National Western Life Group Inc - Ordinary Shares (NWLI) 10-Q 4 Nov 16 2016 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Nov. 03, 2016
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, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
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, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Investments:
Securities held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value: $7,542,335 and $7,335,436)	$ 7,106,373	$ 7,173,967
Securities available for sale, at fair value (cost: $2,934,609 and $2,847,414)	3,106,794	2,879,583
Mortgage loans, net of allowance for possible losses ($650 and $650)	146,913	108,311
Policy loans	59,218	61,957
Derivatives, index options	90,097	38,409
Other long-term investments	51,980	26,787
Short-term investments	14,972	0
Total investments	10,576,347	10,289,014
Cash and cash equivalents	177,288	106,007
Deferred policy acquisition costs	795,210	853,451
Deferred sales inducements	138,793	159,166
Accrued investment income	101,237	99,619
Federal income tax receivable	0	12,512
Other assets	91,729	92,807
Total assets	11,880,604	11,612,576
Future policy benefits:
Universal life and annuity contracts	9,661,675	9,561,358
Traditional life reserves	136,423	138,000
Other policyholder liabilities	150,087	155,261
Deferred Federal income tax liability	84,717	49,333
Federal income tax payable	9,149	0
Other liabilities	103,235	96,638
Total liabilities	10,145,286	10,000,590
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 8)
Common stock:
Additional paid-in capital	41,716	41,716
Accumulated other comprehensive income	46,381	329
Retained earnings	1,647,185	1,569,905
Total stockholders’ equity	1,735,318	1,611,986
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	11,880,604	11,612,576
Common Class A [Member]
Common stock:
Common stock, value outstanding	34	34
Common Class B [Member]
Common stock:
Common stock, value outstanding	$ 2	$ 2

Condensed Consolidated Balance3

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Securities held to maturity-fair value	$ 7,542,335	$ 7,335,436
Securities available for sale-amortized cost	2,934,609	2,847,414
Mortgage loans-allowance for possible losses	$ 650	$ 650
Common Class A [Member]
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Common stock, par value (usd per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
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 (usd per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
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, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Premiums and other revenues:
Universal life and annuity contract charges	$ 40,333	$ 39,175	$ 123,791	$ 114,833
Traditional life premiums	4,631	4,840	13,721	14,349
Net investment income	126,981	56,209	335,732	258,391
Other revenues	4,476	5,067	14,050	15,590
Net realized investment gains (losses):
Total other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) gains (losses)	27	284	80	442
Portion of OTTI (gains) losses recognized in other comprehensive income	(27)	(284)	(80)	(549)
Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings	0	0	0	(107)
Other net investment gains (losses)	5,426	813	10,589	6,156
Total net realized investment gains (losses)	5,426	813	10,589	6,049
Total revenues	181,847	106,104	497,883	409,212
Benefits and expenses:
Life and other policy benefits	17,430	14,181	48,571	49,567
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	24,395	32,058	88,581	87,780
Universal life and annuity contract interest	67,776	16,259	179,592	114,729
Other operating expenses	23,595	18,482	66,306	57,794
Total benefits and expenses	133,196	80,980	383,050	309,870
Earnings before Federal income taxes	48,651	25,124	114,833	99,342
Federal income taxes	14,915	8,903	37,553	32,937
Net earnings	33,736	16,221	77,280	66,405
Common Class A [Member]
Benefits and expenses:
Net earnings	$ 32,782	$ 15,763	$ 75,095	$ 64,527
Basic earnings per share:
Earnings Per Share, Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 9.54	$ 4.59	$ 21.85	$ 18.78
Diluted earnings per share:
Earnings Per Share, Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 9.54	$ 4.59	$ 21.85	$ 18.77
Common Class B [Member]
Benefits and expenses:
Net earnings	$ 954	$ 458	$ 2,185	$ 1,878
Basic earnings per share:
Earnings Per Share, Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 4.77	$ 2.29	$ 10.93	$ 9.39
Diluted earnings per share:
Earnings Per Share, Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 4.77	$ 2.29	$ 10.93	$ 9.39

Condensed Consolidated Stateme5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 33,736	$ 16,221	$ 77,280	$ 66,405
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities:
Net unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period	2,824	(7,334)	48,927	(19,164)
Net unrealized liquidity gains (losses)	9	95	27	188
Reclassification adjustment for net amounts included in net earnings	(1,398)	(96)	(1,971)	(2,116)
Net unrealized gains (losses) on securities	1,435	(7,335)	46,983	(21,092)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	22	54	(81)	42
Benefit plans:
Amortization of net prior service cost and net gain (loss)	(283)	(303)	(850)	(910)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	1,174	(7,584)	46,052	(21,960)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ 34,910	$ 8,637	$ 123,332	$ 44,445

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 [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, 2014		$ 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
Total stockholders’ equity at Dec. 31, 2015	1,611,986	36	41,716		12,347	(240)	(1)	2,825	(14,602)	1,569,905
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	48,927				46,956
Amortization						52
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						(25)	0
Other-than-temporary impairments, non-credit, net of tax							0
Recoveries, net of tax							0
Change in translation adjustments during period	(81)							(81)
Amortization of net prior service cost and net loss, net of tax	(850)								(850)
Net earnings	77,280									77,280
Stockholder dividends										0
Total stockholders’ equity at Sep. 30, 2016	$ 1,735,318	$ 36	$ 41,716	$ 46,381	$ 59,303	$ (213)	$ (1)	$ 2,744	$ (15,452)	$ 1,647,185

Condensed Consolidated Stateme7

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)$ / shares	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings	$ 77,280	$ 66,405
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash from operating activities:
Universal life and annuity contract interest	179,592	114,729
Surrender charges and other policy revenues	(34,955)	(13,302)
Realized (gains) losses on investments	(10,589)	(6,049)
Accretion/amortization of discounts and premiums, investments	51	9
Depreciation and amortization	5,823	2,317
(Increase) decrease in value of derivatives	(8,307)	69,884
(Increase) decrease in deferred policy acquisition and sales inducement costs	10,799	(632)
(Increase) decrease in accrued investment income	(1,618)	(4,592)
(Increase) decrease in other assets	(3,683)	(6,578)
Increase (decrease) in liabilities for future policy benefits	3,408	6,887
Increase (decrease) in other policyholder liabilities	(5,175)	7,382
Increase (decrease) in Federal income taxes liability	21,661	(22,703)
Increase (decrease) in deferred Federal income tax	10,587	31,047
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities	1,352	2,452
Net cash provided by operating activities	246,226	247,256
Proceeds from sales of:
Securities held to maturity	0	0
Securities available for sale	16,087	14,011
Other investments	3,947	2,182
Proceeds from maturities and redemptions of:
Securities held to maturity	304,190	343,494
Securities available for sale	134,208	219,676
Derivatives, index options	13,273	83,835
Purchases of:
Securities held to maturity	(231,804)	(684,725)
Securities available for sale	(229,932)	(423,672)
Derivatives, index options	(57,224)	(66,395)
Other investments	(27,525)	(1,340)
Net change in short-term investments	(14,972)	0
Principal payments on mortgage loans	17,295	66,830
Cost of mortgage loans acquired	(55,796)	(5,040)
Decrease (increase) in policy loans	2,739	2,034
Net cash used in investing activities	(125,514)	(449,110)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Deposits to account balances for universal life and annuity contracts	626,083	679,128
Return of account balances on universal life and annuity contracts	(675,389)	(668,037)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(49,306)	11,091
Effect of foreign exchange	(125)	42
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	71,281	(190,721)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	106,007	277,078
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	177,288	86,357
Cash paid (received) during the period for:
Interest	33	30
Income taxes	5,032	24,127
Noncash operating activities:
Deferral of sales inducements	$ (7,146)	$ (9,171)
Closing stock price (in usd per share) | $ / shares	$ 205.37

Consolidation and Basis of Pres

Consolidation and Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Consolidation and Basis of Presentation	CONSOLIDATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION On October 1, 2015, National Western Life Insurance Company ("National Western", "NWLIC", or "company") completed its previously announced holding company reorganization. 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. 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 NWLGI and its subsidiaries (“Company”) as of September 30, 2016 , and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 . Such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 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, 2015 and are accessible free of charge through the Company's internet site at www.nwlgi.com or the Securities and Exchange Commission internet site at www.sec.gov . The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2015 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements as of that date. Prior to the reorganization, the accompanying consolidated financial statements included the accounts of National Western and its wholly owned subsidiaries: The Westcap Corporation, Regent Care San Marcos Holdings, LLC, NWL Investments, Inc., NWL Services, Inc., NWLSM, Inc., and NWL Financial, Inc. During the fourth quarter of 2015, subsequent to the reorganization, National Western transferred ownership of Regent Care San Marcos Holdings, LLC, NWL Investments, Inc., and NWL Services, Inc. to NWLGI via a dividend transaction resulting in those entities becoming wholly owned subsidiaries of NWLGI. The preparation of financial statements in accordance with 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 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 . 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, 2016 2015 2016 2015 (In thousands) Other net investment gains (losses) $ 2,151 147 3,033 3,362 Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings — — — (107 ) Earnings before Federal income taxes 2,151 147 3,033 3,255 Federal income taxes 753 51 1,062 1,139 Net earnings $ 1,398 96 1,971 2,116

New Accounting Pronouncements

New Accounting Pronouncements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
New Accounting Pronouncements	NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS In June 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("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 is effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted this standard during the three month period ended March 31, 2016. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In January 2016, the FASB released accounting standards update 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Liabilities. The main provisions of the update are to eliminate the available for sale classification of accounting for equity securities and to adjust the fair value disclosures for financial instruments carried at amortized costs such that the disclosed fair values represent an exit price as opposed to an entry price. The provisions of this update will require that equity securities be carried at fair market value on the balance sheet and any periodic changes in value will be adjustments to the income statement. The provisions of this update become effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company does not expect the requirements of this update to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In June 2016, the FASB released accounting standards update 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses, which revises the credit loss recognition criteria for certain financial assets measured at amortized cost. The new guidance replaces the existing incurred loss recognition model with an expected loss recognition model. The objective of the expected credit loss model is for the reporting entity to recognize its estimate of expected credit losses for affected financial assets in a valuation allowance deducted from the amortized cost basis of the related financial assets that results in presenting the net carrying value of the financial assets at the amount expected to be collected. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and for most affected instruments must be adopted using a modified retrospective approach, with a cumulative effect adjustment recorded to beginning retained income. Adoption of the guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial position. Other recent accounting pronouncements issued by the FASB (including its Emerging Issues Task Force), the AICPA, and the SEC did not, or 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, 2016
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 2016 is $117.1 million . National Western did declare a cash dividend of $3.0 million payable to its sole shareholder, NWLGI, on August 19, 2016. The cash dividend was subsequently paid on October 3, 2016. 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 are payable entirely to NWLGI as the sole owner of NWLIC. 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.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
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. Net income for the periods shown is allocated between Class A shares and Class B shares based upon (1) the proportionate number of shares issued and outstanding as of the end of the period, and (2) the per share dividend rights of the two classes under the Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the Class B dividend per share is equal to one-half the Class A dividend per share). Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 Class A Class B Class A Class B (In thousands except per share amounts) Numerator for Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share: Net income $ 33,736 16,221 Dividends - Class A shares — — Dividends - Class B shares — — Undistributed income $ 33,736 16,221 Allocation of net income: Dividends $ — — — — Allocation of undistributed income 32,782 954 15,763 458 Net income $ 32,782 954 15,763 458 Denominator: Basic earnings per share - weighted-average shares 3,436 200 3,436 200 Effect of dilutive stock options — — 1 — Diluted earnings per share - adjusted weighted-average shares for assumed conversions 3,436 200 3,437 200 Basic Earnings Per Share $ 9.54 4.77 4.59 2.29 Diluted Earnings Per Share $ 9.54 4.77 4.59 2.29 Stock options that were outstanding during the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect was anti-dilutive, were approximately 27,300 and 20,800 , respectively. Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 Class A Class B Class A Class B (In thousands except per share amounts) Numerator for Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share: Net income $ 77,280 66,405 Dividends - Class A shares — — Dividends - Class B shares — — Undistributed income $ 77,280 66,405 Allocation of net income: Dividends $ — — — — Allocation of undistributed income 75,095 2,185 64,527 1,878 Net income $ 75,095 2,185 64,527 1,878 Denominator: Basic earnings per share - weighted-average shares 3,436 200 3,436 200 Effect of dilutive stock options — — 1 — Diluted earnings per share - adjusted weighted-average shares for assumed conversions 3,436 200 3,437 200 Basic Earnings Per Share $ 21.85 10.93 18.78 9.39 Diluted Earnings Per Share $ 21.85 10.93 18.77 9.39 Stock options that were outstanding during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect was anti-dilutive were approximately 22,900 and 21,100 , respectively.

