Investments and Private Corporate Bond Investments At December 31, 2019, we have unfunded investment commitments to limited partnerships and limited liability companies of $56.6 million and privately placed corporate securities commitments of $11.0 million . Other We self-insure our employee health and dental claims. However, claims in excess of our self-insurance limits are fully insured. We previously funded insurance claims through a self-insurance trust, which was dissolved as of December 31, 2019. Expenses equal to our best estimate of claims will continue to be reflected in operations and an allowance for incurred but not reported claims is now included in liabilities. From time to time, assessments are levied on our insurance subsidiaries by life and health guaranty associations in most states in which the subsidiaries are licensed. These assessments, which are accrued for, are to cover losses of policyholders of insolvent or rehabilitated companies. In some states, these assessments can be partially recovered through a reduction in future premium taxes. Expenses for guaranty fund assessments, net of related premium tax offsets, totaled less than $0.1 million in 2019 , 2018 and 2017

Earnings per Share

Earnings per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	Earnings per Share Computation of Earnings per Common Share Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) Numerator: Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc. $ 126,209 $ 93,793 $ 187,305 Less: Dividends on Series B preferred stock 150 150 150 Income available to common stockholders $ 126,059 $ 93,643 $ 187,155 Denominator: Weighted-average shares - basic 24,760,541 24,932,189 25,038,334 Effect of dilutive securities - stock-based compensation 10,134 12,412 19,111 Weighted-average shares - diluted 24,770,675 24,944,601 25,057,445 Earnings per common share $ 5.09 $ 3.76 $ 7.47 Earnings per common share - assuming dilution $ 5.09 $ 3.75 $ 7.47 There were no antidilutive stock options outstanding in any period presented.

Statutory Insurance Information

Statutory Insurance Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Statutory Insurance Information [Abstract]
Statutory insurance information [Text Block]	Statutory Insurance Information The statutory financial statements of Farm Bureau Life and Greenfields are prepared in accordance with the accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the Insurance Division of the state of Iowa. The insurance division has adopted the accounting guidance contained in the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Accounting Practices and Procedures manual (NAIC SAP) as the prescribed accounting practice for insurance companies domiciled in Iowa. The insurance division may permit or prescribe accounting practices that differ from those prescribed by NAIC SAP. Farm Bureau Life has adopted such practices related to index products and option accounting. Several differences exist between GAAP and statutory accounting practices. Principally, under statutory accounting, deferred acquisition costs are not capitalized, fixed maturity securities are generally carried at amortized cost, insurance liabilities are presented net of reinsurance, contract holder liabilities are generally valued using more conservative assumptions and certain assets are non-admitted. Statutory Information of our Insurance Subsidiaries Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Farm Bureau Life: Net gain from operations (excludes impact of realized gains and losses on investments) $ 98,529 $ 100,819 $ 106,062 Net income 100,141 103,923 104,947 State prescribed practices that increased (decreased) statutory net income 577 (7,505 ) 2,285 Greenfields: Net gain (losses) from operations (excludes impact of realized gains and losses on investments) 146 (321 ) (192 ) Net income (loss) 146 (321 ) (192 ) Statutory Information of our Insurance Subsidiaries - Continued Farm Bureau Life Greenfields December 31, December 31, 2019 2018 2019 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Total capital and surplus $ 642,409 $ 637,205 $ 8,814 $ 8,677 Unassigned surplus (deficit) 508,926 503,722 (1,986 ) (2,123 ) State prescribed practices that increased (decreased) statutory surplus (8,320 ) 2,635 — — Risk-Based Capital measurements: Total adjusted capital 718,175 704,541 8,826 8,688 Company action level capital 127,864 127,632 194 218 RBC Ratio 562 % 552 % 4,551 % 3,978 % State laws specify regulatory actions if an insurer’s risk-based capital (RBC) ratio, a measure of solvency, falls below certain levels. The NAIC has a standard formula for annually assessing RBC based on the various risk factors related to an insurance company’s capital and surplus, including insurance, business, asset and interest rate risks. The insurance regulators monitor the level of RBC against a statutory “authorized control level” RBC at which point regulators have the option to assume control of the insurance company. The company action level RBC is 200% of the authorized control level and is the first point at which any action would be triggered. Farm Bureau Life’s ability to pay dividends to the parent company is restricted by the Iowa Insurance Holding Company Act to earned surplus arising from its business as of the date the dividend is paid. In addition, prior approval of the Iowa Insurance Commissioner is required for a dividend distribution of cash or other property whose fair value, together with that of other dividends made within the preceding 12 months, exceeds the greater of (i) 10% of policyholders’ surplus as of the preceding year end, or (ii) the statutory net gain from operations of the insurer for the preceding calendar year. As shown in the tables above, at December 31, 2019 , Farm Bureau Life’s net gain from operations of $98.5 million , exceeded 10% of statutory surplus; accordingly, that amount is the maximum available for distribution to FBL Financial Group, Inc. without regulatory approval during 2020

Segment Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Segment Information [Abstract]
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	Segment Information We analyze operations by reviewing financial information regarding our primary products that are aggregated into the Annuity and Life Insurance product segments. Our Corporate and Other segment consists of less significant business activities. The Annuity segment primarily consists of fixed rate and indexed annuities and supplementary contracts (some of which involve life contingencies). Fixed rate and indexed annuities provide for tax-deferred savings and supplementary contracts provide for the systematic repayment of funds that accumulate interest. Fixed rate annuities primarily consist of flexible premium deferred annuities, but also include single premium deferred and immediate contracts. With fixed rate annuities, we bear the underlying investment risk and credit interest to the contracts at rates we determine, subject to interest rate guarantees. With indexed annuities, we bear the underlying investment risk and credit interest in an amount equal to a percentage of the gain in a specified market index, subject to minimum guarantees. The Life Insurance segment consists of whole life, term life and universal life policies, including indexed universal life (IUL). These policies provide benefits upon the death of the insured and may also allow the customer to build cash value on a tax-deferred basis. With IUL, we bear the underlying investment risk and credit interest in an amount equal to a percentage of the gain in a specified market index, subject to minimum guarantees. The Corporate and Other segment includes (i) wealth management services; (ii) advisory services for the management of investments for other companies; (iii) a management fee for managing the affiliated property-casualty companies; (iv) marketing and distribution services for the sale of mutual funds and insurance products not issued by us; (v) leasing services with affiliates; (vi) closed blocks of variable annuity, variable life and accident and health products; (vii) interest expense and (viii) investments and related investment income not specifically allocated to our product segments. Our chief operating decision makers use pre-tax adjusted operating income to evaluate segment performance and allocate resources. Pre-tax adjusted operating income consists of pre-tax net income adjusted to exclude realized gains and losses on investments and the change in fair value of 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 annuity 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. Adjustments to pre-tax net income are net of amortization of unearned revenue reserves and deferred acquisition costs, as well as changes in interest sensitive product reserves. While not applicable for the periods reported herein, in determining pre-tax adjusted operating income we will also remove the impact of settlements or judgments arising from lawsuits, net of any recoveries from third parties, the cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles and discontinued operations. Segment results are reported net of inter-segment transactions. Financial Information Concerning our Operating Segments Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Pre-tax adjusted operating income: Annuity $ 52,834 $ 62,846 $ 68,821 Life Insurance 67,134 47,680 53,856 Corporate and Other 16,309 16,013 23,350 Total pre-tax adjusted operating income 136,277 126,539 146,027 Adjustments to pre-tax adjusted operating income: Net realized gains/losses on investments (1) 7,358 (12,085 ) (1,234 ) Change in fair value of derivatives (1) 3,422 (7,832 ) 3,923 Pre-tax net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc. 147,057 106,622 148,716 Income tax expense (benefit) (19,929 ) (11,650 ) 39,983 Tax on equity income (919 ) (1,179 ) (1,394 ) Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc. $ 126,209 $ 93,793 $ 187,305 Financial Information Concerning our Operating Segments - continued Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Adjusted operating revenues: Annuity $ 212,538 $ 223,996 $ 224,184 Life Insurance 432,294 430,194 418,593 Corporate and Other 94,230 93,681 94,340 739,062 747,871 737,117 Net realized gains/losses on investments (1) (2) 7,606 (12,455 ) (1,469 ) Change in fair value of derivatives (1) 28,013 (15,790 ) 2,263 Consolidated revenues $ 774,681 $ 719,626 $ 737,911 Net investment income: Annuity $ 205,857 $ 218,823 $ 219,700 Life Insurance 158,230 158,003 158,318 Corporate and Other 34,302 33,272 34,918 398,389 410,098 412,936 Change in fair value of derivatives 26,609 (15,480 ) 2,263 Consolidated net investment income $ 424,998 $ 394,618 $ 415,199 Depreciation and amortization: Annuity $ 14,954 $ 9,335 $ 6,489 Life Insurance 4,926 16,515 18,720 Corporate and Other 66 7,025 (1,120 ) 19,946 32,875 24,089 Net realized gains/losses on investments (1) 241 (184 ) (240 ) Change in fair value of derivatives (1) 345 (1,598 ) (639 ) Consolidated depreciation and amortization $ 20,532 $ 31,093 $ 23,210 Operating Segment Assets December 31, 2019 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Assets: Annuity $ 4,671,210 $ 4,627,277 Life Insurance 3,665,179 3,528,561 Corporate and Other 1,669,183 1,554,634 10,005,572 9,710,472 Net unrealized gains in accumulated other comprehensive income (3) 474,634 123,158 Consolidated assets $ 10,480,206 $ 9,833,630 (1) Amounts are net of adjustments, as applicable, to amortization of unearned revenue reserves, deferred acquisition costs, interest sensitive product reserves and income taxes attributable to these items. (2) Beginning in 2018, amounts include the change in fair value of equity securities due to a change in accounting guidance. See Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements for additional information. (3) Amounts are net adjustments for assumed changes in deferred acquisition costs and value of insurance in force acquired attributable to these items. Depreciation and amortization related to property and equipment are allocated to the product segments while the related property, equipment and capitalized software are allocated to the Corporate and Other segment. Depreciation and amortization for the Corporate and Other segment include $4.8 million for 2019 , $4.5 million for 2018 and $4.1 million for 2017 relating to leases with affiliates. In the consolidated statements of operations, we record these depreciation amounts net of related lease income from affiliates. 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 December 31, 2019 and 2018 was allocated to the segments as follows: Annuity ( $3.9 million ) and Life Insurance ( $6.1 million ). Equity income related to securities and indebtedness of related parties is attributable to the Life Insurance and Corporate and Other segments. The following chart provides the related equity income by segment. Equity Income by Operating Segment Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Pre-tax equity income: Life Insurance $ 3,224 $ 3,840 $ 2,741 Corporate and Other 1,151 1,778 1,243 Total pre-tax equity income 4,375 5,618 3,984 Income taxes (919 ) (1,179 ) (1,394 ) Equity income, net of related income taxes $ 3,456 $ 4,439 $ 2,590 Premiums collected, which is not a measure used in financial statements prepared according to GAAP, include premiums received on life insurance policies and deposits on annuities and universal life-type products. Premiums collected is a common life insurance industry measure of agent productivity. Net premiums collected totaled $611.1 million in 2019 , $640.1 million in 2018 and $631.0 million 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 Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Traditional and universal life insurance premiums collected $ 310,727 $ 304,229 $ 292,344 Premiums collected on interest sensitive products (114,092 ) (106,609 ) (97,963 ) Traditional life insurance premiums collected 196,635 197,620 194,381 Change in due premiums and other 1,228 692 949 Traditional life insurance premiums as included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. $ 197,863 $ 198,312 $ 195,330 There is no comparable GAAP financial measure for premiums collected on annuities and universal life-type products. GAAP revenues for those interest sensitive and variable products consist of various policy charges and fees assessed on those contracts, as summarized in the chart below. Interest Sensitive Product Charges by Segment Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Annuity Rider and other product charges $ 5,319 $ 3,880 $ 3,414 Surrender charges 1,362 1,293 1,070 Total $ 6,681 $ 5,173 $ 4,484 Life Insurance Administration charges $ 19,264 $ 16,944 $ 15,487 Cost of insurance charges 51,122 50,727 46,096 Surrender charges 2,619 2,352 1,913 Amortization of policy initiation fees 3,737 4,462 1,954 Total $ 76,742 $ 74,485 $ 65,450 Corporate and Other Administration charges $ 4,707 $ 5,021 $ 5,332 Cost of insurance charges 28,794 29,151 29,670 Surrender charges 99 92 150 Separate account charges 8,168 8,535 8,246 Amortization of policy initiation fees 516 823 119 Total $ 42,284 $ 43,622 $ 43,517 Impact of net realized gains/losses on investments and change in fair value of derivatives on amortization of unearned revenue reserves 1,406 (491 ) (515 ) Interest sensitive product charges as included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations $ 127,113 $ 122,789 $ 112,936 Changes in amortization of policy initiation fees, compared to the prior year periods, is primarily due to the impact of unlocking assumptions used in the calculation of unearned revenue reserves.

Quarterly Financial Information

Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block]	Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) Unaudited Quarterly Results of Operations 2019 Quarter ended March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31, (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) Premiums and product charges $ 80,658 $ 83,521 $ 78,117 $ 82,680 Net investment income 109,640 104,894 101,478 108,986 Realized gains (losses) on investments 9,288 377 646 (2,707 ) Total revenues 203,556 192,906 184,658 193,561 Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc. 34,043 32,298 25,129 34,739 Earnings per common share $ 1.37 $ 1.30 $ 1.01 $ 1.40 Earnings per common share - assuming dilution $ 1.37 $ 1.30 $ 1.01 $ 1.40 2018 Quarter ended March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31, (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) Premiums and product charges $ 79,595 $ 81,997 $ 79,285 $ 80,224 Net investment income 101,022 103,974 105,757 83,865 Realized gains (losses) on investments (2,787 ) 841 (759 ) (9,569 ) Total revenues 182,430 190,449 188,111 158,636 Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc. 23,565 32,803 31,010 6,415 Earnings per common share $ 0.94 $ 1.31 $ 1.24 $ 0.26 Earnings per common share - assuming dilution $ 0.94 $ 1.31 $ 1.24 $ 0.26

Sch I. Schedule of Investments

Sch I. Schedule of Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Summary of Investments [Abstract]
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Text Block]	Schedule I - Summary of Investments - Other Than Investments in Related Parties FBL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. December 31, 2019 Column A Column B Column C Column D Type of Investment Cost (1) Value Amount at which (Dollars in thousands) Fixed maturities, available for sale: Bonds: Corporate $ 3,376,432 $ 3,778,950 $ 3,778,950 Mortgage- and asset-backed 2,293,506 2,432,382 2,432,382 United States Government and agencies 12,417 14,123 14,123 States and political subdivisions 1,332,914 1,477,173 1,477,173 Total 7,015,269 $ 7,702,628 7,702,628 Equity securities: Common stocks: Banks, trusts and insurance companies 6,587 $ 7,130 7,130 Industrial, miscellaneous and all other 18,656 18,298 18,298 Non-redeemable preferred stocks 70,026 74,800 74,800 Total 95,269 $ 100,228 100,228 Mortgage loans (2) 1,012,007 1,011,678 Investment real estate 955 955 Policy loans 201,589 201,589 Short-term investments 11,865 11,865 Other investments 41,794 62,680 Total investments $ 8,378,748 $ 9,091,623 (1) Cost adjusted for repayments and amortization of premiums and accrual of discounts for fixed maturities and short-term investments; original cost for equity securities, real estate and other investments; and unpaid principal balance for mortgage loans and policy loans. (2) Amount shown on balance sheet differs from cost due to allowance for possible losses.

Sch II - Condensed Financial In

Sch II - Condensed Financial Information on Registrant	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Schedule II. Condensed Financial Information of Registrant [Abstract]
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Text Block]	Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant FBL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. (PARENT COMPANY) Condensed Balance Sheets (Dollars in thousands) December 31, 2019 2018 Assets Investments in subsidiaries (eliminated in consolidation) $ 1,537,121 $ 1,233,663 Fixed maturities - available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost: 2019 - $18,420; 2018 - $21,420) 22,483 25,647 Equity securities (cost: 2019 - $6,587; 2018 - $5,304) 7,130 5,262 Short-term investments 5,077 5,607 Cash and cash equivalents 14,130 12,116 Amounts receivable from affiliates 2,382 935 Amounts receivable from subsidiaries (eliminated in consolidation) 3,777 3,719 Accrued investment income 13 18 Current income taxes recoverable — 338 Deferred income tax assets 6,832 6,474 Other assets 27,926 13,257 Total assets $ 1,626,871 $ 1,307,036 Liabilities and stockholders’ equity Liabilities: Accrued expenses and other liabilities $ 44,089 $ 25,896 Amounts payable from subsidiaries (eliminated in consolidation) — 1 Current income taxes 25 — Long-term debt payable to non-affiliates 97,000 97,000 Total liabilities 141,114 122,897 Stockholders’ equity: Preferred stock 3,000 3,000 Class A common stock 152,661 152,652 Class B common stock 72 72 Accumulated other comprehensive income 354,764 91,318 Retained earnings 975,260 937,097 Total stockholders’ equity 1,485,757 1,184,139 Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 1,626,871 $ 1,307,036 See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements. Schedule II -Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Continued) FBL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. (PARENT COMPANY) Condensed Statements of Operations (Dollars in thousands) Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Revenues: Net investment income $ 1,970 $ 2,381 $ 1,972 Realized gains (losses) on investments 584 (591 ) — Dividends from subsidiaries (eliminated in consolidation) 91,300 91,997 71,500 Management fee income from affiliates 2,000 2,001 2,001 Management fee income from subsidiaries (eliminated in consolidation) 6,265 6,458 5,805 Other income 8 2 2 Total revenues 102,127 102,248 81,280 Expenses: Interest expense 4,850 4,850 4,850 General and administrative expenses 8,101 8,605 8,408 Total expenses 12,951 13,455 13,258 89,176 88,793 68,022 Income tax benefit (expense) 1,971 2,175 (2,321 ) Income before equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries 91,147 90,968 65,701 Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries (eliminated in consolidation) 35,062 2,825 121,604 Net income $ 126,209 $ 93,793 $ 187,305 See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements. Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Continued) FBL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. (PARENT COMPANY) Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (Dollars in thousands) Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ (107 ) $ (2,102 ) $ 417 Investing activities Sales, maturities or redemptions of fixed maturities - available for sale 3,849 4,641 5,478 Acquisitions of equity securities - available for sale (938 ) (1,147 ) (702 ) Short-term investments, net change 530 853 (472 ) Dividends from subsidiaries (eliminated in consolidation) 91,300 91,997 71,500 Net cash provided by investing activities 94,741 96,344 75,804 Financing activities Issuance (repurchase) of common stock, net (5,346 ) (15,152 ) 330 Capital contribution to subsidiary (2,800 ) (7,800 ) (2,000 ) Dividends paid (84,474 ) (83,128 ) (81,400 ) Net cash used in financing activities (92,620 ) (106,080 ) (83,070 ) Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 2,014 (11,838 ) (6,849 ) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 12,116 23,954 30,803 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 14,130 $ 12,116 $ 23,954 Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information Cash received (paid) during the year for: Income taxes $ 2,383 $ 1,617 $ 2,849 Interest (4,850 ) (4,850 ) (4,850 ) See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements. Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Continued) FBL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. (PARENT COMPANY) Notes to Condensed Financial Statements December 31, 2019 1. Basis of Presentation The accompanying condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto of FBL Financial Group, Inc. In the parent company only financial statements, our investments in subsidiaries are stated at cost plus equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries since the date of acquisition. In addition, the carrying value includes net unrealized gains/losses on the subsidiaries’ investments classified as “available for sale.” 2. Dividends from Subsidiaries The parent company received dividends in the form of cash totaling $91.3 million in 2019 , $92.0 million in 2018 and $71.5 million in 2017 . 3 . Debt See Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 for a description of the parent company’s debt. The company’s debt matures in 2047.

Sch III Supplementary Insurance

Sch III Supplementary Insurance Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Schedule III. Supplementary Insurance Information [Abstract]
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Disclosure [Text Block]	Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance Information FBL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. Column A Column B Column C Column D Column E Deferred acquisition costs Future policy Unearned Other (Dollars in thousands) December 31, 2019: Annuity $ 88,295 $ 4,105,054 $ — $ 335,222 Life Insurance 341,143 2,872,119 22,025 188,220 Corporate and Other 60,245 417,172 11,445 26,931 Impact of unrealized gains/losses (200,227 ) 30,642 (18,025 ) — Total $ 289,456 $ 7,424,987 $ 15,445 $ 550,373 December 31, 2018: Annuity $ 93,819 $ 4,036,152 $ — $ 338,646 Life Insurance 308,937 2,776,656 19,427 194,879 Corporate and Other 62,778 416,403 11,623 30,354 Impact of unrealized gains/losses (46,732 ) 1,642 (5,134 ) — Total $ 418,802 $ 7,230,853 $ 25,916 $ 563,879 December 31, 2017: Annuity $ 92,116 $ 3,963,187 $ — $ 355,877 Life Insurance 287,421 2,677,519 17,043 201,693 Corporate and Other 70,247 419,411 11,986 32,083 Impact of unrealized gains/losses (147,173 ) 18,499 (12,705 ) — Total $ 302,611 $ 7,078,616 $ 16,324 $ 589,653 Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance Information (Continued) FBL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. Column A Column F Column G Column H Column I Column J Premium Net Benefits, Amortization Other (Dollars in thousands) December 31, 2019: Annuity $ 6,681 $ 205,857 $ 118,085 $ 16,374 $ 25,245 Life Insurance 274,605 158,230 270,916 2,819 84,596 Corporate and Other 42,284 34,302 39,180 1,801 7,896 Change in fair value of derivatives 1,404 26,609 22,932 1,659 — Impact of realized gains/losses (1) 2 — 14 234 — Total $ 324,976 $ 424,998 $ 451,127 $ 22,887 $ 117,737 December 31, 2018: Annuity $ 5,173 $ 218,823 $ 124,015 $ 11,243 $ 25,892 Life Insurance 272,797 158,003 276,571 15,264 84,389 Corporate and Other 43,622 33,272 34,465 8,869 8,637 Change in fair value of derivatives (310 ) (15,480 ) (6,065 ) (1,893 ) — Impact of realized gains/losses (1) (181 ) — (24 ) (346 ) — Total $ 321,101 $ 394,618 $ 428,962 $ 33,137 $ 118,918 December 31, 2017: Annuity $ 4,484 $ 219,700 $ 122,224 $ 8,506 $ 24,633 Life Insurance 260,780 158,318 264,657 14,368 78,313 Corporate and Other 43,517 34,918 39,060 488 9,425 Change in fair value of derivatives — 2,263 (1,021 ) (639 ) — Impact of realized gains/losses (515 ) — (19 ) (216 ) — Total $ 308,266 $ 415,199 $ 424,901 $ 22,507 $ 112,371 (1) Beginning in 2018, amount includes changes in fair value of equity securities.

