National Western Life Group Inc - Ordinary Shares (NWLI) 10-K 10 Mar 17 2016 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Mar. 10, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Document 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-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 444,831,514
Common Class A
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		3,436,166
Common Class B
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		200,000

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Investments:
Securities held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value: $7,337,611 and $7,335,436)	$ 7,159,259	$ 7,173,967
Securities available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost: $2,991,042 and $2,847,414)	3,060,363	2,879,583
Mortgage loans, net of allowance for possible losses ($650 and $650)	174,534	108,311
Policy loans	58,699	61,957
Derivatives, index options	120,644	38,409
Other long-term investments	53,954	26,787
Total investments	10,627,453	10,289,014
Cash and cash equivalents	51,247	106,007
Deferred policy acquisition costs	835,194	853,451
Deferred sales inducements	147,111	159,166
Accrued investment income	99,245	99,619
Federal income tax receivable	0	12,512
Other assets	134,731	92,807
Total assets	11,894,981	11,612,576
Future policy benefits:
Universal life and annuity contracts	9,722,313	9,561,358
Traditional life reserves	136,782	138,000
Other policyholder liabilities	143,391	155,261
Deferred Federal income tax liability	64,990	49,333
Federal income tax payable	789	0
Other liabilities	104,888	96,638
Total liabilities	10,173,153	10,000,590
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Notes 4, 7, and 9)
Common stock:
Additional paid-in capital	41,716	41,716
Accumulated other comprehensive income	10,552	329
Retained earnings	1,669,524	1,569,905
Total stockholders' equity	1,721,828	1,611,986
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	11,894,981	11,612,576
Common Class A
Common stock:
Common stock, value outstanding	34	34
Common Class B
Common stock:
Common stock, value outstanding	$ 2	$ 2

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Investments:
Securities held to maturity-fair value	$ 7,337,611	$ 7,335,436
Securities available for sale-amortized cost	2,991,042	2,847,414
Mortgage loans-allowance for possible losses	$ 650	$ 650
Common Class A
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
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

Consolidated Statements of Earn

Consolidated Statements of Earnings - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Premiums and other revenue:
Universal life and annuity contract charges	$ 163,447	$ 155,608	$ 150,596
Traditional life premiums	19,276	19,699	19,519
Net investment income	467,674	379,114	505,430
Other revenues	18,901	28,166	21,630
Net realized investment gains (losses):
Total other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) (losses) recoveries	110	2,801	(18)
Portion of OTTI losses recognized in other comprehensive income	(110)	(3,053)	(132)
Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings	0	(252)	(150)
Other net investment gains	13,070	7,461	11,755
Total net realized investment gains (losses)	13,070	7,209	11,605
Total revenues	682,368	589,796	708,780
Benefits and expenses:
Life and other policy benefits	65,529	67,452	54,295
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	121,139	120,333	115,154
Universal life and annuity contract interest	248,390	176,901	298,259
Other operating expenses	94,448	78,442	83,551
Total benefits and expenses	529,506	443,128	551,259
Earnings before Federal income taxes	152,862	146,668	157,521
Federal income taxes	51,970	48,272	51,933
Net earnings	100,892	98,396	105,588
Common Class A
Benefits and expenses:
Net earnings	$ 98,039	$ 95,613	$ 102,602
Basic Earnings Per Share:
Earnings Per Share, Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 28.53	$ 27.83	$ 29.87
Diluted Earnings Per Share:
Earnings Per Share, Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 28.53	$ 27.82	$ 29.85
Common Class B
Benefits and expenses:
Net earnings	$ 2,853	$ 2,783	$ 2,986
Basic Earnings Per Share:
Earnings Per Share, Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 14.27	$ 13.91	$ 14.93
Diluted Earnings Per Share:
Earnings Per Share, Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 14.27	$ 13.91	$ 14.93

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 100,892	$ 98,396	$ 105,588
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities:
Net unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period	12,621	(39,797)	12,536
Net unrealized liquidity gains (losses)	37	1,022	26
Reclassification adjustment for net amounts included in net earnings	(2,155)	(2,085)	(5,000)
Amortization of net unrealized (gains) losses related to transferred securities	0	0	0
Net unrealized gains (losses) on securities	10,503	(40,860)	7,562
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(164)	140	(556)
Benefit plans:
Amortization of net prior service cost and net gain, net of tax	(116)	(737)	(3,300)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	10,223	(41,457)	3,706
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ 111,115	$ 56,939	$ 109,294

Consolidated Statements of Chan

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional paid-in capital:	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):	Unrealized losses on impaired held to maturity securities:	Unrealized losses on impaired available for sale securities:	Foreign currency translation adjustments:	Benefit plan liability adjustment:	Retained earnings:
Total stockholders’ equity at Dec. 31, 2013		$ 3,635	$ 37,767		$ 46,693	$ (1,287)	$ (2)	$ 3,241	$ (10,565)	$ 1,368,466
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Reclass par value due to reorganization (see Note 10)		0	0
Shares exercised under stock option plan		1	349
Change in unrealized gains (losses) during period	$ 12,536				7,536
Amortization						84
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						(59)	(1)
Recoveries, net of tax							2
Change in translation adjustments during period	(556)							(556)
Amortization of net prior service cost and net gain, net of tax	(3,300)								(3,300)
Net earnings	105,588									105,588
Stockholder dividends										(1,272)
Total stockholders’ equity at Dec. 31, 2014	1,556,320	3,636	38,116	$ 41,786	54,229	(1,262)	(1)	2,685	(13,865)	1,472,782
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Reclass par value due to reorganization (see Note 10)		(3,600)	3,600
Shares exercised under stock option plan		0	0
Change in unrealized gains (losses) during period	(39,797)				(41,882)
Amortization						(29)
Other-than-temporary impairments, non-credit, net of tax						2,013
Additional credit loss on previously impaired securities						0
Change in shadow deferred policy acquisition costs						(962)	0
Recoveries, net of tax							0
Change in translation adjustments during period	140							140
Amortization of net prior service cost and net gain, net of tax	(737)								(737)
Net earnings	98,396									98,396
Stockholder dividends										(1,273)
Total stockholders’ equity at Dec. 31, 2015	1,611,986	36	41,716	329	12,347	(240)	(1)	2,825	(14,602)	1,569,905
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Reclass par value due to reorganization (see Note 10)		0	0
Shares exercised under stock option plan		0	0
Change in unrealized gains (losses) during period	12,621				10,466
Amortization						72
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						(35)	0
Recoveries, net of tax							0
Change in translation adjustments during period	(164)							(164)
Amortization of net prior service cost and net gain, net of tax	(116)								(116)
Net earnings	100,892									100,892
Stockholder dividends										(1,273)
Total stockholders’ equity at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 1,721,828	$ 36	$ 41,716	$ 10,552	$ 22,813	$ (203)	$ (1)	$ 2,661	$ (14,718)	$ 1,669,524

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings	$ 100,892	$ 98,396	$ 105,588
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
Universal life and annuity contract interest	248,390	176,901	298,259
Surrender charges and other policy revenues	(44,828)	(20,493)	(12,913)
Realized (gains) losses on investments	(13,070)	(7,209)	(11,605)
Accretion/amortization of discounts and premiums, investments	(176)	525	(653)
Depreciation and amortization	8,057	2,987	3,421
(Increase) decrease in value of derivatives	(28,364)	61,750	(68,616)
(Increase) decrease in deferred policy acquisition and sales inducement costs	9,206	120	(18,336)
(Increase) decrease in accrued investment income	374	(3,492)	(760)
(Increase) decrease in other assets	167	(12,929)	(867)
Increase (decrease) in liabilities for future policy benefits	8,988	12,256	7,698
(Decrease) increase in other policyholder liabilities	(11,871)	16,041	(3,365)
(Decrease) increase in Federal income tax liability	13,301	(15,848)	(6,731)
Increase (decrease) in deferred Federal income tax	10,152	40,017	22,538
(Decrease) increase in other liabilities	7,925	(2,798)	(394)
Net cash provided by operating activities	309,143	346,224	313,264
Proceeds from sales of:
Securities held to maturity	975	0	0
Securities available for sale	15,123	14,203	29,730
Other investments	4,041	3,684	3,399
Proceeds from maturities and redemptions of:
Securities held to maturity	404,802	475,151	445,679
Securities available for sale	191,225	270,044	330,127
Derivatives, index options	21,848	100,050	203,349
Purchases of:
Securities held to maturity	(383,722)	(810,384)	(773,743)
Securities available for sale	(348,174)	(529,242)	(410,127)
Derivatives, index options	(74,658)	(86,927)	(73,318)
Other investments	(29,505)	(4,250)	(376)
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment	(50,214)	0	0
Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment	1,528	0	0
Principal payments on mortgage loans	18,469	80,047	20,506
Cost of mortgage loans acquired	(84,561)	(38,471)	(37,104)
(Increase) decrease in policy loans	3,258	1,688	2,324
Net cash used in investing activities	(309,565)	(524,407)	(259,554)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Dividends on common stock	(1,273)	(1,273)	(1,273)
Deposits to account balances for universal life and annuity contracts	847,147	918,574	985,003
Return of account balances on universal life and annuity contracts	(899,961)	(910,403)	(880,658)
Issuance of common stock under stock option plan	0	0	350
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(54,087)	6,898	103,422
Effect of foreign exchange	(251)	214	(913)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(54,760)	(171,071)	156,219
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	106,007	277,078	120,859
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	51,247	106,007	277,078
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	44	30	40
Income taxes	28,243	24,127	36,123
Noncash operating activities:
Deferral of sales inducements	$ (7,620)	$ (10,854)	$ (8,003)

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (A) Principles of Consolidation. On October 1, 2015, National Western Life Insurance Company ("National Western") completed its previously announced holding company reorganization pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated April 6, 2015, which was approved by the shareholders of National Western at its Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on June 19, 2015. As a result of the reorganization, National Western became a wholly owned subsidiary of National Western Life Group, Inc. ("NWLGI"), a Delaware Corporation, and NWLGI replaced National Western as the publicly held company. Consequently, all filings with the Securities and Exchange Corporation ("SEC") from October 2, 2015 and forward are filed by NWLGI under CIK No. 0001635984. 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. For purposes of filing this Form 10-K for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto have been titled "National Western Life Group, Inc." to reflect the current name of the public registrant. All significant intercorporate transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation and references to the "Company" as contained herein refer to the consolidated entity. (B) Basis of Presentation. The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") which require 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 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) commitments and contingencies, (5) valuation allowances for deferred tax assets, (6) other-than-temporary impairment losses on debt securities, 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 years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 . Affected Line Item In the Consolidated Statements of Earnings Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Other net investment gains (losses) $ 3,316 3,459 7,843 Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings — (252 ) (150 ) Earnings before Federal income taxes 3,316 3,207 7,693 Federal income taxes 1,161 1,122 2,693 Net earnings $ 2,155 2,085 5,000 The Company (National Western) also files financial statements with insurance regulatory authorities which are prepared on the basis of statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the Colorado Division of Insurance which are significantly different from Consolidated Financial Statements prepared in accordance with GAAP. These differences are described in detail in the statutory information section of this note. Certain amounts in the prior year Consolidated Financial Statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. (C) Investments. Investments in debt securities the Company purchases with the intent to hold to maturity are classified as securities held to maturity. The Company has the ability to hold the securities until maturity, as it would be unlikely that forced sales of securities would be required, prior to maturity, to cover payments of liabilities. As a result, securities held to maturity are carried at amortized cost less declines in fair value that are deemed other-than-temporary. Investments in debt and equity securities that are not classified as securities held to maturity are reported as securities available for sale. Securities available for sale are reported in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements at fair value. Valuation changes resulting from changes in the fair value of the securities are reflected as a component of stockholders' equity in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). These unrealized gains or losses in stockholders' equity are reported net of taxes and adjustments to deferred policy acquisition costs. Transfers of securities between categories are recorded at fair value at the date of transfer. Premiums and discounts are amortized or accreted over the life of the related security as an adjustment to yield using the effective interest method. For mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, the effective interest method is used based on anticipated prepayments and the estimated economic life of the securities. When estimates of prepayments change, the effective yield is recalculated to reflect actual payments to date and anticipated future payments. The net investment in the securities is adjusted to the amount that would have existed had the new effective yield been applied at the time of acquisition. This adjustment is reflected in net investment income. Quarterly the Company reviews its investment portfolio for market value changes to identify changes caused by issuer credit deterioration, changes in market interest rates and changes in economic conditions. If this review indicates a decline in fair value that is other-than-temporary, the Company’s carrying amount in the investment is reduced to its estimated fair value. In accordance with GAAP guidance the estimated credit versus non-credit components are bifurcated. The credit component is taken through earnings. The non-credit component is reclassified as unrealized loss in other comprehensive income. The Company would not recognize impairment of securities due to changing of interest rates or market dislocations unless the Company had the intent to sell the securities prior to recovery or maturity. The Company considers a number of factors in determining whether the impairment is other-than-temporary. These include, but are not limited to: 1) actions taken by rating agencies, 2) default by the issuer, 3) the significance of the decline in fair value, 4) the intent and ability to hold the investment until recovery, 5) the time period during which the decline has occurred, 6) an economic analysis of the issuer’s industry, and 7) the financial strength, liquidity, and recoverability of the issuer. Management performs a security-by-security review each quarter in evaluating the need for any other-than-temporary impairments. Although no set formula is used in this process, the investment performance, collateral position, and continued viability of the issuer are significant measures considered. Realized gains and losses for securities available for sale and securities held to maturity are included in earnings and are derived using the specific identification method for determining the cost of securities sold or called. Decline in the fair value below cost that is deemed other-than-temporary is bifurcated in credit and non-credit declines. The noncredit related declines are reclassified as unrealized losses in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Credit losses are recorded in earnings and result in the establishment of a new cost basis for the security. The new discount or reduced premium amount is amortized over the remaining life of the impaired debt security prospectively based on the amount and timing of future estimated cash flows. Mortgage loans and other long-term investments are stated at cost, less unamortized discounts, deferred fees, and allowances for possible losses. Policy loans are stated at their aggregate unpaid balances. Real estate is stated at the lower of cost or fair value less estimated costs to sell. Impaired loans are those loans where it is probable that all amounts due according to contractual terms of the loan agreement will not be collected. The Company has identified these loans through its normal loan review procedures. Impaired loans include: 1) nonaccrual loans, 2) loans which are 90 days or more past due, unless they are well secured and are in the process of collection, and 3) other loans which management believes are impaired. Impaired loans are measured based on: 1) the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate, 2) the loan's observable market price, or 3) the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. Substantially all of the Company's impaired loans are measured at the fair value of the collateral. In limited cases, the Company may use other methods to determine the level of impairment of a loan if such loan is not collateral dependent. While the Company closely manages its investment portfolio, future changes in issuer facts and circumstances can result in impairments beyond those currently identified. (D) Cash and Cash Equivalents. For purposes of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, the Company considers all short-term investments with a maturity at the date of purchase of three months or less to be cash equivalents. (E) Derivatives. Fixed-index products combine features associated with traditional fixed annuities and universal life contracts, with the option to have interest rates linked in part to an underlying equity index. The equity return component of such policy contracts is identified separately and accounted for in future policy benefits as embedded derivatives on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The remaining portions of these policy contracts are considered the host contracts and are recorded separately as fixed annuity or universal life contracts. The host contracts are accounted for under debt instrument type accounting. The host contracts are recorded as discounted debt instruments that are 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 index annuity and life products. The amounts which may be credited to policyholders are linked, in part, to the returns of the underlying index. The index options act as hedges to match closely the returns on the underlying index. 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 is paid to the Company based on the underlying index performance and terms of the contract. As a result, amounts credited to policyholders' account balances are substantially offset by changes in the value of the options. The Company does not elect hedge accounting relative to derivative instruments. The derivatives are reported at fair value in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements. Changes in the values of the index options and changes in the policyholder liabilities are both reflected in the Consolidated Statement 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 Consolidated Statement of Earnings. Any changes relative to the embedded derivatives associated with policy contracts are reflected in contract interest in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings. Although there is credit risk in the event of nonperformance by counterparties to the index options, the Company does not expect any counterparties to fail to meet their obligations, given their high credit ratings. In addition, credit support agreements are in place with all counterparties for option holdings in excess of specific limits, which may further reduce the Company's credit exposure. At December 31, 2016 and 2015 , the fair value of index options owned by the Company totaled $120.6 million and $38.4 million , respectively. (F) Insurance Revenues and Expenses. Premiums on traditional life insurance products are recognized as revenues as they become due from policyholders. Benefits and expenses are matched with premiums in arriving at profits by providing for policy benefits over the lives of the policies and by amortizing acquisition costs over the premium-paying periods of the policies. For universal life and annuity contracts, revenues consist of policy charges for the cost of insurance, policy administration, and surrender charges assessed during the period. Expenses for these policies include interest credited to policy account balances, benefit claims incurred in excess of policy account balances and amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements. Under GAAP, commissions, sales inducements, and certain expenses related to policy issuance and underwriting, all of which vary with and are related to the production of new business, are deferred. For traditional products, these costs are amortized over the premium-paying period of the related policies in proportion to the ratio of the premium earned to the total premium revenue anticipated, using the same assumptions as to interest, mortality, and withdrawals as were used in calculating the liability for future policy benefits. For universal life and annuity contracts, these costs are amortized in relation to the present value of expected gross profits on these policies. The Company evaluates the recoverability of deferred policy acquisition and sales inducement costs on a quarterly basis. In this evaluation, the Company considers estimated future gross profits or future premiums, as applicable for the type of contract. The Company also considers expected mortality, interest earned and credited rates, persistency, and expenses. In accordance with GAAP guidance, the Company must also write off deferred acquisition costs and unearned revenue liabilities upon internal replacement of certain contracts as well as annuitizations of deferred annuities. A summary of information relative to deferred policy acquisition costs (DPAC) is provided in the table below. Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Deferred policy acquisition costs, beginning of year $ 853,451 802,919 785,706 Policy acquisition costs deferred: Agents' commissions 112,048 124,498 134,262 Other 7,808 6,894 7,606 Total costs deferred 119,856 131,392 141,868 Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs (121,139 ) (120,333 ) (115,154 ) Adjustments for unrealized (gains) losses on investment securities (16,974 ) 39,473 (9,501 ) Deferred policy acquisition costs, end of year $ 835,194 853,451 802,919 A summary of information relative to deferred sales inducements is provided in the table below. Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Deferred sales inducements, beginning of year $ 159,166 159,766 169,570 Sales inducement costs deferred 19,302 17,704 18,355 Amortization of sales inducements (26,922 ) (28,559 ) (26,357 ) Adjustments for unrealized (gains) losses on investment securities (4,435 ) 10,255 (1,802 ) Deferred sales inducements, end of year $ 147,111 159,166 159,766 Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs increased to $121.1 million in the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to $120.3 million reported in 2015 . Amortization expense in 2016 included prospective unlocking adjustments for the following (a) favorable mortality in the Domestic Life segment which decreased amortization expense by $(8.2) million ; (b) International Life segment favorable mortality, increased cost of insurance charges that had been implemented, and higher lapse rates for policies associated with residents that the company ceased accepting applications from, collectively decreasing amortization expense by $(7.3) million ; (c) updating surrender and annuitization rates on indexed, single tier, and two tier annuities which increased amortization expense by $3.7 million ; and (d) updating DPAC future gross profit projections for universal life insurance riders which had not been previously included in software models which decreased amortization expense by $(2.1) million . Amortization expense in 2015 included two unlocking adjustments. The first unlocking adjustment was for favorable mortality experience on an International Life universal life product which decreased amortization expense by $(7.1) million . The second unlocking adjustment unlocked future expense assumptions pertaining to product development override costs (trailer commissions) in the Annuity segment which increased amortization expense by $5.3 million . Amortization expense in 2014 includes an unlocking adjustment to incorporate premium load increases implemented on several international life contracts which decreased DPAC amortization by $(1.4) million . DPAC true-up adjustments were also recorded in 2016 , 2015 and 2014 relative to renewal trailer commissions, partial surrender rates, mortality rates, credited interest rates and earned rates for the current year’s experience resulting in a $3.9 million , $(2.8) million and $(7.2) million increase/(decrease) in amortization expense in 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Similar to deferred policy acquisition costs, amortization of deferred sales inducements includes true-up and unlocking adjustments. Deferred sales inducement true-up adjustments were recorded in 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 of $6.2 million , $3.9 million and $1.6 million , respectively, each of which increased contract interest expense. In 2016, the deferred sales inducement balance was unlocked for updating surrender and annuitization rates on annuities as discussed above which increased contract interest expense by $1.7 million . In 2015, the deferred sales inducement balance was unlocked for future expenses assumptions pertaining to product development costs as discussed above. The effect of the prospective unlocking was to decrease the deferred sales inducement balance and increase contract interest expense by $1.8 million . There were no unlocking adjustments during 2014. Under GAAP, the liability for future policy benefits on traditional products has been calculated using assumptions as to future mortality (based on the 1965-1970, 1975-1980 and 2001 Select and Ultimate mortality tables), interest ranging from 3.25% to 8.00% , and withdrawals based on Company experience. For universal life and annuity contracts, the liability for future policy benefits represents the account balance. Fixed-index products combine features associated with traditional fixed annuities and universal life contracts, with the option to have interest rates linked in part to an equity index. In accordance with GAAP guidance , the equity return component of such policy contracts must be identified separately and accounted for as embedded derivatives. 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 GAAP guidance provisions that require debt instrument type accounting. The host contracts are recorded as discounted debt instruments that are accreted, using the effective yield method, to their minimum account values at their projected maturities or termination dates. The embedded derivatives are recorded at fair value. (G) Deferred Federal Income Taxes. Federal income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance for deferred tax assets is provided if all or some portion of the deferred tax asset may not be realized. An increase or decrease in a valuation allowance that results from a change in circumstances that affects the realizability of the related deferred tax asset is included in income in the period the change occurs. (H) Depreciation of Property, Equipment, and Leasehold Improvements. Depreciation is based on the estimated useful lives of the assets and is calculated on the straight-line and accelerated methods. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the economic useful life of the improvement or the term of the lease. (I) Statutory Information. Domiciled in Colorado, National Western prepares its statutory financial statements in accordance with accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the Colorado Division of Insurance. The Colorado Division of Insurance has adopted the provisions of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners' ("NAIC") Statutory Accounting Practices (“SSAP”) as the basis for its statutory accounting practices. The following are major differences between GAAP and accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the Colorado Division of Insurance (“statutory accounting practices”). 1. The Company accounts for universal life and annuity contracts based on the provisions of GAAP. The basic difference between GAAP and statutory accounting practices with respect to certain long-duration contracts is that deposits for universal life and annuity contracts are not reflected as revenues, and surrenders and certain other benefit payments are not reflected as expenses. Only contracts with no insurance risk qualify for such treatment under statutory accounting practices. For all other contracts, statutory accounting practices do reflect such items as revenues and expenses. A summary of direct premiums and deposits collected is provided below. Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Annuity deposits $ 730,740 775,010 833,273 Universal life insurance deposits 250,459 277,229 280,980 Traditional life and other premiums 22,377 23,162 22,651 Totals $ 1,003,576 1,075,401 1,136,904 2. Statutory accounting practices require commissions and related acquisition costs to be expensed as incurred, whereas under GAAP these items are deferred and amortized. 3. For statutory accounting purposes, liabilities for future policy benefits for life insurance policies are calculated by the net level premium method or the commissioners reserve valuation method. Future policy benefit liabilities for annuities are calculated based on the continuous commissioners annuity reserve valuation method and provisions of Actuarial Guidelines 33 and 35. 4. Deferred Federal income taxes are provided for temporary differences which are recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements in a different period than for Federal income tax purposes. Deferred taxes are also recognized in statutory accounting practices; however, there are limitations as to the amount of deferred tax assets that may be reported as admitted assets. The change in the deferred taxes is recorded in surplus, rather than as a component of income tax expense. 5. For statutory accounting purposes, debt securities are recorded at amortized cost, except for securities in or near default, which are reported at fair value. Under GAAP, debt securities are carried at amortized cost or fair value based on their classification as either held to maturity or available for sale. 6. Investments in subsidiaries are recorded as affiliated common stock investments at their respective SSAP investment value under statutory accounting, whereas the financial statements of the subsidiaries have been consolidated with those of the Company under GAAP. 7. The asset valuation reserve and interest maintenance reserve, which are investment valuation reserves prescribed by statutory accounting practices, have been eliminated, as they are not required under GAAP. 8. The table below provides the Company’s net gain from operations, net income, unassigned surplus (retained earnings) and capital and surplus (stockholders' equity), on the statutory basis used to report to regulatory authorities for the years ended December 31. 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Net gain from operations before Federal and foreign income taxes $ 124,571 8,139 95,892 Net income $ 88,712 7,060 77,220 Unassigned surplus $ 1,207,298 1,127,140 1,141,579 Capital and surplus $ 1,251,361 1,171,203 1,185,643 (J) Stock Compensation. The Company accounts for its share-based compensation for GAAP reporting using liability accounting, and measures compensation cost using the fair value method at each reporting date. For stock options, fair value is determined using an option pricing model that takes into account various information and assumptions including the Company's stock price, volatility, option price, vesting dates, exercise dates and projected option lapses. Under the intrinsic value based method, compensation cost is the excess, if any, of the quoted market price of the stock at grant date or other measurement date over the amount an employee must pay to acquire the stock. (K) Accounting Standards and Changes in Accounting 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.

