Primerica (PRI) 10-Q 5 May 16 2016 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Apr. 30, 2016
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	Primerica, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	1,475,922
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		47,045,782

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016		Dec. 31, 2015
Investments:
Fixed-maturity securities available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost: $1,640,210 in 2016 and $1,690,043 in 2015)	$ 1,705,705	[1]	$ 1,731,459	[2]
Fixed-maturity securities held-to-maturity, at amortized cost (fair value: $424,007 in 2016 and $371,742 in 2015)	404,860		365,220
Equity securities available-for-sale, at fair value (cost: $40,159 in 2016 and $39,969 in 2015)	49,554		47,839
Trading securities, at fair value (cost: $7,626 in 2016 and $5,383 in 2015)	7,620		5,358
Policy loans	29,825		28,627
Total investments	2,197,564		2,178,503
Cash and cash equivalents	175,717		152,294
Accrued investment income	17,930		17,080
Due from reinsurers	4,160,266		4,110,628
Deferred policy acquisition costs, net	1,559,833		1,500,259
Premiums and other receivables	204,406		193,841
Intangible assets, net (accumulated amortization: $72,680 in 2016 and $71,828 in 2015)	57,467		58,318
Deferred income taxes	31,796		30,112
Other assets	343,701		304,356
Separate account assets	2,264,108		2,063,899
Total assets	11,012,788		10,609,290
Liabilities:
Future policy benefits	5,518,834		5,431,711
Unearned premiums	594		628
Policy claims and other benefits payable	243,813		238,157
Other policyholders’ funds	352,650		356,123
Notes payable	372,643		372,552
Surplus note	404,079		364,424
Income taxes	177,457		148,125
Other liabilities	418,469		416,417
Payable under securities lending	87,383		71,482
Separate account liabilities	$ 2,264,108		$ 2,063,899
Commitments and contingent liabilities (see Commitments and Contingent Liabilities note)
Total liabilities	$ 9,840,030		$ 9,463,518
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock ($0.01 par value; authorized 500,000 in 2016 and 2015; issued and outstanding 47,295 shares in 2016 and 48,297 shares in 2015)	473		483
Paid-in capital	137,855		180,250
Retained earnings	989,685		952,804
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax:
Unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses)	(3,933)		(19,801)
Net unrealized investment gains (losses):
Net unrealized investment gains not other-than-temporarily impaired	48,747		32,107
Net unrealized investment losses other-than-temporarily impaired	(69)		(71)
Total stockholders’ equity	1,172,758		1,145,772
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$ 11,012,788		$ 10,609,290
[1]	Includes approximately $0.1 million of other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) losses related to corporates and mortgage- and asset-backed securities recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income.
[2]	Includes approximately $0.1 million of OTTI related to corporates and mortgage- and asset-backed securities recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income.

Condensed Consolidated Balance3

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets Parenthetical - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016		Dec. 31, 2015
Investments:
Fixed-maturity securities available for sale, amortized cost	$ 1,640,210	[1]	$ 1,690,043	[2]
Fixed-maturity securities held to maturity, fair value	424,007		371,742
Equity securities available for sale, cost	40,159		39,969
Trading securities, cost	7,626		5,383
Intangible assets, net
Accumulated amortization on definite-lived intangible assets	$ 72,680		$ 71,828
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01		$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	500,000,000		500,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	47,295,000		48,297,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	47,295,000		48,297,000
[1]	Includes approximately $0.1 million of other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) losses related to corporates and mortgage- and asset-backed securities recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income.
[2]	Includes approximately $0.1 million of OTTI related to corporates and mortgage- and asset-backed securities recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income.

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Revenues:
Direct premiums	$ 597,130	$ 577,458
Ceded premiums	(395,333)	(397,540)
Net premiums	201,797	179,918
Commissions and fees	128,821	132,835
Investment income net of investment expenses	25,392	23,648
Interest expense on surplus note	(4,154)	(2,475)
Net investment income	21,238	21,173
Realized investment gains (losses), including other-than- temporary impairment losses	(783)	1,284
Other, net	11,889	9,636
Total revenues	362,962	344,846
Benefits and expenses:
Benefits and claims	90,977	82,500
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	43,129	36,213
Sales commissions	66,643	68,457
Insurance expenses	33,311	34,348
Insurance commissions	4,147	3,190
Interest expense	7,173	8,676
Other operating expenses	47,370	44,653
Total benefits and expenses	292,750	278,037
Income before income taxes	70,212	66,809
Income taxes	25,036	23,408
Net income	$ 45,176	$ 43,401
Earnings per share:
Basic earnings per share	$ 0.92	$ 0.82
Diluted earnings per share	$ 0.92	$ 0.82
Weighted-average shares used in computing earnings per share:
Basic	48,550	52,643
Diluted	48,574	52,691
Supplemental disclosures:
Total impairment losses	$ (2,027)	$ (237)
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings	(2,027)	(237)
Other net realized investment gains (losses)	1,244	1,521
Realized investment gains (losses), including other-than- temporary impairment losses	$ (783)	$ 1,284
Dividends declared per share	$ 0.17	$ 0.16

Condensed Consolidated Stateme5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 45,176	$ 43,401
Unrealized investment gains (losses):
Change in unrealized holding gains/(losses) on investment securities	24,717	15,661
Reclassification adjustment for realized investment (gains) losses included in net income	887	(1,670)
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Change in unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) before income tax expense (benefit)	16,036	(20,566)
Total other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes	41,640	(6,575)
Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)	9,130	4,667
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes	32,510	(11,242)
Total comprehensive income	$ 77,686	$ 32,159

Condensed Consolidated Stateme6

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Balance, beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2014		$ 522	$ 353,337	$ 795,740	$ 95,527
Repurchases of common stock		(9)	(44,781)
Share-based compensation			15,307
Net issuance of common stock		3	(3)
Adjustments to paid-in capital, other			136
Net income	$ 43,401			43,401
Dividends				(8,517)
Change in foreign currency translation adjustment, net of income tax expense (benefit)					(20,336)
Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses) not-other-than temporarily impaired, net of income tax expense (benefit)					9,094
Balance, end of period at Mar. 31, 2015	1,239,421	516	323,996	830,624	84,285
Balance, beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2015	1,145,772	483	180,250	952,804	12,235
Repurchases of common stock		(12)	(52,973)
Share-based compensation			10,580
Net issuance of common stock		2	(2)
Net income	45,176			45,176
Dividends				(8,295)
Change in foreign currency translation adjustment, net of income tax expense (benefit)					15,868
Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses) not-other-than temporarily impaired, net of income tax expense (benefit)					16,640
Change in net unrealized investment losses other-than-temporarily impaired, net of income tax expense (benefit)					2
Balance, end of period at Mar. 31, 2016	$ 1,172,758	$ 473	$ 137,855	$ 989,685	$ 44,745

Condensed Consolidated Stateme7

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 45,176	$ 43,401
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Change in future policy benefits and other policy liabilities	60,985	47,672
Deferral of policy acquisition costs	(86,925)	(75,434)
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	43,129	36,213
Change in income taxes	20,855	18,576
Realized investment (gains) losses, including other-than-temporary impairments	783	(1,284)
Accretion and amortization of investments	(597)	(438)
Depreciation and amortization	3,139	2,633
Change in due from reinsurers	(28,825)	(6,956)
Change in premiums and other receivables	(12,919)	456
Trading securities sold, matured, or called (acquired), net	(2,268)	365
Share-based compensation	7,483	8,943
Change in other operating assets and liabilities, net	(15,099)	(10,809)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	34,917	63,338
Available-for-sale investments sold, matured or called:
Fixed-maturity securities — sold	25,104	23,278
Fixed-maturity securities — matured or called	86,609	72,979
Equity securities		1,659
Available-for-sale investments acquired:
Fixed-maturity securities	(55,886)	(122,264)
Equity securities	(99)	(625)
Purchases of property and equipment and other investing activities, net	(7,761)	(1,635)
Cash collateral received (returned) on loaned securities, net	15,901	5,411
Sales (purchases) of short-term investments using securities lending collateral, net	(15,901)	(5,411)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	47,967	(26,608)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Dividends paid	(8,295)	(8,517)
Common stock repurchased	(49,945)	(38,749)
Excess tax benefits on share-based compensation	405	3,456
Tax withholdings on share-based compensation	(3,040)	(6,041)
Cash proceeds from stock options exercised		136
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(60,875)	(49,715)
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash	1,414	(2,388)
Change in cash and cash equivalents	23,423	(15,373)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	152,294	191,997
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$ 175,717	$ 176,624

Description of Business, Basis

Description of Business, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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 insurance company. We established Peach Re, Inc. ("Peach Re") and Vidalia Re, Inc. (“Vidalia Re”) as special purpose financial captive insurance companies and wholly owned subsidiaries of Primerica Life. Peach Re and Vidalia Re have each entered into separate coinsurance agreements with Primerica Life whereby Primerica Life has ceded certain level premium term life insurance policies to Peach Re and Vidalia Re (respectively, the “Peach Re Coinsurance Agreement” and the “Vidalia Re Coinsurance Agreement”). 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. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments, generally consisting of normal recurring accruals, which are necessary to fairly present the balance sheets as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 and the statements of income, comprehensive income (loss), stockholders' equity and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015. Results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the entire year or of the results to be expected in future periods. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Certain information and note disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to those rules and regulations, although the Company believes that the disclosures made are sufficient to make the information not misleading. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto that are included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 ("2015 Annual Report"). 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"), liabilities for future policy benefits and unpaid policy claims, and income taxes. 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 unaudited condensed 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. Subsequent Events. The Company has evaluated subsequent events for recognition and disclosure for occurrences and transactions after the date of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements dated as of March 31, 2016. Significant Accounting Policies . All significant accounting policies remain unchanged from the 2015 Annual Report. New Accounting Principles. In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-03, Interest — Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30) – Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs (“ASU 2015-03”). Prior to the adoption of ASU 2015-03, debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability were presented as a deferred charge, or asset, within the balance sheet. ASU 2015-03 requires the presentation of debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. We adopted ASU 2015-03 during the three months ended March 31, 2016 and the amendments in the update were applied retrospectively, which resulted in the deduction of debt issuance costs of approximately $2.8 million from other assets and a corresponding reduction in the carrying amounts of the notes payable and surplus note of approximately $2.0 million and $0.8 million, respectively, in our consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2015. This update had no impact on our results of operations. In February 2016, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02 (“ASU 2016-02”), Leases (ASC 842). In March 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No 2016-09 (“ASU 2016-09”) Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718) - Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. Future Application of Accounting Standards. Recent accounting guidance not discussed here and in the 2015 Annual Report is not applicable, is immaterial to our financial statements, or did not or is not expected to have a material impact on our business.

