Primerica (PRI) 10-K 26 Feb 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	Primerica, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	1475922
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		52,240,149
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$2,552,645,945

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Investments:
Fixed-maturity securities available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost: $1,667,500 in 2014 and $1,663,022 in 2013)	$1,759,120	[1]	$1,755,712	[2]
Fixed-maturity securities held-to-maturity, at amortized cost (fair value: $228,809 in 2014 and $0 in 2013)	220,000
Equity securities available-for-sale, at fair value (cost: $43,738 in 2014 and $32,592 in 2013)	53,390		39,894
Trading securities, at fair value (cost: $7,710 in 2014 and $13,025 in 2013)	7,711		12,991
Policy loans	28,095		26,806
Total investments	2,068,316		1,835,403
Cash and cash equivalents	192,516		149,189
Accrued investment income	17,401		18,127
Due from reinsurers	4,115,533		4,055,054
Deferred policy acquisition costs, net	1,351,180		1,208,466
Premiums and other receivables	181,660		175,785
Intangible assets, net	61,720		68,863
Deferred income taxes	36,082		32,450
Other assets	273,403		282,784
Separate account assets	2,440,303		2,503,829
Total assets	10,738,114		10,329,950
Liabilities:
Future policy benefits	5,264,608		5,063,103
Unearned premiums	912		1,802
Policy claims and other benefits payable	264,832		253,304
Other policyholders’ funds	344,313		337,977
Notes payable	374,532		374,481
Surplus note	220,000
Current income tax payable	15,014		15,019
Deferred income taxes	125,453		90,866
Other liabilities	392,810		377,690
Payable under securities lending	50,211		89,852
Separate account liabilities	2,440,303		2,503,829
Commitments and contingent liabilities (see Commitments and Contingent Liabilities note)
Total liabilities	9,492,988		9,107,923
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock ($0.01 par value; authorized 500,000 in 2014 and 2013; issued and outstanding 52,169 shares in 2014 and 54,834 shares in 2013)	522		548
Paid-in capital	353,337		472,633
Retained earnings	795,740		640,840
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax:
Unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses)	21,681		41,974
Net unrealized investment gains (losses):
Net unrealized investment gains not other-than-temporarily impaired	74,308		67,379
Net unrealized investment losses other-than-temporarily impaired	-462		-1,347
Total stockholders’ equity	1,245,126		1,222,027
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$10,738,114		$10,329,950
[1]	Includes approximately $0.7 million of other-than-temporary impairment losses related to corporates and mortgage- and asset-backed securities recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income.
[2]	Includes approximately $2.1 million of other-than-temporary impairment losses related to corporates and mortgage- and asset-backed securities recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income.

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets Parenthetical (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Investments:
Fixed-maturity securities available for sale, amortized cost	$1,667,500	[1]	$1,663,022	[2]
Fixed-maturity securities held to maturity, fair value	228,809		0
Equity securities available for sale, cost	43,738		32,592
Trading securities, cost	$7,710		$13,025
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, par value	$0.01		$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	500,000,000		500,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	52,169,000		54,834,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	52,169,000		54,834,000
[1]	Includes approximately $0.7 million of other-than-temporary impairment losses related to corporates and mortgage- and asset-backed securities recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income.
[2]	Includes approximately $2.1 million of other-than-temporary impairment losses related to corporates and mortgage- and asset-backed securities recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Inc

Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues:
Direct premiums	$2,301,332	$2,265,191	$2,231,032
Ceded premiums	-1,616,817	-1,644,158	-1,663,753
Net premiums	684,515	621,033	567,279
Commissions and fees	527,166	471,808	429,044
Net investment income	86,473	88,752	100,804
Realized investment gains (losses), including other-than-temporary impairment losses	-261	6,246	11,382
Other, net	42,137	42,731	45,263
Total revenues	1,340,030	1,230,570	1,153,772
Benefits and expenses:
Benefits and claims	311,417	279,931	254,048
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	144,378	129,183	118,598
Sales commissions	268,775	232,237	204,569
Insurance expenses	115,452	105,457	90,894
Insurance commissions	15,353	16,530	21,724
Interest expense	34,570	35,018	33,101
Other operating expenses	174,363	187,208	164,716
Total benefits and expenses	1,064,308	985,564	887,650
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	275,722	245,006	266,122
Income taxes	95,888	86,305	92,813
Income from continuing operations	179,834	158,701	173,309
Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	1,578	4,024	497
Net income	181,412	162,725	173,806
Basic earnings per share:
Continuing operations	$3.26	$2.80	$2.76
Discontinued operations	$0.03	$0.07	$0.01
Basic earnings per share	$3.29	$2.87	$2.77
Diluted earnings per share:
Continuing operations	$3.26	$2.76	$2.70
Discontinued operations	$0.03	$0.07	$0.01
Diluted earnings per share	$3.29	$2.83	$2.71
Weighted-average shares used in computing earnings per share:
Basic	54,567	55,834	61,059
Diluted	54,598	56,625	62,401
Supplemental disclosures:
Total impairment losses	-4,045	-1,095	-1,204
Impairment losses recognized in other comprehensive income before income taxes		479	563
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings	-4,045	-616	-641
Other net realized investment gains (losses)	3,784	6,862	12,023
Realized investment gains (losses), including other-than- temporary impairment losses	($261)	$6,246	$11,382
Dividends declared per share	$0.48	$0.44	$0.24

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$45,466	$41,595	$49,271	$45,080	$37,201	$43,190	$43,490	$38,845	$181,412	$162,725	$173,806
Unrealized investment gains (losses):
Change in unrealized holding gains/(losses) on investment securities									11,228	-68,769	39,945
Reclassification adjustment for realized investment (gains) losses included in net income									794	-4,909	-11,475
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Change in unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses)									-20,527	-13,695	4,221
Total other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes									-8,505	-87,373	32,691
Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)									3,974	-25,969	9,946
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes									-12,479	-61,404	22,745
Total comprehensive income (loss)									$168,933	$101,321	$196,551

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sto

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]	Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member]	Accumulated Other-than-Temporary Impairment [Member]
In Thousands
Balance, beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2011		$649	$835,232	$344,104	$146,665
Repurchases of common stock		-99	-268,113
Net issuance of common stock		14	-14
Share-based compensation			33,236
Adjustments to paid-in capital, other			1,928
Net income	173,806			173,806
Dividends				-14,737
Change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes	22,745					4,239	17,876	630
Balance, end of period at Dec. 31, 2012	1,275,416	564	602,269	503,173	169,410
Repurchases of common stock		-29	-101,044
Net issuance of common stock		13	-13
Share-based compensation			39,195
Repurchases of warrants			-68,399
Adjustments to paid-in capital, other			625
Net income	162,725			162,725
Dividends				-25,058
Change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes	-61,404					-13,513	-47,579	-312
Balance, end of period at Dec. 31, 2013	1,222,027	548	472,633	640,840	108,006
Repurchases of common stock		-31	-154,268
Net issuance of common stock		5	-5
Share-based compensation			37,494
Adjustments to paid-in capital, other			-2,517
Net income	181,412			181,412
Dividends				-26,512
Change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes	-12,479					-20,293	6,929	885
Balance, end of period at Dec. 31, 2014	$1,245,126	$522	$353,337	$795,740	$95,527

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sto1

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity Parenthetical (Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax:
Change in foreign currency translation adjustment, income tax expense (benefit)	($234)	($182)	($18)
Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses) not-other-than-temporarily impaired, income tax expense (benefit)	3,731	-25,619	9,624
Change in net unrealized investment (losses) gains other-than-temporarily impaired, income tax expense (benefit)	$477	($168)	$340

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$181,412	$162,725	$173,806
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Change in future policy benefits and other policy liabilities	263,225	228,341	243,062
Deferral of policy acquisition costs	-289,945	-267,523	-268,154
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	144,378	129,183	118,598
Deferred tax provision	25,757	18,333	13,332
Change in income taxes	1,090	-6,423	-10,967
Realized investment (gains) losses, including other-than-temporary impairments	261	-6,246	-11,382
Gain from sale of business, net	-1,578
Accretion and amortization of investments	-4,825	-4,554	-2,766
Depreciation and amortization	12,266	10,803	10,095
Change in due from reinsurers	-90,024	-73,070	-141,918
Change in premiums and other receivables	-11,067	-8,241	-762
Trading securities sold, matured, or called (acquired), net	5,232	-5,265	35,738
Share-based compensation	17,982	13,788	18,944
Change in other operating assets and liabilities, net	-16,520	-3,952	-53,293
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	237,644	187,899	124,333
Available-for-sale investments sold, matured or called:
Fixed-maturity securities — sold	109,681	98,277	304,838
Fixed-maturity securities — matured or called	314,589	266,738	263,351
Equity securities	2,351	6,200	2,828
Available-for-sale investments acquired:
Fixed-maturity securities	-425,904	-308,904	-492,094
Equity securities	-11,878	-3,009	-5,680
Purchases of property and equipment and other investing activities, net	-7,484	-23,818	-10,949
Proceeds from sale of business	3,000
Cash collateral received (returned) on loaned securities, net	-39,641	-50,075	-9,431
Sales (purchases) of short-term investments using securities lending collateral, net	39,641	50,075	9,431
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-15,645	35,484	62,294
Cash flows from financing activities:
Dividends paid	-26,512	-25,058	-14,737
Common stock repurchased	-147,922	-86,280	-257,584
Warrants repurchased		-68,399
Excess tax benefits on share-based compensation	5,804	9,590	5,266
Tax withholdings on share-based compensation	-6,377	-14,793	-10,628
Proceeds from issuance of Senior Notes, net of discount			374,411
Payment of note issued to Citigroup			-300,000
Payments of deferred financing costs	-876		-7,814
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-175,883	-184,940	-211,086
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash	-2,789	-1,470	597
Change in cash and cash equivalents	43,327	36,973	-23,862
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	149,189	112,216	136,078
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	192,516	149,189	112,216
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Income taxes paid	66,077	68,599	85,365
Interest paid	$33,058	$32,905	$38,416

Organization_Consolidation_and

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements (Notes)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Description of Business, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

(1) Description of Business, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Description of Business. Primerica, Inc. (the “Parent Company”), together with its subsidiaries (collectively, “we”, “us” or the “Company”), is a leading distributor of financial products to middle income households in the United States and Canada. We assist our clients in meeting their needs for term life insurance, which we underwrite, and mutual funds, annuities and other financial products, which we distribute primarily on behalf of third parties. Our primary subsidiaries include the following entities: Primerica Financial Services, Inc. (“PFS”), a general agency and marketing company; Primerica Life Insurance Company (“Primerica Life”), our principal life insurance company; Primerica Financial Services (Canada) Ltd., a holding company for our Canadian operations, which includes Primerica Life Insurance Company of Canada (“Primerica Life Canada”) and PFSL Investments Canada Ltd. (“PFSL Investments Canada”); and PFS Investments Inc. (“PFS Investments”), an investment products company and broker-dealer. Primerica Life, domiciled in Massachusetts, owns National Benefit Life Insurance Company (“NBLIC”), a New York life insurance company.

Prior to April 1, 2010, we were wholly owned by Citigroup Inc. (“Citigroup”). In April 2010, we completed a series of transactions (the “corporate reorganization”) that included an initial public offering of our common stock by Citigroup pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “IPO”).

We capitalized Peach Re, Inc. (“Peach Re”), a special purpose financial captive insurance company and wholly owned subsidiary of Primerica Life, and Primerica Life ceded to Peach Re certain level premium term life insurance policies pursuant to a coinsurance agreement (the “Peach Re Coinsurance Agreement”) effective March 31, 2012.

In June 2014, we established Vidalia Re, Inc. (“Vidalia Re”) as a special purpose financial captive insurance company and wholly owned subsidiary of Primerica Life. Vidalia Re and Primerica Life entered into a coinsurance agreement whereby Primerica Life ceded to Vidalia Re certain level premium term life insurance policies (the “Vidalia Re Coinsurance Agreement”) effective July 31, 2014 and December 31, 2014.

Basis of Presentation. We prepare our financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”). These principles are established primarily by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect financial statement balances, revenues and expenses and cash flows, as well as the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Management considers available facts and knowledge of existing circumstances when establishing the estimates included in our financial statements.

Use of Estimates. The most significant items that involve a greater degree of accounting estimates and actuarial determinations subject to change in the future are the valuation of investments, deferred policy acquisition costs (“DAC”), and liabilities for future policy benefits and unpaid policy claims. Estimates for these and other items are subject to change and are reassessed by management in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Consolidation. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and those entities required to be consolidated under applicable accounting standards. All material intercompany profits, transactions, and balances among the consolidated entities have been eliminated.

Reclassifications. Certain reclassifications have been made to prior-period amounts to conform to current-period reporting classifications. These reclassifications had no impact on net income or total stockholders’ equity and were primarily related to discontinued operations. See Note 2 (Discontinued Operations) for more information.

Subsequent Events. The Company has evaluated subsequent events for recognition and disclosure for occurrences and transactions after the date of the consolidated financial statements at December 31, 2014.

Foreign Currency Translation. Assets and liabilities denominated in Canadian dollars are translated into U.S. dollars using year-end exchange rates. Revenues and expenses are translated monthly at amounts that approximate weighted-average exchange rates. Translation adjustments are reported in other comprehensive income (loss).

Investments. Investments are reported on the following bases:

·

Available-for-sale fixed-maturity securities, including bonds and redeemable preferred stocks not classified as trading securities, are carried at fair value. When quoted market values are unavailable, we obtain estimates from independent pricing services or estimate fair value based upon a comparison to quoted issues of the same issuer or of other issuers with similar characteristics.

·

Held-to-maturity fixed maturity security, which is carried at amortized cost.

·

Equity securities, including common and nonredeemable preferred stocks, are classified as available-for-sale and are carried at fair value. When quoted market values are unavailable, we obtain estimates from independent pricing services or estimates fair value based upon a comparison to quoted issues of the same issuer or of other issuers with similar characteristics.

·

Trading securities, which primarily consist of bonds, are carried at fair value. Changes in fair value of trading securities are included in net investment income in the period in which the change occurred.

·

Policy loans are carried at unpaid principal balances, which approximate fair value.

Investment transactions are recorded on a trade-date basis. We use the specific-identification method to determine the realized gains or losses from securities transactions and report the realized gains or losses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities are included as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income except for the credit loss components of other-than-temporary declines in fair value, which are recorded as realized losses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

Investments are reviewed on a quarterly basis for other-than-temporary impairments (“OTTI”). Credit risk, interest rate risk, the amount of time the security has been in an unrealized loss position, actions taken by ratings agencies, and other factors are considered in determining whether an unrealized loss is other-than-temporary. Our consolidated statements of income for the three years ended December 31, 2014 reflect the impairment on debt securities that we intend to sell or would more likely than not be required to sell before the expected recovery of the amortized cost basis. For available-for-sale (“AFS”) debt securities that we have no intent to sell and believe that it is more likely than not we will not be required to sell prior to recovery, only the credit loss component of the impairment is recognized in earnings, while the remainder is recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. The credit loss component recognized in earnings is identified as the amount of principal cash flows not expected to be received over the remaining term of the security. Any subsequent changes in fair value of the security related to non-credit factors recognized in other comprehensive income are presented as an adjustment to the amount previously presented in the net unrealized investment gains (losses) other-than-temporarily impaired category of accumulated other comprehensive income.

Interest income on fixed-maturity securities is recorded when earned using the effective-yield method, which gives consideration to amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts. Dividend income on equity securities is recorded when declared. These amounts are included in net investment income in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

Included within fixed-maturity securities are loan-backed and asset-backed securities. Amortization of the premium or accretion of the discount uses the retrospective method. The effective yield used to determine amortization/accretion is calculated based on actual and historical projected future cash flows, which are obtained from a widely accepted data provider and updated quarterly.

Embedded conversion options associated with fixed-maturity securities are bifurcated from the fixed-maturity security host contracts and separately recognized as equity securities. The change in fair value of these bifurcated conversion options is reflected in realized investment gains (losses), including OTTI losses.

Cash and Cash Equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, money market instruments, and all other highly liquid investments purchased with an original or remaining maturity of three months or less at the date of acquisition.

Reinsurance. We use reinsurance extensively, utilizing yearly renewable term (“YRT”) and coinsurance agreements. Under YRT agreements, we reinsure only the mortality risk, while under coinsurance, we reinsure a proportionate part of all risks arising under the reinsured policy. Under coinsurance, the reinsurer receives a proportionate part of the premiums, less commission allowances, and is liable for a corresponding part of all benefit payments.

All reinsurance contracts in effect for the three-year period ended December 31, 2014 transfer a reasonable possibility of substantial loss to the reinsurer or are accounted for under the deposit method of accounting.

Ceded premiums are treated as a reduction to direct premiums and are recognized when due to the assuming company. Ceded claims are treated as a reduction to direct benefits and are recognized when the claim is incurred on a direct basis. Ceded policy reserve changes are also treated as a reduction to benefits expense and are recognized during the applicable financial reporting period.

Reinsurance premiums, commissions, expense reimbursements and benefits and reserves related to reinsured long-duration contracts are accounted for over the life of the underlying contracts using assumptions consistent with those used to account for the underlying policies. Amounts recoverable from reinsurers are estimated in a manner consistent with the claim liabilities and policy benefits associated with reinsured policies. Ceded policy reserves and claims liabilities relating to insurance ceded are shown as due from reinsurers on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

We analyze and monitor the credit-worthiness of each of our reinsurance partners to minimize collection issues. For reinsurance contracts with unauthorized reinsurers, we require collateral such as letters of credit.

To the extent we receive ceding allowances to cover policy and claims administration under reinsurance contracts, these allowances are treated as a reduction to insurance commissions and expenses and are recognized when due from the assuming company. To the extent we receive ceding allowances reimbursing commissions that would otherwise be deferred, the amount of commissions deferrable will be reduced. The corresponding DAC balances are reduced on a pro rata basis by the portion of the business reinsured with reinsurance agreements that meet risk transfer provisions. The reduced DAC will result in a corresponding reduction of amortization expense.

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs. We only defer the costs of acquiring new business to the extent that they result directly from and are essential to the contract transaction(s) and would not have been incurred had the contract transaction(s) not occurred. These deferred policy acquisition costs mainly include commissions and policy issue expenses. All other acquisition-related costs, including unsuccessful acquisition and renewal efforts, are charged to expense as incurred. Also, administrative costs, rent, depreciation, occupancy, equipment, and all other general overhead costs are considered indirect costs and are charged to expense as incurred.

DAC for term life insurance policies is amortized over the initial premium-paying period of the related policies in proportion to premium income. DAC for Canadian segregated funds is amortized over the life of the underlying policies at a constant rate based on the present value of the estimated gross profits expected to be realized over the life of the underlying policies. DAC is subject to recoverability testing annually and when impairment indicators exist.

See Note 7 (Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs) for more information related to our accounting for DAC.

Intangible Assets. Intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Any intangible asset that was deemed to have an indefinite useful life is not amortized but is subject to an annual impairment test. An impairment exists if the carrying value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its fair value. For the other intangible assets, which are subject to amortization, an impairment is recognized if the carrying amount is not recoverable and exceeds the fair value of the intangible asset.

The components of intangible assets were as follows:

December 31,

2014

2013

Gross carrying amount

Accumulated amortization

Net carrying amount

Gross carrying amount

Accumulated amortization

Net carrying amount

(In thousands)

Indefinite-lived intangible asset

$

45,275

n/a

$

45,275

$

45,275

n/a

$

45,275

Amortizing intangible assets

84,871

(68,426

)

16,445

88,719

(65,131

)

23,588

Total intangible assets

$

130,146

$

(68,426

)

$

61,720

$

133,994

$

(65,131

)

$

68,863

We have an indefinite-lived intangible asset related to the 1989 purchase of the right to contract with our sales force. This asset represents the core distribution model of our business, which is our primary competitive advantage to profitably distribute term life insurance and investment and savings products on a significant scale, and as such, is considered to have an indefinite life. This indefinite-lived intangible asset is supported by a significant portion of the discounted cash flows of our future business. We assessed this asset for impairment as of October 1, 2014 and determined that no impairment had occurred. There have been no subsequent events requiring further analysis.

We also have an amortizing intangible asset related to a 1995 sales agreement termination payment to Management Financial Services, Inc. This asset is supported by a non-compete agreement with the founder of our business model. We calculate the amortization of this contract buyout on a straight-line basis over 24 years, which represents the life of the non-compete agreement. Intangible asset amortization expense was approximately $3.4 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012. Amortization expense is expected to be approximately $3.4 million annually during the remainder of the amortization period. No events have occurred during 2014, and no factors exist as of December 31, 2014 that would indicate that the net carrying value of our amortizing intangible asset may not be recoverable or will not be used throughout its estimated useful life.

Property and Equipment. Property and equipment, which are included in other assets, are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is recognized on a straight-line basis over the asset’s estimated useful life, which is estimated as follows:

Estimated Useful Life

Data processing equipment and software

3 to 7 years

Leasehold improvements

Lesser of 15 years or remaining life of lease

Furniture and other equipment

5 to 15 years

Depreciation expense is included in other operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. Depreciation expense was $7.0 million, $7.3 million, and $6.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.

Property and equipment balances were as follows:

December 31,

2014(1)

2013

(In thousands)

Data processing equipment and software

$

50,956

$

59,237

Leasehold improvements

13,910

19,090

Other, principally furniture and equipment

26,763

34,783

91,629

113,110

Accumulated depreciation

(65,166

)

(88,060

)

Net property and equipment

$

26,463

$

25,050

(1)  In 2014, property and equipment with no remaining net book value was disposed of in connection with asset maintenance activities and the move of our corporate headquarters. The gross carrying amount of assets and accumulated depreciation written off were each $28.9 million.

Separate Accounts. The separate accounts are primarily comprised of contracts issued by the Company through its subsidiary, Primerica Life Canada, pursuant to the Insurance Companies Act (Canada). The Insurance Companies Act authorizes Primerica Life Canada to establish the separate accounts.

The separate accounts are represented by individual variable annuity contracts. Purchasers of variable annuity contracts issued by Primerica Life Canada have a direct claim to the benefits of the contract that entitles the holder to units in one or more investment funds (the “Funds”) maintained by Primerica Life Canada. The Funds invest in assets that are held for the benefit of the owners of the contracts. The benefits provided vary in amount depending on the market value of the Funds’ assets. The Funds’ assets are administered by Primerica Life Canada and are held separate and apart from the general assets of the Company. The liabilities reflect the variable insurance annuity contract holders’ interests in variable annuity assets based upon actual investment performance of the respective Funds. Separate account operating results relating to contract holders’ interests are excluded from our consolidated statements of income.

Primerica Life Canada’s contract offerings guarantee the maturity value at the date of maturity (or upon death, whichever occurs first) to be equal to 75% of the sum of all contributions made, net of withdrawals, on a first-in first-out basis. Otherwise, the maturity value or death benefit will be the accumulated value of units allocated to the contract at the specified valuation date. The amount of this value is not guaranteed, but will fluctuate with the fair value of the Funds.

Policyholder Liabilities. Future policy benefits are accrued over the current and expected renewal periods of the contracts. Liabilities for future policy benefits on traditional life insurance products have been computed using a net level method, including assumptions as to interest rates, mortality, persistency, and other assumptions based on our experience, modified as necessary to reflect anticipated trends and to include provisions for possible adverse deviation. The underlying mortality tables are the Society of Actuaries (“SOA”) 65-70, SOA 75-80, SOA 85-90, and the 91 Bragg, modified to reflect various underwriting classifications and assumptions. Interest rate reserve assumptions at December 31, 2014 and 2013 ranged from approximately 3.5% to 7.0%. For policies issued in 2010 and after, we have been using an increasing interest rate assumption to reflect the historically low interest rate environment. The liability for policy claims and other benefits payable on traditional life insurance products includes estimated unpaid claims that have been reported to us and claims incurred but not yet reported.

The future policy benefit reserves we establish are necessarily based on estimates, assumptions and our analysis of historical experience. Our results depend significantly upon the extent to which our actual claims experience is consistent with the assumptions we used in determining our future policy benefit reserves and pricing our products. Our future policy benefit reserve assumptions and estimates require significant judgment and, therefore, are inherently uncertain. We cannot determine with precision the ultimate amounts that we will pay for actual claims or the timing of those payments.

Other Policyholders’ Funds. Other policyholders’ funds primarily represent claim payments left on deposit with us.

Litigation. The Company is involved from time to time in legal disputes, regulatory inquiries and arbitration proceedings in the normal course of business. Legal contingencies are recognized when probable and can be reasonably estimated. Legal costs, such as attorney’s fees and other litigation-related expenses, that are incurred in connection with resolving litigation are expensed as incurred. These disputes are subject to uncertainties, including indeterminate amounts sought in certain of these matters and the inherent unpredictability of litigation. Due to the difficulty of estimating costs of litigation, actual costs may be substantially higher or lower than any amounts reserved.

Income Taxes. We are subject to the income tax laws of the United States, its states, municipalities, and certain unincorporated territories, and those of Canada. These tax laws can be complex and subject to different interpretations by the taxpayer and the relevant governmental taxing authorities. In establishing a provision for income tax expense, we must make judgments and interpretations about the applicability of these tax laws. We also must make estimates about the future impact certain items will have on taxable income in the various tax jurisdictions, both domestic and foreign.

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to (i) differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and (ii) operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Deferred tax assets are recognized subject to management’s judgment that realization is more likely than not applicable to the periods in which we expect the temporary difference will reverse.

Premium Revenues. Traditional life insurance products consist principally of those products with fixed and guaranteed premiums and benefits, and are primarily related to term products. Premiums are recognized as revenues when due.

Commissions and Fees. We receive commission revenues from the sale of various non-life insurance products on a monthly basis. Commissions are generally received on sales of mutual funds and annuities. We also receive trail commission revenues from mutual fund and annuity products on a monthly basis based on the daily net asset value of shares sold by us. We, in turn, pay certain commissions to our sales force. Additionally, we receive marketing and support fees from product originators. We also receive management fees based on the average daily net asset value of managed investments and contracts related to separate account assets issued by Primerica Life Canada. We earn recordkeeping fees for administrative functions that we perform on behalf of several of our mutual fund providers and custodial fees for services performed as a non-bank custodian of our clients’ retirement plan accounts. We also receive recordkeeping fees monthly from mutual fund accounts on our servicing platform and, in turn, pay a third-party provider for its servicing of certain of these accounts. Commissions and fees are recognized as income during the period in which they are earned.

Benefits and Expenses. Benefit and expense items are charged to income in the period in which they are incurred. Both the change in policyholder liabilities, which is included in benefits and claims, and the amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs will vary with policyholder persistency.

Share-Based Transactions. For employee and director share-based compensation awards, we determine a grant date fair value, based on the price of our publicly-traded common stock, and recognize the related compensation expense, adjusted for expected forfeitures, in the statement of income on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award. For non-employee share-based compensation, we recognize the impact during the period of performance, and the fair value of the award is measured as of the date performance is complete, which is the vesting date. To the extent that a share-based award contains sale restrictions extending beyond the vesting date, we reduce the recognized fair value of the award to reflect the corresponding illiquidity discount. Most non-employee share-based compensation is an incremental direct cost of successful acquisitions or renewals of life insurance policies that result directly from and are essential to the policy acquisition(s) and would not have been incurred had the policy acquisition(s) not occurred. We defer these expenses and amortize the impact over the life of the underlying life insurance policies acquired.

Earnings Per Share (“EPS”). The Company has outstanding common stock and equity awards that consist of restricted stock, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), and stock options. The restricted stock and RSUs maintain non-forfeitable dividend rights that result in dividend payment obligations on a one-to-one ratio with common shares for any future dividend declarations. Unvested restricted stock and unvested RSUs are deemed participating securities for purposes of calculating EPS as they maintain dividend rights.

See Note 13 (Earnings Per Share) for details related to the calculations of our basic and diluted EPS using the two-class method.

New Accounting Principles. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (“ASU 2014-09”). ASU 2014-09 clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue by establishing the core principle that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue that is recognized. Insurance contracts are specifically excluded from the scope of ASU 2014-09 and therefore revenue from our insurance product lines will not be affected by the new standard. The amendments in ASU 2014-09 are effective retrospectively for the Company beginning in fiscal year 2017. Early adoption is not permitted. While we are still in the process of evaluating the guidance in ASU 2014-09, we do not expect it will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Future Application of Accounting Standards. Recent accounting guidance not discussed is not applicable, is immaterial to our financial statements, or did not or will not have an impact on our business.