Deposits with Regulatory Author

Deposits with Regulatory Authorities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Deposits with Regulatory Authorities [Abstract]
Deposits With Regulatory Authorities	DEPOSITS WITH REGULATORY AUTHORITIES The following assets were on deposit with state and other regulatory authorities as required by law, at the end of each year. December 31, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Debt securities held to maturity $ 13,790 15,281 Debt securities available for sale 805 810 Short-term investments 475 475 Totals $ 15,070 16,566

Investments

Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investments	INVESTMENTS (A) Investment Income The major components of net investment income are as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Gross investment income: Debt and equity securities $ 416,638 416,633 410,809 Mortgage loans 7,964 10,274 9,847 Policy loans 3,700 3,938 4,252 Derivative gains (losses) 28,364 (61,750 ) 68,616 Money market investments 668 197 401 Other investment income 11,432 10,939 12,591 Total investment income 468,766 380,231 506,516 Less investment expenses 1,092 1,117 1,086 Net investment income $ 467,674 379,114 505,430 (B) 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. The Company’s mortgage, participation and mezzanine loans on real estate are the only financing receivables included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. In general, the Company originates loans on high quality, income-producing properties such as shopping centers, freestanding retail stores, office buildings, industrial and sales or service facilities, selected apartment buildings, motels, and health care facilities. The location of these properties is typically in major metropolitan areas that offer a potential for property value appreciation. Credit and default risk is minimized through strict underwriting guidelines and diversification of underlying property types and geographic locations. In addition to being secured by the property, mortgage loans with leases on the underlying property are often guaranteed by the lease payments and also by the borrower. This approach has proven to result in quality mortgage loans with few defaults. Mortgage loan interest income is recognized on an accrual basis with any premium or discount amortized over the life of the loan. Prepayment and late fees are recorded on the date of collection. The Company requires a minimum specified yield on mortgage loan investments determined by reference to currently available debt security instrument yields, plus a desired amount of incremental basis points. During the past several years, the low interest rate environment has resulted in fewer loan opportunities being available that meet the Company's required rate of return. However, the Company made a concerted effort to grow this part of its investment portfolio during 2016. Mortgage loans originated by the Company totaled $84.6 million and $38.5 million for the years 2016 and 2015 , respectively. 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 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 has no loans past due 90 days which are accruing interest. The Company's direct investments in real estate are not a significant portion of its total investment portfolio as most of these investments were acquired through mortgage loan foreclosures. The Company also participates in several real estate joint ventures and limited partnerships that invest primarily in income-producing retail properties. These investments have generally served to enhance the Company's overall investment portfolio returns. The Company held net investments in mortgage loans totaling $174.5 million and $108.3 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The diversification of the portfolio by geographic region, property type, and loan-to-value ratio was as follows: December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Amount % Amount % (In thousands) (In thousands) Mortgage Loans by Geographic Region: West South Central $ 102,531 58.5 $ 58,002 53.2 East North Central 26,717 15.3 18,477 17.0 South Atlantic 14,130 8.1 3,047 2.8 New England 11,488 6.6 11,830 10.9 Pacific 9,872 5.6 10,101 9.3 East South Central 6,512 3.7 5,818 5.3 Middle Atlantic 2,288 1.3 — — Mountain 1,646 0.9 1,686 1.5 Gross balance 175,184 100.0 108,961 100.0 Allowance for possible losses (650 ) (0.4 ) (650 ) (0.6 ) Totals $ 174,534 99.6 $ 108,311 99.4 December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Amount % Amount % (In thousands) (In thousands) Mortgage Loans by Property Type: Retail $ 89,947 51.3 $ 66,237 60.8 Office 57,095 32.6 22,941 21.0 Hotel/Motel 9,708 5.6 1,513 1.4 Land/Lots 4,946 2.8 4,445 4.1 All other 13,488 7.7 13,825 12.7 Gross balance 175,184 100.0 108,961 100.0 Allowance for possible losses (650 ) (0.4 ) (650 ) (0.6 ) Totals $ 174,534 99.6 $ 108,311 99.4 December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Amount % Amount % (In thousands) (In thousands) Mortgage Loans by Loan-to-Value Ratio (1): Less than 50% $ 54,783 31.3 $ 64,986 59.7 50% to 60% 12,946 7.4 9,714 8.9 60% to 70% 76,959 43.9 10,134 9.3 70% to 80% 6,192 3.5 4,843 4.4 80% to 90% 18,688 10.7 19,284 17.7 Greater than 90% 5,616 3.2 — — Gross balance 175,184 100.0 108,961 100.0 Allowance for possible losses (650 ) (0.4 ) (650 ) (0.6 ) Totals $ 174,534 99.6 $ 108,311 99.4 (1) Loan-to-Value Ratio using the most recent appraised value. Appraisals are required at the time of funding and may be updated if a material change occurs from the original loan agreement. The greater than 90% category is related to loans made with a long standing borrower which are backed by the investment property, contracted leases and the guarantee of the borrower. 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 would indicate a potential problem are: 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 capital gains (losses) in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. The Company recognized no valuation losses for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The current mortgage loan valuation allowance represents a general valuation allowance established for the Company's mortgage loan portfolio based upon the Company's loss experience over the past ten years and is not specifically identified to individual loans. Impairments are based on information which indicated that the Company may not collect all amounts in accordance with the mortgage agreement. While the Company closely monitors its mortgage loan portfolio, future changes in economic conditions can result in impairments beyond those currently identified. The following table represents the mortgage loan allowance for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 : 2016 2015 (In thousands) Balance, beginning of period $ 650 650 Provision — — Releases — — Balance, end of period $ 650 650 The Company does not recognize interest income on loans past due 90 days or more. The Company had no mortgage loan past due six months or more at December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 . There was no interest income not recognized in 2016 , 2015 and 2014 . The contractual maturities of mortgage loan principal balances at December 31, 2016 and 2015 were as follows: December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Amount % Amount % (In thousands) (In thousands) Principal Balance by Contractual Maturity: Due in one year or less $ 21,595 12.3 $ 7,950 7.3 Due after one year through five years 36,159 20.6 24,236 22.1 Due after five years through ten years 99,391 56.5 50,431 46.1 Due after ten years through fifteen years 7,200 4.1 7,500 6.9 Due after fifteen years 11,488 6.5 19,284 17.6 Totals $ 175,833 100.0 $ 109,401 100.0 The Company's direct investments in real estate investments are not a significant portion of its total investment portfolio. These investments totaled approximately $31.8 million at December 31, 2016 and $16.3 million at December 31, 2015 , and consist primarily of income-producing properties which are being operated by a wholly-owned subsidiary of National Western. The Company’s real estate holdings are reflected in other long-term investments in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company records real estate at the lower of cost or fair value less estimated cost to sell, which is determined on an individual asset basis. The Company recognized operating income on these properties of approximately $2.6 million , $1.8 million and $1.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The Company had real estate investments that were non-income producing for the preceding twelve months totaling $0.2 million , $0.9 million and $0.9 million at December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The Company monitors the conditions and market values of these properties on a regular basis and makes repairs and capital improvements to keep the properties in good condition. The Company recorded net realized investment gains on disposals of $2.9 million , $0.0 million and $1.0 million associated with these real estate investments in the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The net realized investment gain on disposed properties in 2016 were located in Brazoria County (Texas), Ruidoso, New Mexico, and Austin, Texas. The realized gains in 2014 were due to disposed properties located in Steubenville, Ohio, Houston, Texas, and Freeport, Texas. During the year ended 2016 the Company purchased two properties, one located in Cypress, Texas and the other in Tupelo, Mississippi for a total of $16.8 million . (C) Debt and Equity Securities The table below presents amortized costs and fair values of securities held to maturity at December 31, 2016 . Securities Held to Maturity Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value (In thousands) Debt securities: U.S. Treasury $ 1,333 235 — 1,568 States and political subdivisions 456,069 22,697 (2,841 ) 475,925 Public utilities 1,087,176 36,904 (3,133 ) 1,120,947 Corporate 4,237,029 116,720 (29,701 ) 4,324,048 Residential mortgage-backed 1,367,270 42,345 (6,468 ) 1,403,147 Home equity 8,826 1,462 — 10,288 Manufactured housing 1,556 132 — 1,688 Totals $ 7,159,259 220,495 (42,143 ) 7,337,611 The table below presents amortized costs and fair values of securities available for sale at December 31, 2016 . Securities Available for Sale Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value (In thousands) Debt securities: States and political subdivisions $ 580 — (6 ) 574 Foreign governments 9,956 380 — 10,336 Public utilities 127,181 4,745 (232 ) 131,694 Corporate 2,802,852 80,414 (22,603 ) 2,860,663 Residential mortgage-backed 27,110 2,137 (91 ) 29,156 Home equity 9,341 286 — 9,627 Manufactured housing — — — — 2,977,020 87,962 (22,932 ) 3,042,050 Equity securities 14,022 4,657 (366 ) 18,313 Totals $ 2,991,042 92,619 (23,298 ) 3,060,363 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 Company's investment policy is to invest in high quality securities with the primary intention of holding these securities until the stated maturity. As such, the portfolio has exposure to interest rate risk, which is the risk that funds are invested today at a market interest rate and in the future interest rates rise causing the current market price on that investment to be lower. This risk is not a significant factor relative to the Company's buy and hold portfolio, since the original intention was to receive the stated interest rate and principal at maturity to match liability requirements to policyholders. Also, the Company takes steps to manage these risks. For example, the Company purchases the type of mortgage-backed securities that have more predictable cash flow patterns. In addition, the Company is exposed to credit risk which is continually monitored. Credit risk is the risk that an issuer of a security will not be able to fulfill their obligations relative to a security payment schedule. The Company reviewed pertinent information for all issuers in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2016 including market pricing history, credit ratings, analyst reports, as well as data provided by the issuers themselves. The Company then made a determination on each specific issuer relating to other-than-temporary impairment. For the securities that have not been impaired at December 31, 2016 , the Company intends to hold these securities until recovery in fair value and expects to receive all amounts due relative to principal and interest. The Company held below investment grade debt securities totaling $179.5 million and $160.8 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. These amounts represent 1.7% and 1.6% of total invested assets for December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Below investment grade holdings are the result of downgrades subsequent to purchase, as the Company only invests in high quality securities with ratings quoted as investment grade. Below investment grade securities generally have greater default risk than higher rated corporate debt. The issuers of these securities are usually more sensitive to adverse industry or economic conditions than are investment grade issuers. For the year ended December 31, 2016 , the Company recorded net realized gains totaling $13.1 million related to the disposition of investment securities. The net realized gains included no losses for other-than-temporary impairment write-downs on investments. For the years ended December 2015 and 2014 , the Company recorded net realized gains totaling $7.2 million and $11.6 million , respectively, related to disposition of 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, 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: State and political subdivisions $ 80,507 (2,841 ) — — 80,507 (2,841 ) Public utilities 162,587 (3,133 ) — — 162,587 (3,133 ) Corporate 1,063,194 (22,867 ) 179,113 (6,834 ) 1,242,307 (29,701 ) Residential mortgage-backed 274,045 (5,989 ) 8,943 (479 ) 282,988 (6,468 ) Total temporarily impaired securities $ 1,580,333 (34,830 ) 188,056 (7,313 ) 1,768,389 (42,143 ) 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 December 31, 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: State and political subdivisions $ 574 (6 ) — — 574 (6 ) Public utilities 10,765 (232 ) — — 10,765 (232 ) Corporate 680,988 (16,427 ) 106,969 (6,176 ) 787,957 (22,603 ) Residential mortgage-backed 1,292 (91 ) — — 1,292 (91 ) Home equity — — — — — — 693,619 (16,756 ) 106,969 (6,176 ) 800,588 (22,932 ) Equity securities 4,154 (305 ) 422 (61 ) 4,576 (366 ) Total temporarily impaired securities $ 697,773 (17,061 ) 107,391 (6,237 ) 805,164 (23,298 ) The Company does not consider securities to be other-than-temporarily impaired where the market decline is attributable to factors such as market volatility, liquidity, spread widening and credit quality where we anticipate a recovery of all amounts due under the contractual terms of the security and have the intent and ability to hold until recovery or maturity. Based on review in concert with the Company’s ability and intent to hold these securities until maturity, the Company does not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 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. Debt securities. The gross unrealized losses for debt securities are made up of 318 individual issues, or 23.8% of the total debt securities held by the Company. The market value of these bonds as a percent of amortized cost averages 97.5% . Of the 318 securities, 40 , or approximately 12.6% , fall in the 12 months or greater aging category; and 311 were rated investment grade at December 31, 2016 . Equity securities. The gross unrealized losses for equity securities are made up of 29 individual issues. These holdings are reviewed quarterly for impairment. None of the equity securities were other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2016 , in accordance with Company policy. 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: State 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 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: State 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 ) Unrealized losses decreased in 2016 from 2015 levels primarily as a result of price recoveries in certain sectors (i.e. oil and gas (energy) and a tightening of spreads on corporate debt securities. The Company does not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired because the Company does not intend to sell these securities until recovery in fair value and expects to receive all amounts due relative to principal and interest. The amortized cost and fair value of investments in debt securities at December 31, 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 $ 114,746 116,495 162,955 165,688 Due after 1 year through 5 years 953,350 1,011,700 1,765,478 1,872,300 Due after 5 years through 10 years 1,756,104 1,760,775 3,450,046 3,478,854 Due after 10 years 116,369 114,297 403,128 405,646 2,940,569 3,003,267 5,781,607 5,922,488 Mortgage and asset-backed securities 36,451 38,783 1,377,652 1,415,123 Total $ 2,977,020 3,042,050 7,159,259 7,337,611 The Company uses the specific identification method in computing realized gains and losses. The table below details the nature of realized gains and losses, excluding impairments, during the year. Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Available for sale debt securities: Realized gains on disposal $ 2,644 3,378 7,795 Realized losses on disposal (29 ) (74 ) (22 ) Held to maturity debt securities: Realized gains on redemption 6,940 4,027 3,453 Realized losses on redemption (137 ) (25 ) (17 ) Equity securities realized gains 702 155 69 Real estate 2,950 — 955 Mortgage loans — — — Other — — (478 ) Totals $ 13,070 7,461 11,755 One small municipal bond was sold out of the held to maturity portfolio during 2016 due to a material deterioration in the creditworthiness of the territory it pertained to. No sales were made out of the held to maturity portfolio in 2015 and 2014. Except for the total U.S. government agency mortgage-backed securities held, the Company had no other investments in any entity in excess of 10% of stockholders' equity at December 31, 2016 or 2015 . The table below presents net impairment losses recognized in earnings for the periods indicated. Years Ended 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Total other-than-temporary impairment recoveries (losses) on debt securities $ 110 3,053 125 Portion recognized in comprehensive income (110 ) (3,053 ) (132 ) Net impairment losses on debt securities recognized in earnings — — (7 ) Equity securities impairments — (252 ) (143 ) Totals $ — (252 ) (150 ) For the years ended December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , the Company recovered $0.1 million and $3.1 million , respectively, on previously impaired asset-backed securities. The credit component of the asset-backed securities impairment was determined as the difference between amortized cost and the present value of the cash flows expected to be received, discounted at the original yield. The significant inputs used to project cash flows on asset-backed securities are estimated future prepayment rates, default rates and default loss severity. 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. Year Ended Year Ended December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 (In thousands) Beginning balance, cumulative credit losses related to other-than-temporary impairments $ 2,278 2,298 Reductions for securities disposed during current period (838 ) (20 ) Additions for OTTI where credit losses have been previously recognized — — Ending balance, cumulative credit losses related to other-than-temporary impairments $ 1,440 2,278 (D) Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) Net unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities included in stockholders' equity at December 31, 2016 and 2015 , are as follows: December 31, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Gross unrealized gains $ 92,255 87,493 Gross unrealized losses (23,563 ) (56,064 ) Adjustments for: Deferred policy acquisition costs and sales inducements (33,909 ) (12,804 ) Deferred Federal income tax expense (12,174 ) (6,519 ) 22,609 12,106 Net unrealized gains related to securities transferred to held to maturity — — Net unrealized gains on investment securities $ 22,609 12,106 (E) Transfer of Securities For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company transferred one security with an amortized value of $9.1 million from the held to maturity portfolio to the available for sale portfolio. The security had been downgraded to a CCC rating in the period transferred and was at risk for transitioning to a lower rating due to certain credit-related events. There were no transfers in 2016 or 2014 between held to maturity and available for sale.

Reinsurance

Reinsurance	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
Reinsurance	REINSURANCE Effective January 1, 2011, the Company began reinsuring any risk on any one life in excess of $500,000 . The Company's general policy prior to that date was to reinsure that portion of any risk in excess of $250,000 on the life of any one individual. Total life insurance in force was $20.9 billion and $22.0 billion at December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Of these amounts, life insurance in force totaling $4.7 billion and $5.0 billion was ceded to reinsurance companies on a yearly renewable term basis at December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. In accordance with the reinsurance contracts, reinsurance receivables including amounts related to claims incurred but not reported and liabilities for future policy benefits totaled $2.0 million and $3.7 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Premiums and contract revenues were reduced by $19.7 million , $19.1 million and $19.0 million for reinsurance premiums ceded during 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Benefit expenses were reduced by $12.0 million , $14.2 million and $6.4 million , for reinsurance recoveries during 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. A contingent liability exists with respect to reinsurance, as the Company remains liable if the reinsurance companies are unable to perform and meet their obligations under the existing agreements. The Company does not assume reinsurance.

Federal Income Taxes

Federal Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Federal Income Taxes	FEDERAL INCOME TAXES Total Federal income taxes were allocated as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Taxes (benefits) on earnings from continuing operations: Current $ 41,544 8,279 29,395 Deferred 10,426 39,993 22,538 Taxes on earnings 51,970 48,272 51,933 Taxes (benefits) on components of stockholders' equity: Net unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale 5,382 (22,014 ) 4,072 Foreign currency translation adjustments (88 ) 75 (358 ) Change in benefit plan liability (62 ) (397 ) (1,777 ) Total Federal income taxes (benefit) $ 57,202 25,936 53,870 The provisions for Federal income taxes attributable to earnings from continuing operations vary from amounts computed by applying the statutory income tax rate of 35% to income statement earnings before Federal income taxes due to differences between the financial statement reporting and income tax treatment of certain items. The reasons for the differences and the corresponding tax effects are as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Income tax expense at statutory rate of 35% $ 53,502 51,334 55,133 Dividend received deduction (850 ) (1,194 ) (1,076 ) Tax exempt interest (2,193 ) (2,195 ) (2,155 ) Tax adjustment on foreign currency — 618 (358 ) Adjustments pertaining to prior tax years 1,076 (296 ) 1 Nondeductible insurance 160 160 160 Nondeductible expenses 588 261 277 Other, net (313 ) (416 ) (49 ) Taxes on earnings from continuing operations $ 51,970 48,272 51,933 There were no deferred taxes attributable to enacted tax rate changes for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 . The Company expects its effective tax rate to be less than the statutory rate of 35% due to recurring permanent differences that reduce tax expense, principally tax exempt interest income and the dividend received deduction. The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at December 31, 2016 and 2015 are presented below. December 31, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Deferred tax assets: Future policy benefits, excess of financial accounting liabilities over tax liabilities $ 254,329 251,701 Investment securities write-downs for financial accounting purposes 602 3,493 Benefit plan liabilities 13,485 12,397 Accrued operating expenses recorded for financial accounting purposes not currently tax deductible 7,235 4,859 Foreign currency translation adjustments — 5,098 Accrued and unearned investment income recognized for tax purposes and deferred for financial accounting purposes 420 334 Other 401 5 Total gross deferred tax assets 276,472 277,887 Deferred tax liabilities: Deferred policy acquisition and sales inducement costs, principally expensed for tax purposes (307,725 ) (309,476 ) Debt securities, principally due to deferred market discount for tax (12,147 ) (9,182 ) Real estate, principally due to adjustments for financial accounting purposes (498 ) (1,025 ) Net unrealized gains on securities available for sale (12,174 ) (6,519 ) Foreign currency translation adjustments (1,433 ) — Fixed assets, due to different depreciation bases (7,468 ) (492 ) Other (17 ) (526 ) Total gross deferred tax liabilities (341,462 ) (327,220 ) Net deferred tax liabilities $ (64,990 ) (49,333 ) There were no valuation allowances for deferred tax assets at December 31, 2016 and 2015 . In assessing deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is primarily dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and available tax planning strategies in making this assessment. Based upon the level of historical taxable income and projections for future taxable income over the periods in which the deferred tax assets are deductible, management believes it is more likely than not that the Company will realize the benefits of these deductible differences. In accordance with GAAP, the Company assessed whether it had any significant uncertain tax positions related to open examination or other IRS issues and determined that there were none. Accordingly, no reserve for uncertain tax positions has been recorded. Should a provision for any interest or penalties relative to unrecognized tax benefits be necessary, it is the Company's policy to accrue for such in its income tax accounts. There were no such accruals as of December 31, 2016 or 2015 . The Company and its corporate subsidiaries file a consolidated U.S. Federal income tax return, which is subject to examination for all years after 2012. Allocation of the consolidated Federal income tax liability amongst the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries is based on separate return calculations pursuant to the "wait-and-see" method as described in sections 1.1552-1(a)(1) and 1.1502-33(d)(2) of the current Treasury Regulations. Under this method, consolidated group members are not given current credit for net losses until future net taxable income is generated to realize such credits.

Information Regarding Controlli

Information Regarding Controlling Stockholder	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Information Regarding Controlling Stockholder [Abstract]
Information Regarding Controlling Stockholder	INFORMATION REGARDING CONTROLLING STOCKHOLDER Robert L. Moody, Chairman Emeritus of the Board of Directors of NWLGI, owns 99.0% of the total outstanding shares of the Company's Class B common stock and 33.7% of the Class A common stock as of December 31, 2016 . Holders of the Company's Class A common stock elect one-third of the Board of Directors of the Company, and holders of the Class B common stock elect the remainder. Any cash or in-kind dividends paid on each share of Class B common stock are to be only one-half of the cash or in-kind dividends paid on each share of Class A common stock. Also, in the event of liquidation of the Company, the Class A stockholders shall first receive the par value of their shares; then the Class B stockholders shall receive the par value of their shares; and the remaining net assets of the Company shall be divided between the stockholders of both Class A and Class B common stock, based on the number of shares held.

Pension and Other Postretiremen

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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. As participants are no longer earning credit for service, future qualified defined benefit plan expense is projected to be minimal. Fair values of plan assets and liabilities are measured as of December 31 for each year. A detail of plan disclosures is provided below. Obligations and Funded Status December 31, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Changes in projected benefit obligations: Projected benefit obligations at beginning of year $ 25,470 23,328 Service cost 105 205 Interest cost 1,000 983 Actuarial gain (loss) (540 ) 2,358 Benefits paid (1,482 ) (1,404 ) Projected benefit obligations at end of year 24,553 25,470 Changes in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 18,115 19,646 Actual return on plan assets 1,499 (127 ) Contributions 147 — Benefits paid (1,482 ) (1,404 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of year 18,279 18,115 Funded status at end of year $ (6,274 ) (7,355 ) The service cost shown above for each year represents 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. December 31, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Amounts recognized in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements: Assets $ — — Liabilities (6,274 ) (7,355 ) Net amount recognized $ (6,274 ) (7,355 ) Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income: Net loss $ 9,443 11,039 Prior service cost — — Net amount recognized $ 9,443 11,039 The accumulated benefit obligation was $24.6 million and $25.5 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Components of net periodic benefit costs: Interest cost $ 1,000 983 958 Service cost 105 205 168 Expected return on plan assets (1,215 ) (1,320 ) (1,278 ) Amortization of prior service cost — 3 4 Amortization of net loss 772 784 422 Net periodic benefit cost 662 655 274 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income: Net loss (gain) (824 ) 3,806 Amortization of prior service cost — (3 ) Amortization of net loss (gain) (772 ) (784 ) Total recognized in other comprehensive income (1,596 ) 3,019 Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income $ (934 ) 3,674 The estimated net loss that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost over 2017 , based on the average expected future service of plan participants, is $620,600 . The estimated prior service cost that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost over 2017 will be minimal. Assumptions December 31, 2016 2015 Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations: Discount rate 4.00 % 4.00 % Rate of compensation increase n/a n/a December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost: Discount rate 4.00 % 3.75 % 4.60 % Expected long-term return on plan assets 7.00 % 7.00 % 7.00 % Rate of compensation increase n/a n/a n/a The assumed long-term rate of return on plan assets is generally set at the rate expected to be earned based on the long-term investment policy of the plan and the various classes of invested funds, based on the input of the plan’s investment advisors and consulting actuary and the plan’s historic rate of return. As of December 31, 2016 , the plan’s average 10 -year and inception-to-date returns were 5.66% and 7.02% , respectively. In setting the annual discount rate assumption, the Pension Committee reviews the current 10 year and 30 year corporate bond yields, the current spread to treasuries and their relative change during the past twelve months. It also considers the present value of the projected benefit payment stream based on the Citigroup Pension Discount Curve and market data observations provided by independent consultants. In setting the annual portfolio rate of return assumption, the Pension Committee considers the Plan’s actual long-term performance, the portfolio’s current allocation and individual investment holdings, the Committee’s and the investment manager’s expectations for future long term investment strategy and expected performance, and the advice of consultants knowledgeable about overall market expectations and benchmark rates of return used by comparable companies. Plan Assets As discussed in Note 14, Fair Values of Financial Instruments, the Company adopted GAAP guidance which defines fair value and establishes a framework for measuring fair value of financial assets. Using this guidance, the Company has categorized its pension plan assets into a three level hierarchy, based on the priority of inputs to the valuation process. The fair value hierarchy classifications are reviewed annually. Reclassification of certain financial assets and liabilities may result based on changes in the observability of valuation attributes. The following table sets forth the Company’s pension plan assets within the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2016 . December 31, 2016 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (In thousands) Cash $ 1,279 1,279 — — Equity securities Domestic 11,101 11,101 — — International 229 229 — — Debt securities U.S. government agencies — — — — Corporate bonds 5,670 — 5,670 — Total $ 18,279 12,609 5,670 — December 31, 2015 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (In thousands) Cash $ 778 778 — — Equity securities Domestic 10,684 10,684 — — International 382 382 — — Debt securities U.S. government agencies — — — — Corporate bonds 6,271 — 6,271 — Total $ 18,115 11,844 6,271 — Investment securities. Fair values for investments in debt and equity securities are based on quoted market prices, where available. For securities not actively traded, fair values are estimated using values obtained from various independent pricing services. In the cases where prices are unavailable from these sources, values are estimated by discounting expected future cash flows using a current market rate applicable to the yield, credit quality, and maturity of the investments. Cash and cash equivalents. The carrying amounts reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet for these instruments approximate their fair values. The plan’s weighted-average asset allocations by asset category have been as follows: December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Asset Category: Equity securities 62% 61% 64% Debt securities 31% 35% 32% Cash and cash equivalents 7% 4% 4% Total 100% 100% 100% The Company has established and maintains an investment policy statement for the assets held in the plan's trust. The investment strategies are of a long-term nature and are designed to meet the following objectives: Ÿ ensure that funds are available to pay benefits as they become due Ÿ set forth an investment structure detailing permitted assets and expected allocation ranges among classes Ÿ ensure that plan assets are managed in accordance with ERISA The Pension Plan is a highly diversified portfolio, the 93% of the pension assets not invested in cash are allocated among 207 different investments, with no single credit representing more than 2.4% of the fair value of the portfolio. The investment policy statement sets forth the following acceptable ranges for each asset's class. Acceptable Range Asset Category: Equity securities 55-70% Debt securities 30-40% Cash and cash equivalents 0-15% Deviations from these ranges are permitted if such deviations are consistent with the duty of prudence under ERISA. Investments in natural resources, venture capital, precious metals, futures and options, real estate, and other vehicles that do not have readily available objective valuations are not permitted. Short sales, use of margin or leverage, and investment in commodities and art objects are also prohibited. The investment policy statement is reviewed annually to ensure that the objectives are met considering any changes in benefit plan design, market conditions, or other material considerations. Contributions National Western does not expect to contribute to the plan during 2017 although additional amounts may be contributed. The plan’s funding status is reviewed periodically throughout the year by National Western’s Pension Plan Committee. The company intends to contribute at least the minimum amounts necessary for tax compliance and to maintain an Adjusted Funding Target Attainment Percentage (AFTAP) of over 80% to meet the Pension Protection Act Plan’s threshold. Estimated Future Benefit Payments The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid (in thousands): 2017 $ 1,508 2018 1,483 2019 1,471 2020 1,466 2021 1,455 2022-2026 6,920 National Western also sponsors three non-qualified defined benefit pension plans. The first plan covers certain senior officers and provides benefits based on the participants' years of service and compensation. The primary 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"), a related party. 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 this 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 non-qualified defined benefit plan for the benefit of the then Chairman 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 non-qualified plan, while complying with the requirements of the Act. Effective November 1, 2005, National Western established a third non-qualified defined benefit plan for the benefit of the then President of the company. This plan is intended to provide for post-2004 benefit accruals that supplement the pre-2005 benefit accruals under the first non-qualified plan as previously discussed, while complying with the requirements of the Act. A detail of plan disclosures related to the amendments of the original plan and the additional two plans is provided below: Obligations and Funded Status December 31, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Changes in projected benefit obligations: Projected benefit obligations at beginning of year $ 22,735 24,145 Service cost 438 256 Interest cost 1,058 876 Actuarial (gain) loss 3,983 (560 ) Benefits paid (1,982 ) (1,982 ) Projected benefit obligations at end of year 26,232 22,735 Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year — — Contributions 1,982 1,982 Benefits paid (1,982 ) (1,982 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of year — — Funded status at end of year $ (26,232 ) (22,735 ) December 31, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Amounts recognized in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements: Assets $ — — Liabilities (26,232 ) (22,735 ) Net amount recognized $ (26,232 ) (22,735 ) Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income: Net loss $ 11,865 9,885 Prior service cost 641 700 Net amount recognized $ 12,506 10,585 The accumulated benefit obligation was $18.5 million and $19.5 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Components of net periodic benefit cost: Service cost $ 438 256 294 Interest cost 1,058 876 1,003 Amortization of prior service cost 59 59 59 Amortization of net loss 2,003 1,514 1,294 Net periodic benefit cost 3,558 2,705 2,650 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income: Net (gain) loss 3,983 (560 ) Amortization of prior service cost (59 ) (59 ) Amortization of net (gain) loss (2,003 ) (1,514 ) Total recognized in other comprehensive income 1,921 (2,133 ) Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income $ 5,479 572 The estimated net loss to be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost over 2017 , based on the average expected future service of plan participants, is $1,705,100 . The estimated prior service cost to be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost over 2017 will be $59,163 . Assumptions December 31, 2016 2015 Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations: Discount rate 4.00 % 4.00 % Rate of compensation increase 8.00 % 4.00 % December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit costs: Discount rate 4.00 % 3.75 % 4.60 % Expected long-term return on plan assets n/a n/a n/a Rate of compensation increase 8.00 % 4.00 % 4.00 % The plan is unfunded and therefore no assumption has been made related to the expected long-term return on plan assets. Plan Assets The plan is unfunded and therefore had no assets at December 31, 2016 or 2015 . Contributions National Western expects to contribute approximately $2.0 million to the plan in 2017 . Estimated Future Benefit Payments The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid (in thousands): 2017 $ 1,982 2018 1,982 2019 1,982 2020 1,982 2021 1,982 2022-2026 9,908 (B) Defined Contribution Pension Plans In addition to the defined benefit pension plans, National Western sponsors a qualified 401(k) plan for substantially all employees and a non-qualified deferred compensation plan primarily for senior officers. The company made annual contributions to the 401(k) plan in 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 of up to four percent of each employee's compensation, based on the employee's personal level of salary deferrals to the plan. All company contributions are subject to a vesting schedule based on the employee's years of service. For the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , company contributions totaled $420,600 , $489,000 and $491,000 , respectively. The non-qualified deferred compensation plan was established to allow eligible employees to defer the payment of a percentage of their compensation and to provide for additional company contributions. Company contributions are subject to a vesting schedule based on the employee's years of service. For the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , company contributions totaled $95,053 , $103,667 , and $99,000 , respectively. (C) Postretirement Employment Plans Other Than Pension National Western sponsors a health care plan that was amended in 2004 to provide postretirement benefits to certain fully-vested individuals. The plan is unfunded. The company uses a December 31 measurement date for the plan. A detail of plan disclosures related to the plan is provided below: Obligations and Funded Status December 31, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Changes in projected benefit obligations: Projected benefit obligations at beginning of year $ 3,307 2,890 Interest cost 121 130 Actuarial loss (gain) (44 ) 412 Benefits paid (18 ) (125 ) Projected benefit obligations at end of year 3,366 3,307 Changes in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year — — Contributions 18 125 Benefits paid (18 ) (125 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of year — — Funded status at end of year $ (3,366 ) (3,307 ) December 31, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Amounts recognized in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements: Assets $ — — Liabilities (3,366 ) (3,307 ) Net amount recognized $ (3,366 ) (3,307 ) Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income: Net loss $ 436 480 Prior service cost 258 361 Net amount recognized $ 694 841 Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Components of net periodic benefit cost: Interest cost $ 121 130 111 Amortization of prior service cost 103 103 103 Amortization of net loss — 61 (4 ) Net periodic benefit cost 224 294 210 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income: Net (gain) loss (44 ) 412 Amortization of prior service cost (103 ) (103 ) Amortization of net (gain) loss — (61 ) Total recognized in other comprehensive income (147 ) 248 Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income $ 77 542 The estimated net loss to be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost over 2017 , based on the average expected future service of plan participants, is $17,000 . The estimated prior service cost to be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost over 2017 will be $103,000 . Assumptions December 31, 2016 2015 Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations: Discount rate 4.00 % 4.00 % Expected long-term return on plan assets n/a n/a For measurement purposes, an 10% annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits was assumed for 2017 and future years. Assumed health care trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the health care plans. A one percentage point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects for the years ended. December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 1% Point Increase 1% Point Decrease 1% Point Increase 1% Point Decrease (In thousands) Effect on total of service and interest cost components $ 31 (23 ) 35 (26 ) Effect on postretirement benefit obligation $ 801 (611 ) 913 (679 ) Plan Assets The plans are unfunded and therefore had no assets at December 31, 2016 and 2015 . Contributions The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid (in thousands): 2017 $ 71 2018 77 2019 84 2020 90 2021 97 2022-2026 511

