National Western Life Group Inc - Ordinary Shares (NWLI) 10-Q 6 Nov 15 2015 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Nov. 05, 2015
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	NATIONAL WESTERN LIFE GROUP, INC.
Entity Central Index Key	1,635,984
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false
Common Class A [Member]
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		3,436,166
Common Class B [Member]
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		200,000

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments:
Securities held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value: $7,466,665 and $7,175,443)		$ 7,190,780	$ 6,841,543
Securities available for sale, at fair value (cost: $2,783,145 and $2,590,074)		2,859,953	2,728,680
Mortgage loans, net of allowance for possible losses ($650 and $650)	[1]	88,061	149,503
Policy loans		61,611	63,645
Derivatives, index options		25,226	114,287
Other long-term investments		27,634	28,774
Total investments		10,253,265	9,926,432
Cash and cash equivalents		86,357	277,078
Deferred policy acquisition costs		835,446	802,919
Deferred sales inducements		156,670	159,766
Accrued investment income		100,719	96,127
Federal income tax receivable		19,367	0
Other assets		94,321	89,570
Total assets		11,546,145	11,351,892
Future policy benefits:
Universal life and annuity contracts		9,504,202	9,384,297
Traditional life reserves		137,726	138,225
Other policyholder liabilities		146,603	139,222
Deferred Federal income tax liability		51,364	31,675
Federal income tax payable		0	3,336
Other liabilities		105,485	98,817
Total liabilities		$ 9,945,380	$ 9,795,572
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 8)
Common stock:
Additional paid-in capital		$ 38,116	$ 38,116
Accumulated other comprehensive income		19,826	41,786
Retained earnings		1,539,187	1,472,782
Total stockholders’ equity		1,600,765	1,556,320
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity		11,546,145	11,351,892
Common Class A [Member]
Common stock:
Common stock, value outstanding		3,436	3,436
Common Class B [Member]
Common stock:
Common stock, value outstanding		$ 200	$ 200
[1]	Loan-to-Value Ratio determined using the most recent appraised value.

Condensed Consolidated Balance3

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Securities held to maturity-fair value	$ 7,466,665	$ 7,175,443
Securities available for sale-amortized cost	2,783,145	2,590,074
Mortgage loans-allowance for possible losses	$ 650	$ 650
Common Class A [Member]
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Common stock, par value	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares authorized	7,500,000	7,500,000
Common stock, shares issued	3,436,166	3,436,166
Common stock, shares outstanding	3,436,166	3,436,166
Common Class B [Member]
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Common stock, par value	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares authorized	200,000	200,000
Common stock, shares issued	200,000	200,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	200,000	200,000

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Premiums and other revenues:
Universal life and annuity contract charges	$ 39,175	$ 36,602	$ 114,833	$ 112,824
Traditional life premiums	4,840	4,506	14,349	13,946
Net investment income	56,209	110,966	258,391	374,596
Other revenues	5,067	5,377	15,590	16,351
Net realized investment gains (losses):
Total other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) gains (losses)	284	0	442	(32)
Portion of OTTI (gains) losses recognized in other comprehensive income	(284)	0	(549)	(3)
Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings	0	0	(107)	(35)
Other net investment gains (losses)	813	2,169	6,156	6,782
Total net realized investment gains (losses)	813	2,169	6,049	6,747
Total condensed consolidated premiums and other revenues	106,104	159,620	409,212	524,464
Benefits and expenses:
Life and other policy benefits	14,181	13,163	49,567	40,922
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	32,058	23,467	87,780	79,304
Universal life and annuity contract interest	16,259	59,211	114,729	224,576
Other operating expenses	18,482	20,451	57,794	63,414
Total benefits and expenses	80,980	116,292	309,870	408,216
Earnings before Federal income taxes	25,124	43,328	99,342	116,248
Federal income taxes	8,903	14,862	32,937	38,773
Net earnings	16,221	28,466	66,405	77,475
Common Class A [Member]
Benefits and expenses:
Net earnings	$ 15,763	$ 27,661	$ 64,527	$ 75,284
Basic earnings per share:
Earnings Per Share, Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 4.59	$ 8.05	$ 18.78	$ 21.92
Diluted earnings per share:
Earnings Per Share, Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 4.59	$ 8.05	$ 18.77	$ 21.91
Common Class B [Member]
Benefits and expenses:
Net earnings	$ 458	$ 805	$ 1,878	$ 2,191
Basic earnings per share:
Earnings Per Share, Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 2.29	$ 4.03	$ 9.39	$ 10.95
Diluted earnings per share:
Earnings Per Share, Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 2.29	$ 4.03	$ 9.39	$ 10.95

Condensed Consolidated Stateme5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 16,221	$ 28,466	$ 66,405	$ 77,475
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities:
Net unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period	(7,334)	(7,793)	(19,164)	14,101
Net unrealized liquidity gains (losses)	95	(23)	188	28
Reclassification adjustment for net amounts included in net earnings	(96)	(958)	(2,116)	(3,329)
Net unrealized gains (losses) on securities	(7,335)	(8,774)	(21,092)	10,800
Foreign currency translation adjustments	54	(3)	42	(636)
Benefit plans:
Amortization of net prior service cost and net gain (loss)	(303)	(176)	(910)	(527)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(7,584)	(8,953)	(21,960)	9,637
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ 8,637	$ 19,513	$ 44,445	$ 87,112

Condensed Consolidated Stateme6

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Unrealized gains on non-impaired securities [Member]	Accumulated Other-than-Temporary Impairment [Member]	Unrealized losses on impaired available for sale securities [Member]	Foreign currency translation adjustments [Member]	Benefit plan liability adjustment [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]
Total stockholders’ equity at Dec. 31, 2013		$ 3,635	$ 37,767		$ 46,693	$ (1,287)	$ (2)	$ 3,241	$ (10,565)	$ 1,368,466
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Shares exercised under stock option plan		1	349
Change in unrealized gains (losses) during period, net of tax	$ 14,101				10,772
Amortization						80
Other-than-temporary impairments, non-credit, net of tax						0
Additional credit loss on previously impaired securities						0
Change in shadow deferred policy acquisition costs						(53)	(1)
Other-than-temporary impairments, non-credit, net of tax							0
Recoveries, net of tax							2
Change in translation adjustments during period	(636)							(636)
Amortization of net prior service cost and net loss, net of tax	(527)								(527)
Net earnings	77,475									77,475
Stockholder dividends										(1,272)
Total stockholders’ equity at Sep. 30, 2014	1,534,138	3,636	38,116	$ 47,717	57,465	(1,260)	(1)	2,605	(11,092)	1,444,669
Total stockholders’ equity at Dec. 31, 2014	1,556,320	3,636	38,116		54,229	(1,262)	(1)	2,685	(13,865)	1,472,782
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Shares exercised under stock option plan		0	0
Change in unrealized gains (losses) during period, net of tax	(19,164)				(21,280)
Amortization						357
Other-than-temporary impairments, non-credit, net of tax						0
Additional credit loss on previously impaired securities						0
Change in shadow deferred policy acquisition costs						(169)	0
Other-than-temporary impairments, non-credit, net of tax							0
Recoveries, net of tax							0
Change in translation adjustments during period	42							42
Amortization of net prior service cost and net loss, net of tax	(910)								(910)
Net earnings	66,405									66,405
Stockholder dividends										0
Total stockholders’ equity at Sep. 30, 2015	$ 1,600,765	$ 3,636	$ 38,116	$ 19,826	$ 32,949	$ (1,074)	$ (1)	$ 2,727	$ (14,775)	$ 1,539,187

Condensed Consolidated Stateme7

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings	$ 66,405	$ 77,475
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash from operating activities:
Universal life and annuity contract interest	114,729	224,576
Surrender charges and other policy revenues	(13,302)	(9,531)
Realized (gains) losses on investments	(6,049)	(7,225)
Accretion/amortization of discounts and premiums, investments	9	(831)
Depreciation and amortization	2,317	2,522
(Increase) decrease in value of derivatives	69,884	(49,278)
(Increase) decrease in deferred policy acquisition and sales inducement costs	(632)	(16,197)
(Increase) decrease in accrued investment income	(4,592)	(4,889)
(Increase) decrease in other assets	(6,578)	28
Increase (decrease) in liabilities for future policy benefits	6,887	3,956
Increase (decrease) in other policyholder liabilities	7,382	(412)
Increase (decrease) in Federal income taxes liability	(22,703)	(15,717)
Increase (decrease) in deferred Federal income tax	31,047	23,408
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities	2,452	1,848
Other, net	0	1
Net cash provided by operating activities	247,256	229,734
Proceeds from sales of:
Securities held to maturity	0	0
Securities available for sale	14,011	19,511
Other investments	2,182	3,247
Proceeds from maturities and redemptions of:
Securities held to maturity	343,494	591,536
Securities available for sale	219,676	213,260
Derivatives, index options	83,835	164,059
Purchases of:
Securities held to maturity	(684,725)	(933,997)
Securities available for sale	(423,672)	(275,751)
Derivatives, index options	(66,395)	(53,174)
Other investments	(1,340)	$ (376)
Net change in short-term investments	0
Principal payments on mortgage loans	66,830	$ 14,112
Cost of mortgage loans acquired	(5,040)	(33,985)
Decrease (increase) in policy loans	2,034	2,223
Other, net	0	(1)
Net cash used in investing activities	(449,110)	(289,336)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Deposits to account balances for universal life and annuity contracts	679,128	715,705
Return of account balances on universal life and annuity contracts	(668,037)	(655,195)
Issuance of common stock under stock option plan	0	350
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	11,091	60,860
Effect of foreign exchange	42	(635)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(190,721)	623
Cash and short-term investments at beginning of period	277,078	120,859
Cash and short-term investments at end of period	86,357	121,482
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	30	30
Income taxes	24,127	30,515
Noncash operating activities:
Deferral of sales inducements	$ (9,171)	$ (6,066)

Consolidation and Basis of Pres

Consolidation and Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Consolidation and Basis of Presentation	CONSOLIDATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for annual financial statements. In the opinion of management, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position of National Western Life Insurance Company and its subsidiaries (“Company”, "NWLIC", or "National Western") as of September 30, 2015 , and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 . The results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. It is recommended that these condensed consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 and are accessible free of charge through the Company's internet site at www.nationalwesternlife.com or the Securities and Exchange Commission internet site at www.sec.gov . The condensed consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2014 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements as of that date. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of National Western Life Insurance Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries: The Westcap Corporation, NWL Investments, Inc., NWL Services, Inc., NWL Financial, Inc., NWLSM, Inc. and Regent Care San Marcos Holdings, LLC. All significant intercorporate transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation. On October 1, 2015, National Western completed its previously announced holding company reorganization pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated April 6, 2015, which was approved by the shareholders of National Western at its Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on June 19, 2015. As a result of the reorganization, National Western became a wholly owned subsidiary of National Western Life Group, Inc. ("NWLGI"), a Delaware Corporation, and NWLGI replaced National Western as the publicly held company. Consequently, all filings with the Securities and Exchange Corporation ("SEC") from October 2, 2015 and forward will be filed by NWLGI under CIK No. 0001635984. For purposes of filing this Form 10-Q for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto have been titled "National Western Life Group, Inc." to reflect the current name of the public registrant with the parenthetical notation "formerly National Western Life Insurance Company and Subsidiaries" to reflect the reporting entity for the periods covered herein. The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include (1) liabilities for future policy benefits, (2) valuation of derivative instruments, (3) recoverability and amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs, (4) valuation allowances for deferred tax assets, (5) other-than-temporary impairment losses on debt securities, (6) commitments and contingencies, and (7) valuation allowances for mortgage loans and real estate. The table below shows the unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities that were reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 . Affected Line Item in the Statements of Earnings Amount Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Three Months Ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (In thousands) Other net investment gains (losses) $ 147 1,474 3,362 5,156 Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings — — (107 ) (35 ) Earnings before Federal income taxes 147 1,474 3,255 5,121 Federal income taxes 51 516 1,139 1,792 Net earnings $ 96 958 2,116 3,329

New Accounting Pronouncements

New Accounting Pronouncements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
New Accounting Pronouncements	NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS In July 2013, the FASB issued guidance to amend the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. The new guidance states that an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, should be presented in the financial statements as reduction to deferred tax assets for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward. This guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2013 and interim periods within those annual periods. The Company adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2014 and the adoption did not have an effect on the deferred tax asset or liability classification on the Company's balance sheet and did not result in any additional disclosures to the financial statements. In June 2014, the FASB issued guidance that applies to all reporting entities that grant their employees share-based payments in which the terms of the award provide that a performance target that affects vesting could be achieved after the requisite service period. It requires that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition and follows existing accounting guidance for the treatment of performance conditions. The standard will be effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. The Company’s current employee share-based plans do not require performance targets and the adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. Other recent accounting pronouncements issued by the FASB (including its Emerging Issues Task Force), the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants ("AICPA"), and the SEC are not believed by management to, have a material impact on the Company’s present or future consolidated financial statements.

Stockholders' Equity

Stockholders' Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY NWLIC is restricted by state insurance laws as to dividend amounts which may be paid to stockholders without prior approval from the Colorado Division of Insurance. The restrictions are based on the greater of statutory earnings from operations excluding capital gains or 10% of statutory surplus of the Company. The maximum dividend payment which may be made without prior approval in 2015 is $118.2 million . The Company did not declare or pay cash dividends on its common stocks during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 . In the third quarter of 2014, the Board of Directors of NWLIC did declare a dividend of $0.36 per common share to Class A stockholders and $0.18 per common share to Class B stockholders which was paid in December of 2014. As discussed in Note 1 Consolidation and Basis of Presentation, on October 1, 2015, NWLIC completed its previously announced holding company reorganization and became a wholly owned subsidiary of NWLGI. While remaining under the same Colorado Division of Insurance restrictions pertaining to dividend amounts, dividends declared by NWLIC from that date forward will be payable entirely to NWLGI as the sole owner of NWLIC. On October 2, 2015, the Board of Directors of NWLIC declared a $3.5 million dividend payable October 16, 2015 which was subsequently paid to NWLGI. The reorganization effective October 1, 2015 provided for the conversion of each share of Class A common stock, par value $1.00 per share, and each share of Class B common stock, par value $1.00 per share, of NWLIC issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the merger, into one duly issued, fully paid and non-assessable share of Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share, and Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of NWLGI. Consequently, NWLGI replaced NWLIC as the publicly held company and is the successor issuer to NWLIC. On October 16, 2015, the Board of Directors of NWLGI declared a cash dividend payable December 3, 2015 to stockholders on record as of October 30, 2015. The dividends declared were $0.36 per common share to NWLGI Class A stockholders and $0.18 per common share to NWLGI Class B stockholders.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	EARNINGS PER SHARE Basic earnings per share of common stock are computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average basic common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share assumes the issuance of common shares applicable to stock options in the denominator. Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 Class A Class B Class A Class B (In thousands except per share amounts) Numerator for Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share: Net income $ 16,221 28,466 Dividends - Class A shares — (1,236 ) Dividends - Class B shares — (36 ) Undistributed income $ 16,221 27,194 Allocation of net income: Dividends $ — — 1,236 36 Allocation of undistributed income 15,763 458 26,425 769 Net income $ 15,763 458 27,661 805 Denominator: Basic earnings per share - weighted-average shares 3,436 200 3,436 200 Effect of dilutive stock options 1 — 2 — Diluted earnings per share - adjusted weighted-average shares for assumed conversions 3,437 200 3,438 200 Basic Earnings Per Share $ 4.59 2.29 8.05 4.03 Diluted Earnings Per Share $ 4.59 2.29 8.05 4.03 Stock options that were outstanding during the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect was anti-dilutive, were approximately 20,800 and 22,200 , respectively. Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 Class A Class B Class A Class B (In thousands except per share amounts) Numerator for Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share: Net income $ 66,405 77,475 Dividends - Class A shares — (1,236 ) Dividends - Class B shares — (36 ) Undistributed income $ 66,405 76,203 Allocation of net income: Dividends $ — — 1,236 36 Allocation of undistributed income 64,527 1,878 74,048 2,155 Net income $ 64,527 1,878 75,284 2,191 Denominator: Basic earnings per share - weighted-average shares 3,436 200 3,435 200 Effect of dilutive stock options 1 — 2 — Diluted earnings per share - adjusted weighted-average shares for assumed conversions 3,437 200 3,437 200 Basic Earnings Per Share $ 18.78 9.39 21.92 10.95 Diluted Earnings Per Share $ 18.77 9.39 21.91 10.95 Stock options that were outstanding during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect was anti-dilutive were approximately 21,100 and 22,300 , respectively.

