National Western Life Group Inc - Ordinary Shares (NWLI) 10-K 1 Mar 18 2017 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Feb. 28, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
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	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
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			$ 728,104,896
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, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Investments:
Securities held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value: $7,434,104 and $7,337,611)	$ 7,247,024	$ 7,159,259
Securities available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost: $2,977,400 and $2,991,042)	3,059,609	3,060,363
Mortgage loans, net of allowance for possible losses ($650 and $650)	208,249	174,534
Policy loans	56,405	58,699
Derivatives, index options	194,731	120,644
Other long-term investments	51,828	53,954
Total investments	10,817,846	10,627,453
Cash and cash equivalents	217,624	51,247
Deferred policy acquisition costs	819,511	835,194
Deferred sales inducements	135,570	147,111
Accrued investment income	96,818	99,245
Other assets	137,725	134,731
Total assets	12,225,094	11,894,981
Future policy benefits:
Universal life and annuity contracts	9,962,589	9,722,313
Traditional life reserves	135,895	136,782
Other policyholder liabilities	128,009	143,391
Deferred Federal income tax liability	25,408	64,990
Federal income tax payable	2,701	789
Other liabilities	138,318	104,888
Total liabilities	10,392,920	10,173,153
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Notes 4, 7, and 9)
Common stock:
Additional paid-in capital	41,716	41,716
Accumulated other comprehensive income	14,281	10,552
Retained earnings	1,776,141	1,669,524
Total stockholders' equity	1,832,174	1,721,828
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	12,225,094	11,894,981
Common Class A
Common stock:
Common Stock:	34	34
Common Class B
Common stock:
Common Stock:	$ 2	$ 2

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Oct. 01, 2015
Investments:
Securities held to maturity-fair value	$ 7,434,104	$ 7,337,611
Securities available for sale-amortized cost	2,977,400	2,991,042
Mortgage loans-allowance for possible losses	$ 650	$ 650
Common Class A
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Common stock, par value (usd per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 1
Common Stock, shares authorized (in shares)	7,500,000	7,500,000
Common Stock, shares issued (in shares)	3,436,166	3,436,166
Common Stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	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 (in shares)	200,000	200,000
Common Stock, shares issued (in shares)	200,000	200,000
Common Stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	200,000	200,000

Consolidated Statements of Earn

Consolidated Statements of Earnings - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Revenues:
Universal life and annuity contract charges	$ 159,968	$ 163,447	$ 155,608
Traditional life premiums	18,962	19,276	19,699
Net investment income	659,685	467,674	379,114
Other revenues	21,070	18,901	28,166
Net realized investment gains (losses):
Total other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) (losses) recoveries	487	110	2,801
Portion of OTTI losses recognized in other comprehensive income	(599)	(110)	(3,053)
Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings	(112)	0	(252)
Other net investment gains	14,875	13,070	7,461
Total net realized investment gains (losses)	14,763	13,070	7,209
Total revenues	874,448	682,368	589,796
Benefits and expenses:
Life and other policy benefits	71,485	65,529	67,452
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	114,387	121,139	120,333
Universal life and annuity contract interest	437,019	248,390	176,901
Other operating expenses	107,002	94,448	78,442
Total benefits and expenses	729,893	529,506	443,128
Earnings before Federal income taxes	144,555	152,862	146,668
Federal income taxes	34,134	51,970	48,272
Net earnings	110,421	100,892	98,396
Common Class A
Benefits and expenses:
Net earnings	$ 107,298	$ 98,039	$ 95,613
Basic Earnings Per Share:
Earnings Per Share, Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 31.23	$ 28.53	$ 27.83
Diluted Earnings Per Share:
Earnings Per Share, Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 31.23	$ 28.53	$ 27.82
Common Class B
Benefits and expenses:
Net earnings	$ 3,123	$ 2,853	$ 2,783
Basic Earnings Per Share:
Earnings Per Share, Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 15.61	$ 14.27	$ 13.91
Diluted Earnings Per Share:
Earnings Per Share, Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 15.61	$ 14.27	$ 13.91

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 110,421	$ 100,892	$ 98,396
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities:
Net unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period	8,288	12,621	(39,797)
Net unrealized liquidity gains (losses)	195	37	1,022
Reclassification adjustment for net amounts included in net earnings	(3,403)	(2,155)	(2,085)
Net unrealized gains (losses) on securities	5,080	10,503	(40,860)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(9)	(164)	140
Benefit plans:
Amortization of net prior service cost and net gain, net of tax	(3,873)	(116)	(737)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	1,198	10,223	(41,457)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ 111,619	$ 111,115	$ 56,939

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, 2014		$ 3,636	$ 38,116		$ 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]
Reclassification from AOCI, due to change in tax rate					0	0	0	0	0
Reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (see Note 1)										0
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
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Reclassification from AOCI, due to change in tax rate					0	0	0	0	0
Reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (see Note 1)										0
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	8,288				4,885
Amortization						(242)
Other-than-temporary impairments, non-credit, net of tax						631
Additional credit loss on previously impaired securities						0
Change in shadow deferred policy acquisition costs						(194)	0
Recoveries, net of tax							0
Change in translation adjustments during period	(9)							(9)
Amortization of net prior service cost and net gain, net of tax	(3,873)								(3,873)
Net earnings	110,421									110,421
Stockholder dividends										(1,273)
Total stockholders’ equity at Dec. 31, 2017	1,832,174	$ 36	$ 41,716	$ 14,281	33,664	(10)	(1)	3,223	(22,595)	1,776,141
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Reclassification from AOCI, due to change in tax rate	$ (2,500)				$ 5,966	$ (2)	$ 0	$ 571	$ (4,004)
Reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (see Note 1)										$ (2,531)

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings	$ 110,421	$ 100,892	$ 98,396
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings/(loss) to cash provided by operating activities:
Universal life and annuity contract interest	437,019	248,390	176,901
Surrender charges and other policy revenues	(42,061)	(44,828)	(20,493)
Realized (gains) losses on investments	(14,763)	(13,070)	(7,209)
Accretion/amortization of discounts and premiums, investments	(281)	(176)	525
Depreciation and amortization	10,005	8,057	2,987
(Increase) decrease in value of derivatives	(222,875)	(28,364)	61,750
(Increase) decrease in deferred policy acquisition and sales inducement costs	21,554	9,206	120
(Increase) decrease in accrued investment income	2,427	374	(3,492)
(Increase) decrease in other assets	(6,769)	167	(12,929)
Increase (decrease) in liabilities for future policy benefits	7,694	8,988	12,256
(Decrease) increase in other policyholder liabilities	(15,382)	(11,871)	16,041
(Decrease) increase in Federal income tax liability	1,912	13,301	(15,848)
Increase (decrease) in deferred Federal income tax	(40,227)	10,152	40,017
(Decrease) increase in other liabilities	27,456	7,925	(2,798)
Net cash provided by operating activities	276,130	309,143	346,224
Proceeds from sales of:
Securities held to maturity	0	975	0
Securities available for sale	22,861	15,123	14,203
Other investments	9,331	4,041	3,684
Proceeds from maturities and redemptions of:
Securities held to maturity	490,841	404,802	475,151
Securities available for sale	288,208	191,225	270,044
Derivatives, index options	219,865	21,848	100,050
Purchases of:
Securities held to maturity	(570,716)	(383,722)	(810,384)
Securities available for sale	(292,587)	(348,174)	(529,242)
Derivatives, index options	(75,330)	(74,658)	(86,927)
Other investments	(331)	(29,505)	(4,250)
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment	(9,116)	(50,214)	0
Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment	3,024	1,528	0
Principal payments on mortgage loans	25,901	18,469	80,047
Cost of mortgage loans acquired	(59,448)	(84,561)	(38,471)
(Increase) decrease in policy loans	2,294	3,258	1,688
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	54,797	(309,565)	(524,407)
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	728,873	847,147	918,574
Return of account balances on universal life and annuity contracts	(892,135)	(899,961)	(910,403)
Issuance of common stock under stock option plan	0	0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(164,535)	(54,087)	6,898
Effect of foreign exchange	(15)	(251)	214
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	166,377	(54,760)	(171,071)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	51,247	106,007	277,078
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	217,624	51,247	106,007
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	40	44	30
Income taxes	72,449	28,243	24,127
Noncash operating activities:
Deferral of sales inducements	$ (10,650)	$ (7,620)	$ (10,854)

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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 Commission ("SEC") from October 2, 2015 and forward have been 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, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , 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, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 . Affected Line Item In the Consolidated Statements of Earnings Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Other net investment gains (losses) $ 5,348 3,316 3,459 Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings (112 ) — (252 ) Earnings before Federal income taxes 5,236 3,316 3,207 Federal income taxes 1,833 1,161 1,122 Net earnings $ 3,403 2,155 2,085 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 (retrospective method). This adjustment is reflected in net investment income. For loan-backed securities not meeting the definition of "highly rated", the prospective method is evaluated and, if materially different from the retrospective method, utilized to account for these securities. The retrospective adjustment method has been used to value all loan-backed and structured securities included in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements. 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. Prepayment penalty fees received from issuers that call their securities before maturity are excluded from the calculation of realized gain or loss and are included as a component of investment income. Decline in the fair value of securities below their cost basis that are deemed other-than-temporary are bifurcated into separate credit and non-credit declinations. 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. When the Company has loans considered impaired substantially all 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 Sheets. The remaining portions of these policy contracts are considered the host contracts and are recorded separately within future policy benefits 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 their 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 further reduces the Company's credit exposure. At December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the fair value of index options owned by the Company totaled $194.7 million and $120.6 million , respectively. Of these amounts, $119.4 million and $44.8 million represent unrealized gains on the options held at December 31, 2017 and 2016, 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, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Deferred policy acquisition costs, beginning of year $ 835,194 853,451 802,919 Policy acquisition costs deferred: Agents' commissions 95,088 112,048 124,498 Other 8,433 7,808 6,894 Total costs deferred 103,521 119,856 131,392 Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs (114,387 ) (121,139 ) (120,333 ) Adjustments for unrealized (gains) losses on investment securities (4,817 ) (16,974 ) 39,473 Deferred policy acquisition costs, end of year $ 819,511 835,194 853,451 A summary of information relative to deferred sales inducements is provided in the table below. Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Deferred sales inducements, beginning of year $ 147,111 159,166 159,766 Sales inducement costs deferred 17,901 19,302 17,704 Amortization of sales inducements (28,552 ) (26,922 ) (28,559 ) Adjustments for unrealized (gains) losses on investment securities (890 ) (4,435 ) 10,255 Deferred sales inducements, end of year $ 135,570 147,111 159,166 Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs decreased to $114.4 million in the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to $121.1 million reported in 2016 . Amortization expense in 2017 included $11.9 million in prospective unlocking adjustments which decreased amortization expense for the following: (a) reducing interest crediting rate spreads in the Domestic Life segment which increased amortization expense by $0.8 million ; (b) International Life segment for favorable mortality, improved lapse rates in certain markets, an interest rate clawback provision, and reducing interest crediting rate spreads, collectively decreasing amortization expense by $(27.7) million ; and (c) in the Annuity segment updating surrender and annuitization rates on two tier annuities, reducing interest crediting rate spreads, and adjusting withdrawal benefit assumptions, which collectively increased amortization expense by $15.1 million . Amortization expense in 2016 included $13.8 million in prospective unlocking adjustments which decreased amortization expense for the following: (a) updating DPAC future gross profit projections for universal life insurance riders in the Domestic Life and International Life segments which had not been previously included in software models which decreased amortization expense by $(2.1) million ; (b) favorable mortality in the Domestic Life segment which decreased amortization expense by $(8.2) million ; (c) in the International segment favorable mortality, increased cost of insurance charges that had been implemented, and higher lapse rates for policies associated with the residents that the company ceased accepting applications from, collectively decreasing amortization expense by $(7.3) million ; and (d) updating surrender and annuitization rates on indexed, single tier, and two tier annuities which increased amortization expense by $3.7 million . Amortization expense in 2015 included $1.8 million in prospective unlocking adjustments which decreased amortization expense as follows: (a) for favorable mortality experience on an International Life universal life product which decreased amortization expense by $(7.1) million , and (b) unlocking future expense assumptions pertaining to product development override costs (trailer commissions) in the Annuity segment which increased amortization expense by $5.3 million . Similar to deferred policy acquisition costs, amortization of deferred sales inducements includes unlocking adjustments. In 2017, the deferred sales inducement balance was unlocked for updating surrender and annuitization rates on two tier annuities, reducing interest crediting rate spreads, and adjusting withdrawal benefit assumptions which increased contract interest expense by $4.3 million . 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 . 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, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Annuity deposits $ 608,799 730,740 775,010 Universal life insurance deposits 254,960 250,459 277,229 Traditional life and other premiums 22,624 22,377 23,162 Totals $ 886,383 1,003,576 1,075,401 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 directly 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. 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Net gain from operations before Federal and foreign income taxes $ 197,597 124,571 8,139 Net income $ 126,932 88,712 7,060 Unassigned surplus $ 1,330,491 1,207,298 1,127,140 Capital and surplus $ 1,374,554 1,251,361 1,171,203 (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. The Company used the intrinsic value method for statutory basis reporting through 2015. 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. The fair value method was adopted for statutory basis reporting effective January 1, 2016. (K) Accounting Standards and Changes in Accounting In June 2016, the FASB released ASU 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. In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-08, Receivables - Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs: Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities , which amends the amortization period for certain purchased callable debt securities held at a premium. The amortization period for premiums is being shortened to the earliest call date. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2018. Adoption of the guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial position. In July 2017, the FASB released ASU 2017-11, Earnings Per Share; Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity; and, Derivatives and Hedging . This update includes: (I) Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Down Round Features, and (II) Replacement of the Indefinite Deferral for Mandatorily Redeemable Financial Instruments of Certain Nonpublic Entities and Certain Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest with a Scope Exception. Part I of this update changes the classification analysis of certain equity-linked financial instruments with down round features. When determining whether certain financial instruments should be classified as liabilities or equity instruments, a down round feature no longer precludes equity classification when assessing whether the instrument is indexed to an entity’s own stock. Part II of this update recharacterizes the indefinite deferral of certain provisions of Topic 480 that now are presented as pending content in the Codification, to a scope exception. Those amendments do not have an accounting effect. The Company does not expect a material effect on the results of operations or financial position with the adoption of this ASU. Accounting promouncements adopted and pending adoption On February 14, 2018, the FASB released ASU 2018-02, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income . The update addresses certain stranded income tax effects in accumulated other comprehensive income caused by the Tax Cuts and Job Act ("Tax Act") which was passed in December 2017. Under the new FASB rules, financial statement preparers are provided the option to reclassify stranded tax effects within accumulated other comprehensive income in each period in which the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate in the Tax Act is recorded. Companies must apply the new guidance for fiscal years, including interim periods within such years, starting after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The amendments are to be applied in either the period of adoption or retrospectively to each period (or periods) in which the effect of the change in the federal corporate income tax rate from the Tax Act is recognized. The Company elected to adopt the requirements of this update in its Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2017 and has reported the resultant reclassification amount, $2.5 million , as a charge to Retained Earnings in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) . The guidance requires companies to recognize revenue that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. As an insurance enterprise, the primary sources of revenue are excluded from this guidance, including insurance premiums, contract charges, and investment revenues. We have certain types of non-insurance and non-investment revenue from contracts with customers that fall under this guidance. These revenues are recognized when obligations under the terms of the contract are satisfied. The amount of revenue recognized reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those services. For these revenues, the performance obligation is fulfilled as services are rendered. Revenues from contracts with customers identified under Topic 606 are not material, approximately 2% of our total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2017. The guidance is effec

Deposits with Regulatory Author

Deposits with Regulatory Authorities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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, 2017 2016 (In thousands) Debt securities held to maturity $ 14,596 13,790 Debt securities available for sale 685 805 Short-term investments 475 475 Totals $ 15,756 15,070