Pension and Other Postretiremen

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Pension and Other Postretirement Plans	PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT PLANS (A) Defined Benefit Pension Plans National Western 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, National Western'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, 2016 2015 2016 2015 (In thousands) Service cost $ 26 51 79 153 Interest cost 250 246 750 738 Expected return on plan assets (304 ) (330 ) (912 ) (991 ) Amortization of prior service cost — 1 — 3 Amortization of net loss 193 196 579 588 Net periodic benefit cost $ 165 164 496 491 The service costs shown in the above table represent plan expenses expected to be paid out of plan assets. Under the clarified rules of 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 2016 plan year is $0.2 million . There was no remaining contribution payable for the 2015 plan year as of September 30, 2016 . As of September 30, 2016 , the company had contributed a total of $0.1 million to the plan for the 2016 plan year. National Western 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 National Western 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 then 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 then Chairman and the then President of the company in order to comply with law changes under the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 ("Act"). Effective July 1, 2005, National Western established a second nonqualified defined benefit plan for the benefit of the then Chairman and the then 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 then Chairman in 2005 and the then President's nonqualified defined benefit plans. Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 (In thousands) Service cost $ 109 64 327 192 Interest cost 265 219 794 657 Amortization of prior service cost 15 14 45 44 Amortization of net loss 501 379 1,503 1,136 Net periodic benefit cost $ 890 676 2,669 2,029 The company expects to contribute $2.0 million to these plans in 2016 . As of September 30, 2016 , the company has contributed $1.3 million to the plans. (B) Defined Benefit Postretirement Healthcare Plans National Western 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, 2016 2015 2016 2015 (In thousands) Interest cost $ 30 33 90 98 Amortization of prior service cost 26 25 78 77 Amortization of net loss — 15 — 45 Net periodic benefit cost $ 56 73 168 220 The company expects to contribute minimal amounts to the plan in 2016 .

Segment and Other Operating Inf

Segment and Other Operating Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
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 three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015 is provided below. Selected Segment Information: Domestic Life Insurance International Life Insurance Annuities All Others Totals (In thousands) September 30, 2016 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Items: Deferred policy acquisition costs and sales inducements $ 85,547 239,685 608,771 — 934,003 Total segment assets 961,205 1,248,425 9,232,802 293,963 11,736,395 Future policy benefits 809,493 923,235 8,065,370 — 9,798,098 Other policyholder liabilities 18,058 14,103 117,926 — 150,087 Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings: Premiums and contract revenues $ 8,507 31,066 5,391 — 44,964 Net investment income 12,294 12,763 97,384 4,540 126,981 Other revenues 7 10 139 4,320 4,476 Total revenues 20,808 43,839 102,914 8,860 176,421 Life and other policy benefits 5,338 5,038 7,054 — 17,430 Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs (4,331 ) 7,296 21,430 — 24,395 Universal life and annuity contract interest 9,795 11,287 46,694 — 67,776 Other operating expenses 4,847 6,691 7,526 4,531 23,595 Federal income taxes (benefit) 1,667 3,591 6,549 1,209 13,016 Total expenses 17,316 33,903 89,253 5,740 146,212 Segment earnings (loss) $ 3,492 9,936 13,661 3,120 30,209 Domestic Life Insurance International Life Insurance Annuities All Others Totals (In thousands) Nine months ended September 30, 2016 Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings: Premiums and contract revenues $ 24,814 95,291 17,407 — 137,512 Net investment income 28,011 30,203 261,579 15,939 335,732 Other revenues 37 50 145 13,818 14,050 Total revenues 52,862 125,544 279,131 29,757 487,294 Life and other policy benefits 13,629 14,789 20,153 — 48,571 Amortization of deferred acquisition costs 989 11,720 75,872 — 88,581 Universal life and annuity contract interest 20,855 19,643 139,094 — 179,592 Other operating expenses 11,745 17,867 23,044 13,650 66,306 Federal income taxes (benefit) 1,833 19,977 6,808 5,229 33,847 Total expenses 49,051 83,996 264,971 18,879 416,897 Segment earnings (loss) $ 3,811 41,548 14,160 10,878 70,397 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 Statement of Earnings: 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 Statement of Earnings: 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 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, 2016 2015 2016 2015 (In thousands) Premiums and Other Revenues : Premiums and contract revenues $ 44,964 44,015 137,512 129,182 Net investment income 126,981 56,209 335,732 258,391 Other revenues 4,476 5,067 14,050 15,590 Realized gains (losses) on investments 5,426 813 10,589 6,049 Total condensed consolidated premiums and other revenues $ 181,847 106,104 497,883 409,212 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 (In thousands) Federal Income Taxes : Total segment Federal income taxes $ 13,016 8,619 33,847 30,820 Taxes on realized gains (losses) on investments 1,899 284 3,706 2,117 Total condensed consolidated Federal income taxes $ 14,915 8,903 37,553 32,937 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 (In thousands) Net Earnings : Total segment earnings $ 30,209 15,692 70,397 62,473 Realized gains (losses) on investments, net of taxes 3,527 529 6,883 3,932 Total condensed consolidated net earnings $ 33,736 16,221 77,280 66,405 September 30, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Assets : Total segment assets $ 11,736,395 11,354,323 Other unallocated assets 144,209 191,822 Total condensed consolidated assets $ 11,880,604 11,546,145

Share-Based Payments

Share-Based Payments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
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 or restricted stock units; 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, $0.01 par value, common stock shares eligible for issue not to exceed 300,000 . These plans were assumed by NWLGI from National Western pursuant to the terms of the reorganization. On June 15, 2016, stockholders of NWLGI approved the Incentive Plan, which is a stock and incentive plan essentially similar to the 2008 Plan. The Incentive Plan includes additional provisions, most notably regarding the definition of performance objectives which could be used in the issuance of the fourth type of award noted above (performance awards). All of the employees of the Company and its subsidiaries are eligible to participate in the current Incentive 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. Employee grants vest 20% annually following three years of service following the grant date. Directors' grants vest 20% annually following one year of service from the date of grant. 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. On February 17, 2016, the Company granted 14,643 SARs to officers of National Western at the closing market price per Class A common share of $216.48 . These SARs, unlike prior grants, will vest annually at a rate of 33.3% per year from the date of grant. No stock option or SAR awards were issued during the first nine months of 2015. While not previously utilized, the Incentive Plan allows for certain other share or unit awards which are solely paid out in cash based on the value of the Company's shares, or changes therein, as well as the financial performance of the Company under pre-determined target performance metrics. Certain awards, such as restricted stock units (RSUs) provide solely for cash settlement based upon the market price of the Company's Class A commons shares, often referred to as "phantom stock-based awards". Unlike share-settled awards, which have a fixed grant-date fair value, the fair value of unsettled or unvested liability awards is remeasured at the end of each reporting period based on the change in fair value of a share. The liability and corresponding expense are adjusted accordingly until the award is settled. Other awards may involve performance share units (PSUs) which are units granted at a specified dollar amount per unit, typically linked to the Company's Class A common share price, that are subsequently multiplied by an attained performance factor to derive the number of PSUs to be paid as cash compensation at the vesting date. On February 17, 2016, the Company granted 5,727 PSUs and 3,661 RSUs to officers of National Western based upon the closing market price per Class A common share of $216.48 . Both the PSUs and RSUs vest three years from the date of grant. The RSUs are payable in cash at the vesting date equal to the closing price of the Company's Class A common share at that time. For PSUs, the performance period begins the first day of the calendar year, in this case January 1, 2016, and runs three years. At that time, the three-year performance outcome will be measured against the pre-defined target amounts to determine the number of PSUs earned as compensation. On April 14, 2016, the Company granted 2,563 RSUs to directors of NWLGI, based upon the closing market price per Class A common share of $226.84 . The RSUs vest one year from the date of grant, and are payable in cash at the vesting date equal to the closing price of the Company's Class A common share at that time. The Company uses the current fair value method to measure compensation cost. As of September 30, 2016 and 2015 , the liability balance was $6.4 million and $6.2 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, 2016 291,000 27,768 $ 243.26 Exercised — — $ — Forfeited — (500 ) $ 255.13 Expired — — $ — Stock options granted — — $ — Balance at September 30, 2016 291,000 27,268 $ 243.04 Liability Awards SAR RSU PSU Balance at January 1, 2016 86,261 — — Exercised (1,275 ) — — Forfeited (2,826 ) (106 ) — Granted 14,643 6,224 5,727 Balance at September 30, 2016 96,803 6,118 5,727 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, if any, are not shown as being added back to the "Shares Available For Grant" balance as they were awarded under the 1995 Plan which was terminated during calendar year 2010. The total intrinsic value of SARs exercised was $0.1 million and $0.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The total share-based liabilities paid for the exercised SARs were $0.1 million and $0.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The total fair value of stock options and SARs vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was $0.3 million and $0.6 million , respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , the total cash received from the exercise of stock options under the Plans was $0.0 million and $0.0 million , respectively. The following table summarizes information about stock options and SARs outstanding at September 30, 2016 . Options/SARs Outstanding Number Outstanding Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life Number Exercisable Exercise prices: 255.13 (options) 20,268 1.5 years 20,268 208.05 (options) 7,000 1.7 years 7,000 114.64 (SARs) 22,768 2.4 years 22,768 132.56 (SARs) 26,818 5.2 years 13,008 210.22 (SARs) 33,000 7.2 years 3,600 216.48 (SARs) 14,217 9.4 years — Totals 124,071 66,644 Aggregate intrinsic value (in thousands) $ 4,018 $ 3,013 The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above is based on the closing stock price of $ 205.37 per share on September 30, 2016 . In estimating the fair value of the share based awards outstanding at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , the Company employed the Black-Scholes option pricing model with assumptions detailed below. September 30, December 31, Expected term of options 1.5 to 9.4 years 2.3 to 8.0 years Expected volatility: Range 22.53% to 28.81% 21.11% to 37.77% Weighted-average 23.83 % 23.89 % Expected dividend yield 0.18 % 0.14 % Risk-free rate: Range 0.54% to 1.52% 0.22% to 1.67% Weighted-average 1.03 % 0.63 % 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 $1.7 million and $(1.1) million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, and $(1.0) million and $(2.6) million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively. The related tax (expense)/benefit recognized was $(0.6) million and $0.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and to $0.4 million and $0.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 , respectively. As of September 30, 2016 , the total compensation cost related to nonvested share based awards not yet recognized was $3.1 million . This amount is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.5 years . The Company recognizes compensation cost over the graded vesting periods.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
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. 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. On October 26, 2011 the Brazilian Superintendence of Private Insurance (“SUSEP”) attempted to serve National Western with a subpoena regarding an administrative proceeding initiated by SUSEP in which it alleged that National Western was operating as an insurance company in Brazil without due authorization. National Western had been informed that SUSEP was attempting to impose a penal fine, based on currency exchange rates at that time, of approximately $6.0 billion on the company. SUSEP unsuccessfully attempted to serve National Western with notice regarding this matter. National Western does not transact business in Brazil and has no officers, employees, property, or assets in Brazil. National Western 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. In addition, due to a new law recently enacted in Brazil the penal fine has been limited to 3 million reais (approximately $960,000 based on current exchange rates). 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. However, the Company had included the foregoing description solely due to the amount of the fine initially sought by SUSEP. National Western will continue its 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, National Western has ceased accepting new applications from residents in Brazil. National Western was the named defendant in the case of Damaris Maldonado Vinas, et al. vs. National Western Life Insurance , in which the plaintiffs, after National Western had paid the death benefits to the beneficiary (Francisco Iglesias-Alvarez) upon the annuitant’s (Carlos Iglesias-Alvarez) death, sought to annul two annuity policies issued by National Western at the behest of Carlos Iglesias-Alvarez and which named Francisco Iglesias-Alvarez as their beneficiary. On March 31, 2016, the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico (the “Court”) issued its Opinion and Order on the pending Motions for Summary Judgment submitted by the parties, and therein denied National Western’s motion and granted plaintiffs’ motion voiding the two annuities and requesting a refund of the premiums paid ( $2.9 million ). National Western vigorously defended the case and believes that the Court’s Opinion and Order is contrary to applicable law. As such, National Western filed a Motion for Reconsideration of Opinion and Order and Corresponding Judgment with the Court on April 27, 2016, which the Court denied on May 5, 2016. National Western filed its Appeal Brief on September 12, 2016. Although there can be no assurances, at the present time, the Company does not anticipate that the ultimate liability arising from any 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 National Western 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 its outcome or how such outcome may impact the Company’s business, results of operations, or financial condition. National Western is cooperating 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 Sheets. 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 $32.0 million commitments to fund new loans and $0.6 million commitments on existing loans to extend credit relating to loans at September 30, 2016 . The Company evaluates each customer's creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis.