Sch IV Reinsurance

Sch IV Reinsurance	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Schedule IV. Reinsurance [Abstract]
SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance [Text Block]	Schedule IV - Reinsurance FBL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. Column A Column B Column C Column D Column E Column F Gross Ceded to Assumed Net amount Percent of (Dollars in thousands) Year ended December 31, 2019: Life insurance in force, at end of year $ 65,683,485 $ 13,770,695 $ 430,583 $ 52,343,373 0.8 % Insurance premiums and other considerations: Interest sensitive product charges $ 125,832 $ 1,010 $ 2,291 $ 127,113 1.8 % Traditional life insurance premiums 222,955 25,347 255 197,863 0.1 % Accident and health premiums 5,447 5,006 — 441 — $ 354,234 $ 31,363 $ 2,546 $ 325,417 0.8 % Year ended December 31, 2018: Life insurance in force, at end of year $ 64,290,040 $ 14,029,567 $ 455,176 $ 50,715,649 0.9 % Insurance premiums and other considerations: Interest sensitive product charges $ 121,456 $ 1,044 $ 2,377 $ 122,789 1.9 % Traditional life insurance premiums 223,960 25,779 131 198,312 0.1 % Accident and health premiums 6,038 5,627 — 411 — $ 351,454 $ 32,450 $ 2,508 $ 321,512 0.8 % Year ended December 31, 2017: Life insurance in force, at end of year $ 62,667,310 $ 14,086,576 $ 487,284 $ 49,068,018 1.0 % Insurance premiums and other considerations: Interest sensitive product charges $ 111,616 $ 1,021 $ 2,341 $ 112,936 2.1 % Traditional life insurance premiums 220,866 25,832 296 195,330 0.2 % Accident and health premiums 6,486 6,069 — 417 — $ 338,968 $ 32,922 $ 2,637 $ 308,683 0.9 %

Significant Accounting Polici_2

Significant Accounting Policies Level 2 (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Accounting, Policy	Nature of Business FBL Financial Group, Inc. (we or the Company), majority owned by the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF), operates predominantly in the life insurance industry through its principal subsidiary, Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company (Farm Bureau Life). Farm Bureau Life markets individual life insurance policies and annuity contracts to Farm Bureau members and other individuals and businesses in the Midwestern and Western sections of the United States through an exclusive agency force. Greenfields Life Insurance Company (Greenfields), a subsidiary of Farm Bureau Life, offers life and annuity products in the state of Colorado. Other subsidiaries provide external wealth management services as well as investment management and other support services to our affiliated insurance companies. In addition, we manage two Farm Bureau affiliated property-casualty companies.
Consolidation, Policy	Consolidation Our consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company and its direct and indirect subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated.
Marketable Securities, Policy	Fixed Maturities and Equity Securities Fixed maturities are comprised of bonds and redeemable preferred stock and are designated as “available for sale.” Available-for-sale securities, with the exception of interest-only bonds, are reported at fair value and unrealized gains and losses on these securities are included directly in stockholders’ equity as a component of AOCI. The unrealized gains and losses, included in AOCI, are reduced by a provision for deferred income taxes and adjustments to deferred acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserves and policyholder liabilities that would have been required as a charge or credit to income had such amounts been realized. Interest-only bonds are considered to have an embedded derivative feature; accordingly, unrealized gains and losses relating to these securities are recorded as a component of net investment income in the consolidated statements of operations. Premiums and discounts for all fixed maturity securities are amortized/accreted into investment income over the life of the security using the effective interest method. Amortization/accrual of premiums and discounts on mortgage- and asset-backed securities incorporates prepayment assumptions to estimate the securities’ expected lives. Subsequent revisions in assumptions are recorded using the retrospective or prospective method. Under the retrospective method used for mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities of high credit quality (ratings equal to or greater than “AA” or an equivalent rating by a nationally recognized rating agency at the time of acquisition or that are backed by a U.S. agency), amortized cost of the security is adjusted to the amount that would have existed had the revised assumptions been in place at the date of acquisition. The adjustments to amortized cost are recorded as a charge or credit to net investment income. Under the prospective method, which is used for all other mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, future cash flows are estimated and interest income is recognized going forward using the new internal rate of return. Beginning in 2018, equity securities, comprised of mutual funds and common and non-redeemable preferred stocks are reported at fair value with changes in fair value included in net investment gains (losses) in the consolidated statement of operations. Prior to 2018, these securities were designated as “available for sale” and reported at fair value with the change in unrealized gains and losses included in AOCI.
Investment, Policy	Mortgage Loans Mortgage loans are reported at cost adjusted for amortization of premiums, accrual of discounts and net of allowance for loan losses. If we determine that the value of any mortgage loan is impaired (i.e., when it is probable we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement), the carrying value of the mortgage loan is reduced to its estimated value, which is based upon the present value of expected future cash flows from the loan, the estimated market price of the loan, or the fair value of the underlying collateral less estimated costs to sell. Mortgage loans are placed on non-accrual status if we have concerns regarding the collectability of future payments. Interest income on non-performing loans is generally recognized on a cash basis. Once mortgage loans are classified as nonaccrual loans, the resumption of the interest accrual would commence only after all past due interest has been collected or the mortgage loan has been restructured such that the collection of interest is considered likely. Real Estate Our real estate is held for investment and consists of land reported at cost, net of allowance for losses. The carrying value of these assets is subject to regular review. For properties held for investment, if indicators of impairment are present and a property’s expected undiscounted cash flows are not sufficient to recover the property’s carrying value, an impairment loss is recognized and the property’s cost basis is reduced to fair value. No properties were held for investment with impairment charges as of December 31, 2019 or 2018 . Other Investments Policy loans are reported at unpaid principal balance. Short-term investments, which include investments with remaining maturities of one year or less, but greater than three months at the time of acquisition, are reported at cost adjusted for amortization of premiums and accrual of discounts. Other investments include common stock issued by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB) carried at the current redemption value; call options carried at fair value; a promissory note acquired in a sale of a partnership interest carried at the remaining basis of the partnership; and ownership interest in aircraft carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. We have embedded derivatives associated with modified coinsurance contracts, which are included within reinsurance recoverable. These instruments are carried at fair value with changes reflected in net investment income. See Note 2 for more information regarding our derivative instruments. Securities and indebtedness of related parties include investments in corporations and partnerships over which we may exercise significant influence and those investments for which we use the equity method of accounting. These corporations and partnerships operate predominately in the investment company, real estate and insurance industries. In applying the equity method, we record our share of income or loss reported by the equity investees. In accounting for these investments, we consistently use the most recent financial information available, which is generally for periods not more than three months prior to the ending date of the period for which we are reporting. For partnerships operating in the investment company industry, this income or loss includes changes in unrealized gains and losses in the partnerships’ investment portfolios. Accrued Investment Income We discontinue the accrual of investment income on invested assets when it is determined that it is probable that we will not collect the income. Realized Gains and Losses on Investments Realized gains and losses on sales of investments are determined on the basis of specific identification. The carrying values of all our investments are reviewed on an ongoing basis for credit deterioration. When our review indicates a decline in fair value for a fixed maturity security is an other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) and we do not intend to sell or believe we will be required to sell the security before recovery of our amortized cost, a specific write down is charged to earnings for the credit loss and a specific charge is recognized in AOCI for the non-credit loss component. If we intend to sell or believe we will be required to sell a fixed maturity security before its recovery, the full amount of the impairment write down to fair value is charged to earnings. We monitor the financial condition and operations of the issuers of fixed maturities that could potentially have a credit impairment that is OTTI. In determining whether or not an unrealized loss is OTTI, we review factors such as: • historical operating trends; • business prospects; • status of the industry in which the issuer operates; • analyst ratings on the issuer and sector; • quality of management; • size of the unrealized loss; and • level of current market interest rates compared to market interest rates when the security was purchased. In order to determine the credit and non-credit impairment loss for fixed maturities, we estimate the future cash flows we expect to receive over the remaining life of the instrument as well as review our plans to hold or sell the instrument. Significant assumptions regarding the present value of expected cash flows for each security are used when an OTTI occurs and there is a non-credit portion of the unrealized loss that will not be recognized in earnings. Our assumptions for residential mortgage-backed securities, commercial mortgage-backed securities and other asset-backed securities include collateral pledged, guarantees, vintage, anticipated principal and interest payments, prepayments, default levels, severity assumptions, delinquency rates and the level of nonperforming assets for the remainder of the investments’ expected term. We use a single best estimate of cash flows approach and use the effective yield prior to the date of impairment to calculate the present value of cash flows. Our assumptions for corporate and other fixed maturities include anticipated principal and interest payments and an estimated recovery value, generally based on a percentage return of the current fair value. After an OTTI write down of fixed maturities with a credit-only impairment, the cost basis is not adjusted for subsequent recoveries in fair value. For fixed maturities for which we can reasonably estimate future cash flows after a write down, the discount or reduced premium recorded, based on the new cost basis, is amortized over the remaining life of the security. Amortization in this instance is computed using the prospective method and the current estimate of the amount and timing of future cash flows .
Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy	Fair Values Fair values of fixed maturities are based on quoted market prices in active markets when available. Fair values of fixed maturities that are not actively traded are estimated using valuation methods that vary by asset class. Fair values of redeemable preferred stocks, equity securities and derivative investments are based on the latest quoted market prices, or for those items not readily marketable, generally at values that are representative of the fair values of comparable issues. Fair values for all securities are reviewed for reasonableness by considering overall market conditions and values for similar securities. See Note 3 for more information on our fair value policies, including assumptions and the amount of securities priced using the valuation models.
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy	Cash and Cash Equivalents For purposes of our consolidated statements of cash flows, we consider all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with a maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Reinsurance Accounting Policy	Reinsurance Recoverable We use reinsurance to manage certain risks associated with our insurance operations. These reinsurance arrangements provide for greater diversification of business, allow management to control exposure to potential risks arising from large claims and provide additional capacity for growth. For business ceded to other companies, reinsurance recoverable includes the reinsurers’ share of policyholder liabilities, claims and expenses, net of amounts due the reinsurers for premiums. We monitor the financial condition of these reinsurers, establishing an allowance for uncollectible reinsurance recoverables as necessary. We have concluded that no such allowance was required at December 31, 2019 or 2018 . See Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements above regarding a change in the accounting for valuation allowances that will be adopted in 2020. For business assumed from other companies, reinsurance recoverable includes premium receivable net of our share of benefits and expenses we owe to the ceding company. Fair values for the embedded derivatives in our modified coinsurance contracts are based on the difference between the fair value and the cost basis of the underlying investments. See Note 2 for more information regarding derivatives and Note 4 for additional details on our reinsurance agreements.
Capitalization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Policy	Deferred Acquisition Costs and Value of Insurance in Force Acquired Deferred acquisition costs include certain costs of successfully acquiring new insurance business, including commissions and other expenses related to the production of new business, to the extent recoverable from future policy revenues and gross profits. Also included are premium bonuses and bonus interest credited to contracts during the first contract year only. The value of insurance in force acquired represents the cost assigned to insurance contracts when an insurance company is acquired. The initial value was determined by an actuarial study using expected future gross profits as a measurement of the net present value of the insurance acquired. Value of insurance in force acquired is being amortized on a fixed amortization schedule. For participating traditional life insurance and interest sensitive products, these costs are generally amortized in proportion to expected gross profits from surrender charges and investment, mortality and expense margins. This amortization is periodically adjusted or unlocked when we revise key assumptions used in the calculation of these costs. For nonparticipating traditional life products, these costs are amortized over the premium paying period of the related policies, in proportion to the ratio of annual premium revenues to total anticipated premium revenues. Such anticipated premium revenues are estimated using the same assumptions used for computing liabilities for future policy benefits. All insurance and investment contract modifications and replacements are reviewed to determine if the internal replacement results in a substantially changed contract. If so, the acquisition costs, sales inducements and unearned revenue associated with the new contract are deferred and amortized over the lifetime of the new contract. In addition, the existing deferred policy acquisition costs, sales inducement costs and unearned revenue balances associated with the replaced contract are written off. If an internal replacement results in a substantially unchanged contract, the acquisition costs, sales inducements and unearned revenue associated with the new contract are immediately recognized in the period incurred. In addition, the existing deferred policy acquisition costs, sales inducement costs or unearned revenue balance associated with the replaced contract is not written off, but instead is carried over to the new contract.
Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization, Policy	Other Assets Other assets include non-guaranteed federal low income housing tax credit (LIHTC) investments. LIHTC investments take the form of limited partnerships or limited liability companies, 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 benefit as a component of federal income tax expense on our consolidated statements of operations. LIHTC investments had a carrying value of $42.9 million at December 31, 2019 and $54.0 million at December 31, 2018. See discussion on variable interest entities in Note 2 for further information. Other assets also include property and equipment, primarily comprised of capitalized software costs and furniture and equipment, which are reported at cost less allowances for depreciation and amortization. We expense costs incurred in the preliminary stages of developing internal-use software as well as costs incurred post-implementation for maintenance. Capitalization of internal-use software costs occurs after management has authorized the project and it is probable that the software will be used as intended. Amortization of software costs begins after the software has been placed in production. Depreciation and amortization expense is computed primarily using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from three to twenty years. Property and equipment had a carrying value of $42.2 million at December 31, 2019 and $38.5 million at December 31, 2018 , and accumulated depreciation and amortization of $91.0 million at December 31, 2019 and $79.2 million at December 31, 2018 . Depreciation and amortization expense for property and equipment was $12.1 million in 2019 , $9.9 million in 2018 and $8.7 million in 2017 .
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy	Other assets at December 31, 2019 and 2018 , also includes goodwill of $9.9 million related to the excess of the amounts paid to acquire companies over the fair value of the net assets acquired. Goodwill is not amortized but is subject to annual impairment testing. We evaluate our goodwill balance by comparing the fair value of our reporting units to the carrying value of the goodwill. We conduct a qualitative impairment review at least annually as well as when indicators suggest an impairment may have occurred to determine if indicators of deterioration in the business would suggest its value has declined below the carrying value of goodwill. Such circumstances include changes in the competitive or overall economic environment or other business condition changes that may negatively impact the value of the underlying business. On a periodic basis, as well as in the event circumstances indicate the value of the business may have declined significantly, we will estimate the value of the business using discounted cash flow techniques. We believe this approach better approximates the fair value of our goodwill than a market capitalization approach. A number of significant assumptions and estimates are involved in the application of the discounted cash flow model to forecast operating cash flows, including future premiums, product lapses, investment yields and discount rate. Underlying assumptions are based on historical experience and our best estimates given information available at the time of testing. As a result of this analysis, we have determined our goodwill was not impaired as of December 31, 2019 or 2018 .
Future Policy Benefits Liability, Policy	Future Policy Benefits Future policy benefit reserves for interest sensitive products are computed under a retrospective deposit method and represent policy account balances before applicable surrender charges. We also have additional benefit reserves that are established for annuity or universal life-type contracts that provide benefit guarantees, or for contracts that are expected to produce profits followed by losses. The liabilities are accrued in relation to estimated contract assessments. Policy benefits and claims that are charged to expense include benefit claims incurred in the period in excess of related policy account balances. Interest crediting rates for our interest sensitive products ranged from 1.00% to 5.50% in 2019 , 2018 and 2017 . The liability for future policy benefits for direct participating traditional life insurance is based on net level premium reserves, including assumptions as to interest, mortality and other factors underlying the guaranteed policy cash values. Reserve interest assumptions are level and range from 2.00% to 6.00% . The average rate of assumed gross investment yields used in estimating gross margins was 5.23% in 2019 , 5.48% in 2018 and 5.47% in 2017 . The liability for future policy benefits for nonparticipating traditional life insurance is computed using a net level method, including assumptions as to mortality, persistency and interest and includes provisions for possible unfavorable deviations. The liabilities for future policy benefits for accident and health insurance are computed using a net level (or an equivalent) method, including assumptions as to morbidity, mortality and interest and include provisions for possible unfavorable deviations. Policy benefit claims are charged to expense in the period that the claims are incurred.
Revenue Recognition, Deferred Revenue, Policy	Other Policy Claims and Benefits We have unearned revenue reserves that reflect the unamortized balance of charges assessed to interest sensitive contract holders to compensate us for services to be performed over future periods (policy initiation fees). These charges have been deferred and are being recognized in income over the period benefited using the same assumptions and factors used to amortize deferred acquisition costs.
Policyholders' Dividend, Policy	We have accrued dividends for participating business that are established for anticipated amounts earned to date that have not been paid. The declaration of future dividends for participating business is at the discretion of the Board of Directors of Farm Bureau Life. Participating business accounted for 25% of traditional, universal and variable life insurance premiums collected from policyholders during 2019 ( 2018 - 28% and 2017 - 29% ) and represented 9% of life insurance in force at December 31, 2019 and 10% at December 31, 2018 and 2017 .
Income Tax, Policy	Deferred Income Taxes Deferred income tax assets or liabilities are computed based on the difference between the financial statement and income tax bases of assets and liabilities using the enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when the assets or liabilities are recovered or settled. Deferred income tax expenses or credits are based on the changes in the asset or liability from period to period. A valuation allowance against deferred income tax assets is established if it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred income tax assets will not be realized.
Policyholder Accounts, Policy	Separate Accounts The separate account assets and liabilities reported in our accompanying consolidated balance sheets represent funds that are separately administered for the benefit of certain policyholders that bear the underlying investment risk. The separate account assets are carried at fair value and separate account liabilities represent policy account balances before applicable surrender charges. Revenues and expenses related to the separate account assets and liabilities, to the extent of benefits paid or provided to the separate account policyholders, are excluded from the amounts reported in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
Revenue Recognition, Premiums Earned, Policy	Recognition of Premium Revenues and Costs Revenues for interest sensitive and variable products consist of policy charges for the cost of insurance and product guarantees, asset charges, administration charges, amortization of policy initiation fees and surrender charges assessed against policyholder account balances. The timing of revenue recognition as it relates to these charges and fees is determined based on the nature of such charges and fees. Policy charges for the cost of insurance, asset charges and policy administration charges are assessed on a daily or monthly basis and are recognized as revenue when assessed and earned. Certain policy initiation fees that represent compensation for services to be provided in the future are reported as unearned revenue and recognized in income over the periods benefited. Surrender charges are determined based upon contractual terms and are recognized upon surrender of a contract. Policy benefits and claims charged to expense include interest amounts credited to policyholder account balances and benefit claims incurred in excess of policyholder account balances during the period. Amortization of deferred acquisition costs is recognized as expense over the estimated life of the policy. Traditional life insurance premiums are recognized as revenues over the premium-paying period. Future policy benefits and policy acquisition costs are recognized as expenses over the life of the policy by means of the provision for future policy benefits and amortization of deferred acquisition costs. All insurance-related revenues, benefits and expenses are reported net of reinsurance ceded. The cost of reinsurance ceded is recognized over the contract periods of the reinsurance agreements. Policies and contracts assumed are accounted for in a manner similar to that followed for direct business. Underwriting, Acquisition and Insurance Expenses Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Components of our underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses: Commission expense, net of deferrals $ 24,419 $ 23,801 $ 24,356 Amortization of deferred acquisition costs 22,887 33,137 22,507 Amortization of value of insurance in force acquired 2,141 2,167 2,178 Other underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses, net of deferrals 91,177 92,950 85,837 Total $ 140,624 $ 152,055 $ 134,878
Other Income and Other Expenses, Policy	Other Income and Other Expenses Other income and other expenses primarily consist of revenue and expenses generated by our various non-insurance subsidiaries for our wealth management business, investment advisory, marketing and distribution, and leasing services. They also include revenues and expenses generated by our parent company for management services. Certain of these activities are performed on behalf of our affiliates. Revenues are recognized for the performance of these services to our customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which we expect to be entitled in exchange for those services. Lease income from leases with affiliates totaled $5.3 million in 2019 , $4.9 million in 2018 and $4.6 million in 2017 . Investment advisory fee income from affiliates totaled $3.1 million in 2019 , $2.9 million in 2018 and $2.7 million in 2017 . In addition, Farm Bureau Life has certain items, including fees earned from brokered products, reported as other income and other expense, which netted to $1.7 million in 2019 , $2.7 million in 2018 and $2.5 million in 2017 . We expense legal costs associated with a loss contingency as incurred.
Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Policy	Retirement and Compensation Plans We participate with affiliates and an unaffiliated organization in defined benefit pension plans, including a multiemployer plan. The multiemployer plan records an asset or liability based on the difference between contributions made to the plan to date and expense recognized for the plan to date. The obligations for the single employer plans are based on an actuarial valuation of future benefits. For the multiemployer plan, our contributions are commingled with those of the other employers to fund the plan benefit obligations. Should a participating employer be unable to provide funding, the remaining employers would be required to continue funding all future obligations. The multiemployer plan employs a long-term investment strategy of maintaining diversified assets. The expected return on plan assets is set at the long-term rate expected to be earned based on the long-term investment strategy of the plans for assets at the end of the reporting period. We participate in qualified and nonqualified defined contribution plans which include employer matching and discretionary contributions according to certain guidelines, which are charged to expense throughout the year.
Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy	Share-based compensation programs are also offered to certain employees, subject to specific requirements including vesting. See Note 8 for additional details regarding these plans.
Comprehensive Income, Policy	Comprehensive Income Comprehensive income includes net income, as well as other comprehensive income items not recognized through net income. Other comprehensive income includes unrealized gains and losses on our available-for-sale securities as well as the underfunded obligation for certain retirement and postretirement benefit plans. These items are included in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax and other offsets, in stockholders’ equity. The changes in unrealized gains and losses reported in our Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss), excludes net investment gains and losses included in net income that represent transfers from unrealized to realized gains and losses. These transfers are further discussed in Note 7. The components of the underfunded obligation for certain retirement and postretirement benefit plans are provided in Note 8.
Use of Estimates, Policy	Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. For example, significant estimates and assumptions are utilized in the valuation of investments, determination of other-than-temporary impairments of investments, amortization of deferred acquisition costs, calculation of policyholder liabilities and accruals and determination of pension expense. It is reasonably possible that actual experience could differ from the estimates and assumptions utilized, which could have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

