Primerica (PRI) 10-K 27 Feb 17 2016 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 31, 2017	Jun. 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-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		45,700,523
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 2,645,868,915

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Investments:
Fixed-maturity securities available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost: $1,734,683 in 2016 and $1,690,043 in 2015)	[1]	$ 1,792,438	$ 1,731,459
Fixed-maturity securities held-to-maturity, at amortized cost (fair value: $513,015 in 2016 and $371,742 in 2015)		503,230	365,220
Equity securities available-for-sale, at fair value (cost: $36,818 in 2016 and $39,969 in 2015)		44,894	47,839
Trading securities, at fair value (cost: $7,382 in 2016 and $5,383 in 2015)		7,383	5,358
Policy loans		30,916	28,627
Total investments		2,378,861	2,178,503
Cash and cash equivalents		211,976	152,294
Accrued investment income		16,520	17,080
Due from reinsurers		4,193,562	4,110,628
Deferred policy acquisition costs, net		1,713,065	1,500,259
Agent balances, due premiums and other receivables		210,448	190,379
Intangible assets, net		54,915	58,318
Current income tax receivable			4,955
Deferred income taxes		37,369	30,112
Other assets		334,274	304,356
Separate account assets		2,287,953	2,063,899
Total assets		11,438,943	10,610,783
Liabilities:
Future policy benefits		5,673,890	5,431,711
Unearned premiums		527	628
Policy claims and other benefits payable		268,136	238,157
Other policyholders’ funds		363,038	365,276
Notes payable		372,919	372,552
Surplus note		502,491	364,424
Current income tax payable		26,365	6,476
Deferred income taxes		198,641	141,649
Other liabilities		449,963	408,757
Payable under securities lending		73,646	71,482
Separate account liabilities		2,287,953	2,063,899
Commitments and contingent liabilities (see Commitments and Contingent Liabilities note)
Total liabilities		10,217,569	9,465,011
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock ($0.01 par value; authorized 500,000 in 2016 and 2015; issued and outstanding 45,721 shares in 2016 and 48,297 shares in 2015)		457	483
Paid-in capital		52,468	180,250
Retained earnings		1,138,851	952,804
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax:
Unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses)		(13,193)	(19,801)
Net unrealized investment gains (losses):
Net unrealized investment gains not other-than-temporarily impaired		42,852	32,107
Net unrealized investment losses other-than-temporarily impaired		(61)	(71)
Total stockholders’ equity		1,221,374	1,145,772
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity		$ 11,438,943	$ 10,610,783
[1]	Includes approximately $0.1 million of OTTI losses related to corporates and mortgage- and asset-backed securities recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income.

Consolidated Balance Sheets Par

Consolidated Balance Sheets Parenthetical - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Investments:
Fixed-maturity securities available for sale, amortized cost	[1]	$ 1,734,683	$ 1,690,043
Fixed-maturity securities held to maturity, fair value		513,015	371,742
Equity securities available for sale, cost		36,818	39,969
Trading securities, cost		$ 7,382	$ 5,383
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, par value		$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized		500,000,000	500,000,000
Common stock, shares issued		45,721,000	48,297,000
Common stock, shares outstanding		45,721,000	48,297,000	52,169,000	54,834,000
[1]	Includes approximately $0.1 million of OTTI losses related to corporates and mortgage- and asset-backed securities recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income.

Consolidated Statements of Inco

Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Revenues:
Direct premiums	$ 2,444,268	$ 2,345,444	$ 2,301,332
Ceded premiums	(1,600,559)	(1,595,220)	(1,616,817)
Net premiums	843,709	750,224	684,515
Commissions and fees	541,686	537,146	527,166
Investment income net of investment expenses	97,905	89,557	89,955
Interest expense on surplus note	(18,880)	(13,048)	(3,482)
Net investment income	79,025	76,509	86,473
Realized investment gains (losses), including other-than- temporary impairment losses	4,088	(1,738)	(261)
Other, net	50,576	42,058	39,203
Total revenues	1,519,084	1,404,199	1,337,096
Benefits and expenses:
Benefits and claims	367,655	339,315	311,417
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	180,582	157,727	144,378
Sales commissions	272,815	274,893	268,775
Insurance expenses	132,348	123,030	113,871
Insurance commissions	17,783	16,340	15,353
Interest expense	28,691	33,507	34,570
Other operating expenses	181,615	168,406	173,010
Total benefits and expenses	1,181,489	1,113,218	1,061,374
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	337,595	290,981	275,722
Income taxes	118,181	101,110	95,888
Income from continuing operations	219,414	189,871	179,834
Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes			1,578
Net income	$ 219,414	$ 189,871	$ 181,412
Basic earnings per share:
Continuing operations	$ 4.59	$ 3.70	$ 3.26
Discontinued operations			0.03
Basic earnings per share	4.59	3.70	3.29
Diluted earnings per share:
Continuing operations	4.59	3.70	3.26
Discontinued operations			0.03
Diluted earnings per share	$ 4.59	$ 3.70	$ 3.29
Weighted-average shares used in computing earnings per share:
Basic	47,411	50,881	54,567
Diluted	47,453	50,913	54,598
Supplemental disclosures:
Total impairment losses	$ (3,420)	$ (6,893)	$ (4,045)
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings	(3,420)	(6,893)	(4,045)
Other net realized investment gains	7,508	5,155	3,784
Realized investment gains (losses), including other-than- temporary impairment losses	$ 4,088	$ (1,738)	$ (261)
Dividends declared per share	$ 0.70	$ 0.64	$ 0.48

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 56,873	$ 58,037	$ 59,326	$ 45,176	$ 47,949	$ 49,350	$ 49,173	$ 43,401	$ 219,414	$ 189,871	$ 181,412
Unrealized investment gains (losses):
Change in unrealized holding gains (losses) on investment securities									20,500	(65,920)	11,228
Reclassification adjustment for realized investment (gains) losses included in net income									(3,955)	1,596	794
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Change in unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) before income tax expense (benefit)									6,689	(41,929)	(20,527)
Total other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes									23,234	(106,253)	(8,505)
Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)									5,871	(22,961)	3,974
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes									17,363	(83,292)	(12,479)
Total comprehensive income									$ 236,777	$ 106,579	$ 168,933

Consolidated Statements of Stoc

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, 2013		$ 548	$ 472,633	$ 640,840	$ 108,006
Repurchases of common stock		(31)	(154,268)
Share-based compensation			37,494
Net issuance of common stock		5	(5)
Adjustments to paid-in capital, other			(2,517)
Net income	$ 181,412			181,412
Dividends				(26,512)
Change in foreign currency translation adjustment, net of income tax expense (benefit)					(20,293)
Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses) not-other-than temporarily impaired, net of income tax expense (benefit)					6,929
Change in net unrealized investment losses other-than-temporarily impaired, net of income tax expense (benefit)					885
Balance, end of period at Dec. 31, 2014	1,245,126	522	353,337	795,740	95,527
Repurchases of common stock		(45)	(207,714)
Share-based compensation			33,544
Net issuance of common stock		6	(6)
Adjustments to paid-in capital, other			1,089
Net income	189,871			189,871
Dividends				(32,807)
Change in foreign currency translation adjustment, net of income tax expense (benefit)					(41,482)
Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses) not-other-than temporarily impaired, net of income tax expense (benefit)					(42,201)
Change in net unrealized investment losses other-than-temporarily impaired, net of income tax expense (benefit)					391
Balance, end of period at Dec. 31, 2015	1,145,772	483	180,250	952,804	12,235
Repurchases of common stock		(33)	(153,994)
Share-based compensation			26,219
Net issuance of common stock		7	(7)
Net income	219,414			219,414
Dividends				(33,367)
Change in foreign currency translation adjustment, net of income tax expense (benefit)					6,608
Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses) not-other-than temporarily impaired, net of income tax expense (benefit)					10,745
Change in net unrealized investment losses other-than-temporarily impaired, net of income tax expense (benefit)					10
Balance, end of period at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 1,221,374	$ 457	$ 52,468	$ 1,138,851	$ 29,598

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 219,414	$ 189,871	$ 181,412
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Change in future policy benefits and other policy liabilities	256,520	242,957	257,908
Deferral of policy acquisition costs	(376,879)	(326,197)	(289,945)
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	180,582	157,727	144,378
Deferred tax provision	44,316	38,292	25,757
Change in income taxes	25,341	700	1,090
Realized investment (gains) losses, including other-than-temporary impairments	(4,088)	1,738	261
Gain from sale of business, net			(1,578)
Accretion and amortization of investments	(1,411)	(1,343)	(4,825)
Depreciation and amortization	14,595	10,998	12,266
Change in due from reinsurers	(72,880)	(49,966)	(90,024)
Change in agent balances, due premiums and other receivables	(20,069)	(11,379)	(11,047)
Trading securities sold, matured, or called (acquired), net	(2,051)	2,308	5,232
Share-based compensation	13,442	14,948	17,982
Change in other operating assets and liabilities, net	15,335	(11,565)	(11,535)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	292,167	259,089	237,332
Available-for-sale investments sold, matured or called:
Fixed-maturity securities — sold	91,666	130,608	109,681
Fixed-maturity securities — matured or called	254,585	247,771	314,589
Equity securities	8,572	4,894	2,351
Available-for-sale investments acquired:
Fixed-maturity securities	(386,394)	(433,457)	(425,904)
Equity securities	(2,683)	(882)	(11,878)
Purchases of property and equipment and other investing activities, net	(13,669)	(7,399)	(7,484)
Proceeds from sale of business			3,000
Cash collateral received (returned) on loaned securities, net	2,164	21,271	(39,641)
Sales (purchases) of short-term investments using securities lending collateral, net	(2,164)	(21,271)	39,641
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(47,923)	(58,465)	(15,645)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Dividends paid	(33,367)	(32,807)	(26,512)
Common stock repurchased	(150,057)	(200,084)	(147,922)
Excess tax benefits on share-based compensation	2,260	5,162	5,804
Tax withholdings on share-based compensation	(3,970)	(7,675)	(6,377)
Cash proceeds from stock options exercised		136
Payments of deferred financing costs			(876)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(185,134)	(235,268)	(175,883)
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash	572	(5,059)	(2,789)
Change in cash and cash equivalents	59,682	(39,703)	43,015
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	152,294	191,997	148,982
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	211,976	152,294	191,997
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Income taxes paid	45,402	62,116	66,077
Interest paid	$ 27,992	$ 32,386	$ 33,058

Description of Business, Basis

Description of Business, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 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, managed investments 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. 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 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 consolidated financial statements at December 31, 2016. Foreign Currency Translation. Assets and liabilities of our Canadian subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars using year-end exchange rates, and the translation adjustments are reported in other comprehensive income (loss). Revenues and expenses of our Canadian subsidiaries are translated monthly at amounts that approximate weighted-average exchange rates. Investments. Investments are reported on the following bases: • Available-for-sale (“AFS”) fixed-maturity securities, including bonds and redeemable preferred stocks not classified as trading securities, are carried at fair value. When quoted market values are unavailable, we obtain estimates from independent pricing services or estimate fair value based upon a comparison to quoted issues of the same issuer or of other issuers with similar characteristics. • Held-to-maturity fixed-maturity security is carried at amortized cost. • Equity securities, including common and nonredeemable preferred stocks, are classified as AFS and are carried at fair value. When quoted market values are unavailable, we obtain estimates from independent pricing services or estimates fair value based upon a comparison to quoted issues of the same issuer or of other issuers with similar characteristics. • Trading securities, which primarily consist of bonds, are carried at fair value. Changes in fair value of trading securities are included in net investment income in the period in which the change occurred. • Policy loans are carried at unpaid principal balances, which approximate fair value. Investment transactions are recorded on a trade-date basis. We use the specific-identification method to determine the realized gains or losses from securities transactions and report the realized gains or losses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. Unrealized gains and losses on AFS securities are included as a separate component of other comprehensive income, except for other-than-temporary impairments (“OTTI”) discussed below, in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Investments are reviewed on a quarterly basis for OTTI. Credit risk, interest rate risk, the amount of time the security has been in an unrealized loss position, actions taken by ratings agencies, and other factors are considered in determining whether an unrealized loss is other-than-temporary. OTTI in our accompanying consolidated statements of income reflect the impairment on AFS securities that we intend to sell or would more likely than not be required to sell before the expected recovery of the amortized cost basis. For AFS fixed maturity securities that we have no intent to sell and believe that it is not more likely than not we will be required to sell prior to recovery, only the credit loss component of OTTI is recognized in our accompanying consolidated statements of income, while the remainder is recognized in other comprehensive income in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). The credit loss component of OTTI recognized in net income is identified as the amount of principal cash flows not expected to be received over the remaining term of the security. Any subsequent changes (if not an other-than-temporary impairment) in the fair value of AFS securities are recognized in other comprehensive income in the accompanying statements of comprehensive income. Interest income on fixed-maturity securities is recorded when earned by determining the effective yield, which gives consideration to amortization of premiums, accretion of discounts, and any previous OTTI. Dividend income on equity securities is recorded when declared. These amounts are included in net investment income in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. Included within fixed-maturity securities are loan-backed and asset-backed securities. Amortization of the premium or accretion of the discount uses the retrospective method. The effective yield used to determine amortization/accretion is calculated based on actual and historical projected future cash flows and updated quarterly. Embedded conversion options associated with fixed-maturity securities are bifurcated from the fixed-maturity security host contracts and separately recognized as equity securities. The change in fair value of these bifurcated conversion options is recorded in realized gains (losses), including OTTI in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. Cash and Cash Equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, money market instruments, and all other highly liquid investments purchased with an original or remaining maturity of three months or less at the date of acquisition. Reinsurance. We use reinsurance extensively, utilizing yearly renewable term (“YRT”) and coinsurance agreements. Under YRT agreements, we reinsure only the mortality risk, while under coinsurance, we reinsure a proportionate part of all risks arising under the reinsured policy. Under coinsurance, the reinsurer receives a proportionate part of the premiums, less commission allowances, and is liable for a corresponding part of all benefit payments. All reinsurance contracts in effect for the three-year period ended December 31, 2016 transfer a reasonable possibility of substantial loss to the reinsurer or are accounted for under the deposit method of accounting. Ceded premiums are treated as a reduction to direct premiums and are recognized when due to the assuming company. Ceded claims are treated as a reduction to direct benefits and are recognized when the claim is incurred on a direct basis. Ceded policy reserve changes are also treated as a reduction to benefits and claims expense and are recognized during the applicable financial reporting period. Reinsurance premiums, commissions, expense reimbursements and benefits and reserves related to reinsured long-duration contracts are accounted for over the life of the underlying contracts using assumptions consistent with those used to account for the underlying policies. Amounts recoverable from reinsurers are estimated in a manner consistent with the claim liabilities and future policy benefits associated with reinsured policies. Ceded policy reserves and claims liabilities relating to insurance ceded are shown as due from reinsurers on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. We analyze and monitor the credit-worthiness of each of our reinsurance partners to minimize collection issues. For reinsurance contracts with unauthorized reinsurers, we require collateral such as letters of credit. To the extent we receive ceding allowances to cover policy and claims administration under reinsurance contracts, these allowances are treated as a reduction to insurance commissions and expenses and are recognized when due from the assuming company. To the extent we receive ceding allowances reimbursing commissions that would otherwise be deferred, the amount of commissions deferrable will be reduced. The corresponding DAC balances are reduced on a pro rata basis by the portion of the business reinsured with reinsurance agreements that meet risk transfer provisions. The reduced DAC will result in a corresponding reduction of amortization expense. DAC. We defer incremental direct costs of successful contract acquisitions that result directly from and are essential to the contract transaction(s) and that would not have been incurred had the contract transaction(s) not occurred. These deferred policy acquisition costs mainly include commissions and policy issue expenses. All other acquisition-related costs, including unsuccessful acquisition and renewal efforts, are charged to expense as incurred. Also, administrative costs, rent, depreciation, occupancy, equipment, and all other general overhead costs are considered indirect costs and are charged to expense as incurred. DAC for term life insurance policies is amortized over the initial premium-paying period of the related policies in proportion to premium income. DAC for Canadian segregated funds is amortized over the life of the underlying policies at a constant rate based on the present value of the estimated gross profits expected to be realized over the life of the underlying policies. DAC is subject to recoverability testing annually and when impairment indicators exist. Intangible Assets. Intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Any intangible asset that was deemed to have an indefinite useful life is not amortized but is subject to an annual impairment test. An impairment exists if the carrying value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its fair value. For the other intangible assets, which are subject to amortization, an impairment is recognized if the carrying amount is not recoverable and exceeds the fair value of the intangible asset. The components of intangible assets were as follows: December 31, 2016 2015 Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Net carrying amount Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Net carrying amount (In thousands) Indefinite-lived intangible asset $ 45,275 n/a $ 45,275 $ 45,275 n/a $ 45,275 Amortizing intangible asset 84,871 (75,231 ) 9,640 84,871 (71,828 ) 13,043 Total intangible assets $ 130,146 $ (75,231 ) $ 54,915 $ 130,146 $ (71,828 ) $ 58,318 We have an indefinite-lived intangible asset related to the 1989 purchase of the right to contract with our sales force. This asset represents the core distribution model of our business, which is our primary competitive advantage to profitably distribute term life insurance and investment and savings products on a significant scale, and as such, is considered to have an indefinite life. This indefinite-lived intangible asset is supported by a significant portion of the discounted cash flows of our future business. We assessed this asset for impairment as of October 1, 2016 and determined that no impairment had occurred. There have been no subsequent events requiring further analysis. We also have an amortizing intangible asset related to a 1995 sales agreement termination payment to Management Financial Services, Inc. This asset is supported by a non-compete agreement with the founder of our business model. We calculate the amortization of this contract buyout on a straight-line basis over 24 years, which represents the life of the non-compete agreement. Intangible asset amortization expense was approximately $3.4 million in 2016, 2015 and 2014. Amortization expense is expected to be approximately $3.4 million annually during the remainder of the amortization period. No events have occurred during 2016, and no factors exist as of December 31, 2016 that would indicate that the net carrying value of our amortizing intangible asset may not be recoverable or will not be used throughout its estimated useful life. Property and Equipment. Property and equipment, which are included in other assets, are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is recognized on a straight-line basis over the asset’s estimated useful life, which is estimated as follows: Estimated Useful Life Data processing equipment and software 3 to 7 years Leasehold improvements Lesser of 15 years or remaining life of lease Furniture and other equipment 5 to 15 years Depreciation expense is included in other operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. Depreciation expense was $11.2 million, $7.6 million, and $7.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively. Property and equipment balances were as follows: December 31, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Data processing equipment and software $ 57,178 $ 60,414 Leasehold improvements 13,718 13,947 Other, principally furniture and equipment 23,571 27,065 94,467 101,426 Accumulated depreciation (67,001 ) (72,017 ) Net property and equipment $ 27,466 $ 29,409 Separate Accounts. The separate accounts are primarily comprised of contracts issued by the Company through its subsidiary, Primerica Life Canada, pursuant to the Insurance Companies Act (Canada). The Insurance Companies Act authorizes Primerica Life Canada to establish the separate accounts. The separate accounts are represented by individual variable annuity contracts. Purchasers of variable annuity contracts issued by Primerica Life Canada have a direct claim to the benefits of the contract that entitles the holder to units in one or more investment funds (the “Funds”) maintained by Primerica Life Canada. The Funds invest in assets that are held for the benefit of the owners of the contracts. The benefits provided vary in amount depending on the market value of the Funds’ assets. The Funds’ assets are administered by Primerica Life Canada and are held separate and apart from the general assets of the Company. The liabilities reflect the variable insurance annuity contract holders’ interests in variable annuity assets based upon actual investment performance of the respective Funds. Separate account operating results relating to contract holders’ interests are excluded from our consolidated statements of income. Primerica Life Canada’s contract offerings guarantee the maturity value at the date of maturity (or upon death, whichever occurs first) to be equal to 75% of the sum of all contributions made, net of withdrawals, on a first-in first-out basis. Otherwise, the maturity value or death benefit will be the accumulated value of units allocated to the contract at the specified valuation date. The amount of this value is not guaranteed, but will fluctuate with the fair value of the Funds. Policyholder Liabilities. Future policy benefits are accrued over the current and expected renewal periods of the contracts. Liabilities for future policy benefits on traditional life insurance products have been computed using a net level method, including assumptions as to interest rates, mortality, persistency, and other assumptions based on our experience, modified as necessary to reflect anticipated trends and to include provisions for possible adverse deviation. The underlying mortality tables are the Society of Actuaries (“SOA”) 65-70, SOA 75-80, SOA 85-90, and the 91 Bragg, modified to reflect various underwriting classifications and assumptions. Interest rate reserve assumptions at December 31, 2016 and 2015 ranged from approximately 3.5% to 7.0%. For policies issued in 2010 and after, we have been using an increasing interest rate assumption to reflect the historically low interest rate environment. The liability for policy claims and other benefits payable on traditional life insurance products includes estimated unpaid claims that have been reported to us and claims incurred but not yet reported. The future policy benefit reserves we establish are necessarily based on estimates, assumptions and our analysis of historical experience. We do not modify the assumptions used to establish future policy benefit reserves during the policy term unless recoverability testing deems them to be inadequate and there is no remaining DAC associated with the underlying policies. Our results depend significantly upon the extent to which our actual claims experience is consistent with the assumptions we used in determining our future policy benefit reserves and pricing our products. Our future policy benefit reserve assumptions and estimates require significant judgment and, therefore, are inherently uncertain. We cannot determine with precision the ultimate amounts that we will pay for actual claims or the timing of those payments. Other Policyholders’ Funds . Other policyholders’ funds primarily represent claim payments left on deposit with us. Litigation. The Company is involved from time to time in legal disputes, regulatory inquiries and arbitration proceedings in the normal course of business. Contingent litigation- related losses are recognized when probable and can be reasonably estimated. Legal costs, such as attorneys’ fees and other litigation-related expenses that are incurred in connection with resolving litigation are expensed as incurred. These disputes are subject to uncertainties, including indeterminate amounts sought in certain of these matters and the inherent unpredictability of litigation. Due to the difficulty of estimating costs of litigation, actual costs may be substantially higher or lower than any amounts reserved. Income Taxes . We are subject to the income tax laws of the United States, its states, municipalities, and certain unincorporated territories, and those of Canada. These tax laws can be complex and subject to different interpretations by the taxpayer and the relevant governmental taxing authorities. In establishing a provision for income tax expense, we must make judgments and interpretations about the applicability of these tax laws. We also must make estimates about the future impact certain items will have on taxable income in the various tax jurisdictions, both domestic and foreign. Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to (i) differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and (ii) operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Deferred tax assets are recognized subject to management’s judgment that realization is more likely than not applicable to the periods in which we expect the temporary difference will reverse. Premium Revenues . Traditional life insurance products consist principally of those products with fixed and guaranteed premiums and benefits, and are primarily related to term products. Premiums are recognized as revenues when due. Commissions and Fees. We receive commission revenues from the sale of various non-life insurance products. Commissions are generally received on sales of mutual funds and annuities. We also receive trail commission revenues from mutual fund and annuity products based on the net asset value of shares sold by us. We, in turn, pay certain commissions to our sales force. Additionally, we receive marketing and support fees from product originators. We also receive management fees based on the average daily net asset value of managed investments and contracts related to separate account assets issued by Primerica Life Canada. We earn recordkeeping fees for administrative functions that we perform on behalf of several of our mutual fund providers and custodial fees for services performed as a non-bank custodian of our clients’ retirement plan accounts. We, in turn, pay a third-party provider for its servicing of certain of these accounts. Commissions and fees are recognized as income during the period in which they are earned. Benefits and Expenses . Benefit and expense items are charged to income in the period in which they are incurred. Both the change in policyholder liabilities, which is included in benefits and claims, and the amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs will vary with policyholder persistency. Share-Based Transactions. For employee and director share-based compensation awards, we determine a grant date fair value based on the price of our publicly-traded common stock and recognize the related compensation expense, adjusted for expected forfeitures, in the statement of income on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award. For non-employee share-based compensation, we recognize the impact during the period of performance, and the fair value of the award is measured as of the date performance is complete, which is the vesting date. To the extent that a share-based award contains sale restrictions extending beyond the vesting date, we reduce the recognized fair value of the award to reflect the corresponding illiquidity discount. Most non-employee share-based compensation is an incremental direct cost of successful acquisitions or renewals of life insurance policies that result directly from and are essential to the policy acquisition(s) and would not have been incurred had the policy acquisition(s) not occurred. We defer these expenses and amortize the impact in the same manner as all other DAC. Earnings Per Share (“EPS”). The Company has outstanding common stock and equity awards that consist of restricted stock units (“RSUs”), performance-based stock units (“PSUs”), and stock options. The 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 RSUs are deemed participating securities for purposes of calculating EPS as they maintain dividend rights. See Note 13 (Earnings Per Share) for details related to the calculations of our basic and diluted EPS using the two-class method. New Accounting Principles. In April 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-03, Interest — Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30) – Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs 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 In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) In January 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments—Overall (Subtopic 825-10) Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities In February 2016, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02 (“ASU 2016-02”), Leases (ASC 842) In June 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-13 (“ASU 2016-13”), Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326) – Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments Future Application of Accounting Standards. Recent accounting guidance not discussed is not applicable, is immaterial to our financial statements, or did not or will not have an impact on our business.