Investments

Investments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
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, 2016 2015 2016 2015 (In thousands) Available for sale debt securities: Realized gains on disposal $ 1,773 125 2,455 3,323 Realized losses on disposal (23 ) — (29 ) (74 ) Held to maturity debt securities: Realized gains on disposal 3,278 666 4,764 2,794 Realized losses on disposal (3 ) — (109 ) — Equity securities realized gains (losses) 401 22 607 113 Real estate gains (losses) — — 2,901 — Totals $ 5,426 813 10,589 6,156 Disposals in the held to maturity category during the periods shown primarily represent calls initiated by the credit issuer of the debt security. It is the Company's policy to initiate disposals of debt securities in the held to maturity category only in instances in which the credit status of the issuer comes into question and the realization of all or a significant portion of the investment principal of the holding is deemed to be in jeopardy. The Company uses the specific identification method in computing realized gains and losses. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 the percentage of gains on bonds due to the call of securities was 95% and 87% , respectively. 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, 2016 2015 2016 2015 (In thousands) Total other-than-temporary impairment gains (losses) on debt securities $ 27 284 80 549 Portion of loss (gain) recognized in comprehensive income (27 ) (284 ) (80 ) (549 ) Net impairment losses on debt securities recognized in earnings — — — — Equity securities impairments — — — (107 ) Totals $ — — — (107 ) 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, 2016 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 For the Year Ended (In thousands) Beginning balance, cumulative credit losses related to other-than-temporary impairments $ 1,649 2,278 2,298 Reductions for securities sold during current period (209 ) (838 ) (20 ) Additions for credit losses not previously recognized in other-than-temporary impairments — — — Ending balance, cumulative credit losses related to other-than-temporary impairments $ 1,440 1,440 2,278 (B) Debt and Equity Securities The table below presents amortized costs and fair values of securities held to maturity at September 30, 2016 . Securities Held to Maturity Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value (In thousands) Debt securities: U.S. agencies $ — — — — U.S. Treasury 1,932 300 — 2,232 States and political subdivisions 440,027 39,460 (3 ) 479,484 Public utilities 1,061,021 71,581 — 1,132,602 Corporate 4,189,831 246,973 (3,327 ) 4,433,477 Residential mortgage-backed 1,402,475 79,474 (174 ) 1,481,775 Home equity 9,383 1,526 — 10,909 Manufactured housing 1,704 152 — 1,856 Totals $ 7,106,373 439,466 (3,504 ) 7,542,335 The table below presents amortized costs and fair values of securities available for sale at September 30, 2016 . Securities Available for Sale Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value (In thousands) Debt securities: States and political subdivisions $ 581 20 — 601 Foreign governments 9,953 757 — 10,710 Public utilities 127,201 7,834 — 135,035 Corporate 2,743,232 161,263 (5,609 ) 2,898,886 Residential mortgage-backed 29,265 2,829 (43 ) 32,051 Home equity 9,682 162 — 9,844 Manufactured housing 674 11 — 685 2,920,588 172,876 (5,652 ) 3,087,812 Equity securities 14,021 5,052 (91 ) 18,982 Totals $ 2,934,609 177,928 (5,743 ) 3,106,794 The table below presents amortized costs and fair values of securities held to maturity at December 31, 2015 . Securities Held to Maturity Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value (In thousands) Debt securities: U.S. agencies $ 15,019 275 — 15,294 U.S. Treasury 1,927 317 — 2,244 States and political subdivisions 435,941 29,129 (662 ) 464,408 Public utilities 1,044,063 42,271 (6,621 ) 1,079,713 Corporate 4,160,628 114,920 (72,913 ) 4,202,635 Residential mortgage-backed 1,503,021 59,013 (6,227 ) 1,555,807 Home equity 11,047 1,701 — 12,748 Manufactured housing 2,321 266 — 2,587 Totals $ 7,173,967 247,892 (86,423 ) 7,335,436 The table below presents amortized costs and fair values of securities available for sale at December 31, 2015 . Securities Available for Sale Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value (In thousands) Debt securities: States and political subdivisions $ 586 — (34 ) 552 Foreign governments 9,947 408 — 10,355 Public utilities 129,980 5,354 (775 ) 134,559 Corporate 2,635,536 73,132 (54,503 ) 2,654,165 Residential mortgage-backed 36,463 3,103 — 39,566 Home equity 20,123 825 (12 ) 20,936 Manufactured housing 1,063 26 — 1,089 2,833,698 82,848 (55,324 ) 2,861,222 Equity securities 13,716 4,797 (152 ) 18,361 Totals $ 2,847,414 87,645 (55,476 ) 2,879,583 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, 2016 . 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 $ 3,032 (3 ) — — 3,032 (3 ) Corporate 32,317 (364 ) 181,928 (2,963 ) 214,245 (3,327 ) Residential mortgage-backed 16,997 (63 ) 9,308 (111 ) 26,305 (174 ) Total temporarily impaired securities $ 52,346 (430 ) 191,236 (3,074 ) 243,582 (3,504 ) 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, 2016 . 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 $ — — — — — — Corporate 3,027 (21 ) 113,560 (5,588 ) 116,587 (5,609 ) Residential mortgage-backed 1,381 (43 ) — — 1,381 (43 ) 4,408 (64 ) 113,560 (5,588 ) 117,968 (5,652 ) Equity securities 462 (45 ) 336 (46 ) 798 (91 ) Total temporarily impaired securities $ 4,870 (109 ) 113,896 (5,634 ) 118,766 (5,743 ) 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, 2016 . 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. Unrealized losses for securities held to maturity and securities available for sale decreased during the first nine months of 2016 primarily due to the downward movement in market interest rates during this period (which increases the market price of debt securities). 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, 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: States and political subdivisions $ 16,763 (387 ) 8,723 (275 ) 25,486 (662 ) Public utilities 298,962 (5,953 ) 17,840 (668 ) 316,802 (6,621 ) Corporate 1,522,544 (54,295 ) 323,567 (18,618 ) 1,846,111 (72,913 ) Residential mortgage-backed 148,712 (2,726 ) 95,443 (3,501 ) 244,155 (6,227 ) Total temporarily impaired securities $ 1,986,981 (63,361 ) 445,573 (23,062 ) 2,432,554 (86,423 ) 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, 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 $ — — 552 (34 ) 552 (34 ) Public utilities 42,093 (775 ) — — 42,093 (775 ) Corporate 843,679 (32,500 ) 151,319 (22,003 ) 994,998 (54,503 ) Home equity — — 4,823 (12 ) 4,823 (12 ) 885,772 (33,275 ) 156,694 (22,049 ) 1,042,466 (55,324 ) Equity securities 649 (124 ) 102 (28 ) 751 (152 ) Total temporarily impaired securities $ 886,421 (33,399 ) 156,796 (22,077 ) 1,043,217 (55,476 ) During the three and nine months ended 2016, 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 51 individual issues, or 3.8% of the total debt securities held by the Company at September 30, 2016 . The market value of these bonds as a percent of amortized cost averages 97.5% . Of the 51 securities, 40 , or 78.4% , fall in the 12 months or greater aging category; and 43 were rated investment grade at September 30, 2016 . Equity securities. The gross unrealized losses for equity securities are made up of 20 individual issues at September 30, 2016 . These holdings are reviewed quarterly for impairment. The amortized cost and fair value of investments in debt securities at September 30, 2016 , 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 $ 141,741 144,968 198,352 202,724 Due after 1 year through 5 years 953,561 1,032,456 1,791,119 1,942,670 Due after 5 years through 10 years 1,704,850 1,783,821 3,404,124 3,580,986 Due after 10 years 80,815 83,987 299,216 321,415 2,880,967 3,045,232 5,692,811 6,047,795 Mortgage and asset-backed securities 39,621 42,580 1,413,562 1,494,540 Total $ 2,920,588 3,087,812 7,106,373 7,542,335 (C) Transfer of Securities During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 the Company made no transfers from the held to maturity category to securities available for sale. (D) Mortgage Loans and Real Estate 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 proved 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, 2016 or 2015 and as a result all interest income was recognized at September 30, 2016 and 2015 . The following table represents the mortgage loan portfolio by loan-to-value ratio. September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Amount % Amount % (In thousands) (In thousands) Mortgage Loans by Loan-to-Value Ratio (1): Less than 50% $ 49,418 33.5 $ 64,986 59.7 50% to 60% 8,669 5.9 9,714 8.9 60% to 70% 56,191 38.1 10,134 9.3 70% to 80% 9,543 6.4 4,843 4.4 80% to 90% 23,742 16.1 19,284 17.7 Greater than 90% — — — — Gross balance 147,563 100.0 108,961 100.0 Allowance for possible losses (650 ) (0.4 ) (650 ) (0.6 ) Totals $ 146,913 99.6 $ 108,311 99.4 (1) Loan-to-Value Ratio is 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. 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, 2016 December 31, 2015 (In thousands) Balance, beginning of period $ 650 650 Provision — — Releases — — Balance, end of period $ 650 650 The Company's direct investments in real estate are not a significant portion of its total investment portfolio and totaled approximately $32.0 million and $16.3 million at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively. During the first nine months of 2016 the Company purchased two properties, one located in Cypress, Texas and the other in Tupelo, Mississippi for a total of $16.8 million . The Company recognized operating income on real estate properties of approximately $2.0 million for the first nine months of 2016 . In addition, the Company recorded a net realized investment gain on disposed properties located in Brazoria County (Texas), Ruidoso, New Mexico, and Austin, Texas, totaling $2.9 million during the first nine months of 2016.