Pension and Other Postretiremen

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Pension and Other Postretirement Plans	PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT PLANS (A) Defined Benefit Pension Plans The Company sponsors a qualified defined benefit pension plan covering employees enrolled prior to 2008. The plan provides benefits based on the participants' years of service and compensation. The Company makes annual contributions to the plan that complies with the minimum funding provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA"). On October 19, 2007, the Company's Board of Directors approved an amendment to freeze the Pension Plan as of December 31, 2007. The freeze ceased future benefit accruals to all participants and closed the plan to any new participants. In addition, all participants became immediately 100% vested in their accrued benefits as of that date. Fair values of plan assets and liabilities are measured as of the prior December 31 for each respective year. The following table summarizes the components of net periodic benefit cost. Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (In thousands) Service cost $ 51 42 153 126 Interest cost 246 239 738 718 Expected return on plan assets (330 ) (320 ) (991 ) (959 ) Amortization of prior service cost 1 1 3 3 Amortization of net loss 196 106 588 317 Net periodic benefit cost $ 164 68 491 205 The service costs shown in the above table represent plan expenses expected to be paid out of plan assets. Under clarification provided by the Pension Protection Act, plan expenses paid from plan assets are to be included in the plan's service cost component. The Company's minimum required contribution for the 2015 plan year is $0.0 million . The Company had no remaining contribution payable for the 2014 plan year as of September 30, 2015 . As of September 30, 2015 , the Company had contributed a total of $0.0 million to the plan for the 2015 and 2014 plan years. The Company also sponsors a nonqualified defined benefit plan primarily for senior officers. The plan provides benefits based on the participants' years of service and compensation. The pension obligations and administrative responsibilities of the plan are maintained by a pension administration firm, which is a subsidiary of American National Insurance Company ("ANICO"). ANICO has guaranteed the payment of pension obligations under the plan. However, the Company has a contingent liability with respect to the plan should these entities be unable to meet their obligations under the existing agreements. Also, the Company has a contingent liability with respect to the plan in the event that a plan participant continues employment with the Company beyond age seventy, the aggregate average annual participant salary increases exceed 10% per year, or any additional employees become eligible to participate in the plan. If any of these conditions are met, the Company would be responsible for any additional pension obligations resulting from these items. Amendments were made to the plan to allow an additional employee to participate and to change the benefit formula for the Chairman of the Company. As previously mentioned, these additional obligations are a liability to the Company. Effective December 31, 2004, this plan was frozen with respect to the continued accrual of benefits of the Chairman and the President of the Company in order to comply with law changes under the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 ("Act"). Effective July 1, 2005, the Company established a second nonqualified defined benefit plan for the benefit of the Chairman and the President of the Company. This plan is intended to provide for post-2004 benefit accruals that mirror and supplement the pre-2005 benefit accruals under the previously discussed nonqualified defined benefit plan, while complying with the requirements of the Act. The following table summarizes the components of net periodic benefit costs for the Chairman and President's nonqualified defined benefit plans. Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (In thousands) Service cost $ 64 74 192 222 Interest cost 219 250 657 752 Amortization of prior service cost 14 15 44 44 Amortization of net loss 379 323 1,136 970 Net periodic benefit cost $ 676 662 2,029 1,988 The Company expects to contribute $2.0 million to these plans in 2015 . As of September 30, 2015 , the Company has contributed $1.3 million to the plans. (B) Defined Benefit Postretirement Healthcare Plans The Company sponsors two healthcare plans to provide postretirement benefits to certain fully-vested individuals. The following table summarizes the components of net periodic benefit costs. Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (In thousands) Interest cost $ 33 28 98 83 Amortization of prior service cost 25 26 77 78 Amortization of net loss 15 (1 ) 45 (3 ) Net periodic benefit cost $ 73 53 220 158 The Company expects to contribute minimal amounts to the plan in 2015 .

Segment and Other Operating Inf

Segment and Other Operating Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment and Other Operating Information	SEGMENT AND OTHER OPERATING INFORMATION The Company defines its reportable operating segments as domestic life insurance, international life insurance, and annuities. These segments are organized based on product types and geographic marketing areas. A summary of segment information for the quarters ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014 is provided below. Selected Segment Information: Domestic Life Insurance International Life Insurance Annuities All Others Totals (In thousands) September 30, 2015 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Items: Deferred policy acquisition costs and sales inducements $ 73,746 252,632 665,738 — 992,116 Total segment assets 831,407 1,260,628 8,999,978 262,310 11,354,323 Future policy benefits 720,998 944,618 7,976,312 — 9,641,928 Other policyholder liabilities 11,437 17,835 117,331 — 146,603 Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 Condensed Consolidated Income Statements: Premiums and contract revenues $ 8,259 29,773 5,983 — 44,015 Net investment income 2,095 448 49,518 4,148 56,209 Other revenues 3 5 12 5,047 5,067 Total revenues 10,357 30,226 55,513 9,195 105,291 Life and other policy benefits 3,545 5,002 5,634 — 14,181 Amortization of deferred acquisition costs 1,594 6,834 23,630 — 32,058 Universal life and annuity contract interest 14 (854 ) 17,099 — 16,259 Other operating expenses 2,397 3,929 7,254 4,902 18,482 Federal income taxes (benefit) 911 5,363 825 1,520 8,619 Total expenses 8,461 20,274 54,442 6,422 89,599 Segment earnings (loss) $ 1,896 9,952 1,071 2,773 15,692 Domestic Life Insurance International Life Insurance Annuities All Others Totals (In thousands) Nine months ended September 30, 2015 Condensed Consolidated Income Statements: Premiums and contract revenues $ 22,683 89,470 17,029 — 129,182 Net investment income 17,265 17,847 208,263 15,016 258,391 Other revenues 23 66 31 15,470 15,590 Total revenues 39,971 107,383 225,323 30,486 403,163 Life and other policy benefits 12,540 16,794 20,233 — 49,567 Amortization of deferred acquisition costs 6,473 11,347 69,960 — 87,780 Universal life and annuity contract interest 10,413 13,203 91,113 — 114,729 Other operating expenses 9,554 15,063 18,866 14,311 57,794 Federal income taxes (benefit) 327 16,840 8,309 5,344 30,820 Total expenses 39,307 73,247 208,481 19,655 340,690 Segment earnings (loss) $ 664 34,136 16,842 10,831 62,473 Selected Segment Information: Domestic Life Insurance International Life Insurance Annuities All Others Totals (In thousands) September 30, 2014 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Items: Deferred policy acquisition costs and sales inducements $ 61,087 242,124 652,855 — 956,066 Total segment assets 705,156 1,223,571 8,871,276 251,905 11,051,908 Future policy benefits 611,550 944,505 7,848,590 — 9,404,645 Other policyholder liabilities 12,742 12,226 117,207 — 142,175 Three Months Ended September 30, 2014 Condensed Consolidated Income Statements: Premiums and contract revenues $ 6,847 29,135 5,126 — 41,108 Net investment income 6,859 8,273 90,835 4,999 110,966 Other revenues 19 20 23 5,315 5,377 Total revenues 13,725 37,428 95,984 10,314 157,451 Life and other policy benefits 3,353 9,672 138 — 13,163 Amortization of deferred acquisition costs 1,166 2,525 19,776 — 23,467 Universal life and annuity contract interest 5,803 6,956 46,452 — 59,211 Other operating expenses 2,314 6,307 7,045 4,785 20,451 Federal income taxes (benefit) 379 4,143 7,681 1,899 14,102 Total expenses 13,015 29,603 81,092 6,684 130,394 Segment earnings (loss) $ 710 7,825 14,892 3,630 27,057 Domestic Life Insurance International Life Insurance Annuities All Others Totals (In thousands) Nine months ended September 30, 2014 Condensed Consolidated Income Statements: Premiums and contract revenues $ 22,077 87,906 16,787 — 126,770 Net investment income 24,044 35,902 300,118 14,532 374,596 Other revenues 40 321 63 15,927 16,351 Total revenues 46,161 124,129 316,968 30,459 517,717 Life and other policy benefits 7,268 16,375 17,279 — 40,922 Amortization of deferred acquisition costs 5,346 18,078 55,880 — 79,304 Universal life and annuity contract interest 19,066 32,820 172,690 — 224,576 Other operating expenses 10,585 18,167 19,965 14,697 63,414 Federal income taxes (benefit) 1,295 12,865 17,010 5,241 36,411 Total expenses 43,560 98,305 282,824 19,938 444,627 Segment earnings (loss) $ 2,601 25,824 34,144 10,521 73,090 Reconciliations of segment information to the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements are provided below. Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (In thousands) Premiums and Other Revenues : Premiums and contract revenues $ 44,015 41,108 129,182 126,770 Net investment income 56,209 110,966 258,391 374,596 Other revenues 5,067 5,377 15,590 16,351 Realized gains (losses) on investments 813 2,169 6,049 6,747 Total condensed consolidated premiums and other revenues $ 106,104 159,620 409,212 524,464 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (In thousands) Federal Income Taxes : Total segment Federal income taxes $ 8,619 14,102 30,820 36,411 Taxes on realized gains (losses) on investments 284 760 2,117 2,362 Total condensed consolidated Federal income taxes $ 8,903 14,862 32,937 38,773 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (In thousands) Net Earnings : Total segment earnings $ 15,692 27,057 62,473 73,090 Realized gains (losses) on investments, net of taxes 529 1,409 3,932 4,385 Total condensed consolidated net earnings $ 16,221 28,466 66,405 77,475 September 30, 2015 2014 (In thousands) Assets : Total segment assets $ 11,354,323 11,051,908 Other unallocated assets 191,822 207,168 Total condensed consolidated assets $ 11,546,145 11,259,076

Share-Based Payments

Share-Based Payments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-Based Payments	SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS The Company had a stock and incentive plan ("1995 Plan") which provided for the grant of any or all of the following types of awards to eligible employees: (1) stock options, including incentive stock options and nonqualified stock options; (2) stock appreciation rights, in tandem with stock options or freestanding; (3) restricted stock; and, (4) performance awards. The 1995 Plan began on April 21, 1995, and was amended on June 25, 2004 to extend the termination date to April 20, 2010. The number of shares of Class A, $1.00 par value, common stock which were allowed to be issued under the 1995 Plan, or as to which stock appreciation rights ("SARs") or other awards were allowed to be granted, could not exceed 300,000 . Effective June 20, 2008, the Company's shareholders approved a 2008 Incentive Plan (“2008 Plan”). The 2008 Plan is substantially similar to the 1995 Plan and authorized an additional number of Class A, $1.00 par value, common stock shares eligible for issue not to exceed 300,000 . These shares may be authorized and unissued shares. The Company has issued only nonqualified stock options and SARs under these plans. All of the employees of the Company and its subsidiaries are eligible to participate in the current 2008 Plan (as well as previously in the expired 1995 Plan). In addition, directors of the Company are eligible to receive the same types of awards as employees except that they are not eligible to receive incentive stock options. Company directors, including members of the Compensation and Stock Option Committee, are eligible for nondiscretionary stock options. The directors' grants vest 20% annually following one full year of service to the Company from the date of grant. The employees' grants vest 20% annually following three full years of service to the Company from the date of grant. All grants issued expire after ten years. No awards were issued during the first nine months of 2015 or 2014 . Effective during March 2006, the Company adopted and implemented a limited stock buy-back program with respect to the 1995 Plan which provides option holders the additional alternative of selling shares acquired through the exercise of options directly back to the Company. Option holders may elect to sell such acquired shares back to the Company at any time within ninety (90) days after the exercise of options at the prevailing market price as of the date of notice of election. The buy-back program did not alter the terms and conditions of the 1995 Plan; however, the program necessitated a change in accounting from the equity classification to the liability classification. In August 2008, the Company implemented another limited stock buy-back program, substantially similar to the 2006 program, for shares issued under the 2008 Plan. The Company uses the current fair value method to measure compensation cost. As of September 30, 2015 and 2014 , the liability balance was $6.2 million and $7.7 million , respectively. A summary of shares available for grant and activity is detailed below. Options Outstanding Shares Available For Grant Shares Weighted- Average Exercise Price Stock Options: Balance at January 1, 2015 291,000 29,768 $ 242.48 Exercised — — $ — Forfeited — (1,000 ) $ 255.13 Expired — — $ — Stock options granted — — $ — Balance at September 30, 2015 291,000 28,768 $ 242.04 Stock Appreciation Rights Outstanding Awards Weighted- Average Exercise Price Stock Appreciation Rights: Balance at January 1, 2015 92,186 $ 157.71 Exercised (3,975 ) $ 143.19 Forfeited — $ — Granted — $ — Balance at September 30, 2015 88,211 $ 158.36 Stock options and SARs shown as forfeited in the above tables represent vested and unvested awards not exercised by plan participants prior to their termination from the Company. Forfeited stock options during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 were awarded under the 1995 Plan. As the 1995 Plan terminated during calendar year 2010, the forfeited shares are not shown as being added back to the "Shares Available For Grant" balance. The total intrinsic value of SARs exercised was $0.4 million and $0.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The total share-based liabilities paid for the exercised SARs were $0.4 million and $0.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The total fair value of stock options and SARs vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 was $0.6 million and $0.7 million , respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , the total cash received from the exercise of stock options under the Plans was $0 million and $0.2 million , respectively. The following table summarizes information about stock options and SARs outstanding at September 30, 2015 . Options/SARs Outstanding Number Outstanding Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life Number Exercisable Exercise prices: $255.13 (options) 20,768 2.6 years 20,768 $208.05 (options) 8,000 2.7 years 8,000 $236.00 (SARs) 250 2.9 years 250 $114.64 (SARs) 23,943 3.4 years 19,764 $132.56 (SARs) 29,518 6.2 years 8,704 $210.22 (SARs) 34,500 8.2 years 1,800 Totals 116,979 59,286 Aggregate intrinsic value (in thousands) $ 5,796 $ 3,060 The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above is based on the closing stock price of $ 222.70 per share on September 30, 2015 . In estimating the fair value of the options outstanding at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , the Company employed the Black-Scholes option pricing model with assumptions detailed below. September 30, December 31, Expected term of options 2.6 to 8.2 years 3.3 to 9.0 years Expected volatility: Range 21.11% to 37.77% 19.67% to 37.75% Weighted-average 23.82 % 22.91 % Expected dividend yield 0.16 % 0.13 % Risk-free rate: Range 0.22% to 1.54% 0.13% to 1.62% Weighted-average 0.59 % 0.56 % The Company reviewed the contractual term relative to the options as well as perceived future behavior patterns of exercise. Volatility is based on the Company’s historical volatility over the expected term of the option’s expected exercise date. The pre-tax compensation cost (benefit) recognized in the financial statements related to the two plans defined above was $(1.0) million and $(2.6) million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to $0.0 million and $2.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 . The related tax (expense)/benefit recognized was $0.4 million and $0.9 million for the three and nine months ended September, 2015 and 2014 compared to $0.0 million and $(0.8) million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014. As of September 30, 2015 , the total compensation cost related to nonvested options not yet recognized was $1.6 million . This amount is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.0 years . The Company recognizes compensation cost over the graded vesting periods.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (A) Legal Proceedings In the normal course of business, the Company is involved or may become involved in various legal actions in which claims for alleged economic and punitive damages have been or may be asserted, some for substantial amounts. In recent years, carriers offering life insurance and annuity products have faced litigation, including class action lawsuits, alleging improper product design, improper sales practices, and similar claims. The Company has been a defendant over the past several years in two such class action lawsuits. Given the uncertainty involved in these types of actions, the ability to make a reliable evaluation of the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome or an estimate of the amount of or range of potential loss is endemic to the particular circumstances and evolving developments of each individual matter on its own merits. The Company resolved a class action lawsuit pending since June 12, 2006, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California. The case is titled In Re National Western Life Insurance Deferred Annuities Litigation . The complaint asserted claims for RICO violations, Financial Elder Abuse, Violation of Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code 17200, et seq, Violation of Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code 17500, et seq, Breach of Fiduciary Duty, Aiding and Abetting Breach of Fiduciary Duty, Fraudulent Concealment, Cal. Civ. Code 1710, et seq, Breach of the Duty of Good Faith and Fair Dealing, and Unjust Enrichment and Imposition of Constructive Trust. On July 12, 2010 the Court certified a nationwide class of policyholders under the RICO allegation and a California class under all of the remaining causes of action except breach of fiduciary duty. The parties entered into a Settlement and Release Agreement in August of 2013 ("Settlement") which was finally approved by the Court on February 11, 2014. On February 12, 2014, the Court issued a redacted final approval order granting the Motion for Final Approval of Class Action Settlement. The Settlement became final and non-appealable on April 12, 2014. The Settlement Agreement and Plaintiffs' Request for Attorneys' Fees and Costs were approved by the Court, and the Company paid the Court-approved amount of attorneys’ fees and costs in April 2014. The Company also made certain payments to surrendered and annuitized policyholders in June 2014. In addition, the Company agreed to provide bonuses on annuitization for active policyholders who choose a 10 -year or a 20 -year certain and life settlement option. The Company had held reserves of $6.5 million for the matter which approximated the ultimate settlement amounts described above. On October 26, 2011 the Brazilian Superintendence of Private Insurance (“SUSEP”) attempted to serve the Company with a subpoena regarding an administrative proceeding initiated by SUSEP in which it alleged that the Company was operating as an insurance company in Brazil without due authorization. The Company had been informed that SUSEP was attempting to impose a penal fine of approximately $6.0 billion on the Company. SUSEP unsuccessfully attempted to serve the Company with notice regarding this matter. The Company does not transact business in Brazil and has no officers, employees, property, or assets in Brazil. The Company believes that SUSEP has no jurisdiction over the Company, that SUSEP's attempts at service of process were invalid, and that any penal fine would be unenforceable. For the reasons described above, the Company does not believe that this matter meets the definition of a material pending legal proceeding as such term is defined in Item 103 of Regulation S-K but has included the foregoing description solely due to the purported amount of the fine sought at that time. Nonetheless, the Company has entered into preliminary discussions with SUSEP in an effort to resolve this matter. No conclusion can be drawn at this time as to the outcome of these discussions, or whether they will continue, or how any such outcome may impact the Company’s business, results of operations, or financial condition. However, in light of the pendency of discussions with Brazilian authorities, the Company has determined to cease accepting new applications from residents in Brazil. Although there can be no assurances, at the present time, the Company does not anticipate that the ultimate liability arising from such other potential, pending, or threatened legal actions will have a material adverse effect on the financial condition or operating results of the Company. Separately, the Brazilian authorities have commenced an investigation into possible violations of Brazilian criminal law in connection with the issuance of the Company's insurance policies to Brazilian residents, and in assistance of such investigation a Commissioner appointed by the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas has issued a subpoena upon the Company to provide information relating to such possible violations. No conclusion can be drawn at this time as to the outcome of this investigation or how such outcome may impact the Company's business, results of operations, or financial condition. The Company continues to cooperate with the relevant governmental authorities in regard to this matter. (B) Financial Instruments In order to meet the financing needs of its customers in the normal course of business, the Company is a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk. These financial instruments are commitments to extend credit which involve elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amounts recognized in the condensed consolidated balance sheet. The Company's exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit is represented by the contractual amounts, assuming that the amounts are fully advanced and that collateral or other security is of no value. Commitments to extend credit are legally binding agreements to lend to a customer that generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Commitments do not necessarily represent future liquidity requirements, as some could expire without being drawn upon. The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance sheet instruments. The Company controls the credit risk of these transactions through credit approvals, limits, and monitoring procedures. The Company had $29.0 million commitments to fund new loans and $4.90 million commitments on existing loans to extend credit relating to loans at September 30, 2015 . The Company evaluates each customer's creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis.