Segment and Geographical Inform

Segment and Geographical Information (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment and Geographical Information	(2) Segment and Geographical Information Segments. We have two primary operating segments - Term Life Insurance and Investment and Savings Products. We also have a Corporate and Other Distributed Products segment. Results of operations by segment were as follows: Three months ended March 31, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Revenues: Term life insurance segment $ 206,278 $ 182,196 Investment and savings products segment 125,034 129,074 Corporate and other distributed products segment 31,650 33,576 Total revenues $ 362,962 $ 344,846 Income (loss) before income taxes: Term life insurance segment $ 46,080 $ 36,076 Investment and savings products segment 31,689 35,044 Corporate and other distributed products segment (7,557 ) (4,311 ) Total income before income taxes $ 70,212 $ 66,809 Total assets by segment were as follows: March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 (In thousands) Assets: Term life insurance segment $ 5,742,576 $ 5,638,682 Investment and savings products segment (1) 2,367,439 2,157,548 Corporate and other distributed products segment 2,902,773 2,813,060 Total assets $ 11,012,788 $ 10,609,290 (1) Segment Measurement Change . In the third quarter of 2015, the Company changed its basis for allocating net investment income, interest expense and invested assets between the Term Life Insurance segment and the Corporate and Other Distributed Products segment in measuring segment results and total assets by segment. As a result of this change in segment measurement, the amounts of net investment income and interest expense that have been reclassified from the Term Life Insurance segment to the Corporate and Other Distributed Products segment, were approximately $15.9 million and $4.1 million, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2015. For additional discussion regarding this segment measurement change, see Note 3 (Segment and Geographical Information) to our consolidated financial statements within our 2015 Annual Report. See “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included elsewhere in this report for more information regarding the results of our operating segments. Geographical Information. Results of operations by country and long-lived assets, primarily tangible assets reported in Other assets in our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets, were as follows: Three months ended March 31, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Revenues by country: United States $ 305,015 $ 286,141 Canada 57,947 58,705 Total revenues $ 362,962 $ 344,846 Income before income taxes by country: United States $ 54,958 $ 48,856 Canada 15,254 17,953 Total income before income taxes $ 70,212 $ 66,809 March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 (In thousands) Long-lived assets by country: United States $ 28,756 $ 28,621 Canada 859 787 Total long-lived assets $ 29,615 $ 29,408

Investments (Notes)

Investments (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investments	(3) 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: March 31, 2016 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 $ 16,675 $ 565 $ - $ 17,240 Foreign government 111,706 7,937 (858 ) 118,785 States and political subdivisions 41,093 2,892 (565 ) 43,420 Corporates 1,243,942 62,343 (18,400 ) 1,287,885 Mortgage- and asset-backed securities 226,794 11,872 (291 ) 238,375 Total fixed-maturity securities (1) 1,640,210 85,609 (20,114 ) 1,705,705 Equity securities 40,159 10,034 (639 ) 49,554 Total fixed-maturity and equity securities $ 1,680,369 $ 95,643 $ (20,753 ) $ 1,755,259 (1) December 31, 2015 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 $ 20,233 $ 448 $ (22 ) $ 20,659 Foreign government 114,656 7,082 (1,522 ) 120,216 States and political subdivisions 38,995 2,111 (541 ) 40,565 Corporates 1,276,965 49,008 (24,211 ) 1,301,762 Mortgage- and asset-backed securities 239,194 9,818 (755 ) 248,257 Total fixed-maturity securities (1) 1,690,043 68,467 (27,051 ) 1,731,459 Equity securities 39,969 8,252 (382 ) 47,839 Total fixed-maturity and equity securities $ 1,730,012 $ 76,719 $ (27,433 ) $ 1,779,298 (1) 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 March 31, 2016 follows: Amortized cost Fair value (In thousands) Due in one year or less $ 71,107 $ 71,731 Due after one year through five years 675,707 711,733 Due after five years through 10 years 618,931 632,263 Due after 10 years 47,671 51,603 1,413,416 1,467,330 Mortgage- and asset-backed securities 226,794 238,375 Total fixed-maturity securities $ 1,640,210 $ 1,705,705 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 investments was as follows: March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 (In thousands) Net unrealized investment gains including OTTI: Fixed-maturity and equity securities $ 74,890 $ 49,286 OTTI 107 109 Net unrealized investment gains excluding OTTI 74,997 49,395 Deferred income taxes (26,250 ) (17,288 ) Net unrealized investment gains excluding OTTI, net of tax $ 48,747 $ 32,107 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 $7.6 million and $5.4 million as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, 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, which is reflected in interest expense on our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income. 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. As of March 31, 2016, the LLC Note, which was rated A+ by Fitch Ratings, had an estimated unrealized holding gain of $19.1 million See Note 6 (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 approximately $18.0 million and $18.1 million as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, 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 unaudited condensed 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 unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets during the terms of the loans, and we do not report them as sales. Cash collateral received and reinvested was approximately $87.4 million and $71.5 million as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. Investment Income. The components of net investment income were as follows: Three months ended March 31, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Fixed-maturity securities (available-for-sale) $ 19,249 $ 19,795 Fixed-maturity security (held-to-maturity) 4,154 2,475 Equity securities 520 516 Policy loans and other invested assets 330 359 Cash and cash equivalents 149 43 Market return on deposit asset underlying 10% coinsurance agreement 2,200 1,672 Gross investment income 26,602 24,860 Investment expenses (1,210 ) (1,212 ) Investment income net of investment expenses 25,392 23,648 Interest expense on surplus note (4,154 ) (2,475 ) Net investment income $ 21,238 $ 21,173 The components of net realized investment gains (losses) as well as details on gross realized investment gains and losses and proceeds from sales or other redemptions were as follows: Three months ended March 31, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Net realized investment gains (losses): Gross gains from sales $ 1,285 $ 1,934 Gross losses from sales (145 ) (27 ) Other-than-temporary impairment losses (2,027 ) (237 ) Gains (losses) from bifurcated options 104 (386 ) Net realized investment gains (losses) $ (783 ) $ 1,284 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 for fixed-maturity securities or within a reasonable period of time for equity securities. For additional information, see Note 4 (Investments) to the consolidated financial statements in our 2015 Annual Report. Available-for-sale fixed-maturity and equity securities with a cost basis in excess of their fair values were approximately $324.0 million and $626.0 million as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, 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: March 31, 2016 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 $ - $ - - $ - $ - - Foreign government 8,025 (286 ) 8 5,659 (572 ) 6 States and political subdivisions - - - 807 (565 ) 2 Corporates 181,790 (10,925 ) 192 60,763 (7,475 ) 79 Mortgage-and asset-backed securities 22,832 (122 ) 34 16,891 (169 ) 24 Total fixed-maturity securities 212,647 (11,333 ) 84,120 (8,781 ) Equity securities 5,009 (555 ) 12 1,429 (84 ) 7 Total fixed-maturity and equity securities $ 217,656 $ (11,888 ) $ 85,549 $ (8,865 ) December 31, 2015 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 $ 13,651 $ (22 ) 7 $ - $ - - Foreign government 23,572 (829 ) 20 2,396 (693 ) 3 States and political subdivisions 2,729 (44 ) 6 878 (497 ) 2 Corporates 413,131 (17,481 ) 393 34,624 (6,730 ) 54 Mortgage-and asset-backed securities 92,508 (631 ) 81 8,221 (124 ) 15 Total fixed-maturity securities 545,591 (19,007 ) 46,119 (8,044 ) Equity securities 3,652 (287 ) 17 3,209 (95 ) 8 Total fixed-maturity and equity securities $ 549,243 $ (19,294 ) $ 49,328 $ (8,139 ) The amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale fixed-maturity securities in default were as follows: March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Amortized cost Fair value Amortized cost Fair value (In thousands) Fixed-maturity securities in default $ 134 $ 374 $ 138 $ 262 Impairment charges recognized in earnings on available-for-sale securities were as follows: Three months ended March 31, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Impairments on fixed-maturity securities not in default $ 1,996 $ 161 Impairments on fixed-maturity securities in default 4 - Impairments on equity securities 27 76 Total impairment charges $ 2,027 $ 237 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. We also 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 March 31, 2016, the unrealized losses on our available-for-sale invested asset portfolio were largely caused by interest rate sensitivity and changes in credit spreads. We believe that fluctuations caused by movements in interest rates and credit spreads have little bearing on the recoverability of our investments. We do not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired because we have the ability to hold these investments until maturity or a market price recovery, and we have no present intention to dispose of them. Net impairment losses recognized in earnings for available-for-sale securities were as follows: Three months ended March 31, 2016 2015 (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 $ 441 $ 93 Less portion of OTTI loss recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) - - Net impairment losses recognized in earnings for securities which the Company does not intend to sell or more-likely-than-not will not be required to sell before recovery 441 93 OTTI losses recognized in earnings for securities which the Company intends to sell or more-likely-than-not will be required to sell before recovery 1,586 144 Net impairment losses recognized in earnings $ 2,027 $ 237 The rollforward of the OTTI recognized in net income for all fixed-maturity securities still held follows: Three months ended March 31, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Cumulative OTTI recognized in net income for securities still held, beginning of period $ 11,856 $ 9,550 Additions for OTTI securities where no OTTI were recognized prior to the beginning of the period 433 21 Additions for OTTI securities where OTTI have been recognized prior to the beginning of the period 1,567 140 Reductions due to sales, maturities, calls, amortization or increases in cash flows expected to be collected over the remaining life of credit impaired securities (1,920 ) (956 ) Reductions for exchanges of securities previously impaired (1,056 ) (1,277 ) Cumulative OTTI recognized in net income for securities still held, end of period $ 10,880 $ 7,478 As of March 31, 2016, no impairment losses have been recognized on the LLC Note held-to-maturity security. 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 March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the fair value of these bifurcated options was approximately $5.5 million and $5.4 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

