FBL Financial (FFG) 10-K 25 Feb 21 2020 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and entity information

Document and entity information Document - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Feb. 22, 2021
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-K
Document Annual Report	true
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2020
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
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag	true
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Public Float	$ 342,140,375
Entity Central Index Key	0001012771
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false
Common Class A
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		24,385,109
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, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Investments:
Fixed maturities - available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost: 2020 - $7,179,303; 2019 - $7,015,269) and allowance for credit losses (2020 - $4,882, 2019 - $0)	$ 8,283,687	$ 7,702,628
Equity securities at fair value (cost: 2020 - $82,999; 2019 - $95,269)	88,281	100,228
Mortgage loans, net of allowance for credit losses (2020 - $1,553, 2019 - $0)	994,101	1,011,678
Real estate	955	955
Policy loans	195,666	201,589
Short-term investments	63,062	11,865
Other investments, net of allowance for credit losses (2020 - $929, 2019 - $0)	58,258	62,680
Total investments	9,684,010	9,091,623
Cash and cash equivalents	12,882	17,277
Securities and indebtedness of related parties	88,445	74,791
Accrued investment income	70,278	72,332
Amounts receivable from affiliates	3,257	4,357
Reinsurance recoverable	115,168	107,498
Deferred acquisition costs	176,085	289,456
Value of insurance in force acquired	2,304	2,624
Current income taxes recoverable	16,732	6,427
Other assets	152,929	167,940
Assets held in separate accounts	674,182	645,881
Total assets	10,996,272	10,480,206
Future policy benefits:
Interest sensitive products	5,725,725	5,548,212
Traditional life insurance and accident and health products	1,890,547	1,845,337
Other policy claims and benefits	57,438	46,883
Supplementary contracts without life contingencies	274,469	296,915
Advance premiums and other deposits	271,082	253,458
Amounts payable to affiliates	406	1,218
Long-term debt payable to non-affiliates	97,000	97,000
Deferred income taxes	211,180	152,373
Other liabilities	102,127	107,013
Liabilities related to separate accounts	674,182	645,881
Total liabilities	9,304,156	8,994,290
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	587,279	354,764
Retained earnings	950,687	975,260
Total FBL Financial Group, Inc. stockholders’ equity	1,692,099	1,485,757
Noncontrolling interest	17	159
Total stockholders’ equity	1,692,116	1,485,916
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	10,996,272	10,480,206
Common Class A
FBL Financial Group, Inc. stockholders' equity:
Common stock, without par value	151,061	152,661
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, 2020		Dec. 31, 2019
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis	$ 7,179,303		$ 7,015,269
Equity Securities, Cost	$ 82,999		95,269
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss			$ 329
Common stock, shares outstanding	24,395,522		24,664,215
Interest-only security (reported in fixed maturities)
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Allowance for Credit Loss	$ 4,882		$ 0
Call options (reported in other investments)
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss	929		0
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss	$ 1,553		$ 3,165
Common Class A
Common stock, shares authorized	88,500,000		88,500,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	24,384,109		24,652,802
Common stock, shares outstanding	24,384,109		24,652,802
Common Class B
Common stock, shares authorized	1,500,000		1,500,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	11,413		11,413
Common stock, shares outstanding	11,413	[1]	11,413
Preferred Stock
Preferred stock, shares authorized	10,000,000		10,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	5,000,000		5,000,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	5,000,000		5,000,000
Parent Company
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis	$ 15,773		$ 18,420
Equity Securities, Cost	$ 5,672		$ 6,587
[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, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Revenues:
Interest sensitive product charges	$ 132,522	$ 127,113	$ 122,789
Traditional life insurance premiums	198,749	197,863	198,312
Net investment income	397,231	424,998	394,618
Net realized capital gains (losses)	(12,085)	8,523	(7,276)
Change in allowance for credit losses on investments	(4,199)	0	0
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses	0	(919)	(5,072)
Non-credit portion in other comprehensive income/loss	0	0	74
Other income	20,047	17,103	16,181
Total revenues	732,265	774,681	719,626
Benefits and expenses:
Interest sensitive product benefits	282,201	276,473	253,753
Traditional life insurance benefits	186,441	174,654	175,209
Policyholder dividends	7,538	10,053	10,130
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses	143,887	140,624	152,055
Interest expense	5,015	4,850	4,851
Other expenses	32,711	25,246	22,595
Total benefits and expenses	657,793	631,900	618,593
Income from continuing operations before equity income, income taxes and noncontrolling interest	74,472	142,781	101,033
Income taxes	(8,061)	(19,929)	(11,650)
Equity income, net of related income taxes	5,906	3,456	4,439
Net income from continuing operations	72,317	126,308	93,822
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest	196	(99)	(29)
Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc.	$ 72,513	$ 126,209	$ 93,793
Earnings per common share:
Earnings per common share	$ 2.94	$ 5.09	$ 3.76
Earnings per common share - assuming dilution:
Earnings per common share - assuming dilution	$ 2.94	$ 5.09	$ 3.75

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Net income		$ 72,317	$ 126,308	$ 93,822
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Change in net unrealized investment gains/losses	[1]	232,659	264,940	(190,114)
Non-credit impairment losses	[1]	0	0	(58)
Change in funded status of the other postretirement benefit plans	[1]	(144)	(1,494)	1,987
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax	[1]	232,515	263,446	(188,185)
Total comprehensive income, net of tax		304,832	389,754	(94,363)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest		196	(99)	(29)
Comprehensive income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc.		$ 305,028	$ 389,655	$ (94,392)
[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	Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment	Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, AdjustmentAccumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, AdjustmentRetained Earnings
Balance at beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 1,377,125		$ 3,000	$ 153,661	$ 284,983	$ 935,423	$ 58
Balance at beginning of period (Accounting Standards Update 2016-01) at Dec. 31, 2017								$ 0	$ (5,480)	$ 5,480
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
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
Balance at end of period (Accounting Standards Update 2016-02) at Dec. 31, 2018								595		595
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
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
Balance at end of period (Accounting Standards Update 2016-13 [Member]) at Dec. 31, 2019								$ (2,685)		$ (2,685)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	72,317					72,513	(196)
Net income | Accounting Standards Update 2016-13 [Member]	2,200
Other comprehensive income	232,515	[1]			232,515
Stock-based compensation	197			197
Purchase of common stock	(10,000)			(1,797)		(8,203)
Dividends on preferred stock	(150)					(150)
Dividends on common stock	(86,048)					(86,048)
Noncontrolling Interest, Period Increase (Decrease)	54						54
Balance at end of period at Dec. 31, 2020	$ 1,692,116		$ 3,000	$ 151,133	$ 587,279	$ 950,687	$ 17
[1]	Other comprehensive income (loss) is recorded net of deferred income taxes and other adjustments for assumed changes in deferred acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserve and policyholder liabilities.

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Operating activities
Net income	$ 72,317	$ 126,308	$ 93,822
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Interest credited to account balances	170,251	161,893	164,623
Charges for mortality, surrenders and administration	(132,568)	(126,165)	(120,944)
Net realized (gains) losses on investments	16,284	(7,604)	12,274
Change in fair value of derivatives	(577)	(2,232)	7,162
Increase in liabilities for life insurance and other future policy benefits	74,741	66,503	77,786
Deferral of acquisition costs	(37,126)	(45,578)	(47,771)
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs and value of insurance in force	33,941	25,875	36,371
Change in reinsurance recoverable	(6,557)	(2,415)	4,081
Provision for deferred income taxes	(2,287)	6,876	(4,952)
Other	40,727	9,593	16,725
Net cash provided by operating activities	229,146	213,054	239,177
Sales, maturities or repayments:
Fixed maturities - available for sale	571,431	665,276	590,106
Equity securities	11,486	15,397	7,039
Mortgage loans	120,269	102,132	69,208
Derivative instruments	20,275	15,659	16,754
Policy loans	38,954	36,441	36,720
Securities and indebtedness of related parties	10,316	8,814	8,359
Other long-term investments	5,796	6,147	6,831
Real estate	0	641	0
Acquisitions:
Fixed maturities - available for sale	(734,636)	(815,762)	(705,250)
Equity securities	(2,850)	(16,729)	(4,447)
Mortgage loans	(104,245)	(71,202)	(139,836)
Derivative instruments	(4,069)	(19,886)	(14,425)
Policy loans	(33,031)	(40,664)	(42,688)
Securities and indebtedness of related parties	(25,472)	(21,084)	(21,146)
Other Investments	(9,670)	(7,649)	(7,891)
Short-term investments, net change	(51,197)	3,848	1,294
Purchases and disposals of property and equipment, net	(11,028)	(15,990)	(12,520)
Net cash used in investing activities	(197,671)	(154,611)	(211,892)
Financing activities
Contract holder account deposits	630,473	606,917	668,482
Contract holder account withdrawals	(570,066)	(577,238)	(631,181)
Dividends paid	(86,198)	(84,474)	(83,128)
Proceeds from the issuance of short-term debt	10,000	55,000	27,000
Repayments of short-term debt	(10,000)	(55,000)	(27,000)
Repurchase of common stock, net of issuance	(10,133)	(5,346)	(15,152)
Other financing activities	54	(60)	33
Net cash used in financing activities	(35,870)	(60,201)	(60,946)
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Excluding Exchange Rate Effect, Total	(4,395)	(1,758)	(33,661)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	17,277	19,035	52,696
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	12,882	17,277	19,035
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
Cash paid during the period for interest	(4,863)	(4,860)	(4,868)
Cash paid during the period for income taxes	$ (9,572)	$ (2,736)	$ (3,005)

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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. Subsequent Event - Merger Agreement -Affiliate Acquisition of Outstanding Shares On January 11, 2021, the Company announced that it reached an agreement with Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company (FBPCIC), an Iowa domiciled stock property and casualty insurance company pursuant to which FBPCIC will acquire all of the outstanding Class A common shares, without par value, and Class B common shares, without par value (collectively, the Common Shares), of the Company that are not currently owned or controlled by FBPCIC or IFBF, an Iowa non-profit corporation, pursuant to the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Merger (the Merger Agreement), by and among the Company, FBPCIC, and 5400 Merger Sub, Inc., an Iowa corporation (Merger Sub). IFBF and FBPCIC currently own approximately 61% of the outstanding Common Shares. The Merger Agreement provides for the merger of Merger Sub with and into the Company, with the Company surviving the merger (the Merger). Consummation of the Merger is subject to certain specified closing conditions, including approval by the Company’s shareholders, expiration or termination of applicable waiting periods, clearance by the Insurance Commissioner of the State of Iowa and approval by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority as further described in the Merger Agreement. See Note 9 to our consolidated financial statements for information regarding management and other agreements between the Company, IFBF and FBPCIC. Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements Description Date of adoption Effect on our consolidated financial statements or other significant matters Standards adopted: 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. Description Date of adoption Effect on our consolidated financial statements or other significant matters Standards adopted continued: Leases In February 2016, the FASB issued guidance amending the accounting for leases, 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 Financial Instruments - credit impairment In June 2016, the FASB issued guidance amending the accounting for the credit impairment of certain financial instruments. Under the new guidance, credit losses are required to be estimated using an expected loss model under which an allowance for credit losses is established and reflected as a charge to earnings. The allowance is based on the probability of loss over the life of the instrument, considering historical, current and forecast information. The new guidance differs significantly from the incurred loss model used historically and results in the earlier recognition of credit losses. Since changes in the allowance are reflected in earnings, the new guidance may increase the volatility of earnings as the assumptions used in estimating the allowance are revised. Our available-for-sale fixed maturities will continue to apply the incurred loss model; however, such losses are in the form of an allowance for credit losses rather than an adjustment to the cost basis of the security. Improvements in credit loss estimates on fixed maturity available-for-sale securities are immediately recognized through earnings by reducing the allowance. January 1, 2020 Upon adoption using the modified retrospective approach, a cumulative effect adjustment of $2.7 million after offsets was recorded to retained earnings. The cumulative effect adjustment arose from the establishment of an allowance for credit losses on our mortgage loan investments totaling $3.1 million and reinsurance recoverable totaling $0.9 million, before offsets. See the discussion that follows for further information. Due to allowances being released during the year, application of this guidance resulted in an increase to net income of $2.2 million ($0.09 per basic and diluted share) during the year ended December 31, 2020. Prior periods were not restated. Standards not yet adopted: 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, 2023 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.
Significant Accounting Policies Investments [Text Block]	Investments Fixed Maturities Fixed maturities are comprised of bonds and redeemable preferred stock and are designated as “available for sale” (AFS). AFS 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. When the fair value of a fixed maturity security is below its amortized cost, it is considered impaired. To the extent we decide to sell the security or are required to sell the security prior to its recovery of fair value, a charge is taken to net realized capital losses as reported within the consolidated statement of operations, and the amortized cost basis of the security is adjusted for the loss. Under the accounting guidance we followed prior to January 1, 2020, to the extent we had no plan or requirement to sell an impaired security, but believed the impairment was other-than-temporary (OTTI), we similarly recorded a charge to other-than-temporary impairment losses as reported within the consolidated statement of operations and the amortized cost basis of the security was adjusted for the loss. Prior to January 1, 2020, after an OTTI write down of fixed maturities with a credit-only impairment, the cost basis was not adjusted for subsequent recoveries in fair value. For fixed maturities for which we could reasonably estimate future cash flows after a write down, the discount or reduced premium recorded, based on the new cost basis, was amortized over the remaining life of the security. Amortization in this instance was computed using the prospective method and the current estimate of the amount and timing of future cash flows. Beginning in 2020, to the extent an unrealized loss is due to a credit event, an increase in allowance for credit loss is recognized within the consolidated statement of operations. While fixed maturities are reported net of the allowance for credit losses in our consolidated balance sheets, the allowance is not considered an adjustment to the amortized cost of the security. Accordingly, the allowance may increase or decrease over the life of the security based on changes in the assumptions used to determine the allowance, with such changes reported as a change in allowance for credit losses on investments within the consolidated statement of operations. Fixed maturity securities are written-off to realized capital losses if we determine that no additional payments of principal or interest will be received. We have elected the policy to exclude accrued interest receivable from our allowance calculation since uncollectible accrued interest will continue to be evaluated for collectability and written off as warranted. We monitor the financial condition and operations of the issuers of fixed maturities to determine whether an allowance for credit losses is required or, prior to January 1, 2020, that a credit impairment was an 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 allowance for credit losses or credit impairment loss for fixed maturities, we estimate the present value of future cash flows that we expect to receive over the remaining life of the instrument, which in some instances could equal fair value, 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 a credit loss or credit impairment that is 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. Equity Securities 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 realized capital gains (losses) in the consolidated statement of operations. Mortgage Loans Mortgage loans are reported at cost adjusted for amortization of premiums, accrual of discounts and net of allowance for credit losses. The allowance for credit losses on our mortgage loan investments is based on an estimate of credit losses that may occur over the life of the loans. Prior to January 1, 2020, the allowance was based on incurred losses of individual loans. In determining the allowance, we segregate our mortgage loans with a similar risk profile based on an internal loan rating. Loss factors based on the potential frequency and severity of credit losses at different points in time of the portfolio life are applied to future cash flows to estimate the allowance for credit losses. In determining the loss factors, we consider the potential severity and likelihood of loss based on our historical loan loss experience along with that of other similar organizations as well as economic forecasts. We have elected the policy to exclude accrued interest receivable from our allowance calculation since uncollectible accrued interest will continue to be evaluated for collectability and written off as warranted. 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, 2020 or 2019. 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 less collateral received and a promissory note acquired in a sale of a partnership interest carried at the estimated recovery value of the note. 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 and included in net realized capital gains (losses) on the consolidated statement of operations. Change in allowance for credit losses on fixed maturity securities, mortgage loans and other investments are included in the change in allowance for credit losses on investments in the consolidated statement of operations. Prior to 2020, OTTI impairments were included in the other-than- temporary impairment losses and non-credit portion in other comprehensive income/loss on the consolidated statement of operations. 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. The allowance for credit losses on our reinsurance recoverable is based on an estimate of credit losses that may occur over the life of the underlying ceded insurance business, which differs from the accounting guidance we followed prior to January 1, 2020 which was based on an incurred loss model. We develop loss factors that are applied to the amounts due from each reinsurer, which considers the potential severity and likelihood of loss based on the relative risk profile of each reinsurer, our internal loss history and those of other organizations, along with economic forecasts. We also consider other sources of information regarding individual reinsurers, as applicable, including amounts past-due according to the terms of the reinsurance contracts. Reinsurance recoverable assets are reported in our consolidated balance sheets net of the allowance for credit losses. Amounts deemed to be uncollectible are written off against the allowance. Changes in the allowance are reported within the consolidated statement of operations as “Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses.” 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, gross margins 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 $31.4 million at December 31, 2020 and $42.9 million at December 31, 2019. 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 $40.5 million at December 31, 2020 and $42.2 million at December 31, 2019, and accumulated depreciation and amortization of $103.6 million at December 31, 2020 and $91.0 million at December 31, 2019. Depreciation and amortization expense for property and equipment was $12.8 million in 2020, $12.1 million in 2019 and $9.9 million in 2018. Other assets at December 31, 2020 and 2019, 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, 2020 or 2019. 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 2020, 2019 and 2018. 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 2.25% to 6.00%. The average rate of assumed gross investment yields used in estimating gross margins was 4.94% in 2020, 5.23% in 2019 and 5.48% in 2018. 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 22% of traditional, universal and variable life insurance premiums collected from policyholders during 2020 (2019 - 25% and 2018 - 28%) and represented 9% of life insurance in force at December 31, 2020 and 2019 and 10% at December 31, 2018. 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 and index 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, 2020 2019 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Components of our underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses: Commission expense, net of deferrals $ 22,762 $ 24,419 $ 23,801 Amortization of deferred acquisition costs 30,226 22,887 33,137 Amortization of value of insurance in force acquired 2,171 2,141 2,167 Other underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses, net of deferrals 88,728 91,177 92,950 Total $ 143,887 $ 140,624 $ 152,055 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 2020 and 2019 and $4.9 million in 2018. Investment advisory fee income from affiliates totaled $3.2 million in 2020, $3.1 million in 2019 and $2.9 million in 2018. In addition, Farm Bureau Life has certain items, including fees earned from brokered products, reported as other income and other expense, which netted to $2.1 million in 2020, $1.7 million in 2019 and $2.7 million in 2018. 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, 2020
Investment Operations [Abstract]
Investment [Text Block]	Investment Operations Fixed Maturity Securities Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturity Securities by Investment Category December 31, 2020 Amortized Gross Gross Allowance for Credit Losses Fair Fixed maturities: Corporate $ 3,542,136 $ 704,586 $ (4,242) $ (4,213) $ 4,238,267 Residential mortgage-backed 645,503 58,058 (1,442) — 702,119 Commercial mortgage-backed 991,944 145,549 (1,160) — 1,136,333 Other asset-backed 736,338 23,593 (4,511) (669) 754,751 United States Government and agencies 35,174 2,887 (1,809) — 36,252 States and political subdivisions 1,228,208 188,542 (785) — 1,415,965 Total fixed maturities $ 7,179,303 $ 1,123,215 $ (13,949) $ (4,882) $ 8,283,687 December 31, 2019 Amortized Gross Gross Fair (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 Commercial mortgage-backed 969,453 77,433 (1,413) 1,045,473 Other asset-backed 697,390 19,745 (2,614) 714,521 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 (1) Includes $1.7 million and $2.5 million as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, of net unrealized gains on impaired fixed maturities related to changes in fair value subsequent to the impairment date, which are included in AOCI. The amount of accrued interest excluded from the amortized cost basis of fixed maturities and included in accrued investment income on the balance sheet totaled $65.8 million at December 31, 2020. Any fixed maturity delinquent on contractual payments over 90 days past due is placed on non-accrual status. If the fixed maturity is placed on non-accrual status, the prior accrued interest income is reversed through net investment income. Interest income received on non-performing fixed maturities is generally recognized on a cash basis. Once fixed maturities are classified as non-accrual, the resumption of the interest accrual would commence only after all past due interest has been collected. There was no accrued interest income reversed during the twelve months ended December 31, 2020. Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturities by Maturity Date December 31, 2020 Amortized (Dollars in thousands) Due in one year or less $ 142,285 $ 145,620 Due after one year through five years 574,155 618,031 Due after five years through ten years 732,772 842,903 Due after ten years 3,356,306 4,083,930 4,805,518 5,690,484 Mortgage-backed and other asset-backed 2,373,785 2,593,203 Total fixed maturities $ 7,179,303 $ 8,283,687 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, 2020 2019 (Dollars in thousands) Net unrealized appreciation on: Fixed maturities - available for sale $ 1,109,266 $ 687,359 Adjustments for assumed changes in amortization pattern of: Deferred acquisition costs (320,489) (200,227) Value of insurance in force acquired (10,647) (12,498) Unearned revenue reserve 29,393 18,025 Adjustments for assumed changes in policyholder liabilities (51,001) (30,642) Provision for deferred income taxes (see Note 5) (158,869) (97,023) Net unrealized investment gains $ 597,653 $ 364,994 Net unrealized investment gains exclude the allowance for credit losses. Fixed Maturity Securities with Unrealized Losses by Length of Time without an Allowance for Credit Losses December 31, 2020 Less than one year One year or more Total Description of Securities Fair Value Unrealized Losses (1) Fair Value Unrealized Losses (1) Fair Value Unrealized Losses (1) Percent of Total (Dollars in thousands) Fixed maturities: Corporate $ 39,363 $ (1,716) $ 22,677 $ (2,526) $ 62,040 $ (4,242) 30.5 % Residential mortgage-backed 45,059 (520) 16,918 (922) 61,977 (1,442) 10.3 % Commercial mortgage-backed 26,829 (1,160) — — 26,829 (1,160) 8.3 % Other asset-backed 113,439 (1,741) 67,128 (2,770) 180,567 (4,511) 32.3 % United States Government and agencies 23,630 (1,809) — — 23,630 (1,809) 13.0 % States and political subdivisions 12,577 (372) 2,568 (413) 15,145 (785) 5.6 % Total fixed maturities $ 260,897 $ (7,318) $ 109,291 $ (6,631) $ 370,188 $ (13,949) 100.0 % 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 (1) Fair Value Unrealized Losses (1) Fair Value Unrealized Losses (1) 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 % (1) Non-credit losses reported in AOCI are included with gross unrealized losses, resulting in total gross unrealized losses for AFS fixed maturities being reported in the table. Fixed maturities in the above tables include 119 securities from 95 issuers at December 31, 2020 and 189 securities from 145 issuers at December 31, 2019. Unrealized losses decreased during the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 primarily due to a decrease in US treasury rates. We do not consider securities’ declines in fair value below amortized cost to be due to a credit loss when the market decline is attributable to factors such as interest rate movements, market volatility, liquidity or spread widening when recovery of all amounts due under the contractual terms of the security is anticipated. Based on our intent not to sell and 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 have a credit loss allowance, and they do not require a loss allowance to be established at December 31, 2020. The following summarizes the more significant unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities by investment category as of December 31, 2020. Corporate securities : The largest unrealized losses were in the energy sector ($23.5 million fair value and $1.7 million unrealized loss) and in the consumer non-cyclical sector ($6.0 million fair value and $0.9 million unrealized loss). The majority of losses were attributable to credit spread widening across the energy sector associated with the decline in crude oil prices. Energy-related companies have been negatively impacted by the decline in oil prices due to a decrease in demand brought on by COVID-19. Residential mortgage-backed securities : The unrealized losses on residential mortgage-backed securities were primarily due to price declines on legacy and newer issue bonds. The legacy bonds are still at an unrealized gain overall, but some individual securities remain at an unrealized loss. The newer issue residential mortgage-backed securities are comprised of bonds issued during and after 2013 with strong underwriting and collateral characteristics. Primarily, losses were attributable to credit spread widening which led to lower prices on some securities. These securities tend to have higher credit scores with higher credit enhancement and lower loan-to-value ratios which position them favorably against default during economic disruptions such as those caused by COVID-19. Commercial mortgage-backed securities : The unrealized losses on commercial mortgage-backed securities were primarily due to spread widening. The wider spreads were caused by continued market uncertainty brought on by COVID-19 for some securities. The contractual cash flows of these investments are based on mortgages backing the securities. Other asset-backed securities: The unrealized losses on asset-backed securities (ABS) were primarily due to concerns regarding COVID-19 and the resulting impact on consumer and commercial loans. Overall, ABS spreads are generally unchanged. However, there are certain sectors, including whole business and auto-related, where spreads have widened. The majority of our ABS have a sequential-pay structure that increases credit support as the pool amortizes. The average life of our ABS is 2.9 years, down from 5.4 years at purchase. Average credit support for the portfolio has increased from 10% at time of purchase to 23% as of December 31, 2020. Our ABS portfolio is rated nearly 73% NAIC-1. The unrealized losses on collateralized loan obligations (CLO) are due to concerns regarding COVID-19 and the resulting impact on leveraged loans. The CLO market is also benefiting from the programs that the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank is providing to the market. Our CLO portfolio is of high quality, with more than 98% of the securities rated NAIC-1. Internal stress testing has indicated that the weighted average constant default rate (CDR) of our portfolio without suffering a loss is 17%. The CDR is the constant default rate (annually) that a CLO must suffer before our tranche takes its first dollar loss. State, municipal and other governments: The unrealized losses on state, municipal and other government securities were primarily due to general spread widening relative to spreads at which we acquired the bonds, and uncertainty related to pandemic impacts on revenue and taxes. Our allowance for credit losses at December 31, 2020 includes two financial sector bonds experiencing ongoing weakness in operating performance. The allowance for these bonds was established as the difference between the amortized cost and present value of expected cash flows, which is equal to fair value. Our allowance for credit losses also includes an asset backed security due to the difference between the amortized cost and the present value of the expected cash flows. We also established an allowance of $0.9 million on a promissory note held in other investments due to the possibility of not collecting the full balance of the note. Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturities Allowance for Credit Losses Year ended December 31, 2020 Corporate Other ABS Total (Dollars in thousands) Beginning balance $ — $ — $ — Additions for credit losses not previously recorded 13,118 669 13,787 Net decrease to previously recorded allowance (1,723) — (1,723) Reductions for securities sold (7,182) — (7,182) Ending balance $ 4,213 $ 669 $ 4,882 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. The amount of accrued interest excluded from the cost basis of the mortgage loans and included in accrued investment income on the balance sheet totaled $3.5 million at December 31, 2020. Any loan delinquent on contractual payments is considered non-performing. Mortgage loans are placed on non-accrual status if the loan is over 90 days past due. If the loan is placed on non-accrual status, the prior accrued interest income is reversed through net investment income. Interest income received 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, 2020 and December 31, 2019, there were no non-performing loans over 30 days past due on contractual payments. At December 31, 2020, we had committed to provide additional funding for mortgage loans totaling $3.5 million. These commitments arose in the normal course of business at terms that are comparable to similar investments. Mortgage Loans by Collateral Type December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Collateral Type Carrying Value Percent of Total Carrying Value Percent of Total (Dollars in thousands) Office $ 375,622 37.7 % $ 417,746 41.3 % Retail 320,575 32.2 345,870 34.2 Industrial 227,424 22.9 235,274 23.2 Apartment 59,626 6.0 — — Other 12,407 1.2 12,788 1.3 Total $ 995,654 100.0 % $ 1,011,678 100.0 % Mortgage Loans by Geographic Location within the United States December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Region of the United States Carrying Value Percent of Total Carrying Value Percent of Total (Dollars in thousands) South Atlantic $ 252,964 25.4 % $ 288,299 28.5 % Pacific 181,743 18.3 164,996 16.3 East North Central 147,342 14.8 117,053 11.6 Mountain 107,833 10.8 96,857 9.6 West North Central 94,044 9.4 108,942 10.8 East South Central 75,540 7.6 81,275 8.0 West South Central 65,808 6.6 76,650 7.6 Middle Atlantic 52,512 5.3 45,687 4.5 New England 17,868 1.8 31,919 3.1 Total $ 995,654 100.0 % $ 1,011,678 100.0 % Mortgage Loans by Loan-to-Value Ratio December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Loan-to-Value Ratio Percent of Total Carrying Value Percent of Total (Dollars in thousands) 0% - 50% $ 463,130 46.5 % $ 412,973 40.8 % 51% - 60% 309,477 31.1 310,869 30.7 61% - 70% 202,114 20.3 256,280 25.4 71% - 80% 20,933 2.1 31,556 3.1 Total $ 995,654 100.0 % $ 1,011,678 100.0 % 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 are rated internally to provide a current qualitative rating of each loan. We review the capital structure, collateral strength, physical occupancy, financial stability of the operating income stream, debt service coverage ratio, outstanding loan balance to estimated value of the collateral, property improvements and the financial strength of the borrower when determining the internal loan rating. Loans of high quality, low risk and with little concern of default or extension risk are rated an A; loans of moderate quality and moderate risk are rated a B; loans of low quality and high risk are rated a C, and loans for which there is concern of credit default are rated a W. Mortgage Loans by Internal Rating and Year of Origination December 31, 2020 Internal Rating 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 & prior Total (Dollars in thousands) A $ 103,781 $ 56,288 $ 118,283 $ 189,257 $ 130,070 $ 362,346 $ 960,025 B — 11,789 1,883 3,459 — 1,516 18,647 C — — 4,456 — 3,945 4,372 12,773 W — — — — — 4,209 4,209 Total $ 103,781 $ 68,077 $ 124,622 $ 192,716 $ 134,015 $ 372,443 $ 995,654 December 31, 2019 Internal Rating 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 & prior Total (Dollars in thousands) A $ 69,319 $ 128,334 $ 200,283 $ 144,311 $ 119,724 $ 316,079 $ 978,050 B — — — — — 7,512 7,512 C — — — — — 21,812 21,812 W — — — — — 4,304 4,304 Total $ 69,319 $ 128,334 $ 200,283 $ 144,311 $ 119,724 $ 349,707 $ 1,011,678 As discussed in Note 1, during 2020 we adopted accounting guidance which requires establishing an allowance for credit losses that may occur over the life of the mortgage loan portfolio. At December 31, 2020, our allowance for credit losses on mortgage loans was estimated by incorporating historical internal information, historical industry averages, current conditions as well as conditions for a reasonable and supportable forecast that includes an estimated recessionary period. The loans are segmented by an internal risk rating as well as geographic region with an estimated loss ratio applied against each segment. For the years after our reasonable and supportable forecast period we graded the expected loss ratio over the estimated remaining recessionary period to our actual loss history. During the year ended December 31, 2020, positive trends in the historical industry averages and a decrease in our mortgage loan principal balance during 2020 more than offset our negative internal rating migrations and increased recessionary probabilities for the year which led to a decrease in our allowance. Amounts on mortgage loans deemed to be uncollectible are charged off and removed from the valuation allowance. The allowance for credit losses at the date of adoption, January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2020 is as follows. Allowance for Credit Losses on Mortgage Loans Year ended December 31, 2020 Beginning balance $ 3,165 Current period provision for expected credit losses (1,612) Ending balance $ 1,553 As discussed in Note 1, accounting guidance followed prior to 2020 required an allowance for credit losses be established based on an incurred loss model. The allowance for credit losses at December 31, 2019 was as follows below. Allowance on Mortgage Loans Year ended December 31, 2019 Balance at beginning of period $ 3,107 Recoveries (2,778) Balance at end of period balance $ 329 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. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act allowed lenders to make loan modifications under certain circumstances without triggering troubled debt restructuring status, including extension of the maturity date and payment of interest only. Other than those modifications intended to comply with these provisions of the CARES Act, there were no loan modifications during the years ended December 31, 2020 or December 31, 2019. Components of Net Investment Income Year ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Fixed maturities - available for sale $ 328,911 $ 334,557 $ 340,498 Equity securities 7,272 8,718 8,488 Mortgage loans 44,228 46,182 45,294 Policy loans 9,326 9,416 9,210 Short-term investments, cash and cash equivalents 233 1,043 772 Derivative income (loss) 10,436 25,282 (10,405) Prepayment fee income and other 4,787 7,332 9,208 405,193 432,530 403,065 Less investment expenses (7,962) (7,532) (8,447) Net investment income $ 397,231 $ 424,998 $ 394,618 Realized Gains (Losses) - Recorded in Income Year ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Realized gains (losses) on investments Fixed maturities: Gross gains $ 591 $ 3,779 $ 2,195 Gross losses (8,935) (3,777) (363) Mortgage loans — 2,778 — Real estate — 54 — Other (59) (4) (19) (8,403) 2,830 1,813 Net gains and (losses) recognized during the period on equity securities held at the end of the period 323 5,666 (8,137) Net gains and (losses) recognized during the period on equity securities sold during the period (4,005) 27 (952) Net gains (losses) recognized during the period on equity securities (3,682) 5,693 (9,089) Net realized capital gains (losses) (12,085) 8,523 (7,276) Change in allowances for credit losses/other-than-temporary impairment: Allowance for credit losses on fixed maturity securities (4,882) — — Allowance for credit losses on mortgage loans 1,612 — — Allowance for credit losses on other investments (929) — — Other-than-temporary impairment losses — (919) (4,998) Net realized gains (losses) on investments recorded in income $ (16,284) $ 7,604 $ (12,274) Proceeds from sales of fixed maturities totaled $16.9 million in 2020, $34.6 million in 2019 and $82.9 million in 2018. 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) 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, 2020 or December 31, 2019. Based on this analysis, none of our VIEs were required to be consolidated at December 31, 2020 or December 31, 2019. 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, 2020 December 31, 2019 Carrying Value Maximum Exposure to Loss Carrying Value Maximum Exposure to Loss (Dollars in thousands) LIHTC investments $ 31,382 $ 32,263 $ 42,907 $ 43,834 Investment companies 66,326 138,413 53,388 103,125 Real estate limited partnerships 13,398 14,869 9,565 15,527 Other 491 491 492 492 Total $ 111,597 $ 186,036 $ 106,352 $ 162,978 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, 2020 December 31, 2019 (Dollars in thousands) Assets Freestanding derivatives: Call options (reported in other investments) $ 23,576 $ 31,469 Embedded derivatives: Modified coinsurance (reported in reinsurance recoverable) 4,373 2,327 Interest-only security (reported in fixed maturities) 25 385 Total assets $ 27,974 $ 34,181 Liabilities Embedded derivatives: Indexed products (reported in liability for future policy benefits) $ 106,852 $ 76,346 Modified coinsurance (reported in other liabilities) 320 254 Total liabilities $ 107,172 $ 76,600 Derivative Income (Loss) Year ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Freestanding derivatives: Call options $ 8,383 $ 22,497 $ (7,749) Embedded derivatives: Modified coinsurance 1,980 2,695 (2,480) Interest-only security 73 90 (176) Indexed products (9,859) (23,050) 3,243 Total income (loss) from derivatives $ 577 $ 2,232 $ (7,162) 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 on our call options 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 $18.9 million at December 31, 2020, 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. We have elected to present our derivative receivables netted with the obligation to return cash collateral received on our balance sheet in other investments. We received cash collateral of $10.2 million included in cash and cash equivalents on our balance sheet as of December 31, 2020. At December 31, 2020, none of the collateral had been sold or re-pledged. As of December 31, 2020, our net derivative exposure recorded on the balance sheet without the off balance sheet collateral was $23.5 million. Other Affidavits of deposit to meet regulatory requirements of state agencies covered investments that had a carrying value totaling $8,927.0 million at December 31, 2020 and $8,452.8 million at December 31, 2019. Fixed maturities on deposit with the FHLB as collateral for funding agreements had a carrying value of $636.9 million at December 31, 2020 and $535.7 million at December 31, 2019.