Investments

Investments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investments	INVESTMENTS (A) Investment Gains and Losses The table below presents realized investment gains and losses, excluding impairment losses, for the periods indicated. Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (In thousands) Available for sale debt securities: Realized gains on disposal $ 125 1,467 3,323 5,144 Realized losses on disposal — — (74 ) (22 ) Held to maturity debt securities: Realized gains on disposal 666 353 2,794 1,167 Realized losses on disposal — — — (17 ) Equity securities realized gains (losses) 22 7 113 34 Real estate gains (losses) — 820 — 954 Other — (478 ) — (478 ) Totals $ 813 2,169 6,156 6,782 The Company uses the specific identification method in computing realized gains and losses. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 the percentage of gains on bonds due to the call of securities was 84% and 90% , respectively. This includes calls out of the Company's available for sale portfolio of debt securities. The table below presents net impairment losses recognized in earnings for the periods indicated. Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (In thousands) Total other-than-temporary impairment gains (losses) on debt securities $ 284 — 549 (4 ) Portion of loss (gain) recognized in comprehensive income (284 ) — (549 ) (3 ) Net impairment losses on debt securities recognized in earnings — — — (7 ) Equity securities impairments — — (107 ) (28 ) Totals $ — — (107 ) (35 ) The table below presents a roll forward of credit losses on securities for which the Company also recorded non-credit other-than-temporary impairments in other comprehensive loss. Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 Twelve Months (In thousands) Beginning balance, cumulative credit losses related to other-than-temporary impairments $ 2,278 2,298 2,472 Reductions for securities sold during current period — (20 ) (181 ) Additions for credit losses not previously recognized in other-than-temporary impairments — — 7 Ending balance, cumulative credit losses related to other-than-temporary impairments $ 2,278 2,278 2,298 (B) Debt and Equity Securities The table below presents amortized costs and fair values of securities held to maturity at September 30, 2015 . Securities Held to Maturity Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value (In thousands) Debt securities: U.S. agencies $ 15,029 409 (26 ) 15,412 U.S. Treasury 1,925 370 — 2,295 States and political subdivisions 444,684 31,371 (875 ) 475,180 Foreign governments — — — — Public utilities 1,032,194 55,581 (2,705 ) 1,085,070 Corporate 4,141,368 151,607 (40,446 ) 4,252,529 Mortgage-backed 1,534,339 78,862 (2,870 ) 1,610,331 Home equity 18,092 4,327 — 22,419 Manufactured housing 3,149 280 — 3,429 Totals $ 7,190,780 322,807 (46,922 ) 7,466,665 The table below presents amortized costs and fair values of securities available for sale at September 30, 2015 . Securities Available for Sale Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value (In thousands) Debt securities: States and political subdivisions $ 586 — (47 ) 539 Foreign governments 9,945 405 — 10,350 Public utilities 133,000 6,852 (570 ) 139,282 Corporate 2,574,330 95,966 (33,612 ) 2,636,684 Mortgage-backed 39,076 3,692 — 42,768 Home equity 11,185 187 (9 ) 11,363 Manufactured housing 1,241 34 — 1,275 2,769,363 107,136 (34,238 ) 2,842,261 Equity securities 13,782 4,201 (291 ) 17,692 Totals $ 2,783,145 111,337 (34,529 ) 2,859,953 The table below presents amortized costs and fair values of securities held to maturity at December 31, 2014 . Securities Held to Maturity Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value (In thousands) Debt securities: U.S. agencies $ 10,061 705 — 10,766 U.S. Treasury 1,920 409 — 2,329 States and political subdivisions 432,186 31,417 (336 ) 463,267 Public utilities 978,847 67,836 (757 ) 1,045,926 Corporate 3,754,222 183,650 (18,591 ) 3,919,281 Mortgage-backed 1,640,582 68,726 (4,164 ) 1,705,144 Home equity 18,886 4,734 (57 ) 23,563 Manufactured housing 4,839 328 — 5,167 Totals $ 6,841,543 357,805 (23,905 ) 7,175,443 The table below presents amortized costs and fair values of securities available for sale at December 31, 2014 . Securities Available for Sale Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value (In thousands) Debt securities: States and political subdivisions $ 589 — (36 ) 553 Foreign governments 9,939 386 — 10,325 Public utilities 169,179 10,163 (126 ) 179,216 Corporate 2,334,700 128,280 (8,961 ) 2,454,019 Mortgage-backed 48,674 4,116 — 52,790 Home equity 11,702 225 (9 ) 11,918 Manufactured housing 2,492 64 — 2,556 2,577,275 143,234 (9,132 ) 2,711,377 Equity securities 12,799 4,849 (345 ) 17,303 Totals $ 2,590,074 148,083 (9,477 ) 2,728,680 The following table shows the gross unrealized losses and fair values of the Company's held to maturity investments by investment category and length of time the individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at September 30, 2015 . Securities Held to Maturity Less than 12 Months 12 Months or Greater Total Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses (In thousands) Debt securities: U.S. agencies $ 4,969 (26 ) — — 4,969 (26 ) States and political subdivisions 27,327 (350 ) 12,969 (525 ) 40,296 (875 ) Public utilities 137,759 (2,218 ) 18,021 (487 ) 155,780 (2,705 ) Corporate 1,081,635 (26,747 ) 318,517 (13,699 ) 1,400,152 (40,446 ) Mortgage-backed 89,875 (909 ) 87,722 (1,961 ) 177,597 (2,870 ) Total temporarily impaired securities $ 1,341,565 (30,250 ) 437,229 (16,672 ) 1,778,794 (46,922 ) The following table shows the gross unrealized losses and fair values of the Company's available for sale investments by investment category and length of time the individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at September 30, 2015 . Securities Available for Sale Less than 12 Months 12 Months or Greater Total Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses (In thousands) Debt securities: States and political subdivisions $ — — 539 (47 ) 539 (47 ) Public utilities 26,363 (570 ) — — 26,363 (570 ) Corporate 718,691 (23,203 ) 126,892 (10,409 ) 845,583 (33,612 ) Home equity — — 4,826 (9 ) 4,826 (9 ) 745,054 (23,773 ) 132,257 (10,465 ) 877,311 (34,238 ) Equity securities 3,337 (243 ) 1,519 (48 ) 4,856 (291 ) Total temporarily impaired securities $ 748,391 (24,016 ) 133,776 (10,513 ) 882,167 (34,529 ) Unrealized losses for securities held to maturity and securities available for sale increased during the first nine months of 2015 due primarily to the upward movement in market interest rates. The Company does not consider investments with unrealized losses to be other-than-temporarily impaired since it does not anticipate selling these securities prior to maturity and expects to receive all amounts due relative to principal and interest. The amortized cost and fair value of investments in debt securities at September 30, 2015 , by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Debt Securities Available for Sale Debt Securities Held to Maturity Amortized Cost Fair Value Amortized Cost Fair Value (In thousands) Due in 1 year or less $ 162,797 165,850 206,814 211,809 Due after 1 year through 5 years 758,016 818,079 1,293,120 1,413,192 Due after 5 years through 10 years 1,751,382 1,757,714 3,816,636 3,877,574 Due after 10 years 58,092 57,850 339,871 353,759 2,730,287 2,799,493 5,656,441 5,856,334 Mortgage and asset-backed securities 39,076 42,768 1,534,339 1,610,331 Total $ 2,769,363 2,842,261 7,190,780 7,466,665 The Company does not consider securities to be other-than-temporarily impaired when the market decline is attributable to factors such as interest rate movements, market volatility, liquidity, spread widening and credit quality and when recovery of all amounts due under the contractual terms of the security is anticipated. Based on the review and the Company's ability and intent not to sell these securities until maturity, the Company does not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at September 30, 2015 . The Company will monitor the investment portfolio for future changes in issuer facts and circumstances that could result in future impairments beyond those currently identified. During the third quarter of 2015, the Company recorded no other-than-temporary impairment on debt and equity securities. Debt securities. The gross unrealized losses for debt securities are made up of 317 individual issues, or 23.7% of the total debt securities held by the Company. The market value of these bonds as a percent of amortized cost averages 97.0% . Of the 317 securities, 82 , or 25.9% , fall in the 12 months or greater aging category; and 310 were rated investment grade at September 30, 2015 . Equity securities. The gross unrealized losses for equity securities are made up of 37 individual issues. These holdings are reviewed quarterly for impairment. The following table shows the gross unrealized losses and fair values of the Company's held to maturity investments by investment category and length of time the individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at December 31, 2014 . Securities Held to Maturity Less than 12 Months 12 Months or Greater Total Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses (In thousands) Debt securities: States and political subdivisions $ — — 23,076 (336 ) 23,076 (336 ) Public utilities 7,078 (13 ) 48,198 (744 ) 55,276 (757 ) Corporate 156,839 (2,997 ) 698,316 (15,594 ) 855,155 (18,591 ) Mortgage-backed 17,698 (240 ) 181,694 (3,924 ) 199,392 (4,164 ) Home equity 2,206 (57 ) — — 2,206 (57 ) Total temporarily impaired securities $ 183,821 (3,307 ) 951,284 (20,598 ) 1,135,105 (23,905 ) The following table shows the gross unrealized losses and fair values of the Company's available for sale investments by investment category and length of time that the individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at December 31, 2014 . Securities Available for Sale Less than 12 Months 12 Months or Greater Total Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses (In thousands) Debt securities: States and political subdivisions $ — — 553 (36 ) 553 (36 ) Public utilities — — 14,827 (126 ) 14,827 (126 ) Corporate 100,373 (2,990 ) 187,699 (5,971 ) 288,072 (8,961 ) Home equity — — 4,826 (9 ) 4,826 (9 ) 100,373 (2,990 ) 207,905 (6,142 ) 308,278 (9,132 ) Equity securities 305 (52 ) 3,801 (293 ) 4,106 (345 ) Total temporarily impaired securities $ 100,678 (3,042 ) 211,706 (6,435 ) 312,384 (9,477 ) (C) Transfer of Securities During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , the Company made no transfers to the held to maturity category from securities available for sale. (D) Mortgage Loans A financing receivable is a contractual right to receive money on demand or on fixed or determinable dates that is recognized as an asset in a company's statement of financial position. Mortgage, equity, participation and mezzanine loans on real estate are considered financing receivables reported by the Company. Credit and default risk is minimized through strict underwriting guidelines and diversification of underlying property types and geographic locations. In addition to being secured by the property, mortgage loans with leases on the underlying property are often guaranteed by the lease payments and also by the borrower. This approach has proven to result in quality mortgage loans with few defaults. Mortgage loan interest income is recognized on an accrual basis with any premium or discount amortized over the life of the loan. Prepayment and late fees are recorded on the date of collection. Loans in foreclosure, loans considered impaired or loans past due 90 days or more are placed on a non-accrual status. If a mortgage loan is determined to be on non-accrual status, the mortgage loan does not accrue any revenue into the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings. The loan is independently monitored and evaluated as to potential impairment or foreclosure. If delinquent payments are made and the loan is brought current, then the Company returns the loan to active status and accrues income accordingly. The Company had no mortgage loans past due 90 days or more at September 30, 2015 or 2014 and as a result all interest income was recognized at September 30, 2015 or 2014 . The following table represents the mortgage loan portfolio by loan-to-value ratio. September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Amount % Amount % (In thousands) (In thousands) Mortgage Loans by Loan-to-Value Ratio (1): Less than 50% $ 56,117 63.3 $ 52,564 35.0 50% to 60% 8,328 9.4 50,553 33.7 60% to 70% — — 14,567 9.7 70% to 80% 10,128 11.4 12,656 8.4 80% to 90% 14,138 15.9 5,399 3.6 Greater than 90% — — 14,414 9.6 Gross balance 88,711 100.0 150,153 100.0 Allowance for possible losses (650 ) (0.7 ) (650 ) (0.4 ) Totals $ 88,061 99.3 $ 149,503 99.6 (1) Loan-to-Value Ratio determined using the most recent appraised value. Appraisals are required at the time of funding and may be updated if a material change occurs from the original loan agreement. The mortgage loans in the greater than 90% category at December 31, 2014 relate to loans made with a long standing borrower. The loans are backed by the investment property, contracted leases, as well as a separate and additional guarantee of the long standing borrower and at September 30, 2015 are included in the 80% to 90% category. All mortgage loans are analyzed quarterly in order to monitor the financial quality of these assets. Based on ongoing monitoring, mortgage loans with a likelihood of becoming delinquent are identified and placed on an internal “watch list”. Among the criteria that may indicate a potential problem include: major tenant vacancies or bankruptcies, late payments, and loan relief/restructuring requests. The mortgage loan portfolio is analyzed for the need for a valuation allowance on any loan that is on the internal watch list, in the process of foreclosure or that currently has a valuation allowance. Mortgage loans are considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. When it is determined that a loan is impaired, a loss is recognized for the difference between the carrying amount of the mortgage loan and the estimated value reduced by the cost to sell. Estimated value is typically based on the loan's observable market price or the fair value of the collateral less cost to sell. Impairments and changes in the valuation allowance are reported in net realized investment gains (losses) in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings. The following table represents the mortgage loan allowance. September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 (In thousands) Balance, beginning of period $ 650 650 Provision — — Releases — — Balance, end of period $ 650 650

