National Western Life Group Inc - Ordinary Shares (NWLI) 10-Q 10 May 21 2021 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Cover Page

Cover Page - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	May 07, 2021
Entity Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2021
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	000-55522
Entity Registrant Name	NATIONAL WESTERN LIFE GROUP, INC.
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	47-3339380
Entity Address, Address Line One	10801 N. Mopac Expy Bldg 3
Entity Address, City or Town	Austin,
Entity Address, State or Province	TX
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	78759
City Area Code	(512)
Local Phone Number	836-1010
Title of 12(b) Security	Class A Common Stock, $0.01 par value
Trading Symbol	NWLI
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Central Index Key	0001635984
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2021
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	false
Class A
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		3,436,020
Class B
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		200,000

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Investments:
Debt securities available-for-sale, at fair value (cost: $9,447,267 and $9,874,543)	$ 10,014,351	$ 10,770,923
Debt securities trading, at fair value (cost: $668,285 and $0)	654,333	0
Mortgage loans, net of allowance for credit losses ($3,033 and $2,486)	377,495	332,521
Policy loans	72,832	74,083
Derivatives, index options	137,130	132,821
Equity securities, at fair value (cost: $12,052 and $12,069)	19,120	17,744
Other long-term investments	115,830	104,113
Total investments	11,391,091	11,432,205
Cash and cash equivalents	435,644	581,059
Deferred policy acquisition costs	497,678	382,080
Deferred sales inducements	63,149	43,845
Value of business acquired	160,417	162,968
Cost of reinsurance	98,972	102,840
Accrued investment income	90,171	88,323
Federal income tax receivable	0	10,408
Amounts recoverable from reinsurer	1,695,698	1,709,232
Other assets	169,626	135,310
Total assets	14,602,446	14,648,270
Future policy benefits:
Universal life and annuity contracts (Note 1)	9,029,904	9,035,316
Traditional life reserves	899,471	898,103
Other policyholder liabilities	148,261	138,480
Funds withheld liability	1,636,959	1,697,591
Deferred Federal income tax liability (Note 1)	107,116	145,126
Federal income tax payable	3,417	0
Other liabilities	326,823	193,904
Total liabilities	12,151,951	12,108,520
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 8)
Common stock:
Additional paid-in capital	41,716	41,716
Accumulated other comprehensive income	244,037	395,421
Retained earnings (Note 1)	2,164,706	2,102,577
Total stockholders’ equity	2,450,495	2,539,750
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	14,602,446	14,648,270
Class A
Common stock:
Common stock, value outstanding	34	34
Class B
Common stock:
Common stock, value outstanding	$ 2	$ 2

Condensed Consolidated Balanc_2

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Debt securities available for sale, amortized cost	$ 9,447,267	$ 9,874,543
Debt Securities, trading, amortized cost	668,285	0
Mortgage loans - allowance for possible losses	3,033	2,486
Equity securities - cost	$ 12,052	$ 12,069
Class A
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	7,500,000	7,500,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	3,436,020	3,436,020
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	3,436,020	3,436,020
Class B
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Common stock, par value (in dollars 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

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Premiums and other revenues:
Universal life and annuity contract charges	$ 34,889	$ 35,306
Traditional life premiums	22,584	23,522
Net investment income (loss)	166,075	(13,478)
Other revenues	5,414	3,653
Net realized investment gains (losses):
Total other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) gains (losses)	0	2
Portion of OTTI (gains) losses recognized in other comprehensive income	0	(2)
Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings	0	0
Other net investment gains (losses)	1,416	3,485
Total net realized investment gains (losses)	1,416	3,485
Total revenues	230,378	52,488
Benefits and expenses:
Life and other policy benefits	37,889	33,634
Amortization of deferred transaction costs	29,989	30,037
Universal life and annuity contract interest	52,845	(28,026)
Other operating expenses	31,335	19,822
Total benefits and expenses	152,058	55,467
Earnings (loss) before Federal income taxes	78,320	(2,979)
Federal income taxes	16,191	(917)
Net earnings (loss)	62,129	(2,062)
Class A
Benefits and expenses:
Net earnings (loss)	$ 60,372	$ (2,004)
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
Basic earnings (loss) per share (in dollars per share)	$ 17.57	$ (0.58)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
Diluted earnings (loss) per share (in dollars per share)	$ 17.57	$ (0.58)
Class B
Benefits and expenses:
Net earnings (loss)	$ 1,757	$ (58)
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
Basic earnings (loss) per share (in dollars per share)	$ 8.79	$ (0.29)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
Diluted earnings (loss) per share (in dollars per share)	$ 8.79	$ (0.29)

Condensed Consolidated Statem_2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings (loss)	$ 62,129	$ (2,062)
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities:
Net unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period	(152,195)	(78,153)
Net unrealized liquidity gains (losses)	0	1
Reclassification adjustment for net amounts included in net earnings	(1,119)	(601)
Net unrealized gains (losses) on securities	(153,314)	(78,753)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(5)	(39)
Benefit plans:
Amortization of net prior service cost and net gain (loss)	1,935	(2,066)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(151,384)	(80,858)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ (89,255)	$ (82,920)

Condensed Consolidated Statem_3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common stock:	Additional paid-in capital:	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):	Unrealized gains (losses) on non-impaired securities:	Unrealized losses on impaired held-to-maturity securities:	Unrealized losses on impaired held-to-maturity securities:Provision January 1, 2020 for adoption of new accounting guidance	Unrealized losses on impaired available-for-sale securities:	Foreign currency translation adjustments:	Benefit plan liability adjustment:	Retained earnings:	Retained earnings:Provision January 1, 2020 for adoption of new accounting guidance
Total stockholders’ equity, beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2019		$ 36	$ 41,716		$ 70,665	$ (4)	$ 0	$ (2)	$ 5,101	$ (15,652)	$ 2,014,570	$ (3,032)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Shares exercised under stock option plan		0	0
Change in unrealized gains (losses) during period, net of tax	$ (78,153)				(78,754)
Amortization						2
Other-than-temporary impairments, non-credit, net of tax						0
Additional credit loss on previously impaired securities						0
Other-than-temporary impairments, non-credit, net of tax								0
Change in shadow deferred policy acquisition costs						(1)		0
Recoveries, net of tax								0
Change in translation adjustments during period									(39)
Amortization of net prior service cost and net gain (loss)	(2,066)									(2,066)
Net earnings (loss)	(2,062)										(2,062)
Total stockholders’ equity, end of period at Mar. 31, 2020	2,030,478	36	41,716	$ (20,750)	(8,089)	(3)		(2)	5,062	(17,718)	2,009,476
Total stockholders’ equity, beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2020	2,539,750	36	41,716		418,741	0	$ 0	0	5,116	(28,436)	2,102,577
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Shares exercised under stock option plan		0	0
Change in unrealized gains (losses) during period, net of tax	(152,195)				(153,314)
Amortization						0
Other-than-temporary impairments, non-credit, net of tax						0
Additional credit loss on previously impaired securities						0
Other-than-temporary impairments, non-credit, net of tax								0
Change in shadow deferred policy acquisition costs						0		0
Recoveries, net of tax								0
Change in translation adjustments during period									(5)
Amortization of net prior service cost and net gain (loss)	1,935									1,935
Net earnings (loss)	62,129										62,129
Total stockholders’ equity, end of period at Mar. 31, 2021	$ 2,450,495	$ 36	$ 41,716	$ 244,037	$ 265,427	$ 0		$ 0	$ 5,111	$ (26,501)	$ 2,164,706

Condensed Consolidated Statem_4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings (loss)	$ 62,129	$ (2,062)
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash from operating activities:
Universal life and annuity contract interest	52,845	(28,026)
Surrender charges and other policy revenues	(6,134)	(7,450)
Realized (gains) losses on investments	(1,416)	(3,485)
Accretion/amortization of discounts and premiums, investments	464	850
Depreciation and amortization	3,159	2,993
Increase (decrease) in estimated credit losses on investments	547	3,411
(Increase) decrease in value of debt securities trading	13,952	0
(Increase) decrease in value of equity securities	(1,627)	5,816
(Increase) decrease in value of derivative options	(28,023)	106,629
(Increase) decrease in deferred policy acquisition and sales inducement costs, and value of business acquired	2,876	16,681
(Increase) decrease in accrued investment income	(1,848)	(2,482)
(Increase) decrease in reinsurance recoverable	13,534	9,389
(Increase) decrease in cost of reinsurance	3,868	0
(Increase) decrease in other assets	184	(98)
Increase (decrease) in liabilities for future policy benefits	17,765	6,357
Increase (decrease) in other policyholder liabilities	9,781	6,972
Increase (decrease) in Federal income tax liability	13,825	(17,030)
Increase (decrease) in deferred Federal income tax	2,231	15,971
Increase (decrease) in funds withheld liability	(60,632)	0
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities	(41,590)	(8,775)
Net cash provided by operating activities	55,890	105,661
Proceeds from sales of:
Debt securities available-for-sale	571,117	0
Other investments	10,608	2,285
Proceeds from maturities, redemptions, and prepayments of:
Debt securities held-to-maturity	0	187,973
Debt securities available-for-sale	384,835	93,326
Debt securities trading	1,309	0
Other investments	4,557	7,280
Derivatives, index options	34,968	52,973
Purchases of:
Debt securities held-to-maturity	0	(75,836)
Debt securities available-for-sale	(408,534)	(92,963)
Debt securities trading	(605,828)	0
Equity securities	(10,356)	(488)
Derivatives, index options	(11,511)	(22,403)
Other investments	(17,208)	(11,446)
Property, equipment, and other productive assets	(2,603)	(58)
Principal payments on mortgage loans	4,015	2,149
Cost of mortgage loans acquired	(49,510)	(6,996)
Decrease (increase) in policy loans	1,251	1,972
Other (increases) decreases to funds withheld	(39,790)	0
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(132,680)	137,768
Cash flows from financing activities:
Deposits to account balances for universal life and annuity contracts	169,294	117,682
Return of account balances on universal life and annuity contracts	(237,814)	(262,371)
Principal payments under finance lease obligation	(99)	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(68,619)	(144,689)
Effect of foreign exchange	(6)	(50)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	(145,415)	98,690
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period	581,059	253,525
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period	435,644	352,215
Cash paid (received) during the period for:
Interest	19	19
Income taxes	5	1
Noncash operating activities:
Net deferral and amortization of sales inducements	$ 2,257	$ (3,360)

Consolidation and Basis of Pres

Consolidation and Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
CONSOLIDATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION	CONSOLIDATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for annual financial statements. In the opinion of management, the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position of National Western Life Group, Inc. ("NWLGI") and its wholly owned subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) as of March 31, 2021, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020. Such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. Certain reclasses of prior year balances have been made for comparison. In addition, certain segment information disclosed in Note 6 has been revised. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2021 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. It is recommended that these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 which is accessible free of charge through the Company's internet site at www.nwlgi.com or the Securities and Exchange Commission internet site at www.sec.gov . The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2020 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements as of that date. The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of NWLGI and its wholly owned subsidiaries: National Western Life Insurance Company ("NWLIC" or "National Western"), Regent Care San Marcos Holdings, LLC, NWL Services, Inc., and N.I.S. Financial Services, Inc. ("NIS"). National Western's wholly owned subsidiaries include The Westcap Corporation, NWL Financial, Inc., NWLSM, Inc., Braker P III, LLC, and Ozark National Life Insurance Company ("Ozark National"). All significant intercorporate transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation. The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include: (1) liabilities for future policy benefits, (2) valuation of derivative instruments, (3) recoverability and amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs ("DPAC"), deferred sales inducements ("DSI"), the value of business acquired ("VOBA"), and the cost of reinsurance ("COR"), (4) valuation allowances for deferred tax assets, (5) goodwill, (6) allowances for credit losses on debt securities and mortgage loans, and (7) commitments and contingencies. As a result of executing a funds withheld coinsurance agreement at December 31, 2020, in the quarter ended March 31, 2021, the Company implemented accounting policies related to trading debt securities and the embedded derivative on reinsurance in its financial statements. Trading securities represent debt securities that are included in the fund assets withheld as part of the funds withheld coinsurance agreements to support the policyholder liability obligations ceded to the reinsurer. Trading debt securities are reported in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements at their fair values with changes in their fair values reflected as a component of Net investment income (loss) in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss). Since these trading debt securities pertain to investment activities related to coinsurance agreements rather than as an income strategy based on active trading, they are classified as investing activities in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Under the terms of the coinsurance funds withheld agreement, while the assets are withheld the associated interest and credit risk of these assets are transferred to the reinsurer creating an embedded derivative on reinsurance in the funds withheld liability. Accordingly, the Company is required to bifurcate the embedded derivative from the host contract in accordance with ASC 815-15. The bifurcated embedded derivative on reinsurance is computed as the fair value unrealized gain (loss) on the underlying funds withheld assets. This amount is included as a component of the funds withheld liability balance reported on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, with changes in the embedded derivative on reinsurance reported in Net investment income (loss) in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings. The embedded derivative on reinsurance is classified as a Level 2 financial instrument in the fair value hierarchy because its valuation input is the fair value market adjustments on the underlying Level 2 debt securities. See Note (10) Fair Values of Financial Instruments for further details of fair value disclosures. In the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, changes in the funds withheld liability are reported as operating activities. Realized gains on funds withheld assets are transferred to the reinsurer and reported as investing activities in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The table below shows the net unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities that were reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020. Affected Line Item in the Amount Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 2020 (In thousands) Other net investment gains (losses) $ 1,416 761 Earnings before Federal income taxes 1,416 761 Federal income taxes 297 160 Net earnings $ 1,119 601

New Accounting Pronouncements

New Accounting Pronouncements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS	NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS Recent accounting pronouncements not yet adopted In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-12 Financial Services-Insurance (Topic 944) - Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Long-Duration Contracts . This update is aimed at improving the Codification as it relates to long-duration contracts which will improve the timeliness of recognizing changes in the liability for future policy benefits, simplify accounting for certain market-based options, simplify the amortization of deferred acquisition costs, and improve the effectiveness of required disclosures. Amendments include the following: A. Require insurance entity to (1) review and update assumptions used to measure cash flows at least annually (with changes recognized in net income) and (2) update discount rate assumption at each reporting date (with changes recognized in other comprehensive income). B. Require insurance entity to measure all market risk benefits associated with deposit (i.e. account balance) contracts at fair value, with change in fair value attributable to change in instrument-specific credit risk recognized in other comprehensive income. C. Simplify amortization of deferred acquisition costs and other balances amortized in proportion to premiums, gross profits, or gross margins and require those balances be amortized on constant level basis over expected term of related contract. Deferred acquisition costs are required to be written off for unexpected contract terminations but are not subject to impairment test. D. Require insurance entity to add disclosures of disaggregated rollforwards of beginning to ending balances of the liability for future policy benefits, policyholder account balances, market risk benefits, separate account liabilities, and deferred acquisition costs. Insurance entity must also disclose information about significant inputs, judgments, assumptions, and methods used in measurement, including changes in those inputs, judgments, and assumptions, and the effect of those changes on measurement. These updates are required to be applied retrospectively to the earliest period presented in the financial statements for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2022, with early adoption permitted. The Company has performed a preliminary gap analysis and created a roadmap for implementation of this standard by the effective date and is evaluating the impact of the new guidance on its Consolidated Financial Statements. Accounting pronouncements adopted In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12 Income Taxes - Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes (Topic 740) , which simplifies various aspects of the income tax accounting guidance and will be applied using different approaches depending on the specific amendment. The amendments are effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2020. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material effect on the results of operations or financial position of the Company. 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 ("CECL"). The objective of the CECL model is for the reporting entity to recognize its estimate of current 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. In April 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-04, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses, Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and Topic 825, Financial Instruments. The amendments in this Update add clarification and correction to ASU 2016-13 around expected recoveries for purchased financial assets with credit deterioration, transition relief for troubled debt restructurings, disclosures related to accrued interest receivables, and financial assets secured by collateral maintenance provisions. The guidance for these pronouncements was 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 earnings. Effective January 1, 2020, the Company adopted the expected loss recognition model related to mortgage loans, debt securities held to maturity, and reinsurance recoverable using a modified retrospective approach. The change in accounting, net of tax, of $3.0 million was recorded as a charge to retained earnings in the first quarter of 2020 reflecting initial allowance for estimated credit losses balances of $1.2 million on mortgage loans and $3.3 million on debt securities held to maturity. The estimated credit losses for reinsurance recoverable were immaterial to the financial statements, but are monitored on a quarterly basis for any changes. Refer to Note (9) Investments for more information. Certain disclosures required by ASU 2016-13 are not included in the Consolidated Financial Statements as the impact of this standard was not material. Other recent accounting pronouncements issued by the FASB (including its Emerging Issues Task Force), the AICPA, and the SEC did not, or are not believed by management to, have a material impact on the Company’s present or future Consolidated Financial Statements.