Discontinued_Operations_Notes

Discontinued Operations (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Discontinued Operations	(2) Discontinued Operations
	In January 2014, NBLIC sold the assets and liabilities of its short-term statutory disability benefit insurance business (“DBL”) to AmTrust North America, Inc. and its affiliates (the “buyer”). As part of the sale agreement, the buyer assumed all liabilities for DBL insurance policies. In addition, NBLIC transferred the assets held in support of DBL’s insurance liabilities and all other premium-related assets and liabilities to the buyer as of January 1, 2014. The results of DBL’s operations from January 1, 2014 forward were also transferred to the buyer. NBLIC received cash proceeds from the sale of $3.0 million and recognized a pre-tax gain on the sale of approximately $2.4 million, which comprised income from discontinued operations before income taxes in our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2014.
	We no longer have significant continuing involvement in the operations of DBL, and its direct cash flows have been eliminated from our ongoing operations. As a result, beginning in 2014, the results of operations for DBL have been reported in discontinued operations for all periods presented in the consolidated statements of income. The results of operations and the carrying values of the assets and liabilities related to DBL were as follows:
		Year ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
		(In thousands)
	Total revenues from discontinued operations	$	-	$	36,878	$	36,943
	Income from discontinued operations before income taxes		2,427		6,192		766
	Provision for income taxes		849		2,168		269
	Income from discontinued operations, net income taxes	$	1,578	$	4,024	$	497
		31-Dec-14		31-Dec-13
		(In thousands)
	Premiums and other receivables	$	-	$	6,439
	Policy claims and other benefits payable		-		5,047
	Other liabilities		-		1,197

Segment_and_Geographical_Infor

Segment and Geographical Information (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment and Geographical Information	(3) Segment and Geographical Information
	Segments. We have two primary operating segments — Term Life Insurance and Investment and Savings Products. The Term Life Insurance segment includes underwriting profits on our in-force book of term life insurance policies, net of reinsurance, which are underwritten by our life insurance company subsidiaries. The Investment and Savings Products segment includes retail and managed mutual funds and annuities distributed through licensed broker-dealer subsidiaries and includes segregated funds, an individual annuity savings product that we underwrite in Canada through Primerica Life Canada. In the United States, we distribute mutual fund and annuity products of several third-party companies. We also earn fees for account servicing on a subset of the mutual funds we distribute. In Canada, we offer a Primerica-branded fund-of-funds mutual fund product, as well as mutual funds of well-known mutual fund companies. These two operating segments are managed separately because their products serve different needs — term life insurance protection versus wealth-building savings products.
	We also have a Corporate and Other Distributed Products segment, which consists primarily of revenues and expenses related to the distribution of non-core products, prepaid legal services and various financial products other than our core term life insurance products generally underwritten or offered by third-party providers. The results of operations for DBL were previously reported in our Corporate and Other Distributed Products segment and have been reclassified into discontinued operations as discussed in Note 2 (Discontinued Operations).
	Results of continuing operations by segment were as follows:
		Year ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Revenues:
	Term life insurance segment	$	759,294		$	694,975		$	640,134
	Investment and savings products segment		512,073			457,138			413,965
	Corporate and other distributed products segment		68,663			78,457			99,673
	Total revenues	$	1,340,030		$	1,230,570		$	1,153,772
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before
	income taxes:
	Term life insurance segment	$	201,033		$	197,201		$	185,926
	Investment and savings products segment		146,017			105,149			121,116
	Corporate and other distributed products segment		(71,328	)		(57,344	)		(40,920	)
	Total income from continuing operations	$	275,722		$	245,006		$	266,122
	before income taxes
	In connection with our IPO in 2010, we entered into a reinsurance agreement subject to deposit accounting (the “10% Coinsurance Agreement”) with Prime Reinsurance Company, Inc. (“Prime Re”), an affiliate of Citigroup. The deposit asset recognized in connection with our 10% Coinsurance Agreement generates an effective yield, which is reported in the Corporate and Other Distributed Products segment and reflected in net investment income in our consolidated statements of income. We then allocate the remaining net investment income based on the book value of the invested assets allocated to the Term Life Insurance segment compared to the book value of total invested assets.
	Insurance expenses and other operating expenses directly attributable to the Term Life Insurance and the Investment and Savings Products segments are recorded directly to the applicable segment. We allocate certain other operating expenses that are not directly attributable to a specific operating segment based on the relative sizes of our life-licensed and securities-licensed independent sales forces. These allocated costs include field technology, supervision, training and certain miscellaneous costs. We also allocate certain technology and occupancy costs to our operating segments based on usage. Any remaining unallocated revenue and expense items, as well as realized investment gains and losses, are reported in the Corporate and Other Distributed Products segment. We measure income and loss for the segments on an income before income taxes basis.
	Total assets by segment were as follows:
		31-Dec-14			31-Dec-13			31-Dec-12
		(In thousands)
	Assets:
	Term life insurance segment	$	7,165,373		$	6,783,194		$	6,400,126
	Investment and savings products segment		2,642,753			2,699,000			2,810,137
	Corporate and other distributed products segment		929,988			847,756			1,127,614
	Total assets	$	10,738,114		$	10,329,950		$	10,337,877
	Assets specifically related to a segment are held in that segment. We allocate invested assets to the Term Life Insurance segment based on the book value of invested assets necessary to meet statutory reserve requirements and our targeted capital objectives. Remaining invested assets and all unrealized gains and losses are allocated to the Corporate and Other Distributed Products segment. The deposit asset recognized in connection with our 10% Coinsurance Agreement is reported in the Corporate and Other Distributed Products segment. A held-to-maturity security received in connection with the Vidalia Re Coinsurance Agreement is reported as part of our invested assets within the Term Life Insurance segment. DAC is recognized in a particular segment based on the product to which it relates. Separate account assets supporting the segregated funds product in Canada are held in the Investment and Savings Products segment. Any remaining unallocated assets are reported in the Corporate and Other Distributed Products segment.
	Excluding separate accounts, the Investment and Savings Product segment assets were approximately $202.9 million, $195.8 million, and $192.8 million as of December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included elsewhere in this report for more information regarding our operating segments.
	Geographical Information. Results of continuing operations by country and long-lived assets — primarily tangible assets reported in other assets in our consolidated balance sheets —were as follows:
		Year ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Revenues by country:
	United States	$	1,095,888		$	998,186		$	934,672
	Canada		244,142			232,384			219,100
	Total revenues	$	1,340,030		$	1,230,570		$	1,153,772
	Income from continuing operations before income
	taxes by country:
	United States	$	203,120		$	177,312		$	201,625
	Canada		72,602			67,694			64,497
	Total income from continuing operations before	$	275,722		$	245,006		$	266,122
	income taxes
		31-Dec-14			31-Dec-13			31-Dec-12
		(In thousands)
	Long-lived assets by country:
	United States	$	25,897		$	24,413		$	12,908
	Canada		566			637			450
	Total long-lived assets	$	26,463		$	25,050		$	13,358

Investments_Notes

Investments (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments [Abstract]
Investments	(4) Investments
	Available-for-sale Securities. The period-end cost or amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and fair value of available-for-sale fixed-maturity and equity securities follow:
			31-Dec-14
			Cost or amortized cost			Gross unrealized gains			Gross unrealized losses			Fair value
			(In thousands)
	Securities available-for-sale, carried at fair value:
	Fixed-maturity securities:
	U.S. government and agencies		$	15,145		$	557		$	(55	)	$	15,647
	Foreign government			120,910			5,388			(3,801	)		122,497
	States and political subdivisions			38,163			2,719			(188	)		40,694
	Corporates			1,241,526			82,167			(7,825	)		1,315,868
	Mortgage- and asset-backed securities			251,756			13,050			(392	)		264,414
	Total fixed-maturity securities(1)			1,667,500			103,881			(12,261	)		1,759,120
	Equity securities			43,738			10,711			(1,059	)		53,390
	Total fixed-maturity and equity securities		$	1,711,238		$	114,592		$	(13,320	)	$	1,812,510
	(1)	Includes approximately $0.7 million of other-than-temporary impairment losses related to corporates and mortgage- and asset-backed securities recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income.
			31-Dec-13
			Cost or amortized cost			Gross unrealized gains			Gross unrealized losses			Fair value
			(In thousands)
	Securities available-for-sale, carried at fair value:
	Fixed-maturity securities:
	U.S. government and agencies		$	8,696		$	485		$	(127	)	$	9,054
	Foreign government			111,610			7,512			(2,766	)		116,356
	States and political subdivisions			32,308			1,860			(468	)		33,700
	Corporates			1,240,100			84,545			(11,931	)		1,312,714
	Mortgage- and asset-backed securities			270,308			14,610			(1,030	)		283,888
	Total fixed-maturity securities(1)			1,663,022			109,012			(16,322	)		1,755,712
	Equity securities			32,592			7,935			(633	)		39,894
	Total fixed-maturity and equity securities		$	1,695,614		$	116,947		$	(16,955	)	$	1,795,606
	(1)	Includes approximately $2.1 million of other-than-temporary impairment losses related to corporates and mortgage- and asset-backed securities recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income.
	All of our available-for-sale mortgage- and asset-backed securities represent variable interests in variable interest entities (“VIEs”). We are not the primary beneficiary of these VIEs because we do not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entities’ economic performance. The maximum exposure to loss as a result of our involvement in these VIEs equals the carrying value of the securities.
	The scheduled maturity distribution of the available-for-sale fixed-maturity portfolio at December 31, 2014 follows:
			Amortized cost			Fair value
			(In thousands)
	Due in one year or less		$	96,063		$	97,085
	Due after one year through five years			584,737			632,934
	Due after five years through 10 years			686,366			711,668
	Due after 10 years			48,578			53,019
				1,415,744			1,494,706
	Mortgage- and asset-backed securities			251,756			264,414
	Total fixed-maturity securities		$	1,667,500		$	1,759,120
	Expected maturities may differ from scheduled contractual maturities because issuers of securities may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
	Unrealized Gains and Losses on Investments. The net effect on stockholders’ equity of unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities was as follows:
			31-Dec-14			31-Dec-13
			(In thousands)
	Net unrealized investment gains including foreign currency translation
	adjustment and other-than-temporary impairments:
	Fixed-maturity and equity securities		$	101,272		$	99,992
	Currency swaps			23			72
	Foreign currency translation adjustment			12,314			1,523
	Other-than-temporary impairments			710			2,072
	Net unrealized investment gains excluding foreign currency translation			114,319			103,659
	adjustment and other-than-temporary impairments
	Deferred income taxes			(40,011	)		(36,280	)
	Net unrealized investment gains excluding foreign currency translation		$	74,308		$	67,379
	adjustment and other-than-temporary impairments, net of tax
	Trading Securities. We maintain a portfolio of fixed-maturity securities that are classified as trading securities. The carrying values of the fixed-maturity securities classified as trading securities were approximately $7.7 million and $13.0 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	Held-to-maturity Security. Concurrent with the execution of the Vidalia Re Coinsurance Agreement, Vidalia Re entered into a Surplus Note Purchase Agreement (the “Surplus Note Purchase Agreement”) with Hannover Life Reassurance Company of America and certain of its affiliates (collectively, “Hannover Re”) and a newly formed limited liability company (the “LLC”) owned by a third party service provider. Under the Surplus Note Purchase Agreement, Vidalia Re issued a surplus note (the “Surplus Note”) to the LLC in exchange for a credit enhanced note from the LLC with an equal principal amount (the “LLC Note”). The principal amount of both the LLC Note and the Surplus Note will fluctuate over time to coincide with the amount of reserves contractually supported under the Vidalia Re Coinsurance Agreement. Both the LLC Note and the Surplus Note mature on December 31, 2029 and bear interest at an annual interest rate of 4.50%. The LLC Note is guaranteed by Hannover Re through a credit enhancement feature in exchange for a fee.
	The LLC is a variable interest entity as its owner does not have an equity investment at risk that is sufficient to permit the LLC to finance its activities without Vidalia Re or Hannover Re. The Parent Company, Primerica Life, and Vidalia Re share the power to direct the activities of the LLC with Hannover Re, but do not have the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive any residual returns related to the LLC’s primary risks or sources of variability. Through the credit enhancement feature, Hannover Re is the ultimate risk taker in this transaction and bears the obligation to absorb the LLC’s losses in the event of a Surplus Note default in exchange for the fee. Accordingly, the Company is not the primary beneficiary of the LLC and does not consolidate the LLC within its consolidated financial statements.
	The LLC Note is classified as a held-to-maturity debt security in the Company’s invested asset portfolio as we have the positive intent and ability to hold the security until maturity. The LLC Note, which was rated AA- by Fitch Ratings, had an estimated unrealized holding gain of $8.8 million based on its amortized cost and estimated fair value as of December 31, 2014.
	See Note 10 (Debt) for more information on the Surplus Note.
	Investments on Deposit with Governmental Authorities. As required by law, we have investments on deposit with governmental authorities and banks for the protection of policyholders. The fair values of investments on deposit were $19.9 million and $18.4 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	Securities Lending Transactions. We participate in securities lending transactions with broker-dealers and other financial institutions to increase investment income with minimal risk. We require minimum collateral on securities loaned equal to 102% of the fair value of the loaned securities. We accept collateral in the form of securities, which we are not able to sell or encumber, and to the extent the collateral declines in value below 100%, we require additional collateral from the borrower. Any securities collateral received is not reflected on our consolidated balance sheets. We also accept collateral in the form of cash, all of which we reinvest. For loans involving unrestricted cash collateral, the collateral is reported as an asset with a corresponding liability representing our obligation to return the collateral. We continue to carry the loaned securities as invested assets on our consolidated balance sheets during the terms of the loans, and we do not report them as sales. Cash collateral received and reinvested was approximately $50.2 million and $89.9 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	Investment Income. The components of net investment income were as follows:
		Year ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
Fixed-maturity securities (available-for-sale)		$	84,687		$	89,860		$	100,520
Fixed-maturity security (held-to-maturity)			3,482			-			-
Equity securities			1,862			1,186			1,051
Policy loans and other invested assets			1,448			1,363			1,251
Cash and cash equivalents			247			272			454
Market return on deposit asset underlying 10% coinsurance agreement			3,095			938			2,903
Gross investment income			94,821			93,619			106,179
Investment expenses			(4,866	)		(4,867	)		(5,375	)
Interest expense on Surplus Note			(3,482	)		-			-
Net investment income		$	86,473		$	88,752		$	100,804
The components of net realized investment gains (losses), as well as details on gross realized investment gains (losses) and proceeds from sales or other redemptions, were as follows:
		Year ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
Net realized investment gains (losses):
Gross gains from sales		$	3,687		$	6,734		$	11,882
Gross losses from sales			(436	)		(1,209	)		(83	)
Gains from securities transferred from available-for-sale to trading securities			-			-			323
Losses from securities transferred from available-for-sale to trading securities			-			-			(6	)
Other-than-temporary impairment losses			(4,045	)		(616	)		(641	)
Gains (losses) from bifurcated options			533			1,337			(93	)
Net realized investment gains (losses)		$	(261	)	$	6,246		$	11,382
Supplemental information:
Gross realized investment gains (losses) reclassified from accumulated		$	(794	)	$	4,909		$	11,475
other comprehensive income into earnings
Tax expense (benefit) associated with realized investment gains (losses)		$	(278	)	$	1,718		$	4,016
reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into earnings
Proceeds from sales or other redemptions		$	426,621		$	371,215		$	571,017
Other-Than-Temporary Impairment. We conduct a review each quarter to identify and evaluate impaired investments that have indications of possible OTTI. An investment in a debt or equity security is impaired if its fair value falls below its cost. Factors considered in determining whether an unrealized loss is temporary include the length of time and extent to which fair value has been below cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects for the issue, and our ability and intent to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery, which may be maturity.
Our review for other-than-temporary impairment generally entails:
·	Analysis of individual investments that have fair values less than a pre-defined percentage of amortized cost, including consideration of the length of time the investment has been in an unrealized loss position;
·	Analysis of corporate fixed-maturity securities by reviewing the issuer’s most recent performance to date, including analyst reviews, analyst outlooks and rating agency information;
·	Analysis of commercial mortgage-backed securities based on an assessment of performance to date, credit enhancement, risk analytics and outlook, underlying collateral, loss projections, rating agency information and available third-party reviews and analytics;
·	Analysis of residential mortgage-backed securities based on loss projections provided by models compared to current credit enhancement levels;
·	Analysis of our other fixed-maturity and equity security investments, as required based on the type of investment; and
·	Analysis of downward credit migrations that occurred during the quarter.
Available-for-sale fixed-maturity and equity securities with a cost basis in excess of their fair values were approximately $340.8 million and $454.2 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
The following tables summarize, for all available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position, the aggregate fair value and the gross unrealized loss by length of time such securities have continuously been in an unrealized loss position:
		31-Dec-14
		Less than 12 months									12 months or longer
		Fair value			Unrealized losses			Number of securities			Fair value		Unrealized losses				Number of securities
		(Dollars in thousands)
Fixed-maturity securities:
U.S. government and agencies		$	7,201		$	(1	)		2		$	896	$	(54	)			2
Foreign government			28,038			(1,317	)		35			23,330		(2,484	)			40
States and political subdivisions			1,694			(4	)		3			2,720		(184	)			4
Corporates			144,262			(3,818	)		153			43,736		(4,007	)			78
Mortgage-and asset-backed securities			49,591			(109	)		43			16,847		(283	)			20
Total fixed-maturity securities			230,786			(5,249	)					87,529		(7,012	)
Equity securities			6,849			(862	)		15			2,303		(197	)			1
Total fixed-maturity and equity		$	237,635		$	(6,111	)				$	89,832	$	(7,209	)
securities
		31-Dec-13
		Less than 12 months									12 months or longer
		Fair value			Unrealized losses			Number of securities			Fair value		Unrealized losses				Number of securities
		(Dollars in thousands)
Fixed-maturity securities:
U.S. government and agencies		$	3,817		$	(36	)		3		$	859	$	(91	)			2
Foreign government			34,869			(2,190	)		47			5,999		(576	)			13
States and political subdivisions			8,520			(468	)		11			152		-		-1		1
Corporates			296,192			(9,510	)		295			19,022		(2,421	)			31
Mortgage-and asset-backed securities			54,215			(536	)		46			10,523		(494	)			9
Total fixed-maturity securities			397,613			(12,740	)					36,555		(3,582	)
Equity securities			3,081			(633	)		7			-		-			-
Total fixed-maturity and equity		$	400,694		$	(13,373	)				$	36,555	$	(3,582	)
securities
(1)	Less than one thousand.
The amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale fixed-maturity securities in default were as follows:
		31-Dec-14						31-Dec-13
		Amortized cost			Fair value			Amortized cost			Fair value
		(In thousands)
Fixed-maturity securities in default		$	144		$	611		$	31		$	267
Impairment charges recognized in earnings on available-for-sale securities were as follows:
		Year ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
Impairments on fixed-maturity securities not in default		$	3,656		$	609		$	479
Impairments on equity securities			389			7			162
Total impairment charges		$	4,045		$	616		$	641
The securities noted above were considered to be other-than-temporarily impaired due to our intent to sell them; adverse credit events, such as news of an impending filing for bankruptcy; analyses of the issuer’s most recent financial statements or other information in which liquidity deficiencies, significant losses and large declines in capitalization were evident; or analyses of rating agency information for issuances with severe ratings downgrades that indicated a significant increase in the possibility of default. During 2014, we recognized impairment losses related to invested assets held at the Parent Company that we intended to sell to fund share repurchases, as well as credit impairments on certain other investments.
As of December 31, 2014, the unrealized losses on our available-for-sale invested asset portfolio were largely caused by interest rate sensitivity, foreign currency exchange rates on our Canadian dollar-denominated investments, and changes in credit spreads. We believe that fluctuations caused by interest rate movement have little bearing on the recoverability of our investments. Because we have the ability to hold these investments until a market price recovery or maturity and we have no present intention to dispose of them, we do not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired.
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings were as follows:
		Year ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
Total impairment losses related to securities which the Company does not intend to
sell or more-likely-than-not will not be required to sell:
Total OTTI losses recognized		$	1,579		$	832		$	991
Less portion of OTTI loss recognized in accumulated other comprehensive			-			(479	)		(563	)
income (loss)
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings for securities which the Company			1,579			353			428
does not intend to sell or more-likely-than-not will not be required to sell before
recovery
OTTI losses recognized in earnings for securities which the Company intends to			2,466			263			213
sell or more-likely-than-not will be required to sell before recovery
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings		$	4,045		$	616		$	641
The roll-forward of the credit-related losses recognized in income for all fixed-maturity securities still held follows.
		Year ended December 31,
		2014			2013
		(In thousands)
Cumulative OTTI credit losses recognized for securities still held, beginning of period		$	14,516		$	14,171
Additions for OTTI securities where no credit losses were recognized prior to the			3,654			606
beginning of the period
Additions for OTTI securities where credit losses have been recognized prior to the			2			3
beginning of the period
Reductions due to sales, maturities or calls of credit impaired securities			(1,723	)		(264	)
Cumulative OTTI credit losses recognized for securities still held, end of period		$	16,449		$	14,516
Derivatives. Embedded conversion options associated with fixed-maturity securities are bifurcated from the fixed-maturity security host contracts and separately recognized as equity securities. The change in fair value of these bifurcated conversion options is reflected in realized investment gains (losses), including OTTI losses. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the fair value of these bifurcated options was approximately $5.8 million and $4.6 million, respectively.
We have a deferred loss related to closed forward contracts, which were settled several years ago, that were used to mitigate our exposure to foreign currency exchange rates that resulted from the net investment in our Canadian operations. The amount of deferred loss included in accumulated other comprehensive income was approximately $26.4 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013. While we have no current intention to do so, these deferred losses will not be recognized until such time as we sell or substantially liquidate our Canadian operations.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Financial Instruments	(5) Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	Fair value is the price that would be received upon the sale of an asset in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Fair value measurements are based upon observable and unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect our view of market assumptions in the absence of observable market information. We classify and disclose all invested assets carried at fair value in one of the following three categories:
	·	Level 1. Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets. Level 1 primarily consists of financial instruments whose value is based on quoted market prices in active markets, such as exchange-traded common stocks and actively traded mutual fund investments;
	·	Level 2. Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets. Level 2 includes those financial instruments that are valued using industry-standard pricing methodologies, models or other valuation methodologies. Various inputs are considered in deriving the fair value of the underlying financial instrument, including interest rate, credit spread, and foreign exchange rates. All significant inputs are observable, or derived from observable information in the marketplace or are supported by observable levels at which transactions are executed in the marketplace. Financial instruments in this category primarily include: certain public and private corporate fixed-maturity and equity securities; government or agency securities; certain mortgage- and asset-backed securities and bifurcated conversion options; and
	·	Level 3. Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable. Level 3 consists of financial instruments whose fair value is estimated based on industry-standard pricing methodologies and models using significant inputs not based on, nor corroborated by, readily available market information. Valuations for this category primarily consist of non-binding broker quotes. Financial instruments in this category primarily include less liquid fixed-maturity corporate securities, mortgage- and asset-backed securities.
	As of each reporting period, all assets and liabilities recorded at fair value are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input (Level 3 being the lowest) that is significant to the fair value measurement. Significant levels of estimation and judgment are required to determine the fair value of certain of our investments. The factors influencing these estimations and judgments are subject to change in subsequent reporting periods.
	The estimated fair value and hierarchy classifications for assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as follows:
			31-Dec-14
			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3		Total
			(In thousands)
	Fair value assets:
	Fixed-maturity securities:
	U.S. government and agencies		$	-		$	15,647		$	-	$	15,647
	Foreign government			-			122,497			-		122,497
	States and political subdivisions			-			40,694			-		40,694
	Corporates			2,104			1,313,534			230		1,315,868
	Mortgage- and asset-backed securities			-			263,527			887		264,414
	Total fixed-maturity securities			2,104			1,755,899			1,117		1,759,120
	Equity securities			47,169			6,173			48		53,390
	Trading securities			-			7,711			-		7,711
	Separate accounts			-			2,440,303			-		2,440,303
	Total fair value assets		$	49,273		$	4,210,086		$	1,165	$	4,260,524
	Fair value liabilities:
	Separate accounts		$	-		$	2,440,303		$	-	$	2,440,303
	Total fair value liabilities		$	-		$	2,440,303		$	-	$	2,440,303
			31-Dec-13
			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3		Total
			(In thousands)
	Fair value assets:
	Fixed-maturity securities:
	U.S. government and agencies		$	-		$	9,054		$	-	$	9,054
	Foreign government			-			116,356			-		116,356
	States and political subdivisions			-			33,700			-		33,700
	Corporates			1,282			1,310,739			693		1,312,714
	Mortgage- and asset-backed securities			-			282,341			1,547		283,888
	Total fixed-maturity securities			1,282			1,752,190			2,240		1,755,712
	Equity securities			34,868			4,978			48		39,894
	Trading securities			-			12,991			-		12,991
	Separate accounts			-			2,503,829			-		2,503,829
	Total fair value assets		$	36,150		$	4,273,988		$	2,288	$	4,312,426
	Fair value liabilities:
	Separate accounts		$	-		$	2,503,829		$	-	$	2,503,829
	Total fair value liabilities		$	-		$	2,503,829		$	-	$	2,503,829
	In assessing fair value of our investments, we use a third-party pricing service for approximately 95% of our securities. The remaining securities are primarily thinly traded securities valued using models based on observable inputs on public corporate spreads having similar characteristics (e.g., sector, average life and quality rating) and liquidity and yield based on quality rating, average life and treasury yields. All observable data inputs are corroborated by independent third-party data. In the absence of sufficient observable inputs, we utilize non-binding broker quotes, which are reflected in our Level 3 classification as we are unable to evaluate the valuation technique(s) or significant inputs used to develop the quotes. Therefore, we do not internally develop the quantitative unobservable inputs used in measuring the fair value of Level 3 investments. However, we do corroborate pricing information provided by our third-party pricing servicing by performing a review of selected securities. Our review activities include obtaining detailed information about the assumptions, inputs and methodologies used in pricing the security; documenting this information; and corroborating it by comparison to independently obtained prices and or independently developed pricing methodologies.
	Furthermore, we perform internal reasonableness assessments on fair value determinations within our portfolio throughout the quarter and at quarter-end, including pricing variance analyses and comparisons to alternative pricing sources and benchmark returns. If a fair value appears unusual relative to these assessments, we will re-examine the inputs and may challenge a fair value assessment made by the pricing service. If there is a known pricing error, we will request a reassessment by the pricing service. If the pricing service is unable to perform the reassessment on a timely basis, we will determine the appropriate price by requesting a reassessment from an alternative pricing service or other qualified source as necessary. We do not adjust quotes or prices except in a rare circumstance to resolve a known error.
	Because many fixed-maturity securities do not trade on a daily basis, fair value is determined using industry-standard methodologies by applying available market information through processes such as U.S. Treasury curves, benchmarking of similar securities, sector groupings, quotes from market participants and matrix pricing. Observable information is compiled and integrates relevant credit information, perceived market movements and sector news. Additionally, security prices are periodically back-tested to validate and/or refine models as conditions warrant. Market indicators and industry and economic events are also monitored as triggers to obtain additional data. For certain structured securities with limited trading activity, industry-standard pricing methodologies use adjusted market information, such as index prices or discounting expected future cash flows, to estimate fair value. If these measures are not deemed observable for a particular security, the security will be classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
	Where specific market information is unavailable for certain securities, pricing models produce estimates of fair value primarily using Level 2 inputs along with certain Level 3 inputs. These models include matrix pricing. The pricing matrix uses current treasury rates and credit spreads received from third-party sources to estimate fair value. The credit spreads incorporate the issuer’s industry- or issuer-specific credit characteristics and the security’s time to maturity, if warranted. Remaining unpriced securities are valued using an estimate of fair value based on indicative market prices that include significant unobservable inputs not based on, nor corroborated by, market information, including the utilization of non-binding broker quotes.
	The roll-forward of the Level 3 assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis was as follows:
			Year ended December 31,
			2014			2013
			(In thousands)
	Level 3 assets, beginning of period		$	2,288		$	5,221
	Net unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income			(153	)		(116	)
	Realized gains (losses) and accretion (amortization) recognized in earnings, including OTTI			439			(278	)
	Purchases			-			2
	Sales			-			-
	Settlements			(1,409	)		(314	)
	Transfers into Level 3			-			25
	Transfers out of Level 3			-			(2,252	)
	Level 3 assets, end of period		$	1,165		$	2,288
	We obtain independent pricing quotes based on observable inputs as of the end of the reporting period for all securities in Level 2. Those inputs include benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, market bids/offers, quoted prices for similar instruments in markets that are not active, and other relevant data. We monitor these inputs for market indicators as well as industry and economic events. We recognize transfers into new levels and out of previous levels as of the end of the reporting period, including interim reporting periods, as applicable. There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 or Level 1 and Level 3 during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.
	Invested assets included in the transfer from Level 3 to Level 2 primarily were fixed-maturity investments for which we were able to obtain independent pricing quotes based on observable inputs.
	The carrying values and estimated fair values of our financial instruments were as follows:
			31-Dec-14						31-Dec-13
		Carrying value			Estimated fair value			Carrying value		Estimated fair value
		(In thousands)
Assets:
Fixed-maturity securities (available-for-sale)		$	1,759,120		$	1,759,120		$	1,755,712	$	1,755,712
Fixed-maturity security (held-to-maturity)			220,000			228,809			-		-
Equity securities			53,390			53,390			39,894		39,894
Trading securities			7,711			7,711			12,991		12,991
Policy loans			28,095			28,095			26,806		26,806
Deposit asset underlying 10% coinsurance agreement			157,256			157,256			124,413		124,413
Separate accounts			2,440,303			2,440,303			2,503,829		2,503,829
Liabilities:
Notes payable		$	374,532		$	411,916		$	374,481	$	385,161
Surplus note			220,000			227,127			-		-
Separate accounts			2,440,303			2,440,303			2,503,829		2,503,829
The fair values of financial instruments presented above are estimates of the fair values at a specific point in time using various sources and methods, including market quotations and a complex matrix system that takes into account issuer sector, quality, and spreads in the current marketplace.
Recurring fair value measurements. Estimated fair values of investments in available-for-sale fixed-maturity securities are principally a function of current spreads and interest rates that are corroborated by independent third-party data. Therefore, the fair values presented are indicative of amounts we could realize or settle at the respective balance sheet date. We do not necessarily intend to dispose of or liquidate such instruments prior to maturity. Trading securities, which primarily consist of fixed-maturity securities, are carried at fair value. Equity securities, including common and nonredeemable preferred stocks, are carried at fair value. Segregated funds in separate accounts are carried at the underlying value of the variable insurance contracts, which is fair value.
Nonrecurring fair value measurements. The estimated fair value of the held-to-maturity fixed-maturity security, which is classified as a Level 3 fair value measurement, is derived using the credit spread on similarly rated debt securities and the hypothetical spread of the security’s credit enhancement feature. Policy loans, which are categorized as Level 3 fair value measurements, are carried at the unpaid principal balances. The fair value of policy loans approximate the unpaid principal balances as the timing of repayment is uncertain and the loans are collateralized by the amount of the policy. The deposit asset underlying the 10% Coinsurance Agreement represents the value of the assets necessary to back the economic reserves held in support of the reinsurance agreement. The carrying value of this deposit asset approximates fair value, which is categorized as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. Notes payable represent our publicly-traded senior notes and are valued as a Level 2 fair value measurement using the quoted market price for our notes. The estimated fair value of the Surplus Note is derived by using an assumed credit spread we would expect if Vidalia Re was a credit-rated entity and the hypothetical spread of the Surplus Note’s subordinated structure. The Surplus Note is classified as a Level 3 fair value measurement.
The carrying amounts for cash and cash equivalents, receivables, accrued investment income, accounts payable, cash collateral and payables for security transactions approximate their fair values due to the short-term nature of these instruments. Consequently, such instruments are not included in the above table.