Fair Value

Fair Value	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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, we 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 using 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 agree with the valuation. • We compare prices between different pricing sources for unusual disparity. • We meet at least quarterly with our Investment Committee, the group that oversees our valuation process, to discuss valuation practices and observations during the pricing process. Equity securities: Level 1 equity securities consist of mutual funds and listed common stocks 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, 2020 Quoted prices in active markets Significant other observable Significant unobservable Fair Value (Dollars in thousands) Assets Fixed maturities: Corporate securities $ — $ 4,235,226 $ 3,041 $ 4,238,267 Residential mortgage-backed securities — 702,119 — 702,119 Commercial mortgage-backed securities — 1,128,199 8,134 1,136,333 Other asset-backed securities — 733,561 21,190 754,751 United States Government and agencies 25,901 10,351 — 36,252 States and political subdivisions — 1,415,965 — 1,415,965 Total fixed maturities 25,901 8,225,421 32,365 8,283,687 Non-redeemable preferred stocks — 65,870 6,612 72,482 Common stocks (1) 6,510 — — 6,510 Other investments — 23,576 — 23,576 Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments 75,944 — — 75,944 Reinsurance recoverable — 4,373 — 4,373 Assets held in separate accounts 674,182 — — 674,182 Total assets $ 782,537 $ 8,319,240 $ 38,977 $ 9,140,754 Liabilities Future policy benefits - indexed product embedded derivatives $ — $ — $ 106,852 $ 106,852 Other liabilities — 320 — 320 Total liabilities $ — $ 320 $ 106,852 $ 107,172 Valuation of our Financial Instruments Measured on a Recurring Basis by Hierarchy Levels December 31, 2019 Quoted prices in active markets Significant other observable Significant unobservable 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 (1) A private equity fund with a fair value estimate of $9.3 million at December 31, 2020 and $8.4 million at December 31, 2019 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 $0.8 million at December 31, 2020 and $1.7 million at December 31, 2019. The investment is not currently eligible for redemption. Level 3 Assets by Valuation Source - Recurring Basis December 31, 2020 Third-party vendors Priced Fair Value (Dollars in thousands) Corporate securities $ — $ 3,041 $ 3,041 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 8,134 — 8,134 Residential mortgage-backed securities — — — Other asset-backed securities 17,876 3,314 21,190 Non-redeemable preferred stocks — 6,612 6,612 Total level 3 assets $ 26,010 $ 12,967 $ 38,977 Percent of total 66.7 % 33.3 % 100.0 % 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 % Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements - Recurring Basis December 31, 2020 Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range (Weighted Average) (Dollars in thousands) Assets Corporate securities $ 3,041 Discounted cash flow Credit spread 5.95% - 19.41% (14.52%) Other asset-backed securities 13,564 Discounted cash flow Credit spread 2.10% - 9.75% (5.70%) Commercial mortgage-backed securities 8,134 Discounted cash flow Credit spread 1.86% - 2.42% (2.18%) Non-redeemable preferred stocks 6,612 Discounted cash flow Credit spread 3.57% (3.57%) Total assets $ 31,351 Liabilities Future policy benefits - indexed product embedded derivatives $ 106,852 Discounted cash flow Credit risk 0.35% - 1.45% (0.80%) 0.15% - 0.40% (0.25%) 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 0.40% - 1.35% (0.80%) 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, 2020 Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net Balance, December 31, 2019 Purchases Disposals Included in net income Included in other compre-hensive income Transfers into Transfers Amort-ization included in net income Balance, December 31, 2020 (Dollars in thousands) Assets Corporate securities $ 6,588 $ 10,101 $ (4,073) $ — $ (960) $ 3,283 $ (11,898) $ — $ 3,041 Residential mortgage-backed securities — 12,629 — — (1) — (12,628) — — Commercial mortgage-backed securities 12,780 — (402) — 312 — (4,556) — 8,134 Other asset-backed securities 9,755 42,754 (227) — (703) 2,067 (32,455) (1) 21,190 Non-redeemable preferred stocks 6,927 — — — (315) — — — 6,612 Total assets $ 36,050 $ 65,484 $ (4,702) $ — $ (1,667) $ 5,350 $ (61,537) $ (1) $ 38,977 Liabilities Future policy benefits - indexed product embedded derivatives $ 76,346 $ 15,121 $ (12,673) $ 28,058 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 106,852 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 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 (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 unobservable inputs. 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, 2020 Quoted prices in active markets Significant other observable inputs Significant unobservable inputs Fair Value Carrying Value (Dollars in thousands) Assets Mortgage loans $ — $ — $ 1,074,939 $ 1,074,939 $ 994,101 Policy loans — — 271,963 271,963 195,666 Other investments — 33,409 1,273 34,682 34,682 Total assets $ — $ 33,409 $ 1,348,175 $ 1,381,584 $ 1,224,449 Liabilities Future policy benefits $ — $ — $ 4,739,739 $ 4,739,739 $ 4,348,539 Supplementary contracts without life contingencies — — 297,351 297,351 274,469 Advance premiums and other deposits — — 264,192 264,192 264,192 Long-term debt — — 80,975 80,975 97,000 Liabilities related to separate accounts — — 673,181 673,181 674,182 Total liabilities $ — $ — $ 6,055,438 $ 6,055,438 $ 5,658,382 December 31, 2019 Quoted prices in active markets Significant other observable inputs Significant unobservable inputs 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 Level 3 Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

Reinsurance and Policy Provisio

Reinsurance and Policy Provisions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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. As discussed in Note 1, accounting guidance adopted in 2020 requires an allowance for credit losses be established for losses that may occur over the life of the reinsurance contract. The allowance established on our reinsurance recoverable assets was as follows as of the date of adoption of this guidance on January 1, 2020 and as of December 31, 2020. No allowance was required as of December 31, 2019 under the incurred loss model required under accounting guidance followed prior to January 1, 2020. Allowance on Reinsurance Recoverables Year ended December 31, 2020 (Dollars in thousands) Beginning balance of the allowance for credit losses $ 868 Change in allowance for credit losses (11) Ending balance of the allowance for credit losses $ 857 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, 2020 2019 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Ceded (reductions to financial statement items): Premiums and product charges $ 31,970 $ 31,363 $ 32,450 Insurance benefits 32,500 20,759 21,358 Allowances for expenses and commissions 3,419 2,899 4,231 Assumed (additions to financial statement items): Premiums and product charges 2,367 2,546 2,508 Insurance benefits 3,257 7,437 2,752 Allowances for expenses and commissions 1,284 1,340 1,410 Reinsurance in Force and Percentage of Direct Life Insurance in Force Year ended December 31, 2020 2019 (Dollars in millions) Ceded reinsurance $ 13,586 20.2 % $ 13,771 21.0 % Assumed reinsurance 408 0.6 % 431 0.7 % Policy Provisions Analysis of the Value of Insurance in Force Acquired Year ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Balance at beginning of year $ 15,122 $ 17,263 $ 19,430 Amortization per fixed schedule (2,171) (2,141) (2,167) Balance at end of year 12,951 15,122 17,263 Impact of net unrealized investment gains and losses (10,647) (12,498) (6,878) Value of insurance in force acquired $ 2,304 $ 2,624 $ 10,385 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: 2021 - $2.0 million; 2022 - $2.0 million; 2023 - $2.0 million; 2024 - $1.0 million; and 2025 - $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, 2020 December 31, 2019 Separate Net Amount Separate Net Amount (Dollars in thousands) Guaranteed minimum death benefit: Return of net deposits $ 169,462 $ 334 $ 166,055 $ 362 Return the greater of highest anniversary 292,786 19,053 287,518 9,936 Incremental death benefit 274,462 77,387 259,735 62,411 Guaranteed minimum income benefit 24,187 1 25,137 1 Total $ 96,775 $ 72,710

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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, 2020 and 2019. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (Tax Act) made broad changes to the U.S. tax code impacting our companies, including reducing the federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% and numerous base-broadening provisions. We recorded a provisional estimate of the impact of the Tax Act during 2017, and in 2018 the accounting for the Tax Act was completed, resulting in no significant impact to earnings. Income Tax Expenses (Credits) Year ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Taxes provided in consolidated statement of operations on: Income before equity income: Current $ 13,883 $ 16,557 $ 20,429 Deferred (2,287) 6,876 (4,953) LIHTC (3,535) (3,504) (3,826) 8,061 19,929 11,650 Equity income 1,571 919 1,179 Taxes provided in consolidated statements of changes in stockholders’ equity: Accumulated other comprehensive income related to investments 61,846 70,427 (52,009) Other (752) (379) 1,984 61,094 70,048 (50,025) $ 70,726 $ 90,896 $ (37,196) Effective Tax Rate Reconciliation to Federal Income Tax Rate Year ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Income before income taxes and equity income $ 74,472 $ 142,781 $ 101,033 Income tax at federal statutory rate $ 15,639 $ 29,984 $ 21,217 Tax effect (decrease) of: Tax-exempt dividend and interest income (4,302) (3,949) (3,762) Net impact of LIHTC (3,535) (3,504) (3,826) Adjustments to tax-basis policy reserves — (2,460) — Other items 259 (142) (1,979) Income tax expense $ 8,061 $ 19,929 $ 11,650 Tax Effect of Temporary Differences Giving Rise to Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities December 31, 2020 2019 (Dollars in thousands) Deferred income tax assets: Future policy benefits $ 37,912 $ 33,719 Accrued benefit and compensation costs 3,099 3,736 Loss carryforwards 3,361 2,698 Other 656 1,060 45,028 41,213 Deferred income tax liabilities: Fixed maturity and equity securities 240,039 151,212 Deferred acquisition costs 1,295 26,813 Value of insurance in force acquired 484 551 Property and equipment 7,917 7,961 Derivative instruments 4,477 4,386 Other 1,996 2,663 256,208 193,586 Net deferred income tax liability $ 211,180 $ 152,373 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, 2020 and at December 31, 2019. 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 2020, 2019 or 2018. 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 2017. At December 31, 2020, we had non-life net operating loss carryforwards for federal income tax purposes totaling $15.1 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, 2020
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	Credit ArrangementsLong-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, 2020 and 2019, 97,000 shares of 5% Preferred Securities were outstanding, all of which we unconditionally guarantee.