Fair Values of Financial Instru

Fair Values of Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Values of Financial Instruments	FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS For financial instruments the FASB provides guidance which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value under GAAP, and requires additional disclosures about fair value measurements. In compliance with this GAAP guidance, the Company has categorized its financial instruments, based on the priority of the inputs to the valuation technique, into the required three level hierarchy. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). If the inputs used to measure fair value fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the category level is based on the lowest priority level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the instrument. Financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets are categorized as follows: Level 1: Fair value is based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible to the Company for identical assets or liabilities. Active markets are those in which transactions for the asset or liability occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis. These generally provide the most reliable evidence and are used to measure fair value whenever available. The Company's Level 1 assets are equity securities that are traded in an active exchange market. Valuations are obtained from readily available pricing sources for market transactions involving identical assets. Level 2: Fair value is based upon significant inputs other than quoted prices in active markets included in Level 1, which are either directly or indirectly observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability through corroboration with observable market data as of the reporting date. Level 2 inputs include quoted market prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities, quoted market prices in markets that are not active for identical or similar assets or liabilities, model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable and other observable inputs. The Company’s Level 2 assets include fixed maturity debt securities (corporate and private bonds, government or agency securities, asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities), and preferred stock. Valuations are generally obtained from third party pricing services for identical or comparable assets or determined through use of valuation methodologies using observable market inputs. Level 3: Fair value is based on significant unobservable inputs which reflect the entity’s or third party pricing service’s assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. The Company’s Level 3 assets are over-the-counter derivative contracts and the Company’s Level 3 liabilities consist of share-based compensation obligations and certain product-related embedded derivatives. Valuations are estimated based on non-binding broker prices or internally developed valuation models or methodologies, discounted cash flow models and other similar techniques. The following tables set forth the Company’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of the date indicated: September 30, 2015 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (In thousands) Debt securities, available for sale $ 2,842,261 — 2,842,261 — Equity securities, available for sale 17,692 17,122 570 — Derivatives, index options 25,226 — — 25,226 Total assets $ 2,885,179 17,122 2,842,831 25,226 Policyholder account balances (a) $ 51,784 — — 51,784 Other liabilities (b) 6,211 — — 6,211 Total liabilities $ 57,995 — — 57,995 During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 , the Company had no transfers into or out of Levels 1, 2 or 3. December 31, 2014 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (In thousands) Debt securities, available for sale $ 2,711,377 — 2,711,377 — Equity securities, available for sale 17,303 16,862 441 — Derivatives, index options 114,287 — — 114,287 Total assets $ 2,842,967 16,862 2,711,818 114,287 Policyholder account balances (a) $ 133,236 — — 133,236 Other liabilities (b) 9,256 — — 9,256 Total liabilities $ 142,492 — — 142,492 (a) Represents the fair value of certain product-related embedded derivatives that were recorded at fair value. (b) Represents the liability for share-based compensation. The following tables present, by pricing source and fair value hierarchy level, the Company’s assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis: September 30, 2015 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (In thousands) Debt securities, available for sale: Priced by third-party vendors $ 2,842,261 — 2,842,261 — Priced internally — — — — Subtotal 2,842,261 — 2,842,261 — Equity securities, available for sale: Priced by third-party vendors 17,692 17,122 570 — Priced internally — — — — Subtotal 17,692 17,122 570 — Derivatives, index options: Priced by third-party vendors 25,226 — — 25,226 Priced internally — — — — Subtotal 25,226 — — 25,226 Total $ 2,885,179 17,122 2,842,831 25,226 Percent of total 100.0 % 0.6 % 98.5 % 0.9 % December 31, 2014 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (In thousands) Debt securities, available for sale: Priced by third-party vendors $ 2,711,377 — 2,711,377 — Priced internally — — — — Subtotal 2,711,377 — 2,711,377 — Equity securities, available for sale: Priced by third-party vendors 17,303 16,862 441 — Priced internally — — — — Subtotal 17,303 16,862 441 — Derivatives, index options: Priced by third-party vendors 114,287 — — 114,287 Priced internally — — — — Subtotal 114,287 — — 114,287 Total $ 2,842,967 16,862 2,711,818 114,287 Percent of total 100.0 % 0.6 % 95.4 % 4.0 % The following tables provide additional information about fair value measurements for which significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs were utilized to determine fair value. For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 Debt Securities, Available for Sale Equity Securities, Available for Sale Derivatives, Index Options Total Assets Other Liabilities (In thousands) Balance at July 1, 2015 $ — — 72,527 72,527 95,368 Total realized and unrealized gains (losses): Included in net income — — (52,816 ) (52,816 ) (42,887 ) Included in other comprehensive income — — — — — Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net: Purchases — — 24,891 24,891 24,891 Sales — — — — — Issuances — — — — — Settlements — — (19,376 ) (19,376 ) (19,377 ) Transfers into (out of) Level 3 — — — — — Balance at end of period $ — — 25,226 25,226 57,995 Change in unrealized gains or losses for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets held at the end of the reporting period: Net investment income $ — — (51,707 ) (51,707 ) — Benefits and expenses — — — — (1,048 ) Total $ — — (51,707 ) (51,707 ) (1,048 ) For the Three Months ended September 30, 2014 Debt Securities, Available for Sale Equity Securities, Available for Sale Derivatives, Index Options Total Assets Other Liabilities (In thousands) Balance at July 1, 2014 $ — — 146,514 146,514 171,428 Total realized and unrealized gains (losses): Included in net income — — 3,479 3,479 4,099 Included in other comprehensive income — — — — — Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net: Purchases — — 19,801 19,801 19,801 Sales — — — — — Issuances — — — — — Settlements — — (59,982 ) (59,982 ) (60,002 ) Transfers into (out of) Level 3 — — — — — Balance at end of period $ — — 109,812 109,812 135,326 Change in unrealized gains or losses for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets held at the end of the reporting period: Net investment income $ — — 747 747 — Benefits and expenses — — — — 175 Total $ — — 747 747 175 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 Debt Securities, Available for Sale Equity Securities, Available for Sale Derivatives, Index Options Total Assets Other Liabilities (In thousands) Beginning balance, January 1, 2015 $ — — 114,287 114,287 142,492 Total realized and unrealized gains (losses): Included in net income — — (69,884 ) (69,884 ) (64,923 ) Included in other comprehensive income — — — — — Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net: Purchases — — 64,820 64,820 64,820 Sales — — — — Issuances — — — — Settlements — — (83,997 ) (83,997 ) (84,394 ) Transfers into (out of) Level 3 — — — — — Balance at end of period $ — — 25,226 25,226 57,995 Change in unrealized gains or losses for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets held at the end of the reporting period: Net investment income $ — — (67,392 ) (67,392 ) — Other operating expenses — — — — (2,648 ) Total $ — — (67,392 ) (67,392 ) (2,648 ) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 Debt Securities, Available for Sale Equity Securities, Available for Sale Derivatives, Index Options Total Assets Other Liabilities (In thousands) Beginning balance, January 1, 2014 $ — — 169,314 169,314 193,338 Total realized and unrealized gains (losses): Included in net income — — 49,278 49,278 51,529 Included in other comprehensive income — — — — Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net: Purchases — — 53,370 53,370 53,370 Sales — — — — — Issuances — — — — — Settlements — — (162,150 ) (162,150 ) (162,911 ) Transfers into (out of) Level 3 — — — — — Balance at end of period $ — — 109,812 109,812 135,326 Change in unrealized gains or losses for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets held at the end of the reporting period: Net investment income $ — — 29,895 29,895 — Other operating expenses — — — — 3,266 Total $ — — 29,895 29,895 3,266 The following tables show the quantitative information about the Company's level 3 assets and liabilities. September 30, 2015 Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input (In thousands) Derivatives, index options $ 25,226 Broker prices Implied volatility Inputs from broker proprietary models Total assets $ 25,226 Policyholder account balances $ 51,784 Deterministic cash flow model Projected option cost Other liabilities 6,211 Black-Scholes model Expected term Forfeiture assumptions Total liabilities $ 57,995 December 31, 2014 Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input (In thousands) Derivatives, index options $ 114,287 Broker prices Implied volatility Inputs from broker proprietary models Total assets $ 114,287 Policyholder account balances $ 133,236 Deterministic cash flow model Projected option cost Other liabilities 9,256 Black-Scholes model Expected term Forfeiture assumptions Total liabilities $ 142,492 Realized gains (losses) on debt and equity securities are reported in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings as net investment gains (losses). Unrealized gains (losses) on available for sale debt and equity securities are reported as other comprehensive income (loss) within the stockholders' equity of the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. The fair value hierarchy classifications are reviewed each reporting period. Reclassification of certain financial assets and liabilities may result based on changes in the observability of valuation attributes. Reclassifications are reported as transfers into and out of Level 3 at the beginning fair value for the reporting period in which the changes occur. The carrying amounts and fair values of the Company's financial instruments are as follows: September 30, 2015 Fair Value Hierarchy Level Carrying Values Fair Values Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (In thousands) ASSETS Investments in debt and equity securities: Securities held to maturity $ 7,190,780 7,466,665 — 7,466,665 — Securities available for sale 2,859,953 2,859,953 17,122 2,842,831 — Cash and cash equivalents 86,357 86,357 86,357 — — Mortgage loans 88,061 92,370 — — 92,370 Policy loans 61,611 111,616 — — 111,616 Other loans 1,350 1,472 — — 1,472 Derivatives, index options 25,226 25,226 — — 25,226 Short-term investments — — — — — Life interest in Trust — 12,775 — — 12,775 LIABILITIES Deferred annuity contracts $ 7,609,015 7,221,844 — — 7,221,844 Immediate annuity and supplemental contracts 440,670 472,922 — — 472,922 December 31, 2014 Fair Value Hierarchy Level Carrying Values Fair Values Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (In thousands) ASSETS Investments in debt and equity securities: Securities held to maturity $ 6,841,543 7,175,443 — 7,175,443 — Securities available for sale 2,728,680 2,728,680 16,862 2,711,818 — Cash and cash equivalents 277,078 277,078 277,078 — — Mortgage loans 149,503 156,548 — — 156,548 Policy loans 63,645 111,040 — — 111,040 Other loans 2,171 2,300 — — 2,300 Derivatives, index options 114,287 114,287 — — 114,287 Life interest in Trust — 12,775 — — 12,775 LIABILITIES Deferred annuity contracts $ 7,546,504 7,178,535 — — 7,178,535 Immediate annuity and supplemental contracts 446,458 474,843 — — 474,843 Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time based on relevant market information and information about the financial instruments. These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time the Company's entire holdings of a particular financial instrument. Because no market exists for a portion of the Company's financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on judgments regarding future expected loss experience, current economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments, and other factors. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.

Derivative Investments

Derivative Investments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Investments	DERIVATIVE INVESTMENTS Fixed-index products provide traditional fixed annuities and universal life contracts with the option to have credited interest rates linked in part to an underlying equity index or a combination of equity indices. The equity return component of such policy contracts is identified separately and accounted for in future policy benefits as embedded derivatives on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. The remaining portions of these policy contracts are considered the host contracts and are recorded separately as fixed annuity or universal life contracts. The host contracts are accounted for under debt instrument type accounting in which future policy benefits are recorded as discounted debt instruments and accreted, using the effective yield method, to their minimum account values at their projected maturities or termination dates. The Company purchases over-the-counter index options, which are derivative financial instruments, to hedge the equity return component of its fixed-index annuity and life products. The index options act as hedges to match closely the returns on the underlying index or indices. The amounts which may be credited to policyholders are linked, in part, to the returns of the underlying index or indices. As a result, changes to policyholders' liabilities are substantially offset by changes in the value of the options. Cash is exchanged upon purchase of the index options and no principal or interest payments are made by either party during the option periods. Upon maturity or expiration of the options, cash may be paid to the Company depending on the performance of the underlying index or indices and terms of the contract. The Company does not elect hedge accounting relative to these derivative instruments. The index options are reported at fair value in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements. The changes in the values of the index options and the changes in the policyholder liabilities are both reflected in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Any changes relative to the embedded derivatives associated with policy contracts are reflected in contract interest in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Any gains or losses from the sale or expiration of the options, as well as period-to-period changes in values, are reflected as net investment income in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Although there is credit risk in the event of nonperformance by counterparties to the index options, the Company does not expect any of its counterparties to fail to meet their obligations, given their high credit ratings. In addition, credit support agreements are in place with all counterparties for option holdings in excess of specific limits, which may further reduce the Company's credit exposure. The tables below present the fair value of derivative instruments as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively. September 30, 2015 Asset Derivatives Liability Derivatives Balance Sheet Location Fair Value Balance Sheet Location Fair Value (In thousands) (In thousands) Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments Equity index options Derivatives, Index Options $ 25,226 Fixed-index products Universal Life and Annuity Contracts $ 51,784 Total $ 25,226 $ 51,784 December 31, 2014 Asset Derivatives Liability Derivatives Balance Sheet Location Fair Value Balance Sheet Location Fair Value (In thousands) (In thousands) Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments Equity index options Derivatives, Index Options $ 114,287 Fixed-index products Universal Life and Annuity Contracts $ 133,236 Total $ 114,287 $ 133,236 The table below presents the effect of derivative instruments in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 . September 30, September 30, Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized In Income on Derivatives Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives (In thousands) Equity index options Net investment income $ (52,816 ) 3,479 Fixed-index products Universal life and annuity contract interest 41,839 (4,033 ) $ (10,977 ) (554 ) The table below presents the effect of derivative instruments in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 . September 30, September 30, Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized In Income on Derivatives Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives (In thousands) Equity index options Net investment income $ (69,884 ) 49,278 Fixed-index products Universal life and annuity contract interest 62,275 (49,003 ) $ (7,609 ) 275

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	SUBSEQUENT EVENTS On October 1, 2015, National Western completed its previously announced holding company reorganization pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated April 6, 2015 (the “ Reorganization Agreement ”), among the Company, National Western Life Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“ NWLGI ”), and NWLIC MergerCo, Inc., a Colorado corporation (“ MergerCo ”). The Reorganization Agreement provided for the merger of National Western with MergerCo (the “ Merger ”), with National Western surviving the Merger as a wholly owned subsidiary of NWLGI. The Reorganization Agreement further provided for the conversion of each share of Class A common stock, par value $1.00 per share, and each share of Class B common stock, par value $1.00 per share, of National Western issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger, into one duly issued, fully paid and non-assessable share of Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share, and Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of NWLGI, respectively (collectively with the other transactions contemplated by the Reorganization Agreement, the “ Reorganization ”). In addition, each outstanding option to acquire, or stock appreciation rights (“ SAR s”) relating to, shares of National Western Class A common stock automatically converted into an option to acquire, or SARs relating to, on the same terms and conditions, an identical number of shares of NWLGI Class A common stock. The Reorganization was approved by the shareholders of National Western at its Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on June 19, 2015. As a result of the Reorganization, NWLGI replaced National Western as the publicly held company. As of October 2, 2015, the NWLGI Class A common stock is deemed to be registered under Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 pursuant to Rule 12g-3(a) promulgated thereunder. For purposes of Rule 12g-3(a), NWLGI is the successor issuer to National Western.

Consolidation and Basis of Pr20

Consolidation and Basis of Presentation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	The table below shows the unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities that were reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 . Affected Line Item in the Statements of Earnings Amount Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Three Months Ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (In thousands) Other net investment gains (losses) $ 147 1,474 3,362 5,156 Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings — — (107 ) (35 ) Earnings before Federal income taxes 147 1,474 3,255 5,121 Federal income taxes 51 516 1,139 1,792 Net earnings $ 96 958 2,116 3,329

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share	Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 Class A Class B Class A Class B (In thousands except per share amounts) Numerator for Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share: Net income $ 16,221 28,466 Dividends - Class A shares — (1,236 ) Dividends - Class B shares — (36 ) Undistributed income $ 16,221 27,194 Allocation of net income: Dividends $ — — 1,236 36 Allocation of undistributed income 15,763 458 26,425 769 Net income $ 15,763 458 27,661 805 Denominator: Basic earnings per share - weighted-average shares 3,436 200 3,436 200 Effect of dilutive stock options 1 — 2 — Diluted earnings per share - adjusted weighted-average shares for assumed conversions 3,437 200 3,438 200 Basic Earnings Per Share $ 4.59 2.29 8.05 4.03 Diluted Earnings Per Share $ 4.59 2.29 8.05 4.03 Stock options that were outstanding during the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect was anti-dilutive, were approximately 20,800 and 22,200 , respectively. Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 Class A Class B Class A Class B (In thousands except per share amounts) Numerator for Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share: Net income $ 66,405 77,475 Dividends - Class A shares — (1,236 ) Dividends - Class B shares — (36 ) Undistributed income $ 66,405 76,203 Allocation of net income: Dividends $ — — 1,236 36 Allocation of undistributed income 64,527 1,878 74,048 2,155 Net income $ 64,527 1,878 75,284 2,191 Denominator: Basic earnings per share - weighted-average shares 3,436 200 3,435 200 Effect of dilutive stock options 1 — 2 — Diluted earnings per share - adjusted weighted-average shares for assumed conversions 3,437 200 3,437 200 Basic Earnings Per Share $ 18.78 9.39 21.92 10.95 Diluted Earnings Per Share $ 18.77 9.39 21.91 10.95

Pension and Other Postretirem22

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Costs	The following table summarizes the components of net periodic benefit cost. Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (In thousands) Service cost $ 51 42 153 126 Interest cost 246 239 738 718 Expected return on plan assets (330 ) (320 ) (991 ) (959 ) Amortization of prior service cost 1 1 3 3 Amortization of net loss 196 106 588 317 Net periodic benefit cost $ 164 68 491 205
Chairman and President Non-Qualified Defined Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Costs	The following table summarizes the components of net periodic benefit costs for the Chairman and President's nonqualified defined benefit plans. Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (In thousands) Service cost $ 64 74 192 222 Interest cost 219 250 657 752 Amortization of prior service cost 14 15 44 44 Amortization of net loss 379 323 1,136 970 Net periodic benefit cost $ 676 662 2,029 1,988
Defined Benefit Postretirement Healthcare Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Costs	The following table summarizes the components of net periodic benefit costs. Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (In thousands) Interest cost $ 33 28 98 83 Amortization of prior service cost 25 26 77 78 Amortization of net loss 15 (1 ) 45 (3 ) Net periodic benefit cost $ 73 53 220 158