Short-Term Borrowings

Short-Term Borrowings	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Short-term Debt [Abstract]
Short-Term Borrowings	SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS National Western has available a $40 million bank line of credit (with Moody National Bank, a related party) primarily for cash management purposes. The Company is required to maintain a collateral security deposit in trust with the sponsoring bank having a fair value equal to 110% of any outstanding liability. The Company had no outstanding borrowings with the bank at December 31, 2016 or 2015 . The Company had assets having an amortized value of $43.4 million (fair value of $45.1 million ) on deposit with the lender at year-end 2016 .

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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. As discussed below, the Company has been a defendant over the past several years in such a class action lawsuit. 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, a new law recently enacted in Brazil would limit the amount of any penal fine 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 but has included the foregoing description solely due to the purported amount of the fine sought at that time. Despite SUSEP's lack of jurisdiction over National Western and absence of National Western officers, employees, property, or assets in Brazil, SUSEP affirmed its imposition of a penal fine against National Western, but in the reduced amount of 3 million reais (approximately $960,000 ). In light of the substantial reduction in the proposed penal fine by SUSEP, during the fourth quarter of 2016 National Western paid the penal fine in the reduced amount under protest and thereby retained its rights to seek judicial review in Brazil of the merits of the SUSEP charges. In consideration of these developments, 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 a Notice of Appeal on June 10, 2016, filed its Appeal Brief on September 12, 2016, and oral arguments with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit were held March 9, 2017. Although there can be no assurances, at the present time, the Company does not anticipate that the ultimate liability arising from such other potential, pending, or threatened legal actions will have a material adverse effect on the financial condition or operating results of the Company. Separately, the Brazilian authorities have commenced an investigation into possible violations of Brazilian criminal law in connection with the issuance of 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 Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Company's exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit is represented by the contractual amounts, assuming that the amounts are fully advanced and that collateral or other security is of no value. Commitments to extend credit are legally binding agreements to lend to a customer that generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Commitments do not necessarily represent future liquidity requirements, as some could expire without being drawn upon. The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance sheet instruments. The Company controls the credit risk of these transactions through credit approvals, limits, and monitoring procedures. The Company had $8.2 million in commitments to fund new loans and $0.9 million in commitments to extend credit relating to existing loans at December 31, 2016 . The Company evaluates each customer's creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. (C) Guaranty Association Assessments The Company (National Western) is subject to state guaranty association assessments in all states in which it is licensed to do business. These associations generally guarantee certain levels of benefits payable to resident policyholders of insolvent insurance companies. Many states allow premium tax credits for all or a portion of such assessments, thereby allowing potential recovery of these payments over a period of years. However, several states do not allow such credits. The Company estimates its liabilities for guaranty association assessments by using the latest information available from the National Organization of Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Associations. The Company monitors and revises its estimates for assessments as additional information becomes available which could result in changes to the estimated liabilities. As of December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , liabilities for guaranty association assessments totaled $0.3 million , $0.3 million and $0.3 million , respectively. Other operating expenses related to state guaranty association assessments were minimal for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 . (D) Leases The Company leases various computers and other office related equipment under operating leases. Rental expenses for these leases were $0.2 million , $0.2 million and $0.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The Company's future annual lease obligations as of December 31, 2016 are in the table below (in thousands). 2017 $ 289 2018 and thereafter 772 Total $ 1,061 (E) Compensation Plan Effective January 1, 2006, the Company implemented a non-qualified deferred compensation plan to provide incentive bonuses to eligible agents. Agents qualified for participation by attaining certain sales goals each year. Company contributions were subject to a vesting schedule based on the agents’ number of years of qualification in the plan. The Company completed termination of the plan in 2015, paying out approximately $1.8 million of vested balances in the year ended December 31, 2015, and recaptured nonvested amounts of approximately $1.3 million .

Stockholders' Equity

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (A) Changes in Common Stock Shares Outstanding Details of changes in shares of common stock outstanding are provided below. Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Common stock shares outstanding: Shares outstanding at beginning of year 3,636 3,636 3,635 Shares exercised under stock option plan — — 1 Shares outstanding at end of year 3,636 3,636 3,636 The holding company reorganization effective October 1, 2015, provided for the conversion of each share of National Western Class A common stock, par value $1.00 per share, and each share of National Western Class B common stock, par value $1.00 per share, 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. (B) Dividend Restrictions National Western 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 2017 is $125.0 million . As discussed in Note 1 Consolidation and Basis of Presentation, on October 1, 2015, National Western 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 National Western from that date forward are payable entirely to NWLGI as the sole owner. On October 21, 2016, the Board of Directors of NWLGI declared a cash dividend to stockholders on record as of November 9, 2016 which was paid December 2, 2016. The dividends approved were $0.36 per common share to Class A stockholders and $0.18 per common share to Class B stockholders. A dividend in the same amounts per share on Class A and Class B shares was declared in October and paid in December of 2015. The Board of Directors of National Western declared a $3.0 million ordinary cash dividend on August 19, 2016 which was paid on October 3, 2016 to NWLGI. In 2015, the Board of Directors of National Western declared a $3.5 million ordinary cash dividend on October 2nd which was paid October 16, 2015 to NWLGI. Also in 2015, the Board of Directors of National Western declared a $15.5 million property dividend of its wholly owned subsidiaries, NWL Investments, Inc., NWL Services, Inc., and Regent Care San Marcos Holdings, LLC., which were transferred to NWLGI on December 18, 2015. Dividends paid from National Western to NWLGI are eliminated in consolidation. (C) Regulatory Capital Requirements The Colorado Division of Insurance imposes minimum risk-based capital requirements on insurance companies that were developed by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC"). The formulas for determining the amount of risk-based capital ("RBC") specify various weighting factors that are applied to statutory financial balances or various levels of activity based on the perceived degree of risk. Regulatory compliance is determined by a ratio of National Western's regulatory total adjusted capital to its authorized control level RBC, as defined by the NAIC. Companies below specific trigger points or ratios are classified within certain levels, each of which requires specified corrective action. National Western's current authorized control level RBC of $106.8 million is significantly below its regulatory total adjusted capital of $1.3 billion . (D) Share-Based Payments Pursuant to the terms of the 2015 reorganization, NWLGI assumed from National Western currently existing share-based compensation plans. The first stock and incentive plan assumed, which began on April 21, 1995 ("1995 Plan"), 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 non-qualified stock options; (2) stock appreciation rights, in tandem with stock options or freestanding; (3) restricted stock; and (4) performance awards. The Company issued only non-qualified stock options under the 1995 Plan. The 1995 Plan was amended on June 25, 2004 to extend the termination date to April 20, 2010. At December 31, 2016, the number of outstanding stock options previously granted under the 1995 Plan was 13,268 . Effective June 20, 2008, National Western’s shareholders approved a 2008 Incentive Plan (“2008 Plan”). The 2008 Plan is substantially similar to the 1995 Plan and authorized as eligible for issue Class A, currently $0.01 par value, common stock shares not to exceed 300,000 . This plan was also assumed by NWLGI from National Western pursuant to the terms of the reorganization. All of the employees of the Company and its subsidiaries are eligible to participate in the two Plans. In addition, directors of the Company are eligible to receive the same types of awards as employees except that they are not eligible to receive incentive stock options. Company directors, including members of the Compensation and Stock Option Committee, are eligible for nondiscretionary stock options. The directors’ grants vest 20% annually following one full year of service to the Company from the date of grant. The employees’ grants vest 20% annually following three full years of service to the Company from the date of grant. All grants issued expire after ten years. In 2006, National Western 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 Plan, however the program necessitated a change in accounting from the equity classification to the liability classification. In 2008, National Western implemented another limited stock buy-back program, substantially similar to the 2006 program, for shares issued under the 2008 Plan. These plans were assumed as well by NWLGI from National Western pursuant to the terms of the reorganization. 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 2015. 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). 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 predetermined 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 for awards granted under the share-based plans. As of December 31, 2016 , the liability balance was $12.0 million versus $6.2 million as of December 31, 2015 . 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 — (8,000 ) $ 249.25 Forfeited — (500 ) $ 255.13 Expired — — $ — Stock options granted — — $ — Balance at December 31, 2016 291,000 19,268 $ 240.47 Liability Awards SAR RSU PSU Balance at January 1, 2016 86,261 — — Exercised (19,543 ) — — Forfeited (4,183 ) (195 ) (301 ) Granted 14,643 6,224 5,727 Balance at December 31, 2016 77,178 6,029 $ 5,426 The total intrinsic value of options exercised was $3.6 million , $0.7 million , and $1.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 respectively. The total share-based liabilities paid were $3.6 million , $0.7 million , and $1.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 the total cash received by the Company from the exercise of options under the Plan was $0.0 million , $0.2 million , and $0.0 million , respectively. The total fair value of shares vested during the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 was $1.5 million , $1.1 million , and $1.1 million , respectively. The following table summarizes information about stock options and SARs outstanding at December 31, 2016 . Options and SARs Outstanding Number Outstanding Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life Number Exercisable Exercise prices: 255.13 (options) 13,268 1.3 years 13,268 208.05 (options) 6,000 1.5 years 6,000 114.64 (SARs) 12,150 2.1 years 12,150 132.56 (SARs) 22,068 5.0 years 14,062 210.22 (SARs) 29,100 6.9 years 7,100 216.48 (SARs) 13,860 9.1 years — Totals 96,446 52,580 Aggregate intrinsic value (in thousands) $ 11,906 $ 6,959 The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above is based on the closing stock price of $310.80 per share on December 31, 2016 . In estimating the fair value of the options/SARs outstanding at December 31, the Company employed the Black-Scholes option pricing model with assumptions as detailed below. December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Expected term of options 1.3 to 9.1 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 0.12 % 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. The pre-tax compensation expense/(benefit) recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements related to the two Plans was $7.9 million , $(0.9) million and $4.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The related tax (benefit)/expense recognized was $(2.8) million , $0.3 million and $(1.5) million for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , the total pre-tax compensation expense related to nonvested options not yet recognized was $2.3 million , $1.4 million and $2.3 million , respectively. This amount is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.6 years. The Company recognizes compensation cost over the graded vesting periods.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	EARNINGS PER SHARE Earnings per share amounts are presented using two different computations. Basic earnings per share excludes dilutive effects of certain securities or contracts, such as stock options, and is computed by dividing income available to each class of common stockholders on an as if distributed basis by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock, that then shared in the distributed earnings of each class of common stock. U.S. GAAP requires a two-class presentation for the Company’s two classes of common stock (Note 6, Information Regarding Controlling Stockholder). Accordingly, the earnings per share for both Class A and Class B are presented. The following table sets forth the computations of basic and diluted earnings per share. Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Class A Class B Class A Class B Class A Class B (In thousands except per share amounts) Numerator for Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share: Net income $ 100,892 98,396 105,588 Dividends – Class A shares (1,237 ) (1,237 ) (1,237 ) Dividends – Class B shares (36 ) (36 ) (36 ) Undistributed income $ 99,619 97,123 104,315 Allocation of net income: Dividends $ 1,237 36 1,237 36 1,237 36 Allocation of undistributed income 96,802 2,817 94,376 2,747 101,365 2,950 Net income $ 98,039 2,853 95,613 2,783 102,602 2,986 Denominator: Basic earnings per share - weighted-average shares 3,436 200 3,436 200 3,436 200 Effect of dilutive stock options 1 — 1 — 1 — Diluted earnings per share - adjusted weighted-average shares for assumed conversions 3,437 200 3,437 200 3,437 200 Basic earnings per share $ 28.53 14.27 27.83 13.91 29.87 14.93 Diluted earnings per share $ 28.53 14.27 27.82 13.91 29.85 14.93 Stock options that were outstanding during the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 , but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect was anti-dilutive were approximately 17,200 and 21,000 respectively.

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive Income	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Comprehensive Income	COMPREHENSIVE INCOME GAAP guidance requires that all items recognized under accounting standards as components of comprehensive income be reported in a financial statement that is displayed with the same prominence as other financial statements. This guidance requires that an enterprise (a) classify items of other comprehensive income by their nature in a financial statement and (b) display the accumulated balance of other comprehensive income separately from retained earnings and additional paid-in capital in the equity section of a statement of financial position. This guidance affects the Company's reporting presentation of certain items such as foreign currency translation adjustments, unrealized gains and losses on investment securities, and benefit plan liabilities. These items are reflected as components of other comprehensive income (loss), as reported in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements. Components of other comprehensive income (loss) for 2016 , 2015 and 2014 and the related tax effect are detailed below. Amounts Before Taxes Tax (Expense)Benefit Amounts Net of Taxes (In thousands) 2016: Unrealized gains on securities, net of effects of deferred costs of $11,367: Net unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period $ 19,417 (6,796 ) 12,621 Unrealized liquidity losses 57 (20 ) 37 Reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net earnings (3,315 ) 1,160 (2,155 ) Amortization of net unrealized gains (losses) and related to transferred securities — — — Net unrealized gains (losses) on securities 16,159 (5,656 ) 10,503 Foreign currency translation adjustments (251 ) 87 (164 ) Benefit plan liability adjustment (178 ) 62 (116 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) $ 15,730 (5,507 ) 10,223 Amounts Before Taxes Tax (Expense)Benefit Amounts Net of Taxes (In thousands) 2015: Unrealized gains on securities, net of effects of deferred costs of $50,052: Net unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period $ (61,226 ) 21,429 (39,797 ) Unrealized liquidity losses 1,572 (550 ) 1,022 Reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net earnings (3,207 ) 1,122 (2,085 ) Amortization of net unrealized gains (losses) related to transferred securities — — — Net unrealized gains (losses) on securities (62,861 ) 22,001 (40,860 ) Foreign currency translation adjustments 215 (75 ) 140 Benefit plan liability adjustment (1,134 ) 397 (737 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) $ (63,780 ) 22,323 (41,457 ) Amounts Before Taxes Tax (Expense)Benefit Amounts Net of Taxes (In thousands) 2014: Unrealized gains on securities, net of effects of deferred costs of $(10,927): Net unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period $ 19,287 (6,751 ) 12,536 Unrealized liquidity losses 40 (14 ) 26 Reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net earnings (7,693 ) 2,693 (5,000 ) Amortization of net unrealized gains (losses) related to transferred securities — — — Net unrealized gains (losses) on securities 11,634 (4,072 ) 7,562 Foreign currency translation adjustments (913 ) 357 (556 ) Benefit plan liability adjustment (5,077 ) 1,777 (3,300 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) $ 5,644 (1,938 ) 3,706

Segment and Other Operating Inf

Segment and Other Operating Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment and Other Operating Information	SEGMENT AND OTHER OPERATING INFORMATION (A) Operating Segment Information The Company defines its reportable operating segments as domestic life insurance, international life insurance, annuities, and all other operations. The Company's segments are organized based on product types and geographic marketing areas. In addition, the Company regularly evaluates operating performance using non-GAAP financial measures which exclude or segregate realized investment gains and losses from operating revenues and earnings. The Company believes that the presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures enhances the understanding of the Company's results of operations by highlighting the results from ongoing operations and the underlying profitability factors of the Company's business. The Company excludes or segregates realized investment gains and losses because such items are often the result of events which may or may not be at the Company's discretion and the fluctuating effects of these items could distort trends in the underlying profitability of the Company's business. A summary of segment information, prepared in accordance with GAAP guidance, is provided below. Domestic Life Insurance International Life Insurance Annuities All Others Totals (In thousands) 2016: Selected Balance Sheet Items: Deferred policy acquisition costs and sales inducements $ 90,485 243,106 648,714 — 982,305 Total segment assets 971,990 1,232,648 9,193,980 298,481 11,697,099 Future policy benefits 830,460 919,380 8,109,255 — 9,859,095 Other policyholder liabilities 13,998 10,528 118,865 — 143,391 Condensed Income Statements: Premiums and contract charges $ 34,728 125,775 22,220 — 182,723 Net investment income 39,691 42,331 362,700 22,952 467,674 Other revenues 119 321 254 18,207 18,901 Total revenues 74,538 168,427 385,174 41,159 669,298 Life and other policy benefits 17,908 18,759 28,862 — 65,529 Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs 4,125 18,027 98,987 — 121,139 Universal life and annuity contract interest 28,606 28,636 191,148 — 248,390 Other operating expenses 18,739 25,933 31,852 17,924 94,448 Federal income taxes (benefit) 1,749 26,130 11,638 7,878 47,395 Total expenses 71,127 117,485 362,487 25,802 576,901 Segment earnings (loss) $ 3,411 50,942 22,687 15,357 92,397 Domestic Life Insurance International Life Insurance Annuities All Others Totals (In thousands) 2015: Selected Balance Sheet Items: Deferred policy acquisition costs and sales inducements $ 78,650 251,790 682,177 — 1,012,617 Total segment assets 868,466 1,260,538 9,054,951 268,675 11,452,630 Future policy benefits 748,853 944,672 8,005,833 — 9,699,358 Other policyholder liabilities 14,084 16,710 124,467 — 155,261 Condensed Income Statements: Premiums and contract charges $ 30,743 122,393 22,171 — 175,307 Net investment income 27,172 29,400 300,198 22,344 379,114 Other revenues 56 14 50 28,046 28,166 Total revenues 57,971 151,807 322,419 50,390 582,587 Life and other policy benefits 17,905 24,237 25,310 — 67,452 Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs 8,647 19,975 91,711 — 120,333 Universal life and annuity contract interest 17,799 23,423 135,679 — 176,901 Other operating expenses 12,774 20,706 25,723 19,239 78,442 Federal income taxes (benefit) 278 20,819 14,432 10,220 45,749 Total expenses 57,403 109,160 292,855 29,459 488,877 Segment earnings (loss) $ 568 42,647 29,564 20,931 93,710 Domestic Life Insurance International Life Insurance Annuities All Others Totals (In thousands) 2014: Selected Balance Sheet Items: Deferred policy acquisition costs and sales inducements $ 64,279 245,353 653,053 — 962,685 Total segment assets 746,051 1,250,629 8,933,274 257,568 11,187,522 Future policy benefits 648,864 953,076 7,920,582 — 9,522,522 Other policyholder liabilities 12,159 11,898 115,165 — 139,222 Condensed Income Statements: Premiums and contract charges $ 28,801 118,838 22,476 — 170,115 Net investment income 34,695 51,539 398,163 21,033 505,430 Other revenues 55 372 68 21,135 21,630 Total revenues 63,551 170,749 420,707 42,168 697,175 Life and other policy benefits 11,856 24,034 18,405 — 54,295 Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs 6,913 21,807 86,434 — 115,154 Universal life and annuity contract interest 27,050 46,255 224,954 — 298,259 Other operating expenses 13,547 23,449 27,015 19,540 83,551 Federal income taxes (benefit) 1,373 18,112 20,964 7,424 47,873 Total expenses 60,739 133,657 377,772 26,964 599,132 Segment earnings (loss) $ 2,812 37,092 42,935 15,204 98,043 Reconciliations of segment information to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements are provided below. Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Premiums and Other Revenue : Premiums and contract charges $ 182,723 175,307 170,115 Net investment income 467,674 379,114 505,430 Other revenues 18,901 28,166 21,630 Realized gains (losses) on investments 13,070 7,209 11,605 Total consolidated premiums and other revenue $ 682,368 589,796 708,780 Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Federal Income Taxes : Total segment Federal income taxes $ 47,395 45,749 47,873 Taxes on realized gains (losses) on investments 4,575 2,523 4,060 Total taxes on consolidated net earnings $ 51,970 48,272 51,933 Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Net Earnings : Total segment earnings $ 92,397 93,710 98,043 Realized gains (losses) on investments, net of taxes 8,495 4,686 7,545 Total consolidated net earnings $ 100,892 98,396 105,588 December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Assets : Total segment assets $ 11,697,099 11,452,630 11,187,522 Other unallocated assets 197,882 159,946 164,370 Total consolidated assets $ 11,894,981 11,612,576 11,351,892 (B) Geographic Information A significant portion of the Company's premiums and contract revenues are from countries other than the United States. Premiums and contract revenues detailed by country are provided below. Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) United States $ 75,405 66,750 65,078 Brazil 38,928 40,640 38,563 Venezuela 15,534 15,466 14,931 Taiwan 14,474 14,882 14,166 Peru 11,378 10,915 10,327 Argentina 9,548 9,007 9,324 Other foreign countries 37,131 36,776 36,775 Revenues, excluding reinsurance premiums 202,398 194,436 189,164 Reinsurance premiums (19,675 ) (19,129 ) (19,049 ) Total premiums and contract revenues $ 182,723 175,307 170,115 Premiums and contract revenues are attributed to countries based on the location of the policyholder. The Company has no significant assets, other than certain financial instruments, located in countries other than the United States. (C) Major Agency Relationships A portion exceeding 10% of the Company's annual annuity sales has been sold through one or more of its top independent marketing agencies in recent years. Business from two top agencies accounted for approximately 11% and 12% , respectively, of annuity sales in 2016 .