Significant Accounting Polici_3

Significant Accounting Policies Insurance costs (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Recognition of underwriting, acquisition and insurance costs	Underwriting, Acquisition and Insurance Expenses Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Components of our underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses: Commission expense, net of deferrals $ 24,419 $ 23,801 $ 24,356 Amortization of deferred acquisition costs 22,887 33,137 22,507 Amortization of value of insurance in force acquired 2,141 2,167 2,178 Other underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses, net of deferrals 91,177 92,950 85,837 Total $ 140,624 $ 152,055 $ 134,878

Investment Operations (Tables)

Investment Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Investment Operations [Abstract]
Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturity Securities by Investment Category	Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturity Securities by Investment Category December 31, 2019 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 $ 3,376,432 $ 418,049 $ (15,531 ) $ 3,778,950 $ — Residential mortgage-backed 626,663 47,654 (1,929 ) 672,388 1,997 Commercial mortgage-backed 969,453 77,433 (1,413 ) 1,045,473 — Other asset-backed 697,390 19,745 (2,614 ) 714,521 502 United States Government and agencies 12,417 1,711 (5 ) 14,123 — States and political subdivisions 1,332,914 145,125 (866 ) 1,477,173 — Total fixed maturities $ 7,015,269 $ 709,717 $ (22,358 ) $ 7,702,628 $ 2,499 December 31, 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 $ 3,231,846 $ 138,972 $ (90,933 ) $ 3,279,885 $ — Residential mortgage-backed 584,133 29,969 (7,242 ) 606,860 2,823 Commercial mortgage-backed 873,672 24,284 (19,390 ) 878,566 — Other asset-backed 697,332 15,567 (5,329 ) 707,570 1,143 United States Government and agencies 19,673 996 (134 ) 20,535 — States and political subdivisions 1,449,621 95,921 (5,913 ) 1,539,629 — Total fixed maturities $ 6,856,277 $ 305,709 $ (128,941 ) $ 7,033,045 $ 3,966 (1) Non-credit losses subsequent to the initial impairment measurement date on OTTI losses are included in the gross unrealized gains and gross unrealized losses columns above. The non-credit loss component of OTTI losses for residential mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 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	Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturities by Maturity Date December 31, 2019 Amortized Cost Fair Value (Dollars in thousands) Due in one year or less $ 66,353 $ 67,542 Due after one year through five years 546,639 575,142 Due after five years through ten years 731,902 805,484 Due after ten years 3,376,869 3,822,078 4,721,763 5,270,246 Mortgage-backed and other asset-backed 2,293,506 2,432,382 Total fixed maturities $ 7,015,269 $ 7,702,628
Net Unrealized Gains on Investments in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Net Unrealized Gains on Investments in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income December 31, 2019 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Net unrealized appreciation on: Fixed maturities - available for sale $ 687,359 $ 176,768 Adjustments for assumed changes in amortization pattern of: Deferred acquisition costs (200,227 ) (46,732 ) Value of insurance in force acquired (12,498 ) (6,878 ) Unearned revenue reserve 18,025 5,134 Adjustments for assumed changes in policyholder liabilities (30,642 ) (1,642 ) Provision for deferred income taxes (see Note 5) (97,023 ) (26,596 ) Net unrealized investment gains $ 364,994 $ 100,054
Change in Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation of Investments - Recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Change in Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation of Investments - Recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Fixed maturities - available for sale $ 510,591 $ (357,950 ) $ 187,639 Equity securities — — 4,941 Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments $ 510,591 $ (357,950 ) $ 192,580
Fixed Maturity Securities with Unrealized Losses by Length of Time	Fixed Maturity Securities with Unrealized Losses by Length of Time December 31, 2019 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 $ 114,520 $ (2,476 ) $ 84,719 $ (13,055 ) $ 199,239 $ (15,531 ) 69.5 % Residential mortgage-backed 68,743 (1,435 ) 6,941 (494 ) 75,684 (1,929 ) 8.6 % Commercial mortgage-backed 46,537 (1,266 ) 2,610 (147 ) 49,147 (1,413 ) 6.3 % Other asset-backed 112,462 (519 ) 102,439 (2,095 ) 214,901 (2,614 ) 11.7 % United States Government and agencies — — 2,494 (5 ) 2,494 (5 ) — % States and political subdivisions 19,367 (379 ) 5,936 (487 ) 25,303 (866 ) 3.9 % Total fixed maturities $ 361,629 $ (6,075 ) $ 205,139 $ (16,283 ) $ 566,768 $ (22,358 ) 100.0 % Fixed Maturity Securities with Unrealized Losses by Length of Time December 31, 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 $ 1,035,176 $ (60,299 ) $ 207,381 $ (30,634 ) $ 1,242,557 $ (90,933 ) 70.5 % Residential mortgage-backed 191,365 (4,482 ) 74,113 (2,760 ) 265,478 (7,242 ) 5.6 % Commercial mortgage-backed 302,159 (9,947 ) 148,855 (9,443 ) 451,014 (19,390 ) 15.0 % Other asset-backed 250,119 (3,397 ) 149,997 (1,932 ) 400,116 (5,329 ) 4.1 % United States Government and agencies — — 6,474 (134 ) 6,474 (134 ) 0.1 % States and political subdivisions 144,681 (3,885 ) 16,943 (2,028 ) 161,624 (5,913 ) 4.7 % Total fixed maturities $ 1,923,500 $ (82,010 ) $ 603,763 $ (46,931 ) $ 2,527,263 $ (128,941 ) 100.0 %
Mortgage Loans by Collateral Type	Mortgage Loans by Collateral Type December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Collateral Type Carrying Value Percent of Total Carrying Value Percent of Total (Dollars in thousands) Office $ 417,746 41.3 % $ 454,694 43.7 % Retail 345,870 34.2 332,579 32.0 Industrial 235,274 23.2 234,453 22.6 Other 12,788 1.3 18,103 1.7 Total $ 1,011,678 100.0 % $ 1,039,829 100.0 %
Mortgage Loans by Geographic Location within the United States	Mortgage Loans by Geographic Location within the United States December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Region of the United States Carrying Value Percent of Total Carrying Value Percent of Total (Dollars in thousands) South Atlantic $ 288,299 28.5 % $ 301,206 29.0 % Pacific 164,996 16.3 162,824 15.7 East North Central 117,053 11.6 117,768 11.3 West North Central 108,942 10.8 126,320 12.1 Mountain 96,857 9.6 101,335 9.7 East South Central 81,275 8.0 76,098 7.3 West South Central 76,650 7.6 85,919 8.3 Middle Atlantic 45,687 4.5 34,843 3.4 New England 31,919 3.1 33,516 3.2 Total $ 1,011,678 100.0 % $ 1,039,829 100.0 %
Mortgage Loans by Loan-to-Value Ratio	Mortgage Loans by Loan-to-Value Ratio December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Loan-to-Value Ratio Carrying Value Percent of Total Carrying Value Percent of Total (Dollars in thousands) 0% - 50% $ 412,973 40.8 % $ 409,089 39.3 % 51% - 60% 310,869 30.7 314,038 30.2 61% - 70% 256,280 25.4 264,973 25.5 71% - 80% 31,556 3.1 37,418 3.6 81% - 90% — — 14,311 1.4 Total $ 1,011,678 100.0 % $ 1,039,829 100.0 %
Mortgage Loans by Year of Origination	Mortgage Loans by Year of Origination December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Carrying Value Percent of Total Carrying Value Percent of Total (Dollars in thousands) 2019 $ 69,319 6.8 % $ — — % 2018 128,334 12.7 137,519 13.2 2017 200,283 19.8 207,540 20.0 2016 144,311 14.3 149,437 14.4 2015 119,724 11.8 128,877 12.4 2014 and prior 349,707 34.6 416,456 40.0 Total $ 1,011,678 100.0 % $ 1,039,829 100.0 %
Impaired Mortgage Loans	Impaired Mortgage Loans December 31, 2019 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Unpaid principal balance $ 4,632 $ 18,622 Less: Related allowance (329 ) (3,107 ) Carrying value of impaired mortgage loans $ 4,303 $ 15,515
Allowance on Mortgage Loans	Allowance on Mortgage Loans Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Balance at beginning of period $ 3,107 $ 497 Allowances established — 2,778 Recoveries (2,778 ) (168 ) Balance at end of period $ 329 $ 3,107
Components of Net Investment Income	Components of Net Investment Income Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Fixed maturities - available for sale $ 334,557 $ 340,498 $ 344,302 Equity securities 8,718 8,488 6,502 Mortgage loans 46,182 45,294 42,185 Policy loans 9,416 9,210 9,014 Short-term investments, cash and cash equivalents 1,043 772 506 Derivative income (loss) 25,282 (10,405 ) 7,687 Prepayment fee income and other 7,332 9,208 12,470 432,530 403,065 422,666 Less investment expenses (7,532 ) (8,447 ) (7,467 ) Net investment income $ 424,998 $ 394,618 $ 415,199
Realized Gains (Losses) - Recorded in Income	Realized Gains (Losses) - Recorded in Income Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Realized gains (losses) on investments Fixed maturities: Gross gains $ 3,779 $ 2,195 $ 1,426 Gross losses (3,777 ) (363 ) (1,081 ) Equity securities — — (90 ) Mortgage loans 2,778 — — Real estate 54 — 304 Other (4 ) (19 ) 40 2,830 1,813 599 Net gains and (losses) recognized during the period on equity securities held at the end of the period (1) 5,666 (8,137 ) — Net gains and (losses) recognized during the period on equity securities sold during the period 27 (952 ) — Net gains (losses) recognized during the period on equity securities 5,693 (9,089 ) — Net realized gains (losses) 8,523 (7,276 ) 599 Impairment losses recognized in earnings: Credit-related portion of fixed maturity losses (2) — (32 ) — Other credit-related (3) (919 ) (4,966 ) (1,553 ) Net realized gains (losses) on investments recorded in income $ 7,604 $ (12,274 ) $ (954 ) (1) See Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements for discussion of change in accounting policy for equity securities during 2018. (2) Amount represents the credit-related losses recognized for fixed maturities that were impaired through income but not written down to fair value. As discussed above, the non-credit portion of the losses have been recognized in other comprehensive income (loss). (3) Amount represents credit-related losses for fixed maturities, mortgage loans, and other investments written down to fair value through income.
Credit Loss Component of Other-than-temporary Impairments on Fixed Maturities	Credit Loss Component of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments on Fixed Maturities Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Balance at beginning of period $ (5,963 ) $ (12,392 ) Increases to previously impaired investments — (32 ) Reductions due to investments sold 1,147 3,932 Reduction for credit loss that no longer has a portion of the OTTI loss recognized in other comprehensive income — 2,529 Balance at end of period $ (4,816 ) $ (5,963 )
VIE Investments by Category	VIE Investments by Category December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Carrying Value Maximum Exposure to Loss Carrying Value Maximum Exposure to Loss (Dollars in thousands) LIHTC investments $ 42,907 $ 43,834 $ 54,037 $ 55,597 Investment companies 53,388 103,125 40,236 79,578 Real estate limited partnerships 9,565 15,527 8,945 15,673 Other 492 492 483 493 Total $ 106,352 $ 162,978 $ 103,701 $ 151,341
Schedule of Derivative Instruments	Derivatives Instruments by Type December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Assets Freestanding derivatives: Call options (reported in other investments) $ 31,469 $ 4,745 Embedded derivatives: Modified coinsurance (reported in reinsurance recoverable) 2,327 157 Interest-only security (reported in fixed maturities) 385 855 Total assets $ 34,181 $ 5,757 Liabilities Embedded derivatives: Indexed products (reported in liability for future policy benefits) $ 76,346 $ 40,028 Modified coinsurance (reported in other liabilities) 254 780 Total liabilities $ 76,600 $ 40,808 Derivative Income (Loss) Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Freestanding derivatives: Call options $ 22,497 $ (7,749 ) $ 9,372 Embedded derivatives: Modified coinsurance 2,695 (2,480 ) (1,440 ) Interest-only security 90 (176 ) (246 ) Indexed products (23,050 ) 3,243 321 Total income (loss) from derivatives $ 2,232 $ (7,162 ) $ 8,007

Fair Value (Tables)

Fair Value (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Fair Value [Abstract]
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]	Valuation of our Financial Instruments Measured on a Recurring Basis by Hierarchy Levels December 31, 2019 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 $ — $ 3,772,362 $ 6,588 $ 3,778,950 Residential mortgage-backed securities — 672,388 — 672,388 Commercial mortgage-backed securities — 1,032,693 12,780 1,045,473 Other asset-backed securities — 704,766 9,755 714,521 United States Government and agencies 4,821 9,302 — 14,123 States and political subdivisions — 1,477,173 — 1,477,173 Total fixed maturities 4,821 7,668,684 29,123 7,702,628 Non-redeemable preferred stocks — 67,873 6,927 74,800 Common stocks (1) 17,027 — — 17,027 Other investments — 31,469 — 31,469 Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments 29,142 — — 29,142 Reinsurance recoverable — 2,327 — 2,327 Assets held in separate accounts 645,881 — — 645,881 Total assets $ 696,871 $ 7,770,353 $ 36,050 $ 8,503,274 Liabilities Future policy benefits - indexed product embedded derivatives $ — $ — $ 76,346 $ 76,346 Other liabilities — 254 — 254 Total liabilities $ — $ 254 $ 76,346 $ 76,600 Valuation of our Financial Instruments Measured on a Recurring Basis by Hierarchy Levels December 31, 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 $ — $ 3,257,874 $ 22,011 $ 3,279,885 Residential mortgage-backed securities — 606,860 — 606,860 Commercial mortgage-backed securities — 810,626 67,940 878,566 Other asset-backed securities — 703,969 3,601 707,570 United States Government and agencies 7,917 12,618 — 20,535 States and political subdivisions — 1,539,629 — 1,539,629 Total fixed maturities 7,917 6,931,576 93,552 7,033,045 Non-redeemable preferred stocks — 77,433 6,862 84,295 Common stocks (1) 5,261 — — 5,261 Other investments — 4,745 — 4,745 Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments 34,748 — — 34,748 Reinsurance recoverable — 157 — 157 Assets held in separate accounts 561,281 — — 561,281 Total assets $ 609,207 $ 7,013,911 $ 100,414 $ 7,723,532 Liabilities Future policy benefits - indexed product embedded derivatives $ — $ — $ 40,028 $ 40,028 Other liabilities — 780 — 780 Total liabilities $ — $ 780 $ 40,028 $ 40,808 (1) A private equity fund with a fair value estimate of $8.4 million at December 31, 2019 and $3.3 million at December 31, 2018 using net asset value per share as a practical expedient, has not been classified in the fair value hierarchy above in accordance with fair value reporting guidance. This fund invests in senior secured middle market loans and had unfunded commitments totaling $1.7 million at December 31, 2019 and $6.8 million at December 31, 2018. The investment is not currently eligible for redemption.
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Table Text Block]	Level 3 Assets by Valuation Source - Recurring Basis December 31, 2019 Third-party vendors Priced Fair Value (Dollars in thousands) Corporate securities $ — $ 6,588 $ 6,588 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 12,780 — 12,780 Other asset-backed securities 8,000 1,755 9,755 Non-redeemable preferred stocks — 6,927 6,927 Total level 3 assets $ 20,780 $ 15,270 $ 36,050 Percent of total 57.6 % 42.4 % 100.0 % Level 3 Assets by Valuation Source - Recurring Basis December 31, 2018 Third-party vendors Priced Fair Value (Dollars in thousands) Corporate securities $ 1,940 $ 20,071 $ 22,011 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 67,940 — 67,940 Other asset-backed securities — 3,601 3,601 Non-redeemable preferred stocks — 6,862 6,862 Total level 3 assets $ 69,880 $ 30,534 $ 100,414 Percent of total 69.6 % 30.4 % 100.0 %
Fair Value Measurement and Measurement Inputs, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Text Block]	Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements - Recurring Basis December 31, 2019 Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range (Weighted Average) (Dollars in thousands) Assets Corporate securities $ 6,588 Discounted cash flow Credit spread 2.11% - 5.85% (4.33%) Commercial mortgage-backed securities 12,780 Discounted cash flow Credit spread 1.18% - 2.22% (1.92%) Other asset-backed securities 6,000 Discounted cash flow Credit spread 2.15% - 2.30% (2.23%) Non-redeemable preferred stocks 6,927 Discounted cash flow Credit spread 2.72% (2.72%) Total assets $ 32,295 Liabilities Future policy benefits - indexed product embedded derivatives $ 76,346 Discounted cash flow Credit risk Risk margin 0.40% - 1.35% (0.80%) 0.15% - 0.40% (0.25%) December 31, 2018 Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range (Weighted Average) (Dollars in thousands) Assets Corporate securities $ 19,178 Discounted cash flow Credit spread 1.23% - 7.00% (4.01%) Commercial mortgage-backed securities 55,866 Discounted cash flow Credit spread 1.45% - 3.55% (2.58%) Non-redeemable preferred stocks 6,862 Discounted cash flow Credit spread 4.36% (4.36%) Total assets $ 81,906 Liabilities Future policy benefits - indexed product embedded derivatives $ 40,028 Discounted cash flow Credit risk Risk margin 0.55% - 1.80% (1.25%) 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 December 31, 2019 Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net Balance, December 31, 2018 Purchases Disposals Included in net income Included in other compre-hensive income Transfers into Level 3 (1) Transfers out of Level 3 (1) Amort-ization included in net income Balance, December 31, 2019 (Dollars in thousands) Assets Corporate securities $ 22,011 $ 6,000 $ (3,344 ) $ — $ 443 $ 3,643 $ (22,137 ) $ (28 ) $ 6,588 Residential mortgage-backed securities — 18,378 — — — — (18,378 ) — — Commercial mortgage-backed securities 67,940 7,540 (376 ) — 578 — (62,902 ) — 12,780 Other asset-backed securities 3,601 28,710 (977 ) — (869 ) — (20,710 ) — 9,755 Non-redeemable preferred stocks 6,862 — — — 65 — — — 6,927 Total assets $ 100,414 $ 60,628 $ (4,697 ) $ — $ 217 $ 3,643 $ (124,127 ) $ (28 ) $ 36,050 Liabilities Future policy benefits - indexed product embedded derivatives $ 40,028 $ 15,325 $ (7,014 ) $ 28,007 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 76,346 December 31, 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, December 31, 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Assets Corporate securities $ 33,600 $ — $ (9,432 ) $ — $ (974 ) $ 7,082 $ (8,530 ) $ 265 $ 22,011 Residential mortgage-backed securities 9,124 27,818 — — — — (36,942 ) — — Commercial mortgage-backed securities 85,701 36,008 (1,337 ) — (3,599 ) — (48,787 ) (46 ) 67,940 Other asset-backed securities 53,480 28,855 (2,799 ) — (12 ) — (75,923 ) — 3,601 Non-redeemable preferred stocks 7,407 — — (545 ) — — — — 6,862 Total assets $ 189,312 $ 92,681 $ (13,568 ) $ (545 ) $ (4,585 ) $ 7,082 $ (170,182 ) $ 219 $ 100,414 Liabilities Future policy benefits - indexed product embedded derivatives $ 27,774 $ 11,514 $ (4,447 ) $ 5,187 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 40,028 (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.
Financial Instruments Not Reported at Value [Table Text Block]	Valuation of our Financial Instruments Not Reported at Fair Value by Hierarchy Levels December 31, 2019 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 $ — $ — $ 1,059,073 $ 1,059,073 $ 1,011,678 Policy loans — — 256,787 256,787 201,589 Other investments — 29,534 2,215 31,749 31,211 Total assets $ — $ 29,534 $ 1,318,075 $ 1,347,609 $ 1,244,478 Liabilities Future policy benefits $ — $ — $ 4,381,863 $ 4,381,863 $ 4,270,073 Supplementary contracts without life contingencies — — 309,601 309,601 296,915 Advance premiums and other deposits — — 245,480 245,480 245,480 Long-term debt — — 84,438 84,438 97,000 Liabilities related to separate accounts — — 644,691 644,691 645,881 Total liabilities $ — $ — $ 5,666,073 $ 5,666,073 $ 5,555,349 December 31, 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 $ — $ — $ 1,045,497 $ 1,045,497 $ 1,039,829 Policy loans — — 237,496 237,496 197,366 Other investments — — 30,087 30,087 29,020 Total assets $ — $ — $ 1,313,080 $ 1,313,080 $ 1,266,215 Liabilities Future policy benefits $ — $ — $ 3,981,947 $ 3,981,947 $ 4,217,904 Supplementary contracts without life contingencies — — 298,869 298,869 303,627 Advance premiums and other deposits — — 252,318 252,318 252,318 Long-term debt — — 65,999 65,999 97,000 Liabilities related to separate accounts — — 559,799 559,799 561,281 Total liabilities $ — $ — $ 5,158,932 $ 5,158,932 $ 5,432,130

Reinsurance and Policy Provis_2

Reinsurance and Policy Provisions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Reinsurance and Policy Provisions [Abstract]
Reinsurance [Text Block]	Impact of Reinsurance on our Financial Statements Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Ceded (reductions to financial statement items): Premiums and product charges $ 31,363 $ 32,450 $ 32,922 Insurance benefits 20,759 21,358 24,159 Allowances for expenses and commissions 2,899 4,231 4,548 Assumed (additions to financial statement items): Premiums and product charges 2,546 2,508 2,637 Insurance benefits 7,437 2,752 6,356 Allowances for expenses and commissions 1,340 1,410 1,543 Reinsurance in Force and Percentage of Direct Life Insurance in Force Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 (Dollars in millions) Ceded reinsurance $ 13,771 21.0 % $ 14,030 21.8 % Assumed reinsurance 431 0.7 % 455 0.7 %
Present Value of Future Insurance Profits [Text Block]	Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Balance at beginning of year $ 17,263 $ 19,430 $ 21,608 Amortization per fixed schedule (2,141 ) (2,167 ) (2,178 ) Balance at end of year 15,122 17,263 19,430 Impact of net unrealized investment gains and losses (12,498 ) (6,878 ) (14,870 ) Value of insurance in force acquired $ 2,624 $ 10,385 $ 4,560
Schedule of Minimum Guaranteed Benefit Liabilities [Table Text Block]	GMDB, IDB and GMIB Net Amount at Risk by Type of Guarantee December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Separate Account Balance Net Amount at Risk Separate Account Balance Net Amount at Risk (Dollars in thousands) Guaranteed minimum death benefit: Return of net deposits $ 166,055 $ 362 $ 147,567 $ 430 Return the greater of highest anniversary 287,518 9,936 252,361 29,146 Incremental death benefit 259,735 62,411 228,863 53,727 Guaranteed minimum income benefit 25,137 1 24,357 37 Total $ 72,710 $ 83,340