Segment and Other Operating I23

Segment and Other Operating Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Summary of Segment Information, by Quarter	A summary of segment information for the quarters ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014 is provided below. Selected Segment Information: Domestic Life Insurance International Life Insurance Annuities All Others Totals (In thousands) September 30, 2015 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Items: Deferred policy acquisition costs and sales inducements $ 73,746 252,632 665,738 — 992,116 Total segment assets 831,407 1,260,628 8,999,978 262,310 11,354,323 Future policy benefits 720,998 944,618 7,976,312 — 9,641,928 Other policyholder liabilities 11,437 17,835 117,331 — 146,603 Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 Condensed Consolidated Income Statements: Premiums and contract revenues $ 8,259 29,773 5,983 — 44,015 Net investment income 2,095 448 49,518 4,148 56,209 Other revenues 3 5 12 5,047 5,067 Total revenues 10,357 30,226 55,513 9,195 105,291 Life and other policy benefits 3,545 5,002 5,634 — 14,181 Amortization of deferred acquisition costs 1,594 6,834 23,630 — 32,058 Universal life and annuity contract interest 14 (854 ) 17,099 — 16,259 Other operating expenses 2,397 3,929 7,254 4,902 18,482 Federal income taxes (benefit) 911 5,363 825 1,520 8,619 Total expenses 8,461 20,274 54,442 6,422 89,599 Segment earnings (loss) $ 1,896 9,952 1,071 2,773 15,692 Domestic Life Insurance International Life Insurance Annuities All Others Totals (In thousands) Nine months ended September 30, 2015 Condensed Consolidated Income Statements: Premiums and contract revenues $ 22,683 89,470 17,029 — 129,182 Net investment income 17,265 17,847 208,263 15,016 258,391 Other revenues 23 66 31 15,470 15,590 Total revenues 39,971 107,383 225,323 30,486 403,163 Life and other policy benefits 12,540 16,794 20,233 — 49,567 Amortization of deferred acquisition costs 6,473 11,347 69,960 — 87,780 Universal life and annuity contract interest 10,413 13,203 91,113 — 114,729 Other operating expenses 9,554 15,063 18,866 14,311 57,794 Federal income taxes (benefit) 327 16,840 8,309 5,344 30,820 Total expenses 39,307 73,247 208,481 19,655 340,690 Segment earnings (loss) $ 664 34,136 16,842 10,831 62,473 Selected Segment Information: Domestic Life Insurance International Life Insurance Annuities All Others Totals (In thousands) September 30, 2014 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Items: Deferred policy acquisition costs and sales inducements $ 61,087 242,124 652,855 — 956,066 Total segment assets 705,156 1,223,571 8,871,276 251,905 11,051,908 Future policy benefits 611,550 944,505 7,848,590 — 9,404,645 Other policyholder liabilities 12,742 12,226 117,207 — 142,175 Three Months Ended September 30, 2014 Condensed Consolidated Income Statements: Premiums and contract revenues $ 6,847 29,135 5,126 — 41,108 Net investment income 6,859 8,273 90,835 4,999 110,966 Other revenues 19 20 23 5,315 5,377 Total revenues 13,725 37,428 95,984 10,314 157,451 Life and other policy benefits 3,353 9,672 138 — 13,163 Amortization of deferred acquisition costs 1,166 2,525 19,776 — 23,467 Universal life and annuity contract interest 5,803 6,956 46,452 — 59,211 Other operating expenses 2,314 6,307 7,045 4,785 20,451 Federal income taxes (benefit) 379 4,143 7,681 1,899 14,102 Total expenses 13,015 29,603 81,092 6,684 130,394 Segment earnings (loss) $ 710 7,825 14,892 3,630 27,057 Domestic Life Insurance International Life Insurance Annuities All Others Totals (In thousands) Nine months ended September 30, 2014 Condensed Consolidated Income Statements: Premiums and contract revenues $ 22,077 87,906 16,787 — 126,770 Net investment income 24,044 35,902 300,118 14,532 374,596 Other revenues 40 321 63 15,927 16,351 Total revenues 46,161 124,129 316,968 30,459 517,717 Life and other policy benefits 7,268 16,375 17,279 — 40,922 Amortization of deferred acquisition costs 5,346 18,078 55,880 — 79,304 Universal life and annuity contract interest 19,066 32,820 172,690 — 224,576 Other operating expenses 10,585 18,167 19,965 14,697 63,414 Federal income taxes (benefit) 1,295 12,865 17,010 5,241 36,411 Total expenses 43,560 98,305 282,824 19,938 444,627 Segment earnings (loss) $ 2,601 25,824 34,144 10,521 73,090
Reconciliation of Segment Premiums and Other Revenues to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	Reconciliations of segment information to the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements are provided below. Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (In thousands) Premiums and Other Revenues : Premiums and contract revenues $ 44,015 41,108 129,182 126,770 Net investment income 56,209 110,966 258,391 374,596 Other revenues 5,067 5,377 15,590 16,351 Realized gains (losses) on investments 813 2,169 6,049 6,747 Total condensed consolidated premiums and other revenues $ 106,104 159,620 409,212 524,464
Reconciliation of Segment Federal Income Taxes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (In thousands) Federal Income Taxes : Total segment Federal income taxes $ 8,619 14,102 30,820 36,411 Taxes on realized gains (losses) on investments 284 760 2,117 2,362 Total condensed consolidated Federal income taxes $ 8,903 14,862 32,937 38,773
Reconciliation of Segment Net Earnings to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (In thousands) Net Earnings : Total segment earnings $ 15,692 27,057 62,473 73,090 Realized gains (losses) on investments, net of taxes 529 1,409 3,932 4,385 Total condensed consolidated net earnings $ 16,221 28,466 66,405 77,475
Reconciliation of Segment Assets to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	September 30, 2015 2014 (In thousands) Assets : Total segment assets $ 11,354,323 11,051,908 Other unallocated assets 191,822 207,168 Total condensed consolidated assets $ 11,546,145 11,259,076

Share-Based Payments (Tables)

Share-Based Payments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Summary of Shares Available for Grant and Stock Option Activity	A summary of shares available for grant and activity is detailed below. Options Outstanding Shares Available For Grant Shares Weighted- Average Exercise Price Stock Options: Balance at January 1, 2015 291,000 29,768 $ 242.48 Exercised — — $ — Forfeited — (1,000 ) $ 255.13 Expired — — $ — Stock options granted — — $ — Balance at September 30, 2015 291,000 28,768 $ 242.04
Schedule of Stock Appreciation Rights Activity	Stock Appreciation Rights Outstanding Awards Weighted- Average Exercise Price Stock Appreciation Rights: Balance at January 1, 2015 92,186 $ 157.71 Exercised (3,975 ) $ 143.19 Forfeited — $ — Granted — $ — Balance at September 30, 2015 88,211 $ 158.36
Summary of Information About Stock Options and SARs Outstanding	The following table summarizes information about stock options and SARs outstanding at September 30, 2015 . Options/SARs Outstanding Number Outstanding Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life Number Exercisable Exercise prices: $255.13 (options) 20,768 2.6 years 20,768 $208.05 (options) 8,000 2.7 years 8,000 $236.00 (SARs) 250 2.9 years 250 $114.64 (SARs) 23,943 3.4 years 19,764 $132.56 (SARs) 29,518 6.2 years 8,704 $210.22 (SARs) 34,500 8.2 years 1,800 Totals 116,979 59,286 Aggregate intrinsic value (in thousands) $ 5,796 $ 3,060
Summary of Assumptions Employed Using Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model	In estimating the fair value of the options outstanding at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , the Company employed the Black-Scholes option pricing model with assumptions detailed below. September 30, December 31, Expected term of options 2.6 to 8.2 years 3.3 to 9.0 years Expected volatility: Range 21.11% to 37.77% 19.67% to 37.75% Weighted-average 23.82 % 22.91 % Expected dividend yield 0.16 % 0.13 % Risk-free rate: Range 0.22% to 1.54% 0.13% to 1.62% Weighted-average 0.59 % 0.56 %

Investments (Tables)

Investments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Realized Investment Gains (Losses), Excluding Impairment Losses	The table below presents realized investment gains and losses, excluding impairment losses, for the periods indicated. Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (In thousands) Available for sale debt securities: Realized gains on disposal $ 125 1,467 3,323 5,144 Realized losses on disposal — — (74 ) (22 ) Held to maturity debt securities: Realized gains on disposal 666 353 2,794 1,167 Realized losses on disposal — — — (17 ) Equity securities realized gains (losses) 22 7 113 34 Real estate gains (losses) — 820 — 954 Other — (478 ) — (478 ) Totals $ 813 2,169 6,156 6,782
Net Impairment Losses Recognized in Earnings	The table below presents net impairment losses recognized in earnings for the periods indicated. Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (In thousands) Total other-than-temporary impairment gains (losses) on debt securities $ 284 — 549 (4 ) Portion of loss (gain) recognized in comprehensive income (284 ) — (549 ) (3 ) Net impairment losses on debt securities recognized in earnings — — — (7 ) Equity securities impairments — — (107 ) (28 ) Totals $ — — (107 ) (35 )
Credit Losses on Securities, Also Recorded as Non-Credit Other-than-Temporary Impairments in Other Comprehensive Loss	The table below presents a roll forward of credit losses on securities for which the Company also recorded non-credit other-than-temporary impairments in other comprehensive loss. Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 Twelve Months (In thousands) Beginning balance, cumulative credit losses related to other-than-temporary impairments $ 2,278 2,298 2,472 Reductions for securities sold during current period — (20 ) (181 ) Additions for credit losses not previously recognized in other-than-temporary impairments — — 7 Ending balance, cumulative credit losses related to other-than-temporary impairments $ 2,278 2,278 2,298
Schedule of Held-to-Maturity Securities	The table below presents amortized costs and fair values of securities held to maturity at December 31, 2014 . Securities Held to Maturity Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value (In thousands) Debt securities: U.S. agencies $ 10,061 705 — 10,766 U.S. Treasury 1,920 409 — 2,329 States and political subdivisions 432,186 31,417 (336 ) 463,267 Public utilities 978,847 67,836 (757 ) 1,045,926 Corporate 3,754,222 183,650 (18,591 ) 3,919,281 Mortgage-backed 1,640,582 68,726 (4,164 ) 1,705,144 Home equity 18,886 4,734 (57 ) 23,563 Manufactured housing 4,839 328 — 5,167 Totals $ 6,841,543 357,805 (23,905 ) 7,175,443 The table below presents amortized costs and fair values of securities held to maturity at September 30, 2015 . Securities Held to Maturity Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value (In thousands) Debt securities: U.S. agencies $ 15,029 409 (26 ) 15,412 U.S. Treasury 1,925 370 — 2,295 States and political subdivisions 444,684 31,371 (875 ) 475,180 Foreign governments — — — — Public utilities 1,032,194 55,581 (2,705 ) 1,085,070 Corporate 4,141,368 151,607 (40,446 ) 4,252,529 Mortgage-backed 1,534,339 78,862 (2,870 ) 1,610,331 Home equity 18,092 4,327 — 22,419 Manufactured housing 3,149 280 — 3,429 Totals $ 7,190,780 322,807 (46,922 ) 7,466,665
Schedule of Available-for-Sale Securities	The table below presents amortized costs and fair values of securities available for sale at December 31, 2014 . Securities Available for Sale Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value (In thousands) Debt securities: States and political subdivisions $ 589 — (36 ) 553 Foreign governments 9,939 386 — 10,325 Public utilities 169,179 10,163 (126 ) 179,216 Corporate 2,334,700 128,280 (8,961 ) 2,454,019 Mortgage-backed 48,674 4,116 — 52,790 Home equity 11,702 225 (9 ) 11,918 Manufactured housing 2,492 64 — 2,556 2,577,275 143,234 (9,132 ) 2,711,377 Equity securities 12,799 4,849 (345 ) 17,303 Totals $ 2,590,074 148,083 (9,477 ) 2,728,680 The table below presents amortized costs and fair values of securities available for sale at September 30, 2015 . Securities Available for Sale Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value (In thousands) Debt securities: States and political subdivisions $ 586 — (47 ) 539 Foreign governments 9,945 405 — 10,350 Public utilities 133,000 6,852 (570 ) 139,282 Corporate 2,574,330 95,966 (33,612 ) 2,636,684 Mortgage-backed 39,076 3,692 — 42,768 Home equity 11,185 187 (9 ) 11,363 Manufactured housing 1,241 34 — 1,275 2,769,363 107,136 (34,238 ) 2,842,261 Equity securities 13,782 4,201 (291 ) 17,692 Totals $ 2,783,145 111,337 (34,529 ) 2,859,953
Schedule of Gross Unrealized Losses and Fair Values of Held-to-Maturity Investments, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position	The following table shows the gross unrealized losses and fair values of the Company's held to maturity investments by investment category and length of time the individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at December 31, 2014 . Securities Held to Maturity Less than 12 Months 12 Months or Greater Total Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses (In thousands) Debt securities: States and political subdivisions $ — — 23,076 (336 ) 23,076 (336 ) Public utilities 7,078 (13 ) 48,198 (744 ) 55,276 (757 ) Corporate 156,839 (2,997 ) 698,316 (15,594 ) 855,155 (18,591 ) Mortgage-backed 17,698 (240 ) 181,694 (3,924 ) 199,392 (4,164 ) Home equity 2,206 (57 ) — — 2,206 (57 ) Total temporarily impaired securities $ 183,821 (3,307 ) 951,284 (20,598 ) 1,135,105 (23,905 ) The following table shows the gross unrealized losses and fair values of the Company's held to maturity investments by investment category and length of time the individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at September 30, 2015 . Securities Held to Maturity Less than 12 Months 12 Months or Greater Total Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses (In thousands) Debt securities: U.S. agencies $ 4,969 (26 ) — — 4,969 (26 ) States and political subdivisions 27,327 (350 ) 12,969 (525 ) 40,296 (875 ) Public utilities 137,759 (2,218 ) 18,021 (487 ) 155,780 (2,705 ) Corporate 1,081,635 (26,747 ) 318,517 (13,699 ) 1,400,152 (40,446 ) Mortgage-backed 89,875 (909 ) 87,722 (1,961 ) 177,597 (2,870 ) Total temporarily impaired securities $ 1,341,565 (30,250 ) 437,229 (16,672 ) 1,778,794 (46,922 )
Schedule of Gross Unrealized Losses and Fair Values of Available-for-Sale Investments, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position	The following table shows the gross unrealized losses and fair values of the Company's available for sale investments by investment category and length of time that the individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at December 31, 2014 . Securities Available for Sale Less than 12 Months 12 Months or Greater Total Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses (In thousands) Debt securities: States and political subdivisions $ — — 553 (36 ) 553 (36 ) Public utilities — — 14,827 (126 ) 14,827 (126 ) Corporate 100,373 (2,990 ) 187,699 (5,971 ) 288,072 (8,961 ) Home equity — — 4,826 (9 ) 4,826 (9 ) 100,373 (2,990 ) 207,905 (6,142 ) 308,278 (9,132 ) Equity securities 305 (52 ) 3,801 (293 ) 4,106 (345 ) Total temporarily impaired securities $ 100,678 (3,042 ) 211,706 (6,435 ) 312,384 (9,477 ) The following table shows the gross unrealized losses and fair values of the Company's available for sale investments by investment category and length of time the individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at September 30, 2015 . Securities Available for Sale Less than 12 Months 12 Months or Greater Total Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses (In thousands) Debt securities: States and political subdivisions $ — — 539 (47 ) 539 (47 ) Public utilities 26,363 (570 ) — — 26,363 (570 ) Corporate 718,691 (23,203 ) 126,892 (10,409 ) 845,583 (33,612 ) Home equity — — 4,826 (9 ) 4,826 (9 ) 745,054 (23,773 ) 132,257 (10,465 ) 877,311 (34,238 ) Equity securities 3,337 (243 ) 1,519 (48 ) 4,856 (291 ) Total temporarily impaired securities $ 748,391 (24,016 ) 133,776 (10,513 ) 882,167 (34,529 )
Schedule of Mortgage Loans by Loan-to-Value Ratio	The following table represents the mortgage loan portfolio by loan-to-value ratio. September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Amount % Amount % (In thousands) (In thousands) Mortgage Loans by Loan-to-Value Ratio (1): Less than 50% $ 56,117 63.3 $ 52,564 35.0 50% to 60% 8,328 9.4 50,553 33.7 60% to 70% — — 14,567 9.7 70% to 80% 10,128 11.4 12,656 8.4 80% to 90% 14,138 15.9 5,399 3.6 Greater than 90% — — 14,414 9.6 Gross balance 88,711 100.0 150,153 100.0 Allowance for possible losses (650 ) (0.7 ) (650 ) (0.4 ) Totals $ 88,061 99.3 $ 149,503 99.6 (1) Loan-to-Value Ratio determined using the most recent appraised value.
Schedule of Allowance for Mortgage Loans	The following table represents the mortgage loan allowance. September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 (In thousands) Balance, beginning of period $ 650 650 Provision — — Releases — — Balance, end of period $ 650 650
Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date	The amortized cost and fair value of investments in debt securities at September 30, 2015 , by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Debt Securities Available for Sale Debt Securities Held to Maturity Amortized Cost Fair Value Amortized Cost Fair Value (In thousands) Due in 1 year or less $ 162,797 165,850 206,814 211,809 Due after 1 year through 5 years 758,016 818,079 1,293,120 1,413,192 Due after 5 years through 10 years 1,751,382 1,757,714 3,816,636 3,877,574 Due after 10 years 58,092 57,850 339,871 353,759 2,730,287 2,799,493 5,656,441 5,856,334 Mortgage and asset-backed securities 39,076 42,768 1,534,339 1,610,331 Total $ 2,769,363 2,842,261 7,190,780 7,466,665