Stockholders' Equity

Stockholders' Equity	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Equity [Abstract]
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Robert L. Moody, Sr., through the Robert L. Moody Revocable Trust, controls 99.0% of the total outstanding shares of the Company's Class B common stock as of March 31, 2021. 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. In the event of liquidation of the Company, the Class A stockholders will 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 stock based upon the number of shares held. As the sole owner of National Western, all dividends declared by National Western are payable entirely to NWLGI and are eliminated in consolidation. 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 National Western as of the previous year-end. Under these guidelines the maximum dividend payment which may be made without prior approval in 2021 is $10.0 million. Ozark National is similarly restricted under the state insurance laws of Missouri as to dividend amounts which may be paid to stockholders without prior approval to the greater of 10.0% of the statutory surplus of the company from the preceding year-end or the company's net gain from operations, excluding capital gains, from the prior calendar year. Based upon this restriction, the maximum dividend payment which may be made in 2021 without prior approval is $20.0 million. All dividends declared by Ozark National are payable entirely to NWLIC as the sole owner and are eliminated in consolidation.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
EARNINGS PER SHARE	EARNINGS PER SHAREBasic earnings (loss) per share of common stock are computed by dividing net earnings 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. The Company currently has no share-based compensation awards outstanding that could be redeemed for shares of common stock. Net earnings (loss) for the periods shown below are allocated between Class A shares and Class B shares based upon (1) the proportionate number of shares issued and outstanding as of the end of the period, and (2) the per share dividend rights of the two classes under the Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the Class B dividend per share is equal to one-half the Class A dividend per share). Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 2020 Class A Class B Class A Class B (In thousands except per share amounts) Numerator for Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share: Net earnings (loss) $ 62,129 (2,062) Dividends - Class A shares — — Dividends - Class B shares — — Undistributed earnings (loss) $ 62,129 (2,062) Allocation of net earnings (loss): Dividends $ — — — — Allocation of undistributed earnings (loss) 60,372 1,757 (2,004) (58) Net earnings (loss) $ 60,372 1,757 (2,004) (58) Denominator: Basic earnings (loss) per share - weighted-average shares 3,436 200 3,436 200 Effect of dilutive stock options — — — — Diluted earnings (loss) per share - adjusted weighted-average shares for assumed conversions 3,436 200 3,436 200 Basic earnings (loss) per share $ 17.57 8.79 (0.58) (0.29) Diluted earnings (loss) per share $ 17.57 8.79 (0.58) (0.29)

Pension and Other Postretiremen

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
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 comply 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 a 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 the prior December 31 for each year. The following table summarizes the components of net periodic benefit cost. Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 2020 (In thousands) Service cost $ 30 27 Interest cost 132 168 Expected return on plan assets (356) (315) Amortization of net loss 134 145 Net periodic benefit cost $ (60) 25 The service cost shown above for each period 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. The Company's minimum required contribution for the 2021 plan year is $0.0 million. There was $0.7 million in planned contributions remaining for the 2020 plan year as of March 31, 2021. As of March 31, 2021, the Company has made $0.2 million in contributions to the plan for the 2020 plan year and $0.0 million in contributions to the plan for the 2021 plan year. The components of net periodic benefit cost including service cost are reported in the line item “Other operating expenses” in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss). 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 Group, Inc. ("American National"), a related party. American National has guaranteed the payment of pension obligations under the plan. However, the Company has a contingent liability with respect to the plan should these entities be unable to meet their obligations under the existing agreements. Also, the Company has a contingent liability with respect to the plan in the event that a plan participant continues employment with National Western beyond age seventy, the aggregate average annual participant salary increases exceed 10% per year, or any additional employees become eligible to participate in the plan. If any of these conditions are met, the Company would be responsible for any additional pension obligations resulting from these items. Amendments were made to the plan to allow an additional employee to participate and to change the benefit formula for the then Chairman of the Company. As previously mentioned, these additional obligations are a liability to the Company. Effective December 31, 2004, this plan was frozen with respect to the continued accrual of benefits of the then Chairman and the then President of the Company in order to comply with law changes under the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 ("Act"). Effective July 1, 2005, National Western established a second 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. The following table summarizes the components of net periodic benefit costs for the non-qualified defined benefit plans. Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 2020 (In thousands) Service cost $ 309 302 Interest cost 261 338 Amortization of prior service cost 15 15 Amortization of net loss 1,282 1,445 Net periodic benefit cost $ 1,867 2,100 As the plans are not funded, there is no expected return on plan assets shown in the net periodic benefit cost table above. The Company expects to contribute $2.0 million to these plans in 2021. As of March 31, 2021, the Company has contributed $0.4 million to the plans. The components of net periodic benefit cost including service cost are reported in the line item “Other operating expenses” in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss). Ozark National and NIS have no defined benefit plans. (B) Postretirement Employment Plans Other Than Pension National Western sponsors two healthcare plans that were amended in 2004 to provide postretirement benefits to certain fully-vested individuals. The plans are unfunded. The following table summarizes the components of net periodic benefit costs. Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 2020 (In thousands) Interest cost $ 37 41 Amortization of net loss 73 40 Net periodic benefit cost $ 110 81 As the plans are not funded, there is no expected return on plan assets shown in the net periodic benefit cost table above. The Company expects to contribute minimal amounts to the plans in 2021. Ozark National and NIS do not offer postemployment benefits. The components of net periodic benefit cost including service cost are reported in the line item “Other operating expenses” in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss).

Segment and Other Operating Inf

Segment and Other Operating Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
SEGMENT AND OTHER OPERATING INFORMATION	SEGMENT AND OTHER OPERATING INFORMATION The Company defines its reportable operating segments as domestic life insurance, international life insurance, annuities, and ONL and Affiliates (previously referred to as "Acquired Businesses"). These segments are organized based on product types, geographic marketing areas, and business groupings. Ozark National and NIS have been combined into a separate segment given its inter-related marketing and sales approach which consists of a coordinated sale of a non-participating whole life insurance product (Ozark National) and a mutual fund investment product (NIS). A fifth category "All Others" primarily includes investments and earnings of non-operating subsidiaries as well as other remaining investments and assets not otherwise supporting specific segment operations. A summary of segment information as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 for the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet items and for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020 for the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss) is provided below. Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Items: March 31, 2021 Domestic International Annuities ONL & Affiliates All Totals (In thousands) Deferred transaction costs $ 118,116 152,639 380,497 168,964 — 820,216 Total segment assets 1,669,647 1,056,287 9,742,904 1,085,932 374,454 13,929,224 Future policy benefits 1,388,377 793,066 6,977,712 770,220 — 9,929,375 Other policyholder liabilities 18,315 11,297 103,317 15,332 — 148,261 Funds withheld liability — — 1,636,959 — — 1,636,959 December 31, 2020 Domestic International Annuities ONL & Affiliates All Totals (In thousands) Deferred transaction costs $ 94,100 124,480 302,397 170,756 — 691,733 Total segment assets 3,242,794 1,034,280 7,976,588 1,117,509 382,149 13,753,320 Future policy benefits 1,337,174 798,952 7,028,860 768,433 — 9,933,419 Other policyholder liabilities 16,378 11,086 94,049 16,967 — 138,480 Funds withheld liability — — 1,697,591 — — 1,697,591 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss): Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 Domestic International Annuities ONL & Affiliates All Totals (In thousands) Premiums and contract revenues $ 13,898 20,180 3,930 19,465 — 57,473 Net investment income (loss) 23,843 12,116 119,724 6,574 3,818 166,075 Other revenues 21 28 1,374 2,926 1,065 5,414 Total revenues 37,762 32,324 125,028 28,965 4,883 228,962 Life and other policy benefits 6,110 4,375 10,001 17,403 — 37,889 Amortization of deferred transaction costs 5,460 5,392 16,447 2,690 — 29,989 Universal life and annuity contract interest 21,621 10,799 20,425 — — 52,845 Other operating expenses 7,447 4,774 12,930 4,746 1,438 31,335 Federal income taxes (benefit) (594) 1,443 13,476 857 712 15,894 Total expenses 40,044 26,783 73,279 25,696 2,150 167,952 Segment earnings (loss) $ (2,282) 5,541 51,749 3,269 2,733 61,010 Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 Domestic International Annuities ONL & Affiliates All Totals (In thousands) Premiums and contract revenues $ 11,228 22,867 4,650 20,083 — 58,828 Net investment income (19,383) (9,000) 10,632 6,301 (2,028) (13,478) Other revenues 29 54 4 2,422 1,144 3,653 Total revenues (8,126) 13,921 15,286 28,806 (884) 49,003 Life and other policy benefits 5,877 3,331 8,189 16,237 — 33,634 Amortization of deferred transaction costs 2,573 6,052 19,021 2,391 — 30,037 Universal life and annuity contract interest (21,693) (10,837) 4,504 — — (28,026) Other operating expenses 4,295 3,096 6,867 4,069 1,495 19,822 Federal income taxes (benefit) 188 2,804 (5,319) 1,222 (544) (1,649) Total expenses (8,760) 4,446 33,262 23,919 951 53,818 Segment earnings (loss) $ 634 9,475 (17,976) 4,887 (1,835) (4,815) Reconciliations of segment information to the Company's Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are provided below. Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 2020 (In thousands) Premiums and Other Revenues : Premiums and contract revenues $ 57,473 58,828 Net investment income (loss) 166,075 (13,478) Other revenues 5,414 3,653 Realized gains (losses) on investments 1,416 3,485 Total condensed consolidated premiums and other revenues $ 230,378 52,488 Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 2020 (In thousands) Federal Income Taxes : Total segment Federal income taxes $ 15,894 (1,649) Taxes on realized gains (losses) on investments 297 732 Total condensed consolidated Federal income taxes $ 16,191 (917) Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 2020 (In thousands) Net Earnings (Loss) : Total segment earnings (loss) $ 61,010 (4,815) Realized gains (losses) on investments, net of taxes 1,119 2,753 Total condensed consolidated net earnings (loss) $ 62,129 (2,062) March 31, December 31, 2021 2020 (In thousands) Assets : Total segment assets $ 13,929,224 13,753,320 Other unallocated assets 673,222 894,950 Total condensed consolidated assets $ 14,602,446 14,648,270

Share-Based Payments

Share-Based Payments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS	SHARE-BASED PAYMENTSEffective June 20, 2008, the Company's shareholders approved a 2008 Incentive Plan (“2008 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 ("SARs"), in tandem with stock options or freestanding; (3) restricted stock or restricted stock units; and, (4) performance awards. The number of shares of Class A, $1.00 par value, common stock which were allowed to be issued under the 2008 Plan, or as to which SARs or other awards were allowed to be granted, could not exceed 300,000. This plan was 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 an amended and restated 2008 Plan ("Incentive Plan"), which extended the term of the 2008 Plan for ten years from the date of stockholder approval. 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. At the end of 2018, all stock options granted under the 2008 Plan had been exercised, forfeited, or expired. SARs granted prior to 2016 vest 20% annually following three years of service following the grant date. Employee SARs granted 2016 and thereafter vest 33.3% annually following one year of service from the date of the grant. Directors' SARs grants vest 20% annually following one year of service from the date of grant. Effective during August 2008, the Company adopted and implemented a limited stock buy-back program with respect to the 2008 Plan which provided stock option holders the additional alternative of selling shares acquired through the exercise of options directly back to the Company. Option holders could 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 2008 Plan. This plan was assumed as well by NWLGI from National Western pursuant to the terms of the holding company reorganization. There are currently no stock options issued and outstanding. 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 common shares, often referred to as "phantom stock-based awards" in equity compensation plans. 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 3 years from the grant date. RSUs granted prior to 2019 are payable in cash at the vesting date equal to the closing price of the Company's Class A common share on the three years anniversary date. RSUs granted in 2019 and forward are payable in cash at the 3 years vesting date equal to the 20-day moving average 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 for which the PSUs are granted and runs three PSU awards covering the three year measurement period ended December 31, 2019 were paid out in the first quarter of 2020. The performance factor during the measurement period used to determine compensation payouts was 101.19% of the pre-defined metric target. PSU awards covering the three year measurement period ended December 31, 2020 were paid out in April 2021. The performance factor during the measurement period used to determine compensation payouts was 85.16% of the pre-defined metric target. Directors of the Company are eligible to receive RSUs under the Incentive Plan. Unlike RSUs granted to officers, the RSUs granted to directors vest one year from the date of grant. RSUs granted prior to 2019 are payable in cash at the vesting date equal to the closing price of the Company's Class A common share at that time. RSUs granted in 2019 and forward are payable in cash at the vesting date equal to the 20-day moving average closing price of the Company’s Class A common share at that time. No awards were granted to officers and directors during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020. The Company uses the current fair value method to measure compensation costs for awards granted under the share-based plans. As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the liability balance was $9.9 million and $6.2 million, respectively. A summary of awards by type and related activity is detailed below. Stock Options Outstanding Shares Shares Weighted- Stock Options: Balance at January 1, 2021 291,000 — $ — Exercised — — $ — Forfeited — — $ — Expired — — $ — Stock options granted — — $ — Balance at March 31, 2021 291,000 — $ — Liability Awards SAR RSU PSU Other Share/Unit Awards: Balance at January 1, 2021 144,248 16,449 24,282 Exercised (100) — (3,863) Forfeited — — — Granted — — — Balance at March 31, 2021 144,148 16,449 20,419 SARs, RSUs, and PSUs shown as forfeited in the above tables represent vested and unvested awards not exercised by plan participants upon their termination from the Company in accordance with the expiration provisions of the awards. The total intrinsic value of share-based compensation exercised was $0.7 million and $1.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The total share-based compensation paid was $0.7 million and $1.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The total fair value of SARs, RSUs, and PSUs vested during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 was $0.0 million and $1.8 million, respectively. No cash amounts were received from the exercise of stock options under the Plans during the periods reported. The following table summarizes information about SARs outstanding at March 31, 2021. There were no options outstanding as of March 31, 2021. SARs Outstanding Number Weighted- Number Exercise prices: $132.56 19,018 0.7 years 19,018 $210.22 23,450 2.7 years 23,450 $216.48 11,149 4.9 years 11,149 $311.16 9,531 5.9 years 9,531 $310.55 203 6.1 years 203 $334.34 9,018 6.7 years 9,018 $303.77 11,233 7.7 years 7,483 $252.91 19,556 8.7 years 6,509 $192.10 40,990 9.7 years — Totals 144,148 86,361 Aggregate intrinsic value (in thousands) $ 5,819 $ 3,486 The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above is based on the closing Class A stock price of $249.00 per share on March 31, 2021. The SARs shown above with exercise price of $132.56 have a remaining contractual life of less than one year. The holders for this grant have until the end of the contractual life of December 14, 2021 to exercise these holdings or otherwise forfeit the SAR grants held. In estimating the fair value of the SARs outstanding at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company employed the Black-Scholes option pricing model with assumptions detailed below. March 31, December 31, Expected term 0.7 to 9.7 years 1.0 to 9.9 years Expected volatility weighted-average 33.88 % 33.47 % Expected dividend yield 0.14 % 0.17 % Risk-free rate weighted-average 0.39 % 0.19 % The Company reviewed the contractual term relative to the 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 SARs by expected exercise date. The pre-tax compensation cost/(benefit) recognized in the financial statements related to these plans was $4.4 million and $(6.3) million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The related tax expense/(benefit) recognized was $(0.9) million and $1.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
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 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 challenged the directors’ oversight of insurance sales to non-U.S. residents and alleged 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 sought 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 were baseless and without merit, will continue to vigorously defend this lawsuit, and was awarded reimbursement of legal costs and expenses from plaintiff as detailed below. 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. On May 3, 2018, the Court issued a memorandum to all attorneys of record stating that the Court would grant the defendants' Pleas and asked the attorney for defendants to prepare and submit proposed orders/judgments granting the requested relief for consideration by the Court. The defendants filed such proposed order granting the Pleas on May 7, 2018. On May 16, 2018 the Court issued an Order granting the Pleas and dismissing Robert L. Moody, Jr.’s claims with prejudice, and plaintiff then filed a Motion to Transfer Venue (“MTTV”). Defendants filed an Application for Fees, seeking to recover defendants’ legal costs and expenses from plaintiff, and a Response to the MTTV on June 8, 2018. In response plaintiff filed a Motion to Vacate, a Response to the Application for Fees, and his own Request for Attorney’s Fees on July 5, 2018. Defendants filed a Response to the Motion to Vacate and to plaintiff’s Request for Attorney’s Fees on July 11, 2018, and the Court heard oral arguments on July 16, 2018. Plaintiff filed supplemental briefing in support of his July 5, 2018 filings on July 25, 2018, and defendants filed their response to plaintiff's supplemental briefing on July 27, 2018. On August 8, 2018 the Court issued an Order denying plaintiff's Motion to Vacate. Pursuant to the Court’s instructions, on October 5, 2018, defendants filed an Order Granting Application for Expenses. Defendants then filed a Motion for Entry of Final Judgment and a Request for Submission Date on Motion for Entry of Final Judgment on October 11, 2018, which the Court set as October 30, 2018. Plaintiff filed his Objection to Proposed Final Judgment and Objection to Proposed Order on Attorneys’ Fees on October 25, 2018, to which defendants filed a response on October 30, 2018. On November 11, 2018, the Court issued its Final Judgment: ordering Plaintiff to pay the companies $1,314,054 for reasonable and necessary fees and expenses, denying Plaintiff’s Motion to Transfer Venue, and dismissing Plaintiff’s counterclaim. Plaintiff appealed the Court’s Final Judgment to the First District Court of Appeals in Houston, TX. The court of appeals issued a panel decision on December 10, 2020 affirming the dismissal and award of attorneys’ fees and expenses to the companies. On January 22, 2021, Plaintiff filed a motion for rehearing en banc of the affirmance of the award of attorneys’ fees and expenses. That motion remains pending. In April of 2019, National Western defended a two-week jury trial in which it was alleged that it committed actionable Financial Elder Abuse in its issuance of a $100,000 equity indexed annuity to the Plaintiff in the case of Williams v Pantaleoni et al , Case No. 17CV03462, Butte County California Superior Court. The Court entered an Amended Judgment on the Jury Verdict on July 27, 2019 against National Western in the amount of $14,949 for economic damages and $2.9 million in non-economic and punitive damages. National Western vigorously disputes the verdicts and the amounts awarded, and in furtherance of such, filed a Motion for Judgment Notwithstanding Jury Verdict and a Motion for New Trial, both of which were rejected by the Court. On September 9, 2019, NWLIC filed its Notice of Appeal. On November 11, 2019, the judge awarded the Plaintiff attorney’s fees in the amount of $1.26 million. Both the Plaintiff and NWLIC have appealed this ruling. In the Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2020, the Company reported that it experienced a data event in which an intruder accessed and exfiltrated certain data from the Company's network. As a result of this event, the Company is aware of two proposed class actions filed against the Company, Mildred Baldwin, on behalf of herself and others similarly situated vs. National Western Life Insurance Company , Missouri Circuit Court for the 18th Judicial Circuit (Pettis County) filed February 16, 2021, and Douglas Dyrssen Sr., individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated vs. National Western Life Insurance Company and National Western Life Group, Inc. , United States District Court for the Eastern District of California filed March 8, 2021. The actions are seeking an undetermined amount of damages, attorneys' fees and costs, injunctive relief, declaratory and other equitable relief, and enjoinment. As the Company has been notified only recently of these lawsuits, it is in the process of analyzing the merits of these various allegations. At this time, no prediction can be made as to the likelihood or amount of any recovery against the Company. It is possible other actions may be filed against the Company due to the data event. 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 in March of 2015 upon NWLIC 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 has been cooperating with the relevant governmental authorities in regard to this matter. (B) Financial Instruments In order to meet the financing needs of its customers in the normal course of business, the Company is a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk. These financial instruments are commitments to extend credit which involve elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amounts recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company's exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit is represented by the contractual amounts, assuming that the amounts are fully advanced and that collateral or other security is of no value. Commitments to extend credit are legally binding agreements to lend to a customer that generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Commitments do not necessarily represent future liquidity requirements, as some could expire without being drawn upon. The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance sheet instruments. The Company controls the credit risk of these transactions through credit approvals, limits, and monitoring procedures. The Company had no commitments to fund new loans and no commitments to extend credit relating to existing loans at March 31, 2021. The Company evaluates each customer's creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The Company had commitments to make capital contributions to alternative investment funds of $210.1 million as of March 31, 2021.