Fair Values of Financial Instru

Fair Values of Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
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, 2016 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (In thousands) Debt securities, available for sale $ 3,087,812 — 3,087,812 — Equity securities, available for sale 18,982 18,889 93 — Derivatives, index options 90,097 — — 90,097 Total assets $ 3,196,891 18,889 3,087,905 90,097 Policyholder account balances (a) $ 96,095 — — 96,095 Other liabilities (b) 6,434 — — 6,434 Total liabilities $ 102,529 — — 102,529 During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , the Company had no transfers into or out of Levels 1, 2 or 3. December 31, 2015 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (In thousands) Debt securities, available for sale $ 2,861,222 — 2,861,222 — Equity securities, available for sale 18,361 17,980 381 — Derivatives, index options 38,409 — — 38,409 Total assets $ 2,917,992 17,980 2,861,603 38,409 Policyholder account balances (a) $ 58,359 — — 58,359 Other liabilities (b) 7,669 — — 7,669 Total liabilities $ 66,028 — — 66,028 (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, 2016 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (In thousands) Debt securities, available for sale: Priced by third-party vendors $ 3,087,812 — 3,087,812 — Priced internally — — — — Subtotal 3,087,812 — 3,087,812 — Equity securities, available for sale: Priced by third-party vendors 18,982 18,889 93 — Priced internally — — — — Subtotal 18,982 18,889 93 — Derivatives, index options: Priced by third-party vendors 90,097 — — 90,097 Priced internally — — — — Subtotal 90,097 — — 90,097 Total $ 3,196,891 18,889 3,087,905 90,097 Percent of total 100.0 % 0.6 % 96.6 % 2.8 % December 31, 2015 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (In thousands) Debt securities, available for sale: Priced by third-party vendors $ 2,861,222 — 2,861,222 — Priced internally — — — — Subtotal 2,861,222 — 2,861,222 — Equity securities, available for sale: Priced by third-party vendors 18,361 17,980 381 — Priced internally — — — — Subtotal 18,361 17,980 381 — Derivatives, index options: Priced by third-party vendors 38,409 — — 38,409 Priced internally — — — — Subtotal 38,409 — — 38,409 Total $ 2,917,992 17,980 2,861,603 38,409 Percent of total 100.0 % 0.6 % 98.1 % 1.3 % 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, 2016 Debt Securities, Available for Sale Equity Securities, Available for Sale Derivatives, Index Options Total Assets Other Liabilities (In thousands) Balance at July 1, 2016 $ — — 63,319 63,319 81,056 Total realized and unrealized gains (losses): Included in net income — — 19,113 19,113 13,492 Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net: Purchases — — 18,848 18,848 18,848 Sales — — — — — Issuances — — — — 388 Settlements — — (11,183 ) (11,183 ) (11,255 ) Transfers into (out of) Level 3 — — — — — Balance at end of period $ — — 90,097 90,097 102,529 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 $ — — 23,851 23,851 — Benefits and expenses — — — — 25,150 Total $ — — 23,851 23,851 25,150 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 ) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 Debt Securities, Available for Sale Equity Securities, Available for Sale Derivatives, Index Options Total Assets Other Liabilities (In thousands) Beginning balance, January 1, 2016 $ — — 38,409 38,409 66,028 Total realized and unrealized gains (losses): Included in net income — — 8,307 8,307 (7,691 ) Included in other comprehensive income — — — — — Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net: Purchases — — 56,387 56,387 56,387 Sales — — — — Issuances — — — — 921 Settlements — — (13,006 ) (13,006 ) (13,116 ) Transfers into (out of) Level 3 — — — — — Balance at end of period $ — — 90,097 90,097 102,529 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 $ — — 15,628 15,628 — Other operating expenses — — — — 13,582 Total $ — — 15,628 15,628 13,582 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 ) The following tables show the quantitative information about the Company's level 3 assets and liabilities. September 30, 2016 Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input (In thousands) Derivatives, index options $ 90,097 Broker prices Implied volatility Inputs from broker proprietary models Total assets $ 90,097 Policyholder account balances $ 96,095 Deterministic cash flow model Projected option cost Other liabilities 6,434 Black-Scholes model Expected term Forfeiture assumptions Total liabilities $ 102,529 December 31, 2015 Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input (In thousands) Derivatives, index options $ 38,409 Broker prices Implied volatility Inputs from broker proprietary models Total assets $ 38,409 Policyholder account balances $ 58,359 Deterministic cash flow model Projected option cost Other liabilities 7,669 Black-Scholes model Expected term Forfeiture assumptions Total liabilities $ 66,028 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 section 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, 2016 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 $ 7,106,373 7,542,335 — 7,542,335 — Securities available for sale 3,106,794 3,106,794 18,889 3,087,905 — Cash and cash equivalents 177,288 177,288 177,288 — — Mortgage loans 146,913 150,125 — — 150,125 Policy loans 59,218 113,290 — — 113,290 Other loans 12,349 11,878 — — 11,878 Derivatives, index options 90,097 90,097 — — 90,097 Short-term investments 14,972 14,972 — 14,972 — Life interest in Trust 7,379 12,775 — — 12,775 LIABILITIES Deferred annuity contracts $ 7,693,495 7,314,565 — — 7,314,565 Immediate annuity and supplemental contracts 443,162 485,702 — — 485,702 December 31, 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 $ 7,173,967 7,335,436 — 7,335,436 — Securities available for sale 2,879,583 2,879,583 17,980 2,861,603 — Cash and cash equivalents 106,007 106,007 106,007 — — Mortgage loans 108,311 111,162 — — 111,162 Policy loans 61,957 108,550 — — 108,550 Other loans 2,779 2,957 — — 2,957 Derivatives, index options 38,409 38,409 — — 38,409 Life interest in Trust 7,379 12,775 — — 12,775 LIABILITIES Deferred annuity contracts $ 7,640,951 7,288,108 — 7,288,108 Immediate annuity and supplemental contracts 434,468 461,457 — — 461,457 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, 2016
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 Sheets. 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 which further reduces the Company's credit exposure. The tables below present the fair value of derivative instruments as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively. September 30, 2016 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 $ 90,097 Fixed-index products Universal Life and Annuity Contracts $ 96,095 Total $ 90,097 $ 96,095 December 31, 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 $ 38,409 Fixed-index products Universal Life and Annuity Contracts $ 58,359 Total $ 38,409 $ 58,359 The table below presents the effect of derivative instruments in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 . 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 $ 19,114 (52,816 ) Fixed-index products Universal life and annuity contract interest (12,194 ) 41,839 $ 6,920 (10,977 ) The table below presents the effect of derivative instruments in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 . 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 $ 8,307 (69,884 ) Fixed-index products Universal life and annuity contract interest 5,645 62,275 $ 13,952 (7,609 )

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	SUBSEQUENT EVENTS Subsequent events have been evaluated and no reportable items were identified.

New Accounting Pronouncements N

New Accounting Pronouncements New Account Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
New Accounting Pronouncements	NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS In June 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("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 is effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted this standard during the three month period ended March 31, 2016. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In January 2016, the FASB released accounting standards update 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Liabilities. The main provisions of the update are to eliminate the available for sale classification of accounting for equity securities and to adjust the fair value disclosures for financial instruments carried at amortized costs such that the disclosed fair values represent an exit price as opposed to an entry price. The provisions of this update will require that equity securities be carried at fair market value on the balance sheet and any periodic changes in value will be adjustments to the income statement. The provisions of this update become effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company does not expect the requirements of this update to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In June 2016, the FASB released accounting standards update 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses, which revises the credit loss recognition criteria for certain financial assets measured at amortized cost. The new guidance replaces the existing incurred loss recognition model with an expected loss recognition model. The objective of the expected credit loss model is for the reporting entity to recognize its estimate of expected credit losses for affected financial assets in a valuation allowance deducted from the amortized cost basis of the related financial assets that results in presenting the net carrying value of the financial assets at the amount expected to be collected. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and for most affected instruments must be adopted using a modified retrospective approach, with a cumulative effect adjustment recorded to beginning retained income. Adoption of the guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial position. Other recent accounting pronouncements issued by the FASB (including its Emerging Issues Task Force), the AICPA, and the SEC did not, or are not believed by management to, have a material impact on the Company’s present or future consolidated financial statements.

Consolidation and Basis of Pr21

Consolidation and Basis of Presentation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
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 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 . 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, 2016 2015 2016 2015 (In thousands) Other net investment gains (losses) $ 2,151 147 3,033 3,362 Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings — — — (107 ) Earnings before Federal income taxes 2,151 147 3,033 3,255 Federal income taxes 753 51 1,062 1,139 Net earnings $ 1,398 96 1,971 2,116

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share	Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 Class A Class B Class A Class B (In thousands except per share amounts) Numerator for Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share: Net income $ 33,736 16,221 Dividends - Class A shares — — Dividends - Class B shares — — Undistributed income $ 33,736 16,221 Allocation of net income: Dividends $ — — — — Allocation of undistributed income 32,782 954 15,763 458 Net income $ 32,782 954 15,763 458 Denominator: Basic earnings per share - weighted-average shares 3,436 200 3,436 200 Effect of dilutive stock options — — 1 — Diluted earnings per share - adjusted weighted-average shares for assumed conversions 3,436 200 3,437 200 Basic Earnings Per Share $ 9.54 4.77 4.59 2.29 Diluted Earnings Per Share $ 9.54 4.77 4.59 2.29

Pension and Other Postretirem23

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
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, 2016 2015 2016 2015 (In thousands) Service cost $ 26 51 79 153 Interest cost 250 246 750 738 Expected return on plan assets (304 ) (330 ) (912 ) (991 ) Amortization of prior service cost — 1 — 3 Amortization of net loss 193 196 579 588 Net periodic benefit cost $ 165 164 496 491
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 then Chairman in 2005 and the then President's nonqualified defined benefit plans. Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 (In thousands) Service cost $ 109 64 327 192 Interest cost 265 219 794 657 Amortization of prior service cost 15 14 45 44 Amortization of net loss 501 379 1,503 1,136 Net periodic benefit cost $ 890 676 2,669 2,029
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, 2016 2015 2016 2015 (In thousands) Interest cost $ 30 33 90 98 Amortization of prior service cost 26 25 78 77 Amortization of net loss — 15 — 45 Net periodic benefit cost $ 56 73 168 220

Segment and Other Operating I24

Segment and Other Operating Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Summary of Segment Information, by Quarter	A summary of segment information for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015 is provided below. Selected Segment Information: Domestic Life Insurance International Life Insurance Annuities All Others Totals (In thousands) September 30, 2016 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Items: Deferred policy acquisition costs and sales inducements $ 85,547 239,685 608,771 — 934,003 Total segment assets 961,205 1,248,425 9,232,802 293,963 11,736,395 Future policy benefits 809,493 923,235 8,065,370 — 9,798,098 Other policyholder liabilities 18,058 14,103 117,926 — 150,087 Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings: Premiums and contract revenues $ 8,507 31,066 5,391 — 44,964 Net investment income 12,294 12,763 97,384 4,540 126,981 Other revenues 7 10 139 4,320 4,476 Total revenues 20,808 43,839 102,914 8,860 176,421 Life and other policy benefits 5,338 5,038 7,054 — 17,430 Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs (4,331 ) 7,296 21,430 — 24,395 Universal life and annuity contract interest 9,795 11,287 46,694 — 67,776 Other operating expenses 4,847 6,691 7,526 4,531 23,595 Federal income taxes (benefit) 1,667 3,591 6,549 1,209 13,016 Total expenses 17,316 33,903 89,253 5,740 146,212 Segment earnings (loss) $ 3,492 9,936 13,661 3,120 30,209 Domestic Life Insurance International Life Insurance Annuities All Others Totals (In thousands) Nine months ended September 30, 2016 Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings: Premiums and contract revenues $ 24,814 95,291 17,407 — 137,512 Net investment income 28,011 30,203 261,579 15,939 335,732 Other revenues 37 50 145 13,818 14,050 Total revenues 52,862 125,544 279,131 29,757 487,294 Life and other policy benefits 13,629 14,789 20,153 — 48,571 Amortization of deferred acquisition costs 989 11,720 75,872 — 88,581 Universal life and annuity contract interest 20,855 19,643 139,094 — 179,592 Other operating expenses 11,745 17,867 23,044 13,650 66,306 Federal income taxes (benefit) 1,833 19,977 6,808 5,229 33,847 Total expenses 49,051 83,996 264,971 18,879 416,897 Segment earnings (loss) $ 3,811 41,548 14,160 10,878 70,397 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 Statement of Earnings: 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 Statement of Earnings: 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
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, 2016 2015 2016 2015 (In thousands) Premiums and Other Revenues : Premiums and contract revenues $ 44,964 44,015 137,512 129,182 Net investment income 126,981 56,209 335,732 258,391 Other revenues 4,476 5,067 14,050 15,590 Realized gains (losses) on investments 5,426 813 10,589 6,049 Total condensed consolidated premiums and other revenues $ 181,847 106,104 497,883 409,212
Reconciliation of Segment Federal Income Taxes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 (In thousands) Federal Income Taxes : Total segment Federal income taxes $ 13,016 8,619 33,847 30,820 Taxes on realized gains (losses) on investments 1,899 284 3,706 2,117 Total condensed consolidated Federal income taxes $ 14,915 8,903 37,553 32,937
Reconciliation of Segment Net Earnings to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 (In thousands) Net Earnings : Total segment earnings $ 30,209 15,692 70,397 62,473 Realized gains (losses) on investments, net of taxes 3,527 529 6,883 3,932 Total condensed consolidated net earnings $ 33,736 16,221 77,280 66,405
Reconciliation of Segment Assets to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	September 30, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Assets : Total segment assets $ 11,736,395 11,354,323 Other unallocated assets 144,209 191,822 Total condensed consolidated assets $ 11,880,604 11,546,145

Share-Based Payments (Tables)

Share-Based Payments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
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, 2016 291,000 27,768 $ 243.26 Exercised — — $ — Forfeited — (500 ) $ 255.13 Expired — — $ — Stock options granted — — $ — Balance at September 30, 2016 291,000 27,268 $ 243.04
Schedule of Stock Appreciation Rights Activity	Liability Awards SAR RSU PSU Balance at January 1, 2016 86,261 — — Exercised (1,275 ) — — Forfeited (2,826 ) (106 ) — Granted 14,643 6,224 5,727 Balance at September 30, 2016 96,803 6,118 5,727
Summary of Information About Stock Options and SARs Outstanding	The following table summarizes information about stock options and SARs outstanding at September 30, 2016 . Options/SARs Outstanding Number Outstanding Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life Number Exercisable Exercise prices: 255.13 (options) 20,268 1.5 years 20,268 208.05 (options) 7,000 1.7 years 7,000 114.64 (SARs) 22,768 2.4 years 22,768 132.56 (SARs) 26,818 5.2 years 13,008 210.22 (SARs) 33,000 7.2 years 3,600 216.48 (SARs) 14,217 9.4 years — Totals 124,071 66,644 Aggregate intrinsic value (in thousands) $ 4,018 $ 3,013
Summary of Assumptions Employed Using Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model	In estimating the fair value of the share based awards outstanding at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , the Company employed the Black-Scholes option pricing model with assumptions detailed below. September 30, December 31, Expected term of options 1.5 to 9.4 years 2.3 to 8.0 years Expected volatility: Range 22.53% to 28.81% 21.11% to 37.77% Weighted-average 23.83 % 23.89 % Expected dividend yield 0.18 % 0.14 % Risk-free rate: Range 0.54% to 1.52% 0.22% to 1.67% Weighted-average 1.03 % 0.63 %