Fair Value of Financial Instrum

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	The following tables set forth the Company’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of the date indicated: September 30, 2015 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (In thousands) Debt securities, available for sale $ 2,842,261 — 2,842,261 — Equity securities, available for sale 17,692 17,122 570 — Derivatives, index options 25,226 — — 25,226 Total assets $ 2,885,179 17,122 2,842,831 25,226 Policyholder account balances (a) $ 51,784 — — 51,784 Other liabilities (b) 6,211 — — 6,211 Total liabilities $ 57,995 — — 57,995 During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 , the Company had no transfers into or out of Levels 1, 2 or 3. December 31, 2014 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (In thousands) Debt securities, available for sale $ 2,711,377 — 2,711,377 — Equity securities, available for sale 17,303 16,862 441 — Derivatives, index options 114,287 — — 114,287 Total assets $ 2,842,967 16,862 2,711,818 114,287 Policyholder account balances (a) $ 133,236 — — 133,236 Other liabilities (b) 9,256 — — 9,256 Total liabilities $ 142,492 — — 142,492 (a) Represents the fair value of certain product-related embedded derivatives that were recorded at fair value. (b) Represents the liability for share-based compensation.
Schedule of Assets by Pricing Source and Fair Value Hierarchy Measured on Recurring Basis	The following tables present, by pricing source and fair value hierarchy level, the Company’s assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis: September 30, 2015 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (In thousands) Debt securities, available for sale: Priced by third-party vendors $ 2,842,261 — 2,842,261 — Priced internally — — — — Subtotal 2,842,261 — 2,842,261 — Equity securities, available for sale: Priced by third-party vendors 17,692 17,122 570 — Priced internally — — — — Subtotal 17,692 17,122 570 — Derivatives, index options: Priced by third-party vendors 25,226 — — 25,226 Priced internally — — — — Subtotal 25,226 — — 25,226 Total $ 2,885,179 17,122 2,842,831 25,226 Percent of total 100.0 % 0.6 % 98.5 % 0.9 % December 31, 2014 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (In thousands) Debt securities, available for sale: Priced by third-party vendors $ 2,711,377 — 2,711,377 — Priced internally — — — — Subtotal 2,711,377 — 2,711,377 — Equity securities, available for sale: Priced by third-party vendors 17,303 16,862 441 — Priced internally — — — — Subtotal 17,303 16,862 441 — Derivatives, index options: Priced by third-party vendors 114,287 — — 114,287 Priced internally — — — — Subtotal 114,287 — — 114,287 Total $ 2,842,967 16,862 2,711,818 114,287 Percent of total 100.0 % 0.6 % 95.4 % 4.0 %
Schedule of Significant Unobservable Inputs for Fair Value Measurements	The following tables provide additional information about fair value measurements for which significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs were utilized to determine fair value. For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 Debt Securities, Available for Sale Equity Securities, Available for Sale Derivatives, Index Options Total Assets Other Liabilities (In thousands) Balance at July 1, 2015 $ — — 72,527 72,527 95,368 Total realized and unrealized gains (losses): Included in net income — — (52,816 ) (52,816 ) (42,887 ) Included in other comprehensive income — — — — — Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net: Purchases — — 24,891 24,891 24,891 Sales — — — — — Issuances — — — — — Settlements — — (19,376 ) (19,376 ) (19,377 ) Transfers into (out of) Level 3 — — — — — Balance at end of period $ — — 25,226 25,226 57,995 Change in unrealized gains or losses for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets held at the end of the reporting period: Net investment income $ — — (51,707 ) (51,707 ) — Benefits and expenses — — — — (1,048 ) Total $ — — (51,707 ) (51,707 ) (1,048 ) For the Three Months ended September 30, 2014 Debt Securities, Available for Sale Equity Securities, Available for Sale Derivatives, Index Options Total Assets Other Liabilities (In thousands) Balance at July 1, 2014 $ — — 146,514 146,514 171,428 Total realized and unrealized gains (losses): Included in net income — — 3,479 3,479 4,099 Included in other comprehensive income — — — — — Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net: Purchases — — 19,801 19,801 19,801 Sales — — — — — Issuances — — — — — Settlements — — (59,982 ) (59,982 ) (60,002 ) Transfers into (out of) Level 3 — — — — — Balance at end of period $ — — 109,812 109,812 135,326 Change in unrealized gains or losses for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets held at the end of the reporting period: Net investment income $ — — 747 747 — Benefits and expenses — — — — 175 Total $ — — 747 747 175 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 Debt Securities, Available for Sale Equity Securities, Available for Sale Derivatives, Index Options Total Assets Other Liabilities (In thousands) Beginning balance, January 1, 2015 $ — — 114,287 114,287 142,492 Total realized and unrealized gains (losses): Included in net income — — (69,884 ) (69,884 ) (64,923 ) Included in other comprehensive income — — — — — Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net: Purchases — — 64,820 64,820 64,820 Sales — — — — Issuances — — — — Settlements — — (83,997 ) (83,997 ) (84,394 ) Transfers into (out of) Level 3 — — — — — Balance at end of period $ — — 25,226 25,226 57,995 Change in unrealized gains or losses for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets held at the end of the reporting period: Net investment income $ — — (67,392 ) (67,392 ) — Other operating expenses — — — — (2,648 ) Total $ — — (67,392 ) (67,392 ) (2,648 ) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 Debt Securities, Available for Sale Equity Securities, Available for Sale Derivatives, Index Options Total Assets Other Liabilities (In thousands) Beginning balance, January 1, 2014 $ — — 169,314 169,314 193,338 Total realized and unrealized gains (losses): Included in net income — — 49,278 49,278 51,529 Included in other comprehensive income — — — — Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net: Purchases — — 53,370 53,370 53,370 Sales — — — — — Issuances — — — — — Settlements — — (162,150 ) (162,150 ) (162,911 ) Transfers into (out of) Level 3 — — — — — Balance at end of period $ — — 109,812 109,812 135,326 Change in unrealized gains or losses for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets held at the end of the reporting period: Net investment income $ — — 29,895 29,895 — Other operating expenses — — — — 3,266 Total $ — — 29,895 29,895 3,266
Schedule of quantitative information of Level 3 liabilities	The following tables show the quantitative information about the Company's level 3 assets and liabilities. September 30, 2015 Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input (In thousands) Derivatives, index options $ 25,226 Broker prices Implied volatility Inputs from broker proprietary models Total assets $ 25,226 Policyholder account balances $ 51,784 Deterministic cash flow model Projected option cost Other liabilities 6,211 Black-Scholes model Expected term Forfeiture assumptions Total liabilities $ 57,995 December 31, 2014 Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input (In thousands) Derivatives, index options $ 114,287 Broker prices Implied volatility Inputs from broker proprietary models Total assets $ 114,287 Policyholder account balances $ 133,236 Deterministic cash flow model Projected option cost Other liabilities 9,256 Black-Scholes model Expected term Forfeiture assumptions Total liabilities $ 142,492
Schedule of quantitative information of Level 3 assets	he following tables show the quantitative information about the Company's level 3 assets and liabilities. September 30, 2015 Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input (In thousands) Derivatives, index options $ 25,226 Broker prices Implied volatility Inputs from broker proprietary models Total assets $ 25,226 Policyholder account balances $ 51,784 Deterministic cash flow model Projected option cost Other liabilities 6,211 Black-Scholes model Expected term Forfeiture assumptions Total liabilities $ 57,995 December 31, 2014 Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input (In thousands) Derivatives, index options $ 114,287 Broker prices Implied volatility Inputs from broker proprietary models Total assets $ 114,287 Policyholder account balances $ 133,236 Deterministic cash flow model Projected option cost Other liabilities 9,256 Black-Scholes model Expected term Forfeiture assumptions Total liabilities $ 142,492
Schedule of Carrying Amounts and Fair Values of Financial Instruments	The carrying amounts and fair values of the Company's financial instruments are as follows: September 30, 2015 Fair Value Hierarchy Level Carrying Values Fair Values Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (In thousands) ASSETS Investments in debt and equity securities: Securities held to maturity $ 7,190,780 7,466,665 — 7,466,665 — Securities available for sale 2,859,953 2,859,953 17,122 2,842,831 — Cash and cash equivalents 86,357 86,357 86,357 — — Mortgage loans 88,061 92,370 — — 92,370 Policy loans 61,611 111,616 — — 111,616 Other loans 1,350 1,472 — — 1,472 Derivatives, index options 25,226 25,226 — — 25,226 Short-term investments — — — — — Life interest in Trust — 12,775 — — 12,775 LIABILITIES Deferred annuity contracts $ 7,609,015 7,221,844 — — 7,221,844 Immediate annuity and supplemental contracts 440,670 472,922 — — 472,922 December 31, 2014 Fair Value Hierarchy Level Carrying Values Fair Values Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (In thousands) ASSETS Investments in debt and equity securities: Securities held to maturity $ 6,841,543 7,175,443 — 7,175,443 — Securities available for sale 2,728,680 2,728,680 16,862 2,711,818 — Cash and cash equivalents 277,078 277,078 277,078 — — Mortgage loans 149,503 156,548 — — 156,548 Policy loans 63,645 111,040 — — 111,040 Other loans 2,171 2,300 — — 2,300 Derivatives, index options 114,287 114,287 — — 114,287 Life interest in Trust — 12,775 — — 12,775 LIABILITIES Deferred annuity contracts $ 7,546,504 7,178,535 — — 7,178,535 Immediate annuity and supplemental contracts 446,458 474,843 — — 474,843

Derivative Investments (Tables)

Derivative Investments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Fair Value of Derivative Instruments	The tables below present the fair value of derivative instruments as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively. September 30, 2015 Asset Derivatives Liability Derivatives Balance Sheet Location Fair Value Balance Sheet Location Fair Value (In thousands) (In thousands) Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments Equity index options Derivatives, Index Options $ 25,226 Fixed-index products Universal Life and Annuity Contracts $ 51,784 Total $ 25,226 $ 51,784 December 31, 2014 Asset Derivatives Liability Derivatives Balance Sheet Location Fair Value Balance Sheet Location Fair Value (In thousands) (In thousands) Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments Equity index options Derivatives, Index Options $ 114,287 Fixed-index products Universal Life and Annuity Contracts $ 133,236 Total $ 114,287 $ 133,236
Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings	The table below presents the effect of derivative instruments in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 . September 30, September 30, Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized In Income on Derivatives Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives (In thousands) Equity index options Net investment income $ (52,816 ) 3,479 Fixed-index products Universal life and annuity contract interest 41,839 (4,033 ) $ (10,977 ) (554 ) The table below presents the effect of derivative instruments in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 . September 30, September 30, Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized In Income on Derivatives Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives (In thousands) Equity index options Net investment income $ (69,884 ) 49,278 Fixed-index products Universal life and annuity contract interest 62,275 (49,003 ) $ (7,609 ) 275

Consolidation and Basis of Pr28

Consolidation and Basis of Presentation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Other net investment gains (losses)	$ 813	$ 2,169	$ 6,156	$ 6,782
Earnings before Federal income taxes	25,124	43,328	99,342	116,248
Federal income taxes	8,903	14,862	32,937	38,773
Net earnings	16,221	28,466	66,405	77,475
Unrealized Gains and Losses on Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Amount Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Other net investment gains (losses)	147	1,474	3,362	5,156
Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings	0	0	(107)	(35)
Earnings before Federal income taxes	147	1,474	3,255	5,121
Federal income taxes	51	516	1,139	1,792
Net earnings	$ 96	$ 958	$ 2,116	$ 3,329

Stockholders' Equity (Details)

Stockholders' Equity (Details) - USD ($)	Oct. 16, 2015	Aug. 16, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 01, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Jun. 20, 2008	Jun. 25, 2004
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Maximum dividend payment which may be paid without prior approval from Colorado Division of Insurance					$ 118,200,000
Common Class A [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, par value					$ 1	$ 1	$ 1	$ 1
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared		$ 0.36	$ 0.36
Common Class B [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, par value					$ 1	$ 1
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared			$ 0.18
Newco Merger [Member] | Common Class A [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, par value				$ 0.01
Newco Merger [Member] | Common Class B [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, par value				$ 0.01
Subsequent Event [Member] | Common Class B [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$ 0.18

Earnings Per Share (Details)

Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Net income	$ 16,221	$ 28,466	$ 66,405	$ 77,475
Undistributed income	16,221	27,194	66,405	76,203
Allocation of net income:
Allocation of undistributed income	16,221	27,194	66,405	76,203
Net earnings	16,221	28,466	66,405	77,475
Class A [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Net income	15,763	27,661	64,527	75,284
Dividends	0	(1,236)	0	(1,236)
Undistributed income	15,763	26,425	64,527	74,048
Allocation of net income:
Dividends	0	1,236	0	1,236
Allocation of undistributed income	15,763	26,425	64,527	74,048
Net earnings	$ 15,763	$ 27,661	$ 64,527	$ 75,284
Denominator:
Basic earnings per share - weighted-average shares (in shares)	3,436	3,436	3,436	3,435
Effect of dilutive stock options (in shares)	1	2	1	2
Diluted earnings per share - adjusted weighted-average shares for assumed conversions (in shares)	3,437	3,438	3,437	3,437
Basic Earnings Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 4.59	$ 8.05	$ 18.78	$ 21.92
Diluted Earnings Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 4.59	$ 8.05	$ 18.77	$ 21.91
Class B [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Net income	$ 458	$ 805	$ 1,878	$ 2,191
Dividends	0	(36)	0	(36)
Undistributed income	458	769	1,878	2,155
Allocation of net income:
Dividends	0	36	0	36
Allocation of undistributed income	458	769	1,878	2,155
Net earnings	$ 458	$ 805	$ 1,878	$ 2,191
Denominator:
Basic earnings per share - weighted-average shares (in shares)	200	200	200	200
Effect of dilutive stock options (in shares)	0	0	0	0
Diluted earnings per share - adjusted weighted-average shares for assumed conversions (in shares)	200	200	200	200
Basic Earnings Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 2.29	$ 4.03	$ 9.39	$ 10.95
Diluted Earnings Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 2.29	$ 4.03	$ 9.39	$ 10.95

Earnings Per Share (Antidilutiv

Earnings Per Share (Antidilutive Securities) (Details) - shares	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Securities outstanding but not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share			21,100	22,300
Equity Option [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Securities outstanding but not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share	20,800	22,200

Pension and Other Postretirem32

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)benefit_plan	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)benefit_plan	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2007
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benfit Plans, Number of Healthcare Plans | benefit_plan	2		2
Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Vesting percentage in accrued benefits from plan freeze					100.00%
Service cost	$ 51	$ 42	$ 153	$ 126
Interest cost	246	239	738	718
Expected return on plan assets	(330)	(320)	(991)	(959)
Amortization of prior service cost	1	1	3	3
Amortization of net loss	196	106	588	317
Net periodic benefit cost	164	68	491	205
Minimum required contribution	0		0
Company contributions to plan			0	0
Chairman and President Non-Qualified Defined Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Service cost	64	74	192	222
Interest cost	219	250	657	752
Amortization of prior service cost	14	15	44	44
Amortization of net loss	379	323	1,136	970
Net periodic benefit cost	676	662	2,029	1,988
Company contributions to plan			1,300
Company expected contributions to plans in fiscal year			2,000
Defined Benefit Postretirement Healthcare Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Interest cost	33	28	98	83
Amortization of prior service cost	25	26	77	78
Amortization of net loss	15	(1)	45	(3)
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 73	$ 53	$ 220	$ 158
Minimum [Member] | Chairman and President Non-Qualified Defined Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Aggregate average annual participant salary increase (as a percentage)			10.00%