Reinsurance_Notes

Reinsurance (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
Reinsurance	(6) Reinsurance
	We use reinsurance extensively, which has a significant effect on our results of operations. Reinsurance arrangements do not relieve us of our primary obligation to the policyholder. Our reinsurance contracts typically do not have a fixed term. In general, the reinsurers’ ability to terminate coverage for existing cessions is limited to such circumstances as material breach of contract or nonpayment of premiums by the ceding company. Our reinsurance contracts generally contain provisions intended to provide the ceding company with the ability to cede future business on a basis consistent with historical terms. However, either party may terminate any of the contracts with respect to the future business upon appropriate notice to the other party. Generally, the reinsurance contracts do not limit the overall amount of the loss that can be incurred by the reinsurer.
	Our policy is to limit the amount of life insurance retained on the life of any one person to $1 million. To limit our exposure with any one reinsurer, we monitor the concentration of credit risk we have with our reinsurance counterparties, as well as their financial condition. No credit losses related to our reinsurance counterparties have been experienced by the Company during the three-year period ended December 31, 2014.
	Due from reinsurers represents ceded policy reserve balances and ceded claim liabilities. The amounts of ceded claim liabilities included in due from reinsurers that we paid and which are recoverable from those reinsurers were $26.0 million and $32.9 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	In connection with our corporate reorganization, Primerica Life, Primerica Life Canada and NBLIC entered into significant coinsurance transactions (the “coinsurance agreements”) on March 30, 2010 with Prime Re and two other affiliates of Citigroup (collectively, the “Citigroup reinsurers”). Under the coinsurance agreements, we ceded between 80% and 90% of the risks and rewards of our term life insurance policies in force at year-end 2009. Because these agreements were part of a business reorganization among entities under common control, they did not generate any deferred gain or loss upon their execution. Concurrent with signing these agreements, we transferred the corresponding account balances in respect of the coinsured policies along with the assets to support the statutory liabilities assumed by the Citigroup reinsurers. Each of the account balances transferred were at book value with no gain or loss recorded in net income.
	Three of the Citigroup coinsurance agreements satisfy U.S. GAAP risk transfer rules. Under these agreements, we ceded between 80% and 90% of our term life future policy benefit reserves, and we transferred a corresponding amount of assets to the Citigroup reinsurers. These transactions did not impact our future policy benefit reserves. As such, we have recorded an asset for the same amount of risk transferred in due from reinsurers. We also reduced DAC by a corresponding amount, which reduces future amortization expenses. In addition, we are transferring between 80% and 90% of all future premiums and benefits and claims associated with these policies to the corresponding reinsurance entities. We receive ongoing ceding allowances, which are reflected as a reduction to insurance expenses, to cover policy and claims administration expenses as well as certain corporate overhead charges under each of these reinsurance contracts.
	A fourth agreement, the 10% Coinsurance Agreement, relates to a reinsurance transaction with Prime Re that includes an experience refund provision. This agreement does not satisfy U.S. GAAP risk transfer rules. As a result, we have accounted for this contract using deposit method accounting and have recognized a deposit asset in other assets on our consolidated balance sheets for assets backing the economic reserves. The deposit asset held in support of this agreement was $157.3 million and $124.4 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. We make contributions to the deposit asset during the life of the agreement to fulfill our responsibility of funding the economic reserve. The market return on the deposit asset is reflected in net investment income during the life of the agreement. Prime Re is responsible for ensuring that there are sufficient assets to meet all statutory requirements. We pay Prime Re a 3% finance charge for any statutory reserves required above the economic reserves. This finance charge is reflected in interest expense in our statements of income.
	The following table represents the Company’s in-force life insurance at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
			31-Dec-14			31-Dec-13
			(Dollars in thousands)
	Direct life insurance in force		$	685,998,013		$	679,337,825
	Amounts ceded to other companies			(607,218,906	)		(601,309,340	)
	Net life insurance in force		$	78,779,107		$	78,028,485
	Percentage of reinsured life insurance in force			89	%		89	%
	Due from reinsurers includes ceded reserve balances and ceded claim liabilities. Reinsurance receivable and financial strength ratings by reinsurer were as follows:
			31-Dec-14					31-Dec-13
			Reinsurance receivable			A.M. Best rating		Reinsurance receivable		A.M. Best rating
			(In thousands)
	Prime Reinsurance Company(1)		$	2,645,011		NR		$	2,572,800	NR
	SCOR Global Life Reinsurance Companies(2)			373,947		A			372,479	A
	Financial Reassurance Company 2010, Ltd.(1)			320,718		NR			343,144	NR
	Swiss Re Life & Health America Inc.(3)			260,734		A+			260,775	A+
	American Health and Life Insurance Company(1)			175,755		A-			174,722	A-
	Munich American Reassurance Company			100,846		A+			100,856	A+
	Korean Reinsurance Company			89,300		A			89,405	A
	RGA Reinsurance Company			78,143		A+			75,629	A+
	TOA Reinsurance Company			20,139		A+			18,824	A+
	Hannover Life Reassurance Company			18,694		A+			16,862	A+
	All other reinsurers			32,246		-			29,558	-
	Due from reinsurers		$	4,115,533				$	4,055,054
	NR – not rated
	(1)	Reinsurers are affiliates of Citigroup. Amounts shown are net of their share of the reinsurance receivable from other reinsurers.
	-2	Includes amounts ceded to Transamerica Reinsurance Companies and fully retroceded to SCOR Global Life Reinsurance Companies.
	(3)	Includes amounts ceded to Lincoln National Life Insurance and 100% retroceded to Swiss Re Life & Health America Inc.
	Certain reinsurers with which we do business receive group ratings. Individually, those reinsurers are SCOR Global Life Americas Reinsurance Company, SCOR Global Life U.S.A. Reinsurance Company, SCOR Global Life Re Insurance Company of Delaware, and SCOR Global Life of Canada.
	As Prime Re and Financial Reassurance Company 2010, Ltd. (“FRAC”) do not have financial strength ratings, we required various safeguards prior to executing the coinsurance agreements with these entities. Both coinsurance agreements include provisions to ensure that Primerica Life and Primerica Life Canada receive full regulatory credit for the reinsurance treaties. Under these agreements, Primerica Life and Primerica Life Canada will be able to recapture the ceded business with no fee in the event Prime Re or FRAC do not comply with the various safeguard provisions in their respective coinsurance agreements. Prime Re also has entered into a capital maintenance agreement requiring Citigroup to provide additional funding, if needed, at any point during the term of the agreement up to the maximum as described in the capital maintenance agreement.

Deferred_Policy_Acquisition_Co

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Disclosures [Abstract]
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	(7) Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
	We defer the costs of acquiring new business to the extent that they result directly from and are essential to the contract transaction(s) and would not have been incurred had the contract transaction(s) not occurred. The amortization of DAC requires us to make certain assumptions regarding persistency, expenses, interest rates and claims. For DAC associated with term life insurance policies, these assumptions may not be modified, or unlocked, unless recoverability testing deems them to be inadequate. We update assumptions for new business to reflect the most recent experience. For DAC associated with Canadian segregated funds, the assumptions used in determining amortization expense are evaluated regularly and are updated if actual experience or other evidence suggests revisions to earlier estimates are appropriate.
	DAC amortization for term life insurance policies is affected by differences between the original assumptions used for persistency, expenses, interest rates and claims and actual results and are recognized in the period in which the change occurs. For policies underlying the Canadian segregated funds, gross profits and the resulting DAC amortization will vary with actual fund returns, redemptions and expenses. Due to the inherent uncertainties in making assumptions about future events, materially different experience from expected results could result in a material increase or decrease of DAC amortization in a particular period.
	In determining DAC amortization expense for term life insurance policies, we use interest rates available at the time a policy is issued. For policies issued in 2010 and after, we have been using an increasing interest rate assumption based on the historically low interest rate environment. Interest rate assumptions at December 31, 2014 and 2013 ranged from 3.5% to 7.0%.
	DAC is subject to recoverability testing annually and when impairment indicators exist. The recoverability of DAC is dependent on the future profitability of the related policies, which, in turn, is dependent principally upon mortality, persistency, investment returns, and the expense of administering the business, as well as upon certain economic variables, such as inflation.
	The balances of and activity in DAC were as follows:
		Year ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	DAC balance, beginning of period	$	1,208,466		$	1,066,422		$	904,485
	Capitalization		303,543			283,341			276,840
	Amortization		(144,378	)		(129,183	)		(118,598	)
	Foreign exchange and other		(16,451	)		(12,114	)		3,695
	DAC balance, end of period	$	1,351,180		$	1,208,466		$	1,066,422

Separate_Accounts_Notes

Separate Accounts (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Separate Accounts Disclosure [Abstract]
Separate Accounts	(8) Separate Accounts
	The Funds primarily consist of a series of banded investment funds known as the Asset Builder Funds and a money market fund known as the Cash Management Fund. In 2014, the Funds introduced a registered retirement income fund known as the Strategic Retirement Income Fund. The principal investment objective of the Asset Builder Funds is to achieve long-term growth while preserving capital. The principal objective of the Strategic Retirement Income Fund is to provide a stream of investment income while at the same time defensively preserving capital. The Asset Builder Funds and the Strategic Retirement Income Fund use diversified portfolios of publicly-traded Canadian stocks, investment-grade corporate bonds, Government of Canada bonds, and foreign equity investments to achieve their objectives. The Cash Management Fund invests in government guaranteed short-term bonds and short-term commercial and bank papers, with the principal investment objective being the provision of interest income while maintaining liquidity and preserving capital.
	Under these contract offerings, benefit payments to contract holders or their designated beneficiaries are only due upon death of the annuitant or upon reaching a specific maturity date. Benefit payments are based on the value of the contract holder’s units in the portfolio at the payment date, but are guaranteed to be no less than 75% of the contract holder’s contribution, adjusted for withdrawals. Account values are not guaranteed for withdrawn units if contract holders make withdrawals prior to the maturity dates. Maturity dates for contracts investing in the Asset Builder Funds and Cash Management Fund vary by contract and range from 10 to 56 years from the contract issuance date. Contracts investing in the Strategic Retirement Income Fund mature when the policyholder reaches age 100, which is a minimum of 20 years after issue. The Strategic Retirement Income Fund is designed to provide periodic retirement income payments and as such, regular withdrawals, subject to legislated minimums, are anticipated. The cumulative effects of the periodic withdrawals are expected to substantially reduce both account and minimum guaranteed values prior to maturity.
	Both the asset and the liability for the separate accounts reflect the net value of the underlying assets in the portfolio as of the reporting date. Primerica Life Canada’s exposure to losses under the guarantee at the time of account maturity is limited to contract holder accounts that have declined in value more than 25%, adjusted for withdrawals, since the contribution date prior to maturity. Because maturity dates are of a long-term nature, the likelihood guarantee payments are required at any given point is very small. Additionally, the portfolios consist of a very large number of individual contracts, further spreading the risk related to the guarantee being exercised upon death. The length of the contract terms provides significant opportunity for the underlying portfolios to recover any short-term losses prior to maturities or deaths of the contract holders. Furthermore, the funds’ investment allocations are aligned with the maturity risks of the related contracts and include investments in Government Strip Bonds and floating rate notes.
	We periodically assess the exposure related to these contracts to determine whether any additional liability should be recorded. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, an additional liability for these contracts was deemed to be unnecessary.
	The following table represents the fair value of assets supporting separate accounts by major investment category:
		Year ended December 31,
		2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	Fixed income securities	$	1,019,034		$	1,044,231
	Equity securities		1,318,382			1,425,491
	Cash and cash equivalents		104,983			35,685
	Due to/from funds		(2,536	)		(2,210	)
	Other		440			632
	Total separate accounts assets	$	2,440,303		$	2,503,829

Insurance_Reserves_Notes

Insurance Reserves (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Insurance Reserves Disclosures [Abstract]
Insurance Reserves	(9) Insurance Reserves
	Changes in policy claims and other benefits payable were as follows:
		Year ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Policy claims and other benefits payable, beginning of period	$	253,304		$	254,533		$	241,754
	Less reinsured policy claims and other benefits payable		248,185			269,279			236,930
	Net balance, beginning of period		5,119			(14,746	)		4,824
	Incurred related to current year		130,075			147,639			150,352
	Incurred related to prior years		468			(4,956	)		(3,208	)
	Total incurred		130,543			142,683			147,144
	Claims paid related to current year, net of reinsured policy claims received		(136,873	)		(150,922	)		(183,208	)
	Reinsured policy claims received related to prior years, net of claims paid		7,534			28,601			16,307
	Total paid		(129,339	)		(122,321	)		(166,901	)
	Sale of DBL		(5,047	)		-			-
	Foreign currency		(493	)		(497	)		187
	Net balance, end of period		783			5,119			(14,746	)
	Add reinsured policy claims and other benefits payable		264,049			248,185			269,279
	Balance, end of period	$	264,832		$	253,304		$	254,533
	See Note 1 (Description of Business, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies) for details regarding the accounting for policyholder liabilities.

Debt_Notes

Debt (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	(10) Debt
	Notes Payable. Notes payable consisted of the following:
		31-Dec-14			31-Dec-13
		(Dollars in thousands)
	4.75% senior notes payable, due July 15, 2022	$	375,000		$	375,000
	Unamortized issuance discount on notes payable		(468	)		(519	)
	Total notes payable	$	374,532		$	374,481
	At December 31, 2014, we had $375.0 million in principal amount of publicly-traded, senior unsecured notes (the “Senior Notes”). The Senior Notes were issued in 2012 at a price of 99.843% of the principal amount with an annual interest rate of 4.75%, payable semi-annually in arrears on January 15 and July 15, and are scheduled to mature on July 15, 2022. We were in compliance with the covenants of the Senior Notes at December 31, 2014. No events of default occurred on the Senior Notes during the year ended December 31, 2014.
	As unsecured senior obligations, the Senior Notes rank equally in right of payment with all existing and future unsubordinated indebtedness and senior to all existing and future subordinated indebtedness of the Parent Company. The Senior Notes are structurally subordinated in right of payment to all existing and future liabilities of our subsidiaries. In addition, the Senior Notes contain covenants that restrict our ability to, among other things, create or incur any indebtedness that is secured by a lien on the capital stock of certain of our subsidiaries, and merge, consolidate or sell all or substantially all of our properties and assets.
	Surplus Note. As of December 31, 2014, the principal amount outstanding on the Surplus Note issued by Vidalia Re was approximately $220.0 million, equal to the principal amount of the LLC Note invested asset. The Surplus Note was issued in exchange for the LLC Note, which supports certain obligations of Vidalia Re for a portion of the statutory accounting-based reserves (commonly referred to as Regulation XXX reserves) related to the Vidalia Re Coinsurance Agreement. The principal amount of the Surplus Note and the LLC Note will fluctuate over time to coincide with the amount of reserves contractually supported. Both the LLC Note and the Surplus Note mature on December 31, 2029 and bear interest at an annual interest rate of 4.50%. Based on the estimated reserves for ceded policies issued in 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014, the maximum principal amounts of the Surplus Note and the LLC Note are expected to be approximately $915.0 million each. This financing arrangement is non-recourse to the Parent Company and Primerica Life, meaning that neither of these companies has guaranteed the Surplus Note or is otherwise liable for reimbursement for any payments triggered by the credit enhancement feature underlying the LLC Note. The Parent Company has agreed to support Vidalia Re’s obligation to pay the credit enhancement fee incurred on the LLC Note.
	See Note 4 (Investments) for more information on the LLC Note.

Income_Taxes_Notes

Income Taxes (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	(11) Income Taxes
	Income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations consists of the following:
		Current			Deferred			Total
		(In thousands)
	Year ended December 31, 2014
	Federal	$	44,356		$	31,590		$	75,946
	Foreign		24,403			(4,826	)		19,577
	State and local		1,372			(1,007	)		365
	Total tax expense	$	70,131		$	25,757		$	95,888
	Year ended December 31, 2013
	Federal	$	33,798		$	32,919		$	66,717
	Foreign		32,797			(14,410	)		18,387
	State and local		1,377			(176	)		1,201
	Total tax expense	$	67,972		$	18,333		$	86,305
	Year ended December 31, 2012
	Federal	$	51,032		$	24,517		$	75,549
	Foreign		26,836			(11,130	)		15,706
	State and local		1,613			(55	)		1,558
	Total tax expense	$	79,481		$	13,332		$	92,813
	Total income tax expense from continuing operations is different from the amount determined by multiplying income from continuing operations before income taxes by the statutory federal tax rate of 35%. The reconciliation for such difference follows:
		Year ended December 31,
		2014						2013					2012
		Amount			Percentage			Amount		Percentage			Amount			Percentage
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Computed tax expense	$	96,503			35	%	$	85,752		35	%	$	93,143			35	%
	Other		(615	)		(0.2	)%		553		0.2	%		(330	)		(0.1	)%
	Total tax expense /	$	95,888			34.8	%	$	86,305		35.2	%	$	92,813			34.9	%
	effective rate
	The main components of deferred income tax assets and liabilities were as follows:
		December 31,
		2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	Deferred tax assets:
	Policy benefit reserves and unpaid policy claims	$	216,768		$	207,662
	Intangibles and tax goodwill		43,822			47,591
	Future deductible liabilities		22,972			27,606
	Other		19,764			15,759
	Total deferred tax assets		303,326			298,618
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Deferred policy acquisition costs		(291,683	)		(269,534	)
	Investments		(28,909	)		(26,010	)
	Unremitted earnings on foreign subsidiaries		(2,602	)		(2,848	)
	Reinsurance deposit asset		(55,040	)		(43,544	)
	Other		(14,463	)		(15,098	)
	Total deferred tax liabilities		(392,697	)		(357,034	)
	Net deferred tax liabilities	$	(89,371	)	$	(58,416	)
	The majority of total deferred tax assets are attributable to future policy benefit reserves and unpaid policy claims, which represents the difference between the financial statement carrying value and tax basis for liabilities for future policy benefits. The tax basis for future policy benefit reserves and unpaid policy claims is actuarially determined in accordance with guidelines set forth in the Internal Revenue Code. The majority of total deferred tax liabilities are attributable to DAC, which represents the difference between the policy acquisition costs capitalized for U.S. GAAP purposes and those capitalized for tax purposes, as well as the difference in the resulting amortization methods.
	The Company has state net operating losses resulting in a deferred tax asset of approximately $7.3 million, which are available for use through 2034. The Company has no other material net operating loss or credit carryforwards.
	In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, carryback and carryforward periods, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. Management believes that it is more likely than not that the results of future operations will generate sufficient taxable income to realize the deferred tax assets. There was no deferred tax asset valuation allowance at December 31, 2014 and 2013.
	The Company has direct and indirect ownership of a group of controlled foreign corporations in Canada. We have asserted a position of permanent reinvestment for the difference in share basis and certain operational earnings. Such operational earnings if not permanently reinvested would have generated a deferred tax liability of approximately $10.6 million as of December 31, 2014. For those operational earnings for which we have not made a permanent reinvestment assertion, we have established a deferred tax liability to account for the U.S. tax liability that will occur upon repatriation of such earnings. As of December 31, 2014, we had approximately $28.5 million in Canadian operational earnings available to be repatriated to the U.S. for which we have not made a permanent reinvestment assertion.
	The total amount of unrecognized benefits on uncertain tax positions that, if recognized, would affect our effective tax rate was approximately $8.9 million and $8.3 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. We recognize interest expense related to unrecognized tax benefits in tax expense net of federal income tax. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the total amount of accrued interest and penalties in the consolidated balance sheets were approximately $2.6 million and $2.9 million, respectively. Additionally, we recognized interest related to unrecognized tax benefits in the consolidated statements of income of less than $0.1 million of expense in 2014 and 2013 and approximately $0.1 million of benefit in 2012.
	A reconciliation of the change in the unrecognized income tax benefit for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
		December 31,
		2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning of period	$	16,607		$	20,996
	Change in prior period unrecognized tax benefits		(16	)		32
	Change in current period unrecognized tax benefits		2,102			2,108
	Reductions as a result of a lapse in statute of limitations		(2,679	)		(6,529	)
	Unrecognized tax benefits, end of period	$	16,014		$	16,607
	We have no penalties included in calculating our provision for income taxes. There is no significant change that is reasonably possible to occur within twelve months of the reporting date.
	In connection with our corporate reorganization, we entered into a tax separation agreement with Citigroup, whereby Citigroup agreed to indemnify the Company against any consolidated, combined, affiliated, unitary or similar federal, state or local income tax liability related to any taxable period ending on or before April 2010. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had a Citigroup tax indemnification asset of $4.8 million.
	As a result of the separation from Citigroup, the Company is required to file two U.S. consolidated income tax returns at least through December 31, 2014. Our life insurance companies comprise one of the U.S. consolidated tax groups, while the Parent Company and the remaining U.S. subsidiaries comprise the second U.S. consolidated tax group. The method of allocation between companies is pursuant to a written agreement. Allocations generally are based upon separate return calculations with credit for net losses as utilized, and are calculated and settled quarterly.
	The major tax jurisdictions in which we operate are the United States and Canada. We are currently open to tax audit by the Internal Revenue Service for the years ended December 31, 2009 and thereafter for federal tax purposes. We are currently open to audit in Canada for tax years ended December 31, 2008 and thereafter for federal and provincial tax purposes. For those periods prior to the IPO, we are fully indemnified by Citigroup.

Stockholders_Equity_Notes

Stockholders' Equity (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stockholders Equity Note [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	(12) Stockholders’ Equity
	A reconciliation of the number of shares of our common stock follows.
		Year ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Common stock, beginning of period		54,834			56,374			64,883
	Shares of restricted common stock issued		-			280			438
	Shares issued for stock options exercised		4			-			-
	Shares of common stock issued upon lapse of restricted stock units ("RSUs")		502			1,122			998
	Common stock retired		(3,171	)		(2,942	)		(9,945	)
	Common stock, end of period		52,169			54,834			56,374
	The above reconciliation excludes RSUs, which do not have voting rights. As RSUs lapse, we issue common shares with voting rights. As of December 31, 2014, we had a total of approximately 1.2 million RSUs outstanding.
	In 2012, we purchased approximately 7.8 million shares of our common stock owned by certain private equity funds managed by Warburg Pincus LLC (“Warburg Pincus”), which obtained shares of our common stock and warrants to purchase 4,103,110 additional shares of our common stock (the “warrants”) at a purchase price of $18.00 per underlying share in a private sale by Citigroup in connection with our IPO. The prices of the shares repurchased were based on the per share market value of our common stock at the time of the purchases. In addition, we repurchased approximately 1.7 million shares of our common stock in open market transactions during 2012.
	In 2013, we repurchased the remaining equity interest in our Company held by Warburg Pincus, which included approximately 2.5 million shares of our common stock and all outstanding warrants. The per-share purchase price was determined based on the closing price of our common stock on May 28, 2013, which was the execution date of the agreement to repurchase the shares, and the purchase price per warrant was equal to the per-share purchase price less the warrant exercise price per underlying share as noted above.
	In November 2013, our Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program for up to $150.0 million of our outstanding common stock (the “share repurchase program”). Under the share repurchase program, we repurchased 3,016,615 shares of our common stock in open market transactions for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $147.9 million in 2014. As of December 31, 2014, there was approximately $2.1 million remaining for repurchases of our outstanding common stock under the share repurchase program.
	In November 2014, our Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program for up to $150.0 million of our outstanding common stock during 2015. Shares of our common stock have not been repurchased under this plan as of December 31, 2014.

Earnings_Per_Share_Notes

Earnings Per Share (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	(13) Earnings Per Share
	The Company has outstanding common stock and equity awards that consist of restricted stock, RSUs and stock options. In addition, the warrants held by Warburg Pincus were outstanding until we repurchased and retired them in 2013. The restricted stock and RSUs maintain non-forfeitable dividend rights that result in dividend payment obligations on a one-to-one ratio with common shares for any future dividend declarations.
	Unvested restricted stock and unvested RSUs are deemed participating securities for purposes of calculating EPS as they maintain dividend rights. We calculate EPS using the two-class method. Under the two-class method, we allocate earnings to common shares (excluding unvested restricted stock) and vested RSUs outstanding for the period. Earnings attributable to unvested participating securities, along with the corresponding share counts, are excluded from EPS as reflected in our consolidated statements of income.
	In calculating basic EPS, we deduct any dividends and undistributed earnings allocated to unvested restricted stock and unvested RSUs from net income and then divide the result by the weighted-average number of common shares and vested RSUs outstanding for the period.
	We determine the potential dilutive effect of warrants and stock options outstanding on EPS using the treasury-stock method. Under this method, we determine the proceeds that would be received from the exercise of the warrants and stock options outstanding, which includes cash received for the exercise price, the remaining unrecognized stock option compensation expense and the resulting effect on the income tax deduction from the exercise of stock options. We then use the average market price of our common shares during the period the warrants and stock options were outstanding to determine how many shares we could repurchase with the proceeds raised from the exercise of the warrants and stock options outstanding. The net incremental share count issued represents the potential dilutive securities. We then reallocate earnings to common shares and vested RSUs by incorporating the increased fully diluted share count to determine diluted EPS.
	The calculation of basic and diluted EPS follows.
		Year ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(In thousands, except per-share amounts)
	Basic EPS
	Numerator (continuing operations):
	Income from continuing operations	$	179,834		$	158,701		$	173,309
	Income attributable to unvested participating securities		(2,038	)		(2,605	)		(4,637	)
	Income from continuing operations used in calculating basic EPS	$	177,796		$	156,096		$	168,672
	Numerator (discontinued operations):
	Income from discontinued operations	$	1,578		$	4,024		$	497
	Income attributable to unvested participating securities		(18	)		(66	)		(13	)
	Income from discontinued operations used in calculating basic EPS	$	1,560		$	3,958		$	484
	Denominator:
	Weighted-average vested shares		54,567			55,834			61,059
	Basic EPS from continuing operations	$	3.26		$	2.8		$	2.76
	Basic EPS from discontinued operations	$	0.03		$	0.07		$	0.01
	Diluted EPS
	Numerator (continuing operations):
	Income from continuing operations	$	179,834		$	158,701		$	173,309
	Income attributable to unvested participating securities		(2,037	)		(2,575	)		(4,548	)
	Income from continuing operations used in calculating diluted EPS	$	177,797		$	156,126		$	168,761
	Numerator (discontinued operations):
	Income from discontinued operations	$	1,578		$	4,024		$	497
	Income attributable to unvested participating securities		(18	)		(65	)		(13	)
	Income from discontinued operations used in calculating diluted EPS	$	1,560		$	3,959		$	484
	Denominator:
	Weighted-average vested shares		54,567			55,834			61,059
	Dilutive effect of incremental shares if issued for warrants outstanding		-			787			1,342
	Dilutive effect of incremental shares to be issued for equity awards		31			4			-
	Weighted-average shares used in calculating diluted EPS		54,598			56,625			62,401
	Diluted EPS from continuing operations	$	3.26		$	2.76		$	2.7
	Diluted EPS from discontinued operations	$	0.03		$	0.07		$	0.01