Fair Value of Financial Instrum

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	(4) 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: March 31, 2016 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (In thousands) Fair value assets: Fixed-maturity securities: U.S. government and agencies $ - $ 17,240 $ - $ 17,240 Foreign government - 118,785 - 118,785 States and political subdivisions - 43,420 - 43,420 Corporates 2,156 1,285,726 3 1,287,885 Mortgage- and asset-backed securities - 237,673 702 238,375 Total fixed-maturity securities 2,156 1,702,844 705 1,705,705 Equity securities 42,942 6,564 48 49,554 Trading securities - 7,620 - 7,620 Separate accounts - 2,264,108 - 2,264,108 Total fair value assets $ 45,098 $ 3,981,136 $ 753 $ 4,026,987 Fair value liabilities: Separate accounts $ - $ 2,264,108 $ - $ 2,264,108 Total fair value liabilities $ - $ 2,264,108 $ - $ 2,264,108 December 31, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (In thousands) Fair value assets: Fixed-maturity securities: U.S. government and agencies $ - $ 20,659 $ - $ 20,659 Foreign government - 120,216 - 120,216 States and political subdivisions - 40,565 - 40,565 Corporates 2,146 1,299,613 3 1,301,762 Mortgage- and asset-backed securities - 247,525 732 248,257 Total fixed-maturity securities 2,146 1,728,578 735 1,731,459 Equity securities 41,341 6,450 48 47,839 Trading securities - 5,358 - 5,358 Separate accounts - 2,063,899 - 2,063,899 Total fair value assets $ 43,487 $ 3,804,285 $ 783 $ 3,848,555 Fair value liabilities: Separate accounts $ - $ 2,063,899 $ - $ 2,063,899 Total fair value liabilities $ - $ 2,063,899 $ - $ 2,063,899 In assessing fair value of our investments, we use a third-party pricing service for approximately 95% of our securities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The remaining securities are primarily thinly traded securities such as private placements and are 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, third party pricing services generally determine fair value using industry-standard methodologies, which vary by asset class. For corporates, governments, and agency securities, these methodologies include developing prices by incorporating available market information such as U.S. Treasury curves, benchmarking of similar securities including new issues, 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 (such as mortgage-and asset-backed securities) with limited trading activity, third-party pricing services generally use industry-standard pricing methodologies that incorporate market information, such as index prices, or discounting expected future cash flows based on underlying collateral, and quotes from market participants, 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: Three months ended March 31, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Level 3 assets, beginning of period $ 783 $ 1,165 Net unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income 6 6 Realized gains (losses) and accretion (amortization) recognized in earnings, including OTTI 4 - Sales (3 ) - Settlements (36 ) (37 ) Transfers into Level 3 - - Transfers out of Level 3 (1 ) - Level 3 assets, end of period $ 753 $ 1,134 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, 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. The table below is a summary of the estimated fair value for financial instruments. March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Carrying value Estimated fair value Carrying value Estimated fair value (In thousands) Assets: Fixed-maturity securities (available-for-sale) $ 1,705,705 $ 1,705,705 $ 1,731,459 $ 1,731,459 Fixed-maturity security (held-to-maturity) 404,860 424,007 365,220 371,742 Equity securities 49,554 49,554 47,839 47,839 Trading securities 7,620 7,620 5,358 5,358 Policy loans 29,825 29,825 28,627 28,627 Deposit asset underlying 10% coinsurance agreement 189,326 189,326 181,889 181,889 Separate accounts 2,264,108 2,264,108 2,063,899 2,063,899 Liabilities: Notes payable (1) $ 372,643 $ 405,800 $ 372,552 $ 398,649 Surplus note (1) 404,079 423,283 364,424 371,498 Separate accounts 2,264,108 2,264,108 2,063,899 2,063,899 (1) Carrying value amounts shown are net of issuance costs. 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 a 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 financial instruments are not included in the above table.

Reinsurance (Notes)

Reinsurance (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
Reinsurance	(5) 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. We monitor the concentration of credit risk we have with any reinsurer, as well as the financial condition of the reinsurers. Details on in-force life insurance follow: March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 (Dollars in thousands) Direct life insurance in force $ 708,276,575 $ 696,884,429 Amounts ceded to other companies (624,513,906 ) (616,252,839 ) Net life insurance in force $ 83,762,669 $ 80,631,590 Percentage of reinsured life insurance in force 88 % 88 % Due from reinsurers includes ceded reserve balances and ceded claim liabilities. Reinsurance receivable and financial strength ratings by reinsurer were as follows: March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Reinsurance receivable A.M. Best rating Reinsurance receivable A.M. Best rating (In thousands) Pecan Re Inc. (1) (2) $ 2,720,922 NR $ - - Prime Reinsurance Company (2) - - 2,692,721 NR SCOR Global Life Reinsurance Companies (3) 358,520 A 362,195 A Financial Reassurance Company 2010, Ltd. (2) 293,892 NR 270,306 NR Swiss Re Life & Health America Inc. (4) 251,801 A+ 254,461 A+ American Health and Life Insurance Company (2) 176,694 B 176,790 B Munich American Reassurance Company 101,992 A+ 101,466 A+ Korean Reinsurance Company 93,526 A 91,605 A RGA Reinsurance Company 81,722 A+ 81,217 A+ TOA Reinsurance Company 21,702 A+ 22,242 A+ Hannover Life Reassurance Company 21,156 A+ 20,650 A+ All other reinsurers 38,339 - 36,975 - Due from reinsurers $ 4,160,266 $ 4,110,628 NR – not rated ( 1 ) ( 2 ) Includes balances ceded under coinsurance transactions of term life insurance policies that were in force as of December 31, 2009. Amounts shown are net of their share of the reinsurance receivable from other reinsurers. ( 3 ) Includes amounts ceded to Transamerica Reinsurance Companies and fully retroceded to SCOR Global Life Reinsurance Companies. ( 4 ) Includes amounts ceded to Lincoln National Life Insurance and fully Prior to January 1, 2016, Primerica Life had a coinsurance agreement in place with Prime Reinsurance Company (“Prime Re”), an insurance company owned by Citigroup Inc. (“Citigroup”), under which we ceded 80% of the risks and rewards of our U.S. (except New York) term life insurance policies that were in force as of December 31, 2009 (the “80% Coinsurance Agreement”). Beginning on January 1, 2016, Pecan Re Inc. (“Pecan Re”) an insurance company owned by Swiss Re Life & Health America Inc. (“Swiss Re”), assumed Prime Re’s obligations under the 80% Coinsurance Agreement through a novation agreement (the “Novation Agreement”). In addition, the counterparties to the related trust and capital maintenance agreements that provide Primerica Life with statutory reinsurance credit for the 80% Coinsurance Agreement were replaced by Pecan Re and Swiss Re, respectively. No material terms and conditions of the 80% Coinsurance Agreement and the related trust and capital maintenance agreements were modified. A separate 10% coinsurance agreement remains in place between Primerica Life and Prime Re (the “10% Coinsurance Agreement”) that includes an experience refund provision and does not satisfy U.S. GAAP risk transfer rules. In exchange for our consent to the Novation Agreement, the finance charge on the statutory reserves in excess of economic reserves funded by Prime Re in support of the 10% Coinsurance Agreement was reduced from 3.0% to 2.0% beginning on July 1, 2015 and then from 2.0% to 0.5% beginning on January 1, 2016.

Debt (Notes)

Debt (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	(6) Debt Notes Payable. At March 31, 2016, the Company had $375.0 million of publicly-traded, senior unsecured notes with an annual interest rate of 4.75% that are scheduled to mature on July 15, 2022 (the "Senior Notes"). As of March 31, 2016, we were in compliance with the covenants of the Senior Notes. No events of default occurred on the Senior Notes during the three months ended March 31, 2016. Further discussion on the Company’s notes payable is included in Note 10 (Debt) to our consolidated financial statements within our 2015 Annual Report. Surplus Note. At March 31, 2016, the principal amount outstanding on the Surplus Note issued by Vidalia Re was $404.9 million, equal to the principal amount of the LLC Note invested asset. The principal amount of the Surplus Note and the LLC Note will fluctuate over time to coincide with the amount of reserves being 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. Further discussion on the Company’s Surplus Note and LLC Note are included in Note 10 (Debt) and Note 4 (Investments) to our consolidated financial statements within our 2015 Annual Report.