Stockholders' Equity

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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 290,144 shares of stock for $10.0 million in 2020, 66,475 shares of stock for $4.6 million in 2019 and 232,837 shares of stock for $15.9 million in 2018. 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 $26.3 million remaining available for repurchases at December 31, 2020 under the active repurchase program. Under the Merger Agreement, we have agreed not to repurchase any additional shares of our capital stock from the date of the Merger Agreement through the closing of the Merger, subject to certain exceptions, including pursuant to our equity awards plans. Dividends Year ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Class A and B common stock: Cash dividends per common share $ 2.00 $ 1.92 $ 1.84 Special cash dividend per common share 1.50 1.50 1.50 Total common stock dividends per share $ 3.50 $ 3.42 $ 3.34 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 2020 and 2019 and $37.3 million in 2018. 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, 2020. 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 of 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, 2018 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 Stock-based compensation 21,451 197 — — 21,451 197 Purchase of common stock (290,144) (1,797) — — (290,144) (1,797) Outstanding at December 31, 2020 24,384,109 $ 151,061 11,413 $ 72 24,395,522 $ 151,133 (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 72% of our voting stock as of December 31, 2020 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) on Fixed Maturities Available-for-Sale (1) Underfunded Portion of Certain Benefit Without Non-Credit Impairment Losses With Non-Credit Impairment Losses Total (Dollars in thousands) Balance at January 1, 2018 $ 295,169 $ 537 $ (10,723) $ 284,983 Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle related to net unrealized gains on equity securities (3) (5,480) — — (5,480) Other comprehensive loss 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 Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 226,972 (656) — 226,316 Reclassification adjustments 6,343 — (144) 6,199 Balance at December 31, 2020 $ 596,335 $ 1,318 $ (10,374) $ 587,279 (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) 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, 2020 Unrealized Net Investment Gains (Losses) on Fixed Maturities Available-for-Sale (1) Underfunded Portion of Certain Benefit Without Non-Credit Impairment Losses With Non-Credit Impairment Losses Total (Dollars in thousands) Realized capital losses on sales of fixed maturities $ 8,344 $ — $ — $ 8,344 Adjustments for assumed changes in deferred policy acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserve and policyholder liabilities (315) — — (315) Other expenses - change in unrecognized postretirement items: Net actuarial gain — — (181) (181) Reclassifications before income taxes 8,029 — (181) 7,848 Income taxes (1,686) — 37 (1,649) Reclassification adjustments $ 6,343 $ — $ (144) $ 6,199 Year ended December 31, 2019 Unrealized Net Investment Gains (Losses) on Fixed Maturities Available-for-Sale (1) Underfunded Portion of Certain Benefit Without Non-Credit Impairment Losses With Non-Credit Impairment Losses Total (Dollars in thousands) Realized capital gains on sales of investments $ (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) on Fixed Maturities Available-for-Sale (1) Underfunded Portion of Certain Benefit Without Non-Credit Impairment Losses With Non-Credit Impairment Losses 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 (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, 2020
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, 2020. Multiemployer Plan name FBL Financial Group Retirement Plan Employer identification number 42-1411715 Plan number 001 FBL’s contributions (in thousands) 2020 $15,000 2019 $15,000 2018 $30,000 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 2020, 2019 or 2018. We are the primary employer in the Multiemployer Plan, providing more than 5 percent of the total contributions during 2020, 2019 and 2018. 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 As of and for the year ended 2020 2019 2020 2019 (Dollars in thousands) Change in projected benefit obligation: Net benefit obligation at beginning of the year $ 381,120 $ 319,931 $ 27,923 $ 25,363 Service cost 5,215 4,549 316 467 Interest cost 12,566 13,273 880 992 Actuarial loss 51,458 51,338 1,398 2,930 Benefits paid (13,315) (7,971) (3,830) (1,829) Projected benefit obligation 437,044 381,120 26,687 27,923 Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of the year 362,864 316,008 — — Actual return on plan assets 33,022 39,827 — — Employer contributions 15,000 15,000 3,830 1,829 Benefits paid (13,315) (7,971) (3,830) (1,829) Fair value of plan assets at end of the year 397,571 362,864 — — Underfunded status at end of the year $ (39,473) $ (18,256) $ (26,687) $ (27,923) Accumulated benefit obligation $ 394,352 $ 343,029 $ 23,987 $ 25,471 The fair value of plan assets of the Multiemployer Plan exceeded the accumulated benefit obligation at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019. Net Periodic Pension Costs Incurred by the Plans Multiemployer Plan Other Plans As of and for the year ended As of and for the year ended 2020 2019 2018 2020 2019 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Service cost $ 5,215 $ 4,549 $ 5,973 $ 316 $ 467 $ 539 Interest cost 12,566 13,273 13,642 880 992 958 Expected return on plan assets (21,047) (18,827) (22,247) — — — Amortization of prior service cost — — 46 — — — Amortization of actuarial loss 11,157 8,913 12,507 1,268 1,066 1,353 Effect of settlement — — 17,406 — — — Effect of special termination benefit — — 5,168 — — — Net periodic pension cost $ 7,891 $ 7,908 $ 32,495 $ 2,464 $ 2,525 $ 2,850 FBL Financial Group, Inc. share of net periodic pension cost $ 2,516 $ 2,533 $ 9,956 $ 1,570 $ 1,449 $ 1,671 Pension settlement charges were recognized after determining the total cash payments exceeded the sum of the service and interest cost for 2018. 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 2021 will include $14.9 million for amortization of the actuarial loss. For the Other Plans it is expected that net periodic pension cost in 2021, included in accumulated other comprehensive income, will include $1.4 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 2021 to be approximately $15.0 million, of which $4.4 million is expected to be contributed by us. Expected benefits to be paid under the Multiemployer Plan are as follows: 2021 - $20.5 million, 2022 - $21.1 million, 2023 - $23.1 million, 2024 - $22.7 million, 2025 - $25.1 million and 2026 through 2030 - $129.2 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: 2021 - $4.0 million, 2022 - $3.9 million, 2023 - $4.8 million, 2024 - $3.6 million, 2025 - $1.4 million and 2026 through 2030 - $7.8 million. FBL’s Proportionate Share of Prepaid or Accrued Pension Cost Multiemployer Plan Other Plans As of and for the year ended As of and for the year ended 2020 2019 2020 2019 (Dollars in thousands) Amount recognized in FBL’s consolidated balance sheets Prepaid benefit cost $ 40,631 $ 38,365 $ 807 $ 749 Accrued benefit cost — — (21,358) (21,922) Net amount recognized $ 40,631 $ 38,365 $ (20,551) $ (21,173) Amount recognized in FBL’s accumulated other comprehensive income, before taxes (1) Net actuarial loss $ 13,121 $ 12,990 Net amount recognized $ 13,121 $ 12,990 (1) For the 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 the Multiemployer Plan totaled $39.5 million at December 31, 2020 and $18.3 million at December 31, 2019. Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Obligation December 31, 2020 2019 Discount rate 2.68 % 3.37 % Annual salary increases 3.21 % 3.27 % 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, 2020 2019 2018 Discount rate 3.37 % 4.24 % 3.72 % Expected long-term return on plan assets 5.85 % 6.00 % 6.50 % Annual salary increases 3.27 % 3.21 % 3.27 % 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 2020, excluding the funded annuity contracts, the Multiemployer Plan’s long-term investment allocation targets were as follows: 46% in fixed income investments, 30% in equities, 15% in long duration fixed income investments and 9% in alternative investments. At December 31, 2020, the Multiemployer Plan assets were invested approximately 45% in fixed income investments, 32% in equities, 18% 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, which is based on the fair value of the underlying assets owned by the fund less any liabilities. The net asset value, which is not publicly quoted, is available to current investors via the Multiemployer Plan’s recordkeeper’s website. It is the basis for current transactions and units can be redeemed at net asset value as of the measurement date. • Mutual funds: valued at quoted prices in an active market which represent net asset value of shares held by the Multiemployer Plan. • 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. 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, 2020 Quoted prices in Significant other Significant Total (Dollars in thousands) Mutual funds: (1) U.S. equity funds $ 34,167 $ — $ — $ 34,167 International funds 55,917 — — 55,917 Pooled separate accounts: (1) Short-term fixed income funds 777 — — 777 Fixed income funds 14,272 — — 14,272 U.S. equity funds 20,835 — — 20,835 Real estate fund 14,198 — — 14,198 Annuities: (2) Group annuity contract — — 156,414 156,414 Funded annuity contracts — — 10,461 10,461 Fixed maturities: (3) Corporate — 32,245 — 32,245 United States government and agencies 38,566 — — 38,566 Alternative investments: (4) Limited partnerships — — 17,909 17,909 Cash and cash equivalents (5) 111 — — 111 Total $ 178,843 $ 32,245 $ 184,784 $ 395,872 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), (6) 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 $ 149,054 $ 28,509 $ 183,773 $ 361,336 (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 $1.7 million as of December 31, 2020 and $1.5 million as of December 31, 2019, 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. In 2020, the Multiemployer Plan entered into one alternative investment with Principal Life Insurance Company. (5) Represents approximate fair value of cash held. (6) Pooled separate account investments reported in 2019 were reclassified from Level 2 to Level 1 as daily pricing is available. Level 3 Multiemployer Plan Asset Changes in Fair Value December 31, 2020 Return on assets December 31, Purchases Held at year end Sold during year Transfers into (out) of level 3 December 31, 2020 (Dollars in thousands) Group annuity contract $ 157,248 $ (9,266) $ 5,071 $ — $ 3,361 $ 156,414 Funded annuity contracts 10,378 (523) 606 — — 10,461 Limited partnerships 16,147 1,369 393 — — 17,909 Total $ 183,773 $ (8,420) $ 6,070 $ — $ 3,361 $ 184,784 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
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 $3.5 million in 2020, $3.1 million in 2019 and $2.9 million in 2018. Attained age 40 and 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.
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. 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, 2020 6,696 $ 24.71 Exercised (5,696) 23.92 Shares under option at December 31, 2020 1,000 29.23 0.04 $ 23 Vested at December 31, 2020 1,000 $ 29.23 0.04 $ 23 Exercisable options at December 31, 2020 1,000 $ 29.23 0.04 $ 23 (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, 2020. The intrinsic value of options exercised during the year totaled $0.2 million for 2020, $0.1 million for 2019 and $0.7 million for 2018. We issue new shares to satisfy stock option exercises. Cash received from stock options exercised tota led $0.1 million for 2020 and 2019 and $0.3 million for 2018. The actual tax benefit realized from stock options exercised totale d less than $0.1 million for 2020 and 2019 and $0.1 million for 2018. 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. The impact of forfeitures is estimated and compensation expense is recognized only for those units expected to vest. 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 $0.5 million for 2020, $1.2 million for 2019 and $1.7 million for 2018. The income tax benefit recognized in the statements of operations for this arrangement totaled $0.2 million in 2020, $0.4 million in 2019 and $0.6 million in 2018. Restricted Stock Unit Activity Number of Units Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value Restricted stock units at January 1, 2020 64,017 $ 67.30 Granted 25,454 53.78 Vested (23,169) 63.01 Forfeited or canceled (28,900) 65.84 Restricted stock units at December 31, 2020 37,402 61.87 The weighted average grant-date fair value per common share of restricted stock units granted was $53.78 in 2020, $70.88 in 2019 and $71.20 in 2018. Unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested restricted stock units based on the stock price at December 31, 2020 totaled $0.8 million. This expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.14 years. Dividends are paid on restricted stock units upon vesting. Cash payments including dividends for restricted stock units totaled $1.5 million in 2020 , $2.5 million in 2019 and $3.3 million in 2018. Upon the effective time of the Merger contemplated under the Merger Agreement, each restricted stock unit would be cancelled and exchanged for the right of each holder to receive an amount in cash equal to the agreed Merger consideration per share, multiplied by the total number restricted stock units, plus the aggregate sum of any cash dividend equivalents on the restricted stock units. The payment would be made in accordance with the restricted stock unit vesting schedule in place immediately before the closing of the Merger, provided the executive remains employed, or in the service of, the Company, FBPCIC or their subsidiaries on each applicable vesting date and other conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement. 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 29,803 at December 31, 2020 and 26,042 at December 31, 2019. 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 44,399 at December 31, 2020 and 47,092 at December 31, 2019. At December 31, 2020, there were 99,517 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 3,277 at December 31, 2020 and 8,478 at December 31, 2019. 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 38,621 at December 31, 2020 and 48,740 at December 31, 2019. At December 31, 2020, shares of Class A common stock available for future issuance under this plan totaled 89,087. 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 600 at December 31, 2020 and 3,514 at December 31, 2019. This plan was frozen to future deferrals on December 31, 2013. Upon the effective time of the Merger contemplated under the Merger Agreement, each deferred or cash-based stock unit in the plans referenced in this section would be cancelled and exchanged for the right of each holder to receive an amount in cash equal to the agreed Merger consideration per share, multiplied by the total number of deferred or cash-based stock units. Payments would be made within the respective plans, under which different investment options may be available.

Managment and Other Agreements

Managment and Other Agreements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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 FBPCIC and other affiliates. Fee income for these services totaled $2.0 million in 2020, 2019 and 2018. In addition, as discussed in Note 1, we provide investment advisory services and lease property and equipment under agreements with FBPCIC , 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 $1.5 million in 2020, $1.6 million in 2019 and $1.5 million in 2018. We also have an expense allocation agreement with FBPCIC for the use of property and equipment. Expense relating to this agreement totaled $0.3 million in 2020, 2019 and 2018. We have service agreements with the Farm Bureau-affiliated property-casualty companies operating within our marketing territory, including FBPCIC 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 $8.4 million in 2020, $8.0 million in 2019 and $9.2 million in 2018 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 2020, 2019 and 2018. 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 2020 and 2019 and $1.8 million in 2018. 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, 2020 2019 2018 Life and annuity collected premiums: Iowa 26.1 % 26.3 % 25.5 % Kansas 17.0 16.4 19.2 Oklahoma 8.2 7.6 7.9

Committments and Contingencies

Committments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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 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 sheets. We have no agreements with lease and non-lease components. None of our leases are considered finance leases. At December 31, 2020, we held ten long-term leases, while 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 sheets in other assets and other liabilities. The carrying value of these leases total $12.1 million at December 31, 2020 and $14.0 million at December 31, 2019. The most significant lease is for our home office facilities, which is owned by a subsidiary of IFBF. All of our leases are based on fixed terms which expire from 2021 through 2026, but allow for 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. The incremental borrowing rate used in determining the net present value of the future lease commitments for new leases was 4.25% in 2020 and 4.50% in 2019. Lease expense and the related cash flows totaled $5.8 million in 2020 and $5.4 million in 2019. For our home office building, lease expense totaled $4.3 million in 2018, net of $0.2 million in amortization of a deferred gain on the exchange of our home office properties for common stock in 1998. Future remaining minimum lease payments for the long-term leases discussed above, as of December 31, 2020, are as follows: Lease commitments by year December 31, 2020 (Dollars in thousands) 2021 $ 2,853 2022 2,681 2023 2,496 2024 2,442 2025 2,226 Thereafter 2,195 Total minimum lease payments 14,893 Less: Interest (2,807) Present value of lease liabilities $ 12,086 Commitments for Partnership Investments and Private Corporate Bond Investments At December 31, 2020, we have unfunded investment commitments to limited partnerships and limited liability companies of $89.2 million and privately placed corporate securities commitments of $4.8 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 continue to be reflected in operations. An allowance for incurred but not reported claims is included in other liabilities.

Earnings per Share

Earnings per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	Earnings per Share Computation of Earnings per Common Share Year ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) Numerator: Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc. $ 72,513 $ 126,209 $ 93,793 Less: Dividends on Series B preferred stock 150 150 150 Income available to common stockholders $ 72,363 $ 126,059 $ 93,643 Denominator: Weighted-average shares - basic 24,614,591 24,760,541 24,932,189 Effect of dilutive securities - stock-based compensation 3,325 10,134 12,412 Weighted-average shares - diluted 24,617,916 24,770,675 24,944,601 Earnings per common share $ 2.94 $ 5.09 $ 3.76 Earnings per common share - assuming dilution $ 2.94 $ 5.09 $ 3.75

Statutory Insurance Information

Statutory Insurance Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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, 2020 2019 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Farm Bureau Life: Net gain from operations (excludes impact of realized gains and losses on investments) $ 87,363 $ 98,529 $ 100,819 Net income 72,566 100,141 103,923 State prescribed practices that increased (decreased) statutory net income 1,207 577 (7,505) Greenfields: Net gain (losses) from operations (excludes impact of realized gains and losses on investments) 74 146 (321) Net income (loss) 74 146 (321) Farm Bureau Life Greenfields December 31, December 31, 2020 2019 2020 2019 (Dollars in thousands) Total capital and surplus $ 628,042 $ 642,409 $ 8,867 $ 8,814 Unassigned surplus (deficit) 494,559 508,926 (1,933) (1,986) State prescribed practices that increased (decreased) statutory surplus (6,409) (8,320) — — Risk-Based Capital measurements: Total adjusted capital 696,108 718,175 8,881 8,826 Company action level capital 131,754 127,864 175 194 RBC Ratio 528 % 562 % 5,089 % 4,551 % 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.

Segment Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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 proposed acquisition transaction expenses, realized gains and losses on investments including the change in fair value of equity securities, the change in allowances for credit losses on investments, and the change in fair value of derivatives as the impact of these items can fluctuate greatly from period to period. These fluctuations and nonrecurring proposed acquisition expenses 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. For example, 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, 2020 2019 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Pre-tax adjusted operating income: Annuity $ 61,033 $ 52,834 $ 62,846 Life Insurance 36,658 67,134 47,680 Corporate and Other 8,867 16,309 16,013 Total pre-tax adjusted operating income 106,558 136,277 126,539 Adjustments to pre-tax adjusted operating income: Proposed acquisition transaction expenses (2,147) — — Net realized gains/losses on investments (1) (15,991) 7,358 (12,085) Change in fair value of derivatives (1) (6,275) 3,422 (7,832) Pre-tax net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc. 82,145 147,057 106,622 Income tax expense (8,061) (19,929) (11,650) Tax on equity income (1,571) (919) (1,179) Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc. $ 72,513 $ 126,209 $ 93,793 Adjusted operating revenues: Annuity $ 215,714 $ 212,538 $ 223,996 Life Insurance 439,700 432,294 430,194 Corporate and Other 91,353 94,230 93,681 746,767 739,062 747,871 Net realized gains/losses on investments (1) (16,279) 7,606 (12,455) Change in fair value of derivatives (1) 1,777 28,013 (15,790) Consolidated revenues $ 732,265 $ 774,681 $ 719,626 Net investment income: Annuity $ 207,736 $ 205,857 $ 218,823 Life Insurance 157,498 158,230 158,003 Corporate and Other 29,540 34,302 33,272 394,774 398,389 410,098 Change in fair value of derivatives 2,457 26,609 (15,480) Consolidated net investment income $ 397,231 $ 424,998 $ 394,618 Depreciation and amortization: Annuity $ 7,726 $ 14,954 $ 9,335 Life Insurance 18,310 4,926 16,515 Corporate and Other 1,572 66 7,025 27,608 19,946 32,875 Net realized gains/losses on investments (1) (314) 241 (184) Change in fair value of derivatives (1) (33) 345 (1,598) Consolidated depreciation and amortization $ 27,261 $ 20,532 $ 31,093 Operating Segment Assets December 31, 2020 2019 (Dollars in thousands) Assets: Annuity $ 4,754,782 $ 4,671,210 Life Insurance 3,760,718 3,665,179 Corporate and Other 1,702,642 1,669,183 10,218,142 10,005,572 Net unrealized gains in accumulated other comprehensive income (2) 778,130 474,634 Consolidated assets $ 10,996,272 $ 10,480,206 (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) 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 2020 and 2019 and $4.5 million for 2018 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, 2020 and 2019 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, 2020 2019 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Pre-tax equity income: Life Insurance $ 2,042 $ 3,224 $ 3,840 Corporate and Other 5,435 1,151 1,778 Total pre-tax equity income 7,477 4,375 5,618 Income taxes (1,571) (919) (1,179) Equity income, net of related income taxes $ 5,906 $ 3,456 $ 4,439 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 $549.9 million in 2020, $611.1 million in 2019 and $640.1 million in 2018. 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, 2020 2019 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Traditional and universal life insurance premiums collected $ 322,219 $ 310,727 $ 304,229 Premiums collected on interest sensitive products (122,610) (114,092) (106,609) Traditional life insurance premiums collected 199,609 196,635 197,620 Change in due premiums and other (860) 1,228 692 Traditional life insurance premiums as included in the consolidated statements of operations. $ 198,749 $ 197,863 $ 198,312 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, 2020 2019 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Annuity Rider and other product charges $ 6,473 $ 5,319 $ 3,880 Surrender charges 1,505 1,362 1,293 Total $ 7,978 $ 6,681 $ 5,173 Life Insurance Administration charges $ 21,836 $ 19,264 $ 16,944 Cost of insurance charges 53,138 51,122 50,727 Surrender charges 2,563 2,619 2,352 Amortization of policy initiation fees 6,170 3,737 4,462 Total $ 83,707 $ 76,742 $ 74,485 Corporate and Other Administration charges $ 4,471 $ 4,707 $ 5,021 Cost of insurance charges 28,330 28,794 29,151 Surrender charges 58 99 92 Separate account charges 8,095 8,168 8,535 Amortization of policy initiation fees 558 516 823 Total $ 41,512 $ 42,284 $ 43,622 Impact of net realized gains/losses on investments and change in fair value of derivatives on amortization of unearned revenue reserves (675) 1,406 (491) Interest sensitive product charges as included in the consolidated statements of operations $ 132,522 $ 127,113 $ 122,789 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, 2020
Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block]	Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) Unaudited Quarterly Results of Operations 2020 Quarter ended March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31, (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) Premiums and product charges $ 81,028 $ 83,238 $ 83,212 $ 83,793 Net investment income 74,917 110,435 105,856 106,023 Realized gains (losses) on investments (25,662) 2,256 3,894 3,228 Total revenues 135,263 200,713 197,845 198,444 Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc. (2,515) 26,211 20,974 27,843 Earnings per common share $ (0.10) $ 1.06 $ 0.85 $ 1.14 Earnings per common share - assuming dilution $ (0.10) $ 1.06 $ 0.85 $ 1.14 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

Sch I. Schedule of Investments

Sch I. Schedule of Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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, 2020 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 $ 3,542,136 $ 4,238,267 $ 4,238,267 Mortgage- and asset-backed 2,373,785 2,593,203 2,593,203 United States Government and agencies 35,174 36,252 36,252 States and political subdivisions 1,228,208 1,415,965 1,415,965 Total 7,179,303 $ 8,283,687 8,283,687 Equity securities: Common stocks: Banks, trusts and insurance companies 5,672 $ 6,510 6,510 Industrial, miscellaneous and all other 9,301 9,289 9,289 Non-redeemable preferred stocks 68,026 72,482 72,482 Total 82,999 $ 88,281 88,281 Mortgage loans (2) 995,983 994,101 Investment real estate 955 955 Policy loans 195,666 195,666 Short-term investments 63,062 63,062 Other investments 37,868 58,258 Total investments $ 8,555,836 $ 9,684,010 (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 (net of collateral received); 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, 2020
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, 2020 2019 Assets Investments in subsidiaries (eliminated in consolidation) $ 1,753,409 $ 1,537,121 Fixed maturities - available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost: 2020 - $15,773; 2019 - $18,420) 19,040 22,483 Equity securities (cost: 2020 - $5,672; 2019 - $6,587) 6,510 7,130 Short-term investments 7,772 5,077 Cash and cash equivalents 10,858 14,130 Amounts receivable from affiliates 2,419 2,382 Amounts receivable from subsidiaries (eliminated in consolidation) 2,730 3,777 Accrued investment income 4 13 Current income taxes recoverable 176 — Deferred income tax assets 6,818 6,832 Other assets 28,101 27,926 Total assets $ 1,837,837 $ 1,626,871 Liabilities and stockholders’ equity Liabilities: Accrued expenses and other liabilities $ 48,738 $ 44,089 Current income taxes — 25 Long-term debt payable to non-affiliates 97,000 97,000 Total liabilities 145,738 141,114 Stockholders’ equity: Preferred stock 3,000 3,000 Class A common stock 151,061 152,661 Class B common stock 72 72 Accumulated other comprehensive income 587,279 354,764 Retained earnings 950,687 975,260 Total stockholders’ equity 1,692,099 1,485,757 Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 1,837,837 $ 1,626,871 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, 2020 2019 2018 Revenues: Net investment income $ 1,457 $ 1,970 $ 2,381 Realized gains (losses) on investments 291 584 (591) Dividends from subsidiaries, eliminated in consolidation 98,500 91,300 91,997 Management fee income from affiliates 2,001 2,000 2,001 Management fee income from subsidiaries, eliminated in consolidation 5,888 6,265 6,458 Other income 3 8 2 Total revenues 108,140 102,127 102,248 Expenses: Interest expense 4,850 4,850 4,850 General and administrative expenses 9,814 8,101 8,605 Total expenses 14,664 12,951 13,455 93,476 89,176 88,793 Income tax benefit 3,011 1,971 2,175 Income before equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries 96,487 91,147 90,968 Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries (distribution in excess of income of subsidiaries), eliminated in consolidation (23,974) 35,062 2,825 Net income $ 72,513 $ 126,209 $ 93,793 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, 2020 2019 2018 Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ 2,234 $ (107) $ (2,102) Investing activities Sales, maturities or redemptions of fixed maturities - available for sale 3,435 3,849 4,641 Sales, maturities or redemptions (acquisitions) of equity securities - available for sale 1,285 (938) (1,147) Short-term investments, net change (2,695) 530 853 Dividends from subsidiaries (eliminated in consolidation) 98,500 91,300 91,997 Net cash provided by investing activities 100,525 94,741 96,344 Financing activities Repurchase of common stock, net (10,133) (5,346) (15,152) Capital contribution to subsidiary (9,700) (2,800) (7,800) Dividends paid (86,198) (84,474) (83,128) Net cash used in financing activities (106,031) (92,620) (106,080) Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (3,272) 2,014 (11,838) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 14,130 12,116 23,954 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 10,858 $ 14,130 $ 12,116 Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information Cash received (paid) during the year for: Income taxes $ 3,019 $ 2,383 $ 1,617 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, 2020 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 $98.5 million in 2020, $91.3 million in 2019 and $92.0 million in 2018. 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, 2020
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, 2020: Annuity $ 86,289 $ 4,191,493 $ — $ 317,933 Life Insurance 353,626 3,003,912 25,688 197,174 Corporate and Other 56,659 419,858 11,151 30,444 Impact of unrealized gains/losses (320,489) 51,001 (29,393) — Total $ 176,085 $ 7,666,264 $ 7,446 $ 545,551 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 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, 2020: Annuity $ 7,978 $ 207,736 $ 120,991 $ 10,866 $ 22,824 Life Insurance 282,456 157,498 298,845 17,175 81,526 Corporate and Other 41,512 29,540 40,062 3,165 9,311 Change in fair value of derivatives (680) 2,457 8,719 (667) — Impact of realized gains/losses 5 — 25 (313) — Total $ 331,271 $ 397,231 $ 468,642 $ 30,226 $ 113,661 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 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 (181) — (24) (346) — Total $ 321,101 $ 394,618 $ 428,962 $ 33,137 $ 118,918