ShareBased_Transactions_Notes

Share-Based Transactions (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Share-Based Transactions	(14) Share-Based Transactions
	The Company has outstanding equity awards under its Omnibus Incentive Plan (“OIP”). The OIP provides for the issuance of equity awards, including stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, deferred stock, RSUs, unrestricted stock, as well as cash-based awards. In addition to time-based vesting requirements, awards granted under the OIP also may be subject to specified performance criteria. Since 2010, the Company has issued equity awards to our management (officers and other key employees), non-employee directors, and sales force leaders under the OIP. As of December 31, 2014, we had approximately 2.1 million shares available for future grants under this plan.
	Employee and Director Share-Based Compensation. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had outstanding restricted stock, RSUs, and stock options issued to our management (officers and other key employees), as well as restricted stock, RSUs, and deferred RSUs issued to our non-employee directors, under the OIP.
	Restricted Stock and RSUs. The Company granted shares of restricted stock and RSUs to management (“management restricted stock and RSU awards”) as follows:
	·	Prior to 2014, management of the Company’s U.S. based subsidiaries received restricted stock and management of the Company’s Canadian subsidiaries received RSUs. These awards have time-based vesting requirements with equal and annual graded vesting over approximately three years subsequent to the grant date.
	·	In 2014, management (regardless of geography) received RSUs that have time-based vesting requirements with equal and annual graded vesting over approximately three years subsequent to the grant date. During the third quarter of 2014, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors amended the equity awards granted to management in 2014 (the “modified awards”) to provide for such awards to vest upon the voluntary termination of employment by any employee who is “retirement eligible” as of his or her termination date. In order to be retirement eligible, an employee must be at least 55 years old and his or her age plus years of service with the Company must equal at least 75.
	The Company granted shares of restricted stock and RSUs to non-employee members of the Board of Directors (“director restricted stock and RSU awards”) as follows:
	·	Prior to 2013, non-employee directors received restricted stock that have time-based vesting requirements with equal and annual graded vesting over approximately three years subsequent to the grant date.
	·	In 2013, non-employee directors received RSUs that have time-based vesting requirements that lapse approximately one year after the grant date. These awards also contain post-vesting sale restrictions until the non-employee director no longer serves on our Board.
	·	In 2014, non-employee directors received RSUs that have time-based vesting requirements with equal and annual graded vesting over four quarters subsequent to the grant date. These awards also contain post-vesting sale restrictions until the non-employee director no longer serves on our Board.
	·	In addition, certain directors elected to defer their cash and/or equity retainers into deferred RSUs, which vest immediately or on the dates the RSUs would have vested, respectively.
	All of our outstanding management and director restricted stock and RSU awards are eligible for dividends or dividend equivalents regardless of vesting status.
	In connection with our granting of management and director restricted stock and RSU awards, we recognized expense and tax benefit offsets as follows:
			Year ended December 31,
			2014			2013			2012
			(In thousands)
	Total management and director restricted stock and RSU awards		$	15,726		$	13,101		$	18,944
	Tax benefit associated with total management and director restricted stock			5,322			3,936			4,533
	and RSU award expense
	The following table summarizes management and director restricted stock and RSU activity during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012.
			Shares			Weighted-average measurement-date fair value per share
			(Shares in thousands)
	Unvested employee restricted stock and RSUs, December 31, 2011			2,064		$	16.88
	Granted			458			25.4
	Forfeited			(13	)		22.7
	Vested			(1,002	)		16.43
	Unvested employee restricted stock and RSUs, December 31, 2012			1,507			19.72
	Granted			322			32.76
	Forfeited			(9	)		28.72
	Vested			(1,098	)		17.59
	Unvested employee restricted stock and RSUs, December 31, 2013			722			28.67
	Granted			279			41.31
	Forfeited			(13	)		30.49
	Vested			(408	)		28.53
	Unvested employee restricted stock and RSUs, December 31, 2014			580			34.67
	As of December 31, 2014, total compensation cost not yet recognized in our financial statements related to management and director restricted stock and RSU awards with time-based vesting conditions yet to be reached was approximately $7.1 million, and the weighted-average period over which cost will be recognized was 0.8 years. Compensation costs related to management and director restricted stock and RSU awards were impacted by plan modifications, resulting in the accelerated recognition of expense for certain equity awards. Although the expense related to these modifications have been recognized, the respective equity awards are included in the above table until such time as the retirement eligible employees elect to retire. See the modifications section below for more details.
	Stock Options. Beginning in 2013, the Company issued stock options to certain of its executive officers under the OIP as part of their annual equity compensation. The remaining annual equity compensation for these executive officers was granted in the form of management restricted stock awards and RSUs discussed above. Stock options are generally granted with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of our common stock on the grant date, and they expire 10 years from the date of grant. These options have time-based restrictions with equal and annual graded vesting over a three-year period. Stock options issued in 2014 are included in the equity awards that were modified to provide for such awards to vest upon the voluntary termination of employment by any employee who is “retirement eligible” as of his or her termination date. Upon retirement, employees have the lesser of three years or the remaining option term to exercise any vested options.
	Compensation expense and related tax benefits recognized for stock options awards were as follows:
			Year ended December 31,
			2014			2013			2012
			(In thousands)
	Expense recognized for stock option awards		$	1,803		$	323		$	-
	Tax benefit recognized for stock option awards			631			113			-
	The fair value of each option was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes model. We derived expected volatility after considering our own historical volatility, as well as other public peer companies’ historical volatilities. The Company’s per share dividend yield as of the grant date was used as the input for the expected dividend payout on the underlying shares. The risk-free interest rate was based on the U.S. Treasury yield for a term approximating the expected life of the options at the time of grant. The Company used the simplified method to determine the expected life of options, as there was no historical exercise activity for the Company’s stock option awards as of the grant date. All inputs into the Black-Scholes model were estimates made at the time of grant. The actual realized value of each option grant could materially differ from these estimates, which would have no impact to future reported compensation expense.
	The following assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of stock options granted:
			Year ended December 31,
			2014			2013			2012
	Expected volatility			33	%		30	%	n/a
	Expected per share dividend yield			1.17	%		1.35	%	n/a
	Risk-free interest rate			1.81	%		1.06	%	n/a
	Expected term of options using simplified method		6 years			6 years			n/a
	Fair value per option		$	12.54		$	8.44		n/a
	The following table summarizes activity related to stock options outstanding and exercisable during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.
			Outstanding						Exercisable
			Number of shares			Weighted average exercise price			Number of shares		Weighted average exercise price
			(Shares in thousands)
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012		—			n/a			—		n/a
	Granted			134		$	32.63
	Exercised		—			—					n/a
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013			134			32.63		—		n/a
	Granted			116			41.2
	Exercised			(4	)		32.63
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014			246			36.67			40	$	32.63
	Range of granted option exercise prices outstanding
at December 31, 2014:
$32.63 (average term remaining - 8.2 years)			130		$	32.63			40	$	32.63
$41.20 (average term remaining - 9.1 years)			116			41.2		—		n/a
The aggregate intrinsic value represents the difference between the exercise price of our stock options and the quoted closing price of our common stock as of December 31, 2014. A summary of the intrinsic values of our stock options is as follows:
		31-Dec-14
		(In thousands)
Aggregate intrinsic value of exercisable stock options		$	873
Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options expected to vest			3,451
Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options outstanding		$	4,324
The intrinsic value of options exercised and the tax benefit realized from the options that were exercised during the year ended December 31, 2014 was approximately $53 thousand and $19 thousand, respectively. The value of issued shares that were withheld to satisfy the exercise price for stock options exercised during the year ended December 31, 2014 was approximately $142 thousand. As of December 31, 2014, there was approximately $0.5 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested options, and the weighted-average period over which cost will be recognized was approximately 0.9 years. Compensation costs related to stock option awards were impacted by plan modifications, resulting in the accelerated recognition of expense for certain equity awards. Although the expense related to these modifications have been recognized, the respective equity awards are included in the above table until such time as the retirement eligible employees elect to retire. See the modifications section below for more details.
Modification of Equity Awards Issued to Management in 2014. All unrecognized equity compensation expense for the modified awards granted to retirement eligible employees as of the date of the modification was recognized immediately during the third quarter of 2014 as there is no remaining substantive future requisite service period for these awards. The modification affects the timing of expense recognition for the modified awards and not the total amount of expense to be recognized given that the amount of awards expected to vest under the original service condition is not significantly different from the amount of awards now expected to vest after the modification. Almost one-third of our 2014 management equity award recipients were retirement eligible as of the date the modification was made. As a result of this modification, approximately $4.6 million of equity compensation expense for the modified awards was accelerated into 2014 rather than being recognized over the three-year vesting period of the award. This expense acceleration in 2014 will reduce the originally scheduled equity compensation expense for the modified awards in each subsequent period through the final vesting date in 2017. The retirement eligibility provision is expected to be included in equity awards granted to management in future periods.
Non-Employee Share-Based Compensation. Non-employee share-based transactions relate to the granting of RSUs to members of our sales force (“agent equity awards”). Agent equity awards are generally granted as a part of quarterly contests for successful life insurance policy acquisitions or renewals and, in the second half of 2014, for sales of investment and savings products for which the grant and the service period occur within the same calendar quarter.
The following table summarizes non-employee RSU activity during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012.
		Shares			Weighted-average measurement-date fair value per share
		(Shares in thousands)
Unvested non-employee RSUs, December 31, 2011			117		$	17.55
Granted			379			22.94
Vested			(364	)		20.38
Unvested non-employee RSUs, December 31, 2012			132		$	25.42
Granted			504			32.14
Vested			(532	)		29.64
Unvested non-employee RSUs, December 31, 2013			104		$	36.44
Granted			295			45.08
Vested			(326	)		41.23
Unvested non-employee RSUs, December 31, 2014			73		$	49.98
Agent equity awards vest and are measured using the fair market value at the conclusion of the quarterly contest; which is the time that performance is complete. However, agent equity awards are subject to long-term sales restrictions expiring over three years. Because the sale restrictions extend up to three years beyond the vesting period, the fair market value of the awards incorporates an illiquidity discount reflecting the risk associated with the post-vesting restrictions. To quantify this discount for each award, we use a series of put option models with one-, two- and three-year tenors to estimate a hypothetical cost of eliminating the downside risk associated with the sale restrictions.
The most significant assumptions in the Black-Scholes models are the volatility assumptions. We derive volatility assumptions primarily from the historical volatility of our common stock using terms comparable to the sale restriction terms.
The following table presents the assumptions used in valuing quarterly RSU grants to agents:
		Year ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
Expected volatility		17% to 31%			20% to 35%			20% to 50%
Quarterly dividends expected		$	0.12		$	0.11		$0.03 to $0.09
Risk-free interest rates		Less than 2%			Less than 2%			Less than 1%
To the extent that these awards are an incremental direct cost of successful acquisitions or renewals of life insurance policies that result directly from and are essential to the policy acquisition(s) and would not have been incurred had the policy acquisition(s) not occurred, we defer and amortize the fair value of the awards in the same manner as other deferred policy acquisition costs. All agent equity awards that are not directly related to the acquisition or renewal of life insurance policies are recognized as expense over the requisite vesting period.
Details on the granting and valuation of these awards follow:
		Year ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands, except per-share amounts)
Total quarterly non-employee RSUs granted			294,985			503,737			378,505
Measurement date per-share fair value of awards		$42.96 to $49.98			$26.39 to $36.44			$20.36 to $25.42
Illiquidity discounts		8% to 9%			13% to 18%			17% to 32%
Quarterly incentive awards expense recognized currently		$	453		$	364		$	-
Quarterly incentive awards expense deferred			13,598			15,818			8,686
Concurrent tax benefit of deferred expense			4,500			5,001			2,640
As of December 31, 2014, all agent equity awards were fully vested with the exception of approximately 73,000 shares that vested on January 1, 2015. As such, any related compensation cost not recognized as either expense or deferred acquisition costs in our financial statements through December 31, 2014 is immaterial.

Statutory_Accounting_and_Divid

Statutory Accounting and Dividend Restrictions (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Insurance [Abstract]
Statutory Accounting and Dividend Restrictions	(15) Statutory Accounting and Dividend Restrictions
	U.S. Insurance Subsidiaries. Our U.S. insurance subsidiaries include Primerica Life, NBLIC, Peach Re, and Vidalia Re. Primerica Life, which wholly owns Peach Re and Vidalia Re, ceded to each in separate coinsurance arrangements certain level premium term life insurance policies.
	Our U.S. insurance subsidiaries are required to report their results of operations and financial position to state authorities on the basis of statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by such authorities and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”), which is a comprehensive basis of accounting other than U.S. GAAP. Prescribed statutory accounting practices include a variety of publications of the NAIC, as well as state laws, regulations and general administrative rules. Permitted statutory accounting practices encompass all accounting practices not so prescribed. The Company’s principal life insurance company, Primerica Life, prepares its statutory financial statements on the basis of accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the NAIC and the Massachusetts Division of Insurance (“Massachusetts DOI”) and includes the statutory financial statements of its wholly owned insurance subsidiaries, NBLIC, Peach Re, and Vidalia Re. NBLIC’s statutory financial statements are prepared on the basis of accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the NAIC and the New York State Department of Financial Services, while the statutory financial statements of Peach Re and Vidalia Re are prepared on the basis of accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the NAIC and the Vermont Department of Financial Regulation (“Vermont DOI”). Our U.S. insurance subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends to their parent is subject to and limited by the various laws and regulations of their respective states. There are no regulatory restrictions on the ability of the Parent Company to pay dividends.
	Primerica Life’s statutory ordinary dividend capacity is based on the greater of: (1) the previous year’s statutory net gain from operations (excluding pro rata distributions of any class of the insurer’s own securities) or (2) 10% of the previous year-end statutory surplus (net of capital stock), which may only be paid out of statutory unassigned surplus. Dividends that, together with the amount of other distributions or dividends made within the preceding 12 months, exceed this statutory limitation are referred to as extraordinary dividends. Extraordinary dividends require advance notice to the Massachusetts DOI, Primerica Life’s primary state insurance regulator, and are subject to potential disapproval. For dividends exceeding these thresholds, Primerica Life must provide notice to the Massachusetts DOI and receive notice that the Massachusetts DOI does not object to the payment of such dividends.
	Primerica Life’s statutory capital and surplus and statutory unassigned surplus at December 31, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:
		31-Dec-14		31-Dec-13
		(In thousands)
	Statutory capital and surplus	$	498,992	$	563,260
	Statutory unassigned surplus		9,773		99,707
	Primerica Life’s statutory net gain from operations was approximately $267.4 million and $306.7 million in 2014 and 2013, respectively. Primerica Life made no pro rata distributions of any class of its own securities during 2014 or 2013. During 2014, Primerica Life paid ordinary dividends of $235.0 million to the Parent Company and had estimated ordinary dividend capacity of approximately $9.8 million as of January 1, 2015.
	Primerica Life’s investment basis in NBLIC, Peach Re, and Vidalia Re reflect their statutory capital and surplus amounts recorded in accordance with statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the NAIC and each subsidiary’s state of domicile; New York and Vermont, respectively. Peach Re was formed as a special purpose financial captive insurance company and, with the explicit permission of the Vermont DOI, has included the value of a letter of credit serving as collateral for its policy reserves as an admitted asset in its statutory capital and surplus. This permitted accounting practice was critical to the organization and operational plans of Peach Re and explicitly included in the licensing order issued by the Vermont DOI. The impact of this permitted practice as of December 31, 2014 was approximately $507.0 million on Peach Re’s statutory capital and surplus. As of December 31, 2014, if Peach Re had not been permitted to include the letter of credit as an admitted asset, Primerica Life would have been below the minimum statutory capital and surplus level of approximately $79.3 million that triggers a regulatory action event. However, if Peach Re was not permitted to include the letter of credit as an admitted asset in its statutory capital and surplus, Primerica Life would not have paid the ordinary dividends to the Parent Company that were paid in 2014.
	Canadian Insurance Subsidiary. Primerica Life Canada is incorporated under the provisions of the Canada Business Corporations Act and is a domiciled Canadian Company subject to regulation under the Insurance Companies Act (Canada) by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions in Canada (“OSFI”) and by Provincial Superintendents of Financial Institutions/Insurance in those provinces in which Primerica Life Canada is licensed. The financial statements of Primerica Life Canada are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”).
	Primerica Life Canada’s capacity to pay ordinary dividends to its parent is limited by OSFI regulations to the extent that its capital exceeds projected capital requirements. OSFI requires companies to set internal target levels of capital sufficient to provide for all the risks of the insurer, including risks specified in OSFI’s capital guidelines. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, Primerica Life Canada’s statutory capital and surplus satisfied regulatory requirements and was approximately $290.1 million and $279.9 million, respectively.
	In Canada, dividends can be paid subject to the paying insurance company continuing to have adequate capital and forms of liquidity as defined by OSFI following the dividend payment and upon 15 days minimum notice to OSFI. Primerica Life Canada’s dividend capacity at January 1, 2015 is estimated to be approximately $114.8 million, which is calculated based on its projection of maintaining internal target capital requirements under certain adverse capital scenarios during each year over the next five years. The actual amount of future dividends that Primerica Life Canada will declare and pay is also subject to the Company’s asserted position of permanent reinvestment of certain unremitted earnings discussed in Note 11 (Income Taxes).

Commitments_and_Contingent_Lia

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities	(16) Commitments and Contingent Liabilities
	Commitments. We lease office equipment and office and warehouse space under various noncancellable operating lease agreements that expire through June 2028. Total minimum rent expense was $7.7 million, $8.3 million, and $6.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. We had no contingent rent expense during 2014, 2013, and 2012. In March 2013, our agreement to lease our new corporate headquarters in Duluth, Georgia, commenced, which replaced and consolidated substantially all of our prior executive and home office operations. The initial lease term is 15 years with estimated minimum annual rental payments ranging from approximately $4.5 million at inception to approximately $5.6 million in year 15.
	As of December 31, 2014, the minimum aggregate rental commitments for operating leases were as follows:
			31-Dec-14
			(In thousands)
		2015	$	6,741
		2016		6,689
		2017		6,712
		2018		6,052
		2019		5,666
	Thereafter			45,714
	Total minimum rental commitments for operating leases		$	77,574
	Letter of Credit. Effective March 31, 2012, Peach Re entered into a Credit Facility Agreement with Deutsche Bank (the “Credit Facility Agreement”) to support certain obligations for a portion of the reserves (commonly referred to as Regulation XXX reserves) related to level premium term life insurance policies ceded to Peach Re from Primerica Life under the Peach Re Coinsurance Agreement.
	Under the Credit Facility Agreement, Deutsche Bank issued a letter of credit in the initial amount of $450.0 million with a term of approximately 14 years (the “LOC”) for the benefit of Primerica Life, the direct parent of Peach Re. At December 31, 2014, the amount of the LOC outstanding was approximately $507.0 million. This amount was also the maximum amount of the LOC, which will decline over the term of the LOC to correspond with declines in the Regulation XXX reserves. Pursuant to the terms of the Credit Facility Agreement, in the event amounts are drawn under the LOC by Primerica Life, Peach Re will be obligated, subject to certain limited conditions, to reimburse Deutsche Bank for the amount of any draws and interest thereon. Peach Re has collateralized its obligations to Deutsche Bank by granting it a security interest in all of its assets with the exception of amounts held in a special account established to meet minimum asset thresholds required by state regulatory authorities. As of December 31, 2014, the Company was in compliance with all financial covenants under the Credit Facility Agreement.
	Contingent Liabilities. The Company is involved from time to time in legal disputes, regulatory inquiries and arbitration proceedings in the normal course of business. These disputes are subject to uncertainties, including the large and/or indeterminate amounts sought in certain of these matters and the inherent unpredictability of litigation. As such, the Company is unable to estimate the possible loss or range of loss that may result from these matters unless otherwise indicated.
	The Company is currently undergoing targeted multi-state treasurer audits by 30 jurisdictions with respect to unclaimed property laws, and Primerica Life and NBLIC are currently subject to a targeted multi-state market conduct examination with respect to their claims-paying practices. The Treasurer of the State of West Virginia brought a suit against Primerica Life and other insurance companies alleging violations of the West Virginia unclaimed property act. The suit was dismissed, and the Treasurer has appealed. Other jurisdictions may pursue similar audits, examinations and litigation. The audits, examinations and litigation are expected to take significant time to complete, and it is unclear whether the Company will be required to compare the Social Security Administration’s Death Master File to its records for periods prior to 2011, including with respect to policies which have lapsed, to determine whether benefits are owed in instances where an insured appears to have died but no claim for death benefits has been made. The potential outcome of such actions is difficult to predict but could subject the Company to adverse consequences, including, but not limited to, settlement payments, additional payments to beneficiaries and additional escheatment of funds deemed abandoned under state laws. At this time, the Company cannot reasonably estimate the likelihood or the impact of additional costs or liabilities that could result from the resolution of these matters. These actions may also result in changes to the Company’s procedures for the identification and escheatment of abandoned property and other financial liability.

Benefit_Plans_Notes

Benefit Plans (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Benefit Plans	(17) Benefit Plans
	We established a defined contribution plan for the benefit of our employees in 2010. The expense associated with this plan was approximately $6.5 million, $6.5 million, and $6.4 million in 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.

Unaudited_Quarterly_Financial_

Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data	Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data
	In management’s opinion, the following quarterly consolidated financial information fairly presents the results of operations for such periods and is prepared on a basis consistent with our annual audited consolidated financial statements. Financial information for the quarters presented was prepared on a consolidated basis.
		Quarter ended			Quarter ended			Quarter ended			Quarter ended
		31-Mar-14			30-Jun-14			30-Sep-14			31-Dec-14
		(In thousands, except per-share amounts)
	Direct premiums	$	568,205		$	576,740		$	577,482		$	578,905
	Ceded premiums		(402,715	)		(410,546	)		(402,198	)		(401,359	)
	Net premiums		165,490			166,194			175,284			177,546
	Commissions and fees		126,933			132,039			132,928			135,267
	Net investment income		21,599			21,681			20,465			22,728
	Realized investment gains (losses), including		263			831			(281	)		(1,074	)
	OTTI
	Other, net		10,043			10,385			10,791			10,918
	Total revenues		324,328			331,130			339,187			345,385
	Total benefits and expenses		257,496			255,390			275,167			276,255
	Income from continuing operations before		66,832			75,740			64,020			69,130
	income taxes
	Income taxes		23,347			26,469			22,407			23,664
	Income from continuing operations		43,485			49,271			41,613			45,466
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net		1,595			-			(18	)		-
	of income taxes
	Net income	$	45,080		$	49,271		$	41,595		$	45,466
	Basic earnings per share:
	Continuing operations	$	0.78		$	0.89		$	0.75		$	0.84
	Discontinued operations		0.03			-			-			-
	Basic earnings per share	$	0.81		$	0.89		$	0.75		$	0.84
	Diluted earnings per share:
	Continuing operations	$	0.78		$	0.89		$	0.75		$	0.84
	Discontinued operations		0.03			-			-			-
	Diluted earnings per share	$	0.81		$	0.89		$	0.75		$	0.84
		Quarter ended			Quarter ended			Quarter ended			Quarter ended
		31-Mar-13			30-Jun-13			30-Sep-13			31-Dec-13
		(In thousands, except per-share amounts)
	Direct premiums	$	560,904		$	568,391		$	567,047		$	568,848
	Ceded premiums		(410,604	)		(417,450	)		(407,488	)		(408,615	)
	Net premiums		150,300			150,941			159,559			160,233
	Commissions and fees		112,273			117,182			118,440			123,910
	Net investment income		23,216			21,027			22,103			22,407
	Realized investment gains (losses), including		2,286			3,468			(407	)		899
	OTTI
	Other, net		10,375			10,872			10,714			10,773
	Total revenues		298,450			303,490			310,409			318,222
	Total benefits and expenses		239,310			236,540			247,637			262,078
	Income from continuing operations before		59,140			66,950			62,772			56,144
	income taxes
	Income taxes		21,005			23,782			22,040			19,477
	Income from continuing operations		38,135			43,168			40,732			36,667
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net		710			322			2,458			534
	of income taxes
	Net income	$	38,845		$	43,490		$	43,190		$	37,201
	Basic earnings per share:
	Continuing operations	$	0.66		$	0.75		$	0.74		$	0.66
	Discontinued operations		0.01			0.01			0.04			0.01
	Basic earnings per share	$	0.67		$	0.76		$	0.78		$	0.67
	Diluted earnings per share:
	Continuing operations	$	0.64		$	0.73		$	0.74		$	0.66
	Discontinued operations		0.01			0.01			0.04			0.01
	Diluted earnings per share	$	0.65		$	0.74		$	0.78		$	0.67
	Quarterly amounts may not agree in total to the corresponding annual amounts due to rounding.

Schedule_I_Summary_of_Investme

Schedule I Summary of Investments - Other Than Investments in Related Party	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Marketable Securities Fixed Maturities [Abstract]
Consolidated Summary of Investments-Other than Investments in Related Parties	Schedule I
	Consolidated Summary of Investments — Other Than Investments in Related Parties
	PRIMERICA, INC.
			31-Dec-14
	Type of Investment		Amortized cost or cost		Fair value		Amount at which shown in the balance sheet
			(In thousands)
	Fixed maturities:
	Bonds:
	United States Government and government agencies and authorities		$	15,145	$	15,647	$	15,647
	States, municipalities and political subdivisions			38,763		41,333		41,333
	Foreign governments			122,396		124,030		124,030
	Public utilities			-		-		-
	Convertibles and bonds with warrants attached			2,553		2,912		2,912
	All other corporate bonds(1)			1,713,509		1,809,024		1,800,215
	Certificates of deposit			-		-		-
	Redeemable preferred stocks			2,844		2,694		2,694
	Total fixed maturities			1,895,210		1,995,640		1,986,831
	Equity securities:
	Common stocks:
	Public utilities			8,811		12,097		12,097
	Banks, trusts and insurance companies			9,238		12,969		12,969
	Industrial, miscellaneous and all other			10,637		12,331		12,331
	Nonredeemable preferred stocks			15,052		15,993		15,993
	Total equity securities			43,738		53,390		53,390
	Mortgage loans on real estate			-		-		-
	Real estate			-		-		-
	Policy loans			28,095		28,095		28,095
	Other long-term investments			-		-		-
	Short-term investments			-		-		-
	Total investments		$	1,967,043	$	2,077,125	$	2,068,316
	(1)	The amount shown on the balance sheet does not match the amortized cost or cost or fair value for “All other corporate bonds” due to our held-to-maturity security, which is carried at cost on the balance sheet and all other fixed maturities are carried at fair value.
	See the accompanying report of independent registered public accounting firm.

Schedule_II_Condensed_Financia

Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information Of Registrant	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Condensed Financial Information Of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Condensed Financial Information of Registrant	Schedule II
	Condensed Financial Information of Registrant
	PRIMERICA, INC. (Parent Only)
	Condensed Balance Sheets
			December 31,
			2014			2013
			(In thousands)
	Assets
	Investments:
	Fixed-maturity securities available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost:		$	161,840		$	62,420
	$160,839 in 2014 and $62,216 in 2013)
	Total investments			161,840			62,420
	Cash and cash equivalents			32,634			11,361
	Due from affiliates*			92			76
	Other receivables			1,318			364
	Deferred income taxes			7,311			5,762
	Investment in subsidiaries*			1,430,484			1,528,360
	Other assets			2,442			2,801
	Total assets			1,636,121			1,611,144
	Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
	Liabilities:
	Notes payable			374,532			374,481
	Current income tax payable			3,287			2,185
	Deferred income taxes			3,489			3,797
	Due to affiliates*			1,182			168
	Interest payable			8,214			8,214
	Other liabilities			291			272
	Commitments and contingent liabilities (see Note E)
	Total liabilities			390,995			389,117
	Stockholders’ equity:
	Common stock ($0.01 par value; authorized 500,000 in 2014 and 2013; issued and			522			548
	outstanding 52,169 shares in 2014 and 54,834 shares in 2013)
	Paid-in capital			353,337			472,633
	Retained earnings			795,740			640,840
	Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of income tax			95,527			108,006
	Total stockholders’ equity			1,245,126			1,222,027
	Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity		$	1,636,121		$	1,611,144
	*	Eliminated in consolidation.
	See the accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.
	See the accompanying report of independent registered public accounting firm.
	Schedule II
	Condensed Financial Information of Registrant
	PRIMERICA, INC. (Parent Only)
	Condensed Statements of Income
			Year ended December 31,
			2014			2013			2012
			(In thousands)
	Revenues:
	Dividends from subsidiaries*		$	319,740		$	228,319		$	238,747
	Net investment income			1,010			762			1,074
	Realized investment losses, including other-than-temporary impairment losses			(1,574	)		11			545
	Total revenues			319,176			229,092			240,366
	Expenses:
	Interest expense			18,174			18,172			17,266
	Other operating expenses			8,667			7,882			8,222
	Total expenses			26,841			26,054			25,488
	Income (loss) before income taxes			292,335			203,038			214,878
	Income taxes			(7,540	)		(7,043	)		(5,998	)
	Income (loss) before equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries			299,875			210,081			220,876
	Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries*			(118,463	)		(47,356	)		(47,070	)
	Net income		$	181,412		$	162,725		$	173,806
	*	Eliminated in consolidation.
	See the accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.
	See the accompanying report of independent registered public accounting firm.
Schedule II
Condensed Financial Information of Registrant
PRIMERICA, INC. (Parent Only)
Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income
		Year ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
Net income		$	181,412		$	162,725		$	173,806
Other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes:
Unrealized investment gains (losses):
Equity in unrealized holding gains (losses) on investment securities			7,296			(47,651	)		18,127
held by subsidiaries
Change in unrealized holding gains/(losses) on investment securities			(778	)		(358	)		1,127
Reclassification adjustment for realized investment (gains) losses			1,574			(11	)		(545	)
included in net income
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Equity in unrealized foreign currency translation gains of subsidiaries			(20,527	)		(13,695	)		4,221
Total other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes			(12,435	)		(61,715	)		22,930
Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive			44			(311	)		185
income (loss)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes			(12,479	)		(61,404	)		22,745
Total comprehensive income		$	168,933		$	101,321		$	196,551
See the accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.
See the accompanying report of independent registered public accounting firm.
Schedule II
Condensed Financial Information of Registrant
PRIMERICA, INC. (Parent Only)
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
		Year ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income		$	181,412		$	162,725		$	173,806
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries* (1)			(70,472	)		47,356			8,535
Deferred tax provision			(1,778	)		(227	)		(1,139	)
Change in income taxes			979			(4,912	)		2,451
Realized investment (gains) losses, including other-than-temporary impairments			1,574			(11	)		(545	)
Accretion and amortization of investments			203			60			400
Depreciation and amortization			23			23			183
Share-based compensation			998			718			215
Change in due to/from affiliates*			998			(336	)		438
Change in other operating assets and liabilities, net			(550	)		290			(109	)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities			113,387			205,686			184,235
Cash flows from investing activities:
Available-for-sale investments sold, matured or called:
Fixed maturity securities — sold			45,312			2,679			67,267
Fixed-maturity securities — matured or called			53,512			20,269			24,503
Available-for-sale investments acquired:
Fixed-maturity securities(1)			(10,290	)		(33,118	)		(82,107	)
Other, net			-			-			(70	)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities			88,534			(10,170	)		9,593
Cash flows from financing activities:
Dividends paid			(26,512	)		(25,058	)		(14,737	)
Common stock repurchased			(147,922	)		(86,280	)		(257,584	)
Warrants repurchased			-			(68,399	)		-
Excess tax benefit on share-based compensation			163			79			22
Tax withholdings on share-based compensation			(6,377	)		(14,793	)		(10,628	)
Proceeds from issuance of Senior Notes, net of discount			-			-			374,411
Payments of note issued to Citigroup			-			-			(300,000	)
Payments of deferred financing costs			-			-			(3,109	)
Net cash provided by (used) in financing activities			(180,648	)		(194,451	)		(211,625	)
Change in cash and cash equivalents			21,273			1,065			(17,797	)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period			11,361			10,296			28,093
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period		$	32,634		$	11,361		$	10,296
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Interest paid		$	17,813		$	17,070		$	15,858
*	Eliminated in consolidation.
(1)	Does not include $188,935 and $38,535 of fixed-maturity securities transferred from subsidiaries in the form of noncash dividends for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2012, respectively.
See the accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.
See the accompanying report of independent registered public accounting firm.
Schedule II
Condensed Financial Information of Registrant
PRIMERICA, INC. (Parent Only)
Notes to Condensed Financial Statements
(A) Corporate Reorganization
Primerica, Inc. (“we”, “us” or the “Company”) is a holding company with our primary asset being the capital stock of our operating subsidiaries, and our primary liability being $375.0 million in principal amount of senior unsecured notes issued in a public offering in 2012 (the “Senior Notes”). We were incorporated in Delaware on October 29, 2009 by Citigroup, Inc. (“Citigroup”), to serve as a holding company for the life insurance and financial product distribution businesses that we have operated for more than 30 years. In April 2010, these indirect subsidiaries of Citigroup were transferred to us through multiple transactions (the “corporate reorganization”), which culminated in the sale of a portion of our common stock owned by Citigroup in an initial public offering (the “IPO”). Prior to our corporate reorganization, we had no material assets or liabilities.
(B) Basis of Presentation
These condensed financial statements reflect the results of operations, financial position and cash flows for the Company. We prepare our financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”). These principles are established primarily by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect financial statement balances, revenues and expenses and cash flows, as well as the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Management considers available facts and knowledge of existing circumstances when establishing the estimates included in our financial statements.
The most significant item that involves a greater degree of accounting estimates subject to change in the future is determination of our investments in subsidiaries. Estimates for this and other items are subject to change and are reassessed by management in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
The accompanying condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto of Primerica, Inc. and subsidiaries included in Part II, Item 8 of this report.
Certain reclassifications have been made to prior-period amounts to conform to current-period reporting classifications. These reclassifications had no impact on net income or total stockholders’ equity.
(C) Note Payable
In July 2012, we issued the Senior Notes in a public offering at a price of 99.843% of the principal amount with an annual interest rate of 4.75%, payable semi-annually in arrears on January 15 and July 15. The Senior Notes mature on July 15, 2022.
As unsecured senior obligations, the Senior Notes rank equally in right of payment with all existing and future unsubordinated indebtedness and senior to all existing and future subordinated indebtedness of the Company. The Senior Notes are structurally subordinated in right of payment to all existing and future liabilities of our subsidiaries. In addition, the Senior Notes contain covenants that restrict our ability to, among other things, create or incur any indebtedness that is secured by a lien on the capital stock of certain of our subsidiaries, and merge, consolidate or sell all or substantially all of our properties and assets.
We were in compliance with the covenants of the Senior Notes at December 31, 2014. No events of default(s) occurred on the Senior Notes during the year ended December 31, 2014.
(D) Dividends
For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, the Company received dividends from our non-life insurance subsidiaries of approximately $71.3 million, $63.9 million, and $73.6 million, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, the Company received dividends from our life insurance subsidiaries of approximately $248.4 million, $164.4 million, and $165.1 million, respectively.
(E) Commitments and Contingent Liabilities
We have capital maintenance agreements with Peach Re, Inc. (“Peach Re”) and Vidalia Re, Inc., (“Vidalia Re”), special purpose financial captive insurance companies and indirect wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company. Each of the capital maintenance agreement requires us at times to make capital contributions to Peach Re and Vidalia Re to insure that their regulatory accounts as defined in the coinsurance agreements with Primerica Life Insurance Company (“Primerica Life”), a life insurance company and wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, will not be less than $20.0 million for each financial captive insurance company. For Peach Re, the regulatory account will only be used to satisfy obligations under its coinsurance agreement after all other available assets have been used, including a letter of credit (“LOC”) issued by Deutsche Bank for the benefit of Primerica Life. The LOC was issued in 2012 with a term of approximately 14 years. At December 31, 2014, the amount of the LOC outstanding was approximately $507.0  million. For Vidalia Re, the regulatory account will only be used to satisfy obligations under its coinsurance agreement after all other available assets have been used including its held-to-maturity security guaranteed by Hannover Re.
The Company is involved from time to time in legal disputes, regulatory inquiries and arbitration proceedings in the normal course of business. These disputes are subject to uncertainties, including large and/or indeterminate amounts sought in certain of these matters and the inherent unpredictability of litigation. As such, the Company is unable to estimate the possible loss or range of loss that may result from these matters.