Stockholders' Equity (Notes)

Stockholders' Equity (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Stockholders Equity Note [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	(7) Stockholders’ Equity A reconciliation of the number of shares of our common stock follows. Three months ended March 31, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Common stock, beginning of period 48,297 52,169 Shares issued upon the exercise of stock options - 89 Shares of common stock issued upon lapse of restricted stock units ("RSUs") 229 208 Common stock retired (1,231 ) (911 ) Common stock, end of period 47,295 51,555 The above reconciliation excludes RSUs, which do not have voting rights. As the RSUs lapse, we issue common shares with voting rights. As of March 31, 2016, we had a total of approximately 1.2 million RSUs outstanding, excluding the performance-based vesting stock units (“PSUs”) discussed in Note 9 (Share-Based Transactions). Our Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program for up to $200.0 million of our outstanding common stock in August 2015 (the “share repurchase program”) for purchases through December 31, 2016. Under the share repurchase program, we repurchased 2,280,895 shares of our common stock in open market transactions for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $99.9 million through March 31, 2016. As of March 31, 2016, there is approximately $100.1 million

Earnings Per Share (Notes)

Earnings Per Share (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	(8) Earnings Per Share The Company has outstanding common stock and equity awards that consist of restricted stock, RSUs, PSUs 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 earnings per share ("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 unaudited condensed 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 PSUs and stock options outstanding (“contingently issuable shares”) on EPS using the treasury-stock method. Under this method, we determine the proceeds that would be received from the issuance of the contingently issuable shares if the end of the reporting period were the end of the contingency period. The proceeds from the contingently issuable shares include: the remaining unrecognized compensation expense of the awards, the cash received for the exercise price on stock options, and the resulting effect on the income tax deduction from the vesting of PSUs and the exercise of stock options. We then use the average market price of our common shares during the period the contingently issuable shares were outstanding to determine how many shares we could repurchase with the proceeds raised from the issuance of the contingently issuable shares. 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. Three months ended March 31, 2016 2015 (In thousands, except per-share amounts) Basic EPS Numerator: Net income $ 45,176 $ 43,401 Net income attributable to unvested participating securities (370 ) (444 ) Net income used in calculating basic EPS $ 44,806 $ 42,957 Denominator: Weighted-average vested shares 48,550 52,643 Basic EPS $ 0.92 $ 0.82 Diluted EPS Numerator: Net income $ 45,176 $ 43,401 Net income attributable to unvested participating securities (370 ) (444 ) Net income used in calculating diluted EPS $ 44,806 $ 42,957 Denominator: Weighted-average vested shares 48,550 52,643 Dilutive effect of incremental shares to be issued for contingently issuable shares 24 48 Weighted-average shares used in calculating diluted EPS 48,574 52,691 Diluted EPS $ 0.92 $ 0.82

Share-Based Transactions (Notes

Share-Based Transactions (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Share-Based Transactions	(9) 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. For more information on equity awards granted under the OIP, see Note 14 (Share-Based Transactions) to our consolidated financial statements within our 2015 Annual Report. In connection with our granting of equity awards to our management and members of the Board of Directors, we recognize expense over the requisite service period of the equity award. Additionally, to the extent that equity awards to members of our sales force 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 these awards in the same manner as other deferred policy acquisition costs. The impacts of equity awards granted are as follows: Three months ended March 31, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Total equity awards expense recognized $ 7,483 $ 8,943 Quarterly incentive awards expense deferred 2,692 2,908 On February 24, 2016, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors granted the following equity awards to employees in connection with the annual approval of management incentive compensation: · 204,558 RSUs awarded to management with a measurement-date fair value of $41.88 per unit that have time-based vesting requirements with equal and annual graded vesting over approximately three years subsequent to the grant date. · 89,540 stock options awarded to the four members of our executive management team (the “executive team”) with a measurement-date fair value of $8.21 per option that have time-based vesting requirements with equal and annual graded vesting over approximately three years subsequent to the grant date. · 18,385 PSUs awarded under the OIP to the executive team with a measurement-date fair value of $41.88 per unit. The PSUs will be earned on March 1, 2019 contingent upon the Company achieving a target annual average three-year return on adjusted equity (“ROAE”) for the period from January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2018. The actual number of PSUs that will vest will vary based on the actual ROAE relative to the target ROAE and can range from zero PSUs to 27,577. All awards granted to employees on February 24, 2016 provide for such awards to vest upon 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 number of PSUs that will ultimately vest for a retirement-eligible employee is equal to the amount calculated using the Company’s actual cumulative three-year ROAE ending on December 31, 2018, even if that employee retires prior to March 1, 2019.

Commitments and Contingent Liab

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities	(10) Commitments and Contingent Liabilities Letter of Credit (“LOC”). Peach Re maintains a credit facility agreement with Deutsche Bank (the "Credit Facility Agreement") to support certain obligations for a portion of the Regulation XXX reserves related to the Peach Re Coinsurance Agreement. Under the Credit Facility Agreement, Deutsche Bank issued a letter of credit for the benefit of Primerica Life with a term ending on January 15, 2026. As of March 31, 2016, the Company was in compliance with all financial covenants under the Credit Facility Agreement. At March 31, 2016, the amount of the LOC outstanding was approximately $446.4 million. This amount will decline over the remaining term of the LOC to correspond with declines in the Regulation XXX reserves. Further discussion on the Company’s letter of credit is included in Note 16 (Commitments and Contingent Liabilities) to our consolidated financial statements within our 2015 Annual Report. 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 multi-state treasurer unclaimed property audits by 30 jurisdictions focusing on the life insurance claims paying practices of its subsidiaries, Primerica Life and NBLIC. Primerica Life is subject to a multi-state market conduct exam also regarding its life insurance claims paying practices. The West Virginia State Treasurer brought a suit against Primerica Life and other insurance companies alleging violations of the West Virginia unclaimed property act. Other jurisdictions may pursue similar audits, examinations and litigation. 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.

Other Comprehensive Income

Other Comprehensive Income	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income	(11) Other Comprehensive Income The components of OCI, including the income tax expense or benefit allocated to each component, were as follows: Three months ended March 31, 2016 2015 (in thousands) Foreign currency translation adjustments: Change in unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) before income taxes $ 16,036 $ (20,566 ) Income tax expense (benefit) on unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) 168 (230 ) Change in unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses), net of income taxes $ 15,868 $ (20,336 ) Unrealized gain (losses) on available-for-sale securities: Change in unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period before income taxes $ 24,717 $ 15,661 Income tax expense (benefit) on unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period 8,651 5,482 Change in unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities arising during period, net of income taxes 16,066 10,179 Reclassification from accumulated OCI to net income for (gains) losses realized on available-for-sale securities 887 (1,670 ) Income tax (expense) benefit on (gains) losses reclassified from accumulated OCI to net income 311 (585 ) Reclassification from accumulated OCI to net income for (gains) losses realized on available-for-sale securities, net of income taxes 576 (1,085 ) Change in unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, net of income taxes and reclassification adjustment $ 16,642 $ 9,094

Description of Business, Basi19

Description of Business, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments, generally consisting of normal recurring accruals, which are necessary to fairly present the balance sheets as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 and the statements of income, comprehensive income (loss), stockholders' equity and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015. Results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the entire year or of the results to be expected in future periods. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Certain information and note disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to those rules and regulations, although the Company believes that the disclosures made are sufficient to make the information not misleading. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto that are included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 ("2015 Annual Report").
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"), liabilities for future policy benefits and unpaid policy claims, and income taxes. 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 unaudited condensed 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.
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events. The Company has evaluated subsequent events for recognition and disclosure for occurrences and transactions after the date of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements dated as of March 31, 2016.
Significant Accounting Policies	Significant Accounting Policies . All significant accounting policies remain unchanged from the 2015 Annual Report.
New Accounting Principles	New Accounting Principles. In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-03, Interest — Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30) – Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs (“ASU 2015-03”). Prior to the adoption of ASU 2015-03, debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability were presented as a deferred charge, or asset, within the balance sheet. ASU 2015-03 requires the presentation of debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. We adopted ASU 2015-03 during the three months ended March 31, 2016 and the amendments in the update were applied retrospectively, which resulted in the deduction of debt issuance costs of approximately $2.8 million from other assets and a corresponding reduction in the carrying amounts of the notes payable and surplus note of approximately $2.0 million and $0.8 million, respectively, in our consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2015. This update had no impact on our results of operations. In February 2016, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02 (“ASU 2016-02”), Leases (ASC 842). In March 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No 2016-09 (“ASU 2016-09”) Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718) - Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. Future Application of Accounting Standards. Recent accounting guidance not discussed here and in the 2015 Annual Report is not applicable, is immaterial to our financial statements, or did not or is not expected to have a material impact on our business.

Segment and Geographical Info20

Segment and Geographical Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Operations by Segment	Results of operations by segment were as follows: Three months ended March 31, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Revenues: Term life insurance segment $ 206,278 $ 182,196 Investment and savings products segment 125,034 129,074 Corporate and other distributed products segment 31,650 33,576 Total revenues $ 362,962 $ 344,846 Income (loss) before income taxes: Term life insurance segment $ 46,080 $ 36,076 Investment and savings products segment 31,689 35,044 Corporate and other distributed products segment (7,557 ) (4,311 ) Total income before income taxes $ 70,212 $ 66,809
Total Assets by Segment	Total assets by segment were as follows: March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 (In thousands) Assets: Term life insurance segment $ 5,742,576 $ 5,638,682 Investment and savings products segment (1) 2,367,439 2,157,548 Corporate and other distributed products segment 2,902,773 2,813,060 Total assets $ 11,012,788 $ 10,609,290
Long Lived Assets and Operations by Country	Geographical Information. Results of operations by country and long-lived assets, primarily tangible assets reported in Other assets in our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets, were as follows: Three months ended March 31, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Revenues by country: United States $ 305,015 $ 286,141 Canada 57,947 58,705 Total revenues $ 362,962 $ 344,846 Income before income taxes by country: United States $ 54,958 $ 48,856 Canada 15,254 17,953 Total income before income taxes $ 70,212 $ 66,809 March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 (In thousands) Long-lived assets by country: United States $ 28,756 $ 28,621 Canada 859 787 Total long-lived assets $ 29,615 $ 29,408

Investments (Tables)