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]	Income Tax Expenses (Credits) Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Taxes provided in consolidated statement of operations on: Income before equity income: Current $ 16,557 $ 20,429 $ 34,301 Deferred 6,876 (4,953 ) (73,094 ) LIHTC (3,504 ) (3,826 ) (1,190 ) 19,929 11,650 (39,983 ) Equity income 919 1,179 1,394 Taxes provided in consolidated statements of changes in stockholders’ equity: Accumulated other comprehensive income 70,048 (50,025 ) 43,448 $ 90,896 $ (37,196 ) $ 4,859
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	Effective Tax Rate Reconciliation to Federal Income Tax Rate Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Income before income taxes and equity income $ 142,781 $ 101,033 $ 144,760 Income tax at federal statutory rate $ 29,984 $ 21,217 $ 50,666 Tax effect (decrease) of: Tax-exempt dividend and interest income (3,949 ) (3,762 ) (3,384 ) Net impact of LIHTC (3,504 ) (3,826 ) (1,190 ) Remeasurement of deferred taxes under the Tax Act — — (84,806 ) Adjustments to tax-basis policy reserves (2,460 ) — — Other items (142 ) (1,979 ) (1,269 ) Income tax expense (benefit) $ 19,929 $ 11,650 $ (39,983 )
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]	Tax Effect of Temporary Differences Giving Rise to Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities December 31, 2019 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Deferred income tax assets: Future policy benefits $ 33,719 $ 25,137 Accrued benefit and compensation costs 3,736 3,854 Loss carryforwards 2,698 2,870 Derivative instruments — 617 Other 1,060 1,938 41,213 34,416 Deferred income tax liabilities: Fixed maturity and equity securities 151,212 42,961 Deferred acquisition costs 26,813 55,810 Value of insurance in force acquired 551 2,181 Property and equipment 7,961 7,021 Derivative instruments 4,386 — Other 2,663 1,892 193,586 109,865 Net deferred income tax liability $ 152,373 $ 75,449

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Dividends Declared [Table Text Block]	Dividends Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Class A and B common stock: Cash dividends per common share $ 1.92 $ 1.84 $ 1.76 Special cash dividend per common share 1.50 1.50 1.50 Total common stock dividends per share $ 3.42 $ 3.34 $ 3.26 Series B preferred stock cash dividends per share $ 0.03 $ 0.03 $ 0.03
Schedule of Stock by Class [Table Text Block]	Reconciliation of Outstanding Common Stock Class A Class B (1) 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 40,082 708 — — 40,082 708 Purchase of common stock (3,511 ) (22 ) — — (3,511 ) (22 ) Outstanding at December 31, 2017 24,919,113 153,589 11,413 72 24,930,526 153,661 Issuance of common stock under compensation plans 21,126 499 — — 21,126 499 Purchase of common stock (232,837 ) (1,436 ) — — (232,837 ) (1,436 ) Outstanding at December 31, 2018 24,707,402 152,652 11,413 72 24,718,815 152,724 Stock-based compensation 11,875 419 — — 11,875 419 Purchase of common stock (66,475 ) (410 ) — — (66,475 ) (410 ) Outstanding at December 31, 2019 24,652,802 $ 152,661 11,413 $ 72 24,664,215 $ 152,733 (1) There is no established market for our Class B common stock, although it is convertible upon demand of the holder into Class A common stock on a share-for-share basis.
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax and Other Offsets Unrealized Net Investment Gains (Losses) (1) Accumulated Non-Credit Impairment Gains (Losses) Underfunded Portion of Certain Benefit Total (Dollars in thousands) Balance at January 1, 2017 $ 156,963 $ 311 $ (7,719 ) $ 149,555 Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 88,534 136 — 88,670 Reclassification related to the Tax Act (3) 49,657 90 (1,521 ) 48,226 Reclassification adjustments 15 — (1,483 ) (1,468 ) Balance at December 31, 2017 295,169 537 (10,723 ) 284,983 Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle related to net unrealized gains on equity securities (4) (5,480 ) — — (5,480 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications (191,158 ) 2,654 — (188,504 ) Reclassification adjustments (1,610 ) (58 ) 1,987 319 Balance at December 31, 2018 96,921 3,133 (8,736 ) 91,318 Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 265,910 (1,159 ) — 264,751 Reclassification adjustments 189 — (1,494 ) (1,305 ) Balance at December 31, 2019 $ 363,020 $ 1,974 $ (10,230 ) $ 354,764 (1) Unrealized net investment gains (losses) relate to available-for-sale securities and include the impact of taxes, deferred acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserves and policyholder liabilities. See Note 2 for further information. (2) For descriptions of the underfunded portion of our postretirement benefit plans, see Note 8 - Other Retirement Plans, and for certain other defined benefit plans, see Note 8 - Defined Benefit Pension Plans. (3) Reclassification of the initial impact of the remeasurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities upon enactment of the Tax Act. See discussion of this accounting change as discussed in Note 1. (4) See Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements for further discussion on this one-time adjustment related to an accounting change.
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassification Adjustments Year ended December 31, 2019 Unrealized Net Investment Gains (Losses) (1) Accumulated Non-Credit Impairment Losses (1) Underfunded Portion of Certain Benefit Total (Dollars in thousands) Realized capital gains on sales of fixed maturities $ (2 ) $ — $ — $ (2 ) Adjustments for assumed changes in deferred policy acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserve and policyholder liabilities 241 — — 241 Other expenses - change in unrecognized postretirement items: Net actuarial gain — — (1,892 ) (1,892 ) Reclassifications before income taxes 239 — (1,892 ) (1,653 ) Income taxes (50 ) — 398 348 Reclassification adjustments $ 189 $ — $ (1,494 ) $ (1,305 ) Year ended December 31, 2018 Unrealized Net Investment Gains (Losses) (1) Accumulated Non-Credit Impairment Losses (1) Underfunded Portion of Certain Benefit Total (Dollars in thousands) Realized capital gains on sales of investments $ (1,832 ) $ — $ — $ (1,832 ) Adjustments for assumed changes in deferred policy acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserve and policyholder liabilities (206 ) 1 — (205 ) Other than temporary impairment losses — (74 ) — (74 ) Other expenses - change in unrecognized postretirement items: Net actuarial loss — — 2,515 2,515 Reclassifications before income taxes (2,038 ) (73 ) 2,515 404 Income taxes 428 15 (528 ) (85 ) Reclassification adjustments $ (1,610 ) $ (58 ) $ 1,987 $ 319 Year ended December 31, 2017 Unrealized Net Investment Gains (Losses) (1) Accumulated Non-Credit Impairment Losses (1) Underfunded Portion of Certain Benefit Total (Dollars in thousands) Realized capital gains on sales of investments $ (255 ) $ — $ — $ (255 ) Adjustments for assumed changes in deferred policy acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserve and policyholder liabilities 274 — — 274 Other expenses - change in unrecognized postretirement items: Net actuarial loss — — (1,702 ) (1,702 ) Reclassifications before income taxes 19 — (1,702 ) (1,683 ) Income taxes (4 ) — 219 215 Reclassification adjustments $ 15 $ — $ (1,483 ) $ (1,468 ) (1) See Note 2 for further information. (2) For descriptions of the underfunded portion of our postretirement benefit plans, see Note 8 - Other Retirement Plans, and for certain other defined benefit plans, see Note 8 - Defined Benefit Plans.

Retirement and Compensation P_2

Retirement and Compensation Plans Defined Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Schedule of Multiemployer Plans [Table Text Block]	Multiemployer Plan name FBL Financial Group Retirement Plan Employer identification number 42-1411715 Plan number 001 FBL’s contributions (in thousands) 2019 $15,000 2018 $30,000 2017 $45,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets [Table Text Block]	Funding Status and Net Periodic Pension Costs Multiemployer Plan Other Plans As of and for the year ended December 31, As of and for the year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2019 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Change in projected benefit obligation: Net benefit obligation at beginning of the year $ 319,931 $ 375,999 $ 25,363 $ 26,914 Service cost 4,549 5,973 467 539 Interest cost 13,273 13,642 992 958 Actuarial loss (gain) 51,338 (20,594 ) 2,930 (1,170 ) Benefits paid (7,971 ) (4,001 ) (1,829 ) (1,878 ) Settlements — (56,256 ) — — Special termination benefit — 5,168 — — Projected benefit obligation 381,120 319,931 27,923 25,363 Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of the year 316,008 345,396 — — Actual return on plan assets 39,827 869 — — Employer contributions 15,000 30,000 1,829 1,878 Benefits paid (7,971 ) (4,001 ) (1,829 ) (1,878 ) Settlements — (56,256 ) — — Fair value of plan assets at end of the year 362,864 316,008 — — Underfunded status at end of the year $ (18,256 ) $ (3,923 ) $ (27,923 ) $ (25,363 ) Accumulated benefit obligation $ 343,029 $ 287,052 $ 25,471 $ 22,753
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]	Net Periodic Pension Costs Incurred by the Plans Multiemployer Plan Other Plans As of and for the year ended December 31, As of and for the year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 2019 2018 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Service cost $ 4,549 $ 5,973 $ 5,552 $ 467 $ 539 $ 436 Interest cost 13,273 13,642 14,124 992 958 1,003 Expected return on plan assets (18,827 ) (22,247 ) (19,184 ) — — — Amortization of prior service cost — 46 131 — — — Amortization of actuarial loss 8,913 12,507 10,121 1,066 1,353 1,172 Effect of settlement — 17,406 — — — — Effect of special termination benefit — 5,168 — — — — Net periodic pension cost $ 7,908 $ 32,495 $ 10,744 $ 2,525 $ 2,850 $ 2,611 FBL Financial Group, Inc. share of net periodic pension cost $ 2,533 $ 9,956 $ 3,404 $ 1,449 $ 1,671 $ 1,551
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table Text Block]	FBL’s Proportionate Share of Prepaid or Accrued Pension Cost Multiemployer Plan Other Plans As of and for the year ended December 31, As of and for the year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2019 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Amount recognized in FBL’s consolidated balance sheets Prepaid benefit cost $ 38,365 $ 36,105 $ 749 $ 726 Accrued benefit cost — (12 ) (21,922 ) (19,480 ) Net amount recognized $ 38,365 $ 36,093 $ (21,173 ) $ (18,754 ) Amount recognized in FBL’s accumulated other comprehensive income, before taxes (1) Net actuarial loss $ 12,990 $ 11,126 Net amount recognized $ 12,990 $ 11,126 (1) For our Multiemployer Plan, the underfunded portion of the pension benefit obligation is not required to be recognized as a liability in our consolidated balance sheets. The unrecognized liability for the underfunded status of our Multiemployer Plan totaled $18.3 million at December 31, 2019 and $3.9 million at December 31, 2018 .
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions [Table Text Block]	Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Obligation December 31, 2019 2018 Discount rate 3.37 % 4.24 % Annual salary increases 3.27 % 3.21 % The discount rate is estimated by projecting and discounting future benefit payments inherent in the projected benefit obligation using a commercially available “spot” yield curve constructed using techniques and a bond universe specifically selected to meet the accounting standard requirements. Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Determine Net Periodic Pension Cost Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Discount rate 4.24 % 3.72 % 4.29 % Expected long-term return on plan assets 6.00 % 6.50 % 6.60 % Annual salary increases 3.21 % 3.27 % 3.31 %
Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block]	Fair Values of the Multiemployer Plan Assets by Asset Category and Hierarchy Levels December 31, 2019 Quoted prices in Significant other Significant Total (Dollars in thousands) Mutual funds: (1) U.S. equity funds $ 26,294 $ — $ — $ 26,294 International funds 44,730 — — 44,730 Pooled separate accounts: (1) Short-term fixed income funds — 1,502 — 1,502 Fixed income funds — 13,538 — 13,538 U.S. equity funds — 17,941 — 17,941 Real estate fund — 14,380 — 14,380 Annuities: (2) Group annuity contract — — 157,248 157,248 Funded annuity contracts — — 10,378 10,378 Fixed maturities: (3) Corporate — 28,509 — 28,509 United States government and agencies 30,648 — — 30,648 Alternative investments: (4) Limited partnerships — — 16,147 16,147 Cash and cash equivalents (5) 21 — — 21 Total $ 101,693 $ 75,870 $ 183,773 $ 361,336 December 31, 2018 Quoted prices in Significant other Significant Total (Dollars in thousands) Mutual funds: (1) U.S. equity funds $ 20,138 $ — $ — $ 20,138 International funds 35,854 — — 35,854 Pooled separate accounts: (1) Short-term fixed income funds — 510 — 510 Fixed income funds — 12,117 — 12,117 U.S. equity funds — 13,788 — 13,788 Real estate fund — 12,455 — 12,455 Annuities: (2) Group annuity contract — — 148,106 148,106 Funded annuity contracts — — 10,500 10,500 Fixed maturities: (3) Corporate — 24,002 — 24,002 United States government and agencies 25,039 — — 25,039 Alternative investments: (4) Limited partnerships — — 12,410 12,410 Cash and cash equivalents (5) 538 — — 538 Total $ 81,569 $ 62,872 $ 171,016 $ 315,457 (1) Represents mutual funds and pooled separate account investments with Principal Life Insurance Company. (2) Represents annuity contracts with Farm Bureau Life. (3) Represents bonds to support the long duration fixed income investments. (4) Represents interests in several limited partnerships. A limited partnership with a fair value estimate of $1.5 million as of December 31, 2019 and $0.6 million as of December 31, 2018, using net asset value per share as a practical expedient, has not been classified in the fair value hierarchy above in accordance with fair value reporting guidance. (5) Represents approximate fair value of cash held.
Schedule of Level Three Defined Benefit Plan Assets Roll Forward [Table Text Block]	Level 3 Multiemployer Plan Asset Changes in Fair Value December 31, 2019 Return on assets December 31, Purchases Held at year end Sold during year Transfers into (out) of level 3 December 31, 2019 (Dollars in thousands) Group annuity contract $ 148,106 $ (1,066 ) $ 5,382 $ — $ 4,826 $ 157,248 Funded annuity contracts 10,500 (730 ) 608 — — 10,378 Limited partnerships 12,410 2,587 1,150 — — 16,147 Total $ 171,016 $ 791 $ 7,140 $ — $ 4,826 $ 183,773 December 31, 2018 Return on assets December 31, Purchases Held at year end Sold during year Transfers into (out) of level 3 December 31, 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Group annuity contract $ 181,403 $ (21,353 ) $ 7,056 $ — $ (19,000 ) $ 148,106 Funded annuity contracts 10,776 (896 ) 620 — — 10,500 Limited partnerships 9,571 1,789 1,050 — — 12,410 Total $ 201,750 $ (20,460 ) $ 8,726 $ — $ (19,000 ) $ 171,016

Retirement and Compensation P_3

Retirement and Compensation Plans Stock based compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Activity [Table Text Block]	Stock Option Activity Number of Shares Weighted-Average Weighted-Average Aggregate (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) Shares under option at January 1, 2019 11,176 $ 25.11 Exercised (4,480 ) 25.70 Forfeited or expired — — Shares under option at December 31, 2019 6,696 24.71 0.61 $ 229 Vested at December 31, 2019 6,696 $ 24.71 0.61 $ 229 Exercisable options at December 31, 2019 6,696 $ 24.71 0.61 $ 229 (1) Represents the difference between the share price and exercise price for each option, excluding options for which the exercise price is above the share price, at December 31, 2019.
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Restricted Stock Unit, Activity [Table Text Block]	Restricted Stock Unit Activity Number of Units Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value Restricted stock units at January 1, 2019 77,191 $ 60.76 Granted 23,982 70.88 Vested (30,806 ) 53.85 Forfeited or canceled (6,350 ) 66.56 Restricted stock units at December 31, 2019 64,017 67.30

Managment and Other Agreements

Managment and Other Agreements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Management and Other Agreements [Abstract]
Schedules of Concentration of Risk, by Risk Factor [Table Text Block]	Premium Concentration by State Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Life and annuity collected premiums: Iowa 26.3 % 25.5 % 25.9 % Kansas 16.4 19.2 18.1 Oklahoma 7.6 7.9 8.2

Committments and Contingencies

Committments and Contingencies Operating Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity [Table Text Block]	Lease commitments by year December 31, 2019 (Dollars in thousands) 2020 $ 2,700 2021 2,702 2022 2,525 2023 2,337 2024 2,278 Thereafter 4,400 Total minimum lease payments 16,942 Less: Interest (2,899 ) Present value of lease liabilities $ 14,043

Earnings per Share (Tables)

Earnings per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) Numerator: Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc. $ 126,209 $ 93,793 $ 187,305 Less: Dividends on Series B preferred stock 150 150 150 Income available to common stockholders $ 126,059 $ 93,643 $ 187,155 Denominator: Weighted-average shares - basic 24,760,541 24,932,189 25,038,334 Effect of dilutive securities - stock-based compensation 10,134 12,412 19,111 Weighted-average shares - diluted 24,770,675 24,944,601 25,057,445 Earnings per common share $ 5.09 $ 3.76 $ 7.47 Earnings per common share - assuming dilution $ 5.09 $ 3.75 $ 7.47

Statutory Insurance Informati_2

Statutory Insurance Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Statutory Insurance Information [Abstract]
Statutory Accounting Practices Disclosure [Table Text Block]	Statutory Information of our Insurance Subsidiaries Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Farm Bureau Life: Net gain from operations (excludes impact of realized gains and losses on investments) $ 98,529 $ 100,819 $ 106,062 Net income 100,141 103,923 104,947 State prescribed practices that increased (decreased) statutory net income 577 (7,505 ) 2,285 Greenfields: Net gain (losses) from operations (excludes impact of realized gains and losses on investments) 146 (321 ) (192 ) Net income (loss) 146 (321 ) (192 ) Statutory Information of our Insurance Subsidiaries - Continued Farm Bureau Life Greenfields December 31, December 31, 2019 2018 2019 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Total capital and surplus $ 642,409 $ 637,205 $ 8,814 $ 8,677 Unassigned surplus (deficit) 508,926 503,722 (1,986 ) (2,123 ) State prescribed practices that increased (decreased) statutory surplus (8,320 ) 2,635 — — Risk-Based Capital measurements: Total adjusted capital 718,175 704,541 8,826 8,688 Company action level capital 127,864 127,632 194 218 RBC Ratio 562 % 552 % 4,551 % 3,978 %

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Segment Information [Abstract]
Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]	Financial Information Concerning our Operating Segments Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Pre-tax adjusted operating income: Annuity $ 52,834 $ 62,846 $ 68,821 Life Insurance 67,134 47,680 53,856 Corporate and Other 16,309 16,013 23,350 Total pre-tax adjusted operating income 136,277 126,539 146,027 Adjustments to pre-tax adjusted operating income: Net realized gains/losses on investments (1) 7,358 (12,085 ) (1,234 ) Change in fair value of derivatives (1) 3,422 (7,832 ) 3,923 Pre-tax net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc. 147,057 106,622 148,716 Income tax expense (benefit) (19,929 ) (11,650 ) 39,983 Tax on equity income (919 ) (1,179 ) (1,394 ) Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc. $ 126,209 $ 93,793 $ 187,305 Financial Information Concerning our Operating Segments - continued Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Adjusted operating revenues: Annuity $ 212,538 $ 223,996 $ 224,184 Life Insurance 432,294 430,194 418,593 Corporate and Other 94,230 93,681 94,340 739,062 747,871 737,117 Net realized gains/losses on investments (1) (2) 7,606 (12,455 ) (1,469 ) Change in fair value of derivatives (1) 28,013 (15,790 ) 2,263 Consolidated revenues $ 774,681 $ 719,626 $ 737,911 Net investment income: Annuity $ 205,857 $ 218,823 $ 219,700 Life Insurance 158,230 158,003 158,318 Corporate and Other 34,302 33,272 34,918 398,389 410,098 412,936 Change in fair value of derivatives 26,609 (15,480 ) 2,263 Consolidated net investment income $ 424,998 $ 394,618 $ 415,199 Depreciation and amortization: Annuity $ 14,954 $ 9,335 $ 6,489 Life Insurance 4,926 16,515 18,720 Corporate and Other 66 7,025 (1,120 ) 19,946 32,875 24,089 Net realized gains/losses on investments (1) 241 (184 ) (240 ) Change in fair value of derivatives (1) 345 (1,598 ) (639 ) Consolidated depreciation and amortization $ 20,532 $ 31,093 $ 23,210 Operating Segment Assets December 31, 2019 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Assets: Annuity $ 4,671,210 $ 4,627,277 Life Insurance 3,665,179 3,528,561 Corporate and Other 1,669,183 1,554,634 10,005,572 9,710,472 Net unrealized gains in accumulated other comprehensive income (3) 474,634 123,158 Consolidated assets $ 10,480,206 $ 9,833,630 (1) Amounts are net of adjustments, as applicable, to amortization of unearned revenue reserves, deferred acquisition costs, interest sensitive product reserves and income taxes attributable to these items. (2) Beginning in 2018, amounts include the change in fair value of equity securities due to a change in accounting guidance. See Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements for additional information. (3) Amounts are net adjustments for assumed changes in deferred acquisition costs and value of insurance in force acquired attributable to these items.
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	Equity Income by Operating Segment Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Pre-tax equity income: Life Insurance $ 3,224 $ 3,840 $ 2,741 Corporate and Other 1,151 1,778 1,243 Total pre-tax equity income 4,375 5,618 3,984 Income taxes (919 ) (1,179 ) (1,394 ) Equity income, net of related income taxes $ 3,456 $ 4,439 $ 2,590
Reconciliation of non-GAAP measures [Table Text Block]	Reconciliation of Traditional Life Insurance Premiums, Net of Reinsurance Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Traditional and universal life insurance premiums collected $ 310,727 $ 304,229 $ 292,344 Premiums collected on interest sensitive products (114,092 ) (106,609 ) (97,963 ) Traditional life insurance premiums collected 196,635 197,620 194,381 Change in due premiums and other 1,228 692 949 Traditional life insurance premiums as included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. $ 197,863 $ 198,312 $ 195,330 There is no comparable GAAP financial measure for premiums collected on annuities and universal life-type products. GAAP revenues for those interest sensitive and variable products consist of various policy charges and fees assessed on those contracts, as summarized in the chart below. Interest Sensitive Product Charges by Segment Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Annuity Rider and other product charges $ 5,319 $ 3,880 $ 3,414 Surrender charges 1,362 1,293 1,070 Total $ 6,681 $ 5,173 $ 4,484 Life Insurance Administration charges $ 19,264 $ 16,944 $ 15,487 Cost of insurance charges 51,122 50,727 46,096 Surrender charges 2,619 2,352 1,913 Amortization of policy initiation fees 3,737 4,462 1,954 Total $ 76,742 $ 74,485 $ 65,450 Corporate and Other Administration charges $ 4,707 $ 5,021 $ 5,332 Cost of insurance charges 28,794 29,151 29,670 Surrender charges 99 92 150 Separate account charges 8,168 8,535 8,246 Amortization of policy initiation fees 516 823 119 Total $ 42,284 $ 43,622 $ 43,517 Impact of net realized gains/losses on investments and change in fair value of derivatives on amortization of unearned revenue reserves 1,406 (491 ) (515 ) Interest sensitive product charges as included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations $ 127,113 $ 122,789 $ 112,936