Segment and Other Operating I33

Segment and Other Operating Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Selected Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Items:
Total segment assets	$ 11,546,145	$ 11,259,076	$ 11,546,145	$ 11,259,076	$ 11,351,892
Other policyholder liabilities	146,603		146,603		$ 139,222
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:
Premiums and contract revenues	44,015	41,108	129,182	126,770
Net investment income	56,209	110,966	258,391	374,596
Other revenues	5,067	5,377	15,590	16,351
Realized gains (losses) on investments	813	2,169	6,049	6,747
Total condensed consolidated premiums and other revenues	106,104	159,620	409,212	524,464
Life and other policy benefits	14,181	13,163	49,567	40,922
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs	32,058	23,467	87,780	79,304
Universal life and annuity contract interest	16,259	59,211	114,729	224,576
Other operating expenses	18,482	20,451	57,794	63,414
Federal income taxes (benefit)	8,619	14,102	30,820	36,411
Taxes on realized gains (losses) on investments	284	760	2,117	2,362
Total condensed consolidated Federal income taxes	8,903	14,862	32,937	38,773
Total expenses				444,627
Segment earnings (loss)	15,692	27,057	62,473	73,090
Realized gains (losses) on investments, net of taxes	529	1,409	3,932	4,385
Net earnings	16,221	28,466	66,405	77,475
Domestic Life Insurance [Member]
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:
Total expenses				43,560
Segment earnings (loss)				2,601
International Life Insurance [Member]
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:
Total expenses				98,305
Segment earnings (loss)				25,824
Annuities [Member]
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:
Total expenses				282,824
Segment earnings (loss)				34,144
All Others [Member]
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:
Total expenses				19,938
Segment earnings (loss)				10,521
Segments [Member]
Selected Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Items:
Deferred policy acquisition costs and sales inducements	992,116	956,066	992,116	956,066
Total segment assets	11,354,323	11,051,908	11,354,323	11,051,908
Future policy benefits	9,641,928	9,404,645	9,641,928	9,404,645
Other policyholder liabilities	146,603	142,175	146,603	142,175
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:
Premiums and contract revenues	44,015	41,108	129,182	126,770
Net investment income	56,209	110,966	258,391	374,596
Other revenues	5,067	5,377	15,590	16,351
Total condensed consolidated premiums and other revenues	105,291	157,451	403,163	517,717
Life and other policy benefits	14,181	13,163	49,567	40,922
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs	32,058	23,467	87,780	79,304
Universal life and annuity contract interest	16,259	59,211	114,729	224,576
Other operating expenses	18,482	20,451	57,794	63,414
Federal income taxes (benefit)	8,619	14,102	30,820	36,411
Total expenses	89,599	130,394	340,690
Segment earnings (loss)	15,692	27,057	62,473
Segments [Member] | Domestic Life Insurance [Member]
Selected Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Items:
Deferred policy acquisition costs and sales inducements	73,746	61,087	73,746	61,087
Total segment assets	831,407	705,156	831,407	705,156
Future policy benefits	720,998	611,550	720,998	611,550
Other policyholder liabilities	11,437	12,742	11,437	12,742
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:
Premiums and contract revenues	8,259	6,847	22,683	22,077
Net investment income	2,095	6,859	17,265	24,044
Other revenues	3	19	23	40
Total condensed consolidated premiums and other revenues	10,357	13,725	39,971	46,161
Life and other policy benefits	3,545	3,353	12,540	7,268
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs	1,594	1,166	6,473	5,346
Universal life and annuity contract interest	14	5,803	10,413	19,066
Other operating expenses	2,397	2,314	9,554	10,585
Federal income taxes (benefit)	911	379	327	1,295
Total expenses	8,461	13,015	39,307
Segment earnings (loss)	1,896	710	664
Segments [Member] | International Life Insurance [Member]
Selected Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Items:
Deferred policy acquisition costs and sales inducements	252,632	242,124	252,632	242,124
Total segment assets	1,260,628	1,223,571	1,260,628	1,223,571
Future policy benefits	944,618	944,505	944,618	944,505
Other policyholder liabilities	17,835	12,226	17,835	12,226
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:
Premiums and contract revenues	29,773	29,135	89,470	87,906
Net investment income	448	8,273	17,847	35,902
Other revenues	5	20	66	321
Total condensed consolidated premiums and other revenues	30,226	37,428	107,383	124,129
Life and other policy benefits	5,002	9,672	16,794	16,375
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs	6,834	2,525	11,347	18,078
Universal life and annuity contract interest	(854)	6,956	13,203	32,820
Other operating expenses	3,929	6,307	15,063	18,167
Federal income taxes (benefit)	5,363	4,143	16,840	12,865
Total expenses	20,274	29,603	73,247
Segment earnings (loss)	9,952	7,825	34,136
Segments [Member] | Annuities [Member]
Selected Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Items:
Deferred policy acquisition costs and sales inducements	665,738	652,855	665,738	652,855
Total segment assets	8,999,978	8,871,276	8,999,978	8,871,276
Future policy benefits	7,976,312	7,848,590	7,976,312	7,848,590
Other policyholder liabilities	117,331	117,207	117,331	117,207
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:
Premiums and contract revenues	5,983	5,126	17,029	16,787
Net investment income	49,518	90,835	208,263	300,118
Other revenues	12	23	31	63
Total condensed consolidated premiums and other revenues	55,513	95,984	225,323	316,968
Life and other policy benefits	5,634	138	20,233	17,279
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs	23,630	19,776	69,960	55,880
Universal life and annuity contract interest	17,099	46,452	91,113	172,690
Other operating expenses	7,254	7,045	18,866	19,965
Federal income taxes (benefit)	825	7,681	8,309	17,010
Total expenses	54,442	81,092	208,481
Segment earnings (loss)	1,071	14,892	16,842
Segments [Member] | All Others [Member]
Selected Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Items:
Deferred policy acquisition costs and sales inducements	0	0	0	0
Total segment assets	262,310	251,905	262,310	251,905
Future policy benefits	0	0	0	0
Other policyholder liabilities	0	0	0	0
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:
Premiums and contract revenues	0	0	0	0
Net investment income	4,148	4,999	15,016	14,532
Other revenues	5,047	5,315	15,470	15,927
Total condensed consolidated premiums and other revenues	9,195	10,314	30,486	30,459
Life and other policy benefits	0	0	0	0
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs	0	0	0	0
Universal life and annuity contract interest	0	0	0	0
Other operating expenses	4,902	4,785	14,311	14,697
Federal income taxes (benefit)	1,520	1,899	5,344	5,241
Total expenses	6,422	6,684	19,655
Segment earnings (loss)	2,773	3,630	10,831
Other unallocated [Member]
Selected Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Items:
Total segment assets	$ 191,822	$ 207,168	$ 191,822	$ 207,168

Share-Based Payments (General D

Share-Based Payments (General Descriptions) (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)$ / shares	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)plan$ / shares	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014$ / shares	Jun. 20, 2008$ / sharesshares	Jun. 25, 2004$ / sharesshares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of plans | plan			2
Expiration period of awards			10 years
Period in force, from which option holders may elect to sell back acquired shares			90 days
Pre-tax compensation cost (benefit) recognized	$ (1)	$ 0	$ (2.6)	$ 2.5
Compensation cost (benefit), tax expense (benefit)	0.4	$ 0	0.9	$ 0.8
Compensation cost related to nonvested options not yet recognized	$ 1.6		$ 1.6
Weighted average period over which the compensation is expected to be recognized			2 years
Common Class A [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock, par value | $ / shares	$ 1		$ 1		$ 1	$ 1	$ 1
Director [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Annual vesting percentage			20.00%
Requisite service period of awards			1 year
Employees [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Annual vesting percentage			20.00%
Requisite service period of awards			3 years
1995 Plan [Member] | Common Class A [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based payments, number of shares authorized under plans | shares							300,000
2008 Plan [Member] | Common Class A [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based payments, number of shares authorized under plans | shares						300,000

Share-Based Payments (Options a

Share-Based Payments (Options and Stock Appreciation Rights Outstanding) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares Available For Grant, Beginning Balance	291,000
Shares Available For Grant, Exercised	0
Shares Available For Grant, Forfeited	0
Shares Available For Grant, Expired	0
Shares Available For Grant, Granted	0
Shares Available For Grant, Ending Balance	291,000
Shares/Awards
Balance at January 1, 2015	29,768
Exercised	0
Forfeited	(1,000)
Expired	0
Granted	0
Balance at September 30, 2015	28,768
Weighted-Average Exercise Price (usd per share)
Balance at January 1, 2015	$ 242.48
Exercised	0
Forfeited	255.13
Expired	0
Granted	0
Balance at September 30, 2015	$ 242.04
Compensation cost, liability balance	$ 6.2	$ 7.7
Cash received from exercise of options	0.6	0.7
Total fair value of shares vested	$ 0	0.2
Stock Appreciation Rights [Member]
Shares/Awards
Balance at January 1, 2015	92,186
Exercised	(3,975)
Forfeited	0
Granted	0
Balance at September 30, 2015	88,211
Weighted-Average Exercise Price (usd per share)
Balance at January 1, 2015	$ 157.71
Exercised	143.19
Forfeited	0
Granted	0
Balance at September 30, 2015	$ 158.36
Total intrinsic value of options exercised	$ 0.4	0.8
Total share-based liabilities paid	$ 0.4	$ 0.6

Share-Based Payments (Exercise

Share-Based Payments (Exercise Range) (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Number Outstanding	116,979
Number Outstanding, Aggregate intrinsic value | $	$ 5,796
Number Exercisable	59,286
Options Exercisable, Aggregate intrinsic value | $	$ 3,060
Closing stock price | $ / shares	$ 222.70
Exercise Price $255.13 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise price | $ / shares	255.13
Exercise Price $208.05 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise price | $ / shares	$ 208.05
Employee Stock Option [Member] | Exercise Price $255.13 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Number Outstanding	20,768
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life	2 years 7 months 6 days
Number Exercisable	20,768
Employee Stock Option [Member] | Exercise Price $208.05 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Number Outstanding	8,000
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life	2 years 8 months 12 days
Number Exercisable	8,000
Stock Appreciation Rights [Member] | Exercise Price $236.00 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise price | $ / shares	$ 236
Number Outstanding	250
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life	2 years 10 months 24 days
Number Exercisable	250
Stock Appreciation Rights [Member] | Exercise Price $114.64 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise price | $ / shares	$ 114.64
Number Outstanding	23,943
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life	3 years 4 months 24 days
Number Exercisable	19,764
Stock Appreciation Rights [Member] | Exercise Price $132.56 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise price | $ / shares	$ 132.56
Number Outstanding	29,518
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life	6 years 2 months 12 days
Number Exercisable	8,704
Stock Appreciation Rights [Member] | Exercise Price $210.22 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise price | $ / shares	$ 210.22
Number Outstanding	34,500
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life	8 years 2 months 12 days
Number Exercisable	1,800

Share-Based Payments (Black Sch

Share-Based Payments (Black Scholes Option Pricing Model Assumptions) (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected volatility, minimum	21.11%	19.67%
Expected volatility, maximum	37.77%	37.75%
Expected dividend yield	0.16%	0.13%
Risk-free rate, minimum	0.22%	0.13%
Risk-free rate, maximum	1.54%	1.62%
Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected term of options	2 years 7 months 6 days	3 years 3 months 18 days
Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected term of options	8 years 2 months 12 days	9 years
Weighted-average [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected volatility, weighted-average	23.82%	22.91%
Risk-free rate, weighted-average	0.59%	0.56%

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 26, 2011	Sep. 30, 2015
Deferred Annuities Litigation [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Life settlement options for policyholders, option 1		10 years
Life settlement options for policyholders, option 2		20 years
Litigation reserve		$ 6,500
Brazilian Superintendence of Private Insurance [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Fine SUSEP is attempting to impose on the company	$ 6,000,000
Existing Loans [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Other commitment		4,900
New Loans [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Other commitment		$ 29,000

Investments (Investment Gains a

Investments (Investment Gains and Losses) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Held to maturity debt securities:
Real estate gains (losses)	$ 0	$ 820	$ 0	$ 954
Other	0	(478)	0	(478)
Totals	$ 813	2,169	$ 6,156	6,782
Percentage of gains on bonds, due to calls of securities	84.00%		90.00%
Total other-than-temporary impairment gains (losses) on debt securities	$ 284	0	$ 549	(4)
Portion of loss (gain) recognized in comprehensive income	(284)	0	(549)	(3)
Net impairment losses on debt securities recognized in earnings	0	0	0	(7)
Equity securities impairments	0	0	(107)	(28)
Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings	0	0	(107)	(35)
Non-Credit Other-than-Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance, cumulative credit losses related to other-than-temporary impairments	2,278		2,298	2,472	$ 2,472
Reductions for securities sold during current period	0		(20)		(181)
Additions for credit losses not previously recognized in other-than-temporary impairments			0		7
Ending balance, cumulative credit losses related to other-than-temporary impairments	2,278		2,278		$ 2,298
Debt Securities [Member]
Available for sale debt securities:
Realized gains on disposal	125	1,467	3,323	5,144
Realized losses on disposal	0	0	(74)	(22)
Held to maturity debt securities:
Realized gains on disposal	666	353	2,794	1,167
Realized losses on disposal	0	0	0	(17)
Equity Securities [Member]
Held to maturity debt securities:
Equity securities realized gains (losses)	$ 22	$ 7	$ 113	$ 34

Investments (Securities Held to

Investments (Securities Held to Maturity) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Total	$ 7,190,780	$ 6,841,543
Gross Unrealized Gains	322,807	357,805
Gross Unrealized Losses	(46,922)	(23,905)
Fair Value	7,466,665	7,175,443
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	1,341,565	183,821
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	(30,250)	(3,307)
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	437,229	951,284
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	(16,672)	(20,598)
Total, Fair Value	1,778,794	1,135,105
Total, Unrealized Losses	(46,922)	(23,905)
U.S. Agencies [Member]
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Total	15,029	10,061
Gross Unrealized Gains	409	705
Gross Unrealized Losses	(26)	0
Fair Value	15,412	10,766
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	4,969
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	(26)
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	0
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	0
Total, Fair Value	4,969
Total, Unrealized Losses	(26)	0
U.S. Treasury [Member]
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Total	1,925	1,920
Gross Unrealized Gains	370	409
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Fair Value	2,295	2,329
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Total, Unrealized Losses	0	0
States and Political Subdivisions [Member]
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Total	444,684	432,186
Gross Unrealized Gains	31,371	31,417
Gross Unrealized Losses	(875)	(336)
Fair Value	475,180	463,267
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	27,327	0
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	(350)	0
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	12,969	23,076
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	(525)	(336)
Total, Fair Value	40,296	23,076
Total, Unrealized Losses	(875)	(336)
Foreign Governments [Member]
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Total	0
Gross Unrealized Gains	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	0
Fair Value	0
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Total, Unrealized Losses	0
Public Utilities [Member]
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Total	1,032,194	978,847
Gross Unrealized Gains	55,581	67,836
Gross Unrealized Losses	(2,705)	(757)
Fair Value	1,085,070	1,045,926
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	137,759	7,078
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	(2,218)	(13)
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	18,021	48,198
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	(487)	(744)
Total, Fair Value	155,780	55,276
Total, Unrealized Losses	(2,705)	(757)
Corporate [Member]
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Total	4,141,368	3,754,222
Gross Unrealized Gains	151,607	183,650
Gross Unrealized Losses	(40,446)	(18,591)
Fair Value	4,252,529	3,919,281
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	1,081,635	156,839
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	(26,747)	(2,997)
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	318,517	698,316
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	(13,699)	(15,594)
Total, Fair Value	1,400,152	855,155
Total, Unrealized Losses	(40,446)	(18,591)
Mortgage-backed [Member]
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Total	1,534,339	1,640,582
Gross Unrealized Gains	78,862	68,726
Gross Unrealized Losses	(2,870)	(4,164)
Fair Value	1,610,331	1,705,144
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	89,875	17,698
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	(909)	(240)
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	87,722	181,694
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	(1,961)	(3,924)
Total, Fair Value	177,597	199,392
Total, Unrealized Losses	(2,870)	(4,164)
Home Equity [Member]
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Total	18,092	18,886
Gross Unrealized Gains	4,327	4,734
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	(57)
Fair Value	22,419	23,563
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value		2,206
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses		(57)
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value		0
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses		0
Total, Fair Value		2,206
Total, Unrealized Losses	0	(57)
Manufactured Housing [Member]
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Total	3,149	4,839
Gross Unrealized Gains	280	328
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Fair Value	3,429	5,167
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Total, Unrealized Losses	$ 0	$ 0

Investments (Securities Availab

Investments (Securities Available for Sale) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Total	$ 2,769,363	$ 2,577,275
Gross Unrealized Gains, Debt securities	107,136	143,234
Gross Unrealized Losses, Debt securities	(34,238)	(9,132)
Fair Value, Debt securities	2,842,261	2,711,377
Amortized Cost, Equity securities		12,799
Gross Unrealized Gains, Equity securities		4,849
Gross Unrealized Losses, Equity securities		(345)
Fair Value, Equity securities		17,303
Amortized Cost	2,783,145	2,590,074
Gross Unrealized Gains	111,337	148,083
Gross Unrealized Losses	(34,529)	(9,477)
Fair Value	2,859,953	2,728,680
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	748,391	100,678
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	(24,016)	(3,042)
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	133,776	211,706
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	(10,513)	(6,435)
Total, Fair Value	882,167	312,384
Total, Unrealized Losses	(34,529)	(9,477)
Debt Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value	2,842,261	2,711,377
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	745,054	100,373
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	(23,773)	(2,990)
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	132,257	207,905
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	(10,465)	(6,142)
Total, Fair Value	877,311	308,278
Total, Unrealized Losses	(34,238)	(9,132)
States and Political Subdivisions [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Total	586	589
Gross Unrealized Gains, Debt securities	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses, Debt securities	(47)	(36)
Fair Value, Debt securities	539	553
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	0	0
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	0	0
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	539	553
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	(47)	(36)
Total, Fair Value	539	553
Total, Unrealized Losses	(47)	(36)
Foreign Governments [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Total	9,945	9,939
Gross Unrealized Gains, Debt securities	405	386
Gross Unrealized Losses, Debt securities	0	0
Fair Value, Debt securities	10,350	10,325
Public Utilities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Total	133,000	169,179
Gross Unrealized Gains, Debt securities	6,852	10,163
Gross Unrealized Losses, Debt securities	(570)	(126)
Fair Value, Debt securities	139,282	179,216
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	26,363	0
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	(570)	0
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	0	14,827
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	0	(126)
Total, Fair Value	26,363	14,827
Total, Unrealized Losses	(570)	(126)
Corporate [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Total	2,574,330	2,334,700
Gross Unrealized Gains, Debt securities	95,966	128,280
Gross Unrealized Losses, Debt securities	(33,612)	(8,961)
Fair Value, Debt securities	2,636,684	2,454,019
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	718,691	100,373
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	(23,203)	(2,990)
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	126,892	187,699
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	(10,409)	(5,971)
Total, Fair Value	845,583	288,072
Total, Unrealized Losses	(33,612)	(8,961)
Mortgage-backed [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Total	39,076	48,674
Gross Unrealized Gains, Debt securities	3,692	4,116
Gross Unrealized Losses, Debt securities	0	0
Fair Value, Debt securities	42,768	52,790
Home Equity [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Total	11,185	11,702
Gross Unrealized Gains, Debt securities	187	225
Gross Unrealized Losses, Debt securities	(9)	(9)
Fair Value, Debt securities	11,363	11,918
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	0	0
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	0	0
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	4,826	4,826
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	(9)	(9)
Total, Fair Value	4,826	4,826
Total, Unrealized Losses	(9)	(9)
Manufactured Housing [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Total	1,241	2,492
Gross Unrealized Gains, Debt securities	34	64
Gross Unrealized Losses, Debt securities	0	0
Fair Value, Debt securities	1,275	2,556
Equity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value	17,692	17,303
Equity Public [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost, Equity securities	13,782
Gross Unrealized Gains, Equity securities	4,201
Gross Unrealized Losses, Equity securities	(291)
Fair Value, Equity securities	17,692
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	3,337	305
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	(243)	(52)
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	1,519	3,801
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	(48)	(293)
Total, Fair Value	4,856	4,106
Total, Unrealized Losses	$ (291)	$ (345)