Fair Value of Financial Instrum

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 a 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 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 table sets forth the Company’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of the date indicated. December 31, 2016 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (In thousands) Debt securities, available for sale $ 3,042,050 — 3,042,050 — Equity securities, available for sale 18,313 18,313 — — Derivatives, index options 120,644 — — 120,644 Total assets $ 3,181,007 18,313 3,042,050 120,644 Policyholder account balances (a) $ 122,666 — — 122,666 Other liabilities (b) 12,027 — — 12,027 Total liabilities $ 134,693 — — 134,693 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 table provides additional information about fair value measurements for which significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs were utilized to determine fair value. Year Ended December 31, 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 — — 28,364 28,364 16,263 Included in other comprehensive income (loss) — — — — — Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net: Purchases — — 75,865 75,865 75,866 Sales — — — — — Issuances — — — — 2,088 Settlements — — (21,994 ) (21,994 ) (25,552 ) Transfers into (out of) Level 3 — — — — — Balance at end of period $ — — 120,644 120,644 134,693 Change in unrealized gains or losses for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets/liabilities held at the end of the reporting period: Net investment income $ — — 44,778 44,778 — Benefits and expenses — — — — 50,606 Total $ — — 44,778 44,778 50,606 Year Ended December 31, 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 — — (61,750 ) (61,750 ) (61,676 ) Included in other comprehensive income (loss) — — — — — Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net: Purchases — — 86,189 86,189 86,189 Sales — — — — — Issuances — — — — — Settlements — — (100,317 ) (100,317 ) (100,977 ) Transfers into (out of) Level 3 — — — — Balance at end of period $ — — 38,409 38,409 66,028 Change in unrealized gains or losses for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets/liabilities held at the end of the reporting period: Net investment income $ — — (47,780 ) (47,780 ) — Benefits and expenses — — — — (48,707 ) Total $ — — (47,780 ) (47,780 ) (48,707 ) The following tables show the quantitative information about the Company's level 3 assets and liabilities. December 31, 2016 Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input (In thousands) Derivatives, index options $ 120,644 Broker prices Implied volatility Inputs from broker proprietary models Total assets $ 120,644 Policyholder account balances $ 122,666 Deterministic cash flow model Projected option cost Other liabilities 12,027 Black Scholes Expected term Forfeiture assumptions Total liabilities $ 134,693 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 Expected term Forfeiture assumptions Total liabilities $ 66,028 Realized gains (losses) on Level 3 assets are reported in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings as net investment gains (losses) with liabilities reported as expenses. Unrealized gains (losses) on available for sale debt and equity securities are reported as other comprehensive income (loss) within stockholders’ equity of the Consolidated Balance Sheets. 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. GAAP defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and requires additional disclosures about fair value measurements. Fair value is based on an exit price, which is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The objective of a fair value measurement is to determine that price for each financial instrument at each measurement date. GAAP also establishes a hierarchal disclosure framework which prioritizes and ranks the level of market price observability used in measuring financial instruments at fair value. Market price observability is affected by a variety of factors including the type of instrument and the characteristics of instruments. Financial instruments with readily available active quoted prices or those for which fair value can be measured from actively quoted prices generally will have a higher degree of market price observability and a lesser degree of judgment used in measuring fair value. It is the Company’s policy to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when developing fair value measures. The following methods and assumptions were used in estimating the fair value of financial instruments and liabilities during the periods presented in the Consolidated Financial Statements. Fixed maturity securities. Fair values for investments in debt securities available for sale are based on quoted market prices, where available. For securities not actively traded, fair values are estimated using values obtained from various independent pricing services with any adjustments based upon observable data. In the cases where prices are unavailable for these sources, values are estimated by discounting expected future cash flows using a current market rate applicable to the yield, credit quality, and maturity of the investments. Equity securities. Fair values for equity securities are based upon quoted market prices, where available. For equity securities that are not actively traded, estimated values are based on values of comparable issues or audited financial statements of the issuer. Cash and cash equivalents. The carrying amounts reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet for these instruments approximate their fair values due to the relatively short time between the purchase of the instrument and its expected repayment or maturity. Mortgage and other loans. The fair values of performing mortgage and other loans are estimated by discounting scheduled cash flows through the scheduled maturities of the loans, using interest rates currently being offered for similar loans to borrowers with similar credit ratings. Fair values for significant nonperforming loans are based on recent internal or external appraisals. If appraisals are not available, estimated cash flows are discounted using a rate commensurate with the risk associated with the estimated cash flows. Assumptions regarding credit risk, cash flows, and discount rates are judgmentally determined using available market information and specific borrower information. Policy Loans. Policy loans with fixed interest rates are classified within Level 3. The estimated fair values for these loans are determined using a discounted cash flow model applied to groups of similar policy loans determined by the nature of the underlying insurance liabilities. Cash flow estimates are developed by applying a weighted-average interest rate to the outstanding principal balance of the respective group of policy loans and an estimated average maturity. These cash flows are discounted using current risk-free interest rates with no adjustment for borrower credit risk as these loans are collateralized by the cash surrender value of the underlying insurance policy. Derivatives. Fair values for index (call) options are based on counterparty market prices. The counterparties use market standard valuation methodologies incorporating market inputs for volatility and risk free interest rates in arriving at a fair value for each option contract. Prices are monitored for reasonableness by the Company using analytical tools. There are no performance obligations related to the call options purchased to hedge the Company’s fixed-index life and annuity policy liabilities. Life interest in Libbie Shearn Moody Trust. The fair value of the life interest asset was determined based on assumptions as to future distributions from the Trust over the life expectancy of Mr. Robert L. Moody, Chairman Emeritus of the Board of Directors of NWLGI. These estimated cash flows were discounted at a rate consistent with uncertainties relating to the amount and timing of future cash distributions subject to the maximum amount to be received by the Company from life insurance proceeds in the event of Mr. Moody's death. The carrying value or cost basis of the life interest asset is amortized ratably over the remaining expected life of Mr. Moody, updated for changes in expected mortality. Annuity and supplemental contracts. Fair values for the Company's insurance contracts other than annuity contracts are not required to be disclosed. This includes the Company's traditional and universal life products. Fair values for immediate annuities without mortality features are based on the discounted future estimated cash flows using current market interest rates for similar maturities. Fair values for deferred annuities, including fixed-index annuities, are determined using estimated projected future cash flows discounted at the rate that would be required to transfer the liability in an orderly transaction. The fair values of liabilities under all insurance contracts are taken into consideration in the Company's overall management of interest rate risk, which minimizes exposure to changing interest rates through the matching of investment maturities with amounts due under insurance and annuity contracts. The Company utilizes independent third-party pricing services to determine the majority of its fair values of investment securities. The independent pricing services provide quoted market prices when available or otherwise incorporate a variety of observable market data in their valuation techniques including reported trading prices, broker-dealer quotes, bids and offers, benchmark securities, benchmark yields, credit ratings, and other reference data. The Company reviews prices received from service providers for unusual fluctuations to ensure that the prices represent a reasonable estimate of fair value but generally accepts the price identified from the primary pricing service. When quoted market prices in active markets are unavailable, the Company determines fair values using various valuation techniques and models based on a range of observable market inputs including pricing models, quoted market price of publicly traded securities with similar duration and yield, time value, yield curve, prepayment speeds, default rates and discounted cash flow. In most cases, these estimates are determined based on independent third party valuation information, and the amounts are disclosed in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Generally, the Company obtains a single price or quote per instrument from independent third parties to assist in establishing the fair value of these investments. Fair value measurements for investment securities where there exists limited or no observable data are calculated using the Company’s own estimates based on current interest rates, credit spreads, liquidity premium or discount, the economic and competitive environment, unique characteristics of the security and other pertinent factors. These estimates are derived a number of ways including, but not limited to, pricing provided by brokers where the price indicates reliability as to value, fair values of comparable securities incorporating a spread adjustment (for maturity differences, credit quality, liquidity, collateralization), discounted cash flow models and margin spreads, bond yield curves, and observable market prices and exchange transaction information not provided by external pricing services. The resulting prices may not be realized in an actual sale or immediate settlement and there may be inherent weaknesses in any calculation technique. In addition, changes in underlying assumptions used, including discount rates and estimates of future cash flows, could significantly affect the results of current or future values. The following table presents, by pricing source and fair value hierarchy level, the Company’s assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis: December 31, 2016 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (In thousands) Fixed maturities, available for sale: Priced by third-party vendors $ 3,042,050 — 3,042,050 — Priced internally — — — — Subtotal 3,042,050 — 3,042,050 — Equity securities, available for sale: Priced by third-party vendors 18,313 18,313 — — Priced internally — — — — Subtotal 18,313 18,313 — — Derivatives, index options: Priced by third-party vendors 120,644 — — 120,644 Priced internally — — — — Subtotal 120,644 — — 120,644 Total $ 3,181,007 18,313 3,042,050 120,644 Percent of total 100.0 % 0.6 % 95.6 % 3.8 % The carrying amounts and fair values of the Company's financial instruments are as follows: December 31, 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 $ 7,159,259 7,337,611 — 7,337,611 — Securities available for sale 3,060,363 3,060,363 18,313 3,042,050 — Cash and cash equivalents 51,247 51,247 51,247 — — Mortgage loans 174,534 176,890 — — 176,890 Policy loans 58,699 101,092 — — 101,092 Other loans 14,343 14,898 — — 14,898 Derivatives, index options 120,644 120,644 — — 120,644 Life interest in Libbie Shearn Moody Trust 7,550 12,775 — — 12,775 LIABILITIES Deferred annuity contracts $ 7,739,337 7,367,851 — — 7,367,851 Immediate annuity and supplemental contracts 443,226 470,414 — — 470,414 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 Libbie Shearn Moody 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	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 Consolidated Balance Sheet. The remaining portions of these policy contracts are considered the host contracts and are recorded separately as fixed annuity or universal life contracts. The host contracts are accounted for under debt instrument type accounting in which future policy benefits are recorded as discounted debt instruments that are 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 Consolidated Financial Statements. The changes in the values of the index options and the changes in the policyholder liabilities are both reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Any changes relative to the embedded derivatives associated with policy contracts are reflected in contract interest in the 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 Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Although there is credit risk in the event of nonperformance by counterparties to the index options, the Company does not expect any of its counterparties to fail to meet their obligations, given their high credit ratings. In addition, credit support agreements are in place with all counterparties for option holdings in excess of specific limits, which may further reduce the Company's credit exposure. The tables below present the fair value of derivative instruments. December 31, 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 $ 120,644 Fixed-index products Universal Life and Annuity Contracts $ 122,666 Total $ 120,644 $ 122,666 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 Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 . Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized In Income on Derivatives Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized In Income on Derivatives 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Equity index options Net investment income $ 28,364 (61,750 ) 68,616 Fixed-index products Universal life and annuity contract interest (10,436 ) 60,749 (69,480 ) $ 17,928 (1,001 ) (864 ) The embedded derivative liability, the change of which is recorded in universal life and annuity contract interest in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings, includes projected interest credits that are offset by the expected collectability by the Company of asset management fees on fixed-index products. During periods in which the market value of index options declines to low levels, the anticipated asset management fees assumed to be collected similarly declines which reduces the offset applied to the embedded derivative liability (increasing contract interest expense). Conversely, periods in which market values of index options increase, assumed asset management fees to be collected increases which decreases contract interest expense. In the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , the change in the embedded derivative liability due to the expected collectability of asset management fees increased/(decreased) contract interest expense by $(15.9) million , $2.0 million , and $(6.5) million , respectively.

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Robert L. Moody, Jr. ("Mr. Moody, Jr.") is the brother of Ross R. Moody, NWLGI's Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, son of Robert L, Moody, Chairman Emeritus of the Board of Directors of NWLGI, the stepson of Ann M. Moody who serves as a director of NWLGI, and brother of Russell S. Moody and Frances A. Moody-Dahlberg who serve as directors of NWLGI. Frances A. Moody-Dahlberg is also an employee of National Western. Mr. Moody, Jr. wholly owns an insurance marketing organization that maintains agency contracts with National Western pursuant to which agency commissions are paid in accordance with the company's standard commission schedules. Mr. Moody, Jr. also maintains an independent agent contract with National Western for policies personally sold under which commissions are paid in accordance with standard commission schedules. In 2016 , commissions paid under these agency contracts aggregated approximately $286,302 . In his capacity as an insurance marketing organization with National Western, Mr. Moody, Jr. also received fees of $48,000 in 2016 under a marketing consultant agreement. This marketing consultant agreement was terminated as of December 31, 2016. Mr. Moody, Jr. further serves as the agent of record for several of National Western's benefit plans including the self-insured health plan for which Mr. Moody, Jr. provides utilization review services through a wholly owned utilization review company. In 2016 , amounts paid to Mr. Moody, Jr. as commissions and service fees pertaining to these benefit plans $63,562 . As of January 1, 2017, Mr. Moody, Jr. is no longer the agent of record for these plans. Mr. Moody, Jr. is an Advisory Director of a wholly owned subsidiary of National Western. As an Advisory Director, Mr. Moody, Jr. received director fees and other perquisites during 2016 of $45,643 . During 2016 , management fees totaling $702,239 were paid to Regent Management Services, Limited Partnership ("RMS") for services provided to downstream nursing home subsidiaries of NWLGI. RMS is 1% owned by general partner RCC Management Services, Inc. ("RCC"), and 99% owned by limited partner, Three R Trusts. RCC is 100% owned by the Three R Trusts. The Three R Trusts are four Texas trusts for the benefit of the children of Robert L. Moody (Robert L. Moody, Jr., Ross R. Moody, Russell S. Moody, and Frances A. Moody-Dahlberg). Charles D. Milos, Senior Vice President-Mortgage Loans and Real Estate for National Western, and a director of NWLGI, is a director of RCC. National Western holds an investment totaling approximately 9.5% of the issued and outstanding shares of Moody Bancshares, Inc. at December 31, 2016 . Moody Bancshares, Inc. owns 100% of the outstanding shares of Moody Bank Holding Company, Inc., which owns approximately 98% of the outstanding shares of The Moody National Bank of Galveston ("MNB"). National Western utilizes MNB for certain bank custodian services as well as for certain administrative services with respect to the company's defined benefit and contribution plans. During 2016 , fees totaling $712,154 were paid to MNB with respect to these services. Robert L. Moody, NWLGI’s Chairman Emeritus, serves as Chairman of the Board of MNB. The ultimate controlling person of MNB is the Three R Trusts. During 2016 , the Company paid American National Insurance Company (“ANICO”) $491,559 in premiums for certain company sponsored benefit plans and $2,589,876 in reimbursements for claim costs for which ANICO provides third party administrative services. ANICO paid the Company $2,697,787 in premiums for its company sponsored benefit plans. The Company maintains an investment agreement with American National Registered Investment Advisory, Inc., a subsidiary of ANICO, under which $41,876 was paid for services. Robert L. Moody, the Company’s former Chairman, is the former Chairman of ANICO. The Company executed a 2 year agreement in April, 2014 with an automatic 1 year renewal with ANICO for a disaster recovery site and incurred expenses of $18,000 during 2016 associated with this agreement. During 2015, ANICO sold a 24.93% undivided participation in a mortgage loan to The Westcap Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of National Western, for $20.0 million . The Westcap Corporation will receive 24.93% of all future cash receipts, which will be recognized over the life of the loan. The mortgage loan investment has a balance of $20.0 million as of December 31, 2016 which is reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Unaudited Quarterly Financial D

Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data	UNAUDITED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA Quarterly results of operations for 2016 are summarized as follows: First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter (In thousands except per share data) 2016: Revenues $ 148,942 167,094 181,847 184,485 Earnings (loss) $ 17,259 26,286 33,736 23,612 Basic earnings (loss) per share: Class A $ 4.88 7.43 9.54 6.68 Class B $ 2.44 3.72 4.77 3.34 Diluted earnings (loss) per share: Class A $ 4.88 7.43 9.54 6.67 Class B $ 2.44 3.72 4.77 3.34 Quarterly results of operations for 2015 are summarized as follows: First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter (In thousands except per share data) 2015: Revenues $ 147,890 155,218 106,104 180,583 Earnings (loss) $ 21,326 28,858 16,221 31,991 Basic earnings (loss) per share: Class A $ 6.03 8.16 4.59 9.05 Class B $ 3.02 4.08 2.29 4.52 Diluted earnings (loss) per share: Class A $ 6.03 8.16 4.59 9.04 Class B $ 3.02 4.08 2.29 4.52

Schedule I - Summary of Investm

Schedule I - Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule I - Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties [Abstract]
Schedule I - Summary of Investments Other Than Investment in Related Parties	Type of Investment (1) Cost Fair Value Balance Sheet Amount Fixed maturity bonds: Securities held to maturity: United States government and government agencies and authorities $ 1,333 1,568 1,333 States, municipalities, and political subdivisions 456,069 475,925 456,069 Public utilities 1,087,176 1,120,947 1,087,176 Corporate 4,237,029 4,324,048 4,237,029 Residential mortgage-backed 1,367,270 1,403,147 1,367,270 Asset-backed 10,382 11,976 10,382 Total securities held to maturity 7,159,259 7,337,611 7,159,259 Securities available for sale: States, municipalities, and political subdivisions 580 574 574 Foreign governments 9,956 10,336 10,336 Public utilities 127,181 131,694 131,694 Corporate 2,802,852 2,860,663 2,860,663 Residential mortgage-backed 27,110 29,156 29,156 Asset-backed 9,341 9,627 9,627 Total securities available for sale 2,977,020 3,042,050 3,042,050 Total fixed maturity bonds 10,136,279 10,379,661 10,201,309 Equity securities: Securities available for sale: Common stocks: Public utilities 729 1,197 1,197 Banks, trust and insurance companies 1,700 3,016 3,016 Corporate 3,510 6,223 6,223 Preferred stocks 8,083 7,877 7,877 Total equity securities 14,022 18,313 18,313 Derivatives, index options 120,644 120,644 Mortgage loans 174,534 174,534 Policy loans 58,699 58,699 Other long-term investments (2) 53,954 53,954 Total investments other than investments in related parties $ 10,558,132 10,627,453 Notes: (1) Bonds and mortgages are shown at amortized cost reduced by repayments and impairments due to other than temporary declines or allowances for possible losses. Real estate is stated at costs net of accumulated depreciation. Derivatives are shown at fair value. (2) There was no real estate acquired by foreclosure included in other long-term investments. See accompanying report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

Schedule V - Valuation and Qual

Schedule V - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Schedule V - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	Description Balance at Beginning of Period (1) Charged to Costs and Expenses Reductions Transfers Balance at End of Period Valuation accounts deducted from applicable assets: Allowance for possible losses on mortgage loans: December 31, 2016 $ 650 — — — 650 December 31, 2015 $ 650 — — — 650 December 31, 2014 $ 650 — — — 650 Allowance for possible losses on real estate: December 31, 2016 $ 1,629 — (1,018 ) — 611 December 31, 2015 $ 1,629 — — — 1,629 December 31, 2014 $ 1,735 — (106 ) — 1,629 Notes: (1) Amounts were recorded to realized (gains) losses on investments.

Summary of Significant Accoun27

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation. On October 1, 2015, National Western Life Insurance Company ("National Western") completed its previously announced holding company reorganization pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated April 6, 2015, which was approved by the shareholders of National Western at its Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on June 19, 2015. As a result of the reorganization, National Western became a wholly owned subsidiary of National Western Life Group, Inc. ("NWLGI"), a Delaware Corporation, and NWLGI replaced National Western as the publicly held company. Consequently, all filings with the Securities and Exchange Corporation ("SEC") from October 2, 2015 and forward are filed by NWLGI under CIK No. 0001635984. 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. For purposes of filing this Form 10-K for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto have been titled "National Western Life Group, Inc." to reflect the current name of the public registrant. All significant intercorporate transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation and references to the "Company" as contained herein refer to the consolidated entity.
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation. The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") which require 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 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) commitments and contingencies, (5) valuation allowances for deferred tax assets, (6) other-than-temporary impairment losses on debt securities, and (7) valuation allowances for mortgage loans and real estate. The Company (National Western) also files financial statements with insurance regulatory authorities which are prepared on the basis of statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the Colorado Division of Insurance which are significantly different from Consolidated Financial Statements prepared in accordance with GAAP. These differences are described in detail in the statutory information section of this note. Certain amounts in the prior year Consolidated Financial Statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation
Investments	Investments. Investments in debt securities the Company purchases with the intent to hold to maturity are classified as securities held to maturity. The Company has the ability to hold the securities until maturity, as it would be unlikely that forced sales of securities would be required, prior to maturity, to cover payments of liabilities. As a result, securities held to maturity are carried at amortized cost less declines in fair value that are deemed other-than-temporary. Investments in debt and equity securities that are not classified as securities held to maturity are reported as securities available for sale. Securities available for sale are reported in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements at fair value. Valuation changes resulting from changes in the fair value of the securities are reflected as a component of stockholders' equity in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). These unrealized gains or losses in stockholders' equity are reported net of taxes and adjustments to deferred policy acquisition costs. Transfers of securities between categories are recorded at fair value at the date of transfer. Premiums and discounts are amortized or accreted over the life of the related security as an adjustment to yield using the effective interest method. For mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, the effective interest method is used based on anticipated prepayments and the estimated economic life of the securities. When estimates of prepayments change, the effective yield is recalculated to reflect actual payments to date and anticipated future payments. The net investment in the securities is adjusted to the amount that would have existed had the new effective yield been applied at the time of acquisition. This adjustment is reflected in net investment income. Quarterly the Company reviews its investment portfolio for market value changes to identify changes caused by issuer credit deterioration, changes in market interest rates and changes in economic conditions. If this review indicates a decline in fair value that is other-than-temporary, the Company’s carrying amount in the investment is reduced to its estimated fair value. In accordance with GAAP guidance the estimated credit versus non-credit components are bifurcated. The credit component is taken through earnings. The non-credit component is reclassified as unrealized loss in other comprehensive income. The Company would not recognize impairment of securities due to changing of interest rates or market dislocations unless the Company had the intent to sell the securities prior to recovery or maturity. The Company considers a number of factors in determining whether the impairment is other-than-temporary. These include, but are not limited to: 1) actions taken by rating agencies, 2) default by the issuer, 3) the significance of the decline in fair value, 4) the intent and ability to hold the investment until recovery, 5) the time period during which the decline has occurred, 6) an economic analysis of the issuer’s industry, and 7) the financial strength, liquidity, and recoverability of the issuer. Management performs a security-by-security review each quarter in evaluating the need for any other-than-temporary impairments. Although no set formula is used in this process, the investment performance, collateral position, and continued viability of the issuer are significant measures considered. Realized gains and losses for securities available for sale and securities held to maturity are included in earnings and are derived using the specific identification method for determining the cost of securities sold or called. Decline in the fair value below cost that is deemed other-than-temporary is bifurcated in credit and non-credit declines. The noncredit related declines are reclassified as unrealized losses in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Credit losses are recorded in earnings and result in the establishment of a new cost basis for the security. The new discount or reduced premium amount is amortized over the remaining life of the impaired debt security prospectively based on the amount and timing of future estimated cash flows. Mortgage loans and other long-term investments are stated at cost, less unamortized discounts, deferred fees, and allowances for possible losses. Policy loans are stated at their aggregate unpaid balances. Real estate is stated at the lower of cost or fair value less estimated costs to sell. Impaired loans are those loans where it is probable that all amounts due according to contractual terms of the loan agreement will not be collected. The Company has identified these loans through its normal loan review procedures. Impaired loans include: 1) nonaccrual loans, 2) loans which are 90 days or more past due, unless they are well secured and are in the process of collection, and 3) other loans which management believes are impaired. Impaired loans are measured based on: 1) the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate, 2) the loan's observable market price, or 3) the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. Substantially all of the Company's impaired loans are measured at the fair value of the collateral. In limited cases, the Company may use other methods to determine the level of impairment of a loan if such loan is not collateral dependent. While the Company closely manages its investment portfolio, future changes in issuer facts and circumstances can result in impairments beyond those currently identified.
Cash and Short-term Investment	Cash and Cash Equivalents. For purposes of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, the Company considers all short-term investments with a maturity at the date of purchase of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Derivatives	Derivatives. Fixed-index products combine features associated with traditional fixed annuities and universal life contracts, with the option to have interest rates linked in part to an underlying equity index. The equity return component of such policy contracts is identified separately and accounted for in future policy benefits as embedded derivatives on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The remaining portions of these policy contracts are considered the host contracts and are recorded separately as fixed annuity or universal life contracts. The host contracts are accounted for under debt instrument type accounting. The host contracts are recorded as discounted debt instruments that are 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 index annuity and life products. The amounts which may be credited to policyholders are linked, in part, to the returns of the underlying index. The index options act as hedges to match closely the returns on the underlying index. 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 is paid to the Company based on the underlying index performance and terms of the contract. As a result, amounts credited to policyholders' account balances are substantially offset by changes in the value of the options. The Company does not elect hedge accounting relative to derivative instruments. The derivatives are reported at fair value in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements. Changes in the values of the index options and changes in the policyholder liabilities are both reflected in the Consolidated Statement 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 Consolidated Statement of Earnings. Any changes relative to the embedded derivatives associated with policy contracts are reflected in contract interest in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings. Although there is credit risk in the event of nonperformance by counterparties to the index options, the Company does not expect any counterparties to fail to meet their obligations, given their high credit ratings. In addition, credit support agreements are in place with all counterparties for option holdings in excess of specific limits, which may further reduce the Company's credit exposure.
Insurance Revenue and Expenses	Insurance Revenues and Expenses. Premiums on traditional life insurance products are recognized as revenues as they become due from policyholders. Benefits and expenses are matched with premiums in arriving at profits by providing for policy benefits over the lives of the policies and by amortizing acquisition costs over the premium-paying periods of the policies. For universal life and annuity contracts, revenues consist of policy charges for the cost of insurance, policy administration, and surrender charges assessed during the period. Expenses for these policies include interest credited to policy account balances, benefit claims incurred in excess of policy account balances and amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements. Under GAAP, commissions, sales inducements, and certain expenses related to policy issuance and underwriting, all of which vary with and are related to the production of new business, are deferred. For traditional products, these costs are amortized over the premium-paying period of the related policies in proportion to the ratio of the premium earned to the total premium revenue anticipated, using the same assumptions as to interest, mortality, and withdrawals as were used in calculating the liability for future policy benefits. For universal life and annuity contracts, these costs are amortized in relation to the present value of expected gross profits on these policies. The Company evaluates the recoverability of deferred policy acquisition and sales inducement costs on a quarterly basis. In this evaluation, the Company considers estimated future gross profits or future premiums, as applicable for the type of contract. The Company also considers expected mortality, interest earned and credited rates, persistency, and expenses. In accordance with GAAP guidance, the Company must also write off deferred acquisition costs and unearned revenue liabilities upon internal replacement of certain contracts as well as annuitizations of deferred annuities.
Deferred Federal Income Tax	Deferred Federal Income Taxes. Federal income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance for deferred tax assets is provided if all or some portion of the deferred tax asset may not be realized. An increase or decrease in a valuation allowance that results from a change in circumstances that affects the realizability of the related deferred tax asset is included in income in the period the change occurs.
Depreciation of Property, Equipment, and Leasehold Improvements	Depreciation of Property, Equipment, and Leasehold Improvements. Depreciation is based on the estimated useful lives of the assets and is calculated on the straight-line and accelerated methods. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the economic useful life of the improvement or the term of the lease.
Stock Compensation	Stock Compensation. The Company accounts for its share-based compensation for GAAP reporting using liability accounting, and measures compensation cost using the fair value method at each reporting date. For stock options, fair value is determined using an option pricing model that takes into account various information and assumptions including the Company's stock price, volatility, option price, vesting dates, exercise dates and projected option lapses. Under the intrinsic value based method, compensation cost is the excess, if any, of the quoted market price of the stock at grant date or other measurement date over the amount an employee must pay to acquire the stock.