Investments

Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Gross investment income: Debt and equity securities $ 409,401 416,638 416,633 Mortgage loans 11,045 7,964 10,274 Policy loans 3,485 3,700 3,938 Derivative gains (losses) 222,875 28,364 (61,750 ) Short term investments 1,012 668 197 Other investment income 13,137 11,432 10,939 Total investment income 660,955 468,766 380,231 Less investment expenses 1,270 1,092 1,117 Net investment income $ 659,685 467,674 379,114 (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, hotels, 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. Mortgage loans originated by the Company totaled $59.4 million and $84.6 million for the years 2017 and 2016 , 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 historically have not been a significant portion of its total investment portfolio as most of these type of investments are 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, after allowances for possible losses, totaling $208.2 million and $174.5 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The diversification of the portfolio by geographic region, property type, and loan-to-value ratio was as follows: December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Amount % Amount % (In thousands) (In thousands) Mortgage Loans by Geographic Region: West South Central $ 119,794 57.3 $ 102,531 58.5 East North Central 30,876 14.8 26,717 15.3 South Atlantic 19,155 9.2 14,130 8.1 East South Central 14,273 6.8 6,512 3.7 West North Central 12,967 6.2 — — Pacific 8,014 3.8 9,872 5.6 Middle Atlantic 2,215 1.1 2,288 1.3 Mountain 1,605 0.8 1,646 0.9 New England — — 11,488 6.6 Gross balance 208,899 100.0 175,184 100.0 Allowance for possible losses (650 ) (0.3 ) (650 ) (0.4 ) Totals $ 208,249 99.7 $ 174,534 99.6 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Amount % Amount % (In thousands) (In thousands) Mortgage Loans by Property Type: Retail $ 87,805 42.0 $ 89,947 51.3 Office 74,301 35.6 57,095 32.6 Hotel 13,782 6.6 9,708 5.6 Land/Lots 10,563 5.1 4,946 2.8 All other 22,448 10.7 13,488 7.7 Gross balance 208,899 100.0 175,184 100.0 Allowance for possible losses (650 ) (0.3 ) (650 ) (0.4 ) Totals $ 208,249 99.7 $ 174,534 99.6 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Amount % Amount % (In thousands) (In thousands) Mortgage Loans by Loan-to-Value Ratio (1): Less than 50% $ 82,224 39.4 $ 54,783 31.3 50% to 60% 27,395 13.1 12,946 7.4 60% to 70% 86,849 41.6 76,959 43.9 70% to 80% — — 6,192 3.5 80% to 90% 6,929 3.3 18,688 10.7 Greater than 90% 5,502 2.6 5,616 3.2 Gross balance 208,899 100.0 175,184 100.0 Allowance for possible losses (650 ) (0.3 ) (650 ) (0.4 ) Totals $ 208,249 99.7 $ 174,534 99.6 (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, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , 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 an extended period of time 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, 2017 and 2016 : 2017 2016 (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 loans past due six months or more at December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 . There was no interest income not recognized in 2017 , 2016 and 2015 . The contractual maturities of mortgage loan principal balances at December 31, 2017 and 2016 were as follows: December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Amount % Amount % (In thousands) (In thousands) Principal Balance by Contractual Maturity: Due in one year or less $ 22,966 11.0 $ 21,595 12.3 Due after one year through five years 41,248 19.7 36,159 20.6 Due after five years through ten years 119,966 57.2 99,391 56.5 Due after ten years through fifteen years 25,429 12.1 7,200 4.1 Due after fifteen years — — 11,488 6.5 Totals $ 209,609 100.0 $ 175,833 100.0 The Company's direct investments in real estate investments are not a significant portion of its total investment portfolio. These investments totaled approximately $37.4 million at December 31, 2017 and $31.8 million at December 31, 2016 , 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 $2.9 million , $2.6 million and $1.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The Company had real estate investments that were non-income producing for the preceding twelve months totaling $0.1 million , $0.2 million and $0.9 million at December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , 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 $2.7 million , $2.9 million and $0.0 million associated with these real estate investments in the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The net realized investment gains in 2017 were on disposed properties located in Austin, Texas and Dallas, Texas. The net realized investment gains in 2016 were on disposed properties located in Brazoria County (Texas), Ruidoso, New Mexico, and Austin, 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, 2017 . Securities Held to Maturity Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value (In thousands) Debt securities: U.S. Treasury $ 1,337 177 — 1,514 States and political subdivisions 467,437 21,907 (100 ) 489,244 Public utilities 1,062,545 30,527 (894 ) 1,092,178 Corporate 4,430,099 121,978 (7,876 ) 4,544,201 Residential mortgage-backed 1,280,307 27,445 (6,216 ) 1,301,536 Home equity 4,262 57 (4 ) 4,315 Manufactured housing 1,037 79 — 1,116 Totals $ 7,247,024 202,170 (15,090 ) 7,434,104 The table below presents amortized costs and fair values of securities available for sale at December 31, 2017 . Securities Available for Sale Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value (In thousands) Debt securities: States and political subdivisions $ 575 — (29 ) 546 Foreign governments 9,964 326 — 10,290 Public utilities 83,466 3,640 — 87,106 Corporate 2,842,381 81,737 (10,744 ) 2,913,374 Residential mortgage-backed 20,246 1,376 (52 ) 21,570 Home equity 7,878 367 — 8,245 Manufactured housing — — — — 2,964,510 87,446 (10,825 ) 3,041,131 Equity securities 12,890 5,708 (120 ) 18,478 Totals $ 2,977,400 93,154 (10,945 ) 3,059,609 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. agencies $ — — — — 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 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 intention is 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 mortgage-backed securities types 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 and maturity date. The Company reviewed pertinent information for all issuers in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2017 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 whether an other-than-temporary impairment existed. For the securities that have not been impaired at December 31, 2017 , 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 $101.3 million and $179.5 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. These amounts represent 0.9% and 1.7% of total invested assets for December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Below investment grade holdings are the result of credit rating 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, 2017 , the Company recorded net realized gains totaling $14.8 million related to the disposition of investment securities. The net realized gains included $0.1 million losses for other-than-temporary impairment write-downs on investments. For the years ended December 2016 and 2015 , the Company recorded net realized gains totaling $13.1 million and $7.2 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, 2017 . 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 $ 6,308 (14 ) 4,869 (86 ) 11,177 (100 ) Public utilities 68,368 (407 ) 34,091 (487 ) 102,459 (894 ) Corporate 248,844 (1,296 ) 431,591 (6,580 ) 680,435 (7,876 ) Residential mortgage-backed 130,015 (738 ) 192,399 (5,478 ) 322,414 (6,216 ) Home equity 2,830 (4 ) — — 2,830 (4 ) Total temporarily impaired securities $ 456,365 (2,459 ) 662,950 (12,631 ) 1,119,315 (15,090 ) 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, 2017 . 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 $ 546 (29 ) — — 546 (29 ) Public utilities — — — — — — Corporate 201,575 (1,134 ) 296,845 (9,610 ) 498,420 (10,744 ) Residential mortgage-backed 1,325 (14 ) 1,085 (38 ) 2,410 (52 ) Home equity 1,653 — — — 1,653 — 205,099 (1,177 ) 297,930 (9,648 ) 503,029 (10,825 ) Equity securities 1,246 (77 ) 289 (43 ) 1,535 (120 ) Total temporarily impaired securities $ 206,345 (1,254 ) 298,219 (9,691 ) 504,564 (10,945 ) 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 it is anticipated that a recovery of all amounts due under the contractual terms of the security will occur and the Company has the intent and ability to hold until recovery or maturity. Based on its review, the Company does not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2017 . 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. Gross unrealized losses for debt securities are made up of 206 individual issues, or 15.7% of the total debt securities held by the Company. The market value of these bonds as a percent of amortized cost averages 98.4% . Of the 206 securities, 119 , or approximately 57.8% , fall in the 12 months or greater aging category; and 199 were rated investment grade at December 31, 2017 . Equity securities. Gross unrealized losses for equity securities are made up of 20 individual issues. These holdings are reviewed quarterly for impairment. Seven of the equity securities were other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2017 , 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, 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 ) 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 ) Unrealized losses decreased in 2017 from 2016 levels primarily as a result of price recoveries in certain sectors (i.e. oil, gas and 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 before 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, 2017 , 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 $ 75,315 77,052 262,038 266,445 Due after 1 year through 5 years 1,175,055 1,219,700 2,383,941 2,465,825 Due after 5 years through 10 years 1,619,294 1,647,203 2,940,925 2,999,455 Due after 10 years 66,722 67,361 374,514 395,412 2,936,386 3,011,316 5,961,418 6,127,137 Mortgage and asset-backed securities 28,124 29,815 1,285,606 1,306,967 Total $ 2,964,510 3,041,131 7,247,024 7,434,104 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, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Available for sale debt securities: Realized gains on disposal $ 5,208 2,644 3,378 Realized losses on disposal (7 ) (29 ) (74 ) Held to maturity debt securities: Realized gains on redemption 6,944 6,940 4,027 Realized losses on redemption (74 ) (137 ) (25 ) Equity securities realized gains 147 702 155 Real estate 2,657 2,950 — Mortgage loans — — — Other — — — Totals $ 14,875 13,070 7,461 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 2017 and 2015. 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, 2017 or 2016 . The table below presents net impairment losses recognized in earnings for the periods indicated. Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Total other-than-temporary impairment recoveries (losses) on debt securities $ 599 110 3,053 Portion recognized in comprehensive income (599 ) (110 ) (3,053 ) Net impairment losses on debt securities recognized in earnings — — — Equity securities impairments (112 ) — (252 ) Totals $ (112 ) — (252 ) For the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , the Company recovered $0.6 million , $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, 2017 December 31, 2016 (In thousands) Beginning balance, cumulative credit losses related to other-than-temporary impairments $ 1,440 2,278 Reductions for securities disposed during current period (813 ) (838 ) Additions for OTTI where credit losses have been previously recognized — — Ending balance, cumulative credit losses related to other-than-temporary impairments $ 627 1,440 (D) Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) Net unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities included in stockholders' equity at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , are as follows: December 31, 2017 2016 (In thousands) Gross unrealized gains $ 93,034 92,255 Gross unrealized losses (10,856 ) (23,563 ) Adjustments for: Deferred policy acquisition costs and sales inducements (39,579 ) (33,909 ) Deferred Federal income tax expense (8,946 ) (12,174 ) 33,653 22,609 Net unrealized gains related to securities transferred to held to maturity — — Net unrealized gains on investment securities $ 33,653 22,609 (E) Transfer of Securities There were no transfers in 2017 or 2016 between the held to maturity portfolio and the available for sale portfolio. 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.

Reinsurance

Reinsurance	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
Reinsurance	REINSURANCE The Company reinsures the risk on any one life in excess of $500,000 . Total life insurance in force was $19.7 billion and $20.9 billion at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Of these amounts, life insurance in force totaling $4.4 billion and $4.7 billion was ceded to reinsurance companies on a yearly renewable term basis at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , 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 $1.3 million and $2.0 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Premiums and contract revenues were reduced by $20.3 million , $19.7 million and $19.1 million for reinsurance premiums ceded during 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Benefit expenses were reduced by $7.5 million , $12.0 million and $14.2 million , for reinsurance recoveries during 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , 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, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Federal Income Taxes	FEDERAL INCOME TAXES Total Federal income taxes were allocated as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Taxes (benefits) on earnings from continuing operations: Current $ 74,361 41,544 8,279 Deferred (23,129 ) 10,426 39,993 Remeasurement of deferred taxes due to Tax Act (17,098 ) — — Taxes on earnings 34,134 51,970 48,272 Taxes (benefits) on components of stockholders' equity: Net unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale 2,736 5,382 (22,014 ) Foreign currency translation adjustments (5 ) (88 ) 75 Change in benefit plan liability (2,085 ) (62 ) (397 ) Total Federal income taxes (benefit) $ 34,780 57,202 25,936 On December 22, 2017, the United States Congress enacted the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("Tax Act"). See Note 1 for further discussion. Among other things, the Tax Act reduces the federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% effective in 2018. As a result of the change in the federal corporate income tax rate the Company was required to remeasure its deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2017 using the new corporate rate. This produced a one-time income tax benefit, with a corresponding decrease to the net deferred tax liability, of $17.1 million . As a consequence of the Tax Act, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income , in February 2018 which provided the option for reclassification of certain stranded tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") to retained earnings. The Company elected to early adopt this standard as of December 31, 2017. Included in the remeasurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities producing the one-time income tax benefit discussed above were stranded taxes included in AOCI of $2.5 million . 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. These differences and the corresponding tax effects are as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Income tax expense at statutory rate of 35% $ 50,594 53,502 51,334 Dividend received deduction (1,099 ) (850 ) (1,194 ) Tax exempt interest (2,276 ) (2,193 ) (2,195 ) Tax adjustment on foreign currency — — 618 Adjustments pertaining to prior tax years 895 1,076 (296 ) Nondeductible insurance 160 160 160 Nondeductible expenses 178 588 261 Remeasurement of deferred taxes due to Tax Act (17,098 ) — — Excess premium liability 2,870 — — Other, net (90 ) (313 ) (416 ) Taxes on earnings from continuing operations $ 34,134 51,970 48,272 The Company's policy is to record changes to deferred taxes for rate changes in the period when changes in tax laws have been enacted. As described above there was a net decrease to the net deferred tax liability of $17.1 million recorded for the year ended December 31, 2017 caused by the rate change in the Tax Act. There were no deferred tax changes attributable to enacted tax rate changes for the years ended December 31, 2016 , and 2015 . The excess premium liability provision represents the nondeductible tax effect of an $8.2 million loss contingency recorded by the Company at December 31, 2017 related to excess premiums on certain of its policies. The Company generally expects its effective tax rate to be less than the current statutory rate ( 35% ) in the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015) 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, 2017 and 2016 are presented below. December 31, 2017 2016 (In thousands) Deferred tax assets: Future policy benefits, excess of financial accounting liabilities over tax liabilities $ 162,424 254,329 Investment securities write-downs for financial accounting purposes 196 602 Benefit plan liabilities 10,355 13,485 Accrued operating expenses recorded for financial accounting purposes not currently tax deductible 6,222 7,235 Tax reform reserve adjustment 83,935 — Accrued and unearned investment income recognized for tax purposes and deferred for financial accounting purposes 265 420 Other 94 401 Total gross deferred tax assets 263,491 276,472 Deferred tax liabilities: Deferred policy acquisition and sales inducement costs, principally expensed for tax purposes (180,780 ) (307,725 ) Tax reform reserve adjustment (83,935 ) — Debt securities, principally due to deferred market discount for tax (7,526 ) (12,147 ) Real estate, principally due to adjustments for financial accounting purposes (5 ) (498 ) Net unrealized gains on securities available for sale (8,945 ) (12,174 ) Foreign currency translation adjustments (857 ) (1,433 ) Fixed assets, due to different depreciation bases (6,853 ) (7,468 ) Other 2 (17 ) Total gross deferred tax liabilities (288,899 ) (341,462 ) Net deferred tax liabilities $ (25,408 ) (64,990 ) Beginning January 1, 2018, the Tax Act imposes a limitation on life insurance tax reserves based upon the greater of net surrender value or 92.81% of the reserve method prescribed by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners which covers such contract as of the date the reserve is determined. The Company has recognized the provisional tax impacts related to the change in the methodology employed to calculate tax reserves. As a result, the Company has recorded a deferred tax asset and offsetting deferred tax liability of $83.9 million in the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2017. The amount recorded by the Company is considered provisional as the Company does not have the information currently available in appropriate detail to analyze and calculate the amount required under the change in methodology. The ultimate impact may differ, potentially materially, from the provision amount due to additional analysis, changes in interpretations or assumptions made by the Company or additional regulatory guidance that may be issued, among other things. The final calculation will be reflected in financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2018. There were no valuation allowances for deferred tax assets at December 31, 2017 and 2016 . 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, 2017 or 2016 . The Company and its corporate subsidiaries file a consolidated U.S. Federal income tax return, which is subject to examination for all years after 2013. 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, 2017
Information Regarding Controlling Stockholder [Abstract]
Information Regarding Controlling Stockholder	INFORMATION REGARDING CONTROLLING STOCKHOLDER Robert L. Moody Sr., 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, 2017 . 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, 2017
Retirement Benefits [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, 2017 2016 (In thousands) Changes in projected benefit obligations: Projected benefit obligations at beginning of year $ 24,553 25,470 Service cost 106 105 Interest cost 957 1,000 Actuarial gain (loss) 558 (540 ) Benefits paid (1,515 ) (1,482 ) Projected benefit obligations at end of year 24,659 24,553 Changes in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 18,279 18,115 Actual return on plan assets 2,442 1,499 Contributions 106 147 Benefits paid (1,515 ) (1,482 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of year 19,312 18,279 Funded status at end of year $ (5,347 ) (6,274 ) 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, 2017 2016 (In thousands) Amounts recognized in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements: Assets $ — — Liabilities (5,347 ) (6,274 ) Net amount recognized $ (5,347 ) (6,274 ) Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income: Net loss $ 8,147 9,443 Prior service cost — — Net amount recognized $ 8,147 9,443 The accumulated benefit obligation was $24.7 million and $24.6 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Components of net periodic benefit costs: Interest cost $ 957 1,000 983 Service cost 106 105 205 Expected return on plan assets (1,227 ) (1,215 ) (1,320 ) Amortization of prior service cost — — 3 Amortization of net loss 638 772 784 Net periodic benefit cost 474 662 655 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income: Net loss (gain) (658 ) (824 ) Amortization of prior service cost — — Amortization of net loss (gain) (638 ) (772 ) Total recognized in other comprehensive income (1,296 ) (1,596 ) Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income $ (822 ) (934 ) The estimated net loss that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost over 2018 , based on the average expected future service of plan participants, is $0.5 million . The estimated prior service cost that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost over 2018 will be minimal. Assumptions December 31, 2017 2016 Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations: Discount rate 3.75 % 4.00 % Rate of compensation increase n/a n/a December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost: Discount rate 4.00 % 4.00 % 3.75 % 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, 2017 , the plan’s average 10 -year and inception-to-date returns were 6.51% and 7.26% , respectively. In setting the annual discount rate assumption, the Pension Committee reviews 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, 2017 . December 31, 2017 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (In thousands) Cash $ 662 662 — — Equity securities Domestic 11,885 11,885 — — International 394 394 — — Debt securities U.S. government agencies — — — — Corporate bonds 6,371 — 6,371 — Total $ 19,312 12,941 6,371 — 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 — 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 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. Carrying amounts reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for these instruments approximate their fair values. The plan’s weighted-average asset allocations by asset category have been as follows: December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Asset Category: Equity securities 64% 62% 61% Debt securities 33% 31% 35% Cash and cash equivalents 3% 7% 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 97% of pension assets not invested in cash is allocated among 213 different investments, with no single credit representing more than 3.3% 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 At present, National Western expects to contribute $176,000 to the plan during 2018 although additional amounts may be contributed at the company's discretion. 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): 2018 $ 1,495 2019 1,479 2020 1,472 2021 1,459 2022 1,435 2023-2027 6,823 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, 2017 2016 (In thousands) Changes in projected benefit obligations: Projected benefit obligations at beginning of year $ 26,232 22,735 Service cost 818 438 Interest cost 1,387 1,058 Actuarial (gain) loss 10,459 3,983 Benefits paid (1,982 ) (1,982 ) Projected benefit obligations at end of year 36,914 26,232 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 $ (36,914 ) (26,232 ) December 31, 2017 2016 (In thousands) Amounts recognized in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements: Assets $ — — Liabilities (36,914 ) (26,232 ) Net amount recognized $ (36,914 ) (26,232 ) Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income: Net loss $ 19,049 11,865 Prior service cost 582 641 Net amount recognized $ 19,631 12,506 The accumulated benefit obligation was $20.7 million and $18.5 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Components of net periodic benefit cost: Service cost $ 818 438 256 Interest cost 1,387 1,058 876 Amortization of prior service cost 59 59 59 Amortization of net loss 3,274 2,003 1,514 Net periodic benefit cost 5,538 3,558 2,705 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income: Net (gain) loss 10,459 3,983 Amortization of prior service cost (59 ) (59 ) Amortization of net (gain) loss (3,274 ) (2,003 ) Total recognized in other comprehensive income 7,126 1,921 Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income $ 12,664 5,479 The estimated net loss to be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost over 2018 , based on the average expected future service of plan participants, is $3.1 million . The estimated prior service cost to be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost over 2018 will be $59,000 . Assumptions December 31, 2017 2016 Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations: Discount rate 3.75 % 4.00 % Rate of compensation increase 8.00 % 8.00 % December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit costs: Discount rate 4.00 % 4.00 % 3.75 % Expected long-term return on plan assets n/a n/a n/a Rate of compensation increase 8.00 % 8.00 % 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, 2017 or 2016 . Contributions National Western expects to contribute approximately $2.0 million to the plan in 2018 . Estimated Future Benefit Payments The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid (in thousands): 2018 $ 1,982 2019 1,982 2020 1,982 2021 1,982 2022 1,982 2023-2027 8,391 (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 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 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, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , company contributions totaled $549,000 , $421,000 and $489,000 , 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, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , company contributions totaled $119,000 , $95,000 , and $104,000 , 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, 2017 2016 (In thousands) Changes in projected benefit obligations: Projected benefit obligations at beginning of year $ 3,366 3,307 Interest cost 139 121 Actuarial loss (gain) 274 (44 ) Benefits paid (5 ) (18 ) Projected benefit obligations at end of year 3,774 3,366 Changes in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year — — Contributions 5 18 Benefits paid (5 ) (18 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of year — — Funded status at end of year $ (3,774 ) (3,366 ) December 31, 2017 2016 (In thousands) Amounts recognized in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements: Assets $ — — Liabilities (3,774 ) (3,366 ) Net amount recognized $ (3,774 ) (3,366 ) Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income: Net loss $ 669 436 Prior service cost 155 258 Net amount recognized $ 824 694 Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Components of net periodic benefit cost: Interest cost $ 139 121 130 Amortization of prior service cost 103 103 103 Amortization of net loss 41 — 61 Net periodic benefit cost 283 224 294 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income: Net (gain) loss 274 (44 ) Amortization of prior service cost (103 ) (103 ) Amortization of net (gain) loss (41 ) — Total recognized in other comprehensive income 130 (147 ) Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income $ 413 77 The estimated net loss to be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost over 2018 , based on the average expected future service of plan participants, is $53,000 . The estimated prior service cost to be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost over 2018 will be $103,000 . Assumptions December 31, 2017 2016 Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations: Discount rate 3.75 % 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 2018 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, 2017 December 31, 2016 1% Point Increase 1% Point Decrease 1% Point Increase 1% Point Decrease (In thousands) Effect on total of service and interest cost components $ 22 (21 ) 31 (23 ) Effect on postretirement benefit obligation $ 607 (592 ) 801 (611 ) Plan Assets The plans are unfunded and therefore had no assets at December 31, 2017 and 2016 . Contributions The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid (in thousands): 2018 $ 81 2019 88 2020 95 2021 101 2022 108 2023-2027 532

Short-Term Borrowings

Short-Term Borrowings	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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, its custodian bank and 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, 2017 or 2016 . The Company had assets having an amortized value of $43.3 million (fair value of $44.1 million ) on deposit with the lender at year-end 2017 .