Discontinued Operations (Notes)

Discontinued Operations (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Discontinued Operations	(2) Discontinued Operations In January 2014, NBLIC sold the assets and liabilities of its short-term statutory disability benefit insurance business (“DBL”) to AmTrust North America, Inc. and its affiliates (the “buyer”). As part of the sale agreement, the buyer assumed all liabilities for DBL insurance policies. In addition, NBLIC transferred the assets held in support of DBL’s insurance liabilities and all other premium-related assets and liabilities to the buyer as of January 1, 2014. The results of DBL’s operations from January 1, 2014 forward were also transferred to the buyer. NBLIC received cash proceeds from the sale of $3.0 million and recognized a pre-tax gain on the sale of approximately $2.4 million, which comprised income from discontinued operations before income taxes in our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2014. After the sale, we no longer had significant continuing involvement in the operations of DBL, and its direct cash flows have been eliminated from our ongoing operations. As a result, beginning in 2014, the results of operations for DBL have been reported in discontinued operations for all periods presented in the consolidated statements of income. We had no assets or liabilities related to DBL as of December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014. The results of DBL included in discontinued operations were as follows: Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Total revenues from discontinued operations $ - $ - $ - Income from discontinued operations before income taxes - - 2,427 Provision for income taxes - - 849 Income from discontinued operations, net income taxes $ - $ - $ 1,578

Segment and Geographical Inform

Segment and Geographical Information (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment and Geographical Information	(3) Segment and Geographical Information Segments. We have two primary operating segments — Term Life Insurance and Investment and Savings Products. The Term Life Insurance segment includes underwriting profits on our in-force book of term life insurance policies, net of reinsurance, which are underwritten by our life insurance company subsidiaries. The Investment and Savings Products segment includes retail and managed mutual funds and annuities distributed through licensed broker-dealer subsidiaries and includes segregated funds, an individual annuity savings product that we underwrite in Canada through Primerica Life Canada. In the United States, we distribute mutual fund and annuity products of several third-party companies. We also earn fees for account servicing on a subset of the mutual funds we distribute. In Canada, we offer a Primerica-branded fund-of-funds mutual fund product, as well as mutual funds of well-known mutual fund companies. These two operating segments are managed separately because their products serve different needs — term life insurance income protection versus wealth-building savings products. We also have a Corporate and Other Distributed Products segment, which consists primarily of revenues and expenses related to several discontinued lines of insurance other than our core term life insurance products and the distribution of various other financial products generally underwritten or offered by third-party providers. All of the Company’s net investment income, except for the portion allocated to the Term Life Insurance segment that represents the assumed interest accreted to its U.S. GAAP-measured future policy benefit reserve liability less DAC, is attributed to the Corporate and Other Distributed Products segment. In addition, interest expense incurred by the Company as well as realized gains and losses on our invested asset portfolio are entirely attributed to the Corporate and Other Distributed Products segment. Notable information included in profit or loss by segment was as follows: Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Revenues: Term life insurance segment $ 866,382 $ 763,958 $ 692,385 Investment and savings products segment 524,621 521,336 511,102 Corporate and other distributed products segment 128,081 118,905 133,609 Total revenues $ 1,519,084 $ 1,404,199 $ 1,337,096 Net investment income: Term life insurance segment $ 7,634 $ 5,987 $ 4,444 Investment and savings products segment - - - Corporate and other distributed products segment 71,391 70,522 82,029 Total net investment income $ 79,025 $ 76,509 $ 86,473 Amortization of DAC: Term life insurance segment $ 172,812 $ 147,980 $ 133,331 Investment and savings products segment 6,148 7,952 8,734 Corporate and other distributed products segment 1,622 1,795 2,313 Total amortization of DAC $ 180,582 $ 157,727 $ 144,378 Non-cash share-based compensation expense: Term life insurance segment $ 2,652 $ 5,392 $ 6,315 Investment and savings products segment 2,179 2,228 2,641 Corporate and other distributed products segment 8,611 7,328 9,026 Total non-cash share-based compensation expense $ 13,442 $ 14,948 $ 17,982 Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes: Term life insurance segment $ 213,361 $ 173,209 $ 152,101 Investment and savings products segment 144,356 146,083 146,017 Corporate and other distributed products segment (20,122 ) (28,311 ) (22,396 ) Total income from continuing operations before income taxes $ 337,595 $ 290,981 $ 275,722 Insurance expenses and other operating expenses directly attributable to the Term Life Insurance and the Investment and Savings Products segments are recorded directly to the applicable segment. We allocate certain other revenue and operating expenses that are not directly attributable to a specific operating segment based on the relative sizes of our life-licensed and securities-licensed independent sales forces. These allocated items include fees charged for access to our sales force support applications and costs incurred for field technology, supervision, training and certain miscellaneous costs. We also allocate certain technology and occupancy costs to our operating segments based on estimated usage. Any remaining unallocated revenue and expense items, as well as realized investment gains and losses, are reported in the Corporate and Other Distributed Products segment. We measure income and loss for the segments on an income before income taxes basis. Total assets by segment were as follows: December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 (In thousands) Assets: Term life insurance segment $ 5,945,502 $ 5,638,682 $ 5,471,563 Investment and savings products segment (1) 2,391,512 2,157,548 2,545,372 Corporate and other distributed products segment 3,101,929 2,814,553 2,718,994 Total assets $ 11,438,943 $ 10,610,783 $ 10,735,929 (1) Assets specifically related to a segment are held in that segment. All invested assets held by the Company, including the deposit asset recognized in connection with our 10% coinsurance agreement (the “10% Coinsurance Agreement”) and the held-to-maturity security received in connection with the Vidalia Re Coinsurance Agreement, are reported as assets of the Corporate and Other Distributed Products segment. DAC is recognized in a particular segment based on the product to which it relates. Separate account assets supporting the segregated funds product in Canada are held in the Investment and Savings Products segment. Any remaining unallocated assets are reported in the Corporate and Other Distributed Products segment. Geographical Information. Results of continuing operations by country and long-lived assets — primarily tangible assets reported in other assets in our consolidated balance sheets —were as follows: Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Revenues by country: United States $ 1,281,580 $ 1,172,508 $ 1,094,714 Canada 237,504 231,691 242,382 Total revenues $ 1,519,084 $ 1,404,199 $ 1,337,096 Income from continuing operations before income taxes by country: United States $ 269,791 $ 225,920 $ 203,120 Canada 67,804 65,061 72,602 Total income from continuing operations before income taxes $ 337,595 $ 290,981 $ 275,722 December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 (In thousands) Long-lived assets by country: United States $ 26,685 $ 28,621 $ 25,897 Canada 780 787 566 Total long-lived assets $ 27,465 $ 29,408 $ 26,463

Investments (Notes)

Investments (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investments	(4) Investments AFS Securities. The period-end cost or amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and fair value of AFS fixed-maturity and equity securities follow: December 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 $ 10,148 $ 350 $ (24 ) $ 10,474 Foreign government 124,274 5,719 (687 ) 129,306 States and political subdivisions 43,950 1,903 (129 ) 45,724 Corporates 1,281,630 49,272 (5,529 ) 1,325,373 Residential mortgage-backed securities 94,708 4,963 (120 ) 99,551 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 107,201 2,712 (470 ) 109,443 Other asset-backed securities 72,772 98 (303 ) 72,567 Total fixed-maturity securities (1) 1,734,683 65,017 (7,262 ) 1,792,438 Equity securities 36,818 8,589 (513 ) 44,894 Total fixed-maturity and equity securities $ 1,771,501 $ 73,606 $ (7,775 ) $ 1,837,332 (1) Includes approximately $0.1 million 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 Residential mortgage-backed securities 94,532 6,814 (121 ) 101,225 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 97,666 2,875 (555 ) 99,986 Other asset-backed securities 46,996 129 (79 ) 47,046 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) Includes approximately $0.1 million of OTTI losses related to corporates and mortgage- and asset-backed securities recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income. All of our AFS 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 AFS fixed-maturity portfolio at December 31, 2016 follows: Amortized cost Fair value (In thousands) Due in one year or less $ 128,339 $ 130,743 Due after one year through five years 704,614 737,152 Due after five years through 10 years 576,963 589,600 Due after 10 years 50,086 53,382 1,460,002 1,510,877 Mortgage- and asset-backed securities 274,681 281,561 Total fixed-maturity securities $ 1,734,683 $ 1,792,438 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 AFS securities was as follows: December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 (In thousands) Net unrealized investment gains including OTTI: Fixed-maturity and equity securities $ 65,831 $ 49,286 OTTI 95 109 Net unrealized investment gains excluding OTTI 65,926 49,395 Deferred income taxes (23,074 ) (17,288 ) Net unrealized investment gains excluding OTTI, net of tax $ 42,852 $ 32,107 Trading Securities. We maintain a portfolio mostly of fixed-maturity securities that are classified as trading securities. The carrying values of the fixed-maturity securities classified as trading securities were approximately $7.4 million and $5.4 million as of December 31, 2016 and 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 consolidated statements of income. The LLC is a VIE 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 December 31, 2016, the LLC Note, which was rated A+ by Fitch Ratings, had an estimated unrealized holding gain of $9.8 million based on its amortized cost and estimated fair value, which is derived using the valuation techniques described in Note 5 (Fair Value of Financial Instruments). See Note 10 (Debt) for more information on the Surplus Note. Investments on Deposit with Governmental Authorities. As required by law, we have investments on deposit with governmental authorities and banks for the protection of policyholders. The fair values of investments on deposit were $18.2 million and $18.1 million as of December 31, 2016 and 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 consolidated balance sheets. We also accept collateral in the form of cash, all of which we reinvest. For loans involving unrestricted cash collateral, the collateral is reported as an asset with a corresponding liability representing our obligation to return the collateral. We continue to carry the loaned securities as invested assets on our consolidated balance sheets during the terms of the loans, and we do not report them as sales. Cash collateral received and reinvested was approximately $73.6 million and $71.5 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Investment Income. The components of net investment income were as follows: Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Fixed-maturity securities (available-for-sale) $ 74,673 $ 77,271 $ 84,687 Fixed-maturity security (held-to-maturity) 18,880 13,048 3,482 Equity securities 2,053 2,059 1,862 Policy loans and other invested assets 1,340 1,368 1,448 Cash and cash equivalents 632 228 247 Total return on deposit asset underlying 10% coinsurance agreement 5,212 482 3,095 Gross investment income 102,790 94,456 94,821 Investment expenses (4,885 ) (4,899 ) (4,866 ) Investment income net of investment expenses 97,905 89,557 89,955 Interest expense on surplus note (18,880 ) (13,048 ) (3,482 ) Net investment income $ 79,025 $ 76,509 $ 86,473 The components of net realized investment gains (losses), as well as details on gross realized investment gains (losses) and proceeds from sales or other redemptions, were as follows: Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Net realized investment gains (losses): Gross gains from sales $ 8,126 $ 5,762 $ 3,687 Gross losses from sales (751 ) (465 ) (436 ) OTTI losses (3,420 ) (6,893 ) (4,045 ) Gains (losses) from bifurcated options 133 (142 ) 533 Net realized investment gains (losses) $ 4,088 $ (1,738 ) $ (261 ) OTTI. 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. Our review for OTTI generally entails: • Analysis of individual investments that have fair values less than a pre-defined percentage of amortized cost, including consideration of the length of time the investment has been in an unrealized loss position; • Analysis of corporate fixed-maturity securities by reviewing the issuer’s most recent performance to date, including analyst reviews, analyst outlooks and rating agency information; • Analysis of commercial mortgage-backed securities based on an assessment of performance to date, credit enhancement, risk analytics and outlook, underlying collateral, loss projections, rating agency information and available third-party reviews and analytics; • Analysis of residential mortgage-backed securities based on loss projections provided by models compared to current credit enhancement levels; • Analysis of our other fixed-maturity and equity security investments, as required based on the type of investment; and • Analysis of downward credit migrations that occurred during the quarter. AFS fixed-maturity and equity securities with a cost basis in excess of their fair values were approximately $450.9 million and $626.0 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The following tables summarize, for all AFS 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: December 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 $ 3,668 $ (24 ) 4 $ - $ - - Foreign government 34,538 (526 ) 36 3,048 (161 ) 3 States and political subdivisions 8,902 (129 ) 12 - - - Corporates 232,070 (3,484 ) 225 45,471 (2,045 ) 51 Residential mortgage-backed securities 15,232 (92 ) 9 3,606 (28 ) 9 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 33,335 (423 ) 33 7,663 (47 ) 11 Other asset-backed securities 48,275 (260 ) 45 1,315 (43 ) 3 Total fixed-maturity securities 376,020 (4,938 ) 61,103 (2,324 ) Equity securities 4,179 (269 ) 12 1,852 (244 ) 8 Total fixed-maturity and equity securities $ 380,199 $ (5,207 ) $ 62,955 $ (2,568 ) 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 Residential mortgage-backed securities 9,681 (61 ) 9 4,762 (60 ) 7 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 56,216 (493 ) 49 3,199 (62 ) 6 Other asset-backed securities 26,611 (77 ) 23 260 (2 ) 2 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 AFS fixed-maturity securities in default were as follows: December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Amortized cost Fair value Amortized cost Fair value (In thousands) Fixed-maturity securities in default $ 5 $ 125 $ 138 $ 262 Impairment charges recognized in earnings on AFS securities were as follows: Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Impairments on fixed-maturity securities not in default $ 3,257 $ 5,108 $ 3,656 Impairments on fixed-maturity securities in default 121 29 - Impairments on equity securities 42 1,756 389 Total impairment charges $ 3,420 $ 6,893 $ 4,045 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 December 31, 2016, the unrealized losses on our AFS invested asset portfolio were largely caused by interest rate sensitivity and changes in credit spreads. We believe that fluctuations caused by movement in interest rate 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 were as follows: Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Total impairment losses related to securities which the Company does not intend to sell or more-likely-than-not will not be required to sell: Total OTTI losses recognized $ 1,486 $ 706 $ 1,579 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 1,486 706 1,579 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 1,934 6,187 2,466 Net impairment losses recognized in earnings $ 3,420 $ 6,893 $ 4,045 The roll-forward of the OTTI recognized in net income for all fixed-maturity securities still held follows: Year ended December 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 1,694 2,340 Additions for OTTI securities where OTTI have been recognized prior to the beginning of the period 1,684 2,797 Reductions due to sales, maturities, calls, amortization or increases in cash flows expected to be collected over the remaining life of credit impaired securities (7,114 ) (1,554 ) Reductions for exchanges of securities previously impaired (2,346 ) (1,277 ) Cumulative OTTI recognized in net income for securities still held, end of period $ 5,774 $ 11,856 As of December 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 December 31, 2016 and 2015, the fair value of these bifurcated options was approximately $4.3 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 as of December 31, 2016 and 2015. While we have no current intention to do so, these deferred losses will not be recognized until such time as we sell or substantially liquidate our Canadian operations.

Fair Value of Financial Instrum

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	(5) Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair value is the price that would be received upon the sale of an asset in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Fair value measurements are based upon observable and unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect our view of market assumptions in the absence of observable market information. We classify and disclose all invested assets carried at fair value in one of the following three categories: • Level 1. Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets. Level 1 primarily consists of financial instruments whose value is based on quoted market prices in active markets, such as exchange-traded common stocks and actively traded mutual fund investments; • Level 2. Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets. Level 2 includes those financial instruments that are valued using industry-standard pricing methodologies, models or other valuation methodologies. Various inputs are considered in deriving the fair value of the underlying financial instrument, including interest rate, credit spread, and foreign exchange rates. All significant inputs are observable, or derived from observable information in the marketplace or are supported by observable levels at which transactions are executed in the marketplace. Financial instruments in this category primarily include: certain public and private corporate fixed-maturity and equity securities; government or agency securities; certain mortgage- and asset-backed securities and bifurcated conversion options; and • Level 3. Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable. Level 3 consists of financial instruments whose fair value is estimated based on industry-standard pricing methodologies and models using significant inputs not based on, nor corroborated by, readily available market information. Valuations for this category primarily consist of non-binding broker quotes. Financial instruments in this category primarily include less liquid fixed-maturity corporate securities, mortgage- and asset-backed securities. As of each reporting period, all assets and liabilities recorded at fair value are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input (Level 3 being the lowest) that is significant to the fair value measurement. Significant levels of estimation and judgment are required to determine the fair value of certain of our investments. The factors influencing these estimations and judgments are subject to change in subsequent reporting periods. The estimated fair value and hierarchy classifications for assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as follows: December 31, 2016 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (In thousands) Fair value assets: Available-for-sale fixed-maturity securities: U.S. government and agencies $ - $ 10,474 $ - $ 10,474 Foreign government - 129,306 - 129,306 States and political subdivisions - 45,724 - 45,724 Corporates 3,113 1,322,257 3 1,325,373 Residential mortgage-backed securities - 98,966 585 99,551 Commercial mortgage-backed securities - 109,443 - 109,443 Other asset-backed securities - 65,075 7,492 72,567 Total available-for-sale fixed-maturity securities 3,113 1,781,245 8,080 1,792,438 Equity securities 39,556 5,256 82 44,894 Trading securities - 7,383 - 7,383 Separate accounts - 2,287,953 - 2,287,953 Total fair value assets $ 42,669 $ 4,081,837 $ 8,162 $ 4,132,668 Fair value liabilities: Separate accounts $ - $ 2,287,953 $ - $ 2,287,953 Total fair value liabilities $ - $ 2,287,953 $ - $ 2,287,953 December 31, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (In thousands) Fair value assets: Available-for-sale 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 Residential mortgage-backed securities - 100,493 732 101,225 Commercial mortgage-backed securities - 99,986 - 99,986 Other asset-backed securities - 47,046 - 47,046 Total available-for-sale 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 corporate, government, 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 assets-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: Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Level 3 assets, beginning of period $ 783 $ 1,165 Net unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (23 ) (26 ) Realized gains (losses) and accretion (amortization) recognized in earnings, including OTTI 7 4 Purchases (1) 7,556 - Settlements (161 ) (168 ) Transfers into Level 3 1 - Transfers out of Level 3 - (192 ) Level 3 assets, end of period $ 8,162 $ 783 (1) During the year ended December 31, 2016, purchases of Level 3 assets primarily consisted of newly-issued fixed-maturity securities in the fourth quarter for which observable inputs, most notably quoted prices, used to derive valuations are not yet readily available. We obtain independent pricing quotes based on observable inputs as of the end of the reporting period for all securities in Level 2. Those inputs include benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, market bids/offers, quoted prices for similar instruments in markets that are not active, and other relevant data. We monitor these inputs for market indicators as well as industry and economic events. We recognize transfers into new levels and out of previous levels as of the end of the reporting period, including interim reporting periods, as applicable. Invested assets included in the transfer from Level 3 to Level 2 primarily were fixed-maturity investments for which we were able to obtain independent pricing quotes based on observable inputs. The carrying values and estimated fair values of our financial instruments were as follows: December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Carrying value Estimated fair value Carrying value Estimated fair value (In thousands) Assets: Fixed-maturity securities (available-for-sale) $ 1,792,438 $ 1,792,438 $ 1,731,459 $ 1,731,459 Fixed-maturity security (held-to-maturity) 503,230 513,015 365,220 371,742 Equity securities 44,894 44,894 47,839 47,839 Trading securities 7,383 7,383 5,358 5,358 Policy loans 30,916 30,916 28,627 28,627 Deposit asset underlying 10% coinsurance agreement 202,435 202,435 181,889 181,889 Separate accounts 2,287,953 2,287,953 2,063,899 2,063,899 Liabilities: Notes payable (1) $ 372,919 $ 401,340 $ 372,552 $ 398,649 Surplus note (1) 502,491 512,669 364,424 371,498 Separate accounts 2,287,953 2,287,953 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 AFS fixed-maturity securities are principally a function of current spreads and interest rates that are corroborated by independent third-party data. Therefore, the fair values presented are indicative of amounts we could realize or settle at the respective balance sheet date. We do not necessarily intend to dispose of or liquidate such instruments prior to maturity. Trading securities, which primarily consist of fixed-maturity securities, are carried at fair value. Equity securities, including common and nonredeemable preferred stocks, are carried at fair value. Segregated funds in separate accounts are carried at the underlying value of the variable insurance contracts, which is fair value. Nonrecurring fair value measurements. The estimated fair value of the held-to-maturity fixed-maturity security, which is classified as a Level 3 fair value measurement, is derived using the credit spread on similarly rated debt securities and the hypothetical spread of the security’s credit enhancement feature. Policy loans, which are categorized as Level 3 fair value measurements, are carried at the unpaid principal balances. The fair value of policy loans approximate the unpaid principal balances as the timing of repayment is uncertain and the loans are collateralized by the amount of the policy. The deposit asset underlying the 10% Coinsurance Agreement represents the value of the assets necessary to back the economic reserves held in support of the reinsurance agreement. The carrying value of this deposit asset approximates fair value, which is categorized as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. Notes payable represent our publicly-traded senior notes and are valued as a Level 2 fair value measurement using the quoted market price for our notes. The estimated fair value of the Surplus Note is derived by using an assumed credit spread we would expect if Vidalia Re was a credit-rated entity and the hypothetical spread of the Surplus Note’s subordinated structure. The Surplus Note is classified as a Level 3 fair value measurement. The carrying amounts for cash and cash equivalents, receivables, accrued investment income, accounts payable, cash collateral and payables for security transactions approximate their fair values due to the short-term nature of these instruments. Consequently, such instruments are not included in the above table.

Reinsurance (Notes)

Reinsurance (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
Reinsurance	(6) Reinsurance We use reinsurance extensively, which has a significant effect on our results of operations. Reinsurance arrangements do not relieve us of our primary obligation to the policyholder. Our reinsurance contracts typically do not have a fixed term. In general, the reinsurers’ ability to terminate coverage for existing cessions is limited to such circumstances as material breach of contract or nonpayment of premiums by the ceding company. Our reinsurance contracts generally contain provisions intended to provide the ceding company with the ability to cede future business on a basis consistent with historical terms. However, either party may terminate any of the contracts with respect to the future business upon appropriate notice to the other party. Generally, the reinsurance contracts do not limit the overall amount of the loss that can be incurred by the reinsurer. Our policy is to limit the amount of life insurance retained on the life of any one person to $1 million. To limit our exposure with any one reinsurer, we monitor the concentration of credit risk we have with our reinsurance counterparties, as well as their financial condition. No credit losses related to our reinsurance counterparties have been experienced by the Company during the three-year period ended December 31, 2016. Due from reinsurers represents ceded policy reserve balances and ceded claim liabilities. The amounts of ceded claim liabilities included in due from reinsurers that we paid and which are recoverable from those reinsurers were $30.0 million and $25.5 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Benefits and claims ceded to reinsurers for 2016, 2015, and 2014 were $1,205.6 million, $1,178.6 million, and $1,191.9 million, respectively. In connection with our corporate reorganization that included an initial public offering (“IPO”) of our common stock by Citigroup, Inc. (“Citigroup”), Primerica Life, Primerica Life Canada and NBLIC entered into significant coinsurance transactions (the “IPO coinsurance agreements”) on March 30, 2010 with three insurance companies then affiliated with Citigroup (collectively, the “IPO coinsurers”). Under the IPO coinsurance agreements, we ceded between 80% and 90% of the risks and rewards of our term life insurance policies in force at year-end 2009. Because these agreements were part of a business reorganization among entities under common control, they did not generate any deferred gain or loss upon their execution. Concurrent with signing these agreements, we transferred the corresponding account balances in respect of the coinsured policies along with the assets to support the statutory liabilities assumed by the IPO coinsurers. Each of the account balances transferred were at book value with no gain or loss recorded in net income. Three of the IPO coinsurance agreements satisfy U.S. GAAP risk transfer rules. Under these agreements, we ceded between 80% and 90% of our term life future policy benefit reserves, and we transferred a corresponding amount of assets to the IPO coinsurers. These transactions did not impact our future policy benefit reserves. As such, we have recorded an asset for the same amount of risk transferred in due from reinsurers. We also reduced DAC by a corresponding amount, which reduces future amortization expenses. In addition, we are transferring between 80% and 90% of all future premiums and benefits and claims associated with these policies to the corresponding reinsurance entities. We receive ongoing ceding allowances, which are reflected as a reduction to insurance expenses, to cover policy and claims administration expenses as well as certain corporate overhead charges under each of these reinsurance contracts. The largest of the IPO coinsurance agreements is a coinsurance agreement originally between Primerica Life and Prime Reinsurance Company (“Prime Re”), an affiliate of Citigroup, where we ceded to Prime Re 80% of our U.S. (except New York) term life insurance business in force at year-end 2009 (the “80% U.S. 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% U.S. Coinsurance Agreement through a novation agreement (the “Swiss Re 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% U.S. Coinsurance Agreement were replaced by Pecan Re and Swiss Re, respectively. No material terms and conditions of the 80% U.S. Coinsurance Agreement and the related trust and capital maintenance agreements were modified. We have also ceded 80% of our Canadian term life insurance business in force at year-end 2009 in an IPO coinsurance agreement (the “80% Canada Coinsurance Agreement”) originally between Primerica Life Canada and Financial Reassurance Company 2010, Ltd. (“FRAC”). On September 23, 2016, Munich American Reassurance Company acquired FRAC from Citigroup. As part of this transaction, Munich Re of Malta, an insurance company owned by Munich American Reassurance Company, ultimately assumed FRAC’s obligations under the 80% Canada Coinsurance Agreement through a novation agreement (the “Munich Re Novation Agreement”). No material terms and conditions of the 80% Canada Coinsurance Agreement were modified. In a fourth IPO coinsurance agreement, the 10% Coinsurance Agreement, we have ceded to Prime Re 10% of our U.S. (except New York) term life insurance business in force at year-end 2009 subject to an experience refund provision. As the 10% Coinsurance Agreement includes an experience refund provision, it does not satisfy U.S. GAAP risk transfer rules. As a result, we have accounted for this contract using deposit method accounting and have recognized a deposit asset in other assets on our consolidated balance sheets for assets backing the economic reserves. The deposit asset held in support of this agreement was $202.4 million and $181.9 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. We make contributions to the deposit asset during the life of the agreement to fulfill our responsibility of funding the economic reserve. The market return on the deposit asset is reflected in net investment income during the life of the agreement. Prime Re is responsible for ensuring that there are sufficient assets to meet all statutory requirements. In exchange for our consent to the Swiss Re Novation Agreement discussed above, 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. This finance charge is reflected in interest expense in our consolidated statements of income. The following table represents the Company’s in-force life insurance at December 31, 2016 and 2015: December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 (Dollars in thousands) Direct life insurance in force $ 731,822,070 $ 696,939,187 Amounts ceded to other companies (643,364,460 ) (616,255,740 ) Net life insurance in force $ 88,457,610 $ 80,683,447 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: December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Reinsurance receivable A.M. Best rating Reinsurance receivable A.M. Best rating (In thousands) Pecan Re Inc. (1) (2) $ 2,754,424 NR $ - - Prime Reinsurance Company (2) - - 2,692,721 NR SCOR Global Life Reinsurance Companies (3) 355,759 A 362,195 A Munich Re of Malta (2) (5) 282,382 NR - - Financial Reassurance Company 2010, Ltd. (2) - - 270,306 NR Swiss Re Life & Health America Inc. (4) 249,299 A+ 254,461 A+ American Health and Life Insurance Company 176,010 B 176,790 B Munich American Reassurance Company 106,471 A+ 101,466 A+ Korean Reinsurance Company 96,921 A 91,605 A RGA Reinsurance Company 84,473 A+ 81,217 A+ TOA Reinsurance Company 23,977 A+ 22,242 A+ Hannover Life Reassurance Company 22,929 A+ 20,650 A+ All other reinsurers 40,917 - 36,975 - Due from reinsurers $ 4,193,562 $ 4,110,628 NR – not rated (1) Pecan Re Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Swiss Re Life & Health America Inc. (2) (3) Includes amounts ceded to Transamerica Reinsurance Companies and fully retroceded to SCOR Global Life Reinsurance Companies. (4) (5) Certain reinsurers with which we do business receive group ratings. Individually, those reinsurers are SCOR Global Life Americas Reinsurance Company, SCOR Global Life U.S.A. Reinsurance Company, SCOR Global Life Re Insurance Company of Delaware, and SCOR Global Life of Canada. The IPO coinsurance agreements include provisions to ensure that Primerica Life, Primerica Life Canada and NBLIC receive full regulatory credit for the reinsurance treaties. Under these agreements, the ceded business can be recaptured with no fee in the event the IPO reinsurers do not comply with the various safeguard provisions in their respective IPO coinsurance agreements. Pecan Re also has entered into a capital maintenance agreement requiring Swiss Re to provide additional funding, if needed, at any point during the term of the agreement up to the maximum as described in the capital maintenance agreement.