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of reclassification from AOCI	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 years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 . Affected Line Item In the Consolidated Statements of Earnings Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Other net investment gains (losses) $ 3,316 3,459 7,843 Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings — (252 ) (150 ) Earnings before Federal income taxes 3,316 3,207 7,693 Federal income taxes 1,161 1,122 2,693 Net earnings $ 2,155 2,085 5,000
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	A summary of information relative to deferred policy acquisition costs (DPAC) is provided in the table below. Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Deferred policy acquisition costs, beginning of year $ 853,451 802,919 785,706 Policy acquisition costs deferred: Agents' commissions 112,048 124,498 134,262 Other 7,808 6,894 7,606 Total costs deferred 119,856 131,392 141,868 Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs (121,139 ) (120,333 ) (115,154 ) Adjustments for unrealized (gains) losses on investment securities (16,974 ) 39,473 (9,501 ) Deferred policy acquisition costs, end of year $ 835,194 853,451 802,919
Summary of Direct Premiums and Deposits Collected	A summary of direct premiums and deposits collected is provided below. Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Annuity deposits $ 730,740 775,010 833,273 Universal life insurance deposits 250,459 277,229 280,980 Traditional life and other premiums 22,377 23,162 22,651 Totals $ 1,003,576 1,075,401 1,136,904
Schedule of Movement in Deferred Sales Inducement	A summary of information relative to deferred sales inducements is provided in the table below. Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Deferred sales inducements, beginning of year $ 159,166 159,766 169,570 Sales inducement costs deferred 19,302 17,704 18,355 Amortization of sales inducements (26,922 ) (28,559 ) (26,357 ) Adjustments for unrealized (gains) losses on investment securities (4,435 ) 10,255 (1,802 ) Deferred sales inducements, end of year $ 147,111 159,166 159,766
Statutory Accounting Practices Disclosure	The table below provides the Company’s net gain from operations, net income, unassigned surplus (retained earnings) and capital and surplus (stockholders' equity), on the statutory basis used to report to regulatory authorities for the years ended December 31. 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Net gain from operations before Federal and foreign income taxes $ 124,571 8,139 95,892 Net income $ 88,712 7,060 77,220 Unassigned surplus $ 1,207,298 1,127,140 1,141,579 Capital and surplus $ 1,251,361 1,171,203 1,185,643 The following assets were on deposit with state and other regulatory authorities as required by law, at the end of each year. December 31, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Debt securities held to maturity $ 13,790 15,281 Debt securities available for sale 805 810 Short-term investments 475 475 Totals $ 15,070 16,566

Deposits with Regulatory Auth29

Deposits with Regulatory Authorities Deposit with Regulatory Authorities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Deposit with Regulatory Authorities [Abstract]
Statutory Accounting Practices Disclosure	The table below provides the Company’s net gain from operations, net income, unassigned surplus (retained earnings) and capital and surplus (stockholders' equity), on the statutory basis used to report to regulatory authorities for the years ended December 31. 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Net gain from operations before Federal and foreign income taxes $ 124,571 8,139 95,892 Net income $ 88,712 7,060 77,220 Unassigned surplus $ 1,207,298 1,127,140 1,141,579 Capital and surplus $ 1,251,361 1,171,203 1,185,643 The following assets were on deposit with state and other regulatory authorities as required by law, at the end of each year. December 31, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Debt securities held to maturity $ 13,790 15,281 Debt securities available for sale 805 810 Short-term investments 475 475 Totals $ 15,070 16,566

Investments (Tables)

Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investment Income	The major components of net investment income are as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Gross investment income: Debt and equity securities $ 416,638 416,633 410,809 Mortgage loans 7,964 10,274 9,847 Policy loans 3,700 3,938 4,252 Derivative gains (losses) 28,364 (61,750 ) 68,616 Money market investments 668 197 401 Other investment income 11,432 10,939 12,591 Total investment income 468,766 380,231 506,516 Less investment expenses 1,092 1,117 1,086 Net investment income $ 467,674 379,114 505,430
Mortgage Loans by Geographic Location	The diversification of the portfolio by geographic region, property type, and loan-to-value ratio was as follows: December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Amount % Amount % (In thousands) (In thousands) Mortgage Loans by Geographic Region: West South Central $ 102,531 58.5 $ 58,002 53.2 East North Central 26,717 15.3 18,477 17.0 South Atlantic 14,130 8.1 3,047 2.8 New England 11,488 6.6 11,830 10.9 Pacific 9,872 5.6 10,101 9.3 East South Central 6,512 3.7 5,818 5.3 Middle Atlantic 2,288 1.3 — — Mountain 1,646 0.9 1,686 1.5 Gross balance 175,184 100.0 108,961 100.0 Allowance for possible losses (650 ) (0.4 ) (650 ) (0.6 ) Totals $ 174,534 99.6 $ 108,311 99.4
Schedule of Mortgage Loans by Property Type	December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Amount % Amount % (In thousands) (In thousands) Mortgage Loans by Property Type: Retail $ 89,947 51.3 $ 66,237 60.8 Office 57,095 32.6 22,941 21.0 Hotel/Motel 9,708 5.6 1,513 1.4 Land/Lots 4,946 2.8 4,445 4.1 All other 13,488 7.7 13,825 12.7 Gross balance 175,184 100.0 108,961 100.0 Allowance for possible losses (650 ) (0.4 ) (650 ) (0.6 ) Totals $ 174,534 99.6 $ 108,311 99.4
Schedule of Mortgage Loans by Loan-to-Value Ratio	December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Amount % Amount % (In thousands) (In thousands) Mortgage Loans by Loan-to-Value Ratio (1): Less than 50% $ 54,783 31.3 $ 64,986 59.7 50% to 60% 12,946 7.4 9,714 8.9 60% to 70% 76,959 43.9 10,134 9.3 70% to 80% 6,192 3.5 4,843 4.4 80% to 90% 18,688 10.7 19,284 17.7 Greater than 90% 5,616 3.2 — — Gross balance 175,184 100.0 108,961 100.0 Allowance for possible losses (650 ) (0.4 ) (650 ) (0.6 ) Totals $ 174,534 99.6 $ 108,311 99.4 (1) Loan-to-Value Ratio 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 for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 : 2016 2015 (In thousands) Balance, beginning of period $ 650 650 Provision — — Releases — — Balance, end of period $ 650 650
Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date	The contractual maturities of mortgage loan principal balances at December 31, 2016 and 2015 were as follows: December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Amount % Amount % (In thousands) (In thousands) Principal Balance by Contractual Maturity: Due in one year or less $ 21,595 12.3 $ 7,950 7.3 Due after one year through five years 36,159 20.6 24,236 22.1 Due after five years through ten years 99,391 56.5 50,431 46.1 Due after ten years through fifteen years 7,200 4.1 7,500 6.9 Due after fifteen years 11,488 6.5 19,284 17.6 Totals $ 175,833 100.0 $ 109,401 100.0
Schedule of Held-to-Maturity Securities	The table below presents amortized costs and fair values of securities held to maturity at December 31, 2016 . Securities Held to Maturity Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value (In thousands) Debt securities: U.S. Treasury $ 1,333 235 — 1,568 States and political subdivisions 456,069 22,697 (2,841 ) 475,925 Public utilities 1,087,176 36,904 (3,133 ) 1,120,947 Corporate 4,237,029 116,720 (29,701 ) 4,324,048 Residential mortgage-backed 1,367,270 42,345 (6,468 ) 1,403,147 Home equity 8,826 1,462 — 10,288 Manufactured housing 1,556 132 — 1,688 Totals $ 7,159,259 220,495 (42,143 ) 7,337,611 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 December 31, 2016 . Securities Available for Sale Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value (In thousands) Debt securities: States and political subdivisions $ 580 — (6 ) 574 Foreign governments 9,956 380 — 10,336 Public utilities 127,181 4,745 (232 ) 131,694 Corporate 2,802,852 80,414 (22,603 ) 2,860,663 Residential mortgage-backed 27,110 2,137 (91 ) 29,156 Home equity 9,341 286 — 9,627 Manufactured housing — — — — 2,977,020 87,962 (22,932 ) 3,042,050 Equity securities 14,022 4,657 (366 ) 18,313 Totals $ 2,991,042 92,619 (23,298 ) 3,060,363 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 December 31, 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: State and political subdivisions $ 80,507 (2,841 ) — — 80,507 (2,841 ) Public utilities 162,587 (3,133 ) — — 162,587 (3,133 ) Corporate 1,063,194 (22,867 ) 179,113 (6,834 ) 1,242,307 (29,701 ) Residential mortgage-backed 274,045 (5,989 ) 8,943 (479 ) 282,988 (6,468 ) Total temporarily impaired securities $ 1,580,333 (34,830 ) 188,056 (7,313 ) 1,768,389 (42,143 ) 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: State 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 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: State 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 December 31, 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: State and political subdivisions $ 574 (6 ) — — 574 (6 ) Public utilities 10,765 (232 ) — — 10,765 (232 ) Corporate 680,988 (16,427 ) 106,969 (6,176 ) 787,957 (22,603 ) Residential mortgage-backed 1,292 (91 ) — — 1,292 (91 ) Home equity — — — — — — 693,619 (16,756 ) 106,969 (6,176 ) 800,588 (22,932 ) Equity securities 4,154 (305 ) 422 (61 ) 4,576 (366 ) Total temporarily impaired securities $ 697,773 (17,061 ) 107,391 (6,237 ) 805,164 (23,298 )
Schedule of Amortized Cost and Fair Value of Investments In Debt Securities	The amortized cost and fair value of investments in debt securities at December 31, 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 $ 114,746 116,495 162,955 165,688 Due after 1 year through 5 years 953,350 1,011,700 1,765,478 1,872,300 Due after 5 years through 10 years 1,756,104 1,760,775 3,450,046 3,478,854 Due after 10 years 116,369 114,297 403,128 405,646 2,940,569 3,003,267 5,781,607 5,922,488 Mortgage and asset-backed securities 36,451 38,783 1,377,652 1,415,123 Total $ 2,977,020 3,042,050 7,159,259 7,337,611
Realized Investment Gains (Losses), Excluding Impairment Losses	The table below details the nature of realized gains and losses, excluding impairments, during the year. Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Available for sale debt securities: Realized gains on disposal $ 2,644 3,378 7,795 Realized losses on disposal (29 ) (74 ) (22 ) Held to maturity debt securities: Realized gains on redemption 6,940 4,027 3,453 Realized losses on redemption (137 ) (25 ) (17 ) Equity securities realized gains 702 155 69 Real estate 2,950 — 955 Mortgage loans — — — Other — — (478 ) Totals $ 13,070 7,461 11,755
Net Impairment Losses Recognized in Earnings	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. Year Ended Year Ended December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 (In thousands) Beginning balance, cumulative credit losses related to other-than-temporary impairments $ 2,278 2,298 Reductions for securities disposed during current period (838 ) (20 ) Additions for OTTI where credit losses have been previously recognized — — Ending balance, cumulative credit losses related to other-than-temporary impairments $ 1,440 2,278 The table below presents net impairment losses recognized in earnings for the periods indicated. Years Ended 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Total other-than-temporary impairment recoveries (losses) on debt securities $ 110 3,053 125 Portion recognized in comprehensive income (110 ) (3,053 ) (132 ) Net impairment losses on debt securities recognized in earnings — — (7 ) Equity securities impairments — (252 ) (143 ) Totals $ — (252 ) (150 )
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments	Net unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities included in stockholders' equity at December 31, 2016 and 2015 , are as follows: December 31, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Gross unrealized gains $ 92,255 87,493 Gross unrealized losses (23,563 ) (56,064 ) Adjustments for: Deferred policy acquisition costs and sales inducements (33,909 ) (12,804 ) Deferred Federal income tax expense (12,174 ) (6,519 ) 22,609 12,106 Net unrealized gains related to securities transferred to held to maturity — — Net unrealized gains on investment securities $ 22,609 12,106

Federal Income Taxes (Tables)

Federal Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	Total Federal income taxes were allocated as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Taxes (benefits) on earnings from continuing operations: Current $ 41,544 8,279 29,395 Deferred 10,426 39,993 22,538 Taxes on earnings 51,970 48,272 51,933 Taxes (benefits) on components of stockholders' equity: Net unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale 5,382 (22,014 ) 4,072 Foreign currency translation adjustments (88 ) 75 (358 ) Change in benefit plan liability (62 ) (397 ) (1,777 ) Total Federal income taxes (benefit) $ 57,202 25,936 53,870
Schedule of Income Tax Reconciliation	The reasons for the differences and the corresponding tax effects are as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Income tax expense at statutory rate of 35% $ 53,502 51,334 55,133 Dividend received deduction (850 ) (1,194 ) (1,076 ) Tax exempt interest (2,193 ) (2,195 ) (2,155 ) Tax adjustment on foreign currency — 618 (358 ) Adjustments pertaining to prior tax years 1,076 (296 ) 1 Nondeductible insurance 160 160 160 Nondeductible expenses 588 261 277 Other, net (313 ) (416 ) (49 ) Taxes on earnings from continuing operations $ 51,970 48,272 51,933
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at December 31, 2016 and 2015 are presented below. December 31, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Deferred tax assets: Future policy benefits, excess of financial accounting liabilities over tax liabilities $ 254,329 251,701 Investment securities write-downs for financial accounting purposes 602 3,493 Benefit plan liabilities 13,485 12,397 Accrued operating expenses recorded for financial accounting purposes not currently tax deductible 7,235 4,859 Foreign currency translation adjustments — 5,098 Accrued and unearned investment income recognized for tax purposes and deferred for financial accounting purposes 420 334 Other 401 5 Total gross deferred tax assets 276,472 277,887 Deferred tax liabilities: Deferred policy acquisition and sales inducement costs, principally expensed for tax purposes (307,725 ) (309,476 ) Debt securities, principally due to deferred market discount for tax (12,147 ) (9,182 ) Real estate, principally due to adjustments for financial accounting purposes (498 ) (1,025 ) Net unrealized gains on securities available for sale (12,174 ) (6,519 ) Foreign currency translation adjustments (1,433 ) — Fixed assets, due to different depreciation bases (7,468 ) (492 ) Other (17 ) (526 ) Total gross deferred tax liabilities (341,462 ) (327,220 ) Net deferred tax liabilities $ (64,990 ) (49,333 )

Pension and Other Postretirem32

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Schedule of Components of Periodic Benefit Cost	Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Components of net periodic benefit costs: Interest cost $ 1,000 983 958 Service cost 105 205 168 Expected return on plan assets (1,215 ) (1,320 ) (1,278 ) Amortization of prior service cost — 3 4 Amortization of net loss 772 784 422 Net periodic benefit cost 662 655 274 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income: Net loss (gain) (824 ) 3,806 Amortization of prior service cost — (3 ) Amortization of net loss (gain) (772 ) (784 ) Total recognized in other comprehensive income (1,596 ) 3,019 Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income $ (934 ) 3,674
Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets	The following table sets forth the Company’s pension plan assets within the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2016 . December 31, 2016 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (In thousands) Cash $ 1,279 1,279 — — Equity securities Domestic 11,101 11,101 — — International 229 229 — — Debt securities U.S. government agencies — — — — Corporate bonds 5,670 — 5,670 — Total $ 18,279 12,609 5,670 —
Pension Allocation by Type of Fund and Target Allocation	The plan’s weighted-average asset allocations by asset category have been as follows: December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Asset Category: Equity securities 62% 61% 64% Debt securities 31% 35% 32% Cash and cash equivalents 7% 4% 4% Total 100% 100% 100%
Schedule of Acceptable Ranges for Each Asset as per Investment Policy Statement	The investment policy statement sets forth the following acceptable ranges for each asset's class. Acceptable Range Asset Category: Equity securities 55-70% Debt securities 30-40% Cash and cash equivalents 0-15%
Schedule of Assumptions Used	Assumptions December 31, 2016 2015 Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations: Discount rate 4.00 % 4.00 % Rate of compensation increase n/a n/a December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost: Discount rate 4.00 % 3.75 % 4.60 % Expected long-term return on plan assets 7.00 % 7.00 % 7.00 % Rate of compensation increase n/a n/a n/a
Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments	The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid (in thousands): 2017 $ 1,508 2018 1,483 2019 1,471 2020 1,466 2021 1,455 2022-2026 6,920
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures	A detail of plan disclosures is provided below. Obligations and Funded Status December 31, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Changes in projected benefit obligations: Projected benefit obligations at beginning of year $ 25,470 23,328 Service cost 105 205 Interest cost 1,000 983 Actuarial gain (loss) (540 ) 2,358 Benefits paid (1,482 ) (1,404 ) Projected benefit obligations at end of year 24,553 25,470 Changes in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 18,115 19,646 Actual return on plan assets 1,499 (127 ) Contributions 147 — Benefits paid (1,482 ) (1,404 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of year 18,279 18,115 Funded status at end of year $ (6,274 ) (7,355 )
Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Consolidated Financial Statements and in Other Comprehensive Income	December 31, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Amounts recognized in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements: Assets $ — — Liabilities (6,274 ) (7,355 ) Net amount recognized $ (6,274 ) (7,355 ) Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income: Net loss $ 9,443 11,039 Prior service cost — — Net amount recognized $ 9,443 11,039
Chairman and President Non-Qualified Defined Benefit Plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures	Obligations and Funded Status December 31, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Changes in projected benefit obligations: Projected benefit obligations at beginning of year $ 22,735 24,145 Service cost 438 256 Interest cost 1,058 876 Actuarial (gain) loss 3,983 (560 ) Benefits paid (1,982 ) (1,982 ) Projected benefit obligations at end of year 26,232 22,735 Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year — — Contributions 1,982 1,982 Benefits paid (1,982 ) (1,982 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of year — — Funded status at end of year $ (26,232 ) (22,735 )
Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Consolidated Financial Statements and in Other Comprehensive Income	December 31, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Amounts recognized in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements: Assets $ — — Liabilities (26,232 ) (22,735 ) Net amount recognized $ (26,232 ) (22,735 ) Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income: Net loss $ 11,865 9,885 Prior service cost 641 700 Net amount recognized $ 12,506 10,585
Schedule of Components of Periodic Benefit Cost	Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Components of net periodic benefit cost: Service cost $ 438 256 294 Interest cost 1,058 876 1,003 Amortization of prior service cost 59 59 59 Amortization of net loss 2,003 1,514 1,294 Net periodic benefit cost 3,558 2,705 2,650 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income: Net (gain) loss 3,983 (560 ) Amortization of prior service cost (59 ) (59 ) Amortization of net (gain) loss (2,003 ) (1,514 ) Total recognized in other comprehensive income 1,921 (2,133 ) Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income $ 5,479 572
Schedule of Assumptions Used	December 31, 2016 2015 Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations: Discount rate 4.00 % 4.00 % Rate of compensation increase 8.00 % 4.00 % December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit costs: Discount rate 4.00 % 3.75 % 4.60 % Expected long-term return on plan assets n/a n/a n/a Rate of compensation increase 8.00 % 4.00 % 4.00 %
Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments	The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid (in thousands): 2017 $ 1,982 2018 1,982 2019 1,982 2020 1,982 2021 1,982 2022-2026 9,908
Defined Benefit Postretirement Healthcare Plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures	he company uses a December 31 measurement date for the plan. A detail of plan disclosures related to the plan is provided below: Obligations and Funded Status December 31, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Changes in projected benefit obligations: Projected benefit obligations at beginning of year $ 3,307 2,890 Interest cost 121 130 Actuarial loss (gain) (44 ) 412 Benefits paid (18 ) (125 ) Projected benefit obligations at end of year 3,366 3,307 Changes in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year — — Contributions 18 125 Benefits paid (18 ) (125 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of year — — Funded status at end of year $ (3,366 ) (3,307 )
Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Consolidated Financial Statements and in Other Comprehensive Income	December 31, 2016 2015 (In thousands) Amounts recognized in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements: Assets $ — — Liabilities (3,366 ) (3,307 ) Net amount recognized $ (3,366 ) (3,307 ) Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income: Net loss $ 436 480 Prior service cost 258 361 Net amount recognized $ 694 841
Schedule of Components of Periodic Benefit Cost	Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Components of net periodic benefit cost: Interest cost $ 121 130 111 Amortization of prior service cost 103 103 103 Amortization of net loss — 61 (4 ) Net periodic benefit cost 224 294 210 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income: Net (gain) loss (44 ) 412 Amortization of prior service cost (103 ) (103 ) Amortization of net (gain) loss — (61 ) Total recognized in other comprehensive income (147 ) 248 Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income $ 77 542
Schedule of Assumptions Used	Assumptions December 31, 2016 2015 Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations: Discount rate 4.00 % 4.00 % Expected long-term return on plan assets n/a n/a For measurement purposes, an 10% annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits was assumed for 2017 and future years. Assumed health care trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the health care plans. A one percentage point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects for the years ended. December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 1% Point Increase 1% Point Decrease 1% Point Increase 1% Point Decrease (In thousands) Effect on total of service and interest cost components $ 31 (23 ) 35 (26 ) Effect on postretirement benefit obligation $ 801 (611 ) 913 (679 )
Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments	The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid (in thousands): 2017 $ 71 2018 77 2019 84 2020 90 2021 97 2022-2026 511

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases	The Company's future annual lease obligations as of December 31, 2016 are in the table below (in thousands). 2017 $ 289 2018 and thereafter 772 Total $ 1,061

Stockholders Equity (Tables)

Stockholders Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Changes in Shares of Common Stock	Details of changes in shares of common stock outstanding are provided below. Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Common stock shares outstanding: Shares outstanding at beginning of year 3,636 3,636 3,635 Shares exercised under stock option plan — — 1 Shares outstanding at end of year 3,636 3,636 3,636
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 — (8,000 ) $ 249.25 Forfeited — (500 ) $ 255.13 Expired — — $ — Stock options granted — — $ — Balance at December 31, 2016 291,000 19,268 $ 240.47
Schedule of Stock Appreciation Rights Activity	Liability Awards SAR RSU PSU Balance at January 1, 2016 86,261 — — Exercised (19,543 ) — — Forfeited (4,183 ) (195 ) (301 ) Granted 14,643 6,224 5,727 Balance at December 31, 2016 77,178 6,029 $ 5,426
Summary of Information About Stock Options and SARs Outstanding	The following table summarizes information about stock options and SARs outstanding at December 31, 2016 . Options and SARs Outstanding Number Outstanding Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life Number Exercisable Exercise prices: 255.13 (options) 13,268 1.3 years 13,268 208.05 (options) 6,000 1.5 years 6,000 114.64 (SARs) 12,150 2.1 years 12,150 132.56 (SARs) 22,068 5.0 years 14,062 210.22 (SARs) 29,100 6.9 years 7,100 216.48 (SARs) 13,860 9.1 years — Totals 96,446 52,580 Aggregate intrinsic value (in thousands) $ 11,906 $ 6,959
Summary of Assumptions Employed Using Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model	In estimating the fair value of the options/SARs outstanding at December 31, the Company employed the Black-Scholes option pricing model with assumptions as detailed below. December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Expected term of options 1.3 to 9.1 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 0.12 % 0.14 % Risk-free rate: Range 0.54% to 1.52% 0.22% to 1.67% Weighted-average 1.03 % 0.63 %

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share	The following table sets forth the computations of basic and diluted earnings per share. Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Class A Class B Class A Class B Class A Class B (In thousands except per share amounts) Numerator for Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share: Net income $ 100,892 98,396 105,588 Dividends – Class A shares (1,237 ) (1,237 ) (1,237 ) Dividends – Class B shares (36 ) (36 ) (36 ) Undistributed income $ 99,619 97,123 104,315 Allocation of net income: Dividends $ 1,237 36 1,237 36 1,237 36 Allocation of undistributed income 96,802 2,817 94,376 2,747 101,365 2,950 Net income $ 98,039 2,853 95,613 2,783 102,602 2,986 Denominator: Basic earnings per share - weighted-average shares 3,436 200 3,436 200 3,436 200 Effect of dilutive stock options 1 — 1 — 1 — Diluted earnings per share - adjusted weighted-average shares for assumed conversions 3,437 200 3,437 200 3,437 200 Basic earnings per share $ 28.53 14.27 27.83 13.91 29.87 14.93 Diluted earnings per share $ 28.53 14.27 27.82 13.91 29.85 14.93

Comprehensive Income (Tables)

Comprehensive Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Comprehensive Income	Components of other comprehensive income (loss) for 2016 , 2015 and 2014 and the related tax effect are detailed below. Amounts Before Taxes Tax (Expense)Benefit Amounts Net of Taxes (In thousands) 2016: Unrealized gains on securities, net of effects of deferred costs of $11,367: Net unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period $ 19,417 (6,796 ) 12,621 Unrealized liquidity losses 57 (20 ) 37 Reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net earnings (3,315 ) 1,160 (2,155 ) Amortization of net unrealized gains (losses) and related to transferred securities — — — Net unrealized gains (losses) on securities 16,159 (5,656 ) 10,503 Foreign currency translation adjustments (251 ) 87 (164 ) Benefit plan liability adjustment (178 ) 62 (116 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) $ 15,730 (5,507 ) 10,223 Amounts Before Taxes Tax (Expense)Benefit Amounts Net of Taxes (In thousands) 2015: Unrealized gains on securities, net of effects of deferred costs of $50,052: Net unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period $ (61,226 ) 21,429 (39,797 ) Unrealized liquidity losses 1,572 (550 ) 1,022 Reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net earnings (3,207 ) 1,122 (2,085 ) Amortization of net unrealized gains (losses) related to transferred securities — — — Net unrealized gains (losses) on securities (62,861 ) 22,001 (40,860 ) Foreign currency translation adjustments 215 (75 ) 140 Benefit plan liability adjustment (1,134 ) 397 (737 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) $ (63,780 ) 22,323 (41,457 ) Amounts Before Taxes Tax (Expense)Benefit Amounts Net of Taxes (In thousands) 2014: Unrealized gains on securities, net of effects of deferred costs of $(10,927): Net unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period $ 19,287 (6,751 ) 12,536 Unrealized liquidity losses 40 (14 ) 26 Reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net earnings (7,693 ) 2,693 (5,000 ) Amortization of net unrealized gains (losses) related to transferred securities — — — Net unrealized gains (losses) on securities 11,634 (4,072 ) 7,562 Foreign currency translation adjustments (913 ) 357 (556 ) Benefit plan liability adjustment (5,077 ) 1,777 (3,300 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) $ 5,644 (1,938 ) 3,706