Sch IV Reinsurance

Sch IV Reinsurance	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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, 2020: Life insurance in force, at end of year $ 67,343,372 $ 13,586,090 $ 407,991 $ 54,165,273 0.8 % Insurance premiums and other considerations: Interest sensitive product charges $ 131,337 $ 923 $ 2,108 $ 132,522 1.6 % Traditional life insurance premiums 224,967 26,477 259 198,749 0.1 % Accident and health premiums 4,840 4,570 — 270 — $ 361,144 $ 31,970 $ 2,367 $ 331,541 0.7 % 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 %

Significant Accounting Polici_2

Significant Accounting Policies Level 2 (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Accounting, Policy	Nature of BusinessFBL 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	ConsolidationOur consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company and its direct and indirect subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated.
Subsequent Events, Policy	Subsequent Event - Merger Agreement -Affiliate Acquisition of Outstanding Shares On January 11, 2021, the Company announced that it reached an agreement with Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company (FBPCIC), an Iowa domiciled stock property and casualty insurance company pursuant to which FBPCIC will acquire all of the outstanding Class A common shares, without par value, and Class B common shares, without par value (collectively, the Common Shares), of the Company that are not currently owned or controlled by FBPCIC or IFBF, an Iowa non-profit corporation, pursuant to the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Merger (the Merger Agreement), by and among the Company, FBPCIC, and 5400 Merger Sub, Inc., an Iowa corporation (Merger Sub). IFBF and FBPCIC currently own approximately 61% of the outstanding Common Shares. The Merger Agreement provides for the merger of Merger Sub with and into the Company, with the Company surviving the merger (the Merger). Consummation of the Merger is subject to certain specified closing conditions, including approval by the Company’s shareholders, expiration or termination of applicable waiting periods, clearance by the Insurance Commissioner of the State of Iowa and approval by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority as further described in the Merger Agreement. See Note 9 to our consolidated financial statements for information regarding management and other agreements between the Company, IFBF and FBPCIC.
Marketable Securities, Policy	Fixed Maturities Fixed maturities are comprised of bonds and redeemable preferred stock and are designated as “available for sale” (AFS). AFS 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. When the fair value of a fixed maturity security is below its amortized cost, it is considered impaired. To the extent we decide to sell the security or are required to sell the security prior to its recovery of fair value, a charge is taken to net realized capital losses as reported within the consolidated statement of operations, and the amortized cost basis of the security is adjusted for the loss. Under the accounting guidance we followed prior to January 1, 2020, to the extent we had no plan or requirement to sell an impaired security, but believed the impairment was other-than-temporary (OTTI), we similarly recorded a charge to other-than-temporary impairment losses as reported within the consolidated statement of operations and the amortized cost basis of the security was adjusted for the loss. Prior to January 1, 2020, after an OTTI write down of fixed maturities with a credit-only impairment, the cost basis was not adjusted for subsequent recoveries in fair value. For fixed maturities for which we could reasonably estimate future cash flows after a write down, the discount or reduced premium recorded, based on the new cost basis, was amortized over the remaining life of the security. Amortization in this instance was computed using the prospective method and the current estimate of the amount and timing of future cash flows. Beginning in 2020, to the extent an unrealized loss is due to a credit event, an increase in allowance for credit loss is recognized within the consolidated statement of operations. While fixed maturities are reported net of the allowance for credit losses in our consolidated balance sheets, the allowance is not considered an adjustment to the amortized cost of the security. Accordingly, the allowance may increase or decrease over the life of the security based on changes in the assumptions used to determine the allowance, with such changes reported as a change in allowance for credit losses on investments within the consolidated statement of operations. Fixed maturity securities are written-off to realized capital losses if we determine that no additional payments of principal or interest will be received. We have elected the policy to exclude accrued interest receivable from our allowance calculation since uncollectible accrued interest will continue to be evaluated for collectability and written off as warranted. We monitor the financial condition and operations of the issuers of fixed maturities to determine whether an allowance for credit losses is required or, prior to January 1, 2020, that a credit impairment was an 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 allowance for credit losses or credit impairment loss for fixed maturities, we estimate the present value of future cash flows that we expect to receive over the remaining life of the instrument, which in some instances could equal fair value, 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 a credit loss or credit impairment that is 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.
Investment, Policy	Mortgage Loans Mortgage loans are reported at cost adjusted for amortization of premiums, accrual of discounts and net of allowance for credit losses. The allowance for credit losses on our mortgage loan investments is based on an estimate of credit losses that may occur over the life of the loans. Prior to January 1, 2020, the allowance was based on incurred losses of individual loans. In determining the allowance, we segregate our mortgage loans with a similar risk profile based on an internal loan rating. Loss factors based on the potential frequency and severity of credit losses at different points in time of the portfolio life are applied to future cash flows to estimate the allowance for credit losses. In determining the loss factors, we consider the potential severity and likelihood of loss based on our historical loan loss experience along with that of other similar organizations as well as economic forecasts. We have elected the policy to exclude accrued interest receivable from our allowance calculation since uncollectible accrued interest will continue to be evaluated for collectability and written off as warranted. 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, 2020 or 2019. 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 less collateral received and a promissory note acquired in a sale of a partnership interest carried at the estimated recovery value of the note. 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 and included in net realized capital gains (losses) on the consolidated statement of operations. Change in allowance for credit losses on fixed maturity securities, mortgage loans and other investments are included in the change in allowance for credit losses on investments in the consolidated statement of operations. Prior to 2020, OTTI impairments were included in the other-than-
Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy	Fair ValuesFair 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 EquivalentsFor 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. The allowance for credit losses on our reinsurance recoverable is based on an estimate of credit losses that may occur over the life of the underlying ceded insurance business, which differs from the accounting guidance we followed prior to January 1, 2020 which was based on an incurred loss model. We develop loss factors that are applied to the amounts due from each reinsurer, which considers the potential severity and likelihood of loss based on the relative risk profile of each reinsurer, our internal loss history and those of other organizations, along with economic forecasts. We also consider other sources of information regarding individual reinsurers, as applicable, including amounts past-due according to the terms of the reinsurance contracts. Reinsurance recoverable assets are reported in our consolidated balance sheets net of the allowance for credit losses. Amounts deemed to be uncollectible are written off against the allowance. Changes in the allowance are reported within the consolidated statement of operations as “Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses.” 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.
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, gross margins 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.
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 $31.4 million at December 31, 2020 and $42.9 million at December 31, 2019. See discussion on variable interest entities in Note 2 for further information.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy	Other assets at December 31, 2020 and 2019, 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, 2020 or 2019.
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 2020, 2019 and 2018. 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 2.25% to 6.00%. The average rate of assumed gross investment yields used in estimating
Revenue Recognition, Deferred Revenue, Policy	Other Policy Claims and BenefitsWe 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 22% of traditional, universal and variable life insurance premiums collected from policyholders during 2020 (2019 - 25% and 2018 - 28%) and represented 9%
Income Tax, Policy	Deferred Income TaxesDeferred 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 AccountsThe 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 and index 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, 2020 2019 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Components of our underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses: Commission expense, net of deferrals $ 22,762 $ 24,419 $ 23,801 Amortization of deferred acquisition costs 30,226 22,887 33,137 Amortization of value of insurance in force acquired 2,171 2,141 2,167 Other underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses, net of deferrals 88,728 91,177 92,950 Total $ 143,887 $ 140,624 $ 152,055
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.
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, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Recognition of underwriting, acquisition and insurance costs	Underwriting, Acquisition and Insurance Expenses Year ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Components of our underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses: Commission expense, net of deferrals $ 22,762 $ 24,419 $ 23,801 Amortization of deferred acquisition costs 30,226 22,887 33,137 Amortization of value of insurance in force acquired 2,171 2,141 2,167 Other underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses, net of deferrals 88,728 91,177 92,950 Total $ 143,887 $ 140,624 $ 152,055

Investment Operations (Tables)

Investment Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Investment Operations [Abstract]
Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturity Securities by Investment Category	Fixed Maturity Securities Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturity Securities by Investment Category December 31, 2020 Amortized Gross Gross Allowance for Credit Losses Fair Fixed maturities: Corporate $ 3,542,136 $ 704,586 $ (4,242) $ (4,213) $ 4,238,267 Residential mortgage-backed 645,503 58,058 (1,442) — 702,119 Commercial mortgage-backed 991,944 145,549 (1,160) — 1,136,333 Other asset-backed 736,338 23,593 (4,511) (669) 754,751 United States Government and agencies 35,174 2,887 (1,809) — 36,252 States and political subdivisions 1,228,208 188,542 (785) — 1,415,965 Total fixed maturities $ 7,179,303 $ 1,123,215 $ (13,949) $ (4,882) $ 8,283,687 December 31, 2019 Amortized Gross Gross Fair (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 Commercial mortgage-backed 969,453 77,433 (1,413) 1,045,473 Other asset-backed 697,390 19,745 (2,614) 714,521 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
Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturities by Maturity Date	Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturities by Maturity Date December 31, 2020 Amortized (Dollars in thousands) Due in one year or less $ 142,285 $ 145,620 Due after one year through five years 574,155 618,031 Due after five years through ten years 732,772 842,903 Due after ten years 3,356,306 4,083,930 4,805,518 5,690,484 Mortgage-backed and other asset-backed 2,373,785 2,593,203 Total fixed maturities $ 7,179,303 $ 8,283,687
Net Unrealized Gains on Investments in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Net Unrealized Gains on Investments in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income December 31, 2020 2019 (Dollars in thousands) Net unrealized appreciation on: Fixed maturities - available for sale $ 1,109,266 $ 687,359 Adjustments for assumed changes in amortization pattern of: Deferred acquisition costs (320,489) (200,227) Value of insurance in force acquired (10,647) (12,498) Unearned revenue reserve 29,393 18,025 Adjustments for assumed changes in policyholder liabilities (51,001) (30,642) Provision for deferred income taxes (see Note 5) (158,869) (97,023) Net unrealized investment gains $ 597,653 $ 364,994
Fixed Maturity Securities with Unrealized Losses by Length of Time without an Allowance for Credit Losses	Fixed Maturity Securities with Unrealized Losses by Length of Time without an Allowance for Credit Losses December 31, 2020 Less than one year One year or more Total Description of Securities Fair Value Unrealized Losses (1) Fair Value Unrealized Losses (1) Fair Value Unrealized Losses (1) Percent of Total (Dollars in thousands) Fixed maturities: Corporate $ 39,363 $ (1,716) $ 22,677 $ (2,526) $ 62,040 $ (4,242) 30.5 % Residential mortgage-backed 45,059 (520) 16,918 (922) 61,977 (1,442) 10.3 % Commercial mortgage-backed 26,829 (1,160) — — 26,829 (1,160) 8.3 % Other asset-backed 113,439 (1,741) 67,128 (2,770) 180,567 (4,511) 32.3 % United States Government and agencies 23,630 (1,809) — — 23,630 (1,809) 13.0 % States and political subdivisions 12,577 (372) 2,568 (413) 15,145 (785) 5.6 % Total fixed maturities $ 260,897 $ (7,318) $ 109,291 $ (6,631) $ 370,188 $ (13,949) 100.0 % 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 (1) Fair Value Unrealized Losses (1) Fair Value Unrealized Losses (1) 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 % (1) Non-credit losses reported in AOCI are included with gross unrealized losses, resulting in total gross unrealized losses for AFS fixed maturities being reported in the table.
Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturities Allowance for Credit Losses	Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturities Allowance for Credit Losses Year ended December 31, 2020 Corporate Other ABS Total (Dollars in thousands) Beginning balance $ — $ — $ — Additions for credit losses not previously recorded 13,118 669 13,787 Net decrease to previously recorded allowance (1,723) — (1,723) Reductions for securities sold (7,182) — (7,182) Ending balance $ 4,213 $ 669 $ 4,882
Mortgage Loans by Collateral Type	Mortgage Loans by Collateral Type December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Collateral Type Carrying Value Percent of Total Carrying Value Percent of Total (Dollars in thousands) Office $ 375,622 37.7 % $ 417,746 41.3 % Retail 320,575 32.2 345,870 34.2 Industrial 227,424 22.9 235,274 23.2 Apartment 59,626 6.0 — — Other 12,407 1.2 12,788 1.3 Total $ 995,654 100.0 % $ 1,011,678 100.0 %
Mortgage Loans by Geographic Location within the United States	Mortgage Loans by Geographic Location within the United States December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Region of the United States Carrying Value Percent of Total Carrying Value Percent of Total (Dollars in thousands) South Atlantic $ 252,964 25.4 % $ 288,299 28.5 % Pacific 181,743 18.3 164,996 16.3 East North Central 147,342 14.8 117,053 11.6 Mountain 107,833 10.8 96,857 9.6 West North Central 94,044 9.4 108,942 10.8 East South Central 75,540 7.6 81,275 8.0 West South Central 65,808 6.6 76,650 7.6 Middle Atlantic 52,512 5.3 45,687 4.5 New England 17,868 1.8 31,919 3.1 Total $ 995,654 100.0 % $ 1,011,678 100.0 %
Mortgage Loans by Loan-to-Value Ratio	Mortgage Loans by Loan-to-Value Ratio December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Loan-to-Value Ratio Percent of Total Carrying Value Percent of Total (Dollars in thousands) 0% - 50% $ 463,130 46.5 % $ 412,973 40.8 % 51% - 60% 309,477 31.1 310,869 30.7 61% - 70% 202,114 20.3 256,280 25.4 71% - 80% 20,933 2.1 31,556 3.1 Total $ 995,654 100.0 % $ 1,011,678 100.0 %
Mortgage Loans by Internal Rating and Year of Origination	Mortgage Loans by Internal Rating and Year of Origination December 31, 2020 Internal Rating 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 & prior Total (Dollars in thousands) A $ 103,781 $ 56,288 $ 118,283 $ 189,257 $ 130,070 $ 362,346 $ 960,025 B — 11,789 1,883 3,459 — 1,516 18,647 C — — 4,456 — 3,945 4,372 12,773 W — — — — — 4,209 4,209 Total $ 103,781 $ 68,077 $ 124,622 $ 192,716 $ 134,015 $ 372,443 $ 995,654 December 31, 2019 Internal Rating 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 & prior Total (Dollars in thousands) A $ 69,319 $ 128,334 $ 200,283 $ 144,311 $ 119,724 $ 316,079 $ 978,050 B — — — — — 7,512 7,512 C — — — — — 21,812 21,812 W — — — — — 4,304 4,304 Total $ 69,319 $ 128,334 $ 200,283 $ 144,311 $ 119,724 $ 349,707 $ 1,011,678
Allowance for Credit Losses on Mortgage Loans	Allowance for Credit Losses on Mortgage Loans Year ended December 31, 2020 Beginning balance $ 3,165 Current period provision for expected credit losses (1,612) Ending balance $ 1,553 As discussed in Note 1, accounting guidance followed prior to 2020 required an allowance for credit losses be established based on an incurred loss model. The allowance for credit losses at December 31, 2019 was as follows below. Allowance on Mortgage Loans Year ended December 31, 2019 Balance at beginning of period $ 3,107 Recoveries (2,778) Balance at end of period balance $ 329
Components of Net Investment Income	Components of Net Investment Income Year ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Fixed maturities - available for sale $ 328,911 $ 334,557 $ 340,498 Equity securities 7,272 8,718 8,488 Mortgage loans 44,228 46,182 45,294 Policy loans 9,326 9,416 9,210 Short-term investments, cash and cash equivalents 233 1,043 772 Derivative income (loss) 10,436 25,282 (10,405) Prepayment fee income and other 4,787 7,332 9,208 405,193 432,530 403,065 Less investment expenses (7,962) (7,532) (8,447) Net investment income $ 397,231 $ 424,998 $ 394,618
Realized Gains (Losses) - Recorded in Income	Realized Gains (Losses) - Recorded in Income Year ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Realized gains (losses) on investments Fixed maturities: Gross gains $ 591 $ 3,779 $ 2,195 Gross losses (8,935) (3,777) (363) Mortgage loans — 2,778 — Real estate — 54 — Other (59) (4) (19) (8,403) 2,830 1,813 Net gains and (losses) recognized during the period on equity securities held at the end of the period 323 5,666 (8,137) Net gains and (losses) recognized during the period on equity securities sold during the period (4,005) 27 (952) Net gains (losses) recognized during the period on equity securities (3,682) 5,693 (9,089) Net realized capital gains (losses) (12,085) 8,523 (7,276) Change in allowances for credit losses/other-than-temporary impairment: Allowance for credit losses on fixed maturity securities (4,882) — — Allowance for credit losses on mortgage loans 1,612 — — Allowance for credit losses on other investments (929) — — Other-than-temporary impairment losses — (919) (4,998) Net realized gains (losses) on investments recorded in income $ (16,284) $ 7,604 $ (12,274)
VIE Investments by Category	VIE Investments by Category December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Carrying Value Maximum Exposure to Loss Carrying Value Maximum Exposure to Loss (Dollars in thousands) LIHTC investments $ 31,382 $ 32,263 $ 42,907 $ 43,834 Investment companies 66,326 138,413 53,388 103,125 Real estate limited partnerships 13,398 14,869 9,565 15,527 Other 491 491 492 492 Total $ 111,597 $ 186,036 $ 106,352 $ 162,978
Derivatives Instruments by Type	Derivatives Instruments by Type December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 (Dollars in thousands) Assets Freestanding derivatives: Call options (reported in other investments) $ 23,576 $ 31,469 Embedded derivatives: Modified coinsurance (reported in reinsurance recoverable) 4,373 2,327 Interest-only security (reported in fixed maturities) 25 385 Total assets $ 27,974 $ 34,181 Liabilities Embedded derivatives: Indexed products (reported in liability for future policy benefits) $ 106,852 $ 76,346 Modified coinsurance (reported in other liabilities) 320 254 Total liabilities $ 107,172 $ 76,600 Derivative Income (Loss) Year ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Freestanding derivatives: Call options $ 8,383 $ 22,497 $ (7,749) Embedded derivatives: Modified coinsurance 1,980 2,695 (2,480) Interest-only security 73 90 (176) Indexed products (9,859) (23,050) 3,243 Total income (loss) from derivatives $ 577 $ 2,232 $ (7,162)

Fair Value (Tables)

Fair Value (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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, 2020 Quoted prices in active markets Significant other observable Significant unobservable Fair Value (Dollars in thousands) Assets Fixed maturities: Corporate securities $ — $ 4,235,226 $ 3,041 $ 4,238,267 Residential mortgage-backed securities — 702,119 — 702,119 Commercial mortgage-backed securities — 1,128,199 8,134 1,136,333 Other asset-backed securities — 733,561 21,190 754,751 United States Government and agencies 25,901 10,351 — 36,252 States and political subdivisions — 1,415,965 — 1,415,965 Total fixed maturities 25,901 8,225,421 32,365 8,283,687 Non-redeemable preferred stocks — 65,870 6,612 72,482 Common stocks (1) 6,510 — — 6,510 Other investments — 23,576 — 23,576 Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments 75,944 — — 75,944 Reinsurance recoverable — 4,373 — 4,373 Assets held in separate accounts 674,182 — — 674,182 Total assets $ 782,537 $ 8,319,240 $ 38,977 $ 9,140,754 Liabilities Future policy benefits - indexed product embedded derivatives $ — $ — $ 106,852 $ 106,852 Other liabilities — 320 — 320 Total liabilities $ — $ 320 $ 106,852 $ 107,172 Valuation of our Financial Instruments Measured on a Recurring Basis by Hierarchy Levels December 31, 2019 Quoted prices in active markets Significant other observable Significant unobservable 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 (1) A private equity fund with a fair value estimate of $9.3 million at December 31, 2020 and $8.4 million at December 31, 2019 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 $0.8 million at December 31, 2020 and $1.7 million at December 31, 2019. 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, 2020 Third-party vendors Priced Fair Value (Dollars in thousands) Corporate securities $ — $ 3,041 $ 3,041 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 8,134 — 8,134 Residential mortgage-backed securities — — — Other asset-backed securities 17,876 3,314 21,190 Non-redeemable preferred stocks — 6,612 6,612 Total level 3 assets $ 26,010 $ 12,967 $ 38,977 Percent of total 66.7 % 33.3 % 100.0 % 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 %
Fair Value Measurement and Measurement Inputs, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Text Block]	Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements - Recurring Basis December 31, 2020 Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range (Weighted Average) (Dollars in thousands) Assets Corporate securities $ 3,041 Discounted cash flow Credit spread 5.95% - 19.41% (14.52%) Other asset-backed securities 13,564 Discounted cash flow Credit spread 2.10% - 9.75% (5.70%) Commercial mortgage-backed securities 8,134 Discounted cash flow Credit spread 1.86% - 2.42% (2.18%) Non-redeemable preferred stocks 6,612 Discounted cash flow Credit spread 3.57% (3.57%) Total assets $ 31,351 Liabilities Future policy benefits - indexed product embedded derivatives $ 106,852 Discounted cash flow Credit risk 0.35% - 1.45% (0.80%) 0.15% - 0.40% (0.25%) 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 0.40% - 1.35% (0.80%) 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, 2020 Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net Balance, December 31, 2019 Purchases Disposals Included in net income Included in other compre-hensive income Transfers into Transfers Amort-ization included in net income Balance, December 31, 2020 (Dollars in thousands) Assets Corporate securities $ 6,588 $ 10,101 $ (4,073) $ — $ (960) $ 3,283 $ (11,898) $ — $ 3,041 Residential mortgage-backed securities — 12,629 — — (1) — (12,628) — — Commercial mortgage-backed securities 12,780 — (402) — 312 — (4,556) — 8,134 Other asset-backed securities 9,755 42,754 (227) — (703) 2,067 (32,455) (1) 21,190 Non-redeemable preferred stocks 6,927 — — — (315) — — — 6,612 Total assets $ 36,050 $ 65,484 $ (4,702) $ — $ (1,667) $ 5,350 $ (61,537) $ (1) $ 38,977 Liabilities Future policy benefits - indexed product embedded derivatives $ 76,346 $ 15,121 $ (12,673) $ 28,058 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 106,852 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 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
Financial Instruments Not Reported at Value [Table Text Block]	Valuation of our Financial Instruments Not Reported at Fair Value by Hierarchy Levels December 31, 2020 Quoted prices in active markets Significant other observable inputs Significant unobservable inputs Fair Value Carrying Value (Dollars in thousands) Assets Mortgage loans $ — $ — $ 1,074,939 $ 1,074,939 $ 994,101 Policy loans — — 271,963 271,963 195,666 Other investments — 33,409 1,273 34,682 34,682 Total assets $ — $ 33,409 $ 1,348,175 $ 1,381,584 $ 1,224,449 Liabilities Future policy benefits $ — $ — $ 4,739,739 $ 4,739,739 $ 4,348,539 Supplementary contracts without life contingencies — — 297,351 297,351 274,469 Advance premiums and other deposits — — 264,192 264,192 264,192 Long-term debt — — 80,975 80,975 97,000 Liabilities related to separate accounts — — 673,181 673,181 674,182 Total liabilities $ — $ — $ 6,055,438 $ 6,055,438 $ 5,658,382 December 31, 2019 Quoted prices in active markets Significant other observable inputs Significant unobservable inputs 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

Reinsurance and Policy Provis_2

Reinsurance and Policy Provisions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Reinsurance and Policy Provisions [Abstract]
Reinsurance Recoverable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Table Text Block]	Allowance on Reinsurance Recoverables Year ended December 31, 2020 (Dollars in thousands) Beginning balance of the allowance for credit losses $ 868 Change in allowance for credit losses (11) Ending balance of the allowance for credit losses $ 857
Reinsurance [Text Block]	Impact of Reinsurance on our Financial Statements Year ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Ceded (reductions to financial statement items): Premiums and product charges $ 31,970 $ 31,363 $ 32,450 Insurance benefits 32,500 20,759 21,358 Allowances for expenses and commissions 3,419 2,899 4,231 Assumed (additions to financial statement items): Premiums and product charges 2,367 2,546 2,508 Insurance benefits 3,257 7,437 2,752 Allowances for expenses and commissions 1,284 1,340 1,410 Reinsurance in Force and Percentage of Direct Life Insurance in Force Year ended December 31, 2020 2019 (Dollars in millions) Ceded reinsurance $ 13,586 20.2 % $ 13,771 21.0 % Assumed reinsurance 408 0.6 % 431 0.7 %
Present Value of Future Insurance Profits [Text Block]	Year ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Balance at beginning of year $ 15,122 $ 17,263 $ 19,430 Amortization per fixed schedule (2,171) (2,141) (2,167) Balance at end of year 12,951 15,122 17,263 Impact of net unrealized investment gains and losses (10,647) (12,498) (6,878) Value of insurance in force acquired $ 2,304 $ 2,624 $ 10,385
Schedule of Minimum Guaranteed Benefit Liabilities [Table Text Block]	GMDB, IDB and GMIB Net Amount at Risk by Type of Guarantee December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Separate Net Amount Separate Net Amount (Dollars in thousands) Guaranteed minimum death benefit: Return of net deposits $ 169,462 $ 334 $ 166,055 $ 362 Return the greater of highest anniversary 292,786 19,053 287,518 9,936 Incremental death benefit 274,462 77,387 259,735 62,411 Guaranteed minimum income benefit 24,187 1 25,137 1 Total $ 96,775 $ 72,710