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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 previously disclosed, the Company has been a defendant in prior years in such class action lawsuits. Given the uncertainty involved in these types of actions, the ability to make a reliable evaluation of the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome or an estimate of the amount of or range of potential loss is endemic to the particular circumstances and evolving developments of each individual matter on its own merits. 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 law recently enacted in Brazil limited the amount of any penal fine to 3 million reais (approximately $960,000 ). 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 ceased accepting new applications from residents in Brazil in the fourth quarter of 2015. 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 on March 9, 2017. On June 29, 2017, the Court of Appeals vacated the district court's judgment and remanded to the district court to determine whether it is nevertheless equitable for the case to proceed without Francisco Iglesias-Alvarez. Plaintiffs filed a Motion in Support of Determination in Equity and Good Conscience That Action Should Proceed Among Existing Parties Under Fed.R.Civ.P. 19(B) on September 14, 2017, and National Western filed its Opposition to Plaintiff’s Motion on October 27, 2017. On September 28, 2017, a purported shareholder derivative lawsuit was filed in the 122nd District Court of Galveston County, State of Texas entitled Robert L. Moody, Jr. derivatively on behalf of National Western Life Insurance Company and National Western Life Group, Inc. v. Ross Rankin Moody, et al., naming certain current and former directors and current officers as defendants. The complaint challenges the directors’ oversight of insurance sales to non-U.S. residents and alleges that the defendants breached their fiduciary duties in the conduct of their duties as board members by failing to act (i) on an informed basis and (ii) in good faith or with the honest belief that their actions were in the best interests of the Company. The complaint seeks an undetermined amount of damages, attorneys’ fees and costs, and equitable relief, including the removal of the Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and other board members and/or officers of the Company. The Company believes that the claims in the complaint are baseless and without merit, will vigorously defend this lawsuit, and will seek reimbursement of all legal costs and expenses from plaintiff. The Company believes, based on information currently available, that the final outcome of this lawsuit will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations, or consolidated financial position. The companies and directors filed their respective Pleas to the Jurisdiction ("Pleas") contesting the plaintiff's standing to even pursue this action, along with their Answers, on October 27, 2017. On December 14, 2017, plaintiff filed a Response to the Pleas and on December 21, 2017, the Court heard oral argument on the Pleas. Plaintiff then filed a First Amended Petition on January 11, 2018. The companies and directors filed a Supplement to the Pleas on January 30, 2018, to which plaintiff responded on February 1, 2018, and the companies and directors replied on February 9, 2018. The Pleas remain pending before the Court. 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, Brazilian authorities 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 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 Sheets. The Company's exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit is represented by the contractual amounts, assuming that the amounts are fully advanced and that collateral or other security is of no value. Commitments to extend credit are legally binding agreements to lend to a customer that generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Commitments do not necessarily represent future liquidity requirements, as some could expire without being drawn upon. The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance sheet instruments. The Company controls the credit risk of these transactions through credit approvals, limits, and monitoring procedures. The Company had $8.0 million in commitments to fund new loans and $1.3 million in commitments to extend credit relating to existing loans at December 31, 2017 . The Company evaluates each customer's creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. (C) Guaranty Association Assessments 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, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , 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, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 . (D) Leases The Company leases various computers and other office related equipment under operating leases. Rental expenses for these leases were $0.3 million , $0.2 million and $0.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. In October 2017, the Company entered into a lease agreement for new equipment under a capital lease. This lease will expire in December 2022. The present value of future payments capitalized amounted to $1.6 million and amortization commenced in 2018. The Company's future annual lease obligations as of December 31, 2017 are as shown below (in thousands). 2018 $ 347 2019 347 2020 346 2021 346 2022 346 Total minimum lease payments 1,732 Less: Interest (174 ) Present value of net minimum lease payments $ 1,558 (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, 2017
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (A) Changes in Common Stock Shares Outstanding Changes in shares of common stock outstanding are provided below. Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Common stock shares outstanding: Shares outstanding at beginning of year 3,636 3,636 3,636 Shares exercised under stock option plan — — — 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 lesser 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 2018 is $127.3 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 20, 2017, the Board of Directors of NWLGI declared a cash dividend to stockholders on record as of November 8, 2017 which was paid December 1, 2017. 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 2016 and paid in December of 2016. The Board of Directors of National Western declared a $4.0 million ordinary cash dividend on April 21, 2017 which was paid on April 21, 2017 to NWLGI. In addition to the dividend declared in April, the Board of Directors of National Western declared a $3.0 million ordinary cash dividend on August 18, 2017 which was paid on October 16, 2017 to NWLGI. In 2016, 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. 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 $124.9 million is significantly below its regulatory total adjusted capital of $1.5 billion . (D) Share-Based Payments The Company had a stock and incentive plan ("1995 Plan") which provided for the grant of any or all of the following types of awards to eligible employees: (1) stock options, including incentive stock options and nonqualified stock options; (2) stock appreciation rights, in tandem with stock options or freestanding; (3) restricted stock or restricted stock units; and, (4) performance awards. The 1995 Plan began on April 21, 1995, and was amended on June 25, 2004 to extend the termination date to April 20, 2010. The number of shares of Class A, $1.00 par value, common stock which were allowed to be issued under the 1995 Plan, or as to which stock appreciation rights ("SARs") or other awards were allowed to be granted, could not exceed 300,000 . Effective June 20, 2008, the Company's shareholders approved a 2008 Incentive Plan (“2008 Plan”). The 2008 Plan is substantially similar to the 1995 Plan and authorized an additional number of Class A common stock shares eligible for issue not to exceed 300,000 . These plans were assumed by NWLGI from National Western pursuant to the terms of the holding company reorganization in 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). All of the employees of the Company and its subsidiaries are eligible to participate in the current Incentive Plan. In addition, directors of the Company are eligible to receive the same types of awards as employees except that they are not eligible to receive incentive stock options. Company directors, including members of the Compensation and Stock Option Committee, are eligible for nondiscretionary stock options. All current stock options outstanding were granted under the 1995 Plan and 2008 Plan. Employee stock option and SARs granted vest 20% annually following three years of service following the grant date. Directors' stock option and SAR grants vest 20% annually following one year of service from the date of grant. Effective during March 2006, the Company adopted and implemented a limited stock buy-back program with respect to the 1995 Plan which provides stock option holders the additional alternative of selling shares acquired through the exercise of options directly back to the Company. Option holders may elect to sell such acquired shares back to the Company at any time within ninety (90) days after the exercise of options at the prevailing market price as of the date of notice of election. The buy-back program did not alter the terms and conditions of the 1995 Plan; however, the program necessitated a change in accounting from the equity classification to the liability classification. In August 2008, the Company implemented another limited stock buy-back program, substantially similar to the 2006 program, for shares issued under the 2008 Plan. These plans were assumed as well by NWLGI from National Western pursuant to the terms of the holding company reorganization. The Incentive Plan allows for certain other share or unit awards which are solely paid out in cash based on the value of the Company's shares, or changes therein, as well as the financial performance of the Company under pre-determined target performance metrics. Certain awards, such as restricted stock units ("RSUs") provide solely for cash settlement based upon the market price of the Company's Class A commons shares, often referred to as "phantom stock-based awards". Unlike share-settled awards, which have a fixed grant-date fair value, the fair value of unsettled or unvested liability awards is remeasured at the end of each reporting period based on the change in fair value of a share. The liability and corresponding expense are adjusted accordingly until the award is settled. For employees, the vesting period for RSUs is 100% at the end of three years from the grant date. 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. 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. PSUs also vest three years from the date of grant. For PSUs, the performance period begins the first day of the calendar year in which the PSUs are granted and runs three calendar 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. Directors of the Company are eligible to receive RSUs under the Incentive Plan. As shown in the table below, during the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company granted RSUs to directors based upon the closing market price per Class A common share at the time of the grant. Unlike RSUs granted to officers, the RSUs granted to directors vest one year from the date of grant. They 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 following table shows all grants issued to officers and directors for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 . These grants were made based upon closing market price per Class A common share at the grant date. Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Officers Directors Officers Directors SARs 22,184 — 14,643 — RSUs 5,341 3,290 3,661 2,563 PSUs 8,736 — 5,727 — The Company uses the current fair value method to measure compensation cost for awards granted under the share-based plans. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the liability balance was $15.2 million and $12.0 million , respectively. A summary of awards by type and related activity is detailed below. Options Outstanding Shares Available For Grant Shares Weighted-Average Exercise Price Stock Options: Balance at January 1, 2017 291,000 19,268 $ 240.47 Exercised — (1,250 ) $ 217.47 Forfeited — — $ — Expired — — $ — Stock options granted — — $ — Balance at December 31, 2017 291,000 18,018 $ 242.07 Liability Awards Other Share/Unit Awards: SARs RSUs PSUs Balance at January 1, 2017 77,178 6,029 5,426 Exercised (5,352 ) (2,563 ) — Forfeited (1,343 ) (376 ) (110 ) Granted 22,184 8,631 8,736 Balance at December 31, 2017 92,667 11,721 14,052 The total intrinsic value of options, SARs, and RSUs exercised was $1.8 million , $3.6 million , and $0.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 respectively. The total share-based liabilities paid were $1.8 million , $3.6 million , and $0.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively. The total fair value of options, SARs, and RSUs vested during the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 was $2.7 million , $1.5 million , and $1.1 million , respectively. The following table summarizes information about stock options and SARs outstanding at December 31, 2017 . Options and SARs Outstanding Number Outstanding Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life Number Exercisable Exercise prices: 255.13 (options) 13,018 0.3 years 13,018 208.05 (options) 5,000 0.5 years 5,000 114.64 (SARs) 10,900 1.1 years 10,900 132.56 (SARs) 20,418 4.0 years 16,515 210.22 (SARs) 26,850 5.9 years 12,050 216.48 (SARs) 12,644 8.1 years 3,822 311.16 (SARs) 11,183 9.1 years — 310.55 (SARs) 203 9.3 years — 334.34 (SARs) 10,469 10.0 years — Totals 110,685 61,305 Aggregate intrinsic value (in thousands) $ 12,931 $ 9,132 The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above is based on the closing stock price of $331.02 per share on December 31, 2017 . The stock options shown above with exercise prices of $255.13 and $208.05 have remaining contractual lives of less than one year each. The option holders for these respective grants have until the end of the contractual life, April 18, 2018 and June 20, 2018, respectively, to exercise these holdings or otherwise forfeit the option grants held. 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, 2017 December 31, 2016 Expected term of options/SARs 0.3 to 10.0 years 1.3 to 9.1 years Expected volatility weighted-average 21.55 % 23.83 % Expected dividend yield 0.11 % 0.12 % Risk-free rate weighted-average 1.82 % 1.03 % The Company reviewed the contractual term relative to the options and SARs as well as perceived future behavior patterns of exercise. Volatility is based on the Company’s historical volatility over the expected term of the option/SARs expected exercise date. The pre-tax compensation expense/(benefit) recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements related to these plans was $5.0 million , $7.9 million and $(0.9) million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The related tax (benefit)/expense recognized was $(1.8) million , $(2.8) million and $0.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , the total pre-tax compensation expense related to nonvested share-based awards not yet recognized was $7.8 million , $2.3 million and $1.4 million , respectively. The December 31, 2017 amount is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.5 years. The Company recognizes compensation cost over the graded vesting periods.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	EARNINGS PER SHARE Basic earnings per share of common stock are computed by dividing net 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, by definition, 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). However, settlement of stock option exercises in cash or by issuance of shares is at the discretion of the Company's option holders and such exercises have been predominantly in cash. Consequently, the Company's stock options outstanding are not considered potentially dilutive under accounting guidance. Net income for the periods shown below is allocated between Class A shares and Class B shares based upon (1) the proportionate number of shares issued and outstanding as of the end of the period, and (2) the per share dividend rights of the two classes under the Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the Class B dividend per share is equal to one-half the Class A dividend per share). Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 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 earnings $ 110,421 100,892 98,396 Dividends – Class A shares (1,237 ) (1,237 ) (1,237 ) Dividends – Class B shares (36 ) (36 ) (36 ) Undistributed earnings $ 109,148 99,619 97,123 Allocation of net earnings: Dividends $ 1,237 36 1,237 36 1,237 36 Allocation of undistributed earnings 106,061 3,087 96,802 2,817 94,376 2,747 Net earnings $ 107,298 3,123 98,039 2,853 95,613 2,783 Denominator: Basic earnings per share - weighted-average shares 3,436 200 3,436 200 3,436 200 Effect of dilutive stock options — — 1 — 1 — Diluted earnings per share - adjusted weighted-average shares for assumed conversions 3,436 200 3,437 200 3,437 200 Basic earnings per share $ 31.23 15.61 28.53 14.27 27.83 13.91 Diluted earnings per share $ 31.23 15.61 28.53 14.27 27.82 13.91

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive Income	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Comprehensive Income	COMPREHENSIVE INCOME GAAP guidance requires that all items recognized under accounting standards as components of comprehensive income (loss) 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 (loss) 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), net of taxes, as reported in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements. During the year ended December 31, 2017 , the Company remeasured its deferred tax assets and liabilities as a consequence of the Tax Act (see Notes 1 and 5) lowering the federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% . This tax remeasurement was recorded in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Earnings, including taxes associated with components of other comprehensive income (loss). Recognizing the outcome of "stranding" deferred taxes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ("AOCI"), the FASB released guidance permitting the reclassification of stranded tax effects from AOCI to retained earnings. Adoption of this guidance by the Company at December 31, 2017 resulted in a one-time income tax benefit of $2.5 million to other comprehensive income (loss). Components of other comprehensive income (loss) for 2017 , 2016 and 2015 and the related tax effect are detailed below. Amounts Before Taxes Tax (Expense) Benefit Amounts Net of Taxes (In thousands) 2017: Unrealized gains on securities, net of effects of deferred costs of $(5,670): Net unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period $ 12,752 (4,464 ) 8,288 Unrealized liquidity losses 300 (105 ) 195 Reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net earnings (5,236 ) 1,833 (3,403 ) Amortization of net unrealized gains (losses) and related to transferred securities — — — Net unrealized gains (losses) on securities 7,816 (2,736 ) 5,080 Foreign currency translation adjustments (14 ) 5 (9 ) Benefit plan liability adjustment (5,958 ) 2,085 (3,873 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) $ 1,844 (646 ) 1,198 Amounts Before Taxes Tax (Expense) Benefit Amounts Net of Taxes (In thousands) 2016: Unrealized gains on securities, net of effects of deferred costs of $(21,105): 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) 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 )

Segment and Other Operating Inf

Segment and Other Operating Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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, and annuities. 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) 2017: Selected Balance Sheet Items: Deferred policy acquisition costs and sales inducements $ 101,253 250,128 603,700 — 955,081 Total segment assets 1,106,410 1,236,733 9,269,956 398,597 12,011,696 Future policy benefits 950,884 915,384 8,232,216 — 10,098,484 Other policyholder liabilities 13,643 11,318 103,048 — 128,009 Condensed Income Statements: Premiums and contract charges $ 37,387 120,852 20,691 — 178,930 Net investment income 73,866 68,399 490,706 26,714 659,685 Other revenues 46 83 109 20,832 21,070 Total revenues 111,299 189,334 511,506 47,546 859,685 Life and other policy benefits 18,565 23,981 28,939 — 71,485 Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs 10,377 (1,473 ) 105,483 — 114,387 Universal life and annuity contract interest 59,865 54,502 322,652 — 437,019 Other operating expenses 18,842 36,341 32,021 19,798 107,002 Federal income taxes (benefit) 815 16,958 5,002 6,192 28,967 Total expenses 108,464 130,309 494,097 25,990 758,860 Segment earnings (loss) $ 2,835 59,025 17,409 21,556 100,825 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 Reconciliations of segment information to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements are provided below. Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Premiums and Other Revenue : Premiums and contract charges $ 178,930 182,723 175,307 Net investment income 659,685 467,674 379,114 Other revenues 21,070 18,901 28,166 Realized gains (losses) on investments 14,763 13,070 7,209 Total consolidated premiums and other revenue $ 874,448 682,368 589,796 Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Federal Income Taxes : Total segment Federal income taxes $ 28,967 47,395 45,749 Taxes on realized gains (losses) on investments 5,167 4,575 2,523 Total taxes on consolidated net earnings $ 34,134 51,970 48,272 Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Net Earnings : Total segment earnings $ 100,825 92,397 93,710 Realized gains (losses) on investments, net of taxes 9,596 8,495 4,686 Total consolidated net earnings $ 110,421 100,892 98,396 December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Assets : Total segment assets $ 12,011,696 11,697,099 11,452,630 Other unallocated assets 213,398 197,882 159,946 Total consolidated assets $ 12,225,094 11,894,981 11,612,576 (B) Geographic Information A portion of the Company's premiums and contract revenues are from policies with residents of countries other than the United States. Premiums and contract revenues detailed by country are provided below. Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) United States $ 74,937 75,405 66,750 Brazil 33,024 38,928 40,640 Venezuela 16,105 15,534 15,466 Taiwan 14,844 14,474 14,882 Peru 11,714 11,378 10,915 Chile 9,201 8,859 8,695 Other foreign countries 39,417 37,820 37,088 Revenues, excluding reinsurance premiums 199,242 202,398 194,436 Reinsurance premiums (20,312 ) (19,675 ) (19,129 ) Total premiums and contract revenues $ 178,930 182,723 175,307 Premiums and contract revenues are attributed to countries based on the location of the policyholder. The Company has no significant assets, other than certain limited 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 14% and 11% , respectively, of annuity sales in 2017 . In 2017, one domestic independent marketing agency accounted for 20% of total Company life insurance sales.

Fair Value of Financial Instrum

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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). 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, 2017 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (In thousands) Debt securities, available for sale $ 3,041,131 — 3,041,131 — Equity securities, available for sale 18,478 18,478 — — Derivatives, index options 194,731 — — 194,731 Total assets $ 3,254,340 18,478 3,041,131 194,731 Policyholder account balances (a) $ 211,159 — — 211,159 Other liabilities (b) 15,242 — — 15,242 Total liabilities $ 226,401 — — 226,401 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 (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, 2017 Debt Securities, Available For Sale Equity Securities, Available For Sale Derivatives, Index Options Total Assets Other Liabilities (In thousands) Beginning balance, January 1, 2017 $ — — 120,644 120,644 134,693 Total realized and unrealized gains (losses): Included in net income — — 222,875 222,875 240,605 Included in other comprehensive income (loss) — — — — — Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net: Purchases — — 75,346 75,346 75,346 Sales — — — — Issuances — — — — 1,688 Settlements — — (224,134 ) (224,134 ) (225,931 ) Transfers into (out of) Level 3 — — — — — Balance at end of period $ — — 194,731 194,731 226,401 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 $ — — 119,386 119,386 — Benefits and expenses — — — — 122,318 Total $ — — 119,386 119,386 122,318 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 The following tables show the quantitative information about the Company's Level 3 assets and liabilities. December 31, 2017 Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input (In thousands) Derivatives, index options $ 194,731 Broker prices Implied volatility Inputs from broker proprietary models Total assets $ 194,731 Policyholder account balances $ 211,159 Deterministic cash flow model Projected option cost Other liabilities 15,242 Black Scholes Expected term Forfeiture assumptions Total liabilities $ 226,401 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 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 Sheets 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, Sr., 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, and 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, 2017 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (In thousands) Fixed maturities, available for sale: Priced by third-party vendors $ 3,041,131 — 3,041,131 — Priced internally — — — — Subtotal 3,041,131 — 3,041,131 — Equity securities, available for sale: Priced by third-party vendors 18,478 18,478 — — Priced internally — — — — Subtotal 18,478 18,478 — — Derivatives, index options: Priced by third-party vendors 194,731 — — 194,731 Priced internally — — — — Subtotal 194,731 — — 194,731 Total $ 3,254,340 18,478 3,041,131 194,731 Percent of total 100.0 % 0.6 % 93.4 % 6.0 % The carrying amounts and fair values of the Company's financial instruments are as follows: December 31, 2017 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 $ 7,247,024 7,434,104 — 7,431,810 2,294 Securities available for sale 3,059,609 3,059,609 18,478 3,041,131 — Cash and cash equivalents 217,624 217,624 217,624 — — Mortgage loans 208,249 208,815 — — 208,815 Policy loans 56,405 100,230 — — 100,230 Other loans 5,431 5,603 — — 5,603 Derivatives, index options 194,731 194,731 — — 194,731 Life interest in Libbie Shearn Moody Trust 8,676 12,775 — — 12,775 LIABILITIES Deferred annuity contracts $ 7,865,786 7,338,637 — — 7,338,637 Immediate annuity and supplemental contracts 430,494 443,437 — — 443,437 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 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, 2017
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 Sheets. The remaining portions of these policy contracts are considered the host contracts and are recorded separately as fixed annuity or universal life contracts. The host contracts are accounted for under debt instrument type accounting in which future policy benefits are recorded as discounted debt instruments 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, 2017 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 $ 194,731 Fixed-index products Universal Life and Annuity Contracts $ 211,159 Total $ 194,731 $ 211,159 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 The table below presents the effect of derivative instruments in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 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 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Equity index options Net investment income $ 222,875 28,364 (61,750 ) Fixed-index products Universal life and annuity contract interest (237,281 ) (10,436 ) 60,749 $ (14,406 ) 17,928 (1,001 ) 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. The anticipated asset management fees assumed to be collected increases or decreases based upon the most recent performance of index options and serves to adds to or reduces the offset applied to the embedded derivative liability (increasing or decreasing contract interest expense). In the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , the change in the embedded derivative liability due to the expected collectability of asset management fees increased/(decreased) contract interest expense by $6.9 million , $(15.9) million , and $2.0 million , respectively.