Segment and Other Operating I37

Segment and Other Operating Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Summary of Segment Information, by Quarter	A summary of segment information, prepared in accordance with GAAP guidance, is provided below. Domestic Life Insurance International Life Insurance Annuities All Others Totals (In thousands) 2016: Selected Balance Sheet Items: Deferred policy acquisition costs and sales inducements $ 90,485 243,106 648,714 — 982,305 Total segment assets 971,990 1,232,648 9,193,980 298,481 11,697,099 Future policy benefits 830,460 919,380 8,109,255 — 9,859,095 Other policyholder liabilities 13,998 10,528 118,865 — 143,391 Condensed Income Statements: Premiums and contract charges $ 34,728 125,775 22,220 — 182,723 Net investment income 39,691 42,331 362,700 22,952 467,674 Other revenues 119 321 254 18,207 18,901 Total revenues 74,538 168,427 385,174 41,159 669,298 Life and other policy benefits 17,908 18,759 28,862 — 65,529 Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs 4,125 18,027 98,987 — 121,139 Universal life and annuity contract interest 28,606 28,636 191,148 — 248,390 Other operating expenses 18,739 25,933 31,852 17,924 94,448 Federal income taxes (benefit) 1,749 26,130 11,638 7,878 47,395 Total expenses 71,127 117,485 362,487 25,802 576,901 Segment earnings (loss) $ 3,411 50,942 22,687 15,357 92,397 Domestic Life Insurance International Life Insurance Annuities All Others Totals (In thousands) 2015: Selected Balance Sheet Items: Deferred policy acquisition costs and sales inducements $ 78,650 251,790 682,177 — 1,012,617 Total segment assets 868,466 1,260,538 9,054,951 268,675 11,452,630 Future policy benefits 748,853 944,672 8,005,833 — 9,699,358 Other policyholder liabilities 14,084 16,710 124,467 — 155,261 Condensed Income Statements: Premiums and contract charges $ 30,743 122,393 22,171 — 175,307 Net investment income 27,172 29,400 300,198 22,344 379,114 Other revenues 56 14 50 28,046 28,166 Total revenues 57,971 151,807 322,419 50,390 582,587 Life and other policy benefits 17,905 24,237 25,310 — 67,452 Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs 8,647 19,975 91,711 — 120,333 Universal life and annuity contract interest 17,799 23,423 135,679 — 176,901 Other operating expenses 12,774 20,706 25,723 19,239 78,442 Federal income taxes (benefit) 278 20,819 14,432 10,220 45,749 Total expenses 57,403 109,160 292,855 29,459 488,877 Segment earnings (loss) $ 568 42,647 29,564 20,931 93,710 Domestic Life Insurance International Life Insurance Annuities All Others Totals (In thousands) 2014: Selected Balance Sheet Items: Deferred policy acquisition costs and sales inducements $ 64,279 245,353 653,053 — 962,685 Total segment assets 746,051 1,250,629 8,933,274 257,568 11,187,522 Future policy benefits 648,864 953,076 7,920,582 — 9,522,522 Other policyholder liabilities 12,159 11,898 115,165 — 139,222 Condensed Income Statements: Premiums and contract charges $ 28,801 118,838 22,476 — 170,115 Net investment income 34,695 51,539 398,163 21,033 505,430 Other revenues 55 372 68 21,135 21,630 Total revenues 63,551 170,749 420,707 42,168 697,175 Life and other policy benefits 11,856 24,034 18,405 — 54,295 Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs 6,913 21,807 86,434 — 115,154 Universal life and annuity contract interest 27,050 46,255 224,954 — 298,259 Other operating expenses 13,547 23,449 27,015 19,540 83,551 Federal income taxes (benefit) 1,373 18,112 20,964 7,424 47,873 Total expenses 60,739 133,657 377,772 26,964 599,132 Segment earnings (loss) $ 2,812 37,092 42,935 15,204 98,043
Reconciliation of Segment Net Earnings to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	Reconciliations of segment information to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements are provided below. Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Premiums and Other Revenue : Premiums and contract charges $ 182,723 175,307 170,115 Net investment income 467,674 379,114 505,430 Other revenues 18,901 28,166 21,630 Realized gains (losses) on investments 13,070 7,209 11,605 Total consolidated premiums and other revenue $ 682,368 589,796 708,780 Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Net Earnings : Total segment earnings $ 92,397 93,710 98,043 Realized gains (losses) on investments, net of taxes 8,495 4,686 7,545 Total consolidated net earnings $ 100,892 98,396 105,588
Reconciliation of Segment Federal Income Taxes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Federal Income Taxes : Total segment Federal income taxes $ 47,395 45,749 47,873 Taxes on realized gains (losses) on investments 4,575 2,523 4,060 Total taxes on consolidated net earnings $ 51,970 48,272 51,933
Reconciliation of Segment Assets to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Assets : Total segment assets $ 11,697,099 11,452,630 11,187,522 Other unallocated assets 197,882 159,946 164,370 Total consolidated assets $ 11,894,981 11,612,576 11,351,892
Schedule of Premiums and Contract Revenue Detailed by Country	Premiums and contract revenues detailed by country are provided below. Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) United States $ 75,405 66,750 65,078 Brazil 38,928 40,640 38,563 Venezuela 15,534 15,466 14,931 Taiwan 14,474 14,882 14,166 Peru 11,378 10,915 10,327 Argentina 9,548 9,007 9,324 Other foreign countries 37,131 36,776 36,775 Revenues, excluding reinsurance premiums 202,398 194,436 189,164 Reinsurance premiums (19,675 ) (19,129 ) (19,049 ) Total premiums and contract revenues $ 182,723 175,307 170,115

Fair Value of Financial Instr38

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	The following table sets forth the Company’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of the date indicated. December 31, 2016 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (In thousands) Debt securities, available for sale $ 3,042,050 — 3,042,050 — Equity securities, available for sale 18,313 18,313 — — Derivatives, index options 120,644 — — 120,644 Total assets $ 3,181,007 18,313 3,042,050 120,644 Policyholder account balances (a) $ 122,666 — — 122,666 Other liabilities (b) 12,027 — — 12,027 Total liabilities $ 134,693 — — 134,693 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 Significant Unobservable Inputs for Fair Value Measurements	The following table provides additional information about fair value measurements for which significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs were utilized to determine fair value. Year Ended December 31, 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 — — 28,364 28,364 16,263 Included in other comprehensive income (loss) — — — — — Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net: Purchases — — 75,865 75,865 75,866 Sales — — — — — Issuances — — — — 2,088 Settlements — — (21,994 ) (21,994 ) (25,552 ) Transfers into (out of) Level 3 — — — — — Balance at end of period $ — — 120,644 120,644 134,693 Change in unrealized gains or losses for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets/liabilities held at the end of the reporting period: Net investment income $ — — 44,778 44,778 — Benefits and expenses — — — — 50,606 Total $ — — 44,778 44,778 50,606 Year Ended December 31, 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 — — (61,750 ) (61,750 ) (61,676 ) Included in other comprehensive income (loss) — — — — — Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net: Purchases — — 86,189 86,189 86,189 Sales — — — — — Issuances — — — — — Settlements — — (100,317 ) (100,317 ) (100,977 ) Transfers into (out of) Level 3 — — — — Balance at end of period $ — — 38,409 38,409 66,028 Change in unrealized gains or losses for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets/liabilities held at the end of the reporting period: Net investment income $ — — (47,780 ) (47,780 ) — Benefits and expenses — — — — (48,707 ) Total $ — — (47,780 ) (47,780 ) (48,707 )
Schedule of Quantitative Information about Company's Level 3 Liabilities	The following tables show the quantitative information about the Company's level 3 assets and liabilities. December 31, 2016 Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input (In thousands) Derivatives, index options $ 120,644 Broker prices Implied volatility Inputs from broker proprietary models Total assets $ 120,644 Policyholder account balances $ 122,666 Deterministic cash flow model Projected option cost Other liabilities 12,027 Black Scholes Expected term Forfeiture assumptions Total liabilities $ 134,693 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 Expected term Forfeiture assumptions Total liabilities $ 66,028
Schedule of Quantitative Information about Company's Level 3 Assets	The following tables show the quantitative information about the Company's level 3 assets and liabilities. December 31, 2016 Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input (In thousands) Derivatives, index options $ 120,644 Broker prices Implied volatility Inputs from broker proprietary models Total assets $ 120,644 Policyholder account balances $ 122,666 Deterministic cash flow model Projected option cost Other liabilities 12,027 Black Scholes Expected term Forfeiture assumptions Total liabilities $ 134,693 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 Expected term Forfeiture assumptions Total liabilities $ 66,028
Schedule of Assets by Pricing Source and Fair Value Hierarchy Measured on Recurring Basis	The following table presents, by pricing source and fair value hierarchy level, the Company’s assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis: December 31, 2016 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (In thousands) Fixed maturities, available for sale: Priced by third-party vendors $ 3,042,050 — 3,042,050 — Priced internally — — — — Subtotal 3,042,050 — 3,042,050 — Equity securities, available for sale: Priced by third-party vendors 18,313 18,313 — — Priced internally — — — — Subtotal 18,313 18,313 — — Derivatives, index options: Priced by third-party vendors 120,644 — — 120,644 Priced internally — — — — Subtotal 120,644 — — 120,644 Total $ 3,181,007 18,313 3,042,050 120,644 Percent of total 100.0 % 0.6 % 95.6 % 3.8 %
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: December 31, 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 $ 7,159,259 7,337,611 — 7,337,611 — Securities available for sale 3,060,363 3,060,363 18,313 3,042,050 — Cash and cash equivalents 51,247 51,247 51,247 — — Mortgage loans 174,534 176,890 — — 176,890 Policy loans 58,699 101,092 — — 101,092 Other loans 14,343 14,898 — — 14,898 Derivatives, index options 120,644 120,644 — — 120,644 Life interest in Libbie Shearn Moody Trust 7,550 12,775 — — 12,775 LIABILITIES Deferred annuity contracts $ 7,739,337 7,367,851 — — 7,367,851 Immediate annuity and supplemental contracts 443,226 470,414 — — 470,414 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 Libbie Shearn Moody 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)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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. December 31, 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 $ 120,644 Fixed-index products Universal Life and Annuity Contracts $ 122,666 Total $ 120,644 $ 122,666 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 Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 . Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized In Income on Derivatives Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized In Income on Derivatives 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Equity index options Net investment income $ 28,364 (61,750 ) 68,616 Fixed-index products Universal life and annuity contract interest (10,436 ) 60,749 (69,480 ) $ 17,928 (1,001 ) (864 )

Unaudited Quarterly Financial40

Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Results	Quarterly results of operations for 2016 are summarized as follows: First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter (In thousands except per share data) 2016: Revenues $ 148,942 167,094 181,847 184,485 Earnings (loss) $ 17,259 26,286 33,736 23,612 Basic earnings (loss) per share: Class A $ 4.88 7.43 9.54 6.68 Class B $ 2.44 3.72 4.77 3.34 Diluted earnings (loss) per share: Class A $ 4.88 7.43 9.54 6.67 Class B $ 2.44 3.72 4.77 3.34 Quarterly results of operations for 2015 are summarized as follows: First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter (In thousands except per share data) 2015: Revenues $ 147,890 155,218 106,104 180,583 Earnings (loss) $ 21,326 28,858 16,221 31,991 Basic earnings (loss) per share: Class A $ 6.03 8.16 4.59 9.05 Class B $ 3.02 4.08 2.29 4.52 Diluted earnings (loss) per share: Class A $ 6.03 8.16 4.59 9.04 Class B $ 3.02 4.08 2.29 4.52

Summary of Significant Accoun41

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)unlocking_adjustment	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Schedule of Deferred Acquisition Costs [Line Items]
Derivatives, index options	$ 120,644	$ 38,409
Movement Analysis of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs [Roll Forward]
Deferred policy acquisition costs, beginning of year	853,451	802,919	$ 785,706
Policy acquisition costs deferred:	119,856	131,392	141,868
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	(121,139)	(120,333)	(115,154)
Adjustments for unrealized (gains) losses on investment securities	(16,974)	39,473	(9,501)
Deferred policy acquisition costs, end of year	835,194	853,451	802,919
Movement in Deferred Sales Inducements [Roll Forward]
Deferred sales inducements, beginning of year	159,166	159,766	169,570
Sales inducement costs deferred	19,302	17,704	18,355
Amortization of sales inducements	(26,922)	(28,559)	(26,357)
Adjustments for unrealized (gains) losses on investment securities	(4,435)	10,255	(1,802)
Deferred sales inducements, end of year	$ 147,111	159,166	159,766
Number of unlocking adjustments | unlocking_adjustment	2
Decrease in amortization during the year			(1,400)
True-up adjustments recorded	$ 3,900	(2,800)	(7,200)
True-up adjustment in deferred sales inducement	6,200	3,900	1,600
Increase in contract interest expense	1,700		1,800
Summary of Premiums and Deposits Collected
Annuity deposits	730,740	775,010	833,273
Universal life insurance deposits	250,459	277,229	280,980
Traditional life and other premiums	22,377	23,162	22,651
Totals	1,003,576	1,075,401	1,136,904
Statutory Accounting Practices
Net gain from operations before Federal and foreign income taxes	124,571	8,139	95,892
Net income	88,712	7,060	77,220
Unassigned surplus	1,207,298	1,127,140	1,141,579
Capital and surplus	1,251,361	1,171,203	1,185,643
Agents' Commissions
Movement Analysis of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs [Roll Forward]
Policy acquisition costs deferred:	112,048	124,498	134,262
Other Costs
Movement Analysis of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs [Roll Forward]
Policy acquisition costs deferred:	7,808	6,894	$ 7,606
Updating Surrender And Annuitization Rates on Index
Movement in Deferred Sales Inducements [Roll Forward]
Increase in amortization during the year	3,700
Updating DPAC Future Gross Profit Projections
Movement in Deferred Sales Inducements [Roll Forward]
Decrease in amortization during the year	$ (2,100)
Minimum
Movement in Deferred Sales Inducements [Roll Forward]
Interest rate range to calculate future mortality	3.25%
Maximum
Movement in Deferred Sales Inducements [Roll Forward]
Interest rate range to calculate future mortality	8.00%
Domestic Life Insurance
Movement in Deferred Sales Inducements [Roll Forward]
Decrease in amortization during the year	$ (8,200)
International Life Insurance
Movement in Deferred Sales Inducements [Roll Forward]
Decrease in amortization during the year	$ (7,300)	(7,100)
Annuities
Movement in Deferred Sales Inducements [Roll Forward]
Increase in amortization during the year		$ 5,300

Summary of Significant Accoun42

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (AOCI) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Other net investment gains (losses)									$ 13,070	$ 7,461	$ 11,755
Earnings before Federal income taxes									152,862	146,668	157,521
Federal income taxes									51,970	48,272	51,933
Net earnings	$ 23,612	$ 33,736	$ 26,286	$ 17,259	$ 31,991	$ 16,221	$ 28,858	$ 21,326	100,892	98,396	105,588
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss): | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Other net investment gains (losses)									3,316	3,459	7,843
Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings									0	(252)	(150)
Earnings before Federal income taxes									3,316	3,207	7,693
Federal income taxes									1,161	1,122	2,693
Net earnings									$ 2,155	$ 2,085	$ 5,000

Deposits with Regulatory Auth43

Deposits with Regulatory Authorities Deposit with Regulatory Authorities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of Deposit with Regulatory Authorities [Line Items]
Assets on deposit with state and other regulatory authorities	$ 15,070	$ 16,566
Debt securities held to maturity
Schedule of Deposit with Regulatory Authorities [Line Items]
Assets on deposit with state and other regulatory authorities	13,790	15,281
Debt securities available for sale
Schedule of Deposit with Regulatory Authorities [Line Items]
Assets on deposit with state and other regulatory authorities	805	810
Short-term investments
Schedule of Deposit with Regulatory Authorities [Line Items]
Assets on deposit with state and other regulatory authorities	$ 475	$ 475

Investments (Components of Inve

Investments (Components of Investment Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Total investment income	$ 468,766	$ 380,231	$ 506,516
Less investment expenses	1,092	1,117	1,086
Net investment income	467,674	379,114	505,430
Non-income producing
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Real estate investment	200	900	900
Debt and equity securities
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Total investment income	416,638	416,633	410,809
Mortgage loans
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Total investment income	7,964	10,274	9,847
Policy loans
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Total investment income	3,700	3,938	4,252
Derivative gains (losses)
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Total investment income	28,364	(61,750)	68,616
Money market investments
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Total investment income	668	197	401
Other investment income
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Total investment income	$ 11,432	$ 10,939	$ 12,591

Investments (Mortgage Loans) (D

Investments (Mortgage Loans) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loans, amount	$ 175,184	$ 108,961
Allowance for possible losses, amount	(650)	(650)
Totals, amount	$ 174,534	$ 108,311
Mortgage loans, percentage	100.00%	100.00%
Allowance for possible losses, percentage	(0.40%)	(0.60%)
Totals, percentage	99.60%	99.40%
Less than 50%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loans, amount	$ 54,783	$ 64,986
Mortgage loans, percentage	31.30%	59.70%
50% to 60%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loans, amount	$ 12,946	$ 9,714
Mortgage loans, percentage	7.40%	8.90%
60% to 70%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loans, amount	$ 76,959	$ 10,134
Mortgage loans, percentage	43.90%	9.30%
70% to 80%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loans, amount	$ 6,192	$ 4,843
Mortgage loans, percentage	3.50%	4.40%
80% to 90%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loans, amount	$ 18,688	$ 19,284
Mortgage loans, percentage	10.70%	17.70%
Greater than 90%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loans, amount	$ 5,616	$ 0
Mortgage loans, percentage	3.20%	0.00%
Retail
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loans, amount	$ 89,947	$ 66,237
Mortgage loans, percentage	51.30%	60.80%
Office
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loans, amount	$ 57,095	$ 22,941
Mortgage loans, percentage	32.60%	21.00%
Land/Lots
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loans, amount	$ 4,946	$ 4,445
Mortgage loans, percentage	2.80%	4.10%
Hotel/Motel
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loans, amount	$ 9,708	$ 1,513
Mortgage loans, percentage	5.60%	1.40%
All other
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loans, amount	$ 13,488	$ 13,825
Mortgage loans, percentage	7.70%	12.70%
West South Central
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loans, amount	$ 102,531	$ 58,002
Mortgage loans, percentage	58.50%	53.20%
East North Central
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loans, amount	$ 26,717	$ 18,477
Mortgage loans, percentage	15.30%	17.00%
New England
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loans, amount	$ 11,488	$ 11,830
Mortgage loans, percentage	6.60%	10.90%
Pacific
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loans, amount	$ 9,872	$ 10,101
Mortgage loans, percentage	5.60%	9.30%
East South Central
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loans, amount	$ 6,512	$ 5,818
Mortgage loans, percentage	3.70%	5.30%
South Atlantic
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loans, amount	$ 14,130	$ 3,047
Mortgage loans, percentage	8.10%	2.80%
Mountain
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loans, amount	$ 1,646	$ 1,686
Mortgage loans, percentage	0.90%	1.50%
Middle Atlantic
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loans, amount	$ 2,288	$ 0
Mortgage loans, percentage	1.30%	0.00%

Investments (Mortgage Loan Allo

Investments (Mortgage Loan Allowance) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
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

Investments (Contractual Maturi

Investments (Contractual Maturity) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Principal Balance by Contractual Maturity, Amount
Due in one year or less	$ 162,955
Due after one year through five years	1,765,478
Due after five years through ten years	3,450,046
Totals	7,159,259	$ 7,173,967
Commercial Mortgage Loans
Principal Balance by Contractual Maturity, Amount
Due in one year or less	21,595	7,950
Due after one year through five years	36,159	24,236
Due after five years through ten years	99,391	50,431
Due after ten years through fifteen years	7,200	7,500
Due after fifteen years	11,488	19,284
Totals	$ 175,833	$ 109,401
Principal Balance by Contractual Maturity, Percentage
Due in one year or less (in percentage)	12.30%	7.30%
Due after one year through five years (in percentage)	20.60%	22.10%
Due after five years through ten years (in percentage)	56.50%	46.10%
Due after ten years through fifteen years (in percentage)	4.10%	6.90%
Due after fifteen years (in percentage)	6.50%	17.60%
Totals (in percentage)	100.00%	100.00%

Investments (Securities Held to

Investments (Securities Held to Maturity) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Totals	$ 7,159,259	$ 7,173,967
Gross Unrealized Gains	220,495	247,892
Gross Unrealized Losses	(42,143)	(86,423)
Fair Value	7,337,611	7,335,436
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	1,580,333	1,986,981
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	(34,830)	(63,361)
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	188,056	445,573
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	(7,313)	(23,062)
Total, Fair Value	1,768,389	2,432,554
Gross Unrealized Losses	(42,143)	(86,423)
U.S. agencies
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Totals		15,019
Gross Unrealized Gains		275
Gross Unrealized Losses		0
Fair Value		15,294
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Gross Unrealized Losses		0
U.S. Treasury
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Totals	1,333	1,927
Gross Unrealized Gains	235	317
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Fair Value	1,568	2,244
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
States and political subdivisions
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Totals	456,069	435,941
Gross Unrealized Gains	22,697	29,129
Gross Unrealized Losses	(2,841)	(662)
Fair Value	475,925	464,408
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	80,507	16,763
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	(2,841)	(387)
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	0	8,723
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	0	(275)
Total, Fair Value	80,507	25,486
Gross Unrealized Losses	(2,841)	(662)
Public utilities
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Totals	1,087,176	1,044,063
Gross Unrealized Gains	36,904	42,271
Gross Unrealized Losses	(3,133)	(6,621)
Fair Value	1,120,947	1,079,713
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	162,587	298,962
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	(3,133)	(5,953)
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	0	17,840
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	0	(668)
Total, Fair Value	162,587	316,802
Gross Unrealized Losses	(3,133)	(6,621)
Corporate
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Totals	4,237,029	4,160,628
Gross Unrealized Gains	116,720	114,920
Gross Unrealized Losses	(29,701)	(72,913)
Fair Value	4,324,048	4,202,635
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	1,063,194	1,522,544
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	(22,867)	(54,295)
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	179,113	323,567
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	(6,834)	(18,618)
Total, Fair Value	1,242,307	1,846,111
Gross Unrealized Losses	(29,701)	(72,913)
Residential mortgage-backed
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Totals	1,367,270	1,503,021
Gross Unrealized Gains	42,345	59,013
Gross Unrealized Losses	(6,468)	(6,227)
Fair Value	1,403,147	1,555,807
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	274,045	148,712
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	(5,989)	(2,726)
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	8,943	95,443
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	(479)	(3,501)
Total, Fair Value	282,988	244,155
Gross Unrealized Losses	(6,468)	(6,227)
Home equity
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Totals	8,826	11,047
Gross Unrealized Gains	1,462	1,701
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Fair Value	10,288	12,748
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Manufactured housing
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Totals	1,556	2,321
Gross Unrealized Gains	132	266
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Fair Value	1,688	2,587
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Gross Unrealized Losses	$ 0	$ 0

Investments (Securities Availab

Investments (Securities Available for Sale) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Total	$ 2,977,020
Fair Value, Debt securities	3,042,050
Amortized Cost, Equity securities	14,022	$ 13,716
Gross Unrealized Gains, Equity securities	4,657	4,797
Gross Unrealized Losses, Equity securities	(366)	(152)
Fair Value, Equity securities	18,313	18,361
Amortized Cost	2,991,042	2,847,414
Gross Unrealized Gains	92,619	87,645
Gross Unrealized Losses	(23,298)	(55,476)
Fair Value	3,060,363	2,879,583
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	697,773	886,421
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	(17,061)	(33,399)
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	107,391	156,796
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	(6,237)	(22,077)
Total, Fair Value	805,164	1,043,217
Total, Unrealized Losses	(23,298)	(55,476)
Debt securities:
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Total	2,977,020	2,833,698
Gross Unrealized Gains, Debt securities	87,962	82,848
Gross Unrealized Losses, Debt securities	(22,932)	(55,324)
Fair Value, Debt securities	3,042,050	2,861,222
Fair Value	3,042,050	2,861,222
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	693,619	885,772
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	(16,756)	(33,275)
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	106,969	156,694
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	(6,176)	(22,049)
Total, Fair Value	800,588	1,042,466
Total, Unrealized Losses	(22,932)	(55,324)
States and political subdivisions
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Total	580	586
Gross Unrealized Gains, Debt securities	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses, Debt securities	(6)	(34)
Fair Value, Debt securities	574	552
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	574	0
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	(6)	0
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	0	552
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	0	(34)
Total, Fair Value	574	552
Total, Unrealized Losses	(6)	(34)
Foreign governments
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Total	9,956	9,947
Gross Unrealized Gains, Debt securities	380	408
Gross Unrealized Losses, Debt securities	0	0
Fair Value, Debt securities	10,336	10,355
Public utilities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Total	127,181	129,980
Gross Unrealized Gains, Debt securities	4,745	5,354
Gross Unrealized Losses, Debt securities	(232)	(775)
Fair Value, Debt securities	131,694	134,559
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	10,765	42,093
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	(232)	(775)
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	0	0
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	0	0
Total, Fair Value	10,765	42,093
Total, Unrealized Losses	(232)	(775)
Corporate
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Total	2,802,852	2,635,536
Gross Unrealized Gains, Debt securities	80,414	73,132
Gross Unrealized Losses, Debt securities	(22,603)	(54,503)
Fair Value, Debt securities	2,860,663	2,654,165
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	680,988	843,679
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	(16,427)	(32,500)
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	106,969	151,319
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	(6,176)	(22,003)
Total, Fair Value	787,957	994,998
Total, Unrealized Losses	(22,603)	(54,503)
Residential mortgage-backed
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Total	27,110	36,463
Gross Unrealized Gains, Debt securities	2,137	3,103
Gross Unrealized Losses, Debt securities	(91)	0
Fair Value, Debt securities	29,156	39,566
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	1,292
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	(91)
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	0
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	0
Total, Fair Value	1,292
Total, Unrealized Losses	(91)
Home equity
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Total	9,341	20,123
Gross Unrealized Gains, Debt securities	286	825
Gross Unrealized Losses, Debt securities	0	(12)
Fair Value, Debt securities	9,627	20,936
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	4,823
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	0	(12)
Total, Fair Value	0	4,823
Total, Unrealized Losses	0	(12)
Manufactured housing
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Total	0	1,063
Gross Unrealized Gains, Debt securities	0	26
Gross Unrealized Losses, Debt securities	0	0
Fair Value, Debt securities	0	1,089
Equity securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value	18,313	18,361
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	4,154	649
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	(305)	(124)
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	422	102
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	(61)	(28)
Total, Fair Value	4,576	751
Total, Unrealized Losses	$ (366)	$ (152)

Investments (Unrealized Losses)

Investments (Unrealized Losses) (Details)	Dec. 31, 2016security
Debt securities:
Available-for-Sale Securities and Held-to-Maturity Securities [Line Items]
Gross unrealized losses, number of issues	318
Gross unrealized losses, percentage of total debt (in percentage)	23.80%
Gross unrealized losses, market value as a percent of amortized cost (in percentage)	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 (in percentage)	12.60%
Equity securities
Available-for-Sale Securities and Held-to-Maturity Securities [Line Items]
Gross unrealized losses, number of securities rated investment grade	29
Other-than-temporarily impaired securities, number of securities rated investment grade	0
External Credit Rating, Investment Grade | Debt securities:
Available-for-Sale Securities and Held-to-Maturity Securities [Line Items]
Gross unrealized losses, number of securities rated investment grade	311

Investments (Amortized Cost and

Investments (Amortized Cost and Fair Value of Debt Securities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Securities Available for Sale, Amortized Cost
Due in 1 year or less	$ 114,746
Due after 1 year through 5 years	953,350
Due after 5 years through 10 years	1,756,104
Due after 10 years	116,369
Amortized Cost, Single Maturity Date Securities	2,940,569
Mortgage and asset-backed securities	36,451
Total	2,977,020
Debt Securities Available for Sale, Fair Value
Due in 1 year or less	116,495
Due after 1 year through 5 years	1,011,700
Due after 5 years through 10 years	1,760,775
Due after 10 years	114,297
Fair Value, Single Maturity Date Securities	3,003,267
Mortgage and asset-backed securities	38,783
Total	3,042,050
Debt Securities Held to Maturity, Amortized Cost
Due in 1 year or less	162,955
Due after 1 year through 5 years	1,765,478
Due after 5 years through 10 years	3,450,046
Due after 10 years	403,128
Amortized Cost, Single Maturity Date Securities	5,781,607
Mortgage and asset-backed securities	1,377,652
Totals	7,159,259	$ 7,173,967
Debt Securities Held to Maturity, Fair Value
Due in 1 year or less	165,688
Due after 1 year through 5 years	1,872,300
Due after 5 years through 10 years	3,478,854
Due after 10 years	405,646
Fair Value, Single Maturity Date Securities	5,922,488
Mortgage and asset-backed securities	1,415,123
Total	$ 7,337,611	$ 7,335,436