Schedule_III_Supplementary_Ins

Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Supplementary Insurance Information [Abstract]
Supplementary Insurance Information	Schedule III
	Supplementary Insurance Information
	PRIMERICA, INC.
		Deferred policy acquisition costs		Future policy benefits		Unearned premiums		Other policy benefits and claims payable		Separate account liabilities
		(In thousands)
	31-Dec-14
	Term Life Insurance	$	1,264,152	$	5,052,661	$	-	$	252,525	$	-
	Investment and Savings Products		58,156		-		-		-		2,439,863
	Corporate and Other Distributed Products		28,872		211,947		912		12,307		440
	Total	$	1,351,180	$	5,264,608	$	912	$	264,832	$	2,440,303
	31-Dec-13
	Term Life Insurance	$	1,115,286	$	4,843,176	$	-	$	237,197	$	-
	Investment and Savings Products		63,607		-		-		-		2,503,197
	Corporate and Other Distributed Products		29,573		219,927		1,802		16,107		632
	Total	$	1,208,466	$	5,063,103	$	1,802	$	253,304	$	2,503,829
		Premium revenue		Net investment income		Benefits and claims		Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs		Other operating expenses		Premiums written
		(In thousands)
	Year ended December 31, 2014
	Term Life Insurance	$	660,684	$	69,772	$	295,332	$	133,331	$	129,598	$	-
	Investment and Savings Products		-		-		-		8,734		357,322		-
	Corporate and Other Distributed Products		23,831		16,701		16,085		2,313		121,593		934
	Total	$	684,515	$	86,473	$	311,417	$	144,378	$	608,513	$	934
	Year ended December 31, 2013
	Term Life Insurance	$	597,162	$	68,796	$	262,357	$	115,891	$	119,526	$	-
	Investment and Savings Products		-		-		-		11,195		340,794		-
	Corporate and Other Distributed Products		23,871		19,956		17,574		2,097		116,130		905
	Total	$	621,033	$	88,752	$	279,931	$	129,183	$	576,450	$	905
	Year ended December 31, 2012
	Term Life Insurance	$	543,658	$	66,119	$	239,346	$	104,272	$	110,590	$	-
	Investment and Savings Products		-		-		-		10,956		281,893		-
	Corporate and Other Distributed Products		23,621		34,685		14,702		3,370		122,521		1,165
	Total	$	567,279	$	100,804	$	254,048	$	118,598	$	515,004	$	1,165
	See the accompanying report of independent registered public accounting firm.

Schedule_IV_Reinsurance

Schedule IV - Reinsurance	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule Iv Reinsurance [Abstract]
Reinsurance	Schedule IV
	Reinsurance
	PRIMERICA, INC.
		Year ended December 31, 2014
		Gross amount		Ceded to other companies		Assumed from other companies		Net amount		Percentage of amount assumed to net
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Life insurance in force	$	685,998,013	$	607,218,906	$	-	$	78,779,107		—	%
	Premiums:
	Life insurance	$	2,299,355	$	1,615,847	$	-	$	683,508		—	%
	Accident and health insurance		1,977		970		-		1,007		—	%
	Total premiums	$	2,301,332	$	1,616,817	$	-	$	684,515		—	%
		Year ended December 31, 2013
		Gross amount		Ceded to other companies		Assumed from other companies		Net amount		Percentage of amount assumed to net
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Life insurance in force	$	679,337,825	$	601,309,340	$	-	$	78,028,485		—	%
	Premiums:
	Life insurance	$	2,262,721	$	1,642,775	$	-	$	619,946		—	%
	Accident and health insurance		2,470		1,383		-		1,087		—	%
	Total premiums	$	2,265,191	$	1,644,158	$	-	$	621,033		—	%
		Year ended December 31, 2012
		Gross amount		Ceded to other companies		Assumed from other companies		Net amount		Percentage of amount assumed to net
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Life insurance in force	$	675,164,992	$	599,133,626	$	-	$	76,031,366		—	%
	Premiums:
	Life insurance	$	2,227,821	$	1,661,822	$	-	$	565,999		—	%
	Accident and health insurance		3,211		1,931		-		1,280		—	%
	Total premiums	$	2,231,032	$	1,663,753	$	-	$	567,279		—	%
	See the accompanying report of independent registered public accounting firm.

Organization_Consolidation_and1

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation. We prepare our financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”). These principles are established primarily by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect financial statement balances, revenues and expenses and cash flows, as well as the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Management considers available facts and knowledge of existing circumstances when establishing the estimates included in our financial statements.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates. The most significant items that involve a greater degree of accounting estimates and actuarial determinations subject to change in the future are the valuation of investments, deferred policy acquisition costs (“DAC”), and liabilities for future policy benefits and unpaid policy claims. Estimates for these and other items are subject to change and are reassessed by management in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Consolidation

Consolidation. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and those entities required to be consolidated under applicable accounting standards. All material intercompany profits, transactions, and balances among the consolidated entities have been eliminated.

Reclassifications

Reclassifications. Certain reclassifications have been made to prior-period amounts to conform to current-period reporting classifications. These reclassifications had no impact on net income or total stockholders’ equity and were primarily related to discontinued operations. See Note 2 (Discontinued Operations) for more information.

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events. The Company has evaluated subsequent events for recognition and disclosure for occurrences and transactions after the date of the consolidated financial statements at December 31, 2014.

Foreign Currency Translation

Foreign Currency Translation. Assets and liabilities denominated in Canadian dollars are translated into U.S. dollars using year-end exchange rates. Revenues and expenses are translated monthly at amounts that approximate weighted-average exchange rates. Translation adjustments are reported in other comprehensive income (loss).

Investments

Investments. Investments are reported on the following bases:

·

Available-for-sale fixed-maturity securities, including bonds and redeemable preferred stocks not classified as trading securities, are carried at fair value. When quoted market values are unavailable, we obtain estimates from independent pricing services or estimate fair value based upon a comparison to quoted issues of the same issuer or of other issuers with similar characteristics.

·

Held-to-maturity fixed maturity security, which is carried at amortized cost.

·

Equity securities, including common and nonredeemable preferred stocks, are classified as available-for-sale and are carried at fair value. When quoted market values are unavailable, we obtain estimates from independent pricing services or estimates fair value based upon a comparison to quoted issues of the same issuer or of other issuers with similar characteristics.

·

Trading securities, which primarily consist of bonds, are carried at fair value. Changes in fair value of trading securities are included in net investment income in the period in which the change occurred.

·

Policy loans are carried at unpaid principal balances, which approximate fair value.

Investment transactions are recorded on a trade-date basis. We use the specific-identification method to determine the realized gains or losses from securities transactions and report the realized gains or losses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities are included as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income except for the credit loss components of other-than-temporary declines in fair value, which are recorded as realized losses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

Investments are reviewed on a quarterly basis for other-than-temporary impairments (“OTTI”). Credit risk, interest rate risk, the amount of time the security has been in an unrealized loss position, actions taken by ratings agencies, and other factors are considered in determining whether an unrealized loss is other-than-temporary. Our consolidated statements of income for the three years ended December 31, 2014 reflect the impairment on debt securities that we intend to sell or would more likely than not be required to sell before the expected recovery of the amortized cost basis. For available-for-sale (“AFS”) debt securities that we have no intent to sell and believe that it is more likely than not we will not be required to sell prior to recovery, only the credit loss component of the impairment is recognized in earnings, while the remainder is recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. The credit loss component recognized in earnings is identified as the amount of principal cash flows not expected to be received over the remaining term of the security. Any subsequent changes in fair value of the security related to non-credit factors recognized in other comprehensive income are presented as an adjustment to the amount previously presented in the net unrealized investment gains (losses) other-than-temporarily impaired category of accumulated other comprehensive income.

Interest income on fixed-maturity securities is recorded when earned using the effective-yield method, which gives consideration to amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts. Dividend income on equity securities is recorded when declared. These amounts are included in net investment income in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

Included within fixed-maturity securities are loan-backed and asset-backed securities. Amortization of the premium or accretion of the discount uses the retrospective method. The effective yield used to determine amortization/accretion is calculated based on actual and historical projected future cash flows, which are obtained from a widely accepted data provider and updated quarterly.

Embedded conversion options associated with fixed-maturity securities are bifurcated from the fixed-maturity security host contracts and separately recognized as equity securities. The change in fair value of these bifurcated conversion options is reflected in realized investment gains (losses), including OTTI losses.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, money market instruments, and all other highly liquid investments purchased with an original or remaining maturity of three months or less at the date of acquisition.

Reinsurance

Reinsurance. We use reinsurance extensively, utilizing yearly renewable term (“YRT”) and coinsurance agreements. Under YRT agreements, we reinsure only the mortality risk, while under coinsurance, we reinsure a proportionate part of all risks arising under the reinsured policy. Under coinsurance, the reinsurer receives a proportionate part of the premiums, less commission allowances, and is liable for a corresponding part of all benefit payments.

All reinsurance contracts in effect for the three-year period ended December 31, 2014 transfer a reasonable possibility of substantial loss to the reinsurer or are accounted for under the deposit method of accounting.

Ceded premiums are treated as a reduction to direct premiums and are recognized when due to the assuming company. Ceded claims are treated as a reduction to direct benefits and are recognized when the claim is incurred on a direct basis. Ceded policy reserve changes are also treated as a reduction to benefits expense and are recognized during the applicable financial reporting period.

Reinsurance premiums, commissions, expense reimbursements and benefits and reserves related to reinsured long-duration contracts are accounted for over the life of the underlying contracts using assumptions consistent with those used to account for the underlying policies. Amounts recoverable from reinsurers are estimated in a manner consistent with the claim liabilities and policy benefits associated with reinsured policies. Ceded policy reserves and claims liabilities relating to insurance ceded are shown as due from reinsurers on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

We analyze and monitor the credit-worthiness of each of our reinsurance partners to minimize collection issues. For reinsurance contracts with unauthorized reinsurers, we require collateral such as letters of credit.

To the extent we receive ceding allowances to cover policy and claims administration under reinsurance contracts, these allowances are treated as a reduction to insurance commissions and expenses and are recognized when due from the assuming company. To the extent we receive ceding allowances reimbursing commissions that would otherwise be deferred, the amount of commissions deferrable will be reduced. The corresponding DAC balances are reduced on a pro rata basis by the portion of the business reinsured with reinsurance agreements that meet risk transfer provisions. The reduced DAC will result in a corresponding reduction of amortization expense.

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs. We only defer the costs of acquiring new business to the extent that they result directly from and are essential to the contract transaction(s) and would not have been incurred had the contract transaction(s) not occurred. These deferred policy acquisition costs mainly include commissions and policy issue expenses. All other acquisition-related costs, including unsuccessful acquisition and renewal efforts, are charged to expense as incurred. Also, administrative costs, rent, depreciation, occupancy, equipment, and all other general overhead costs are considered indirect costs and are charged to expense as incurred.

DAC for term life insurance policies is amortized over the initial premium-paying period of the related policies in proportion to premium income. DAC for Canadian segregated funds is amortized over the life of the underlying policies at a constant rate based on the present value of the estimated gross profits expected to be realized over the life of the underlying policies. DAC is subject to recoverability testing annually and when impairment indicators exist.

See Note 7 (Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs) for more information related to our accounting for DAC.

Intangible Assets

Intangible Assets. Intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Any intangible asset that was deemed to have an indefinite useful life is not amortized but is subject to an annual impairment test. An impairment exists if the carrying value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its fair value. For the other intangible assets, which are subject to amortization, an impairment is recognized if the carrying amount is not recoverable and exceeds the fair value of the intangible asset.

The components of intangible assets were as follows:

December 31,

2014

2013

Gross carrying amount

Accumulated amortization

Net carrying amount

Gross carrying amount

Accumulated amortization

Net carrying amount

(In thousands)

Indefinite-lived intangible asset

$

45,275

n/a

$

45,275

$

45,275

n/a

$

45,275

Amortizing intangible assets

84,871

(68,426

)

16,445

88,719

(65,131

)

23,588

Total intangible assets

$

130,146

$

(68,426

)

$

61,720

$

133,994

$

(65,131

)

$

68,863

We have an indefinite-lived intangible asset related to the 1989 purchase of the right to contract with our sales force. This asset represents the core distribution model of our business, which is our primary competitive advantage to profitably distribute term life insurance and investment and savings products on a significant scale, and as such, is considered to have an indefinite life. This indefinite-lived intangible asset is supported by a significant portion of the discounted cash flows of our future business. We assessed this asset for impairment as of October 1, 2014 and determined that no impairment had occurred. There have been no subsequent events requiring further analysis.

We also have an amortizing intangible asset related to a 1995 sales agreement termination payment to Management Financial Services, Inc. This asset is supported by a non-compete agreement with the founder of our business model. We calculate the amortization of this contract buyout on a straight-line basis over 24 years, which represents the life of the non-compete agreement. Intangible asset amortization expense was approximately $3.4 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012. Amortization expense is expected to be approximately $3.4 million annually during the remainder of the amortization period. No events have occurred during 2014, and no factors exist as of December 31, 2014 that would indicate that the net carrying value of our amortizing intangible asset may not be recoverable or will not be used throughout its estimated useful life.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property and Equipment. Property and equipment, which are included in other assets, are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is recognized on a straight-line basis over the asset’s estimated useful life, which is estimated as follows:

Estimated Useful Life

Data processing equipment and software

3 to 7 years

Leasehold improvements

Lesser of 15 years or remaining life of lease

Furniture and other equipment

5 to 15 years

Depreciation expense is included in other operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. Depreciation expense was $7.0 million, $7.3 million, and $6.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.

Property and equipment balances were as follows:

December 31,

2014(1)

2013

(In thousands)

Data processing equipment and software

$

50,956

$

59,237

Leasehold improvements

13,910

19,090

Other, principally furniture and equipment

26,763

34,783

91,629

113,110

Accumulated depreciation

(65,166

)

(88,060

)

Net property and equipment

$

26,463

$

25,050

(1)  In 2014, property and equipment with no remaining net book value was disposed of in connection with asset maintenance activities and the move of our corporate headquarters. The gross carrying amount of assets and accumulated depreciation written off were each $28.9 million.

Separate Accounts

Separate Accounts. The separate accounts are primarily comprised of contracts issued by the Company through its subsidiary, Primerica Life Canada, pursuant to the Insurance Companies Act (Canada). The Insurance Companies Act authorizes Primerica Life Canada to establish the separate accounts.

The separate accounts are represented by individual variable annuity contracts. Purchasers of variable annuity contracts issued by Primerica Life Canada have a direct claim to the benefits of the contract that entitles the holder to units in one or more investment funds (the “Funds”) maintained by Primerica Life Canada. The Funds invest in assets that are held for the benefit of the owners of the contracts. The benefits provided vary in amount depending on the market value of the Funds’ assets. The Funds’ assets are administered by Primerica Life Canada and are held separate and apart from the general assets of the Company. The liabilities reflect the variable insurance annuity contract holders’ interests in variable annuity assets based upon actual investment performance of the respective Funds. Separate account operating results relating to contract holders’ interests are excluded from our consolidated statements of income.

Primerica Life Canada’s contract offerings guarantee the maturity value at the date of maturity (or upon death, whichever occurs first) to be equal to 75% of the sum of all contributions made, net of withdrawals, on a first-in first-out basis. Otherwise, the maturity value or death benefit will be the accumulated value of units allocated to the contract at the specified valuation date. The amount of this value is not guaranteed, but will fluctuate with the fair value of the Funds.

Future Policy Benefits Liability

Policyholder Liabilities. Future policy benefits are accrued over the current and expected renewal periods of the contracts. Liabilities for future policy benefits on traditional life insurance products have been computed using a net level method, including assumptions as to interest rates, mortality, persistency, and other assumptions based on our experience, modified as necessary to reflect anticipated trends and to include provisions for possible adverse deviation. The underlying mortality tables are the Society of Actuaries (“SOA”) 65-70, SOA 75-80, SOA 85-90, and the 91 Bragg, modified to reflect various underwriting classifications and assumptions. Interest rate reserve assumptions at December 31, 2014 and 2013 ranged from approximately 3.5% to 7.0%. For policies issued in 2010 and after, we have been using an increasing interest rate assumption to reflect the historically low interest rate environment. The liability for policy claims and other benefits payable on traditional life insurance products includes estimated unpaid claims that have been reported to us and claims incurred but not yet reported.

The future policy benefit reserves we establish are necessarily based on estimates, assumptions and our analysis of historical experience. Our results depend significantly upon the extent to which our actual claims experience is consistent with the assumptions we used in determining our future policy benefit reserves and pricing our products. Our future policy benefit reserve assumptions and estimates require significant judgment and, therefore, are inherently uncertain. We cannot determine with precision the ultimate amounts that we will pay for actual claims or the timing of those payments.

Other Policyholders’ Funds. Other policyholders’ funds primarily represent claim payments left on deposit with us.

Litigation

Litigation. The Company is involved from time to time in legal disputes, regulatory inquiries and arbitration proceedings in the normal course of business. Legal contingencies are recognized when probable and can be reasonably estimated. Legal costs, such as attorney’s fees and other litigation-related expenses, that are incurred in connection with resolving litigation are expensed as incurred. These disputes are subject to uncertainties, including indeterminate amounts sought in certain of these matters and the inherent unpredictability of litigation. Due to the difficulty of estimating costs of litigation, actual costs may be substantially higher or lower than any amounts reserved.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes. We are subject to the income tax laws of the United States, its states, municipalities, and certain unincorporated territories, and those of Canada. These tax laws can be complex and subject to different interpretations by the taxpayer and the relevant governmental taxing authorities. In establishing a provision for income tax expense, we must make judgments and interpretations about the applicability of these tax laws. We also must make estimates about the future impact certain items will have on taxable income in the various tax jurisdictions, both domestic and foreign.

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to (i) differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and (ii) operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Deferred tax assets are recognized subject to management’s judgment that realization is more likely than not applicable to the periods in which we expect the temporary difference will reverse.

Premium Revenues

Premium Revenues. Traditional life insurance products consist principally of those products with fixed and guaranteed premiums and benefits, and are primarily related to term products. Premiums are recognized as revenues when due.

Commissions and Fees

Commissions and Fees. We receive commission revenues from the sale of various non-life insurance products on a monthly basis. Commissions are generally received on sales of mutual funds and annuities. We also receive trail commission revenues from mutual fund and annuity products on a monthly basis based on the daily net asset value of shares sold by us. We, in turn, pay certain commissions to our sales force. Additionally, we receive marketing and support fees from product originators. We also receive management fees based on the average daily net asset value of managed investments and contracts related to separate account assets issued by Primerica Life Canada. We earn recordkeeping fees for administrative functions that we perform on behalf of several of our mutual fund providers and custodial fees for services performed as a non-bank custodian of our clients’ retirement plan accounts. We also receive recordkeeping fees monthly from mutual fund accounts on our servicing platform and, in turn, pay a third-party provider for its servicing of certain of these accounts. Commissions and fees are recognized as income during the period in which they are earned.

Benefits And Expenses

Benefits and Expenses. Benefit and expense items are charged to income in the period in which they are incurred. Both the change in policyholder liabilities, which is included in benefits and claims, and the amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs will vary with policyholder persistency.

Share-based Transactions

Share-Based Transactions. For employee and director share-based compensation awards, we determine a grant date fair value, based on the price of our publicly-traded common stock, and recognize the related compensation expense, adjusted for expected forfeitures, in the statement of income on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award. For non-employee share-based compensation, we recognize the impact during the period of performance, and the fair value of the award is measured as of the date performance is complete, which is the vesting date. To the extent that a share-based award contains sale restrictions extending beyond the vesting date, we reduce the recognized fair value of the award to reflect the corresponding illiquidity discount. Most non-employee share-based compensation is an incremental direct cost of successful acquisitions or renewals of life insurance policies that result directly from and are essential to the policy acquisition(s) and would not have been incurred had the policy acquisition(s) not occurred. We defer these expenses and amortize the impact over the life of the underlying life insurance policies acquired.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share (“EPS”). The Company has outstanding common stock and equity awards that consist of restricted stock, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), and stock options. The restricted stock and RSUs maintain non-forfeitable dividend rights that result in dividend payment obligations on a one-to-one ratio with common shares for any future dividend declarations. Unvested restricted stock and unvested RSUs are deemed participating securities for purposes of calculating EPS as they maintain dividend rights.

See Note 13 (Earnings Per Share) for details related to the calculations of our basic and diluted EPS using the two-class method.

New Accounting Principles

New Accounting Principles. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (“ASU 2014-09”). ASU 2014-09 clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue by establishing the core principle that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue that is recognized. Insurance contracts are specifically excluded from the scope of ASU 2014-09 and therefore revenue from our insurance product lines will not be affected by the new standard. The amendments in ASU 2014-09 are effective retrospectively for the Company beginning in fiscal year 2017. Early adoption is not permitted. While we are still in the process of evaluating the guidance in ASU 2014-09, we do not expect it will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Organization_Consolidation_and2

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Schedule of Intangible Assets	The components of intangible assets were as follows:
		December 31,
		2014								2013
		Gross carrying amount			Accumulated amortization			Net carrying amount		Gross carrying amount		Accumulated amortization			Net carrying amount
		(In thousands)
	Indefinite-lived intangible asset	$	45,275		n/a			$	45,275	$	45,275	n/a			$	45,275
	Amortizing intangible assets		84,871			(68,426	)		16,445		88,719		(65,131	)		23,588
	Total intangible assets	$	130,146		$	(68,426	)	$	61,720	$	133,994	$	(65,131	)	$	68,863
Schedule of Assets Estimated Useful Life	Depreciation is recognized on a straight-line basis over the asset’s estimated useful life, which is estimated as follows:
		Estimated Useful Life
	Data processing equipment and software	3 to 7 years
	Leasehold improvements	Lesser of 15 years or remaining life of lease
	Furniture and other equipment	5 to 15 years
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property and equipment balances were as follows:
		December 31,
		2014(1)			2013
		(In thousands)
	Data processing equipment and software	$	50,956		$	59,237
	Leasehold improvements		13,910			19,090
	Other, principally furniture and equipment		26,763			34,783
			91,629			113,110
	Accumulated depreciation		(65,166	)		(88,060	)
	Net property and equipment	$	26,463		$	25,050
	(1)  In 2014, property and equipment with no remaining net book value was disposed of in connection with asset maintenance activities and the move of our corporate headquarters. The gross carrying amount of assets and accumulated depreciation written off were each $28.9 million.

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Results of Operations and Carrying Values Of Assets And Liabilities Related To DBL	The results of operations and the carrying values of the assets and liabilities related to DBL were as follows:
		Year ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
		(In thousands)
	Total revenues from discontinued operations	$	-	$	36,878	$	36,943
	Income from discontinued operations before income taxes		2,427		6,192		766
	Provision for income taxes		849		2,168		269
	Income from discontinued operations, net income taxes	$	1,578	$	4,024	$	497
		31-Dec-14		31-Dec-13
		(In thousands)
	Premiums and other receivables	$	-	$	6,439
	Policy claims and other benefits payable		-		5,047
	Other liabilities		-		1,197

Segment_and_Geographical_Infor1

Segment and Geographical Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Continuing Operations by Segment	Results of continuing operations by segment were as follows:
		Year ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Revenues:
	Term life insurance segment	$	759,294		$	694,975		$	640,134
	Investment and savings products segment		512,073			457,138			413,965
	Corporate and other distributed products segment		68,663			78,457			99,673
	Total revenues	$	1,340,030		$	1,230,570		$	1,153,772
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before
	income taxes:
	Term life insurance segment	$	201,033		$	197,201		$	185,926
	Investment and savings products segment		146,017			105,149			121,116
	Corporate and other distributed products segment		(71,328	)		(57,344	)		(40,920	)
	Total income from continuing operations	$	275,722		$	245,006		$	266,122
	before income taxes
Assets by Segment	Total assets by segment were as follows:
		31-Dec-14			31-Dec-13			31-Dec-12
		(In thousands)
	Assets:
	Term life insurance segment	$	7,165,373		$	6,783,194		$	6,400,126
	Investment and savings products segment		2,642,753			2,699,000			2,810,137
	Corporate and other distributed products segment		929,988			847,756			1,127,614
	Total assets	$	10,738,114		$	10,329,950		$	10,337,877
Long Lived Assets and Continuing Operations by Country	Geographical Information. Results of continuing operations by country and long-lived assets — primarily tangible assets reported in other assets in our consolidated balance sheets —were as follows:
		Year ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Revenues by country:
	United States	$	1,095,888		$	998,186		$	934,672
	Canada		244,142			232,384			219,100
	Total revenues	$	1,340,030		$	1,230,570		$	1,153,772
	Income from continuing operations before income
	taxes by country:
	United States	$	203,120		$	177,312		$	201,625
	Canada		72,602			67,694			64,497
	Total income from continuing operations before	$	275,722		$	245,006		$	266,122
	income taxes
		31-Dec-14			31-Dec-13			31-Dec-12
		(In thousands)
	Long-lived assets by country:
	United States	$	25,897		$	24,413		$	12,908
	Canada		566			637			450
	Total long-lived assets	$	26,463		$	25,050		$	13,358