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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, Sr., Chairman Emeritus of the Board of Directors of NWLGI, the stepson of Ann M. Moody who serves as a director of NWLGI, brother of Russell S. Moody who serves as an advisory director of NWLGI, and a half-brother of Frances A. Moody-Dahlberg who serves as a director of NWLGI. Ms. Moody-Dahlberg is also a salaried employee of National Western and her compensation as such is substantially below related party disclosure thresholds. 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 2017 , commissions paid under these agency contracts aggregated approximately $199,032 . During 2017 , management fees totaling $720,103 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, Sr. (Robert L. Moody, Jr., Ross R. Moody, Russell S. Moody, and Frances A. Moody-Dahlberg). National Western holds an investment totaling approximately 9.5% of the issued and outstanding shares of Moody Bancshares, Inc. at December 31, 2017 . 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 2017 , fees totaling $602,059 were paid to MNB with respect to these services. The ultimate controlling person of MNB is the Three R Trusts. During 2017 , the Company paid American National Insurance Company (“ANICO”) $635,025 in premiums for certain company sponsored benefit plans and $2,958,465 in reimbursements for claim costs for which ANICO provides third party administrative services. ANICO paid the Company $3,081,734 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 $44,489 was paid for services. 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 2017 associated with this agreement. During 2017, MNB sold a 50.0% undivided participation in a mortgage loan to The Westcap Corporation for $7.2 million , and a 50.0% participation in a mortgage loan to National Western, for $5.5 million . The Westcap Corporation and National Western will receive 50.0% of all future cash receipts which will be recognized over the life of the loan. The mortgage loan investment for The Westcap Corporation and National Western had balances of $7.0 million and $4.5 million , respectively, as of December 31, 2017. During 2015, ANICO sold a 24.93% undivided participation in a mortgage loan to The Westcap Corporation 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. This mortgage loan investment had a balance of $19.9 million as of December 31, 2017 which is reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Unaudited Quarterly Financial D

Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data	UNAUDITED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA Quarterly results of operations for 2017 are summarized as follows: First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter (In thousands except per share data) 2017: Revenues $ 224,417 198,226 203,990 247,815 Earnings (loss) $ 23,538 25,483 21,813 39,587 Basic earnings (loss) per share: Class A $ 6.66 7.21 6.17 11.19 Class B $ 3.33 3.60 3.08 5.60 Diluted earnings (loss) per share: Class A $ 6.65 7.21 6.17 11.19 Class B $ 3.33 3.60 3.08 5.60 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

Schedule I - Summary of Investm

Schedule I - Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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 $ 1,337 1,514 1,337 States, municipalities, and political subdivisions 467,437 489,244 467,437 Public utilities 1,062,545 1,092,178 1,062,545 Corporate 4,430,099 4,544,201 4,430,099 Residential mortgage-backed 1,280,307 1,301,536 1,280,307 Asset-backed 5,299 5,431 5,299 Total securities held to maturity 7,247,024 7,434,104 7,247,024 Securities available for sale: States, municipalities, and political subdivisions 575 546 546 Foreign governments 9,964 10,290 10,290 Public utilities 83,466 87,106 87,106 Corporate 2,842,381 2,913,374 2,913,374 Residential mortgage-backed 20,246 21,570 21,570 Asset-backed 7,878 8,245 8,245 Total securities available for sale 2,964,510 3,041,131 3,041,131 Total fixed maturity bonds 10,211,534 10,475,235 10,288,155 Equity securities: Securities available for sale: Common stocks: Public utilities 753 1,320 1,320 Banks, trust and insurance companies 1,911 3,400 3,400 Corporate 3,793 7,155 7,155 Preferred stocks 6,433 6,603 6,603 Total equity securities 12,890 18,478 18,478 Derivatives, index options 194,731 194,731 Mortgage loans 208,249 208,249 Policy loans 56,405 56,405 Other long-term investments (2) 51,828 51,828 Total investments other than investments in related parties $ 10,735,637 10,817,846 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 II - Condensed Financi

Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant	2017 2016 ASSETS Investment in subsidiaries $ 1,830,893 1,723,570 Cash and cash equivalents 1,303 1,270 Federal income tax receivable 3,019 1,176 Deferred Federal income tax asset 51 399 Other assets 383 413 Total assets $ 1,835,649 1,726,828 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Liabilities: Due to subsidiaries $ — 608 Deferred Federal income tax liability — — Other liabilities 3,475 4,392 Total liabilities 3,475 5,000 Stockholders' Equity: Common Stock: Class A - $.01 par value in 2017 and 2016; 7,500,000 shares authorized; 3,436,166 issued and outstanding in 2017 and 2016 34 34 Class B - $.01 par value in 2017 and 2016; 200,000 shares authorized, issued, and outstanding in 2017 and 2016 2 2 Additional paid-in capital 41,716 41,716 Accumulated other comprehensive income 14,281 10,552 Retained earnings 1,776,141 1,669,524 Total stockholders’ equity 1,832,174 1,721,828 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 1,835,649 1,726,828 2017 2016 2015 Revenues: Dividend income from subsidiaries $ 7,000 3,000 19,054 Total revenues 7,000 3,000 19,054 Expenses: Other operating expenses 4,199 4,493 2,779 Total expenses 4,199 4,493 2,779 Earnings/(loss) before Federal income taxes 2,801 (1,493 ) 16,275 Federal income taxes/(benefit) (1,495 ) (1,539 ) (37 ) Earnings before equity/(loss) in earnings of affiliates 4,296 46 16,312 Equity/(loss) in earnings of affiliates 106,125 100,846 11,407 Net earnings/(loss) $ 110,421 100,892 27,719 2017 2016 2015 Cash flows from operating activities: Net earnings/(loss) $ 110,421 100,892 27,719 Adjustments to reconcile net earnings/(loss) to cash provided by operating activities: Equity in earnings/(loss) of affiliates (106,125 ) (100,846 ) (11,407 ) Dividend from subsidiaries for non-cash assets — — (15,554 ) Depreciation and amortization 30 30 7 Change in: Federal income tax, net (1,843 ) (1,008 ) (168 ) Deferred Federal income tax 348 (530 ) 131 Due to subsidiaries, net (608 ) 608 — Other, net (917 ) 1,896 2,046 Net cash provided by operating activities 1,306 1,042 2,774 Cash flows from financing activities: Dividends on common stock (1,273 ) (1,273 ) (1,273 ) Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (1,273 ) (1,273 ) (1,273 ) Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 33 (231 ) 1,501 Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of year 1,270 1,501 — Cash and cash equivalents at the end of year $ 1,303 1,270 1,501

Schedule V - Valuation and Qual

Schedule V - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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, 2017 $ 650 — — — 650 December 31, 2016 $ 650 — — — 650 December 31, 2015 $ 650 — — — 650 Allowance for possible losses on real estate: December 31, 2017 $ 611 — — — 611 December 31, 2016 $ 1,629 — (1,018 ) — 611 December 31, 2015 $ 1,629 — — — 1,629 Notes: (1) Amounts were recorded to realized (gains) losses on investments.

Summary of Significant Accoun28

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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 Commission ("SEC") from October 2, 2015 and forward have been 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, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , 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	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 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.
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 (retrospective method). This adjustment is reflected in net investment income. For loan-backed securities not meeting the definition of "highly rated", the prospective method is evaluated and, if materially different from the retrospective method, utilized to account for these securities. The retrospective adjustment method has been used to value all loan-backed and structured securities included in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements. 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. Prepayment penalty fees received from issuers that call their securities before maturity are excluded from the calculation of realized gain or loss and are included as a component of investment income. Decline in the fair value of securities below their cost basis that are deemed other-than-temporary are bifurcated into separate credit and non-credit declinations. 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. When the Company has loans considered impaired substantially all 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 Sheets. The remaining portions of these policy contracts are considered the host contracts and are recorded separately within future policy benefits 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 their 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 further reduces 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. The Company used the intrinsic value method for statutory basis reporting through 2015. 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, 2017
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, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 . Affected Line Item In the Consolidated Statements of Earnings Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Other net investment gains (losses) $ 5,348 3,316 3,459 Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings (112 ) — (252 ) Earnings before Federal income taxes 5,236 3,316 3,207 Federal income taxes 1,833 1,161 1,122 Net earnings $ 3,403 2,155 2,085
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, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Deferred policy acquisition costs, beginning of year $ 835,194 853,451 802,919 Policy acquisition costs deferred: Agents' commissions 95,088 112,048 124,498 Other 8,433 7,808 6,894 Total costs deferred 103,521 119,856 131,392 Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs (114,387 ) (121,139 ) (120,333 ) Adjustments for unrealized (gains) losses on investment securities (4,817 ) (16,974 ) 39,473 Deferred policy acquisition costs, end of year $ 819,511 835,194 853,451
Summary of Direct Premiums and Deposits Collected	A summary of direct premiums and deposits collected is provided below. Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Annuity deposits $ 608,799 730,740 775,010 Universal life insurance deposits 254,960 250,459 277,229 Traditional life and other premiums 22,624 22,377 23,162 Totals $ 886,383 1,003,576 1,075,401
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, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Deferred sales inducements, beginning of year $ 147,111 159,166 159,766 Sales inducement costs deferred 17,901 19,302 17,704 Amortization of sales inducements (28,552 ) (26,922 ) (28,559 ) Adjustments for unrealized (gains) losses on investment securities (890 ) (4,435 ) 10,255 Deferred sales inducements, end of year $ 135,570 147,111 159,166
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. 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Net gain from operations before Federal and foreign income taxes $ 197,597 124,571 8,139 Net income $ 126,932 88,712 7,060 Unassigned surplus $ 1,330,491 1,207,298 1,127,140 Capital and surplus $ 1,374,554 1,251,361 1,171,203 The following assets were on deposit with state and other regulatory authorities, as required by law, at the end of each year. December 31, 2017 2016 (In thousands) Debt securities held to maturity $ 14,596 13,790 Debt securities available for sale 685 805 Short-term investments 475 475 Totals $ 15,756 15,070

Deposits with Regulatory Auth30

Deposits with Regulatory Authorities Deposit with Regulatory Authorities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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. 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Net gain from operations before Federal and foreign income taxes $ 197,597 124,571 8,139 Net income $ 126,932 88,712 7,060 Unassigned surplus $ 1,330,491 1,207,298 1,127,140 Capital and surplus $ 1,374,554 1,251,361 1,171,203 The following assets were on deposit with state and other regulatory authorities, as required by law, at the end of each year. December 31, 2017 2016 (In thousands) Debt securities held to maturity $ 14,596 13,790 Debt securities available for sale 685 805 Short-term investments 475 475 Totals $ 15,756 15,070

Investments (Tables)

Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investment Income	The major components of net investment income are as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Gross investment income: Debt and equity securities $ 409,401 416,638 416,633 Mortgage loans 11,045 7,964 10,274 Policy loans 3,485 3,700 3,938 Derivative gains (losses) 222,875 28,364 (61,750 ) Short term investments 1,012 668 197 Other investment income 13,137 11,432 10,939 Total investment income 660,955 468,766 380,231 Less investment expenses 1,270 1,092 1,117 Net investment income $ 659,685 467,674 379,114
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, 2017 December 31, 2016 Amount % Amount % (In thousands) (In thousands) Mortgage Loans by Geographic Region: West South Central $ 119,794 57.3 $ 102,531 58.5 East North Central 30,876 14.8 26,717 15.3 South Atlantic 19,155 9.2 14,130 8.1 East South Central 14,273 6.8 6,512 3.7 West North Central 12,967 6.2 — — Pacific 8,014 3.8 9,872 5.6 Middle Atlantic 2,215 1.1 2,288 1.3 Mountain 1,605 0.8 1,646 0.9 New England — — 11,488 6.6 Gross balance 208,899 100.0 175,184 100.0 Allowance for possible losses (650 ) (0.3 ) (650 ) (0.4 ) Totals $ 208,249 99.7 $ 174,534 99.6
Schedule of Mortgage Loans by Property Type	December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Amount % Amount % (In thousands) (In thousands) Mortgage Loans by Property Type: Retail $ 87,805 42.0 $ 89,947 51.3 Office 74,301 35.6 57,095 32.6 Hotel 13,782 6.6 9,708 5.6 Land/Lots 10,563 5.1 4,946 2.8 All other 22,448 10.7 13,488 7.7 Gross balance 208,899 100.0 175,184 100.0 Allowance for possible losses (650 ) (0.3 ) (650 ) (0.4 ) Totals $ 208,249 99.7 $ 174,534 99.6
Schedule of Mortgage Loans by Loan-to-Value Ratio	December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Amount % Amount % (In thousands) (In thousands) Mortgage Loans by Loan-to-Value Ratio (1): Less than 50% $ 82,224 39.4 $ 54,783 31.3 50% to 60% 27,395 13.1 12,946 7.4 60% to 70% 86,849 41.6 76,959 43.9 70% to 80% — — 6,192 3.5 80% to 90% 6,929 3.3 18,688 10.7 Greater than 90% 5,502 2.6 5,616 3.2 Gross balance 208,899 100.0 175,184 100.0 Allowance for possible losses (650 ) (0.3 ) (650 ) (0.4 ) Totals $ 208,249 99.7 $ 174,534 99.6 (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, 2017 and 2016 : 2017 2016 (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, 2017 and 2016 were as follows: December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Amount % Amount % (In thousands) (In thousands) Principal Balance by Contractual Maturity: Due in one year or less $ 22,966 11.0 $ 21,595 12.3 Due after one year through five years 41,248 19.7 36,159 20.6 Due after five years through ten years 119,966 57.2 99,391 56.5 Due after ten years through fifteen years 25,429 12.1 7,200 4.1 Due after fifteen years — — 11,488 6.5 Totals $ 209,609 100.0 $ 175,833 100.0
Schedule of Held-to-Maturity Securities	The table below presents amortized costs and fair values of securities held to maturity at December 31, 2017 . Securities Held to Maturity Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value (In thousands) Debt securities: U.S. Treasury $ 1,337 177 — 1,514 States and political subdivisions 467,437 21,907 (100 ) 489,244 Public utilities 1,062,545 30,527 (894 ) 1,092,178 Corporate 4,430,099 121,978 (7,876 ) 4,544,201 Residential mortgage-backed 1,280,307 27,445 (6,216 ) 1,301,536 Home equity 4,262 57 (4 ) 4,315 Manufactured housing 1,037 79 — 1,116 Totals $ 7,247,024 202,170 (15,090 ) 7,434,104 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. agencies $ — — — — 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
Schedule of Available-for-Sale Securities	The table below presents amortized costs and fair values of securities available for sale at December 31, 2017 . Securities Available for Sale Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value (In thousands) Debt securities: States and political subdivisions $ 575 — (29 ) 546 Foreign governments 9,964 326 — 10,290 Public utilities 83,466 3,640 — 87,106 Corporate 2,842,381 81,737 (10,744 ) 2,913,374 Residential mortgage-backed 20,246 1,376 (52 ) 21,570 Home equity 7,878 367 — 8,245 Manufactured housing — — — — 2,964,510 87,446 (10,825 ) 3,041,131 Equity securities 12,890 5,708 (120 ) 18,478 Totals $ 2,977,400 93,154 (10,945 ) 3,059,609 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
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, 2017 . 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 $ 6,308 (14 ) 4,869 (86 ) 11,177 (100 ) Public utilities 68,368 (407 ) 34,091 (487 ) 102,459 (894 ) Corporate 248,844 (1,296 ) 431,591 (6,580 ) 680,435 (7,876 ) Residential mortgage-backed 130,015 (738 ) 192,399 (5,478 ) 322,414 (6,216 ) Home equity 2,830 (4 ) — — 2,830 (4 ) Total temporarily impaired securities $ 456,365 (2,459 ) 662,950 (12,631 ) 1,119,315 (15,090 )
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, 2017 . 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 $ 546 (29 ) — — 546 (29 ) Public utilities — — — — — — Corporate 201,575 (1,134 ) 296,845 (9,610 ) 498,420 (10,744 ) Residential mortgage-backed 1,325 (14 ) 1,085 (38 ) 2,410 (52 ) Home equity 1,653 — — — 1,653 — 205,099 (1,177 ) 297,930 (9,648 ) 503,029 (10,825 ) Equity securities 1,246 (77 ) 289 (43 ) 1,535 (120 ) Total temporarily impaired securities $ 206,345 (1,254 ) 298,219 (9,691 ) 504,564 (10,945 ) 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 ) 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, 2017 , 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 $ 75,315 77,052 262,038 266,445 Due after 1 year through 5 years 1,175,055 1,219,700 2,383,941 2,465,825 Due after 5 years through 10 years 1,619,294 1,647,203 2,940,925 2,999,455 Due after 10 years 66,722 67,361 374,514 395,412 2,936,386 3,011,316 5,961,418 6,127,137 Mortgage and asset-backed securities 28,124 29,815 1,285,606 1,306,967 Total $ 2,964,510 3,041,131 7,247,024 7,434,104
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, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Available for sale debt securities: Realized gains on disposal $ 5,208 2,644 3,378 Realized losses on disposal (7 ) (29 ) (74 ) Held to maturity debt securities: Realized gains on redemption 6,944 6,940 4,027 Realized losses on redemption (74 ) (137 ) (25 ) Equity securities realized gains 147 702 155 Real estate 2,657 2,950 — Mortgage loans — — — Other — — — Totals $ 14,875 13,070 7,461
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, 2017 December 31, 2016 (In thousands) Beginning balance, cumulative credit losses related to other-than-temporary impairments $ 1,440 2,278 Reductions for securities disposed during current period (813 ) (838 ) Additions for OTTI where credit losses have been previously recognized — — Ending balance, cumulative credit losses related to other-than-temporary impairments $ 627 1,440 The table below presents net impairment losses recognized in earnings for the periods indicated. Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Total other-than-temporary impairment recoveries (losses) on debt securities $ 599 110 3,053 Portion recognized in comprehensive income (599 ) (110 ) (3,053 ) Net impairment losses on debt securities recognized in earnings — — — Equity securities impairments (112 ) — (252 ) Totals $ (112 ) — (252 )
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments	Net unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities included in stockholders' equity at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , are as follows: December 31, 2017 2016 (In thousands) Gross unrealized gains $ 93,034 92,255 Gross unrealized losses (10,856 ) (23,563 ) Adjustments for: Deferred policy acquisition costs and sales inducements (39,579 ) (33,909 ) Deferred Federal income tax expense (8,946 ) (12,174 ) 33,653 22,609 Net unrealized gains related to securities transferred to held to maturity — — Net unrealized gains on investment securities $ 33,653 22,609

Federal Income Taxes (Tables)

Federal Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	Total Federal income taxes were allocated as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Taxes (benefits) on earnings from continuing operations: Current $ 74,361 41,544 8,279 Deferred (23,129 ) 10,426 39,993 Remeasurement of deferred taxes due to Tax Act (17,098 ) — — Taxes on earnings 34,134 51,970 48,272 Taxes (benefits) on components of stockholders' equity: Net unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale 2,736 5,382 (22,014 ) Foreign currency translation adjustments (5 ) (88 ) 75 Change in benefit plan liability (2,085 ) (62 ) (397 ) Total Federal income taxes (benefit) $ 34,780 57,202 25,936
Schedule of Income Tax Reconciliation	These differences and the corresponding tax effects are as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Income tax expense at statutory rate of 35% $ 50,594 53,502 51,334 Dividend received deduction (1,099 ) (850 ) (1,194 ) Tax exempt interest (2,276 ) (2,193 ) (2,195 ) Tax adjustment on foreign currency — — 618 Adjustments pertaining to prior tax years 895 1,076 (296 ) Nondeductible insurance 160 160 160 Nondeductible expenses 178 588 261 Remeasurement of deferred taxes due to Tax Act (17,098 ) — — Excess premium liability 2,870 — — Other, net (90 ) (313 ) (416 ) Taxes on earnings from continuing operations $ 34,134 51,970 48,272
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, 2017 and 2016 are presented below. December 31, 2017 2016 (In thousands) Deferred tax assets: Future policy benefits, excess of financial accounting liabilities over tax liabilities $ 162,424 254,329 Investment securities write-downs for financial accounting purposes 196 602 Benefit plan liabilities 10,355 13,485 Accrued operating expenses recorded for financial accounting purposes not currently tax deductible 6,222 7,235 Tax reform reserve adjustment 83,935 — Accrued and unearned investment income recognized for tax purposes and deferred for financial accounting purposes 265 420 Other 94 401 Total gross deferred tax assets 263,491 276,472 Deferred tax liabilities: Deferred policy acquisition and sales inducement costs, principally expensed for tax purposes (180,780 ) (307,725 ) Tax reform reserve adjustment (83,935 ) — Debt securities, principally due to deferred market discount for tax (7,526 ) (12,147 ) Real estate, principally due to adjustments for financial accounting purposes (5 ) (498 ) Net unrealized gains on securities available for sale (8,945 ) (12,174 ) Foreign currency translation adjustments (857 ) (1,433 ) Fixed assets, due to different depreciation bases (6,853 ) (7,468 ) Other 2 (17 ) Total gross deferred tax liabilities (288,899 ) (341,462 ) Net deferred tax liabilities $ (25,408 ) (64,990 )