Deferred Policy Acquisition Cos

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Disclosures [Abstract]
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	(7) Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs We defer incremental direct costs of successful contract acquisitions that result directly from and are essential to the contract transaction(s) and that would not have been incurred had the contract transaction(s) not occurred. The amortization of DAC requires us to make certain assumptions regarding persistency, expenses, interest rates and claims. For DAC associated with term life insurance policies, these assumptions may not be modified, or unlocked, unless recoverability testing deems them to be inadequate. We update assumptions for new business to reflect the most recent experience. For DAC associated with Canadian segregated funds, the assumptions used in determining amortization expense are evaluated regularly and are updated if actual experience or other evidence suggests revisions to earlier estimates are appropriate. DAC amortization for term life insurance policies is affected by differences between the original assumptions used for persistency, expenses, interest rates and claims and actual results and are recognized in the period in which the change occurs. For policies underlying the Canadian segregated funds, gross profits and the resulting DAC amortization will vary with actual fund returns, redemptions and expenses. In determining DAC amortization expense for term life insurance policies, we use interest rates available at the time a policy is issued. For policies issued in 2010 and after, we have been using an increasing interest rate assumption based on the historically low interest rate environment. Interest rate assumptions at December 31, 2016 and 2015 ranged from 3.5% to 7.0%. DAC is subject to recoverability testing annually and when impairment indicators exist. The recoverability of DAC is dependent on the future profitability of the related policies, which, in turn, is dependent principally upon mortality, persistency, investment returns, and the expense of administering the business, as well as upon certain economic variables, such as inflation. The balances and activity in DAC were as follows: Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) DAC balance, beginning of period $ 1,500,259 $ 1,351,180 $ 1,208,466 Capitalization 387,396 339,639 303,543 Amortization (180,582 ) (157,727 ) (144,378 ) Foreign exchange translation and other 5,992 (32,833 ) (16,451 ) DAC balance, end of period $ 1,713,065 $ 1,500,259 $ 1,351,180

Separate Accounts (Notes)

Separate Accounts (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Separate Accounts Disclosure [Abstract]
Separate Accounts	(8) Separate Accounts The Funds primarily consist of a series of branded investment funds known as the Asset Builder Funds, a registered retirement fund known as the Strategic Retirement Income Fund (“SRIF”), and a money market fund known as the Cash Management Fund. The principal investment objective of the Asset Builder Funds is to achieve long-term growth while preserving capital. The principal objective of the SRIF is to provide a stream of investment income during retirement plus the opportunity for modest capital appreciation. The Asset Builder Funds and the SRIF use diversified portfolios of publicly-traded Canadian stocks, investment-grade corporate bonds, Government of Canada bonds, and foreign equity investments to achieve their objectives. The Cash Management Fund invests in government guaranteed short-term bonds and short-term commercial and bank papers, with the principal investment objective being the provision of interest income while maintaining liquidity and preserving capital. Under these contract offerings, benefit payments to contract holders or their designated beneficiaries are only due upon death of the annuitant or upon reaching a specific maturity date. Benefit payments are based on the value of the contract holder’s units in the portfolio at the payment date, but are guaranteed to be no less than 75% of the contract holder’s contribution, adjusted for withdrawals. Account values are not guaranteed for withdrawn units if contract holders make withdrawals prior to the maturity dates. Maturity dates for contracts investing in the Asset Builder Funds and Cash Management Fund vary by contract and range from 10 years from the contract issuance date to December 31, 2070. Contracts investing in the SRIF mature when the policyholder reaches age 100, which is a minimum of 20 years after issue. The SRIF is designed to provide periodic retirement income payments and as such, regular withdrawals, subject to legislated minimums, are anticipated. The cumulative effects of the periodic withdrawals are expected to substantially reduce both account and minimum guaranteed values prior to maturity. Both the asset and the liability for the separate accounts reflect the net value of the underlying assets in the portfolio as of the reporting date. Primerica Life Canada’s exposure to losses under the guarantee at the time of account maturity is limited to contract holder accounts that have declined in value more than 25%, adjusted for withdrawals, since the contribution date prior to maturity. Because maturity dates are of a long-term nature, the likelihood guarantee payments are required at any given point is very small. Additionally, the portfolios consist of a very large number of individual contracts, further spreading the risk related to the guarantee being exercised upon death. The length of the contract terms provides significant opportunity for the underlying portfolios to recover any short-term losses prior to maturities or deaths of the contract holders. Furthermore, the funds’ investment allocations are aligned with the maturity risks of the related contracts and include investments in Government Strip Bonds and floating-rate notes. We periodically assess the exposure related to these contracts to determine whether any additional liability should be recorded. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, an additional liability for these contracts was deemed to be unnecessary. The following table represents the fair value of assets supporting separate accounts by major investment category: Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Fixed-income securities $ 999,435 $ 932,934 Equity securities 1,264,270 1,109,610 Cash and cash equivalents 30,064 24,003 Due to/from funds (5,941 ) (2,817 ) Other 125 169 Total separate accounts assets $ 2,287,953 $ 2,063,899

Insurance Reserves (Notes)

Insurance Reserves (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Insurance Reserves Disclosures [Abstract]
Insurance Reserves	(9) Insurance Reserves Changes in policy claims and other benefits payable were as follows: Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Policy claims and other benefits payable, beginning of period $ 238,157 $ 245,829 $ 238,750 Less reinsured policy claims and other benefits payable 263,003 264,049 248,185 Net balance, beginning of period (24,846 ) (18,220 ) (9,435 ) Incurred related to current year 143,518 138,139 129,869 Incurred related to prior years (522 ) 212 674 Total incurred 142,996 138,351 130,543 Claims paid related to current year, net of reinsured policy claims received (203,015 ) (167,621 ) (155,357 ) Reinsured policy claims received related to prior years, net of claims paid 29,546 23,661 21,881 Total paid (173,469 ) (143,960 ) (133,476 ) Sale of DBL - - (5,047 ) Foreign currency translation 260 (1,017 ) (805 ) Net balance, end of period (55,059 ) (24,846 ) (18,220 ) Add reinsured policy claims and other benefits payable 323,195 263,003 264,049 Balance, end of period $ 268,136 $ 238,157 $ 245,829 See Note 1 (Description of Business, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies) for details regarding the accounting for policyholder liabilities.

Debt (Notes)

Debt (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	(10) Debt Notes Payable. Notes payable consisted of the following: December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 (Dollars in thousands) 4.75% Senior Notes, due July 15, 2022 $ 375,000 $ 375,000 Unamortized issuance discount on notes payable (359 ) (415 ) Total notes payable $ 374,641 $ 374,585 At December 31, 2016, we had $375.0 million in principal amount of publicly-traded, senior unsecured notes (the “Senior Notes”). The Senior Notes were issued in 2012 at a price of 99.843% of the principal amount with an annual interest rate of 4.75%, payable semi-annually in arrears on January 15 and July 15, and are scheduled to mature on July 15, 2022. We were in compliance with the covenants of the Senior Notes at December 31, 2016. No events of default occurred on the Senior Notes during the year ended December 31, 2016. As unsecured senior obligations, the Senior Notes rank equally in right of payment with all existing and future unsubordinated indebtedness and senior to all existing and future subordinated indebtedness of the Parent Company. The Senior Notes are structurally subordinated in right of payment to all existing and future liabilities of our subsidiaries. In addition, the Senior Notes contain covenants that restrict our ability to, among other things, create or incur any indebtedness that is secured by a lien on the capital stock of certain of our subsidiaries, and merge, consolidate or sell all or substantially all of our properties and assets. Surplus Note. As of December 31, 2016, the principal amount outstanding on the Surplus Note issued by Vidalia Re was approximately $503.2 million, equal to the principal amount of the LLC Note invested asset. The Surplus Note was issued in exchange for the LLC Note, which supports certain obligations of Vidalia Re for a portion of the statutory accounting-based reserves (commonly referred to as Regulation XXX reserves) related to the Vidalia Re Coinsurance Agreement. The principal amount of the Surplus Note and the LLC Note will fluctuate over time to coincide with the amount of reserves contractually supported. Both the LLC Note and the Surplus Note mature on December 31, 2029 and bear interest at an annual interest rate of 4.50%. Based on the estimated reserves for ceded policies issued in 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014, the maximum principal amounts of the Surplus Note and the LLC Note are expected to be approximately $915.0 million each. This financing arrangement is non-recourse to the Parent Company and Primerica Life, meaning that neither of these companies has guaranteed the Surplus Note or is otherwise liable for reimbursement for any payments triggered by the credit enhancement feature underlying the LLC Note. The Parent Company has agreed to support Vidalia Re’s obligation to pay the credit enhancement fee incurred on the LLC Note. See Note 4 (Investments) for more information on the LLC Note.

Income Taxes (Notes)

Income Taxes (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	(11) Income Taxes Income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations consists of the following: Current Deferred Total (In thousands) Year ended December 31, 2016 Federal $ 47,980 $ 50,758 $ 98,738 Foreign 23,102 (4,710 ) 18,392 State and local 2,783 (1,732 ) 1,051 Total tax expense $ 73,865 $ 44,316 $ 118,181 Year ended December 31, 2015 Federal $ 46,175 $ 36,723 $ 82,898 Foreign 14,600 3,161 17,761 State and local 2,043 (1,592 ) 451 Total tax expense $ 62,818 $ 38,292 $ 101,110 Year ended December 31, 2014 Federal $ 44,356 $ 31,590 $ 75,946 Foreign 24,403 (4,826 ) 19,577 State and local 1,372 (1,007 ) 365 Total tax expense $ 70,131 $ 25,757 $ 95,888 Total income tax expense from continuing operations is different from the amount determined by multiplying income from continuing operations before income taxes by the statutory federal tax rate of 35%. The reconciliation for such difference follows: Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Amount Percentage Amount Percentage Amount Percentage (Dollars in thousands) Computed tax expense $ 118,450 35.0 % $ 101,843 35.0 % $ 96,503 35.0 % Difference between foreign statutory rate and U.S. statutory rate (5,665 ) (1.7 )% (5,531 ) (1.9 )% (6,271 ) (2.3 )% Residual U.S. income taxes on foreign earnings not permanently reinvested 3,855 1.1 % 3,810 1.3 % 3,067 1.1 % Other 1,541 0.6 % 988 0.3 % 2,589 1.0 % Total tax expense / effective rate $ 118,181 35.0 % $ 101,110 34.7 % $ 95,888 34.8 % The main components of deferred income tax assets and liabilities were as follows: December 31, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Deferred tax assets: Future policy benefit reserves and unpaid policy claims $ 223,845 $ 210,164 Intangibles and tax goodwill 36,261 39,977 Future deductible liabilities 19,831 17,741 Share-based compensation 15,592 15,698 Other 11,528 8,962 Total deferred tax assets $ 307,057 $ 292,542 Deferred tax liabilities: Deferred policy acquisition costs $ (366,144 ) $ (319,250 ) Investments (16,769 ) (6,893 ) Unremitted earnings on foreign subsidiaries (2,700 ) (2,297 ) Reinsurance deposit asset (70,852 ) (63,661 ) Other (11,864 ) (11,978 ) Total deferred tax liabilities (468,329 ) (404,079 ) Net deferred tax liabilities $ (161,272 ) $ (111,537 ) The majority of total deferred tax assets are attributable to future policy benefit reserves and unpaid policy claims, which represents the difference between the financial statement carrying value and tax basis for liabilities related to future policy benefits. The tax basis for future policy benefit reserves and unpaid policy claims is actuarially determined in accordance with guidelines set forth in the Internal Revenue Code. The majority of total deferred tax liabilities are attributable to DAC, which represents the difference between the policy acquisition costs capitalized for U.S. GAAP purposes and those capitalized for tax purposes, as well as the difference in the resulting amortization methods. The Company has state net operating losses resulting in a deferred tax asset of approximately $10.6 million, which are available for use through 2034. The Company has no other material net operating loss or credit carryforwards. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, carryback and carryforward periods, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. Management believes that it is more likely than not that the results of future operations will generate sufficient taxable income to realize the deferred tax assets. Therefore, there was no deferred tax asset valuation allowance at December 31, 2016 or 2015. The Company has direct ownership of a group of controlled foreign corporations in Canada. We have asserted a position of permanent reinvestment for the difference in share basis and certain operational earnings. Such operational earnings if not permanently reinvested would have generated a deferred tax liability of approximately $11.0 million as of December 31, 2016. For those operational earnings for which we have not made a permanent reinvestment assertion, we have established a deferred tax liability to account for the tax liability that will occur upon repatriation of such earnings. As of December 31, 2016, we had approximately $28.0 million in Canadian operational earnings available to be repatriated to the U.S. for which we have not made a permanent reinvestment assertion. The total amount of unrecognized benefits on uncertain tax positions that, if recognized, would affect our effective tax rate was approximately $11.7 million and $9.3 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. We recognize interest expense related to unrecognized tax benefits in tax expense net of federal income tax. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the total amount of accrued interest and penalties in the consolidated balance sheets was approximately $2.1 million and $2.0 million, respectively. Additionally, we recognized interest related to unrecognized tax benefits in the consolidated statements of income of less than $0.2 million of expense in 2016, 2015, and 2014. A reconciliation of the change in the unrecognized income tax benefit for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 is as follows: December 31, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning of period $ 13,939 $ 16,014 Change in prior period unrecognized tax benefits 8 (146 ) Change in current period unrecognized tax benefits 2,840 2,191 Reductions as a result of a lapse in statute of limitations (1,976 ) (4,120 ) Unrecognized tax benefits, end of period $ 14,811 $ 13,939 We have no penalties included in calculating our provision for income taxes. There is no significant change that is reasonably possible to occur within twelve months of the reporting date. In connection with our corporate reorganization, we entered into a tax separation agreement with Citigroup, whereby Citigroup agreed to indemnify the Company against any consolidated, combined, affiliated, unitary or similar federal, state or local income tax liability related to any taxable period ending on or before April 2010. As of December 31, 2016, the Company had a Citigroup tax indemnification asset of $0.7 million. The major tax jurisdictions in which we operate are the United States and Canada. We are currently open to tax audit by the Internal Revenue Service for the year ended December 31, 2010 and for the years ended December 31, 2013 and thereafter for federal income tax purposes. We are currently open to audit in Canada for tax years ended December 31, 2012 and thereafter for federal and provincial income tax purposes. For those periods prior to the IPO, we are fully indemnified by Citigroup.

Stockholders' Equity (Notes)

Stockholders' Equity (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Stockholders Equity Note [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	(12) Stockholders’ Equity A reconciliation of the number of shares of our common stock follows: Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Common stock, beginning of period 48,297 52,169 54,834 Shares issued for stock options exercised 148 89 4 Shares of common stock issued upon lapse of RSUs 516 574 502 Common stock retired (3,240 ) (4,535 ) (3,171 ) Common stock, end of period 45,721 48,297 52,169 The above reconciliation excludes RSUs and PSUs, which do not have voting rights. As sales restrictions on RSUs lapse and PSUs are earned, we issue common shares with voting rights. As of December 31, 2016, we had a total of approximately 1.1 million and 18 thousand On August 13, 2015, our Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program for up to $200.0 million of our outstanding common stock (the “share repurchase program”) for purchases through December 31, 2016. Under the share repurchase program we repurchased 4,169,467 shares of our common stock in the open market for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $200.0 million through December 31, 2016, fully exhausting the program. On November 17, 2016, the Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program for up to $200.0 million of our outstanding common shares for purchases through June 30, 2018. Repurchases under this new program began in January 2017.

Earnings Per Share (Notes)

Earnings Per Share (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	(13) Earnings Per Share The Company has outstanding common stock and equity awards that consist of RSUs, PSUs and stock options. The 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 RSUs are deemed participating securities for purposes of calculating EPS as they maintain dividend rights. We calculate EPS using the two-class method. Under the two-class method, we allocate earnings to common shares and vested RSUs outstanding for the period. Earnings attributable to unvested participating securities, along with the corresponding share counts, are excluded from EPS as reflected in our consolidated statements of income. In calculating basic EPS, we deduct any dividends and undistributed earnings allocated to unvested 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: Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands, except per-share amounts) Basic EPS: Numerator (continuing operations): Income from continuing operations $ 219,414 $ 189,871 $ 179,834 Income attributable to unvested participating securities (1,835 ) (1,572 ) (2,038 ) Income from continuing operations used in calculating basic EPS $ 217,579 $ 188,299 $ 177,796 Numerator (discontinued operations): Income from discontinued operations $ - $ - $ 1,578 Income attributable to unvested participating securities - - (18 ) Income from discontinued operations used in calculating basic EPS $ - $ - $ 1,560 Denominator: Weighted-average vested shares 47,411 50,881 54,567 Basic EPS from continuing operations $ 4.59 $ 3.70 $ 3.26 Basic EPS from discontinued operations $ - $ - $ 0.03 Diluted EPS: Numerator (continuing operations): Income from continuing operations $ 219,414 $ 189,871 $ 179,834 Income attributable to unvested participating securities (1,833 ) (1,571 ) (2,037 ) Income from continuing operations used in calculating diluted EPS $ 217,581 $ 188,300 $ 177,797 Numerator (discontinued operations): Income from discontinued operations $ - $ - $ 1,578 Income attributable to unvested participating securities - - (18 ) Income from discontinued operations used in calculating diluted EPS $ - $ - $ 1,560 Denominator: Weighted-average vested shares 47,411 50,881 54,567 Dilutive effect of incremental shares to be issued for equity awards 42 32 31 Weighted-average shares used in calculating diluted EPS 47,453 50,913 54,598 Diluted EPS from continuing operations $ 4.59 $ 3.70 $ 3.26 Diluted EPS from discontinued operations $ - $ - $ 0.03

Share-Based Transactions (Notes

Share-Based Transactions (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Share-Based Transactions	(14) Share-Based Transactions The Company has outstanding equity awards under its Omnibus Incentive Plan (“OIP”). The OIP provides for the issuance of equity awards, including stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, deferred stock, RSUs, PSUs, 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-employees who serve on our Board of Directors (“directors”), and sales force leaders under the OIP. As of December 31, 2016, we had approximately 0.9 million shares available for future grants under this plan. Employee and Director Share-Based Compensation. As of December 31, 2016, the Company had outstanding RSUs, PSUs, and stock options issued to our management (officers and other key employees), as well as RSUs issued to our directors, under the OIP. Restricted Stock and RSUs. • Prior to 2014, management of the Company’s U.S. based subsidiaries received restricted stock and management of the Company’s Canadian subsidiaries received RSUs. These awards have time-based vesting requirements with equal and annual graded vesting over approximately three years subsequent to the grant date. • Beginning in 2014, management (regardless of geography) received RSUs that have time-based vesting requirements with equal and annual graded vesting over approximately three years subsequent to the grant date, but also 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 “retirement eligible” provision is expected to be included in all future management grants. • Beginning in 2014, directors received RSUs that have time-based vesting requirements with equal and annual graded vesting over four quarters subsequent to the grant date. These awards contain post-vesting sale restrictions until the director no longer serves on our Board. • In addition, certain directors elected to defer their cash and/or equity retainers into deferred RSUs, which vest immediately or, if applicable, on the dates the RSUs would have vested. All of our outstanding management and director RSU awards are eligible for dividend equivalents regardless of vesting status. In connection with our granting of management and director restricted stock and RSU awards, we recognized expense and tax benefit offsets as follows: Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Total management and director restricted stock and RSUs $ 11,067 $ 13,839 $ 15,726 Tax benefit associated with total management and director restricted stock and RSU award expense 3,715 4,668 5,322 The following table summarizes management and director restricted stock and RSU activity during the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014. Shares Weighted-average measurement-date fair value per share (Shares in thousands) Unvested employee restricted stock and RSUs, December 31, 2013 722 $ 28.67 Granted 279 41.31 Forfeited (13 ) 30.49 Vested (408 ) 28.53 Unvested employee restricted stock and RSUs, December 31, 2014 580 34.67 Granted 246 52.75 Forfeited (8 ) 41.98 Vested (428 ) 35.43 Unvested employee restricted stock and RSUs, December 31, 2015 390 45.07 Granted 225 42.86 Forfeited - - Vested (219 ) 42.28 Unvested employee restricted stock and RSUs, December 31, 2016 396 $ 45.37 As of December 31, 2016, total compensation cost not yet recognized in our financial statements related to management and director RSU awards with time-based vesting conditions yet to be reached was approximately $4.3 million, and the weighted-average period over which cost will be recognized was 0.7 years. PSUs. • In 2016 the Company began issuing PSUs to certain of its executive officers under the OIP as part of their annual equity compensation. A total of 18,385 PSUs were granted on February 24, 2016 with a measurement-date fair value of $41.88 per unit. • PSU awards include a performance target of a specified average annual Return on Adjusted Equity (“ROAE”) for the Company over the three year performance period from January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2018, as well as a threshold ROAE and an ROAE at which the maximum number of shares can be earned. The awards cliff vest two months after the performance period ends, on March 1, 2019. Depending on the ROAE achieved within the specified range, recipients may receive shares of common stock equal to between 0% and 150% of the number of PSUs granted. In addition, PSUs accrue forfeitable dividend equivalents, which are also paid out based on the number of shares earned. • PSU awards provide for vesting upon the voluntary termination of employment by any employee who is “retirement eligible” as of his or her termination date. • For the purposes of recognizing PSU related expense, we are estimating a level of performance that would result in a vesting amount of approximately 100% of the PSUs granted. In connection with our granting of PSU awards, we recognized expense and tax benefit offsets as follows: Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Total management PSU awards $ 614 n/a n/a Tax benefit associated with total management PSU award expense 215 n/a n/a The following table summarizes PSU activity during the year ended December 31, 2016. Shares Weighted-average measurement-date fair value per share (Shares in thousands) Unvested employee PSUs, December 31, 2015 - n/a Granted 18 $ 41.88 Forfeited - - Vested - - Unvested employee PSUs, December 31, 2016 18 41.88 As of December 31, 2016, total unrecognized compensation related to PSU awards was approximately $0.2 million, and the weighted-average period over which cost will be recognized was 0.8 years. Stock Options. Beginning in 2013, the Company issued stock options to certain of its executive officers under the OIP as part of their annual equity compensation. Stock options are generally granted with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of our common stock on the grant date, and they expire 10 years from the date of grant. These options have time-based restrictions with equal and annual graded vesting over a three-year period. Stock options issued in 2014 and thereafter provide for such awards to vest upon the voluntary termination of employment by any employee who is “retirement eligible” as of his or her termination date. Upon retirement, employees have the lesser of three years or the remaining option term to exercise any vested options. We currently do not anticipate issuing any new stock options pursuant to our current employee compensation program. Compensation expense and related tax benefits recognized for stock option awards were as follows: Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Expense recognized for stock option awards $ 851 $ 643 $ 1,803 Tax benefit recognized for stock option awards 298 225 631 The fair value of each option was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes model. We derived expected volatility after considering the historical volatility of our own stock, which has been trading since April 1, 2010. The Company’s per share dividend yield as of the grant date was used as the input for the expected dividend payout on the underlying shares. The risk-free interest rate was based on the U.S. Treasury yield for a term approximating the expected life of the options at the time of grant. The Company used a blended approach to develop the expected term that considered both actual exercise activity where available along with the simplified method where historical information was not available. All inputs into the Black-Scholes model were estimates made at the time of grant. The actual realized value of each option grant could materially differ from these estimates, which would have no impact on future reported compensation expense. The following assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of stock options granted: Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Expected volatility 25.00 % 24.00 % 33.00 % Expected per share dividend yield 1.62 % 1.20 % 1.17 % Risk-free interest rate 1.23 % 1.61 % 1.81 % Expected term of options 5 years 5 years 6 years Fair value per option $ 8.21 $ 11.07 $ 12.54 The following table summarizes activity related to stock options outstanding and exercisable during the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014. Outstanding Exercisable Number of shares Weighted average exercise price Number of shares Weighted average exercise price (Shares in thousands) Outstanding at December 31, 2013 134 $ 32.63 — n/a Granted 116 41.20 Exercised (4 ) 32.63 Outstanding at December 31, 2014 246 36.67 40 $ 32.63 Granted 46 53.50 Exercised (89 ) 34.89 Outstanding at December 31, 2015 203 41.28 35 36.38 Granted 90 41.88 Exercised (148 ) 38.24 Outstanding at December 31, 2016 145 44.75 6 53.50 Range of granted option exercise prices outstanding at December 31, 2016: $41.20 (average term remaining - 7.1 years) 19 $ 41.20 — n/a $53.50 (average term remaining - 8.2 years) 37 53.50 6 $ 53.50 $41.88 (average term remaining - 9.2 years) 90 41.88 — n/a The aggregate intrinsic value represents the difference between the exercise price of our stock options and the quoted closing price of our common stock as of December 31, 2016. December 31, 2016 (In thousands) Aggregate intrinsic value of exercisable stock options $ 95 Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options expected to vest 3,443 Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options outstanding $ 3,538 The intrinsic value, tax benefit realized and value of shares withheld related to option exercise activity are summarized as follows: Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Intrinsic value of options exercised $ 2,755 $ 1,620 $ 53 Tax benefit realized from the options exercised 964 567 19 Value of issued shares withheld to satisfy option exercise price 5,509 2,966 142 As of December 31, 2016, there was approximately $0.5 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested options, and the weighted-average period over which cost will be recognized was approximately 0.7 years. Non-Employee Share-Based Compensation. Non-employee share-based transactions relate to the granting of RSUs to members of our sales force (“agent equity awards”). Agent equity awards are generally granted as a part of quarterly contests for successful life insurance policy acquisitions and for sales of investment and savings products for which the grant and the service period occur within the same calendar quarter. The following table summarizes non-employee RSU activity during the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014. Shares Weighted-average measurement-date fair value per share (Shares in thousands) Unvested non-employee RSUs, December 31, 2013 104 $ 36.44 Granted 295 45.08 Vested (326 ) 41.23 Unvested non-employee RSUs, December 31, 2014 73 49.98 Granted 326 42.79 Vested (326 ) 44.39 Unvested non-employee RSUs, December 31, 2015 73 42.83 Granted 236 48.45 Vested (267 ) 44.82 Unvested non-employee RSUs, December 31, 2016 42 61.55 Agent equity awards vest and are measured using the fair market value at the conclusion of the quarterly contest, which is the time that performance is complete. However, agent equity awards are subject to long-term sales restrictions expiring over three years. Because the sale restrictions extend up to three years beyond the vesting period, the fair market value of the awards incorporates an illiquidity discount reflecting the risk associated with the post-vesting restrictions. To quantify this discount for each award, we use a series of put option models with one-, two- and three-year tenors to estimate a hypothetical cost of eliminating the downside risk associated with the sale restrictions. The most significant assumptions in the Black-Scholes models are the volatility assumptions. We derive volatility assumptions primarily from the historical volatility of our common stock using terms comparable to the sale restriction terms. The following table presents the assumptions used in valuing quarterly RSU grants to agents: Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Expected volatility 24% to 42% 18% to 35% 17% to 31% Quarterly dividends expected $0.17 to $0.18 $ 0.16 $ 0.12 Risk-free interest rates Less than 2% Less than 2% Less than 2% To the extent that these awards are an incremental direct cost of successful acquisitions of life insurance policies that result directly from and are essential to the policy acquisition(s) and would not have been incurred had the policy acquisition(s) not occurred, we defer and amortize the fair value of the awards in the same manner as other deferred policy acquisition costs. All agent equity awards that are not directly related to the acquisition of life insurance policies are recognized as expense over the requisite vesting period. Details on the granting and valuation of these awards follow: Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Dollars in thousands, except per-share amounts) Total quarterly non-employee RSUs granted 235,735 325,744 294,985 Measurement date per-share fair value of awards $39.87 to $61.50 $40.98 to $46.71 $42.96 to $49.98 Illiquidity discounts 10% to 11% 8% to 9% 8% to 9% Quarterly incentive awards expense recognized currently $ 910 $ 466 $ 453 Quarterly incentive awards expense deferred 10,517 13,423 13,598 Tax benefit associated with incentive awards 3,674 4,454 4,500 As of December 31, 2016, all agent equity awards were fully vested with the exception of approximately 42,000 shares that vested on January 1, 2017. As such, any related compensation cost not recognized as either expense or DAC in our financial statements through December 31, 2016 is immaterial.