Investments_Tables

Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments [Abstract]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities Reconciliation	The period-end cost or amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and fair value of available-for-sale fixed-maturity and equity securities follow:
			31-Dec-14
			Cost or amortized cost			Gross unrealized gains			Gross unrealized losses			Fair value
			(In thousands)
	Securities available-for-sale, carried at fair value:
	Fixed-maturity securities:
	U.S. government and agencies		$	15,145		$	557		$	(55	)	$	15,647
	Foreign government			120,910			5,388			(3,801	)		122,497
	States and political subdivisions			38,163			2,719			(188	)		40,694
	Corporates			1,241,526			82,167			(7,825	)		1,315,868
	Mortgage- and asset-backed securities			251,756			13,050			(392	)		264,414
	Total fixed-maturity securities(1)			1,667,500			103,881			(12,261	)		1,759,120
	Equity securities			43,738			10,711			(1,059	)		53,390
	Total fixed-maturity and equity securities		$	1,711,238		$	114,592		$	(13,320	)	$	1,812,510
	(1)	Includes approximately $0.7 million of other-than-temporary impairment losses related to corporates and mortgage- and asset-backed securities recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income.
			31-Dec-13
			Cost or amortized cost			Gross unrealized gains			Gross unrealized losses			Fair value
			(In thousands)
	Securities available-for-sale, carried at fair value:
	Fixed-maturity securities:
	U.S. government and agencies		$	8,696		$	485		$	(127	)	$	9,054
	Foreign government			111,610			7,512			(2,766	)		116,356
	States and political subdivisions			32,308			1,860			(468	)		33,700
	Corporates			1,240,100			84,545			(11,931	)		1,312,714
	Mortgage- and asset-backed securities			270,308			14,610			(1,030	)		283,888
	Total fixed-maturity securities(1)			1,663,022			109,012			(16,322	)		1,755,712
	Equity securities			32,592			7,935			(633	)		39,894
	Total fixed-maturity and equity securities		$	1,695,614		$	116,947		$	(16,955	)	$	1,795,606
	(1)	Includes approximately $2.1 million of other-than-temporary impairment losses related to corporates and mortgage- and asset-backed securities recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income.
Fixed-maturity Securities Classified by Contractual Maturity Date	The scheduled maturity distribution of the available-for-sale fixed-maturity portfolio at December 31, 2014 follows:
			Amortized cost			Fair value
			(In thousands)
	Due in one year or less		$	96,063		$	97,085
	Due after one year through five years			584,737			632,934
	Due after five years through 10 years			686,366			711,668
	Due after 10 years			48,578			53,019
				1,415,744			1,494,706
	Mortgage- and asset-backed securities			251,756			264,414
	Total fixed-maturity securities		$	1,667,500		$	1,759,120
Net Effect on Stockholders' Equity of Unrealized Gains and Losses on Available-for-sale Securities	The net effect on stockholders’ equity of unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities was as follows:
			31-Dec-14			31-Dec-13
			(In thousands)
	Net unrealized investment gains including foreign currency translation
	adjustment and other-than-temporary impairments:
	Fixed-maturity and equity securities		$	101,272		$	99,992
	Currency swaps			23			72
	Foreign currency translation adjustment			12,314			1,523
	Other-than-temporary impairments			710			2,072
	Net unrealized investment gains excluding foreign currency translation			114,319			103,659
	adjustment and other-than-temporary impairments
	Deferred income taxes			(40,011	)		(36,280	)
	Net unrealized investment gains excluding foreign currency translation		$	74,308		$	67,379
	adjustment and other-than-temporary impairments, net of tax
Net Investment Income	Investment Income. The components of net investment income were as follows:
			Year ended December 31,
			2014			2013			2012
			(In thousands)
	Fixed-maturity securities (available-for-sale)		$	84,687		$	89,860		$	100,520
	Fixed-maturity security (held-to-maturity)			3,482			-			-
	Equity securities			1,862			1,186			1,051
	Policy loans and other invested assets			1,448			1,363			1,251
	Cash and cash equivalents			247			272			454
	Market return on deposit asset underlying 10% coinsurance agreement			3,095			938			2,903
	Gross investment income			94,821			93,619			106,179
	Investment expenses			(4,866	)		(4,867	)		(5,375	)
	Interest expense on Surplus Note			(3,482	)		-			-
	Net investment income		$	86,473		$	88,752		$	100,804
Schedule of Net Realized Investment Gains and Losses	The components of net realized investment gains (losses), as well as details on gross realized investment gains (losses) and proceeds from sales or other redemptions, were as follows:
			Year ended December 31,
			2014			2013			2012
			(In thousands)
	Net realized investment gains (losses):
	Gross gains from sales		$	3,687		$	6,734		$	11,882
	Gross losses from sales			(436	)		(1,209	)		(83	)
	Gains from securities transferred from available-for-sale to trading securities			-			-			323
	Losses from securities transferred from available-for-sale to trading securities			-			-			(6	)
	Other-than-temporary impairment losses			(4,045	)		(616	)		(641	)
	Gains (losses) from bifurcated options			533			1,337			(93	)
	Net realized investment gains (losses)		$	(261	)	$	6,246		$	11,382
	Supplemental information:
	Gross realized investment gains (losses) reclassified from accumulated		$	(794	)	$	4,909		$	11,475
	other comprehensive income into earnings
	Tax expense (benefit) associated with realized investment gains (losses)		$	(278	)	$	1,718		$	4,016
	reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into earnings
	Proceeds from sales or other redemptions		$	426,621		$	371,215		$	571,017
Schedule of Securities in Unrealized Loss Position	The following tables summarize, for all available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position, the aggregate fair value and the gross unrealized loss by length of time such securities have continuously been in an unrealized loss position:
			31-Dec-14
			Less than 12 months									12 months or longer
			Fair value			Unrealized losses			Number of securities			Fair value		Unrealized losses				Number of securities
			(Dollars in thousands)
	Fixed-maturity securities:
	U.S. government and agencies		$	7,201		$	(1	)		2		$	896	$	(54	)			2
	Foreign government			28,038			(1,317	)		35			23,330		(2,484	)			40
	States and political subdivisions			1,694			(4	)		3			2,720		(184	)			4
	Corporates			144,262			(3,818	)		153			43,736		(4,007	)			78
	Mortgage-and asset-backed securities			49,591			(109	)		43			16,847		(283	)			20
	Total fixed-maturity securities			230,786			(5,249	)					87,529		(7,012	)
	Equity securities			6,849			(862	)		15			2,303		(197	)			1
	Total fixed-maturity and equity		$	237,635		$	(6,111	)				$	89,832	$	(7,209	)
	securities
			31-Dec-13
			Less than 12 months									12 months or longer
			Fair value			Unrealized losses			Number of securities			Fair value		Unrealized losses				Number of securities
			(Dollars in thousands)
	Fixed-maturity securities:
	U.S. government and agencies		$	3,817		$	(36	)		3		$	859	$	(91	)			2
	Foreign government			34,869			(2,190	)		47			5,999		(576	)			13
	States and political subdivisions			8,520			(468	)		11			152		-		-1		1
	Corporates			296,192			(9,510	)		295			19,022		(2,421	)			31
	Mortgage-and asset-backed securities			54,215			(536	)		46			10,523		(494	)			9
	Total fixed-maturity securities			397,613			(12,740	)					36,555		(3,582	)
	Equity securities			3,081			(633	)		7			-		-			-
	Total fixed-maturity and equity		$	400,694		$	(13,373	)				$	36,555	$	(3,582	)
	securities
	(1)	Less than one thousand.
Amortized Cost and Fair Value of Available-for-sale Fixed-maturity Securities in Default	The amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale fixed-maturity securities in default were as follows:
			31-Dec-14						31-Dec-13
			Amortized cost			Fair value			Amortized cost			Fair value
			(In thousands)
	Fixed-maturity securities in default		$	144		$	611		$	31		$	267
Impairment Charges in Earnings on Available-for-sale Securities	Impairment charges recognized in earnings on available-for-sale securities were as follows:
			Year ended December 31,
			2014			2013			2012
			(In thousands)
	Impairments on fixed-maturity securities not in default		$	3,656		$	609		$	479
	Impairments on equity securities			389			7			162
	Total impairment charges		$	4,045		$	616		$	641
Schedule of Net Impairment Losses Recognized in Earnings for Available-for-sale Securities	Net impairment losses recognized in earnings were as follows:
			Year ended December 31,
			2014			2013			2012
			(In thousands)
	Total impairment losses related to securities which the Company does not intend to
	sell or more-likely-than-not will not be required to sell:
	Total OTTI losses recognized		$	1,579		$	832		$	991
	Less portion of OTTI loss recognized in accumulated other comprehensive			-			(479	)		(563	)
	income (loss)
	Net impairment losses recognized in earnings for securities which the Company			1,579			353			428
	does not intend to sell or more-likely-than-not will not be required to sell before
	recovery
	OTTI losses recognized in earnings for securities which the Company intends to			2,466			263			213
	sell or more-likely-than-not will be required to sell before recovery
	Net impairment losses recognized in earnings		$	4,045		$	616		$	641
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings	The roll-forward of the credit-related losses recognized in income for all fixed-maturity securities still held follows.
			Year ended December 31,
			2014			2013
			(In thousands)
	Cumulative OTTI credit losses recognized for securities still held, beginning of period		$	14,516		$	14,171
	Additions for OTTI securities where no credit losses were recognized prior to the			3,654			606
	beginning of the period
	Additions for OTTI securities where credit losses have been recognized prior to the			2			3
	beginning of the period
	Reductions due to sales, maturities or calls of credit impaired securities			(1,723	)		(264	)
	Cumulative OTTI credit losses recognized for securities still held, end of period		$	16,449		$	14,516

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru1

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Fair Value Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis	The estimated fair value and hierarchy classifications for assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as follows:
		31-Dec-14
		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3		Total
		(In thousands)
	Fair value assets:
	Fixed-maturity securities:
	U.S. government and agencies	$	-		$	15,647		$	-	$	15,647
	Foreign government		-			122,497			-		122,497
	States and political subdivisions		-			40,694			-		40,694
	Corporates		2,104			1,313,534			230		1,315,868
	Mortgage- and asset-backed securities		-			263,527			887		264,414
	Total fixed-maturity securities		2,104			1,755,899			1,117		1,759,120
	Equity securities		47,169			6,173			48		53,390
	Trading securities		-			7,711			-		7,711
	Separate accounts		-			2,440,303			-		2,440,303
	Total fair value assets	$	49,273		$	4,210,086		$	1,165	$	4,260,524
	Fair value liabilities:
	Separate accounts	$	-		$	2,440,303		$	-	$	2,440,303
	Total fair value liabilities	$	-		$	2,440,303		$	-	$	2,440,303
		31-Dec-13
		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3		Total
		(In thousands)
	Fair value assets:
	Fixed-maturity securities:
	U.S. government and agencies	$	-		$	9,054		$	-	$	9,054
	Foreign government		-			116,356			-		116,356
	States and political subdivisions		-			33,700			-		33,700
	Corporates		1,282			1,310,739			693		1,312,714
	Mortgage- and asset-backed securities		-			282,341			1,547		283,888
	Total fixed-maturity securities		1,282			1,752,190			2,240		1,755,712
	Equity securities		34,868			4,978			48		39,894
	Trading securities		-			12,991			-		12,991
	Separate accounts		-			2,503,829			-		2,503,829
	Total fair value assets	$	36,150		$	4,273,988		$	2,288	$	4,312,426
	Fair value liabilities:
	Separate accounts	$	-		$	2,503,829		$	-	$	2,503,829
	Total fair value liabilities	$	-		$	2,503,829		$	-	$	2,503,829
Roll forward of Level 3 Assets Measured on Recurring Basis	The roll-forward of the Level 3 assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis was as follows:
		Year ended December 31,
		2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	Level 3 assets, beginning of period	$	2,288		$	5,221
	Net unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income		(153	)		(116	)
	Realized gains (losses) and accretion (amortization) recognized in earnings, including OTTI		439			(278	)
	Purchases		-			2
	Sales		-			-
	Settlements		(1,409	)		(314	)
	Transfers into Level 3		-			25
	Transfers out of Level 3		-			(2,252	)
	Level 3 assets, end of period	$	1,165		$	2,288
Carrying Value and Estimated Fair Value for Financial Instruments	The carrying values and estimated fair values of our financial instruments were as follows:
		31-Dec-14						31-Dec-13
		Carrying value			Estimated fair value			Carrying value		Estimated fair value
		(In thousands)
	Assets:
	Fixed-maturity securities (available-for-sale)	$	1,759,120		$	1,759,120		$	1,755,712	$	1,755,712
	Fixed-maturity security (held-to-maturity)		220,000			228,809			-		-
	Equity securities		53,390			53,390			39,894		39,894
	Trading securities		7,711			7,711			12,991		12,991
	Policy loans		28,095			28,095			26,806		26,806
	Deposit asset underlying 10% coinsurance agreement		157,256			157,256			124,413		124,413
	Separate accounts		2,440,303			2,440,303			2,503,829		2,503,829
	Liabilities:
	Notes payable	$	374,532		$	411,916		$	374,481	$	385,161
	Surplus note		220,000			227,127			-		-
	Separate accounts		2,440,303			2,440,303			2,503,829		2,503,829

Reinsurance_Tables

Reinsurance (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
In-force Life Insurance	The following table represents the Company’s in-force life insurance at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
			31-Dec-14			31-Dec-13
			(Dollars in thousands)
	Direct life insurance in force		$	685,998,013		$	679,337,825
	Amounts ceded to other companies			(607,218,906	)		(601,309,340	)
	Net life insurance in force		$	78,779,107		$	78,028,485
	Percentage of reinsured life insurance in force			89	%		89	%
Reinsurance Receivable and Financial Strength Ratings by Reinsurer	Due from reinsurers includes ceded reserve balances and ceded claim liabilities. Reinsurance receivable and financial strength ratings by reinsurer were as follows:
			31-Dec-14					31-Dec-13
			Reinsurance receivable			A.M. Best rating		Reinsurance receivable		A.M. Best rating
			(In thousands)
	Prime Reinsurance Company(1)		$	2,645,011		NR		$	2,572,800	NR
	SCOR Global Life Reinsurance Companies(2)			373,947		A			372,479	A
	Financial Reassurance Company 2010, Ltd.(1)			320,718		NR			343,144	NR
	Swiss Re Life & Health America Inc.(3)			260,734		A+			260,775	A+
	American Health and Life Insurance Company(1)			175,755		A-			174,722	A-
	Munich American Reassurance Company			100,846		A+			100,856	A+
	Korean Reinsurance Company			89,300		A			89,405	A
	RGA Reinsurance Company			78,143		A+			75,629	A+
	TOA Reinsurance Company			20,139		A+			18,824	A+
	Hannover Life Reassurance Company			18,694		A+			16,862	A+
	All other reinsurers			32,246		-			29,558	-
	Due from reinsurers		$	4,115,533				$	4,055,054
	NR – not rated
	(1)	Reinsurers are affiliates of Citigroup. Amounts shown are net of their share of the reinsurance receivable from other reinsurers.
	-2	Includes amounts ceded to Transamerica Reinsurance Companies and fully retroceded to SCOR Global Life Reinsurance Companies.
	(3)	Includes amounts ceded to Lincoln National Life Insurance and 100% retroceded to Swiss Re Life & Health America Inc.

Deferred_Policy_Acquisition_Co1

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Disclosures [Abstract]
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Balance Roll Forward	The balances of and activity in DAC were as follows:
		Year ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	DAC balance, beginning of period	$	1,208,466		$	1,066,422		$	904,485
	Capitalization		303,543			283,341			276,840
	Amortization		(144,378	)		(129,183	)		(118,598	)
	Foreign exchange and other		(16,451	)		(12,114	)		3,695
	DAC balance, end of period	$	1,351,180		$	1,208,466		$	1,066,422

Separate_Accounts_Tables

Separate Accounts (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Separate Accounts Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment	The following table represents the fair value of assets supporting separate accounts by major investment category:
		Year ended December 31,
		2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	Fixed income securities	$	1,019,034		$	1,044,231
	Equity securities		1,318,382			1,425,491
	Cash and cash equivalents		104,983			35,685
	Due to/from funds		(2,536	)		(2,210	)
	Other		440			632
	Total separate accounts assets	$	2,440,303		$	2,503,829

Insurance_Reserves_Tables

Insurance Reserves (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Insurance Reserves Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Liability For Future Policy Benefits and Unpaid Claims	Changes in policy claims and other benefits payable were as follows:
		Year ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Policy claims and other benefits payable, beginning of period	$	253,304		$	254,533		$	241,754
	Less reinsured policy claims and other benefits payable		248,185			269,279			236,930
	Net balance, beginning of period		5,119			(14,746	)		4,824
	Incurred related to current year		130,075			147,639			150,352
	Incurred related to prior years		468			(4,956	)		(3,208	)
	Total incurred		130,543			142,683			147,144
	Claims paid related to current year, net of reinsured policy claims received		(136,873	)		(150,922	)		(183,208	)
	Reinsured policy claims received related to prior years, net of claims paid		7,534			28,601			16,307
	Total paid		(129,339	)		(122,321	)		(166,901	)
	Sale of DBL		(5,047	)		-			-
	Foreign currency		(493	)		(497	)		187
	Net balance, end of period		783			5,119			(14,746	)
	Add reinsured policy claims and other benefits payable		264,049			248,185			269,279
	Balance, end of period	$	264,832		$	253,304		$	254,533

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Debt	Notes Payable. Notes payable consisted of the following:
		31-Dec-14			31-Dec-13
		(Dollars in thousands)
	4.75% senior notes payable, due July 15, 2022	$	375,000		$	375,000
	Unamortized issuance discount on notes payable		(468	)		(519	)
	Total notes payable	$	374,532		$	374,481

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Provision for Income Taxes	Income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations consists of the following:
		Current			Deferred			Total
		(In thousands)
	Year ended December 31, 2014
	Federal	$	44,356		$	31,590		$	75,946
	Foreign		24,403			(4,826	)		19,577
	State and local		1,372			(1,007	)		365
	Total tax expense	$	70,131		$	25,757		$	95,888
	Year ended December 31, 2013
	Federal	$	33,798		$	32,919		$	66,717
	Foreign		32,797			(14,410	)		18,387
	State and local		1,377			(176	)		1,201
	Total tax expense	$	67,972		$	18,333		$	86,305
	Year ended December 31, 2012
	Federal	$	51,032		$	24,517		$	75,549
	Foreign		26,836			(11,130	)		15,706
	State and local		1,613			(55	)		1,558
	Total tax expense	$	79,481		$	13,332		$	92,813
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	The reconciliation for such difference follows:
		Year ended December 31,
		2014						2013					2012
		Amount			Percentage			Amount		Percentage			Amount			Percentage
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Computed tax expense	$	96,503			35	%	$	85,752		35	%	$	93,143			35	%
	Other		(615	)		(0.2	)%		553		0.2	%		(330	)		(0.1	)%
	Total tax expense /	$	95,888			34.8	%	$	86,305		35.2	%	$	92,813			34.9	%
	effective rate
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	The main components of deferred income tax assets and liabilities were as follows:
		December 31,
		2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	Deferred tax assets:
	Policy benefit reserves and unpaid policy claims	$	216,768		$	207,662
	Intangibles and tax goodwill		43,822			47,591
	Future deductible liabilities		22,972			27,606
	Other		19,764			15,759
	Total deferred tax assets		303,326			298,618
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Deferred policy acquisition costs		(291,683	)		(269,534	)
	Investments		(28,909	)		(26,010	)
	Unremitted earnings on foreign subsidiaries		(2,602	)		(2,848	)
	Reinsurance deposit asset		(55,040	)		(43,544	)
	Other		(14,463	)		(15,098	)
	Total deferred tax liabilities		(392,697	)		(357,034	)
	Net deferred tax liabilities	$	(89,371	)	$	(58,416	)
Summary of Income Tax Contingencies	A reconciliation of the change in the unrecognized income tax benefit for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
		December 31,
		2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning of period	$	16,607		$	20,996
	Change in prior period unrecognized tax benefits		(16	)		32
	Change in current period unrecognized tax benefits		2,102			2,108
	Reductions as a result of a lapse in statute of limitations		(2,679	)		(6,529	)
	Unrecognized tax benefits, end of period	$	16,014		$	16,607

Stockholders_Equity_Tables

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stockholders Equity Note [Abstract]
Reconciliation of Number of Shares of Common Stock	A reconciliation of the number of shares of our common stock follows.
		Year ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Common stock, beginning of period		54,834			56,374			64,883
	Shares of restricted common stock issued		-			280			438
	Shares issued for stock options exercised		4			-			-
	Shares of common stock issued upon lapse of restricted stock units ("RSUs")		502			1,122			998
	Common stock retired		(3,171	)		(2,942	)		(9,945	)
	Common stock, end of period		52,169			54,834			56,374

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Calculation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share	The calculation of basic and diluted EPS follows.
		Year ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(In thousands, except per-share amounts)
	Basic EPS
	Numerator (continuing operations):
	Income from continuing operations	$	179,834		$	158,701		$	173,309
	Income attributable to unvested participating securities		(2,038	)		(2,605	)		(4,637	)
	Income from continuing operations used in calculating basic EPS	$	177,796		$	156,096		$	168,672
	Numerator (discontinued operations):
	Income from discontinued operations	$	1,578		$	4,024		$	497
	Income attributable to unvested participating securities		(18	)		(66	)		(13	)
	Income from discontinued operations used in calculating basic EPS	$	1,560		$	3,958		$	484
	Denominator:
	Weighted-average vested shares		54,567			55,834			61,059
	Basic EPS from continuing operations	$	3.26		$	2.8		$	2.76
	Basic EPS from discontinued operations	$	0.03		$	0.07		$	0.01
	Diluted EPS
	Numerator (continuing operations):
	Income from continuing operations	$	179,834		$	158,701		$	173,309
	Income attributable to unvested participating securities		(2,037	)		(2,575	)		(4,548	)
	Income from continuing operations used in calculating diluted EPS	$	177,797		$	156,126		$	168,761
	Numerator (discontinued operations):
	Income from discontinued operations	$	1,578		$	4,024		$	497
	Income attributable to unvested participating securities		(18	)		(65	)		(13	)
	Income from discontinued operations used in calculating diluted EPS	$	1,560		$	3,959		$	484
	Denominator:
	Weighted-average vested shares		54,567			55,834			61,059
	Dilutive effect of incremental shares if issued for warrants outstanding		-			787			1,342
	Dilutive effect of incremental shares to be issued for equity awards		31			4			-
	Weighted-average shares used in calculating diluted EPS		54,598			56,625			62,401
	Diluted EPS from continuing operations	$	3.26		$	2.76		$	2.7
	Diluted EPS from discontinued operations	$	0.03		$	0.07		$	0.01

ShareBased_Transactions_Tables

Share-Based Transactions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of Compensation Cost and Tax Benefits for Share-based Payment Arrangements Management and Director Equity Awards	In connection with our granting of management and director restricted stock and RSU awards, we recognized expense and tax benefit offsets as follows:
		Year ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Total management and director restricted stock and RSU awards	$	15,726		$	13,101		$	18,944
	Tax benefit associated with total management and director restricted stock		5,322			3,936			4,533
	and RSU award expense
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity	The following table summarizes management and director restricted stock and RSU activity during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012.
		Shares			Weighted-average measurement-date fair value per share
		(Shares in thousands)
	Unvested employee restricted stock and RSUs, December 31, 2011		2,064		$	16.88
	Granted		458			25.4
	Forfeited		(13	)		22.7
	Vested		(1,002	)		16.43
	Unvested employee restricted stock and RSUs, December 31, 2012		1,507			19.72
	Granted		322			32.76
	Forfeited		(9	)		28.72
	Vested		(1,098	)		17.59
	Unvested employee restricted stock and RSUs, December 31, 2013		722			28.67
	Granted		279			41.31
	Forfeited		(13	)		30.49
	Vested		(408	)		28.53
	Unvested employee restricted stock and RSUs, December 31, 2014		580			34.67
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Cost and Benefit	Compensation expense and related tax benefits recognized for stock options awards were as follows:
		Year ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Expense recognized for stock option awards	$	1,803		$	323		$	-
	Tax benefit recognized for stock option awards		631			113			-
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions	The following assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of stock options granted:
		Year ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Expected volatility		33	%		30	%	n/a
	Expected per share dividend yield		1.17	%		1.35	%	n/a
	Risk-free interest rate		1.81	%		1.06	%	n/a
	Expected term of options using simplified method	6 years			6 years			n/a
	Fair value per option	$	12.54		$	8.44		n/a
Summary of Activity Related to Stock Options Outstanding and Exercisable	The following table summarizes activity related to stock options outstanding and exercisable during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.
		Outstanding						Exercisable
		Number of shares			Weighted average exercise price			Number of shares		Weighted average exercise price
		(Shares in thousands)
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012	—			n/a			—		n/a
	Granted		134		$	32.63
	Exercised	—			—					n/a
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013		134			32.63		—		n/a
	Granted		116			41.2
	Exercised		(4	)		32.63
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014		246			36.67			40	$	32.63
	Range of granted option exercise prices outstanding
	at December 31, 2014:
	$32.63 (average term remaining - 8.2 years)		130		$	32.63			40	$	32.63
	$41.20 (average term remaining - 9.1 years)		116			41.2		—		n/a
Summary of Intrinsic Values of Stock Options	A summary of the intrinsic values of our stock options is as follows:
		31-Dec-14
		(In thousands)
	Aggregate intrinsic value of exercisable stock options	$	873
	Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options expected to vest		3,451
	Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options outstanding	$	4,324
Schedule of Share-based Goods and Nonemployee Services Transaction by Supplier	The following table summarizes non-employee RSU activity during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012.
		Shares			Weighted-average measurement-date fair value per share
		(Shares in thousands)
	Unvested non-employee RSUs, December 31, 2011		117		$	17.55
	Granted		379			22.94
	Vested		(364	)		20.38
	Unvested non-employee RSUs, December 31, 2012		132		$	25.42
	Granted		504			32.14
	Vested		(532	)		29.64
	Unvested non-employee RSUs, December 31, 2013		104		$	36.44
	Granted		295			45.08
	Vested		(326	)		41.23
	Unvested non-employee RSUs, December 31, 2014		73		$	49.98
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock Units Award Activity	The following table presents the assumptions used in valuing quarterly RSU grants to agents:
		Year ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Expected volatility	17% to 31%			20% to 35%			20% to 50%
	Quarterly dividends expected	$	0.12		$	0.11		$0.03 to $0.09
	Risk-free interest rates	Less than 2%			Less than 2%			Less than 1%
Schedule of Compensation Cost and Tax Benefits for Share Based Payment Arrangements Nonemployee Equity Awards	Details on the granting and valuation of these awards follow:
		Year ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands, except per-share amounts)
	Total quarterly non-employee RSUs granted		294,985			503,737			378,505
	Measurement date per-share fair value of awards	$42.96 to $49.98			$26.39 to $36.44			$20.36 to $25.42
	Illiquidity discounts	8% to 9%			13% to 18%			17% to 32%
	Quarterly incentive awards expense recognized currently	$	453		$	364		$	-
	Quarterly incentive awards expense deferred		13,598			15,818			8,686
	Concurrent tax benefit of deferred expense		4,500			5,001			2,640

Statutory_Accounting_and_Divid1

Statutory Accounting and Dividend Restrictions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Insurance [Abstract]
Statutory Accounting Practices Disclosure	Primerica Life’s statutory capital and surplus and statutory unassigned surplus at December 31, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:
		31-Dec-14		31-Dec-13
		(In thousands)
	Statutory capital and surplus	$	498,992	$	563,260
	Statutory unassigned surplus		9,773		99,707

Commitments_and_Contingent_Lia1

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases	As of December 31, 2014, the minimum aggregate rental commitments for operating leases were as follows:
			31-Dec-14
			(In thousands)
		2015	$	6,741
		2016		6,689
		2017		6,712
		2018		6,052
		2019		5,666
	Thereafter			45,714
	Total minimum rental commitments for operating leases		$	77,574

Unaudited_Quarterly_Financial_1

Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data	Financial information for the quarters presented was prepared on a consolidated basis.
		Quarter ended			Quarter ended			Quarter ended			Quarter ended
		31-Mar-14			30-Jun-14			30-Sep-14			31-Dec-14
		(In thousands, except per-share amounts)
	Direct premiums	$	568,205		$	576,740		$	577,482		$	578,905
	Ceded premiums		(402,715	)		(410,546	)		(402,198	)		(401,359	)
	Net premiums		165,490			166,194			175,284			177,546
	Commissions and fees		126,933			132,039			132,928			135,267
	Net investment income		21,599			21,681			20,465			22,728
	Realized investment gains (losses), including		263			831			(281	)		(1,074	)
	OTTI
	Other, net		10,043			10,385			10,791			10,918
	Total revenues		324,328			331,130			339,187			345,385
	Total benefits and expenses		257,496			255,390			275,167			276,255
	Income from continuing operations before		66,832			75,740			64,020			69,130
	income taxes
	Income taxes		23,347			26,469			22,407			23,664
	Income from continuing operations		43,485			49,271			41,613			45,466
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net		1,595			-			(18	)		-
	of income taxes
	Net income	$	45,080		$	49,271		$	41,595		$	45,466
	Basic earnings per share:
	Continuing operations	$	0.78		$	0.89		$	0.75		$	0.84
	Discontinued operations		0.03			-			-			-
	Basic earnings per share	$	0.81		$	0.89		$	0.75		$	0.84
	Diluted earnings per share:
	Continuing operations	$	0.78		$	0.89		$	0.75		$	0.84
	Discontinued operations		0.03			-			-			-
	Diluted earnings per share	$	0.81		$	0.89		$	0.75		$	0.84
		Quarter ended			Quarter ended			Quarter ended			Quarter ended
		31-Mar-13			30-Jun-13			30-Sep-13			31-Dec-13
		(In thousands, except per-share amounts)
	Direct premiums	$	560,904		$	568,391		$	567,047		$	568,848
	Ceded premiums		(410,604	)		(417,450	)		(407,488	)		(408,615	)
	Net premiums		150,300			150,941			159,559			160,233
	Commissions and fees		112,273			117,182			118,440			123,910
	Net investment income		23,216			21,027			22,103			22,407
	Realized investment gains (losses), including		2,286			3,468			(407	)		899
	OTTI
	Other, net		10,375			10,872			10,714			10,773
	Total revenues		298,450			303,490			310,409			318,222
	Total benefits and expenses		239,310			236,540			247,637			262,078
	Income from continuing operations before		59,140			66,950			62,772			56,144
	income taxes
	Income taxes		21,005			23,782			22,040			19,477
	Income from continuing operations		38,135			43,168			40,732			36,667
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net		710			322			2,458			534
	of income taxes
	Net income	$	38,845		$	43,490		$	43,190		$	37,201
	Basic earnings per share:
	Continuing operations	$	0.66		$	0.75		$	0.74		$	0.66
	Discontinued operations		0.01			0.01			0.04			0.01
	Basic earnings per share	$	0.67		$	0.76		$	0.78		$	0.67
	Diluted earnings per share:
	Continuing operations	$	0.64		$	0.73		$	0.74		$	0.66
	Discontinued operations		0.01			0.01			0.04			0.01
	Diluted earnings per share	$	0.65		$	0.74		$	0.78		$	0.67
	Quarterly amounts may not agree in total to the corresponding annual amounts due to rounding.

ShareBased_Transactions_Summar

Share-Based Transactions - Summary of Activity Related to Stock Options Outstanding and Exercisable (Parenthetical) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
$32.63 (average term remaining - 8.2 years) Option [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vested option exercise price	$32.63
Vested option exercise, average life	8 years 2 months 12 days
$41.20 (average term remaining - 9.1 years) Option [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vested option exercise price	$41.20
Vested option exercise, average life	9 years 1 month 6 days

Organization_Consolidation_and3

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements - Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Intangible Assets Net Excluding Goodwill [Abstract]
Indefinite-lived intangible asset	$45,275	$45,275
Amortizing intangible assets, Gross carrying value	84,871	88,719
Amortizing intangible assets, Accumulated amortization	-68,426	-65,131
Amortizing intangible assets, Net carrying amount	16,445	23,588
Total intangible assets, Gross carrying amount	130,146	133,994
Total intangible assets, Net carrying amount	$61,720	$68,863

Organization_Consolidation_and4

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Description of Business, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Depreciation expense	$7	$7.30	$6.10
Guarantee Maturity Value as Percentage of Net Premiums	75.00%
Minimum [Member]
Description of Business, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Estimated Investment Yield, Low End	3.50%	3.50%
Maximum [Member]
Description of Business, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Estimated Investment Yield, High End	7.00%	7.00%
Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Description of Business, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Amortization of Intangible Assets	3.4	3.4	3.4
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Annual Amortization Expense, Remainder of Amortization Period	$3.40
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	24 years

Organization_Consolidation_and5

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements - Property, Plant and Equipment Useful Life (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Data Processing Equipment and Software [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Property and equipment, Useful life	3 years
Data Processing Equipment and Software [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Property and equipment, Useful life	7 years
Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Property and equipment, Useful life	15 years
Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Property and equipment, Useful life	5 years
Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Property and equipment, Useful life	15 years

Organization_Consolidation_and6

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements - Property, Plant, and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]
Data processing equipment and software	$50,956	[1]	$59,237
Leasehold improvements	13,910	[1]	19,090
Other, principally furniture and equipment	26,763	[1]	34,783
Total property, plant and equipment, Gross	91,629	[1]	113,110
Accumulated depreciation	-65,166	[1]	-88,060
Net property and equipment	$26,463	[1]	$25,050
[1]	In 2014, property and equipment with no remaining net book value was disposed of in connection with asset maintenance activities and the move of our corporate headquarters. The gross carrying amount of assets and accumulated depreciation written off were each $28.9 million.