Investments (Realized Gains (Lo

Investments (Realized Gains (Losses)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Held to maturity debt securities:
Real estate	$ 2,950	$ 0	$ 955
Mortgage loans	0	0	0
Other	0	0	(478)
Other net investment gains (losses)	13,070	7,461	11,755
Debt Securities
Available for sale debt securities:
Realized gains on disposal	2,644	3,378	7,795
Realized losses on disposal	(29)	(74)	(22)
Held to maturity debt securities:
Realized gains on redemption	6,940	4,027	3,453
Realized losses on redemption	(137)	(25)	(17)
Equity securities
Held to maturity debt securities:
Equity securities realized gains	$ 702	$ 155	$ 69

Investments (Net Impairment Los

Investments (Net Impairment Losses) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Investment [Line Items]
Total other-than-temporary impairment recoveries (losses) on debt securities	$ 110	$ 2,801	$ (18)
Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings	0	(252)	(150)
Debt Securities
Investment [Line Items]
Total other-than-temporary impairment recoveries (losses) on debt securities	110	3,053	125
Portion recognized in comprehensive income	(110)	(3,053)	(132)
Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings	0	0	(7)
Equity securities
Investment [Line Items]
Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings	$ 0	$ (252)	$ (143)

Investments (OTTI, Credit Losse

Investments (OTTI, Credit Losses) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Non-Credit Other-than-Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance, cumulative credit losses related to other-than-temporary impairments	$ 2,278	$ 2,298
Reductions for securities disposed during current period	(838)	(20)
Additions for OTTI where credit losses have been previously recognized	0	0
Ending balance, cumulative credit losses related to other-than-temporary impairments	$ 1,440	$ 2,278

Investments (Net Unrealized Gai

Investments (Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Gross unrealized gains	$ 92,255	$ 87,493
Gross unrealized losses	(23,563)	(56,064)
Deferred policy acquisition costs and sales inducements	(33,909)	(12,804)
Deferred Federal income tax expense	(12,174)	(6,519)
Adjustments for deferred expense, deferred policy acquisition and sales inducement cost	22,609	12,106
Net unrealized gains related to securities transferred to held to maturity	0	0
Net unrealized gains on investment securities	$ 22,609	$ 12,106

Investments (Narrative) (Detail

Investments (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)propertyinvestmentsecurity	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)security	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Total Other-than-temporary Impairment Losses (Recoveries) on Debt Securities	$ (100)	$ (3,100)
Loans originated during the year	84,600	38,500
Recognized valuation losses	0	0
Real estate investments	53,954	26,787
Realized gains (losses) on investments	$ 13,070	$ 7,209	$ 11,605
Number of real estate properties | property	2
Payments to acquire real estate held-for-investment	$ 16,800
Number of bonds sold out of held to maturity portfolio | investment	1
Held-to-maturity securities transferred to Available for sale, security | security	1	0
Debt securities:
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Realized gains (losses) on investments	$ 13,100	$ 7,200	11,600
Real Estate
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Real estate investments	31,800	16,300
Operating income recognized on real estate investment properties	2,600	1,800	1,700
Realized gains (losses) on investments	2,900	0	$ 1,000
Other-than Temporary Impairment Write-down on Investments
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Realized gains (losses) on investments	0
External Credit Rating, Non Investment Grade | Debt securities:
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Debt securities below investment grade	$ 179,500	$ 160,800
Debt securities below investment grade, percentage of total invested assets	1.70%	1.60%
Standard & Poor's, CCC Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Held-to-maturity securities transferred to Available for sale, value	$ 9,100
Maximum
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Loan to value ratio, threshold (in percentage)	90.00%

Reinsurance (Narrative) (Detail

Reinsurance (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2010
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
Limit for reinsuring risk	$ 500,000			$ 250,000
Total life insurance in force	20,900,000,000	$ 22,000,000,000
Ceded premiums	4,700,000,000	5,000,000,000
Reinsurance receivable	2,000,000	3,700,000
Reinsurance premiums	19,675,000	19,129,000	$ 19,049,000
Reinsurance recoveries	$ 12,000,000	$ 14,200,000	$ 6,400,000

Federal Income Taxes (Component

Federal Income Taxes (Components of Income Taxes) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Taxes (benefits) on earnings from continuing operations
Current	$ 41,544	$ 8,279	$ 29,395
Deferred	10,426	39,993	22,538
Taxes on earnings from continuing operations	51,970	48,272	51,933
Taxes (benefits) on components of stockholders' equity:	5,507	(22,323)	1,938
Total Federal income taxes (benefit)	57,202	25,936	53,870
Net unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale
Taxes (benefits) on earnings from continuing operations
Taxes (benefits) on components of stockholders' equity:	5,382	(22,014)	4,072
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Taxes (benefits) on earnings from continuing operations
Taxes (benefits) on components of stockholders' equity:	(88)	75	(358)
Change in benefit plan liability
Taxes (benefits) on earnings from continuing operations
Taxes (benefits) on components of stockholders' equity:	$ (62)	$ (397)	$ (1,777)

Federal Income Taxes (Reconcili

Federal Income Taxes (Reconciliation) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Reconciliation [Abstract]
Income tax expense at statutory rate of 35%	$ 53,502	$ 51,334	$ 55,133
Dividend received deduction	(850)	(1,194)	(1,076)
Tax exempt interest	(2,193)	(2,195)	(2,155)
Tax adjustment on foreign currency	0	618	(358)
Adjustments pertaining to prior tax years	1,076	(296)	1
Nondeductible insurance	160	160	160
Nondeductible expenses	588	261	277
Other, net	(313)	(416)	(49)
Taxes on earnings from continuing operations	$ 51,970	$ 48,272	$ 51,933
Statutory Rate	35.00%

Federal Income Taxes (Deferred

Federal Income Taxes (Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Deferred tax assets:
Future policy benefits, excess of financial accounting liabilities over tax liabilities	$ 254,329	$ 251,701
Investment securities write-downs for financial accounting purposes	602	3,493
Benefit plan liabilities	13,485	12,397
Accrued operating expenses recorded for financial accounting purposes not currently tax deductible	7,235	4,859
Foreign currency translation adjustments	0	5,098
Accrued and unearned investment income recognized for tax purposes and deferred for financial accounting purposes	420	334
Other	401	5
Total gross deferred tax assets	276,472	277,887
Deferred tax liabilities:
Deferred policy acquisition and sales inducement costs, principally expensed for tax purposes	(307,725)	(309,476)
Debt securities, principally due to deferred market discount for tax	(12,147)	(9,182)
Real estate, principally due to adjustments for financial accounting purposes	(498)	(1,025)
Net unrealized gains on securities available for sale	(12,174)	(6,519)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(1,433)	0
Fixed assets, due to different depreciation bases	(7,468)	(492)
Other	(17)	(526)
Total gross deferred tax liabilities	(341,462)	(327,220)
Net deferred tax liabilities	$ (64,990)	$ (49,333)

Information Regarding Control61

Information Regarding Controlling Stockholder Narrative (Details) - Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer [Member]	Dec. 31, 2016
Common Class A
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Ownership in the company	99.00%
Common Class B
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Ownership in the company	33.70%

Pension and Other Postretirem62

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans (Obligations and Funded Status) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Change in projected benefit obligations:
Projected benefit obligations at beginning of year	$ 25,470	$ 23,328
Service cost	105	205	$ 168
Interest cost	1,000	983	958
Actuarial (gain) loss	540	(2,358)
Benefits paid	(1,482)	(1,404)
Projected benefit obligations at end of year	24,553	25,470	23,328
Change in plan assets:
Fair value at beginning of year	18,115	19,646
Actual return on plan assets	1,499	(127)
Contributions	147	0
Benefits paid	(1,482)	(1,404)
Fair value at end of year	18,279	18,115	19,646
Funded status at end of year	(6,274)	(7,355)
Chairman and President Non-Qualified Defined Benefit Plans
Change in projected benefit obligations:
Projected benefit obligations at beginning of year	22,735	24,145
Service cost	438	256	294
Interest cost	1,058	876	1,003
Actuarial (gain) loss	3,983	(560)
Benefits paid	(1,982)	(1,982)
Projected benefit obligations at end of year	26,232	22,735	24,145
Change in plan assets:
Fair value at beginning of year	0	0
Contributions	1,982	1,982
Benefits paid	(1,982)	(1,982)
Fair value at end of year	0	0	0
Funded status at end of year	(26,232)	(22,735)
Defined Benefit Postretirement Healthcare Plans
Change in projected benefit obligations:
Projected benefit obligations at beginning of year	3,307	2,890
Interest cost	121	130	111
Actuarial (gain) loss	(44)	412
Benefits paid	(18)	(125)
Projected benefit obligations at end of year	3,366	3,307	2,890
Change in plan assets:
Fair value at beginning of year	0	0
Contributions	18	125
Benefits paid	(18)	(125)
Fair value at end of year	0	0	$ 0
Funded status at end of year	$ (3,366)	$ (3,307)

Pension and Other Postretirem63

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans (Amounts Recognized in Financial Statements and Other Comprehensive Income) (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Amount recognized in the Company's consolidated financial statements
Assets	$ 0	$ 0
Liabilities	(6,274,000)	(7,355,000)
Net amount recognized	(6,274,000)	(7,355,000)
Amount recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income
Net loss	9,443,000	11,039,000
Prior service cost	0	0
Net amount recognized	9,443,000	11,039,000
Chairman and President Non-Qualified Defined Benefit Plans
Amount recognized in the Company's consolidated financial statements
Assets	0	0
Liabilities	(26,232,000)	(22,735,000)
Net amount recognized	(26,232,000)	(22,735,000)
Amount recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income
Net loss	11,865,000	9,885,000
Prior service cost	641,000	700,000
Net amount recognized	12,506,000	10,585,000
Defined Benefit Postretirement Healthcare Plans
Amount recognized in the Company's consolidated financial statements
Assets	0	0
Liabilities	(3,366,000)	(3,307,000)
Net amount recognized	(3,366,000)	(3,307,000)
Amount recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income
Net loss	436,000	480,000
Prior service cost	258,000	361,000
Net amount recognized	$ 694,000	$ 841,000

Pension and Other Postretirem64

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans (Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Interest cost	$ 1,000	$ 983	$ 958
Service cost	105	205	168
Expected return on plan assets	(1,215)	(1,320)	(1,278)
Amortization of prior service cost	0	3	4
Amortization of net loss (gain)	772	784	422
Net periodic benefit cost	662	655	274
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Net (gain) loss	(824)	3,806
Amortization of prior service cost	0	(3)	(4)
Amortization of net loss (gain)	(772)	(784)	(422)
Total recognized in other comprehensive income	(1,596)	3,019
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income	(934)	3,674
Chairman and President Non-Qualified Defined Benefit Plans
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Interest cost	1,058	876	1,003
Service cost	438	256	294
Amortization of prior service cost	59	59	59
Amortization of net loss (gain)	2,003	1,514	1,294
Net periodic benefit cost	3,558	2,705	2,650
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Net (gain) loss	3,983	(560)
Amortization of prior service cost	(59)	(59)	(59)
Amortization of net loss (gain)	(2,003)	(1,514)	(1,294)
Total recognized in other comprehensive income	1,921	(2,133)
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income	5,479	572
Defined Benefit Postretirement Healthcare Plans
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Interest cost	121	130	111
Amortization of prior service cost	103	103	103
Amortization of net loss (gain)	0	61	(4)
Net periodic benefit cost	224	294	210
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Net (gain) loss	(44)	412
Amortization of prior service cost	(103)	(103)	(103)
Amortization of net loss (gain)	0	(61)	$ 4
Total recognized in other comprehensive income	(147)	248
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income	$ 77	$ 542

Pension and Other Postretirem65

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans (Assumptions) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations
Discount rate (in percentage)	4.00%	4.00%
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost
Discount rate (in percentage)	4.00%	3.75%	4.60%
Expected long-term return on plan assets (in percentage)	7.00%	7.00%	7.00%
Chairman and President Non-Qualified Defined Benefit Plans
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations
Discount rate (in percentage)	4.00%	4.00%
Rate of compensation increase (in percentage)	8.00%	4.00%
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost
Discount rate (in percentage)	4.00%	3.75%	4.60%
Rate of compensation increase (in percentage)	8.00%	4.00%	4.00%
Defined Benefit Postretirement Healthcare Plans
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations
Discount rate (in percentage)	4.00%	4.00%
Annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits (in percentage)	10.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One-Percentage Point Change in Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates [Abstract]
Effect on total of service and interest cost components, 1% point increase	$ 31	$ 35
Effect on total of service and interest cost components, 1% point decrease	(23)	(26)
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation, 1% point increase	801	913
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation, 1% point decrease	$ (611)	$ (679)

Pension and Other Postretirem66

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans (Plan Assets) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)investment	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Pension plan assets within the fair value hierachy
Fair value of plan assets	$ 18,279,000	$ 18,115,000	$ 19,646,000
Plan’s weighted-average asset allocations by asset category
Actual plan asset allocations (in percentage)	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits [Abstract]
Planned assets	$ 0	$ 0
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Percentage pension assets not invested in cash or U.S. Government agencies (in percentage)	93.00%
Number of different investments | investment	207
Acceptable range for each asset class (in percentage)	2.40%
Defined Benefit Pension Plans | Level 1
Pension plan assets within the fair value hierachy
Fair value of plan assets	$ 12,609,000	11,844,000
Defined Benefit Pension Plans | Level 2
Pension plan assets within the fair value hierachy
Fair value of plan assets	5,670,000	6,271,000
Defined Benefit Pension Plans | Level 3
Pension plan assets within the fair value hierachy
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Defined Benefit Pension Plans | Cash and cash equivalents
Pension plan assets within the fair value hierachy
Fair value of plan assets	$ 1,279,000	$ 778,000
Plan’s weighted-average asset allocations by asset category
Actual plan asset allocations (in percentage)	7.00%	4.00%	4.00%
Defined Benefit Pension Plans | Cash and cash equivalents | Level 1
Pension plan assets within the fair value hierachy
Fair value of plan assets	$ 1,279,000	$ 778,000
Defined Benefit Pension Plans | Cash and cash equivalents | Level 2
Pension plan assets within the fair value hierachy
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Defined Benefit Pension Plans | Cash and cash equivalents | Level 3
Pension plan assets within the fair value hierachy
Fair value of plan assets	$ 0	$ 0
Defined Benefit Pension Plans | Equity securities
Plan’s weighted-average asset allocations by asset category
Actual plan asset allocations (in percentage)	62.00%	61.00%	64.00%
Defined Benefit Pension Plans | Domestic
Pension plan assets within the fair value hierachy
Fair value of plan assets	$ 11,101,000	$ 10,684,000
Defined Benefit Pension Plans | Domestic | Level 1
Pension plan assets within the fair value hierachy
Fair value of plan assets	11,101,000	10,684,000
Defined Benefit Pension Plans | Domestic | Level 2
Pension plan assets within the fair value hierachy
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Defined Benefit Pension Plans | Domestic | Level 3
Pension plan assets within the fair value hierachy
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Defined Benefit Pension Plans | International
Pension plan assets within the fair value hierachy
Fair value of plan assets	229,000	382,000
Defined Benefit Pension Plans | International | Level 1
Pension plan assets within the fair value hierachy
Fair value of plan assets	229,000	382,000
Defined Benefit Pension Plans | International | Level 2
Pension plan assets within the fair value hierachy
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Defined Benefit Pension Plans | International | Level 3
Pension plan assets within the fair value hierachy
Fair value of plan assets	$ 0	$ 0
Defined Benefit Pension Plans | Debt securities:
Plan’s weighted-average asset allocations by asset category
Actual plan asset allocations (in percentage)	31.00%	35.00%	32.00%
Defined Benefit Pension Plans | Corporate bonds
Pension plan assets within the fair value hierachy
Fair value of plan assets	$ 5,670,000	$ 6,271,000
Defined Benefit Pension Plans | Corporate bonds | Level 1
Pension plan assets within the fair value hierachy
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Defined Benefit Pension Plans | Corporate bonds | Level 2
Pension plan assets within the fair value hierachy
Fair value of plan assets	5,670,000	6,271,000
Defined Benefit Pension Plans | Corporate bonds | Level 3
Pension plan assets within the fair value hierachy
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Defined Benefit Pension Plans | U.S. government agencies
Pension plan assets within the fair value hierachy
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Defined Benefit Pension Plans | U.S. government agencies | Level 1
Pension plan assets within the fair value hierachy
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Defined Benefit Pension Plans | U.S. government agencies | Level 2
Pension plan assets within the fair value hierachy
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Defined Benefit Pension Plans | U.S. government agencies | Level 3
Pension plan assets within the fair value hierachy
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Chairman and President Non-Qualified Defined Benefit Plans
Pension plan assets within the fair value hierachy
Fair value of plan assets	0	0	$ 0
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits [Abstract]
Planned assets	$ 0	$ 0

Pension and Other Postretirem67

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans (Future Pension Benefit Payments) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2,017	$ 1,508
2,018	1,483
2,019	1,471
2,020	1,466
2,021	1,455
2022-2026	6,920
Chairman and President Non-Qualified Defined Benefit Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2,017	1,982
2,018	1,982
2,019	1,982
2,020	1,982
2,021	1,982
2022-2026	9,908
Defined Benefit Postretirement Healthcare Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2,017	71
2,018	77
2,019	84
2,020	90
2,021	97
2022-2026	$ 511

Pension and Other Postretirem68

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans (Defined Contribution Pension Plans) (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Additional company's matching contribution	4.00%
Non-Qualified Contribution Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total company contribution, non-qualified deferred compensation	$ 95,053	$ 104,000	$ 99,000
United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total company contribution, 401(k) plan	$ 421,000	$ 489,000	$ 491,000

Pension and Other Postretirem69

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)benefit_plan	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2007
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated benefit obligation	$ 24,600,000	$ 25,500,000
Amortization of net loss	17,000
Amortization of prior service cost	$ 103,000
Average rate of return (in percentage)	5.66%
Average rate of return, inception to date (in percentage)	7.02%
Number of non-qualified defined benefit pension plan | benefit_plan	3
Chairman and President Non-Qualified Defined Benefit Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated benefit obligation	$ 18,500,000	$ 19,500,000
Amortization of net loss	1,705,000
Amortization of prior service cost	59,000
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Vesting percentage in accrued benefits from plan freeze (in percentage)			100.00%
Amortization of net loss	$ (620,600)

Pension and Other Postretirem70

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans (Contributions) (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Defined Benefit Pension Plans | Minimum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Adjusted funding target attainment percentage (in percentage)	80.00%
Chairman and President Non-Qualified Defined Benefit Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Expected contribution for next fiscal year	$ 2

Short-Term Borrowings Short-Ter

Short-Term Borrowings Short-Term Borrowing (Details)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Collateral security deposit	110.00%
Amortized value of collateralized assets	$ 43,400,000
Fair value of assets	45,100,000
MNB
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Bank line of credit available to the company	$ 40,000,000

Commitments and Contingencies72

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) $ in Thousands, BRL in Millions	Oct. 26, 2011USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)Annuity_Policy	Dec. 31, 2016BRL	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of annuity policies | Annuity_Policy		2
Rental expense		$ 200		$ 200	$ 100
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2,017		289
2018 and thereafter		772
Total		1,061
Expected contribution in 2015		1,800
Recovery of nonvested amounts in 2015		1,300
Guaranty Association Assessments
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Guaranty association assessments		300		$ 300	$ 300
Brazilian Superintendence of Private Insurance
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
SUSEP is attempting to impose peal fine	$ 6,000,000	960	BRL 3
New Loans
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Commitments to extend credit relating to mortgage loans		8,200
Existing Loans
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Commitments to extend credit relating to mortgage loans		900
Pending Litigation | Damaris Maldonado Vinas Et Al [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Guaranty association assessments		$ 2,900

Stockholders' Equity (Changes i

Stockholders' Equity (Changes in Common Stock Shares Outstanding) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Common stock shares outstanding:
Total stockholders’ equity	$ 1,611,986	$ 1,556,320
Total stockholders’ equity	1,721,828	1,611,986	$ 1,556,320
Common Stock
Common stock shares outstanding:
Total stockholders’ equity	3,636	3,636	3,635
Shares exercised under stock option plan	0	0	1
Total stockholders’ equity	$ 3,636	$ 3,636	$ 3,636

Stockholders' Equity - Liabilit

Stockholders' Equity - Liability Awards (Details) - shares	Apr. 14, 2016	Feb. 17, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
SAR
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Beginning balance (in shares)			86,261
Exercised (in shares)			(19,543)
Forfeited (in shares)			(4,183)
Granted (in shares)		14,643	14,643
Ending balance (in shares)			77,178
PSU
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Beginning balance (in shares)			0
Exercised (in shares)			0
Forfeited (in shares)			(301)
Granted (in shares)		5,727	5,727
Ending balance (in shares)			5,426
RSU
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Beginning balance (in shares)			0
Exercised (in shares)			0
Forfeited (in shares)			(195)
Granted (in shares)	2,563	3,661	6,224
Ending balance (in shares)			6,029

Stockholders' Equity (Dividend

Stockholders' Equity (Dividend Restrictions) (Details) - USD ($)	Oct. 16, 2015	Dec. 04, 2013	Aug. 16, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Aug. 19, 2016	Oct. 02, 2015
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Maximum dividend payment which may be paid without prior approval from Colorado Division of Insurance						$ 125,000,000
Dividends payable							$ 3,000,000
Common Class A
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, dividends declared (in dollars per share)			$ 0.36	$ 0.36
Common stock, dividend paid (in dollar per share)		$ 0.36			$ 0.36
Common Class B
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, dividends declared (in dollars per share)	$ 0.18			$ 0.18
Common stock, dividend paid (in dollar per share)		$ 0.18			$ 0.18
Dividend Declared
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Dividends payable								$ 3,500,000
Subsidiaries | Dividend Declared
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Dividends payable								$ 15,500,000

Stockholders' Equity (Share-Bas

Stockholders' Equity (Share-Based Payments - Options and Stock Appreciation Rights Outstanding) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Shares/Awards [Roll Forward]
Options Outstanding, Shares, Beginning Balance (in shares)	27,768
Options Outstanding, Shares, Exercised (in shares)	(8,000)
Options Outstanding, Shares, Forfeited (in shares)	(500)
Options Outstanding, Shares, Granted (in shares)	0
Options Outstanding, Shares, Expired (in shares)	0
Options Outstanding, Shares, Ending Balance (in shares)	19,268	27,768
Weighted-Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Beginning Balance (usd per share)	$ 243.26
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Exercised (usd per share)	249.25
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Forfeited (usd per share)	255.13
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Expired (usd per share)	0
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Granted (usd per share)	0
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Ending Balance (usd per share)	$ 240.47	$ 243.26
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	291,000
Cash received from options exercised	$ 0	$ 0.2	$ 0
Total fair value of shares vested	$ 1.5	$ 1.1	$ 1.1

Stockholders' Equity (Share-B77

Stockholders' Equity (Share-Based Payments - Exercise Range) (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Number Outstanding (in shares)	96,446
Options Exercisable (in shares)	52,580
Number Outstanding, Aggregate intrinsic value | $	$ 11,906
Options Exercisable, Aggregate intrinsic value | $	$ 6,959
Share Price (in usd per share) | $ / shares	$ 310.80
Employee Stock Option | 255.13 (options)
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Number Outstanding (in shares)	13,268
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	1 year 3 months 18 days
Options Exercisable (in shares)	13,268
Exercise Price (in usd per share) | $ / shares	$ 255.13
Employee Stock Option | 208.05 (options)
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Number Outstanding (in shares)	6,000
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	1 year 6 months
Options Exercisable (in shares)	6,000
Exercise Price (in usd per share) | $ / shares	$ 208.05
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) | 114.64 (SARs)
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Number Outstanding (in shares)	12,150
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	2 years 1 month 6 days
Options Exercisable (in shares)	12,150
Exercise Price (in usd per share) | $ / shares	$ 114.64
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) | 132.56 (SARs)
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Number Outstanding (in shares)	22,068
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	5 years
Options Exercisable (in shares)	14,062
Exercise Price (in usd per share) | $ / shares	$ 132.56
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) | 210.22 (SARs)
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Number Outstanding (in shares)	29,100
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	6 years 10 months 24 days
Options Exercisable (in shares)	7,100
Exercise Price (in usd per share) | $ / shares	$ 210.22
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) | 216.48 (SARs)
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Number Outstanding (in shares)	13,860
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	9 years 1 month 6 days
Options Exercisable (in shares)	0
Exercise Price (in usd per share) | $ / shares	$ 216,480

Stockholders' Equity (Share-B78

Stockholders' Equity (Share-Based Payments - Black Scholes Option Pricing Model Assumptions) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 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)	0.12%	0.14%
Risk-free rate, minimum (in percentage)	54.00%	0.22%
Risk-free rate, maximum (in percentage)	1.53%	1.67%
Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected term of options (in years)	2 years 3 months 18 days	2 years 3 months 18 days
Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected term of options (in years)	8 years
Weighted Average
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%

Stockholders' Equity (Share-B79

Stockholders' Equity (Share-Based Payments - General Descriptions) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Apr. 14, 2016	Feb. 17, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Oct. 01, 2015	Jun. 20, 2008	Jun. 25, 2004
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Capital and surplus			$ 1,251,361	$ 1,171,203	$ 1,185,643
Expiration period of awards (in years)			10 years
Period in force (in days)			90 days
Share Price (in usd per share)			$ 310.80
Award vesting period (in years)		3 years
Performance period for grants (in years)		3 years
Compensation cost, liability balance			$ 12,000	6,200
Pre-tax compensation cost (benefit) recognized			7,900	(900)	4,400
Compensation cost (benefit), tax expense (benefit)			2,800	300	1,500
Period of recognition			$ 2,300	$ 1,400	2,300
Compensation cost related to nonvested options not yet recognized, weighted-average period of recognition (in years)			1 year 7 months 6 days
Common Class A
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock, par value (usd per share)			$ 0.01	$ 0.01		$ 1	$ 0.01
Share Price (in usd per share)	$ 226.84	$ 216.48
Common Class B
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock, par value (usd per share)			$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Stock and Incentive Plan, 1995 Plan [Member] | Common Class A
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based payments, number of shares authorized under plans								13,268
Stock and Incentive Plan, 2008 Plan | Common Class A
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based payments, number of shares authorized under plans							300,000
Director
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Annual vesting (in percentage)			20.00%
Requisite service period of awards (in years)			1 year
Employees
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Annual vesting (in percentage)			20.00%
Requisite service period of awards (in years)			3 years
Colorado Division of Insurance
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Current authorized control level RBC			$ 106,800
Capital and surplus			$ 1,300,000
Newco Merger | Common Class A
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock, par value (usd per share)						0.01
Newco Merger | Common Class B
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock, par value (usd per share)						$ 0.01
SAR
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Annual vesting (in percentage)		33.30%
Granted (in shares)		14,643	14,643
Intrinsic value of options exercised			$ 3,600	$ 700	1,100
Share-based compensation liabilities paid			$ 3,600	$ 700	$ 1,100
PSU
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted (in shares)		5,727	5,727
RSU
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted (in shares)	2,563	3,661	6,224