Investments

Investments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
INVESTMENTS	INVESTMENTS (A) Investment Gains and Losses The Company uses the specific identification method in computing realized gains and losses. The table below presents realized gains and losses, excluding impairment losses, for the periods indicated. Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 2020 (In thousands) Available-for-sale debt securities: Realized gains on disposal $ 1,416 761 Realized losses on disposal — — Held-to-maturity debt securities: Realized gains on disposal — 2,724 Realized losses on disposal — — Real estate gains (losses) — — Other — — Totals $ 1,416 3,485 Disposals in the held-to-maturity category during the quarter ended March 31, 2020 represent calls initiated by the credit issuer of the debt security. At year-end 2020, the Company transferred all of its held-to-maturity debt securities to the available-for-sale category as the result of entering into a funds withheld reinsurance agreement effective December 31, 2020. The Company's policy was to initiate disposals of debt securities in the held-to-maturity category only in instances in which the credit status of the issuer came into question and the realization of all or a significant portion of the investment principal of the holding was deemed to be in jeopardy. For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 the percentage of total gains on bonds due to the call of securities was 100.0% and 99.6%, respectively. (B) Debt Securities The Company transferred all of its debt securities to the available-for-sale classification as of December 31, 2020. The table below presents amortized costs and fair values of debt securities available-for-sale at March 31, 2021. Debt Securities Available-for-Sale Amortized Gross Gross Fair Allowance for Credit Losses (In thousands) U.S. agencies $ 55,399 2,053 — 57,452 — U.S. Treasury 3,156 99 — 3,255 — States and political subdivisions 491,168 26,872 (2,733) 515,307 — Foreign governments 18,990 236 (583) 18,643 — Public utilities 799,468 52,905 (239) 852,134 — Corporate 6,999,640 472,691 (27,643) 7,444,688 — Commercial mortgage-backed 30,075 1,210 — 31,285 — Residential mortgage-backed 837,066 40,868 (161) 877,773 — Asset-backed 212,305 2,194 (685) 213,814 — Totals $ 9,447,267 599,128 (32,044) 10,014,351 — The table below presents amortized costs and fair values of debt securities available-for-sale at December 31, 2020. Debt Securities Available-for-Sale Amortized Gross Gross Fair Allowance for Credit Losses (In thousands) U.S. agencies $ 72,945 2,496 — 75,441 — U.S. Treasury 3,152 126 — 3,278 — States and political subdivisions 528,266 37,909 (86) 566,089 — Foreign governments 11,115 334 — 11,449 — Public utilities 831,990 77,920 — 909,910 — Corporate 7,376,104 727,470 (4,601) 8,098,973 — Commercial mortgage-backed 30,108 1,363 — 31,471 — Residential mortgage-backed 902,974 50,970 (156) 953,788 — Asset-backed 117,889 2,635 — 120,524 — Totals $ 9,874,543 901,223 (4,843) 10,770,923 — Unrealized losses for debt securities available-for-sale increased at March 31, 2021 from comparable balances at December 31, 2020 primarily due to increases in interest rate levels during the period. Debt securities balances at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 include Ozark National holdings of $790.3 million and $811.6 million in available-for-sale. As part of the acquisition effective January 31, 2019 the Company employed purchase accounting procedures in accordance with GAAP which revalued the acquired investment portfolio to their fair values as of the date of the acquisition. These fair values became the book values for Ozark National from that point going forward. Accordingly, unrealized gains and losses for the Ozark National debt securities represent the changes subsequent to the purchase accounting book values established at the acquisition. The following table shows the gross unrealized losses and fair values of the Company's available-for-sale debt securities by investment category and length of time the individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at March 31, 2021. Debt Securities Available-for-Sale Less than 12 Months 12 Months or Greater Total Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized (In thousands) States and political subdivisions $ 93,449 (2,636) 1,772 (97) 95,221 (2,733) Foreign governments 7,295 (583) — — 7,295 (583) Public utilities 9,644 (239) — — 9,644 (239) Corporate 607,543 (25,520) 57,091 (2,123) 664,634 (27,643) Commercial mortgage-backed — — — — — — Residential mortgage-backed — — 460 (161) 460 (161) Asset-backed 51,640 (685) — — 51,640 (685) Totals $ 769,571 (29,663) 59,323 (2,381) 828,894 (32,044) The following table shows the gross unrealized losses and fair values of the Company's available-for-sale debt securities by investment category and length of time that the individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at December 31, 2020. Debt Securities Available-for-Sale Less than 12 Months 12 Months or Greater Total Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized (In thousands) States and political subdivisions $ — — 1,762 (86) 1,762 (86) Public utilities — — — — — — Corporate 174,252 (3,836) 36,152 (765) 210,404 (4,601) Residential mortgage-backed — — 500 (156) 500 (156) Totals $ 174,252 (3,836) 38,414 (1,007) 212,666 (4,843) Debt securities. The gross unrealized losses for debt securities are made up of 117 individual issues, or 8.8% of the total debt securities held available for sale by the Company at March 31, 2021. The market value of these bonds as a percent of amortized cost approximates 96.3%. Of the 117 securities, 11, or 9.4%, fall in the 12 months or greater aging category and 104 were rated investment grade at March 31, 2021. The amortized cost and fair value of investments in debt securities available-for-sale at March 31, 2021, 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 Amortized Cost Fair Value (In thousands) Due in 1 year or less $ 619,152 627,717 Due after 1 year through 5 years 3,916,418 4,177,254 Due after 5 years through 10 years 2,318,454 2,500,460 Due after 10 years 1,513,797 1,586,048 8,367,821 8,891,479 Mortgage and asset-backed securities 1,079,446 1,122,872 Totals before allowance for credit losses 9,447,267 10,014,351 Allowance for credit losses — — Totals $ 9,447,267 10,014,351 As disclosed in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company adopted new accounting guidance as of January 1, 2020 for credit loss recognition of certain financial assets, including debt securities classified in the held-to-maturity category. The Company employed a cohort cumulative loss rate method in estimating current expected credit losses with respect to its held-to-maturity debt securities. This method applies publicly available industry wide statistics of default incidence by defined segmentations of debt security investments combined with future assumptions regarding economic conditions (i.e. GDP forecasts) both in the near term and the long term. The Company utilized Moody's loss rates by industry type and credit ratings and applied them to each major bond category. These bond categories were further segmented by credit ratings and by maturities of two years and less and more than two years. The following table presents the allowance for credit losses for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020. Three Months Ended March 31, Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 2021 2020 2020 Debt Securities Held-to-Maturity Debt Securities Available-for-Sale Debt Securities Held-to- Maturity Debt Securities Available-for- Sale (In thousands) Balance, beginning of period $ — — — — Provision January 1, 2020 for adoption of new accounting guidance — — 3,334 — (Releases)/provision during period — — 2,705 — Balance, end of period $ — — 6,039 — As previously noted, the Company reclassified all held-to-maturity debt securities to available-for-sale as December 31, 2020. Provisions to and releases from the allowance for credit losses in 2020 are recorded in net investment income in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss). The Company determines current expected credit losses for available-for-sale debt securities in accordance with FASB ASC Subtopic 326-30 when fair value is less than amortized cost, interest payments are missed and the security is experiencing credit issues. Based on its review, the Company determined none of these investments required an allowance for credit loss at March 31, 2021 or 2020. The Company's operating procedures include monitoring the investment portfolio on an ongoing basis for any changes in issuer facts and circumstances that might lead to future need for a credit loss allowance. (C) Transfer of Securities The Company reassessed its classification of its held-to-maturity portfolio at December 31, 2020 as a result of a funds withheld coinsurance agreement entered into with a third party reinsurer. A portion of the transferred debt securities was added to a funds withheld account for which the reinsurer provides investment management services and does not intend to hold the securities until maturity. Consequently, the Company determined that its continued classification of held-to-maturity debt securities was not appropriate and transferred the entire balance at that time to available-for-sale. (D) Mortgage Loans and Real Estate A financing receivable is a contractual right to receive money on demand or on fixed or determinable dates that is recognized as an asset in a company's statement of financial position. The Company's mortgage, participation and mezzanine loans on real estate are the only financing receivables included in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Credit and default risk are 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. This approach has proved to result in quality mortgage loans with few defaults. Mortgage loan interest income is recognized on an accrual basis with any premium or discount amortized over the life of the loan. Prepayment and late fees are recorded on the date of collection. The Company targets 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 and a competitive marketplace resulted in fewer loan opportunities being available that met the Company's required rate of return. During the first half of 2020, mortgage loan originations were further impeded by the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects upon the commercial real estate market. Mortgage loans originated by the Company totaled $49.5 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2021 and $80.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. Loans in foreclosure, loans considered impaired or loans past due 90 days or more are placed on a non-accrual status. If a mortgage loan is determined to be on non-accrual status, the mortgage loan does not accrue any revenue into the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss). The loan is independently monitored and evaluated as to potential impairment or foreclosure. If delinquent payments are made and the loan is brought current, then the Company returns the loan to active status and accrues income accordingly. The Company had no mortgage loans past due 90 days or more at March 31, 2021 or 2020 and as a result all interest income was recognized at March 31, 2021 and 2020. As a result of the economic climate change induced by the COVID-19 virus, various mortgage loan borrowers of the Company requested a temporary forbearance of principal payments on loans in the range of three to nine months. During the year 2020 there were eight loans representing an aggregate principal balance of $29.2 million with borrowers meeting specified criteria of the Company that forbearance terms were agreed to by the Company. As of March 31, 2021 all forbearance loans have returned to the terms of the original loan agreements. The following table represents the mortgage loan portfolio by loan-to-value ratio. March 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 Amount % Amount % (In thousands) (In thousands) Mortgage Loans by Loan-to-Value Ratio (1): Less than 50% $ 102,883 27.0 $ 66,635 19.9 50% to 60% 77,267 20.3 64,536 19.3 60% to 70% 156,087 41.0 153,414 45.8 70% to 80% 44,291 11.7 50,422 15.0 80% to 90% — — — — Greater than 90% — — — — Gross balance 380,528 100.0 335,007 100.0 Allowance for credit losses (3,033) (0.8) (2,486) (0.7) Totals $ 377,495 99.2 $ 332,521 99.3 (1) Loan-to-Value Ratio is determined using the most recent appraised value. Appraisals are required at the time of funding and may be updated if a material change occurs from the original loan agreement. All mortgage loans are analyzed quarterly in order to monitor the financial quality of these assets. Based on ongoing monitoring, mortgage loans with a likelihood of becoming delinquent are identified and placed on an internal “watch list.” Among the criteria that may indicate a potential problem include: major tenant vacancies or bankruptcies, late payments, and loan relief/restructuring requests. The mortgage loan portfolio is analyzed for the need for a valuation allowance on any loan that is on the internal watch list, in the process of foreclosure or that currently has a valuation allowance. Effective January 1, 2020, the Company implemented FASB ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses , which revised the credit loss recognition criteria for certain financial assets measured at amortized cost. The guidance replaced the existing incurred loss recognition model with an expected loss recognition model (“CECL”). The objective of the CECL model is for the reporting entity to recognize its estimate of current 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. For mortgage loan investments the Company is using the Weighted Average Remaining Maturity ("WARM") method, which uses an average annual charge-off rate applied to each mortgage loan risk category. At January 1, 2020, a CECL balance of $1.2 million was recorded for mortgage loans which incorporated the previous year-end balance under the prior accounting method. The adjustment resulted in a charge to retained earnings as a change in accounting, net of tax, of $0.4 million. Subsequent changes in the allowance for current expected credit losses for mortgage loans are reported in net investment income in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss). The following table represents the mortgage loan allowance for credit losses. March 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 (In thousands) Balance, beginning of the period $ 2,486 675 Provision January 1, 2020 for adoption of new accounting guidance — 504 Provision during the period 547 1,307 Releases — — Total ending allowance for credit losses $ 3,033 2,486