Organization_Consolidation_and7

Organization, Consolidation, and Presentation of Financial Statements - Property, Plant, and Equipment (Parenthetical) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
Property Plant And Equipment Impairment Or Disposal [Abstract]
Book value of property and equipment disposed off	$0
Long-Lived Assets to be Abandoned, Carrying Value of Asset	$28,900,000

Discontinued_Operations_Narrat

Discontinued Operations - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Proceeds from divestiture of businesses	$3,000,000
Discontinued operation, gain (loss) from disposal of discontinued operation, before income tax	$2,400,000

Discontinued_Operations_Result

Discontinued Operations - Results of Operations and Carrying Values Of Assets And Liabilities Related To DBL (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended						12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Total revenues from discontinued operations								$36,878	$36,943
Income from discontinued operations before income taxes							2,427	6,192	766
Provision for income taxes							849	2,168	269
Income from discontinued operations, net income taxes	-18	1,595	534	2,458	322	710	1,578	4,024	497
Premiums receivable [Member]
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Disposal group, including discontinued operation, other assets			6,439					6,439
Policy claims and other benefits payable [Member]
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Disposal group, including discontinued operation, other liabilities			5,047					5,047
Other liabilities [Member]
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Disposal group, including discontinued operation, other liabilities			$1,197					$1,197

Segment_and_Geographical_Infor2

Segment and Geographical Information - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of operating segments	2
Investment and Savings Products Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets, excluding separate account assets	202.9	$195.80	$192.80
Prime Reinsurance Company [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Coinsurance percent	10.00%

Segment_and_Geographical_Infor3

Segment and Geographical Information - Assets and Continuing Operations by Segment (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$345,385	$339,187	$331,130	$324,328	$318,222	$310,409	$303,490	$298,450	$1,340,030	$1,230,570	$1,153,772
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes									275,722	245,006	266,122
Assets	10,738,114				10,329,950				10,738,114	10,329,950	10,337,877
Term Life Insurance Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									759,294	694,975	640,134
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes									201,033	197,201	185,926
Assets	7,165,373				6,783,194				7,165,373	6,783,194	6,400,126
Investment and Savings Products Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									512,073	457,138	413,965
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes									146,017	105,149	121,116
Assets	2,642,753				2,699,000				2,642,753	2,699,000	2,810,137
Corporate and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									68,663	78,457	99,673
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes									-71,328	-57,344	-40,920
Assets	$929,988				$847,756				$929,988	$847,756	$1,127,614

Segment_and_Geographical_Infor4

Segment and Geographical Information - Long Lived Assets and Continuing Operations by Country (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segments Geographic Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$345,385	$339,187	$331,130	$324,328	$318,222	$310,409	$303,490	$298,450	$1,340,030	$1,230,570	$1,153,772
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes									275,722	245,006	266,122
Long-lived assets	26,463				25,050				26,463	25,050	13,358
UNITED STATES
Segments Geographic Information [Line Items]
Revenues									1,095,888	998,186	934,672
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes									203,120	177,312	201,625
Long-lived assets	25,897				24,413				25,897	24,413	12,908
CANADA
Segments Geographic Information [Line Items]
Revenues									244,142	232,384	219,100
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes									72,602	67,694	64,497
Long-lived assets	$566				$637				$566	$637	$450

Investments_Schedule_of_Availa

Investments - Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale debt securities, amortized cost basis	$1,667,500,000	[1]	$1,663,022,000	[2]
Available-for-sale debt securities gross unrealized gain	103,881,000	[1]	109,012,000	[2]
Available-for-sale debt securities, gross unrealized loss	-12,261,000	[1]	-16,322,000	[2]
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value	1,759,120,000	[1]	1,755,712,000	[2]
Available-for-sale equity securities, cost	43,738,000		32,592,000
Available-for-sale equity securities, gross unrealized gain	10,711,000		7,935,000
Available-for-sale equity securities, gross unrealized loss	-1,059,000		-633,000
Available-for-sale equity securities, at fair value	53,390,000		39,894,000
Available-for-sale securities, amortized cost basis	1,711,238,000		1,695,614,000
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized gain	114,592,000		116,947,000
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized loss	-13,320,000		-16,955,000
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	1,812,510,000		1,795,606,000
Other-than-temporary impairment losses, investments, portion in other comprehensive income (loss)	700,000		2,100,000
U.S. Government and Agencies [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale debt securities, amortized cost basis	15,145,000		8,696,000
Available-for-sale debt securities gross unrealized gain	557,000		485,000
Available-for-sale debt securities, gross unrealized loss	-55,000		-127,000
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value	15,647,000		9,054,000
Foreign Government [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale debt securities, amortized cost basis	120,910,000		111,610,000
Available-for-sale debt securities gross unrealized gain	5,388,000		7,512,000
Available-for-sale debt securities, gross unrealized loss	-3,801,000		-2,766,000
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value	122,497,000		116,356,000
States and Political Subdivisions [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale debt securities, amortized cost basis	38,163,000		32,308,000
Available-for-sale debt securities gross unrealized gain	2,719,000		1,860,000
Available-for-sale debt securities, gross unrealized loss	-188,000		-468,000
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value	40,694,000		33,700,000
Corporates [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale debt securities, amortized cost basis	1,241,526,000		1,240,100,000
Available-for-sale debt securities gross unrealized gain	82,167,000		84,545,000
Available-for-sale debt securities, gross unrealized loss	-7,825,000		-11,931,000
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value	1,315,868,000		1,312,714,000
Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale debt securities, amortized cost basis	251,756,000		270,308,000
Available-for-sale debt securities gross unrealized gain	13,050,000		14,610,000
Available-for-sale debt securities, gross unrealized loss	-392,000		-1,030,000
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value	$264,414,000		$283,888,000
[1]	Includes approximately $0.7 million of other-than-temporary impairment losses related to corporates and mortgage- and asset-backed securities recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income.
[2]	Includes approximately $2.1 million of other-than-temporary impairment losses related to corporates and mortgage- and asset-backed securities recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income.

Investments_Fixedmaturity_Secu

Investments - Fixed-maturity Securities Classified by Contractual Maturity Date (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities [Abstract]
Due in one year or less, amortized cost	$96,063
Due after one year through five years, amortized cost	584,737
Due after five years through 10 years, amortized cost	686,366
Due after 10 years, amortized cost	48,578
Total fixed-maturity securities with single maturity dates, amortized cost	1,415,744
Mortgage and asset-backed securities, amortized cost	251,756
Available-for-sale debt securities, amortized cost basis	1,667,500	[1]	1,663,022	[2]
Due in one year or less, fair value	97,085
Due after one year through five years, fair value	632,934
Due after five years through 10 years, fair value	711,668
Due after 10 years, fair value	53,019
Total fixed-maturity securities with single maturity dates, fair value	1,494,706
Mortgage and asset-backed securities, fair value	264,414
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value	$1,759,120	[1]	$1,755,712	[2]
[1]	Includes approximately $0.7 million of other-than-temporary impairment losses related to corporates and mortgage- and asset-backed securities recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income.
[2]	Includes approximately $2.1 million of other-than-temporary impairment losses related to corporates and mortgage- and asset-backed securities recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income.

Investments_Net_Effect_on_Stoc

Investments - Net Effect on Stockholders' Equity of Unrealized Gains and Losses on Available-for-sale Securities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax [Abstract]
Net unrealized investment gains including FCTA and OTTI, Fixed-maturity and Equity securities	$101,272	$99,992
Net unrealized investment gains including FCTA and OTTI, currency swaps	23	72
Foreign currency translation adjustment	12,314	1,523
Other-than-temporary impairments	710	2,072
Net unrealized investment gains excluding foreign currency translation adjustment and other-than-temporary impairments	114,319	103,659
Less deferred income taxes	-40,011	-36,280
Net unrealized investment gains excluding foreign currency translation adjustment and other-than-temporary impairments, net of tax	$74,308	$67,379

Investments_Fixedmaturity_Secu1

Investments - Fixed-maturity Securities Classified as Trading - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Fixed-maturity securities classified as trading, carried at fair value	$7,711	$12,991
Fixed-maturity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Fixed-maturity securities classified as trading, carried at fair value	$7,700	$13,000

Investments_Heldtomaturity_Sec

Investments - Held-to-maturity Security - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule Of Held To Maturity Securities [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	4.75%
Held-to-maturity debt security estimated unrealized holding gain (or loss)	$8.80
LLC Note [Member]
Schedule Of Held To Maturity Securities [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	4.50%

Investments_Fair_Value_of_Inve

Investments - Fair Value of Investments on Deposit with Governmental Authorities - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Investments [Abstract]
Fair values of investments on deposit	$19.90	$18.40

Investments_Securities_Lending

Investments - Securities Lending Collateral - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Securities Received as Collateral [Abstract]
Securities loaned, minimum collateral to loan ratio	102.00%
Securities loaned, additional collateral requirement, decline in collateral value threshold percentage	100.00%
Cash collateral received and reinvested	$50.20	$89.90

Investments_Net_Investment_Inc

Investments - Net Investment Income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of Net Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Gross investment income, operating									$94,821	$93,619	$106,179
Investment expenses									-4,866	-4,867	-5,375
Net investment income	22,728	20,465	21,681	21,599	22,407	22,103	21,027	23,216	86,473	88,752	100,804
Equity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Net Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Gross investment income, operating									1,862	1,186	1,051
Policy Loans and Other Invested Assets [Member]
Schedule of Net Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Gross investment income, operating									1,448	1,363	1,251
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Schedule of Net Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Gross investment income, operating									247	272	454
Market return on deposit asset underlying 10% insurance agreement [Member]
Schedule of Net Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Gross investment income, operating									3,095	938	2,903
Surplus Note [Member]
Schedule of Net Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Investment expenses									-3,482
Available-for-Sale [Member] | Fixed-maturity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Net Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Gross investment income, operating									84,687	89,860	100,520
Held-to-Maturity [Member] | Fixed-maturity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Net Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Gross investment income, operating									$3,482

Investments_Schedule_of_Net_Re

Investments - Schedule of Net Realized Investment Gains and Losses (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Realized Investment Gains Losses [Abstract]
Gross gains from sales									$3,687	$6,734	$11,882
Gross losses from sales									-436	-1,209	-83
Gains from securities transferred from available-for-sale to trading securities											323
Losses from securities transferred from available-for-sale to trading securities											-6
Other-than-temporary impairment losses									-4,045	-616	-641
Gains (losses) from bifurcated options									533	1,337	-93
Realized investment gains (losses), including other-than- temporary impairment losses	-1,074	-281	831	263	899	-407	3,468	2,286	-261	6,246	11,382
Gross realized investment gains (losses) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into earnings									-794	4,909	11,475
Tax expense (benefit) associated with realized investment gains (losses) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into earnings									-278	1,718	4,016
Proceeds from sales or other redemptions									$426,621	$371,215	$571,017

Investments_Securities_with_Co

Investments - Securities with Cost Basis in Excess of Fair Value - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Investments [Abstract]
Fixed-maturity and equity securities with cost basis in excess of fair value, cost basis	$340.80	$454.20

Investments_Schedule_of_Securi

Investments - Schedule of Securities in Unrealized Loss Position (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, fair value	$237,635	$400,694
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, aggregate losses	-6,111	-13,373
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, fair value	89,832	36,555
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, aggregate losses	-7,209	-3,582
U.S. Government and Agencies [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, fair value	7,201	3,817
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, aggregate losses	-1	-36
Available-for-sale, securities in unrealized loss positions, qualitative disclosure, number of positions, less than one year	2	3
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, fair value	896	859
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, aggregate losses	-54	-91
Available-for-sale, securities in unrealized loss positions, qualitative disclosure, number of positions, greater than or equal to one year	2	2
Foreign Government [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, fair value	28,038	34,869
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, aggregate losses	-1,317	-2,190
Available-for-sale, securities in unrealized loss positions, qualitative disclosure, number of positions, less than one year	35	47
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, fair value	23,330	5,999
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, aggregate losses	-2,484	-576
Available-for-sale, securities in unrealized loss positions, qualitative disclosure, number of positions, greater than or equal to one year	40	13
States and Political Subdivisions [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, fair value	1,694	8,520
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, aggregate losses	-4	-468
Available-for-sale, securities in unrealized loss positions, qualitative disclosure, number of positions, less than one year	3	11
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, fair value	2,720	152
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, aggregate losses	-184
Available-for-sale, securities in unrealized loss positions, qualitative disclosure, number of positions, greater than or equal to one year	4	1
Corporates [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, fair value	144,262	296,192
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, aggregate losses	-3,818	-9,510
Available-for-sale, securities in unrealized loss positions, qualitative disclosure, number of positions, less than one year	153	295
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, fair value	43,736	19,022
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, aggregate losses	-4,007	-2,421
Available-for-sale, securities in unrealized loss positions, qualitative disclosure, number of positions, greater than or equal to one year	78	31
Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, fair value	49,591	54,215
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, aggregate losses	-109	-536
Available-for-sale, securities in unrealized loss positions, qualitative disclosure, number of positions, less than one year	43	46
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, fair value	16,847	10,523
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, aggregate losses	-283	-494
Available-for-sale, securities in unrealized loss positions, qualitative disclosure, number of positions, greater than or equal to one year	20	9
Fixed-maturity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, fair value	230,786	397,613
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, aggregate losses	-5,249	-12,740
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, fair value	87,529	36,555
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, aggregate losses	-7,012	-3,582
Equity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, fair value	6,849	3,081
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, aggregate losses	-862	-633
Available-for-sale, securities in unrealized loss positions, qualitative disclosure, number of positions, less than one year	15	7
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, fair value	2,303
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, aggregate losses	($197)
Available-for-sale, securities in unrealized loss positions, qualitative disclosure, number of positions, greater than or equal to one year	1

Investments_Amortized_Cost_and

Investments - Amortized Cost and Fair Value of Available-for-sale Fixed-maturity Securities in Default (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Investments [Abstract]
Available-for-sale fixed-maturity securities in default, amortized cost	$144	$31
Available-for-sale fixed-maturity securities in default, fair value	$611	$267

Investments_Impairment_Charges

Investments - Impairment Charges in Earnings on Available-for-sale Securities (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Line Items]
Impairment charges recognized in earnings	$4,045	$616	$641
Equity Securities [Member]
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Line Items]
Impairment charges recognized in earnings	389	7	162
Investments in fixed-maturity securities not in default [Member] | Fixed-maturity Securities [Member]
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Line Items]
Impairment charges recognized in earnings	$3,656	$609	$479

Investments_Schedule_of_Net_Im

Investments - Schedule of Net Impairment Losses Recognized in Earnings for Available-for-sale Securities(Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Line Items]
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses	$4,045	$1,095	$1,204
Other-than-temporary impairment losses, investments, portion recognized in earnings, net	4,045	616	641
Does not intend to sell or more-likely-than-not will not be required to sell before recovery [Member]
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Line Items]
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses	1,579	832	991
Other-than-temporary impairment losses, portion in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		-479	-563
Other-than-temporary impairment losses, investments, portion recognized in earnings, net	1,579	353	428
Intends to sell or more-likely-than-not will be required to sell before recovery [Member]
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Line Items]
Other-than-temporary impairment losses, investments, portion recognized in earnings, net	$2,466	$263	$213

Investments_Rollforward_of_Oth

Investments - Rollforward of Other-than-temporary Impairment Credit-related Losses Recognized in Income, Fixed-maturity Securities Still Held (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Roll Forward]
Cumulative other-than-temporary impairment, credit losses for securities still held, beginning balance	$14,516	$14,171
Additions for other-than-temporary impaired securities where no credit losses were recognized prior to the beginning of the period	3,654	606
Additions for other-than-temporary impaired securities where credit losses have been recognized prior to the beginning of the period	2	3
Reductions due to sales, maturities or calls of credit impaired securities	-1,723	-264
Cumulative other-than-temporary impairment, credit losses for securities still held, ending balance	$16,449	$14,516

Investments_Derivative_Narrati

Investments - Derivative - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative, Net [Abstract]
Aggregate fair value of embedded conversion options	$5.80	$4.60

Investments_Loss_from_Closed_C

Investments - Loss from Closed Currency Forward Contracts Recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net [Abstract]
Deferred loss related to closed forward contracts	$26.40	$26.40

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru2

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Schedule of Fair Value Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	$1,812,510	$1,795,606
Fixed-maturity securities classified as trading, carried at fair value	7,711	12,991
Fair value assumptions, percentage of securities assessed by third-party pricing service	95.00%
Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member]
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fixed-maturity securities classified as trading, carried at fair value	7,711	12,991
Assets, fair value disclosure, recurring	4,260,524	4,312,426
Liabilities, fair value disclosure, recurring	2,440,303	2,503,829
Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Assets, fair value disclosure, recurring	49,273	36,150
Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fixed-maturity securities classified as trading, carried at fair value	7,711	12,991
Assets, fair value disclosure, recurring	4,210,086	4,273,988
Liabilities, fair value disclosure, recurring	2,440,303	2,503,829
Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Assets, fair value disclosure, recurring	1,165	2,288
Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | U.S. Government and Agencies [Member]
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	15,647	9,054
Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | U.S. Government and Agencies [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	15,647	9,054
Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Foreign Government [Member]
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	122,497	116,356
Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Foreign Government [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	122,497	116,356
Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | States and Political Subdivisions [Member]
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	40,694	33,700
Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | States and Political Subdivisions [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	40,694	33,700
Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Corporates [Member]
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	1,315,868	1,312,714
Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Corporates [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	2,104	1,282
Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Corporates [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	1,313,534	1,310,739
Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Corporates [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	230	693
Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	264,414	283,888
Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	263,527	282,341
Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	887	1,547
Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Fixed-maturity Securities [Member]
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	1,759,120	1,755,712
Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Fixed-maturity Securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	2,104	1,282
Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Fixed-maturity Securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	1,755,899	1,752,190
Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Fixed-maturity Securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	1,117	2,240
Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	53,390	39,894
Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	47,169	34,868
Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	6,173	4,978
Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	48	48
Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Separate Accounts Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Separate accounts assets	2,440,303	2,503,829
Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Separate Accounts Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Separate accounts assets	2,440,303	2,503,829
Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Separate Accounts Liabilities [Member]
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Separate account liabilities	2,440,303	2,503,829
Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Separate Accounts Liabilities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Separate account liabilities	$2,440,303	$2,503,829

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru3

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Rollforward of Level 3 Assets Measured on Recurring Basis (Details) (Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member], Level 3 [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Level 3 assets, beginning of period	$2,288	$5,221
Net unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income	-153	-116
Realized gains (losses) and accretion (amortization) recognized in earnings, including OTTI	439	-278
Purchases		2
Settlements	-1,409	-314
Transfers into Level 3		25
Transfers out of Level 3		-2,252
Level 3 assets, end of period	$1,165	$2,288

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru4

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Carrying Value and Estimated Fair Value for Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	$1,812,510	$1,795,606
Fixed-maturity securities held to maturity, fair value	228,809	0
Fixed-maturity securities classified as trading, carried at fair value	7,711	12,991
Surplus note	220,000
Fixed-maturity securities held to maturity	220,000
Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed-maturity securities classified as trading, carried at fair value	7,711	12,991
Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed-maturity securities classified as trading, carried at fair value	7,711	12,991
Separate Accounts Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Separate accounts assets	2,440,303	2,503,829
Separate Accounts Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Separate accounts assets	2,440,303	2,503,829
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Fixed-maturity Securities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	1,759,120	1,755,712
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	53,390	39,894
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Fair value, Nonrecurring Measurements [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Policy loans	28,095	26,806
Surplus note	220,000
Fixed-maturity securities held to maturity	220,000
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Fair value, Nonrecurring Measurements [Member] | Deposits [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deposit asset underlying 10% coinsurance agreement	157,256	124,413
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed-maturity securities classified as trading, carried at fair value	7,711	12,991
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Separate Accounts Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Separate accounts assets	2,440,303	2,503,829
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Fair value, Nonrecurring Measurements [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Notes payable	374,532	374,481
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Fixed-maturity Securities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	1,759,120	1,755,712
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	53,390	39,894
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Fair value, Nonrecurring Measurements [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed-maturity securities held to maturity, fair value	228,809
Policy loans	28,095	26,806
Surplus note	227,127
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Fair value, Nonrecurring Measurements [Member] | Deposits [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deposit asset underlying 10% coinsurance agreement	157,256	124,413
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed-maturity securities classified as trading, carried at fair value	7,711	12,991
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Separate Accounts Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Separate accounts assets	2,440,303	2,503,829
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Fair value, Nonrecurring Measurements [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Notes payable	411,916	385,161
Separate Accounts Liabilities [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Separate account liabilities	2,440,303	2,503,829
Separate Accounts Liabilities [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Separate account liabilities	2,440,303	2,503,829
Separate Accounts Liabilities [Member] | Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Separate account liabilities	2,440,303	2,503,829
Separate Accounts Liabilities [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Separate account liabilities	$2,440,303	$2,503,829

Reinsurance_Narrative_Details

Reinsurance - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 30, 2010
Reinsurance Retention Policy [Line Items]
Amount of life insurance retained on the life of one person	$1,000,000
Reinsurance, loss on uncollectible accounts in period, amount	0	0	0
Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses	26,000,000	32,900,000
Deposit asset underlying 10% coinsurance agreement	$157,300,000	$124,400,000
Percentage of finance charge for statutory reserves	3.00%
Minimum [Member]
Reinsurance Retention Policy [Line Items]
Percentage of risks and rewards of term life insurance policies in force				80.00%
Maximum [Member]
Reinsurance Retention Policy [Line Items]
Percentage of risks and rewards of term life insurance policies in force				90.00%

Reinsurance_Inforce_Life_Insur

Reinsurance - In-force Life Insurance (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
Direct life insurance in force	$685,998,013	$679,337,825	$675,164,992
Amounts ceded to other companies	-607,218,906	-601,309,340	-599,133,626
Net life insurance in force	$78,779,107	$78,028,485	$76,031,366
Percentage of reinsured life insurance in force	89.00%	89.00%

Reinsurance_Reinsurance_Receiv

Reinsurance - Reinsurance Receivable and Financial Strength Ratings by Reinsurer (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Reinsurance receivable	$4,115,533		$4,055,054
Prime Reinsurance Company [Member]
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Reinsurance receivable	2,645,011	[1]	2,572,800	[1]
SCOR Global Life Reinsurance Companies [Member]
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Reinsurance receivable	373,947	[2]	372,479	[2]
Financial Reassurance Company 2010, Ltd. [Member]
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Reinsurance receivable	320,718	[1]	343,144	[1]
Swiss Re Life & Health America Inc. [Member]
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Reinsurance receivable	260,734	[3]	260,775	[3]
American Health and Life Insurance Company [Member]
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Reinsurance receivable	175,755	[1]	174,722	[1]
Munich American Reassurance Company [Member]
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Reinsurance receivable	100,846		100,856
Korean Reinsurance Company [Member]
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Reinsurance receivable	89,300		89,405
RGA Reinsurance Company [Member]
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Reinsurance receivable	78,143		75,629
TOA Reinsurance Company [Member]
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Reinsurance receivable	20,139		18,824
Hannover Life Reassurance Company [Member]
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Reinsurance receivable	18,694		16,862
All Other Reinsurers [Member]
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Reinsurance receivable	$32,246		$29,558
Reinsurance receivable credit rating from agencies	-		-
External credit rating, not rated [Member] | Prime Reinsurance Company [Member]
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Reinsurance receivable credit rating from agencies	NR	[1]	NR	[1]
External credit rating, not rated [Member] | Financial Reassurance Company 2010, Ltd. [Member]
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Reinsurance receivable credit rating from agencies	NR	[1]	NR	[1]
AM Best, A Rating [Member] | SCOR Global Life Reinsurance Companies [Member]
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Reinsurance receivable credit rating from agencies	A	[2]	A	[2]
AM Best, A Rating [Member] | Korean Reinsurance Company [Member]
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Reinsurance receivable credit rating from agencies	A		A
AM Best, A+ Rating [Member] | Swiss Re Life & Health America Inc. [Member]
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Reinsurance receivable credit rating from agencies	A+	[3]	A+	[3]
AM Best, A+ Rating [Member] | Munich American Reassurance Company [Member]
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Reinsurance receivable credit rating from agencies	A+		A+
AM Best, A+ Rating [Member] | RGA Reinsurance Company [Member]
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Reinsurance receivable credit rating from agencies	A+		A+
AM Best, A+ Rating [Member] | TOA Reinsurance Company [Member]
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Reinsurance receivable credit rating from agencies	A+		A+
AM Best, A+ Rating [Member] | Hannover Life Reassurance Company [Member]
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Reinsurance receivable credit rating from agencies	A+		A+
AM Best, A- Rating [Member] | American Health and Life Insurance Company [Member]
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Reinsurance receivable credit rating from agencies	A-	[1]	A-	[1]
[1]	Reinsurers are affiliates of Citigroup. Amounts shown are net of their share of the reinsurance receivable from other reinsurers.
[2]	Includes amounts ceded to Transamerica Reinsurance Companies and fully retroceded to SCOR Global Life Reinsurance Companies.
[3]	Includes amounts ceded to Lincoln National Life Insurance and 100% retroceded to Swiss Re Life & Health America Inc.

Reinsurance_Reinsurance_Receiv1

Reinsurance - Reinsurance Receivable and Financial Strength Ratings by Reinsurer (Parenthetical) (Details) (Swiss Re Life & Health America Inc. [Member])	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Swiss Re Life & Health America Inc. [Member]
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Reinsurance receivable, retroceded percentage	100.00%	100.00%

Deferred_Policy_Acquisition_Co2

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs - Narrative (Details)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	Rate	Rate
Minimum [Member]
Deferred policy acquisition costs [Line Items]
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Estimated Investment Yield, Low End	3.50%	3.50%
Maximum [Member]
Deferred policy acquisition costs [Line Items]
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Estimated Investment Yield, High End	7.00%	7.00%

Deferred_Policy_Acquisition_Co3

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs - Balance RollForward (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Disclosures [Abstract]
Beginning balance	$1,208,466	$1,066,422	$904,485
Capitalization	303,543	283,341	276,840
Amortization	-144,378	-129,183	-118,598
Foreign exchange and other	-16,451	-12,114	3,695
Ending balance	$1,351,180	$1,208,466	$1,066,422

Separate_Accounts_Narrative_De

Separate Accounts - Narrative (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Separate Accounts Narrative [Abstract]
Separate accounts contract's minimum guaranteed payments, percentage of policyholder's contribution	75.00%
Separate accounts contract minimum maturity, years	10 years
Separate accounts contract maximum maturity, years	56 years
Separate accounts contract maturity, years	20 years
Separate accounts contracts minimum guaranteed payments, decline in percentage of policyholder's contribution	25.00%

Separate_Accounts_Schedule_of_

Separate Accounts - Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule Of Fair Value Of Separate Accounts By Major Category Of Investment [Line Items]
Separate account assets	$2,440,303	$2,503,829
Fixed Income Securities [Member]
Schedule Of Fair Value Of Separate Accounts By Major Category Of Investment [Line Items]
Separate account assets	1,019,034	1,044,231
Equity Securities [Member]
Schedule Of Fair Value Of Separate Accounts By Major Category Of Investment [Line Items]
Separate account assets	1,318,382	1,425,491
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Schedule Of Fair Value Of Separate Accounts By Major Category Of Investment [Line Items]
Separate account assets	104,983	35,685
Due To/From Funds [Member]
Schedule Of Fair Value Of Separate Accounts By Major Category Of Investment [Line Items]
Separate account assets	-2,536	-2,210
Other [Member]
Schedule Of Fair Value Of Separate Accounts By Major Category Of Investment [Line Items]
Separate account assets	$440	$632

Insurance_Reserves_Schedule_of

Insurance Reserves - Schedule of Liability For Future Policy Benefits and Unpaid Claims (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Liability For Claims And Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Policy claims and other benefits payable, beginning of period	$264,832	$253,304	$254,533	$241,754
Reinsured policy claims and other benefits payable, beginning of period	264,049	248,185	269,279	236,930
Net balance, beginning of period	783	5,119	-14,746	4,824
Foreign currency	-493	-497	187
Net balance, end of period	783	5,119	-14,746	4,824
Reinsured policy claims and other benefits payable, end of period	264,049	248,185	269,279	236,930
Policy claims and other benefits payable, end of period	$264,832	$253,304	$254,533	$241,754

Debt_Schedule_of_Notes_Payable

Debt - Schedule of Notes Payable (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt instrument, face amount	$375,000	$375,000
Debt instrument, Unamortized discount	-468	-519
Total notes payable	$374,532	$374,481

Debt_Schedule_of_Notes_Payable1

Debt - Schedule of Notes Payable (Parenthetical) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	4.75%
Debt instrument, due date	15-Jul-22

Debt_Narrative_Details

Debt - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	$375,000	$375,000
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	4.75%
Surplus note	220,000
Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Surplus note	915,000
Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	$375,000
Issue price of senior notes	99.84%
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	4.75%
Surplus Note [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	4.50%

Income_Taxes_Provision_for_Inc

Income Taxes - Provision for Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Current federal tax expense (benefit)									$44,356	$33,798	$51,032
Current foreign tax expense (benefit)									24,403	32,797	26,836
Current state and local tax expense (benefit)									1,372	1,377	1,613
Current income tax expense (benefit)									70,131	67,972	79,481
Deferred federal income tax expense (benefit)									31,590	32,919	24,517
Deferred foreign income tax expense (benefit)									-4,826	-14,410	-11,130
Deferred state and local income tax expense (benefit)									-1,007	-176	-55
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)									25,757	18,333	13,332
Federal income tax expense (benefit)									75,946	66,717	75,549
Foreign income tax expense (benefit)									19,577	18,387	15,706
State and local income tax expense (benefit)									365	1,201	1,558
Income tax expense (benefit)	$23,664	$22,407	$26,469	$23,347	$19,477	$22,040	$23,782	$21,005	$95,888	$86,305	$92,813

Income_Taxes_Schedule_of_Effec

Income Taxes - Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income tax expense (benefit)	$23,664	$22,407	$26,469	$23,347	$19,477	$22,040	$23,782	$21,005	$95,888	$86,305	$92,813

Income_Taxes_Schedule_of_Defer

Income Taxes - Schedule of Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred tax assets:
Deferred tax assets, tax deferred expense, reserves and accruals, reserves	$216,768	$207,662
Deferred tax assets, goodwill and intangible assets	43,822	47,591
Deferred tax assets, tax deferred expense, reserves and accruals, accrued liabilities	22,972	27,606
Deferred tax assets, other	19,764	15,759
Deferred tax assets, gross	303,326	298,618
Deferred tax liabilities:
Deferred tax liabilities, deferred expense, deferred policy acquisition costs	-291,683	-269,534
Deferred tax liabilities, investments	-28,909	-26,010
Deferred tax liabilities, undistributed foreign earnings	-2,602	-2,848
Deferred tax liabilities, reinsurance deposit asset	-55,040	-43,544
Deferred tax liabilities, other	-14,463	-15,098
Deferred tax liabilities, gross	-392,697	-357,034
Deferred tax liabilities, net for all jurisdictions	($89,371)	($58,416)