Investments (Unrealized Losses)

Investments (Unrealized Losses) (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)security
Asset-Backed Security [Member]
Available-for-Sale Securities and Held-to-Maturity Securities [Line Items]
Securities, other-than-temporarily impaired | $	$ 0
Debt Securities [Member]
Available-for-Sale Securities and Held-to-Maturity Securities [Line Items]
Gross unrealized losses, number of issues	317
Gross unrealized losses, percentage of total debt	23.70%
Gross unrealized losses, market value as a percent of amortized cost	97.00%
Gross unrealized losses, number of securities with maturities of 12 months or greater	82
Gross unrealized losses, number of securities with maturities of 12 months or greater (as a percentage)	25.90%
Equity Securities [Member]
Available-for-Sale Securities and Held-to-Maturity Securities [Line Items]
Gross unrealized losses, number of securities rated investment grade	37
External Credit Rating, Investment Grade [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Available-for-Sale Securities and Held-to-Maturity Securities [Line Items]
Gross unrealized losses, number of securities rated investment grade	310

Investments (Mortgage Loans and

Investments (Mortgage Loans and Real Estate) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loan, amount		$ 88,711		$ 150,153
Allowance for possible losses, amount		(650)		(650)
Totals, amount	[1]	$ 88,061		$ 149,503
Mortgage loans, percentage		100.00%		100.00%
Allowance for possible losses, percentage		(0.70%)		(0.40%)
Totals, percentage	[1]	99.30%		99.60%
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period		$ 650	$ 650
Provision		0	0
Releases		0	$ 0
Balance, end of period		650
Less than 50% [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loan, amount		$ 56,117		$ 52,564
Mortgage loans, percentage		63.30%		35.00%
50% to 60% [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loan, amount		$ 8,328		$ 50,553
Mortgage loans, percentage		9.40%		33.70%
60% to 70% [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loan, amount		$ 0		$ 14,567
Mortgage loans, percentage		0.00%		9.70%
70% to 80% [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loan, amount		$ 10,128		$ 12,656
Mortgage loans, percentage		11.40%		8.40%
80% to 90% [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loan, amount		$ 14,138		$ 5,399
Mortgage loans, percentage		15.90%		3.60%
Greater than 90% [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loan, amount		$ 0		$ 14,414
Mortgage loans, percentage		0.00%		9.60%
Maximum [Member]
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward]
Loan to Value Ratio, threshold, percentage		90.00%
Minimum [Member]
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward]
Loan to Value Ratio, threshold, percentage		80.00%
[1]	Loan-to-Value Ratio determined using the most recent appraised value.

Investments (Contractual Maturi

Investments (Contractual Maturity) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Securities Available for Sale- Amortized Cost
Due in 1 year or less	$ 162,797
Due after 1 year through 5 years	758,016
Due after 5 years through 10 years	1,751,382
Due after 10 years	58,092
Amortized Cost	2,730,287
Mortgage and asset-backed securities	39,076
Total	2,769,363	$ 2,577,275
Debt Securities Available for Sale- Fair Value
Due in 1 year or less	165,850
Due after 1 year through 5 years	818,079
Due after 5 years through 10 years	1,757,714
Due after 10 years	57,850
Fair Value	2,799,493
Mortgage and asset-backed securities	42,768
Total	2,842,261	2,711,377
Debt Securities Held to Maturity - Amortized Costs
Due in 1 year or less	206,814
Due after 1 year through 5 years	1,293,120
Due after 5 years through 10 years	3,816,636
Due after 10 years	339,871
Amortized Cost	5,656,441
Mortgage and asset-backed securities	1,534,339
Total	7,190,780	6,841,543
Debt Securities Held to Maturity - Fair Value
Due in 1 year or less	211,809
Due after 1 year through 5 years	1,413,192
Due after 5 years through 10 years	3,877,574
Due after 10 years	353,759
Fair Value	5,856,334
Mortgage and asset-backed securities	1,610,331
Total	$ 7,466,665	$ 7,175,443

Fair Value of Financial Instr45

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale		$ 2,859,953	$ 2,728,680
Derivatives, index options		25,226	114,287
Total assets		2,885,179	2,842,967
Policyholder account balances	[1]	51,784	133,236
Other liabilities	[2]	6,211	9,256
Total liabilities		$ 57,995	$ 142,492
Percent of total		100.00%	100.00%
Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale		$ 17,122	$ 16,862
Derivatives, index options		0	0
Total assets		17,122	16,862
Policyholder account balances		0	0
Other liabilities		0	0
Total liabilities		$ 0	$ 0
Percent of total		0.60%	0.60%
Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale		$ 2,842,831	$ 2,711,818
Derivatives, index options		0	0
Total assets		2,842,831	2,711,818
Policyholder account balances		0	0
Other liabilities		0	0
Total liabilities		$ 0	$ 0
Percent of total		98.50%	95.40%
Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale		$ 0	$ 0
Derivatives, index options		25,226	114,287
Total assets		25,226	114,287
Policyholder account balances		51,784	133,236
Other liabilities		6,211	9,256
Total liabilities		$ 57,995	$ 142,492
Percent of total		0.90%	4.00%
Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale		$ 2,842,261	$ 2,711,377
Debt Securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale		0	0
Debt Securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale		2,842,261	2,711,377
Debt Securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale		0	0
Equity Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale		17,692	17,303
Equity Securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale		17,122	16,862
Equity Securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale		570	441
Equity Securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale		0	0
Derivatives, Index Options [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives, index options		25,226	114,287
Derivatives, Index Options [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives, index options		0	0
Derivatives, Index Options [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives, index options		0	0
Derivatives, Index Options [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives, index options		25,226	114,287
Priced by Third-Party Vendors [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives, index options		25,226	114,287
Priced by Third-Party Vendors [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives, index options		0	0
Priced by Third-Party Vendors [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives, index options		0	0
Priced by Third-Party Vendors [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives, index options		25,226	114,287
Priced by Third-Party Vendors [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale		2,842,261	2,711,377
Priced by Third-Party Vendors [Member] | Debt Securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale		0	0
Priced by Third-Party Vendors [Member] | Debt Securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale		2,842,261	2,711,377
Priced by Third-Party Vendors [Member] | Debt Securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale		0	0
Priced by Third-Party Vendors [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale		17,692	17,303
Priced by Third-Party Vendors [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale		17,122	16,862
Priced by Third-Party Vendors [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale		570	441
Priced by Third-Party Vendors [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale		0	0
Priced Internally [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives, index options		0	0
Priced Internally [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives, index options		0	0
Priced Internally [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives, index options		0	0
Priced Internally [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives, index options		0	0
Priced Internally [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale		0	0
Priced Internally [Member] | Debt Securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale		0	0
Priced Internally [Member] | Debt Securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale		0	0
Priced Internally [Member] | Debt Securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale		0	0
Priced Internally [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale		0	0
Priced Internally [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale		0	0
Priced Internally [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale		0	0
Priced Internally [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale		$ 0	$ 0
[1]	Represents the fair value of certain product-related embedded derivatives that were recorded at fair value.
[2]	Represents the liability for share-based compensation.

Fair Value of Financial Instr46

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Fair Value Measurements for Level 3 Instruments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 72,527	$ 146,514	$ 114,287	$ 169,314
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):
Included in net income	(52,816)	3,479	(69,884)	49,278
Included in other comprehensive income	0	0	0	0
Purchases	24,891	19,801	64,820	53,370
Sales	0	0	0	0
Issuances	0	0	0	0
Settlements	(19,376)	(59,982)	(83,997)	(162,150)
Transfers into (out of) Level 3	0	0	0	0
Balance at end of period	25,226	109,812	25,226	109,812
Change in unrealized gains or losses for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets held at the end of the reporting period:	(51,707)	747	(67,392)	29,895
Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	95,368	171,428	142,492	193,338
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):
Included in net income	(42,887)	4,099	(64,923)	$ 51,529
Included in other comprehensive income	0	0	0
Purchases	24,891	19,801	$ 64,820	$ 53,370
Sales	0	0		0
Issuances	0	0		0
Settlements	(19,377)	(60,002)	$ (84,394)	(162,911)
Transfers into (out of) Level 3	0	0	0	0
Balance at end of period	57,995	135,326	57,995	135,326
Change in unrealized gains or losses for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets held at the end of the reporting period:	(1,048)	175	(2,648)	3,266
Debt Securities, Available for Sale [Member]
Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	0	0	0	0
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):
Included in net income	0	0	0	0
Included in other comprehensive income	0	0	0	0
Purchases	0	0	0	0
Sales	0	0	0	0
Issuances	0	0	0	0
Settlements	0	0	0	0
Transfers into (out of) Level 3	0	0	0	0
Balance at end of period	0	0	0	0
Change in unrealized gains or losses for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets held at the end of the reporting period:	0	0	0	0
Equity Securities, Available for Sale [Member]
Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	0	0	0	0
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):
Included in net income	0	0	0	0
Included in other comprehensive income	0	0	0	0
Purchases	0	0	0	0
Sales	0	0	0	0
Issuances	0	0	0	0
Settlements	0	0	0	0
Transfers into (out of) Level 3	0	0	0	0
Balance at end of period	0	0	0	0
Change in unrealized gains or losses for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets held at the end of the reporting period:	0	0	0	0
Derivatives, Index Options [Member]
Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	72,527	146,514	114,287	169,314
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):
Included in net income	(52,816)	3,479	(69,884)	49,278
Included in other comprehensive income	0	0	0	0
Purchases	24,891	19,801	64,820	53,370
Sales	0	0	0	0
Issuances	0	0	0	0
Settlements	(19,376)	(59,982)	(83,997)	(162,150)
Transfers into (out of) Level 3	0	0	0	0
Balance at end of period	25,226	109,812	25,226	109,812
Change in unrealized gains or losses for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets held at the end of the reporting period:	(51,707)	747	(67,392)	29,895
Net Investment Income [Member]
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):
Change in unrealized gains or losses for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets held at the end of the reporting period:	(51,707)	747	(67,392)	29,895
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):
Change in unrealized gains or losses for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets held at the end of the reporting period:	0	0	0	0
Net Investment Income [Member] | Debt Securities, Available for Sale [Member]
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):
Change in unrealized gains or losses for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets held at the end of the reporting period:	0	0	0	0
Net Investment Income [Member] | Equity Securities, Available for Sale [Member]
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):
Change in unrealized gains or losses for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets held at the end of the reporting period:	0	0	0	0
Net Investment Income [Member] | Derivatives, Index Options [Member]
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):
Change in unrealized gains or losses for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets held at the end of the reporting period:	(51,707)	747	(67,392)	29,895
Other Operating Income (Expense) [Member]
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):
Change in unrealized gains or losses for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets held at the end of the reporting period:	0	0	0	0
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):
Change in unrealized gains or losses for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets held at the end of the reporting period:	(1,048)	175	(2,648)	3,266
Other Operating Income (Expense) [Member] | Debt Securities, Available for Sale [Member]
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):
Change in unrealized gains or losses for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets held at the end of the reporting period:	0	0	0	0
Other Operating Income (Expense) [Member] | Equity Securities, Available for Sale [Member]
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):
Change in unrealized gains or losses for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets held at the end of the reporting period:	0	0	0	0
Other Operating Income (Expense) [Member] | Derivatives, Index Options [Member]
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):
Change in unrealized gains or losses for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets held at the end of the reporting period:	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Values of Financial Inst47

Fair Values of Financial Instruments (Quantitative Information) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 2,885,179	$ 2,842,967
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	57,995	142,492
Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	25,226	114,287
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	57,995	142,492
Derivatives, Index Options [Member] | Broker Prices [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	25,226	114,287
Other Liabilities [Member] | Black Scholes [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	6,211	9,256
Policyholders Account Balance [Member] | Deterministic Cash Flow [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 51,784	$ 133,236

Fair Values of Financial Inst48

Fair Values of Financial Instruments (Fair Value by Balance Sheet Grouping) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
ASSETS
Securities held to maturity	$ 7,466,665	$ 7,175,443
Securities available for sale	2,859,953	2,728,680
Derivatives, index options	25,226	114,287
Fair Values [Member]
ASSETS
Securities held to maturity	7,466,665	7,175,443
Securities available for sale	2,859,953	2,728,680
Cash and cash equivalents	86,357	277,078
Mortgage loans	92,370	156,548
Policy loans	111,616	111,040
Other loans	1,472	2,300
Derivatives, index options	25,226	114,287
Short-term investments	0
Life interest in Trust	12,775	12,775
LIABILITIES
Deferred annuity contracts	7,221,844	7,178,535
Immediate annuity and supplemental contracts	472,922	474,843
Carrying Values [Member]
ASSETS
Securities held to maturity	7,190,780	6,841,543
Securities available for sale	2,859,953	2,728,680
Cash and cash equivalents	86,357	277,078
Mortgage loans	88,061	149,503
Policy loans	61,611	63,645
Other loans	1,350	2,171
Derivatives, index options	25,226	114,287
Short-term investments	0
Life interest in Trust	0	0
LIABILITIES
Deferred annuity contracts	7,609,015	7,546,504
Immediate annuity and supplemental contracts	440,670	446,458
Level 1 [Member]
ASSETS
Securities held to maturity	0	0
Securities available for sale	17,122	16,862
Cash and cash equivalents	86,357	277,078
Mortgage loans	0	0
Policy loans	0	0
Other loans	0	0
Derivatives, index options	0	0
Short-term investments	0
Life interest in Trust	0	0
LIABILITIES
Deferred annuity contracts	0	0
Immediate annuity and supplemental contracts	0	0
Level 2 [Member]
ASSETS
Securities held to maturity	7,466,665	7,175,443
Securities available for sale	2,842,831	2,711,818
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Mortgage loans	0	0
Policy loans	0	0
Other loans	0	0
Derivatives, index options	0	0
Short-term investments	0
Life interest in Trust	0	0
LIABILITIES
Deferred annuity contracts	0	0
Immediate annuity and supplemental contracts	0	0
Level 3 [Member]
ASSETS
Securities held to maturity	0	0
Securities available for sale	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Mortgage loans	92,370	156,548
Policy loans	111,616	111,040
Other loans	1,472	2,300
Derivatives, index options	25,226	114,287
Short-term investments	0
Life interest in Trust	12,775	12,775
LIABILITIES
Deferred annuity contracts	7,221,844	7,178,535
Immediate annuity and supplemental contracts	$ 472,922	$ 474,843

Derivative Investments (Balance

Derivative Investments (Balance Sheet) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives		$ 25,226	$ 114,287
Liability Derivatives	[1]	51,784	133,236
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives		25,226	114,287
Liability Derivatives		51,784	133,236
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Equity Index Options [Member] | Derivatives, Index Options [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives		25,226	114,287
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Fixed-Index Products [Member] | Universal Life and Annuity Contracts [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Liability Derivatives		$ 51,784	$ 133,236
[1]	Represents the fair value of certain product-related embedded derivatives that were recorded at fair value.

Derivative Investments (Stateme

Derivative Investments (Statements of Earnings) (Details) - Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives	$ (10,977)	$ (554)	$ (7,609)	$ 275
Equity Index Options [Member] | Investment Income [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives	(52,816)	3,479	(69,884)	49,278
Fixed-Index Products [Member] | Universal Life and Annuity Contract Interest [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives	$ 41,839	$ (4,033)	$ 62,275	$ (49,003)

Subsequent Events (Details)

Subsequent Events (Details) - $ / shares	Oct. 01, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Jun. 20, 2008	Jun. 25, 2004
Common Class A [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Common stock, par value		$ 1	$ 1	$ 1	$ 1
Common Class B [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Common stock, par value		$ 1	$ 1
MergerCo [Member] | Common Class A [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01
MergerCo [Member] | Common Class B [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01