Statutory Accounting and Divide

Statutory Accounting and Dividend Restrictions (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Insurance [Abstract]
Statutory Accounting and Dividend Restrictions	(15) Statutory Accounting and Dividend Restrictions U.S. Insurance Subsidiaries. Our two underwriting U.S. insurance subsidiaries are Primerica Life and NBLIC. Primerica Life wholly owns Peach Re and Vidalia Re, and ceded to each in separate coinsurance arrangements certain level-premium term life insurance policies. Our U.S. insurance subsidiaries are required to report their results of operations and financial position to state authorities on the basis of statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by such authorities and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”), which is a comprehensive basis of accounting other than U.S. GAAP. Prescribed statutory accounting practices include a variety of publications of the NAIC, as well as state laws, regulations and general administrative rules. Permitted statutory accounting practices encompass all accounting practices not so prescribed. The Company’s principal life insurance company, Primerica Life, prepares its statutory financial statements on the basis of accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the NAIC and the Massachusetts Division of Insurance (“Massachusetts DOI”) and includes the statutory financial statements of its wholly owned insurance subsidiaries, NBLIC, Peach Re, and Vidalia Re. NBLIC’s statutory financial statements are prepared on the basis of accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the NAIC and the New York State Department of Financial Services, while the statutory financial statements of Peach Re and Vidalia Re are prepared on the basis of accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the NAIC or the Vermont Department of Financial Regulation (“Vermont DOI”). Our U.S. insurance subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends to their parent is subject to and limited by the various laws and regulations of their respective states. There are no regulatory restrictions on the ability of the Parent Company to pay dividends (other than limitations under the Delaware General Corporation Code that provide that dividends on common stock shall be declared by the Board of Directors out of surplus or, if there is no surplus, out of net profits for the fiscal year in which the dividend is declared and/or the preceding prior fiscal year). Primerica Life’s statutory ordinary dividend capacity is based on the greater of: (1) the previous year’s statutory net gain from operations (excluding pro rata distributions of any class of the insurer’s own securities) or (2) 10% of the previous year-end statutory surplus (net of capital stock), which may only be paid out of statutory unassigned surplus. Dividends that, together with the amount of other distributions or dividends made within the preceding 12 months, exceed this statutory limitation are referred to as extraordinary dividends. Extraordinary dividends require advance notice to the Massachusetts DOI, Primerica Life’s primary state insurance regulator, and are subject to potential disapproval. For dividends exceeding these thresholds, Primerica Life must provide notice to the Massachusetts DOI and receive notice that the Massachusetts DOI does not object to the payment of such dividends. Primerica Life’s statutory capital and surplus and statutory unassigned surplus at December 31, 2016 and 2015 was as follows: December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 (In thousands) Statutory capital and surplus $ 572,748 $ 560,936 Statutory unassigned surplus 41,569 48,715 Primerica Life’s statutory net gain from operations was approximately $392.4 million, $436.3 million and $267.4 in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Primerica Life made no pro rata distributions of any class of its own securities during 2016. During 2016, Primerica Life paid ordinary dividends of $94.7 million to the Parent Company and had estimated ordinary dividend capacity of approximately $41.6 million as of January 1, 2017. Primerica Life’s investment basis in NBLIC, Peach Re, and Vidalia Re reflect their statutory capital and surplus amounts recorded in accordance with statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the NAIC and/or each subsidiary’s state of domicile; New York and Vermont. Canadian Insurance Subsidiary. Primerica Life Canada is incorporated under the provisions of the Canada Business Corporations Act and is a domiciled Canadian Company subject to regulation under the Insurance Companies Act (Canada) by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions in Canada (“OSFI”) and by Provincial Superintendents of Financial Institutions/Insurance in those provinces in which Primerica Life Canada is licensed. The statutory financial statements of Primerica Life Canada reported to OSFI are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). Primerica Life Canada’s capacity to pay ordinary dividends to its parent is limited by OSFI regulations to the extent that its capital exceeds projected capital requirements. OSFI requires companies to set internal target levels of capital sufficient to provide for all the risks of the insurer, including risks specified in OSFI’s capital guidelines. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, Primerica Life Canada’s statutory capital and surplus satisfied regulatory requirements and was approximately $286.7 million In Canada, dividends can be paid subject to the paying insurance company continuing to have adequate capital and forms of liquidity as defined by OSFI following the dividend payment and upon 15 days minimum notice to OSFI. Primerica Life Canada’s dividend capacity at January 1, 2017 is estimated to be approximately $55.9 million, which is calculated based on its projection of maintaining internal target capital requirements under certain adverse capital scenarios during each year over the next five years. The actual amount of future dividends that Primerica Life Canada will declare and pay is also subject to the Company’s asserted position of permanent reinvestment of certain unremitted earnings discussed in Note 11 (Income Taxes).

Commitments and Contingent Liab

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities	(16) Commitments and Contingent Liabilities Commitments. We lease office equipment and office and warehouse space under various noncancellable operating lease agreements that expire through June 2028. Total minimum rent expense was $7.0 million, $7.2 million, and $7.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively. We had no contingent rent expense during 2016, 2015, or 2014. In March 2013, we began a 15-year lease agreement for our corporate headquarters in Duluth, Georgia with estimated minimum annual rental payments ranging from approximately $4.5 million at inception to approximately $5.6 million in year 15. As of December 31, 2016, the minimum aggregate rental commitments for operating leases were as follows: December 31, 2016 (In thousands) 2017 $ 6,895 2018 6,266 2019 5,804 2020 5,366 2021 5,306 Thereafter 35,075 Total minimum rental commitments for operating leases $ 64,712 As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, we had no material capital leases. Letter of Credit. Effective March 31, 2012, Peach Re entered into a Credit Facility Agreement with Deutsche Bank (the “Credit Facility Agreement”) to support certain obligations for a portion of the reserves (commonly referred to as Regulation XXX reserves) related to level premium term life insurance policies ceded to Peach Re from Primerica Life under the Peach Re Coinsurance Agreement. Under the Credit Facility Agreement, Deutsche Bank issued a letter of credit in the initial amount of $450.0 million with a term of approximately 14 years (the “LOC”) for the benefit of Primerica Life, the direct parent of Peach Re. Subject to certain conditions, the amount of the LOC periodically increased up to a maximum amount of approximately $507.0 million, which was reached in 2014. Pursuant to the terms of the Credit Facility Agreement, in the event amounts are drawn under the LOC by Primerica Life, Peach Re will be obligated, subject to certain limited conditions, to reimburse Deutsche Bank for the amount of any draws and interest thereon. Peach Re has collateralized its obligations to Deutsche Bank by granting it a security interest in all of its assets with the exception of amounts held in a special account established to meet minimum asset thresholds required by state regulatory authorities. As of December 31, 2016, the Company was in compliance with all financial covenants under the Credit Facility Agreement. Contingent Liabilities. The Company is involved from time to time in legal disputes, regulatory inquiries and arbitration proceedings in the normal course of business. These disputes are subject to uncertainties, including the large and/or indeterminate amounts sought in certain of these matters and the inherent unpredictability of litigation. As such, the Company is unable to estimate the possible loss or range of loss that may result from these matters unless otherwise indicated. The Company is currently undergoing multi-state treasurer unclaimed property audits by 30 jurisdictions focusing on the life insurance claims paying practices of its subsidiaries, Primerica Life and NBLIC. Other jurisdictions may pursue similar audits 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.

Benefit Plans (Notes)

Benefit Plans (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Benefit Plans	(17) Benefit Plans We sponsor a defined contribution plan for the benefit of our employees. The expense associated with this plan was approximately $7.4 million, $6.7 million, and $6.5 million in 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively.

Other Comprehensive Income

Other Comprehensive Income	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income	(18) The components of other comprehensive income (“OCI”), including the income tax expense or benefit allocated to each component, were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Foreign currency translation adjustments: Change in unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) before income taxes $ 6,689 $ (41,929 ) $ (20,527 ) Income tax expense (benefit) on unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) 81 (447 ) (234 ) Change in unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses), net of income taxes $ 6,608 $ (41,482 ) $ (20,293 ) Unrealized gain (losses) on available-for-sale securities: Change in unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period before income taxes $ 20,500 $ (65,920 ) $ 11,228 Income tax expense (benefit) on unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period 7,174 (23,074 ) 3,930 Change in unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities arising during period, net of income taxes 13,326 (42,846 ) 7,298 Reclassification from accumulated OCI to net income for (gains) losses realized on available-for-sale securities (3,955 ) 1,596 $ 794 Income tax (expense) benefit on (gains) losses reclassified from accumulated OCI to net income (1,384 ) 560 278 Reclassification from accumulated OCI to net income for (gains) losses realized on available-for-sale securities, net of income taxes (2,571 ) 1,036 516 Change in unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, net of income taxes and reclassification adjustment $ 10,755 $ (41,810 ) $ 7,814

Unaudited Quarterly Financial D

Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data	(19) Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data In management’s opinion, the following quarterly consolidated financial information fairly presents the results of operations for such periods and is prepared on a basis consistent with our annual audited consolidated financial statements. Financial information for the quarters presented was prepared on a consolidated basis. Quarter ended Quarter ended Quarter ended Quarter ended March 31, 2016 June 30, 2016 September 30, 2016 December 31, 2016 (In thousands, except per-share amounts) Direct premiums $ 597,130 $ 612,189 $ 616,587 $ 618,362 Ceded premiums (395,333 ) (406,683 ) (399,676 ) (398,867 ) Net premiums 201,797 205,506 216,911 219,495 Commissions and fees 128,821 136,902 134,282 141,681 Net investment income 21,238 20,389 19,399 17,999 Realized investment gains (losses), including OTTI (783 ) 3,440 (35 ) 1,465 Other, net 11,527 12,757 13,069 13,224 Total revenues 362,600 378,994 383,626 393,864 Total benefits and expenses 292,388 287,114 295,189 306,800 Income before income taxes 70,212 91,880 88,437 87,064 Income taxes 25,036 32,554 30,400 30,191 Net income $ 45,176 $ 59,326 $ 58,037 $ 56,873 Earnings per share: Basic earnings per share $ 0.92 $ 1.23 $ 1.22 $ 1.21 Diluted earnings per share $ 0.92 $ 1.23 $ 1.22 $ 1.21 Quarter ended Quarter ended Quarter ended Quarter ended March 31, 2015 June 30, 2015 September 30, 2015 December 31, 2015 (In thousands, except per-share amounts) Direct premiums $ 577,458 $ 588,248 $ 587,882 $ 591,856 Ceded premiums (397,540 ) (406,854 ) (393,987 ) (396,838 ) Net premiums 179,918 181,394 193,895 195,018 Commissions and fees 132,835 139,150 132,368 132,794 Net investment income 21,173 19,075 18,715 17,546 Realized investment gains (losses), including OTTI 1,284 597 (259 ) (3,360 ) Other, net 9,445 10,171 10,990 11,453 Total revenues 344,655 350,387 355,709 353,451 Total benefits and expenses 277,846 273,562 280,756 281,057 Income before income taxes 66,809 76,825 74,953 72,394 Income taxes 23,408 27,652 25,603 24,445 Net income $ 43,401 $ 49,173 $ 49,350 $ 47,949 Earnings per share: Basic earnings per share $ 0.82 $ 0.94 $ 0.98 $ 0.97 Diluted earnings per share $ 0.82 $ 0.94 $ 0.98 $ 0.97 Quarterly amounts may not agree in total to the corresponding annual amounts due to rounding.

Schedule I Summary of Investmen

Schedule I Summary of Investments - Other Than Investments in Related Party	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Marketable Securities Fixed Maturities [Abstract]
Consolidated Summary of Investments-Other than Investments in Related Parties	Schedule I Consolidated Summary of Investments — Other Than Investments in Related Parties PRIMERICA, INC. December 31, 2016 Type of Investment Amortized cost or cost Fair value Amount at which shown in the balance sheet (In thousands) Fixed maturities: Bonds (1) United States Government and government agencies and authorities $ 100,123 $ 105,087 $ 105,087 States, municipalities and political subdivisions 43,951 45,724 45,724 Foreign governments 126,274 131,306 131,306 Public utilities - - - Convertibles and bonds with warrants attached 2,597 2,863 2,863 All other corporate bonds (2) 1,968,909 2,024,042 2,014,257 Certificates of deposit - - - Redeemable preferred stocks 3,442 3,814 3,814 Total fixed maturities 2,245,296 2,312,836 2,303,051 Equity securities: Common stocks: Public utilities 4,909 8,312 8,312 Banks, trusts and insurance companies 6,808 9,027 9,027 Industrial, miscellaneous and all other 7,834 9,837 9,837 Nonredeemable preferred stocks 17,267 17,718 17,718 Total equity securities 36,818 44,894 44,894 Mortgage loans on real estate - - - Real estate - - - Policy loans 30,916 30,916 30,916 Other long-term investments - - - Short-term investments - - - Total investments $ 2,313,030 $ 2,388,646 $ 2,378,861 (1) Mortgage-and asset-backed securities are included in the investment types listed based on the entity-type that issued these securities. (2) The amount shown on the balance sheet does not match the amortized cost or cost or fair value for “All other corporate bonds” due to our held-to-maturity security, which is carried at cost on the balance sheet and all other fixed maturities are carried at fair value. See the accompanying report of independent registered public accounting firm.

Schedule II - Condensed Financi

Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information Of Registrant	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Condensed Financial Information Of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Condensed Financial Information of Registrant	Schedule II Condensed Financial Information of Registrant PRIMERICA, INC. (Parent Only) Condensed Balance Sheets December 31, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Assets Investments: Fixed-maturity securities available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost: ($52,537 in 2016 and $71,419 in 2015) $ 53,953 $ 71,437 Trading securities, at fair value (cost: $51 in 2016 and $0 in 2015) 51 - Total investments 54,004 71,437 Cash and cash equivalents 13,992 15,029 Due from affiliates* - 133 Other receivables 393 659 Income taxes 10,640 8,904 Investment in subsidiaries* 1,534,774 1,442,608 Total assets 1,613,803 1,538,770 Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity Liabilities: Notes payable 372,919 372,552 Current income tax payable 2,552 2,311 Deferred income taxes 5,399 3,695 Due to affiliates* 1,108 3,912 Interest payable 8,214 8,214 Other liabilities 2,237 2,314 Commitments and contingent liabilities (see Note E) Total liabilities 392,429 392,998 Stockholders’ equity: Common stock ($0.01 par value; authorized 500,000 in 2016 and 2015; issued and outstanding 45,721 shares in 2016 and 48,297 shares in 2015) 457 483 Paid-in capital 52,468 180,250 Retained earnings 1,138,851 952,804 Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of income tax 29,598 12,235 Total stockholders’ equity 1,221,374 1,145,772 Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 1,613,803 $ 1,538,770 * Eliminated in consolidation. See the accompanying notes to condensed financial statements. See the accompanying report of independent registered public accounting firm. Schedule II Condensed Financial Information of Registrant PRIMERICA, INC. (Parent Only) Condensed Statements of Income Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Revenues: Dividends from subsidiaries* $ 189,582 $ 149,187 $ 319,740 Net investment income 1,695 2,224 1,010 Realized investment gains (losses), including other-than-temporary impairment losses 1,088 (1,762 ) (1,574 ) Total revenues 192,365 149,649 319,176 Expenses: Interest expense 18,180 18,177 18,174 Other operating expenses 12,433 10,603 8,667 Total expenses 30,613 28,780 26,841 Income before income taxes 161,752 120,869 292,335 Income taxes (7,019 ) (7,124 ) (7,540 ) Income (loss) before equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries 168,771 127,993 299,875 Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries* 50,643 61,878 (118,463 ) Net income $ 219,414 $ 189,871 $ 181,412 * Eliminated in consolidation. See the accompanying notes to condensed financial statements. See the accompanying report of independent registered public accounting firm. Schedule II Condensed Financial Information of Registrant PRIMERICA, INC. (Parent Only) Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Net income $ 219,414 $ 189,871 $ 181,412 Other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes: Unrealized investment gains (losses): Equity in unrealized holding gains (losses) on investment securities held by subsidiaries 9,846 (41,171 ) 7,296 Change in unrealized holding gains/(losses) on investment securities 2,487 (2,745 ) (778 ) Reclassification adjustment for realized investment (gains) losses included in net income (1,088 ) 1,762 1,574 Foreign currency translation adjustments: Equity in unrealized foreign currency translation gains of subsidiaries 6,689 (41,929 ) (20,527 ) Total other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes 17,934 (84,083 ) (12,435 ) Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss) 571 (791 ) 44 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes 17,363 (83,292 ) (12,479 ) Total comprehensive income $ 236,777 $ 106,579 $ 168,933 See the accompanying notes to condensed financial statements. See the accompanying report of independent registered public accounting firm. Schedule II Condensed Financial Information of Registrant PRIMERICA, INC. (Parent Only) Condensed Statements of Cash Flows Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Cash flows from operating activities: Net income $ 219,414 $ 189,871 $ 181,412 Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by (used in) operating activities: Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries* (1) (89,820 ) (74,814 ) (70,472 ) Deferred tax provision 167 (1,434 ) (1,778 ) Change in income taxes (528 ) (138 ) 979 Realized investment (gains) losses, including other-than-temporary impairments (1,088 ) 1,762 1,574 Accretion and amortization of investments (118 ) 808 203 Depreciation and amortization - 6 23 Share-based compensation 1,227 1,031 998 Change in due to/from affiliates* (2,671 ) 2,689 998 Trading securities sold, matured, or called (acquired), net (51 ) - - Change in other operating assets and liabilities, net 555 3,135 (550 ) Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 127,087 122,916 113,387 Cash flows from investing activities: Available-for-sale investments sold, matured or called: Fixed maturity securities — sold 29,759 71,019 45,312 Fixed-maturity securities — matured or called 79,914 100,900 53,512 Available-for-sale investments acquired: Fixed-maturity securities (1) (50,408 ) (72,131 ) (10,290 ) Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 59,265 99,788 88,534 Cash flows from financing activities: Dividends paid (33,367 ) (32,807 ) (26,512 ) Common stock repurchased (150,057 ) (200,084 ) (147,922 ) Excess tax benefit on share-based compensation 5 61 163 Tax withholdings on share-based compensation (3,970 ) (7,615 ) (6,377 ) Cash proceeds from stock options exercised - 136 - Net cash provided by (used) in financing activities (187,389 ) (240,309 ) (180,648 ) Change in cash and cash equivalents (1,037 ) (17,605 ) 21,273 Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 15,029 32,634 11,361 Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 13,992 $ 15,029 $ 32,634 Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: Interest paid $ 17,813 $ 17,813 $ 17,813 * Eliminated in consolidation. (1) Does not include $39.2 million, $12.9 million, and $188.9 million of fixed-maturity securities transferred from subsidiaries in the form of noncash dividends for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively. See the accompanying notes to condensed financial statements. See the accompanying report of independent registered public accounting firm. Schedule II Condensed Financial Information of Registrant PRIMERICA, INC. (Parent Only) Notes to Condensed Financial Statements (A) Description of Business Primerica, Inc. (“we”, “us” or the “Company”) is a holding company with our primary asset being the capital stock of our wholly owned operating subsidiaries, and our primary liability being $375.0 million in principal amount of senior unsecured notes issued in a public offering in 2012 (the “Senior Notes”). Our subsidiaries assist clients in meeting their needs for term life insurance, which our insurance subsidiaries underwrite, and mutual funds, annuities, managed investments and other financial products, which our subsidiaries distribute primarily on behalf of third parties. Our primary subsidiaries include the following entities: Primerica Financial Services, Inc., 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 and PFSL Investments Canada Ltd.; and PFS Investments Inc., an investment products company and broker-dealer. Primerica Life, domiciled in Massachusetts, owns National Benefit Life Insurance Company, a New York insurance company. In addition, we established Peach Re, Inc. ("Peach Re") and Vidalia Re, Inc. (“Vidalia Re”) as special purpose financial captive insurance companies domiciled in Vermont and wholly owned subsidiaries of Primerica Life. (B) Basis of Presentation These condensed financial statements reflect the results of operations, financial position and cash flows for the Company. We prepare our financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”). These principles are established primarily by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect financial statement balances, revenues and expenses and cash flows, as well as the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Management considers available facts and knowledge of existing circumstances when establishing the estimates included in our financial statements. The most significant item that involves a greater degree of accounting estimates subject to change in the future is the determination of our investments in subsidiaries. Estimates for this and other items are subject to change and are reassessed by management in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The accompanying condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto of Primerica, Inc. and subsidiaries included in Part II, Item 8 of this report. (C) Note Payable In July 2012, we issued the Senior Notes in a public offering at a price of 99.843% of the principal amount with an annual interest rate of 4.75%, payable semi-annually in arrears on January 15 and July 15. The Senior Notes mature on July 15, 2022. As unsecured senior obligations, the Senior Notes rank equally in right of payment with all existing and future unsubordinated indebtedness and senior to all existing and future subordinated indebtedness of the Company. The Senior Notes are structurally subordinated in right of payment to all existing and future liabilities of our subsidiaries. In addition, the Senior Notes contain covenants that restrict our ability to, among other things, create or incur any indebtedness that is secured by a lien on the capital stock of certain of our subsidiaries, and merge, consolidate or sell all or substantially all of our properties and assets. We were in compliance with the covenants of the Senior Notes at December 31, 2016. No events of default(s) occurred on the Senior Notes during the year ended December 31, 2016. (D) Dividends For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, the Company received dividends from our non-life insurance subsidiaries of approximately $72.5 million, $86.5 million, and $71.3 million, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, the Company received dividends from our life insurance subsidiaries of approximately $117.0 million, $62.6 million, and $248.4 million, respectively. (E) Commitments and Contingent Liabilities 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. In conjunction with these coinsurance agreements, we have capital maintenance agreements with both Peach Re and Vidalia Re. Each capital maintenance agreement requires us at times to make capital contributions to Peach Re and Vidalia Re to insure that their regulatory accounts, as defined in the coinsurance agreements with Primerica Life will not be less than $20.0 million for each financial captive insurance company. For Peach Re, the regulatory account will only be used to satisfy obligations under its coinsurance agreement after all other available assets have been used, including a letter of credit issued by Deutsche Bank for the benefit of Primerica Life. For Vidalia Re, the regulatory account will only be used to satisfy obligations under its coinsurance agreement after all other available assets have been used including its held-to-maturity security ultimately guaranteed by Hannover Life Reassurance Company of America. The Company is involved from time to time in legal disputes, regulatory inquiries and arbitration proceedings in the normal course of business. These disputes are subject to uncertainties, including large and/or indeterminate amounts sought in certain of these matters and the inherent unpredictability of litigation. As such, the Company is unable to estimate the possible loss or range of loss that may result from these matters.

Schedule III - Supplementary In

Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Supplementary Insurance Information [Abstract]
Supplementary Insurance Information	Schedule III Supplementary Insurance Information PRIMERICA, INC. Deferred policy acquisition costs Future policy benefits Unearned premiums Other policy benefits and claims payable Separate account liabilities (In thousands) December 31, 2016 Term Life Insurance $ 1,628,957 $ 5,464,851 $ - $ 258,774 $ - Investment and Savings Products 56,933 - - - 2,287,829 Corporate and Other Distributed Products 27,175 209,039 527 9,362 124 Total $ 1,713,065 $ 5,673,890 $ 527 $ 268,136 $ 2,287,953 December 31, 2015 Term Life Insurance $ 1,420,727 $ 5,221,188 $ - $ 227,384 $ - Investment and Savings Products 51,501 - - - 2,063,731 Corporate and Other Distributed Products 28,031 210,523 628 10,773 168 Total $ 1,500,259 $ 5,431,711 $ 628 $ 238,157 $ 2,063,899 Premium revenue Net investment income Benefits and claims Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs Other operating expenses Premiums written (In thousands) Year ended December 31, 2016 Term Life Insurance $ 822,207 $ 7,634 $ 350,640 $ 172,812 $ 129,569 $ - Investment and Savings Products - - - 6,148 374,117 - Corporate and Other Distributed Products 21,502 71,391 17,015 1,622 129,566 844 Total $ 843,709 $ 79,025 $ 367,655 $ 180,582 $ 633,252 $ 844 Year ended December 31, 2015 Term Life Insurance $ 728,181 $ 5,985 $ 322,232 $ 147,980 $ 120,538 $ - Investment and Savings Products - - - 7,951 367,301 - Corporate and Other Distributed Products 22,043 70,524 17,083 1,796 128,340 908 Total $ 750,224 $ 76,509 $ 339,315 $ 157,727 $ 616,179 $ 908 Year ended December 31, 2014 Term Life Insurance $ 660,684 $ 4,444 $ 295,332 $ 133,331 $ 111,619 $ - Investment and Savings Products - - - 8,734 356,351 - Corporate and Other Distributed Products 23,831 82,029 16,085 2,313 137,607 934 Total $ 684,515 $ 86,473 $ 311,417 $ 144,378 $ 605,577 $ 934 See the accompanying report of independent registered public accounting firm.

Schedule IV - Reinsurance

Schedule IV - Reinsurance	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule Iv Reinsurance [Abstract]
Reinsurance	Schedule IV Reinsurance PRIMERICA, INC. Year ended December 31, 2016 Gross amount Ceded to other companies Assumed from other companies Net amount Percentage of amount assumed to net (Dollars in thousands) Life insurance in force $ 731,822,070 $ 643,364,460 $ - $ 88,457,610 — % Premiums: Life insurance $ 2,442,968 $ 1,600,125 $ - $ 842,843 — % Accident and health insurance 1,300 434 - 866 — % Total premiums $ 2,444,268 $ 1,600,559 $ - $ 843,709 — % Year ended December 31, 2015 Gross amount Ceded to other companies Assumed from other companies Net amount Percentage of amount assumed to net (Dollars in thousands) Life insurance in force $ 696,939,187 $ 616,255,740 $ - $ 80,683,447 — % Premiums: Life insurance $ 2,343,877 $ 1,594,606 $ - $ 749,271 — % Accident and health insurance 1,567 614 - 953 — % Total premiums $ 2,345,444 $ 1,595,220 $ - $ 750,224 — % Year ended December 31, 2014 Gross amount Ceded to other companies Assumed from other companies Net amount Percentage of amount assumed to net (Dollars in thousands) Life insurance in force $ 686,267,407 $ 607,218,906 $ - $ 79,048,501 — % Premiums: Life insurance $ 2,299,355 $ 1,615,847 $ - $ 683,508 — % Accident and health insurance 1,977 970 - 1,007 — % Total premiums $ 2,301,332 $ 1,616,817 $ - $ 684,515 — % See the accompanying report of independent registered public accounting firm.