Earnings Per Share (Details)

Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Net income	$ 23,612	$ 33,736	$ 26,286	$ 17,259	$ 31,991	$ 16,221	$ 28,858	$ 21,326	$ 100,892	$ 98,396	$ 105,588
Allocation of net income:
Allocation of undistributed income									$ 99,619	$ 97,123	104,315
Denominator:
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of EPS (shares)									17,200	21,000
Class A [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Net income									$ 98,039	$ 95,613	102,602
Dividends									(1,237)	(1,237)	(1,237)
Allocation of net income:
Dividends									1,237	1,237	1,237
Allocation of undistributed income									$ 96,802	$ 94,376	$ 101,365
Denominator:
Basic earnings per share - weighted-average shares (in shares)									3,436,000	3,436,000	3,436,000
Effect of dilutive stock options (in shares)									1,000	1,000	1,000
Diluted earnings per share - adjusted weighted-average shares for assumed conversions (in shares)									3,437,000	3,437,000	3,437,000
Basic Earnings Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 6.68	$ 9.54	$ 7.43	$ 4.88	$ 9.05	$ 4.59	$ 8.16	$ 6.03	$ 28.53	$ 27.83	$ 29.87
Diluted Earnings Per Share (in dollars per share)	6.67	9.54	7.43	4.88	9.04	4.59	8.16	6.03	$ 28.53	$ 27.82	$ 29.85
Common Class B
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Net income									$ 2,853	$ 2,783	$ 2,986
Dividends									(36)	(36)	(36)
Allocation of net income:
Dividends									36	36	36
Allocation of undistributed income									$ 2,817	$ 2,747	$ 2,950
Denominator:
Basic earnings per share - weighted-average shares (in shares)									200,000	200,000	200,000
Effect of dilutive stock options (in shares)									0	0	0
Diluted earnings per share - adjusted weighted-average shares for assumed conversions (in shares)									200,000	200,000	200,000
Basic Earnings Per Share (in dollars per share)	3.34	4.77	3.72	2.44	4.52	2.29	4.08	3.02	$ 14.27	$ 13.91	$ 14.93
Diluted Earnings Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 3.34	$ 4.77	$ 3.72	$ 2.44	$ 4.52	$ 2.29	$ 4.08	$ 3.02	$ 14.27	$ 13.91	$ 14.93

Comprehensive Income (Details)

Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Amounts Before Taxes
Net unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period, Before Tax	$ 19,417	$ (61,226)	$ 19,287
Unrealized liquidity losses, Before Tax	57	1,572	40
Reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net earnings, Before Tax	(3,315)	(3,207)	(7,693)
Amortization of net unrealized gains (losses) and related to transferred securities, Before Tax	0	0	0
Net unrealized gains (losses) on securities, Before Tax	16,159	(62,861)	11,634
Foreign currency translation adjustments, Before Tax	(251)	215	(913)
Pension liability adjustment, Before Tax	(178)	(1,134)	(5,077)
Other comprehensive income, Before Tax	15,730	(63,780)	5,644
Tax (Expense) Benefit
Net unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period, Tax	(6,796)	21,429	(6,751)
Unrealized liquidity losses, Tax	(20)	(550)	(14)
Reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net earnings, Tax	1,160	1,122	2,693
Amortization of net unrealized gains (losses) and related to transferred securities, Tax	0	0	0
Net unrealized gains (losses) on securities, Tax	(5,656)	22,001	(4,072)
Foreign currency translation adjustments, Tax	87	(75)	357
Pension liability adjustment, Tax	62	397	1,777
Other comprehensive income, Tax	(5,507)	22,323	(1,938)
Amount Net of Taxes
Net unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period, Net of Tax	12,621	(39,797)	12,536
Unrealized liquidity losses, Net of Tax	37	1,022	26
Reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net earnings, Net of Tax	(2,155)	(2,085)	(5,000)
Amortization of net unrealized gains (losses) and related to transferred securities, Net of Tax	0	0	0
Net unrealized gains (losses) on securities	10,503	(40,860)	7,562
Foreign currency translation adjustments, Net of Tax	(164)	140	(556)
Pension liability adjustment, Net of Tax	(116)	(737)	(3,300)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	10,223	(41,457)	3,706
Deferred costs	$ 11,367	$ 50,052	$ (10,927)

Segment and Other Operating I82

Segment and Other Operating Information (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)customer	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Selected Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Items:
Total segment assets	$ 11,894,981				$ 11,612,576				$ 11,894,981	$ 11,612,576	$ 11,351,892
Other policyholder liabilities	143,391				155,261				143,391	155,261
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:
Premiums and contract revenues									182,723	175,307	170,115
Net investment income									467,674	379,114	505,430
Other revenues									18,901	28,166	21,630
Realized gains (losses) on investments									13,070	7,209	11,605
Total revenues	184,485	$ 181,847	$ 167,094	$ 148,942	180,583	$ 106,104	$ 155,218	$ 147,890	682,368	589,796	708,780
Life and other policy benefits									65,529	67,452	54,295
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs									121,139	120,333	115,154
Universal life and annuity contract interest									248,390	176,901	298,259
Other operating expenses									94,448	78,442	83,551
Federal income taxes (benefit)									47,395	45,749	47,873
Taxes on realized gains (losses) on investments									4,575	2,523	4,060
Taxes on earnings from continuing operations									51,970	48,272	51,933
Segment earnings (loss)									92,397	93,710	98,043
Realized gains (losses) on investments, net of taxes									8,495	4,686	7,545
Net earnings	23,612	$ 33,736	$ 26,286	$ 17,259	31,991	$ 16,221	$ 28,858	$ 21,326	100,892	98,396	105,588
Revenues, excluding reinsurance premiums									202,398	194,436	189,164
Reinsurance premiums									(19,675)	(19,129)	(19,049)
United States
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:
Revenues, excluding reinsurance premiums									75,405	66,750	65,078
Brazil
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:
Revenues, excluding reinsurance premiums									38,928	40,640	38,563
Venezuela
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:
Revenues, excluding reinsurance premiums									15,534	15,466	14,931
Taiwan
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:
Revenues, excluding reinsurance premiums									14,474	14,882	14,166
Peru
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:
Revenues, excluding reinsurance premiums									11,378	10,915	10,327
Argentina
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:
Revenues, excluding reinsurance premiums									9,548	9,007	9,324
Other foreign countries
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:
Revenues, excluding reinsurance premiums									$ 37,131	36,776	36,775
Annuities
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:
Number of customers | customer									2
Operating Segments
Selected Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Items:
Deferred policy acquisition costs and sales inducements	982,305				1,012,617				$ 982,305	1,012,617	962,685
Total segment assets	11,697,099				11,452,630				11,697,099	11,452,630	11,187,522
Future policy benefits	9,859,095				9,699,358				9,859,095	9,699,358	9,522,522
Other policyholder liabilities	143,391				155,261				143,391	155,261	139,222
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:
Premiums and contract revenues									182,723	175,307	170,115
Net investment income									467,674	379,114	505,430
Other revenues									18,901	28,166	21,630
Total revenues									669,298	582,587	697,175
Life and other policy benefits									65,529	67,452	54,295
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs									121,139	120,333	115,154
Universal life and annuity contract interest									248,390	176,901	298,259
Other operating expenses									94,448	78,442	83,551
Federal income taxes (benefit)									47,395	45,749	47,873
Total expenses									576,901	488,877	599,132
Segment earnings (loss)									92,397	93,710	98,043
Operating Segments | Domestic Life Insurance
Selected Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Items:
Deferred policy acquisition costs and sales inducements	90,485				78,650				90,485	78,650	64,279
Total segment assets	971,990				868,466				971,990	868,466	746,051
Future policy benefits	830,460				748,853				830,460	748,853	648,864
Other policyholder liabilities	13,998				14,084				13,998	14,084	12,159
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:
Premiums and contract revenues									34,728	30,743	28,801
Net investment income									39,691	27,172	34,695
Other revenues									119	56	55
Total revenues									74,538	57,971	63,551
Life and other policy benefits									17,908	17,905	11,856
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs									4,125	8,647	6,913
Universal life and annuity contract interest									28,606	17,799	27,050
Other operating expenses									18,739	12,774	13,547
Federal income taxes (benefit)									1,749	278	1,373
Total expenses									71,127	57,403	60,739
Segment earnings (loss)									3,411	568	2,812
Operating Segments | International Life Insurance
Selected Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Items:
Deferred policy acquisition costs and sales inducements	243,106				251,790				243,106	251,790	245,353
Total segment assets	1,232,648				1,260,538				1,232,648	1,260,538	1,250,629
Future policy benefits	919,380				944,672				919,380	944,672	953,076
Other policyholder liabilities	10,528				16,710				10,528	16,710	11,898
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:
Premiums and contract revenues									125,775	122,393	118,838
Net investment income									42,331	29,400	51,539
Other revenues									321	14	372
Total revenues									168,427	151,807	170,749
Life and other policy benefits									18,759	24,237	24,034
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs									18,027	19,975	21,807
Universal life and annuity contract interest									28,636	23,423	46,255
Other operating expenses									25,933	20,706	23,449
Federal income taxes (benefit)									26,130	20,819	18,112
Total expenses									117,485	109,160	133,657
Segment earnings (loss)									50,942	42,647	37,092
Operating Segments | Annuities
Selected Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Items:
Deferred policy acquisition costs and sales inducements	648,714				682,177				648,714	682,177	653,053
Total segment assets	9,193,980				9,054,951				9,193,980	9,054,951	8,933,274
Future policy benefits	8,109,255				8,005,833				8,109,255	8,005,833	7,920,582
Other policyholder liabilities	118,865				124,467				118,865	124,467	115,165
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:
Premiums and contract revenues									22,220	22,171	22,476
Net investment income									362,700	300,198	398,163
Other revenues									254	50	68
Total revenues									385,174	322,419	420,707
Life and other policy benefits									28,862	25,310	18,405
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs									98,987	91,711	86,434
Universal life and annuity contract interest									191,148	135,679	224,954
Other operating expenses									31,852	25,723	27,015
Federal income taxes (benefit)									11,638	14,432	20,964
Total expenses									362,487	292,855	377,772
Segment earnings (loss)									22,687	29,564	42,935
Operating Segments | All Others
Selected Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Items:
Deferred policy acquisition costs and sales inducements	0				0				0	0	0
Total segment assets	298,481				268,675				298,481	268,675	257,568
Future policy benefits	0				0				0	0	0
Other policyholder liabilities	0				0				0	0	0
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:
Premiums and contract revenues									0	0	0
Net investment income									22,952	22,344	21,033
Other revenues									18,207	28,046	21,135
Total revenues									41,159	50,390	42,168
Life and other policy benefits									0	0	0
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs									0	0	0
Universal life and annuity contract interest									0	0	0
Other operating expenses									17,924	19,239	19,540
Federal income taxes (benefit)									7,878	10,220	7,424
Total expenses									25,802	29,459	26,964
Segment earnings (loss)									15,357	20,931	15,204
Segment Reconciling Items
Selected Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Items:
Total segment assets	$ 197,882				$ 159,946				$ 197,882	$ 159,946	$ 164,370
Agency Two | Annuities
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:
Major customer, percentage of sales									12.00%
Agency One | Annuities
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:
Major customer, percentage of sales									11.00%

Fair Value of Financial Instr83

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale	$ 3,060,363	$ 2,879,583
Derivatives, index options	120,644	38,409
Total assets	3,181,007	2,917,992
Policyholder account balances	122,666	58,359
Other liabilities	12,027	7,669
Total liabilities	$ 134,693	66,028
Percent of total (in percentage)	100.00%
Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale	$ 18,313	17,980
Derivatives, index options	0	0
Total assets	18,313	17,980
Policyholder account balances	0	0
Other liabilities	0	0
Total liabilities	$ 0	0
Percent of total (in percentage)	0.60%
Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale	$ 3,042,050	2,861,603
Derivatives, index options	0	0
Total assets	3,042,050	2,861,603
Policyholder account balances	0	0
Other liabilities	0	0
Total liabilities	$ 0	0
Percent of total (in percentage)	95.60%
Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale	$ 0	0
Derivatives, index options	120,644	38,409
Total assets	120,644	38,409
Policyholder account balances	122,666	58,359
Other liabilities	12,027	7,669
Total liabilities	$ 134,693	66,028
Percent of total (in percentage)	3.80%
Priced by Third-Party Vendors
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives, index options	$ 120,644
Priced by Third-Party Vendors | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives, index options	0
Priced by Third-Party Vendors | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives, index options	0
Priced by Third-Party Vendors | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives, index options	120,644
Priced Internally
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives, index options	0
Priced Internally | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives, index options	0
Priced Internally | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives, index options	0
Priced Internally | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives, index options	0
Debt securities:
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale	3,042,050	2,861,222
Debt securities: | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale	0	0
Debt securities: | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale	3,042,050	2,861,222
Debt securities: | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale	0	0
Debt securities: | Priced by Third-Party Vendors
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale	3,042,050
Debt securities: | Priced by Third-Party Vendors | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale	0
Debt securities: | Priced by Third-Party Vendors | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale	3,042,050
Debt securities: | Priced by Third-Party Vendors | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale	0
Debt securities: | Priced Internally
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale	0
Debt securities: | Priced Internally | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale	0
Debt securities: | Priced Internally | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale	0
Debt securities: | Priced Internally | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale	0
Equity securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale	18,313	18,361
Equity securities | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale	18,313	17,980
Equity securities | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale	0	381
Equity securities | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale	0	0
Equity securities | Priced by Third-Party Vendors
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale	18,313
Equity securities | Priced by Third-Party Vendors | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale	18,313
Equity securities | Priced by Third-Party Vendors | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale	0
Equity securities | Priced by Third-Party Vendors | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale	0
Equity securities | Priced Internally
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale	0
Equity securities | Priced Internally | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale	0
Equity securities | Priced Internally | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale	0
Equity securities | Priced Internally | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale	0
Derivatives, index options
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives, index options	120,644	38,409
Derivatives, index options | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives, index options	0	0
Derivatives, index options | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives, index options	0	0
Derivatives, index options | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives, index options	$ 120,644	$ 38,409

Fair Value of Financial Instr84

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Fair Value Measurements for Level 3 Instruments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 38,409	$ 114,287
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):
Included in net income	28,364	(61,750)
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0
Purchases	75,865	86,189
Sales	0	0
Issuances	0	0
Settlements	(21,994)	(100,317)
Transfers into (out of) Level 3	0	0
Balance at end of period	120,644	38,409
Change in unrealized gains or losses for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets/liabilities held at the end of the reporting period:	44,778	(47,780)
Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	66,028	142,492
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):
Included in net income	16,263	(61,676)
Included in comprehensive income (loss)	0	0
Purchases	75,866	86,189
Sales	0	0
Issuances	2,088	0
Settlements	(25,552)	(100,977)
Transfers into (out of) Level 3	0
Balance at end of period	134,693	66,028
Change in unrealized gains or losses for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets/liabilities held at the end of the reporting period:	50,606	(48,707)
Debt Securities, Available For Sale
Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	0	0
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):
Included in net income	0	0
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0
Purchases	0	0
Sales	0	0
Issuances	0	0
Settlements	0	0
Transfers into (out of) Level 3	0	0
Balance at end of period	0	0
Change in unrealized gains or losses for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets/liabilities held at the end of the reporting period:	0	0
Equity Securities, Available For Sale
Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	0	0
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):
Included in net income	0	0
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0
Purchases	0	0
Sales	0	0
Issuances	0	0
Settlements	0	0
Transfers into (out of) Level 3	0	0
Balance at end of period	0	0
Change in unrealized gains or losses for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets/liabilities held at the end of the reporting period:	0	0
Derivatives, index options
Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	38,409	114,287
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):
Included in net income	28,364	(61,750)
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0
Purchases	75,865	86,189
Sales	0	0
Issuances	0	0
Settlements	(21,994)	(100,317)
Transfers into (out of) Level 3	0	0
Balance at end of period	120,644	38,409
Change in unrealized gains or losses for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets/liabilities held at the end of the reporting period:	44,778	(47,780)
Net investment income
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/liabilities held at the end of the reporting period:	44,778	(47,780)
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/liabilities held at the end of the reporting period:	0	0
Net investment income | Debt Securities, Available For Sale
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/liabilities held at the end of the reporting period:	0	0
Net investment income | Equity Securities, Available For Sale
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/liabilities held at the end of the reporting period:	0	0
Net investment income | Derivatives, index options
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/liabilities held at the end of the reporting period:	44,778	(47,780)
Benefits and expenses
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/liabilities held at the end of the reporting period:	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/liabilities held at the end of the reporting period:	50,606	(48,707)
Benefits and expenses | Debt Securities, Available For Sale
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/liabilities held at the end of the reporting period:	0	0
Benefits and expenses | Equity Securities, Available For Sale
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/liabilities held at the end of the reporting period:	0	0
Benefits and expenses | Derivatives, index options
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/liabilities held at the end of the reporting period:	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Value of Financial Instr85

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Quantitative Information) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Assets	$ 3,181,007	$ 2,917,992
Liabilities	134,693	66,028
Level 3
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Assets	120,644	38,409
Liabilities	134,693	66,028
Level 3 | Derivatives, index options | Broker prices
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Assets	120,644	38,409
Policyholder account balances | Level 3 | Deterministic cash flow model
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Liabilities	122,666	58,359
Other liabilities | Level 3 | Black Scholes
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Liabilities	$ 12,027	$ 7,669

Fair Values of Financial Instru

Fair Values of Financial Instruments (Fair Value by Balance Sheet Grouping) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Securities held to maturity	$ 7,337,611	$ 7,335,436
Securities available for sale	3,060,363	2,879,583
Derivatives, index options	120,644	38,409
Carrying Values [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Securities held to maturity	7,159,259	7,173,967
Securities available for sale	3,060,363	2,879,583
Cash and cash equivalents	51,247	106,007
Mortgage loans	174,534	108,311
Policy loans	58,699	61,957
Other loans	14,343	2,779
Derivatives, index options	120,644	38,409
Life interest in Libbie Shearn Moody Trust	7,550	7,379
Deferred annuity contracts	7,739,337	7,640,951
Immediate annuity and supplemental contracts	443,226	434,468
Fair Values
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Securities held to maturity	7,337,611	7,335,436
Securities available for sale	3,060,363	2,879,583
Cash and cash equivalents	51,247	106,007
Mortgage loans	176,890	111,162
Policy loans	101,092	108,550
Other loans	14,898	2,957
Derivatives, index options	120,644	38,409
Life interest in Libbie Shearn Moody Trust	12,775	12,775
Deferred annuity contracts	7,367,851	7,288,108
Immediate annuity and supplemental contracts	470,414	461,457
Level 1
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Securities held to maturity		0
Securities available for sale	18,313	17,980
Cash and cash equivalents	51,247	106,007
Mortgage loans	0	0
Policy loans	0	0
Other loans	0	0
Derivatives, index options	0	0
Life interest in Libbie Shearn Moody Trust	0	0
Deferred annuity contracts	0	0
Immediate annuity and supplemental contracts	0	0
Level 2
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Securities held to maturity	7,337,611	7,335,436
Securities available for sale	3,042,050	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
Life interest in Libbie Shearn Moody Trust	0	0
Deferred annuity contracts	0
Immediate annuity and supplemental contracts	0	0
Level 3
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Securities held to maturity	0	0
Securities available for sale	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Mortgage loans	176,890	111,162
Policy loans	101,092	108,550
Other loans	14,898	2,957
Derivatives, index options	120,644	38,409
Life interest in Libbie Shearn Moody Trust	12,775	12,775
Deferred annuity contracts	7,367,851	7,288,108
Immediate annuity and supplemental contracts	$ 470,414	$ 461,457

Derivative Investments (Balance

Derivative Investments (Balance Sheet) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivatives, index options	$ 120,644	$ 38,409
Liability Derivatives	122,666	58,359
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivatives, index options	120,644	38,409
Liability Derivatives	122,666	58,359
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Equity index options | Derivatives, index options
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivatives, index options	120,644	38,409
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Fixed-index products | Universal Life and Annuity Contracts
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Liability Derivatives	$ 122,666	$ 58,359

Derivative Investments (Stateme

Derivative Investments (Statements of Earnings) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Change in the embedded derivative liability due to the expected collectability of asset management fees increased/(decreased) contract interest expense	$ (15,900)	$ 2,000	$ (6,500)
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative	17,928	(1,001)	(864)
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Equity index options | Net investment income
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative	28,364	(61,750)	68,616
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Fixed-index products | Universal Life and Annuity Contract Interest [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative	$ (10,436)	$ 60,749	$ (69,480)

Related Party Transactions (Det

Related Party Transactions (Details) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Options Outstanding, Shares, Exercised (in shares)		8,000
Mortgage loan		$ 174,534,000	$ 108,311,000
Robert L. Moody, Jr.
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Commission paid under agency contracts		286,302
Marketing consulting fees			48,000
Commission and service fees expense		63,562
Company paid guest travel		45,643
MNB
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Commission and service fees expense		712,154
RMS [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Management fees		702,239
American National Insurance Company
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Premiums paid during the year		491,559
Reimbursements for claim costs		2,589,876
Premium received		2,697,787
Professional fees			$ 18,000
Term of agreement (in years)	2 years
American National Registered Investment Advisory
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Professional fees		$ 41,876
The Company | Moody Bancshares, Inc.
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership (in percentage)		9.50%
RCC | RMS [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership (in percentage)		1.00%
Three R Trusts | RCC
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership (in percentage)		100.00%
Three R Trusts | RMS [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership (in percentage)		99.00%
Moody Bancshares, Inc. | Moody Bank Holding
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership (in percentage)		100.00%
Moody Bank Holding | MNB
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership (in percentage)		98.00%
The Westcap Corporation | American National Insurance Company
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Mortgage loan		$ 20,000,000
Percentage of commercial mortgage ( in percentage)		24.93%

Unaudited Quarterly Financial90

Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Revenues	$ 184,485	$ 181,847	$ 167,094	$ 148,942	$ 180,583	$ 106,104	$ 155,218	$ 147,890	$ 682,368	$ 589,796	$ 708,780
Earnings (loss)	$ 23,612	$ 33,736	$ 26,286	$ 17,259	$ 31,991	$ 16,221	$ 28,858	$ 21,326	100,892	98,396	105,588
Common Class B
Earnings (loss)									$ 2,853	$ 2,783	$ 2,986
Basic Earnings Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 3.34	$ 4.77	$ 3.72	$ 2.44	$ 4.52	$ 2.29	$ 4.08	$ 3.02	$ 14.27	$ 13.91	$ 14.93
Diluted Earnings Per Share (in dollars per share)	3.34	4.77	3.72	2.44	4.52	2.29	4.08	3.02	$ 14.27	$ 13.91	$ 14.93
Common Class A
Earnings (loss)									$ 98,039	$ 95,613	$ 102,602
Basic Earnings Per Share (in dollars per share)	6.68	9.54	7.43	4.88	9.05	4.59	8.16	6.03	$ 28.53	$ 27.83	$ 29.87
Diluted Earnings Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 6.67	$ 9.54	$ 7.43	$ 4.88	$ 9.04	$ 4.59	$ 8.16	$ 6.03	$ 28.53	$ 27.82	$ 29.85

Schedule I - Summary of Inves91

Schedule I - Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties Schedule I - Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties (Details)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	$ 10,558,132,000
Fair Value
Balance Sheet Amount	10,627,453,000
Total fixed maturity bonds
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	10,136,279,000
Fair Value	10,379,661,000
Balance Sheet Amount	10,201,309,000
Corporate
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	3,510,000
Fair Value	6,223,000
Balance Sheet Amount	6,223,000
Equity securities
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	14,022,000
Fair Value	18,313,000
Balance Sheet Amount	18,313,000
Public utilities
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	729,000
Fair Value	1,197,000
Balance Sheet Amount	1,197,000
Banks, trust and insurance companies
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	1,700,000
Fair Value	3,016,000
Balance Sheet Amount	3,016,000
Preferred stocks
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	8,083,000
Fair Value	7,877,000
Balance Sheet Amount	7,877,000
Derivatives, index options
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	120,644,000
Balance Sheet Amount	120,644,000
Mortgage loans
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	174,534,000
Balance Sheet Amount	174,534,000
Policy loans
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	58,699,000
Balance Sheet Amount	58,699,000
Other long-term investments
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	53,954,000
Balance Sheet Amount	53,954,000
Real estate acquired through foreclosure	0
Securities held to maturity:
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	7,159,259,000
Fair Value	7,337,611,000
Balance Sheet Amount	7,159,259,000
Securities held to maturity: | United States government and government agencies and authorities
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	1,333,000
Fair Value	1,568,000
Balance Sheet Amount	1,333,000
Securities held to maturity: | States, municipalities, and political subdivisions
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	456,069,000
Fair Value	475,925,000
Balance Sheet Amount	456,069,000
Securities held to maturity: | Public utilities
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	1,087,176,000
Fair Value	1,120,947,000
Balance Sheet Amount	1,087,176,000
Securities held to maturity: | Corporate
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	4,237,029,000
Fair Value	4,324,048,000
Balance Sheet Amount	4,237,029,000
Securities held to maturity: | Residential mortgage-backed
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	1,367,270,000
Fair Value	1,403,147,000
Balance Sheet Amount	1,367,270,000
Securities held to maturity: | Asset-backed
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	10,382,000
Fair Value	11,976,000
Balance Sheet Amount	10,382,000
Securities available for sale:
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	2,977,020,000
Fair Value	3,042,050,000
Balance Sheet Amount	3,042,050,000
Securities available for sale: | States, municipalities, and political subdivisions
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	580,000
Fair Value	574,000
Balance Sheet Amount	574,000
Securities available for sale: | Foreign governments
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	9,956,000
Fair Value	10,336,000
Balance Sheet Amount	10,336,000
Securities available for sale: | Public utilities
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	127,181,000
Fair Value	131,694,000
Balance Sheet Amount	131,694,000
Securities available for sale: | Corporate
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	2,802,852,000
Fair Value	2,860,663,000
Balance Sheet Amount	2,860,663,000
Securities available for sale: | Residential mortgage-backed
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	27,110,000
Fair Value	29,156,000
Balance Sheet Amount	29,156,000
Securities available for sale: | Asset-backed
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	9,341,000
Fair Value	9,627,000
Balance Sheet Amount	$ 9,627,000

Schedule V - Valuation and Qu92

Schedule V - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Schedule V - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Allowance for possible losses on mortgage loans:
Allowance for possible losses on mortgage loans:
Balance at beginnning of period	$ 650	$ 650	$ 650
Charged to cost and expense	0	0	0
Reduction	0	0	0
Transfers	0	0	0
Balance at end of period	650	650	650
Allowance for possible losses on real estate:
Allowance for possible losses on mortgage loans:
Balance at beginnning of period	1,629	1,629	1,735
Charged to cost and expense	0	0	0
Reduction	(1,018)	0	(106)
Transfers	0	0	0
Balance at end of period	$ 611	$ 1,629	$ 1,629