Fair Values of Financial Instru

Fair Values of Financial Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
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 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets are categorized as follows: Level 1: Fair value is based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible to the Company for identical assets or liabilities. Active markets are those in which transactions for the asset or liability occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis. These generally provide the most reliable evidence and are used to measure fair value whenever available. The Company's Level 1 assets are equity securities that are traded in an active exchange market. Valuations are obtained from readily available pricing sources for market transactions involving identical assets. Level 2: Fair value is based upon significant inputs other than quoted prices in active markets included in Level 1, which are either directly or indirectly observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability through corroboration with observable market data as of the reporting date. Level 2 inputs include quoted market prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities, quoted market prices in markets that are not active for identical or similar assets or liabilities, model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable and other observable inputs. The Company’s Level 2 assets include fixed maturity debt securities (corporate and private bonds, government or agency securities, asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities). The Company's Level 2 liabilities include the embedded derivative on reinsurance. 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. The Company’s Level 3 liabilities consist of share-based compensation obligations and certain equity-index product-related embedded derivatives. Valuations are estimated based on non-binding broker prices or internally developed valuation models or methodologies, discounted cash flow models and other similar techniques. The following tables set forth the Company’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of the date indicated: March 31, 2021 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (In thousands) Debt securities, available-for-sale $ 10,014,351 — 10,014,351 — Debt securities, trading 654,333 — 654,333 — Equity securities 19,120 19,120 — — Derivatives, index options 137,130 — — 137,130 Total assets $ 10,824,934 19,120 10,668,684 137,130 Policyholder account balances (a) $ 168,902 — — 168,902 Other liabilities (b) (60,471) — (70,370) 9,899 Total liabilities $ 108,431 — (70,370) 178,801 During the three months ended March 31, 2021, the Company made no transfers from Level 2 to Level 3 for debt securities available for sale. December 31, 2020 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (In thousands) Debt securities, available for sale $ 10,770,923 — 10,770,923 — Equity securities 17,744 17,744 — — Derivatives, index options 132,821 — — 132,821 Total assets $ 10,921,488 17,744 10,770,923 132,821 Policyholder account balances (a) $ 161,351 — — 161,351 Other liabilities (c) 6,202 — — 6,202 Total liabilities $ 167,553 — — 167,553 (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 and the embedded derivative for funds withheld. (c) Represents the liability for share-based compensation. The following tables present, by pricing source and fair value hierarchy level, the Company's assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis: March 31, 2021 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (In thousands) Debt securities, available-for-sale: Priced by third-party vendors $ 10,014,351 — 10,014,351 — Priced internally — — — — Subtotal 10,014,351 — 10,014,351 — Debt securities, trading: Priced by third-party vendors 654,333 — 654,333 — Priced internally — — — — Subtotal 654,333 — 654,333 — Equity securities: Priced by third-party vendors 19,120 19,120 — — Priced internally — — — — Subtotal 19,120 19,120 — — Derivatives, index options: Priced by third-party vendors 137,130 — — 137,130 Priced internally — — — — Subtotal 137,130 — — 137,130 Total $ 10,824,934 19,120 10,668,684 137,130 Percent of total 100.0 % 0.2 % 98.5 % 1.3 % December 31, 2020 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (In thousands) Debt securities, available-for-sale: Priced by third-party vendors $ 10,770,923 — 10,770,923 — Priced internally — — — — Subtotal 10,770,923 — 10,770,923 — Equity securities: Priced by third-party vendors 17,744 17,744 — — Priced internally — — — — Subtotal 17,744 17,744 — — Derivatives, index options: Priced by third-party vendors 132,821 — — 132,821 Priced internally — — — — Subtotal 132,821 — — 132,821 Total $ 10,921,488 17,744 10,770,923 132,821 Percent of total 100.0 % 0.2 % 98.6 % 1.2 % The following tables provide additional information about fair value measurements for Level 3 for which significant unobservable inputs were utilized to determine fair value. For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 Assets Liabilities Derivatives, Index Options Total Assets Policyholder Account Balances Stock Options Total Liabilities (In thousands) Beginning balance, January 1, 2021 $ 132,821 132,821 161,351 6,202 167,553 Total realized and unrealized gains (losses): Included in net earnings 28,024 28,024 31,266 4,378 35,644 Included in other comprehensive income — — — — — Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net: Purchases 11,210 11,210 11,210 — 11,210 Sales — — — — — Issuances — — — — — Settlements (34,925) (34,925) (34,925) (681) (35,606) Transfers into (out of) Level 3 — — — — — Balance at end of period $ 137,130 137,130 168,902 9,899 178,801 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 26,594 26,594 — — — Benefits and expenses — — 26,594 4,378 30,972 Total $ 26,594 26,594 26,594 4,378 30,972 For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 Assets Liabilities Derivatives, Index Options Total Assets Policyholder Account Balances Stock Options Contingent Consideration Total Liabilities (In thousands) Beginning balance, January 1, 2020 $ 157,588 157,588 155,902 11,225 4,076 171,203 Total realized and unrealized gains (losses): Included in net earnings (loss) (106,629) (106,629) (67,653) (6,293) 98 (73,848) Included in other comprehensive income — — — — — — Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net: Purchases 22,403 22,403 22,403 — — 22,403 Sales — — — — — — Issuances — — — — — — Settlements (49,027) (49,027) (49,027) (1,851) — (50,878) Transfers into (out of) Level 3 — — — — — — Balance at end of period $ 24,335 24,335 61,625 3,081 4,174 68,880 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 $ (105,997) (105,997) — — — — Benefits and expenses — — (105,997) (6,293) 98 (112,192) Total $ (105,997) (105,997) (105,997) (6,293) 98 (112,192) The following table presents the valuation method for financial assets and liabilities categorized as level 3, as well as the unobservable inputs used in the valuation of those financial instruments: March 31, 2021 Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range (Weighted Average) (In thousands) Assets: Derivatives, index options $ 137,130 Broker prices Implied volatility 14.29% - 35.11% (20.07%) Total assets $ 137,130 Liabilities: Policyholder account balances $ 168,902 Deterministic cash flow model Projected option cost 0.0% - 29.43% (3.43%) Share-based compensation 9,899 Black-Scholes model Expected term 0.7 to 9.7 years Expected volatility 33.88% Total liabilities $ 178,801 December 31, 2020 Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range (Weighted Average) (In thousands) Assets: Derivatives, index options $ 132,821 Broker prices Implied volatility 12.96% - 53.69% (20.70%) Total assets $ 132,821 Liabilities: Policyholder account balances $ 161,351 Deterministic cash flow model Projected option cost 0.0% - 45.04% (3.27%) Share-based compensation 6,202 Black-Scholes model Expected term 1.0 to 9.9 years Expected volatility 33.47% Total liabilities $ 167,553 Realized gains (losses) on debt securities are reported in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss) as net investment gains (losses) with liabilities reported as expenses. Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale debt securities are reported as Other comprehensive income (loss) within the stockholders' equity section of the Condensed 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. The carrying amounts and fair values of the Company's financial instruments are as follows: March 31, 2021 Fair Value Hierarchy Level Carrying Fair Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (In thousands) ASSETS Debt securities, available-for-sale $ 10,014,351 10,014,351 — 10,014,351 — Debt securities, trading 654,333 654,333 — 654,333 — Cash and cash equivalents 435,644 435,644 435,644 — — Mortgage loans 377,495 393,129 — — 393,129 Real estate 33,639 51,627 — — 51,627 Policy loans 72,832 109,588 — — 109,588 Other loans 26,800 27,102 — — 27,102 Derivatives, index options 137,130 137,130 — — 137,130 Equity securities 19,120 19,120 19,120 — — Life interest in Libbie Shearn Moody Trust 9,083 12,775 — — 12,775 Other investments 4,513 24,852 — — 24,852 LIABILITIES Deferred annuity contracts $ 6,605,094 5,327,510 — — 5,327,510 Immediate annuity and supplemental contracts 416,773 457,299 — — 457,299 December 31, 2020 Fair Value Hierarchy Level Carrying Fair Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (In thousands) ASSETS Debt securities, available-for-sale $ 10,770,923 10,770,923 — 10,770,923 — Cash and cash equivalents 581,059 581,059 581,059 — — Mortgage loans 332,521 348,175 — — 348,175 Real estate 33,783 48,577 — — 48,577 Policy loans 74,083 121,260 — — 121,260 Other loans 23,396 23,691 — — 23,691 Derivatives, index options 132,821 132,821 — — 132,821 Equity securities 17,744 17,744 17,744 — — Life interest in Libbie Shearn Moody Trust 9,083 12,775 — — 12,775 Other investments 4,513 22,580 — — 22,580 LIABILITIES Deferred annuity contracts $ 6,662,730 5,192,663 — — 5,192,663 Immediate annuity and supplemental contracts 412,526 467,538 — — 467,538 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.

Derivatives

Derivatives	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
DERIVATIVES	DERIVATIVES Fixed-index products provide traditional fixed annuities and universal life contracts with the option to have credited interest rates linked in part to an underlying equity index or a combination of equity indices. The equity return component of such policy contracts is identified separately and accounted for in future policy benefits as embedded derivatives on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The remaining portions of these policy contracts are considered the host contracts and are recorded separately as fixed annuity or universal life contracts. The host contracts are accounted for under debt instrument type accounting in which future policy benefits are recorded as discounted debt instruments and accreted, using the effective yield method, to their minimum account values at their projected maturities or termination dates. The Company purchases over-the-counter index options, which are derivative financial instruments, to hedge the equity return component of its fixed-index annuity and life products. The index options act as hedges to match closely the returns on the underlying index or indices. The amounts which may be credited to policyholders are linked, in part, to the returns of the underlying index or indices. As a result, changes to policyholders' liabilities are substantially offset by changes in the value of the options. Cash is exchanged upon purchase of the index options and no principal or interest payments are made by either party during the option periods. Upon maturity or expiration of the options, cash may be paid to the Company depending on the performance of the underlying index or indices and terms of the contract. The Company does not elect hedge accounting relative to these derivative instruments. The index options are reported at fair value in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. The changes in the values of the index options and the changes in the policyholder liabilities are both reflected in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss). Any changes relative to the embedded derivatives associated with policy contracts are reflected in contract interest in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss). Any gains or losses from the sale or expiration of the options, as well as period-to-period changes in values, are reflected as net investment income in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss). 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. Effective December 31, 2020, the Company entered into a coinsurance funds withheld reinsurance agreement under which identified assets are maintained in a funds withheld account but the associated interest and credit risk of these assets has been transferred to the reinsurer, representing a total return swap with a floating rate leg. Accordingly, the Company bifurcates the embedded derivative for reinsurance from the host contract in accordance with GAAP. The fair value of the embedded derivative funds withheld liability is computed as the unrealized gain (loss) on the underlying funds withheld assets and is included in the funds withheld liability on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, with the change reported in net investment income in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss). Changes in the funds withheld liability are reported in operating activities in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The tables below present the fair value of derivative instruments as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. March 31, 2021 Asset Derivatives Liability Derivatives Balance Fair Balance Fair (In thousands) (In thousands) Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments Equity index options Derivatives, Index Options $ 137,130 Fixed-index products Universal Life and Annuity Contracts $ 168,902 Embedded derivative on reinsurance contract Funds Withheld Liability (70,370) Total $ 137,130 $ 98,532 December 31, 2020 Asset Derivatives Liability Derivatives Balance Fair Balance Fair (In thousands) (In thousands) Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments Equity index options Derivatives, Index Options $ 132,821 Fixed-index products Universal Life and Annuity Contracts $ 161,351 Total $ 132,821 $ 161,351 The table below presents the effect of derivative instruments in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020. March 31, March 31, Derivatives Not Designated Location of Gain Amount of Gain or (In thousands) Equity index options Net investment income (loss) $ 28,024 (106,629) Fixed-index products Universal life and annuity contract interest (31,266) 67,653 Embedded derivative on reinsurance contract Net investment income (loss) 70,370 — $ 67,128 (38,976) The embedded derivative liability on fixed-index products, the change of which is recorded in universal life and annuity contract interest in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss), 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 to be collected increases or decreases based upon the most recent performance of index options and adds to or reduces the offset applied to the embedded derivative liability (increasing or decreasing contract interest expense). For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the change in the embedded derivative liability due to the expected collectability of asset management fees increased contract interest expense by $4.4 million and $29.3 million, respectively. Beginning in the second quarter of 2020, the Company changed its budget for purchasing options to match the collection of asset management fees with the payoff from out-of-the-money options, thereby removing the option premium currently being paid for the probability or expectation of collecting asset management fees ("out of the money" hedging). As the remaining one year options outstanding expire and are replaced by out-of-the-money hedges, the embedded derivative liability component due to the projected collectability of asset management fees will be eliminated.

Intangibles, Value of Business

Intangibles, Value of Business Acquired, and Goodwill	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
INTANGIBLES, VALUE OF BUSINESS ACQUIRED, AND GOODWILL	INTANGIBLES, VALUE OF BUSINESS ACQUIRED, AND GOODWILL Identifiable Intangible Assets The gross carrying amounts and accumulated amortization for intangible assets are as follows for the dates shown. March 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 Weighted-Average Amortization Period Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization (In thousands) Trademarks/trade names 15 $ 2,800 (405) 2,800 (358) Internally developed software 7 3,800 (1,176) 3,800 (1,040) Insurance licenses N/A 3,000 — 3,000 — $ 9,600 (1,581) 9,600 (1,398) The value of trademarks was estimated using the relief from royalty method, based on the assumption that in lieu of ownership, an organization would be willing to pay a royalty in order to receive the related benefits of using the brand. The value of insurance licenses was estimated using the market approach to value, based on values paid for licenses in recent shell company transactions. The value of internally developed software was estimated using the replacement cost method. Trademarks, trade names and internally developed software are amortized using a straight-line method over the estimated useful lives. These intangible assets will be evaluated for impairment if indicators of impairment arise. Insurance licenses were determined to have an indefinite useful life. The Company evaluates the useful life of insurance licenses at each reporting period to determine whether the useful life remains indefinite. As of March 31, 2021, expected amortization expense relating to purchased intangible assets for each of the next 5 years and thereafter is as follows: Expected (In thousands) Remainder of 2021 $ 547 2022 730 2023 730 2024 730 2025 730 Thereafter 1,552 Value of Business Acquired ("VOBA") VOBA is a purchase accounting convention for life insurance companies in business combinations based upon an actuarial determination of the difference between the fair value of policyholder liabilities acquired and the same policyholder liabilities measured in accordance with the acquiring company's accounting policies. The difference, referred to as VOBA, is an intangible asset subject to periodic amortization. Changes in VOBA were as follows for the periods shown: March 31, December 31, 2021 2020 (In thousands) Balance, beginning of year $ 162,968 138,071 Other increase — 35,125 Amortization: Amortization, excluding unlocking (2,551) (10,228) Balance as of end of period $ 160,417 162,968 Estimated future amortization of VOBA, net of interest (in thousands), as of March 31, 2021, is as follows: Expected Amortization (In thousands) Remainder of 2021 $ 7,671 2022 9,753 2023 9,368 2024 9,015 2025 8,804 Goodwill The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill (in thousands) were as follows: March 31, December 31, 2021 2020 (In thousands) Gross goodwill as of beginning of year $ 13,864 13,864 Goodwill resulting from business acquisition — — Gross goodwill, before impairments 13,864 13,864 Accumulated impairment as of beginning of year — — Current year impairments — — Net goodwill as of end of period $ 13,864 13,864

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	SUBSEQUENT EVENTSSubsequent events have been evaluated through the date of filing and no reportable items were identified.

New Accounting Pronouncements (

New Accounting Pronouncements (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
New Accounting Pronouncements	NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS Recent accounting pronouncements not yet adopted In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-12 Financial Services-Insurance (Topic 944) - Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Long-Duration Contracts . This update is aimed at improving the Codification as it relates to long-duration contracts which will improve the timeliness of recognizing changes in the liability for future policy benefits, simplify accounting for certain market-based options, simplify the amortization of deferred acquisition costs, and improve the effectiveness of required disclosures. Amendments include the following: A. Require insurance entity to (1) review and update assumptions used to measure cash flows at least annually (with changes recognized in net income) and (2) update discount rate assumption at each reporting date (with changes recognized in other comprehensive income). B. Require insurance entity to measure all market risk benefits associated with deposit (i.e. account balance) contracts at fair value, with change in fair value attributable to change in instrument-specific credit risk recognized in other comprehensive income. C. Simplify amortization of deferred acquisition costs and other balances amortized in proportion to premiums, gross profits, or gross margins and require those balances be amortized on constant level basis over expected term of related contract. Deferred acquisition costs are required to be written off for unexpected contract terminations but are not subject to impairment test. D. Require insurance entity to add disclosures of disaggregated rollforwards of beginning to ending balances of the liability for future policy benefits, policyholder account balances, market risk benefits, separate account liabilities, and deferred acquisition costs. Insurance entity must also disclose information about significant inputs, judgments, assumptions, and methods used in measurement, including changes in those inputs, judgments, and assumptions, and the effect of those changes on measurement. These updates are required to be applied retrospectively to the earliest period presented in the financial statements for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2022, with early adoption permitted. The Company has performed a preliminary gap analysis and created a roadmap for implementation of this standard by the effective date and is evaluating the impact of the new guidance on its Consolidated Financial Statements. Accounting pronouncements adopted In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12 Income Taxes - Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes (Topic 740) , which simplifies various aspects of the income tax accounting guidance and will be applied using different approaches depending on the specific amendment. The amendments are effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2020. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material effect on the results of operations or financial position of the Company. 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 ("CECL"). The objective of the CECL model is for the reporting entity to recognize its estimate of current 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. In April 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-04, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses, Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and Topic 825, Financial Instruments. The amendments in this Update add clarification and correction to ASU 2016-13 around expected recoveries for purchased financial assets with credit deterioration, transition relief for troubled debt restructurings, disclosures related to accrued interest receivables, and financial assets secured by collateral maintenance provisions. The guidance for these pronouncements was 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 earnings. Effective January 1, 2020, the Company adopted the expected loss recognition model related to mortgage loans, debt securities held to maturity, and reinsurance recoverable using a modified retrospective approach. The change in accounting, net of tax, of $3.0 million was recorded as a charge to retained earnings in the first quarter of 2020 reflecting initial allowance for estimated credit losses balances of $1.2 million on mortgage loans and $3.3 million on debt securities held to maturity. The estimated credit losses for reinsurance recoverable were immaterial to the financial statements, but are monitored on a quarterly basis for any changes. Refer to Note (9) Investments for more information. Certain disclosures required by ASU 2016-13 are not included in the Consolidated Financial Statements as the impact of this standard was not material. Other recent accounting pronouncements issued by the FASB (including its Emerging Issues Task Force), the AICPA, and the SEC did not, or are not believed by management to, have a material impact on the Company’s present or future Consolidated Financial Statements.
Fair Value Measurements	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 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets are categorized as follows: Level 1: Fair value is based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible to the Company for identical assets or liabilities. Active markets are those in which transactions for the asset or liability occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis. These generally provide the most reliable evidence and are used to measure fair value whenever available. The Company's Level 1 assets are equity securities that are traded in an active exchange market. Valuations are obtained from readily available pricing sources for market transactions involving identical assets. Level 2: Fair value is based upon significant inputs other than quoted prices in active markets included in Level 1, which are either directly or indirectly observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability through corroboration with observable market data as of the reporting date. Level 2 inputs include quoted market prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities, quoted market prices in markets that are not active for identical or similar assets or liabilities, model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable and other observable inputs. The Company’s Level 2 assets include fixed maturity debt securities (corporate and private bonds, government or agency securities, asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities). The Company's Level 2 liabilities include the embedded derivative on reinsurance. 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. The Company’s Level 3 liabilities consist of share-based compensation obligations and certain equity-index 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.