Quarterly Financial Informati_2

Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]	Unaudited Quarterly Results of Operations 2019 Quarter ended March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31, (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) Premiums and product charges $ 80,658 $ 83,521 $ 78,117 $ 82,680 Net investment income 109,640 104,894 101,478 108,986 Realized gains (losses) on investments 9,288 377 646 (2,707 ) Total revenues 203,556 192,906 184,658 193,561 Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc. 34,043 32,298 25,129 34,739 Earnings per common share $ 1.37 $ 1.30 $ 1.01 $ 1.40 Earnings per common share - assuming dilution $ 1.37 $ 1.30 $ 1.01 $ 1.40 2018 Quarter ended March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31, (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) Premiums and product charges $ 79,595 $ 81,997 $ 79,285 $ 80,224 Net investment income 101,022 103,974 105,757 83,865 Realized gains (losses) on investments (2,787 ) 841 (759 ) (9,569 ) Total revenues 182,430 190,449 188,111 158,636 Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc. 23,565 32,803 31,010 6,415 Earnings per common share $ 0.94 $ 1.31 $ 1.24 $ 0.26 Earnings per common share - assuming dilution $ 0.94 $ 1.31 $ 1.24 $ 0.26

Significant Accounting Polici_4

Significant Accounting Policies Accounting principles (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Jan. 01, 2019	Jan. 01, 2018
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Operating Lease, Liability	$ 14,043
Accounting Standards Update 2016-01
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Change on Net Income	$ 4,300	$ (6,200)
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Change on Basic Earnings Per Share	$ 0.17	$ (0.25)
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Change on Diluted Earnings Per Share	0.17	$ (0.25)
Cumulative Effect on Retained Earnings, Net of Tax		$ 0
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02
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)
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Change on Diluted Earnings Per Share	$ (0.01)
Cumulative Effect on Retained Earnings, Net of Tax	$ 595
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset			$ 7,200
Operating Lease, Liability			$ 7,200
Retained Earnings | Accounting Standards Update 2016-01
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				$ 5,500
Cumulative Effect on Retained Earnings, Net of Tax		$ 5,480
Retained Earnings | Accounting Standards Update 2016-02
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative Effect on Retained Earnings, Net of Tax	$ 595

Significant Accounting Polici_5

Significant Accounting Policies Other Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets	$ 106,352	$ 103,701
Property and Equipment, Net	42,200	38,500
Accumulated Depreciation	91,000	79,200
Depreciation expense	12,100	9,900	$ 8,700
Goodwill	9,900	9,900
Low income housing tax credits
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets	$ 42,907	$ 54,037

Significant Accounting Polici_6

Significant Accounting Policies Recognition of Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Recognition of underwriting, acquisition and insurance costs [Line Items]
Commission expense, net of deferrals	$ 24,419	$ 23,801	$ 24,356
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs	22,887	33,137	22,507
Amortization of value of insurance in force acquired	2,141	2,167	2,178
Other underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses, net of deferrals	91,177	92,950	85,837
Total	$ 140,624	$ 152,055	$ 134,878

Significant Accounting Polici_7

Significant Accounting Policies Other income other expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Future policy benefits:
Future policy benefits, assumptions, average rate in investment yields in gross margin estimation	5.23%	5.48%	5.47%
Other Policyholder Claims and Benefits
Premiums from policies subject to participation in dividends	25.00%	28.00%	29.00%
Contracts in force subject to participation in dividends	9.00%	10.00%	10.00%
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Real Estate Owned, Valuation Allowance	$ 0	$ 0
Farm Bureau Property & Casualty insurance company
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Lease income	5.3	4.9	$ 4.6
Subsidiaries
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Nonoperating Income (Expense)	1.7	2.7	2.5
Investment Advice [Member] | Farm Bureau Property & Casualty insurance company
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	$ 3.1	$ 2.9	$ 2.7
Minimum | Participating Life Insurance Contract [Member]
Future policy benefits:
Future Policy Benefits, Interest Rate Assumptions	2.00%
Minimum | Interest Sensitive Life [Member]
Future policy benefits:
Future Policy Benefits, Interest Rate Assumptions	1.00%	1.00%	1.00%
Maximum | Participating Life Insurance Contract [Member]
Future policy benefits:
Future Policy Benefits, Interest Rate Assumptions	6.00%
Maximum | Interest Sensitive Life [Member]
Future policy benefits:
Future Policy Benefits, Interest Rate Assumptions	5.50%	5.50%	5.50%

Investment Operations Available

Investment Operations Available for Sale Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost		$ 7,015,269	$ 6,856,277
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax		709,717	305,709
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax		22,358	128,941
Fair Value		7,702,628	7,033,045
Non-credit losses on other-than-temporary impairments (1)	[1]	2,499	3,966
Corporate
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost		3,376,432	3,231,846
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax		418,049	138,972
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax		15,531	90,933
Fair Value		3,778,950	3,279,885
Non-credit losses on other-than-temporary impairments (1)		0	0
Residential mortgage-backed
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost		626,663	584,133
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax		47,654	29,969
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax		1,929	7,242
Fair Value		672,388	606,860
Non-credit losses on other-than-temporary impairments (1)	[1]	1,997	2,823
Commercial mortgage-backed
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost		969,453	873,672
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax		77,433	24,284
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax		1,413	19,390
Fair Value		1,045,473	878,566
Non-credit losses on other-than-temporary impairments (1)		0	0
Other asset-backed
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost		697,390	697,332
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax		19,745	15,567
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax		2,614	5,329
Fair Value		714,521	707,570
Non-credit losses on other-than-temporary impairments (1)	[1]	502	1,143
United States Government and agencies
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost		12,417	19,673
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax		1,711	996
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax		5	134
Fair Value		14,123	20,535
Non-credit losses on other-than-temporary impairments (1)		0	0
States and political subdivisions
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost		1,332,914	1,449,621
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax		145,125	95,921
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax		866	5,913
Fair Value		1,477,173	1,539,629
Non-credit losses on other-than-temporary impairments (1)		$ 0	$ 0
[1]	Non-credit losses subsequent to the initial impairment measurement date on OTTI losses are included in the gross unrealized gains and gross unrealized losses columns above. The non-credit loss component of OTTI losses for residential mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 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	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, within One Year, Amortized Cost	$ 66,353
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after One Through Five Years, Amortized Cost	546,639
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after Five Through Ten Years, Amortized Cost	731,902
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, Maturity, after 10 Years, Amortized Cost	3,376,869
Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities with Maturity Date, Amortized Cost	4,721,763
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, without Single Maturity Date, Amortized Cost	2,293,506
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis	7,015,269	$ 6,856,277
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Fair Value, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, within One Year, Fair Value	67,542
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after One Through Five Years, Fair Value	575,142
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after Five Through Ten Years, Fair Value	805,484
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after 10 Years, Fair Value	3,822,078
Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities with Maturity Date, Fair Value	5,270,246
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, without Single Maturity Date, Fair Value	2,432,382
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	$ 7,702,628	$ 7,033,045

Investment Operations Net Unrea

Investment Operations Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Net Unrealized Gains Losses [Line Items]
Assumed changes in amortization of DAC	$ 200,227	$ 46,732
Impact of net unrealized investment gains and losses	12,498	6,878	$ 14,870
Assumed changes in amortization patter of URR	18,025	5,134
Assumed changes in policyholder liability	(30,642)	(1,642)
Provision for deferred income taxes	97,023	26,596
Accumulated net unrealized investment gain (loss)
Net Unrealized Gains Losses [Line Items]
Net Unrealized gains losses on investments in Accumulated other comprehensive Income	364,994	100,054
Debt Securities
Net Unrealized Gains Losses [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain (Loss), before Tax	$ 687,359	$ 176,768

Investment Operations Change in

Investment Operations Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments in AOCI (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments	$ 510,591	$ (357,950)	$ 192,580
Debt Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments	510,591	(357,950)	187,639
Equity Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments	$ 0	$ 0	$ 4,941

Investment Operations Fixed Mat

Investment Operations Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities with Unrealized Losses by Length of Time (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)issuerssecurities	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)issuerssecurities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions | securities	189	709
Available For Sale Securities In Unrealized Loss Positions Qualitative Disclosure Number Of Issuers | issuers	145	465
Debt Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	$ 361,629	$ 1,923,500
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	(6,075)	(82,010)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	205,139	603,763
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	(16,283)	(46,931)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	566,768	2,527,263
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	$ (22,358)	$ (128,941)
Percent of Total	100.00%	100.00%
Corporate
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	$ 114,520	$ 1,035,176
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	(2,476)	(60,299)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	84,719	207,381
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	(13,055)	(30,634)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	199,239	1,242,557
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	$ (15,531)	$ (90,933)
Percent of Total	69.50%	70.50%
Residential mortgage-backed
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	$ 68,743	$ 191,365
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	(1,435)	(4,482)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	6,941	74,113
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	(494)	(2,760)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	75,684	265,478
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	$ (1,929)	$ (7,242)
Percent of Total	8.60%	5.60%
Commercial mortgage-backed
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	$ 46,537	$ 302,159
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	(1,266)	(9,947)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	2,610	148,855
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	(147)	(9,443)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	49,147	451,014
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	$ (1,413)	$ (19,390)
Percent of Total	6.30%	15.00%
Other asset-backed
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	$ 112,462	$ 250,119
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	(519)	(3,397)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	102,439	149,997
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	(2,095)	(1,932)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	214,901	400,116
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	$ (2,614)	$ (5,329)
Percent of Total	11.70%	4.10%
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	$ 0	$ 0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	2,494	6,474
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	(5)	(134)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	2,494	6,474
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	$ (5)	$ (134)
Percent of Total	0.00%	0.10%
States and political subdivisions
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	$ 19,367	$ 144,681
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	(379)	(3,885)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	5,936	16,943
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	(487)	(2,028)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	25,303	161,624
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	$ (866)	$ (5,913)
Percent of Total	3.90%	4.70%

Investment Operations Mortgage

Investment Operations Mortgage Loans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$ 1,011,678	$ 1,039,829
Percent of Total	100.00%	100.00%
Year of origination 2019
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$ 69,319
Percent of Total	6.80%
Year of origination 2018
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$ 128,334	$ 137,519
Percent of Total	12.70%	13.20%
Year of origination 2017
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$ 200,283	$ 207,540
Percent of Total	19.80%	20.00%
Year of origination 2016
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$ 144,311	$ 149,437
Percent of Total	14.30%	14.40%
Year of origination 2015
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$ 119,724	$ 128,877
Percent of Total	11.80%	12.40%
Year of origination prior
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$ 349,707	$ 416,456
Percent of Total	34.60%	40.00%
0% - 50%
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$ 412,973	$ 409,089
Percent of Total	40.80%	39.30%
51% - 60%
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$ 310,869	$ 314,038
Percent of Total	30.70%	30.20%
61% - 70%
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$ 256,280	$ 264,973
Percent of Total	25.40%	25.50%
71% - 80%
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$ 31,556	$ 37,418
Percent of Total	3.10%	3.60%
81% - 90%
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$ 0	$ 14,311
Percent of Total	0.00%	1.40%
South Atlantic
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$ 288,299	$ 301,206
Percent of Total	28.50%	29.00%
Pacific
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$ 164,996	$ 162,824
Percent of Total	16.30%	15.70%
East North Central
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$ 117,053	$ 117,768
Percent of Total	11.60%	11.30%
West North Central
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$ 108,942	$ 126,320
Percent of Total	10.80%	12.10%
Mountain
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$ 96,857	$ 101,335
Percent of Total	9.60%	9.70%
East South Central
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$ 81,275	$ 76,098
Percent of Total	8.00%	7.30%
West South Central
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$ 76,650	$ 85,919
Percent of Total	7.60%	8.30%
Middle Atlantic
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$ 45,687	$ 34,843
Percent of Total	4.50%	3.40%
New England
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$ 31,919	$ 33,516
Percent of Total	3.10%	3.20%
Office
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$ 417,746	$ 454,694
Percent of Total	41.30%	43.70%
Retail
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$ 345,870	$ 332,579
Percent of Total	34.20%	32.00%
Industrial
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$ 235,274	$ 234,453
Percent of Total	23.20%	22.60%
Other
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$ 12,788	$ 18,103
Percent of Total	1.30%	1.70%

Investment Operations Impaired

Investment Operations Impaired Mortgage Loans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired mortgage loans, Unpaid Principal Balance	$ 4,632	$ 18,622
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss	329	3,107	$ 497
Impaired mortgage loans, Related Allowance	$ 4,303	$ 15,515

Investment Operations Allowance

Investment Operations Allowance on Mortgage Loans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Roll Forward]
Allowance on mortgage loans	$ 3,107	$ 497
Provision for Loan, Lease, and Other Losses	0	2,778
Charge offs	2,778	168
Allowance on mortgage loans	$ 329	$ 3,107

Investment Operations Component

Investment Operations Components of Net Investment Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Gross Investment Income, Operating									$ 432,530	$ 403,065	$ 422,666
Derivative income (loss)									25,282	(10,405)	7,687
Prepayment fee income and other									7,332	9,208	12,470
Less investment expenses									(7,532)	(8,447)	(7,467)
Net investment income	$ 108,986	$ 101,478	$ 104,894	$ 109,640	$ 83,865	$ 105,757	$ 103,974	$ 101,022	424,998	394,618	415,199
Fixed maturities - available for sale
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Gross Investment Income, Operating									334,557	340,498	344,302
Equity securities
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Gross Investment Income, Operating									8,718	8,488	6,502
Mortgage loans
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Gross Investment Income, Operating									46,182	45,294	42,185
Policy loans
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Gross Investment Income, Operating									9,416	9,210	9,014
Short-term investments, cash and cash equivalents
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Gross Investment Income, Operating									$ 1,043	$ 772	$ 506

Investment Operations Realized

Investment Operations Realized gains losses on investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017
Gain (Loss) on Securities [Line Items]
Other		$ (4)	$ (19)		$ 40
Gain (Loss) on sale of Investments, Excluding Other than Temporary Impairments		2,830	1,813		599
Gain (Loss) on Investments, Excluding Other than Temporary Impairments		8,523	(7,276)		599
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net		(919)	(4,998)		(1,553)
Net realized gains (losses) on investments recorded in income		7,604	(12,274)		(954)
Proceeds from Sale of Debt Securities, Available-for-sale		34,600	82,900		58,700
Credit-related portion of fixed maturity losses (2)
Gain (Loss) on Securities [Line Items]
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net		0	(32)	[1]	0
Other credit-related (3)
Gain (Loss) on Securities [Line Items]
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net	[2]	(919)	(4,966)		(1,553)
Categories of Investments, Cost-method Investments
Gain (Loss) on Securities [Line Items]
Mortgage loans		2,778	0		0
Real estate		54	0		304
Debt Securities | Categories of Investments, Marketable Securities, Available-for-sale Securities
Gain (Loss) on Securities [Line Items]
Gross gains		3,779	2,195		1,426
Gross losses		(3,777)	(363)		(1,081)
Equity Securities | Categories of Investments, Marketable Securities, Available-for-sale Securities
Gain (Loss) on Securities [Line Items]
Equity securities		27	(952)		$ (90)
Gain (Loss) on Investments, Excluding Other than Temporary Impairments	[3]	5,666	(8,137)
Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 | Equity Securities | Categories of Investments, Marketable Securities, Available-for-sale Securities
Gain (Loss) on Securities [Line Items]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Change on Operating Results		$ 5,693	$ (9,089)
[1]	Amount represents the credit-related losses recognized for fixed maturities that were impaired through income but not written down to fair value. As discussed above, the non-credit portion of the losses have been recognized in other comprehensive income (loss).
[2]	Amount represents credit-related losses for fixed maturities, mortgage loans, and other investments written down to fair value through income.
[3]	See Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements for discussion of change in accounting policy for equity securities during 2018.

Investment Operations Credit lo

Investment Operations Credit loss component of other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ (5,963)	$ (12,392)
Increases to previously impaired investments	0	32
Reductions due to investments sold	1,147	3,932
Reduction for credit loss that no longer has a portion of the OTTI loss recognized in other comprehensive income	0	2,529
Balance at end of period	$ (4,816)	$ (5,963)

Investment Operations Variable

Investment Operations Variable interest entities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets	$ 106,352	$ 103,701
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	162,978	151,341
LIHTC investments
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets	42,907	54,037
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	43,834	55,597
Investment companies
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets	53,388	40,236
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	103,125	79,578
Real estate limited partnerships
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets	9,565	8,945
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	15,527	15,673
Other
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets	492	483
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	$ 492	$ 493

Investment Operations Derivativ

Investment Operations Derivative instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Assets	$ 34,181	$ 5,757
Derivative Liability	(76,600)	(40,808)
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	2,232	(7,162)	$ 8,007
Fair Value Disclosure, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Amount, Asset	25,600
Net exposure to credit losses on derivatives	7,000
Equity Option | Investment Income
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	22,497	(7,749)	9,372
Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments - MODCO | Investment Income
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	2,695	(2,480)	(1,440)
Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments - Interest only Security | Investment Income
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	90	(176)	(246)
Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments | Interest sensitive product charges
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	(23,050)	3,243	$ 321
Call options (reported in other investments) | Equity Option
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Assets	31,469	4,745
Modified coinsurance (reported in reinsurance recoverable) | Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Assumed	2,327	157
Interest-only security (reported in fixed maturities) | Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Assets	385	855
Indexed products (reported in liability for future policy benefits) | Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Liability	(76,346)	(40,028)
Modified coinsurance (reported in other liabilities) | Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Liability	$ (254)	$ (780)

Investment Operations Other (De

Investment Operations Other (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Deposit Assets	$ 8,452
Investment, Non-Income Producing Flag	3
Collateral Pledged
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Restricted	$ 535.7

Fair Value Valuation of our Fin

Fair Value Valuation of our Financial Instruments Measured on a Recurring Basis by Hierarchy Levels (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other investments		$ 34,181	$ 5,757
Assets held in separate accounts		645,881	561,281
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities		7,702,628	7,033,045
Other investments		31,469	4,745
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments		29,142	34,748
Reinsurance recoverable		2,327	157
Assets held in separate accounts		645,881	561,281
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure		8,503,274	7,723,532
Future policy benefits - indexed product embedded derivatives		76,346	40,028
Other liabilities		254	780
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure		76,600	40,808
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities		4,821	7,917
Other investments		0	0
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments		29,142	34,748
Reinsurance recoverable		0	0
Assets held in separate accounts		645,881	561,281
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure		696,871	609,207
Future policy benefits - indexed product embedded derivatives		0	0
Other liabilities		0	0
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure		0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities		7,668,684	6,931,576
Other investments		31,469	4,745
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments		0	0
Reinsurance recoverable		2,327	157
Assets held in separate accounts		0	0
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure		7,770,353	7,013,911
Future policy benefits - indexed product embedded derivatives		0	0
Other liabilities		254	780
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure		254	780
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities		29,123	93,552
Other investments		0	0
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments		0	0
Reinsurance recoverable		0	0
Assets held in separate accounts		0	0
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure		36,050	100,414
Other liabilities		0	0
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure		76,346	40,028
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities		36,050	100,414
Corporate
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities		3,778,950	3,279,885
Corporate | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities		3,778,950	3,279,885
Corporate | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities		0	0
Corporate | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities		3,772,362	3,257,874
Corporate | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities		6,588	22,011
Corporate | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities		6,588	22,011
Residential mortgage-backed
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities		672,388	606,860
Residential mortgage-backed | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage-backed Securities Available-for-sale, Fair Value Disclosure		672,388	606,860
Residential mortgage-backed | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage-backed Securities Available-for-sale, Fair Value Disclosure		0	0
Residential mortgage-backed | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage-backed Securities Available-for-sale, Fair Value Disclosure		672,388	606,860
Residential mortgage-backed | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage-backed Securities Available-for-sale, Fair Value Disclosure		0	0
Commercial mortgage-backed
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities		1,045,473	878,566
Commercial mortgage-backed | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage-backed Securities Available-for-sale, Fair Value Disclosure		1,045,473	878,566
Commercial mortgage-backed | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage-backed Securities Available-for-sale, Fair Value Disclosure		0	0
Commercial mortgage-backed | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage-backed Securities Available-for-sale, Fair Value Disclosure		1,032,693	810,626
Commercial mortgage-backed | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage-backed Securities Available-for-sale, Fair Value Disclosure		12,780	67,940
Commercial mortgage-backed | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities		12,780	67,940
Other asset-backed
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities		714,521	707,570
Other asset-backed | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage-backed Securities Available-for-sale, Fair Value Disclosure		714,521	707,570
Other asset-backed | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage-backed Securities Available-for-sale, Fair Value Disclosure		0	0
Other asset-backed | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage-backed Securities Available-for-sale, Fair Value Disclosure		704,766	703,969
Other asset-backed | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage-backed Securities Available-for-sale, Fair Value Disclosure		9,755	3,601
Other asset-backed | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities		9,755	3,601
United States Government and agencies
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities		14,123	20,535
United States Government and agencies | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities		14,123	20,535
United States Government and agencies | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities		4,821	7,917
United States Government and agencies | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities		9,302	12,618
United States Government and agencies | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities		0	0
States and political subdivisions
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities		1,477,173	1,539,629
States and political subdivisions | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities		1,477,173	1,539,629
States and political subdivisions | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities		0	0
States and political subdivisions | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities		1,477,173	1,539,629
States and political subdivisions | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities		0	0
Non-redeemable preferred stocks | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities		74,800	84,295
Non-redeemable preferred stocks | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities		0	0
Non-redeemable preferred stocks | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities		67,873	77,433
Non-redeemable preferred stocks | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities		6,927	6,862
Non-redeemable preferred stocks | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities		6,927	6,862
Common stocks | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	[1]	17,027	5,261
Common stocks | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities		17,027	5,261
Common stocks | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities		0	0
Common stocks | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities		0	0
Private Equity Funds, US | Common stocks
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		1,700	6,800
Private Equity Funds, US | Common stocks | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Alternative Investment		$ 8,400	$ 3,300
[1]	A private equity fund with a fair value estimate of $8.4 million at December 31, 2019 and $3.3 million at December 31, 2018 using net asset value per share as a practical expedient, has not been classified in the fair value hierarchy above in accordance with fair value reporting guidance. This fund invests in senior secured middle market loans and had unfunded commitments totaling $1.7 million at December 31, 2019 and $6.8 million at December 31, 2018. The investment is not currently eligible for redemption.