Investments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Schedule of Investments Debt and Equity Securities [Line Items]
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: March 31, 2016 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 $ 16,675 $ 565 $ - $ 17,240 Foreign government 111,706 7,937 (858 ) 118,785 States and political subdivisions 41,093 2,892 (565 ) 43,420 Corporates 1,243,942 62,343 (18,400 ) 1,287,885 Mortgage- and asset-backed securities 226,794 11,872 (291 ) 238,375 Total fixed-maturity securities (1) 1,640,210 85,609 (20,114 ) 1,705,705 Equity securities 40,159 10,034 (639 ) 49,554 Total fixed-maturity and equity securities $ 1,680,369 $ 95,643 $ (20,753 ) $ 1,755,259 (1) December 31, 2015 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 $ 20,233 $ 448 $ (22 ) $ 20,659 Foreign government 114,656 7,082 (1,522 ) 120,216 States and political subdivisions 38,995 2,111 (541 ) 40,565 Corporates 1,276,965 49,008 (24,211 ) 1,301,762 Mortgage- and asset-backed securities 239,194 9,818 (755 ) 248,257 Total fixed-maturity securities (1) 1,690,043 68,467 (27,051 ) 1,731,459 Equity securities 39,969 8,252 (382 ) 47,839 Total fixed-maturity and equity securities $ 1,730,012 $ 76,719 $ (27,433 ) $ 1,779,298 (1)
Fixed-maturity Securities Classified by Contractual Maturity Date	The scheduled maturity distribution of the available-for-sale fixed-maturity portfolio at March 31, 2016 follows: Amortized cost Fair value (In thousands) Due in one year or less $ 71,107 $ 71,731 Due after one year through five years 675,707 711,733 Due after five years through 10 years 618,931 632,263 Due after 10 years 47,671 51,603 1,413,416 1,467,330 Mortgage- and asset-backed securities 226,794 238,375 Total fixed-maturity securities $ 1,640,210 $ 1,705,705
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 investments was as follows: March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 (In thousands) Net unrealized investment gains including OTTI: Fixed-maturity and equity securities $ 74,890 $ 49,286 OTTI 107 109 Net unrealized investment gains excluding OTTI 74,997 49,395 Deferred income taxes (26,250 ) (17,288 ) Net unrealized investment gains excluding OTTI, net of tax $ 48,747 $ 32,107
Net Investment Income	Investment Income. The components of net investment income were as follows: Three months ended March 31, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Fixed-maturity securities (available-for-sale) $ 19,249 $ 19,795 Fixed-maturity security (held-to-maturity) 4,154 2,475 Equity securities 520 516 Policy loans and other invested assets 330 359 Cash and cash equivalents 149 43 Market return on deposit asset underlying 10% coinsurance agreement 2,200 1,672 Gross investment income 26,602 24,860 Investment expenses (1,210 ) (1,212 ) Investment income net of investment expenses 25,392 23,648 Interest expense on surplus note (4,154 ) (2,475 ) Net investment income $ 21,238 $ 21,173
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 and losses and proceeds from sales or other redemptions were as follows: Three months ended March 31, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Net realized investment gains (losses): Gross gains from sales $ 1,285 $ 1,934 Gross losses from sales (145 ) (27 ) Other-than-temporary impairment losses (2,027 ) (237 ) Gains (losses) from bifurcated options 104 (386 ) Net realized investment gains (losses) $ (783 ) $ 1,284
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: March 31, 2016 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 $ - $ - - $ - $ - - Foreign government 8,025 (286 ) 8 5,659 (572 ) 6 States and political subdivisions - - - 807 (565 ) 2 Corporates 181,790 (10,925 ) 192 60,763 (7,475 ) 79 Mortgage-and asset-backed securities 22,832 (122 ) 34 16,891 (169 ) 24 Total fixed-maturity securities 212,647 (11,333 ) 84,120 (8,781 ) Equity securities 5,009 (555 ) 12 1,429 (84 ) 7 Total fixed-maturity and equity securities $ 217,656 $ (11,888 ) $ 85,549 $ (8,865 ) December 31, 2015 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 $ 13,651 $ (22 ) 7 $ - $ - - Foreign government 23,572 (829 ) 20 2,396 (693 ) 3 States and political subdivisions 2,729 (44 ) 6 878 (497 ) 2 Corporates 413,131 (17,481 ) 393 34,624 (6,730 ) 54 Mortgage-and asset-backed securities 92,508 (631 ) 81 8,221 (124 ) 15 Total fixed-maturity securities 545,591 (19,007 ) 46,119 (8,044 ) Equity securities 3,652 (287 ) 17 3,209 (95 ) 8 Total fixed-maturity and equity securities $ 549,243 $ (19,294 ) $ 49,328 $ (8,139 )
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: March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Amortized cost Fair value Amortized cost Fair value (In thousands) Fixed-maturity securities in default $ 134 $ 374 $ 138 $ 262
Impairment Charges in Earnings on Available-for-sale Securities	Impairment charges recognized in earnings on available-for-sale securities were as follows: Three months ended March 31, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Impairments on fixed-maturity securities not in default $ 1,996 $ 161 Impairments on fixed-maturity securities in default 4 - Impairments on equity securities 27 76 Total impairment charges $ 2,027 $ 237
Schedule of Net Impairment Losses Recognized in Earnings for AFS Securities	The rollforward of the OTTI recognized in net income for all fixed-maturity securities still held follows: Three months ended March 31, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Cumulative OTTI recognized in net income for securities still held, beginning of period $ 11,856 $ 9,550 Additions for OTTI securities where no OTTI were recognized prior to the beginning of the period 433 21 Additions for OTTI securities where OTTI have been recognized prior to the beginning of the period 1,567 140 Reductions due to sales, maturities, calls, amortization or increases in cash flows expected to be collected over the remaining life of credit impaired securities (1,920 ) (956 ) Reductions for exchanges of securities previously impaired (1,056 ) (1,277 ) Cumulative OTTI recognized in net income for securities still held, end of period $ 10,880 $ 7,478
Available-for-Sale [Member]
Schedule of Investments Debt and Equity Securities [Line Items]
Schedule of Net Impairment Losses Recognized in Earnings for AFS Securities	Net impairment losses recognized in earnings for available-for-sale securities were as follows: Three months ended March 31, 2016 2015 (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 $ 441 $ 93 Less portion of OTTI loss recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) - - Net impairment losses recognized in earnings for securities which the Company does not intend to sell or more-likely-than-not will not be required to sell before recovery 441 93 OTTI losses recognized in earnings for securities which the Company intends to sell or more-likely-than-not will be required to sell before recovery 1,586 144 Net impairment losses recognized in earnings $ 2,027 $ 237

Fair Value of Financial Instr22

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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: March 31, 2016 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (In thousands) Fair value assets: Fixed-maturity securities: U.S. government and agencies $ - $ 17,240 $ - $ 17,240 Foreign government - 118,785 - 118,785 States and political subdivisions - 43,420 - 43,420 Corporates 2,156 1,285,726 3 1,287,885 Mortgage- and asset-backed securities - 237,673 702 238,375 Total fixed-maturity securities 2,156 1,702,844 705 1,705,705 Equity securities 42,942 6,564 48 49,554 Trading securities - 7,620 - 7,620 Separate accounts - 2,264,108 - 2,264,108 Total fair value assets $ 45,098 $ 3,981,136 $ 753 $ 4,026,987 Fair value liabilities: Separate accounts $ - $ 2,264,108 $ - $ 2,264,108 Total fair value liabilities $ - $ 2,264,108 $ - $ 2,264,108 December 31, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (In thousands) Fair value assets: Fixed-maturity securities: U.S. government and agencies $ - $ 20,659 $ - $ 20,659 Foreign government - 120,216 - 120,216 States and political subdivisions - 40,565 - 40,565 Corporates 2,146 1,299,613 3 1,301,762 Mortgage- and asset-backed securities - 247,525 732 248,257 Total fixed-maturity securities 2,146 1,728,578 735 1,731,459 Equity securities 41,341 6,450 48 47,839 Trading securities - 5,358 - 5,358 Separate accounts - 2,063,899 - 2,063,899 Total fair value assets $ 43,487 $ 3,804,285 $ 783 $ 3,848,555 Fair value liabilities: Separate accounts $ - $ 2,063,899 $ - $ 2,063,899 Total fair value liabilities $ - $ 2,063,899 $ - $ 2,063,899
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: Three months ended March 31, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Level 3 assets, beginning of period $ 783 $ 1,165 Net unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income 6 6 Realized gains (losses) and accretion (amortization) recognized in earnings, including OTTI 4 - Sales (3 ) - Settlements (36 ) (37 ) Transfers into Level 3 - - Transfers out of Level 3 (1 ) - Level 3 assets, end of period $ 753 $ 1,134
Carrying Value and Estimated Fair Value for Financial Instruments	The table below is a summary of the estimated fair value for financial instruments. March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Carrying value Estimated fair value Carrying value Estimated fair value (In thousands) Assets: Fixed-maturity securities (available-for-sale) $ 1,705,705 $ 1,705,705 $ 1,731,459 $ 1,731,459 Fixed-maturity security (held-to-maturity) 404,860 424,007 365,220 371,742 Equity securities 49,554 49,554 47,839 47,839 Trading securities 7,620 7,620 5,358 5,358 Policy loans 29,825 29,825 28,627 28,627 Deposit asset underlying 10% coinsurance agreement 189,326 189,326 181,889 181,889 Separate accounts 2,264,108 2,264,108 2,063,899 2,063,899 Liabilities: Notes payable (1) $ 372,643 $ 405,800 $ 372,552 $ 398,649 Surplus note (1) 404,079 423,283 364,424 371,498 Separate accounts 2,264,108 2,264,108 2,063,899 2,063,899 (1) Carrying value amounts shown are net of issuance costs.