Description of Business, Basi31

Description of Business, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 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.
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 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 consolidated financial statements at December 31, 2016.
Foreign Currency Translation	Foreign Currency Translation. Assets and liabilities of our Canadian subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars using year-end exchange rates, and the translation adjustments are reported in other comprehensive income (loss). Revenues and expenses of our Canadian subsidiaries are translated monthly at amounts that approximate weighted-average exchange rates.
Investments	Investments. Investments are reported on the following bases: • Available-for-sale (“AFS”) fixed-maturity securities, including bonds and redeemable preferred stocks not classified as trading securities, are carried at fair value. When quoted market values are unavailable, we obtain estimates from independent pricing services or estimate fair value based upon a comparison to quoted issues of the same issuer or of other issuers with similar characteristics. • Held-to-maturity fixed-maturity security is carried at amortized cost. • Equity securities, including common and nonredeemable preferred stocks, are classified as AFS and are carried at fair value. When quoted market values are unavailable, we obtain estimates from independent pricing services or estimates fair value based upon a comparison to quoted issues of the same issuer or of other issuers with similar characteristics. • Trading securities, which primarily consist of bonds, are carried at fair value. Changes in fair value of trading securities are included in net investment income in the period in which the change occurred. • Policy loans are carried at unpaid principal balances, which approximate fair value. Investment transactions are recorded on a trade-date basis. We use the specific-identification method to determine the realized gains or losses from securities transactions and report the realized gains or losses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. Unrealized gains and losses on AFS securities are included as a separate component of other comprehensive income, except for other-than-temporary impairments (“OTTI”) discussed below, in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Investments are reviewed on a quarterly basis for OTTI. Credit risk, interest rate risk, the amount of time the security has been in an unrealized loss position, actions taken by ratings agencies, and other factors are considered in determining whether an unrealized loss is other-than-temporary. OTTI in our accompanying consolidated statements of income reflect the impairment on AFS securities that we intend to sell or would more likely than not be required to sell before the expected recovery of the amortized cost basis. For AFS fixed maturity securities that we have no intent to sell and believe that it is not more likely than not we will be required to sell prior to recovery, only the credit loss component of OTTI is recognized in our accompanying consolidated statements of income, while the remainder is recognized in other comprehensive income in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). The credit loss component of OTTI recognized in net income is identified as the amount of principal cash flows not expected to be received over the remaining term of the security. Any subsequent changes (if not an other-than-temporary impairment) in the fair value of AFS securities are recognized in other comprehensive income in the accompanying statements of comprehensive income. Interest income on fixed-maturity securities is recorded when earned by determining the effective yield, which gives consideration to amortization of premiums, accretion of discounts, and any previous OTTI. Dividend income on equity securities is recorded when declared. These amounts are included in net investment income in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. Included within fixed-maturity securities are loan-backed and asset-backed securities. Amortization of the premium or accretion of the discount uses the retrospective method. The effective yield used to determine amortization/accretion is calculated based on actual and historical projected future cash flows and updated quarterly. Embedded conversion options associated with fixed-maturity securities are bifurcated from the fixed-maturity security host contracts and separately recognized as equity securities. The change in fair value of these bifurcated conversion options is recorded in realized gains (losses), including OTTI in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, money market instruments, and all other highly liquid investments purchased with an original or remaining maturity of three months or less at the date of acquisition.
Reinsurance	Reinsurance. We use reinsurance extensively, utilizing yearly renewable term (“YRT”) and coinsurance agreements. Under YRT agreements, we reinsure only the mortality risk, while under coinsurance, we reinsure a proportionate part of all risks arising under the reinsured policy. Under coinsurance, the reinsurer receives a proportionate part of the premiums, less commission allowances, and is liable for a corresponding part of all benefit payments. All reinsurance contracts in effect for the three-year period ended December 31, 2016 transfer a reasonable possibility of substantial loss to the reinsurer or are accounted for under the deposit method of accounting. Ceded premiums are treated as a reduction to direct premiums and are recognized when due to the assuming company. Ceded claims are treated as a reduction to direct benefits and are recognized when the claim is incurred on a direct basis. Ceded policy reserve changes are also treated as a reduction to benefits and claims expense and are recognized during the applicable financial reporting period. Reinsurance premiums, commissions, expense reimbursements and benefits and reserves related to reinsured long-duration contracts are accounted for over the life of the underlying contracts using assumptions consistent with those used to account for the underlying policies. Amounts recoverable from reinsurers are estimated in a manner consistent with the claim liabilities and future policy benefits associated with reinsured policies. Ceded policy reserves and claims liabilities relating to insurance ceded are shown as due from reinsurers on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. We analyze and monitor the credit-worthiness of each of our reinsurance partners to minimize collection issues. For reinsurance contracts with unauthorized reinsurers, we require collateral such as letters of credit. To the extent we receive ceding allowances to cover policy and claims administration under reinsurance contracts, these allowances are treated as a reduction to insurance commissions and expenses and are recognized when due from the assuming company. To the extent we receive ceding allowances reimbursing commissions that would otherwise be deferred, the amount of commissions deferrable will be reduced. The corresponding DAC balances are reduced on a pro rata basis by the portion of the business reinsured with reinsurance agreements that meet risk transfer provisions. The reduced DAC will result in a corresponding reduction of amortization expense.
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	DAC. We defer incremental direct costs of successful contract acquisitions that result directly from and are essential to the contract transaction(s) and that would not have been incurred had the contract transaction(s) not occurred. These deferred policy acquisition costs mainly include commissions and policy issue expenses. All other acquisition-related costs, including unsuccessful acquisition and renewal efforts, are charged to expense as incurred. Also, administrative costs, rent, depreciation, occupancy, equipment, and all other general overhead costs are considered indirect costs and are charged to expense as incurred. DAC for term life insurance policies is amortized over the initial premium-paying period of the related policies in proportion to premium income. DAC for Canadian segregated funds is amortized over the life of the underlying policies at a constant rate based on the present value of the estimated gross profits expected to be realized over the life of the underlying policies. DAC is subject to recoverability testing annually and when impairment indicators exist.
Intangible Assets	Intangible Assets. Intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Any intangible asset that was deemed to have an indefinite useful life is not amortized but is subject to an annual impairment test. An impairment exists if the carrying value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its fair value. For the other intangible assets, which are subject to amortization, an impairment is recognized if the carrying amount is not recoverable and exceeds the fair value of the intangible asset. The components of intangible assets were as follows: December 31, 2016 2015 Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Net carrying amount Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Net carrying amount (In thousands) Indefinite-lived intangible asset $ 45,275 n/a $ 45,275 $ 45,275 n/a $ 45,275 Amortizing intangible asset 84,871 (75,231 ) 9,640 84,871 (71,828 ) 13,043 Total intangible assets $ 130,146 $ (75,231 ) $ 54,915 $ 130,146 $ (71,828 ) $ 58,318 We have an indefinite-lived intangible asset related to the 1989 purchase of the right to contract with our sales force. This asset represents the core distribution model of our business, which is our primary competitive advantage to profitably distribute term life insurance and investment and savings products on a significant scale, and as such, is considered to have an indefinite life. This indefinite-lived intangible asset is supported by a significant portion of the discounted cash flows of our future business. We assessed this asset for impairment as of October 1, 2016 and determined that no impairment had occurred. There have been no subsequent events requiring further analysis. We also have an amortizing intangible asset related to a 1995 sales agreement termination payment to Management Financial Services, Inc. This asset is supported by a non-compete agreement with the founder of our business model. We calculate the amortization of this contract buyout on a straight-line basis over 24 years, which represents the life of the non-compete agreement. Intangible asset amortization expense was approximately $3.4 million in 2016, 2015 and 2014. Amortization expense is expected to be approximately $3.4 million annually during the remainder of the amortization period. No events have occurred during 2016, and no factors exist as of December 31, 2016 that would indicate that the net carrying value of our amortizing intangible asset may not be recoverable or will not be used throughout its estimated useful life.
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property and Equipment. Property and equipment, which are included in other assets, are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is recognized on a straight-line basis over the asset’s estimated useful life, which is estimated as follows: Estimated Useful Life Data processing equipment and software 3 to 7 years Leasehold improvements Lesser of 15 years or remaining life of lease Furniture and other equipment 5 to 15 years Depreciation expense is included in other operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. Depreciation expense was $11.2 million, $7.6 million, and $7.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively. Property and equipment balances were as follows: December 31, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Data processing equipment and software $ 57,178 $ 60,414 Leasehold improvements 13,718 13,947 Other, principally furniture and equipment 23,571 27,065 94,467 101,426 Accumulated depreciation (67,001 ) (72,017 ) Net property and equipment $ 27,466 $ 29,409
Separate Accounts	Separate Accounts. The separate accounts are primarily comprised of contracts issued by the Company through its subsidiary, Primerica Life Canada, pursuant to the Insurance Companies Act (Canada). The Insurance Companies Act authorizes Primerica Life Canada to establish the separate accounts. The separate accounts are represented by individual variable annuity contracts. Purchasers of variable annuity contracts issued by Primerica Life Canada have a direct claim to the benefits of the contract that entitles the holder to units in one or more investment funds (the “Funds”) maintained by Primerica Life Canada. The Funds invest in assets that are held for the benefit of the owners of the contracts. The benefits provided vary in amount depending on the market value of the Funds’ assets. The Funds’ assets are administered by Primerica Life Canada and are held separate and apart from the general assets of the Company. The liabilities reflect the variable insurance annuity contract holders’ interests in variable annuity assets based upon actual investment performance of the respective Funds. Separate account operating results relating to contract holders’ interests are excluded from our consolidated statements of income. Primerica Life Canada’s contract offerings guarantee the maturity value at the date of maturity (or upon death, whichever occurs first) to be equal to 75% of the sum of all contributions made, net of withdrawals, on a first-in first-out basis. Otherwise, the maturity value or death benefit will be the accumulated value of units allocated to the contract at the specified valuation date. The amount of this value is not guaranteed, but will fluctuate with the fair value of the Funds.
Future Policy Benefits Liability	Policyholder Liabilities. Future policy benefits are accrued over the current and expected renewal periods of the contracts. Liabilities for future policy benefits on traditional life insurance products have been computed using a net level method, including assumptions as to interest rates, mortality, persistency, and other assumptions based on our experience, modified as necessary to reflect anticipated trends and to include provisions for possible adverse deviation. The underlying mortality tables are the Society of Actuaries (“SOA”) 65-70, SOA 75-80, SOA 85-90, and the 91 Bragg, modified to reflect various underwriting classifications and assumptions. Interest rate reserve assumptions at December 31, 2016 and 2015 ranged from approximately 3.5% to 7.0%. For policies issued in 2010 and after, we have been using an increasing interest rate assumption to reflect the historically low interest rate environment. The liability for policy claims and other benefits payable on traditional life insurance products includes estimated unpaid claims that have been reported to us and claims incurred but not yet reported. The future policy benefit reserves we establish are necessarily based on estimates, assumptions and our analysis of historical experience. We do not modify the assumptions used to establish future policy benefit reserves during the policy term unless recoverability testing deems them to be inadequate and there is no remaining DAC associated with the underlying policies. Our results depend significantly upon the extent to which our actual claims experience is consistent with the assumptions we used in determining our future policy benefit reserves and pricing our products. Our future policy benefit reserve assumptions and estimates require significant judgment and, therefore, are inherently uncertain. We cannot determine with precision the ultimate amounts that we will pay for actual claims or the timing of those payments. Other Policyholders’ Funds . Other policyholders’ funds primarily represent claim payments left on deposit with us.
Litigation	Litigation. The Company is involved from time to time in legal disputes, regulatory inquiries and arbitration proceedings in the normal course of business. Contingent litigation- related losses are recognized when probable and can be reasonably estimated. Legal costs, such as attorneys’ fees and other litigation-related expenses that are incurred in connection with resolving litigation are expensed as incurred. These disputes are subject to uncertainties, including indeterminate amounts sought in certain of these matters and the inherent unpredictability of litigation. Due to the difficulty of estimating costs of litigation, actual costs may be substantially higher or lower than any amounts reserved.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes . We are subject to the income tax laws of the United States, its states, municipalities, and certain unincorporated territories, and those of Canada. These tax laws can be complex and subject to different interpretations by the taxpayer and the relevant governmental taxing authorities. In establishing a provision for income tax expense, we must make judgments and interpretations about the applicability of these tax laws. We also must make estimates about the future impact certain items will have on taxable income in the various tax jurisdictions, both domestic and foreign. Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to (i) differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and (ii) operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Deferred tax assets are recognized subject to management’s judgment that realization is more likely than not applicable to the periods in which we expect the temporary difference will reverse.
Premium Revenues	Premium Revenues . Traditional life insurance products consist principally of those products with fixed and guaranteed premiums and benefits, and are primarily related to term products. Premiums are recognized as revenues when due.
Commissions and Fees	Commissions and Fees. We receive commission revenues from the sale of various non-life insurance products. Commissions are generally received on sales of mutual funds and annuities. We also receive trail commission revenues from mutual fund and annuity products based on the net asset value of shares sold by us. We, in turn, pay certain commissions to our sales force. Additionally, we receive marketing and support fees from product originators. We also receive management fees based on the average daily net asset value of managed investments and contracts related to separate account assets issued by Primerica Life Canada. We earn recordkeeping fees for administrative functions that we perform on behalf of several of our mutual fund providers and custodial fees for services performed as a non-bank custodian of our clients’ retirement plan accounts. We, in turn, pay a third-party provider for its servicing of certain of these accounts. Commissions and fees are recognized as income during the period in which they are earned.
Benefits And Expenses	Benefits and Expenses . Benefit and expense items are charged to income in the period in which they are incurred. Both the change in policyholder liabilities, which is included in benefits and claims, and the amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs will vary with policyholder persistency.
Share-based Transactions	Share-Based Transactions. For employee and director share-based compensation awards, we determine a grant date fair value based on the price of our publicly-traded common stock and recognize the related compensation expense, adjusted for expected forfeitures, in the statement of income on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award. For non-employee share-based compensation, we recognize the impact during the period of performance, and the fair value of the award is measured as of the date performance is complete, which is the vesting date. To the extent that a share-based award contains sale restrictions extending beyond the vesting date, we reduce the recognized fair value of the award to reflect the corresponding illiquidity discount. Most non-employee share-based compensation is an incremental direct cost of successful acquisitions or renewals of life insurance policies that result directly from and are essential to the policy acquisition(s) and would not have been incurred had the policy acquisition(s) not occurred. We defer these expenses and amortize the impact in the same manner as all other DAC.
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share (“EPS”). The Company has outstanding common stock and equity awards that consist of restricted stock units (“RSUs”), performance-based stock units (“PSUs”), and stock options. The 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 RSUs are deemed participating securities for purposes of calculating EPS as they maintain dividend rights. See Note 13 (Earnings Per Share) for details related to the calculations of our basic and diluted EPS using the two-class method.
New Accounting Principles	New Accounting Principles. In April 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-03, Interest — Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30) – Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs 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 In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) In January 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments—Overall (Subtopic 825-10) Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities In February 2016, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02 (“ASU 2016-02”), Leases (ASC 842) In June 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-13 (“ASU 2016-13”), Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326) – Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments Future Application of Accounting Standards. Recent accounting guidance not discussed is not applicable, is immaterial to our financial statements, or did not or will not have an impact on our business.

Description of Business, Basi32

Description of Business, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Schedule of Intangible Assets	The components of intangible assets were as follows: December 31, 2016 2015 Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Net carrying amount Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Net carrying amount (In thousands) Indefinite-lived intangible asset $ 45,275 n/a $ 45,275 $ 45,275 n/a $ 45,275 Amortizing intangible asset 84,871 (75,231 ) 9,640 84,871 (71,828 ) 13,043 Total intangible assets $ 130,146 $ (75,231 ) $ 54,915 $ 130,146 $ (71,828 ) $ 58,318
Schedule of Assets Estimated Useful Life	Depreciation is recognized on a straight-line basis over the asset’s estimated useful life, which is estimated as follows: Estimated Useful Life Data processing equipment and software 3 to 7 years Leasehold improvements Lesser of 15 years or remaining life of lease Furniture and other equipment 5 to 15 years
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property and equipment balances were as follows: December 31, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Data processing equipment and software $ 57,178 $ 60,414 Leasehold improvements 13,718 13,947 Other, principally furniture and equipment 23,571 27,065 94,467 101,426 Accumulated depreciation (67,001 ) (72,017 ) Net property and equipment $ 27,466 $ 29,409

Discontinued Operations (Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Results of Operations and Carrying Values Of Assets And Liabilities Related To DBL	The results of DBL included in discontinued operations were as follows: Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Total revenues from discontinued operations $ - $ - $ - Income from discontinued operations before income taxes - - 2,427 Provision for income taxes - - 849 Income from discontinued operations, net income taxes $ - $ - $ 1,578

Segment and Geographical Info34

Segment and Geographical Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Summary of Assets and Profit or Loss by Segment	Notable information included in profit or loss by segment was as follows: Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Revenues: Term life insurance segment $ 866,382 $ 763,958 $ 692,385 Investment and savings products segment 524,621 521,336 511,102 Corporate and other distributed products segment 128,081 118,905 133,609 Total revenues $ 1,519,084 $ 1,404,199 $ 1,337,096 Net investment income: Term life insurance segment $ 7,634 $ 5,987 $ 4,444 Investment and savings products segment - - - Corporate and other distributed products segment 71,391 70,522 82,029 Total net investment income $ 79,025 $ 76,509 $ 86,473 Amortization of DAC: Term life insurance segment $ 172,812 $ 147,980 $ 133,331 Investment and savings products segment 6,148 7,952 8,734 Corporate and other distributed products segment 1,622 1,795 2,313 Total amortization of DAC $ 180,582 $ 157,727 $ 144,378 Non-cash share-based compensation expense: Term life insurance segment $ 2,652 $ 5,392 $ 6,315 Investment and savings products segment 2,179 2,228 2,641 Corporate and other distributed products segment 8,611 7,328 9,026 Total non-cash share-based compensation expense $ 13,442 $ 14,948 $ 17,982 Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes: Term life insurance segment $ 213,361 $ 173,209 $ 152,101 Investment and savings products segment 144,356 146,083 146,017 Corporate and other distributed products segment (20,122 ) (28,311 ) (22,396 ) Total income from continuing operations before income taxes $ 337,595 $ 290,981 $ 275,722
Total Assets by Segment	Total assets by segment were as follows: December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 (In thousands) Assets: Term life insurance segment $ 5,945,502 $ 5,638,682 $ 5,471,563 Investment and savings products segment (1) 2,391,512 2,157,548 2,545,372 Corporate and other distributed products segment 3,101,929 2,814,553 2,718,994 Total assets $ 11,438,943 $ 10,610,783 $ 10,735,929 (1)
Long Lived Assets and Continuing Operations by Country	Geographical Information. Results of continuing operations by country and long-lived assets — primarily tangible assets reported in other assets in our consolidated balance sheets —were as follows: Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Revenues by country: United States $ 1,281,580 $ 1,172,508 $ 1,094,714 Canada 237,504 231,691 242,382 Total revenues $ 1,519,084 $ 1,404,199 $ 1,337,096 Income from continuing operations before income taxes by country: United States $ 269,791 $ 225,920 $ 203,120 Canada 67,804 65,061 72,602 Total income from continuing operations before income taxes $ 337,595 $ 290,981 $ 275,722 December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 (In thousands) Long-lived assets by country: United States $ 26,685 $ 28,621 $ 25,897 Canada 780 787 566 Total long-lived assets $ 27,465 $ 29,408 $ 26,463

Investments (Tables)

Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule of Investments Debt and Equity Securities [Line Items]
Schedule of AFS Securities Reconciliation	The period-end cost or amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and fair value of AFS fixed-maturity and equity securities follow: December 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 $ 10,148 $ 350 $ (24 ) $ 10,474 Foreign government 124,274 5,719 (687 ) 129,306 States and political subdivisions 43,950 1,903 (129 ) 45,724 Corporates 1,281,630 49,272 (5,529 ) 1,325,373 Residential mortgage-backed securities 94,708 4,963 (120 ) 99,551 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 107,201 2,712 (470 ) 109,443 Other asset-backed securities 72,772 98 (303 ) 72,567 Total fixed-maturity securities (1) 1,734,683 65,017 (7,262 ) 1,792,438 Equity securities 36,818 8,589 (513 ) 44,894 Total fixed-maturity and equity securities $ 1,771,501 $ 73,606 $ (7,775 ) $ 1,837,332 (1) Includes approximately $0.1 million 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 Residential mortgage-backed securities 94,532 6,814 (121 ) 101,225 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 97,666 2,875 (555 ) 99,986 Other asset-backed securities 46,996 129 (79 ) 47,046 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) Includes approximately $0.1 million of OTTI losses related to corporates and mortgage- and asset-backed securities recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income.
Fixed-maturity Securities Classified by Contractual Maturity Date	The scheduled maturity distribution of the AFS fixed-maturity portfolio at December 31, 2016 follows: Amortized cost Fair value (In thousands) Due in one year or less $ 128,339 $ 130,743 Due after one year through five years 704,614 737,152 Due after five years through 10 years 576,963 589,600 Due after 10 years 50,086 53,382 1,460,002 1,510,877 Mortgage- and asset-backed securities 274,681 281,561 Total fixed-maturity securities $ 1,734,683 $ 1,792,438
Net Effect on Stockholders' Equity of Unrealized Gains and Losses on AFS Securities	The net effect on stockholders’ equity of unrealized gains and losses on AFS securities was as follows: December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 (In thousands) Net unrealized investment gains including OTTI: Fixed-maturity and equity securities $ 65,831 $ 49,286 OTTI 95 109 Net unrealized investment gains excluding OTTI 65,926 49,395 Deferred income taxes (23,074 ) (17,288 ) Net unrealized investment gains excluding OTTI, net of tax $ 42,852 $ 32,107
Net Investment Income	Investment Income. The components of net investment income were as follows: Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Fixed-maturity securities (available-for-sale) $ 74,673 $ 77,271 $ 84,687 Fixed-maturity security (held-to-maturity) 18,880 13,048 3,482 Equity securities 2,053 2,059 1,862 Policy loans and other invested assets 1,340 1,368 1,448 Cash and cash equivalents 632 228 247 Total return on deposit asset underlying 10% coinsurance agreement 5,212 482 3,095 Gross investment income 102,790 94,456 94,821 Investment expenses (4,885 ) (4,899 ) (4,866 ) Investment income net of investment expenses 97,905 89,557 89,955 Interest expense on surplus note (18,880 ) (13,048 ) (3,482 ) Net investment income $ 79,025 $ 76,509 $ 86,473
Schedule of Net Realized Investment Gains and Losses	The components of net realized investment gains (losses), as well as details on gross realized investment gains (losses) and proceeds from sales or other redemptions, were as follows: Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Net realized investment gains (losses): Gross gains from sales $ 8,126 $ 5,762 $ 3,687 Gross losses from sales (751 ) (465 ) (436 ) OTTI losses (3,420 ) (6,893 ) (4,045 ) Gains (losses) from bifurcated options 133 (142 ) 533 Net realized investment gains (losses) $ 4,088 $ (1,738 ) $ (261 )
Schedule of Securities in Unrealized Loss Position	The following tables summarize, for all AFS 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: December 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 $ 3,668 $ (24 ) 4 $ - $ - - Foreign government 34,538 (526 ) 36 3,048 (161 ) 3 States and political subdivisions 8,902 (129 ) 12 - - - Corporates 232,070 (3,484 ) 225 45,471 (2,045 ) 51 Residential mortgage-backed securities 15,232 (92 ) 9 3,606 (28 ) 9 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 33,335 (423 ) 33 7,663 (47 ) 11 Other asset-backed securities 48,275 (260 ) 45 1,315 (43 ) 3 Total fixed-maturity securities 376,020 (4,938 ) 61,103 (2,324 ) Equity securities 4,179 (269 ) 12 1,852 (244 ) 8 Total fixed-maturity and equity securities $ 380,199 $ (5,207 ) $ 62,955 $ (2,568 ) 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 Residential mortgage-backed securities 9,681 (61 ) 9 4,762 (60 ) 7 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 56,216 (493 ) 49 3,199 (62 ) 6 Other asset-backed securities 26,611 (77 ) 23 260 (2 ) 2 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 AFS Fixed-maturity Securities in Default	The amortized cost and fair value of AFS fixed-maturity securities in default were as follows: December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Amortized cost Fair value Amortized cost Fair value (In thousands) Fixed-maturity securities in default $ 5 $ 125 $ 138 $ 262
Impairment Charges in Earnings on AFS Securities	Impairment charges recognized in earnings on AFS securities were as follows: Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Impairments on fixed-maturity securities not in default $ 3,257 $ 5,108 $ 3,656 Impairments on fixed-maturity securities in default 121 29 - Impairments on equity securities 42 1,756 389 Total impairment charges $ 3,420 $ 6,893 $ 4,045
Schedule of Net Impairment Losses Recognized in Earnings	The roll-forward of the OTTI recognized in net income for all fixed-maturity securities still held follows: Year ended December 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 1,694 2,340 Additions for OTTI securities where OTTI have been recognized prior to the beginning of the period 1,684 2,797 Reductions due to sales, maturities, calls, amortization or increases in cash flows expected to be collected over the remaining life of credit impaired securities (7,114 ) (1,554 ) Reductions for exchanges of securities previously impaired (2,346 ) (1,277 ) Cumulative OTTI recognized in net income for securities still held, end of period $ 5,774 $ 11,856
AFS [Member]
Schedule of Investments Debt and Equity Securities [Line Items]
Schedule of Net Impairment Losses Recognized in Earnings	Net impairment losses recognized in earnings were as follows: Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Total impairment losses related to securities which the Company does not intend to sell or more-likely-than-not will not be required to sell: Total OTTI losses recognized $ 1,486 $ 706 $ 1,579 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 1,486 706 1,579 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 1,934 6,187 2,466 Net impairment losses recognized in earnings $ 3,420 $ 6,893 $ 4,045

Fair Value of Financial Instr36

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 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: December 31, 2016 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (In thousands) Fair value assets: Available-for-sale fixed-maturity securities: U.S. government and agencies $ - $ 10,474 $ - $ 10,474 Foreign government - 129,306 - 129,306 States and political subdivisions - 45,724 - 45,724 Corporates 3,113 1,322,257 3 1,325,373 Residential mortgage-backed securities - 98,966 585 99,551 Commercial mortgage-backed securities - 109,443 - 109,443 Other asset-backed securities - 65,075 7,492 72,567 Total available-for-sale fixed-maturity securities 3,113 1,781,245 8,080 1,792,438 Equity securities 39,556 5,256 82 44,894 Trading securities - 7,383 - 7,383 Separate accounts - 2,287,953 - 2,287,953 Total fair value assets $ 42,669 $ 4,081,837 $ 8,162 $ 4,132,668 Fair value liabilities: Separate accounts $ - $ 2,287,953 $ - $ 2,287,953 Total fair value liabilities $ - $ 2,287,953 $ - $ 2,287,953 December 31, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (In thousands) Fair value assets: Available-for-sale 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 Residential mortgage-backed securities - 100,493 732 101,225 Commercial mortgage-backed securities - 99,986 - 99,986 Other asset-backed securities - 47,046 - 47,046 Total available-for-sale 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: Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Level 3 assets, beginning of period $ 783 $ 1,165 Net unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (23 ) (26 ) Realized gains (losses) and accretion (amortization) recognized in earnings, including OTTI 7 4 Purchases (1) 7,556 - Settlements (161 ) (168 ) Transfers into Level 3 1 - Transfers out of Level 3 - (192 ) Level 3 assets, end of period $ 8,162 $ 783 (1) During the year ended December 31, 2016, purchases of Level 3 assets primarily consisted of newly-issued fixed-maturity securities in the fourth quarter for which observable inputs, most notably quoted prices, used to derive valuations are not yet readily available.
Carrying Values and Estimated Fair Values of Financial Instruments	The carrying values and estimated fair values of our financial instruments were as follows: December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Carrying value Estimated fair value Carrying value Estimated fair value (In thousands) Assets: Fixed-maturity securities (available-for-sale) $ 1,792,438 $ 1,792,438 $ 1,731,459 $ 1,731,459 Fixed-maturity security (held-to-maturity) 503,230 513,015 365,220 371,742 Equity securities 44,894 44,894 47,839 47,839 Trading securities 7,383 7,383 5,358 5,358 Policy loans 30,916 30,916 28,627 28,627 Deposit asset underlying 10% coinsurance agreement 202,435 202,435 181,889 181,889 Separate accounts 2,287,953 2,287,953 2,063,899 2,063,899 Liabilities: Notes payable (1) $ 372,919 $ 401,340 $ 372,552 $ 398,649 Surplus note (1) 502,491 512,669 364,424 371,498 Separate accounts 2,287,953 2,287,953 2,063,899 2,063,899 (1) Carrying value amounts shown are net of issuance costs.