Fair Value Level 3 Fixed Maturi

Fair Value Level 3 Fixed Maturity Securities on a recurring basis by valuation source (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Corporate
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	$ 3,778,950	$ 3,279,885
Percent of Total	69.50%	70.50%
Commercial mortgage-backed
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	$ 1,045,473	$ 878,566
Percent of Total	6.30%	15.00%
Other asset-backed
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	$ 714,521	$ 707,570
Percent of Total	11.70%	4.10%
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	$ 29,123	$ 93,552
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Corporate | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	6,588	22,011
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Non-redeemable preferred stocks | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	6,927	6,862
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	7,702,628	7,033,045
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	$ 36,050	$ 100,414
Percent of Total	100.00%	100.00%
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Corporate
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	$ 3,778,950	$ 3,279,885
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Corporate | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	6,588	22,011
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Commercial mortgage-backed | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	12,780	67,940
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Other asset-backed | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	9,755	3,601
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Non-redeemable preferred stocks
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	74,800	84,295
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Non-redeemable preferred stocks | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	6,927	6,862
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | Third-party vendors | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	$ 20,780	$ 69,880
Percent of Total	57.60%	69.60%
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | Third-party vendors | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Corporate | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	$ 0	$ 1,940
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | Third-party vendors | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Commercial mortgage-backed | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	12,780	67,940
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | Third-party vendors | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Other asset-backed | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	8,000	0
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | Third-party vendors | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Non-redeemable preferred stocks | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | Priced internally | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	$ 15,270	$ 30,534
Percent of Total	42.40%	30.40%
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | Priced internally | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Corporate | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	$ 6,588	$ 20,071
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | Priced internally | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Commercial mortgage-backed | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | Priced internally | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Other asset-backed | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	1,755	3,601
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | Priced internally | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Non-redeemable preferred stocks | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	$ 6,927	$ 6,862

Fair Value Quantitative Informa

Fair Value Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring - Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 36,050	$ 100,414
Corporate
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	6,588	19,178
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	12,780	55,866
Asset-backed Securities, Securitized Loans and Receivables
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	6,000
Non-redeemable preferred stocks
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	6,927	6,862
Asset fair value by technique
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	32,295	81,906
Index Product Embedded Derivatives
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Future policy benefits - indexed product embedded derivatives	$ 76,346	$ 40,028
Minimum | Measurement Input, Credit Spread | Valuation Technique, Discounted Cash Flow | Corporate
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Input range and weighted average	0.0211	0.0123
Minimum | Measurement Input, Credit Spread | Valuation Technique, Discounted Cash Flow | Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Input range and weighted average	.0118	0.0145
Minimum | Measurement Input, Credit Spread | Valuation Technique, Discounted Cash Flow | Asset-backed Securities, Securitized Loans and Receivables
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Input range and weighted average	.0215
Minimum | Measurement Input, Credit Spread | Valuation Technique, Discounted Cash Flow | Non-redeemable preferred stocks
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Input range and weighted average	.0272	0.0436
Minimum | Measurement Input, Entity Credit Risk | Valuation Technique, Discounted Cash Flow | Index Product Embedded Derivatives
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Input range and weighted average	.004	0.0055
Minimum | Measurement Input, Risk Margin | Valuation Technique, Discounted Cash Flow | Index Product Embedded Derivatives
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Input range and weighted average	0.0015	0.0015
Maximum | Measurement Input, Credit Spread | Valuation Technique, Discounted Cash Flow | Corporate
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Input range and weighted average	.0585	0.07
Maximum | Measurement Input, Credit Spread | Valuation Technique, Discounted Cash Flow | Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Input range and weighted average	.0222	0.0355
Maximum | Measurement Input, Credit Spread | Valuation Technique, Discounted Cash Flow | Asset-backed Securities, Securitized Loans and Receivables
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Input range and weighted average	.0230
Maximum | Measurement Input, Credit Spread | Valuation Technique, Discounted Cash Flow | Non-redeemable preferred stocks
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Input range and weighted average	.0272	0.0436
Maximum | Measurement Input, Entity Credit Risk | Valuation Technique, Discounted Cash Flow | Index Product Embedded Derivatives
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Input range and weighted average	.0135	0.018
Maximum | Measurement Input, Risk Margin | Valuation Technique, Discounted Cash Flow | Index Product Embedded Derivatives
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Input range and weighted average	0.004	0.004
Weighted Average | Measurement Input, Credit Spread | Valuation Technique, Discounted Cash Flow | Corporate
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Input range and weighted average	.0433	0.0401
Weighted Average | Measurement Input, Credit Spread | Valuation Technique, Discounted Cash Flow | Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Input range and weighted average	.0192	0.0258
Weighted Average | Measurement Input, Credit Spread | Valuation Technique, Discounted Cash Flow | Asset-backed Securities, Securitized Loans and Receivables
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Input range and weighted average	.0223
Weighted Average | Measurement Input, Credit Spread | Valuation Technique, Discounted Cash Flow | Non-redeemable preferred stocks
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Input range and weighted average	.0272	0.0436
Weighted Average | Measurement Input, Entity Credit Risk | Valuation Technique, Discounted Cash Flow | Index Product Embedded Derivatives
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Input range and weighted average	.008	.0125
Weighted Average | Measurement Input, Risk Margin | Valuation Technique, Discounted Cash Flow | Index Product Embedded Derivatives
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Input range and weighted average	0.0025	0.0025

Fair Value Level 3 Financial In

Fair Value Level 3 Financial Instruments changes in Fair Value recurring basis (Details) - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring - Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2019		Dec. 31, 2018
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Asset Balance at beginning of period		$ 100,414		$ 189,312
Asset Purchases		60,628		92,681
Asset Sales		(4,697)		(13,568)
Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings		0		(545)
Gain/Loss in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		217		(4,585)
Asset Transfers Into Level 3	[1]	3,643		7,082
Asset, Transfers out of Level 3	[1]	(124,127)		(170,182)
Asset, Amortization		(28)		219
Asset Balance at end of period		36,050		100,414
Corporate
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Asset Balance at beginning of period		22,011		33,600
Asset Purchases		6,000		0
Asset Sales		(3,344)		(9,432)
Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings		0		0
Gain/Loss in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		443		974
Asset Transfers Into Level 3	[1]	3,643		7,082
Asset, Transfers out of Level 3	[1]	(22,137)		(8,530)
Asset, Amortization		(28)		265
Asset Balance at end of period		6,588		22,011
Residential mortgage-backed
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Asset Balance at beginning of period		0		9,124
Asset Purchases		18,378		27,818
Asset Sales		0		0
Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings		0		0
Gain/Loss in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		0		0
Asset Transfers Into Level 3		0	[1]	0
Asset, Transfers out of Level 3	[1]	(18,378)		(36,942)
Asset, Amortization		0		0
Asset Balance at end of period		0		0
Commercial mortgage-backed
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Asset Balance at beginning of period		67,940		85,701
Asset Purchases		7,540		36,008
Asset Sales		(376)		(1,337)
Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings		0		0
Gain/Loss in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		578		3,599
Asset Transfers Into Level 3		0		0
Asset, Transfers out of Level 3	[1]	(62,902)		(48,787)
Asset, Amortization		0		(46)
Asset Balance at end of period		12,780		67,940
Other asset-backed
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Asset Balance at beginning of period		3,601		53,480
Asset Purchases		28,710		28,855
Asset Sales		(977)		(2,799)
Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings		0		0
Gain/Loss in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		(869)		12
Asset Transfers Into Level 3		0		0
Asset, Transfers out of Level 3	[1]	(20,710)		(75,923)
Asset, Amortization		0		0
Asset Balance at end of period		9,755		3,601
Non-redeemable preferred stocks
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Asset Balance at beginning of period		6,862		7,407
Asset Purchases		0		0
Asset Sales		0		0
Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings		0		(545)
Gain/Loss in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		65		0
Asset Transfers Into Level 3		0		0
Asset, Transfers out of Level 3		0		0
Asset, Amortization		0		0
Asset Balance at end of period		6,927		6,862
Index Product Embedded Derivatives
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Liability Value beginning of period		40,028		27,774
Liability, Purchases		15,325		11,514
Liability, Settlements		(7,014)		(4,447)
Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings		28,007		(5,187)
Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		0		0
Liability, Transfers Into Level 3	[1]	0		0
Liability, Transfers out of Level 3	[1]	0		0
Liability Value end of period		$ 76,346		$ 40,028
[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.

Fair Value Valuation of Financi

Fair Value Valuation of Financial Instruments Not Reported at Fair Value by Hierarchy Level (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage loans	$ 1,011,678	$ 1,039,829
Policy loans	201,589	197,366
Other investments	34,181	5,757
Supplementary contracts without life contingencies	296,915	303,627
Liabilities related to separate accounts	645,881	561,281
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other investments	0	0
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	696,871	609,207
Future policy benefits	0	0
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other investments	31,469	4,745
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	7,770,353	7,013,911
Future policy benefits	0	0
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	254	780
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other investments	0	0
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	36,050	100,414
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	76,346	40,028
Portion at Other than Fair Value Measurement | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage loans	1,059,073	1,045,497
Policy loans	256,787	237,496
Other investments	31,749	30,087
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	1,347,609	1,313,080
Future policy benefits	4,381,863	3,981,947
Supplementary contracts without life contingencies	309,601	298,869
Advance premiums and other deposits	245,480	252,318
Long-term debt	84,438	65,999
Liabilities related to separate accounts	644,691	559,799
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	5,666,073	5,158,932
Portion at Other than Fair Value Measurement | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage loans	0	0
Policy loans	0	0
Other investments	0	0
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Future policy benefits	0	0
Supplementary contracts without life contingencies	0	0
Advance premiums and other deposits	0	0
Long-term debt	0	0
Liabilities related to separate accounts	0	0
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Portion at Other than Fair Value Measurement | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage loans	0	0
Policy loans	0	0
Other investments	29,534	0
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	29,534	0
Future policy benefits	0	0
Supplementary contracts without life contingencies	0	0
Advance premiums and other deposits	0	0
Long-term debt	0	0
Liabilities related to separate accounts	0	0
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Portion at Other than Fair Value Measurement | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage loans	1,059,073	1,045,497
Policy loans	256,787	237,496
Other investments	2,215	30,087
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	1,318,075	1,313,080
Future policy benefits	4,381,863	3,981,947
Supplementary contracts without life contingencies	309,601	298,869
Advance premiums and other deposits	245,480	252,318
Long-term debt	84,438	65,999
Liabilities related to separate accounts	644,691	559,799
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	5,666,073	5,158,932
Reported Value Measurement
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage loans	1,011,678	1,039,829
Policy loans	201,589	197,366
Other investments	31,211	29,020
Assets not measured at fair value	1,244,478	1,266,215
Future policy benefits	4,270,073	4,217,904
Supplementary contracts without life contingencies	296,915	303,627
Advance premiums and other deposits	245,480	252,318
Long-term debt	97,000	97,000
Liabilities related to separate accounts		561,281
Liabilities not measured at fair value	$ 5,555,349	$ 5,432,130

Fair Value Level 3 Financial _2

Fair Value Level 3 Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Non-recurring Basis (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Provision for Loan, Lease, and Other Losses	$ 0	$ 2,778
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring | Portion at Other than Fair Value Measurement
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Adjustment	11,100
Provision for Loan, Lease, and Other Losses	$ 2,800

Reinsurance and Policy Provis_3

Reinsurance and Policy Provisions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance [Line Items]
Reinsurance retention limit	$ 1,000
Ceded Premiums Earned	31,363	$ 32,450	$ 32,922
Reinsurance Effect on Claims and Benefits Incurred, Amount Ceded	20,759	21,358	24,159
Ceded reinsurance allowances for expenses and commissions	2,899	4,231	4,548
Assumed Premiums Earned	2,546	2,508	2,637
Policyholder Benefits and Claims Incurred, Assumed	7,437	2,752	6,356
Assumed reinsurance allowances for expenses and commissions	1,340	1,410	1,543
Ceded Premiums, Life Insurance in Force	13,770,695	14,029,567	14,086,576
Assumed Premiums, Life Insurance in Force	$ 430,583	$ 455,176	$ 487,284
Reinsurance effect on in force ceded, percentage	21.00%	21.80%
Contracts in Force Subject to Participation Through Reinsurance, Percentage	0.70%	0.70%
100% Quota Share Accidental Death
SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance [Line Items]
Reinsurance retention limit	$ 17,000
Maximum | Company sponsored agent trip | 100% Quota Share Accidental Death
SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss	50,000
Maximum | Home office | 100% Quota Share Accidental Death
SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss	$ 200,000

Reinsurance and Policy Provis_4

Reinsurance and Policy Provisions Value of insurance in force acquired (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Movement in in Present Value of Future Insurance Profits [Roll Forward]
Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Pre FAS 115	$ 17,263	$ 19,430	$ 21,608
Amortization per fixed schedule	(2,141)	(2,167)	(2,178)
Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Pre FAS 115	15,122	17,263	19,430
Impact of net unrealized investment gains and losses	(12,498)	(6,878)	(14,870)
Value of insurance in force acquired	2,624	$ 10,385	$ 4,560
Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Amortization Expense, Year One	2,200
Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Amortization Expense, Year Two	2,000
Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Amortization Expense, Year Three	2,000
Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Amortization Expense, Year Four	2,000
Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Amortization Expense, Year Five	$ 1,000

Reinsurance and Policy Provis_5

Reinsurance and Policy Provisions GMDB, IDB, GMIB (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee, Net Amount at Risk	$ 72,710	$ 83,340
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee, General Account Value	8,300	7,700
Net amount at risk by product and guarantee, benefits paid	$ 200	$ 200	$ 800
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee, Weighted Average Attained Age	68 years	58 years
GMDB return of net deposits
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee, Separate Account Value	$ 166,055	$ 147,567
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee, Net Amount at Risk	362	430
Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee, Separate Account Value	287,518	252,361
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee, Net Amount at Risk	9,936	29,146
Incremental Death Benefit
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee, Separate Account Value	259,735	228,863
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee, Net Amount at Risk	62,411	53,727
Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee, Separate Account Value	25,137	24,357
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee, Net Amount at Risk	$ 1	$ 37

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit)	$ 16,557	$ 20,429	$ 34,301
Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	6,876	(4,953)	(73,094)
Affordable Housing Tax Credits and Other Tax Benefits, Amount	(3,504)	(3,826)	(1,190)
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	19,929	11,650	(39,983)
Tax impact of Income from Equity Method Investments	919	1,179	1,394
Income Tax Effects Allocated Directly to Equity [Abstract]
Change in net unrealized investment gains/losses - deferred, Tax	70,048	(50,025)	43,448
Total tax from all sources provided in our financial statements	$ 90,896	$ (37,196)	$ 4,859

Income Taxes Effective tax rate

Income Taxes Effective tax rate reconciliation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Reclassification related to the Tax Act				$ 0
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest		$ 142,781	$ 101,033	144,760
Income Tax Reconciliation, Income Tax Expense (Benefit), at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate		29,984	21,217	50,666
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Exempt Income		(3,949)	(3,762)	(3,384)
Affordable Housing Tax Credits and Other Tax Benefits, Amount		(3,504)	(3,826)	(1,190)
Initial impact on deferred tax liabilities from the Tax Act		0	0	(84,806)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Adjustment to Tax-Basis Policy Reserves, Amount		(2,460)	0	0
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments		(142)	(1,979)	(1,269)
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)		$ 19,929	$ 11,650	(39,983)
AOCI Attributable to Parent
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Reclassification related to the Tax Act	[1]			$ 48,226
[1]	Reclassification of the initial impact of the remeasurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities upon enactment of the Tax Act. See discussion of this accounting change as discussed in Note 1.

Income Taxes Components of defe

Income Taxes Components of deferred tax assets and liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross [Abstract]
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Policyholder Liabilities	$ 33,719	$ 25,137
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits	3,736	3,854
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards	2,698	2,870
Deferred Tax Assets, Derivative Instruments	0	617
Deferred Tax Assets, Other	1,060	1,938
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross	41,213	34,416
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross [Abstract]
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other Comprehensive Income	151,212	42,961
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Deferred Expense, Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost	26,813	55,810
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Value of Insurance in Force Acquired	551	2,181
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment	7,961	7,021
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Derivatives	4,386	0
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other	2,663	1,892
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross	193,586	109,865
Deferred income taxes	152,373	$ 75,449
Uncertain Tax Positions, Reserves	600
Operating Loss Carryforwards	$ 11,900

Credit Arrangements (Details)

Credit Arrangements (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt payable to non-affiliates	$ 97,000	$ 97,000
Trust Preferred Securities Subject to Mandatory Redemption
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference Per Share	$ 1,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	97,000
Senior Notes, unaffiliated
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt payable to non-affiliates	$ 97,000
5% Subordinated Deferrable Interest Notes, due June 30, 2047
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt payable to non-affiliates	100,000
Trust Preferred Securities Subject to Mandatory Redemption
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt payable to non-affiliates	97,000
Capital trust equity
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt payable to non-affiliates	$ 3,000

Stockholders' Equity Dividends

Stockholders' Equity Dividends table (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Cash dividends per common share	$ 3.42	$ 3.34	$ 3.26
Cash dividends per preferred share	$ 0.03	$ 0.03	$ 0.03
Payment Of Special Cash Dividend	$ 37	$ 37.3	$ 37.4
Regular quarterly cash dividend
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Cash dividends per common share	$ 1.92	$ 1.84	$ 1.76
Special cash dividend
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Cash dividends per common share	$ 1.50	$ 1.50	$ 1.50

Stockholders' Equity Recon of O

Stockholders' Equity Recon of Outstanding Common Stock table & Text (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares of common stock repurchased		(66,475)	(232,837)	(3,511)
Purchase of common stock		$ (4,577)	$ (15,907)	$ (246)
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount		$ 36,300
Common stock, shares outstanding		24,664,215	24,718,815	24,930,526	24,893,955
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Stock-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures		11,875	21,126	40,082
Stock-based compensation		$ 419	$ 499	$ 708
Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference Per Share		$ 0.60
Preferred Stock, Redemption Price Per Share		$ 0.60
Parent Company
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Sale of Stock, Percentage of Ownership after Transaction		71.50%
Common Class A
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares of common stock repurchased		(66,475)	(232,837)	(3,511)
Common stock, shares outstanding		24,652,802	24,707,402	24,919,113	24,882,542
Common stock, without par value		$ 152,661	$ 152,652
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Stock-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures		11,875	21,126	40,082
Board of directors members		four to ten
Common Class B
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares of common stock repurchased		0	0	0
Common stock, shares outstanding	[1]	11,413	11,413	11,413	11,413
Common stock, without par value		$ 72	$ 72
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Stock-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures		0	0	0
Board of directors members		five to seven
Common stocks
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Purchase of common stock		$ (410)	$ (1,436)	$ (22)
Common stock, without par value		152,733	152,724	153,661	$ 152,975
Stock-based compensation		419	499	708
Common stocks | Common Class A
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Purchase of common stock		(410)	(1,436)	(22)
Common stock, without par value		152,661	152,652	153,589	152,903
Stock-based compensation		419	499	708
Common stocks | Common Class B
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Purchase of common stock		0	0	0
Common stock, without par value	[1]	72	72	72	$ 72
Stock-based compensation		$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
[1]	There is no established market for our Class B common stock, although it is convertible upon demand of the holder into Class A common stock on a share-for-share basis.

Stockholders' Equity AOCI table

Stockholders' Equity AOCI table (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2019		Dec. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017		Dec. 31, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income		$ 354,764		$ 91,318
Reclassification related to the Tax Act						$ 0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Securities, Available-for-sale, Adjustment, before Reclassification Adjustments, Net of Tax		264,751		(188,504)		88,670
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent		389,655		(94,392)		274,507
Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income	[1]	363,020		96,921		295,169		$ 156,963
Reclassification related to the Tax Act	[1],[2]					49,657
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Securities, Available-for-sale, Adjustment, before Reclassification Adjustments, Net of Tax	[1]	265,910		(191,158)		88,534
Accumulated Other-than-Temporary Impairment
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income		1,974		3,133		537		311
Reclassification related to the Tax Act	[2]					90
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Securities, Available-for-sale, Adjustment, before Reclassification Adjustments, Net of Tax		(1,159)		2,654		136
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income	[3]	(10,230)		(8,736)		(10,723)		(7,719)
Reclassification related to the Tax Act	[2],[3]					(1,521)
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Reclassification Adjustment, Net of Tax	[3]	0		0		0
AOCI Attributable to Parent
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income		354,764		91,318		284,983		$ 149,555
Reclassification related to the Tax Act	[2]					48,226
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent		(1,305)		319		(1,468)
reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent		(1,305)		319		1,468
reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income | Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, Net of Tax	[1]	189		(1,610)		15
reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income | Accumulated Other-than-Temporary Impairment
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Write-down of Securities, Net of Tax		0	[1]	(58)	[1]	0	[4]
reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income | Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Gain (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Net of Tax	[5]	$ (1,494)		1,987		$ (1,483)
Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 | Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Cumulative Effect of Change on Equity or Net Assets	[1],[6]			(5,480)
Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 | AOCI Attributable to Parent
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Cumulative Effect of Change on Equity or Net Assets	[6]			$ (5,480)
[1]	See Note 2 for further information.
[2]	Reclassification of the initial impact of the remeasurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities upon enactment of the Tax Act. See discussion of this accounting change as discussed in Note 1.
[3]	For descriptions of the underfunded portion of our postretirement benefit plans, see Note 8 - Other Retirement Plans, and for certain other defined benefit plans, see Note 8 - Defined Benefit Pension Plans.
[4]	Unrealized net investment gains (losses) relate to available-for-sale securities and include the impact of taxes, deferred acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserves and policyholder liabilities. See Note 2 for further information.
[5]	For descriptions of the underfunded portion of our postretirement benefit plans, see Note 8 - Other Retirement Plans, and for certain other defined benefit plans, see Note 8 - Defined Benefit Plans.
[6]	See Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements for further discussion on this one-time adjustment related to an accounting change.