Reinsurance (Tables)

Reinsurance (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
In-force Life Insurance	Details on in-force life insurance follow: March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 (Dollars in thousands) Direct life insurance in force $ 708,276,575 $ 696,884,429 Amounts ceded to other companies (624,513,906 ) (616,252,839 ) Net life insurance in force $ 83,762,669 $ 80,631,590 Percentage of reinsured life insurance in force 88 % 88 %
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: March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Reinsurance receivable A.M. Best rating Reinsurance receivable A.M. Best rating (In thousands) Pecan Re Inc. (1) (2) $ 2,720,922 NR $ - - Prime Reinsurance Company (2) - - 2,692,721 NR SCOR Global Life Reinsurance Companies (3) 358,520 A 362,195 A Financial Reassurance Company 2010, Ltd. (2) 293,892 NR 270,306 NR Swiss Re Life & Health America Inc. (4) 251,801 A+ 254,461 A+ American Health and Life Insurance Company (2) 176,694 B 176,790 B Munich American Reassurance Company 101,992 A+ 101,466 A+ Korean Reinsurance Company 93,526 A 91,605 A RGA Reinsurance Company 81,722 A+ 81,217 A+ TOA Reinsurance Company 21,702 A+ 22,242 A+ Hannover Life Reassurance Company 21,156 A+ 20,650 A+ All other reinsurers 38,339 - 36,975 - Due from reinsurers $ 4,160,266 $ 4,110,628 NR – not rated ( 1 ) ( 2 ) Includes balances ceded under coinsurance transactions of term life insurance policies that were in force as of December 31, 2009. Amounts shown are net of their share of the reinsurance receivable from other reinsurers. ( 3 ) Includes amounts ceded to Transamerica Reinsurance Companies and fully retroceded to SCOR Global Life Reinsurance Companies. ( 4 ) Includes amounts ceded to Lincoln National Life Insurance and fully

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Stockholders Equity Note [Abstract]
Reconciliation of Number of Shares of Common Stock	A reconciliation of the number of shares of our common stock follows. Three months ended March 31, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Common stock, beginning of period 48,297 52,169 Shares issued upon the exercise of stock options - 89 Shares of common stock issued upon lapse of restricted stock units ("RSUs") 229 208 Common stock retired (1,231 ) (911 ) Common stock, end of period 47,295 51,555

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Calculation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share	The calculation of basic and diluted EPS follows. Three months ended March 31, 2016 2015 (In thousands, except per-share amounts) Basic EPS Numerator: Net income $ 45,176 $ 43,401 Net income attributable to unvested participating securities (370 ) (444 ) Net income used in calculating basic EPS $ 44,806 $ 42,957 Denominator: Weighted-average vested shares 48,550 52,643 Basic EPS $ 0.92 $ 0.82 Diluted EPS Numerator: Net income $ 45,176 $ 43,401 Net income attributable to unvested participating securities (370 ) (444 ) Net income used in calculating diluted EPS $ 44,806 $ 42,957 Denominator: Weighted-average vested shares 48,550 52,643 Dilutive effect of incremental shares to be issued for contingently issuable shares 24 48 Weighted-average shares used in calculating diluted EPS 48,574 52,691 Diluted EPS $ 0.92 $ 0.82

Share-Based Transactions (Table

Share-Based Transactions (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Impacts of Equity Awards Granted	The impacts of equity awards granted are as follows: Three months ended March 31, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Total equity awards expense recognized $ 7,483 $ 8,943 Quarterly incentive awards expense deferred 2,692 2,908

Other Comprehensive Income (Tab

Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The components of OCI, including the income tax expense or benefit allocated to each component, were as follows: Three months ended March 31, 2016 2015 (in thousands) Foreign currency translation adjustments: Change in unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) before income taxes $ 16,036 $ (20,566 ) Income tax expense (benefit) on unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) 168 (230 ) Change in unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses), net of income taxes $ 15,868 $ (20,336 ) Unrealized gain (losses) on available-for-sale securities: Change in unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period before income taxes $ 24,717 $ 15,661 Income tax expense (benefit) on unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period 8,651 5,482 Change in unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities arising during period, net of income taxes 16,066 10,179 Reclassification from accumulated OCI to net income for (gains) losses realized on available-for-sale securities 887 (1,670 ) Income tax (expense) benefit on (gains) losses reclassified from accumulated OCI to net income 311 (585 ) Reclassification from accumulated OCI to net income for (gains) losses realized on available-for-sale securities, net of income taxes 576 (1,085 ) Change in unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, net of income taxes and reclassification adjustment $ 16,642 $ 9,094

Description of Business, Basi28

Description of Business, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Narrative (Details) - Accounting Standards Update201503 $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Other Assets [Member]
Organization Consolidation Basis Of Presentation Business Description And Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Deduction in debt issuance costs	$ 2.8
Notes Payable [Member]
Organization Consolidation Basis Of Presentation Business Description And Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Deduction in debt issuance costs	(2)
Surplus Note [Member]
Organization Consolidation Basis Of Presentation Business Description And Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Deduction in debt issuance costs	$ (0.8)

Segment and Geographical Info29

Segment and Geographical Information - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016Segment	Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of operating segments | Segment	2
Term Life Insurance Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net investment income reclassified from the Term Life Insurance segment to the Corporate and Other Distributed Products segment		$ (15.9)
Corporate and Other Distributed Products Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Interest expense reclassified from the Term Life Insurance segment to the Corporate and Other Distributed Products segment		$ 4.1

Segment and Geographical Info30

Segment and Geographical Information - Assets and Operations by Segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		$ 362,962	$ 344,846
Income (loss) before income taxes		70,212	66,809
Assets		11,012,788		$ 10,609,290
Term Life Insurance Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		206,278	182,196
Income (loss) before income taxes		46,080	36,076
Assets		5,742,576		5,638,682
Investment and Savings Products Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		125,034	129,074
Income (loss) before income taxes		31,689	35,044
Assets	[1]	2,367,439		2,157,548
Corporate and Other Distributed Products Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		31,650	33,576
Income (loss) before income taxes		(7,557)	$ (4,311)
Assets		$ 2,902,773		$ 2,813,060
[1]	The Investment and Savings Products segment includes assets held in separate accounts. Excluding separate accounts, the Investment and Savings Products segment assets were approximately $103.5 million and $93.8 million as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.

Segment and Geographical Info31

Segment and Geographical Information - Assets and Operations by Segment (Parenthetical) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Investment and Savings Products Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets, excluding separate account assets	$ 103.5	$ 93.8

Segment and Geographical Info32

Segment and Geographical Information - Long Lived Assets and Operations by Country (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Revenues From External Customers And Long Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 362,962	$ 344,846
Income (loss) before income taxes	70,212	66,809
Long-lived assets	29,615		$ 29,408
UNITED STATES
Revenues From External Customers And Long Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	305,015	286,141
Income (loss) before income taxes	54,958	48,856
Long-lived assets	28,756		28,621
CANADA
Revenues From External Customers And Long Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	57,947	58,705
Income (loss) before income taxes	15,254	$ 17,953
Long-lived assets	$ 859		$ 787

Investments - Schedule of Avail

Investments - Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016		Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale debt securities, amortized cost basis	$ 1,640,210	[1]	$ 1,690,043	[2]
Available-for-sale debt securities gross unrealized gain	85,609	[1]	68,467	[2]
Available-for-sale debt securities, gross unrealized loss	(20,114)	[1]	(27,051)	[2]
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value	1,705,705	[1]	1,731,459	[2]
Available-for-sale equity securities, cost	40,159		39,969
Available-for-sale equity securities, gross unrealized gain	10,034		8,252
Available-for-sale equity securities, gross unrealized loss	(639)		(382)
Available-for-sale equity securities, at fair value	49,554		47,839
Available-for-sale securities, amortized cost basis	1,680,369		1,730,012
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized gain	95,643		76,719
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized loss	(20,753)		(27,433)
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	1,755,259		1,779,298
U.S. Government and Agencies [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale debt securities, amortized cost basis	16,675		20,233
Available-for-sale debt securities gross unrealized gain	565		448
Available-for-sale debt securities, gross unrealized loss			(22)
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value	17,240		20,659
Foreign Government [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale debt securities, amortized cost basis	111,706		114,656
Available-for-sale debt securities gross unrealized gain	7,937		7,082
Available-for-sale debt securities, gross unrealized loss	(858)		(1,522)
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value	118,785		120,216
States and Political Subdivisions [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale debt securities, amortized cost basis	41,093		38,995
Available-for-sale debt securities gross unrealized gain	2,892		2,111
Available-for-sale debt securities, gross unrealized loss	(565)		(541)
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value	43,420		40,565
Corporates [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale debt securities, amortized cost basis	1,243,942		1,276,965
Available-for-sale debt securities gross unrealized gain	62,343		49,008
Available-for-sale debt securities, gross unrealized loss	(18,400)		(24,211)
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value	1,287,885		1,301,762
Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale debt securities, amortized cost basis	226,794		239,194
Available-for-sale debt securities gross unrealized gain	11,872		9,818
Available-for-sale debt securities, gross unrealized loss	(291)		(755)
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value	$ 238,375		$ 248,257
[1]	Includes approximately $0.1 million of other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) losses related to corporates and mortgage- and asset-backed securities recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income.
[2]	Includes approximately $0.1 million of OTTI related to corporates and mortgage- and asset-backed securities recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income.

Investments - Schedule of Ava34

Investments - Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities (Parenthetical) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Other-than-temporary impairment losses, investments, portion in other comprehensive income (loss)	$ 0.1	$ 0.1

Investments - Fixed-maturity Se

Investments - Fixed-maturity Securities Classified by Contractual Maturity Date (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016		Dec. 31, 2015	[2]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities [Abstract]
Due in one year or less, amortized cost	$ 71,107
Due after one year through five years, amortized cost	675,707
Due after five years through 10 years, amortized cost	618,931
Due after 10 years, amortized cost	47,671
Total fixed-maturity securities with single maturity dates, amortized cost	1,413,416
Mortgage and asset-backed securities, amortized cost	226,794
Available-for-sale debt securities, amortized cost basis	1,640,210	[1]	$ 1,690,043
Due in one year or less, fair value	71,731
Due after one year through five years, fair value	711,733
Due after five years through 10 years, fair value	632,263
Due after 10 years, fair value	51,603
Total fixed-maturity securities with single maturity dates, fair value	1,467,330
Mortgage and asset-backed securities, fair value	238,375
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value	$ 1,705,705	[1]	$ 1,731,459
[1]	Includes approximately $0.1 million of other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) losses related to corporates and mortgage- and asset-backed securities recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income.
[2]	Includes approximately $0.1 million of OTTI related to corporates and mortgage- and asset-backed securities recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income.