Reinsurance (Tables)

Reinsurance (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
In-force Life Insurance	The following table represents the Company’s in-force life insurance at December 31, 2016 and 2015: December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 (Dollars in thousands) Direct life insurance in force $ 731,822,070 $ 696,939,187 Amounts ceded to other companies (643,364,460 ) (616,255,740 ) Net life insurance in force $ 88,457,610 $ 80,683,447 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: December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Reinsurance receivable A.M. Best rating Reinsurance receivable A.M. Best rating (In thousands) Pecan Re Inc. (1) (2) $ 2,754,424 NR $ - - Prime Reinsurance Company (2) - - 2,692,721 NR SCOR Global Life Reinsurance Companies (3) 355,759 A 362,195 A Munich Re of Malta (2) (5) 282,382 NR - - Financial Reassurance Company 2010, Ltd. (2) - - 270,306 NR Swiss Re Life & Health America Inc. (4) 249,299 A+ 254,461 A+ American Health and Life Insurance Company 176,010 B 176,790 B Munich American Reassurance Company 106,471 A+ 101,466 A+ Korean Reinsurance Company 96,921 A 91,605 A RGA Reinsurance Company 84,473 A+ 81,217 A+ TOA Reinsurance Company 23,977 A+ 22,242 A+ Hannover Life Reassurance Company 22,929 A+ 20,650 A+ All other reinsurers 40,917 - 36,975 - Due from reinsurers $ 4,193,562 $ 4,110,628 NR – not rated (1) Pecan Re Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Swiss Re Life & Health America Inc. (2) (3) Includes amounts ceded to Transamerica Reinsurance Companies and fully retroceded to SCOR Global Life Reinsurance Companies. (4) (5)

Deferred Policy Acquisition C38

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Disclosures [Abstract]
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Balance Roll Forward	The balances and activity in DAC were as follows: Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) DAC balance, beginning of period $ 1,500,259 $ 1,351,180 $ 1,208,466 Capitalization 387,396 339,639 303,543 Amortization (180,582 ) (157,727 ) (144,378 ) Foreign exchange translation and other 5,992 (32,833 ) (16,451 ) DAC balance, end of period $ 1,713,065 $ 1,500,259 $ 1,351,180

Separate Accounts (Tables)

Separate Accounts (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Separate Accounts Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment	The following table represents the fair value of assets supporting separate accounts by major investment category: Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Fixed-income securities $ 999,435 $ 932,934 Equity securities 1,264,270 1,109,610 Cash and cash equivalents 30,064 24,003 Due to/from funds (5,941 ) (2,817 ) Other 125 169 Total separate accounts assets $ 2,287,953 $ 2,063,899

Insurance Reserves (Tables)

Insurance Reserves (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Insurance Reserves Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Liability For Future Policy Benefits and Unpaid Claims	Changes in policy claims and other benefits payable were as follows: Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Policy claims and other benefits payable, beginning of period $ 238,157 $ 245,829 $ 238,750 Less reinsured policy claims and other benefits payable 263,003 264,049 248,185 Net balance, beginning of period (24,846 ) (18,220 ) (9,435 ) Incurred related to current year 143,518 138,139 129,869 Incurred related to prior years (522 ) 212 674 Total incurred 142,996 138,351 130,543 Claims paid related to current year, net of reinsured policy claims received (203,015 ) (167,621 ) (155,357 ) Reinsured policy claims received related to prior years, net of claims paid 29,546 23,661 21,881 Total paid (173,469 ) (143,960 ) (133,476 ) Sale of DBL - - (5,047 ) Foreign currency translation 260 (1,017 ) (805 ) Net balance, end of period (55,059 ) (24,846 ) (18,220 ) Add reinsured policy claims and other benefits payable 323,195 263,003 264,049 Balance, end of period $ 268,136 $ 238,157 $ 245,829

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Debt	Notes Payable. Notes payable consisted of the following: December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 (Dollars in thousands) 4.75% Senior Notes, due July 15, 2022 $ 375,000 $ 375,000 Unamortized issuance discount on notes payable (359 ) (415 ) Total notes payable $ 374,641 $ 374,585

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Provision for Income Taxes	Income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations consists of the following: Current Deferred Total (In thousands) Year ended December 31, 2016 Federal $ 47,980 $ 50,758 $ 98,738 Foreign 23,102 (4,710 ) 18,392 State and local 2,783 (1,732 ) 1,051 Total tax expense $ 73,865 $ 44,316 $ 118,181 Year ended December 31, 2015 Federal $ 46,175 $ 36,723 $ 82,898 Foreign 14,600 3,161 17,761 State and local 2,043 (1,592 ) 451 Total tax expense $ 62,818 $ 38,292 $ 101,110 Year ended December 31, 2014 Federal $ 44,356 $ 31,590 $ 75,946 Foreign 24,403 (4,826 ) 19,577 State and local 1,372 (1,007 ) 365 Total tax expense $ 70,131 $ 25,757 $ 95,888
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	The reconciliation for such difference follows: Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Amount Percentage Amount Percentage Amount Percentage (Dollars in thousands) Computed tax expense $ 118,450 35.0 % $ 101,843 35.0 % $ 96,503 35.0 % Difference between foreign statutory rate and U.S. statutory rate (5,665 ) (1.7 )% (5,531 ) (1.9 )% (6,271 ) (2.3 )% Residual U.S. income taxes on foreign earnings not permanently reinvested 3,855 1.1 % 3,810 1.3 % 3,067 1.1 % Other 1,541 0.6 % 988 0.3 % 2,589 1.0 % Total tax expense / effective rate $ 118,181 35.0 % $ 101,110 34.7 % $ 95,888 34.8 %
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	The main components of deferred income tax assets and liabilities were as follows: December 31, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Deferred tax assets: Future policy benefit reserves and unpaid policy claims $ 223,845 $ 210,164 Intangibles and tax goodwill 36,261 39,977 Future deductible liabilities 19,831 17,741 Share-based compensation 15,592 15,698 Other 11,528 8,962 Total deferred tax assets $ 307,057 $ 292,542 Deferred tax liabilities: Deferred policy acquisition costs $ (366,144 ) $ (319,250 ) Investments (16,769 ) (6,893 ) Unremitted earnings on foreign subsidiaries (2,700 ) (2,297 ) Reinsurance deposit asset (70,852 ) (63,661 ) Other (11,864 ) (11,978 ) Total deferred tax liabilities (468,329 ) (404,079 ) Net deferred tax liabilities $ (161,272 ) $ (111,537 )
Summary of Income Tax Contingencies	A reconciliation of the change in the unrecognized income tax benefit for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 is as follows: December 31, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning of period $ 13,939 $ 16,014 Change in prior period unrecognized tax benefits 8 (146 ) Change in current period unrecognized tax benefits 2,840 2,191 Reductions as a result of a lapse in statute of limitations (1,976 ) (4,120 ) Unrecognized tax benefits, end of period $ 14,811 $ 13,939

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 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: Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Common stock, beginning of period 48,297 52,169 54,834 Shares issued for stock options exercised 148 89 4 Shares of common stock issued upon lapse of RSUs 516 574 502 Common stock retired (3,240 ) (4,535 ) (3,171 ) Common stock, end of period 45,721 48,297 52,169

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Calculation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share	The calculation of basic and diluted EPS follows: Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands, except per-share amounts) Basic EPS: Numerator (continuing operations): Income from continuing operations $ 219,414 $ 189,871 $ 179,834 Income attributable to unvested participating securities (1,835 ) (1,572 ) (2,038 ) Income from continuing operations used in calculating basic EPS $ 217,579 $ 188,299 $ 177,796 Numerator (discontinued operations): Income from discontinued operations $ - $ - $ 1,578 Income attributable to unvested participating securities - - (18 ) Income from discontinued operations used in calculating basic EPS $ - $ - $ 1,560 Denominator: Weighted-average vested shares 47,411 50,881 54,567 Basic EPS from continuing operations $ 4.59 $ 3.70 $ 3.26 Basic EPS from discontinued operations $ - $ - $ 0.03 Diluted EPS: Numerator (continuing operations): Income from continuing operations $ 219,414 $ 189,871 $ 179,834 Income attributable to unvested participating securities (1,833 ) (1,571 ) (2,037 ) Income from continuing operations used in calculating diluted EPS $ 217,581 $ 188,300 $ 177,797 Numerator (discontinued operations): Income from discontinued operations $ - $ - $ 1,578 Income attributable to unvested participating securities - - (18 ) Income from discontinued operations used in calculating diluted EPS $ - $ - $ 1,560 Denominator: Weighted-average vested shares 47,411 50,881 54,567 Dilutive effect of incremental shares to be issued for equity awards 42 32 31 Weighted-average shares used in calculating diluted EPS 47,453 50,913 54,598 Diluted EPS from continuing operations $ 4.59 $ 3.70 $ 3.26 Diluted EPS from discontinued operations $ - $ - $ 0.03

Share-Based Transactions (Table

Share-Based Transactions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity	The following table summarizes management and director restricted stock and RSU activity during the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014. Shares Weighted-average measurement-date fair value per share (Shares in thousands) Unvested employee restricted stock and RSUs, December 31, 2013 722 $ 28.67 Granted 279 41.31 Forfeited (13 ) 30.49 Vested (408 ) 28.53 Unvested employee restricted stock and RSUs, December 31, 2014 580 34.67 Granted 246 52.75 Forfeited (8 ) 41.98 Vested (428 ) 35.43 Unvested employee restricted stock and RSUs, December 31, 2015 390 45.07 Granted 225 42.86 Forfeited - - Vested (219 ) 42.28 Unvested employee restricted stock and RSUs, December 31, 2016 396 $ 45.37
Schedule of Share-Based Transactions, PSU Activity	The following table summarizes PSU activity during the year ended December 31, 2016. Shares Weighted-average measurement-date fair value per share (Shares in thousands) Unvested employee PSUs, December 31, 2015 - n/a Granted 18 $ 41.88 Forfeited - - Vested - - Unvested employee PSUs, December 31, 2016 18 41.88
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions	The following assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of stock options granted: Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Expected volatility 25.00 % 24.00 % 33.00 % Expected per share dividend yield 1.62 % 1.20 % 1.17 % Risk-free interest rate 1.23 % 1.61 % 1.81 % Expected term of options 5 years 5 years 6 years Fair value per option $ 8.21 $ 11.07 $ 12.54
Summary of Activity Related to Stock Options Outstanding and Exercisable	The following table summarizes activity related to stock options outstanding and exercisable during the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014. Outstanding Exercisable Number of shares Weighted average exercise price Number of shares Weighted average exercise price (Shares in thousands) Outstanding at December 31, 2013 134 $ 32.63 — n/a Granted 116 41.20 Exercised (4 ) 32.63 Outstanding at December 31, 2014 246 36.67 40 $ 32.63 Granted 46 53.50 Exercised (89 ) 34.89 Outstanding at December 31, 2015 203 41.28 35 36.38 Granted 90 41.88 Exercised (148 ) 38.24 Outstanding at December 31, 2016 145 44.75 6 53.50 Range of granted option exercise prices outstanding at December 31, 2016: $41.20 (average term remaining - 7.1 years) 19 $ 41.20 — n/a $53.50 (average term remaining - 8.2 years) 37 53.50 6 $ 53.50 $41.88 (average term remaining - 9.2 years) 90 41.88 — n/a
Summary of Intrinsic Values of Stock Options	A summary of the intrinsic values of our stock options is as follows: December 31, 2016 (In thousands) Aggregate intrinsic value of exercisable stock options $ 95 Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options expected to vest 3,443 Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options outstanding $ 3,538
Summary of Intrinsic Value, Tax Benefit Realized and Value of Shares Withheld Related to Option Exercise Activity	The intrinsic value, tax benefit realized and value of shares withheld related to option exercise activity are summarized as follows: Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Intrinsic value of options exercised $ 2,755 $ 1,620 $ 53 Tax benefit realized from the options exercised 964 567 19 Value of issued shares withheld to satisfy option exercise price 5,509 2,966 142
Schedule of Share-based Goods and Nonemployee Services Transaction by Supplier	The following table summarizes non-employee RSU activity during the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014. Shares Weighted-average measurement-date fair value per share (Shares in thousands) Unvested non-employee RSUs, December 31, 2013 104 $ 36.44 Granted 295 45.08 Vested (326 ) 41.23 Unvested non-employee RSUs, December 31, 2014 73 49.98 Granted 326 42.79 Vested (326 ) 44.39 Unvested non-employee RSUs, December 31, 2015 73 42.83 Granted 236 48.45 Vested (267 ) 44.82 Unvested non-employee RSUs, December 31, 2016 42 61.55
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock Units Award Activity	The following table presents the assumptions used in valuing quarterly RSU grants to agents: Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Expected volatility 24% to 42% 18% to 35% 17% to 31% Quarterly dividends expected $0.17 to $0.18 $ 0.16 $ 0.12 Risk-free interest rates Less than 2% Less than 2% Less than 2%
Schedule of Compensation Cost and Tax Benefits for Share Based Payment Arrangements Nonemployee Equity Awards	Details on the granting and valuation of these awards follow: Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Dollars in thousands, except per-share amounts) Total quarterly non-employee RSUs granted 235,735 325,744 294,985 Measurement date per-share fair value of awards $39.87 to $61.50 $40.98 to $46.71 $42.96 to $49.98 Illiquidity discounts 10% to 11% 8% to 9% 8% to 9% Quarterly incentive awards expense recognized currently $ 910 $ 466 $ 453 Quarterly incentive awards expense deferred 10,517 13,423 13,598 Tax benefit associated with incentive awards 3,674 4,454 4,500
Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units RSU [Member] | Management and Director [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Schedule of Share-Based Compensation, Recognized Expense and Tax Benefit Offsets	In connection with our granting of management and director restricted stock and RSU awards, we recognized expense and tax benefit offsets as follows: Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Total management and director restricted stock and RSUs $ 11,067 $ 13,839 $ 15,726 Tax benefit associated with total management and director restricted stock and RSU award expense 3,715 4,668 5,322
Performance share units (PSUs) [Member] | Management [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Compensation Expense and Tax Benefit Offset	In connection with our granting of PSU awards, we recognized expense and tax benefit offsets as follows: Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Total management PSU awards $ 614 n/a n/a Tax benefit associated with total management PSU award expense 215 n/a n/a
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Schedule of Share-Based Compensation, Recognized Expense and Tax Benefit Offsets	Compensation expense and related tax benefits recognized for stock option awards were as follows: Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Expense recognized for stock option awards $ 851 $ 643 $ 1,803 Tax benefit recognized for stock option awards 298 225 631

Statutory Accounting and Divi46

Statutory Accounting and Dividend Restrictions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Insurance [Abstract]
Statutory Accounting Practices Disclosure	Primerica Life’s statutory capital and surplus and statutory unassigned surplus at December 31, 2016 and 2015 was as follows: December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 (In thousands) Statutory capital and surplus $ 572,748 $ 560,936 Statutory unassigned surplus 41,569 48,715

Commitments and Contingent Li47

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases	As of December 31, 2016, the minimum aggregate rental commitments for operating leases were as follows: December 31, 2016 (In thousands) 2017 $ 6,895 2018 6,266 2019 5,804 2020 5,366 2021 5,306 Thereafter 35,075 Total minimum rental commitments for operating leases $ 64,712

Other Comprehensive Income (Tab

Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The components of other comprehensive income (“OCI”), including the income tax expense or benefit allocated to each component, were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Foreign currency translation adjustments: Change in unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) before income taxes $ 6,689 $ (41,929 ) $ (20,527 ) Income tax expense (benefit) on unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) 81 (447 ) (234 ) Change in unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses), net of income taxes $ 6,608 $ (41,482 ) $ (20,293 ) Unrealized gain (losses) on available-for-sale securities: Change in unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period before income taxes $ 20,500 $ (65,920 ) $ 11,228 Income tax expense (benefit) on unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period 7,174 (23,074 ) 3,930 Change in unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities arising during period, net of income taxes 13,326 (42,846 ) 7,298 Reclassification from accumulated OCI to net income for (gains) losses realized on available-for-sale securities (3,955 ) 1,596 $ 794 Income tax (expense) benefit on (gains) losses reclassified from accumulated OCI to net income (1,384 ) 560 278 Reclassification from accumulated OCI to net income for (gains) losses realized on available-for-sale securities, net of income taxes (2,571 ) 1,036 516 Change in unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, net of income taxes and reclassification adjustment $ 10,755 $ (41,810 ) $ 7,814

Unaudited Quarterly Financial49

Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data	Financial information for the quarters presented was prepared on a consolidated basis. Quarter ended Quarter ended Quarter ended Quarter ended March 31, 2016 June 30, 2016 September 30, 2016 December 31, 2016 (In thousands, except per-share amounts) Direct premiums $ 597,130 $ 612,189 $ 616,587 $ 618,362 Ceded premiums (395,333 ) (406,683 ) (399,676 ) (398,867 ) Net premiums 201,797 205,506 216,911 219,495 Commissions and fees 128,821 136,902 134,282 141,681 Net investment income 21,238 20,389 19,399 17,999 Realized investment gains (losses), including OTTI (783 ) 3,440 (35 ) 1,465 Other, net 11,527 12,757 13,069 13,224 Total revenues 362,600 378,994 383,626 393,864 Total benefits and expenses 292,388 287,114 295,189 306,800 Income before income taxes 70,212 91,880 88,437 87,064 Income taxes 25,036 32,554 30,400 30,191 Net income $ 45,176 $ 59,326 $ 58,037 $ 56,873 Earnings per share: Basic earnings per share $ 0.92 $ 1.23 $ 1.22 $ 1.21 Diluted earnings per share $ 0.92 $ 1.23 $ 1.22 $ 1.21 Quarter ended Quarter ended Quarter ended Quarter ended March 31, 2015 June 30, 2015 September 30, 2015 December 31, 2015 (In thousands, except per-share amounts) Direct premiums $ 577,458 $ 588,248 $ 587,882 $ 591,856 Ceded premiums (397,540 ) (406,854 ) (393,987 ) (396,838 ) Net premiums 179,918 181,394 193,895 195,018 Commissions and fees 132,835 139,150 132,368 132,794 Net investment income 21,173 19,075 18,715 17,546 Realized investment gains (losses), including OTTI 1,284 597 (259 ) (3,360 ) Other, net 9,445 10,171 10,990 11,453 Total revenues 344,655 350,387 355,709 353,451 Total benefits and expenses 277,846 273,562 280,756 281,057 Income before income taxes 66,809 76,825 74,953 72,394 Income taxes 23,408 27,652 25,603 24,445 Net income $ 43,401 $ 49,173 $ 49,350 $ 47,949 Earnings per share: Basic earnings per share $ 0.82 $ 0.94 $ 0.98 $ 0.97 Diluted earnings per share $ 0.82 $ 0.94 $ 0.98 $ 0.97 Quarterly amounts may not agree in total to the corresponding annual amounts due to rounding.

Description of Business, Basi50

Description of Business, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Intangible Assets Net Excluding Goodwill [Abstract]
Indefinite-lived intangible asset	$ 45,275	$ 45,275
Amortizing intangible asset, Gross carrying value	84,871	84,871
Amortizing intangible asset, Accumulated amortization	(75,231)	(71,828)
Amortizing intangible asset, Net carrying amount	9,640	13,043
Total intangible assets, Gross carrying amount	130,146	130,146
Total intangible assets, Net carrying amount	$ 54,915	$ 58,318

Description of Business, Basi51

Description of Business, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Description of Business, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Depreciation expense	$ 11.2	$ 7.6	$ 7
Guarantee Maturity Value as Percentage of Net Premiums	75.00%
Accounting Standards Update 2015-03 [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Description of Business, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Deduction in debt issuance costs		2.8
Accounting Standards Update 2015-03 [Member] | Notes Payable [Member]
Description of Business, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Deduction in debt issuance costs		(2)
Accounting Standards Update 2015-03 [Member] | Surplus Note [Member]
Description of Business, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Deduction in debt issuance costs		$ (0.8)
Minimum [Member]
Description of Business, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Estimated Investment Yield	3.50%	3.50%
Maximum [Member]
Description of Business, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Estimated Investment Yield	7.00%	7.00%
Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Description of Business, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$ 3.4	$ 3.4	$ 3.4
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Annual Amortization Expense, Remainder of Amortization Period	$ 3.4
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	24 years

Description of Business, Basi52

Description of Business, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Property, Plant and Equipment Useful Life (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Data Processing Equipment and Software [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Property and equipment, Useful life	3 years
Data Processing Equipment and Software [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Property and equipment, Useful life	7 years
Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Property and equipment, Useful life	15 years
Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Property and equipment, Useful life	5 years
Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Property and equipment, Useful life	15 years

Description of Business, Basi53

Description of Business, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Property, Plant, and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]
Data processing equipment and software	$ 57,178	$ 60,414
Leasehold improvements	13,718	13,947
Other, principally furniture and equipment	23,571	27,065
Total property, plant and equipment, Gross	94,467	101,426
Accumulated depreciation	(67,001)	(72,017)
Net property and equipment	$ 27,466	$ 29,409

Discontinued Operations - Narra

Discontinued Operations - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Proceeds from divestiture of businesses	$ 3,000,000
Discontinued operation, gain (loss) from disposal of discontinued operation, before income tax	2,400,000
Discontinued operation, assets related to DBL	0	$ 0	$ 0
Discontinued operation, liabilities related to DBL	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Discontinued Operations - Resul

Discontinued Operations - Results of Operations and Carrying Values Of Assets And Liabilities Related To DBL (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Income from discontinued operations before income taxes	$ 2,427
Provision for income taxes	849
Income from discontinued operations, net income taxes	$ 1,578

Segment and Geographical Info56

Segment and Geographical Information - Narrative (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of operating segments	2
Vidalia Re Coinsurance Agreement [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Coinsurance percent	10.00%

Segment and Geographical Info57

Segment and Geographical Information - Summary of Assets and Profit or Loss by Segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		$ 393,864	$ 383,626	$ 378,994	$ 362,600	$ 353,451	$ 355,709	$ 350,387	$ 344,655	$ 1,519,084	$ 1,404,199	$ 1,337,096
Net investment income		17,999	19,399	20,389	21,238	17,546	18,715	19,075	21,173	79,025	76,509	86,473
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs										180,582	157,727	144,378
Share-based compensation										13,442	14,948	17,982
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes		87,064	$ 88,437	$ 91,880	$ 70,212	72,394	$ 74,953	$ 76,825	$ 66,809	337,595	290,981	275,722
Assets		11,438,943				10,610,783				11,438,943	10,610,783	10,735,929
Term Life Insurance Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues										866,382	763,958	692,385
Net investment income										7,634	5,987	4,444
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs										172,812	147,980	133,331
Share-based compensation										2,652	5,392	6,315
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes										213,361	173,209	152,101
Assets		5,945,502				5,638,682				5,945,502	5,638,682	5,471,563
Investment and Savings Products Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues										524,621	521,336	511,102
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs										6,148	7,952	8,734
Share-based compensation										2,179	2,228	2,641
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes										144,356	146,083	146,017
Assets	[1]	2,391,512				2,157,548				2,391,512	2,157,548	2,545,372
Corporate and Other Distributed Products Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues										128,081	118,905	133,609
Net investment income										71,391	70,522	82,029
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs										1,622	1,795	2,313
Share-based compensation										8,611	7,328	9,026
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes										(20,122)	(28,311)	(22,396)
Assets		$ 3,101,929				$ 2,814,553				$ 3,101,929	$ 2,814,553	$ 2,718,994
[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 $103.7 million, $93.8 million, and $105.5 million as of December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively.

Segment and Geographical Info58

Segment and Geographical Information - Summary of Assets and Profit or Loss by Segment (Parenthetical) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Investment and Savings Products Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets, excluding separate account assets	$ 103.7	$ 93.8	$ 105.5

Segment and Geographical Info59

Segment and Geographical Information - Long Lived Assets and Continuing Operations by Country (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Revenues From External Customers And Long Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 393,864	$ 383,626	$ 378,994	$ 362,600	$ 353,451	$ 355,709	$ 350,387	$ 344,655	$ 1,519,084	$ 1,404,199	$ 1,337,096
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	87,064	$ 88,437	$ 91,880	$ 70,212	72,394	$ 74,953	$ 76,825	$ 66,809	337,595	290,981	275,722
Long-lived assets	27,465				29,408				27,465	29,408	26,463
United States [Member]
Revenues From External Customers And Long Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues									1,281,580	1,172,508	1,094,714
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes									269,791	225,920	203,120
Long-lived assets	26,685				28,621				26,685	28,621	25,897
Canada [Member]
Revenues From External Customers And Long Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues									237,504	231,691	242,382
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes									67,804	65,061	72,602
Long-lived assets	$ 780				$ 787				$ 780	$ 787	$ 566

Investments - Schedule of AFS S

Investments - Schedule of AFS Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale debt securities, amortized cost basis	[1]	$ 1,734,683	$ 1,690,043
Available-for-sale debt securities gross unrealized gain	[1]	65,017	68,467
Available-for-sale debt securities, gross unrealized loss	[1]	(7,262)	(27,051)
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value	[1]	1,792,438	1,731,459
Available-for-sale equity securities, cost		36,818	39,969
Available-for-sale equity securities, gross unrealized gain		8,589	8,252
Available-for-sale equity securities, gross unrealized loss		(513)	(382)
Available-for-sale equity securities, at fair value		44,894	47,839
Available-for-sale securities, amortized cost basis		1,771,501	1,730,012
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized gain		73,606	76,719
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized loss		(7,775)	(27,433)
Available-for-sale securities, fair value		1,837,332	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		10,148	20,233
Available-for-sale debt securities gross unrealized gain		350	448
Available-for-sale debt securities, gross unrealized loss		(24)	(22)
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value		10,474	20,659
Foreign Government [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale debt securities, amortized cost basis		124,274	114,656
Available-for-sale debt securities gross unrealized gain		5,719	7,082
Available-for-sale debt securities, gross unrealized loss		(687)	(1,522)
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value		129,306	120,216
States and Political Subdivisions [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale debt securities, amortized cost basis		43,950	38,995
Available-for-sale debt securities gross unrealized gain		1,903	2,111
Available-for-sale debt securities, gross unrealized loss		(129)	(541)
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value		45,724	40,565
Corporates [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale debt securities, amortized cost basis		1,281,630	1,276,965
Available-for-sale debt securities gross unrealized gain		49,272	49,008
Available-for-sale debt securities, gross unrealized loss		(5,529)	(24,211)
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value		1,325,373	1,301,762
Residential Mortgage-backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale debt securities, amortized cost basis		94,708	94,532
Available-for-sale debt securities gross unrealized gain		4,963	6,814
Available-for-sale debt securities, gross unrealized loss		(120)	(121)
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value		99,551	101,225
Commercial Mortgage-backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale debt securities, amortized cost basis		107,201	97,666
Available-for-sale debt securities gross unrealized gain		2,712	2,875
Available-for-sale debt securities, gross unrealized loss		(470)	(555)
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value		109,443	99,986
Other Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale debt securities, amortized cost basis		72,772	46,996
Available-for-sale debt securities gross unrealized gain		98	129
Available-for-sale debt securities, gross unrealized loss		(303)	(79)
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value		$ 72,567	$ 47,046
[1]	Includes approximately $0.1 million of OTTI losses related to corporates and mortgage- and asset-backed securities recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income.