Stockholders' Equity AOCI Recla

Stockholders' Equity AOCI Reclassifications table (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2019		Dec. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Net realized capital gains on sales of investments		$ 8,523		$ (7,276)		$ 599
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net		(919)		(4,998)		(1,553)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent		(389,655)		94,392		(274,507)
reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Net realized capital gains on sales of investments		(2)		(1,832)		(255)
Change in offsets to unrealized on investments		(241)		205		274
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net				(74)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Gain (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, before Tax		1,892		(2,515)		(1,702)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI Attributable to Parent, before Tax		(1,653)		404		(1,683)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent		348		(85)		215
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent		1,305		(319)		(1,468)
reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income | Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss)
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Net realized capital gains on sales of investments		(2)	[1]	(1,832)	[1]	(255)	[2]
Change in offsets to unrealized on investments		(241)	[1]	206	[1]	274	[2]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Gain (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, before Tax		0		0		0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, before Tax	[1]	(239)		2,038		19
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, Tax	[1]	(50)		428		(4)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, Net of Tax	[1]	189		(1,610)		15
reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income | Accumulated Other-than-Temporary Impairment
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Net realized capital gains on sales of investments		0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[2]
Change in offsets to unrealized on investments	[1]	0		(1)		0
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net	[1]			(74)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Gain (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, before Tax		0		0		0
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Write-down of Securities, before Tax		0	[1]	(73)	[1]	0	[2]
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Write-down of Securities, Tax		0	[1]	15	[1]	0	[2]
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Write-down of Securities, Net of Tax		0	[1]	(58)	[1]	0	[2]
reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income | Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Net realized capital gains on sales of investments		0		0		0
Change in offsets to unrealized on investments		0		0		0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Gain (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, before Tax		1,892	[3]	(2,515)	[4]	1,702	[3]
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, before Tax	[3]	1,892		(2,515)		1,702
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Pension and Other Post Retirement Benefit Plans, Tax	[3]	398		(528)		219
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Gain (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Net of Tax	[3]	$ (1,494)		$ 1,987		$ (1,483)
[1]	See Note 2 for further information.
[2]	Unrealized net investment gains (losses) relate to available-for-sale securities and include the impact of taxes, deferred acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserves and policyholder liabilities. See Note 2 for further information.
[3]	For descriptions of the underfunded portion of our postretirement benefit plans, see Note 8 - Other Retirement Plans, and for certain other defined benefit plans, see Note 8 - Defined Benefit Plans.
[4]	For descriptions of the underfunded portion of our postretirement benefit plans, see Note 8 - Other Retirement Plans, and for certain other defined benefit plans, see Note 8 - Defined Benefit Pension Plans.

Retirement and Compensation P_4

Retirement and Compensation Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]
Entity Tax Identification Number	42-1411715
Multiemployer Plan Number	001
Multiemployer Plan, Contributions by Employer	$ 15,000	$ 30,000	$ 45,000

Retirement and Compensation P_5

Retirement and Compensation Plans Funding Status and Net Periodic Pension Costs (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets beginning of period	$ 315,457,000
Fair Value of Plan Assets, End of period	361,336,000	$ 315,457,000
Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]
Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Projected Benefit Obligation	319,931,000	375,999,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost	4,549,000	5,973,000	$ 5,552,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost	13,273,000	13,642,000	14,124,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Actuarial Gain (Loss)	(51,338,000)	20,594,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Benefits Paid	7,971,000	4,001,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, (Increase) Decrease for Settlement	0	56,256,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Special and Contractual Termination Benefits	0	5,168,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Projected Benefit Obligation	381,120,000	319,931,000	375,999,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets beginning of period	316,008,000	345,396,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Increase (Decrease) for Actual Return (Loss)	39,827,000	869,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Employer	15,000,000	30,000,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Benefits Paid	7,971,000	4,001,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Payment for Settlement	0	56,256,000
Fair Value of Plan Assets, End of period	362,864,000	316,008,000	345,396,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Funded (Unfunded) Status of Plan	(18,256,000)	(3,923,000)
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation	343,029,000	287,052,000
Other Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]
Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Projected Benefit Obligation	25,363,000	26,914,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost	467,000	539,000	436,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost	992,000	958,000	1,003,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Actuarial Gain (Loss)	(2,930,000)	1,170,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Benefits Paid	1,829,000	1,878,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, (Increase) Decrease for Settlement	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Projected Benefit Obligation	27,923,000	25,363,000	26,914,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets beginning of period	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Increase (Decrease) for Actual Return (Loss)	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Employer	1,829,000	1,878,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Benefits Paid	1,829,000	1,878,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Payment for Settlement	0	0
Fair Value of Plan Assets, End of period	0	0	$ 0
Defined Benefit Plan, Funded (Unfunded) Status of Plan	(27,923,000)	(25,363,000)
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation	$ 25,471,000	$ 22,753,000

Retirement and Compensation P_6

Retirement and Compensation Plans Net periodic pension costs incurred by the plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost	$ 4,549	$ 5,973	$ 5,552
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost	13,273	13,642	14,124
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return (Loss) on Plan Assets	(18,827)	(22,247)	(19,184)
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit)	0	46	131
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gain (Loss)	8,913	12,507	10,121
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Gain (Loss) Due to Settlement	0	(17,406)	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Special and Contractual Termination Benefits	0	5,168
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit)	7,908	32,495	10,744
Net periodic pension cost individual entity share	2,533	9,956	3,404
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Amortization of Gain (Loss), Next Fiscal Year	11,200
Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year	15,000
Multiemployer Plans, Minimum Contribution	4,800
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Next Twelve Months	16,500
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Two	18,700
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Three	19,100
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Four	20,900
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Five	20,700
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Five Fiscal Years Thereafter	121,200
Other Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost	467	539	436
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost	992	958	1,003
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return (Loss) on Plan Assets	0	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit)	0	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gain (Loss)	1,066	1,353	1,172
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Gain (Loss) Due to Settlement	0	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit)	2,525	2,850	2,611
Net periodic pension cost individual entity share	1,449	$ 1,671	$ 1,551
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Amortization of Gain (Loss), Next Fiscal Year	1,300
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Next Twelve Months	3,600
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Two	4,300
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Three	3,400
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Four	4,100
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Five	3,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Five Fiscal Years Thereafter	$ 10,000

Retirement and Compensation P_7

Retirement and Compensation Plans FBL's share of prepaid or accrued pension costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Multiemployer unrecognized liability for underfunded status		$ 18,300	$ 3,900
Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Assets for Plan Benefits, Defined Benefit Plan		38,365	36,105
Liability, Defined Benefit Plan		0	(12)
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts for Asset (Liability) Recognized in Statement of Financial Position		38,365	36,093
Other Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Assets for Plan Benefits, Defined Benefit Plan		749	726
Liability, Defined Benefit Plan		(21,922)	(19,480)
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts for Asset (Liability) Recognized in Statement of Financial Position		(21,173)	(18,754)
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Gain (Loss), before Tax	[1]	12,990	11,126
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, before Tax	[1]	$ 12,990	$ 11,126
[1]	For our Multiemployer Plan, the underfunded portion of the pension benefit obligation is not required to be recognized as a liability in our consolidated balance sheets. The unrecognized liability for the underfunded status of our Multiemployer Plan totaled $18.3 million at December 31, 2019 and $3.9 million at December 31, 2018 .

Retirement and Compensation P_8

Retirement and Compensation Plans Weighted average assumptions (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate	3.37%	4.24%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Rate of Compensation Increase	3.27%	3.21%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate	4.24%	3.72%	4.29%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Rate of Return on Plan Assets	6.00%	6.50%	6.60%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Rate of Compensation Increase	3.21%	3.27%	3.31%
Fixed income funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Target Allocation, Percentage	47.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Actual Allocation, Percentage	49.00%
U.S. equity funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Target Allocation, Percentage	30.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Actual Allocation, Percentage	29.00%
Alternative investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Target Allocation, Percentage	8.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Actual Allocation, Percentage	5.00%
Liability Driven Investing Strategy
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Target Allocation, Percentage	15.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Actual Allocation, Percentage	17.00%

Retirement and Compensation P_9

Retirement and Compensation Plans Fair Values of plan assets by category and hierarchy (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2019		Dec. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		$ 361,336		$ 315,457
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		101,693		81,569
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		75,870		62,872
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		183,773		171,016		$ 201,750
U.S. equity funds
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	[1]	26,294		20,138
U.S. equity funds | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	[1]	26,294		20,138
U.S. equity funds | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	[1]	0		0
U.S. equity funds | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	[1]	0		0
International funds
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	[1]	44,730		35,854
International funds | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	[1]	44,730		35,854
International funds | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	[1]	0		0
International funds | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	[1]	0		0
Short-term fixed income funds
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	[1]	1,502		510
Short-term fixed income funds | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	[1]	0		0
Short-term fixed income funds | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	[1]	1,502		510
Short-term fixed income funds | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	[1]	0		0
Fixed income funds
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	[1]	13,538		12,117
Fixed income funds | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	[1]	0		0
Fixed income funds | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	[1]	13,538		12,117
Fixed income funds | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	[1]	0		0
U.S. equity funds
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	[1]	17,941		13,788
U.S. equity funds | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	[1]	0		0
U.S. equity funds | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	[1]	17,941		13,788
U.S. equity funds | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	[1]	0		0
Real estate fund
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	[1]	14,380		12,455
Real estate fund | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	[1]	0		0
Real estate fund | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	[1]	14,380		12,455
Real estate fund | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	[1]	0		0
Group annuity contract
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	[2]	157,248		148,106
Group annuity contract | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	[2]	0		0
Group annuity contract | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	[2]	0		0
Group annuity contract | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		157,248	[2]	148,106	[2]	181,403
Funded annuity contracts
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	[2]	10,378		10,500
Funded annuity contracts | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	[2]	0		0
Funded annuity contracts | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	[2]	0		0
Funded annuity contracts | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		10,378	[2]	10,500	[2]	10,776
Corporate
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	[3]	28,509		24,002
Corporate | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	[3]	0		0
Corporate | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	[3]	28,509		24,002
Corporate | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	[3]	0		0
US Government Agencies Debt Securities
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	[3]	30,648		25,039
US Government Agencies Debt Securities | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	[3]	30,648		25,039
US Government Agencies Debt Securities | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	[3]	0		0
US Government Agencies Debt Securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	[3]	0		0
Limited partnerships
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	[4]	16,147		12,410
Limited partnerships | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	[4]	0		0
Limited partnerships | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	[4]	0		0
Limited partnerships | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		16,147	[4]	12,410	[4]	$ 9,571
Limited partnerships | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	[4]	1,500		600
Defined Benefit Plan, Cash and Cash Equivalents
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	[5]	21		538
Defined Benefit Plan, Cash and Cash Equivalents | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	[5]	21		538
Defined Benefit Plan, Cash and Cash Equivalents | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	[5]	0		0
Defined Benefit Plan, Cash and Cash Equivalents | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	[5]	$ 0		$ 0
[1]	Represents mutual funds and pooled separate account investments with Principal Life Insurance Company.
[2]	Represents annuity contracts with Farm Bureau Life
[3]	Represents bonds to support the long duration fixed income investments.
[4]	Represents interests in several limited partnerships. A limited partnership with a fair value estimate of $1.5 million as of December 31, 2019 and $0.6 million as of December 31, 2018, using net asset value per share as a practical expedient, has not been classified in the fair value hierarchy above in accordance with fair value reporting guidance.
[5]	Represents approximate fair value of cash held.

Retirement and Compensation _10

Retirement and Compensation Plans Level 3 plan assets changes in fair value (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2019		Dec. 31, 2018
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets beginning of period		$ 315,457
Fair Value of Plan Assets, End of period		361,336		$ 315,457
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets beginning of period		171,016		201,750
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets Level 3 Reconciliation, Increase (Decrease) for Purchase, Sale, and Settlement		791		(20,460)
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets Level 3 Reconciliation, Increase (Decrease) for Actual Return (Loss) on Plan Assets Still Held		7,140		8,726
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets Level 3 Reconciliation, Increase (Decrease) for Actual Return (Loss) on Plan Assets Sold		0		0
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets Level 3 Reconciliation, Increase (Decrease) for Assets Transferred into (out of) Level 3		4,826		(19,000)
Fair Value of Plan Assets, End of period		183,773		171,016
Group annuity contract
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets beginning of period	[1]	148,106
Fair Value of Plan Assets, End of period	[1]	157,248		148,106
Group annuity contract | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets beginning of period		148,106	[1]	181,403
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets Level 3 Reconciliation, Increase (Decrease) for Purchase, Sale, and Settlement		(1,066)		(21,353)
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets Level 3 Reconciliation, Increase (Decrease) for Actual Return (Loss) on Plan Assets Still Held		5,382		7,056
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets Level 3 Reconciliation, Increase (Decrease) for Actual Return (Loss) on Plan Assets Sold		0		0
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets Level 3 Reconciliation, Increase (Decrease) for Assets Transferred into (out of) Level 3		4,826		(19,000)
Fair Value of Plan Assets, End of period	[1]	157,248		148,106
Funded annuity contracts
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets beginning of period	[1]	10,500
Fair Value of Plan Assets, End of period	[1]	10,378		10,500
Funded annuity contracts | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets beginning of period		10,500	[1]	10,776
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets Level 3 Reconciliation, Increase (Decrease) for Purchase, Sale, and Settlement		(730)		(896)
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets Level 3 Reconciliation, Increase (Decrease) for Actual Return (Loss) on Plan Assets Still Held		608		620
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets Level 3 Reconciliation, Increase (Decrease) for Actual Return (Loss) on Plan Assets Sold		0		0
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets Level 3 Reconciliation, Increase (Decrease) for Assets Transferred into (out of) Level 3		0		0
Fair Value of Plan Assets, End of period	[1]	10,378		10,500
Limited partnerships
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets beginning of period	[2]	12,410
Fair Value of Plan Assets, End of period	[2]	16,147		12,410
Limited partnerships | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets beginning of period		12,410	[2]	9,571
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets Level 3 Reconciliation, Increase (Decrease) for Purchase, Sale, and Settlement		2,587		1,789
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets Level 3 Reconciliation, Increase (Decrease) for Actual Return (Loss) on Plan Assets Still Held		1,150		1,050
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets Level 3 Reconciliation, Increase (Decrease) for Actual Return (Loss) on Plan Assets Sold		0		0
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets Level 3 Reconciliation, Increase (Decrease) for Assets Transferred into (out of) Level 3		0		0
Fair Value of Plan Assets, End of period	[2]	$ 16,147		$ 12,410
[1]	Represents annuity contracts with Farm Bureau Life
[2]	Represents interests in several limited partnerships. A limited partnership with a fair value estimate of $1.5 million as of December 31, 2019 and $0.6 million as of December 31, 2018, using net asset value per share as a practical expedient, has not been classified in the fair value hierarchy above in accordance with fair value reporting guidance.

Retirement and Compensation _11

Retirement and Compensation Plans Other retirement plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost	$ 3.1	$ 2.9	$ 2.6
Minimum
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined contribution plan, employer discretionary percentage	2.75%
Maximum
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined contribution plan, employer discretionary percentage	5.75%
Defined Contribution Plan Grandfathered Choice Participant | Maximum
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Employees' Gross Pay	4.00%
Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Employees' Gross Pay	2.00%
Pension Plan | Maximum
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Employees' Gross Pay	2.00%
Health and medical post retirement plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Postemployment Benefits, Postretirement Health Coverage		$ 0.4

Retirement and Compensation _12

Retirement and Compensation Plans Share based compensation (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Options, Outstanding, Number		11,176
Options, Exercises in Period		(4,480)
Options, Forfeitures in Period		0
Options, Outstanding, Number		6,696	11,176
Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number		6,696
Options, Exercisable, Number		6,696
Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]
Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price		$ 25.11
Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price		25.70
Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price		0
Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price		24.71	$ 25.11
Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price		24.71
Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price		$ 24.71
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term		7 months 10 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term		7 months 10 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term		7 months 10 days
Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value	[1]	$ 229
Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	[1]	229
Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value	[1]	229
Options, Exercises in Period, Total Intrinsic Value		100	$ 700	$ 800
Cash Received from Exercise of Stock Options		100	300	700
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Exercise of Option, Tax Benefit		100	100	200
Cash-based restricted stock unit plan
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expense		1,200	1,700	1,900
Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense		$ 400	$ 600	$ 1,000
Nonvested & restricted Stock Units, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Number of shares or units beginning		77,191
Stock units, Grants in Period		23,982
Stock units, Vested in Period		(30,806)
Stock units, Forfeited in Period		(6,350)
Number of shares or units end of period		64,017	77,191
Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		$ 67.30	$ 60.76
Stock units, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		70.88	$ 71.20	$ 69.10
Stock units, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		53.85
Stock units, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		$ 66.56
Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized		$ 1,400
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition		2 years 11 days
share based compensation restricted stock units cash paid expense		$ 2,500	$ 3,300	$ 3,300
Directors stock grants-cash based units
Nonvested & restricted Stock Units, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Number of shares or units beginning		25,016
Number of shares or units end of period		26,042	25,016
Directors nonrestricted Class A stock grants
Nonvested & restricted Stock Units, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Number of shares or units beginning		50,194
Number of shares or units end of period		47,092	50,194
Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Number of Shares Available for Grant		103,003
Executive Salary and Bonus Deferred Compensation Plan-cash based units
Nonvested & restricted Stock Units, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Number of shares or units beginning		10,743
Number of shares or units end of period		8,478	10,743
Executive Salary and Bonus Deferred Compensation Plan
Nonvested & restricted Stock Units, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Number of shares or units beginning		48,312
Number of shares or units end of period		48,740	48,312
Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Number of Shares Available for Grant		92,641
Executive excess 401(k) plan
Nonvested & restricted Stock Units, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Number of shares or units beginning		3,327
Number of shares or units end of period		3,514	3,327
[1]	Represents the difference between the share price and exercise price for each option, excluding options for which the exercise price is above the share price, at December 31, 2019.

Managment and Other Agreement_2

Managment and Other Agreements (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Farm Bureau Property & Casualty insurance company
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Professional and Contract Services Expense	$ 8	$ 9.2	$ 9.1
Equipment Expense	0.3	0.3	0.3
Subsidiary of Common Parent
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Professional and Contract Services Expense	1.6	1.5	1.3
Majority Shareholder
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Royalty Expense	$ 0.6	0.6	0.6
Royalty agreement restriction	$ 0.10
Other Farm Bureau organizations
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Royalty Expense	$ 1.7	1.8	1.8
Management Service | Farm Bureau Property & Casualty insurance company
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	$ 2	$ 2	$ 2

Managment and Other Agreement_3

Managment and Other Agreements Premium concentration (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
IOWA
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	26.30%	25.50%	25.90%
KANSAS
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	16.40%	19.20%	18.10%
OKLAHOMA
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	7.60%	7.90%	8.20%

Committments and Contingencie_2

Committments and Contingencies Lease Commitments & Text (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Jan. 01, 2019
Operating Leases [Line Items]
Lessee, Operating Lease, at Carrying Value	$ 14,000			$ 7,200
Lessee, Operating Lease, Discount Rate	4.50%
Operating Lease, Expense	$ 5,400
Operating Leases, Rent Expense		$ 4,300	$ 4,100
Deferred Revenue, Revenue Recognized		(200)	$ (200)
Deferred Revenue, Noncurrent		$ 500
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Next Twelve Months	2,700
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Two	2,702
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Three	2,525
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Four	2,337
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Five	2,278
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due after Year Five	4,400
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due	16,942
Lessee, Operating Lease, Future Value of Interest Expense	(2,899)
Operating Lease, Liability	14,043
Majority Shareholder
Operating Leases [Line Items]
Lessee, Operating Lease, at Carrying Value	$ 12,600			$ 6,100

Committments and Contingencie_3

Committments and Contingencies Unfunded Commitments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Change in state insurance guaranty fund	$ 0.1	$ 0.1	$ 0.1
Limited partnerships | Other Assets [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Other Commitment	56.6
Private Placement [Member] | Fixed Maturities
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Other Commitment	$ 11

Earnings per Share (Details)

Earnings per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc.	$ 34,739	$ 25,129	$ 32,298	$ 34,043	$ 6,415	$ 31,010	$ 32,803	$ 23,565	$ 126,209	$ 93,793	$ 187,305
Dividends on preferred stock									150	150	150
Income available to common stockholders									$ 126,059	$ 93,643	$ 187,155
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic									24,760,541	24,932,189	25,038,334
Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment									10,134	12,412	19,111
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted									24,770,675	24,944,601	25,057,445
Earnings per common share	$ 1.40	$ 1.01	$ 1.30	$ 1.37	$ 0.26	$ 1.24	$ 1.31	$ 0.94	$ 5.09	$ 3.76	$ 7.47
Earnings per common share - assuming dilution	$ 1.40	$ 1.01	$ 1.30	$ 1.37	$ 0.26	$ 1.24	$ 1.31	$ 0.94	$ 5.09	$ 3.75	$ 7.47

Statutory Insurance Informati_3

Statutory Insurance Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Amount Available for Dividend Payments	$ 98,500
Parent Company
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory accounting practices, net gain from operations	98,529	$ 100,819	$ 106,062
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Net Income Amount	100,141	103,923	104,947
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Capital and Surplus, Balance	642,409	637,205
Dividend Payments Restrictions Schedule, Statutory Capital and Surplus	508,926	503,722
Statutory RBC Total adjusted capital	718,175	704,541
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Capital and Surplus Required	$ 127,864	$ 127,632
Statutory RBC Ratio	562.00%	552.00%
Subsidiaries
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory accounting practices, net gain from operations	$ 146	$ (321)	(192)
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Net Income Amount	146	(321)	(192)
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Capital and Surplus, Balance	8,814	8,677
Dividend Payments Restrictions Schedule, Statutory Capital and Surplus	(1,986)	(2,123)
Statutory RBC Total adjusted capital	8,826	8,688
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Capital and Surplus Required	$ 194	$ 218
Statutory RBC Ratio	4551.00%	3978.00%
Statutory Net Income | Parent Company
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
State Insurance Department, Statutory to NAIC, Amount of Reconciling Item	$ 577	$ (7,505)	$ 2,285
Statutory Surplus | Parent Company
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
State Insurance Department, Statutory to NAIC, Amount of Reconciling Item	$ (8,320)	$ 2,635

Segment Information Reconciliat

Segment Information Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019		Dec. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Pre-Tax Operating Income (Loss)										$ 136,277		$ 126,539		$ 146,027
Realized gains losses on investments net of offsets	[1]									7,358		(12,085)		(1,234)
Derivatives unrealized gain net of offsets	[1]									3,422		(7,832)		3,923
Pre-tax Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent										147,057		106,622		148,716
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)										19,929		11,650		(39,983)
Income Tax on Equity Income										(919)		(1,179)		(1,394)
Operating Income (Loss)										126,209		93,793		187,305
Operating revenues										739,062		747,871		737,117
Realized gains on investments related to revenue	[1]									7,606	[2]	(12,455)	[2]	(1,469)
Derivative unrealized related to revenues	[1]									28,013		(15,790)		2,263
Revenues		$ 193,561	$ 184,658	$ 192,906	$ 203,556	$ 158,636	$ 188,111	$ 190,449	$ 182,430	774,681		719,626		737,911
Investment Income, Net										398,389		410,098		412,936
Change in net unrealized gains/losses on derivatives										26,609		(15,480)		2,263
Net investment income		$ 108,986	$ 101,478	$ 104,894	$ 109,640	$ 83,865	$ 105,757	$ 103,974	$ 101,022	424,998		394,618		415,199
Other Depreciation and Amortization										19,946		32,875		24,089
Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost, Amortization Expense, Net Investment Gains (Losses)	[1]									241		(184)		(240)
Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost, Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss)	[1]									345		(1,598)		(639)
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization										20,532		31,093		23,210
Annuity
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Pre-Tax Operating Income (Loss)										52,834		62,846		68,821
Operating revenues										212,538		223,996		224,184
Investment Income, Net										205,857		218,823		219,700
Other Depreciation and Amortization										14,954		9,335		6,489
Life Insurance
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Pre-Tax Operating Income (Loss)										67,134		47,680		53,856
Operating revenues										432,294		430,194		418,593
Investment Income, Net										158,230		158,003		158,318
Other Depreciation and Amortization										4,926		16,515		18,720
Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Pre-Tax Operating Income (Loss)										16,309		16,013		23,350
Operating revenues										94,230		93,681		94,340
Investment Income, Net										34,302		33,272		34,918
Other Depreciation and Amortization										$ 66		$ 7,025		$ (1,120)
[1]	Amounts are net of adjustments, as applicable, to amortization of unearned revenue reserves, deferred acquisition costs, interest sensitive product reserves and income taxes attributable to these items
[2]	Beginning in 2018, amount includes changes in fair value of equity securities.