Investments - Net Effect on Sto

Investments - Net Effect on Stockholders' Equity of Unrealized Gains and Losses on Available-for-sale Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax [Abstract]
Net unrealized investment gains including OTTI, Fixed-maturity and Equity securities	$ 74,890	$ 49,286
OTTI	107	109
Net unrealized investment gains excluding OTTI	74,997	49,395
Less deferred income taxes	(26,250)	(17,288)
Net unrealized investment gains excluding OTTI, net of tax	$ 48,747	$ 32,107

Investments - Fixed-maturity 37

Investments - Fixed-maturity Securities Classified as Trading - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Trading securities	$ 7,620	$ 5,358
Fixed-maturity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Trading securities	$ 7,600	$ 5,400

Investments - Held-to-maturity

Investments - Held-to-maturity Security - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)
Schedule Of Held To Maturity Securities [Line Items]
Held-to-maturity debt security estimated unrealized holding gain	$ 19.1
LLC Note [Member]
Schedule Of Held To Maturity Securities [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	4.50%

Investments - Fair Value of Inv

Investments - Fair Value of Investments on Deposit with Governmental Authorities - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]
Fair values of investments on deposit	$ 18	$ 18.1

Investments - Securities Lendin

Investments - Securities Lending Collateral - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
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	$ 87.4	$ 71.5

Investments - Net Investment In

Investments - Net Investment Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Schedule of Net Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Gross investment income, operating	$ 26,602	$ 24,860
Investment expenses	(1,210)	(1,212)
Investment income net of investment expenses	25,392	23,648
Interest expense on surplus note	(4,154)	(2,475)
Net investment income	21,238	21,173
Equity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Net Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Gross investment income, operating	520	516
Policy Loans and Other Invested Assets [Member]
Schedule of Net Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Gross investment income, operating	330	359
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Schedule of Net Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Gross investment income, operating	149	43
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	2,200	1,672
Available-for-Sale [Member] | Fixed-maturity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Net Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Gross investment income, operating	19,249	19,795
Held-to-Maturity [Member] | Fixed-maturity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Net Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Gross investment income, operating	$ 4,154	$ 2,475

Investments - Schedule of Net R

Investments - Schedule of Net Realized Investment Gains and Losses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Realized Investment Gains Losses [Abstract]
Gross gains from sales	$ 1,285	$ 1,934
Gross losses from sales	(145)	(27)
Other-than-temporary impairment losses	(2,027)	(237)
Gains (losses) from bifurcated options	104	(386)
Realized investment gains (losses), including other-than- temporary impairment losses	$ (783)	$ 1,284

Investments - Available-for-sal

Investments - Available-for-sale Securities with Cost Basis in Excess of Fair Value - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]
Available for sale fixed-maturity and equity securities with cost basis in excess of fair value, cost basis	$ 324	$ 626

Investments - Schedule of Secur

Investments - Schedule of Securities in Unrealized Loss Position (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)Securities	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, fair value	$ 217,656	$ 549,243
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, aggregate losses	(11,888)	(19,294)
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, fair value	85,549	49,328
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, aggregate losses	(8,865)	(8,139)
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	5,009	3,652
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, aggregate losses	$ (555)	$ (287)
Available-for-sale, securities in unrealized loss positions, qualitative disclosure, number of positions, less than one year | Securities	12	17
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, fair value	$ 1,429	$ 3,209
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, aggregate losses	$ (84)	$ (95)
Available-for-sale, securities in unrealized loss positions, qualitative disclosure, number of positions, greater than or equal to one year | Securities	7	8
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	$ 212,647	$ 545,591
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, aggregate losses	(11,333)	(19,007)
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, fair value	84,120	46,119
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, aggregate losses	(8,781)	(8,044)
Fixed-maturity Securities [Member] | 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		13,651
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, aggregate losses		$ (22)
Available-for-sale, securities in unrealized loss positions, qualitative disclosure, number of positions, less than one year | Securities		7
Fixed-maturity Securities [Member] | 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	8,025	$ 23,572
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, aggregate losses	$ (286)	$ (829)
Available-for-sale, securities in unrealized loss positions, qualitative disclosure, number of positions, less than one year | Securities	8	20
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, fair value	$ 5,659	$ 2,396
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, aggregate losses	$ (572)	$ (693)
Available-for-sale, securities in unrealized loss positions, qualitative disclosure, number of positions, greater than or equal to one year | Securities	6	3
Fixed-maturity Securities [Member] | 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		$ 2,729
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, aggregate losses		$ (44)
Available-for-sale, securities in unrealized loss positions, qualitative disclosure, number of positions, less than one year | Securities		6
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, fair value	$ 807	$ 878
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, aggregate losses	$ (565)	$ (497)
Available-for-sale, securities in unrealized loss positions, qualitative disclosure, number of positions, greater than or equal to one year | Securities	2	2
Fixed-maturity Securities [Member] | Corporates [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, fair value	$ 181,790	$ 413,131
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, aggregate losses	$ (10,925)	$ (17,481)
Available-for-sale, securities in unrealized loss positions, qualitative disclosure, number of positions, less than one year | Securities	192	393
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, fair value	$ 60,763	$ 34,624
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, aggregate losses	$ (7,475)	$ (6,730)
Available-for-sale, securities in unrealized loss positions, qualitative disclosure, number of positions, greater than or equal to one year | Securities	79	54
Fixed-maturity Securities [Member] | 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	$ 22,832	$ 92,508
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, aggregate losses	$ (122)	$ (631)
Available-for-sale, securities in unrealized loss positions, qualitative disclosure, number of positions, less than one year | Securities	34	81
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, fair value	$ 16,891	$ 8,221
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, aggregate losses	$ (169)	$ (124)
Available-for-sale, securities in unrealized loss positions, qualitative disclosure, number of positions, greater than or equal to one year | Securities	24	15

Investments - Amortized Cost an

Investments - Amortized Cost and Fair Value of Available-for-sale Fixed-maturity Securities in Default (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-sale fixed-maturity securities in default, amortized cost	$ 134	$ 138
Available-for-sale fixed-maturity securities in default, fair value	$ 374	$ 262

Investments - Impairment Charge

Investments - Impairment Charges in Earnings on Available-for-sale Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Line Items]
Impairment charges recognized in earnings	$ 2,027	$ 237
Equity Securities [Member]
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Line Items]
Impairment charges recognized in earnings	27	76
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	1,996	$ 161
Investments in fixed-maturity securities in default [Member] | Fixed-maturity Securities [Member]
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Line Items]
Impairment charges recognized in earnings	$ 4

Investments - Schedule of Net I

Investments - Schedule of Net Impairment Losses Recognized in Earnings for Available-for-sale Securities(Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Line Items]
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses	$ 2,027	$ 237
Other-than-temporary impairment losses, investments, portion recognized in earnings, net	2,027	237
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	441	93
Other-than-temporary impairment losses, investments, portion recognized in earnings, net	441	93
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	$ 1,586	$ 144

Investments - Rollforward of OT

Investments - Rollforward of OTTI Recognized in Net Income, Fixed-maturity Securities Still Held (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Other than Temporary Impairment, OTTI Recognized in Earnings [Roll Forward]
Cumulative other-than-temporary impairment, net income for securities still held, beginning balance	$ 11,856	$ 9,550
Additions for other-than-temporary impaired securities where no OTTI were recognized prior to the beginning of the period	433	21
Additions for other-than-temporary impaired securities where OTTI have been recognized prior to the beginning of the period	1,567	140
Reductions due to sales, maturities, calls, amortization or increases in cash flows expected to be collected over the remaining life of credit impaired securities	(1,920)	(956)
Reductions for exchanges of securities previously impaired	(1,056)	(1,277)
Cumulative other-than-temporary impairment, credit losses for securities still held, ending balance	$ 10,880	$ 7,478

Investments - Impairment Losses

Investments - Impairment Losses on Held-to-maturity Security - Narrative (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)
Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]
Impairment losses held-to-maturity security	$ 0

Investments - Derivative - Narr

Investments - Derivative - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative, Net [Abstract]
Aggregate fair value of embedded conversion options	$ 5.5	$ 5.4

Investments - Loss from Closed

Investments - Loss from Closed Currency Forward Contracts Recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net [Abstract]
Deferred loss related to closed forward contracts	$ (26.4)	$ (26.4)

Fair Value of Financial Instr52

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Schedule of Fair Value Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	$ 1,755,259	$ 1,779,298
Trading securities	$ 7,620	5,358
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]
Trading securities	$ 7,620	5,358
Assets, fair value disclosure, recurring	4,026,987	3,848,555
Liabilities, fair value disclosure, recurring	2,264,108	2,063,899
Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Assets, fair value disclosure, recurring	45,098	43,487
Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Trading securities	7,620	5,358
Assets, fair value disclosure, recurring	3,981,136	3,804,285
Liabilities, fair value disclosure, recurring	2,264,108	2,063,899
Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Assets, fair value disclosure, recurring	753	783
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	17,240	20,659
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	17,240	20,659
Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Foreign Government [Member]
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	118,785	120,216
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	118,785	120,216
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	43,420	40,565
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	43,420	40,565
Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Corporates [Member]
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	1,287,885	1,301,762
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	2,156	2,146
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	1,285,726	1,299,613
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	3	3
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	238,375	248,257
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	237,673	247,525
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	702	732
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	1,705,705	1,731,459
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	2,156	2,146
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	1,702,844	1,728,578
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	705	735
Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	49,554	47,839
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	42,942	41,341
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	6,564	6,450
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	2,264,108	2,063,899
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	2,264,108	2,063,899
Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Separate Accounts Liabilities [Member]
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Separate account liabilities	2,264,108	2,063,899
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	$ 2,264,108	$ 2,063,899