Consolidation and Basis of Pr_2

Consolidation and Basis of Presentation (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Schedule of the unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities that were reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income	The table below shows the net unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities that were reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020. Affected Line Item in the Amount Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 2020 (In thousands) Other net investment gains (losses) $ 1,416 761 Earnings before Federal income taxes 1,416 761 Federal income taxes 297 160 Net earnings $ 1,119 601

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of earnings per share	Net earnings (loss) for the periods shown below are allocated between Class A shares and Class B shares based upon (1) the proportionate number of shares issued and outstanding as of the end of the period, and (2) the per share dividend rights of the two classes under the Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the Class B dividend per share is equal to one-half the Class A dividend per share). Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 2020 Class A Class B Class A Class B (In thousands except per share amounts) Numerator for Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share: Net earnings (loss) $ 62,129 (2,062) Dividends - Class A shares — — Dividends - Class B shares — — Undistributed earnings (loss) $ 62,129 (2,062) Allocation of net earnings (loss): Dividends $ — — — — Allocation of undistributed earnings (loss) 60,372 1,757 (2,004) (58) Net earnings (loss) $ 60,372 1,757 (2,004) (58) Denominator: Basic earnings (loss) per share - weighted-average shares 3,436 200 3,436 200 Effect of dilutive stock options — — — — Diluted earnings (loss) per share - adjusted weighted-average shares for assumed conversions 3,436 200 3,436 200 Basic earnings (loss) per share $ 17.57 8.79 (0.58) (0.29) Diluted earnings (loss) per share $ 17.57 8.79 (0.58) (0.29)

Pension and Other Postretirem_2

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Schedule of net periodic benefit costs	The following table summarizes the components of net periodic benefit cost. Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 2020 (In thousands) Service cost $ 30 27 Interest cost 132 168 Expected return on plan assets (356) (315) Amortization of net loss 134 145 Net periodic benefit cost $ (60) 25
Chairman and President Non-Qualified Defined Benefit Plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Schedule of net periodic benefit costs	The following table summarizes the components of net periodic benefit costs for the non-qualified defined benefit plans. Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 2020 (In thousands) Service cost $ 309 302 Interest cost 261 338 Amortization of prior service cost 15 15 Amortization of net loss 1,282 1,445 Net periodic benefit cost $ 1,867 2,100
Defined Benefit Postretirement Healthcare Plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Schedule of net periodic benefit costs	The following table summarizes the components of net periodic benefit costs. Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 2020 (In thousands) Interest cost $ 37 41 Amortization of net loss 73 40 Net periodic benefit cost $ 110 81

Segment and Other Operating I_2

Segment and Other Operating Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Summary of segment information, by quarter	A summary of segment information as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 for the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet items and for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020 for the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss) is provided below. Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Items: March 31, 2021 Domestic International Annuities ONL & Affiliates All Totals (In thousands) Deferred transaction costs $ 118,116 152,639 380,497 168,964 — 820,216 Total segment assets 1,669,647 1,056,287 9,742,904 1,085,932 374,454 13,929,224 Future policy benefits 1,388,377 793,066 6,977,712 770,220 — 9,929,375 Other policyholder liabilities 18,315 11,297 103,317 15,332 — 148,261 Funds withheld liability — — 1,636,959 — — 1,636,959 December 31, 2020 Domestic International Annuities ONL & Affiliates All Totals (In thousands) Deferred transaction costs $ 94,100 124,480 302,397 170,756 — 691,733 Total segment assets 3,242,794 1,034,280 7,976,588 1,117,509 382,149 13,753,320 Future policy benefits 1,337,174 798,952 7,028,860 768,433 — 9,933,419 Other policyholder liabilities 16,378 11,086 94,049 16,967 — 138,480 Funds withheld liability — — 1,697,591 — — 1,697,591 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss): Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 Domestic International Annuities ONL & Affiliates All Totals (In thousands) Premiums and contract revenues $ 13,898 20,180 3,930 19,465 — 57,473 Net investment income (loss) 23,843 12,116 119,724 6,574 3,818 166,075 Other revenues 21 28 1,374 2,926 1,065 5,414 Total revenues 37,762 32,324 125,028 28,965 4,883 228,962 Life and other policy benefits 6,110 4,375 10,001 17,403 — 37,889 Amortization of deferred transaction costs 5,460 5,392 16,447 2,690 — 29,989 Universal life and annuity contract interest 21,621 10,799 20,425 — — 52,845 Other operating expenses 7,447 4,774 12,930 4,746 1,438 31,335 Federal income taxes (benefit) (594) 1,443 13,476 857 712 15,894 Total expenses 40,044 26,783 73,279 25,696 2,150 167,952 Segment earnings (loss) $ (2,282) 5,541 51,749 3,269 2,733 61,010 Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 Domestic International Annuities ONL & Affiliates All Totals (In thousands) Premiums and contract revenues $ 11,228 22,867 4,650 20,083 — 58,828 Net investment income (19,383) (9,000) 10,632 6,301 (2,028) (13,478) Other revenues 29 54 4 2,422 1,144 3,653 Total revenues (8,126) 13,921 15,286 28,806 (884) 49,003 Life and other policy benefits 5,877 3,331 8,189 16,237 — 33,634 Amortization of deferred transaction costs 2,573 6,052 19,021 2,391 — 30,037 Universal life and annuity contract interest (21,693) (10,837) 4,504 — — (28,026) Other operating expenses 4,295 3,096 6,867 4,069 1,495 19,822 Federal income taxes (benefit) 188 2,804 (5,319) 1,222 (544) (1,649) Total expenses (8,760) 4,446 33,262 23,919 951 53,818 Segment earnings (loss) $ 634 9,475 (17,976) 4,887 (1,835) (4,815)
Reconciliation of segment premiums and other revenues to condensed consolidated financial statements	Reconciliations of segment information to the Company's Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are provided below. Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 2020 (In thousands) Premiums and Other Revenues : Premiums and contract revenues $ 57,473 58,828 Net investment income (loss) 166,075 (13,478) Other revenues 5,414 3,653 Realized gains (losses) on investments 1,416 3,485 Total condensed consolidated premiums and other revenues $ 230,378 52,488
Reconciliation of segment federal income taxes to condensed consolidated financial statements	Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 2020 (In thousands) Federal Income Taxes : Total segment Federal income taxes $ 15,894 (1,649) Taxes on realized gains (losses) on investments 297 732 Total condensed consolidated Federal income taxes $ 16,191 (917)
Reconciliation of segment net earnings to condensed consolidated financial statements	Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 2020 (In thousands) Net Earnings (Loss) : Total segment earnings (loss) $ 61,010 (4,815) Realized gains (losses) on investments, net of taxes 1,119 2,753 Total condensed consolidated net earnings (loss) $ 62,129 (2,062)
Reconciliation of segment assets to condensed consolidated financial statements	March 31, December 31, 2021 2020 (In thousands) Assets : Total segment assets $ 13,929,224 13,753,320 Other unallocated assets 673,222 894,950 Total condensed consolidated assets $ 14,602,446 14,648,270

Share-Based Payments (Tables)

Share-Based Payments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Summary of shares available for grant and stock option activity	A summary of awards by type and related activity is detailed below. Stock Options Outstanding Shares Shares Weighted- Stock Options: Balance at January 1, 2021 291,000 — $ — Exercised — — $ — Forfeited — — $ — Expired — — $ — Stock options granted — — $ — Balance at March 31, 2021 291,000 — $ —
Schedule of activity	Liability Awards SAR RSU PSU Other Share/Unit Awards: Balance at January 1, 2021 144,248 16,449 24,282 Exercised (100) — (3,863) Forfeited — — — Granted — — — Balance at March 31, 2021 144,148 16,449 20,419
Summary of information about stock options and SARs outstanding	The following table summarizes information about SARs outstanding at March 31, 2021. There were no options outstanding as of March 31, 2021. SARs Outstanding Number Weighted- Number Exercise prices: $132.56 19,018 0.7 years 19,018 $210.22 23,450 2.7 years 23,450 $216.48 11,149 4.9 years 11,149 $311.16 9,531 5.9 years 9,531 $310.55 203 6.1 years 203 $334.34 9,018 6.7 years 9,018 $303.77 11,233 7.7 years 7,483 $252.91 19,556 8.7 years 6,509 $192.10 40,990 9.7 years — Totals 144,148 86,361 Aggregate intrinsic value (in thousands) $ 5,819 $ 3,486
Summary of assumptions employed using Black-Scholes option pricing model	In estimating the fair value of the SARs outstanding at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company employed the Black-Scholes option pricing model with assumptions detailed below. March 31, December 31, Expected term 0.7 to 9.7 years 1.0 to 9.9 years Expected volatility weighted-average 33.88 % 33.47 % Expected dividend yield 0.14 % 0.17 % Risk-free rate weighted-average 0.39 % 0.19 %

Investments (Tables)

Investments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Realized investment gains and losses, excluding impairment losses	The table below presents realized gains and losses, excluding impairment losses, for the periods indicated. Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 2020 (In thousands) Available-for-sale debt securities: Realized gains on disposal $ 1,416 761 Realized losses on disposal — — Held-to-maturity debt securities: Realized gains on disposal — 2,724 Realized losses on disposal — — Real estate gains (losses) — — Other — — Totals $ 1,416 3,485
Schedule of debt securities, available-for-sale securities	The Company transferred all of its debt securities to the available-for-sale classification as of December 31, 2020. The table below presents amortized costs and fair values of debt securities available-for-sale at March 31, 2021. Debt Securities Available-for-Sale Amortized Gross Gross Fair Allowance for Credit Losses (In thousands) U.S. agencies $ 55,399 2,053 — 57,452 — U.S. Treasury 3,156 99 — 3,255 — States and political subdivisions 491,168 26,872 (2,733) 515,307 — Foreign governments 18,990 236 (583) 18,643 — Public utilities 799,468 52,905 (239) 852,134 — Corporate 6,999,640 472,691 (27,643) 7,444,688 — Commercial mortgage-backed 30,075 1,210 — 31,285 — Residential mortgage-backed 837,066 40,868 (161) 877,773 — Asset-backed 212,305 2,194 (685) 213,814 — Totals $ 9,447,267 599,128 (32,044) 10,014,351 — The table below presents amortized costs and fair values of debt securities available-for-sale at December 31, 2020. Debt Securities Available-for-Sale Amortized Gross Gross Fair Allowance for Credit Losses (In thousands) U.S. agencies $ 72,945 2,496 — 75,441 — U.S. Treasury 3,152 126 — 3,278 — States and political subdivisions 528,266 37,909 (86) 566,089 — Foreign governments 11,115 334 — 11,449 — Public utilities 831,990 77,920 — 909,910 — Corporate 7,376,104 727,470 (4,601) 8,098,973 — Commercial mortgage-backed 30,108 1,363 — 31,471 — Residential mortgage-backed 902,974 50,970 (156) 953,788 — Asset-backed 117,889 2,635 — 120,524 — Totals $ 9,874,543 901,223 (4,843) 10,770,923 —
Schedule of gross unrealized losses and fair values of debt securities, 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 debt securities by investment category and length of time the individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at March 31, 2021. Debt Securities Available-for-Sale Less than 12 Months 12 Months or Greater Total Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized (In thousands) States and political subdivisions $ 93,449 (2,636) 1,772 (97) 95,221 (2,733) Foreign governments 7,295 (583) — — 7,295 (583) Public utilities 9,644 (239) — — 9,644 (239) Corporate 607,543 (25,520) 57,091 (2,123) 664,634 (27,643) Commercial mortgage-backed — — — — — — Residential mortgage-backed — — 460 (161) 460 (161) Asset-backed 51,640 (685) — — 51,640 (685) Totals $ 769,571 (29,663) 59,323 (2,381) 828,894 (32,044) The following table shows the gross unrealized losses and fair values of the Company's available-for-sale debt securities by investment category and length of time that the individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at December 31, 2020. Debt Securities Available-for-Sale Less than 12 Months 12 Months or Greater Total Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized (In thousands) States and political subdivisions $ — — 1,762 (86) 1,762 (86) Public utilities — — — — — — Corporate 174,252 (3,836) 36,152 (765) 210,404 (4,601) Residential mortgage-backed — — 500 (156) 500 (156) Totals $ 174,252 (3,836) 38,414 (1,007) 212,666 (4,843)
Investments classified by contractual maturity date	The amortized cost and fair value of investments in debt securities available-for-sale at March 31, 2021, 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 Amortized Cost Fair Value (In thousands) Due in 1 year or less $ 619,152 627,717 Due after 1 year through 5 years 3,916,418 4,177,254 Due after 5 years through 10 years 2,318,454 2,500,460 Due after 10 years 1,513,797 1,586,048 8,367,821 8,891,479 Mortgage and asset-backed securities 1,079,446 1,122,872 Totals before allowance for credit losses 9,447,267 10,014,351 Allowance for credit losses — — Totals $ 9,447,267 10,014,351
Allowance for debt securities held to maturity	The following table presents the allowance for credit losses for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020. Three Months Ended March 31, Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 2021 2020 2020 Debt Securities Held-to-Maturity Debt Securities Available-for-Sale Debt Securities Held-to- Maturity Debt Securities Available-for- Sale (In thousands) Balance, beginning of period $ — — — — Provision January 1, 2020 for adoption of new accounting guidance — — 3,334 — (Releases)/provision during period — — 2,705 — Balance, end of period $ — — 6,039 —
Allowance for debt securities available for sale	The following table presents the allowance for credit losses for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020. Three Months Ended March 31, Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 2021 2020 2020 Debt Securities Held-to-Maturity Debt Securities Available-for-Sale Debt Securities Held-to- Maturity Debt Securities Available-for- Sale (In thousands) Balance, beginning of period $ — — — — Provision January 1, 2020 for adoption of new accounting guidance — — 3,334 — (Releases)/provision during period — — 2,705 — Balance, end of period $ — — 6,039 —
Schedule of mortgage loans by loan-to-value ratio	The following table represents the mortgage loan portfolio by loan-to-value ratio. March 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 Amount % Amount % (In thousands) (In thousands) Mortgage Loans by Loan-to-Value Ratio (1): Less than 50% $ 102,883 27.0 $ 66,635 19.9 50% to 60% 77,267 20.3 64,536 19.3 60% to 70% 156,087 41.0 153,414 45.8 70% to 80% 44,291 11.7 50,422 15.0 80% to 90% — — — — Greater than 90% — — — — Gross balance 380,528 100.0 335,007 100.0 Allowance for credit losses (3,033) (0.8) (2,486) (0.7) Totals $ 377,495 99.2 $ 332,521 99.3 (1) Loan-to-Value Ratio is determined using the most recent appraised value. Appraisals are required at the time of funding and may be updated if a material change occurs from the original loan agreement.
Schedule of allowance for mortgage loans	The following table represents the mortgage loan allowance for credit losses. March 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 (In thousands) Balance, beginning of the period $ 2,486 675 Provision January 1, 2020 for adoption of new accounting guidance — 504 Provision during the period 547 1,307 Releases — — Total ending allowance for credit losses $ 3,033 2,486