Investments (Tables)

Investments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
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, 2016 2015 2016 2015 (In thousands) Available for sale debt securities: Realized gains on disposal $ 1,773 125 2,455 3,323 Realized losses on disposal (23 ) — (29 ) (74 ) Held to maturity debt securities: Realized gains on disposal 3,278 666 4,764 2,794 Realized losses on disposal (3 ) — (109 ) — Equity securities realized gains (losses) 401 22 607 113 Real estate gains (losses) — — 2,901 — Totals $ 5,426 813 10,589 6,156
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, 2016 2015 2016 2015 (In thousands) Total other-than-temporary impairment gains (losses) on debt securities $ 27 284 80 549 Portion of loss (gain) recognized in comprehensive income (27 ) (284 ) (80 ) (549 ) Net impairment losses on debt securities recognized in earnings — — — — Equity securities impairments — — — (107 ) Totals $ — — — (107 )
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, 2016 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 For the Year Ended (In thousands) Beginning balance, cumulative credit losses related to other-than-temporary impairments $ 1,649 2,278 2,298 Reductions for securities sold during current period (209 ) (838 ) (20 ) Additions for credit losses not previously recognized in other-than-temporary impairments — — — Ending balance, cumulative credit losses related to other-than-temporary impairments $ 1,440 1,440 2,278
Schedule of Held-to-Maturity Securities	The table below presents amortized costs and fair values of securities held to maturity at September 30, 2016 . Securities Held to Maturity Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value (In thousands) Debt securities: U.S. agencies $ — — — — U.S. Treasury 1,932 300 — 2,232 States and political subdivisions 440,027 39,460 (3 ) 479,484 Public utilities 1,061,021 71,581 — 1,132,602 Corporate 4,189,831 246,973 (3,327 ) 4,433,477 Residential mortgage-backed 1,402,475 79,474 (174 ) 1,481,775 Home equity 9,383 1,526 — 10,909 Manufactured housing 1,704 152 — 1,856 Totals $ 7,106,373 439,466 (3,504 ) 7,542,335 The table below presents amortized costs and fair values of securities held to maturity at December 31, 2015 . Securities Held to Maturity Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value (In thousands) Debt securities: U.S. agencies $ 15,019 275 — 15,294 U.S. Treasury 1,927 317 — 2,244 States and political subdivisions 435,941 29,129 (662 ) 464,408 Public utilities 1,044,063 42,271 (6,621 ) 1,079,713 Corporate 4,160,628 114,920 (72,913 ) 4,202,635 Residential mortgage-backed 1,503,021 59,013 (6,227 ) 1,555,807 Home equity 11,047 1,701 — 12,748 Manufactured housing 2,321 266 — 2,587 Totals $ 7,173,967 247,892 (86,423 ) 7,335,436
Schedule of Available-for-Sale Securities	The table below presents amortized costs and fair values of securities available for sale at September 30, 2016 . Securities Available for Sale Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value (In thousands) Debt securities: States and political subdivisions $ 581 20 — 601 Foreign governments 9,953 757 — 10,710 Public utilities 127,201 7,834 — 135,035 Corporate 2,743,232 161,263 (5,609 ) 2,898,886 Residential mortgage-backed 29,265 2,829 (43 ) 32,051 Home equity 9,682 162 — 9,844 Manufactured housing 674 11 — 685 2,920,588 172,876 (5,652 ) 3,087,812 Equity securities 14,021 5,052 (91 ) 18,982 Totals $ 2,934,609 177,928 (5,743 ) 3,106,794 The table below presents amortized costs and fair values of securities available for sale at December 31, 2015 . Securities Available for Sale Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value (In thousands) Debt securities: States and political subdivisions $ 586 — (34 ) 552 Foreign governments 9,947 408 — 10,355 Public utilities 129,980 5,354 (775 ) 134,559 Corporate 2,635,536 73,132 (54,503 ) 2,654,165 Residential mortgage-backed 36,463 3,103 — 39,566 Home equity 20,123 825 (12 ) 20,936 Manufactured housing 1,063 26 — 1,089 2,833,698 82,848 (55,324 ) 2,861,222 Equity securities 13,716 4,797 (152 ) 18,361 Totals $ 2,847,414 87,645 (55,476 ) 2,879,583
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 September 30, 2016 . 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 $ 3,032 (3 ) — — 3,032 (3 ) Corporate 32,317 (364 ) 181,928 (2,963 ) 214,245 (3,327 ) Residential mortgage-backed 16,997 (63 ) 9,308 (111 ) 26,305 (174 ) Total temporarily impaired securities $ 52,346 (430 ) 191,236 (3,074 ) 243,582 (3,504 ) 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, 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: States and political subdivisions $ 16,763 (387 ) 8,723 (275 ) 25,486 (662 ) Public utilities 298,962 (5,953 ) 17,840 (668 ) 316,802 (6,621 ) Corporate 1,522,544 (54,295 ) 323,567 (18,618 ) 1,846,111 (72,913 ) Residential mortgage-backed 148,712 (2,726 ) 95,443 (3,501 ) 244,155 (6,227 ) Total temporarily impaired securities $ 1,986,981 (63,361 ) 445,573 (23,062 ) 2,432,554 (86,423 )
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, 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 $ — — 552 (34 ) 552 (34 ) Public utilities 42,093 (775 ) — — 42,093 (775 ) Corporate 843,679 (32,500 ) 151,319 (22,003 ) 994,998 (54,503 ) Home equity — — 4,823 (12 ) 4,823 (12 ) 885,772 (33,275 ) 156,694 (22,049 ) 1,042,466 (55,324 ) Equity securities 649 (124 ) 102 (28 ) 751 (152 ) Total temporarily impaired securities $ 886,421 (33,399 ) 156,796 (22,077 ) 1,043,217 (55,476 ) 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, 2016 . 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 $ — — — — — — Corporate 3,027 (21 ) 113,560 (5,588 ) 116,587 (5,609 ) Residential mortgage-backed 1,381 (43 ) — — 1,381 (43 ) 4,408 (64 ) 113,560 (5,588 ) 117,968 (5,652 ) Equity securities 462 (45 ) 336 (46 ) 798 (91 ) Total temporarily impaired securities $ 4,870 (109 ) 113,896 (5,634 ) 118,766 (5,743 )
Schedule of Mortgage Loans by Loan-to-Value Ratio	The following table represents the mortgage loan portfolio by loan-to-value ratio. September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Amount % Amount % (In thousands) (In thousands) Mortgage Loans by Loan-to-Value Ratio (1): Less than 50% $ 49,418 33.5 $ 64,986 59.7 50% to 60% 8,669 5.9 9,714 8.9 60% to 70% 56,191 38.1 10,134 9.3 70% to 80% 9,543 6.4 4,843 4.4 80% to 90% 23,742 16.1 19,284 17.7 Greater than 90% — — — — Gross balance 147,563 100.0 108,961 100.0 Allowance for possible losses (650 ) (0.4 ) (650 ) (0.6 ) Totals $ 146,913 99.6 $ 108,311 99.4 (1) Loan-to-Value Ratio is 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.
Schedule of Allowance for Mortgage Loans	The following table represents the mortgage loan allowance. September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 (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, 2016 , 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 $ 141,741 144,968 198,352 202,724 Due after 1 year through 5 years 953,561 1,032,456 1,791,119 1,942,670 Due after 5 years through 10 years 1,704,850 1,783,821 3,404,124 3,580,986 Due after 10 years 80,815 83,987 299,216 321,415 2,880,967 3,045,232 5,692,811 6,047,795 Mortgage and asset-backed securities 39,621 42,580 1,413,562 1,494,540 Total $ 2,920,588 3,087,812 7,106,373 7,542,335

Fair Value of Financial Instrum

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
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, 2016 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (In thousands) Debt securities, available for sale $ 3,087,812 — 3,087,812 — Equity securities, available for sale 18,982 18,889 93 — Derivatives, index options 90,097 — — 90,097 Total assets $ 3,196,891 18,889 3,087,905 90,097 Policyholder account balances (a) $ 96,095 — — 96,095 Other liabilities (b) 6,434 — — 6,434 Total liabilities $ 102,529 — — 102,529 During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , the Company had no transfers into or out of Levels 1, 2 or 3. December 31, 2015 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (In thousands) Debt securities, available for sale $ 2,861,222 — 2,861,222 — Equity securities, available for sale 18,361 17,980 381 — Derivatives, index options 38,409 — — 38,409 Total assets $ 2,917,992 17,980 2,861,603 38,409 Policyholder account balances (a) $ 58,359 — — 58,359 Other liabilities (b) 7,669 — — 7,669 Total liabilities $ 66,028 — — 66,028 (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, 2016 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (In thousands) Debt securities, available for sale: Priced by third-party vendors $ 3,087,812 — 3,087,812 — Priced internally — — — — Subtotal 3,087,812 — 3,087,812 — Equity securities, available for sale: Priced by third-party vendors 18,982 18,889 93 — Priced internally — — — — Subtotal 18,982 18,889 93 — Derivatives, index options: Priced by third-party vendors 90,097 — — 90,097 Priced internally — — — — Subtotal 90,097 — — 90,097 Total $ 3,196,891 18,889 3,087,905 90,097 Percent of total 100.0 % 0.6 % 96.6 % 2.8 % December 31, 2015 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (In thousands) Debt securities, available for sale: Priced by third-party vendors $ 2,861,222 — 2,861,222 — Priced internally — — — — Subtotal 2,861,222 — 2,861,222 — Equity securities, available for sale: Priced by third-party vendors 18,361 17,980 381 — Priced internally — — — — Subtotal 18,361 17,980 381 — Derivatives, index options: Priced by third-party vendors 38,409 — — 38,409 Priced internally — — — — Subtotal 38,409 — — 38,409 Total $ 2,917,992 17,980 2,861,603 38,409 Percent of total 100.0 % 0.6 % 98.1 % 1.3 %
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, 2016 Debt Securities, Available for Sale Equity Securities, Available for Sale Derivatives, Index Options Total Assets Other Liabilities (In thousands) Balance at July 1, 2016 $ — — 63,319 63,319 81,056 Total realized and unrealized gains (losses): Included in net income — — 19,113 19,113 13,492 Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net: Purchases — — 18,848 18,848 18,848 Sales — — — — — Issuances — — — — 388 Settlements — — (11,183 ) (11,183 ) (11,255 ) Transfers into (out of) Level 3 — — — — — Balance at end of period $ — — 90,097 90,097 102,529 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 $ — — 23,851 23,851 — Benefits and expenses — — — — 25,150 Total $ — — 23,851 23,851 25,150 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 ) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 Debt Securities, Available for Sale Equity Securities, Available for Sale Derivatives, Index Options Total Assets Other Liabilities (In thousands) Beginning balance, January 1, 2016 $ — — 38,409 38,409 66,028 Total realized and unrealized gains (losses): Included in net income — — 8,307 8,307 (7,691 ) Included in other comprehensive income — — — — — Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net: Purchases — — 56,387 56,387 56,387 Sales — — — — Issuances — — — — 921 Settlements — — (13,006 ) (13,006 ) (13,116 ) Transfers into (out of) Level 3 — — — — — Balance at end of period $ — — 90,097 90,097 102,529 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 $ — — 15,628 15,628 — Other operating expenses — — — — 13,582 Total $ — — 15,628 15,628 13,582 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 )
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, 2016 Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input (In thousands) Derivatives, index options $ 90,097 Broker prices Implied volatility Inputs from broker proprietary models Total assets $ 90,097 Policyholder account balances $ 96,095 Deterministic cash flow model Projected option cost Other liabilities 6,434 Black-Scholes model Expected term Forfeiture assumptions Total liabilities $ 102,529 December 31, 2015 Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input (In thousands) Derivatives, index options $ 38,409 Broker prices Implied volatility Inputs from broker proprietary models Total assets $ 38,409 Policyholder account balances $ 58,359 Deterministic cash flow model Projected option cost Other liabilities 7,669 Black-Scholes model Expected term Forfeiture assumptions Total liabilities $ 66,028
Schedule of quantitative information of Level 3 assets	The following tables show the quantitative information about the Company's level 3 assets and liabilities. September 30, 2016 Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input (In thousands) Derivatives, index options $ 90,097 Broker prices Implied volatility Inputs from broker proprietary models Total assets $ 90,097 Policyholder account balances $ 96,095 Deterministic cash flow model Projected option cost Other liabilities 6,434 Black-Scholes model Expected term Forfeiture assumptions Total liabilities $ 102,529 December 31, 2015 Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input (In thousands) Derivatives, index options $ 38,409 Broker prices Implied volatility Inputs from broker proprietary models Total assets $ 38,409 Policyholder account balances $ 58,359 Deterministic cash flow model Projected option cost Other liabilities 7,669 Black-Scholes model Expected term Forfeiture assumptions Total liabilities $ 66,028
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, 2016 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 $ 7,106,373 7,542,335 — 7,542,335 — Securities available for sale 3,106,794 3,106,794 18,889 3,087,905 — Cash and cash equivalents 177,288 177,288 177,288 — — Mortgage loans 146,913 150,125 — — 150,125 Policy loans 59,218 113,290 — — 113,290 Other loans 12,349 11,878 — — 11,878 Derivatives, index options 90,097 90,097 — — 90,097 Short-term investments 14,972 14,972 — 14,972 — Life interest in Trust 7,379 12,775 — — 12,775 LIABILITIES Deferred annuity contracts $ 7,693,495 7,314,565 — — 7,314,565 Immediate annuity and supplemental contracts 443,162 485,702 — — 485,702 December 31, 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 $ 7,173,967 7,335,436 — 7,335,436 — Securities available for sale 2,879,583 2,879,583 17,980 2,861,603 — Cash and cash equivalents 106,007 106,007 106,007 — — Mortgage loans 108,311 111,162 — — 111,162 Policy loans 61,957 108,550 — — 108,550 Other loans 2,779 2,957 — — 2,957 Derivatives, index options 38,409 38,409 — — 38,409 Life interest in Trust 7,379 12,775 — — 12,775 LIABILITIES Deferred annuity contracts $ 7,640,951 7,288,108 — 7,288,108 Immediate annuity and supplemental contracts 434,468 461,457 — — 461,457