Fair Value of Financial Instr53

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Rollforward of Level 3 Assets Measured on Recurring Basis (Details) - Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] - Level 3 [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Level 3 assets, beginning of period	$ 783	$ 1,165
Net unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income	6	6
Realized gains (losses) and accretion (amortization) recognized in earnings, including OTTI	4
Sales	(3)
Settlements	(36)	(37)
Transfers out of Level 3	(1)
Level 3 assets, end of period	$ 753	$ 1,134

Fair Value of Financial Instr54

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair value security, level 1 to level 2 transfers, amount	$ 0		$ 0
Fair Value security, level 1 to level 3 transfers, amount	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Value of Financial Instr55

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Carrying Value and Estimated Fair Value for Financial Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value		$ 1,755,259	$ 1,779,298
Fixed-maturity securities held to maturity, fair value		424,007	371,742
Trading securities		7,620	5,358
Surplus note		404,079	364,424
Fixed-maturity securities held to maturity		404,860	365,220
Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Trading securities		7,620	5,358
Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Trading securities		7,620	5,358
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		2,264,108	2,063,899
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		2,264,108	2,063,899
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		1,705,705	1,731,459
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		49,554	47,839
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		29,825	28,627
Surplus note	[1]	404,079	364,424
Fixed-maturity securities held to maturity		404,860	365,220
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		189,326	181,889
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]
Trading securities		7,620	5,358
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		2,264,108	2,063,899
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	[1]	372,643	372,552
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		1,705,705	1,731,459
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		49,554	47,839
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		424,007	371,742
Policy loans		29,825	28,627
Surplus note	[1]	423,283	371,498
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		189,326	181,889
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]
Trading securities		7,620	5,358
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		2,264,108	2,063,899
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	[1]	405,800	398,649
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		2,264,108	2,063,899
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		2,264,108	2,063,899
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		2,264,108	2,063,899
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		$ 2,264,108	$ 2,063,899
[1]	Carrying value amounts shown are net of issuance costs.

Fair Value of Financial Instr56

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Carrying Value and Estimated Fair Value for Financial Instruments (Parenthetical) (Details)	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Percentage of coinsurance costs	10.00%	10.00%

Reinsurance - In-force Life Ins

Reinsurance - In-force Life Insurance (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
Direct life insurance in force	$ 708,276,575	$ 696,884,429
Amounts ceded to other companies	(624,513,906)	(616,252,839)
Net life insurance in force	$ 83,762,669	$ 80,631,590
Percentage of reinsured life insurance in force	88.00%	88.00%

Reinsurance - Reinsurance Recei

Reinsurance - Reinsurance Receivable and Financial Strength Ratings by Reinsurer (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Reinsurance receivable		$ 4,160,266	$ 4,110,628
Pecan Re Inc [Member] | External credit rating, not rated [Member]
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Reinsurance receivable	[1],[2]	2,720,922
Prime Reinsurance Company [Member] | External credit rating, not rated [Member]
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Reinsurance receivable	[1]		2,692,721
SCOR Global Life Reinsurance Companies [Member] | AM Best, A Rating [Member]
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Reinsurance receivable	[3]	358,520	362,195
Financial Reassurance Company 2010, Ltd. [Member] | External credit rating, not rated [Member]
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Reinsurance receivable	[1]	293,892	270,306
Swiss Re Life & Health America Inc. [Member] | AM Best, A+ Rating [Member]
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Reinsurance receivable	[4]	251,801	254,461
American Health and Life Insurance Company [Member] | AM Best, B Rating [Member]
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Reinsurance receivable	[1]	176,694	176,790
Munich American Reassurance Company [Member] | AM Best, A+ Rating [Member]
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Reinsurance receivable		101,992	101,466
Korean Reinsurance Company [Member] | AM Best, A Rating [Member]
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Reinsurance receivable		93,526	91,605
RGA Reinsurance Company [Member] | AM Best, A+ Rating [Member]
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Reinsurance receivable		81,722	81,217
TOA Reinsurance Company [Member] | AM Best, A+ Rating [Member]
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Reinsurance receivable		21,702	22,242
Hannover Life Reassurance Company [Member] | AM Best, A+ Rating [Member]
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Reinsurance receivable		21,156	20,650
All Other Reinsurers [Member]
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Reinsurance receivable		$ 38,339	$ 36,975
[1]	Includes balances ceded under coinsurance transactions of term life insurance policies that were in force as of December 31, 2009. Amounts shown are net of their share of the reinsurance receivable from other reinsurers.
[2]	Pecan Re Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Swiss Re Life & Health America Inc.
[3]	Includes amounts ceded to Transamerica Reinsurance Companies and fully retroceded to SCOR Global Life Reinsurance Companies.
[4]	Includes amounts ceded to Lincoln National Life Insurance and fully retroceded to Swiss Re Life & Health America Inc.

Reinsurance - Narrative (Detail

Reinsurance - Narrative (Details)	Jan. 02, 2016	Jul. 01, 2015	Mar. 31, 2016	Jan. 02, 2016
Minimum [Member]
Reinsurance Retention Policy [Line Items]
Percentage of finance charge for statutory reserves	0.50%	2.00%
Maximum [Member]
Reinsurance Retention Policy [Line Items]
Percentage of finance charge for statutory reserves	2.00%	3.00%
80% Coinsurance Agreement [Member] | Prime Reinsurance Company [Member]
Reinsurance Retention Policy [Line Items]
Percentage of risks and rewards of term life insurance policies in force				80.00%
Novation Agreement [Member] | Pecan Re Inc [Member]
Reinsurance Retention Policy [Line Items]
Percentage of risks and rewards of term life insurance policies in force	80.00%
10% Coinsurance Agreement [Member]
Reinsurance Retention Policy [Line Items]
Percentage of risks and rewards of term life insurance policies in force			10.00%

Debt - Narrative (Details)

Debt - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Surplus note	$ 404,079	$ 364,424
Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Surplus note	915,000
Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	$ 375,000
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	4.75%
Debt instrument maturity date	Jul. 15, 2022
Surplus Note [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	4.50%
Debt instrument maturity date	Dec. 31, 2029

Stockholders' Equity - Reconcil

Stockholders' Equity - Reconciliation of Number of Shares of Common Stock (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Stockholders Equity Note [Abstract]
Common stock, beginning of period	48,297	52,169
Shares issued upon the exercise of stock options		89
Shares of common stock issued upon lapse of restricted stock units ("RSUs")	229	208
Common stock retired	(1,231)	(911)
Common stock, end of period	47,295	51,555

Stockholders' Equity - Narrativ

Stockholders' Equity - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		8 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2016
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchased and retired during period, shares	1,231,000	911,000
Original Repurchase [Member]
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchased program, authorized amount	$ 200,000,000		$ 200,000,000
Combined Repurchase
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchased and retired during period, shares			2,280,895
Stock repurchased and retired during period, value			$ 99,900,000
New Repurchase [Member]
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchase program, remaining authorized repurchase amount	$ 100,100,000		$ 100,100,000
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		1,200,000

Earnings Per Share - Calculatio

Earnings Per Share - Calculation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Net income	$ 45,176	$ 43,401
Net income used in calculating basic EPS	$ 44,806	$ 42,957
Weighted-average vested shares	48,550	52,643
Basic EPS	$ 0.92	$ 0.82
Net income used in calculating diluted EPS	$ 44,806	$ 42,957
Dilutive effect of incremental shares to be issued for contingently issuable shares	24	48
Weighted-average shares used in calculating diluted EPS	48,574	52,691
Diluted EPS	$ 0.92	$ 0.82
Stock Compensation Plan [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Net income attributable to unvested participating securities, basic EPS	$ (370)	$ (444)
Net income attributable to unvested participating securities, diluted EPS	$ (370)	$ (444)

Share-Based Transactions - Impa

Share-Based Transactions - Impact of Equity Awards Granted (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total equity awards expense recognized	$ 7,483	$ 8,943
Expense Deferred [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Quarterly incentive awards expense deferred	$ 2,692	$ 2,908

Share-Based Transactions - Narr

Share-Based Transactions - Narrative (Details)	Feb. 24, 2016$ / sharesshares
Restricted stock units (RSUs) [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares awarded	204,558
Measurement date fair value | $ / shares	$ 41.88
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, award vesting period	3 years
Stock Options [Member] | 4 Executive Management Team [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
Number of shares awarded	89,540
Measurement date fair value | $ / shares	$ 8.21
Performance share units (PSUs) [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares awarded	18,385
Measurement date fair value | $ / shares	$ 41.88
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, award vesting period	3 years
Performance share units (PSUs) [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of PSUs vested during the period	27,577
Performance share units (PSUs) [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of PSUs vested during the period	0

Commitments and Contingent Li66

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)Jurisdiction
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Line Items]
Number of jurisdiction | Jurisdiction	30
Letter of Credit [Member]
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Line Items]
Letter of credit, outstanding | $	$ 446.4

Other Comprehensive Income (Det

Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Change in unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) before income tax expense (benefit)	$ 16,036	$ (20,566)
Income tax expense (benefit) on unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses)	168	(230)
Change in unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses), net of income taxes	15,868	(20,336)
Unrealized gain (losses) on available-for-sale securities:
Change in unrealized holding gains (losses) on investment securities	24,717	15,661
Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses) not-other-than-temporarily impaired, income tax expense (benefit)	8,651	5,482
Change in unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities arising during period, net of income taxes	16,066	10,179
Reclassification adjustment for realized investment (gains) losses included in net income	887	(1,670)
Income tax (expense) benefits on (gains) losses reclassified from accumulated OCI to net income	311	(585)
Reclassification from accumulated OCI to net income for (gains) losses realized on available-for-sale securities, net of income taxes	576	(1,085)
Change in unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, net of income taxes and reclassification adjustment	$ 16,642	$ 9,094