Fair Value of Financial Instrum

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis	The following tables set forth the Company’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of the date indicated: March 31, 2021 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (In thousands) Debt securities, available-for-sale $ 10,014,351 — 10,014,351 — Debt securities, trading 654,333 — 654,333 — Equity securities 19,120 19,120 — — Derivatives, index options 137,130 — — 137,130 Total assets $ 10,824,934 19,120 10,668,684 137,130 Policyholder account balances (a) $ 168,902 — — 168,902 Other liabilities (b) (60,471) — (70,370) 9,899 Total liabilities $ 108,431 — (70,370) 178,801 During the three months ended March 31, 2021, the Company made no transfers from Level 2 to Level 3 for debt securities available for sale. December 31, 2020 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (In thousands) Debt securities, available for sale $ 10,770,923 — 10,770,923 — Equity securities 17,744 17,744 — — Derivatives, index options 132,821 — — 132,821 Total assets $ 10,921,488 17,744 10,770,923 132,821 Policyholder account balances (a) $ 161,351 — — 161,351 Other liabilities (c) 6,202 — — 6,202 Total liabilities $ 167,553 — — 167,553 (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 and the embedded derivative for funds withheld. (c) Represents the liability for share-based compensation.
Schedule of assets by pricing source and fair value hierarchy level	The following tables present, by pricing source and fair value hierarchy level, the Company's assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis: March 31, 2021 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (In thousands) Debt securities, available-for-sale: Priced by third-party vendors $ 10,014,351 — 10,014,351 — Priced internally — — — — Subtotal 10,014,351 — 10,014,351 — Debt securities, trading: Priced by third-party vendors 654,333 — 654,333 — Priced internally — — — — Subtotal 654,333 — 654,333 — Equity securities: Priced by third-party vendors 19,120 19,120 — — Priced internally — — — — Subtotal 19,120 19,120 — — Derivatives, index options: Priced by third-party vendors 137,130 — — 137,130 Priced internally — — — — Subtotal 137,130 — — 137,130 Total $ 10,824,934 19,120 10,668,684 137,130 Percent of total 100.0 % 0.2 % 98.5 % 1.3 % December 31, 2020 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (In thousands) Debt securities, available-for-sale: Priced by third-party vendors $ 10,770,923 — 10,770,923 — Priced internally — — — — Subtotal 10,770,923 — 10,770,923 — Equity securities: Priced by third-party vendors 17,744 17,744 — — Priced internally — — — — Subtotal 17,744 17,744 — — Derivatives, index options: Priced by third-party vendors 132,821 — — 132,821 Priced internally — — — — Subtotal 132,821 — — 132,821 Total $ 10,921,488 17,744 10,770,923 132,821 Percent of total 100.0 % 0.2 % 98.6 % 1.2 %
Schedule of significant unobservable inputs for fair value measurements	The following tables provide additional information about fair value measurements for Level 3 for which significant unobservable inputs were utilized to determine fair value. For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 Assets Liabilities Derivatives, Index Options Total Assets Policyholder Account Balances Stock Options Total Liabilities (In thousands) Beginning balance, January 1, 2021 $ 132,821 132,821 161,351 6,202 167,553 Total realized and unrealized gains (losses): Included in net earnings 28,024 28,024 31,266 4,378 35,644 Included in other comprehensive income — — — — — Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net: Purchases 11,210 11,210 11,210 — 11,210 Sales — — — — — Issuances — — — — — Settlements (34,925) (34,925) (34,925) (681) (35,606) Transfers into (out of) Level 3 — — — — — Balance at end of period $ 137,130 137,130 168,902 9,899 178,801 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 26,594 26,594 — — — Benefits and expenses — — 26,594 4,378 30,972 Total $ 26,594 26,594 26,594 4,378 30,972 For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 Assets Liabilities Derivatives, Index Options Total Assets Policyholder Account Balances Stock Options Contingent Consideration Total Liabilities (In thousands) Beginning balance, January 1, 2020 $ 157,588 157,588 155,902 11,225 4,076 171,203 Total realized and unrealized gains (losses): Included in net earnings (loss) (106,629) (106,629) (67,653) (6,293) 98 (73,848) Included in other comprehensive income — — — — — — Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net: Purchases 22,403 22,403 22,403 — — 22,403 Sales — — — — — — Issuances — — — — — — Settlements (49,027) (49,027) (49,027) (1,851) — (50,878) Transfers into (out of) Level 3 — — — — — — Balance at end of period $ 24,335 24,335 61,625 3,081 4,174 68,880 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 $ (105,997) (105,997) — — — — Benefits and expenses — — (105,997) (6,293) 98 (112,192) Total $ (105,997) (105,997) (105,997) (6,293) 98 (112,192)
Schedule of quantitative information of Level 3 assets	The following table presents the valuation method for financial assets and liabilities categorized as level 3, as well as the unobservable inputs used in the valuation of those financial instruments: March 31, 2021 Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range (Weighted Average) (In thousands) Assets: Derivatives, index options $ 137,130 Broker prices Implied volatility 14.29% - 35.11% (20.07%) Total assets $ 137,130 Liabilities: Policyholder account balances $ 168,902 Deterministic cash flow model Projected option cost 0.0% - 29.43% (3.43%) Share-based compensation 9,899 Black-Scholes model Expected term 0.7 to 9.7 years Expected volatility 33.88% Total liabilities $ 178,801 December 31, 2020 Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range (Weighted Average) (In thousands) Assets: Derivatives, index options $ 132,821 Broker prices Implied volatility 12.96% - 53.69% (20.70%) Total assets $ 132,821 Liabilities: Policyholder account balances $ 161,351 Deterministic cash flow model Projected option cost 0.0% - 45.04% (3.27%) Share-based compensation 6,202 Black-Scholes model Expected term 1.0 to 9.9 years Expected volatility 33.47% Total liabilities $ 167,553
Schedule of carrying amounts and fair values of the company's financial instruments	The carrying amounts and fair values of the Company's financial instruments are as follows: March 31, 2021 Fair Value Hierarchy Level Carrying Fair Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (In thousands) ASSETS Debt securities, available-for-sale $ 10,014,351 10,014,351 — 10,014,351 — Debt securities, trading 654,333 654,333 — 654,333 — Cash and cash equivalents 435,644 435,644 435,644 — — Mortgage loans 377,495 393,129 — — 393,129 Real estate 33,639 51,627 — — 51,627 Policy loans 72,832 109,588 — — 109,588 Other loans 26,800 27,102 — — 27,102 Derivatives, index options 137,130 137,130 — — 137,130 Equity securities 19,120 19,120 19,120 — — Life interest in Libbie Shearn Moody Trust 9,083 12,775 — — 12,775 Other investments 4,513 24,852 — — 24,852 LIABILITIES Deferred annuity contracts $ 6,605,094 5,327,510 — — 5,327,510 Immediate annuity and supplemental contracts 416,773 457,299 — — 457,299 December 31, 2020 Fair Value Hierarchy Level Carrying Fair Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (In thousands) ASSETS Debt securities, available-for-sale $ 10,770,923 10,770,923 — 10,770,923 — Cash and cash equivalents 581,059 581,059 581,059 — — Mortgage loans 332,521 348,175 — — 348,175 Real estate 33,783 48,577 — — 48,577 Policy loans 74,083 121,260 — — 121,260 Other loans 23,396 23,691 — — 23,691 Derivatives, index options 132,821 132,821 — — 132,821 Equity securities 17,744 17,744 17,744 — — Life interest in Libbie Shearn Moody Trust 9,083 12,775 — — 12,775 Other investments 4,513 22,580 — — 22,580 LIABILITIES Deferred annuity contracts $ 6,662,730 5,192,663 — — 5,192,663 Immediate annuity and supplemental contracts 412,526 467,538 — — 467,538

Derivatives (Tables)

Derivatives (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of fair value of derivative instruments	The tables below present the fair value of derivative instruments as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. March 31, 2021 Asset Derivatives Liability Derivatives Balance Fair Balance Fair (In thousands) (In thousands) Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments Equity index options Derivatives, Index Options $ 137,130 Fixed-index products Universal Life and Annuity Contracts $ 168,902 Embedded derivative on reinsurance contract Funds Withheld Liability (70,370) Total $ 137,130 $ 98,532 December 31, 2020 Asset Derivatives Liability Derivatives Balance Fair Balance Fair (In thousands) (In thousands) Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments Equity index options Derivatives, Index Options $ 132,821 Fixed-index products Universal Life and Annuity Contracts $ 161,351 Total $ 132,821 $ 161,351
Schedule of derivative instruments in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings	The table below presents the effect of derivative instruments in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020. March 31, March 31, Derivatives Not Designated Location of Gain Amount of Gain or (In thousands) Equity index options Net investment income (loss) $ 28,024 (106,629) Fixed-index products Universal life and annuity contract interest (31,266) 67,653 Embedded derivative on reinsurance contract Net investment income (loss) 70,370 — $ 67,128 (38,976)

Intangibles, Value of Busines_2

Intangibles, Value of Business Acquired, and Goodwill (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of fair value of identifiable intangible assets acquired	The gross carrying amounts and accumulated amortization for intangible assets are as follows for the dates shown. March 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 Weighted-Average Amortization Period Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization (In thousands) Trademarks/trade names 15 $ 2,800 (405) 2,800 (358) Internally developed software 7 3,800 (1,176) 3,800 (1,040) Insurance licenses N/A 3,000 — 3,000 — $ 9,600 (1,581) 9,600 (1,398)
Schedule of finite-lived intangible assets, future amortization expense	As of March 31, 2021, expected amortization expense relating to purchased intangible assets for each of the next 5 years and thereafter is as follows: Expected (In thousands) Remainder of 2021 $ 547 2022 730 2023 730 2024 730 2025 730 Thereafter 1,552
Schedule of changes in VOBA	Changes in VOBA were as follows for the periods shown: March 31, December 31, 2021 2020 (In thousands) Balance, beginning of year $ 162,968 138,071 Other increase — 35,125 Amortization: Amortization, excluding unlocking (2,551) (10,228) Balance as of end of period $ 160,417 162,968
Schedule of expected amortization of VOBA	Estimated future amortization of VOBA, net of interest (in thousands), as of March 31, 2021, is as follows: Expected Amortization (In thousands) Remainder of 2021 $ 7,671 2022 9,753 2023 9,368 2024 9,015 2025 8,804
Schedule of changes in carrying amount of goodwill	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill (in thousands) were as follows: March 31, December 31, 2021 2020 (In thousands) Gross goodwill as of beginning of year $ 13,864 13,864 Goodwill resulting from business acquisition — — Gross goodwill, before impairments 13,864 13,864 Accumulated impairment as of beginning of year — — Current year impairments — — Net goodwill as of end of period $ 13,864 13,864

Consolidation and Basis of Pr_3

Consolidation and Basis of Presentation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Other net investment gains (losses)	$ 1,416	$ 3,485
Earnings (loss) before Federal income taxes	78,320	(2,979)
Federal income taxes	16,191	(917)
Net earnings (loss)	62,129	(2,062)
Unrealized Gains and Losses on Available-for-sale Securities | Amount Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Other net investment gains (losses)	1,416	761
Earnings (loss) before Federal income taxes	1,416	761
Federal income taxes	297	160
Net earnings (loss)	$ 1,119	$ 601

New Accounting Pronouncements_2

New Accounting Pronouncements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Retained earnings	$ 2,164,706	$ 2,102,577
Valuation allowance for mortgage loans	3,033	2,486
Debt securities held to maturity, allowance for expected credit losses	$ 0	0	$ 6,039	$ 0
Cumulative Effect, Period Of Adoption, Adjustment
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Retained earnings				3,000
Valuation allowance for mortgage loans				1,200
Debt securities held to maturity, allowance for expected credit losses		$ 0		$ 3,334

Stockholders' Equity (Details)

Stockholders' Equity (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
NWLIC
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Maximum dividend payment which may be paid without prior approval	$ 10,000,000
Dividends	0	$ 0
Ozark National Life Insurance Company
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Maximum dividend payment which may be paid without prior approval	20,000,000
National Western Life Group Inc
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends	$ 0	0
Class B
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends in kind paid to common stockholders compare to other classes	50.00%
Dividends	$ 0	0
Class A
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Percent of board of directors elected	33.33%
Dividends	$ 0	$ 0
Board of Directors Chairman | Class B
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Common stock, percentage ownership	99.00%

Earnings Per Share - EPS Calcul

Earnings Per Share - EPS Calculation (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Numerator for Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share:
Net earnings (loss)	$ 62,129	$ (2,062)
Undistributed earnings (loss)	62,129	(2,062)
Allocation of net earnings (loss):
Undistributed earnings (loss)	62,129	(2,062)
Net earnings (loss)	62,129	(2,062)
Class A
Numerator for Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share:
Net earnings (loss)	60,372	(2,004)
Dividends	0	0
Undistributed earnings (loss)	60,372	(2,004)
Allocation of net earnings (loss):
Dividends	0	0
Undistributed earnings (loss)	60,372	(2,004)
Net earnings (loss)	$ 60,372	$ (2,004)
Denominator:
Basic earnings (loss) per share - weighted-average shares (in shares)	3,436	3,436
Effect of dilutive stock options (in shares)	0	0
Diluted earnings (loss) per share - adjusted weighted-average shares for assumed conversions (in shares)	3,436	3,436
Basic earnings (loss) per share (in dollars per share)	$ 17.57	$ (0.58)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share (in dollars per share)	$ 17.57	$ (0.58)
Class B
Numerator for Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share:
Net earnings (loss)	$ 1,757	$ (58)
Dividends	0	0
Undistributed earnings (loss)	1,757	(58)
Allocation of net earnings (loss):
Dividends	0	0
Undistributed earnings (loss)	1,757	(58)
Net earnings (loss)	$ 1,757	$ (58)
Denominator:
Basic earnings (loss) per share - weighted-average shares (in shares)	200	200
Effect of dilutive stock options (in shares)	0	0
Diluted earnings (loss) per share - adjusted weighted-average shares for assumed conversions (in shares)	200	200
Basic earnings (loss) per share (in dollars per share)	$ 8.79	$ (0.29)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share (in dollars per share)	$ 8.79	$ (0.29)

Pension and Other Postretirem_3

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021USD ($)benefit_plan	Dec. 31, 2007
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Number of non-qualified defined benefit pension plans | benefit_plan	3
Number of healthcare plans | benefit_plan	2
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Vesting percentage in accrued benefits from plan freeze		100.00%
Minimum required contribution	$ 0
Planned contributions remaining	0.7
Company contributions to 2020 year plan	0.2
Company contributions to plan	0
Chairman and President Non-Qualified Defined Benefit Plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Company contributions to plan	0.4
Company expected contributions to plans in fiscal year	$ 2
Minimum | Chairman and President Non-Qualified Defined Benefit Plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Aggregate average annual participant salary increase	10.00%

Pension and Other Postretirem_4

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans - Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Service cost	$ 30	$ 27
Interest cost	132	168
Expected return on plan assets	(356)	(315)
Amortization of net loss	134	145
Net periodic benefit cost	(60)	25
Chairman and President Non-Qualified Defined Benefit Plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Service cost	309	302
Interest cost	261	338
Amortization of prior service cost	15	15
Amortization of net loss	1,282	1,445
Net periodic benefit cost	1,867	2,100
Defined Benefit Postretirement Healthcare Plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Interest cost	37	41
Amortization of net loss	73	40
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 110	$ 81

Segment and Other Operating I_3

Segment and Other Operating Information - Balance Sheet Items (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total segment assets	$ 14,602,446	$ 14,648,270
Other policyholder liabilities	148,261	138,480
Funds withheld liability	1,636,959	1,697,591
Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Deferred transaction costs	820,216	691,733
Total segment assets	13,929,224	13,753,320
Future policy benefits	9,929,375	9,933,419
Other policyholder liabilities	148,261	138,480
Funds withheld liability	1,636,959	1,697,591
Segments | Domestic Life Insurance
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Deferred transaction costs	118,116	94,100
Total segment assets	1,669,647	3,242,794
Future policy benefits	1,388,377	1,337,174
Other policyholder liabilities	18,315	16,378
Funds withheld liability	0	0
Segments | International Life Insurance
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Deferred transaction costs	152,639	124,480
Total segment assets	1,056,287	1,034,280
Future policy benefits	793,066	798,952
Other policyholder liabilities	11,297	11,086
Funds withheld liability	0	0
Segments | Annuities
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Deferred transaction costs	380,497	302,397
Total segment assets	9,742,904	7,976,588
Future policy benefits	6,977,712	7,028,860
Other policyholder liabilities	103,317	94,049
Funds withheld liability	1,636,959	1,697,591
Segments | ONL & Affiliates
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Deferred transaction costs	168,964	170,756
Total segment assets	1,085,932	1,117,509
Future policy benefits	770,220	768,433
Other policyholder liabilities	15,332	16,967
Funds withheld liability	0	0
Segments | All Others
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Deferred transaction costs	0	0
Total segment assets	374,454	382,149
Future policy benefits	0	0
Other policyholder liabilities	0	0
Funds withheld liability	$ 0	$ 0