Segment Information Segment ass

Segment Information Segment assets & Text (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment assets		$ 10,005,572	$ 9,710,472
Unrealized Gains on assets in AOCI	[1]	474,634	123,158
Assets		10,480,206	9,833,630
Goodwill		9,900	9,900
Annuity
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment assets		4,671,210	4,627,277
Goodwill		3,900	3,900
Life Insurance
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment assets		3,665,179	3,528,561
Goodwill		6,100	6,100
Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment assets		1,669,183	1,554,634
Farm Bureau Property & Casualty insurance company
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Leases, Income Statement, Lease Revenue Depreciation and Amortization		$ 4,800	$ 4,500	$ 4,100
[1]	Amounts are net adjustments for assumed changes in deferred acquisition costs and value of insurance in force acquired attributable to these items.

Segment Information Schedule of

Segment Information Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Pre-Tax on Equity Income (Loss)	$ 4,375	$ 5,618	$ 3,984
Income Tax on Equity Income	(919)	(1,179)	(1,394)
Equity income, net of related income taxes	3,456	4,439	2,590
Life Insurance
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Pre-Tax on Equity Income (Loss)	3,224	3,840	2,741
Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Pre-Tax on Equity Income (Loss)	$ 1,151	$ 1,778	$ 1,243

Segment Information Reconcili_2

Segment Information Reconciliation of non-GAAP measures (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Proceeds from Insurance Premiums Collected	$ 611,100	$ 640,100	$ 631,000
Increase (Decrease) in Premiums Receivable	1,228	692	949
Traditional life insurance premiums	197,863	198,312	195,330
Interest sensitive product charges	127,113	122,789	112,936
Net realized gains/losses on investments & change in fair value of derivatives on amortization of unearned revenue reserves	1,406	(491)	(515)
Annuity
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Interest sensitive product charges	6,681	5,173	4,484
Traditional life insurance premiums
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Proceeds from Insurance Premiums Collected	196,635	197,620	194,381
Life Insurance
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Proceeds from Insurance Premiums Collected	310,727	304,229	292,344
Interest sensitive product charges	76,742	74,485	65,450
Life insurance - interest sensitive
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Proceeds from Insurance Premiums Collected	114,092	106,609	97,963
Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Interest sensitive product charges	42,284	43,622	43,517
Cost of insurance charges & Administration charges | Annuity
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Interest sensitive product charges	5,319	3,880	3,414
Admin charges | Life Insurance
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Interest sensitive product charges	19,264	16,944	15,487
Admin charges | Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Interest sensitive product charges	4,707	5,021	5,332
Cost of insurance charges | Life Insurance
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Interest sensitive product charges	51,122	50,727	46,096
Cost of insurance charges | Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Interest sensitive product charges	28,794	29,151	29,670
Surrender charges | Annuity
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Interest sensitive product charges	1,362	1,293	1,070
Surrender charges | Life Insurance
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Interest sensitive product charges	2,619	2,352	1,913
Surrender charges | Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Interest sensitive product charges	99	92	150
Separate account charges | Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Interest sensitive product charges	8,168	8,535	8,246
Amortization of policy initiation fees | Life Insurance
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Interest sensitive product charges	3,737	4,462	1,954
Amortization of policy initiation fees | Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Interest sensitive product charges	$ 516	$ 823	$ 119

Quarterly Financial Informati_3

Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Premiums and product charges	$ 82,680	$ 78,117	$ 83,521	$ 80,658	$ 80,224	$ 79,285	$ 81,997	$ 79,595
Net investment income	108,986	101,478	104,894	109,640	83,865	105,757	103,974	101,022	$ 424,998	$ 394,618	$ 415,199
Realized gains (losses) on investments	(2,707)	646	377	9,288	(9,569)	(759)	841	(2,787)	7,604	(12,274)	(3,387)
Revenues	193,561	184,658	192,906	203,556	158,636	188,111	190,449	182,430	774,681	719,626	737,911
Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc.	$ 34,739	$ 25,129	$ 32,298	$ 34,043	$ 6,415	$ 31,010	$ 32,803	$ 23,565	$ 126,209	$ 93,793	$ 187,305
Earnings per common share	$ 1.40	$ 1.01	$ 1.30	$ 1.37	$ 0.26	$ 1.24	$ 1.31	$ 0.94	$ 5.09	$ 3.76	$ 7.47
Earnings per common share - assuming dilution	$ 1.40	$ 1.01	$ 1.30	$ 1.37	$ 0.26	$ 1.24	$ 1.31	$ 0.94	$ 5.09	$ 3.75	$ 7.47

Sch I. Schedule of Investments

Sch I. Schedule of Investments (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Line Items]
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Cost	$ 8,378,748	[1]
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Amount	9,091,623
Fixed Maturities
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Line Items]
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Cost	7,015,269	[1]
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Fair Value	7,702,628
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Amount	7,702,628
All Other Corporate Bonds
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Line Items]
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Cost	3,376,432	[1]
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Fair Value	3,778,950
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Amount	3,778,950
Asset-backed Securities
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Line Items]
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Cost	2,293,506	[1]
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Fair Value	2,432,382
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Amount	2,432,382
United States Government and agencies
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Line Items]
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Cost	12,417	[1]
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Fair Value	14,123
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Amount	14,123
States and political subdivisions
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Line Items]
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Cost	1,332,914	[1]
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Fair Value	1,477,173
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Amount	1,477,173
Equity Securities, Investment Summary
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Line Items]
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Cost	95,269	[1]
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Fair Value	100,228
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Amount	100,228
Banks, Trust and Insurance, Equities
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Line Items]
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Cost	6,587	[1]
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Fair Value	7,130
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Amount	7,130
Industrial, Miscellaneous, and All Others
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Line Items]
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Cost	18,656	[1]
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Fair Value	18,298
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Amount	18,298
Non-redeemable preferred stocks
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Line Items]
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Cost	70,026	[1]
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Fair Value	74,800
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Amount	74,800
Mortgage loans
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Line Items]
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Cost	1,012,007	[1]
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Amount	1,011,678	[2]
Real Estate Investment
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Line Items]
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Cost	955	[1]
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Amount	955
Policy loans
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Line Items]
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Cost	201,589	[1]
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Amount	201,589
Short-term Investments
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Line Items]
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Cost	11,865	[1]
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Amount	11,865
Other Long-term Investments
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Line Items]
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Cost	41,794	[1]
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Amount	$ 62,680
[1]	Cost adjusted for repayments and amortization of premiums and accrual of discounts for fixed maturities and short-term investments; original cost for equity securities, real estate and other investments; and unpaid principal balance for mortgage loans and policy loans.
[2]	Amount shown on balance sheet differs from cost due to allowance for possible losses.

Sch II - Condensed Financial _2

Sch II - Condensed Financial Information on Registrant (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturities - available for sale	$ 7,702,628				$ 7,033,045				$ 7,702,628	$ 7,033,045
Equity securities at fair value (cost: 2019 - $95,269; 2018 - $93,564)	100,228				92,857				100,228	92,857
Short-term investments	11,865				15,713				11,865	15,713
Cash and cash equivalents	17,277				19,035				17,277	19,035	$ 52,696	$ 33,583
Amounts receivable from affiliates	4,357				3,812				4,357	3,812
Accrued investment income	72,332				74,524				72,332	74,524
Current income taxes recoverable	6,427				4,807				6,427	4,807
Other assets	167,940				163,518				167,940	163,518
Assets	10,480,206				9,833,630				10,480,206	9,833,630
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
Amounts payable to affiliates	1,218				1,461				1,218	1,461
Long-term debt payable to non-affiliates	97,000				97,000				97,000	97,000
Liabilities	8,994,290				8,649,371				8,994,290	8,649,371
Preferred stock	3,000				3,000				3,000	3,000
Accumulated other comprehensive income	354,764				91,318				354,764	91,318
Retained earnings	975,260				937,097				975,260	937,097
Total FBL Financial Group, Inc. stockholders' equity	1,485,757				1,184,139				1,485,757	1,184,139
Liabilities and Equity	10,480,206				9,833,630				10,480,206	9,833,630
Revenues:
Net investment income	108,986	$ 101,478	$ 104,894	$ 109,640	83,865	$ 105,757	$ 103,974	$ 101,022	424,998	394,618	415,199
Realized gains (losses) on investments	(2,707)	646	377	9,288	(9,569)	(759)	841	(2,787)	7,604	(12,274)	(3,387)
Other income									17,103	16,181	15,400
Revenues	193,561	184,658	192,906	203,556	158,636	188,111	190,449	182,430	774,681	719,626	737,911
Costs and Expenses [Abstract]
Interest expense									4,850	4,851	4,850
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest									142,781	101,033	144,760
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)									(19,929)	(11,650)	39,983
Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc.	34,739	$ 25,129	$ 32,298	$ 34,043	6,415	$ 31,010	$ 32,803	$ 23,565	126,209	93,793	187,305
Parent Company
Assets [Abstract]
Investments in subsidiaries (eliminated in consolidation)	1,537,121				1,233,663				1,537,121	1,233,663
Fixed maturities - available for sale	22,483				25,647				22,483	25,647
Equity securities at fair value (cost: 2019 - $95,269; 2018 - $93,564)	7,130				5,262				7,130	5,262
Short-term investments	5,077				5,607				5,077	5,607
Cash and cash equivalents	14,130				12,116				14,130	12,116	23,954	$ 30,803
Accrued investment income	13				18				13	18
Current income taxes recoverable	0				338				0	338
Deferred income tax assets	6,832				6,474				6,832	6,474
Other assets	27,926				13,257				27,926	13,257
Assets	1,626,871				1,307,036				1,626,871	1,307,036
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	44,089				25,896				44,089	25,896
Current income taxes	25				0				25	0
Long-term debt payable to non-affiliates	97,000				97,000				97,000	97,000
Liabilities	141,114				122,897				141,114	122,897
Preferred stock	3,000				3,000				3,000	3,000
Accumulated other comprehensive income	354,764				91,318				354,764	91,318
Retained earnings	975,260				937,097				975,260	937,097
Total FBL Financial Group, Inc. stockholders' equity	1,485,757				1,184,139				1,485,757	1,184,139
Liabilities and Equity	1,626,871				1,307,036				1,626,871	1,307,036
Revenues:
Net investment income									1,970	2,381	1,972
Realized gains (losses) on investments									584	(591)	0
Dividends from subsidiaries (eliminated in consolidation)									91,300	91,997	71,500
Other income									8	2	2
Revenues									102,127	102,248	81,280
Costs and Expenses [Abstract]
Interest expense									4,850	4,850	4,850
General and administrative expenses									8,101	8,605	8,408
Total expenses									12,951	13,455	13,258
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest									89,176	88,793	68,022
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)									1,971	2,175	(2,321)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Parent									91,147	90,968	65,701
Equity in undistributed income of subsidiary									35,062	2,825	121,604
Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc.									126,209	93,793	187,305
Common Class A
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
Common stock, without par value	152,661				152,652				152,661	152,652
Common Class A | Parent Company
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
Common stock, without par value	152,661				152,652				152,661	152,652
Common Class B
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
Common stock, without par value	72				72				72	72
Common Class B | Parent Company
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
Common stock, without par value	72				72				72	72
Affiliated Entity | Parent Company
Assets [Abstract]
Amounts receivable from affiliates	2,382				935				2,382	935
Subsidiaries | Parent Company
Assets [Abstract]
Amounts receivable from affiliates	3,777				3,719				3,777	3,719
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
Amounts payable to affiliates	$ 0				$ 1				0	1
Management Service | Affiliated Entity | Parent Company
Revenues:
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax									2,000	2,001	2,001
Management Service | Subsidiaries | Parent Company
Revenues:
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax									$ 6,265	$ 6,458	$ 5,805

Sch II - Condensed Financial _3

Sch II - Condensed Financial Information on Registrant Cash Flow (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities	$ 213,054	$ 239,177	$ 239,634
Equity securities	(16,729)	(4,447)	(2,692)
Short-term investments, net change	3,848	1,294	(659)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities	(154,611)	(211,892)	(233,318)
Repurchase of common stock, net	(5,346)	(15,152)	356
Dividends paid	(84,474)	(83,128)	(81,401)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities	(60,201)	(60,946)	12,797
Increase in cash and cash equivalents	(1,758)	(33,661)	19,113
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	17,277	19,035	52,696
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	19,035	52,696	33,583
Income Taxes Received, Net	2,736	3,005	16,347
Parent Company
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities	(107)	(2,102)	417
Proceeds from Maturities, Prepayments and Calls of Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	3,849	4,641	5,478
Equity securities	(938)	(1,147)	(702)
Short-term investments, net change	530	853	(472)
Dividends from subsidiaries (eliminated in consolidation)	91,300	91,997	71,500
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities	94,741	96,344	75,804
Repurchase of common stock, net	(5,346)	(15,152)	330
Capital contribution by parent to subsidiary	(2,800)	(7,800)	(2,000)
Dividends paid	(84,474)	(83,128)	(81,400)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities	(92,620)	(106,080)	(83,070)
Increase in cash and cash equivalents	2,014	(11,838)	(6,849)
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	14,130	12,116	23,954
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	12,116	23,954	30,803
Income Taxes Received, Net	(2,383)	(1,617)	2,849
Cash paid during the period for interest	4,850	4,850	4,850
Dividends in form of cash | Parent Company
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Dividends from subsidiaries (eliminated in consolidation)	$ 91,300	$ 91,997	$ 71,500

Sch II - Condensed Financial _4

Sch II - Condensed Financial Information on Registrant Notes - Dividends, debt and income taxes (Details) - Parent Company - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Dividends from subsidiaries (eliminated in consolidation)	$ 91,300	$ 91,997	$ 71,500
Dividends in form of cash
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Dividends from subsidiaries (eliminated in consolidation)	$ 91,300	$ 91,997	$ 71,500

Sch III Supplementary Insuran_2

Sch III Supplementary Insurance Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2019		Dec. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information [Line Items]
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost		$ 289,456		$ 418,802		$ 302,611
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Loss, Claim and Loss Expense		7,424,987		7,230,853		7,078,616
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Unearned Premium		15,445		25,916		16,324
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Policy Claim and Benefit Payable		550,373		563,879		589,653
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Premium Revenue		324,976		321,101		308,266
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Net Investment Income		424,998		394,618		415,199
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Benefit, Claim, Loss and Settlement Expenses		451,127		428,962		424,901
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost		22,887		33,137		22,507
Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost, Amortization Expense, Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)	[1]	(345)		1,598		639
Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost, Amortization Expense, Net Investment Gains (Losses)	[1]	241		(184)		(240)
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Operating Expense		117,737		118,918		112,371
Annuity
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information [Line Items]
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost		88,295		93,819		92,116
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Loss, Claim and Loss Expense		4,105,054		4,036,152		3,963,187
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Unearned Premium		0		0		0
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Policy Claim and Benefit Payable		335,222		338,646		355,877
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Premium Revenue		6,681		5,173		4,484
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Net Investment Income		205,857		218,823		219,700
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Benefit, Claim, Loss and Settlement Expenses		118,085		124,015		122,224
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost		16,374		11,243		8,506
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Operating Expense		25,245		25,892		24,633
Life Insurance
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information [Line Items]
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost		341,143		308,937		287,421
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Loss, Claim and Loss Expense		2,872,119		2,776,656		2,677,519
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Unearned Premium		22,025		19,427		17,043
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Policy Claim and Benefit Payable		188,220		194,879		201,693
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Premium Revenue		274,605		272,797		260,780
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Net Investment Income		158,230		158,003		158,318
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Benefit, Claim, Loss and Settlement Expenses		270,916		276,571		264,657
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost		2,819		15,264		14,368
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Operating Expense		84,596		84,389		78,313
Corporate and Other
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information [Line Items]
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost		60,245		62,778		70,247
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Loss, Claim and Loss Expense		417,172		416,403		419,411
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Unearned Premium		11,445		11,623		11,986
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Policy Claim and Benefit Payable		26,931		30,354		32,083
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Premium Revenue		42,284		43,622		43,517
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Net Investment Income		34,302		33,272		34,918
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Benefit, Claim, Loss and Settlement Expenses		39,180		34,465		39,060
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost		1,801		8,869		488
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Operating Expense		7,896		8,637		9,425
Scenario, Adjustment
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information [Line Items]
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost		(200,227)		(46,732)		(147,173)
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Loss, Claim and Loss Expense		30,642		1,642		18,499
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Unearned Premium		(18,025)		(5,134)		(12,705)
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Policy Claim and Benefit Payable		0		0		0
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Premium Revenue		1,404		(310)		0
Unearned revenue reserve, amortization due to realized gains		2	[2]	(181)	[2]	(515)
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Net Investment Income		0	[2]	0	[2]	0
Investment Income, Nonoperating		26,609		(15,480)		2,263
Deferred sales inducements, amortization due to unrealized gains losses		22,932		(6,065)		(1,021)
Deferred sales inducements, amortization due to realized gains losses		14	[2]	(24)	[2]	(19)
Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost, Amortization Expense, Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)		(1,659)		1,893		639
Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost, Amortization Expense, Net Investment Gains (Losses)		234	[2]	(346)	[2]	(216)
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Operating Expense		0		0		0
Present Value of Future Profits, amortization due to realized gains losses		$ 0	[2]	$ 0	[2]	$ 0
[1]	Amounts are net of adjustments, as applicable, to amortization of unearned revenue reserves, deferred acquisition costs, interest sensitive product reserves and income taxes attributable to these items
[2]	Beginning in 2018, amounts include the change in fair value of equity securities due to a change in accounting guidance. See Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements for additional information.

Sch IV Reinsurance (Details)

Sch IV Reinsurance (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance [Line Items]
Direct Premiums, Life Insurance in Force	$ 65,683,485	$ 64,290,040	$ 62,667,310
Ceded Premiums, Life Insurance in Force	13,770,695	14,029,567	14,086,576
Assumed Premiums, Life Insurance in Force	430,583	455,176	487,284
Premiums, Net, Life Insurance in Force	$ 52,343,373	$ 50,715,649	$ 49,068,018
Life Insurance in Force Premiums, Percentage Assumed to Net	0.80%	0.90%	1.00%
Direct Premiums Earned	$ 354,234	$ 351,454	$ 338,968
Ceded Premiums Earned	31,363	32,450	32,922
Assumed Premiums Earned	2,546	2,508	2,637
Premiums Earned, Net	$ 325,417	$ 321,512	$ 308,683
SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance, Premium, Percentage Assumed to Net	0.80%	0.80%	0.90%
Interest sensitive product charges
SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance [Line Items]
Direct Premiums Earned	$ 125,832	$ 121,456	$ 111,616
Ceded Premiums Earned	1,010	1,044	1,021
Assumed Premiums Earned	2,291	2,377	2,341
Premiums Earned, Net	$ 127,113	$ 122,789	$ 112,936
SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance, Premium, Percentage Assumed to Net	1.80%	1.90%	2.10%
Traditional life insurance premiums
SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance [Line Items]
Direct Premiums Earned	$ 222,955	$ 223,960	$ 220,866
Ceded Premiums Earned	25,347	25,779	25,832
Assumed Premiums Earned	255	131	296
Premiums Earned, Net	$ 197,863	$ 198,312	$ 195,330
SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance, Premium, Percentage Assumed to Net	0.10%	0.10%	0.20%
Accident and health premiums
SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance [Line Items]
Direct Premiums Earned	$ 5,447	$ 6,038	$ 6,486
Ceded Premiums Earned	5,006	5,627	6,069
Assumed Premiums Earned	0	0	0
Premiums Earned, Net	$ 441	$ 411	$ 417
SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance, Premium, Percentage Assumed to Net	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%