Derivative Investments (Tables)

Derivative Investments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
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, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively. September 30, 2016 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 $ 90,097 Fixed-index products Universal Life and Annuity Contracts $ 96,095 Total $ 90,097 $ 96,095 December 31, 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 $ 38,409 Fixed-index products Universal Life and Annuity Contracts $ 58,359 Total $ 38,409 $ 58,359
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, 2016 and 2015 . 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 $ 19,114 (52,816 ) Fixed-index products Universal life and annuity contract interest (12,194 ) 41,839 $ 6,920 (10,977 ) The table below presents the effect of derivative instruments in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 . 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 $ 8,307 (69,884 ) Fixed-index products Universal life and annuity contract interest 5,645 62,275 $ 13,952 (7,609 )

Consolidation and Basis of Pr29

Consolidation and Basis of Presentation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Other net investment gains (losses)	$ 5,426	$ 813	$ 10,589	$ 6,156
Earnings before Federal income taxes	48,651	25,124	114,833	99,342
Federal income taxes	14,915	8,903	37,553	32,937
Net earnings	33,736	16,221	77,280	66,405
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)	2,151	147	3,033	3,362
Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings	0	0	0	(107)
Earnings before Federal income taxes	2,151	147	3,033	3,255
Federal income taxes	753	51	1,062	1,139
Net earnings	$ 1,398	$ 96	$ 1,971	$ 2,116

Stockholders' Equity (Details)

Stockholders' Equity (Details) - USD ($)	Oct. 03, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Oct. 01, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	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		$ 117,100,000
Common Class A [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, par value (usd per share)		$ 0.01	$ 1	$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 1
Common Class B [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, par value (usd per share)		$ 0.01	1	$ 0.01
Newco Merger [Member] | Common Class A [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, par value (usd per share)			0.01
Newco Merger [Member] | Common Class B [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, par value (usd per share)			$ 0.01
Subsequent Event [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Proceeds from dividends received	$ 3,000,000

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, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Net income	$ 33,736	$ 16,221	$ 77,280	$ 66,405
Undistributed income	33,736	16,221	77,280	66,405
Allocation of net income:
Allocation of undistributed income	33,736	16,221	77,280	66,405
Net earnings	33,736	16,221	77,280	66,405
Class A [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Net income	32,782	15,763	75,095	64,527
Dividends	0	0	0	0
Undistributed income	32,782	15,763	75,095	64,527
Allocation of net income:
Dividends	0	0	0	0
Allocation of undistributed income	32,782	15,763	75,095	64,527
Net earnings	$ 32,782	$ 15,763	$ 75,095	$ 64,527
Denominator:
Basic earnings per share - weighted-average shares (in shares)	3,436	3,436	3,436	3,436
Effect of dilutive stock options (in shares)	0	1	0	1
Diluted earnings per share - adjusted weighted-average shares for assumed conversions (in shares)	3,436	3,437	3,436	3,437
Basic Earnings Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 9.54	$ 4.59	$ 21.85	$ 18.78
Diluted Earnings Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 9.54	$ 4.59	$ 21.85	$ 18.77
Class B [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Net income	$ 954	$ 458	$ 2,185	$ 1,878
Dividends	0	0	0	0
Undistributed income	954	458	2,185	1,878
Allocation of net income:
Dividends	0	0	0	0
Allocation of undistributed income	954	458	2,185	1,878
Net earnings	$ 954	$ 458	$ 2,185	$ 1,878
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)	$ 4.77	$ 2.29	$ 10.93	$ 9.39
Diluted Earnings Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 4.77	$ 2.29	$ 10.93	$ 9.39

Earnings Per Share (Antidilutiv

Earnings Per Share (Antidilutive Securities) (Details) - shares	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Securities outstanding but not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share			22,900	21,100
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	27,300	20,800

Pension and Other Postretirem33

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)benefit_plan	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)benefit_plan	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2007
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
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	$ 26,000	$ 51,000	$ 79,000	$ 153,000
Interest cost	250,000	246,000	750,000	738,000
Expected return on plan assets	(304,000)	(330,000)	(912,000)	(991,000)
Amortization of prior service cost	0	1,000	0	3,000
Amortization of net loss	193,000	196,000	579,000	588,000
Net periodic benefit cost	165,000	164,000	496,000	491,000
Minimum required contribution	200,000		200,000
Company contributions to plan			100,000
Chairman and President Non-Qualified Defined Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Service cost	109,000	64,000	327,000	192,000
Interest cost	265,000	219,000	794,000	657,000
Amortization of prior service cost	15,000	14,000	45,000	44,000
Amortization of net loss	501,000	379,000	1,503,000	1,136,000
Net periodic benefit cost	890,000	676,000	2,669,000	2,029,000
Company contributions to plan			1,300,000
Company expected contributions to plans in fiscal year			2,000,000
Defined Benefit Postretirement Healthcare Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Interest cost	30,000	33,000	90,000	98,000
Amortization of prior service cost	26,000	25,000	78,000	77,000
Amortization of net loss	0	15,000	0	45,000
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 56,000	$ 73,000	$ 168,000	$ 220,000
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 I34

Segment and Other Operating Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Selected Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Items:
Total segment assets	$ 11,880,604	$ 11,546,145	$ 11,880,604	$ 11,546,145	$ 11,612,576
Other policyholder liabilities	150,087		150,087		$ 155,261
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:
Premiums and contract revenues	44,964	44,015	137,512	129,182
Net investment income	126,981	56,209	335,732	258,391
Other revenues	4,476	5,067	14,050	15,590
Realized gains (losses) on investments	5,426	813	10,589	6,049
Total revenues	181,847	106,104	497,883	409,212
Life and other policy benefits	17,430	14,181	48,571	49,567
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs	24,395	32,058	88,581	87,780
Universal life and annuity contract interest	67,776	16,259	179,592	114,729
Other operating expenses	23,595	18,482	66,306	57,794
Federal income taxes (benefit)	13,016	8,619	33,847	30,820
Taxes on realized gains (losses) on investments	1,899	284	3,706	2,117
Total condensed consolidated Federal income taxes	14,915	8,903	37,553	32,937
Total expenses				340,690
Segment earnings (loss)	30,209	15,692	70,397	62,473
Realized gains (losses) on investments, net of taxes	3,527	529	6,883	3,932
Net earnings	33,736	16,221	77,280	66,405
Domestic Life Insurance [Member]
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:
Total expenses				39,307
Segment earnings (loss)				664
International Life Insurance [Member]
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:
Total expenses				73,247
Segment earnings (loss)				34,136
Annuities [Member]
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:
Total expenses				208,481
Segment earnings (loss)				16,842
All Others [Member]
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:
Total expenses				19,655
Segment earnings (loss)				10,831
Segments [Member]
Selected Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Items:
Deferred policy acquisition costs and sales inducements	934,003	992,116	934,003	992,116
Total segment assets	11,736,395	11,354,323	11,736,395	11,354,323
Future policy benefits	9,798,098	9,641,928	9,798,098	9,641,928
Other policyholder liabilities	150,087	146,603	150,087	146,603
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:
Premiums and contract revenues	44,964	44,015	137,512	129,182
Net investment income	126,981	56,209	335,732	258,391
Other revenues	4,476	5,067	14,050	15,590
Total revenues	176,421	105,291	487,294	403,163
Life and other policy benefits	17,430	14,181	48,571	49,567
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs	24,395	32,058	88,581	87,780
Universal life and annuity contract interest	67,776	16,259	179,592	114,729
Other operating expenses	23,595	18,482	66,306	57,794
Federal income taxes (benefit)	13,016	8,619	33,847	30,820
Total expenses	146,212	89,599	416,897
Segment earnings (loss)	30,209	15,692	70,397
Segments [Member] | Domestic Life Insurance [Member]
Selected Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Items:
Deferred policy acquisition costs and sales inducements	85,547	73,746	85,547	73,746
Total segment assets	961,205	831,407	961,205	831,407
Future policy benefits	809,493	720,998	809,493	720,998
Other policyholder liabilities	18,058	11,437	18,058	11,437
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:
Premiums and contract revenues	8,507	8,259	24,814	22,683
Net investment income	12,294	2,095	28,011	17,265
Other revenues	7	3	37	23
Total revenues	20,808	10,357	52,862	39,971
Life and other policy benefits	5,338	3,545	13,629	12,540
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs	(4,331)	1,594	989	6,473
Universal life and annuity contract interest	9,795	14	20,855	10,413
Other operating expenses	4,847	2,397	11,745	9,554
Federal income taxes (benefit)	1,667	911	1,833	327
Total expenses	17,316	8,461	49,051
Segment earnings (loss)	3,492	1,896	3,811
Segments [Member] | International Life Insurance [Member]
Selected Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Items:
Deferred policy acquisition costs and sales inducements	239,685	252,632	239,685	252,632
Total segment assets	1,248,425	1,260,628	1,248,425	1,260,628
Future policy benefits	923,235	944,618	923,235	944,618
Other policyholder liabilities	14,103	17,835	14,103	17,835
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:
Premiums and contract revenues	31,066	29,773	95,291	89,470
Net investment income	12,763	448	30,203	17,847
Other revenues	10	5	50	66
Total revenues	43,839	30,226	125,544	107,383
Life and other policy benefits	5,038	5,002	14,789	16,794
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs	7,296	6,834	11,720	11,347
Universal life and annuity contract interest	11,287	(854)	19,643	13,203
Other operating expenses	6,691	3,929	17,867	15,063
Federal income taxes (benefit)	3,591	5,363	19,977	16,840
Total expenses	33,903	20,274	83,996
Segment earnings (loss)	9,936	9,952	41,548
Segments [Member] | Annuities [Member]
Selected Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Items:
Deferred policy acquisition costs and sales inducements	608,771	665,738	608,771	665,738
Total segment assets	9,232,802	8,999,978	9,232,802	8,999,978
Future policy benefits	8,065,370	7,976,312	8,065,370	7,976,312
Other policyholder liabilities	117,926	117,331	117,926	117,331
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:
Premiums and contract revenues	5,391	5,983	17,407	17,029
Net investment income	97,384	49,518	261,579	208,263
Other revenues	139	12	145	31
Total revenues	102,914	55,513	279,131	225,323
Life and other policy benefits	7,054	5,634	20,153	20,233
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs	21,430	23,630	75,872	69,960
Universal life and annuity contract interest	46,694	17,099	139,094	91,113
Other operating expenses	7,526	7,254	23,044	18,866
Federal income taxes (benefit)	6,549	825	6,808	8,309
Total expenses	89,253	54,442	264,971
Segment earnings (loss)	13,661	1,071	14,160
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	293,963	262,310	293,963	262,310
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	4,540	4,148	15,939	15,016
Other revenues	4,320	5,047	13,818	15,470
Total revenues	8,860	9,195	29,757	30,486
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	4,531	4,902	13,650	14,311
Federal income taxes (benefit)	1,209	1,520	5,229	5,344
Total expenses	5,740	6,422	18,879
Segment earnings (loss)	3,120	2,773	10,878
Other unallocated [Member]
Selected Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Items:
Total segment assets	$ 144,209	$ 191,822	$ 144,209	$ 191,822