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]	Income Tax Expenses (Credits) Year ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Taxes provided in consolidated statement of operations on: Income before equity income: Current $ 13,883 $ 16,557 $ 20,429 Deferred (2,287) 6,876 (4,953) LIHTC (3,535) (3,504) (3,826) 8,061 19,929 11,650 Equity income 1,571 919 1,179 Taxes provided in consolidated statements of changes in stockholders’ equity: Accumulated other comprehensive income related to investments 61,846 70,427 (52,009) Other (752) (379) 1,984 61,094 70,048 (50,025) $ 70,726 $ 90,896 $ (37,196)
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	Effective Tax Rate Reconciliation to Federal Income Tax Rate Year ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Income before income taxes and equity income $ 74,472 $ 142,781 $ 101,033 Income tax at federal statutory rate $ 15,639 $ 29,984 $ 21,217 Tax effect (decrease) of: Tax-exempt dividend and interest income (4,302) (3,949) (3,762) Net impact of LIHTC (3,535) (3,504) (3,826) Adjustments to tax-basis policy reserves — (2,460) — Other items 259 (142) (1,979) Income tax expense $ 8,061 $ 19,929 $ 11,650
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, 2020 2019 (Dollars in thousands) Deferred income tax assets: Future policy benefits $ 37,912 $ 33,719 Accrued benefit and compensation costs 3,099 3,736 Loss carryforwards 3,361 2,698 Other 656 1,060 45,028 41,213 Deferred income tax liabilities: Fixed maturity and equity securities 240,039 151,212 Deferred acquisition costs 1,295 26,813 Value of insurance in force acquired 484 551 Property and equipment 7,917 7,961 Derivative instruments 4,477 4,386 Other 1,996 2,663 256,208 193,586 Net deferred income tax liability $ 211,180 $ 152,373

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Dividends Declared [Table Text Block]	Dividends Year ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Class A and B common stock: Cash dividends per common share $ 2.00 $ 1.92 $ 1.84 Special cash dividend per common share 1.50 1.50 1.50 Total common stock dividends per share $ 3.50 $ 3.42 $ 3.34 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, 2018 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 Stock-based compensation 21,451 197 — — 21,451 197 Purchase of common stock (290,144) (1,797) — — (290,144) (1,797) Outstanding at December 31, 2020 24,384,109 $ 151,061 11,413 $ 72 24,395,522 $ 151,133
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) on Fixed Maturities Available-for-Sale (1) Underfunded Portion of Certain Benefit Without Non-Credit Impairment Losses With Non-Credit Impairment Losses Total (Dollars in thousands) Balance at January 1, 2018 $ 295,169 $ 537 $ (10,723) $ 284,983 Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle related to net unrealized gains on equity securities (3) (5,480) — — (5,480) Other comprehensive loss 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 Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 226,972 (656) — 226,316 Reclassification adjustments 6,343 — (144) 6,199 Balance at December 31, 2020 $ 596,335 $ 1,318 $ (10,374) $ 587,279 (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) 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, 2020 Unrealized Net Investment Gains (Losses) on Fixed Maturities Available-for-Sale (1) Underfunded Portion of Certain Benefit Without Non-Credit Impairment Losses With Non-Credit Impairment Losses Total (Dollars in thousands) Realized capital losses on sales of fixed maturities $ 8,344 $ — $ — $ 8,344 Adjustments for assumed changes in deferred policy acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserve and policyholder liabilities (315) — — (315) Other expenses - change in unrecognized postretirement items: Net actuarial gain — — (181) (181) Reclassifications before income taxes 8,029 — (181) 7,848 Income taxes (1,686) — 37 (1,649) Reclassification adjustments $ 6,343 $ — $ (144) $ 6,199 Year ended December 31, 2019 Unrealized Net Investment Gains (Losses) on Fixed Maturities Available-for-Sale (1) Underfunded Portion of Certain Benefit Without Non-Credit Impairment Losses With Non-Credit Impairment Losses Total (Dollars in thousands) Realized capital gains on sales of investments $ (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) on Fixed Maturities Available-for-Sale (1) Underfunded Portion of Certain Benefit Without Non-Credit Impairment Losses With Non-Credit Impairment Losses 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 (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, 2020
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Multiemployer Plan [Table Text Block]	Multiemployer Plan name FBL Financial Group Retirement Plan Employer identification number 42-1411715 Plan number 001 FBL’s contributions (in thousands) 2020 $15,000 2019 $15,000 2018 $30,000
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 As of and for the year ended 2020 2019 2020 2019 (Dollars in thousands) Change in projected benefit obligation: Net benefit obligation at beginning of the year $ 381,120 $ 319,931 $ 27,923 $ 25,363 Service cost 5,215 4,549 316 467 Interest cost 12,566 13,273 880 992 Actuarial loss 51,458 51,338 1,398 2,930 Benefits paid (13,315) (7,971) (3,830) (1,829) Projected benefit obligation 437,044 381,120 26,687 27,923 Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of the year 362,864 316,008 — — Actual return on plan assets 33,022 39,827 — — Employer contributions 15,000 15,000 3,830 1,829 Benefits paid (13,315) (7,971) (3,830) (1,829) Fair value of plan assets at end of the year 397,571 362,864 — — Underfunded status at end of the year $ (39,473) $ (18,256) $ (26,687) $ (27,923) Accumulated benefit obligation $ 394,352 $ 343,029 $ 23,987 $ 25,471
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 As of and for the year ended 2020 2019 2018 2020 2019 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Service cost $ 5,215 $ 4,549 $ 5,973 $ 316 $ 467 $ 539 Interest cost 12,566 13,273 13,642 880 992 958 Expected return on plan assets (21,047) (18,827) (22,247) — — — Amortization of prior service cost — — 46 — — — Amortization of actuarial loss 11,157 8,913 12,507 1,268 1,066 1,353 Effect of settlement — — 17,406 — — — Effect of special termination benefit — — 5,168 — — — Net periodic pension cost $ 7,891 $ 7,908 $ 32,495 $ 2,464 $ 2,525 $ 2,850 FBL Financial Group, Inc. share of net periodic pension cost $ 2,516 $ 2,533 $ 9,956 $ 1,570 $ 1,449 $ 1,671
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 As of and for the year ended 2020 2019 2020 2019 (Dollars in thousands) Amount recognized in FBL’s consolidated balance sheets Prepaid benefit cost $ 40,631 $ 38,365 $ 807 $ 749 Accrued benefit cost — — (21,358) (21,922) Net amount recognized $ 40,631 $ 38,365 $ (20,551) $ (21,173) Amount recognized in FBL’s accumulated other comprehensive income, before taxes (1) Net actuarial loss $ 13,121 $ 12,990 Net amount recognized $ 13,121 $ 12,990
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions [Table Text Block]	Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Obligation December 31, 2020 2019 Discount rate 2.68 % 3.37 % Annual salary increases 3.21 % 3.27 % 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, 2020 2019 2018 Discount rate 3.37 % 4.24 % 3.72 % Expected long-term return on plan assets 5.85 % 6.00 % 6.50 % Annual salary increases 3.27 % 3.21 % 3.27 %
Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block]	Fair Values of the Multiemployer Plan Assets by Asset Category and Hierarchy Levels December 31, 2020 Quoted prices in Significant other Significant Total (Dollars in thousands) Mutual funds: (1) U.S. equity funds $ 34,167 $ — $ — $ 34,167 International funds 55,917 — — 55,917 Pooled separate accounts: (1) Short-term fixed income funds 777 — — 777 Fixed income funds 14,272 — — 14,272 U.S. equity funds 20,835 — — 20,835 Real estate fund 14,198 — — 14,198 Annuities: (2) Group annuity contract — — 156,414 156,414 Funded annuity contracts — — 10,461 10,461 Fixed maturities: (3) Corporate — 32,245 — 32,245 United States government and agencies 38,566 — — 38,566 Alternative investments: (4) Limited partnerships — — 17,909 17,909 Cash and cash equivalents (5) 111 — — 111 Total $ 178,843 $ 32,245 $ 184,784 $ 395,872 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), (6) 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 $ 149,054 $ 28,509 $ 183,773 $ 361,336 (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 $1.7 million as of December 31, 2020 and $1.5 million as of December 31, 2019, 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. In 2020, the Multiemployer Plan entered into one alternative investment with Principal Life Insurance Company. (5) Represents approximate fair value of cash held. (6) Pooled separate account investments reported in 2019 were reclassified from Level 2 to Level 1 as daily pricing is available.
Schedule of Level Three Defined Benefit Plan Assets Roll Forward [Table Text Block]	Level 3 Multiemployer Plan Asset Changes in Fair Value December 31, 2020 Return on assets December 31, Purchases Held at year end Sold during year Transfers into (out) of level 3 December 31, 2020 (Dollars in thousands) Group annuity contract $ 157,248 $ (9,266) $ 5,071 $ — $ 3,361 $ 156,414 Funded annuity contracts 10,378 (523) 606 — — 10,461 Limited partnerships 16,147 1,369 393 — — 17,909 Total $ 183,773 $ (8,420) $ 6,070 $ — $ 3,361 $ 184,784 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

Retirement and Compensation P_3

Retirement and Compensation Plans Stock based compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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, 2020 6,696 $ 24.71 Exercised (5,696) 23.92 Shares under option at December 31, 2020 1,000 29.23 0.04 $ 23 Vested at December 31, 2020 1,000 $ 29.23 0.04 $ 23 Exercisable options at December 31, 2020 1,000 $ 29.23 0.04 $ 23 (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, 2020.
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, 2020 64,017 $ 67.30 Granted 25,454 53.78 Vested (23,169) 63.01 Forfeited or canceled (28,900) 65.84 Restricted stock units at December 31, 2020 37,402 61.87

Managment and Other Agreements

Managment and Other Agreements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Management and Other Agreements [Abstract]
Schedules of Concentration of Risk, by Risk Factor [Table Text Block]	Premium Concentration by State Year ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Life and annuity collected premiums: Iowa 26.1 % 26.3 % 25.5 % Kansas 17.0 16.4 19.2 Oklahoma 8.2 7.6 7.9

Committments and Contingencies

Committments and Contingencies Operating Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Leases [Abstract]
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity [Table Text Block]	Lease commitments by year December 31, 2020 (Dollars in thousands) 2021 $ 2,853 2022 2,681 2023 2,496 2024 2,442 2025 2,226 Thereafter 2,195 Total minimum lease payments 14,893 Less: Interest (2,807) Present value of lease liabilities $ 12,086

Earnings per Share (Tables)

Earnings per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	Year ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) Numerator: Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc. $ 72,513 $ 126,209 $ 93,793 Less: Dividends on Series B preferred stock 150 150 150 Income available to common stockholders $ 72,363 $ 126,059 $ 93,643 Denominator: Weighted-average shares - basic 24,614,591 24,760,541 24,932,189 Effect of dilutive securities - stock-based compensation 3,325 10,134 12,412 Weighted-average shares - diluted 24,617,916 24,770,675 24,944,601 Earnings per common share $ 2.94 $ 5.09 $ 3.76 Earnings per common share - assuming dilution $ 2.94 $ 5.09 $ 3.75

Statutory Insurance Informati_2

Statutory Insurance Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Statutory Insurance Information [Abstract]
Statutory Accounting Practices Disclosure [Table Text Block]	Statutory Information of our Insurance Subsidiaries Year ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Farm Bureau Life: Net gain from operations (excludes impact of realized gains and losses on investments) $ 87,363 $ 98,529 $ 100,819 Net income 72,566 100,141 103,923 State prescribed practices that increased (decreased) statutory net income 1,207 577 (7,505) Greenfields: Net gain (losses) from operations (excludes impact of realized gains and losses on investments) 74 146 (321) Net income (loss) 74 146 (321) Farm Bureau Life Greenfields December 31, December 31, 2020 2019 2020 2019 (Dollars in thousands) Total capital and surplus $ 628,042 $ 642,409 $ 8,867 $ 8,814 Unassigned surplus (deficit) 494,559 508,926 (1,933) (1,986) State prescribed practices that increased (decreased) statutory surplus (6,409) (8,320) — — Risk-Based Capital measurements: Total adjusted capital 696,108 718,175 8,881 8,826 Company action level capital 131,754 127,864 175 194 RBC Ratio 528 % 562 % 5,089 % 4,551 %

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Segment Information [Abstract]
Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]	Financial Information Concerning our Operating Segments Year ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Pre-tax adjusted operating income: Annuity $ 61,033 $ 52,834 $ 62,846 Life Insurance 36,658 67,134 47,680 Corporate and Other 8,867 16,309 16,013 Total pre-tax adjusted operating income 106,558 136,277 126,539 Adjustments to pre-tax adjusted operating income: Proposed acquisition transaction expenses (2,147) — — Net realized gains/losses on investments (1) (15,991) 7,358 (12,085) Change in fair value of derivatives (1) (6,275) 3,422 (7,832) Pre-tax net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc. 82,145 147,057 106,622 Income tax expense (8,061) (19,929) (11,650) Tax on equity income (1,571) (919) (1,179) Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc. $ 72,513 $ 126,209 $ 93,793 Adjusted operating revenues: Annuity $ 215,714 $ 212,538 $ 223,996 Life Insurance 439,700 432,294 430,194 Corporate and Other 91,353 94,230 93,681 746,767 739,062 747,871 Net realized gains/losses on investments (1) (16,279) 7,606 (12,455) Change in fair value of derivatives (1) 1,777 28,013 (15,790) Consolidated revenues $ 732,265 $ 774,681 $ 719,626 Net investment income: Annuity $ 207,736 $ 205,857 $ 218,823 Life Insurance 157,498 158,230 158,003 Corporate and Other 29,540 34,302 33,272 394,774 398,389 410,098 Change in fair value of derivatives 2,457 26,609 (15,480) Consolidated net investment income $ 397,231 $ 424,998 $ 394,618 Depreciation and amortization: Annuity $ 7,726 $ 14,954 $ 9,335 Life Insurance 18,310 4,926 16,515 Corporate and Other 1,572 66 7,025 27,608 19,946 32,875 Net realized gains/losses on investments (1) (314) 241 (184) Change in fair value of derivatives (1) (33) 345 (1,598) Consolidated depreciation and amortization $ 27,261 $ 20,532 $ 31,093 Operating Segment Assets December 31, 2020 2019 (Dollars in thousands) Assets: Annuity $ 4,754,782 $ 4,671,210 Life Insurance 3,760,718 3,665,179 Corporate and Other 1,702,642 1,669,183 10,218,142 10,005,572 Net unrealized gains in accumulated other comprehensive income (2) 778,130 474,634 Consolidated assets $ 10,996,272 $ 10,480,206 (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) 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, 2020 2019 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Pre-tax equity income: Life Insurance $ 2,042 $ 3,224 $ 3,840 Corporate and Other 5,435 1,151 1,778 Total pre-tax equity income 7,477 4,375 5,618 Income taxes (1,571) (919) (1,179) Equity income, net of related income taxes $ 5,906 $ 3,456 $ 4,439
Reconciliation of non-GAAP measures [Table Text Block]	Reconciliation of Traditional Life Insurance Premiums, Net of Reinsurance Year ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Traditional and universal life insurance premiums collected $ 322,219 $ 310,727 $ 304,229 Premiums collected on interest sensitive products (122,610) (114,092) (106,609) Traditional life insurance premiums collected 199,609 196,635 197,620 Change in due premiums and other (860) 1,228 692 Traditional life insurance premiums as included in the consolidated statements of operations. $ 198,749 $ 197,863 $ 198,312 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, 2020 2019 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Annuity Rider and other product charges $ 6,473 $ 5,319 $ 3,880 Surrender charges 1,505 1,362 1,293 Total $ 7,978 $ 6,681 $ 5,173 Life Insurance Administration charges $ 21,836 $ 19,264 $ 16,944 Cost of insurance charges 53,138 51,122 50,727 Surrender charges 2,563 2,619 2,352 Amortization of policy initiation fees 6,170 3,737 4,462 Total $ 83,707 $ 76,742 $ 74,485 Corporate and Other Administration charges $ 4,471 $ 4,707 $ 5,021 Cost of insurance charges 28,330 28,794 29,151 Surrender charges 58 99 92 Separate account charges 8,095 8,168 8,535 Amortization of policy initiation fees 558 516 823 Total $ 41,512 $ 42,284 $ 43,622 Impact of net realized gains/losses on investments and change in fair value of derivatives on amortization of unearned revenue reserves (675) 1,406 (491) Interest sensitive product charges as included in the consolidated statements of operations $ 132,522 $ 127,113 $ 122,789

Quarterly Financial Informati_2

Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]	Unaudited Quarterly Results of Operations 2020 Quarter ended March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31, (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) Premiums and product charges $ 81,028 $ 83,238 $ 83,212 $ 83,793 Net investment income 74,917 110,435 105,856 106,023 Realized gains (losses) on investments (25,662) 2,256 3,894 3,228 Total revenues 135,263 200,713 197,845 198,444 Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc. (2,515) 26,211 20,974 27,843 Earnings per common share $ (0.10) $ 1.06 $ 0.85 $ 1.14 Earnings per common share - assuming dilution $ (0.10) $ 1.06 $ 0.85 $ 1.14 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

Significant Accounting Polici_4

Significant Accounting Policies Accounting principles (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Jan. 01, 2019	Jan. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$ 1,692,116				$ 1,485,916				$ 1,692,116	$ 1,485,916	$ 1,184,259			$ 1,377,125
Earnings per common share	$ 1.14	$ 0.85	$ 1.06	$ (0.10)	$ 1.40	$ 1.01	$ 1.30	$ 1.37	$ 2.94	$ 5.09	$ 3.76
Earnings per common share - assuming dilution	$ 1.14	$ 0.85	$ 1.06	$ (0.10)	$ 1.40	$ 1.01	$ 1.30	$ 1.37	$ 2.94	$ 5.09	$ 3.75
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset												$ 7,200
Operating Lease, Liability	us-gaap:OtherLiabilities								us-gaap:OtherLiabilities			us-gaap:OtherLiabilities
Net income									$ 72,317	$ 126,308	$ 93,822
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Earnings per common share									$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Earnings per common share - assuming dilution									0.01	$ 0.01
Accounting Standards Update 2016-13 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Earnings per common share									0.09
Earnings per common share - assuming dilution									$ 0.09
Net income									$ 2,200
Retained Earnings
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$ 950,687				$ 975,260				950,687	$ 975,260	937,097			935,423
Net income									$ 72,513	126,209	93,793
Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment | Accounting Standards Update 2016-01
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest														0
Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment | Accounting Standards Update 2016-02
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest											595
Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment | Accounting Standards Update 2016-13 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest					(2,685)					(2,685)
Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment | Retained Earnings | Accounting Standards Update 2016-01
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest													$ 5,500	$ 5,480
Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment | Retained Earnings | Accounting Standards Update 2016-02
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest											$ 595
Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment | Retained Earnings | Accounting Standards Update 2016-13 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest					(2,685)					(2,685)
Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment | Retained Earnings | Accounting Standards Update 2016-13 [Member] | Mortgages [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest					(3,100)					(3,100)
Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment | Retained Earnings | Accounting Standards Update 2016-13 [Member] | Modified coinsurance (reported in reinsurance recoverable)
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest					$ (900)					$ (900)

Significant Accounting Polici_5

Significant Accounting Policies Other Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Other assets	$ 152,929	$ 167,940
Property and Equipment, Net	40,500	42,200
Accumulated Depreciation	103,600	91,000
Depreciation expense	12,800	12,100	$ 9,900
Goodwill	9,900	9,900
Low income housing tax credits | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Other assets	$ 31,382	$ 42,907

Significant Accounting Polici_6

Significant Accounting Policies Future Policy Benefits (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Activity [Line Items]
Future policy benefits, assumptions, average rate in investment yields in gross margin estimation	4.94%	5.23%	5.48%
Minimum | Interest Sensitive Life [Member]
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Activity [Line Items]
Liability for Future Policy Benefit by Product Segment, Interest Rate, Year of Issue	1.00%	1.00%	1.00%
Minimum | Participating Life Insurance Contract
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Activity [Line Items]
Liability for Future Policy Benefit by Product Segment, Interest Rate, Year of Issue	2.25%
Maximum | Interest Sensitive Life [Member]
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Activity [Line Items]
Liability for Future Policy Benefit by Product Segment, Interest Rate, Year of Issue	5.50%	5.50%	5.50%
Maximum | Participating Life Insurance Contract
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Activity [Line Items]
Liability for Future Policy Benefit by Product Segment, Interest Rate, Year of Issue	6.00%

Significant Accounting Polici_7

Significant Accounting Policies Other Policy Claims and Benefits (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Policyholders' Dividend [Line Items]
Premiums from policies subject to participation in dividends	22.00%	25.00%	28.00%
Contracts in force subject to participation in dividends	9.00%	9.00%	10.00%

Significant Accounting Polici_8

Significant Accounting Policies Recognition of Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Recognition of underwriting, acquisition and insurance costs [Line Items]
Commission expense, net of deferrals	$ 22,762	$ 24,419	$ 23,801
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs	30,226	22,887	33,137
Amortization of value of insurance in force acquired	2,171	2,141	2,167
Other underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses, net of deferrals	88,728	91,177	92,950
Total	$ 143,887	$ 140,624	$ 152,055

Significant Accounting Polici_9

Significant Accounting Policies Other income and other expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Other income and other expense [Line Items]
Traditional life insurance premiums	$ 198,749	$ 197,863	$ 198,312
Farm Bureau Property & Casualty insurance company
Other income and other expense [Line Items]
Operating Leases, Income Statement, Lease Revenue	5,300	5,300	4,900
Farm Bureau Property & Casualty insurance company | Investment Advice
Other income and other expense [Line Items]
Traditional life insurance premiums	3,200	3,100	2,900
Subsidiaries
Other income and other expense [Line Items]
Nonoperating Income (Expense)	$ 2,100	$ 1,700	$ 2,700

Investment Operations Available

Investment Operations Available for Sale Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Net Unrealized Gains, related to changes in fair value subsequent to the impairment date, included in AOCI		$ 1,700	$ 2,500
Interest-only security (reported in fixed maturities)
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Interest Receivable		65,800
Debt Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost		7,179,303	7,015,269
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	[1]	1,123,215	709,717
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	[1]	13,949	22,358
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings, Credit Losses on Debt Securities Held		(4,882)
Fair Value		8,283,687	7,702,628
Corporate
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost		3,542,136	3,376,432
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	[1]	704,586	418,049
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	[1]	4,242	15,531
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings, Credit Losses on Debt Securities Held		(4,213)
Fair Value		4,238,267	3,778,950
Residential mortgage-backed
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost		645,503	626,663
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	[1]	58,058	47,654
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	[1]	1,442	1,929
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings, Credit Losses on Debt Securities Held		0
Fair Value		702,119	672,388
Commercial mortgage-backed
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost		991,944	969,453
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	[1]	145,549	77,433
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	[1]	1,160	1,413
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings, Credit Losses on Debt Securities Held		0
Fair Value		1,136,333	1,045,473
Other asset-backed
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost		736,338	697,390
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	[1]	23,593	19,745
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	[1]	4,511	2,614
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings, Credit Losses on Debt Securities Held		(669)
Fair Value		754,751	714,521
United States Government and agencies
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost		35,174	12,417
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	[1]	2,887	1,711
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	[1]	1,809	5
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings, Credit Losses on Debt Securities Held		0
Fair Value		36,252	14,123
States and political subdivisions
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost		1,228,208	1,332,914
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	[1]	188,542	145,125
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	[1]	785	866
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings, Credit Losses on Debt Securities Held		0
Fair Value		$ 1,415,965	$ 1,477,173
[1]	Includes $1.7 million and $2.5 million as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, of net unrealized gains on impaired fixed maturities related to changes in fair value subsequent to the impairment date, which are included in AOCI.