Investments - Schedule of AFS61

Investments - Schedule of AFS Securities (Parenthetical) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
OTTI 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		Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities [Abstract]
Due in one year or less, amortized cost		$ 128,339
Due after one year through five years, amortized cost		704,614
Due after five years through 10 years, amortized cost		576,963
Due after 10 years, amortized cost		50,086
Total fixed-maturity securities with single maturity dates, amortized cost		1,460,002
Mortgage and asset-backed securities, amortized cost		274,681
Available-for-sale debt securities, amortized cost basis	[1]	1,734,683	$ 1,690,043
Due in one year or less, fair value		130,743
Due after one year through five years, fair value		737,152
Due after five years through 10 years, fair value		589,600
Due after 10 years, fair value		53,382
Total fixed-maturity securities with single maturity dates, fair value		1,510,877
Mortgage and asset-backed securities, fair value		281,561
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value	[1]	$ 1,792,438	$ 1,731,459
[1]	Includes approximately $0.1 million of OTTI losses 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 AFS Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 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	$ 65,831	$ 49,286
OTTI	95	109
Net unrealized investment gains excluding OTTI	65,926	49,395
Less deferred income taxes	(23,074)	(17,288)
Net unrealized investment gains excluding OTTI, net of tax	$ 42,852	$ 32,107

Investments - Fixed-maturity 64

Investments - Fixed-maturity Securities Classified as Trading - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Trading securities	$ 7,383	$ 5,358
Fixed-maturity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Trading securities	$ 7,400	$ 5,400

Investments - Held-to-maturity

Investments - Held-to-maturity Security - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule Of Held To Maturity Securities [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage		4.75%
Held-to-maturity debt security estimated unrealized holding gain	$ 9.8
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	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]
Fair values of investments on deposit	$ 18.2	$ 18.1

Investments - Securities Lendin

Investments - Securities Lending Collateral - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 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	$ 73.6	$ 71.5

Investments - Net Investment In

Investments - Net Investment Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Net Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Gross investment income, operating									$ 102,790	$ 94,456	$ 94,821
Investment expenses									(4,885)	(4,899)	(4,866)
Investment income net of investment expenses									97,905	89,557	89,955
Interest expense on surplus note									(18,880)	(13,048)	(3,482)
Net investment income	$ 17,999	$ 19,399	$ 20,389	$ 21,238	$ 17,546	$ 18,715	$ 19,075	$ 21,173	79,025	76,509	86,473
Equity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Net Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Gross investment income, operating									2,053	2,059	1,862
Policy Loans and Other Invested Assets [Member]
Schedule of Net Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Gross investment income, operating									1,340	1,368	1,448
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Schedule of Net Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Gross investment income, operating									632	228	247
Total return on deposit asset underlying 10% insurance agreement [Member]
Schedule of Net Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Gross investment income, operating									5,212	482	3,095
Available-for-Sale [Member] | Fixed-maturity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Net Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Gross investment income, operating									74,673	77,271	84,687
Held-to-Maturity [Member] | Fixed-maturity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Net Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Gross investment income, operating									$ 18,880	$ 13,048	$ 3,482

Investments - Schedule of Net R

Investments - Schedule of Net Realized Investment Gains and Losses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Realized Investment Gains Losses [Abstract]
Gross gains from sales									$ 8,126	$ 5,762	$ 3,687
Gross losses from sales									(751)	(465)	(436)
OTTI losses									(3,420)	(6,893)	(4,045)
Gains (losses) from bifurcated options									133	(142)	533
Realized investment gains (losses), including other-than- temporary impairment losses	$ 1,465	$ (35)	$ 3,440	$ (783)	$ (3,360)	$ (259)	$ 597	$ 1,284	$ 4,088	$ (1,738)	$ (261)

Investments - AFS Securities wi

Investments - AFS Securities with Cost Basis in Excess of Fair Value - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]
AFS fixed-maturity and equity securities with cost basis in excess of fair value, cost basis	$ 450.9	$ 626

Investments - Schedule of Secur

Investments - Schedule of Securities in Unrealized Loss Position (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 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	$ 380,199	$ 549,243
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, aggregate losses	(5,207)	(19,294)
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, fair value	62,955	49,328
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, aggregate losses	(2,568)	(8,139)
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	376,020	545,591
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, aggregate losses	(4,938)	(19,007)
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, fair value	61,103	46,119
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, aggregate losses	(2,324)	(8,044)
U.S. Government and Agencies [Member] | 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	3,668	13,651
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, aggregate losses	$ (24)	$ (22)
Available-for-sale, securities in unrealized loss positions, qualitative disclosure, number of positions, less than one year | Securities	4	7
Foreign Government [Member] | 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	$ 34,538	$ 23,572
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, aggregate losses	$ (526)	$ (829)
Available-for-sale, securities in unrealized loss positions, qualitative disclosure, number of positions, less than one year | Securities	36	20
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, fair value	$ 3,048	$ 2,396
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, aggregate losses	$ (161)	$ (693)
Available-for-sale, securities in unrealized loss positions, qualitative disclosure, number of positions, greater than or equal to one year | Securities	3	3
States and Political Subdivisions [Member] | 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	$ 8,902	$ 2,729
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, aggregate losses	$ (129)	$ (44)
Available-for-sale, securities in unrealized loss positions, qualitative disclosure, number of positions, less than one year | Securities	12	6
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, fair value		$ 878
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, aggregate losses		$ (497)
Available-for-sale, securities in unrealized loss positions, qualitative disclosure, number of positions, greater than or equal to one year | Securities		2
Corporates [Member] | 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	$ 232,070	$ 413,131
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, aggregate losses	$ (3,484)	$ (17,481)
Available-for-sale, securities in unrealized loss positions, qualitative disclosure, number of positions, less than one year | Securities	225	393
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, fair value	$ 45,471	$ 34,624
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, aggregate losses	$ (2,045)	$ (6,730)
Available-for-sale, securities in unrealized loss positions, qualitative disclosure, number of positions, greater than or equal to one year | Securities	51	54
Residential Mortgage-backed Securities [Member] | 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	$ 15,232	$ 9,681
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, aggregate losses	$ (92)	$ (61)
Available-for-sale, securities in unrealized loss positions, qualitative disclosure, number of positions, less than one year | Securities	9	9
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, fair value	$ 3,606	$ 4,762
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, aggregate losses	$ (28)	$ (60)
Available-for-sale, securities in unrealized loss positions, qualitative disclosure, number of positions, greater than or equal to one year | Securities	9	7
Commercial Mortgage-backed Securities [Member] | 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	$ 33,335	$ 56,216
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, aggregate losses	$ (423)	$ (493)
Available-for-sale, securities in unrealized loss positions, qualitative disclosure, number of positions, less than one year | Securities	33	49
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, fair value	$ 7,663	$ 3,199
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, aggregate losses	$ (47)	$ (62)
Available-for-sale, securities in unrealized loss positions, qualitative disclosure, number of positions, greater than or equal to one year | Securities	11	6
Other Asset-backed Securities [Member] | 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	$ 48,275	$ 26,611
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, aggregate losses	$ (260)	$ (77)
Available-for-sale, securities in unrealized loss positions, qualitative disclosure, number of positions, less than one year | Securities	45	23
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, fair value	$ 1,315	$ 260
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, aggregate losses	$ (43)	$ (2)
Available-for-sale, securities in unrealized loss positions, qualitative disclosure, number of positions, greater than or equal to one year | Securities	3	2
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	$ 4,179	$ 3,652
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, aggregate losses	$ (269)	$ (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	$ 1,852	$ 3,209
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, aggregate losses	$ (244)	$ (95)
Available-for-sale, securities in unrealized loss positions, qualitative disclosure, number of positions, greater than or equal to one year | Securities	8	8

Investments - Amortized Cost an

Investments - Amortized Cost and Fair Value of AFS Fixed-maturity Securities in Default (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-sale fixed-maturity securities in default, amortized cost	$ 5	$ 138
Available-for-sale fixed-maturity securities in default, fair value	$ 125	$ 262

Investments - Impairment Charge

Investments - Impairment Charges in Earnings on AFS Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Line Items]
Impairment charges recognized in earnings	$ 3,420	$ 6,893	$ 4,045
Equity Securities [Member]
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Line Items]
Impairment charges recognized in earnings	42	1,756	389
Investments in fixed-maturity securities not in default [Member] | Fixed-maturity Securities [Member]
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Line Items]
Impairment charges recognized in earnings	3,257	5,108	$ 3,656
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	$ 121	$ 29

Investments - Schedule of Net I

Investments - Schedule of Net Impairment Losses Recognized in Earnings for AFS Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Line Items]
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses	$ 3,420	$ 6,893	$ 4,045
Other-than-temporary impairment losses, investments, portion recognized in earnings, net	3,420	6,893	4,045
Does not intend to sell or more-likely-than-not will not be required to sell before recovery [Member]
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Line Items]
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses	1,486	706	1,579
Other-than-temporary impairment losses, investments, portion recognized in earnings, net	1,486	706	1,579
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	$ 1,934	$ 6,187	$ 2,466

Investments - Rollforward of OT

Investments - Rollforward of OTTI Recognized in Net Income, Fixed-maturity Securities Still Held (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 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	1,694	2,340
Additions for other-than-temporary impaired securities where OTTI have been recognized prior to the beginning of the period	1,684	2,797
Reductions due to sales, maturities, calls, amortization or increases in cash flows expected to be collected over the remaining life of credit impaired securities	(7,114)	(1,554)
Reductions for exchanges of securities previously impaired	(2,346)	(1,277)
Cumulative other-than-temporary impairment, credit losses for securities still held, ending balance	$ 5,774	$ 11,856

Investments - Impairment Losses

Investments - Impairment Losses on Held-to-maturity Security - Narrative (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 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	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative, Net [Abstract]
Aggregate fair value of embedded conversion options	$ 4.3	$ 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	Dec. 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 Instr79

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Schedule of Fair Value Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	$ 1,837,332	$ 1,779,298
Trading securities	$ 7,383	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	$ 7,383	5,358
Assets, fair value disclosure, recurring	4,132,668	3,848,555
Liabilities, fair value disclosure, recurring	2,287,953	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	42,669	43,487
Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Trading securities	7,383	5,358
Assets, fair value disclosure, recurring	4,081,837	3,804,285
Liabilities, fair value disclosure, recurring	2,287,953	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	8,162	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	10,474	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	10,474	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	129,306	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	129,306	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	45,724	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	45,724	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	1,325,373	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	3,113	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	1,322,257	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] | Residential Mortgage-backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	99,551	101,225
Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Residential Mortgage-backed Securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	98,966	100,493
Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Residential Mortgage-backed Securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	585	732
Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Commercial Mortgage-backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	109,443	99,986
Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Commercial Mortgage-backed Securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	109,443	99,986
Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Other Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	72,567	47,046
Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Other Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	65,075	47,046
Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Other Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	7,492
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	1,792,438	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	3,113	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	1,781,245	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	8,080	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	44,894	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	39,556	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	5,256	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	82	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	2,287,953	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	2,287,953	2,063,899
Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] | Separate Accounts Liabilities [Member]
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Separate accounts liabilities	2,287,953	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 accounts liabilities	$ 2,287,953	$ 2,063,899

Fair Value of Financial Instr80

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Rollforward of Level 3 Assets Measured on Recurring Basis (Details) - Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 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		(23)	(26)
Realized gains (losses) and accretion (amortization) recognized in earnings, including OTTI		7	4
Purchases	[1]	7,556
Settlements		(161)	(168)
Transfers into Level 3		1
Transfers out of Level 3			(192)
Level 3 assets, end of period		$ 8,162	$ 783
[1]	During the year ended December 31, 2016, purchases of Level 3 assets primarily consisted of newly-issued fixed-maturity securities in the fourth quarter for which observable inputs, most notably quoted prices, used to derive valuations are not yet readily available.

Fair Value of Financial Instr81

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair value security, level 1 to level 2 transfers, amount	$ 0	$ 1,000,000
Fair Value security, level 1 to level 3 transfers, amount	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Value of Financial Instr82

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Carrying Values and Estimated Fair Values of Financial Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value		$ 1,837,332	$ 1,779,298
Fixed-maturity securities held to maturity, fair value		513,015	371,742
Trading securities		7,383	5,358
Surplus note		502,491	364,424
Fixed-maturity securities held to maturity		503,230	365,220
Fair Value, Recurring Measurements [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Trading securities		7,383	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		7,383	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		2,287,953	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		2,287,953	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		1,792,438	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		44,894	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		30,916	28,627
Surplus note	[1]	502,491	364,424
Fixed-maturity securities held to maturity		503,230	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		202,435	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		7,383	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		2,287,953	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]	372,919	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		1,792,438	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		44,894	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		513,015	371,742
Policy loans		30,916	28,627
Surplus note	[1]	512,669	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		202,435	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		7,383	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		2,287,953	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]	401,340	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 accounts liabilities		2,287,953	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 accounts liabilities		2,287,953	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 accounts liabilities		2,287,953	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 accounts liabilities		$ 2,287,953	$ 2,063,899
[1]	Carrying value amounts shown are net of issuance costs.

Fair Value of Financial Instr83

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

Reinsurance - Narrative (Detail

Reinsurance - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	Sep. 23, 2016	Jan. 02, 2016	Jan. 01, 2016	Jul. 02, 2015	Mar. 30, 2010	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Reinsurance Retention Policy [Line Items]
Amount of life insurance retained on the life of one person						$ 1,000,000
Reinsurance, loss on uncollectible accounts in period, amount						0	$ 0	$ 0
Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses						30,000,000	25,500,000
Benefits and claims ceded to reinsurers						1,205,600,000	1,178,600,000	$ 1,191,900,000
Deposit asset underlying 10% coinsurance agreement						$ 202,400,000	$ 181,900,000
Pecan Re Inc [Member]
Reinsurance Retention Policy [Line Items]
Percentage of risks and rewards of term life insurance policies in force						10.00%
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%
IPO coinsurance agreements [Member]
Reinsurance Retention Policy [Line Items]
Percentage of risks and rewards of term life insurance policies in force						10.00%
Swiss Re Novation Agreement | Pecan Re Inc [Member]
Reinsurance Retention Policy [Line Items]
Percentage of risks and rewards of term life insurance policies in force			80.00%
Canada Coinsurance Agreement [Member] | Financial Reassurance Company 2010, Ltd. [Member]
Reinsurance Retention Policy [Line Items]
Percentage of risks and rewards of term life insurance policies in force						80.00%
Munich Re Novation Agreement [Member] | Munich Re of Malta [Member]
Reinsurance Retention Policy [Line Items]
Percentage of risks and rewards of term life insurance policies in force	80.00%
Minimum [Member]
Reinsurance Retention Policy [Line Items]
Percentage of finance charge for statutory reserves		0.50%		2.00%
Minimum [Member] | IPO coinsurance agreements [Member]
Reinsurance Retention Policy [Line Items]
Percentage of risks and rewards of term life insurance policies in force					80.00%
Maximum [Member]
Reinsurance Retention Policy [Line Items]
Percentage of finance charge for statutory reserves		2.00%		3.00%
Maximum [Member] | IPO coinsurance agreements [Member]
Reinsurance Retention Policy [Line Items]
Percentage of risks and rewards of term life insurance policies in force					90.00%

Reinsurance - In-force Life Ins

Reinsurance - In-force Life Insurance (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
Direct life insurance in force	$ 731,822,070	$ 696,939,187	$ 686,267,407
Amounts ceded to other companies	(643,364,460)	(616,255,740)	(607,218,906)
Net life insurance in force	$ 88,457,610	$ 80,683,447	$ 79,048,501
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		Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Reinsurance receivable		$ 4,193,562	$ 4,110,628
Pecan Re Inc [Member] | External credit rating, not rated [Member]
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Reinsurance receivable	[1],[2]	2,754,424
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]	355,759	362,195
Financial Reassurance Company 2010, Ltd. [Member] | External credit rating, not rated [Member]
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Reinsurance receivable	[1]		270,306
Munich Re of Malta [Member] | External credit rating, not rated [Member]
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Reinsurance receivable	[1],[4]	282,382
Swiss Re Life & Health America Inc. [Member] | AM Best, A+ Rating [Member]
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Reinsurance receivable	[5]	249,299	254,461
American Health and Life Insurance Company [Member] | AM Best, B Rating [Member]
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Reinsurance receivable		176,010	176,790
Munich American Reassurance Company [Member] | AM Best, A+ Rating [Member]
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Reinsurance receivable		106,471	101,466
Korean Reinsurance Company [Member] | AM Best, A Rating [Member]
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Reinsurance receivable		96,921	91,605
RGA Reinsurance Company [Member] | AM Best, A+ Rating [Member]
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Reinsurance receivable		84,473	81,217
TOA Reinsurance Company [Member] | AM Best, A+ Rating [Member]
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Reinsurance receivable		23,977	22,242
Hannover Life Reassurance Company [Member] | AM Best, A+ Rating [Member]
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Reinsurance receivable		22,929	20,650
All Other Reinsurers [Member]
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Reinsurance receivable		$ 40,917	$ 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]	This entity, which is rated AA- by S&P, ultimately assumed FRAC's obligations under the 80% Canada Coinsurance Agreement as a result of the Munich Re Novation Agreement.
[5]	Includes amounts ceded to Lincoln National Life Insurance and fully retroceded to Swiss Re Life & Health America Inc.

Reinsurance - Reinsurance Rec87

Reinsurance - Reinsurance Receivable and Financial Strength Ratings by Reinsurer (Parenthetical) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Standard & Poor's, AA- Rating [Member] | Munich Re Novation Agreement [Member]
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Percentage of risks and rewards of term life insurance policies in force	80.00%	80.00%

Deferred Policy Acquisition C88

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs - Narrative (Details)	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Minimum [Member]
Deferred policy acquisition costs [Line Items]
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Estimated Investment Yield	3.50%	3.50%
Maximum [Member]
Deferred policy acquisition costs [Line Items]
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Estimated Investment Yield	7.00%	7.00%

Deferred Policy Acquisition C89

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs - Balance RollForward (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Disclosures [Abstract]
DAC balance, beginning of period	$ 1,500,259	$ 1,351,180	$ 1,208,466
Capitalization	387,396	339,639	303,543
Amortization	(180,582)	(157,727)	(144,378)
Foreign exchange translation and other	5,992	(32,833)	(16,451)
DAC balance, end of period	$ 1,713,065	$ 1,500,259	$ 1,351,180

Separate Accounts - Narrative (

Separate Accounts - Narrative (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Separate Accounts Narrative [Abstract]
Separate accounts contract's minimum guaranteed payments, percentage of policyholder's contribution	75.00%
Separate accounts contract minimum maturity, years	10 years
Separate accounts contract maximum maturity, date	Dec. 31, 2070
Separate accounts contract maturity, years	20 years
Separate accounts contracts minimum guaranteed payments, decline in percentage of policyholder's contribution	25.00%

Separate Accounts - Schedule of

Separate Accounts - Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule Of Fair Value Of Separate Accounts By Major Category Of Investment [Line Items]
Separate account assets	$ 2,287,953	$ 2,063,899
Fixed Income Securities [Member]
Schedule Of Fair Value Of Separate Accounts By Major Category Of Investment [Line Items]
Separate account assets	999,435	932,934
Equity Securities [Member]
Schedule Of Fair Value Of Separate Accounts By Major Category Of Investment [Line Items]
Separate account assets	1,264,270	1,109,610
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Schedule Of Fair Value Of Separate Accounts By Major Category Of Investment [Line Items]
Separate account assets	30,064	24,003
Due To/From Funds [Member]
Schedule Of Fair Value Of Separate Accounts By Major Category Of Investment [Line Items]
Separate account assets	(5,941)	(2,817)
Other [Member]
Schedule Of Fair Value Of Separate Accounts By Major Category Of Investment [Line Items]
Separate account assets	$ 125	$ 169

Insurance Reserves - Schedule o

Insurance Reserves - Schedule of Liability For Future Policy Benefits and Unpaid Claims (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Liability For Claims And Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Policy claims and other benefits payable, beginning of period	$ 238,157	$ 245,829	$ 238,750
Reinsured policy claims and other benefits payable, beginning of period	263,003	264,049	248,185
Net balance, beginning of period	(24,846)	(18,220)	(9,435)
Incurred related to current year	143,518	138,139	129,869
Incurred related to prior years	(522)	212	674
Total incurred	142,996	138,351	130,543
Claims paid related to current year, net of reinsured policy claims received	(203,015)	(167,621)	(155,357)
Reinsured policy claims received related to prior years, net of claims paid	29,546	23,661	21,881
Total paid	(173,469)	(143,960)	(133,476)
Foreign currency translation	260	(1,017)	(805)
Net balance, end of period	(55,059)	(24,846)	(18,220)
Reinsured policy claims and other benefits payable, end of period	323,195	263,003	264,049
Policy claims and other benefits payable, end of period	$ 268,136	$ 238,157	245,829
DBL [Member]
Liability For Claims And Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Sale of DBL			$ (5,047)

Debt - Schedule of Notes Payabl

Debt - Schedule of Notes Payable (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
4.75% Senior Notes, due July 15, 2022	$ 375,000	$ 375,000
Unamortized issuance discount on notes payable	(359)	(415)
Total notes payable	$ 374,641	$ 374,585

Debt - Schedule of Notes Paya94

Debt - Schedule of Notes Payable (Parenthetical) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	4.75%
Debt instrument maturity date	Jul. 15, 2022

Debt - Narrative (Details)

Debt - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	$ 375,000	$ 375,000
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage		4.75%
Debt instrument maturity date		Jul. 15, 2022
Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	915,000
Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	$ 375,000
Issue price of senior notes	99.843%
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	4.75%
Debt instrument maturity date	Jul. 15, 2022
Surplus Note [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	$ 503,200
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	4.50%
Debt instrument maturity date	Dec. 31, 2029

Income Taxes - Provision for In

Income Taxes - Provision for Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Current federal tax expense (benefit)									$ 47,980	$ 46,175	$ 44,356
Current foreign tax expense (benefit)									23,102	14,600	24,403
Current state and local tax expense (benefit)									2,783	2,043	1,372
Current income tax expense (benefit)									73,865	62,818	70,131
Deferred federal income tax expense (benefit)									50,758	36,723	31,590
Deferred foreign income tax expense (benefit)									(4,710)	3,161	(4,826)
Deferred state and local income tax expense (benefit)									(1,732)	(1,592)	(1,007)
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)									44,316	38,292	25,757
Federal income tax expense (benefit)									98,738	82,898	75,946
Foreign income tax expense (benefit)									18,392	17,761	19,577
State and local income tax expense (benefit)									1,051	451	365
Income tax expense (benefit)	$ 30,191	$ 30,400	$ 32,554	$ 25,036	$ 24,445	$ 25,603	$ 27,652	$ 23,408	$ 118,181	$ 101,110	$ 95,888

Income Taxes - Narrative (Detai

Income Taxes - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Federal Statutory Tax Rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Deferred tax assets, operating loss carryforwards, state and local	$ 10,600,000
Deferred tax assets, valuation allowance	0	$ 0
Deferred tax liability not recognized, undistributed foreign earnings	11,000,000
Unremitted foreign earnings available for repatriation	28,000,000
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate	11,700,000	9,300,000
Unrecognized tax benefits, income tax penalties and interest accrued	2,100,000	2,000,000
Unrecognized tax benefits, interest benefit	200,000	$ 200,000	$ 200,000
Unrecognized tax penalties	0
Tax indemnification asset from Citigroup	$ 700,000

Income Taxes - Schedule of Effe

Income Taxes - Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income tax reconciliation, income tax expense (benefit), at federal statutory income tax rate									$ 118,450	$ 101,843	$ 96,503
Income tax rate reconciliation, foreign income tax rate differential amount									(5,665)	(5,531)	(6,271)
Income tax rate reconciliation, repatriation of foreign earnings amount									3,855	3,810	3,067
Income tax reconciliation, other reconciling items									1,541	988	2,589
Income tax expense (benefit)	$ 30,191	$ 30,400	$ 32,554	$ 25,036	$ 24,445	$ 25,603	$ 27,652	$ 23,408	$ 118,181	$ 101,110	$ 95,888
Federal Statutory Tax Rate									35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Effective income tax rate reconciliation, foreign income tax rate differential									(1.70%)	(1.90%)	(2.30%)
Effective income tax rate reconciliation, repatriation of foreign earnings									1.10%	1.30%	1.10%
Effective income tax rate reconciliation, other adjustments									0.60%	0.30%	1.00%
Effective income tax rate									35.00%	34.70%	34.80%

Income Taxes - Schedule of Defe

Income Taxes - Schedule of Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Deferred tax assets:
Deferred tax assets, future policy benefit reserves and unpaid policy claims	$ 223,845	$ 210,164
Deferred tax assets, goodwill and intangible assets	36,261	39,977
Deferred tax assets, future deductible liabilities	19,831	17,741
Deferred tax assets, share-based compensation	15,592	15,698
Deferred tax assets, other	11,528	8,962
Total deferred tax assets	307,057	292,542
Deferred tax liabilities:
Deferred tax liabilities, deferred policy acquisition costs	(366,144)	(319,250)
Deferred tax liabilities, investments	(16,769)	(6,893)
Deferred tax liabilities, unremitted earnings on foreign subsidiaries	(2,700)	(2,297)
Deferred tax liabilities, reinsurance deposit asset	(70,852)	(63,661)
Deferred tax liabilities, other	(11,864)	(11,978)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(468,329)	(404,079)
Net deferred tax liabilities	$ (161,272)	$ (111,537)

Income Taxes - Summary of Incom

Income Taxes - Summary of Income Tax Contingencies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning of period	$ 13,939	$ 16,014
Unrecognized tax benefits, increases resulting from prior period tax positions	8
Unrecognized tax benefits, decreases resulting from prior period tax positions		(146)
Unrecognized tax benefits, increases resulting from current period tax positions	2,840	2,191
Unrecognized tax benefits, reductions resulting from lapse of applicable statute of limitations	(1,976)	(4,120)
Unrecognized tax benefits, end of period	$ 14,811	$ 13,939

Stockholders' Equity - Reconcil

Stockholders' Equity - Reconciliation of Number of Shares of Common Stock (Details) - shares	12 Months Ended			17 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2016
Stockholders Equity Note [Abstract]
Common stock, beginning of period	48,297,000	52,169,000	54,834,000
Shares issued for stock options exercised	148,000	89,000	4,000
Shares of common stock issued upon lapse of RSUs	516,000	574,000	502,000
Common stock retired	(3,240,000)	(4,535,000)	(3,171,000)	(4,169,467)
Common stock, end of period	45,721,000	48,297,000	52,169,000	45,721,000

Stockholders' Equity - Narrativ

Stockholders' Equity - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended			17 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2016	Nov. 17, 2016
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchased program, authorized amount	$ 200,000,000			$ 200,000,000
Stock repurchased and retired during period, shares	3,240,000	4,535,000	3,171,000	4,169,467
Stock repurchased and retired during period, value				$ 200,000,000
New Repurchase [Member]
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchased program, authorized amount					$ 200,000,000
Stock repurchased program, beginning date	2017-01
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	1,100,000			1,100,000
Performance share units (PSUs) [Member]
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, non-option equity instruments, outstanding, number	18,000			18,000

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	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Income from continuing operations	$ 219,414	$ 189,871	$ 179,834
Income from discontinued operations			$ 1,578
Weighted-average vested shares	47,411	50,881	54,567
Basic EPS from continuing operations	$ 4.59	$ 3.70	$ 3.26
Basic EPS from discontinued operations			$ 0.03
Dilutive effect of incremental shares to be issued for equity awards	42	32	31
Weighted-average shares used in calculating diluted EPS	47,453	50,913	54,598
Diluted EPS from continuing operations	$ 4.59	$ 3.70	$ 3.26
Diluted EPS from discontinued operations			$ 0.03
Continuing Operations [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Income used in calculating basic EPS	$ 217,579	$ 188,299	$ 177,796
Income used in calculating diluted EPS	217,581	188,300	177,797
Continuing Operations [Member] | Stock Compensation Plan [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Income attributable to unvested participating securities, basic EPS	(1,835)	(1,572)	(2,038)
Income attributable to unvested participating securities, diluted EPS	$ (1,833)	$ (1,571)	(2,037)
Discontinued Operations [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Income used in calculating basic EPS			1,560
Income used in calculating diluted EPS			1,560
Discontinued Operations [Member] | Stock Compensation Plan [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Income attributable to unvested participating securities, basic EPS			(18)
Income attributable to unvested participating securities, diluted EPS			$ (18)

Share-Based Transactions - Narr

Share-Based Transactions - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	Feb. 24, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, number of shares available for grant		900,000
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, options, outstanding, weighted average remaining contractual term					10 years
Stock options exercise term, description		Upon retirement, employees have the lesser of three years or the remaining option term to exercise any vested options.
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, sale restrictions expiration period subsequent to vesting		3 years
Restricted stock units (RSUs) [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employee service share-based compensation, nonvested awards, total compensation cost not yet recognized		$ 4.3
Employee service share-based compensation, nonvested awards, total compensation cost not yet recognized, period for recognition		8 months 12 days
Performance share units (PSUs) [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, award vesting period		3 years
Employee service share-based compensation, nonvested awards, total compensation cost not yet recognized		$ 0.2
Employee service share-based compensation, nonvested awards, total compensation cost not yet recognized, period for recognition		9 months 18 days
Number of shares awarded	18,385	18,000
Measurement date fair value	$ 41.88	$ 41.88
Estimated performance that would result in vesting percentage of PSUs granted		100.00%
Agent equity awards unvested		18,000
Performance share units (PSUs) [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of granted PSUs to be issued based on performance		0.00%
Performance share units (PSUs) [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of granted PSUs to be issued based on performance		150.00%
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, award vesting period					3 years
Employee service share-based compensation, nonvested awards, total compensation cost not yet recognized		$ 0.5
Employee service share-based compensation, nonvested awards, total compensation cost not yet recognized, period for recognition		8 months 12 days
Nonemployee Shares [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares awarded		236,000	326,000	295,000
Measurement date fair value		$ 48.45	$ 42.79	$ 45.08
Agent equity awards unvested		42,000	73,000	73,000	104,000
Management [Member] | Restricted stock units (RSUs) [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, award vesting period				3 years
Management [Member] | U.S. Based Subsidiaries [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, award vesting period					3 years
Management [Member] | Canadian Subsidiaries [Member] | Restricted stock units (RSUs) [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, award vesting period					3 years
Director | Restricted stock units (RSUs) [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, award vesting period				1 year

Share-Based Transactions - Empl

Share-Based Transactions - Employee Share-Based Transactions, Cost and Tax Benefit (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units RSU [Member] | Management and Director [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total awards	$ 11,067	$ 13,839	$ 15,726
Tax benefit associated with total award expense	3,715	$ 4,668	$ 5,322
Performance share units (PSUs) [Member] | Management [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total awards	614
Tax benefit associated with total award expense	$ 215

Share-Based Transactions - E106

Share-Based Transactions - Employee Share-Based Transactions, Restricted Stock and RSU Activity (Details) - Management and Director [Member] - Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units RSU [Member] - $ / shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Share Based Compensation Arrangement [Abstract]
Shares, beginning balance	390	580	722
Shares, granted	225	246	279
Shares, forfeited		(8)	(13)
Shares, vested	(219)	(428)	(408)
Shares, ending balance	396	390	580
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share [Abstract]
Weighted-average measurement-date fair value per share, beginning balance	$ 45.07	$ 34.67	$ 28.67
Weighted-average measurement-date fair value per share, granted	42.86	52.75	41.31
Weighted-average measurement-date fair value per share, forfeited		41.98	30.49
Weighted-average measurement-date fair value per share, vested	42.28	35.43	28.53
Weighted-average measurement-date fair value per share, ending balance	$ 45.37	$ 45.07	$ 34.67