Share-Based Payments (General D

Share-Based Payments (General Descriptions) (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	Apr. 16, 2016$ / sharesshares	Feb. 17, 2016$ / sharesshares	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)$ / shares	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)$ / shares	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)plan$ / shares	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)$ / shares	Oct. 01, 2015$ / shares	Jun. 20, 2008$ / sharesshares	Jun. 25, 2004$ / sharesshares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Period in force, from which option holders may elect to sell back acquired shares					90 days
Compensation cost not yet recognized | $			$ 6.4	$ 6.2	$ 6.4	$ 6.2
Number of plans | plan					2
Pre-tax compensation cost (benefit) recognized | $			1.7	(1)	$ (1.1)	(2.6)
Compensation cost (benefit), tax expense (benefit) | $			(0.6)	$ 0.4	0.4	$ 0.9
Compensation cost related to nonvested options not yet recognized | $			$ 3.1		$ 3.1
Weighted average period over which the compensation is expected to be recognized (in years)					1 year 6 months
Common Class A [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock, par value (usd per share) | $ / shares			$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 1	$ 0.01	$ 1
Director [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage (in percentage)					20.00%
Requisite service period of awards (in years)					1 year
Employees [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Requisite service period of awards (in years)					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 (in 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 (in shares)								300,000
Stock Appreciation Rights [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage (in percentage)		33.30%
Grants during the period (in shares)		14,643
Grants during the period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares		$ 216.48
Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grants during the period (in shares)		5,727
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grants during the period (in shares)	2,563	3,661
Grants during the period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 226.84
Vesting period (in years)	1 year	3 years
Performance period (in years)		3 years

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, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Shares Available For Grant
Shares Available For Grant, Beginning Balance (in shares)	291,000
Shares Available For Grant, Exercised (in shares)	0
Shares Available For Grant, Forfeited (in shares)	0
Shares Available For Grant, Expired (in shares)	0
Shares Available For Grant, Granted (in shares)	0
Shares Available For Grant, Ending Balance (in shares)	291,000
Shares/Awards
Opening Balance (in shares)	27,768
Exercised (in shares)	0
Forfeited (in shares)	(500)
Expired (in shares)	0
Granted (in shares)	0
Ending Balance (in shares)	27,268
Weighted-Average Exercise Price (usd per share)
Beginning Balance (in usd per share)	$ 243.26
Expired (in usd per share)	0
Exercised (in usd per share)	0
Forfeited (in usd per share)	255.13
Granted (in usd per share)	0
Ending Balance (in usd per share)	$ 243.04
Liability Awards
Cash received from exercise of options	$ 0.3	$ 0.6
Total fair value of shares vested	$ 0	0
Stock Appreciation Rights [Member]
Liability Awards
Opening balance (in shares)	86,261
Exercised (in shares)	(1,275)
Forfeited (in shares)	(2,826)
Granted (in shares)	14,643
Closing balance (in shares)	96,803
Total intrinsic value of options exercised	$ 0.1	0.4
Total share-based liabilities paid	$ 0.1	$ 0.4
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Liability Awards
Opening balance (in shares)	0
Exercised (in shares)	0
Forfeited (in shares)	(106)
Granted (in shares)	6,224
Closing balance (in shares)	6,118
Performance Shares [Member]
Liability Awards
Opening balance (in shares)	0
Exercised (in shares)	0
Forfeited (in shares)	0
Granted (in shares)	5,727
Closing balance (in shares)	5,727

Share-Based Payments (Exercise

Share-Based Payments (Exercise Range) (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Number Outstanding (in shares)	124,071
Number Outstanding, Aggregate intrinsic value | $	$ 4,018
Number Exercisable (in shares)	66,644
Options Exercisable, Aggregate intrinsic value | $	$ 3,013
Closing stock price (in usd per share) | $ / shares	$ 205.37
Exercise Price $255.13 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise price (in usd per share) | $ / shares	255.13
Exercise Price $208.05 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise price (in usd per share) | $ / 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 (in shares)	20,268
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	1 year 6 months
Number Exercisable (in shares)	20,268
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 (in shares)	7,000
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	1 year 8 months 12 days
Number Exercisable (in shares)	7,000
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 (in usd per share) | $ / shares	$ 114.64
Number Outstanding (in shares)	22,768
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	2 years 4 months 24 days
Number Exercisable (in shares)	22,768
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 (in usd per share) | $ / shares	$ 132.56
Number Outstanding (in shares)	26,818
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	5 years 2 months 12 days
Number Exercisable (in shares)	13,008
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 (in usd per share) | $ / shares	$ 210.22
Number Outstanding (in shares)	33,000
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	7 years 2 months 12 days
Number Exercisable (in shares)	3,600
Stock Appreciation Rights [Member] | Exercise Price $216.48 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise price (in usd per share) | $ / shares	$ 216.48
Number Outstanding (in shares)	14,217
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	9 years 4 months 24 days
Number Exercisable (in shares)	0

Share-Based Payments (Black Sch

Share-Based Payments (Black Scholes Option Pricing Model Assumptions) (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected volatility, minimum (in percentage)	22.53%	21.11%
Expected volatility, maximum (in percentage)	28.81%	37.77%
Expected dividend yield (in percentage)	0.18%	0.14%
Risk-free rate, minimum (in percentage)	0.54%	0.22%
Risk-free rate, maximum (in percentage)	1.52%	1.67%
Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expiration period of awards (in years)	1 year 6 months	2 years 3 months 10 days
Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expiration period of awards (in years)	9 years 4 months 24 days	8 years
Weighted-average [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected volatility, weighted-average (in percentage)	23.83%	23.89%
Risk-free rate, weighted-average (in percentage)	1.03%	0.63%

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) $ in Thousands, BRL in Millions	Oct. 26, 2011USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)Annuity_Policy	Sep. 30, 2016BRL
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of annuity policies | Annuity_Policy		2
Brazilian Superintendence of Private Insurance [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Fine SUSEP is attempting to impose on the company	$ 6,000,000	$ 960	BRL 3
Existing Loans [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Other commitment		600
New Loans [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Other commitment		32,000
Pending Litigation [Member] | Damaris Maldonado Vinas Et Al [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss contingency accrual		$ 2,900

Investments (Investment Gains a

Investments (Investment Gains and Losses) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Held to maturity debt securities:
Real estate gains (losses)	$ 0	$ 0	$ 2,901	$ 0
Totals	$ 5,426	$ 813	$ 10,589	$ 6,156
Percentage of gains on bonds, due to calls of securities (in percentage)	95.00%	84.00%	87.00%	90.00%
Total other-than-temporary impairment gains (losses) on debt securities	$ 27	$ 284	$ 80	$ 549
Portion of loss (gain) recognized in comprehensive income	(27)	(284)	(80)	(549)
Net impairment losses on debt securities recognized in earnings	0	0	0	0
Equity securities impairments	0	0	0	(107)
Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings	0	0	0	(107)
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	1,649		2,278	2,298	$ 2,298
Reductions for securities sold during current period	(209)		(838)		(20)
Additions for credit losses not previously recognized in other-than-temporary impairments	0		0		0
Ending balance, cumulative credit losses related to other-than-temporary impairments	1,440		1,440		$ 2,278
Debt Securities [Member]
Available for sale debt securities:
Realized gains on disposal	1,773	125	2,455	3,323
Realized losses on disposal	(23)	0	(29)	(74)
Held to maturity debt securities:
Realized gains on disposal	3,278	666	4,764	2,794
Realized losses on disposal	(3)	0	(109)	0
Equity Securities [Member]
Held to maturity debt securities:
Equity securities realized gains (losses)	$ 401	$ 22	$ 607	$ 113

Investments (Securities Availab

Investments (Securities Available for Sale) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Total	$ 2,920,588	$ 2,833,698
Gross Unrealized Gains, Debt securities	172,876	82,848
Gross Unrealized Losses, Debt securities	(5,652)	(55,324)
Fair Value, Debt securities	3,087,812	2,861,222
Amortized Cost, Equity securities	14,021	13,716
Gross Unrealized Gains, Equity securities	5,052	4,797
Gross Unrealized Losses, Equity securities	(91)	(152)
Fair Value, Equity securities	18,982	18,361
Amortized Cost	2,934,609	2,847,414	$ 2,847,414
Gross Unrealized Gains	177,928	87,645
Gross Unrealized Losses	(5,743)	(55,476)
Fair Value	3,106,794	2,879,583
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	4,870	886,421
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	(109)	(33,399)
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	113,896	156,796
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	(5,634)	(22,077)
Total, Fair Value	118,766	1,043,217
Total, Unrealized Losses	(5,743)	(55,476)
Debt Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value	3,087,812	2,861,222
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	4,408	885,772
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	(64)	(33,275)
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	113,560	156,694
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	(5,588)	(22,049)
Total, Fair Value	117,968	1,042,466
Total, Unrealized Losses	(5,652)	(55,324)
States and Political Subdivisions [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Total	581	586
Gross Unrealized Gains, Debt securities	20	0
Gross Unrealized Losses, Debt securities	0	(34)
Fair Value, Debt securities	601	552
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	0	552
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	0	(34)
Total, Fair Value	0	552
Total, Unrealized Losses	0	(34)
Foreign Governments [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Total	9,953	9,947
Gross Unrealized Gains, Debt securities	757	408
Gross Unrealized Losses, Debt securities	0	0
Fair Value, Debt securities	10,710	10,355
Public Utilities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Total	127,201	129,980
Gross Unrealized Gains, Debt securities	7,834	5,354
Gross Unrealized Losses, Debt securities	0	(775)
Fair Value, Debt securities	135,035	134,559
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value		42,093
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses		(775)
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value		0
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses		0
Total, Fair Value		42,093
Total, Unrealized Losses		(775)
Corporate [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Total	2,743,232	2,635,536
Gross Unrealized Gains, Debt securities	161,263	73,132
Gross Unrealized Losses, Debt securities	(5,609)	(54,503)
Fair Value, Debt securities	2,898,886	2,654,165
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	3,027	843,679
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	(21)	(32,500)
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	113,560	151,319
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	(5,588)	(22,003)
Total, Fair Value	116,587	994,998
Total, Unrealized Losses	(5,609)	(54,503)
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Total	29,265	36,463
Gross Unrealized Gains, Debt securities	2,829	3,103
Gross Unrealized Losses, Debt securities	(43)	0
Fair Value, Debt securities	32,051	39,566
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	1,381
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	(43)
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	0
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	0
Total, Fair Value	1,381
Total, Unrealized Losses	(43)
Home Equity [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Total	9,682	20,123
Gross Unrealized Gains, Debt securities	162	825
Gross Unrealized Losses, Debt securities	0	(12)
Fair Value, Debt securities	9,844	20,936
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value		0
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses		0
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value		4,823
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses		(12)
Total, Fair Value		4,823
Total, Unrealized Losses		(12)
Manufactured Housing [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Total	674	1,063
Gross Unrealized Gains, Debt securities	11	26
Gross Unrealized Losses, Debt securities	0	0
Fair Value, Debt securities	685	1,089
Equity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value	18,982	18,361
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	462	649
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	(45)	(124)
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	336	102
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	(46)	(28)
Total, Fair Value	798	751
Total, Unrealized Losses	$ (91)	$ (152)