Pension and Other Postretirem33

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Components of net periodic benefit costs: Interest cost $ 957 1,000 983 Service cost 106 105 205 Expected return on plan assets (1,227 ) (1,215 ) (1,320 ) Amortization of prior service cost — — 3 Amortization of net loss 638 772 784 Net periodic benefit cost 474 662 655 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income: Net loss (gain) (658 ) (824 ) Amortization of prior service cost — — Amortization of net loss (gain) (638 ) (772 ) Total recognized in other comprehensive income (1,296 ) (1,596 ) Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income $ (822 ) (934 )
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, 2017 . December 31, 2017 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (In thousands) Cash $ 662 662 — — Equity securities Domestic 11,885 11,885 — — International 394 394 — — Debt securities U.S. government agencies — — — — Corporate bonds 6,371 — 6,371 — Total $ 19,312 12,941 6,371 —
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, 2017 2016 2015 Asset Category: Equity securities 64% 62% 61% Debt securities 33% 31% 35% Cash and cash equivalents 3% 7% 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, 2017 2016 Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations: Discount rate 3.75 % 4.00 % Rate of compensation increase n/a n/a December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost: Discount rate 4.00 % 4.00 % 3.75 % 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): 2018 $ 1,495 2019 1,479 2020 1,472 2021 1,459 2022 1,435 2023-2027 6,823
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, 2017 2016 (In thousands) Changes in projected benefit obligations: Projected benefit obligations at beginning of year $ 24,553 25,470 Service cost 106 105 Interest cost 957 1,000 Actuarial gain (loss) 558 (540 ) Benefits paid (1,515 ) (1,482 ) Projected benefit obligations at end of year 24,659 24,553 Changes in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 18,279 18,115 Actual return on plan assets 2,442 1,499 Contributions 106 147 Benefits paid (1,515 ) (1,482 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of year 19,312 18,279 Funded status at end of year $ (5,347 ) (6,274 )
Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Consolidated Financial Statements and in Other Comprehensive Income	December 31, 2017 2016 (In thousands) Amounts recognized in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements: Assets $ — — Liabilities (5,347 ) (6,274 ) Net amount recognized $ (5,347 ) (6,274 ) Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income: Net loss $ 8,147 9,443 Prior service cost — — Net amount recognized $ 8,147 9,443
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, 2017 2016 (In thousands) Changes in projected benefit obligations: Projected benefit obligations at beginning of year $ 26,232 22,735 Service cost 818 438 Interest cost 1,387 1,058 Actuarial (gain) loss 10,459 3,983 Benefits paid (1,982 ) (1,982 ) Projected benefit obligations at end of year 36,914 26,232 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 $ (36,914 ) (26,232 )
Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Consolidated Financial Statements and in Other Comprehensive Income	December 31, 2017 2016 (In thousands) Amounts recognized in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements: Assets $ — — Liabilities (36,914 ) (26,232 ) Net amount recognized $ (36,914 ) (26,232 ) Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income: Net loss $ 19,049 11,865 Prior service cost 582 641 Net amount recognized $ 19,631 12,506
Schedule of Components of Periodic Benefit Cost	Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Components of net periodic benefit cost: Service cost $ 818 438 256 Interest cost 1,387 1,058 876 Amortization of prior service cost 59 59 59 Amortization of net loss 3,274 2,003 1,514 Net periodic benefit cost 5,538 3,558 2,705 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income: Net (gain) loss 10,459 3,983 Amortization of prior service cost (59 ) (59 ) Amortization of net (gain) loss (3,274 ) (2,003 ) Total recognized in other comprehensive income 7,126 1,921 Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income $ 12,664 5,479
Schedule of Assumptions Used	December 31, 2017 2016 Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations: Discount rate 3.75 % 4.00 % Rate of compensation increase 8.00 % 8.00 % December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit costs: Discount rate 4.00 % 4.00 % 3.75 % Expected long-term return on plan assets n/a n/a n/a Rate of compensation increase 8.00 % 8.00 % 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): 2018 $ 1,982 2019 1,982 2020 1,982 2021 1,982 2022 1,982 2023-2027 8,391
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, 2017 2016 (In thousands) Changes in projected benefit obligations: Projected benefit obligations at beginning of year $ 3,366 3,307 Interest cost 139 121 Actuarial loss (gain) 274 (44 ) Benefits paid (5 ) (18 ) Projected benefit obligations at end of year 3,774 3,366 Changes in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year — — Contributions 5 18 Benefits paid (5 ) (18 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of year — — Funded status at end of year $ (3,774 ) (3,366 )
Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Consolidated Financial Statements and in Other Comprehensive Income	December 31, 2017 2016 (In thousands) Amounts recognized in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements: Assets $ — — Liabilities (3,774 ) (3,366 ) Net amount recognized $ (3,774 ) (3,366 ) Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income: Net loss $ 669 436 Prior service cost 155 258 Net amount recognized $ 824 694
Schedule of Components of Periodic Benefit Cost	Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Components of net periodic benefit cost: Interest cost $ 139 121 130 Amortization of prior service cost 103 103 103 Amortization of net loss 41 — 61 Net periodic benefit cost 283 224 294 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income: Net (gain) loss 274 (44 ) Amortization of prior service cost (103 ) (103 ) Amortization of net (gain) loss (41 ) — Total recognized in other comprehensive income 130 (147 ) Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income $ 413 77
Schedule of Assumptions Used	Assumptions December 31, 2017 2016 Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations: Discount rate 3.75 % 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 2018 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, 2017 December 31, 2016 1% Point Increase 1% Point Decrease 1% Point Increase 1% Point Decrease (In thousands) Effect on total of service and interest cost components $ 22 (21 ) 31 (23 ) Effect on postretirement benefit obligation $ 607 (592 ) 801 (611 )
Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments	The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid (in thousands): 2018 $ 81 2019 88 2020 95 2021 101 2022 108 2023-2027 532

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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, 2017 are as shown below (in thousands). 2018 $ 347 2019 347 2020 346 2021 346 2022 346 Total minimum lease payments 1,732 Less: Interest (174 ) Present value of net minimum lease payments $ 1,558

Stockholders Equity (Tables)

Stockholders Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Changes in Shares of Common Stock	Changes in shares of common stock outstanding are provided below. Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Common stock shares outstanding: Shares outstanding at beginning of year 3,636 3,636 3,636 Shares exercised under stock option plan — — — 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 awards by type and related activity is detailed below. Options Outstanding Shares Available For Grant Shares Weighted-Average Exercise Price Stock Options: Balance at January 1, 2017 291,000 19,268 $ 240.47 Exercised — (1,250 ) $ 217.47 Forfeited — — $ — Expired — — $ — Stock options granted — — $ — Balance at December 31, 2017 291,000 18,018 $ 242.07
Schedule of Stock Appreciation Rights Activity	Liability Awards Other Share/Unit Awards: SARs RSUs PSUs Balance at January 1, 2017 77,178 6,029 5,426 Exercised (5,352 ) (2,563 ) — Forfeited (1,343 ) (376 ) (110 ) Granted 22,184 8,631 8,736 Balance at December 31, 2017 92,667 11,721 14,052
Summary of Information About Stock Options and SARs Outstanding	The following table summarizes information about stock options and SARs outstanding at December 31, 2017 . Options and SARs Outstanding Number Outstanding Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life Number Exercisable Exercise prices: 255.13 (options) 13,018 0.3 years 13,018 208.05 (options) 5,000 0.5 years 5,000 114.64 (SARs) 10,900 1.1 years 10,900 132.56 (SARs) 20,418 4.0 years 16,515 210.22 (SARs) 26,850 5.9 years 12,050 216.48 (SARs) 12,644 8.1 years 3,822 311.16 (SARs) 11,183 9.1 years — 310.55 (SARs) 203 9.3 years — 334.34 (SARs) 10,469 10.0 years — Totals 110,685 61,305 Aggregate intrinsic value (in thousands) $ 12,931 $ 9,132
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, 2017 December 31, 2016 Expected term of options/SARs 0.3 to 10.0 years 1.3 to 9.1 years Expected volatility weighted-average 21.55 % 23.83 % Expected dividend yield 0.11 % 0.12 % Risk-free rate weighted-average 1.82 % 1.03 %

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share	Net income for the periods shown below is allocated between Class A shares and Class B shares based upon (1) the proportionate number of shares issued and outstanding as of the end of the period, and (2) the per share dividend rights of the two classes under the Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the Class B dividend per share is equal to one-half the Class A dividend per share). Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 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 earnings $ 110,421 100,892 98,396 Dividends – Class A shares (1,237 ) (1,237 ) (1,237 ) Dividends – Class B shares (36 ) (36 ) (36 ) Undistributed earnings $ 109,148 99,619 97,123 Allocation of net earnings: Dividends $ 1,237 36 1,237 36 1,237 36 Allocation of undistributed earnings 106,061 3,087 96,802 2,817 94,376 2,747 Net earnings $ 107,298 3,123 98,039 2,853 95,613 2,783 Denominator: Basic earnings per share - weighted-average shares 3,436 200 3,436 200 3,436 200 Effect of dilutive stock options — — 1 — 1 — Diluted earnings per share - adjusted weighted-average shares for assumed conversions 3,436 200 3,437 200 3,437 200 Basic earnings per share $ 31.23 15.61 28.53 14.27 27.83 13.91 Diluted earnings per share $ 31.23 15.61 28.53 14.27 27.82 13.91

Comprehensive Income (Tables)

Comprehensive Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Comprehensive Income	During the year ended December 31, 2017 , the Company remeasured its deferred tax assets and liabilities as a consequence of the Tax Act (see Notes 1 and 5) lowering the federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% . This tax remeasurement was recorded in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Earnings, including taxes associated with components of other comprehensive income (loss). Recognizing the outcome of "stranding" deferred taxes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ("AOCI"), the FASB released guidance permitting the reclassification of stranded tax effects from AOCI to retained earnings. Adoption of this guidance by the Company at December 31, 2017 resulted in a one-time income tax benefit of $2.5 million to other comprehensive income (loss). Components of other comprehensive income (loss) for 2017 , 2016 and 2015 and the related tax effect are detailed below. Amounts Before Taxes Tax (Expense) Benefit Amounts Net of Taxes (In thousands) 2017: Unrealized gains on securities, net of effects of deferred costs of $(5,670): Net unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period $ 12,752 (4,464 ) 8,288 Unrealized liquidity losses 300 (105 ) 195 Reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net earnings (5,236 ) 1,833 (3,403 ) Amortization of net unrealized gains (losses) and related to transferred securities — — — Net unrealized gains (losses) on securities 7,816 (2,736 ) 5,080 Foreign currency translation adjustments (14 ) 5 (9 ) Benefit plan liability adjustment (5,958 ) 2,085 (3,873 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) $ 1,844 (646 ) 1,198 Amounts Before Taxes Tax (Expense) Benefit Amounts Net of Taxes (In thousands) 2016: Unrealized gains on securities, net of effects of deferred costs of $(21,105): 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) 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 )

Segment and Other Operating I38

Segment and Other Operating Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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) 2017: Selected Balance Sheet Items: Deferred policy acquisition costs and sales inducements $ 101,253 250,128 603,700 — 955,081 Total segment assets 1,106,410 1,236,733 9,269,956 398,597 12,011,696 Future policy benefits 950,884 915,384 8,232,216 — 10,098,484 Other policyholder liabilities 13,643 11,318 103,048 — 128,009 Condensed Income Statements: Premiums and contract charges $ 37,387 120,852 20,691 — 178,930 Net investment income 73,866 68,399 490,706 26,714 659,685 Other revenues 46 83 109 20,832 21,070 Total revenues 111,299 189,334 511,506 47,546 859,685 Life and other policy benefits 18,565 23,981 28,939 — 71,485 Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs 10,377 (1,473 ) 105,483 — 114,387 Universal life and annuity contract interest 59,865 54,502 322,652 — 437,019 Other operating expenses 18,842 36,341 32,021 19,798 107,002 Federal income taxes (benefit) 815 16,958 5,002 6,192 28,967 Total expenses 108,464 130,309 494,097 25,990 758,860 Segment earnings (loss) $ 2,835 59,025 17,409 21,556 100,825 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
Reconciliation of Segment Net Earnings to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Net Earnings : Total segment earnings $ 100,825 92,397 93,710 Realized gains (losses) on investments, net of taxes 9,596 8,495 4,686 Total consolidated net earnings $ 110,421 100,892 98,396 Reconciliations of segment information to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements are provided below. Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Premiums and Other Revenue : Premiums and contract charges $ 178,930 182,723 175,307 Net investment income 659,685 467,674 379,114 Other revenues 21,070 18,901 28,166 Realized gains (losses) on investments 14,763 13,070 7,209 Total consolidated premiums and other revenue $ 874,448 682,368 589,796
Reconciliation of Segment Federal Income Taxes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Federal Income Taxes : Total segment Federal income taxes $ 28,967 47,395 45,749 Taxes on realized gains (losses) on investments 5,167 4,575 2,523 Total taxes on consolidated net earnings $ 34,134 51,970 48,272
Reconciliation of Segment Assets to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Assets : Total segment assets $ 12,011,696 11,697,099 11,452,630 Other unallocated assets 213,398 197,882 159,946 Total consolidated assets $ 12,225,094 11,894,981 11,612,576
Schedule of Premiums and Contract Revenue Detailed by Country	Premiums and contract revenues detailed by country are provided below. Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) United States $ 74,937 75,405 66,750 Brazil 33,024 38,928 40,640 Venezuela 16,105 15,534 15,466 Taiwan 14,844 14,474 14,882 Peru 11,714 11,378 10,915 Chile 9,201 8,859 8,695 Other foreign countries 39,417 37,820 37,088 Revenues, excluding reinsurance premiums 199,242 202,398 194,436 Reinsurance premiums (20,312 ) (19,675 ) (19,129 ) Total premiums and contract revenues $ 178,930 182,723 175,307

Fair Value of Financial Instr39

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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, 2017 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (In thousands) Debt securities, available for sale $ 3,041,131 — 3,041,131 — Equity securities, available for sale 18,478 18,478 — — Derivatives, index options 194,731 — — 194,731 Total assets $ 3,254,340 18,478 3,041,131 194,731 Policyholder account balances (a) $ 211,159 — — 211,159 Other liabilities (b) 15,242 — — 15,242 Total liabilities $ 226,401 — — 226,401 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 (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, 2017 Debt Securities, Available For Sale Equity Securities, Available For Sale Derivatives, Index Options Total Assets Other Liabilities (In thousands) Beginning balance, January 1, 2017 $ — — 120,644 120,644 134,693 Total realized and unrealized gains (losses): Included in net income — — 222,875 222,875 240,605 Included in other comprehensive income (loss) — — — — — Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net: Purchases — — 75,346 75,346 75,346 Sales — — — — Issuances — — — — 1,688 Settlements — — (224,134 ) (224,134 ) (225,931 ) Transfers into (out of) Level 3 — — — — — Balance at end of period $ — — 194,731 194,731 226,401 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 $ — — 119,386 119,386 — Benefits and expenses — — — — 122,318 Total $ — — 119,386 119,386 122,318 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
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, 2017 Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input (In thousands) Derivatives, index options $ 194,731 Broker prices Implied volatility Inputs from broker proprietary models Total assets $ 194,731 Policyholder account balances $ 211,159 Deterministic cash flow model Projected option cost Other liabilities 15,242 Black Scholes Expected term Forfeiture assumptions Total liabilities $ 226,401 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
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, 2017 Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input (In thousands) Derivatives, index options $ 194,731 Broker prices Implied volatility Inputs from broker proprietary models Total assets $ 194,731 Policyholder account balances $ 211,159 Deterministic cash flow model Projected option cost Other liabilities 15,242 Black Scholes Expected term Forfeiture assumptions Total liabilities $ 226,401 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
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, 2017 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (In thousands) Fixed maturities, available for sale: Priced by third-party vendors $ 3,041,131 — 3,041,131 — Priced internally — — — — Subtotal 3,041,131 — 3,041,131 — Equity securities, available for sale: Priced by third-party vendors 18,478 18,478 — — Priced internally — — — — Subtotal 18,478 18,478 — — Derivatives, index options: Priced by third-party vendors 194,731 — — 194,731 Priced internally — — — — Subtotal 194,731 — — 194,731 Total $ 3,254,340 18,478 3,041,131 194,731 Percent of total 100.0 % 0.6 % 93.4 % 6.0 %
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, 2017 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 $ 7,247,024 7,434,104 — 7,431,810 2,294 Securities available for sale 3,059,609 3,059,609 18,478 3,041,131 — Cash and cash equivalents 217,624 217,624 217,624 — — Mortgage loans 208,249 208,815 — — 208,815 Policy loans 56,405 100,230 — — 100,230 Other loans 5,431 5,603 — — 5,603 Derivatives, index options 194,731 194,731 — — 194,731 Life interest in Libbie Shearn Moody Trust 8,676 12,775 — — 12,775 LIABILITIES Deferred annuity contracts $ 7,865,786 7,338,637 — — 7,338,637 Immediate annuity and supplemental contracts 430,494 443,437 — — 443,437 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

Derivative Investments (Tables)

Derivative Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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, 2017 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 $ 194,731 Fixed-index products Universal Life and Annuity Contracts $ 211,159 Total $ 194,731 $ 211,159 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
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, 2017 , 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 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Equity index options Net investment income $ 222,875 28,364 (61,750 ) Fixed-index products Universal life and annuity contract interest (237,281 ) (10,436 ) 60,749 $ (14,406 ) 17,928 (1,001 )

Unaudited Quarterly Financial41

Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Results	Quarterly results of operations for 2017 are summarized as follows: First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter (In thousands except per share data) 2017: Revenues $ 224,417 198,226 203,990 247,815 Earnings (loss) $ 23,538 25,483 21,813 39,587 Basic earnings (loss) per share: Class A $ 6.66 7.21 6.17 11.19 Class B $ 3.33 3.60 3.08 5.60 Diluted earnings (loss) per share: Class A $ 6.65 7.21 6.17 11.19 Class B $ 3.33 3.60 3.08 5.60 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

Summary of Significant Accoun42

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of Deferred Acquisition Costs [Line Items]
Derivatives, index options	$ 194,731	$ 120,644
Unrealized gain on derivative	222,875	28,364	$ (61,750)
Movement Analysis of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs [Roll Forward]
Deferred policy acquisition costs, beginning of year	835,194	853,451	802,919
Policy acquisition costs deferred:	103,521	119,856	131,392
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	(114,387)	(121,139)	(120,333)
Adjustments for unrealized (gains) losses on investment securities	(4,817)	(16,974)	39,473
Deferred policy acquisition costs, end of year	819,511	835,194	853,451
Movement in Deferred Sales Inducements [Roll Forward]
Deferred sales inducements, beginning of year	147,111	159,166	159,766
Sales inducement costs deferred	17,901	19,302	17,704
Amortization of sales inducements	(28,552)	(26,922)	(28,559)
Adjustments for unrealized (gains) losses on investment securities	(890)	(4,435)	10,255
Deferred sales inducements, end of year	135,570	147,111	159,166
Decrease in amortization during the year	(11,900)	(13,800)	(1,800)
True-up adjustment in deferred sales inducement	4,300
Increase in contract interest expense	1,700		1,800
Summary of Premiums and Deposits Collected
Annuity deposits	608,799	730,740	775,010
Universal life insurance deposits	254,960	250,459	277,229
Traditional life and other premiums	22,624	22,377	23,162
Totals	886,383	1,003,576	1,075,401
Statutory Accounting Practices
Net gain from operations before Federal and foreign income taxes	197,597	124,571	8,139
Net income	126,932	88,712	7,060
Unassigned surplus	1,330,491	1,207,298	1,127,140
Capital and surplus	1,374,554	1,251,361	1,171,203
Reclassification from AOCI, due to change in tax rate	(2,500)
Agents' Commissions
Movement Analysis of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs [Roll Forward]
Policy acquisition costs deferred:	95,088	112,048	124,498
Other Costs
Movement Analysis of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs [Roll Forward]
Policy acquisition costs deferred:	$ 8,433	7,808	6,894
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)
Increase in amortization during the year	$ 800
International Life Insurance
Movement in Deferred Sales Inducements [Roll Forward]
Decrease in amortization during the year	(27,700)	7,300	(7,100)
Annuities
Movement in Deferred Sales Inducements [Roll Forward]
Increase in amortization during the year			$ 5,300
Annuities | Updating Surrender And Annuitization Rates on Index
Movement in Deferred Sales Inducements [Roll Forward]
Increase in amortization during the year	15,100	3,700
Options Held
Schedule of Deferred Acquisition Costs [Line Items]
Unrealized gain on derivative	$ 119,400	$ 44,800

Summary of Significant Accoun43

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (AOCI) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Other net investment gains (losses)									$ 14,875	$ 13,070	$ 7,461
Earnings before Federal income taxes									144,555	152,862	146,668
Federal income taxes									34,134	51,970	48,272
Net earnings	$ 39,587	$ 21,813	$ 25,483	$ 23,538	$ 23,612	$ 33,736	$ 26,286	$ 17,259	110,421	100,892	98,396
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)									5,348	3,316	3,459
Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings									(112)	0	(252)
Earnings before Federal income taxes									5,236	3,316	3,207
Federal income taxes									1,833	1,161	1,122
Net earnings									$ 3,403	$ 2,155	$ 2,085

Deposit with Regulatory Authori

Deposit with Regulatory Authorities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule of Deposit with Regulatory Authorities [Line Items]
Assets on deposit with state and other regulatory authorities	$ 15,756	$ 15,070
Debt securities held to maturity
Schedule of Deposit with Regulatory Authorities [Line Items]
Assets on deposit with state and other regulatory authorities	14,596	13,790
Debt securities available for sale
Schedule of Deposit with Regulatory Authorities [Line Items]
Assets on deposit with state and other regulatory authorities	685	805
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, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Total investment income	$ 660,955	$ 468,766	$ 380,231
Less investment expenses	1,270	1,092	1,117
Net investment income	659,685	467,674	379,114
Non-income producing
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Real estate investment	100	200	900
Debt and equity securities
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Total investment income	409,401	416,638	416,633
Mortgage loans
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Total investment income	11,045	7,964	10,274
Policy loans
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Total investment income	3,485	3,700	3,938
Derivative gains (losses)
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Total investment income	222,875	28,364	(61,750)
Short term investments
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Total investment income	1,012	668	197
Other investment income
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Total investment income	$ 13,137	$ 11,432	$ 10,939