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Income Taxes - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Deferred tax assets, operating loss carryforwards, state and local	$7,300,000
Deferred tax assets, valuation allowance	0	0
Deferred tax liability not recognized, undistributed foreign earnings	10,600,000
Unremitted foreign earnings available for repatriation	28,500,000
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate	8,900,000	8,300,000
Unrecognized tax benefits, income tax penalties and interest accrued	2,600,000	2,900,000
Unrecognized tax benefits, interest benefit	100,000	100,000	100,000
Unrecognized tax penalties	0
Tax indemnification asset from Citigroup	$4,800,000

Income_Taxes_Summary_of_Income

Income Taxes - Summary of Income Tax Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning of period	$16,607	$20,996
Unrecognized tax benefits, increases resulting from prior period tax positions	-16	32
Unrecognized tax benefits, increases resulting from current period tax positions	2,102	2,108
Unrecognized tax benefits, reductions resulting from lapse of applicable statute of limitations	-2,679	-6,529
Unrecognized tax benefits, end of period	$16,014	$16,607

Stockholders_Equity_Reconcilia

Stockholders Equity - Reconciliation of Number of Shares of Common Stock (Details)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Stockholders Equity Note [Abstract]
Common stock, beginning of period	54,834	56,374	64,883
Shares of restricted common stock issued		280	438
Shares issued for stock options exercised	4
Shares of common stock issued upon lapse of restricted stock units ("RSUs")	502	1,122	998
Common stock retired	-3,171	-2,942	-9,945
Common stock, end of period	52,169	54,834	56,374

Stockholders_Equity_Narrative_

Stockholders' Equity - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchased and retired during period, shares	3,171,000	2,942,000	9,945,000
November 2013 Share Repurchase Program [Member]
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchased and retired during period, shares	3,016,615
Stock repurchased program, authorized amount	150,000,000
Stock repurchased and retired during period, value	147,900,000
Stock repurchase program, remaining authorized repurchase amount	2,100,000
November 2014 Share Repurchase Program [Member]
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchased program, authorized amount	150,000,000
Warburg Pincus [Member]
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchased and retired during period, shares		2,500,000	7,800,000
Class of warrant or right, repurchased	4,103,110
Class of warrant or right, exercise price of warrants or rights	18
Open Market [Member]
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchased and retired during period, shares			1,700,000
Restricted stock units (RSUs) [Member]
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, non-option equity instruments, outstanding, number	1,200,000

Earnings_Per_Share_Calculation

Earnings Per Share - Calculation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Income from continuing operations	$45,466	$41,613	$49,271	$43,485	$36,667	$40,732	$43,168	$38,135	$179,834	$158,701	$173,309
Income from discontinued operations		-18		1,595	534	2,458	322	710	1,578	4,024	497
Weighted-average vested shares									54,567	55,834	61,059
Basic EPS from continuing operations	$0.84	$0.75	$0.89	$0.78	$0.66	$0.74	$0.75	$0.66	$3.26	$2.80	$2.76
Basic EPS from discontinued operations				$0.03	$0.01	$0.04	$0.01	$0.01	$0.03	$0.07	$0.01
Dilutive effect of incremental shares if issued for warrants outstanding										787	1,342
Dilutive effect of incremental shares to be issued for equity awards									31	4
Weighted-average shares used in calculating diluted EPS									54,598	56,625	62,401
Diluted EPS from continuing operations	$0.84	$0.75	$0.89	$0.78	$0.66	$0.74	$0.73	$0.64	$3.26	$2.76	$2.70
Diluted EPS from discontinued operations				$0.03	$0.01	$0.04	$0.01	$0.01	$0.03	$0.07	$0.01
Continuing Operations [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Income used in calculating basic EPS									177,796	156,096	168,672
Income used in calculating diluted EPS									177,797	156,126	168,761
Continuing Operations [Member] | Stock Compensation Plan [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Income attributable to unvested participating securities, basic EPS									-2,038	-2,605	-4,637
Income attributable to unvested participating securities, diluted EPS									-2,037	-2,575	-4,548
Discontinued Operations [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Income used in calculating basic EPS									1,560	3,958	484
Income used in calculating diluted EPS									1,560	3,959	484
Discontinued Operations [Member] | Stock Compensation Plan [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Income attributable to unvested participating securities, basic EPS									-18	-66	-13
Income attributable to unvested participating securities, diluted EPS									($18)	($65)	($13)

ShareBased_Transactions_Narrat

Share-Based Transactions - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant	2,100,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term		10 years
Stock options exercise term, description	Upon retirement, employees have the lesser of three years or the remaining option term to exercise any vested options.
Equity compensation expense for the modified awards	$4,600,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Sale Restrictions Expiration Period Subsequent to Vesting	3 years
Restricted stock units (RSUs) [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	7,100,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	9 months 18 days
Stock Options [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period		3 years
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	500,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	10 months 24 days
Intrinsic value of options exercised	53,000
Tax benefit realized from options exercised	19,000
Value of issued shares that were withheld to satisfy the exercise price of stock options exercised	$142,000
Nonemployee Shares [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Agent equity awards unvested	73,000	104,000	132,000	117,000
Management | Restricted stock units (RSUs) [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	3 years
Management | U.S. Based Subsidiaries [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period		3 years
Management | Canadian Subsidiaries [Member] | Restricted stock units (RSUs) [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period		3 years
Non-employee Directors [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period			3 years
Non-employee Directors [Member] | Restricted stock units (RSUs) [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	1 year	1 year

ShareBased_Transactions_Employ

Share-Based Transactions - Employee Share-Based Transactions, Cost and Tax Benefit (Details) (Management and Director Awards [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Management and Director Awards [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total management and director restricted stock and RSU awards	$15,726	$13,101	$18,944
Tax benefit associated with total management and director restricted stock and RSU award expense	$5,322	$3,936	$4,533

ShareBased_Transactions_Employ1

Share-Based Transactions - Employee Share-Based Transactions, Restricted Stock and RSU Activity (Details) (Management and Director Awards [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Management and Director Awards [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement [Abstract]
Shares, beginning balance	722	1,507	2,064
Shares, granted	279	322	458
Shares, forfeited	-13	-9	-13
Shares, vested	-408	-1,098	-1,002
Shares, ending balance	580	722	1,507
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share [Abstract]
Weighted-average measurement-date fair value per share, beginning balance	$28.67	$19.72	$16.88
Weighted-average measurement-date fair value per share, granted	$41.31	$32.76	$25.40
Weighted-average measurement-date fair value per share, forfeited	$30.49	$28.72	$22.70
Weighted-average measurement-date fair value per share, vested	$28.53	$17.59	$16.43
Weighted-average measurement-date fair value per share, ending balance	$34.67	$28.67	$19.72

ShareBased_Transactions_Employ2

Share-Based Transactions - Employee Share-Based Transactions, Valuation Assumptions (Details) (Stock Options [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Stock Options [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected volatility	33.00%	30.00%
Expected per share dividend yield	1.17%	1.35%
Risk-free interest rate	1.81%	1.06%
Expected term of options using simplified method	P6Y	P6Y	n/a
Fair value per option	$12.54	$8.44

ShareBased_Transactions_Summar1

Share-Based Transactions - Summary of Activity Related to Stock Options Outstanding and Exercisable (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares, outstanding beginning balance	134
Number of shares, granted	116	134
Number of shares, exercised	-4
Number of shares, outstanding ending balance	246	134
Weighted average exercise price, outstanding beginning balance	$32.63
Weighted average exercise price, granted	$41.20	$32.63
Weighted average exercise price, exercised	$32.63
Weighted average exercise price, outstanding ending balance	$36.67	$32.63
Number of shares, exercisable, ending balance	40
Weighted average exercise price, exercisable	$32.63
$32.63 (average term remaining - 8.2 years) [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares, vested option exercise prices outstanding	130
Weighted average exercise price, vested option exercise prices outstanding	$32.63
Number of shares, vested option exercise prices exercisable	40
Weighted average exercise price, vested option exercise prices exercisable	$32.63
$41.20 (average term remaining - 9.1 years) [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares, vested option exercise prices outstanding	116
Weighted average exercise price, vested option exercise prices outstanding	$41.20

ShareBased_Transactions_Summar2

Share-Based Transactions - Summary of Intrinsic Values of Stock Options (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Aggregate intrinsic value of exercisable stock options	$873
Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options expected to vest	3,451
Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options outstanding	$4,324

ShareBased_Transactions_Nonemp

Share-Based Transactions - Nonemployee Share-Based Transactions, RSU Activity (Details) (Nonemployee Shares [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Nonemployee Shares [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement [Abstract]
Shares, beginning balance	104	132	117
Shares, granted	295	504	379
Shares, vested	-326	-532	-364
Shares, ending balance	73	104	132
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share [Abstract]
Weighted-average measurement-date fair value per share, beginning balance	$36.44	$25.42	$17.55
Weighted-average measurement-date fair value per share, granted	$45.08	$32.14	$22.94
Weighted-average measurement-date fair value per share, vested	$41.23	$29.64	$20.38
Weighted-average measurement-date fair value per share, ending balance	$49.98	$36.44	$25.42

ShareBased_Transactions_Nonemp1

Share-Based Transactions - Nonemployee Share-Based Transactions, Valuation Assumptions (Details) (Nonemployee Shares [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Valuation Assumptions For Restricted Stock Units [Line Items]
Expected volatility	17.00%	20.00%	20.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate, Maximum	31.00%	35.00%	50.00%
Quarterly dividends expected	$0.12	$0.11	$0.03 to $0.09
Maximum [Member]
Valuation Assumptions For Restricted Stock Units [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate		2.00%	1.00%

ShareBased_Transactions_Nonemp2

Share-Based Transactions - Nonemployee Share-Based Transactions, Cost and Tax Benefit (Details) (Nonemployee Shares [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share Based Goods And Nonemployee Services Transaction [Line Items]
Total quarterly non-employee RSUs granted		294,985
Measurement date per-share fair value of awards	$42.96 to $49.98	$42.96 to $49.98	$26.39 to $36.44
Illiquidity discounts	8% to 9%	8% to 9%	13% to 18%
Expense Recognized [Member]
Share Based Goods And Nonemployee Services Transaction [Line Items]
Quarterly incentive awards expense		453
Expense Deferred [Member]
Share Based Goods And Nonemployee Services Transaction [Line Items]
Quarterly incentive awards expense		13,598
Tax Benefit of Deferred Expense [Member]
Share Based Goods And Nonemployee Services Transaction [Line Items]
Quarterly incentive awards expense		4,500

Statutory_Accounting_and_Divid2

Statutory Accounting and Dividend Restrictions - Statutory Accounting Practices Disclosure (Details) (Primerica Life [Member], MASSACHUSETTS, USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Primerica Life [Member] | MASSACHUSETTS
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory accounting practices, statutory capital and surplus, balance	$498,992	$563,260
Statutory accounting practices, statutory unassigned surplus	$9,773	$99,707

Statutory_Accounting_and_Divid3

Statutory Accounting and Dividend Restrictions - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Primerica Life [Member] | MASSACHUSETTS
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory accounting practices, statutory net income amount	$267,400,000	$306,700,000
Payments of dividends	235,000,000
Statutory accounting practices, statutory amount available for dividend payments	9,800,000
Statutory accounting practices, statutory capital and surplus required	79,300,000
Statutory accounting practices, statutory capital and surplus, balance	498,992,000	563,260,000
Peach Re [Member] | VERMONT
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
State insurance department, statutory to NAIC, amount of reconciling item	507,000,000
Primerica Life Canada [Member] | CANADA
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory accounting practices, statutory capital and surplus, balance	290,100,000	279,900,000
Statutory accounting practices, statutory amount available for dividend payments without regulatory approval	$114,800,000

Commitments_and_Contingent_Lia2

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Line Items]
Total minimum rent expense	$7,700,000	$8,300,000	$6,900,000
Contingent rent expense	0	0	0
Future operating lease, term	15 years
Letter of credit, outstanding	507,000,000
Letter of Credit [Member]
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Line Items]
Letter of credit, outstanding	507,000,000
Line of credit facility, agreement term	14 years
Minimum [Member]
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Line Items]
Future operating lease, amount	4,500,000
Maximum [Member]
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Line Items]
Future operating lease, term	15 years
Future operating lease, amount	5,600,000
Letter Of Credit Initial Amount [Member] | Letter of Credit [Member]
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Line Items]
Letter of credit, outstanding	$450,000,000

Commitments_and_Contingent_Lia3

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities - Future Minimum Lease Payments (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Future Minimum Lease Payments [Abstract]
2015	$6,741
2016	6,689
2017	6,712
2018	6,052
2019	5,666
Thereafter	45,714
Total minimum rental commitments for operating leases	$77,574

Benefit_Plans_Narrative_Detail

Benefit Plans - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Contribution Pension And Other Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized	$6.50	$6.50	$6.40

Unaudited_Quarterly_Financial_2

Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data - Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Direct premiums	$578,905	$577,482	$576,740	$568,205	$568,848	$567,047	$568,391	$560,904	$2,301,332	$2,265,191	$2,231,032
Ceded premiums	-401,359	-402,198	-410,546	-402,715	-408,615	-407,488	-417,450	-410,604	-1,616,817	-1,644,158	-1,663,753
Net premiums	177,546	175,284	166,194	165,490	160,233	159,559	150,941	150,300	684,515	621,033	567,279
Commissions and fees	135,267	132,928	132,039	126,933	123,910	118,440	117,182	112,273	527,166	471,808	429,044
Net investment income	22,728	20,465	21,681	21,599	22,407	22,103	21,027	23,216	86,473	88,752	100,804
Realized investment gains (losses), including OTTI	-1,074	-281	831	263	899	-407	3,468	2,286	-261	6,246	11,382
Other, net	10,918	10,791	10,385	10,043	10,773	10,714	10,872	10,375	42,137	42,731	45,263
Total revenues	345,385	339,187	331,130	324,328	318,222	310,409	303,490	298,450	1,340,030	1,230,570	1,153,772
Total benefits and expenses	276,255	275,167	255,390	257,496	262,078	247,637	236,540	239,310	1,064,308	985,564	887,650
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	69,130	64,020	75,740	66,832	56,144	62,772	66,950	59,140	275,722	245,006	266,122
Income taxes	23,664	22,407	26,469	23,347	19,477	22,040	23,782	21,005	95,888	86,305	92,813
Income from continuing operations	45,466	41,613	49,271	43,485	36,667	40,732	43,168	38,135	179,834	158,701	173,309
Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes		-18		1,595	534	2,458	322	710	1,578	4,024	497
Net income	$45,466	$41,595	$49,271	$45,080	$37,201	$43,190	$43,490	$38,845	$181,412	$162,725	$173,806
Basic earnings per share:
Continuing operations	$0.84	$0.75	$0.89	$0.78	$0.66	$0.74	$0.75	$0.66	$3.26	$2.80	$2.76
Discontinued operations				$0.03	$0.01	$0.04	$0.01	$0.01	$0.03	$0.07	$0.01
Basic earnings per share	$0.84	$0.75	$0.89	$0.81	$0.67	$0.78	$0.76	$0.67	$3.29	$2.87	$2.77
Diluted earnings per share:
Continuing operations	$0.84	$0.75	$0.89	$0.78	$0.66	$0.74	$0.73	$0.64	$3.26	$2.76	$2.70
Discontinued operations				$0.03	$0.01	$0.04	$0.01	$0.01	$0.03	$0.07	$0.01
Diluted earnings per share	$0.84	$0.75	$0.89	$0.81	$0.67	$0.78	$0.74	$0.65	$3.29	$2.83	$2.71

Schedule_I_Summary_of_Investme1

Schedule I Summary of Investments - Other Than Investments in Related Parties (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments In Related Parties
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, cost	$1,967,043
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, fair value	2,077,125
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, carrying amount	2,068,316
US Government and Government Agencies and Authorities [Member]
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments In Related Parties
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, cost	15,145
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, fair value	15,647
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, carrying amount	15,647
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments In Related Parties
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, cost	38,763
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, fair value	41,333
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, carrying amount	41,333
Foreign Government Debt [Member]
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments In Related Parties
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, cost	122,396
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, fair value	124,030
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, carrying amount	124,030
Convertibles and Bonds with Warrants Attached [Member]
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments In Related Parties
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, cost	2,553
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, fair value	2,912
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, carrying amount	2,912
All Other Corporate Bonds [Member]
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments In Related Parties
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, cost	1,713,509
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, fair value	1,809,024
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, carrying amount	1,800,215
Mandatorily Redeemable Preferred Stock [Member]
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments In Related Parties
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, cost	2,844
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, fair value	2,694
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, carrying amount	2,694
Fixed Maturities [Member]
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments In Related Parties
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, cost	1,895,210
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, fair value	1,995,640
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, carrying amount	1,986,831
Public Utility, Equities [Member]
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments In Related Parties
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, cost	8,811
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, fair value	12,097
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, carrying amount	12,097
Banks, Trust and Insurance, Equities [Member]
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments In Related Parties
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, cost	9,238
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, fair value	12,969
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, carrying amount	12,969
Industrial, Miscellaneous, and All Others [Member]
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments In Related Parties
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, cost	10,637
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, fair value	12,331
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, carrying amount	12,331
Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member]
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments In Related Parties
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, cost	15,052
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, fair value	15,993
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, carrying amount	15,993
Equity Securities, Investment Summary [Member]
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments In Related Parties
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, cost	43,738
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, fair value	53,390
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, carrying amount	53,390
Policy Loans [Member]
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments In Related Parties
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, cost	28,095
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, fair value	28,095
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, carrying amount	$28,095

Schedule_II_Primerica_Inc_Pare

Schedule II - Primerica, Inc. (Parent Only) - Condensed Balance Sheet (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Investments:
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value	$1,759,120	[1]	$1,755,712	[2]
Total investments	2,068,316		1,835,403
Cash and cash equivalents	192,516		149,189		112,216	136,078
Other receivables	181,660		175,785
Deferred income taxes	36,082		32,450
Other assets	273,403		282,784
Total assets	10,738,114		10,329,950		10,337,877
Liabilities:
Notes payable	374,532		374,481
Current income tax payable	15,014		15,019
Deferred income taxes	125,453		90,866
Other liabilities	392,810		377,690
Commitments and contingent liabilities (see Note E)
Total liabilities	9,492,988		9,107,923
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock ($0.01 par value; authorized 500,000 in 2014 and 2013; issued and outstanding 52,169 shares in 2014 and 54,834 shares in 2013)	522		548
Paid-in capital	353,337		472,633
Retained earnings	795,740		640,840
Total stockholders’ equity	1,245,126		1,222,027		1,275,416
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	10,738,114		10,329,950
Parent Company [Member]
Investments:
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value	161,840		62,420
Total investments	161,840		62,420
Cash and cash equivalents	32,634		11,361		10,296	28,093
Due from affiliates	92		76
Other receivables	1,318		364
Deferred income taxes	7,311		5,762
Investment in subsidiaries	1,430,484		1,528,360
Other assets	2,442		2,801
Total assets	1,636,121		1,611,144
Liabilities:
Notes payable	374,532		374,481
Current income tax payable	3,287		2,185
Deferred income taxes	3,489		3,797
Due to affiliates	1,182		168
Interest payable	8,214		8,214
Other liabilities	291		272
Commitments and contingent liabilities (see Note E)
Total liabilities	390,995		389,117
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock ($0.01 par value; authorized 500,000 in 2014 and 2013; issued and outstanding 52,169 shares in 2014 and 54,834 shares in 2013)	522		548
Paid-in capital	353,337		472,633
Retained earnings	795,740		640,840
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of income tax	95,527		108,006
Total stockholders’ equity	1,245,126		1,222,027
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$1,636,121		$1,611,144
[1]	Includes approximately $0.7 million of other-than-temporary impairment losses related to corporates and mortgage- and asset-backed securities recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income.
[2]	Includes approximately $2.1 million of other-than-temporary impairment losses related to corporates and mortgage- and asset-backed securities recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income.

Schedule_II_Primerica_Inc_Pare1

Schedule II - Primerica, Inc. (Parent Only) - Condensed Financial Information Parentheticals (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis	$1,667,500	[1]	$1,663,022	[2]
Common stock, par value	$0.01		$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	500,000,000		500,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	52,169,000		54,834,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	52,169,000		54,834,000		56,374,000	64,883,000
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis	$160,839		$62,216
Common stock, par value	$0.01		$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	500,000,000		500,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	52,169,000		54,834,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	52,169,000		54,834,000
[1]	Includes approximately $0.7 million of other-than-temporary impairment losses related to corporates and mortgage- and asset-backed securities recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income.
[2]	Includes approximately $2.1 million of other-than-temporary impairment losses related to corporates and mortgage- and asset-backed securities recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income.

Schedule_II_Primerica_Inc_Pare2

Schedule II - Primerica, Inc. (Parent Only) - Condensed Statements of Income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues:
Net investment income	$22,728	$20,465	$21,681	$21,599	$22,407	$22,103	$21,027	$23,216	$86,473	$88,752	$100,804
Realized investment gains (losses), including other-than-temporary impairment losses	-1,074	-281	831	263	899	-407	3,468	2,286	-261	6,246	11,382
Total revenues	345,385	339,187	331,130	324,328	318,222	310,409	303,490	298,450	1,340,030	1,230,570	1,153,772
Expenses:
Interest expense									34,570	35,018	33,101
Other operating expenses									174,363	187,208	164,716
Income (loss) before income taxes									275,722	245,006	266,122
Income taxes	23,664	22,407	26,469	23,347	19,477	22,040	23,782	21,005	95,888	86,305	92,813
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	69,130	64,020	75,740	66,832	56,144	62,772	66,950	59,140	275,722	245,006	266,122
Net income	45,466	41,595	49,271	45,080	37,201	43,190	43,490	38,845	181,412	162,725	173,806
Parent Company [Member]
Revenues:
Dividends from subsidiaries									319,740	228,319	238,747
Net investment income									1,010	762	1,074
Realized investment gains (losses), including other-than-temporary impairment losses									-1,574	11	545
Total revenues									319,176	229,092	240,366
Expenses:
Interest expense									18,174	18,172	17,266
Other operating expenses									8,667	7,882	8,222
Total expenses									26,841	26,054	25,488
Income (loss) before income taxes									292,335	203,038	214,878
Income taxes									-7,540	-7,043	-5,998
Income from continuing operations before income taxes									299,875	210,081	220,876
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries									-118,463	-47,356	-47,070
Net income									$181,412	$162,725	$173,806

Schedule_II_Primerica_Inc_Pare3

Schedule II - Primerica, Inc. (Parent Only) - Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income	$45,466	$41,595	$49,271	$45,080	$37,201	$43,190	$43,490	$38,845	$181,412	$162,725	$173,806
Unrealized investment gains (losses):
Change in unrealized holding gains/(losses) on investment securities									11,228	-68,769	39,945
Reclassification adjustment for realized investment (gains) losses included in net income									794	-4,909	-11,475
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Equity in unrealized foreign currency translation gains of subsidiaries									-20,527	-13,695	4,221
Total other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes									-8,505	-87,373	32,691
Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)									3,974	-25,969	9,946
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes									-12,479	-61,404	22,745
Total comprehensive income (loss)									168,933	101,321	196,551
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income									181,412	162,725	173,806
Unrealized investment gains (losses):
Equity in unrealized holding gains (losses) on investment securities held by subsidiaries									7,296	-47,651	18,127
Change in unrealized holding gains/(losses) on investment securities									-778	-358	1,127
Reclassification adjustment for realized investment (gains) losses included in net income									1,574	-11	-545
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Equity in unrealized foreign currency translation gains of subsidiaries									-20,527	-13,695	4,221
Total other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes									-12,435	-61,715	22,930
Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)									44	-311	185
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes									-12,479	-61,404	22,745
Total comprehensive income (loss)									$168,933	$101,321	$196,551

Schedule_II_Primerica_Inc_Pare4

Schedule II - Primerica, Inc. (Parent Only) - Condensed Statements of Cash Flow (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$181,412	$162,725	$173,806
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Deferred tax provision	25,757	18,333	13,332
Change in income taxes	1,090	-6,423	-10,967
Realized investment (gains) losses, including other-than-temporary impairments	261	-6,246	-11,382
Accretion and amortization of investments	-4,825	-4,554	-2,766
Depreciation and amortization	12,266	10,803	10,095
Share-based compensation	17,982	13,788	18,944
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	237,644	187,899	124,333
Available-for-sale investments sold, matured or called:
Fixed maturity securities — sold	109,681	98,277	304,838
Fixed-maturity securities — matured or called	314,589	266,738	263,351
Available-for-sale investments acquired:
Fixed-maturity securities	-425,904	-308,904	-492,094
Other, net	-7,484	-23,818	-10,949
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-15,645	35,484	62,294
Cash flows from financing activities:
Dividends paid	-26,512	-25,058	-14,737
Common stock repurchased	-147,922	-86,280	-257,584
Warrants repurchased		-68,399
Excess tax benefits on share-based compensation	5,804	9,590	5,266
Tax withholdings on share-based compensation	6,377	14,793	10,628
Proceeds from issuance of Senior Notes, net of discount			374,411
Payment of note issued to Citigroup			-300,000
Payments of deferred financing costs	-876		-7,814
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-175,883	-184,940	-211,086
Change in cash and cash equivalents	43,327	36,973	-23,862
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	149,189	112,216	136,078
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	192,516	149,189	112,216
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Interest paid	33,058	32,905	38,416
Parent Company [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	181,412	162,725	173,806
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries	-70,472	47,356	8,535
Deferred tax provision	-1,778	-227	-1,139
Change in income taxes	979	-4,912	2,451
Realized investment (gains) losses, including other-than-temporary impairments	1,574	-11	-545
Accretion and amortization of investments	203	60	400
Depreciation and amortization	23	23	183
Share-based compensation	998	718	215
Change in due to/from affiliates	998	-336	438
Change in other operating assets and liabilities, net	-550	290	-109
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	113,387	205,686	184,235
Available-for-sale investments sold, matured or called:
Fixed maturity securities — sold	45,312	2,679	67,267
Fixed-maturity securities — matured or called	53,512	20,269	24,503
Available-for-sale investments acquired:
Fixed-maturity securities	-10,290	-33,118	-82,107
Other, net			-70
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	88,534	-10,170	9,593
Cash flows from financing activities:
Dividends paid	-26,512	-25,058	-14,737
Common stock repurchased	-147,922	-86,280	-257,584
Warrants repurchased		-68,399
Excess tax benefits on share-based compensation	163	79	22
Tax withholdings on share-based compensation	6,377	14,793	10,628
Proceeds from issuance of Senior Notes, net of discount			374,411
Payment of note issued to Citigroup			-300,000
Payments of deferred financing costs			-3,109
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-180,648	-194,451	-211,625
Change in cash and cash equivalents	21,273	1,065	-17,797
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	11,361	10,296	28,093
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	32,634	11,361	10,296
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Interest paid	$17,813	$17,070	$15,858

Schedule_II_Primerica_Inc_Pare5

Schedule II - Primerica, Inc. (Parent Only) - Notes to Condensed Financial Statements (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2012
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	$375,000,000	$375,000,000
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	4.75%
Letter of credit, outstanding	507,000,000
Non-life Insurance Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash dividends paid to parent company	71,300,000	63,900,000	73,600,000
Life Insurance Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash dividends paid to parent company	248,400,000	164,400,000	165,100,000
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	375,000,000
Issue price of senior notes				99.84%
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage				4.75%
Guarantor obligations, maximum exposure, undiscounted	$20,000,000

Schedule_III_Supplementary_Ins1

Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Deferred policy acquisition costs	$1,351,180	$1,208,466
Liability for future policy benefits, losses, claims and loss expense reserves	5,264,608	5,063,103
Unearned premiums	912	1,802
Other policyholders' funds	264,832	253,304
Separate account liabilities	2,440,303	2,503,829
Premium revenue	684,515	621,033	567,279
Net investment income	86,473	88,752	100,804
Benefits, claims, losses and settlement expense	311,417	279,931	254,048
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	144,378	129,183	118,598
Other operating expense	608,513	576,450	515,004
Premiums written	934	905	1,165
Term Life Insurance [Member]
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Deferred policy acquisition costs	1,264,152	1,115,286
Liability for future policy benefits, losses, claims and loss expense reserves	5,052,661	4,843,176
Other policyholders' funds	252,525	237,197
Premium revenue	660,684	597,162	543,658
Net investment income	69,772	68,796	66,119
Benefits, claims, losses and settlement expense	295,332	262,357	239,346
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	133,331	115,891	104,272
Other operating expense	129,598	119,526	110,590
Investment and Savings Products [Member]
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Deferred policy acquisition costs	58,156	63,607
Separate account liabilities	2,439,863	2,503,197
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	8,734	11,195	10,956
Other operating expense	357,322	340,794	281,893
Corporate and Other Distributed Products Segment [Member]
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Deferred policy acquisition costs	28,872	29,573
Liability for future policy benefits, losses, claims and loss expense reserves	211,947	219,927
Unearned premiums	912	1,802
Other policyholders' funds	12,307	16,107
Separate account liabilities	440	632
Premium revenue	23,831	23,871	23,621
Net investment income	16,701	19,956	34,685
Benefits, claims, losses and settlement expense	16,085	17,574	14,702
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	2,313	2,097	3,370
Other operating expense	121,593	116,130	122,521
Premiums written	$934	$905	$1,165

Schedule_IV_Reinsurance_Detail

Schedule IV - Reinsurance (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Direct premiums, life insurance in force	$685,998,013	$679,337,825	$675,164,992
Direct premiums	2,301,332	2,265,191	2,231,032
Ceded premiums, life insurance in force	607,218,906	601,309,340	599,133,626
Ceded premiums	1,616,817	1,644,158	1,663,753
Premiums, net, life insurance in force	78,779,107	78,028,485	76,031,366
Premiums earned, net	684,515	621,033	567,279
Life Insurance [Member]
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Direct premiums	2,299,355	2,262,721	2,227,821
Ceded premiums	1,615,847	1,642,775	1,661,822
Premiums earned, net	683,508	619,946	565,999
Accident and Health Insurance [Member]
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Direct premiums	1,977	2,470	3,211
Ceded premiums	970	1,383	1,931
Premiums earned, net	$1,007	$1,087	$1,280