Segment and Other Operating I_4

Segment and Other Operating Information - Earnings (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:
Premiums and contract revenues	$ 57,473	$ 58,828
Net investment income (loss)	166,075	(13,478)
Other revenues	5,414	3,653
Realized gains (losses) on investments	1,416	3,485
Total revenues	230,378	52,488
Life and other policy benefits	37,889	33,634
Amortization of deferred transaction costs	29,989	30,037
Universal life and annuity contract interest	52,845	(28,026)
Other operating expenses	31,335	19,822
Federal income taxes (benefit)	16,191	(917)
Net earnings (loss)	62,129	(2,062)
Segments
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:
Premiums and contract revenues	57,473	58,828
Net investment income (loss)	166,075	(13,478)
Other revenues	5,414	3,653
Total revenues	228,962	49,003
Life and other policy benefits	37,889	33,634
Amortization of deferred transaction costs	29,989	30,037
Universal life and annuity contract interest	52,845	(28,026)
Other operating expenses	31,335	19,822
Federal income taxes (benefit)	15,894	(1,649)
Total expenses	167,952	53,818
Net earnings (loss)	61,010	(4,815)
Segments | Domestic Life Insurance
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:
Premiums and contract revenues	13,898	11,228
Net investment income (loss)	23,843	(19,383)
Other revenues	21	29
Total revenues	37,762	(8,126)
Life and other policy benefits	6,110	5,877
Amortization of deferred transaction costs	5,460	2,573
Universal life and annuity contract interest	21,621	(21,693)
Other operating expenses	7,447	4,295
Federal income taxes (benefit)	(594)	188
Total expenses	40,044	(8,760)
Net earnings (loss)	(2,282)	634
Segments | International Life Insurance
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:
Premiums and contract revenues	20,180	22,867
Net investment income (loss)	12,116	(9,000)
Other revenues	28	54
Total revenues	32,324	13,921
Life and other policy benefits	4,375	3,331
Amortization of deferred transaction costs	5,392	6,052
Universal life and annuity contract interest	10,799	(10,837)
Other operating expenses	4,774	3,096
Federal income taxes (benefit)	1,443	2,804
Total expenses	26,783	4,446
Net earnings (loss)	5,541	9,475
Segments | Annuities
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:
Premiums and contract revenues	3,930	4,650
Net investment income (loss)	119,724	10,632
Other revenues	1,374	4
Total revenues	125,028	15,286
Life and other policy benefits	10,001	8,189
Amortization of deferred transaction costs	16,447	19,021
Universal life and annuity contract interest	20,425	4,504
Other operating expenses	12,930	6,867
Federal income taxes (benefit)	13,476	(5,319)
Total expenses	73,279	33,262
Net earnings (loss)	51,749	(17,976)
Segments | ONL & Affiliates
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:
Premiums and contract revenues	19,465	20,083
Net investment income (loss)	6,574	6,301
Other revenues	2,926	2,422
Total revenues	28,965	28,806
Life and other policy benefits	17,403	16,237
Amortization of deferred transaction costs	2,690	2,391
Universal life and annuity contract interest	0	0
Other operating expenses	4,746	4,069
Federal income taxes (benefit)	857	1,222
Total expenses	25,696	23,919
Net earnings (loss)	3,269	4,887
Segments | All Others
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:
Premiums and contract revenues	0	0
Net investment income (loss)	3,818	(2,028)
Other revenues	1,065	1,144
Total revenues	4,883	(884)
Life and other policy benefits	0	0
Amortization of deferred transaction costs	0	0
Universal life and annuity contract interest	0	0
Other operating expenses	1,438	1,495
Federal income taxes (benefit)	712	(544)
Total expenses	2,150	951
Net earnings (loss)	2,733	(1,835)
Segment Reconciling Items
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements:
Taxes on realized gains (losses) on investments	297	732
Realized gains (losses) on investments, net of taxes	$ 1,119	$ 2,753

Segment and Other Operating I_5

Segment and Other Operating Information - Premiums and Other Revenues (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Premiums and contract revenues	$ 57,473	$ 58,828
Net investment income (loss)	166,075	(13,478)
Other revenues	5,414	3,653
Realized gains (losses) on investments	1,416	3,485
Revenues	$ 230,378	$ 52,488

Segment and Other Operating I_6

Segment and Other Operating Information - Federal Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Federal income taxes	$ 16,191	$ (917)
Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Federal income taxes	15,894	(1,649)
Segment Reconciling Items
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Taxes on realized gains (losses) on investments	$ 297	$ 732

Segment and Other Operating I_7

Segment and Other Operating Information - Net Earnings (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net earnings (loss)	$ 62,129	$ (2,062)
Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net earnings (loss)	61,010	(4,815)
Segment Reconciling Items
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Realized gains (losses) on investments, net of taxes	$ 1,119	$ 2,753

Segment and Other Operating I_8

Segment and Other Operating Information - Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total segment assets	$ 14,602,446	$ 14,648,270
Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total segment assets	13,929,224	13,753,320
Other unallocated
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total segment assets	$ 673,222	$ 894,950

Share-Based Payments - Narrativ

Share-Based Payments - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	Jun. 15, 2016	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Jun. 20, 2008
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Period in force, from which option holders may elect to sell back acquired shares		90 days
Compensation cost not yet recognized		$ 9,900,000		$ 6,200,000
Total intrinsic value of options exercised		700,000	$ 1,900,000
Total share-based liabilities paid		700,000	1,900,000
Fair value of vested awards		0	1,800,000
Cash received from exercise of stock options		$ 0	0
Shares outstanding (in shares)		0		0
Closing stock price (in dollars per share)		$ 249
Pre-tax compensation cost (benefit) recognized		$ 4,400,000	(6,300,000)
Compensation cost (benefit), tax expense (benefit)		(900,000)	$ 1,300,000
Compensation cost related to nonvested options not yet recognized		$ 10,300,000
Weighted average period over which the compensation is expected to be recognized		1 year 4 months 24 days
Officers and Directors
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares granted (in shares)		0	0
Employee SARs granted before 2016 | Employees
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Requisite service period of awards		3 years
Employee SARs | Employees
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Requisite service period of awards		1 year
Employee Stock Options and SARs | Director
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Requisite service period of awards		1 year
RSU | Employees
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage		100.00%
Requisite service period of awards		3 years				3 years
Vesting period		3 years
RSU | Director
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Requisite service period of awards		1 year
PSU
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period		3 years
Performance period		3 years
Performance outcome period		3 years
Award measurement period				3 years	3 years
Performance factor used to determine compensation payout				85.16%	101.19%
SAR | 132.56
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise price (in dollars per share)		$ 132.56
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life		8 months 12 days
SAR | 132.56 | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life		1 year
Vesting After Service Period, Year One | Employee SARs granted before 2016 | Employees
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage		20.00%
Vesting After Service Period, Year One | Employee SARs | Employees
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage		33.30%
Vesting After Service Period, Year One | Employee Stock Options and SARs | Director
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage		20.00%
Vesting After Service Period, Year Two | Employee SARs granted before 2016 | Employees
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage		20.00%
Vesting After Service Period, Year Two | Employee SARs | Employees
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage		33.30%
Vesting After Service Period, Year Two | Employee Stock Options and SARs | Director
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage		20.00%
Vesting After Service Period, Year Three | Employee SARs granted before 2016 | Employees
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage		20.00%
Vesting After Service Period, Year Three | Employee SARs | Employees
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage		33.30%
Vesting After Service Period, Year Three | Employee Stock Options and SARs | Director
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage		20.00%
Vesting After Service Period, Year Four | Employee SARs granted before 2016 | Employees
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage		20.00%
Vesting After Service Period, Year Four | Employee Stock Options and SARs | Director
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage		20.00%
Vesting After Service Period, Year Five | Employee SARs granted before 2016 | Employees
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage		20.00%
Vesting After Service Period, Year Five | Employee Stock Options and SARs | Director
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage		20.00%
2008 Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Term of extension	10 years
Class A
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)		$ 0.01		$ 0.01
Class A | RSU | Employees
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting price determining period		20 days
Class A | RSU | Director
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting price determining period		20 days
Class A | PSU
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting price determining period		20 days
Class A | 2008 Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)							$ 1
Share-based payments, number of shares authorized under plans (in shares)							300,000

Share-Based Payments - Options

Share-Based Payments - Options and Stock Appreciation Rights Outstanding (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021$ / sharesshares
Shares Available For Grant
Beginning balance (in shares)	291,000
Exercised (in shares)	0
Forfeited (in shares)	0
Expired (in shares)	0
Stock options granted (in shares)	0
Ending balance (in shares)	291,000
Stock Option Outstanding, Shares
Beginning balance (in shares)	0
Exercised (in shares)	0
Forfeited (in shares)	0
Expired (in shares)	0
Stock option granted (in shares)	0
Ending balance (in shares)	0
Stock Option Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Beginning balance (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 0
Exercised (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	0
Forfeited (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	0
Expired (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	0
Stock option granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	0
Ending balance (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 0
SAR
Liability Awards
Beginning balance (in shares)	144,248
Exercised (in shares)	(100)
Forfeited (in shares)	0
Granted (in shares)	0
Ending balance (in shares)	144,148
RSU
Liability Awards
Beginning balance (in shares)	16,449
Exercised (in shares)	0
Forfeited (in shares)	0
Granted (in shares)	0
Ending balance (in shares)	16,449
PSU
Liability Awards
Beginning balance (in shares)	24,282
Exercised (in shares)	(3,863)
Forfeited (in shares)	0
Granted (in shares)	0
Ending balance (in shares)	20,419

Share-Based Payments - Exercise

Share-Based Payments - Exercise Range (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Number Outstanding (in shares)	144,148
Number Exercisable (in shares)	86,361
SAR
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Number Outstanding, Aggregate intrinsic value | $	$ 5,819
Options Exercisable, Aggregate intrinsic value | $	$ 3,486
SAR | 132.56
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 132.56
Number Outstanding (in shares)	19,018
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life	8 months 12 days
Number Exercisable (in shares)	19,018
SAR | 210.22
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 210.22
Number Outstanding (in shares)	23,450
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life	2 years 8 months 12 days
Number Exercisable (in shares)	23,450
SAR | 216.48
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 216.48
Number Outstanding (in shares)	11,149
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life	4 years 10 months 24 days
Number Exercisable (in shares)	11,149
SAR | 311.16
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 311.16
Number Outstanding (in shares)	9,531
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life	5 years 10 months 24 days
Number Exercisable (in shares)	9,531
SAR | 310.55
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 310.55
Number Outstanding (in shares)	203
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life	6 years 1 month 6 days
Number Exercisable (in shares)	203
SAR | 334.34
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 334.34
Number Outstanding (in shares)	9,018
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life	6 years 8 months 12 days
Number Exercisable (in shares)	9,018
SAR | 303.77
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 303.77
Number Outstanding (in shares)	11,233
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life	7 years 8 months 12 days
Number Exercisable (in shares)	7,483
SAR | 252.91
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 252.91
Number Outstanding (in shares)	19,556
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life	8 years 8 months 12 days
Number Exercisable (in shares)	6,509
SAR | 192.1
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 192.10
Number Outstanding (in shares)	40,990
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life	9 years 8 months 12 days
Number Exercisable (in shares)	0

Share-Based Payments - Black Sc

Share-Based Payments - Black Scholes Option Pricing Model Assumptions (Details)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected dividend yield	0.14%	0.17%
Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected term	8 months 12 days	1 year
Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected term	9 years 8 months 12 days	9 years 10 months 24 days
Weighted-Average
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected volatility weighted-average	33.88%	33.47%
Risk-free rate weighted-average	0.39%	0.19%

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - USD ($)	Nov. 11, 2019	Jul. 27, 2019	Nov. 11, 2018	Mar. 31, 2021	Apr. 30, 2019
New Loans
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Other commitment				$ 0
Existing Loans
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Other commitment				0
Capital Contributions to Investment Funds
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Other commitment				$ 210,100,000
Williams v Pantaleoni et al
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Equity indexed annuity					$ 100,000
Judicial Ruling | National Western Life Insurance Company and National Western Life Group, Inc. v. Ross Rankin Moody et. al
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss contingency, damages awarded			$ 1,314,054
Judicial Ruling | Williams v Pantaleoni et al
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss contingency, damages awarded	$ 1,260,000
Loss contingency, compensatory damages awarded		$ 14,949
Loss contingency, punitive damages awarded		$ 2,900,000

Investments - Investment Gains

Investments - Investment Gains and Losses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Available-for-sale debt securities:
Realized gains on disposal	$ 1,416	$ 761
Realized losses on disposal	0	0
Held-to-maturity debt securities:
Realized gains on disposal	0	2,724
Realized losses on disposal	0	0
Real estate gains (losses)	0	0
Other	0	0
Totals	$ 1,416	$ 3,485

Investments - Narrative (Detail

Investments - Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)loan	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021issue	Mar. 31, 2021security	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Percentage of gains on bonds due to calls of securities	100.00%	99.60%
Debt securities, available-for-sale	$ 10,014,351		$ 10,770,923
Loans originated during the year	49,500		80,200
Valuation allowance for mortgage loans	3,033		2,486
Retained earnings (Note 1)	2,164,706		2,102,577
Other long-term investments	115,830		104,113
Real Estate
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Other long-term investments	33,600		$ 33,800
Operating income from real estate	700	$ 700
Cumulative Effect, Period Of Adoption, Adjustment
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Valuation allowance for mortgage loans							$ 1,200
Retained earnings (Note 1)							3,000
Cumulative Effect, Period Of Adoption, Adjustment | Accounting Standards Update 2016-13
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Retained earnings (Note 1)							400
Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjusted Balance
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Valuation allowance for mortgage loans							$ 1,200
Loans In Forbearance
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Number of loans | loan			8
Loans receivable			$ 29,200
Debt Securities
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Gross unrealized losses, number of issues					117	117
Gross unrealized losses, percentage of total debt				8.80%
Gross unrealized losses, market value as a percent of amortized cost				96.30%
Gross unrealized losses, number of securities with maturities of 12 months or greater | security						11
Gross unrealized losses, number of securities with maturities of 12 months or greater percentage				9.40%
Debt Securities | External Credit Rating, Investment Grade
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Gross unrealized losses, number of securities rated investment grade | security						104
Ozark National Life Insurance Company
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Debt securities, available-for-sale	$ 790,300		$ 811,600

Investments - Securities Availa

Investments - Securities Available for Sale (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Debt securities:
Amortized Cost	$ 9,447,267	$ 9,874,543
Gross Unrealized Gains	599,128	901,223
Gross Unrealized Losses	(32,044)	(4,843)
Fair Value	10,014,351	10,770,923
Allowance for Credit Losses	0	0	$ 0	$ 0
Fair Value
Less than 12 Months	769,571	174,252
12 Months or Greater	59,323	38,414
Total	828,894	212,666
Unrealized Losses
Less than 12 Months	(29,663)	(3,836)
12 Months or Greater	(2,381)	(1,007)
Total	(32,044)	(4,843)
U.S. agencies
Debt securities:
Amortized Cost	55,399	72,945
Gross Unrealized Gains	2,053	2,496
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Fair Value	57,452	75,441
Allowance for Credit Losses	0	0
U.S. Treasury
Debt securities:
Amortized Cost	3,156	3,152
Gross Unrealized Gains	99	126
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Fair Value	3,255	3,278
Allowance for Credit Losses	0	0
States and political subdivisions
Debt securities:
Amortized Cost	491,168	528,266
Gross Unrealized Gains	26,872	37,909
Gross Unrealized Losses	(2,733)	(86)
Fair Value	515,307	566,089
Allowance for Credit Losses	0	0
Fair Value
Less than 12 Months	93,449	0
12 Months or Greater	1,772	1,762
Total	95,221	1,762
Unrealized Losses
Less than 12 Months	(2,636)	0
12 Months or Greater	(97)	(86)
Total	(2,733)	(86)
Foreign governments
Debt securities:
Amortized Cost	18,990	11,115
Gross Unrealized Gains	236	334
Gross Unrealized Losses	(583)	0
Fair Value	18,643	11,449
Allowance for Credit Losses	0	0
Fair Value
Less than 12 Months	7,295
12 Months or Greater	0
Total	7,295
Unrealized Losses
Less than 12 Months	(583)
12 Months or Greater	0
Total	(583)
Public utilities
Debt securities:
Amortized Cost	799,468	831,990
Gross Unrealized Gains	52,905	77,920
Gross Unrealized Losses	(239)	0
Fair Value	852,134	909,910
Allowance for Credit Losses	0	0
Fair Value
Less than 12 Months	9,644	0
12 Months or Greater	0	0
Total	9,644	0
Unrealized Losses
Less than 12 Months	(239)	0
12 Months or Greater	0	0
Total	(239)	0
Corporate
Debt securities:
Amortized Cost	6,999,640	7,376,104
Gross Unrealized Gains	472,691	727,470
Gross Unrealized Losses	(27,643)	(4,601)
Fair Value	7,444,688	8,098,973
Allowance for Credit Losses	0	0
Fair Value
Less than 12 Months	607,543	174,252
12 Months or Greater	57,091	36,152
Total	664,634	210,404
Unrealized Losses
Less than 12 Months	(25,520)	(3,836)
12 Months or Greater	(2,123)	(765)
Total	(27,643)	(4,601)
Commercial mortgage-backed
Debt securities:
Amortized Cost	30,075	30,108
Gross Unrealized Gains	1,210	1,363
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Fair Value	31,285	31,471
Allowance for Credit Losses	0	0
Fair Value
Less than 12 Months	0
12 Months or Greater	0
Total	0
Unrealized Losses
Less than 12 Months	0
12 Months or Greater	0
Total	0
Residential mortgage-backed
Debt securities:
Amortized Cost	837,066	902,974
Gross Unrealized Gains	40,868	50,970
Gross Unrealized Losses	(161)	(156)
Fair Value	877,773	953,788
Allowance for Credit Losses	0	0
Fair Value
Less than 12 Months	0	0
12 Months or Greater	460	500
Total	460	500
Unrealized Losses
Less than 12 Months	0	0
12 Months or Greater	(161)	(156)
Total	(161)	(156)
Asset-backed
Debt securities:
Amortized Cost	212,305	117,889
Gross Unrealized Gains	2,194	2,635
Gross Unrealized Losses	(685)	0
Fair Value	213,814	120,524
Allowance for Credit Losses	0	$ 0
Fair Value
Less than 12 Months	51,640
12 Months or Greater	0
Total	51,640
Unrealized Losses
Less than 12 Months	(685)
12 Months or Greater	0
Total	$ (685)