Investments (Mortgage Loans) (D

Investments (Mortgage Loans) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loans, amount	$ 208,899	$ 175,184
Allowance for possible losses, amount	(650)	(650)
Totals, amount	$ 208,249	$ 174,534
Mortgage loans, percentage	100.00%	100.00%
Allowance for possible losses, percentage	(0.30%)	(0.40%)
Totals, percentage	99.70%	99.60%
Less than 50%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loans, amount	$ 82,224	$ 54,783
Mortgage loans, percentage	39.40%	31.30%
50% to 60%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loans, amount	$ 27,395	$ 12,946
Mortgage loans, percentage	13.10%	7.40%
60% to 70%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loans, amount	$ 86,849	$ 76,959
Mortgage loans, percentage	41.60%	43.90%
70% to 80%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loans, amount	$ 0	$ 6,192
Mortgage loans, percentage	0.00%	3.50%
80% to 90%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loans, amount	$ 6,929	$ 18,688
Mortgage loans, percentage	3.30%	10.70%
Greater than 90%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loans, amount	$ 5,502	$ 5,616
Mortgage loans, percentage	2.60%	3.20%
Retail
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loans, amount	$ 87,805	$ 89,947
Mortgage loans, percentage	42.00%	51.30%
Office
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loans, amount	$ 74,301	$ 57,095
Mortgage loans, percentage	35.60%	32.60%
Land/Lots
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loans, amount	$ 10,563	$ 4,946
Mortgage loans, percentage	5.10%	2.80%
Hotel
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loans, amount	$ 13,782	$ 9,708
Mortgage loans, percentage	6.60%	5.60%
All other
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loans, amount	$ 22,448	$ 13,488
Mortgage loans, percentage	10.70%	7.70%
West South Central
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loans, amount	$ 119,794	$ 102,531
Mortgage loans, percentage	57.30%	58.50%
East North Central
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loans, amount	$ 30,876	$ 26,717
Mortgage loans, percentage	14.80%	15.30%
New England
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loans, amount	$ 0	$ 11,488
Mortgage loans, percentage	0.00%	6.60%
Pacific
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loans, amount	$ 8,014	$ 9,872
Mortgage loans, percentage	3.80%	5.60%
East South Central
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loans, amount	$ 14,273	$ 6,512
Mortgage loans, percentage	6.80%	3.70%
West North Central [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loans, amount	$ 12,967	$ 0
Mortgage loans, percentage	6.20%	0.00%
South Atlantic
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loans, amount	$ 19,155	$ 14,130
Mortgage loans, percentage	9.20%	8.10%
Mountain
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loans, amount	$ 1,605	$ 1,646
Mortgage loans, percentage	0.80%	0.90%
Middle Atlantic
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loans, amount	$ 2,215	$ 2,288
Mortgage loans, percentage	1.10%	1.30%

Investments (Mortgage Loan Allo

Investments (Mortgage Loan Allowance) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
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, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Principal Balance by Contractual Maturity, Amount
Due in one year or less	$ 262,038
Due after one year through five years	2,383,941
Due after five years through ten years	2,940,925
Totals	7,247,024	$ 7,159,259
Commercial Mortgage Loans
Principal Balance by Contractual Maturity, Amount
Due in one year or less	22,966	21,595
Due after one year through five years	41,248	36,159
Due after five years through ten years	119,966	99,391
Due after ten years through fifteen years	25,429	7,200
Due after fifteen years	0	11,488
Totals	$ 209,609	$ 175,833
Principal Balance by Contractual Maturity, Percentage
Due in one year or less (in percentage)	11.00%	12.30%
Due after one year through five years (in percentage)	19.70%	20.60%
Due after five years through ten years (in percentage)	57.20%	56.50%
Due after ten years through fifteen years (in percentage)	12.10%	4.10%
Due after fifteen years (in percentage)	0.00%	6.50%
Totals (in percentage)	100.00%	100.00%

Investments (Securities Held to

Investments (Securities Held to Maturity) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Totals	$ 7,247,024	$ 7,159,259
Gross Unrealized Gains	202,170	220,495
Gross Unrealized Losses	(15,090)	(42,143)
Fair Value	7,434,104	7,337,611
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	456,365	1,580,333
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	(2,459)	(34,830)
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	662,950	188,056
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	(12,631)	(7,313)
Total, Fair Value	1,119,315	1,768,389
Gross Unrealized Losses	(15,090)	(42,143)
U.S. agencies
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Totals		0
Gross Unrealized Gains		0
Gross Unrealized Losses		0
Fair Value		0
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	1,337	1,333
Gross Unrealized Gains	177	235
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Fair Value	1,514	1,568
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	467,437	456,069
Gross Unrealized Gains	21,907	22,697
Gross Unrealized Losses	(100)	(2,841)
Fair Value	489,244	475,925
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	6,308	80,507
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	(14)	(2,841)
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	4,869	0
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	(86)	0
Total, Fair Value	11,177	80,507
Gross Unrealized Losses	(100)	(2,841)
Public utilities
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Totals	1,062,545	1,087,176
Gross Unrealized Gains	30,527	36,904
Gross Unrealized Losses	(894)	(3,133)
Fair Value	1,092,178	1,120,947
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	68,368	162,587
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	(407)	(3,133)
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	34,091	0
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	(487)	0
Total, Fair Value	102,459	162,587
Gross Unrealized Losses	(894)	(3,133)
Corporate
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Totals	4,430,099	4,237,029
Gross Unrealized Gains	121,978	116,720
Gross Unrealized Losses	(7,876)	(29,701)
Fair Value	4,544,201	4,324,048
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	248,844	1,063,194
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	(1,296)	(22,867)
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	431,591	179,113
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	(6,580)	(6,834)
Total, Fair Value	680,435	1,242,307
Gross Unrealized Losses	(7,876)	(29,701)
Residential mortgage-backed
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Totals	1,280,307	1,367,270
Gross Unrealized Gains	27,445	42,345
Gross Unrealized Losses	(6,216)	(6,468)
Fair Value	1,301,536	1,403,147
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	130,015	274,045
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	(738)	(5,989)
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	192,399	8,943
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	(5,478)	(479)
Total, Fair Value	322,414	282,988
Gross Unrealized Losses	(6,216)	(6,468)
Home equity
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Totals	4,262	8,826
Gross Unrealized Gains	57	1,462
Gross Unrealized Losses	(4)	0
Fair Value	4,315	10,288
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	2,830
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	(4)
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	0
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	0
Total, Fair Value	2,830
Gross Unrealized Losses	(4)	0
Manufactured housing
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Totals	1,037	1,556
Gross Unrealized Gains	79	132
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Fair Value	1,116	1,688
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, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Total	$ 2,964,510
Fair Value, Debt securities	3,041,131
Amortized Cost, Equity securities	12,890	$ 14,022
Gross Unrealized Gains, Equity securities	5,708	4,657
Gross Unrealized Losses, Equity securities	(120)	(366)
Fair Value, Equity securities	18,478	18,313
Amortized Cost	2,977,400	2,991,042
Gross Unrealized Gains	93,154	92,619
Gross Unrealized Losses	(10,945)	(23,298)
Fair Value	3,059,609	3,060,363
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	206,345	697,773
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	(1,254)	(17,061)
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	298,219	107,391
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	(9,691)	(6,237)
Total, Fair Value	504,564	805,164
Total, Unrealized Losses	(10,945)	(23,298)
Debt securities:
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Total	2,964,510	2,977,020
Gross Unrealized Gains, Debt securities	87,446	87,962
Gross Unrealized Losses, Debt securities	(10,825)	(22,932)
Fair Value, Debt securities	3,041,131	3,042,050
Fair Value	3,041,131	3,042,050
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	205,099	693,619
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	(1,177)	(16,756)
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	297,930	106,969
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	(9,648)	(6,176)
Total, Fair Value	503,029	800,588
Total, Unrealized Losses	(10,825)	(22,932)
States and political subdivisions
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Total	575	580
Gross Unrealized Gains, Debt securities	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses, Debt securities	(29)	(6)
Fair Value, Debt securities	546	574
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	546	574
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	(29)	(6)
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	0	0
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	0	0
Total, Fair Value	546	574
Total, Unrealized Losses	(29)	(6)
Foreign governments
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Total	9,964	9,956
Gross Unrealized Gains, Debt securities	326	380
Gross Unrealized Losses, Debt securities	0	0
Fair Value, Debt securities	10,290	10,336
Public utilities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Total	83,466	127,181
Gross Unrealized Gains, Debt securities	3,640	4,745
Gross Unrealized Losses, Debt securities	0	(232)
Fair Value, Debt securities	87,106	131,694
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	0	10,765
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	0	(232)
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	0	0
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	0	0
Total, Fair Value	0	10,765
Total, Unrealized Losses	0	(232)
Corporate
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Total	2,842,381	2,802,852
Gross Unrealized Gains, Debt securities	81,737	80,414
Gross Unrealized Losses, Debt securities	(10,744)	(22,603)
Fair Value, Debt securities	2,913,374	2,860,663
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	201,575	680,988
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	(1,134)	(16,427)
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	296,845	106,969
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	(9,610)	(6,176)
Total, Fair Value	498,420	787,957
Total, Unrealized Losses	(10,744)	(22,603)
Residential mortgage-backed
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Total	20,246	27,110
Gross Unrealized Gains, Debt securities	1,376	2,137
Gross Unrealized Losses, Debt securities	(52)	(91)
Fair Value, Debt securities	21,570	29,156
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	1,325	1,292
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	(14)	(91)
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	1,085	0
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	(38)	0
Total, Fair Value	2,410	1,292
Total, Unrealized Losses	(52)	(91)
Home equity
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Total	7,878	9,341
Gross Unrealized Gains, Debt securities	367	286
Gross Unrealized Losses, Debt securities	0	0
Fair Value, Debt securities	8,245	9,627
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	1,653
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	0
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	0
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	0
Total, Fair Value	1,653
Total, Unrealized Losses	0
Manufactured housing
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Total	0	0
Gross Unrealized Gains, Debt securities	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses, Debt securities	0	0
Fair Value, Debt securities	0	0
Equity securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value	18,478	18,313
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	1,246	4,154
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	(77)	(305)
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	289	422
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	(43)	(61)
Total, Fair Value	1,535	4,576
Total, Unrealized Losses	$ (120)	$ (366)

Investments (Unrealized Losses)

Investments (Unrealized Losses) (Details)	Dec. 31, 2017security
Debt securities:
Available-for-Sale Securities and Held-to-Maturity Securities [Line Items]
Gross unrealized losses, number of issues	206
Gross unrealized losses, percentage of total debt (in percentage)	15.70%
Gross unrealized losses, market value as a percent of amortized cost (in percentage)	98.40%
Gross unrealized losses, number of securities with maturities of 12 months or greater	119
Gross unrealized losses, number of securities with maturities of 12 months or greater (in percentage)	57.80%
Equity securities
Available-for-Sale Securities and Held-to-Maturity Securities [Line Items]
Gross unrealized losses, number of securities rated investment grade	20
Other-than-temporarily impaired securities, number of securities rated investment grade	7
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	199

Investments (Amortized Cost and

Investments (Amortized Cost and Fair Value of Debt Securities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Securities Available for Sale, Amortized Cost
Due in 1 year or less	$ 75,315
Due after 1 year through 5 years	1,175,055
Due after 5 years through 10 years	1,619,294
Due after 10 years	66,722
Amortized Cost, Single Maturity Date Securities	2,936,386
Mortgage and asset-backed securities	28,124
Total	2,964,510
Debt Securities Available for Sale, Fair Value
Due in 1 year or less	77,052
Due after 1 year through 5 years	1,219,700
Due after 5 years through 10 years	1,647,203
Due after 10 years	67,361
Fair Value, Single Maturity Date Securities	3,011,316
Mortgage and asset-backed securities	29,815
Total	3,041,131
Debt Securities Held to Maturity, Amortized Cost
Due in 1 year or less	262,038
Due after 1 year through 5 years	2,383,941
Due after 5 years through 10 years	2,940,925
Due after 10 years	374,514
Amortized Cost, Single Maturity Date Securities	5,961,418
Mortgage and asset-backed securities	1,285,606
Totals	7,247,024	$ 7,159,259
Debt Securities Held to Maturity, Fair Value
Due in 1 year or less	266,445
Due after 1 year through 5 years	2,465,825
Due after 5 years through 10 years	2,999,455
Due after 10 years	395,412
Fair Value, Single Maturity Date Securities	6,127,137
Mortgage and asset-backed securities	1,306,967
Total	$ 7,434,104	$ 7,337,611

Investments (Realized Gains (Lo

Investments (Realized Gains (Losses)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Held to maturity debt securities:
Real estate	$ 2,657	$ 2,950	$ 0
Mortgage loans	0	0	0
Other	0	0	0
Other net investment gains (losses)	14,875	13,070	7,461
Debt Securities
Available for sale debt securities:
Realized gains on disposal	5,208	2,644	3,378
Realized losses on disposal	(7)	(29)	(74)
Held to maturity debt securities:
Realized gains on redemption	6,944	6,940	4,027
Realized losses on redemption	(74)	(137)	(25)
Equity securities
Held to maturity debt securities:
Equity securities realized gains	$ 147	$ 702	$ 155

Investments (Net Impairment Los

Investments (Net Impairment Losses) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Investment [Line Items]
Total other-than-temporary impairment recoveries (losses) on debt securities	$ 487	$ 110	$ 2,801
Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings	(112)	0	(252)
Debt Securities
Investment [Line Items]
Total other-than-temporary impairment recoveries (losses) on debt securities	599	110	3,053
Portion recognized in comprehensive income	(599)	(110)	(3,053)
Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings	0	0	0
Equity securities
Investment [Line Items]
Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings	$ (112)	$ 0	$ (252)

Investments (OTTI, Credit Losse

Investments (OTTI, Credit Losses) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Non-Credit Other-than-Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance, cumulative credit losses related to other-than-temporary impairments	$ 1,440	$ 2,278
Reductions for securities disposed during current period	(813)	(838)
Additions for OTTI where credit losses have been previously recognized	0	0
Ending balance, cumulative credit losses related to other-than-temporary impairments	$ 627	$ 1,440

Investments (Net Unrealized Gai

Investments (Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Gross unrealized gains	$ 93,034	$ 92,255
Gross unrealized losses	(10,856)	(23,563)
Deferred policy acquisition costs and sales inducements	(39,579)	(33,909)
Deferred Federal income tax expense	(8,946)	(12,174)
Adjustments for deferred expense, deferred policy acquisition and sales inducement cost	33,653	22,609
Net unrealized gains related to securities transferred to held to maturity	0	0
Net unrealized gains on investment securities	$ 33,653	$ 22,609

Investments (Narrative) (Detail

Investments (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)security	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)property	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Loans originated during the year	$ 59,400	$ 84,600
Real estate investments	51,828	53,954
Realized gains (losses) on investments	$ 14,763	13,070	$ 7,209
Held-to-maturity securities transferred to Available for sale, security | security	1
OTTI- recoveries	$ (600)	$ (100)	(3,100)
Number of Real Estate Properties | property		2
Payments to Acquire Real Estate		$ 16,800
Debt securities:
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Realized gains (losses) on investments	14,800	13,100	7,200
Real Estate
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Real estate investments	37,400	31,800
Operating income recognized on real estate investment properties	2,900	2,600	1,800
Realized gains (losses) on investments	2,700	2,900	0
Other-than Temporary Impairment Write-down on Investments
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Realized gains (losses) on investments	100
External Credit Rating, Non Investment Grade | Debt securities:
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Debt securities below investment grade	$ 101,300	$ 179,500
Debt securities below investment grade, percentage of total invested assets	0.90%	1.70%
Standard & Poor's, CCC Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Transferred Security, at Carrying 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, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
Limit for reinsuring risk	$ 500,000
Total life insurance in force	19,700,000,000	$ 20,900,000,000
Ceded premiums	4,400,000,000	4,700,000,000
Reinsurance receivable	1,300,000	2,000,000
Reinsurance premiums	20,312,000	19,675,000	$ 19,129,000
Reinsurance recoveries	$ 7,500,000	$ 12,000,000	$ 14,200,000

Federal Income Taxes (Component

Federal Income Taxes (Components of Income Taxes) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Taxes (benefits) on earnings from continuing operations
Current	$ 74,361	$ 41,544	$ 8,279
Deferred	(23,129)	10,426	39,993
Remeasurement of deferred taxes due to Tax Act	(17,098)	0	0
Taxes on earnings from continuing operations	34,134	51,970	48,272
Taxes (benefits) on components of stockholders' equity:	646	5,507	(22,323)
Total Federal income taxes (benefit)	34,780	57,202	25,936
Net unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale
Taxes (benefits) on earnings from continuing operations
Taxes (benefits) on components of stockholders' equity:	2,736	5,382	(22,014)
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Taxes (benefits) on earnings from continuing operations
Taxes (benefits) on components of stockholders' equity:	(5)	(88)	75
Change in benefit plan liability
Taxes (benefits) on earnings from continuing operations
Taxes (benefits) on components of stockholders' equity:	$ (2,085)	$ (62)	$ (397)

Federal Income Taxes (Reconcili

Federal Income Taxes (Reconciliation) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Reconciliation [Abstract]
Income tax expense at statutory rate of 35%	$ 50,594	$ 53,502	$ 51,334
Dividend received deduction	(1,099)	(850)	(1,194)
Tax exempt interest	(2,276)	(2,193)	(2,195)
Tax adjustment on foreign currency	0	0	618
Adjustments pertaining to prior tax years	895	1,076	(296)
Nondeductible insurance	160	160	160
Nondeductible expenses	178	588	261
Remeasurement of deferred taxes due to Tax Act	(17,098)	0	0
Excess premium liability	2,870	0	0
Other, net	(90)	(313)	(416)
Taxes on earnings from continuing operations	$ 34,134	$ 51,970	$ 48,272
Statutory Rate	35.00%

Federal Income Taxes (Deferred

Federal Income Taxes (Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Deferred tax assets:
Future policy benefits, excess of financial accounting liabilities over tax liabilities	$ 162,424	$ 254,329
Investment securities write-downs for financial accounting purposes	196	602
Benefit plan liabilities	10,355	13,485
Accrued operating expenses recorded for financial accounting purposes not currently tax deductible	6,222	7,235
Deferred tax Asset, Tax Reform Adjustment	83,935	0
Accrued and unearned investment income recognized for tax purposes and deferred for financial accounting purposes	265	420
Other	94	401
Total gross deferred tax assets	263,491	276,472
Deferred tax liabilities:
Deferred policy acquisition and sales inducement costs, principally expensed for tax purposes	(180,780)	(307,725)
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Tax Reform Adjustments	(83,935)	0
Remeasurement of deferred taxes due to Tax Act	(17,098)	0	$ 0
Debt securities, principally due to deferred market discount for tax	(7,526)	(12,147)
Real estate, principally due to adjustments for financial accounting purposes	(5)	(498)
Net unrealized gains on securities available for sale	(8,945)	(12,174)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(857)	(1,433)
Fixed assets, due to different depreciation bases	(6,853)	(7,468)
Other	2	(17)
Total gross deferred tax liabilities	(288,899)	(341,462)
Net deferred tax liabilities	$ (25,408)	$ (64,990)

Federal Income Taxes (Adoption

Federal Income Taxes (Adoption of ASU) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Percent	10.10%
Guaranty association assessments	$ 8,200
Remeasurement of deferred taxes due to Tax Act	17,098	$ 0	$ 0
Reclassification from AOCI, due to change in tax rate	$ (2,500)
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] | Accounting Standard Update 2018-02 | New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption, Effect
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Percent	1.70%

Federal Income Taxes (Narrative

Federal Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net	$ 83.9

Information Regarding Control64

Information Regarding Controlling Stockholder Narrative (Details) - Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer [Member]	Dec. 31, 2017
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 Postretirem65

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans (Obligations and Funded Status) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Change in projected benefit obligations:
Projected benefit obligations at beginning of year	$ 24,553	$ 25,470
Service cost	106	105	$ 205
Interest cost	957	1,000	983
Actuarial (gain) loss	(558)	540
Benefits paid	(1,515)	(1,482)
Projected benefit obligations at end of year	24,659	24,553	25,470
Change in plan assets:
Fair value at beginning of year	18,279	18,115
Actual return on plan assets	2,442	1,499
Contributions	106	147
Benefits paid	(1,515)	(1,482)
Fair value at end of year	19,312	18,279	18,115
Funded status at end of year	(5,347)	(6,274)
Chairman and President Non-Qualified Defined Benefit Plans
Change in projected benefit obligations:
Projected benefit obligations at beginning of year	26,232	22,735
Service cost	818	438	256
Interest cost	1,387	1,058	876
Actuarial (gain) loss	10,459	3,983
Benefits paid	(1,982)	(1,982)
Projected benefit obligations at end of year	36,914	26,232	22,735
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	(36,914)	(26,232)
Defined Benefit Postretirement Healthcare Plans
Change in projected benefit obligations:
Projected benefit obligations at beginning of year	3,366	3,307
Interest cost	139	121	130
Actuarial (gain) loss	274	(44)
Benefits paid	(5)	(18)
Projected benefit obligations at end of year	3,774	3,366	3,307
Change in plan assets:
Fair value at beginning of year	0	0
Contributions	5	18
Benefits paid	(5)	(18)
Fair value at end of year	0	0	$ 0
Funded status at end of year	$ (3,774)	$ (3,366)