Investment Operations Availab_2

Investment Operations Available-for-sale Fixed Maturities by Maturity Date (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Amortized Cost, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, Year One	$ 142,285
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Amortized Cost, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after Year One Through Five	574,155
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Amortized Cost, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after Year 5 Through 10	732,772
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Amortized Cost, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after Year 10	3,356,306
Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities with Maturity Date, Amortized Cost	4,805,518
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, without Single Maturity Date, Amortized Cost	2,373,785
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis	7,179,303	$ 7,015,269
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Fair Value, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Fair Value, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, Year One	145,620
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Fair Value, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after Year One Through Five	618,031
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Fair Value, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after Year 5 Through 10	842,903
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Fair Value, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after Year 10	4,083,930
Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities with Maturity Date, Fair Value	5,690,484
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, without Single Maturity Date, Fair Value	2,593,203
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	$ 8,283,687	$ 7,702,628

Investment Operations Net Unrea

Investment Operations Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Net Unrealized Gains Losses [Line Items]
Assumed changes in amortization of DAC	$ 320,489	$ 200,227
Impact of net unrealized investment gains and losses	10,647	12,498	$ 6,878
Assumed changes in amortization patter of URR	29,393	18,025
Assumed changes in policyholder liability	(51,001)	(30,642)
Provision for deferred income taxes	158,869	97,023
Accumulated net unrealized investment gain (loss)
Net Unrealized Gains Losses [Line Items]
Net Unrealized gains losses on investments in Accumulated other comprehensive Income	597,653	364,994
Debt Securities
Net Unrealized Gains Losses [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain (Loss), before Tax	$ 1,109,266	$ 687,359

Investment Operations Fixed Mat

Investment Operations Fixed Maturity Securities with Unrealized Losses by Length of Time (Details) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)issuerssecurities	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)issuerssecurities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions | securities		119	189
Available For Sale Securities In Unrealized Loss Positions Qualitative Disclosure Number Of Issuers | issuers		95	145
Corporate | Energy Commodities and Service [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value		$ 23,500
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss		(1,700)
Corporate | Consumer non-cyclical sector [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value		6,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss		(900)
Debt Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value		260,897	$ 361,629
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	[1]	(7,318)	(6,075)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value		109,291	205,139
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	[1]	(6,631)	(16,283)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value		370,188	566,768
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	[1]	$ (13,949)	$ (22,358)
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		$ 39,363	$ 114,520
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	[1]	(1,716)	(2,476)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value		22,677	84,719
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	[1]	(2,526)	(13,055)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value		62,040	199,239
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	[1]	$ (4,242)	$ (15,531)
Percent of Total		30.50%	69.50%
Residential mortgage-backed
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value		$ 45,059	$ 68,743
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	[1]	(520)	(1,435)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value		16,918	6,941
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	[1]	(922)	(494)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value		61,977	75,684
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	[1]	$ (1,442)	$ (1,929)
Percent of Total		10.30%	8.60%
Commercial mortgage-backed
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value		$ 26,829	$ 46,537
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	[1]	(1,160)	(1,266)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value		0	2,610
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	[1]	0	(147)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value		26,829	49,147
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	[1]	$ (1,160)	$ (1,413)
Percent of Total		8.30%	6.30%
Other asset-backed
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value		$ 113,439	$ 112,462
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	[1]	(1,741)	(519)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value		67,128	102,439
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	[1]	(2,770)	(2,095)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value		180,567	214,901
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	[1]	$ (4,511)	$ (2,614)
Percent of Total		32.30%	11.70%
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		$ 23,630	$ 0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	[1]	(1,809)	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value		0	2,494
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	[1]	0	(5)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value		23,630	2,494
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	[1]	$ (1,809)	$ (5)
Percent of Total		13.00%	0.00%
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		$ 12,577	$ 19,367
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	[1]	(372)	(379)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value		2,568	5,936
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	[1]	(413)	(487)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value		15,145	25,303
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	[1]	$ (785)	$ (866)
Percent of Total		5.60%	3.90%
[1]	Non-credit losses reported in AOCI are included with gross unrealized losses, resulting in total gross unrealized losses for AFS fixed maturities being reported in the table

Investment Operations Credit lo

Investment Operations Credit loss component of other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturities (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss		$ 329,000	$ 3,107,000
Net decrease to previously recorded allowance	$ (4,199,000)	0	$ 0
Corporate
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Line Items]
Beginning balance	0
Additions for credit losses not previously recorded	13,118,000
Net decrease to previously recorded allowance	(1,723,000)
Reductions for securities sold	(7,182,000)
Ending balance	4,213,000	0
Other asset-backed
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Line Items]
Beginning balance	0
Additions for credit losses not previously recorded	669,000
Net decrease to previously recorded allowance	0
Reductions for securities sold	0
Ending balance	669,000	0
Interest-only security (reported in fixed maturities)
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Line Items]
Beginning balance	0
Additions for credit losses not previously recorded	13,787,000
Net decrease to previously recorded allowance	(1,723,000)
Reductions for securities sold	(7,182,000)
Ending balance	4,882,000	0
Call options (reported in other investments)
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss	$ 929,000	$ 0

Investment Operations Mortgage

Investment Operations Mortgage Loans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$ 995,654	$ 1,011,678
Percent of Total	100.00%	100.00%
0% - 50%
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$ 463,130	$ 412,973
Percent of Total	46.50%	40.80%
51% - 60%
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$ 309,477	$ 310,869
Percent of Total	31.10%	30.70%
61% - 70%
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$ 202,114	$ 256,280
Percent of Total	20.30%	25.40%
71% - 80%
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$ 20,933	$ 31,556
Percent of Total	2.10%	3.10%
South Atlantic
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$ 252,964	$ 288,299
Percent of Total	25.40%	28.50%
Pacific
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$ 181,743	$ 164,996
Percent of Total	18.30%	16.30%
East North Central
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$ 147,342	$ 117,053
Percent of Total	14.80%	11.60%
Mountain
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$ 107,833	$ 96,857
Percent of Total	10.80%	9.60%
West North Central
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$ 94,044	$ 108,942
Percent of Total	9.40%	10.80%
East South Central
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$ 75,540	$ 81,275
Percent of Total	7.60%	8.00%
West South Central
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$ 65,808	$ 76,650
Percent of Total	6.60%	7.60%
Middle Atlantic
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$ 52,512	$ 45,687
Percent of Total	5.30%	4.50%
New England
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$ 17,868	$ 31,919
Percent of Total	1.80%	3.10%
Office
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$ 375,622	$ 417,746
Percent of Total	37.70%	41.30%
Retail
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$ 320,575	$ 345,870
Percent of Total	32.20%	34.20%
Industrial
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$ 227,424	$ 235,274
Percent of Total	22.90%	23.20%
Apartment
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$ 59,626	$ 0
Percent of Total	6.00%	0.00%
Other
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$ 12,407	$ 12,788
Percent of Total	1.20%	1.30%
Mortgages [Member]
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Interest Receivable	$ 3,500
Other Commitment	$ 3,500

Investment Operations Internal

Investment Operations Internal Rating and Year of Origination on Mortgage Loans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Year One, Originated, Current Fiscal Year	$ 103,781	$ 69,319
Financing Receivable, Year Two, Originated, Fiscal Year before Current Fiscal Year	68,077	128,334
Financing Receivable, Year Three, Originated, Two Years before Current Fiscal Year	124,622	200,283
Financing Receivable, Year Four, Originated, Three Years before Current Fiscal Year	192,716	144,311
Financing Receivable, Year Five, Originated, Four Years before Current Fiscal Year	134,015	119,724
Financing Receivable, Originated, More than Five Years before Current Fiscal Year	372,443	349,707
Financing Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss	995,654	1,011,678
Prime [Member]
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Year One, Originated, Current Fiscal Year	103,781	69,319
Financing Receivable, Year Two, Originated, Fiscal Year before Current Fiscal Year	56,288	128,334
Financing Receivable, Year Three, Originated, Two Years before Current Fiscal Year	118,283	200,283
Financing Receivable, Year Four, Originated, Three Years before Current Fiscal Year	189,257	144,311
Financing Receivable, Year Five, Originated, Four Years before Current Fiscal Year	130,070	119,724
Financing Receivable, Originated, More than Five Years before Current Fiscal Year	362,346	316,079
Financing Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss	960,025	978,050
Internal Investment Grade [Member]
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Year Two, Originated, Fiscal Year before Current Fiscal Year	11,789
Financing Receivable, Year Three, Originated, Two Years before Current Fiscal Year	1,883
Financing Receivable, Year Four, Originated, Three Years before Current Fiscal Year	3,459
Financing Receivable, Originated, More than Five Years before Current Fiscal Year	1,516	7,512
Financing Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss	18,647	7,512
Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Year Three, Originated, Two Years before Current Fiscal Year	4,456
Financing Receivable, Year Five, Originated, Four Years before Current Fiscal Year	3,945
Financing Receivable, Originated, More than Five Years before Current Fiscal Year	4,372	21,812
Financing Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss	12,773	21,812
Doubtful [Member]
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Originated, More than Five Years before Current Fiscal Year	4,209	4,304
Financing Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss	$ 4,209	$ 4,304

Investment Operations Allowance

Investment Operations Allowance on Mortgage Loans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Roll Forward]
Allowance on mortgage loans	$ 329	$ 3,107
Charge offs		(2,778)
Allowance on mortgage loans		329
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Roll Forward]
Allowance on mortgage loans	3,165
Provision for Loan, Lease, and Other Losses	1,612
Allowance on mortgage loans	$ 1,553	$ 3,165

Investment Operations Component

Investment Operations Components of Net Investment Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Gross Investment Income, Operating									$ 405,193	$ 432,530	$ 403,065
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax									10,436	25,282	(10,405)
Net Investment Income, insurance entity, prepayment fee income and other									4,787	7,332	9,208
Investment Income, Investment Expense									(7,962)	(7,532)	(8,447)
Net Investment Income, Total	$ 106,023	$ 105,856	$ 110,435	$ 74,917	$ 108,986	$ 101,478	$ 104,894	$ 109,640	397,231	424,998	394,618
Fixed Maturities [Member]
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Gross Investment Income, Operating									328,911	334,557	340,498
Equity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Gross Investment Income, Operating									7,272	8,718	8,488
Mortgages [Member]
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Gross Investment Income, Operating									44,228	46,182	45,294
Policy Loans [Member]
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Gross Investment Income, Operating									9,326	9,416	9,210
Short-term Investments [Member]
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Gross Investment Income, Operating									$ 233	$ 1,043	$ 772

Investment Operations Realized

Investment Operations Realized gains losses on investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Gain (Loss) on Securities [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Other Financial Assets	$ (59)	$ (4)	$ (19)
Debt Securities, Realized Gain (Loss)	(8,403)	2,830	1,813
Equity Securities, FV-NI, Realized Gain (Loss)	(3,682)	5,693	(9,089)
Net realized capital gains (losses)	(12,085)	8,523	(7,276)
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments	0	(919)	(5,072)
Gain (Loss) on Investments	(16,284)	7,604	(12,274)
Proceeds from Sale of Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	16,900	34,600	82,900
Categories of Investments, Cost-method Investments
Gain (Loss) on Securities [Line Items]
Gains (Losses) on Sales of Other Real Estate	0	54	0
Debt Securities
Gain (Loss) on Securities [Line Items]
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings, Additions, No Previous Impairment	(4,882)	0	0
Debt Securities | Categories of Investments, Marketable Securities, Available-for-sale Securities
Gain (Loss) on Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains	591	3,779	2,195
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Losses	(8,935)	(3,777)	(363)
Equity Securities | Categories of Investments, Marketable Securities, Available-for-sale Securities
Gain (Loss) on Securities [Line Items]
Equity Securities, FV-NI, Realized Gain (Loss), held at the end of the period	323	5,666	(8,137)
Equity Securities, FV-NI, Realized Gain (Loss), sold during the period	(4,005)	27	(952)
Real Estate Loan
Gain (Loss) on Securities [Line Items]
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings, Additions, No Previous Impairment	(1,612)	0	0
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments		(919)	(4,998)
Real Estate Loan | Categories of Investments, Cost-method Investments
Gain (Loss) on Securities [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Sales of Loans, Net	0	$ 2,778	$ 0
Call options (reported in other investments)
Gain (Loss) on Securities [Line Items]
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings, Additions, No Previous Impairment	$ (929)

Investment Operations Variable

Investment Operations Variable interest entities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Other assets	$ 152,929	$ 167,940
Securities and indebtedness of related parties	88,445	74,791
Assets	10,996,272	10,480,206
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Assets	111,597	106,352
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary | Assets
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	186,036	162,978
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary | LIHTC investments
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Other assets	31,382	42,907
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary | LIHTC investments | Other Assets
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	32,263	43,834
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary | Investment companies
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Securities and indebtedness of related parties	66,326	53,388
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary | Investment companies | Securities and indebtedness of related parties
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	138,413	103,125
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary | Real estate limited partnerships
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Securities and indebtedness of related parties	13,398	9,565
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary | Real estate limited partnerships | Securities and indebtedness of related parties
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	14,869	15,527
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary | Other VIE investments
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Securities and indebtedness of related parties	491	492
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary | Other VIE investments | Securities and indebtedness of related parties
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	$ 491	$ 492

Investment Operations Derivativ

Investment Operations Derivative instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Assets	$ 27,974	$ 34,181
Derivative Liability	107,172	76,600
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	577	2,232	$ (7,162)
Fair Value Disclosure, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Amount, Asset	18,900
Securities Received as Collateral	10,200
Net Derivative Exposure	23,500
Equity Option | Investment Income
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	8,383	22,497	(7,749)
Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments - MODCO | Investment Income
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	1,980	2,695	(2,480)
Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments - Interest only Security | Investment Income
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	73	90	(176)
Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments | Interest sensitive product charges
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	(9,859)	(23,050)	$ 3,243
Call options (reported in other investments) | Equity Option
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Assets	23,576	31,469
Modified coinsurance (reported in reinsurance recoverable) | Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Assumed	4,373	2,327
Interest-only security (reported in fixed maturities) | Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Assets	25	385
Indexed products (reported in liability for future policy benefits) | Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Liability	106,852	76,346
Modified coinsurance (reported in other liabilities) | Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Liability	$ 320	$ 254

Investment Operations Other (De

Investment Operations Other (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Deposit Assets	$ 8,927	$ 8,452.8
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Restricted	636.9	535.7
Real Estate Investment
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Investment, Non-Income Producing Flag	$ 1
Common stocks
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Investment, Non-Income Producing Flag		$ 3

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, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other investments		$ 27,974	$ 34,181
Assets held in separate accounts		674,182	645,881
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		8,283,687	7,702,628
Other investments		23,576	31,469
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments		75,944	29,142
Reinsurance recoverable		4,373	2,327
Assets held in separate accounts		674,182	645,881
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure		9,140,754	8,503,274
Future policy benefits - indexed product embedded derivatives		106,852	76,346
Other liabilities		320	254
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure		107,172	76,600
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		25,901	4,821
Other investments		0	0
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments		75,944	29,142
Reinsurance recoverable		0	0
Assets held in separate accounts		674,182	645,881
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure		782,537	696,871
Other liabilities		0	0
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure		0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Index Product Embedded Derivatives
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Future policy benefits - indexed product embedded derivatives		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		8,225,421	7,668,684
Other investments		23,576	31,469
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments		0	0
Reinsurance recoverable		4,373	2,327
Assets held in separate accounts		0	0
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure		8,319,240	7,770,353
Other liabilities		320	254
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure		320	254
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Index Product Embedded Derivatives
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Future policy benefits - indexed product embedded derivatives		0	0
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		32,365	29,123
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		38,977	36,050
Other liabilities		0	0
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure		106,852	76,346
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Index Product Embedded Derivatives
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Future policy benefits - indexed product embedded derivatives		106,852	76,346
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		38,977	36,050
Corporate
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities		4,238,267	3,778,950
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		4,238,267	3,778,950
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		4,235,226	3,772,362
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		3,041	6,588
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		3,041	6,588
Residential mortgage-backed
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities		702,119	672,388
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		702,119	672,388
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		702,119	672,388
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
Residential 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		0
Commercial mortgage-backed
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities		1,136,333	1,045,473
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		1,136,333	1,045,473
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		1,128,199	1,032,693
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		8,134	12,780
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		8,134	12,780
Other asset-backed
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities		754,751	714,521
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		754,751	714,521
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		733,561	704,766
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		21,190	9,755
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		21,190	9,755
United States Government and agencies
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities		36,252	14,123
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		36,252	14,123
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		25,901	4,821
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		10,351	9,302
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		1,415,965	1,477,173
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		1,415,965	1,477,173
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		1,415,965	1,477,173
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		72,482	74,800
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		65,870	67,873
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		6,612	6,927
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		6,612	6,927
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]	6,510	17,027
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		6,510	17,027
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		800	1,700
Private Equity Funds, US | Common stocks | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Alternative Investment		$ 9,300	$ 8,400
[1]	A private equity fund with a fair value estimate of $9.3 million at December 31, 2020 and $8.4 million at December 31, 2019 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 $0.8 million at December 31, 2020 and $1.7 million at December 31, 2019. 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, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Corporate
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	$ 4,238,267	$ 3,778,950
Percent of Total	30.50%	69.50%
Commercial mortgage-backed
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	$ 1,136,333	$ 1,045,473
Percent of Total	8.30%	6.30%
Residential mortgage-backed
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	$ 702,119	$ 672,388
Percent of Total	10.30%	8.60%
Other asset-backed
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	$ 754,751	$ 714,521
Percent of Total	32.30%	11.70%
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	$ 32,365	$ 29,123
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	3,041	6,588
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	6,612	6,927
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	8,283,687	7,702,628
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	$ 38,977	$ 36,050
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	$ 4,238,267	$ 3,778,950
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	3,041	6,588
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	8,134	12,780
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Residential mortgage-backed | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	0
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | 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	21,190	9,755
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	72,482	74,800
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	6,612	6,927
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	$ 26,010	$ 20,780
Percent of Total	66.70%	57.60%
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	$ 0
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	8,134	12,780
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | Third-party vendors | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Residential mortgage-backed | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	0
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | 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	17,876	8,000
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	$ 12,967	$ 15,270
Percent of Total	33.30%	42.40%
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	$ 3,041	$ 6,588
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 | Residential mortgage-backed | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	0
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | 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	3,314	1,755
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	$ 6,612	$ 6,927

Fair Value Quantitative Informa

Fair Value Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring - Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)range-WeightedAverage	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)range-WeightedAverage
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure | $	$ 38,977	$ 36,050
Index Product Embedded Derivatives
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Future policy benefits - indexed product embedded derivatives | $	106,852	76,346
Corporate
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure | $	3,041	6,588
Asset-backed Securities, Securitized Loans and Receivables
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure | $	13,564	6,000
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure | $	8,134	12,780
Non-redeemable preferred stocks
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure | $	6,612	6,927
Asset fair value by technique
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure | $	$ 31,351	$ 32,295
Minimum | Measurement Input, Credit Spread | Valuation Technique, Discounted Cash Flow | Corporate
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Measurement Input	0.0595	0.0211
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]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Measurement Input	0.0210	0.0215
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]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Measurement Input	0.0186	0.0118
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]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Measurement Input	0.0357	0.0272
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]
Embedded Derivative Liability, Measurement Input	0.0035	0.0040
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]
Embedded Derivative Liability, Measurement Input	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]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Measurement Input	0.1941	0.0585
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]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Measurement Input	0.0975	0.0230
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]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Measurement Input	0.0242	0.0222
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]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Measurement Input	0.0357	0.0272
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]
Embedded Derivative Liability, Measurement Input	0.0145	0.0135
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]
Embedded Derivative Liability, Measurement Input	0.0040	0.0040
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]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Measurement Input	0.1452	0.0433
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]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Measurement Input	0.0570	0.0223
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]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Measurement Input	0.0218	0.0192
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]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Measurement Input	0.0357	0.0272
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]
Embedded Derivative Liability, Measurement Input	0.0080	0.0080
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]
Embedded Derivative Liability, Measurement Input	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, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Asset Balance at beginning of period		$ 36,050	$ 100,414
Asset Purchases		65,484	60,628
Asset Sales		(4,702)	(4,697)
Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings		0	0
Gain/Loss in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		(1,667)	217
Asset Transfers Into Level 3	[1]	5,350	3,643
Asset, Transfers out of Level 3	[1]	(61,537)	(124,127)
Asset, Amortization		(1)	(28)
Asset Balance at end of period		38,977	36,050
Index Product Embedded Derivatives
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Liability Value beginning of period		76,346	40,028
Liability, Purchases		15,121	15,325
Liability, Settlements		(12,673)	(7,014)
Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings		28,058	(28,007)
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		106,852	76,346
Corporate
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Asset Balance at beginning of period		6,588	22,011
Asset Purchases		10,101	6,000
Asset Sales		(4,073)	(3,344)
Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings		0	0
Gain/Loss in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		(960)	(443)
Asset Transfers Into Level 3	[1]	3,283	3,643
Asset, Transfers out of Level 3	[1]	(11,898)	(22,137)
Asset, Amortization		0	(28)
Asset Balance at end of period		3,041	6,588
Residential mortgage-backed
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Asset Balance at beginning of period		0	0
Asset Purchases		12,629	18,378
Asset Sales		0	0
Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings		0	0
Gain/Loss in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		(1)	0
Asset Transfers Into Level 3	[1]	0	0
Asset, Transfers out of Level 3	[1]	(12,628)	(18,378)
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		12,780	67,940
Asset Purchases		0	7,540
Asset Sales		(402)	(376)
Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings		0	0
Gain/Loss in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		312	(578)
Asset Transfers Into Level 3	[1]	0	0
Asset, Transfers out of Level 3	[1]	(4,556)	(62,902)
Asset, Amortization		0	0
Asset Balance at end of period		8,134	12,780
Other asset-backed
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Asset Balance at beginning of period		9,755	3,601
Asset Purchases		42,754	28,710
Asset Sales		(227)	(977)
Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings		0	0
Gain/Loss in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		(703)	869
Asset Transfers Into Level 3	[1]	2,067	0
Asset, Transfers out of Level 3	[1]	(32,455)	(20,710)
Asset, Amortization		(1)	0
Asset Balance at end of period		21,190	9,755
Non-redeemable preferred stocks
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Asset Balance at beginning of period		6,927	6,862
Asset Purchases		0	0
Asset Sales		0	0
Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings		0	0
Gain/Loss in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		(315)	65
Asset Transfers Into Level 3	[1]	0	0
Asset, Transfers out of Level 3	[1]	0	0
Asset, Amortization		0	0
Asset Balance at end of period		$ 6,612	$ 6,927
[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 unobservable inputs. 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, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans	$ 994,101	$ 1,011,678
Policy loans	195,666	201,589
Other investments	27,974	34,181
Supplementary contracts without life contingencies	274,469	296,915
Liabilities related to separate accounts	674,182	645,881
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	782,537	696,871
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	23,576	31,469
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	8,319,240	7,770,353
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	320	254
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	38,977	36,050
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	106,852	76,346
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	1,074,939	1,059,073
Policy loans	271,963	256,787
Other investments	34,682	31,749
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	1,381,584	1,347,609
Future policy benefits	4,739,739	4,381,863
Supplementary contracts without life contingencies	297,351	309,601
Advance premiums and other deposits	264,192	245,480
Long-term debt	80,975	84,438
Liabilities related to separate accounts	673,181	644,691
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	6,055,438	5,666,073
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	33,409	29,534
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	33,409	29,534
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	1,074,939	1,059,073
Policy loans	271,963	256,787
Other investments	1,273	2,215
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	1,348,175	1,318,075
Future policy benefits	4,739,739	4,381,863
Supplementary contracts without life contingencies	297,351	309,601
Advance premiums and other deposits	264,192	245,480
Long-term debt	80,975	84,438
Liabilities related to separate accounts	673,181	644,691
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	6,055,438	5,666,073
Reported Value Measurement
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans	994,101	1,011,678
Policy loans	195,666	201,589
Other investments	34,682	31,211
Assets not measured at fair value	1,224,449	1,244,478
Future policy benefits	4,348,539	4,270,073
Supplementary contracts without life contingencies	274,469	296,915
Advance premiums and other deposits	264,192	245,480
Long-term debt	97,000	97,000
Liabilities related to separate accounts		645,881
Liabilities not measured at fair value	$ 5,658,382	$ 5,555,349