Investments - Contractual Matur

Investments - Contractual Maturity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Debt Securities Available for Sale - Amortized Cost
Due in 1 year or less	$ 619,152
Due after 1 year through 5 years	3,916,418
Due after 5 years through 10 years	2,318,454
Due after 10 years	1,513,797
Amortized Cost	8,367,821
Mortgage and asset-backed securities	1,079,446
Totals before allowance for credit losses	9,447,267	$ 9,874,543
Allowance for Credit Losses	0	0	$ 0	$ 0
Totals	9,447,267
Debt Securities Available for Sale - Fair Value
Due in 1 year or less	627,717
Due after 1 year through 5 years	4,177,254
Due after 5 years through 10 years	2,500,460
Due after 10 years	1,586,048
Fair Value	8,891,479
Mortgage and asset-backed securities	1,122,872
Total	$ 10,014,351	$ 10,770,923

Investments - Debt Securities A

Investments - Debt Securities Allowance For Credit Losses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Debt Securities Held-to-Maturity
Beginning balance	$ 0	$ 0
(Releases)/provision during period	0	2,705
Ending balance	0	6,039
Debt Securities Available-for-Sale
Beginning balance	0	0
(Releases)/provision during period	0	0
Ending balance	0	0
Cumulative Effect, Period Of Adoption, Adjustment
Debt Securities Held-to-Maturity
Beginning balance	0	3,334
Debt Securities Available-for-Sale
Beginning balance	$ 0	$ 0

Investments - Mortgage Loans an

Investments - Mortgage Loans and Real Estate (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Allowance for credit losses	$ (2,486)	$ (2,486)	$ (3,033)	$ (2,486)
Totals			377,495	332,521
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of the period	2,486
Total ending allowance for credit losses	3,033	2,486
Provision January 1, 2020 for adoption of new accounting guidance
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Allowance for credit losses		(1,200)
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of the period		1,200
Commercial Real Estate
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loan, amount			380,528	335,007
Allowance for credit losses	(2,486)	(675)	(3,033)	(2,486)
Totals			$ 377,495	$ 332,521
Mortgage loans, percentage			100.00%	100.00%
Allowance for credit losses			(0.80%)	(0.70%)
Totals, percentage			99.20%	99.30%
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of the period	2,486	675
Provision	547	1,307
Releases	0	0
Total ending allowance for credit losses	3,033	2,486
Commercial Real Estate | Provision January 1, 2020 for adoption of new accounting guidance
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Allowance for credit losses	0	(504)		$ 0
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of the period	$ 0	504
Total ending allowance for credit losses		$ 0
Commercial Real Estate | Less than 50%
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loan, amount			$ 102,883	$ 66,635
Mortgage loans, percentage			27.00%	19.90%
Commercial Real Estate | 50% to 60%
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loan, amount			$ 77,267	$ 64,536
Mortgage loans, percentage			20.30%	19.30%
Commercial Real Estate | 60% to 70%
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loan, amount			$ 156,087	$ 153,414
Mortgage loans, percentage			41.00%	45.80%
Commercial Real Estate | 70% to 80%
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loan, amount			$ 44,291	$ 50,422
Mortgage loans, percentage			11.70%	15.00%
Commercial Real Estate | 80% to 90%
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loan, amount			$ 0	$ 0
Mortgage loans, percentage			0.00%	0.00%
Commercial Real Estate | Greater than 90%
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage loan, amount			$ 0	$ 0
Mortgage loans, percentage			0.00%	0.00%

Fair Value of Financial Instr_2

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities, available-for-sale	$ 10,014,351	$ 10,770,923
Debt securities, trading	654,333	0
Equity securities	19,120	17,744
Derivatives, index options	137,130	132,821
Total assets	10,824,934	10,921,488
Policyholder account balances	168,902	161,351
Other liabilities	(60,471)	6,202
Total liabilities	$ 108,431	$ 167,553
Percent of total	100.00%	100.00%
Transfer from Level 2 to Level 3 for debt securities available for sale	$ 0
Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities, available-for-sale	0	$ 0
Debt securities, trading	0
Equity securities	19,120	17,744
Derivatives, index options	0	0
Total assets	19,120	17,744
Policyholder account balances	0	0
Other liabilities	0	0
Total liabilities	$ 0	$ 0
Percent of total	0.20%	0.20%
Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities, available-for-sale	$ 10,014,351	$ 10,770,923
Debt securities, trading	654,333
Equity securities	0	0
Derivatives, index options	0	0
Total assets	10,668,684	10,770,923
Policyholder account balances	0	0
Other liabilities	(70,370)	0
Total liabilities	$ (70,370)	$ 0
Percent of total	98.50%	98.60%
Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities, available-for-sale	$ 0	$ 0
Debt securities, trading	0
Equity securities	0	0
Derivatives, index options	137,130	132,821
Total assets	137,130	132,821
Policyholder account balances	168,902	161,351
Other liabilities	9,899	6,202
Total liabilities	$ 178,801	$ 167,553
Percent of total	1.30%	1.20%
Priced by third-party vendors
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities, available-for-sale	$ 10,014,351	$ 10,770,923
Debt securities, trading	654,333
Equity securities	19,120	17,744
Derivatives, index options	137,130	132,821
Priced by third-party vendors | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities, available-for-sale	0	0
Debt securities, trading	0
Equity securities	19,120	17,744
Derivatives, index options	0	0
Priced by third-party vendors | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities, available-for-sale	10,014,351	10,770,923
Debt securities, trading	654,333
Equity securities	0	0
Derivatives, index options	0	0
Priced by third-party vendors | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities, available-for-sale	0	0
Debt securities, trading	0
Equity securities	0	0
Derivatives, index options	137,130	132,821
Priced internally
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities, available-for-sale	0	0
Debt securities, trading	0
Equity securities	0	0
Derivatives, index options	0	0
Priced internally | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities, available-for-sale	0	0
Debt securities, trading	0
Equity securities	0	0
Derivatives, index options	0	0
Priced internally | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities, available-for-sale	0	0
Debt securities, trading	0
Equity securities	0	0
Derivatives, index options	0	0
Priced internally | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities, available-for-sale	0	0
Debt securities, trading	0
Equity securities	0	0
Derivatives, index options	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Value of Financial Instr_3

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Fair Value Measurements for Level 3 Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 132,821	$ 157,588
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):
Included in net earnings	28,024	(106,629)
Included in other comprehensive income	0	0
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net:
Purchases	11,210	22,403
Sales	0	0
Issuances	0	0
Settlements	(34,925)	(49,027)
Transfers into (out of) Level 3	0	0
Balance at end of period	137,130	24,335
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:	26,594	(105,997)
Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	167,553	171,203
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):
Included in net earnings	35,644	(73,848)
Included in other comprehensive income	0	0
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net:
Purchases	11,210	22,403
Sales	0	0
Issuances	0	0
Settlements	(35,606)	(50,878)
Transfers into (out of) Level 3	0	0
Balance at end of period	178,801	68,880
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:	30,972	(112,192)
Net investment income
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net:
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:	26,594	(105,997)
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net:
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
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net:
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
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net:
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:	30,972	(112,192)
Policyholder Account Balances
Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	161,351	155,902
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):
Included in net earnings	31,266	(67,653)
Included in other comprehensive income	0	0
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net:
Purchases	11,210	22,403
Sales	0	0
Issuances	0	0
Settlements	(34,925)	(49,027)
Transfers into (out of) Level 3	0	0
Balance at end of period	168,902	61,625
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:	26,594	(105,997)
Policyholder Account Balances | Net investment income
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net:
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
Policyholder Account Balances | Benefits and expenses
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net:
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:	26,594	(105,997)
Stock Options
Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	6,202	11,225
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):
Included in net earnings	4,378	(6,293)
Included in other comprehensive income	0	0
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net:
Purchases	0	0
Sales	0	0
Issuances	0	0
Settlements	(681)	(1,851)
Transfers into (out of) Level 3	0	0
Balance at end of period	9,899	3,081
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:	4,378	(6,293)
Stock Options | Net investment income
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net:
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
Stock Options | Benefits and expenses
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net:
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:	4,378	(6,293)
Contingent Consideration
Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period		4,076
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):
Included in net earnings		98
Included in other comprehensive income		0
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net:
Purchases		0
Sales		0
Issuances		0
Settlements		0
Transfers into (out of) Level 3		0
Balance at end of period		4,174
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:		98
Contingent Consideration | Net investment income
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net:
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
Contingent Consideration | Benefits and expenses
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net:
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:		98
Derivatives, Index Options
Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	132,821	157,588
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):
Included in net earnings	28,024	(106,629)
Included in other comprehensive income	0	0
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net:
Purchases	11,210	22,403
Sales	0	0
Issuances	0	0
Settlements	(34,925)	(49,027)
Transfers into (out of) Level 3	0	0
Balance at end of period	137,130	24,335
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:	26,594	(105,997)
Derivatives, Index Options | Net investment income
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net:
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:	26,594	(105,997)
Derivatives, Index Options | Benefits and expenses
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net:
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 Values of Financial Inst_2

Fair Values of Financial Instruments - Quantitative Information (Details) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2021USD ($)year	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)year
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives, index options	$ 137,130	$ 132,821
Total assets	10,824,934	10,921,488
Total liabilities	108,431	167,553
Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives, index options	137,130	132,821
Total assets	137,130	132,821
Total liabilities	178,801	167,553
Broker prices | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives, index options	137,130	132,821
Deterministic cash flow model | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Policyholder account balances	168,902	161,351
Black-Scholes model | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Share-based compensation	$ 9,899	$ 6,202
Expected volatility | Black-Scholes model | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Share based compensation, measurement input	0.3388	0.3347
Minimum | Implied volatility | Broker prices | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives, index options, measurement input	0.1429	0.1296
Minimum | Projected option cost | Deterministic cash flow model | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Policyholder account balances, measurement input	0	0
Minimum | Expected term | Black-Scholes model | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Share based compensation, measurement input | year	0.7	1
Maximum | Implied volatility | Broker prices | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives, index options, measurement input	0.3511	0.5369
Maximum | Projected option cost | Deterministic cash flow model | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Policyholder account balances, measurement input	0.2943	0.4504
Maximum | Expected term | Black-Scholes model | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Share based compensation, measurement input | year	9.7	9.9
Weighted-Average | Implied volatility | Broker prices | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives, index options, measurement input	0.2007	0.2070
Weighted-Average | Projected option cost | Deterministic cash flow model | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Policyholder account balances, measurement input	0.0343	0.0327

Fair Values of Financial Inst_3

Fair Values of Financial Instruments - Fair Value by Balance Sheet Grouping (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
ASSETS
Debt securities, available-for-sale	$ 10,014,351	$ 10,770,923
Debt securities, trading	654,333	0
Derivatives, index options	137,130	132,821
Equity securities	19,120	17,744
Carrying Values
ASSETS
Debt securities, available-for-sale	10,014,351	10,770,923
Debt securities, trading	654,333
Cash and cash equivalents	435,644	581,059
Mortgage loans	377,495	332,521
Real estate	33,639	33,783
Policy loans	72,832	74,083
Other loans	26,800	23,396
Derivatives, index options	137,130	132,821
Equity securities	19,120	17,744
Life interest in Libbie Shearn Moody Trust	9,083	9,083
Other investments	4,513	4,513
LIABILITIES
Deferred annuity contracts	6,605,094	6,662,730
Immediate annuity and supplemental contracts	416,773	412,526
Fair Values
ASSETS
Debt securities, available-for-sale	10,014,351	10,770,923
Debt securities, trading	654,333
Cash and cash equivalents	435,644	581,059
Mortgage loans	393,129	348,175
Real estate	51,627	48,577
Policy loans	109,588	121,260
Other loans	27,102	23,691
Derivatives, index options	137,130	132,821
Equity securities	19,120	17,744
Life interest in Libbie Shearn Moody Trust	12,775	12,775
Other investments	24,852	22,580
LIABILITIES
Deferred annuity contracts	5,327,510	5,192,663
Immediate annuity and supplemental contracts	457,299	467,538
Level 1
ASSETS
Debt securities, available-for-sale	0	0
Debt securities, trading	0
Cash and cash equivalents	435,644	581,059
Mortgage loans	0	0
Real estate	0	0
Policy loans	0	0
Other loans	0	0
Derivatives, index options	0	0
Equity securities	19,120	17,744
Life interest in Libbie Shearn Moody Trust	0	0
Other investments	0	0
LIABILITIES
Deferred annuity contracts	0	0
Immediate annuity and supplemental contracts	0	0
Level 2
ASSETS
Debt securities, available-for-sale	10,014,351	10,770,923
Debt securities, trading	654,333
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Mortgage loans	0	0
Real estate	0	0
Policy loans	0	0
Other loans	0	0
Derivatives, index options	0	0
Equity securities	0	0
Life interest in Libbie Shearn Moody Trust	0	0
Other investments	0	0
LIABILITIES
Deferred annuity contracts	0	0
Immediate annuity and supplemental contracts	0	0
Level 3
ASSETS
Debt securities, available-for-sale	0	0
Debt securities, trading	0
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Mortgage loans	393,129	348,175
Real estate	51,627	48,577
Policy loans	109,588	121,260
Other loans	27,102	23,691
Derivatives, index options	137,130	132,821
Equity securities	0	0
Life interest in Libbie Shearn Moody Trust	12,775	12,775
Other investments	24,852	22,580
LIABILITIES
Deferred annuity contracts	5,327,510	5,192,663
Immediate annuity and supplemental contracts	$ 457,299	$ 467,538

Derivatives - Balance Sheet (De

Derivatives - Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives	$ 137,130	$ 132,821
Liability Derivatives	168,902	161,351
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives	137,130	132,821
Liability Derivatives	98,532	161,351
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Equity index options | Derivatives, Index Options
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives	137,130	132,821
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Fixed-index products | Universal Life and Annuity Contracts
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Liability Derivatives	168,902	$ 161,351
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Embedded derivative on reinsurance contract | Funds Withheld Liability
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Liability Derivatives	$ (70,370)

Derivatives - Statements of Ear

Derivatives - Statements of Earnings (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) in contract interest expense	$ 4,400	$ 29,300
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives	67,128	(38,976)
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Equity index options | Net investment income (loss)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives	28,024	(106,629)
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Fixed-index products | Universal life and annuity contract interest
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives	(31,266)	67,653
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Embedded derivative on reinsurance contract | Net investment income (loss)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives	$ 70,370	$ 0

Intangibles, Value of Busines_3

Intangibles, Value of Business Acquired, and Goodwill - Gross Carrying Amounts and Accumulated Amortization (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 9,600	$ 9,600
Accumulated Amortization	$ (1,581)	(1,398)
Trademarks/trade names
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Weighted-Average Amortization Period	15 years
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 2,800	2,800
Accumulated Amortization	$ (405)	(358)
Internally developed software
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Weighted-Average Amortization Period	7 years
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 3,800	3,800
Accumulated Amortization	(1,176)	(1,040)
Insurance licenses
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	3,000	3,000
Accumulated Amortization	$ 0	$ 0

Intangibles, Value of Busines_4

Intangibles, Value of Business Acquired, and Goodwill - Expected Amortization (Details) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2021USD ($)
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Remainder of 2021	$ 547
2022	730
2022	730
2024	730
2025	730
Thereafter	$ 1,552

Intangibles, Value of Busines_5

Intangibles, Value of Business Acquired, and Goodwill - VOBA (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Movement in Present Value of Future Insurance Profits [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	$ 162,968	$ 138,071
Other increase	0	35,125
Amortization, excluding unlocking	(2,551)	(10,228)
Balance as of end of period	$ 160,417	$ 162,968

Intangibles, Value of Busines_6

Intangibles, Value of Business Acquired, and Goodwill - Schedule of expected amortization of VOBA (Details) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2021USD ($)
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Remainder of 2021	$ 7,671
2022	9,753
2023	9,368
2024	9,015
2025	$ 8,804

Intangibles, Value of Busines_7

Intangibles, Value of Business Acquired, and Goodwill - Changes in Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Gross goodwill as of beginning of year	$ 13,864	$ 13,864
Goodwill resulting from business acquisition	0	0
Gross goodwill, before impairments	13,864	13,864
Accumulated impairment as of beginning of year		0	$ 0
Current year impairments	0	0
Net goodwill as of end of period	$ 13,864	$ 13,864

Uncategorized Items - nwli-2021

Label	Element	Value
Accounting Standards Update [Extensible List]	us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdateExtensibleList	Accounting Standards Update 2016-13 [Member]