Pension and Other Postretirem66

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans (Amounts Recognized in Financial Statements and Other Comprehensive Income) (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Amount recognized in the Company's consolidated financial statements
Assets	$ 0	$ 0
Liabilities	(5,347,000)	(6,274,000)
Net amount recognized	(5,347,000)	(6,274,000)
Amount recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income
Net loss	8,147,000	9,443,000
Prior service cost	0	0
Net amount recognized	8,147,000	9,443,000
Chairman and President Non-Qualified Defined Benefit Plans
Amount recognized in the Company's consolidated financial statements
Assets	0	0
Liabilities	(36,914,000)	(26,232,000)
Net amount recognized	(36,914,000)	(26,232,000)
Amount recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income
Net loss	19,049,000	11,865,000
Prior service cost	582,000	641,000
Net amount recognized	19,631,000	12,506,000
Defined Benefit Postretirement Healthcare Plans
Amount recognized in the Company's consolidated financial statements
Assets	0	0
Liabilities	(3,774,000)	(3,366,000)
Net amount recognized	(3,774,000)	(3,366,000)
Amount recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income
Net loss	669,000	436,000
Prior service cost	155,000	258,000
Net amount recognized	$ 824,000	$ 694,000

Pension and Other Postretirem67

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans (Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract]
Interest cost	$ 957	$ 1,000	$ 983
Service cost	106	105	205
Expected return on plan assets	(1,227)	(1,215)	(1,320)
Amortization of prior service cost	0	0	3
Amortization of net loss (gain)	638	772	784
Net periodic benefit cost	474	662	655
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Net (gain) loss	(658)	(824)
Amortization of prior service cost	0	0	(3)
Amortization of net loss (gain)	(638)	(772)	(784)
Total recognized in other comprehensive income	(1,296)	(1,596)
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income	(822)	(934)
Chairman and President Non-Qualified Defined Benefit Plans
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract]
Interest cost	1,387	1,058	876
Service cost	818	438	256
Amortization of prior service cost	59	59	59
Amortization of net loss (gain)	3,274	2,003	1,514
Net periodic benefit cost	5,538	3,558	2,705
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Net (gain) loss	10,459	3,983
Amortization of prior service cost	(59)	(59)	(59)
Amortization of net loss (gain)	(3,274)	(2,003)	(1,514)
Total recognized in other comprehensive income	7,126	1,921
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income	12,664	5,479
Defined Benefit Postretirement Healthcare Plans
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract]
Interest cost	139	121	130
Amortization of prior service cost	103	103	103
Amortization of net loss (gain)	41	0	61
Net periodic benefit cost	283	224	294
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Net (gain) loss	274	(44)
Amortization of prior service cost	(103)	(103)	(103)
Amortization of net loss (gain)	(41)	0	$ (61)
Total recognized in other comprehensive income	130	(147)
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income	$ 413	$ 77

Pension and Other Postretirem68

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans (Assumptions) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations
Discount rate (in percentage)	3.75%	4.00%
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost
Discount rate (in percentage)	4.00%	4.00%	3.75%
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)	3.75%	4.00%
Rate of compensation increase (in percentage)	8.00%	8.00%
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost
Discount rate (in percentage)	4.00%	4.00%	3.75%
Rate of compensation increase (in percentage)	8.00%	8.00%	4.00%
Defined Benefit Postretirement Healthcare Plans
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations
Discount rate (in percentage)	3.75%	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 Rate [Abstract]
Effect on total of service and interest cost components, 1% point increase	$ 22	$ 31
Effect on total of service and interest cost components, 1% point decrease	(21)	(23)
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation, 1% point increase	607	801
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation, 1% point decrease	$ (592)	$ (611)

Pension and Other Postretirem69

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans (Plan Assets) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)investment	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Pension plan assets within the fair value hierachy
Fair value of plan assets	$ 19,312,000	$ 18,279,000	$ 18,115,000
Planned assets	$ 0	$ 0
Plan’s weighted-average asset allocations by asset category
Actual plan asset allocations (in percentage)	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Percentage pension assets not invested in cash or U.S. Government agencies (in percentage)	97.00%
Number of different investments | investment	213
Acceptable range for each asset class (in percentage)	3.30%
Defined Benefit Pension Plans | Level 1
Pension plan assets within the fair value hierachy
Fair value of plan assets	$ 12,941,000	$ 12,609,000
Defined Benefit Pension Plans | Level 2
Pension plan assets within the fair value hierachy
Fair value of plan assets	6,371,000	5,670,000
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	$ 662,000	$ 1,279,000
Plan’s weighted-average asset allocations by asset category
Actual plan asset allocations (in percentage)	3.00%	7.00%	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	$ 662,000	$ 1,279,000
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)	64.00%	62.00%	61.00%
Defined Benefit Pension Plans | Domestic
Pension plan assets within the fair value hierachy
Fair value of plan assets	$ 11,885,000	$ 11,101,000
Defined Benefit Pension Plans | Domestic | Level 1
Pension plan assets within the fair value hierachy
Fair value of plan assets	11,885,000	11,101,000
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	394,000	229,000
Defined Benefit Pension Plans | International | Level 1
Pension plan assets within the fair value hierachy
Fair value of plan assets	394,000	229,000
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)	33.00%	31.00%	35.00%
Defined Benefit Pension Plans | Corporate bonds
Pension plan assets within the fair value hierachy
Fair value of plan assets	$ 6,371,000	$ 5,670,000
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	6,371,000	5,670,000
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
Planned assets	$ 0	$ 0

Pension and Other Postretirem70

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans (Future Pension Benefit Payments) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2,018	$ 1,495
2,019	1,479
2,020	1,472
2,021	1,459
2,022	1,435
2023-2027	6,823
Chairman and President Non-Qualified Defined Benefit Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2,018	1,982
2,019	1,982
2,020	1,982
2,021	1,982
2,022	1,982
2023-2027	8,391
Defined Benefit Postretirement Healthcare Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2,018	81
2,019	88
2,020	95
2,021	101
2,022	108
2023-2027	$ 532

Pension and Other Postretirem71

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans (Defined Contribution Pension Plans) (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
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	$ 119,000	$ 95,000	$ 104,000
United States | Qualified Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total company contribution, 401(k) plan	$ 549,000	$ 421,000	$ 489,000

Pension and Other Postretirem72

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)benefit_plan	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2007
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated benefit obligation	$ 24,700	$ 24,600
Average rate of return (in percentage)	6.51%
Average rate of return, inception to date (in percentage)	7.26%
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	$ 20,700	$ 18,500
Amortization of net loss	3,123
Amortization of prior service cost	59
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	(500)
Defined Benefit Postretirement Healthcare Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Amortization of net loss	53
Amortization of prior service cost	$ 103

Pension and Other Postretirem73

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans (Contributions) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Expected contribution for next fiscal year	$ 176,000
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	$ 2,000,000

Short-Term Borrowing (Details)

Short-Term Borrowing (Details)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Collateral security deposit	110.00%
Amortized value of collateralized assets	$ 43,300,000
Fair value of assets	44,100,000
MNB
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Bank line of credit available to the company	$ 40,000,000

Commitments and Contingencies75

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) $ in Thousands, BRL in Millions	Oct. 26, 2011USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)Annuity_Policy	Dec. 31, 2017BRL	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of annuity policies | Annuity_Policy		2
Guaranty association assessments		$ 8,200
Rental expense		300		$ 200	$ 200
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2,018		347
2,019		347
2,020		346
2,021		346
2,022		346
Total minimum lease payments		1,732
Less: Interest		(174)
Present value of net minimum lease payments		1,558
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		8,000
Existing Loans
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Commitments to extend credit relating to mortgage loans		1,300
Pending Litigation | Damaris Maldonado Vinas Et Al
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, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Common stock shares outstanding:
Total stockholders’ equity	$ 1,721,828	$ 1,611,986
Total stockholders’ equity	1,832,174	1,721,828	$ 1,611,986
Common Stock
Common stock shares outstanding:
Total stockholders’ equity	3,636	3,636
Shares exercised under stock option plan	0	0	0
Total stockholders’ equity	$ 3,636	$ 3,636	$ 3,636

Stockholders' Equity - Liabilit

Stockholders' Equity - Liability Awards (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017shares
SARs
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Beginning balance (in shares)	77,178
Exercised (in shares)	(5,352)
Forfeited (in shares)	(1,343)
Granted (in shares)	22,184
Ending balance (in shares)	92,667
PSUs
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Beginning balance (in shares)	5,426
Exercised (in shares)	0
Forfeited (in shares)	(110)
Granted (in shares)	8,736
Ending balance (in shares)	14,052
RSUs
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Beginning balance (in shares)	6,029
Exercised (in shares)	(2,563)
Forfeited (in shares)	(376)
Granted (in shares)	8,631
Ending balance (in shares)	11,721

Stockholders' Equity (Dividend

Stockholders' Equity (Dividend Restrictions) (Details) - USD ($)	Aug. 20, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Aug. 18, 2017	Apr. 21, 2017	Aug. 19, 2016
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Maximum dividend payment which may be paid without prior approval from Colorado Division of Insurance		$ 127,300,000
Dividends payable				$ 4,000,000	$ 3,000,000
Common Class A
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, dividends declared (in dollars per share)	$ 0.36
Common Class B
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, dividends declared (in dollars per share)	$ 0.18
Dividend Declared
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Dividends payable			$ 3,000,000

Stockholders' Equity (Share-Bas

Stockholders' Equity (Share-Based Payments - Options and Stock Appreciation Rights Outstanding) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Shares/Awards [Roll Forward]
Options Outstanding, Shares, Beginning Balance (in shares)	19,268
Options Outstanding, Shares, Exercised (in shares)	(1,250)
Options Outstanding, Shares, Forfeited (in shares)	0
Options Outstanding, Shares, Granted (in shares)	0
Options Outstanding, Shares, Expired (in shares)	0
Options Outstanding, Shares, Ending Balance (in shares)	18,018	19,268
Weighted-Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Beginning Balance (usd per share)	$ 240.47
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Exercised (usd per share)	217.47
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Forfeited (usd per share)	0
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)	$ 242.07	$ 240.47
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
Issuance of common stock under stock option plan	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Stockholders' Equity (Share-B80

Stockholders' Equity (Share-Based Payments - Exercise Range) (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Number Outstanding (in shares)	110,685
Options Exercisable (in shares)	61,305
Number Outstanding, Aggregate intrinsic value | $	$ 12,931
Options Exercisable, Aggregate intrinsic value | $	$ 9,132
Share Price (in usd per share) | $ / shares	$ 331.02
Employee Stock Option | 255.13 (options)
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Number Outstanding (in shares)	13,018
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	3 months 18 days
Options Exercisable (in shares)	13,018
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)	5,000
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	6 months
Options Exercisable (in shares)	5,000
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)	10,900
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	1 year 1 month 6 days
Options Exercisable (in shares)	10,900
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)	20,418
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	4 years
Options Exercisable (in shares)	16,515
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)	26,850
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	5 years 10 months 24 days
Options Exercisable (in shares)	12,050
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)	12,644
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	8 years 1 month 6 days
Options Exercisable (in shares)	3,822
Exercise Price (in usd per share) | $ / shares	$ 216.48
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) | 311.16 (SARs)
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Number Outstanding (in shares)	11,183
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	$ 311.16
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) | 310.55 (SARs)
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Number Outstanding (in shares)	203
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	9 years 3 months 18 days
Options Exercisable (in shares)	0
Exercise Price (in usd per share) | $ / shares	$ 310.55
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) | 334.34 (SARs)
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Number Outstanding (in shares)	10,469
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	10 years
Options Exercisable (in shares)	0
Exercise Price (in usd per share) | $ / shares	$ 334.34

Stockholders' Equity (Share-B81

Stockholders' Equity (Share-Based Payments - Black Scholes Option Pricing Model Assumptions) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected dividend yield (in percentage)	0.11%	0.12%
Weighted Average
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected volatility, weighted-average (in percentage)	21.55%	23.83%
Risk-free rate, weighted-average (in percentage)	1.82%	1.03%

Stockholders' Equity (Share-B82

Stockholders' Equity (Share-Based Payments - General Descriptions) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Feb. 17, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Aug. 18, 2017	Apr. 21, 2017	Aug. 19, 2016	Oct. 01, 2015	Jun. 20, 2008	Jun. 25, 2004
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Dividends payable						$ 4,000	$ 3,000
Capital and surplus		$ 1,374,554	$ 1,251,361	$ 1,171,203
Period in force (in days)		90 days
Share Price (in usd per share)		$ 331.02
Compensation cost, liability balance		$ 15,200	12,000
Pre-tax compensation cost (benefit) recognized		5,000	7,900	(900)
Compensation cost (benefit), tax expense (benefit)		1,800	(2,800)	300
Period of recognition		$ 7,800	2,300	1,400
Compensation cost related to nonvested options not yet recognized, weighted-average period of recognition (in years)		1 year 6 months
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value		$ 2,700	$ 1,500	1,100
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
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]
Common stock, par value (usd per share)										$ 1
Share-based payments, number of shares authorized under plans										300,000
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
Directors
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	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		$ 124,900
Capital and surplus		$ 1,500,000
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
SARs
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted (in shares)		22,184
Intrinsic value of options exercised		$ 1,800	$ 3,600	700
Share-based compensation liabilities paid		$ 1,800	$ 3,600	$ 700
PSUs
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted (in shares)		8,736
RSUs
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-base Payment, Performance Period		3 years
Granted (in shares)		8,631
Award vesting period (in years)	3 years
Dividend Declared
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Dividends payable					$ 3,000
Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expiration period of awards (in years)		10 years	9 years 1 month 6 days
Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expiration period of awards (in years)		3 months 18 days	1 year 3 months 18 days

Stockholders' Equity (Awards to

Stockholders' Equity (Awards to Officers) (Details) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Officers | SARs
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grants in the period (in shares)	22,184	14,643
Officers | RSUs
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grants in the period (in shares)	5,341	3,661
Officers | PSUs
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grants in the period (in shares)	8,736	5,727
Directors | SARs
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grants in the period (in shares)	0	0
Directors | RSUs
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grants in the period (in shares)	3,290	2,563
Directors | PSUs
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grants in the period (in shares)	0	0

Earnings Per Share (Details)

Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Net income	$ 39,587	$ 21,813	$ 25,483	$ 23,538	$ 23,612	$ 33,736	$ 26,286	$ 17,259	$ 110,421	$ 100,892	$ 98,396
Dividends											(15,500)
Allocation of net income:
Dividends											15,500
Allocation of undistributed income									109,148	99,619	97,123
Common Class A
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Net income									107,298	98,039	95,613
Dividends									(1,237)	(1,237)	(1,237)
Allocation of net income:
Dividends									1,237	1,237	1,237
Allocation of undistributed income									$ 106,061	$ 96,802	$ 94,376
Denominator:
Basic earnings per share - weighted-average shares (in shares)									3,436	3,436	3,436
Effect of dilutive stock options (in shares)									0	1	1
Diluted earnings per share - adjusted weighted-average shares for assumed conversions (in shares)									3,436	3,437	3,437
Basic Earnings Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 11.19	$ 6.17	$ 7.21	$ 6.66	$ 6.68	$ 9.54	$ 7.43	$ 4.88	$ 31.23	$ 28.53	$ 27.83
Diluted Earnings Per Share (in dollars per share)	11.19	6.17	7.21	6.65	6.67	9.54	7.43	4.88	$ 31.23	$ 28.53	$ 27.82
Common Class B
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Net income									$ 3,123	$ 2,853	$ 2,783
Dividends									(36)	(36)	(36)
Allocation of net income:
Dividends									36	36	36
Allocation of undistributed income									$ 3,087	$ 2,817	$ 2,747
Denominator:
Basic earnings per share - weighted-average shares (in shares)									200	200	200
Effect of dilutive stock options (in shares)									0	0	0
Diluted earnings per share - adjusted weighted-average shares for assumed conversions (in shares)									200	200	200
Basic Earnings Per Share (in dollars per share)	5.60	3.08	3.60	3.33	3.34	4.77	3.72	2.44	$ 15.61	$ 14.27	$ 13.91
Diluted Earnings Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 5.60	$ 3.08	$ 3.60	$ 3.33	$ 3.34	$ 4.77	$ 3.72	$ 2.44	$ 15.61	$ 14.27	$ 13.91

Comprehensive Income (Details)

Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Reclassification from AOCI, due to change in tax rate	$ (2,500)
Amounts Before Taxes
Net unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period, Before Tax	12,752	$ 19,417	$ (61,226)
Unrealized liquidity losses, Before Tax	300	57	1,572
Reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net earnings, Before Tax	(5,236)	(3,315)	(3,207)
Amortization of net unrealized gains (losses) and related to transferred securities, Before Tax	0	0	0
Net unrealized gains (losses) on securities, Before Tax	7,816	16,159	(62,861)
Foreign currency translation adjustments, Before Tax	(14)	(251)	215
Pension liability adjustment, Before Tax	(5,958)	(178)	(1,134)
Other comprehensive income, Before Tax	1,844	15,730	(63,780)
Tax (Expense) Benefit
Net unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period, Tax	(4,464)	(6,796)	21,429
Unrealized liquidity losses, Tax	(105)	(20)	(550)
Reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net earnings, Tax	1,833	1,160	1,122
Amortization of net unrealized gains (losses) and related to transferred securities, Tax	0	0	0
Net unrealized gains (losses) on securities, Tax	(2,736)	(5,656)	22,001
Foreign currency translation adjustments, Tax	5	87	(75)
Pension liability adjustment, Tax	2,085	62	397
Other comprehensive income, Tax	(646)	(5,507)	22,323
Amount Net of Taxes
Net unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period, Net of Tax	8,288	12,621	(39,797)
Unrealized liquidity losses, Net of Tax	195	37	1,022
Reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net earnings, Net of Tax	(3,403)	(2,155)	(2,085)
Amortization of net unrealized gains (losses) and related to transferred securities, Net of Tax	0	0	0
Net unrealized gains (losses) on securities	5,080	10,503	(40,860)
Foreign currency translation adjustments, Net of Tax	(9)	(164)	140
Pension liability adjustment, Net of Tax	(3,873)	(116)	(737)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	1,198	10,223	(41,457)
Deferred costs	$ (5,670)	$ (21,105)	$ 50,052