Share-Based Transactions - E107

Share-Based Transactions - Employee Share-Based Transactions, PSU Activity (Details) - Performance share units (PSUs) [Member] - $ / shares	Feb. 24, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Share Based Compensation Arrangement [Abstract]
Shares, granted	18,385	18,000
Shares, ending balance		18,000
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share [Abstract]
Weighted-average measurement-date fair value per share, granted	$ 41.88	$ 41.88
Weighted-average measurement-date fair value per share, ending balance		$ 41.88

Share-Based Transactions - E108

Share-Based Transactions - Employee Share-based Transactions, Stock Option Cost and Tax Benefit (Details) - Employee Stock Option [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expense recognized for stock option awards	$ 851	$ 643	$ 1,803
Tax benefit recognized for stock option awards	$ 298	$ 225	$ 631

Share-Based Transactions - E109

Share-Based Transactions - Employee Share-Based Transactions, Valuation Assumptions (Details) - Employee Stock Option [Member] - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected volatility	25.00%	24.00%	33.00%
Expected per share dividend yield	1.62%	1.20%	1.17%
Risk-free interest rate	1.23%	1.61%	1.81%
Expected term of options	5 years	5 years	6 years
Fair value per option	$ 8.21	$ 11.07	$ 12.54

Share-Based Transactions - Summ

Share-Based Transactions - Summary of Activity Related to Stock Options Outstanding and Exercisable (Details) - $ / shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares, outstanding beginning balance	203	246	134
Number of shares, granted	90	46	116
Number of shares, exercised	(148)	(89)	(4)
Number of shares, outstanding ending balance	145	203	246
Weighted average exercise price, outstanding beginning balance	$ 41.28	$ 36.67	$ 32.63
Weighted average exercise price, granted	41.88	53.50	41.20
Weighted average exercise price, exercised	38.24	34.89	32.63
Weighted average exercise price, outstanding ending balance	$ 44.75	$ 41.28	$ 36.67
Number of shares, exercisable, beginning balance	35	40
Number of shares, exercisable, ending balance	6	35	40
Weighted average exercise price, exercisable	$ 53.50	$ 36.38	$ 32.63
$41.20 (average term remaining - 7.1 years) [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares, vested option exercise prices outstanding	19
Weighted average exercise price, vested option exercise prices outstanding	$ 41.20
$53.50 (average term remaining - 8.2 years) [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares, vested option exercise prices outstanding	37
Weighted average exercise price, vested option exercise prices outstanding	$ 53.50
Number of shares, vested option exercise prices exercisable	6
Weighted average exercise price, vested option exercise prices exercisable	$ 53.50
$41.88 (average term remaining - 9.2 years) [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares, vested option exercise prices outstanding	90
Weighted average exercise price, vested option exercise prices outstanding	$ 41.88

Share-Based Transactions - S111

Share-Based Transactions - Summary of Activity Related to Stock Options Outstanding and Exercisable (Parenthetical) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016$ / shares
$41.20 (average term remaining - 7.1 years) Option [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vested option exercise price	$ 41.20
Vested option exercise, average life	7 years 1 month 6 days
$53.50 (average term remaining - 8.2 years) Option [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vested option exercise price	$ 53.50
Vested option exercise, average life	8 years 2 months 12 days
$41.88 (average term remaining - 9.2 years) Option [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vested option exercise price	$ 41.88
Vested option exercise, average life	9 years 2 months 12 days

Share-Based Transactions - S112

Share-Based Transactions - Summary of Intrinsic Values of Stock Options (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Aggregate intrinsic value of exercisable stock options	$ 95
Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options expected to vest	3,443
Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options outstanding	$ 3,538

Share-Based Transactions - S113

Share-Based Transactions - Summary of Intrinsic Value, Tax Benefit Realized and Value of Shares Withheld Related to Option Exercise Activity (Details) - Employee Stock Option [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Intrinsic value of options exercised	$ 2,755	$ 1,620	$ 53
Tax benefit realized from the options exercised	964	567	19
Value of issued shares withheld to satisfy option exercise price	$ 5,509	$ 2,966	$ 142

Share-Based Transactions - None

Share-Based Transactions - Nonemployee Share-Based Transactions, RSU Activity (Details) - Nonemployee Shares [Member] - $ / shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Share Based Compensation Arrangement [Abstract]
Shares, beginning balance	73	73	104
Shares, granted	236	326	295
Shares, vested	(267)	(326)	(326)
Shares, ending balance	42	73	73
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share [Abstract]
Weighted-average measurement-date fair value per share, beginning balance	$ 42.83	$ 49.98	$ 36.44
Weighted-average measurement-date fair value per share, granted	48.45	42.79	45.08
Weighted-average measurement-date fair value per share, vested	44.82	44.39	41.23
Weighted-average measurement-date fair value per share, ending balance	$ 61.55	$ 42.83	$ 49.98

Share-Based Transactions - N115

Share-Based Transactions - Nonemployee Share-Based Transactions, Valuation Assumptions (Details) - Nonemployee Shares [Member] - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Valuation Assumptions For Restricted Stock Units [Line Items]
Expected volatility, Minimum	24.00%	18.00%	17.00%
Expected volatility, Maximum	42.00%	35.00%	31.00%
Quarterly dividends expected		$ 0.16	$ 0.12
Minimum [Member]
Valuation Assumptions For Restricted Stock Units [Line Items]
Quarterly dividends expected	$ 0.17
Maximum [Member]
Valuation Assumptions For Restricted Stock Units [Line Items]
Quarterly dividends expected	$ 0.18
Risk-free interest rate	2.00%	2.00%	2.00%

Share-Based Transactions - N116

Share-Based Transactions - Nonemployee Share-Based Transactions, Cost and Tax Benefit (Details) - Nonemployee Shares [Member] - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Share Based Goods And Nonemployee Services Transaction [Line Items]
Total quarterly non-employee RSUs granted	235,735	325,744	294,985
Tax benefit associated with incentive awards	$ 3,674	$ 4,454	$ 4,500
Expense Recognized [Member]
Share Based Goods And Nonemployee Services Transaction [Line Items]
Quarterly incentive awards expense	910	466	453
Expense Deferred [Member]
Share Based Goods And Nonemployee Services Transaction [Line Items]
Quarterly incentive awards expense	$ 10,517	$ 13,423	$ 13,598
Minimum [Member]
Share Based Goods And Nonemployee Services Transaction [Line Items]
Measurement date per-share fair value of awards	$ 39.87	$ 40.98	$ 42.96
Illiquidity discounts	10.00%	8.00%	8.00%
Maximum [Member]
Share Based Goods And Nonemployee Services Transaction [Line Items]
Measurement date per-share fair value of awards	$ 61.50	$ 46.71	$ 49.98
Illiquidity discounts	11.00%	9.00%	9.00%

Statutory Accounting and Div117

Statutory Accounting and Dividend Restrictions - Statutory Accounting Practices Disclosure (Details) - Primerica Life [Member] - MASSACHUSETTS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory accounting practices, statutory capital and surplus, balance	$ 572,748	$ 560,936
Statutory accounting practices, statutory unassigned surplus	$ 41,569	$ 48,715

Statutory Accounting and Div118

Statutory Accounting and Dividend Restrictions - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Primerica Life [Member] | MASSACHUSETTS
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory accounting practices, statutory net income amount	$ 392,400	$ 436,300	$ 267,400
Payments of dividends	94,700
Statutory accounting practices, statutory amount available for dividend payments	41,600
Statutory accounting practices, statutory capital and surplus, balance	572,748	560,936
Peach Re [Member] | VERMONT
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
State insurance department, statutory to NAIC, amount of reconciling item	408,700
Primerica Life Canada [Member] | CANADA
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory accounting practices, statutory capital and surplus, balance	286,700	$ 252,600
Statutory accounting practices, statutory amount available for dividend payments without regulatory approval	$ 55,900

Commitments and Contingent L119

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities - Narrative (Details)	Mar. 31, 2012USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2013USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)Jurisdiction	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Line Items]
Total minimum rent expense			$ 7,000,000	$ 7,200,000	$ 7,700,000
Contingent rent expense			0	0	0
Future operating lease, term		15 years
Material capital leases			$ 0	$ 0
Number of jurisdiction | Jurisdiction			30
Letter of Credit [Member]
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Line Items]
Letter of credit, outstanding	$ 450,000,000				$ 507,000,000
Line of credit facility, agreement term	14 years
Minimum [Member]
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Line Items]
Future operating lease, amount		$ 4,500,000
Maximum [Member]
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Line Items]
Future operating lease, term		15 years
Future operating lease, amount		$ 5,600,000

Commitments and Contingent L120

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities - Future Minimum Lease Payments (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Future Minimum Lease Payments [Abstract]
2,017	$ 6,895
2,018	6,266
2,019	5,804
2,020	5,366
2,021	5,306
Thereafter	35,075
Total minimum rental commitments for operating leases	$ 64,712

Benefit Plans - Narrative (Deta

Benefit Plans - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Contribution Pension And Other Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]
Defined Contribution Plan, expenses	$ 7.4	$ 6.7	$ 6.5

Other Comprehensive Income (Det

Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Change in unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) before income tax expense (benefit)	$ 6,689	$ (41,929)	$ (20,527)
Income tax expense (benefit) on unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses)	81	(447)	(234)
Change in unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses), net of income taxes	6,608	(41,482)	(20,293)
Unrealized gain (losses) on available-for-sale securities:
Change in unrealized holding gains (losses) on investment securities	20,500	(65,920)	11,228
Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses) not-other-than-temporarily impaired, income tax expense (benefit)	7,174	(23,074)	3,930
Change in unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities arising during period, net of income taxes	13,326	(42,846)	7,298
Reclassification adjustment for realized investment (gains) losses included in net income	(3,955)	1,596	794
Income tax (expense) benefits on (gains) losses reclassified from accumulated OCI to net income	(1,384)	560	278
Reclassification from accumulated OCI to net income for (gains) losses realized on available-for-sale securities, net of income taxes	(2,571)	1,036	516
Change in unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, net of income taxes and reclassification adjustment	$ 10,755	$ (41,810)	$ 7,814

Unaudited Quarterly Financia123

Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data - Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Direct premiums	$ 618,362	$ 616,587	$ 612,189	$ 597,130	$ 591,856	$ 587,882	$ 588,248	$ 577,458	$ 2,444,268	$ 2,345,444	$ 2,301,332
Ceded premiums	(398,867)	(399,676)	(406,683)	(395,333)	(396,838)	(393,987)	(406,854)	(397,540)	(1,600,559)	(1,595,220)	(1,616,817)
Net premiums	219,495	216,911	205,506	201,797	195,018	193,895	181,394	179,918	843,709	750,224	684,515
Commissions and fees	141,681	134,282	136,902	128,821	132,794	132,368	139,150	132,835	541,686	537,146	527,166
Net investment income	17,999	19,399	20,389	21,238	17,546	18,715	19,075	21,173	79,025	76,509	86,473
Realized investment gains (losses), including OTTI	1,465	(35)	3,440	(783)	(3,360)	(259)	597	1,284	4,088	(1,738)	(261)
Other, net	13,224	13,069	12,757	11,527	11,453	10,990	10,171	9,445	50,576	42,058	39,203
Total revenues	393,864	383,626	378,994	362,600	353,451	355,709	350,387	344,655	1,519,084	1,404,199	1,337,096
Total benefits and expenses	306,800	295,189	287,114	292,388	281,057	280,756	273,562	277,846	1,181,489	1,113,218	1,061,374
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	87,064	88,437	91,880	70,212	72,394	74,953	76,825	66,809	337,595	290,981	275,722
Income taxes	30,191	30,400	32,554	25,036	24,445	25,603	27,652	23,408	118,181	101,110	95,888
Net income	$ 56,873	$ 58,037	$ 59,326	$ 45,176	$ 47,949	$ 49,350	$ 49,173	$ 43,401	$ 219,414	$ 189,871	$ 181,412
Earnings per share:
Basic earnings per share	$ 1.21	$ 1.22	$ 1.23	$ 0.92	$ 0.97	$ 0.98	$ 0.94	$ 0.82	$ 4.59	$ 3.70	$ 3.29
Diluted earnings per share	$ 1.21	$ 1.22	$ 1.23	$ 0.92	$ 0.97	$ 0.98	$ 0.94	$ 0.82	$ 4.59	$ 3.70	$ 3.29

Schedule I Summary of Invest124

Schedule I Summary of Investments - Other Than Investments in Related Parties (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments In Related Parties
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, cost	$ 2,313,030
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, fair value	2,388,646
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, carrying amount	2,378,861
US Government and Government Agencies and Authorities [Member]
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments In Related Parties
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, cost	100,123
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, fair value	105,087
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, carrying amount	105,087
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments In Related Parties
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, cost	43,951
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, fair value	45,724
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, carrying amount	45,724
Foreign Government Debt [Member]
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments In Related Parties
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, cost	126,274
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, fair value	131,306
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, carrying amount	131,306
Convertibles and Bonds with Warrants Attached [Member]
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments In Related Parties
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, cost	2,597
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, fair value	2,863
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, carrying amount	2,863
All Other Corporate Bonds [Member]
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments In Related Parties
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, cost	1,968,909
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, fair value	2,024,042
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, carrying amount	2,014,257
Mandatorily Redeemable Preferred Stock [Member]
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments In Related Parties
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, cost	3,442
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, fair value	3,814
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, carrying amount	3,814
Fixed Maturities [Member]
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments In Related Parties
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, cost	2,245,296
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, fair value	2,312,836
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, carrying amount	2,303,051
Public Utility, Equities [Member]
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments In Related Parties
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, cost	4,909
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, fair value	8,312
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, carrying amount	8,312
Banks, Trust and Insurance, Equities [Member]
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments In Related Parties
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, cost	6,808
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, fair value	9,027
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, carrying amount	9,027
Industrial, Miscellaneous, and All Others [Member]
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments In Related Parties
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, cost	7,834
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, fair value	9,837
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, carrying amount	9,837
Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member]
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments In Related Parties
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, cost	17,267
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, fair value	17,718
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, carrying amount	17,718
Equity Securities, Investment Summary [Member]
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments In Related Parties
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, cost	36,818
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, fair value	44,894
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, carrying amount	44,894
Policy Loans [Member]
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments In Related Parties
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, cost	30,916
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, fair value	30,916
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, carrying amount	$ 30,916

Schedule II - Primerica, Inc. (

Schedule II - Primerica, Inc. (Parent Only) - Condensed Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Investments:
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value	[1]	$ 1,792,438	$ 1,731,459
Trading securities, at fair value (cost: $51 in 2016 and $0 in 2015)		7,383	5,358
Total investments		2,378,861	2,178,503
Cash and cash equivalents		211,976	152,294	$ 191,997	$ 148,982
Other receivables		210,448	190,379
Income taxes		37,369	30,112
Total assets		11,438,943	10,610,783	10,735,929
Notes payable		372,919	372,552
Current income tax payable		26,365	6,476
Other liabilities		449,963	408,757
Commitments and contingent liabilities (see Note E)
Total liabilities		10,217,569	9,465,011
Common stock ($0.01 par value; authorized 500,000 in 2016 and 2015; issued and outstanding 45,721 shares in 2016 and 48,297 shares in 2015)		457	483
Paid-in capital		52,468	180,250
Retained earnings		1,138,851	952,804
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity		11,438,943	10,610,783
Parent Company [Member]
Investments:
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value		53,953	71,437
Trading securities, at fair value (cost: $51 in 2016 and $0 in 2015)		51
Total investments		54,004	71,437
Cash and cash equivalents		13,992	15,029	$ 32,634	$ 11,361
Due from affiliates			133
Other receivables		393	659
Income taxes		10,640	8,904
Investment in subsidiaries		1,534,774	1,442,608
Total assets		1,613,803	1,538,770
Notes payable		372,919	372,552
Current income tax payable		2,552	2,311
Deferred income taxes		5,399	3,695
Due to affiliates		1,108	3,912
Interest payable		8,214	8,214
Other liabilities		2,237	2,314
Commitments and contingent liabilities (see Note E)
Total liabilities		392,429	392,998
Common stock ($0.01 par value; authorized 500,000 in 2016 and 2015; issued and outstanding 45,721 shares in 2016 and 48,297 shares in 2015)		457	483
Paid-in capital		52,468	180,250
Retained earnings		1,138,851	952,804
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of income tax		29,598	12,235
Total stockholders’ equity		1,221,374	1,145,772
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity		$ 1,613,803	$ 1,538,770
[1]	Includes approximately $0.1 million of OTTI losses related to corporates and mortgage- and asset-backed securities recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income.

Schedule II - Primerica, Inc126

Schedule II - Primerica, Inc. (Parent Only) - Condensed Financial Information Parentheticals (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis	[1]	$ 1,734,683	$ 1,690,043
Trading securities, cost		$ 7,382	$ 5,383
Common stock, par value		$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized		500,000,000	500,000,000
Common stock, shares issued		45,721,000	48,297,000
Common stock, shares outstanding		45,721,000	48,297,000	52,169,000	54,834,000
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis		$ 52,537	$ 71,419
Trading securities, cost		$ 51	$ 0
Common stock, par value		$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized		500,000,000	500,000,000
Common stock, shares issued		45,721,000	48,297,000
Common stock, shares outstanding		45,721,000	48,297,000
[1]	Includes approximately $0.1 million of OTTI losses related to corporates and mortgage- and asset-backed securities recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income.

Schedule II - Primerica, Inc127

Schedule II - Primerica, Inc. (Parent Only) - Condensed Statements of Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Revenues:
Net investment income	$ 17,999	$ 19,399	$ 20,389	$ 21,238	$ 17,546	$ 18,715	$ 19,075	$ 21,173	$ 79,025	$ 76,509	$ 86,473
Realized investment gains (losses), including other-than- temporary impairment losses	1,465	(35)	3,440	(783)	(3,360)	(259)	597	1,284	4,088	(1,738)	(261)
Total revenues	393,864	383,626	378,994	362,600	353,451	355,709	350,387	344,655	1,519,084	1,404,199	1,337,096
Expenses:
Interest expense									28,691	33,507	34,570
Other operating expenses									181,615	168,406	173,010
Income taxes	30,191	30,400	32,554	25,036	24,445	25,603	27,652	23,408	118,181	101,110	95,888
Net income	$ 56,873	$ 58,037	$ 59,326	$ 45,176	$ 47,949	$ 49,350	$ 49,173	$ 43,401	219,414	189,871	181,412
Parent Company [Member]
Revenues:
Dividends from subsidiaries									189,582	149,187	319,740
Net investment income									1,695	2,224	1,010
Realized investment gains (losses), including other-than- temporary impairment losses									1,088	(1,762)	(1,574)
Total revenues									192,365	149,649	319,176
Expenses:
Interest expense									18,180	18,177	18,174
Other operating expenses									12,433	10,603	8,667
Total expenses									30,613	28,780	26,841
Income before income taxes									161,752	120,869	292,335
Income taxes									(7,019)	(7,124)	(7,540)
Income (loss) before equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries									168,771	127,993	299,875
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries									50,643	61,878	(118,463)
Net income									$ 219,414	$ 189,871	$ 181,412

Schedule II - Primerica, Inc128

Schedule II - Primerica, Inc. (Parent Only) - Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income	$ 56,873	$ 58,037	$ 59,326	$ 45,176	$ 47,949	$ 49,350	$ 49,173	$ 43,401	$ 219,414	$ 189,871	$ 181,412
Unrealized investment gains (losses):
Change in unrealized holding gains (losses) on investment securities									20,500	(65,920)	11,228
Reclassification adjustment for realized investment (gains) losses included in net income									(3,955)	1,596	794
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Equity in unrealized foreign currency translation gains of subsidiaries									6,689	(41,929)	(20,527)
Total other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes									23,234	(106,253)	(8,505)
Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)									5,871	(22,961)	3,974
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes									17,363	(83,292)	(12,479)
Total comprehensive income									236,777	106,579	168,933
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income									219,414	189,871	181,412
Unrealized investment gains (losses):
Equity in unrealized holding gains (losses) on investment securities held by subsidiaries									9,846	(41,171)	7,296
Change in unrealized holding gains (losses) on investment securities									2,487	(2,745)	(778)
Reclassification adjustment for realized investment (gains) losses included in net income									(1,088)	1,762	1,574
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Equity in unrealized foreign currency translation gains of subsidiaries									6,689	(41,929)	(20,527)
Total other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes									17,934	(84,083)	(12,435)
Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)									571	(791)	44
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes									17,363	(83,292)	(12,479)
Total comprehensive income									$ 236,777	$ 106,579	$ 168,933

Schedule II - Primerica, Inc129

Schedule II - Primerica, Inc. (Parent Only) - Condensed Statements of Cash Flow (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 56,873	$ 58,037	$ 59,326	$ 45,176	$ 47,949	$ 49,350	$ 49,173	$ 43,401	$ 219,414	$ 189,871	$ 181,412
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Deferred tax provision									44,316	38,292	25,757
Change in income taxes									25,341	700	1,090
Realized investment (gains) losses, including other-than-temporary impairments	(1,465)	$ 35	$ (3,440)	783	3,360	$ 259	$ (597)	(1,284)	(4,088)	1,738	261
Accretion and amortization of investments									(1,411)	(1,343)	(4,825)
Share-based compensation									13,442	14,948	17,982
Trading securities sold, matured, or called (acquired), net									(2,051)	2,308	5,232
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities									292,167	259,089	237,332
Available-for-sale investments sold, matured or called:
Fixed maturity securities — sold									91,666	130,608	109,681
Fixed-maturity securities — matured or called									254,585	247,771	314,589
Available-for-sale investments acquired:
Fixed-maturity securities									(386,394)	(433,457)	(425,904)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities									(47,923)	(58,465)	(15,645)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Dividends paid									(33,367)	(32,807)	(26,512)
Common stock repurchased									(150,057)	(200,084)	(147,922)
Excess tax benefits on share-based compensation									2,260	5,162	5,804
Tax withholdings on share-based compensation									3,970	7,675	6,377
Cash proceeds from stock options exercised										136
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities									(185,134)	(235,268)	(175,883)
Change in cash and cash equivalents									59,682	(39,703)	43,015
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period				152,294				191,997	152,294	191,997	148,982
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	211,976				152,294				211,976	152,294	191,997
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Interest paid									27,992	32,386	33,058
Parent Company [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income									219,414	189,871	181,412
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries									(89,820)	(74,814)	(70,472)
Deferred tax provision									167	(1,434)	(1,778)
Change in income taxes									(528)	(138)	979
Realized investment (gains) losses, including other-than-temporary impairments									(1,088)	1,762	1,574
Accretion and amortization of investments									(118)	808	203
Depreciation and amortization										6	23
Share-based compensation									1,227	1,031	998
Change in due to/from affiliates									(2,671)	2,689	998
Trading securities sold, matured, or called (acquired), net									(51)
Change in other operating assets and liabilities, net									555	3,135	(550)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities									127,087	122,916	113,387
Available-for-sale investments sold, matured or called:
Fixed maturity securities — sold									29,759	71,019	45,312
Fixed-maturity securities — matured or called									79,914	100,900	53,512
Available-for-sale investments acquired:
Fixed-maturity securities									(50,408)	(72,131)	(10,290)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities									59,265	99,788	88,534
Cash flows from financing activities:
Dividends paid									(33,367)	(32,807)	(26,512)
Common stock repurchased									(150,057)	(200,084)	(147,922)
Excess tax benefits on share-based compensation									5	61	163
Tax withholdings on share-based compensation									3,970	7,615	6,377
Cash proceeds from stock options exercised										136
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities									(187,389)	(240,309)	(180,648)
Change in cash and cash equivalents									(1,037)	(17,605)	21,273
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period				$ 15,029				$ 32,634	15,029	32,634	11,361
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$ 13,992				$ 15,029				13,992	15,029	32,634
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Interest paid									$ 17,813	$ 17,813	$ 17,813

Schedule II - Primerica, Inc130

Schedule II - Primerica, Inc. (Parent Only) - Condensed Statements of Cash Flow Parenthetical (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Condensed Financial Information Of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed-maturity securities transferred	$ 39.2	$ 12.9	$ 188.9

Schedule II - Primerica, Inc131

Schedule II - Primerica, Inc. (Parent Only) - Notes to Condensed Financial Statements (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2012
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	$ 375,000,000	$ 375,000,000
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage		4.75%
Non-life Insurance Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash dividends paid to parent company	72,500,000	$ 86,500,000	$ 71,300,000
Life Insurance Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash dividends paid to parent company	117,000,000	$ 62,600,000	$ 248,400,000
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	375,000,000
Issue price of senior notes				99.843%
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage				4.75%
Guarantor obligations, maximum exposure, undiscounted	$ 20,000,000

Schedule III - Supplementary132

Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Deferred policy acquisition costs	$ 1,713,065	$ 1,500,259
Liability for future policy benefits, losses, claims and loss expense reserves	5,673,890	5,431,711
Unearned premiums	527	628
Other policyholders' funds	268,136	238,157
Separate account liabilities	2,287,953	2,063,899
Premium revenue	843,709	750,224	$ 684,515
Net investment income	79,025	76,509	86,473
Benefits, claims, losses and settlement expense	367,655	339,315	311,417
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	180,582	157,727	144,378
Other operating expense	633,252	616,179	605,577
Premiums written	844	908	934
Term Life Insurance [Member]
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Deferred policy acquisition costs	1,628,957	1,420,727
Liability for future policy benefits, losses, claims and loss expense reserves	5,464,851	5,221,188
Other policyholders' funds	258,774	227,384
Premium revenue	822,207	728,181	660,684
Net investment income	7,634	5,985	4,444
Benefits, claims, losses and settlement expense	350,640	322,232	295,332
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	172,812	147,980	133,331
Other operating expense	129,569	120,538	111,619
Investment and Savings Products [Member]
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Deferred policy acquisition costs	56,933	51,501
Separate account liabilities	2,287,829	2,063,731
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	6,148	7,951	8,734
Other operating expense	374,117	367,301	356,351
Corporate and Other Distributed Products Segment [Member]
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Deferred policy acquisition costs	27,175	28,031
Liability for future policy benefits, losses, claims and loss expense reserves	209,039	210,523
Unearned premiums	527	628
Other policyholders' funds	9,362	10,773
Separate account liabilities	124	168
Premium revenue	21,502	22,043	23,831
Net investment income	71,391	70,524	82,029
Benefits, claims, losses and settlement expense	17,015	17,083	16,085
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	1,622	1,796	2,313
Other operating expense	129,566	128,340	137,607
Premiums written	$ 844	$ 908	$ 934

Schedule IV - Reinsurance (Deta

Schedule IV - Reinsurance (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Direct premiums, life insurance in force	$ 731,822,070				$ 696,939,187				$ 731,822,070	$ 696,939,187	$ 686,267,407
Direct premiums	618,362	$ 616,587	$ 612,189	$ 597,130	591,856	$ 587,882	$ 588,248	$ 577,458	2,444,268	2,345,444	2,301,332
Ceded premiums, life insurance in force	643,364,460				616,255,740				643,364,460	616,255,740	607,218,906
Ceded premiums	398,867	$ 399,676	$ 406,683	$ 395,333	396,838	$ 393,987	$ 406,854	$ 397,540	1,600,559	1,595,220	1,616,817
Premiums, net, life insurance in force	$ 88,457,610				$ 80,683,447				88,457,610	80,683,447	79,048,501
Premiums earned, net									843,709	750,224	684,515
Life Insurance [Member]
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Direct premiums									2,442,968	2,343,877	2,299,355
Ceded premiums									1,600,125	1,594,606	1,615,847
Premiums earned, net									842,843	749,271	683,508
Accident and Health Insurance [Member]
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Direct premiums									1,300	1,567	1,977
Ceded premiums									434	614	970
Premiums earned, net									$ 866	$ 953	$ 1,007