Investments (Securities Held to

Investments (Securities Held to Maturity) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Total	$ 7,106,373	$ 7,173,967
Gross Unrealized Gains	439,466	247,892
Gross Unrealized Losses	(3,504)	(86,423)
Fair Value	7,542,335	7,335,436	$ 7,335,436
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	52,346	1,986,981
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	(430)	(63,361)
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	191,236	445,573
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	(3,074)	(23,062)
Total, Fair Value	243,582	2,432,554
Total, Unrealized Losses	(3,504)	(86,423)
U.S. Agencies [Member]
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Total	0	15,019
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	275
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Fair Value	0	15,294
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Total, Unrealized Losses	0	0
U.S. Treasury [Member]
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Total	1,932	1,927
Gross Unrealized Gains	300	317
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Fair Value	2,232	2,244
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	440,027	435,941
Gross Unrealized Gains	39,460	29,129
Gross Unrealized Losses	(3)	(662)
Fair Value	479,484	464,408
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	3,032	16,763
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	(3)	(387)
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	0	8,723
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	0	(275)
Total, Fair Value	3,032	25,486
Total, Unrealized Losses	(3)	(662)
Public Utilities [Member]
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Total	1,061,021	1,044,063
Gross Unrealized Gains	71,581	42,271
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	(6,621)
Fair Value	1,132,602	1,079,713
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value		298,962
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses		(5,953)
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value		17,840
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses		(668)
Total, Fair Value		316,802
Total, Unrealized Losses	0	(6,621)
Corporate [Member]
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Total	4,189,831	4,160,628
Gross Unrealized Gains	246,973	114,920
Gross Unrealized Losses	(3,327)	(72,913)
Fair Value	4,433,477	4,202,635
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	32,317	1,522,544
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	(364)	(54,295)
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	181,928	323,567
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	(2,963)	(18,618)
Total, Fair Value	214,245	1,846,111
Total, Unrealized Losses	(3,327)	(72,913)
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Total	1,402,475	1,503,021
Gross Unrealized Gains	79,474	59,013
Gross Unrealized Losses	(174)	(6,227)
Fair Value	1,481,775	1,555,807
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	16,997	148,712
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	(63)	(2,726)
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	9,308	95,443
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	(111)	(3,501)
Total, Fair Value	26,305	244,155
Total, Unrealized Losses	(174)	(6,227)
Home Equity [Member]
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Total	9,383	11,047
Gross Unrealized Gains	1,526	1,701
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Fair Value	10,909	12,748
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Total, Unrealized Losses	0	0
Manufactured Housing [Member]
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Total	1,704	2,321
Gross Unrealized Gains	152	266
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Fair Value	1,856	2,587
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Total, Unrealized Losses	$ 0	$ 0

Investments (Unrealized Losses)

Investments (Unrealized Losses) (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)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	51
Gross unrealized losses, percentage of total debt	3.80%
Gross unrealized losses, market value as a percent of amortized cost	97.50%
Gross unrealized losses, number of securities with maturities of 12 months or greater	40
Gross unrealized losses, number of securities with maturities of 12 months or greater (as a percentage)	78.40%
Equity Securities [Member]
Available-for-Sale Securities and Held-to-Maturity Securities [Line Items]
Gross unrealized losses, number of securities rated investment grade	20
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	43

Investments (Mortgage Loans and

Investments (Mortgage Loans and Real Estate) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loan, amount	$ 147,563		$ 108,961
Allowance for possible losses, amount	(650)	$ (650)	(650)
Totals, amount	$ 146,913		$ 108,311
Mortgage loans, percentage	100.00%		100.00%
Allowance for possible losses, percentage	(0.40%)		(0.60%)
Totals, percentage	99.60%		99.40%
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	$ 650
Less than 50% [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loan, amount	$ 49,418		$ 64,986
Mortgage loans, percentage	33.50%		59.70%
50% to 60% [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loan, amount	$ 8,669		$ 9,714
Mortgage loans, percentage	5.90%		8.90%
60% to 70% [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loan, amount	$ 56,191		$ 10,134
Mortgage loans, percentage	38.10%		9.30%
70% to 80% [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loan, amount	$ 9,543		$ 4,843
Mortgage loans, percentage	6.40%		4.40%
80% to 90% [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loan, amount	$ 23,742		$ 19,284
Mortgage loans, percentage	16.10%		17.70%
Greater than 90% [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loan, amount	$ 0		$ 0
Mortgage loans, percentage	0.00%		0.00%

Investments (Contractual Maturi

Investments (Contractual Maturity) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015
Debt Securities Available for Sale- Amortized Cost
Due in 1 year or less	$ 141,741
Due after 1 year through 5 years	953,561
Due after 5 years through 10 years	1,704,850
Due after 10 years	80,815
Amortized Cost	2,880,967
Mortgage and asset-backed securities	39,621
Total	2,920,588	$ 2,833,698
Debt Securities Available for Sale- Fair Value
Due in 1 year or less	144,968
Due after 1 year through 5 years	1,032,456
Due after 5 years through 10 years	1,783,821
Due after 10 years	83,987
Fair Value	3,045,232
Mortgage and asset-backed securities	42,580
Total	3,087,812	2,861,222
Debt Securities Held to Maturity - Amortized Costs
Due in 1 year or less	198,352
Due after 1 year through 5 years	1,791,119
Due after 5 years through 10 years	3,404,124
Due after 10 years	299,216
Amortized Cost	5,692,811
Mortgage and asset-backed securities	1,413,562
Total	7,106,373	7,173,967
Debt Securities Held to Maturity - Fair Value
Due in 1 year or less	202,724
Due after 1 year through 5 years	1,942,670
Due after 5 years through 10 years	3,580,986
Due after 10 years	321,415
Fair Value	6,047,795
Mortgage and asset-backed securities	1,494,540
Total	$ 7,542,335	$ 7,335,436	$ 7,335,436

Investments (Real Estate) (Deta

Investments (Real Estate) (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)property	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)property	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Other long-term investments	$ 51,980		$ 51,980		$ 26,787
Number of real estate properties purchased | property	2		2
Real estate investment during the period			$ 16,800
Real estate gains (losses)	$ 0	$ 0	2,901	$ 0
Brazoria County, Texas [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Real estate gains (losses)			2,900
Real Estate [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Other long-term investments	$ 32,000	$ 16,300	32,000	$ 16,300
Operating income from real estate			$ 2,000

Fair Value of Financial Instr47

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale	$ 3,106,794	$ 2,879,583
Derivatives, index options	90,097	38,409
Total assets	3,196,891	2,917,992
Policyholder account balances	96,095	58,359
Other liabilities	6,434	7,669
Total liabilities	$ 102,529	$ 66,028
Percent of total (in percentage)	100.00%	100.00%
Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale	$ 18,889	$ 17,980
Derivatives, index options	0	0
Total assets	18,889	17,980
Policyholder account balances	0	0
Other liabilities	0	0
Total liabilities	$ 0	$ 0
Percent of total (in percentage)	0.60%	0.60%
Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale	$ 3,087,905	$ 2,861,603
Derivatives, index options	0	0
Total assets	3,087,905	2,861,603
Policyholder account balances	0	0
Other liabilities	0	0
Total liabilities	$ 0	$ 0
Percent of total (in percentage)	96.60%	98.10%
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	90,097	38,409
Total assets	90,097	38,409
Policyholder account balances	96,095	58,359
Other liabilities	6,434	7,669
Total liabilities	$ 102,529	$ 66,028
Percent of total (in percentage)	2.80%	1.30%
Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale	$ 3,087,812	$ 2,861,222
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	3,087,812	2,861,222
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	18,982	18,361
Equity Securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale	18,889	17,980
Equity Securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale	93	381
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	90,097	38,409
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	90,097	38,409
Priced by Third-Party Vendors [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives, index options	90,097	38,409
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	90,097	38,409
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	3,087,812	2,861,222
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	3,087,812	2,861,222
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	18,982	18,361
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	18,889	17,980
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	93	381
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

Fair Value of Financial Instr48

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Fair Value Measurements for Level 3 Instruments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 63,319	$ 72,527	$ 38,409	$ 114,287
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):
Included in net income	19,113	(52,816)	8,307	(69,884)
Included in other comprehensive income		0	0	0
Purchases	18,848	24,891	56,387	64,820
Sales	0	0	0	0
Issuances	0	0	0	0
Settlements	(11,183)	(19,376)	(13,006)	(83,997)
Transfers into (out of) Level 3	0	0	0	0
Balance at end of period	90,097	25,226	90,097	25,226
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:	23,851	(51,707)	15,628	(67,392)
Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	81,056	95,368	66,028	142,492
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):
Included in net income	13,492	(42,887)	(7,691)	(64,923)
Included in other comprehensive income		0	0	0
Purchases	18,848	24,891	56,387	64,820
Sales	0	0		0
Issuances	388	0	921	0
Settlements	(11,255)	(19,377)	(13,116)	(84,394)
Transfers into (out of) Level 3	0	0	0
Balance at end of period	102,529	57,995	102,529	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:	25,150	(1,048)	13,582	(2,648)
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
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
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	63,319	72,527	38,409	114,287
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):
Included in net income	19,113	(52,816)	8,307	(69,884)
Included in other comprehensive income		0	0	0
Purchases	18,848	24,891	56,387	64,820
Sales	0	0	0	0
Issuances	0	0	0	0
Settlements	(11,183)	(19,376)	(13,006)	(83,997)
Transfers into (out of) Level 3	0	0	0	0
Balance at end of period	90,097	25,226	90,097	25,226
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:	23,851	(51,707)	15,628	(67,392)
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:	23,851	(51,707)	15,628	(67,392)
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:	23,851	(51,707)	15,628	(67,392)
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:	25,150	(1,048)	13,582	(2,648)
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 Inst49

Fair Values of Financial Instruments (Quantitative Information) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 3,196,891	$ 2,917,992
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	102,529	66,028
Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	90,097	38,409
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	102,529	66,028
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	90,097	38,409
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	96,095	58,359
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	$ 6,434	$ 7,669

Fair Values of Financial Inst50

Fair Values of Financial Instruments (Fair Value by Balance Sheet Grouping) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015
ASSETS
Securities held to maturity	$ 7,542,335	$ 7,335,436	$ 7,335,436
Securities available for sale	3,106,794	2,879,583
Derivatives, index options	90,097	38,409
Fair Values [Member]
ASSETS
Securities held to maturity	7,542,335	7,335,436
Securities available for sale	3,106,794	2,879,583
Cash and cash equivalents	177,288	106,007
Mortgage loans	150,125	111,162
Policy loans	113,290	108,550
Other loans	11,878	2,957
Derivatives, index options	90,097	38,409
Short-term investments	14,972
Life interest in Trust	12,775	12,775
LIABILITIES
Deferred annuity contracts	7,314,565	7,288,108
Immediate annuity and supplemental contracts	485,702	461,457
Carrying Values [Member]
ASSETS
Securities held to maturity	7,106,373	7,173,967
Securities available for sale	3,106,794	2,879,583
Cash and cash equivalents	177,288	106,007
Mortgage loans	146,913	108,311
Policy loans	59,218	61,957
Other loans	12,349	2,779
Derivatives, index options	90,097	38,409
Short-term investments	14,972
Life interest in Trust	7,379	7,379
LIABILITIES
Deferred annuity contracts	7,693,495	7,640,951
Immediate annuity and supplemental contracts	443,162	434,468
Level 1 [Member]
ASSETS
Securities held to maturity	0	0
Securities available for sale	18,889	17,980
Cash and cash equivalents	177,288	106,007
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	7,542,335	7,335,436
Securities available for sale	3,087,905	2,861,603
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	14,972
Life interest in Trust	0	0
LIABILITIES
Deferred annuity contracts	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	150,125	111,162
Policy loans	113,290	108,550
Other loans	11,878	2,957
Derivatives, index options	90,097	38,409
Short-term investments	0
Life interest in Trust	12,775	12,775
LIABILITIES
Deferred annuity contracts	7,314,565	7,288,108
Immediate annuity and supplemental contracts	$ 485,702	$ 461,457

Derivative Investments (Balance

Derivative Investments (Balance Sheet) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives	$ 90,097	$ 38,409
Liability Derivatives	96,095	58,359
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives	90,097	38,409
Liability Derivatives	96,095	58,359
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Equity Index Options [Member] | Derivatives, Index Options [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives	90,097	38,409
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Fixed-Index Products [Member] | Universal Life and Annuity Contracts [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Liability Derivatives	$ 96,095	$ 58,359

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, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives	$ 6,920	$ (10,977)	$ 13,952	$ (7,609)
Equity Index Options [Member] | Investment Income [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives	19,114	(52,816)	8,307	(69,884)
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	$ (12,194)	$ 41,839	$ 5,645	$ 62,275