Segment and Other Operating I86

Segment and Other Operating Information (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)customer	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Selected Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Items:
Total segment assets	$ 12,225,094				$ 11,894,981				$ 12,225,094	$ 11,894,981	$ 11,612,576
Other policyholder liabilities	128,009				143,391				128,009	143,391
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:
Premiums and contract revenues									178,930	182,723	175,307
Net investment income									659,685	467,674	379,114
Other revenues									21,070	18,901	28,166
Realized gains (losses) on investments									14,763	13,070	7,209
Total revenues	247,815	$ 203,990	$ 198,226	$ 224,417	184,485	$ 181,847	$ 167,094	$ 148,942	874,448	682,368	589,796
Life and other policy benefits									71,485	65,529	67,452
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs									114,387	121,139	120,333
Universal life and annuity contract interest									437,019	248,390	176,901
Other operating expenses									107,002	94,448	78,442
Federal income taxes (benefit)									28,967	47,395	45,749
Taxes on realized gains (losses) on investments									5,167	4,575	2,523
Taxes on earnings from continuing operations									34,134	51,970	48,272
Segment earnings (loss)									100,825	92,397	93,710
Realized gains (losses) on investments, net of taxes									9,596	8,495	4,686
Net earnings	39,587	$ 21,813	$ 25,483	$ 23,538	23,612	$ 33,736	$ 26,286	$ 17,259	110,421	100,892	98,396
Revenues, excluding reinsurance premiums									199,242	202,398	194,436
Reinsurance premiums									(20,312)	(19,675)	(19,129)
United States
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:
Revenues, excluding reinsurance premiums									74,937	75,405	66,750
Brazil
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:
Revenues, excluding reinsurance premiums									33,024	38,928	40,640
Venezuela
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:
Revenues, excluding reinsurance premiums									16,105	15,534	15,466
Taiwan
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:
Revenues, excluding reinsurance premiums									14,844	14,474	14,882
Peru
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:
Revenues, excluding reinsurance premiums									11,714	11,378	10,915
Chile
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:
Revenues, excluding reinsurance premiums									9,201	8,859	8,695
Other foreign countries
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:
Revenues, excluding reinsurance premiums									$ 39,417	37,820	37,088
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	955,081				982,305				$ 955,081	982,305	1,012,617
Total segment assets	12,011,696				11,697,099				12,011,696	11,697,099	11,452,630
Future policy benefits	10,098,484				9,859,095				10,098,484	9,859,095	9,699,358
Other policyholder liabilities	128,009				143,391				128,009	143,391	155,261
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:
Premiums and contract revenues									178,930	182,723	175,307
Net investment income									659,685	467,674	379,114
Other revenues									21,070	18,901	28,166
Total revenues									859,685	669,298	582,587
Life and other policy benefits									71,485	65,529	67,452
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs									114,387	121,139	120,333
Universal life and annuity contract interest									437,019	248,390	176,901
Other operating expenses									107,002	94,448	78,442
Federal income taxes (benefit)									28,967	47,395	45,749
Total expenses									758,860	576,901	488,877
Segment earnings (loss)									100,825	92,397	93,710
Operating Segments | Domestic Life Insurance
Selected Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Items:
Deferred policy acquisition costs and sales inducements	101,253				90,485				101,253	90,485	78,650
Total segment assets	1,106,410				971,990				1,106,410	971,990	868,466
Future policy benefits	950,884				830,460				950,884	830,460	748,853
Other policyholder liabilities	13,643				13,998				13,643	13,998	14,084
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:
Premiums and contract revenues									37,387	34,728	30,743
Net investment income									73,866	39,691	27,172
Other revenues									46	119	56
Total revenues									111,299	74,538	57,971
Life and other policy benefits									18,565	17,908	17,905
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs									10,377	4,125	8,647
Universal life and annuity contract interest									59,865	28,606	17,799
Other operating expenses									18,842	18,739	12,774
Federal income taxes (benefit)									815	1,749	278
Total expenses									108,464	71,127	57,403
Segment earnings (loss)									2,835	3,411	568
Operating Segments | International Life Insurance
Selected Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Items:
Deferred policy acquisition costs and sales inducements	250,128				243,106				250,128	243,106	251,790
Total segment assets	1,236,733				1,232,648				1,236,733	1,232,648	1,260,538
Future policy benefits	915,384				919,380				915,384	919,380	944,672
Other policyholder liabilities	11,318				10,528				11,318	10,528	16,710
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:
Premiums and contract revenues									120,852	125,775	122,393
Net investment income									68,399	42,331	29,400
Other revenues									83	321	14
Total revenues									189,334	168,427	151,807
Life and other policy benefits									23,981	18,759	24,237
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs									(1,473)	18,027	19,975
Universal life and annuity contract interest									54,502	28,636	23,423
Other operating expenses									36,341	25,933	20,706
Federal income taxes (benefit)									16,958	26,130	20,819
Total expenses									130,309	117,485	109,160
Segment earnings (loss)									59,025	50,942	42,647
Operating Segments | Annuities
Selected Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Items:
Deferred policy acquisition costs and sales inducements	603,700				648,714				603,700	648,714	682,177
Total segment assets	9,269,956				9,193,980				9,269,956	9,193,980	9,054,951
Future policy benefits	8,232,216				8,109,255				8,232,216	8,109,255	8,005,833
Other policyholder liabilities	103,048				118,865				103,048	118,865	124,467
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:
Premiums and contract revenues									20,691	22,220	22,171
Net investment income									490,706	362,700	300,198
Other revenues									109	254	50
Total revenues									511,506	385,174	322,419
Life and other policy benefits									28,939	28,862	25,310
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs									105,483	98,987	91,711
Universal life and annuity contract interest									322,652	191,148	135,679
Other operating expenses									32,021	31,852	25,723
Federal income taxes (benefit)									5,002	11,638	14,432
Total expenses									494,097	362,487	292,855
Segment earnings (loss)									17,409	22,687	29,564
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	398,597				298,481				398,597	298,481	268,675
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									26,714	22,952	22,344
Other revenues									20,832	18,207	28,046
Total revenues									47,546	41,159	50,390
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									19,798	17,924	19,239
Federal income taxes (benefit)									6,192	7,878	10,220
Total expenses									25,990	25,802	29,459
Segment earnings (loss)									21,556	15,357	20,931
Segment Reconciling Items
Selected Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Items:
Total segment assets	$ 213,398				$ 197,882				$ 213,398	$ 197,882	$ 159,946
Agency Two | Domestic Life Insurance
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:
Major customer, percentage of sales									20.00%
Agency Two | Annuities
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:
Major customer, percentage of sales									11.00%
Agency One | Annuities
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:
Major customer, percentage of sales									14.00%

Fair Value of Financial Instr87

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale	$ 3,059,609	$ 3,060,363
Derivatives, index options	194,731	120,644
Total assets	3,254,340	3,181,007
Policyholder account balances	211,159	122,666
Other liabilities	15,242	12,027
Total liabilities	$ 226,401	134,693
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	$ 18,478	18,313
Derivatives, index options	0	0
Total assets	18,478	18,313
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	$ 3,041,131	3,042,050
Derivatives, index options	0	0
Total assets	3,041,131	3,042,050
Policyholder account balances	0	0
Other liabilities	0	0
Total liabilities	$ 0	0
Percent of total (in percentage)	93.40%
Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale	$ 0	0
Derivatives, index options	194,731	120,644
Total assets	194,731	120,644
Policyholder account balances	211,159	122,666
Other liabilities	15,242	12,027
Total liabilities	$ 226,401	134,693
Percent of total (in percentage)	6.00%
Priced by Third-Party Vendors
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives, index options	$ 194,731
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	194,731
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	3,041,131	3,042,050
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	3,041,131	3,042,050
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	3,041,131
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	3,041,131
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	18,478	18,313
Equity securities | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale	18,478	18,313
Equity securities | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale	0	0
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	18,478
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	18,478
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	194,731	120,644
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	$ 194,731	$ 120,644

Fair Value of Financial Instr88

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Fair Value Measurements for Level 3 Instruments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 120,644	$ 38,409
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):
Included in net income	222,875	28,364
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0
Purchases	75,346	75,865
Sales	0	0
Issuances	0	0
Settlements	(224,134)	(21,994)
Transfers into (out of) Level 3	0	0
Balance at end of period	194,731	120,644
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:	119,386	44,778
Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	134,693	66,028
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):
Included in net income	240,605	16,263
Included in comprehensive income (loss)	0	0
Purchases	75,346	75,866
Sales		0
Issuances	1,688	2,088
Settlements	(225,931)	(25,552)
Transfers into (out of) Level 3	0	0
Balance at end of period	226,401	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:	122,318	50,606
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	120,644	38,409
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):
Included in net income	222,875	28,364
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0
Purchases	75,346	75,865
Sales	0	0
Issuances	0	0
Settlements	(224,134)	(21,994)
Transfers into (out of) Level 3	0	0
Balance at end of period	194,731	120,644
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:	119,386	44,778
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:	119,386	44,778
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:	119,386	44,778
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:	122,318	50,606
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 Instr89

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Quantitative Information) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Assets	$ 3,254,340	$ 3,181,007
Liabilities	226,401	134,693
Level 3
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Assets	194,731	120,644
Liabilities	226,401	134,693
Level 3 | Derivatives, index options | Broker prices
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Assets	194,731	120,644
Policyholder account balances | Level 3 | Deterministic cash flow model
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Liabilities	211,159	122,666
Other liabilities | Level 3 | Black Scholes
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Liabilities	$ 15,242	$ 12,027

Fair Values of Financial Instru

Fair Values of Financial Instruments (Fair Value by Balance Sheet Grouping) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Securities held to maturity	$ 7,434,104	$ 7,337,611
Securities available for sale	3,059,609	3,060,363
Derivatives, index options	194,731	120,644
Carrying Values [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Securities held to maturity	7,247,024	7,159,259
Securities available for sale	3,059,609	3,060,363
Cash and cash equivalents	217,624	51,247
Mortgage loans	208,249	174,534
Policy loans	56,405	58,699
Other loans	5,431	14,343
Derivatives, index options	194,731	120,644
Life interest in Libbie Shearn Moody Trust	8,676	7,550
Deferred annuity contracts	7,865,786	7,739,337
Immediate annuity and supplemental contracts	430,494	443,226
Fair Values
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Securities held to maturity	7,434,104	7,337,611
Securities available for sale	3,059,609	3,060,363
Cash and cash equivalents	217,624	51,247
Mortgage loans	208,815	176,890
Policy loans	100,230	101,092
Other loans	5,603	14,898
Derivatives, index options	194,731	120,644
Life interest in Libbie Shearn Moody Trust	12,775	12,775
Deferred annuity contracts	7,338,637	7,367,851
Immediate annuity and supplemental contracts	443,437	470,414
Level 1
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Securities held to maturity	0	0
Securities available for sale	18,478	18,313
Cash and cash equivalents	217,624	51,247
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	7,431,810	7,337,611
Securities available for sale	3,041,131	3,042,050
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	0
Immediate annuity and supplemental contracts	0	0
Level 3
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Securities held to maturity	2,294	0
Securities available for sale	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Mortgage loans	208,815	176,890
Policy loans	100,230	101,092
Other loans	5,603	14,898
Derivatives, index options	194,731	120,644
Life interest in Libbie Shearn Moody Trust	12,775	12,775
Deferred annuity contracts	7,338,637	7,367,851
Immediate annuity and supplemental contracts	$ 443,437	$ 470,414

Derivative Investments (Balance

Derivative Investments (Balance Sheet) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivatives, index options	$ 194,731	$ 120,644
Liability Derivatives	211,159	122,666
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivatives, index options	194,731	120,644
Liability Derivatives	211,159	122,666
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Equity index options | Derivatives, index options
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivatives, index options	194,731	120,644
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Fixed-index products | Universal Life and Annuity Contracts
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Liability Derivatives	$ 211,159	$ 122,666

Derivative Investments (Stateme

Derivative Investments (Statements of Earnings) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
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	$ 6,900	$ (15,900)	$ 2,000
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative	(14,406)	17,928	(1,001)
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	222,875	28,364	(61,750)
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	$ (237,281)	$ (10,436)	$ 60,749

Related Party Transactions (Det

Related Party Transactions (Details) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Options exercised (in shares)		1,250
Mortgage loan		$ 208,249,000	$ 174,534,000
Robert L. Moody, Jr.
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Commission paid under agency contracts		199,032
MNB
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Commission and service fees expense		602,059
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Cost of Mortgages Sold		5,500,000
Mortgage loan		4,500,000
RMS [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Management fees		720,103
American National Insurance Company
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Premiums paid during the year		635,025
Reimbursements for claim costs		2,958,465
Premium received		3,081,734
Professional fees			$ 18,000
Term of agreement (in years)	2 years
American National Registered Investment Advisory
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Professional fees		$ 44,489
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 | MNB
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Cost of Mortgages Sold		$ 7,200,000
Mortgage loan		$ 7,000,000
Percentage of commercial mortgage ( in percentage)		50.00%
The Westcap Corporation | American National Insurance Company
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Undivided participation in mortgage, percentage		50.00%		24.93%
Mortgage loan		$ 19,900,000		$ 20,000,000
Percentage of commercial mortgage ( in percentage)				24.93%

Unaudited Quarterly Financial94

Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Revenues	$ 247,815	$ 203,990	$ 198,226	$ 224,417	$ 184,485	$ 181,847	$ 167,094	$ 148,942	$ 874,448	$ 682,368	$ 589,796
Earnings (loss)	$ 39,587	$ 21,813	$ 25,483	$ 23,538	$ 23,612	$ 33,736	$ 26,286	$ 17,259	110,421	100,892	98,396
Common Class B
Earnings (loss)									$ 3,123	$ 2,853	$ 2,783
Basic Earnings Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 5.60	$ 3.08	$ 3.60	$ 3.33	$ 3.34	$ 4.77	$ 3.72	$ 2.44	$ 15.61	$ 14.27	$ 13.91
Diluted Earnings Per Share (in dollars per share)	5.60	3.08	3.60	3.33	3.34	4.77	3.72	2.44	$ 15.61	$ 14.27	$ 13.91
Common Class A
Earnings (loss)									$ 107,298	$ 98,039	$ 95,613
Basic Earnings Per Share (in dollars per share)	11.19	6.17	7.21	6.66	6.68	9.54	7.43	4.88	$ 31.23	$ 28.53	$ 27.83
Diluted Earnings Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 11.19	$ 6.17	$ 7.21	$ 6.65	$ 6.67	$ 9.54	$ 7.43	$ 4.88	$ 31.23	$ 28.53	$ 27.82

Schedule I - Summary of Inves95

Schedule I - Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties (Details)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	$ 10,735,637,000
Fair Value
Balance Sheet Amount	10,817,846,000
Total fixed maturity bonds
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	10,211,534,000
Fair Value	10,475,235,000
Balance Sheet Amount	10,288,155,000
Corporate
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	3,793,000
Fair Value	7,155,000
Balance Sheet Amount	7,155,000
Equity securities
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	12,890,000
Fair Value	18,478,000
Balance Sheet Amount	18,478,000
Public utilities
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	753,000
Fair Value	1,320,000
Balance Sheet Amount	1,320,000
Banks, trust and insurance companies
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	1,911,000
Fair Value	3,400,000
Balance Sheet Amount	3,400,000
Preferred stocks
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	6,433,000
Fair Value	6,603,000
Balance Sheet Amount	6,603,000
Derivatives, index options
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	194,731,000
Balance Sheet Amount	194,731,000
Mortgage loans
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	208,249,000
Balance Sheet Amount	208,249,000
Policy loans
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	56,405,000
Balance Sheet Amount	56,405,000
Other long-term investments
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	51,828,000
Balance Sheet Amount	51,828,000
Real estate acquired through foreclosure	0
Securities held to maturity:
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	7,247,024,000
Fair Value	7,434,104,000
Balance Sheet Amount	7,247,024,000
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	1,337,000
Fair Value	1,514,000
Balance Sheet Amount	1,337,000
Securities held to maturity: | States, municipalities, and political subdivisions
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	467,437,000
Fair Value	489,244,000
Balance Sheet Amount	467,437,000
Securities held to maturity: | Public utilities
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	1,062,545,000
Fair Value	1,092,178,000
Balance Sheet Amount	1,062,545,000
Securities held to maturity: | Corporate
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	4,430,099,000
Fair Value	4,544,201,000
Balance Sheet Amount	4,430,099,000
Securities held to maturity: | Residential mortgage-backed
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	1,280,307,000
Fair Value	1,301,536,000
Balance Sheet Amount	1,280,307,000
Securities held to maturity: | Asset-backed
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	5,299,000
Fair Value	5,431,000
Balance Sheet Amount	5,299,000
Securities available for sale:
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	2,964,510,000
Fair Value	3,041,131,000
Balance Sheet Amount	3,041,131,000
Securities available for sale: | States, municipalities, and political subdivisions
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	575,000
Fair Value	546,000
Balance Sheet Amount	546,000
Securities available for sale: | Foreign governments
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	9,964,000
Fair Value	10,290,000
Balance Sheet Amount	10,290,000
Securities available for sale: | Public utilities
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	83,466,000
Fair Value	87,106,000
Balance Sheet Amount	87,106,000
Securities available for sale: | Corporate
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	2,842,381,000
Fair Value	2,913,374,000
Balance Sheet Amount	2,913,374,000
Securities available for sale: | Residential mortgage-backed
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	20,246,000
Fair Value	21,570,000
Balance Sheet Amount	21,570,000
Securities available for sale: | Asset-backed
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	7,878,000
Fair Value	8,245,000
Balance Sheet Amount	$ 8,245,000

Schedule II - Condensed Finan96

Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 217,624	$ 51,247	$ 106,007	$ 277,078
Other assets	137,725	134,731
Total assets	12,225,094	11,894,981	11,612,576
LIABILITIES:
Deferred Federal income tax liability	25,408	64,990
Other liabilities	138,318	104,888
Total liabilities	10,392,920	10,173,153
Stockholders' Equity:
Additional paid-in capital	41,716	41,716
Accumulated other comprehensive income	14,281	10,552
Retained earnings	1,776,141	1,669,524
Total stockholders' equity	1,832,174	1,721,828	1,611,986
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	12,225,094	11,894,981
The Company
ASSETS
Investment in subsidiaries	1,830,893	1,723,570
Cash and cash equivalents	1,303	1,270	$ 1,501	$ 0
Federal income tax receivable	3,019	1,176
Deferred Federal income tax asset	51	399
Other assets	383	413
Total assets	1,835,649	1,726,828
LIABILITIES:
Due to subsidiaries	0	608
Deferred Federal income tax liability	0	0
Other liabilities	3,475	4,392
Total liabilities	3,475	5,000
Stockholders' Equity:
Additional paid-in capital	41,716	41,716
Accumulated other comprehensive income	14,281	10,552
Retained earnings	1,776,141	1,669,524
Total stockholders' equity	1,832,174	1,721,828
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	1,835,649	1,726,828
Common Class A
Stockholders' Equity:
Common Stock:	34	34
Common Class A | The Company
Stockholders' Equity:
Common Stock:	34	34
Common Class B
Stockholders' Equity:
Common Stock:	2	2
Common Class B | The Company
Stockholders' Equity:
Common Stock:	$ 2	$ 2

Schedule II - Condensed Finan97

Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Balance Sheet - Nonprinting) (Details) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Oct. 01, 2015
Common Class A
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Common stock, par value (usd per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 1
Common Stock, shares authorized (in shares)	7,500,000	7,500,000
Common Stock, shares issued (in shares)	3,436,166	3,436,166
Common Stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	3,436,166	3,436,166
Common Class B
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Common stock, par value (usd per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common Stock, shares authorized (in shares)	200,000	200,000
Common Stock, shares issued (in shares)	200,000	200,000
Common Stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	200,000	200,000

Schedule II - Condensed Finan98

Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant Income Statement (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Revenues:
Dividend income from subsidiaries									$ 660,955	$ 468,766	$ 380,231
Total revenues	$ 247,815	$ 203,990	$ 198,226	$ 224,417	$ 184,485	$ 181,847	$ 167,094	$ 148,942	874,448	682,368	589,796
Expenses:
Other operating expenses									107,002	94,448	78,442
Total expenses									729,893	529,506	443,128
Earnings before Federal income taxes									144,555	152,862	146,668
Federal income taxes/(benefit)									34,134	51,970	48,272
Net earnings	$ 39,587	$ 21,813	$ 25,483	$ 23,538	$ 23,612	$ 33,736	$ 26,286	$ 17,259	110,421	100,892	98,396
The Company
Revenues:
Dividend income from subsidiaries									7,000	3,000	19,054
Total revenues									7,000	3,000	19,054
Expenses:
Other operating expenses									4,199	4,493	2,779
Total expenses									4,199	4,493	2,779
Earnings before Federal income taxes									2,801	(1,493)	16,275
Federal income taxes/(benefit)									(1,495)	(1,539)	(37)
Earnings before equity/(loss) in earnings of affiliates									4,296	46	16,312
Equity/(loss) in earnings of affiliates									106,125	100,846	11,407
Net earnings									$ 110,421	$ 100,892	$ 27,719

Schedule II - Condensed Finan99

Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant Cash Flow (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings	$ 39,587	$ 21,813	$ 25,483	$ 23,538	$ 23,612	$ 33,736	$ 26,286	$ 17,259	$ 110,421	$ 100,892	$ 98,396
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings/(loss) to cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization									10,005	8,057	2,987
Change in:
Federal income tax, net									1,912	13,301	(15,848)
Increase (decrease) in deferred Federal income tax									(40,227)	10,152	40,017
Other, net									27,456	7,925	(2,798)
Net cash provided by operating activities									276,130	309,143	346,224
Cash flows from financing activities:
Dividends on common stock									(1,273)	(1,273)	(1,273)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities									(164,535)	(54,087)	6,898
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents									166,377	(54,760)	(171,071)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year				51,247				106,007	51,247	106,007	277,078
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	217,624				51,247				217,624	51,247	106,007
The Company
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings									110,421	100,892	27,719
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings/(loss) to cash provided by operating activities:
Equity in earnings/(loss) of affiliates									(106,125)	(100,846)	(11,407)
Dividend from subsidiaries for non-cash assets									0	0	(15,554)
Depreciation and amortization									30	30	7
Change in:
Federal income tax, net									(1,843)	(1,008)	(168)
Increase (decrease) in deferred Federal income tax									348	(530)	131
Due to subsidiaries, net									(608)	608	0
Other, net									(917)	1,896	2,046
Net cash provided by operating activities									1,306	1,042	2,774
Cash flows from financing activities:
Dividends on common stock									(1,273)	(1,273)	(1,273)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities									(1,273)	(1,273)	(1,273)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents									33	(231)	1,501
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year				$ 1,270				$ 1,501	1,270	1,501	0
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$ 1,303				$ 1,270				$ 1,303	$ 1,270	$ 1,501

Schedule II - Condensed Fina100

Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Notes) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Dividends			$ 15.5
Cash Dividends Paid to Parent Company	$ 7	$ 3	$ 3.5

Schedule V - Valuation and Q101

Schedule V - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
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	611	1,629	1,629
Charged to cost and expense	0	0	0
Reduction	0	(1,018)	0
Transfers	0	0	0
Balance at end of period	$ 611	$ 611	$ 1,629