Reinsurance and Policy Provis_3

Reinsurance and Policy Provisions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance [Line Items]
Reinsurance retention limit	$ 1,000
Ceded Premiums Earned	31,970	$ 31,363	$ 32,450
Reinsurance Effect on Claims and Benefits Incurred, Amount Ceded	32,500	20,759	21,358
Ceded reinsurance allowances for expenses and commissions	3,419	2,899	4,231
Assumed Premiums Earned	2,367	2,546	2,508
Policyholder Benefits and Claims Incurred, Assumed	3,257	7,437	2,752
Assumed reinsurance allowances for expenses and commissions	1,284	1,340	1,410
Ceded Premiums, Life Insurance in Force	13,586,090	13,770,695	14,029,567
Assumed Premiums, Life Insurance in Force	$ 407,991	$ 430,583	$ 455,176
Reinsurance effect on in force ceded, percentage	20.20%	21.00%
Contracts in Force Subject to Participation Through Reinsurance, Percentage	0.60%	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

Allowance on Reinsurance Recove

Allowance on Reinsurance Recoverables (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Line Items]
Reinsurance Recoverable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Beginning Balance	$ 868
Reinsurance Recoverable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Period Increase (Decrease)	(11)
Reinsurance Recoverable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Ending Balance	$ 857

Reinsurance and Policy Provis_4

Reinsurance and Policy Provisions Value of insurance in force acquired (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Movement in in Present Value of Future Insurance Profits [Roll Forward]
Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Pre FAS 115	$ 15,122	$ 17,263	$ 19,430
Amortization per fixed schedule	(2,171)	(2,141)	(2,167)
Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Pre FAS 115	12,951	15,122	17,263
Impact of net unrealized investment gains and losses	(10,647)	(12,498)	(6,878)
Value of insurance in force acquired	2,304	$ 2,624	$ 10,385
Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Expected Amortization, Year One	2,000
Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Expected Amortization, Year Two	2,000
Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Expected Amortization, Year Three	2,000
Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Expected Amortization, Year Four	1,000
Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Expected Amortization, 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, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee, Net Amount at Risk	$ 96,775	$ 72,710
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee, General Account Value	9,400	8,300
Net amount at risk by product and guarantee, benefits paid	$ 300	$ 200	$ 200
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee, Weighted Average Attained Age	68 years	68 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	$ 169,462	$ 166,055
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee, Net Amount at Risk	334	362
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	292,786	287,518
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee, Net Amount at Risk	19,053	9,936
Incremental Death Benefit
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee, Separate Account Value	274,462	259,735
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee, Net Amount at Risk	77,387	62,411
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	24,187	25,137
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee, Net Amount at Risk	$ 1	$ 1

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit)	$ 13,883	$ 16,557	$ 20,429
Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	(2,287)	6,876	(4,953)
Affordable Housing Tax Credits and Other Tax Benefits, Amount	(3,535)	(3,504)	(3,826)
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	8,061	19,929	11,650
Tax impact of Income from Equity Method Investments	1,571	919	1,179
Income Tax Effects Allocated Directly to Equity [Abstract]
AOCI income related to investments, Tax	61,846	70,427	(52,009)
OCI, Defined Benefit Plan and Adoption of Accounting Standard, Tax	(752)	(379)	1,984
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax	61,094	70,048	(50,025)
Total tax from all sources provided in our financial statements	$ 70,726	$ 90,896	$ (37,196)

Income Taxes Effective tax rate

Income Taxes Effective tax rate reconciliation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	$ 74,472	$ 142,781	$ 101,033
Income Tax Reconciliation, Income Tax Expense (Benefit), at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate	15,639	29,984	21,217
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Exempt Income	(4,302)	(3,949)	(3,762)
Affordable Housing Tax Credits and Other Tax Benefits, Amount	(3,535)	(3,504)	(3,826)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Adjustment to Tax-Basis Policy Reserves, Amount	0	(2,460)	0
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments	259	(142)	(1,979)
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	$ 8,061	$ 19,929	$ 11,650

Income Taxes Components of defe

Income Taxes Components of deferred tax assets and liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross [Abstract]
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Policyholder Liabilities	$ 37,912	$ 33,719
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits	3,099	3,736
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards	3,361	2,698
Deferred Tax Assets, Other	656	1,060
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross	45,028	41,213
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross [Abstract]
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other Comprehensive Income	240,039	151,212
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Deferred Expense, Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost	1,295	26,813
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Value of Insurance in Force Acquired	484	551
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment	7,917	7,961
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Derivatives	4,477	4,386
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other	1,996	2,663
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross	256,208	193,586
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net, Total	211,180	152,373
Uncertain Tax Positions, Reserves	600	$ 600
Operating Loss Carryforwards	$ 15,100

Credit Arrangements (Details)

Credit Arrangements (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
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	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, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Cash dividends per common share	$ 3.50	$ 3.42	$ 3.34
Cash dividends per preferred share	$ 0.03	$ 0.03	$ 0.03
Payment Of Special Cash Dividend	$ 37	$ 37	$ 37.3
Regular quarterly cash dividend
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Cash dividends per common share	$ 2	$ 1.92	$ 1.84
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, 2020		Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares of common stock repurchased	(290,144)		(66,475)	(232,837)
Purchase of common stock	$ (10,000)		$ (4,577)	$ (15,907)
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount	$ 26,300
Common stock, shares outstanding	24,395,522		24,664,215	24,718,815		24,930,526
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Stock-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures	21,451		11,875	21,126
Stock-based compensation	$ 197		$ 419	$ 499
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	72.00%
Common Class A
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares of common stock repurchased	(290,144)		(66,475)	(232,837)
Common stock, shares outstanding	24,384,109		24,652,802	24,707,402		24,919,113
Common stock, without par value	$ 151,061		$ 152,661
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Stock-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures	21,451		11,875	21,126
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	11,413	[1]	11,413	11,413	[1]	11,413	[1]
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	$ (1,797)		$ (410)	$ (1,436)
Common stock, without par value	151,133		152,733	152,724		$ 153,661
Stock-based compensation	197		419	499
Common stocks | Common Class A
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Purchase of common stock	(1,797)		(410)	(1,436)
Common stock, without par value	151,061		152,661	152,652		153,589
Stock-based compensation	197		419	499
Common stocks | Common Class B
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Purchase of common stock	0		0	0
Common stock, without par value	72	[1]	72	72	[1]	$ 72	[1]
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, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income		$ 587,279	$ 354,764
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent		305,028	389,655	$ (94,392)
AOCI, Gain (Loss), Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, without Allowance for Credit Loss, Parent
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income	[1]	596,335	363,020	96,921	$ 295,169
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Securities, Available-for-sale, Adjustment, before Reclassification Adjustments, Net of Tax	[1]	226,972	265,910	(191,158)
AOCI, Gain (Loss), Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, with Allowance for Credit Loss, Parent
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income	[1]	1,318	1,974	3,133	537
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Securities, Available-for-sale, Adjustment, before Reclassification Adjustments, Net of Tax	[1]	(656)	(1,159)	2,654
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income	[2]	(10,374)	(10,230)	(8,736)	(10,723)
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Reclassification Adjustment, Net of Tax	[2]	0	0	0
AOCI Attributable to Parent
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income		587,279	354,764	91,318	284,983
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Securities, Available-for-sale, Adjustment, before Reclassification Adjustments, Net of Tax		226,316	264,751	(188,504)
reclassifications into 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		6,199		(319)
reclassifications into accumulated other comprehensive income | AOCI, Gain (Loss), Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, without Allowance for Credit Loss, Parent
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, Net of Tax	[1]	6,343	189
reclassifications into 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	[2]			1,987
reclassifications into accumulated other comprehensive income | AOCI Attributable to Parent
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent		6,199		319
Reclassification 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)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | AOCI, Gain (Loss), Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, without Allowance for Credit Loss, Parent
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, Net of Tax	[1]			(1,610)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | AOCI, Gain (Loss), Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, with Allowance for Credit Loss, Parent
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Write-down of Securities, Net of Tax	[1]	0	0	$ (58)
Reclassification 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	[2]	$ (144)	(1,494)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | AOCI Attributable to Parent
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent			$ (1,305)
Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment | Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 | AOCI, Gain (Loss), Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, without Allowance for Credit Loss, Parent
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income	[1],[3]				(5,480)
Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment | Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 | AOCI Attributable to Parent
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income	[3]				$ (5,480)
[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]	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, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Net realized capital gains (losses)		$ (12,085)	$ 8,523	$ (7,276)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent		(305,028)	(389,655)	94,392
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Net realized capital gains (losses)			(2)
Change in offsets to unrealized on investments			(241)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Gain (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, before Tax			1,892
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI Attributable to Parent, before Tax			(1,653)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent			348
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent			1,305
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | AOCI, Gain (Loss), Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, without Allowance for Credit Loss, Parent
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Net realized capital gains (losses)	[1]			(1,832)
Change in offsets to unrealized on investments	[1]			(206)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Gain (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, before Tax	[1]			0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, before Tax	[1]			(2,038)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, Tax	[1]			428
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, Net of Tax	[2]			(1,610)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | AOCI, Gain (Loss), Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, with Allowance for Credit Loss, Parent
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Net realized capital gains (losses)	[1]	0	0	0
Change in offsets to unrealized on investments	[1]	0	0	1
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Gain (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, before Tax	[1]	0	0	0
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Write-down of Securities, before Tax	[1]	0	0	(73)
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Write-down of Securities, Tax	[1]	0	0	15
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Write-down of Securities, Net of Tax	[2]	0	0	(58)
Reclassification 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 (losses)	[3]	0	0
Change in offsets to unrealized on investments	[3]	0	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Gain (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, before Tax	[3]	181	1,892
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, before Tax	[3]	181	1,892
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Pension and Other Post Retirement Benefit Plans, Tax	[3]	37	398
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Gain (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Net of Tax	[4]	(144)	(1,494)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Accumulated Other-than-Temporary Impairment Attributable to Parent
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net	[1]			74
reclassifications into accumulated other comprehensive income
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Net realized capital gains (losses)		8,344		(1,832)
Change in offsets to unrealized on investments		315		(205)
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		181		2,515
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI Attributable to Parent, before Tax		7,848		404
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent		(1,649)		(85)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent		(6,199)		319
reclassifications into accumulated other comprehensive income | AOCI, Gain (Loss), Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, without Allowance for Credit Loss, Parent
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Net realized capital gains (losses)	[1]	8,344	(2)
Change in offsets to unrealized on investments	[1]	315	(241)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Gain (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, before Tax	[1]	0	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, before Tax	[1]	(8,029)	(239)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, Tax	[1]	(1,686)	(50)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, Net of Tax	[2]	$ 6,343	$ 189
reclassifications into 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 (losses)	[3]			0
Change in offsets to unrealized on investments	[3]			0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Gain (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, before Tax	[3]			(2,515)
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, before Tax	[3]			(2,515)
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Pension and Other Post Retirement Benefit Plans, Tax	[3]			(528)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Gain (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Net of Tax	[4]			$ 1,987
[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, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Multiemployer Plan [Line Items]
Entity Tax Identification Number	421411715
Multiemployer Plan, Pension, Significant, Plan Number	001
Multiemployer Plan, Pension, Significant, Employer Contribution, Cost	$ 15,000	$ 15,000	$ 30,000

Retirement and Compensation P_5

Retirement and Compensation Plans Funding Status and Net Periodic Pension Costs (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	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	$ 361,336,000
Fair Value of Plan Assets, End of period	395,872,000	$ 361,336,000
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	381,120,000	319,931,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost	5,215,000	4,549,000	$ 5,973,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost	12,566,000	13,273,000	13,642,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Actuarial Gain (Loss)	(51,458,000)	(51,338,000)
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Benefits Paid	13,315,000	7,971,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Projected Benefit Obligation	437,044,000	381,120,000	319,931,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets beginning of period	362,864,000	316,008,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Increase (Decrease) for Actual Return (Loss)	33,022,000	39,827,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Employer	15,000,000	15,000,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Benefits Paid	13,315,000	7,971,000
Fair Value of Plan Assets, End of period	397,571,000	362,864,000	316,008,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Funded (Unfunded) Status of Plan	(39,473,000)	(18,256,000)
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation	394,352,000	343,029,000
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	27,923,000	25,363,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost	316,000	467,000	539,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost	880,000	992,000	958,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Actuarial Gain (Loss)	(1,398,000)	(2,930,000)
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Benefits Paid	3,830,000	1,829,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Projected Benefit Obligation	26,687,000	27,923,000	25,363,000
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	3,830,000	1,829,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Benefits Paid	3,830,000	1,829,000
Fair Value of Plan Assets, End of period	0	0	$ 0
Defined Benefit Plan, Funded (Unfunded) Status of Plan	(26,687,000)	(27,923,000)
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation	$ 23,987,000	$ 25,471,000

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, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost	$ 5,215	$ 4,549	$ 5,973
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost	12,566	13,273	13,642
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return (Loss) on Plan Assets	(21,047)	(18,827)	(22,247)
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit)	0	0	46
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gain (Loss)	11,157	8,913	12,507
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Gain (Loss) Due to Settlement	0	0	(17,406)
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Special and Contractual Termination Benefits	0	0	5,168
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit)	7,891	7,908	32,495
Net periodic pension cost individual entity share	2,516	2,533	9,956
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Amortization of Gain (Loss), Next Fiscal Year	14,900
Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year	15,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year One	20,500
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Two	21,100
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Three	23,100
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Four	22,700
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Five	25,100
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, after Year Five for Next Five Years	129,200
Other Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost	316	467	539
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost	880	992	958
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)	1,268	1,066	1,353
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Gain (Loss) Due to Settlement	0	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Special and Contractual Termination Benefits	0	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit)	2,464	2,525	2,850
Net periodic pension cost individual entity share	1,570	$ 1,449	$ 1,671
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Amortization of Gain (Loss), Next Fiscal Year	1,400
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year One	4,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Two	3,900
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Three	4,800
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Four	3,600
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Five	1,400
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, after Year Five for Next Five Years	7,800
Parent Company | Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year	$ 4,400

Retirement and Compensation P_7

Retirement and Compensation Plans FBL's share of prepaid or accrued pension costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Multiemployer unrecognized liability for underfunded status		$ 39,500	$ 18,300
Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Assets for Plan Benefits, Defined Benefit Plan		40,631	38,365
Liability, Defined Benefit Plan		0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts for Asset (Liability) Recognized in Statement of Financial Position		40,631	38,365
Other Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Assets for Plan Benefits, Defined Benefit Plan		807	749
Liability, Defined Benefit Plan		(21,358)	(21,922)
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts for Asset (Liability) Recognized in Statement of Financial Position		(20,551)	(21,173)
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Gain (Loss), before Tax	[1]	13,121	12,990
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, before Tax	[1]	$ 13,121	$ 12,990
[1]	For the 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 the Multiemployer Plan totaled $39.5 million at December 31, 2020 and $18.3 million at December 31, 2019.

Retirement and Compensation P_8

Retirement and Compensation Plans Weighted average assumptions (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate	2.68%	3.37%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Rate of Compensation Increase	3.21%	3.27%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate	3.37%	4.24%	3.72%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Rate of Return on Plan Assets	5.85%	6.00%	6.50%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Rate of Compensation Increase	3.27%	3.21%	3.27%
Fixed income funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Target Allocation, Percentage	46.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Actual Allocation, Percentage	45.00%
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	32.00%
Alternative investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Target Allocation, Percentage	9.00%
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	18.00%

Retirement and Compensation P_9

Retirement and Compensation Plans Fair Values of plan assets by category and hierarchy (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2020		Dec. 31, 2019		Dec. 31, 2018
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		$ 395,872		$ 361,336
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		178,843		149,054
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		32,245		28,509
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		184,784		183,773		$ 171,016
U.S. equity funds
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	[1]	34,167		26,294
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]	34,167		26,294
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 | Significant unobservable 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]	55,917		44,730
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]	55,917		44,730
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 | Significant unobservable 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]	777		1,502	[2]
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]	777		1,502	[2]
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]	0		0	[2]
Short-term fixed income funds | Significant unobservable 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	[2]
Fixed income funds
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	[1]	14,272		13,538	[2]
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]	14,272		13,538	[2]
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]	0		0	[2]
Fixed income funds | Significant unobservable 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	[2]
U.S. equity funds
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	[1]	20,835		17,941	[2]
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]	20,835		17,941	[2]
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	[2]
U.S. equity funds | Significant unobservable 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	[2]
Real estate fund
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	[1]	14,198		14,380	[2]
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]	14,198		14,380	[2]
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]	0		0	[2]
Real estate fund | Significant unobservable 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	[2]
Group annuity contract
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	[3]	156,414		157,248
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	[3]	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	[3]	0		0
Group annuity contract | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		156,414	[3]	157,248	[3]	148,106
Funded annuity contracts
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	[3]	10,461		10,378
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	[3]	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	[3]	0		0
Funded annuity contracts | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		10,461	[3]	10,378	[3]	10,500
Corporate
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	[4]	32,245		28,509
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	[4]	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	[4]	32,245		28,509
Corporate | 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]	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	[4]	38,566		30,648
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	[4]	38,566		30,648
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	[4]	0		0
US Government Agencies Debt Securities | 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]	0		0
Limited partnerships
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	[5]	17,909		16,147
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	[5]	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	[5]	0		0
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		17,909	[5]	16,147	[5]	$ 12,410
Limited partnerships | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	[5]	1,700		1,500
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	[6]	111		21
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	[6]	111		21
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	[6]	0		0
Defined Benefit Plan, Cash and Cash Equivalents | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	[6]	$ 0		$ 0
[1]	Represents mutual funds and pooled separate account investments with Principal Life Insurance Company.
[2]	Pooled separate account investments reported in 2019 were reclassified from Level 2 to Level 1 as daily pricing is available
[3]	Represents annuity contracts with Farm Bureau Life
[4]	Represents bonds to support the long duration fixed income investments.
[5]	Represents interests in several limited partnerships. A limited partnership with a fair value estimate of $1.7 million as of December 31, 2020 and $1.5 million as of December 31, 2019, 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. In 2020, the Multiemployer Plan entered into one alternative investment with Principal Life Insurance Company.
[6]	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, 2020		Dec. 31, 2019
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets beginning of period		$ 361,336
Fair Value of Plan Assets, End of period		395,872		$ 361,336
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		183,773		171,016
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets Level 3 Reconciliation, Increase (Decrease) for Purchase, Sale, and Settlement		(8,420)		791
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets Level 3 Reconciliation, Increase (Decrease) for Actual Return (Loss) on Plan Assets Still Held		6,070		7,140
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		3,361		4,826
Fair Value of Plan Assets, End of period		184,784		183,773
Group annuity contract
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets beginning of period	[1]	157,248
Fair Value of Plan Assets, End of period	[1]	156,414		157,248
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		157,248	[1]	148,106
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets Level 3 Reconciliation, Increase (Decrease) for Purchase, Sale, and Settlement		(9,266)		(1,066)
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets Level 3 Reconciliation, Increase (Decrease) for Actual Return (Loss) on Plan Assets Still Held		5,071		5,382
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		3,361		4,826
Fair Value of Plan Assets, End of period	[1]	156,414		157,248
Funded annuity contracts
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets beginning of period	[1]	10,378
Fair Value of Plan Assets, End of period	[1]	10,461		10,378
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		10,378	[1]	10,500
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets Level 3 Reconciliation, Increase (Decrease) for Purchase, Sale, and Settlement		(523)		(730)
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets Level 3 Reconciliation, Increase (Decrease) for Actual Return (Loss) on Plan Assets Still Held		606		608
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]	10,461		10,378
Limited partnerships
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair Value of Plan Assets beginning of period	[2]	16,147
Fair Value of Plan Assets, End of period	[2]	17,909		16,147
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		16,147	[2]	12,410
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets Level 3 Reconciliation, Increase (Decrease) for Purchase, Sale, and Settlement		1,369		2,587
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets Level 3 Reconciliation, Increase (Decrease) for Actual Return (Loss) on Plan Assets Still Held		393		1,150
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]	$ 17,909		$ 16,147
[1]	Represents annuity contracts with Farm Bureau Life
[2]	Represents interests in several limited partnerships. A limited partnership with a fair value estimate of $1.7 million as of December 31, 2020 and $1.5 million as of December 31, 2019, 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. In 2020, the Multiemployer Plan entered into one alternative investment with Principal Life Insurance Company.

Retirement and Compensation _11

Retirement and Compensation Plans Other retirement plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost	$ 3.5	$ 3.1	$ 2.9
Defined Contribution Plan Grandfathered Choice Participant | Minimum
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer 50% Matching Contribution, Percent of Employees' Pay	2.00%
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	2.00%
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer 50% Matching Contribution, Percent of Employees' Pay	4.00%
Pension Plan | Minimum
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer 50% Matching Contribution, Percent of Employees' Pay	4.00%
Defined contribution plan, employer discretionary percentage	2.75%
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	4.00%
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer 50% Matching Contribution, Percent of Employees' Pay	6.00%
Defined contribution plan, employer discretionary percentage	5.75%
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, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Options, Outstanding, Number		6,696
Options, Exercises in Period		(5,696)
Options, Outstanding, Number		1,000	6,696
Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number		1,000
Options, Exercisable, Number		1,000
Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]
Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price		$ 24.71
Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price		23.92
Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price		29.23	$ 24.71
Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price		29.23
Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price		$ 29.23
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term		14 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term		14 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term		14 days
Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value	[1]	$ 23
Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	[1]	23
Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value	[1]	23
Options, Exercises in Period, Total Intrinsic Value		200	$ 100	$ 700
Cash Received from Exercise of Stock Options		100	100	300
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Exercise of Option, Tax Benefit		100	100	100
Cash-based restricted stock unit plan
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expense		500	1,200	1,700
Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense		$ 200	$ 400	$ 600
Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition		2 years 1 month 20 days
Nonvested & restricted Stock Units, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Number of shares or units beginning		64,017
Stock units, Grants in Period		25,454
Stock units, Vested in Period		(23,169)
Stock units, Forfeited in Period		(28,900)
Number of shares or units end of period		37,402	64,017
Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		$ 61.87	$ 67.30
Stock units, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		53.78	$ 70.88	$ 71.20
Stock units, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		63.01
Stock units, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		$ 65.84
Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized		$ 800
share based compensation restricted stock units cash paid expense		$ 1,500	$ 2,500	$ 3,300
Directors stock grants-cash based units
Nonvested & restricted Stock Units, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Number of shares or units beginning		26,042
Number of shares or units end of period		29,803	26,042
Directors nonrestricted Class A stock grants
Nonvested & restricted Stock Units, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Number of shares or units beginning		47,092
Number of shares or units end of period		44,399	47,092
Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Number of Shares Available for Grant		99,517
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		8,478
Number of shares or units end of period		3,277	8,478
Executive Salary and Bonus Deferred Compensation Plan
Nonvested & restricted Stock Units, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Number of shares or units beginning		48,740
Number of shares or units end of period		38,621	48,740
Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Number of Shares Available for Grant		89,087
Executive excess 401(k) plan
Nonvested & restricted Stock Units, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Number of shares or units beginning		3,514
Number of shares or units end of period		600	3,514
[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, 2020.

Managment and Other Agreement_2

Managment and Other Agreements (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Traditional life insurance premiums	$ 198,749	$ 197,863	$ 198,312
Farm Bureau Property & Casualty insurance company
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Professional and Contract Services Expense	8,400	8,000	9,200
Equipment Expense	300	300	300
Subsidiary of Common Parent
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Professional and Contract Services Expense	1,500	1,600	1,500
Majority Shareholder
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Royalty Expense	$ 600	600	600
Royalty agreement restriction	$ 0.10
Other Farm Bureau organizations
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Royalty Expense	$ 1,700	1,700	1,800
Management Service | Farm Bureau Property & Casualty insurance company
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Traditional life insurance premiums	$ 2,000	$ 2,000	$ 2,000

Managment and Other Agreement_3

Managment and Other Agreements Premium concentration (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
IOWA
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	26.10%	26.30%	25.50%
KANSAS
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	17.00%	16.40%	19.20%
OKLAHOMA
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	8.20%	7.60%	7.90%

Committments and Contingencie_2

Committments and Contingencies Lease Commitments & Text (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Jan. 01, 2019
Operating Leases [Line Items]
Lessee, Operating Lease, at Carrying Value	$ 12,100	$ 14,000
Lessee, Operating Lease, Discount Rate	4.25%	4.50%
Operating Lease, Expense	$ 5,800	$ 5,400
Operating Leases, Rent Expense			$ 4,300
Deferred Revenue, Revenue Recognized			$ (200)
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year One	2,853
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Two	2,681
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Three	2,496
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Four	2,442
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Five	2,226
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, after Year Five	2,195
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid	14,893
Lessee, Operating Lease, Future Value of Interest Expense	$ (2,807)
Operating Lease, Liability	us-gaap:OtherLiabilities			us-gaap:OtherLiabilities

Committments and Contingencie_3

Committments and Contingencies Unfunded Commitments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Change in state insurance guaranty fund	$ 0.1	$ 0.1	$ 0.1
Limited partnerships | Other Assets
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Other Commitment	89.2
Private Placement [Member] | Fixed Maturities
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Other Commitment	$ 4.8

Earnings per Share (Details)

Earnings per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc.	$ 27,843	$ 20,974	$ 26,211	$ (2,515)	$ 34,739	$ 25,129	$ 32,298	$ 34,043	$ 72,513	$ 126,209	$ 93,793
Dividends on preferred stock									150	150	150
Income available to common stockholders									$ 72,363	$ 126,059	$ 93,643
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic									24,614,591	24,760,541	24,932,189
Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment									3,325	10,134	12,412
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted									24,617,916	24,770,675	24,944,601
Earnings per common share	$ 1.14	$ 0.85	$ 1.06	$ (0.10)	$ 1.40	$ 1.01	$ 1.30	$ 1.37	$ 2.94	$ 5.09	$ 3.76
Earnings per common share - assuming dilution	$ 1.14	$ 0.85	$ 1.06	$ (0.10)	$ 1.40	$ 1.01	$ 1.30	$ 1.37	$ 2.94	$ 5.09	$ 3.75

Statutory Insurance Informati_3

Statutory Insurance Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Amount Available for Dividend Payments	$ 87,400
Parent Company
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory accounting practices, net gain from operations	87,363	$ 98,529	$ 100,819
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Net Income Amount	72,566	100,141	103,923
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Capital and Surplus, Balance	628,042	642,409
Dividend Payments Restrictions Schedule, Statutory Capital and Surplus	494,559	508,926
Statutory RBC Total adjusted capital	696,108	718,175
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Capital and Surplus Required	$ 131,754	$ 127,864
Statutory RBC Ratio	528.00%	562.00%
Parent Company | Statutory Surplus
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
State Insurance Department, Statutory to NAIC, Amount of Reconciling Item	$ (6,409)	$ (8,320)
Parent Company | Statutory Net Income
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
State Insurance Department, Statutory to NAIC, Amount of Reconciling Item	1,207	577	(7,505)
Subsidiaries
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory accounting practices, net gain from operations	74	146	(321)
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Net Income Amount	74	146	$ (321)
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Capital and Surplus, Balance	8,867	8,814
Dividend Payments Restrictions Schedule, Statutory Capital and Surplus	(1,933)	(1,986)
Statutory RBC Total adjusted capital	8,881	8,826
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Capital and Surplus Required	$ 175	$ 194
Statutory RBC Ratio	5089.00%	4551.00%

Segment Information Reconciliat

Segment Information Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Pre-Tax Operating Income (Loss)										$ 106,558	$ 136,277	$ 126,539
Proposed acquisition transaction expenses										(2,147)
Realized gains losses on investments net of offsets	[1]									(15,991)	7,358	(12,085)
Derivatives unrealized gain net of offsets	[1]									(6,275)	3,422	(7,832)
Pre-tax Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent										82,145	147,057	106,622
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)										8,061	19,929	11,650
Income Tax on Equity Income										(1,571)	(919)	(1,179)
Operating Income (Loss)										72,513	126,209	93,793
Operating revenues										746,767	739,062	747,871
Realized gains on investments related to revenue	[1]									(16,279)	7,606	(12,455)
Derivative unrealized related to revenues	[1]									1,777	28,013	(15,790)
Revenues		$ 198,444	$ 197,845	$ 200,713	$ 135,263	$ 193,561	$ 184,658	$ 192,906	$ 203,556	732,265	774,681	719,626
Investment Income, Net										394,774	398,389	410,098
Change in net unrealized gains/losses on derivatives										2,457	26,609	(15,480)
Net investment income		$ 106,023	$ 105,856	$ 110,435	$ 74,917	$ 108,986	$ 101,478	$ 104,894	$ 109,640	397,231	424,998	394,618
Other Depreciation and Amortization										27,608	19,946	32,875
Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost, Amortization Expense, Net Investment Gains (Losses)	[1]									(314)	241	(184)
Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost, Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss)	[1]									(33)	345	(1,598)
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization										27,261	20,532	31,093
Fixed and Indexed Annuity | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Pre-Tax Operating Income (Loss)										61,033	52,834	62,846
Operating revenues										215,714	212,538	223,996
Investment Income, Net										207,736	205,857	218,823
Other Depreciation and Amortization										7,726	14,954	9,335
Life Insurance Product Line [Member] | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Pre-Tax Operating Income (Loss)										36,658	67,134	47,680
Operating revenues										439,700	432,294	430,194
Investment Income, Net										157,498	158,230	158,003
Other Depreciation and Amortization										18,310	4,926	16,515
Corporate, Variable, Variable Universal Life, A&H and Other | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Pre-Tax Operating Income (Loss)										8,867	16,309	16,013
Operating revenues										91,353	94,230	93,681
Investment Income, Net										29,540	34,302	33,272
Other Depreciation and Amortization										$ 1,572	$ 66	$ 7,025
[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

Segment Information Segment ass

Segment Information Segment assets & Text (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment assets		$ 10,218,142	$ 10,005,572
Unrealized Gains on assets in AOCI	[1]	778,130	474,634
Assets		10,996,272	10,480,206
Goodwill		9,900	9,900
Fixed and Indexed Annuity | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment assets		4,754,782	4,671,210
Goodwill		3,900	3,900
Life Insurance Product Line [Member] | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment assets		3,760,718	3,665,179
Goodwill		6,100	6,100
Corporate, Variable, Variable Universal Life, A&H and Other | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment assets		1,702,642	1,669,183
Farm Bureau Property & Casualty insurance company
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Leases, Income Statement, Lease Revenue Depreciation and Amortization		$ 4,800	$ 4,800	$ 4,500
[1]	mounts 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, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Pre-Tax on Equity Income (Loss)	$ 7,477	$ 4,375	$ 5,618
Income Tax on Equity Income	(1,571)	(919)	(1,179)
Equity income, net of related income taxes	5,906	3,456	4,439
Life Insurance Product Line [Member] | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Pre-Tax on Equity Income (Loss)	2,042	3,224	3,840
Corporate, Variable, Variable Universal Life, A&H and Other | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Pre-Tax on Equity Income (Loss)	$ 5,435	$ 1,151	$ 1,778

Segment Information Reconcili_2

Segment Information Reconciliation of non-GAAP measures (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Proceeds from Insurance Premiums Collected	$ 549,900	$ 611,100	$ 640,100
Increase (Decrease) in Premiums Receivable	(860)	1,228	692
Traditional life insurance premiums	198,749	197,863	198,312
Interest sensitive product charges	132,522	127,113	122,789
Net realized gains/losses on investments & change in fair value of derivatives on amortization of unearned revenue reserves	(675)	1,406	(491)
Traditional and Universal Life
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Proceeds from Insurance Premiums Collected	322,219	310,727	304,229
Life insurance - interest sensitive
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Proceeds from Insurance Premiums Collected	122,610	114,092	106,609
Life Insurance Product Line [Member]
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Proceeds from Insurance Premiums Collected	199,609	196,635	197,620
Operating Segments | Fixed and Indexed Annuity
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Interest sensitive product charges	7,978	6,681	5,173
Operating Segments | Fixed and Indexed Annuity | Cost of insurance charges & Administration charges
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Interest sensitive product charges	6,473	5,319	3,880
Operating Segments | Fixed and Indexed Annuity | Surrender charges
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Interest sensitive product charges	1,505	1,362	1,293
Operating Segments | Life Insurance Product Line [Member]
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Interest sensitive product charges	83,707	76,742	74,485
Operating Segments | Life Insurance Product Line [Member] | Admin charges
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Interest sensitive product charges	21,836	19,264	16,944
Operating Segments | Life Insurance Product Line [Member] | Cost of insurance charges
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Interest sensitive product charges	53,138	51,122	50,727
Operating Segments | Life Insurance Product Line [Member] | Surrender charges
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Interest sensitive product charges	2,563	2,619	2,352
Operating Segments | Life Insurance Product Line [Member] | Amortization of policy initiation fees
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Interest sensitive product charges	6,170	3,737	4,462
Operating Segments | Corporate, Variable, Variable Universal Life, A&H and Other
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Interest sensitive product charges	41,512	42,284	43,622
Operating Segments | Corporate, Variable, Variable Universal Life, A&H and Other | Admin charges
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Interest sensitive product charges	4,471	4,707	5,021
Operating Segments | Corporate, Variable, Variable Universal Life, A&H and Other | Cost of insurance charges
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Interest sensitive product charges	28,330	28,794	29,151
Operating Segments | Corporate, Variable, Variable Universal Life, A&H and Other | Surrender charges
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Interest sensitive product charges	58	99	92
Operating Segments | Corporate, Variable, Variable Universal Life, A&H and Other | Separate account charges
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Interest sensitive product charges	8,095	8,168	8,535
Operating Segments | Corporate, Variable, Variable Universal Life, A&H and Other | Amortization of policy initiation fees
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Interest sensitive product charges	$ 558	$ 516	$ 823

Quarterly Financial Informati_3

Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Premiums and product charges	$ 83,793	$ 83,212	$ 83,238	$ 81,028	$ 82,680	$ 78,117	$ 83,521	$ 80,658
Net investment income	106,023	105,856	110,435	74,917	108,986	101,478	104,894	109,640	$ 397,231	$ 424,998	$ 394,618
Realized gains (losses) on investments	3,228	3,894	2,256	(25,662)	(2,707)	646	377	9,288	(16,284)	7,604	(12,274)
Revenues	198,444	197,845	200,713	135,263	193,561	184,658	192,906	203,556	732,265	774,681	719,626
Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc.	$ 27,843	$ 20,974	$ 26,211	$ (2,515)	$ 34,739	$ 25,129	$ 32,298	$ 34,043	$ 72,513	$ 126,209	$ 93,793
Earnings per common share	$ 1.14	$ 0.85	$ 1.06	$ (0.10)	$ 1.40	$ 1.01	$ 1.30	$ 1.37	$ 2.94	$ 5.09	$ 3.76
Earnings per common share - assuming dilution	$ 1.14	$ 0.85	$ 1.06	$ (0.10)	$ 1.40	$ 1.01	$ 1.30	$ 1.37	$ 2.94	$ 5.09	$ 3.75

Sch I. Schedule of Investments

Sch I. Schedule of Investments (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)
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	$ 8,555,836	[1]
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Amount	9,684,010
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	7,179,303	[1]
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Fair Value	8,283,687
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Amount	8,283,687
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	3,542,136	[1]
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Fair Value	4,238,267
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Amount	4,238,267
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	2,373,785	[1]
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Fair Value	2,593,203
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Amount	2,593,203
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	35,174	[1]
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Fair Value	36,252
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Amount	36,252
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	1,228,208	[1]
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Fair Value	1,415,965
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Amount	1,415,965
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	82,999	[1]
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Fair Value	88,281
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Amount	88,281
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	5,672	[1]
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Fair Value	6,510
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Amount	6,510
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	9,301	[1]
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Fair Value	9,289
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Amount	9,289
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	68,026	[1]
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Fair Value	72,482
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Amount	72,482
Mortgages [Member]
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	995,983	[1]
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Amount	994,101	[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 [Member]
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	195,666	[1]
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Amount	195,666
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	63,062	[1]
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Amount	63,062
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	37,868	[1]
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Amount	$ 58,258
[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 (net of collateral received); 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, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturities - available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost: 2020 - $15,773; 2019 - $18,420)	$ 8,283,687				$ 7,702,628				$ 8,283,687	$ 7,702,628
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis	7,179,303				7,015,269				7,179,303	7,015,269
Equity Securities, Cost	82,999				95,269				82,999	95,269
Short-term investments	63,062				11,865				63,062	11,865
Cash and cash equivalents	12,882				17,277				12,882	17,277	$ 19,035	$ 52,696
Amounts receivable from affiliates	3,257				4,357				3,257	4,357
Accrued investment income	70,278				72,332				70,278	72,332
Current income taxes recoverable	16,732				6,427				16,732	6,427
Other assets	152,929				167,940				152,929	167,940
Assets	10,996,272				10,480,206				10,996,272	10,480,206
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
Long-term debt payable to non-affiliates	97,000				97,000				97,000	97,000
Liabilities	9,304,156				8,994,290				9,304,156	8,994,290
Preferred stock	3,000				3,000				3,000	3,000
Accumulated other comprehensive income	587,279				354,764				587,279	354,764
Retained earnings	950,687				975,260				950,687	975,260
Total FBL Financial Group, Inc. stockholders' equity	1,692,099				1,485,757				1,692,099	1,485,757
Liabilities and Equity	10,996,272				10,480,206				10,996,272	10,480,206
Revenues:
Net investment income	106,023	$ 105,856	$ 110,435	$ 74,917	108,986	$ 101,478	$ 104,894	$ 109,640	397,231	424,998	394,618
Realized gains (losses) on investments	3,228	3,894	2,256	(25,662)	(2,707)	646	377	9,288	(16,284)	7,604	(12,274)
Management fee income									198,749	197,863	198,312
Other income									20,047	17,103	16,181
Revenues	198,444	197,845	200,713	135,263	193,561	184,658	192,906	203,556	732,265	774,681	719,626
Costs and Expenses [Abstract]
Interest expense									5,015	4,850	4,851
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest									74,472	142,781	101,033
Income Tax Benefit									(8,061)	(19,929)	(11,650)
Net Income	27,843	$ 20,974	$ 26,211	$ (2,515)	34,739	$ 25,129	$ 32,298	$ 34,043	72,513	126,209	93,793
Parent Company
Assets [Abstract]
Investments in subsidiaries (eliminated in consolidation)	1,753,409				1,537,121				1,753,409	1,537,121
Fixed maturities - available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost: 2020 - $15,773; 2019 - $18,420)	19,040				22,483				19,040	22,483
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis	15,773				18,420				15,773	18,420
Equity securities (cost: 2020 - $5,672; 2019 - $6,587)	6,510				7,130				6,510	7,130
Equity Securities, Cost	5,672				6,587				5,672	6,587
Short-term investments	7,772				5,077				7,772	5,077
Cash and cash equivalents	10,858				14,130				10,858	14,130	12,116	$ 23,954
Accrued investment income	4				13				4	13
Current income taxes recoverable	176				0				176	0
Deferred income tax assets	6,818				6,832				6,818	6,832
Other assets	28,101				27,926				28,101	27,926
Assets	1,837,837				1,626,871				1,837,837	1,626,871
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	48,738				44,089				48,738	44,089
Current income taxes	0				25				0	25
Long-term debt payable to non-affiliates	97,000				97,000				97,000	97,000
Liabilities	145,738				141,114				145,738	141,114
Preferred stock	3,000				3,000				3,000	3,000
Accumulated other comprehensive income	587,279				354,764				587,279	354,764
Retained earnings	950,687				975,260				950,687	975,260
Total FBL Financial Group, Inc. stockholders' equity	1,692,099				1,485,757				1,692,099	1,485,757
Liabilities and Equity	1,837,837				1,626,871				1,837,837	1,626,871
Revenues:
Net investment income									1,457	1,970	2,381
Realized gains (losses) on investments									291	584	(591)
Dividends from subsidiaries, eliminated in consolidation									98,500	91,300	91,997
Other income									3	8	2
Revenues									108,140	102,127	102,248
Costs and Expenses [Abstract]
Interest expense									4,850	4,850	4,850
General and administrative expenses									9,814	8,101	8,605
Total expenses									14,664	12,951	13,455
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest									93,476	89,176	88,793
Income Tax Benefit									3,011	1,971	2,175
Income before equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries									96,487	91,147	90,968
Equity in undistributed income of subsidiary									(23,974)	35,062	2,825
Net Income									72,513	126,209	93,793
Common Class A
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
Common stock, without par value	151,061				152,661				151,061	152,661
Common Class A | Parent Company
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
Common stock, without par value	151,061				152,661				151,061	152,661
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	2,419				2,382				2,419	2,382
Subsidiaries | Parent Company
Assets [Abstract]
Amounts receivable from affiliates	$ 2,730				$ 3,777				2,730	3,777
Management Service | Affiliated Entity | Parent Company
Revenues:
Management fee income									2,001	2,000	2,001
Management Service | Subsidiaries | Parent Company
Revenues:
Management fee income									$ 5,888	$ 6,265	$ 6,458

Sch II - Condensed Financial _3

Sch II - Condensed Financial Information on Registrant Cash Flow (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities	$ 229,146	$ 213,054	$ 239,177
Equity securities	(2,850)	(16,729)	(4,447)
Short-term investments, net change	(51,197)	3,848	1,294
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities	(197,671)	(154,611)	(211,892)
Repurchase of common stock, net	(10,133)	(5,346)	(15,152)
Dividends paid	(86,198)	(84,474)	(83,128)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities	(35,870)	(60,201)	(60,946)
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	12,882	17,277	19,035
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	17,277	19,035	52,696
Income Taxes Received, Net	9,572	2,736	3,005
Parent Company
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities	2,234	(107)	(2,102)
Proceeds from Maturities, Prepayments and Calls of Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	3,435	3,849	4,641
Equity securities	1,285	(938)	(1,147)
Short-term investments, net change	(2,695)	530	853
Dividends from subsidiaries, eliminated in consolidation	98,500	91,300	91,997
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities	100,525	94,741	96,344
Repurchase of common stock, net	(10,133)	(5,346)	(15,152)
Capital contribution by parent to subsidiary	(9,700)	(2,800)	(7,800)
Dividends paid	(86,198)	(84,474)	(83,128)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities	(106,031)	(92,620)	(106,080)
Increase in cash and cash equivalents	(3,272)	2,014	(11,838)
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	10,858	14,130	12,116
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	14,130	12,116	23,954
Income Taxes Received, Net	(3,019)	(2,383)	1,617
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	$ 98,500	$ 91,300	$ 91,997

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, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Dividends from subsidiaries, eliminated in consolidation	$ 98,500	$ 91,300	$ 91,997
Dividends in form of cash
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Dividends from subsidiaries, eliminated in consolidation	$ 98,500	$ 91,300	$ 91,997

Sch III Supplementary Insuran_2

Sch III Supplementary Insurance Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information [Line Items]
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost		$ 176,085	$ 289,456	$ 418,802
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Loss, Claim and Loss Expense		7,666,264	7,424,987	7,230,853
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Unearned Premium		7,446	15,445	25,916
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Policy Claim and Benefit Payable		545,551	550,373	563,879
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Premium Revenue		331,271	324,976	321,101
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Net Investment Income		397,231	424,998	394,618
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Benefit, Claim, Loss and Settlement Expenses		468,642	451,127	428,962
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost		30,226	22,887	33,137
Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost, Amortization Expense, Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)	[1]	33	(345)	1,598
Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost, Amortization Expense, Net Investment Gains (Losses)	[1]	(314)	241	(184)
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Operating Expense		113,661	117,737	118,918
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		86,289	88,295	93,819
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Loss, Claim and Loss Expense		4,191,493	4,105,054	4,036,152
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		317,933	335,222	338,646
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Premium Revenue		7,978	6,681	5,173
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Net Investment Income		207,736	205,857	218,823
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Benefit, Claim, Loss and Settlement Expenses		120,991	118,085	124,015
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost		10,866	16,374	11,243
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Operating Expense		22,824	25,245	25,892
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		353,626	341,143	308,937
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Loss, Claim and Loss Expense		3,003,912	2,872,119	2,776,656
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Unearned Premium		25,688	22,025	19,427
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Policy Claim and Benefit Payable		197,174	188,220	194,879
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Premium Revenue		282,456	274,605	272,797
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Net Investment Income		157,498	158,230	158,003
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Benefit, Claim, Loss and Settlement Expenses		298,845	270,916	276,571
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost		17,175	2,819	15,264
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Operating Expense		81,526	84,596	84,389
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		56,659	60,245	62,778
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Loss, Claim and Loss Expense		419,858	417,172	416,403
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Unearned Premium		11,151	11,445	11,623
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Policy Claim and Benefit Payable		30,444	26,931	30,354
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Premium Revenue		41,512	42,284	43,622
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Net Investment Income		29,540	34,302	33,272
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Benefit, Claim, Loss and Settlement Expenses		40,062	39,180	34,465
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost		3,165	1,801	8,869
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Operating Expense		9,311	7,896	8,637
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		(320,489)	(200,227)	(46,732)
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Loss, Claim and Loss Expense		51,001	30,642	1,642
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Unearned Premium		(29,393)	(18,025)	(5,134)
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		(680)	1,404	(310)
Unearned revenue reserve, amortization due to realized gains		5	2	(181)
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Net Investment Income		0	0	0
Investment Income, Nonoperating		2,457	26,609	(15,480)
Deferred sales inducements, amortization due to unrealized gains losses		8,719	22,932	(6,065)
Deferred sales inducements, amortization due to realized gains losses		25	14	(24)
Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost, Amortization Expense, Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)		667	(1,659)	1,893
Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost, Amortization Expense, Net Investment Gains (Losses)		(313)	234	(346)
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	$ 0	$ 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

Sch IV Reinsurance (Details)

Sch IV Reinsurance (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance [Line Items]
Direct Premiums, Life Insurance in Force	$ 67,343,372	$ 65,683,485	$ 64,290,040
Ceded Premiums, Life Insurance in Force	13,586,090	13,770,695	14,029,567
Assumed Premiums, Life Insurance in Force	407,991	430,583	455,176
Premiums, Net, Life Insurance in Force	$ 54,165,273	$ 52,343,373	$ 50,715,649
Life Insurance in Force Premiums, Percentage Assumed to Net	0.80%	0.80%	0.90%
Direct Premiums Earned	$ 361,144	$ 354,234	$ 351,454
Ceded Premiums Earned	31,970	31,363	32,450
Assumed Premiums Earned	2,367	2,546	2,508
Premiums Earned, Net	$ 331,541	$ 325,417	$ 321,512
SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance, Premium, Percentage Assumed to Net	0.70%	0.80%	0.80%
Interest sensitive product charges
SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance [Line Items]
Direct Premiums Earned	$ 131,337	$ 125,832	$ 121,456
Ceded Premiums Earned	923	1,010	1,044
Assumed Premiums Earned	2,108	2,291	2,377
Premiums Earned, Net	$ 132,522	$ 127,113	$ 122,789
SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance, Premium, Percentage Assumed to Net	1.60%	1.80%	1.90%
Traditional life insurance premiums
SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance [Line Items]
Direct Premiums Earned	$ 224,967	$ 222,955	$ 223,960
Ceded Premiums Earned	26,477	25,347	25,779
Assumed Premiums Earned	259	255	131
Premiums Earned, Net	$ 198,749	$ 197,863	$ 198,312
SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance, Premium, Percentage Assumed to Net	0.10%	0.10%	0.10%
Accident and health premiums
SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance [Line Items]
Direct Premiums Earned	$ 4,840	$ 5,447	$ 6,038
Ceded Premiums Earned	4,570	5,006	5,627
Assumed Premiums Earned	0	0	0
Premiums Earned, Net	$ 270	$ 441	$ 411
SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance, Premium, Percentage Assumed to Net	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%